Fountains of Youth – Classic trout flies that have withstood the test of time … flies that remain “forever young”
by Rusty Dunn
“Match the hatch” is a cornerstone of fly fishing. Successful flies are those that imitate food of a feeding trout, but how exact must that imitation be? A crude approximation? A detailed facsimile? Opinions vary widely and are often strongly held. “Presentationists” maintain that the fly itself is of lesser importance, because success lies in how an angler presents the fly. They emphasize imitation of insect behavior over insect form (profile, color, size, anatomy, materials, etc.). “Imitationists”, on the other hand, maintain that flies should mirror the natural in detail. They assume that presentations are excellent but believe that trout are more often deceived when a fly closely mimics the natural. Imitationists emphasize insect form over insect behavior. Which group is correct? That’s for you to decide. Better start deliberations soon, however, because you may be puzzled and uncertain even after decades of thoughtful experimentation. Read More
Vets on the Fly
Last Updated: March 9, 2024 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
By Dyan Lesnik
Another great month of Veterans on the Fly. We started off the month of fly tying with a Cicada. Next up was a Valentine’s Day Griffith’s Gnat. We finished up the month of February with a Frenchie and an Early Black Stone Fly. Next up on March 6th, we’ll tie up a Bad Hair Day.
All Veterans and their family are welcome and there is never any cost. Come out to VFW Post 1318 (2740 Ski Lane, Madison). We start tying at 5:30 and you can come early for dinner. We plan to meet every Wednesday in February and March to tie new patterns. April will switch to fishing at various locations (dependent on the weather). Learn more at their Facebook page. Read More
Posted: March 5, 2024 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
Cicadas, You Say?
This spring could see an epic cicada hatch, which may lead to some epic fishing! This article from Scientific Angler covers the topic quite well for those interested in tying, fishing or historical etymological events.
Help Out Project Green Teen
Posted: March 5, 2024 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
For many (many) years, our chapter members have helped teens with tying, casting and fishing as part of the Project Green Teen program at Malcom Shabazz High School on Madison’s north side. Brian Counselman, PGT Coordinator, has put together a wonderful flier of PGT work done, student testimony and opportunities this spring to help pass along your knowledge to some bright young minds. Take a look and help out if you possibly can!
TU at Midwest Outdoor Leadership Conference
Last Updated: March 5, 2024 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
By Henry Nehls-Lowe
Five SWTU members and Carol Murphy, NohrTU President, recently traveled to Upham Woods for the UW Hoofer-sponsored 2024 Midwest Outdoor Leadership Conference. Eighty representatives from midwest college & university outing clubs attended this morning’s workshops, so we were disappointed that our first session drew only a few of these outdoor-ethusiastic-twenty-somethings, but how can “Driftless is a Fly Fishing Destination” compete against “Wildland Firefighting in Alaska” or “Dispersed Camping and Budget Adventures?” Read More
Last Updated: March 5, 2024 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
New Members – March 2024
We’re pleased to announce the addition of the following new members to our ranks! Read More
Newscasts – February 2024
Last Updated: March 5, 2024 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
This issue is filled with great information, including:
Posted: February 5, 2024 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
The Wyoming Cutthroat Slam – You Can Do It!
John Lyons will talk about his July 2023 fly fishing trip to Wyoming where he and a fishing buddy pursued the “Wyoming Cutthroat Slam” and attempted to catch all four subspecies of Cutthroat Trout remaining in the state. He’ll briefly review some of the new ichthyological conclusions concerning Cutthroat Trout subspecies and discuss logistics for anyone contemplating attempting the slam … but most of John’s presentation will focus on pursuing beautiful fish in a beautiful landscape. Read More
Posted: February 5, 2024 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
Learn What Your Board’s Been Up To – Feb. 2024
Minutes from SWTU Board of Director meetings can be viewed in this Google Drive. If you have questions on what you read in them, reach out to one of the Board members listed on the last page of each newsletter. (Note that you may need to click the “Last Modified” header at the top to sort the list with the latest minutes at the top.)
Terrific Tying Teaching Time
Posted: February 5, 2024 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
A few photos from our free fly tying classes, courtesy Henry Nehls-Lowe. Read More
Whirling Dun
Last Updated: February 5, 2024 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
by Rusty Dunn
“Match the hatch” is a cornerstone of fly fishing. Successful flies are those that imitate food of a feeding trout, but how exact must that imitation be? A crude approximation? A detailed facsimile? Opinions vary widely and are often strongly held. “Presentationists” maintain that the fly itself is of lesser importance, because success lies in how an angler presents the fly. They emphasize imitation of insect behavior over insect form (profile, color, size, anatomy, materials, etc.). “Imitationists”, on the other hand, maintain that flies should mirror the natural in detail. They assume that presentations are excellent but believe that trout are more often deceived when a fly closely mimics the natural. Imitationists emphasize insect form over insect behavior. Which group is correct? That’s for you to decide. Better start deliberations soon, however, because you may be puzzled and uncertain even after decades of thoughtful experimentation. Read More
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