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LOS Chapter Newsletter

October  2006 

Monthly Meeting

The Land O’Sky Chapter of Trout Unlimited will meet on Monday, December 4

"Didymo" (Didymosphenia geminata)

Frank Fiss

As you may know, an algae called "Didymo" (Didymosphenia geminata) has invaded several East Tennessee waters. This colonial algae forms brown mats with white streamers that can look like toilet paper. Didymo is bad news. At times it can densely cover miles of river, making it difficult to fish. It could also smother habitat needed by the aquatic bugs that trout need to eat. So far, TWRA has not observed any changes in fish populations that can be attributed to the algae, but we are still concerned. At this time, nothing can be done to remove Didymo from these rivers. Didymo can spread to new waters on fishing gear, especially felt wading boots. Didymo is difficult to kill and can live for weeks on damp boots. You can prevent its spread to other waters by thoroughly cleaning your gear before entering new waters. Anglers should clean any gear that is in contact with the river bottom (boots, boats, trailers, nets, etc.). 

Take the following two steps to clean your gear:

1) Wipe off any debris from your wading boots and other gear as you leave the river - leave it there. 

2) Before entering a new water, kill the Didymo on your gear- you cannot see it, but it is there. Kill methods: a. Allow wading gear to completely dry, then let it dry for an additional 48 hours, OR b. Soak wading gear for one minute in a 2% bleach solution (1 cup household bleach and 3 gallons of water). 

Didymo is present on the South Holston, Cherokee, Wilbur/Watauga, and Norris Tailwaters. It is also common in Arkansas tailwaters. It has not been observed in the Hiwassee, Duck, Elk, Caney Fork or Cumberland (KY) rivers. To stop the spread of Didymo and any other invasive species, always use the above protocol before entering new water bodies, regardless of where you are fishing. There are some photos at the TWRA Region 4 website - http://www.homestead.com/twra4streams/didymo.html 

Spread the word - not Didymo,

Thanks to the volunteers for the Nov. stocking.

Fly  DIY

Here's a simple gadget that one of the folks on the Southeast Fly Fishing Forum suggested.

A Diaper Pin attached to a zinger

Pick wind knots, Open split shot, Clear glue from hook eyes.

Simple and easy

Big Water and PFD

I have recently become interested in larger streams for trout in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. I consider myself to be a cautious and safety oriented person when outdoors. On a recent trip to E. TN I had my attention got. 

I waded out in a fairly slow piece of the river's back water trying to get a angle on a deep run. The water was chest deep and fairly cold. Caught some really nice trout. The last one was a real pig. My attention waned. I  tangled my next cast and decided to walk out to clear it up. Next thing I know my feet slipped and I was totally under. I managed to get my head up and muddle ashore. It shook me pretty bad and ended the day.

When I returned home I started the search for a PFD (Personal Floatation Device). I found three different styles: Foam filled vest that also is rigged like a regular fly fishing vest, a May West device that inflates with a CO2 cartridge, and a belt style that inflates with CO2.

 I'm sure there are many configurations out there. Do your own homework and don't take chances.  Please pick one that you feel comfortable with and you will wear. 

Madison County: The Laurel River

This month the Rich Mountain cell tower came into service. This gives coverage over the entire DH section of Laurel River. It should improve safety and facilitate some reporting of poachers.

TU's National Newsletter

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Report from RiverLink 

North Shore Road Update
For current information see: http://www.northshoreroad.info/

Contact Information

If you have questions, comments, or contributions please email Brad Sprinkle.

Fly Fishing Online Newsletters

Davidson River Outfitters

Neighboring TU Chapters Newsletter

Pisgah Chapter

Tuckaseigee Chapter

Rocky River (Charlotte)

Fly Fishing Forums

If you are interested in talking about the various aspects of fly fishing with others around the country who are as enthusiastic as yourself, here are some sites to check out.

http://www.southeastflyfishingforum.com/index.php

http://www.kbrcomm.com/forum/

  Fishing and Stream Reports

 Report from Hunter Banks

Report a poacher