On The Fly South March 2023
March has arrived and although the West and North are still mired in frigid condtions, much of the South is already getting some hints of spring. That means it’s time to quit thinking about fishing and instead acturally getting out on the water. To aid in that scenario, we’ll have some possibilities in ourMarch edition of On The Fly South that will debute at mid month.
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First we venture into southeast Tennessee to check out the trout action on Citico Creek in the Tellico-Citico Permit Area. From there, it is off to Hartwell Lake on South Carolina/Georgia border for a mixed bag of largemouth, hybrid and striped, bass with Capt. Cefus McRae of Nuts and Bolts of Fishing television fame.
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For fans of the long rod in the brine, the next destination is the Atlantic Coast of Georgia. There we explore the options for catching spotted seatrout on the fly.
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Rounding out the coverage, we’ll also provide our regular features on fly tying, resorts and the End of the Line column.
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As always reading and subscribing to On The Fly South is FREE! Sign up on our landing page and you’ll receive just two emails per month notifying you when we post new material.
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Around The South:
Arkansas Stream Habitat Program
Arkansas Game and Fish commission
More than 90,000 miles of streams lace The Natural State, from the mighty Arkansas River to small creeks you can jump across. These rivers, streams, bayous, creeks and springs provide millions of hours of recreational activity, millions of gallons of drinking water, water for irrigation and industry, and millions of dollars of income to the state and its citizens.
Unfortunately, we’ve hurt the quality of many waterways. We’ve lost thousands of miles of free-flowing, natural streams to damming, industrial and agricultural pollution and other activities. Recent studies indicate we’ve lost more than 25 percent of the state’s smallmouth bass streams this century.
The Stream Habitat program enables concerned citizens to become involved in stream and watershed conservation. Efforts revolve around three primary aspects of stream conservation: education, advocacy and stewardship.
Education
The Stream Habitat program provides information to increase understanding and appreciation of Arkansas stream systems. Volunteers receive training in water-quality monitoring and streambank maintenance and restoration techniques.
Advocacy
People with first-hand knowledge of problems, needs and solutions are better equipped to weigh both sides of a stream issue and speak out on behalf of Arkansas rivers and streams. The Stream Habitat program teaches volunteers how to work for conservation of Arkansas water resources.
Stewardship
The Stream Habitat program helps landowners and stream users plan and carry out projects by matching them with the appropriate agency or ongoing organizational efforts. Litter control, streambank stabilization, streamside tree plantings, improvement of fish and wildlife habitat, water-quality monitoring and other special projects are all possible. Working with landowners, volunteers have repaired hundreds of miles of eroding streambanks. They’ve monitored water quality on thousands of miles of streams and have picked up tons of litter.
Stream Habitat program members can adopt a stream, determine its current situation and plan a project based on their initial survey. This is done with the landowner’s approval and technical assistance from program sponsors. Projects can include litter pick-ups, water quality monitoring, streambank erosion control, watershed improvement and more. Your imagination is the only limitation.
For more details, visit www.agfc.com/streamteam.
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Etowah Wildlife Expo
The second annual Etowah Wildlife Expo outdoor event is set for March 25 and 26 at The Mill on Etowah in downtown Canton and is expected to draw as many as 10,000 visitors to the city.
The two-day event will feature more than 100 vendors, a falconry educational show, bass fishing demonstrations, a reptile show, and dock diving dogs. Live music will be performed on the outdoor stage and children can enjoy the Kid Fun Zone!
Join us for our annual event to continue the legacy of celebrating wildlife and preserving the natural world for years to come.
Be sure to stop by and visit at the ON THE FLY SOUTH booth while you are there.
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Fly Casting Clinic
A fly-fishing clinic is being offered free of charge by the Cape Lookout Fly Fishers of Morehead City, North Carolina
Join them for a fly-casting clinic and learn how to cast for the first time or improve your existing skills. Classes will be taught by certified casting instructors and world class fly anglers
The clinic takes place on Sunday, March 12 and lasts from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The site is the Morehead City Recreation Center at 1600 Fisher Street, Morehead City. Contact Capt. Jake Jordan at (305) 872-6060 for more information.
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Flip Pallot Honored
The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) will induct Flip Pallot into the Circle of Honor on April 20, 2023, during BTT’s 10th Annual Florida Keys Dinner at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Florida.
Pallot, a pioneering saltwater fly-fishing guide, boat designer, and television personality, will receive the 2023 Curt Gowdy Memorial Media Award, which is presented annually to those who advance saltwater conservation through writing, entertainment, and media outreach. As host of the critically acclaimed Walker’s Cay Chronicles for 15 seasons, Pallot became a leading ambassador for the sport of fly-fishing, and in 1998 he co-founded Hell’s Bay Boatworks, helping to redefine the possibilities for technical poling skiffs. A tireless proponent for conserving Florida’s natural resources, Pallot has used his platform to advocate for Everglades restoration and improved water quality throughout the state.
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Upcoming Fly Fishing Shows
March is an active month for fly-fishing events around the southeast. These are great places to learn about new products, gain knowledge about fisheries in the areas and make connections in the long-rod community. Here ae some to put on your agenda.
Alabama Fishing Show & Expo – March 10-12 – Gadsden, Alabama
Tri-Lakes Fly Fishing Expo – March 11 – Clinton, Missouri
Maryland Fly Fishing Show – March 18 – Towson, Maryland
Sowbug Roundup – March 23-25 – Mountain Home, Arkansas
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