The Badger Fly Fishers (BFF) fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, May 3rd at the Thirsty Goat restaurant, 3040 Cahill Main, Fitchburg.  This is our regular meeting location.  Here is a link to the Thirsty Goat’s website.  The event will allow attendees to have dinner, socialize and browse auction prizes.  The auction will be a combination of 45 silent auction packages and one grand ticket raffle item of a commemorative knife set for the BFF’s 35th anniversary made and donated by John Beth.  Everyone is

familiar with John’s handsome and highly sought after knives.  John’s handmade knife is 7” overall with a 3” blade of beautifully patterned bird’s-eye damascus.  It has 127 layers of 1095 / 15N20 steel(s).  The top of the spine has a hand filed “vine of thorns”.  The handle is exhibition grade stabilized red maple where the front of the wood is bird’s-eye and then the wood transitions to “flame” maple.  There are two 1/8” brass pins and a large dry fly brass mosaic pin in the rear.  The liners on the handle are red and white Vulcanized fabric.  The sheath is 9 oz. premium cowhide with a colorized and embossed leaping brown trout on the front. The letters “BFF” are horizontally across the top and the bold number “35” is on the bottom signifying the 35th Anniversary of the club.  Vintage brass tacks finish the front.  The back of the sheath also has BFF embossed with the year we started in 1988 and our 35th anniversary year of 2023.  The all hardwood magnetic display stand holds the knife, the sheath and has a center display with our club pin inlayed.  Here is a link to a list of all the silent auction packages.  The doors will open at 5:00 to allow time for dinner, the silent auction and grand raffle winners will be announced beginning at 7:00 and the event will be over before 8:00.  Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card and there is also an ATM available on site.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Jason Randall and Mac Brown will be teaching a three-day educational event in the Viroqua, WI area on June 8th to 11th.  Here is a link to all the complete details on the event.  Jason is an accomplished fly fishing author and educator who has made some excellent presentations at our club meetings in the past.  Jason is scheduled again to make a presentation at our September 6, 2023 meeting to kick off our next season of presentations.

See you at this important fundraising event for the club and thank you for your continued support of the Badger Fly Fishers!

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

The March meeting presentation will be made by Tim Landwehr on “Planning Your Fly Fishing Adventure – Tips and Tricks on Domestic to International Travel”.  Tim is the owner of Tight Lines Fly Fishing Company in De Pere, WI.  Tight Lines has been a full-service fly shop for over 22 years offering a full retail/online store, guide service, classes and international travel.  Tim is also the co-author of the best-selling smallmouth bass book Smallmouth: Modern Fly-Fishing Methods, Tactics and Techniques and brings his years of experience from guiding, shop life and travel to all of his programs.  In addition, he has had the good fortune to travel the world with fly rod in hand fishing some of the most remote fly fishing destinations on the planet.  Tim has been a friend of the Badger Fly Fishers from the shops very beginning and has had the pleasure of guiding some of the club’s members for over 22 years.  Join Tim for his program on unique fly fishing destinations and how to get the most out of your domestic or international fishing trip.  He will break down everything you will need to know from questions for your guide, packing, passports and visas, immunizations, gratuity and everything in between.  You won’t want to miss this information packed presentation for the beginner to seasoned traveler.  Tim’s dynamic talk is sure to entertain, educate and help you get over your cabin fever!  The meeting on Wednesday, March 1st will be at our new meeting location, the Thirsty Goat restaurant, 3040 Cahill Main, Fitchburg.  Here is a link to the Thirsty Goat’s website.  The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 5:30 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

The Badger Fly Fishers are meeting once again and thus membership dues will need to be paid starting with the 2023 calendar year.  Dues payments made now count towards membership through December 31, 2023.  The dues of just $20 support the great speakers we have at our meetings and the other membership benefits outlined on our website.  Here is a link to the membership form for you to complete and send in by mail.  The mailing address is at the bottom of the form.  You can also pay your dues at one of our meetings.  Thank you for your continued support of the Badger Fly Fishers!

See you at the March 1st meeting!

