Foam Fly Tying Instruction
Want to learn how to tie flies with foam? The Canandaigua Lake Trout Unlimited meeting for May will provide materials and tying instruction for a Foam Tiger Beetle and a Foam Gartsides Gurgler. Craig Dennison will instruct, step by step. Tyers should bring a vise and standard tools; 3/0 white thread and 6/0 black thread is suggested.
This meeting (Monday, May 17th) will begin at 730pm at the Canandaigua Wegman's.
Guests and friends are always welcome to our meetings. Remember to bring dollars or flies for the 50-50 raffle!
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Prez sez . . 
Thanks to the guys that helped Jim Cantin at the Fly Fishing School. You can read Jim's report and see that it was another success.
April 27th was also the "kick off" for the Project Healing Waters. 18 volunteers helped six veterans with tying wooly buggers and casting instruction. Brian Pitre has spent a lot of time on this project and his work is much appreciated. Thanks, Brian.
As you know, the Simms shirts finally arrived. They look great. If you failed to get in on the original order, there maybe a second opportunity. Simms has contacted Norm and if we can get a quick turnaround order, we will order more. No orders, but Norm will advise when they are "in hand" and it will be strictly first with the cash, gets the shirt! And ... THEY ARE IN. Norm will have them at the meeting Monday night. $27.
I'm goin' fishin'.
~~ C
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Fly Fishing School Update
The Annual TU Fly Fishing School went very well on Saturday. There were 23 students this year, including three from Project Healing Waters. The attendees seemed very involved during the sessions and any feedback I got afterward was positive.
My job was very easy this year. I was very impressed and thankful for the amount of participation by the members of our chapter. Most of the volunteers approached me asking to help. On Saturday, from setup at 7:45 to cleanup at 3:00, we had plenty of help all day long. I’d like thank everyone. It was a great day!
Instructors:
Brian Pitre, Jim Tefft, Dave Eveland, Dave Morrow, Al Kraus, Rick Bush, John Dwyer
Donations: Rick Bush
Fly Tying Demonstration: Dave Eveland
General Helpers: Max Hillring, Will Faber, John Feltman, Jim Drew, Jerry Luzum
Donation came from Panorama Outfitters, The Sutton Company (Sutton Spoon) in Naples, Peppers Deli & Pastas, Coleman's Fly Shop, Bass Pro Shop, Gander Mountain, Travel Adventures, Leveraging Technology, John Feltman, and Mike Saviola.
Thanks to all!
~~ Jim Cantin, Chairman
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Which Strike Indicator Should I Use?
In most angling situations, a strike indicator has three main duties: 1. stay afloat, 2. be visible, and 3. not spook the fish. You also want it to be sensitive to subtle takes, if you're working slow water or wary fish.
The first time I went out West and saw guys using giant yarn indicators to suspend stonefly nymphs, I was amazed. In most of the places I had fished back east, trout would flee from such a monstrosity floating toward them. But in heavy current, with a heavy fly, you need something of that bulk to stay on the surface. And, of course, Western trout are usually less wary than their Eastern counterparts. Conversely, guys drifting tiny pheasant tails on flatwater sections of spring creeks generally use very small indicators or none at all.
So, when choosing the right indicator, there are many factors to consider:
1. The kind of water you're fishing (the heavier the water, the bigger the indicator)
2. The weight of the flies (the heavier the flies, the larger the indicator)
3. The wariness of the fish (the warier the fish, the smaller the indicator)
4. The amount of depth adjusting you'll do (some kinds of indicators are easier to move up and down the leader than others)
5. Castability (the larger the indicator, the tougher it is to cast)
Of course, there's a lot of personal preference involved, as well. For most angling situations that don't require a large indicator, floating putty (such as Loon Biostrike or Orvis Strike Putty) allows you to tailor the size of the indicator to your needs. Putty comes in several different fluorescent colors, which makes it easy to see in low light, and can be reused. The downside is that it can leave a sticky residue on your line when you remove it. You could also use twist-on or small pegged indicators in most similar situations, if you like.
When suspending flies, fishing heavy riffles, or using heavy nymphs, use a fluorescent yarn indicator, and try to use the smallest one you can get away with. Slather it with floatant to ensure that it stays on the surface and floats straight upright. One of the big advantages of the yarn indicator is that, when it is floating upright, it is extremely sensitive. Before the indicator actually stops, it will tip to one side, giving you a split-second advantage and the ability to detect subtle takes.
Again, these are personal preferences. As long as you take into consideration the five factors above when choosing an indicator, the style you choose is up to you.
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Fly Fishing
It's easy enough for the beginner, yet challenging enough for the seasoned veteran. In fact, nowadays, boys and girls, men and women of all ages are joining the ranks of fly fishermen. No matter what your skill level is, fly fishing can be highly rewarding.
Fly fishing is becoming one of the fastest growing sports around. The reasons for its popularity are obvious. Fly fishing is relaxing, entertaining, rewarding, and often takes place in the some of the most beautiful country around. So, if you've never been fly fishing before, a great way to learn is to take few lessons from a local instructor.
If you are a beginner fly fisherman, get started by:
- Getting involved with fly fisherman from your community or try a fly fishing club (join the Canandaigua Lake TU Chapter).
- Taking lessons from a professional instructor to learn the basics and perfect your fly fishing technique.
- Once you've learned the basics, practice fly casting drills, at least once a week.
