Stream Restoration

In the Headwaters of the Chattahoochee National Forest

The origin of stream restoration began in 1988 with the National Forest Service working to improve brook trout habitat in headwater streams of the Green Mountain National Forest.

Later, members of The Upper Chattahoochee Chapter and the Georgia Council of TU created the Back-the-Brookie program. Back-the-Brookie became Georgia's component of Trout Unlimited's Eastern Conservation Program. As a stakeholder in the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, Trout Unlimited joined federal and state agencies, regional and local governments, businesses, conservation organizations, academia and citizens from Maine to Georgia to protect, restore and enhance aquatic habitat throughout the range of the eastern brook trout. Georgia’s stakeholders are Georgia Trout Unlimited, Georgia DNR and USFS-Chattahoochee National Forest.

Over the past century, extensive logging decimated brook trout waters through erosion and sedimentation of habitat. Non-native trout were stocked to replace lost populations, but brook trout were unable to compete and were soon driven into higher elevation streams where they remain today. These streams are particularly vulnerable to a variety of threats: acidification from fossil fuel emissions, habitat damage from land-use patterns, and continued competition from non-native species.

The presence of brook trout is a generally accepted indicator of an ecologically healthy stream. Suitable trout habitat includes downed trees and large woody debris, which alter flow to gouge deep pools for protection against predators. They also distribute gravel for spawning sites. Well managed riparian areas are essential in maintaining shade that moderates water temperature and in providing for future large woody debris. Leaf fall and litter provide food energy for fish and stream insects.

Resources Links for Georgia TU's
Stream Restoration Projects:

Read More Stories

Read More Stories

President’s Message — April 2018

Truer words were never spoken. And, these happen to come from a trout!   We’re well underway now with our chapter’s launch of a new clean water initiative designed to encourage all fisherman to assist […]

Read More

President’s Message — March 2018

“Anticipation” This one simple word sums up my thinking as I look over at my wall calendar and notice the First Day of Spring—March 20. It means something big has happened! Once upon a time […]

Read More

President’s Message – January 2018

How many of you can recite our chapter’s mission statement? I’ll give you a hint (or two)…it’s short and it’s all about conservation.   Our mission is to Conserve, Protect, and Restore Georgia’s cold water fisheries and […]

Read More

President’s Message – December 2017

Can you believe we’re about to close out another year? What happened to 2017? Whatever happened…it was a fantastic year for the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Here’s a quick re-cap.   We started […]

Read More

President’s Message – October 2017

Autumn on the River Fundraiser To every one of our 900+ chapter members, It was a rousing, enthusiastic, all out “success.” And, I want to thank all of the 90+ UCCTU chapter members and guests […]

Read More

Summer Trip to the SOHO 2017

Andrew catches another big one! The South Fork of the Holston River or SOHO as it is affectionately known by anglers is a tailwater of the South Holston Dam just east of the Tri-Cities area […]

Read More

Chattahoochee Links

A group of us met up at Jones Bridge this morning anticipating a couple of hours of fishing. We apparently anticipated that someone else would have checked the conditions on the river as well since […]

Read More

Helping Restore a Native Trout Stream

On July 25, 55 volunteers representing 5 different area Trout Unlimited chapters made their way to Martin Branch, a tributary stream to the Chattahoochee River, for the final TU stream restoration project of 2015. Located […]

Read More

UCCTU Supports Women Fly Fishers

The July 28th monthly meeting of the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited (UCCTU) focused on Women in Fly Fishing. During the meeting, chapter President Jim Harvey presented a $1,000 donation check to Casting for Recovery. […]

Read More

Stream Restoration Project

On Saturday, June 20 UCCTU members will be helping the U.S. Forest Service with a restoration project on Jones Creek in North Georgia.  Volunteers will provide labor while the forestry pro’s provide tools, equipment, and […]

Read More