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

The following is a list of the future bimonthly Badger Fly Fishers meeting dates:

1. May 3, 2023 – TBD.

The following is a list of the future bimonthly Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance (WSA) meeting dates:

1. April 5, 2023 – WSA Auction Fundraiser.

The January meeting presentation will be made by Dan Donovan on “Fly Fishing for Musky”.  Dan owns the Musky Fool Fly Fishing Company located on Main Street in Waunakee.   Here is a link to the Musky Fool’s website for additional information on the fly shop and guided fishing trip services.  The meeting on Wednesday, January 4th will be at our new meeting location, the Thirsty Goat restaurant, 3040 Cahill Main, Fitchburg.  Here is a link to the Thirsty Goat’s website.  The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 5:30 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

The Badger Fly Fishers are meeting once again and thus membership dues will need to be paid starting with the 2023 calendar year.  Dues payments made now count towards membership through December 31, 2023.  The dues of just $20 support the great speakers we have at our meetings and the other membership benefits outlined on our website.  Here is a link to the membership form for you to complete and send in by mail.  The mailing address is at the bottom of the form.  You can also pay your dues at one of our meetings.  Thank you for your continued support of the Badger Fly Fishers!

See you at the January 4th meeting!

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

The following is a list of the future bimonthly Badger Fly Fishers meeting dates:

1. March 1, 2023 – Tim Landwehr.
2. May 3, 2023 – TBD.

The following is a list of the future bimonthly Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance (WSA) meeting dates:

1. February 1, 2023 – Pat Ehlers.
2. April 5, 2023 – WSA Auction Fundraiser.

Just want to begin with a brief reminder that the Badger Fly Fishers’ (BFF) meeting on Wednesday, November 2nd will be at our new meeting location the Thirsty Goat restaurant, 3040 Cahill Main, Fitchburg.  Here is a link to the Thirsty Goat’s website.  Our meetings will be in a quiet room which will seat 50 people and includes a small bar serving multiple refreshments.  The Thirsty Goat offers excellent and affordable food.  The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 5:30 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

The November 2nd meeting presentation will be made by Dick Dragiewicz on “Save the Menominee River Update”.  Dick has been fishing since early childhood.  For nearly 20 years he’s enjoyed river smallmouth bass fishing primarily on the Milwaukee and Menominee Rivers.  His streamside conservation work has included trout stream improvement programs, electro shocking for warm water species, river clean ups, signage installation, etc.  For the past 15 years Dick’s focus has been on protecting the Menominee River and Lake Michigan’s smallmouth bass and walleye fisheries from the resulting pollution a proposed

metallic sulfide mine would produce.  The Menominee River, Lake Michigan, and the local environment continue to be threatened by the proposed Back Forty mining project.  The former owners of Aquila Resources, Inc., wanted to develop the Back Forty as an open pit metallic sulfide mine, but nothing went according to their plans.  After spending more than $100 million over 20+ years they had nothing.  Faced with the possibility of going out of business they sold the company to Gold Resource Corporation (GORO) a Denver, Colorado based mining company.  GORO hasn’t provided much information on its plans for the Back Forty mining project but it has said that a feasibility study will be completed in the Fall of 2022 and production will start in 2025.  Before starting any mine site construction GORO will need to obtain five unconditional mining permits.  The Coalition to Save the Menominee River has made arrangements to have each of the five permit applications professionally reviewed and analyzed.  These reports will be used to convince the State of Michigan that the Back Forty mine should not be built.

The Badger Fly Fishers are meeting once again and thus membership dues will need to be paid starting with the 2023 calendar year.  Dues payments made now count towards membership through December 31, 2023.  The dues of just $20 support the great speakers we have at our meetings and the other membership benefits outlined on our website.  Here is a link to the membership form for you to complete and mail to Bill Engber.  The mailing address is at the bottom of the form.  You can also pay your dues at one of our meetings.  Thank you for your continued support of the Badger Fly Fishers!

The following below are a few pictures of some gorgeous Atlantic salmon caught last month by Bill Engber and Steve Born while fishing in Iceland.  If you would like to share a picture of a fish that you caught, please send it to this email address (badgerflyfishers@gmail.com) and the Buzz will periodically post the pictures on our website.  Enjoy and take care!

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

The following is a list of the future bimonthly BFF meeting dates:

1. January 4, 2023 – Dan Donovan.
2. March 1, 2023 – Tim Landwehr.
3. May 3, 2023 – TBD.

The following is a list of the future bimonthly Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance (WSA) meeting dates:

