On The Fly South October 2023
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Fall has now arrived and a tinge of cool, crispness can be felt in the morning air around the southland. That is welcome news after the heat and humidity of the dog days of summer. It also is a harbinger of better fishing conditions arriving with the season. In this newsletter we give you a preview of what’s coming your way in the October edition of On The Fly South later this month. It will feature a number of options for places you can take advantage of the better weather and angling action.
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At mid month the new issue will kick off by heading down to the Georgia coast to look for redfish in the marsh grass with Capt. Carl Evans around St. Simons Island. We’ll also have Capt. John Kumiski giving us a look at the opportunities for long rod action while paddling into Florida’s Everglades.
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If it’s trout fishing that the cooler weather has you yearning for, we’ll offer that too. We’ll venture to North Carolina to look at the angling found on the French Broad River near Rosman and Brevard. Out in the western part of our coverage area, we’ll take a look at wade fishing on the Little Red River at Cow Shoals in Arkansas.
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But, that is all in the future. Right now, let’s take a look at what’s happening in our region. But, if you haven’t already got your free subscription, drop by our landing page at to sign up. If you are on board, why not tell an angling buddy about us? And, don’t forget to visit the websites of our sponsors, who make the publication possible!
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Around the South:
Lady Fly Fishers Win Award
Southeastern Council Fly Fishers International
The Southeastern Council of Fly Fishers International proudly announces that Georgia Women Fly Fishers (GWFF) has been named recipient of the 2023 McKenzie Cup, an honor given to the FFI club that has made the most outstanding contribution on behalf of the organization. GWFF was chosen out of over 200 FFI clubs across the country.
GWFF is the leading female-focused fly-fishing organization in the southeast and is a model for success that clubs might emulate. With a focus on developing methods and tools designed not just to create enthusiasm among existing members but also to attract and inspire potential mernbers, GWFF has created a strong network and community for women who previously lacked an avenue to pursue their interest in the sport. The club seeks to introduce and educate women in-the sport of fly fishing in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Among its diverse membership, GWFF focuses on building community, providing educational opportunities, promoting conservation, and connecting with the larger fly-fishing community. The results of GWFF’s commitment – in terms of increased membership, dedicated service to FEI, support of the fly-fishing community in general – have been dramatic.
Georgia Women Fly Fishers was founded 26 years ago, in 1997, when two women who enjoyed the sport decided other women could benefit from having an organization with their interests at heart. They named the new club “Reel Women of Georgia” and it began as an affiliate of FFI (then called the Federation of Fly Fisherg. Shortly thendlter, the Reel Women of Georgia was renamed Georgia Women Fly Fishers. In 2016, GWFF became a Charter Club of Fly Fishers International.
Active and dynamic, Georgia Women Fly Fishers offers many pathways for involvement. The club consists of an active Board and a large, diverse membership. At the end of 2017, the club consisted of 71 members; now, a little over five years later, its numbers have more than doubled, with 162 members.
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Didymo In Tennessee
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission
Didymo, native to parts of northern North America and Europe, is a type of algae found in cold, nutrient-poor rivers that produces thick mats across the bottom of streams. These colonies are white to brown, appearing like a felt carpet, and not slippery to the touch.
It was discovered in Tennessee in 2005, making it the first record east of the Mississippi River. It has the potential to impact fish populations by smothering suitable habitat and other native organisms that they depend on. However, these impacts require more study.
In the Tennessee tailwaters where didymo has been found, TWRA has not observed any substantial decreases in trout populations that can be directly attributed to the algae.
The presence of didymo in popular trout fisheries suggests that anglers may be unintentionally spreading the algae on fishing tackle, boats, waders, or boots. Because didymo can be easily spread, TWRA recommends that anglers take the steps shown in the graphic above to avoid moving algae across waterbodies.
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Trout Fishing In Alabama
The trout fishing season on Black Creek at Gadsden opens on October 1, running until June 30, 2024. This stream flows over 90-foot Noccalula Falls and courses for a mile or more through a gorge in the cascade’s namesake park. Located in the boundaries of and owned by the city of Gadsden, the park and Black Creek provide a surprisingly wilderness feel in this urban environment.
The regulations on Black Creek mandate catch-and-release from October 1 to April 30. Only fly-fishing gear is allowed and barbless hooks are required. In May and June anglers may keep five trout per day, but they still must adhere to the fly-fishing-only and barbless hook rules.
The Rainbow Fly Fishing Club helps manage the fishery in conjunction with Gadsden’s Parks and Recreation Department.
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KINGFISHER CLASSIC 2023
Southeastern Council of Fly Fishers International
The Southeastern Council of Fly Fishers International is presenting the Kingfisher Classic Fly-Tiers Celebration on Saturday, October 28, 2023, in Cleveland, Tennessee, on the campus of Lee University in the School of Business building. Admission to the fly-tying extravaganza is free to all visitors.