- Get as much information you can from books, magazines, and videos on fly fishing, fly casting, tying flies and tying knots.
- Visit your local fly shop and buy tackle you feel comfortable using.
- Learn your local waters by hiring a good guide. You'll learn the most this way.
- Above all, be patient with yourself and give the sport a chance. You'll get the most out of what you put into fly fishing.
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SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
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Help Wanted/For Sale --
Vise: This is a Dyna King Voyager Fly Tying vise. Dyna King is top of the line with exquisite machining and smooth action. This vise is a clamp on style (for travel) with a padded carry case. It includes a bobbin hanger and also includes a hook and hackle gauge. This vise sells for $198 new (check it out on the Dyna-King website). This one is in like new condition with perfect jaws. It also includes both the standard and midge jaws (a $40 upgrade). $100 firm.
Bag: This is a JW Outfitters Fly Tying kit bag for holding all of your tying materials, tools, and vise. Super convenient and organized. This bag has 3 main compartments and I can't count how many pockets and sub-compartments. It has zippered mesh bags for holding your rooster and hen hackles, velcroed zip lock bags for small materials and dubbing, plastic tubes for holding thread spools, hook boxes, and many pockets sized for different tools. It also has a padded center compartment for your travel vise. This is a top of the line bag that is no longer made. Materials not included. See pictures for more detail. $40. Will sell vice and bag together for $125. Please contact Steve coleman for more information at 585/924-9078, or by email, steve3c@rochester.rr.com.
Willow Pond Aqua Farms offers a learn to fish program for the regional community and tourism industry. We are seeking a person who appreciates fishing and has the business skills necessary to direct and coordinate this comprehensive program. Please contact Jim Kennedy for more information at 585/704-2754, or by email, jpk2@frontiernet.net.
Wanted: Someone who can help re-design the Chapter web pages. Please contact Jean Chaintreuil if interestd: 585/360-1812, or by email, jpc@travela.com. Knowledge of CCS very helpfull.
Items For Sale: ???
Email jpc@travela.com with the details and we will list your item(s) for sale.
How else can we say it?
It's a free Want Ad.
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Notes from the April 2010 Meeting
Norm Brust brought the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. Visitors were invited to introduce themselves; several visitors stood up to say hello. Norm sent around an “Attendance Record” for everyone to sign.
Norm indicated that anyone wanting to join the Chapter and participate in our events should contact him at nbrust@rochester.rr.com. Information about the Chapter can be found at www.canandaigualaketu.org.
Al Kraus thanked the folks that helped with the Float Stocking at the Cohocton River in March and indicated that the last two day float stocking session for 2010 will be held on 28 and 29 April. Al stated he would like to have three more volunteers to help and sent around a sign-up sheet.
Jim Cantin reported that everything was all set for the Fly Fishing School, which is to be held on 24 April at Onanda Park. Jim indicated 23 folks were signed up to attend. Anyone else wanting to help with or attend the Fly Fishing School should contact Jim at jcantin@leveragingtechnology.com.
Jerry Luzum made a final report regarding the Chapter’s Fly Tying School. Jerry reported that everything went very well, and thanked all the instructors and mentors. Participants provided a lot of positive comments; based on the comments provided we may add some new flies next time we have a Fly Tying School.
Brian Pitre reported that the first session with Veterans, under the VA Healing Waters Program, would be held at 7 PM on 27 April. At this session Veterans will learn how to tie a Wooly Bugger and use a fly rod. Anyone wanting to help with the Healing Waters Program should go to the Chapter’s web site and fill out a volunteer form.
Norm reported that the Chapter received $400 as a result of the Angler’s Workshop organized by Craig Dennison. Norm thanked Craig and the Chapter members who donated their stipend to the Chapter, for all of their efforts.
Norm mentioned that there where still 4 openings for the Chapter’s annual trip to the West Branch of the Delaware, to be held June 3rd to June 5th. This is always a great trip; anyone wanting to participate should contact Craig at craigdennison1@yahoo.com.
Dave Morrow indicated that the Chapter will once again be supporting the annual Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby. Because the previous lead organizer retired, we now have primary responsibility for preparing and manning the weigh station at the north end of the lake on 5 and 6 June. Monies earned by conducting the derby go to supporting the Camp Good Days Program and Mercy Flight. Dave will be sending around a sign-up sheet for helpers at the May meeting or you can contact him at p3orion@frontiernet.net.
The regular raffle, which is held each meeting, was conducted. Several members won various prizes: cash, flies, and donated fly-fishing goodies.
Norm announced that the main speaker during the May 17th meeting will be Craig Dennison who will talk about tying foam flies together with a hands on session. Bring your tying gear.
Norm adjourned the business meeting and introduced Brent Kelley from the Wellsville TU Chapter. Brent talked about projects being undertaken by the Wellsville Chapter and fly fishing the upper Genesee River. ~~ Al Kraus
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Volunteers Needed for Healing Waters Project
Please click on the logo below to learn more about the Canandaigua Lake Trout Unlimited and Project Healing Waters partnership. Thanks in advance for your participation and assistance.
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May 17, Chapter Meeting, Tying foam fly patterns; Craig Dennison.
June 5 and 6, 2010, Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby
June 21, Annual Chapter Picnic at the American Legion Pavillion, 4-9pm.
July 19, No Chapter Meeting.
August 16, No Chapter Meeting.