1. December 7, 2022 – Hunter Dorn.
2. February 1, 2023 – Pat Ehlers.
3. April 5, 2023 – WSA Auction Fundraiser.

After much discussion and contemplation the Badger Fly Fishers’ Board of Directors has concluded that it is best to cancel its annual fundraiser, the Badger Fly Fishers Spring Opener.  This annual fundraiser supports local conservation projects and was scheduled for February 11, 2023.  A couple of factors that came in to play for the Board’s decision were the inability to predict what new COVID-19 variant may or may not be present at the time of the February fundraiser and if it is prudent to promote bringing 250-300 people together if a new variant is impacting the United States.  Secondly, because of serious supply chain issues throughout the country, many raffle and auction donors such as equipment manufactures that have historically contributed items will very likely not have items available to donate to our 2023 Spring Opener.  While we are certain this action will disappoint many people, we feel it is the safest approach for the Badger Fly Fishers organization, our club members and the Spring Opener attendees.  Our future plans are to have the Spring Opener fundraiser on February 10, 2024 and we hope to see you there.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

On a positive note, the Badger Fly Fishers’ Board of Directors has begun to plan for an alternative fundraiser such as a trash and treasure event.  The fundraiser is tentatively planned for our last meeting on May 3, 2023 so begin to consider what fishing equipment “trash” you may have to donate that will become someone else’s “treasure” and therefore raise money for the club and its conservation efforts.  Additional details will be announced in the near future.  Thank you.

See you at the next meeting on Wednesday, November 2nd.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

P.J. Smith is the owner of PJ’s Guide Service located out of his home in Westby, WI known as the “Smith Schoolhouse.”  P.J. has been fly fishing the clear spring creeks in the Driftless Area for more than 20 years and it is truly his passion to share these beautiful and unique waters with his clients. In addition to guiding for trout, P.J. also guides for warm water species on some of Wisconsin’s finest rivers from a drift boat.  While either fishing in the Driftless Area or on a Wisconsin river, P.J. invites guests to enjoy the peace and serenity of the guided trip area and experience.  While fly fishing the Driftless Area, P.J. also offers the unique ability to stay at the well-maintained Smith Schoolhouse in Westby.  The original structure was built as a one room schoolhouse in 1890 and moved to the current property where it was lovingly restored.  Here is a link to P.J.’s website for additional information on his guided trip services.

The meeting on Wednesday, September 7th will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 5:30 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

The following is a list of our future bimonthly meeting dates:

1. November 2, 2022.
2. January 4, 2023.
3. March 1, 2023.
4. May 3, 2023.

The Badger Fly Fishers are happy to announce that it will resume its meeting schedule beginning on Wednesday, September 7th.  Please note that we have changed our meetings to the first Wednesday of the month and will now meet every other month instead of every month as we have done in the past.  Our meetings will continue to be at the Maple Tree restaurant in McFarland but the presentation will begin a half hour earlier at 6:30 p.m. instead of 7:00 p.m. at the request of the Maple Tree management team.  Dinner and conversation will also start a half hour earlier at 5:30 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.  An announcement about our first speaker’s presentation will follow shortly.  The following are the dates for our bimonthly meetings:

1.  September 7, 2022.
2.  November 2, 2022.
3.  January 4, 2023.
4.  March 1, 2023.
5.  May 3, 2023.

Since the Badger Fly Fishers are now meeting once again membership dues will need to be paid starting with the 2023 calendar year.  The dues of just $20 support the great speakers we have at our meetings and the other membership benefits outlined on our website.  Here is a link to the membership form for you to complete and mail to Bill Engber.  The mailing address is at the bottom of the form.  You can also pay your dues at one of our meetings.  Thank you for your continued support of the Badger Fly Fishers!

Please also note that the Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance has changed its meetings to the first Wednesday of the month on the month opposite to the Badger Fly Fishers meeting.  Just like the Badger Fly Fishers, they will also meet at the Maple Tree restaurant in McFarland with the presentation starting at the same 6:30 p.m. time and dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m.  They will meet on the following dates:

1.  October 5, 2022.
2.  December 7, 2022.
3.  February 1, 2023.
4.  April 5, 2023.

See you at the September 7th meeting!

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and our concern for everyone’s safety, all Badger Fly Fishers monthly meetings are still cancelled until further notice.  Please check the Badger Fly Fishers’ website at badgerflyfishers.org for future updates.  Additionally and for the same reason, we have also cancelled the Badger Fly Fishers’ Spring Opener fundraiser scheduled for February 12, 2022.  While we are certain these actions will disappoint many people, we feel it is the safest approach for our Badger Fly Fishers club members and Spring Opener attendees.  We plan to resume our monthly meetings in 2022 as soon as it is safe to do so and the Spring Opener fundraiser in 2023.  Thank you for your patience and understanding and please stay safe and well until we can be together again.

The following are several pictures of some fish caught this past summer by a few Board of Directors members.  If you would like to share a picture of a fish from this summer that you caught, please send it to this email address (badgerflyfishers@gmail.com) and the Buzz will periodically post the pictures on our website.  Enjoy and take care!

