Presentation by Paul Dinise
Fly Fishing for Small Mouth Bass on the Housatonic
This is an under appreciated fishery. Learn about the behavior of ‘smallies’ and how it can assist you in catching this great game fish. Many believe that pound for pound this is the strongest fresh water game fish available. I’ll cover fishing tactics and techniques, best times to fish for small mouth bass, and the flies to use. Fishing for this species is just a whole ‘lota’ fun and can assist you in improving your fly fishing skills and knowledge of the Housatonic River.
Pitkin Community Center
30 Greenfield Street
Wethersfield CT 06109
Paul Dinice Bio
I’m 69 years old and have resided in Derby, CT all my life. I began spin fishing and flyfishingat a very early age, all thanks to an uncle who took all the family kids fishing on his one day off a week. In 1980 my fishing focus turned exclusively to fly fishing. In 1985 I made my first foray into saltwater fly fishing. I live a stones throw from the Housatonic River and Naugatuck Rivers. I’m a member of virtually every flyfishing club and organization in CT. I’m also very much involved in numerous environmentally based organizations such as Trout Unlimited, Connecticut Audubon Society, and the Coastal Conservation Association. I’ve made numerous written contributions to newspapers, local club newsletters, andperiodicals. My “home” club/organization is the Housatonic Fly Fisherman’s Association. For the past 36 years I’ve written “Fly of the Month” section of the HFFA news letter and website. I’ve also donethe “Fly of theMonth” for a host of other Flyfishing organizations in CT. I contributed to a book entitled “Over-Winter Striper Secrets” by Captain Al Anderson. The contributionsincluded photographs and writings which were incorporated in the section on fishing the Housatonic. My ‘closer crab” pattern appeared in the 2012 Winter edition Fly Tyer Magazine. I’ve also organized numerous small flyfishing expo’s here in CT. I’m a member of the Derby Inland Wetlands Commission and, prior to retiring,was employed by the Town of Orange as the Zoning Administrator for 40 years.
Our May membership meeting is going to be combined with the following event. There will not be a Wednesday night meeting.
Connecticut Fly Fisherman’s Association - Tribute to Gary Lafontaine.
Saturday May 13, 2022 - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Salmon River, Gulf Road, Picnic Area
Join us for the 3rd Annual Tribute to Gary Lafontaine
This event is in honor of Connecticut's most famous fly tier, past CFFA member, Gary Lafontaine. Born in 1945, Gary started fly fishing at age 8, and published his first article at age 15. Winner of the Arnold Gingrich Memorial Award for Lifetime Writing Achievement, he published several books, with his “Caddisflies”, gaining national atten- tion. As a dedicated member of CFFA he inspired many members to try innovative approaches to tying and fishing for Trout and other species. In1996, he was awarded Angler of the Year by Fly Rod and Reel Magazine. Gary left this world at the age of 56 due to Lou Gehrig’s Disease. We celebrate his legacy.
Schedule for Day
9:00am Fly Tying - This is an informal gathering of fly tyers. Everyone is responsible for their own table and materi- als. Fly tiers are welcome to bring a chair, folding table, vice and materials to tie flies. The theme of the day is Caddis patterns but any and all flies can be tied.
11:00am Tribute to Gary Lafontaine – Come and share a few words of your memories of Gary and his influence on fly fishing.
Fishing and conversation available all day. Bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol allowed in state parks). Grills are available. All trash must be taken home.
Participants responsible for their own food and beverages.
***If raining we will not tie flies, but will still gather and fish. Contact: Rick Liegl
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