The first annual Gold Rush Cup Fly Fishing Challenge, scheduled this Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Frog Hollow on the Chestatee River in Lumpkin County, Ga., will feature at least five two-person teams.
Registered thus far for the competition are teams from Unicoi Outfitters, Alpharetta Outfitters, Etowah Anglers, Cannon Falls, and Frog Hollow, and there is the possibility of additional entries.
The Gold Rush chapter of Trout Unlimited, based in Dahlonega, is sponsoring the event on the Chestatee River, which is one of the most popular trophy trout streams in the United States. Directions to the venue, Frog Hollow, and more about the event can be found online at www.goldrushtu.org or www.froghollowflyfishing.com.
Attendance is open to the public, and admission will be free, but donations will be accepted. Fly casting and tying demonstrations will be provided by Gold Rush Chapter members, attendees will be able to visit several exhibit tables, and food and drink will be available for purchase.
The fly fishing challenge will permit two-person teams of contestants to match their skills against other teams to earn a $1,000 grand prize, plus two quality, custom-made fly rods. Individual awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Participants in the challenge must be members of the national organization of Trout Unlimited; and membership in the organization is open to the general public (see www.tu.org). All proceeds from this event will go to Trout Unlimited, a 501 (C) (3), non-profit organization.
A kick-off dinner will be hosted at the site of the tournament in Frog Hollow this Friday night. It will begin at 5 p.m.; and the cost is $10.00 per person. A participant captain's meeting will also be held at Frog Hollow on the evening prior to the tournament.
The mission of Trout Unlimited's Gold Rush Chapter, is to conserve, protect, and restore the coldwater fisheries and their watersheds in the North Georgia area, while assisting the T.U. national organization to do the same at the national level.
In addition to the monthly chapter meetings, the Gold Rush Chapter is actively involved in conservation efforts that include assistance to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forestry Service to ensure and enhance the environment and to perpetuate fish species by constructing and maintaining various stream structures. The chapter also initiates and works with other organizations in stream cleanup, assists with stocking of streams, and monitors water quality conditions of local streams. The chapter has been involved in teaching the sport of fly fishing and conservation practices at several locations including North Georgia College and State University, Brenau University, and Lumpkin County Middle and High Schools, Outdoor Activity Day at Unicoi, and Kids' Day at Amicalola Park. The chapter has also supported the efforts of “Project Healing Waters fly Fishing” by providing volunteer and equipment assistance to their programs in the area. These events serve military personnel and veterans who have been wounded, injured, or disabled to aid their physical and emotional recovery by introducing or rebuilding the skills of fly fishing and tying and by using and enjoying these skills on fishing outings and as a lifelong recreation.