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and our concern for everyone’s safety, all Badger Fly Fishers monthly meetings are cancelled until further notice.  Please continue to check the Badger Fly Fishers’ website at badgerflyfishers.org for future updates.  Additionally and for the same reason, we have also cancelled the Badger Fly Fishers’ Spring Opener scheduled for February 13, 2021.  While we are certain these actions will disappoint many people, we feel it is the safest approach for our Badger Fly Fishers club members and Spring Opener attendees.  We plan to resume our monthly meetings in 2021 as soon as it is safe to do so and the Spring Opener in 2022.  Thank you for your patience and understanding and please stay safe and well until we can be together again.

Since nearly all of the 2020 monthly meetings were cancelled, the Badger Fly Fishers’ Board of Directors has decided to rollover the calendar year 2020 membership dues paid to 2021 and therefore for current members no membership dues need to be paid for calendar year 2021.

To end on a positive note, the following are several pictures of some “socially distanced” fish caught by a few Board of Directors members.  If you would like to share a picture of a fish from this summer that you caught, please send it to this email address (badgerflyfishers@gmail.com) and the Buzz will periodically post the pictures on our website that will surely brighten everyone’s day.  Enjoy and take care!

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

Bradd Sims’ presentation on “Smallmouth Bass of the Driftless Area” for Monday, March 23rd has been cancelled due to the health concerns related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the need for groups and really everyone to encourage the practice of social distancing to slow the spread of this virus.  The presentation will be rescheduled at a future date when these health concerns have passed.  We wish you all good health.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

Tim Landwehr is the owner of Tight Lines Fly Fishing Co. in De Pere, WI.  Tim has a dedicated fly fishing retail operation and has developed a robust guiding operation on the Rivers of NE Wisconsin.  In addition, he has had the good fortune to travel the world fishing some of the most remote fly fishing destinations on the planet.  Tim has been featured on ESPN, Outdoor Life Network (OLN), the Fly Fishing Film Tour, Gray’s Sporting Journal and hosted the Midwest Sportsman television program.  His latest project was co-authoring the new book “Smallmouth:  Modern Fly Fishing Methods, Tactics and Techniques”.

Tim and his wife Sarah have had the opportunity to host groups to the Patagonia River Ranch in Argentina over the last three years.  The fishing is fantastic at the Lodge with six different rivers in close proximity to it offering endless angling opportunities with each stretch of water you fish. The scenery is reminiscent of our American West without road noise and the crowds. The rivers are cold, clear and full of big Brown and Rainbow trout.  The fishing is spectacular, hands down.  Join Tim for his presentation titled “A Tight Lines Patagonia Adventure” at this month’s meeting where he will discuss the fishery, travel and adventure to one of the best trout fishing destinations on the planet.  Tim will discuss the where, when and how on this unique fishery.  Tim’s dynamic talk is sure to entertain, educate and help you get over your cabin fever!  The meeting on Monday, February 24th will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 6:00 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

The following is a list of our future monthly meeting presentations for the next three months:

1. March 23, 2020 – Bradd Sims from WDNR on “Smallmouth Bass Fishing and Easement Program”.
2. April 27, 2020 – Dick Dragiewicz on the current status of the Back Forty mine project.
3. May 18, 2020 – Walt Stevenson on the Panama Canal.

For nearly twenty years Rich Osthoff has guided fly fishers for trout on his home waters, the Driftless Region of Western Wisconsin.  His trips take fly fishers on dozens of streams both north and south of the Wisconsin River, including the Viroqua area, Grant County, Richland County and the Kickapoo Reserve/Wildcat Mountain area.  Rich has fished extensively throughout the Rocky Mountains and has authored three fly fishing books and written numerous fishing and fly tying articles for leading magazines.  His first book “Fly Fishing the Rocky Mountain Backcountry” is based on 20 summers of hiking and fishing throughout the wilderness areas of the Rocky Mountains and is considered by many experienced backcountry anglers to be the bible on backcountry fly fishing.  Rich’s two other books “No Hatch to Match” and “Active Nymphing” contain insightful and innovative techniques and strategies for catching trout.  You can read more about Rich at his website.

