Deadline to apply: Set by each chapter. Check with your local TU chapter for details. All applications and payments must be in the Camp Coordinators’ office by April 15.
How applicants are selected: Each of the 12 chapters in Georgia has spots to fill, and each chapter decides how they want to select their campers. Once a chapter chooses a camper, the application, along with their tuition check, is forwarded to the Trout Camp Coordinator. Campers will be notified of their acceptance as soon as possible. Later, around early May, more detailed information will be sent to each camper.
For more information: contact Camp Coordinator, Charlie Breithaupt, 194 Kitchins Lane; Clayton, GA 30525 knc615@windstream.net; (706) 782-6954; Choose the link to download the informational brochure:
2024 TroutCamp Brochure.
History of the Georgia Trout Camp
Since 2004, the Georgia TU Council, with the help of all 12 TU Chapters in GA, has organized and hosted a summer Trout Camp for boys and girls ages thirteen to fifteen. The streamside, hands-on experiences offered at Trout Camp provide more than just casting and fishing lessons; they strive to fully educate youth about the complex issues behind the restoration and protection of our streams and rivers.
For more than 20 years we have prepared and, hopefully, motivated many young folks to carry on the work of Trout Unlimited and to enjoy the sport we all love.
Every year
, 12 young anglers become better trained and better equipped than most folks you’ll meet on our trout streams. They eagerly soak up all that is offered to them by volunteer mentors and instructors from Trout Unlimited, DNR, and the US Forest Service. Our camp is an effort of all of Trout Unlimited chapters in GA, and all 12 GA TU chapters send campers.
What to expect at Trout Camp
Learning hands-on skills and trout fishing fundamentals
Knot tying
Attaching lines for specific needs
Stream tactics
Presenting the fly
Tackle
Handling and maintenance
Fly Casting
The basics and practice
Entomology
Bugs! Study insect life cycle, physiology, behavior environment, and classification
Fly tying
Create the flies that catch the fish
Fishing on the stream
Applying newly learned skills
At least two hours daily devoted to fishing
One mentor per two campers
Stream etiquette
How we consider others and the environment
Natural Resources and Conservation
A visit to Burton Trout Hatchery and nearby creeks
The trout’s life cycle
Aquatic invertebrates (more bugs!)
Protection of trout habitat
Stream Dynamics/Fish stocking
Work project to restore habitat structures
What to Bring to Trout Camp
- Clothing for one week: Although it is warm, we REQUIRE that you wear long pants while wading as we fish and do stream work. This protects you from insects and poison ivy, etc. Also, we recommend that you do not wear jeans for wading as they are very heavy when wet. Some type of lightweight cotton or “quick-dry” material is much better. And, pack a bathing suit – we may have time for a dip!
- Footwear: For all wading, we REQUIRE wading boots with felt soles. You can buy these boots at any store that carries fishing equipment. This is the only piece of equipment you will have to purchase. If you have waders and want to use them…bring ’em. We do not allow wading in sandals, flip-flops, or barefoot.
- Rain gear: A rain jacket with a hood is needed.
- Light Jacket: It may be cool in the mountains.
- Cap or hat: Baseball type will do.
- Sunglasses: Polaroids are great on the water and good for protection when casting.
You should have a strap to prevent loss.
- Day pack: Your book bag from school will be perfect.
- Water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Laundry bag: A plastic trash bag works well.
- Bedding: one set of twin sheets; pillow with case, blanket (or sleeping bag)
- Towels, washcloths, and soap.
- Toilet articles: Whatever you will need for one week.
- Camera: if you want to.
- FISHING EQUIPMENT: You don’t need to bring anything; we will have it all.
Who staffs Trout Camp
Many TU members willingly volunteer their time and talent to pass on their knowledge and love of fly-fishing to another generation. Our camp is truly a statewide effort as mentors from the 12 chapters in Georgia show up to help out. Some mentors even take a vacation from their jobs and stay all week; one can’t ask for more than that!
Georgia DNR and USFS personnel provide great support, including leading sessions on stream entomology at Smithgall Woods, visiting Burton Hatchery, stocking the Tallulah River, building structures on Ramey Creek and electro-shocking brook trout. Even in these tough economic times, these agencies still find a way to give us all the help we need. We couldn’t do it without them. We have also welcomed guest speakers from the national office of Trout Unlimited as well as Jimmy Harris, local expert guide and owner of Unicoi Outfitters.