Rod McGarry On The Water

One of the original men from Maine.

United Fly Tyers Welcomes Rod McGarry As Guest Speaker

3 Feb 2011, Middlessex CommunityCollege, Bedford, MA, 

"Whada Ya Know? 22 Tips, Hints and Shortcuts for Taking More Trout"

Rod McGarry works with folks who want to get going in fly fishing and coaches the experienced fly fisher who wants to get up to a higher level. A teaching pro since 1991, Rod is a FFF Board Certified Master Casting instructor, a registered Professional Maine Guide and works as Staff Instructor for Fly Fishing in the L L Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools Program. Rod is known as a teacher of teachers.

For his ability to "clearly look at his students" and for his ability to have students walk away "talented and skilled...bearing high confidence and self-esteem," Rod McGarry was awarded the 2009 Harger by the FFF.The Harger Memorial Life Award is given to those who have made a noteworthy contribution to enhance fly fishing through instruction and education. Rod McGarry shares this honor with luminaries like Lefty Kreh, Dave Whitlock, Henry Hoffman, Gordy Hill and most notably (for the lay person) with Robert Redford for his film on fly fishing, A River Runs Through It.

People come to McGarry as curious beginners, as seasoned fly fisherman hoping to bring their craft to a new level, or to be tested and certified to become casting instructors themselves.

   Fly tying starts at 6:30 and the presentation starts about 8:00.

   For directions go to unitedflytyers.org.   

THE BIGHORN RIVER ALLIANCE AND FEDERATION OF FLY FISHERS WILL AGAIN BE SPONSORING The Big Horn Youth Adventure !!

A great opportunity for young people to expand their knowledge of fly fishing is on the horizon. The Big Horn River Youth Adventure is currently taking applications for the 2011 program at Fort Smith, MT on the banks of the world famous Big Horn River. Twelve young fly fishers will be invited by the Big Horn River Alliance for a four day fly tying and fly fishing adventure. All meals, lodging, airport shuttles and guides will be provided free of charge. Air transportation to Billings or transportation directly to Fort Smith must be secured by the participant's parents, guardian or fly fishing club.  Travel assistance grants are available on a limited basis and granted based on financial need. Thru the generosity of donors and supporters we are pleased to be able to help with transportation expenses for some of our attendees. We are sincerely encouraging applications from youngsters who would otherwise be unable to attend our program.  We are also encouraging fly fishing clubs to participate in the travel grant program. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:  Any youth, male or female, ages 14 thru 18. All applicants must 'KIND OF' KNOW HOW TO FLY FISH AND 'KIND OF' KNOW HOW TO TIE FLIES.  We are seeking youngsters who want to experience the joy of a 'big time' fly fishing adventure and are willing to return home to mentor other young people and encourage others to take part in the great activity of fly fishing. During their stay at Fort Smith, the Bighorn River Alliance will provide at NO COST all of the meals beginning with lunch June 22rd (travel day) thru breakfast June 27th (travel day). Lodging will be provided at NO COST by several of the local lodges (double occupancy) in and around Fort Smith. Guiding will be provided by licensed, professional guides who have logged thousands of days on the Bighorn.   Anyone who is interested in attending must fill out an application form.  The form asks for general information including names and addresses of both parents and applicants, questions regarding angler experience, health and diet questions, and more.  There are also three essay questions at the conclusion of the application.  Twelve youths will be asked to attend. Application deadline is March 31, 2011 The dates for the Bighorn Youth Adventure will be June 23 through 26, 2011 with a travel day before and after. All clubs and councils and individuals are more than welcome to encourage applications from young fly fishers. For more information on applying go to Big Horn River Alliance Website or contact Frank Johnson @bighornjohnsons@gmail.com (307) 672-5164

Connecticut Fly Fishermens Association

Had a very nice visit with the good people of the CFFA. It was a great time do do a little teaching and tye up some dry flies. Worked on light cahills and blue wing olives. Great class.

Snowing & Fly Tying

The spring runoff should be great after all this snow. Been filling orders and filling my fly box.

Got Feathers?

Finding Jesus At The Fly Fishing Show, Marlborough, MA

It's true. Well, actually I had a chance to chat with Scott Wessels proprietor of the Bear's Den of Taunton, MA. Great store. Great guy. Check out his web store at www.bearsden.com.