Our Meeting Location
Our chapter meetings are held at the Franklin Firehouse on 5 Tyler Drive (just off Rt 32) in Franklin.  See  Chapter Events page for details
New 5/14 - May Streamlines - See Newsletters
​New 4/21 - The Mugly Caddis by Charlie Craven -  See Fly Tying page
New 4/18 - Free TU Membership to Essential Workers - See This Page
New 4/10 - 86,000 Miles of Stream - See below
New 3/27 - Women on the Water Event Canceled
New 3/18 -​ Chris Wood on COVID-19 - See this page
New 3//15 - Fly Tying Class 2020 - See below
New 2/19 - Iron Fly Contest Winners - See this page.
TU President/CEO Chris Wood's Response to COVID-19
86,000 Miles of Streams
A cold water conservation story of wild trout and how their presence in Pennsylvania streams helps secure protection for the watershed in the face of shale gas development.
FLY TYING CLASS 2020  

Our fly tying course at The Fish Connection this year started January 11th and met for seven sessions on Saturday mornings (9:30 -11:30 am).  Bob Walsh, John Preston, Patrick McMahon and Jack Balint all contributed and shared their talents to instruct about 8 to 12 students per session on the Anglers Art… fly tying.  A special shoutout for Phil “Lefty” Sands who came in from the bullpen one session to help our left-handed novice student.  Our classes are open to the public and members in which all materials and tools (if needed) are supplied at no cost.

This year we incorporated a webcam, laptop, videos and a 32” flat screen so that students could better see and follow the instructors as they tied.  In addition, we now have 20 complete fly tying tool sets (bobbin, thread, bodkin/half hitch tool, whip finisher, scissor, hair stacker, hackle plier & threader) and many more vises available for those who don’t have equipment. This is all due to the many generous donations of new and used equipment and materials from our chapter members.

First a couple of true novices needed to get up to speed by covering the following flies and subjects: three primary fly tying methods (jam knot, pinch method & whip finish), essential tools, Woolley Worm and Woolley Bugger.  Over the next 6 sessions we covered the following flies:  Black Nosed Dace, Zebra Nymph, Three Dollar Dip,  Double Wing Rusty Spinner, Sunken Ant, Ant (dry fly), Chernobyl Ant, Klinkhamer Special, Prince nymph, Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle, Pheasant Tail Bead-head Nymph, McFly Foam Egg, PMD Foam Emerger, Catskill Hendrickson dry fly, Flick Red Quill dry fly, X2 Caddis, Cased Caddis, Frenchie Hot Spot nymph, Spent Caddis, Clouser Minnow and Lefty’s Deceiver.  Many of the flies (type or patterns) taught were chosen by the students.

In advance of each class, students were provided various videos and/or step by step instructions and supporting information to help prepare them for the following week’s class.  In addition, the students were given an information sheet and online resources to help them learn/practice on their own pace.

​A special “Thank You” to Jack Balint of The Fish Connection for providing an area to conduct the classes and the use of his tools & materials when we needed.
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TU’s President/CEO Chris Wood to Essential Workers: Free TU Memberships to All

​TU President and CEO Chris Wood offered free Trout Unlimited memberships to every essential employee in America last week as a “thank you” for putting themselves in harm’s way during the coronavirus outbreak.
In addition to offering free one-year memberships to essential workers, TU is also giving memberships to emergency personnel, first responders and those in the health care community that might benefit from becoming a member of the TU community.

Here’s a video of Chris giving due props to the people keeping the country going during these troubling times. 

On behalf of Trout Unlimited, thanks to all essential workers who continue to report to work, perform their duties and make life easier for the rest of us. If you’re an essential worker, please reach out directly to Chris, and he’ll hook you up with a complimentary membership.
Iron Fly Contest Winners

The McMahon Family dominated the winners circle for the Flies & Pies Iron Fly contest.  Patrick placed first ($25 Gift certificate), brother Brendan placed second (TVTU Fly Box), and dad (Ted) came in third (TU Eye Glass Strap).  All participants received a TU Key Chain.
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Patrick McMahon 1st Place
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Brendan 2nd Place
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McMahon Family Iron Fly Winners
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Canceled

​A Family Day on the Fenton River
Sponsored by Joshaua'sTrust & TVTU

Where: The Gurleyville Grist Mill
             Chaffeeville and Stonemill Roads
             Mansfield, Connecticut                         
When: May 30, 2020, 10 - 2pm Saturday
What: Fly casting instruction
           Fly Fishing / casting game
           Fly tying demonstrations
           River Insect collection and evaluation
           Tours of the Historic Gurleyville Grist Mill
           A hike on the Nipmuck Trail
           Thames Valley Trout Unlimited information table
           Joshua’s Trust information table
This should be an informative and fun day for all!       
Open to the public -  no charge - no rain date   
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​Don't Be Like These Guys!
Join Thames Valley TU Chapter for a special introductory rate of $17.50... half the normal membership price!  Click -  Join TVTU

Be sure to select the "Thames Valley" Chapter 282 when signing up online.