SLIDE SHOWS 2019
Thames Valley TU 2019 Fall Fishing Trip to the Housatonic River
Although a little chilly on the first night out, a hardy group of TVTU 282 members braved the elements and enjoyed a great weekend of fishing on the Housatonic.
The group was made up of Dan King, Jim Valuckus, George DeGrey, Gary Lussier, John, Duke & Jen Preston and George Jacobi. As with many TVTU outings, Jen and Duke Preston created a great meal for the attendees.
Although a little chilly on the first night out, a hardy group of TVTU 282 members braved the elements and enjoyed a great weekend of fishing on the Housatonic.
The group was made up of Dan King, Jim Valuckus, George DeGrey, Gary Lussier, John, Duke & Jen Preston and George Jacobi. As with many TVTU outings, Jen and Duke Preston created a great meal for the attendees.
|
OCT 2019 Chapter Meeting
Fly Casting Class at the Ashford Elementary School TVTU members John Manfred, Steve Gerling and Charley McCaughtry held a fly casting class at the Ashford Middle School.
As you can see in the slideshow, they had an enthusiastic turnout especially from the young ladies. Annual Camp Out & Breakfast
Friday 1pm, May 17th, Camping & Fishing to Saturday 1pm, May 18th. Our annual Camp-out was again at Sandy Beach (Konow's Trout & Salmon Camp) along the banks of the Shetucket River. The overnight camp-out on Friday started with some fishing and an evening dinner around 6-7pm May 17th (hotdogs, chips, soda & more will be served that evening) and an open air full breakfast (sheltered picnic tables) the next day. After breakfast we held "Iron Fly/Fishing" Contest materials were supplied. Prizes were awarded to the (1) first person to finish tying the fly: Gary Lussier. Since no one caught a fish in the allotted time, prizes were awarded to the first four tiers that completed the "mystery" fly which was a Sawyer Killer Bug. They were Jerimiah, Brendan and Jess. The Preston clan (Jackie, Jen, John & Duke) provided the breakfast. As usual all had fun, hardy breakfast, good fishing, and enjoyed the comradery with some great Thames Valley TU members & guests.. The Thames River Basin Partnership Floating WorkshopThe Three Rivers Basin Partnership Floating Workshopis are an annual event, usually held in June. Each workshop features a conservation theme and how our partners work together on that theme..This year the workshop was held in Bozrah The event started at the Bozrah Town Hall with a presentation by DEP fish biologist Neal Hagstrom on the states Trout Management Program followed by the tour of the rain garden which was built by TVTU 282.
The program then moved to the Yantic river park in Bozrah where demonstrations were presented by Eastern Connecticut Conservation District, Project Oceanology, Lebanon Conservation District and Thames Valley Trout Unlimited. My view may be slightly biased but it appeared that TVTU's fly tying table, fly casting area and fishing demonstration attracted the most visitors. TVTU Beginner Fly Tying Class 2019
Due to demand Thames Valley TU added a 4 week Beginners Fly Tying classes this winter. Bob Walsh and John Preston taught the course. The classes were held 9 -11 am Saturdays FEB - March at the Fish Connection, 127 RT12, Preston, CT. Fly tying is great way to learn some of the finer points of fly fishing; something to do off-season and keep focused on fishing and there is great satisfaction catching a fish on your own fly. It’s fun and you will meet some great people and future friends… and have something to give you pleasure for a lifetime! For sure Bob and John did! A special Thank You to Jack Balint, owner of the Fish Connection in Preston, CT for supporting Thames Valley's fly tying classes this year. |
Fly Tying Class 2019 Slide Show
This year our 6 week fly tying course at The Fish Connection started January 12th. Bob Walsh, John Preston, Phil Sheffield and Jack Balint all contributed and shared their talents to instruct about 8 to 10 students on the Anglers Art… fly tying. After getting a couple of true novices up to speed they covered the following flies/subjects: The three primary fly tying methods and tools, Woolley Worm, Woolley Bugger, Beadhead Hare’ Ear nymph, Bird’s Nest wet fly, Beadhead Caddis Pupa , Black Nose Dace, Chubby Chernobyl, How to make your Hare’s Ear dubbing, Starling & Purple Spider, Partridge & Orange Spider, McFoam Eggs, Cream and Dun Variants, Bi-Visible, Adams dry fly, PMD Thorax dry fly, and an Epoxy Baitfish (Candy) saltwater. Before each class students were provided various video and 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 shout out to Jack Balint of The Fish Connection for providing an area to conduct these classes and the use of his tools & materials when we needed it. January 15th Chapter Meeting Slideshow - John Shaner
A great turnout and even better fly tying demonstration and presentation by John Shaner on "Spiders and Soft Hackles" John tied several spiders and offered many tips and insights on tying and fishing soft hackled flies. February 5th, 2019 Preston Library Intro to Fly Tying Class - Slideshow
Thames Valley members Bob Walsh, Ken Burrows & John Preston conducted a 2 hour Intro to Fly Tying class to eight students at the request of the Preston Library on 5 FEB. After a brief description of essential tools, threading a bobbin. and a few fundamental methods of attaching material, thread and finishing the fly... each student tied a Woolley Worm and Woolley Buggar. A majority of the students wanted to pursue the "Art of the Angler" and we are planning to start another Beginners class at The Fish Connection after FEB 16th. More details to follow. 2019 "Flies and Pies" Slideshow
Another great Flies & Pies event this year thanks to all the volunteers, demonstrations, food, fun and our first "Iron Fly" contest... |