John Field will give a presentation on the subjects in his latest book, Fly Fishing for Trophy Striped Bass. These include a current look at striper habits, timing, location, techniques, flies and tackle to get the job done, wherever there are big stripers. He’ll share info on top guides, innovative flies, and answers from marine biologists on striper behavior, the effects of climate change, and much more. His 270 page, 8 1/2" by 11" hardcover contains 300 illustrations, including 50 fly photos with recipes. John will have books on hand and will be happy to sign them for you.
John Field is an FFI Master Casting Instructor and author of three books, Fly-Casting Finesse, ACA’s Beginner’s Guide to Fly Casting, and Fly Fishing for Trophy Striped Bass. John’s articles have been published in Fly Fisherman Magazine, Canadian Sportfishing Magazine and several others. John was a co-producer and cameraman for Larry Dahlberg Productions for Larry’s show, Hunt for Big Fish, on ESPN and ESPN2. John has served as president of the American Casting Association and president of the New York Chapter of Trout Unlimited. His website is Fieldflyfishing.com”
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 11,2024, 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
Our meeting on April 15th will be our annual Fly Tiers Roundtable. Come join us for a night of camaraderie and conversation as we join some of the best tiers in the area as they demonstrate there skills. Learn a new technique and a pattern or two.
Pitkin Community Center 6:30-9pm
30 Greenfield Street
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Trout Fishing in CT- an overview and updates from CT DEEP Fisheries Division
Pitkin Community Center 6:30-9pm
30 Greenfield Street
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Connecticut offers an abundance of trout fishing opportunities for all skill levels and interests, and trout fisheries across the state continue to thrive. However, fisheries management goals and approaches are adaptive as angler demographics and desires shift, fishing access is gained and lost, and environmental conditions change. This evening’s presentation will cover a range of topics relevant to Connecticut trout anglers and will highlight several Fisheries Division coldwater management programs.
Pete Aarrestad
Director
Fisheries Division, Bureau of Natural Resources
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127
p: 860-424-4171 c:860-770-8271 |
Pete Aarrestad is Director of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Fisheries Division. In this capacity he oversees six major program areas; Fish Culture, Inland Fisheries Management, Aquatic Resources Education, Diadromous Fisheries Restoration, Habitat Conservation and Enhancement, and Marine Fisheries Management and Monitoring, including interjurisdictional management of marine species. Pete served as Director of the Inland Fisheries Division from 2010 through 2016, when the Inland and Marine Fisheries Divisions were merged to form the Fisheries Division. Pete holds a BS in Biology from Eastern Connecticut State University (1985) and an MS in Natural Resource Management (fisheries focus) from the University of Connecticut (1992). He has provided leadership in numerous governmental and professional organizations, having served as President of the Instream Flow Council and Chair of the Northeast Fisheries Administrators Association. He previously represented the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies on the National Fish Habitat Board. He is currently one of two CT members on the New England Fishery Management Council. He also currently serves as DEEP’s member on the Farmington River Coordinating Committee (the oversight board for the Upper Farmington River Wild & Scenic section). A lifelong resident of East Hampton, Pete’s home river is the Salmon River, where he annually seeks tranquility while fishing, mostly in the fly fishing-only section.