October 2011

News & Events

General Meeting - Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Lou DiGena & Rich Dooley

“Fly Fishing Yellowstone”

American Legion Hall
137 New Market Road
Dunellen, NJ

Meeting starts at 8 PM - Non Members are always welcome!

2012 CJTU Fly Tying School

Enrollment is now open!

Fly Tying Demo

Dunellen Libary
November 21, 2011
6:30 - 8:30 pm

Efinger Sporting Goods

Fishing & Hunting Fall Festival Sale
October 6th - 16th

President’s Letter

October 2011

The fall season upon us and if you have been reading these President's Letters over the years you already know that this is my favorite time of year to fish. This fall has been a challenge to say the least. The low and clear water of fall is noticeably absent, replaced by high flows more reminiscent of spring time. In fact high water is a bit of an understatement as our rivers hit flood stage levels more times this fall then they have in the last few years combined. As I waited for the waters to recede (which they finally have) I occupied my time chasing warm-water species.

Now that the waters are once again at fishable levels, it's time to turn our attention to back to trout. In the next few months our rivers and streams will receive a fresh influx of hatchery fish. The issue of stocking fish over native populations of trout has always been a controversial matter for Trout Unlimited. Our core mission has always been to protect and conserve our cold water fisheries with the emphasis on preserving native species of trout. This issue was a hot topic at this year's national meeting. We are currently looking at this situation here in New Jersey. Studies done several years ago identified several populations of heritage strain brook trout in the state. We will be looking closely at the state's stocking program in the months to come to ensure we are not endangering these isolated populations of fish.

Now that I have turned my attention to trout again, it has become painfully evident that my fly boxes are in desperate need of restocking. Fortunately, I enjoy fly tying as much as fly fishing. If you have never tied your own flies you are missing out on a very enjoyable aspect of the sport. There is no time like the present to start learning how to tie your own flies. Coming up on November 19th & 20th, the annual Fly Tying Show returns to the Double Tree Hotel in Somerset, New Jersey. In addition, Central Jersey Trout Unlimited will be hosting it's annual fly tying demonstration at the Dunellen Library on Monday, November 21st between the hours of 6:30 & 8:30pm. If you interested in taking fly tying lessons, we will begin accepting student registrations for our 2012 fly tying classes at our meeting this month. We are trying something new this year with our fly tying courses. One of the biggest challenges for a novice starting out in fly tying is selecting quality fly tying materials. This year, we will be offering a complete selection of the fly tying materials needed for the class at a great price. The quality of the materials will be first rate and this alone will greatly reduce the learning curve. One of the biggest challenges for a new fly tier is struggling to make inferior materials perform correctly. Finally, reserve Saturday January 7th, 2012 on your calendar for C.J.T.U.'s fly tying demonstration at Efingers in Bound Brook NJ. We will be there tying flies and Efingers will be running their annual sale on fly tying materials. So it will be an excellent time to learn a new pattern and stock up on materials at a substantial savings.

The New Jersey Fly Fisherman of the Year contest and banquet is returning to the Raritan Inn on Saturday November 12th. This year Lou Digena is representing C.J.T.U. in the competition. I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the event last year and look forward to being a spectator this year. I plan on attending the banquet as well. This year, the banquet is in honor of Trout Unlimited's New Jersey State Council. The State Council is celebrating it's 40th Birthday.

Our Trout in the Classroom program is starting up again and we can always use some help. If you are interested in teaching children about cold water conservation drop me a line or speak to one of the directors at any meeting. We pick up trout eggs from the hatchery at the end of the month and we will be delivering them to schools across the state. There is bound to be a school close to where you live if you are interested in helping out.

That's it for now. Be sure to come out to our next meeting. The guys I traveled to Montana with this summer will be putting on a presentation on fishing the Yellowstone area. It should be a great show!

Tight Lines,
Bart

Fly of the Month

“October Caddis Wet”
by Lou DiGena

Leaves are starting to turn, there is a crispness in the air and the last of the big bugs are due to pop.

It's fall and it's October caddis time.  Here is a weighted wet fly patten that I use during the fall.  It's a great addition to your Euro-nymph rig or fished alone. Make sure you swing the fly at the end of the drift and hold on.

Click here for the recipe !