Many talented and well-known fly tiers and designers will be demonstrating their artistry with
hooks, tubes, feathers, hair, fur and synthetics. Tiers will demonstrate how to tie every genre of fly. Visitors will have the opportunity to sit and talk with tiers as they demonstrate how to tie their patterns.
“We are excited to host this event in an area noted for its strong angling community and believe this event will appeal to both fly fishing anglers as well as those interested in the artistry of fly tying,” said Debra Pauli, President of the Southeastern Council of Fly Fishers International.
The event starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. In addition to the opportunity to engage with these fly tiers demonstrating their artistry at their vise, some of the best tiers will showcase their skills on a big screen providing more attendees with the opportunity to learn from the best. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience tying flies themselves with instructors at the fly-tying station sponsored by the Carolina Fly Fishing Club. All ages are welcome. The event will also present fly-casting demonstrations by Certified Casting Instructors throughout the day.
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Texas Fly-Fishing Classes & Workshops
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Check out these options for honing your fly fishing skills this month.
FLY FISHING 102 AT LATHAM SPRINGS CAMP
Come out to Latham Springs Camp in Aquila to learn basic fly fishing skills in a fun hands-on workshop.
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sat, October 14, 2023
Latham Springs Camp
134 Private Road 223
Aquila, Tx 76622
Robert Hanley – TPWD Certified Volunteer Instructor
(254) 776-5444
nevilleandhanley@yahoo.com
Come out to Latham Springs Camp in Aquila to learn basic fly fishing skills in a fun hands-on workshop!
This fun, hands-on workshop is for beginners or novices, adults and youth ages 12 and up. The event will include casting instruction led by TPWD Certified Angler Education Instructors, as well as waterside fly fishing.
All youth must be accompanied by an adult – no drop offs.
Dress appropriately for the weather and outdoor activities (hat, sunglasses and sunscreen recommended.) Bring a water bottle and sack lunch or snacks.
All equipment is provided or bring your own.
There is a $10 facility fee.
Preregistration is requested, and the class size is limited to 12. Contact Robert Hanley to register.
ANGLER EDUCATION FLYFISHING INSTRUCTOR TRAINING WORKSHOP
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sat, October 21, 2023
Lake Somerville State Park – Birch Creek Unit
Map & Directions
Greg T Akins
(713) 201-8110
greg.akins@tpwd.texas.gov
Become A TPWD Certified Angler Education Fly Fishing Instructor
Participants should have some fly fishing experience and may bring their own fly rod/reel.
This free workshop is open to anyone 18 or older interested in learning and teaching fly fishing skills in their communities. All instructors should have taken Angler Education Basic Instructor Workshop prior to taking this Fly-Fishing Instructor Workshop. All equipment and materials are provided for the workshop. After certification, the program provides the curriculum, equipment (where available), materials and support to help volunteers successfully introduce others to fly fishing. Ideal for fishing clubs, teachers, scout, or youth group leaders, after school or camp staff and community volunteers. TEA-approved CPE available for teachers. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and footwear for outdoor activities.
Pre-registration is required and is limited to 25 attendees. To register for the workshop, click on this link and select the blue Sign-Up button:
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (samaritan.com)
INTRO TO FLY FISHING
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Sun, October 22, 2023
Lockhart State Park
Map & Directions
Chris Fortin
(512) 398-3479
christopher.fortin@tpwd.texas.gov
Learn the basics of fly fishing in this fun class!
Join us for an introduction to fly fishing! This class is designed for folks who are beginners in the sport. Ranger Chris will introduce the fly pole (ie knots, tippits, leaders, etc) and then guide the class on how to cast (with lots of practice!). Recommended for ages 14+.
Prepare: Dress for the weather and bring water. All equipment is provided, but you can also bring your own, if you like. No registration required.
Meet: In the picnic area of the park. If driving from park HQ, pass the pool and take your first right-hand turn into the picnic area parking lot.
Fees: The class is free with entry to the park. Regular park entrance fees are $3/adult, free for children 12 & under.
BEGINNING FLY FISHING WORKSHOP – LEWISVILLE
Learn basic fly fishing skills in a fun, free, hands-on workshop.
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sat, October 28, 2023
Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Center
201 E Jones Street
Lewisville, Tx 75057
Richard Johnson – TPWD Certified Volunteer Instructor
(469) 877-0695
rljgj@hotmail.com
Learn basic fly fishing skills in a fun, free, hands-on workshop!
This fun, hands-on workshop is for beginners or novices. Topics will include fly casting, fly tying, knots, regulations, fish I.D., safety and ethics. For adults or youth ages 10 and up (youth must be accompanied by an adult – no drop offs). Dress appropriately for the weather and outdoor activities (hat, sunglasses and sunscreen recommended.) Bring a water bottle and sack lunch or snacks.
The workshop is FREE and taught by TPWD certified Angler Education instructors. All equipment is provided or bring your own.
Preregistration is requested, and the class is limited to 30 participants. Call or email Richard Johnson to register.
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