Rich’s presentation titled “Fly Fishing Skills and Strategies for the Driftless Region” will be a video supported presentation that covers important skills and strategies for the Driftless Region with an emphasis on short-line casting and drift control skills.  The meeting on Monday, January 27th will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 6:00 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

The following is a list of our future meeting presentations:

1. February 8, 2020 – Spring Opener Fundraiser with Bob Clouser as guest speaker.
2. February 24, 2020 – Tim Landwehr on “Fly Fishing in Patagonia.”
3. March 23, 2020 – Bradd Sims from WDNR on “Smallmouth Bass Fishing and Easement Program”

Bob Clouser is a long time high profile smallmouth bass fisherman and is the creator of the famed Clouser Minnow fly pattern.  The Clouser Minnow is known world-wide and has caught more varieties of fish than any other fly.  Bob has also developed numerous other innovative and highly productive freshwater and saltwater fly patterns.  Based in Middletown, Pennsylvania, Bob teaches fly tying, fly casting and fly fishing.  His very popular freshwater and saltwater fly fishing/casting schools are held at various locations around the country using visual aids and casting weighted flies and lines.  Bob also gives lectures, tying demonstrations and presentations nationwide.  Because of his extensive knowledge, Bob is sought after for his fly fishing presentations on top tips for both smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing.  Bob has been featured in many fine fly fishing and fly tying videos and DVD’s.  He is also a prolific and highly regarded author of fly fishing and fly tying articles and books. Bob’s articles have been published in national and regional magazines as well as in freshwater and saltwater publications.  The books he has published are “Clouser’s Flies” and “Fly Fishing for Smallmouth in Rivers and Streams”.  Bob has been presented numerous awards for his strong conservation work.  You can read more about Bob at his website Clouser’s Fly Shop.

The Badger Fly Fishers are extremely thankful to the American Family Insurance Co. that its Spring Opener will once again be held at the American Family Insurance Training Center, Building A, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI.  The facility is outstanding and a perfect location for our event.  The Spring Opener fundraiser helps support local conservation projects.  As a result of attendees’ participation and support of this event the Badger Fly Fishers have been able to donate over $89,000 to improve Wisconsin’s fisheries through education and stream restoration projects.  A comprehensive list of these projects is included on the What We Do page.  The Spring Opener runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 8th.  The event includes 20+ fly tyers that provide hands-on expert instructions, a trade show with 20 or more vendors, a chance to win fabulous fly fishing related equipment in bucket raffles and a silent auction that provides the opportunity to bid on spectacular fly fishing equipment and guided fishing trips.  Here is a link to a list of the magnificent bucket raffle and silent auction items.  This list includes some fantastic, unique and rare fly rods and other prizes that you will definitely want to see and want to bid on.  Admission for the day is only $10 for adults.  Children under 16 are admitted free.  An on-site lunch is available for a nominal charge.  The following is the schedule of activities for the day:

•   8:00 – Registration opens, fly tying begins and commercial exhibits open.
• 10:00 – Bob Clouser’s presentation on “Bass, Both Species, Top to Bottom”.
• 11:15 – Kid’s bucket raffle organized by the Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance.
• 11:30 – Lunch service downstairs begins and continues until 12:45.
•   1:30 – Silent Auction Ends, Bucket Raffle Drawings.
•   3:00 – Bob Clouser’s presentation on “Clouser’s Top Tips”.
•   4:15 – Event Ends.

The Spring Opener event poster includes some additional information, a map with driving and parking directions can be found at this link and more information is available elsewhere on our website.  Please plan to attend this very important fundraising event for the Badger Fly Fishers that helps support the local conservation projects that all of us fly fishers enjoy and appreciate.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

Dr. Jim Lattis is director of the UW Madison Space Place, the outreach and public education center for the University’s Department of Astronomy, in which he is also a Faculty Associate.  Jim teaches astronomy by many methods to a wide variety of audiences from the general public to the university setting.  His research focuses on the history of astronomy and more specifically in the age of Galileo.  Jim has published a book in that area titled “Between Copernicus and Galileo” (University of Chicago Press) and is currently working on a book on the history of Wisconsin’s Washburn Observatory.

UW Madison’s Washburn Observatory was the country’s westernmost research observatory when it was established in 1879.  Although the United States’ physical frontier advanced westward rapidly, the Washburn Observatory remained at the frontiers of astronomical research as a result of its long and prestigious tradition of innovative instrument development which led not only to the growth of modern astrophysics in the early 20th Century but also to new frontiers of space astronomy.  Jim’s presentation will survey the origins and important achievements in the history of Wisconsin’s observatory and its astronomers.

This meeting is a joint Holiday Party with the Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance (WSA) at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  Again this year attendees will need to RSVP by Dec. 9th via email to either Mike Simon at madisonmike@tds.net, Jerry Pasdo at japasdo@gmail.com or the Badger Fly Fishers at badgerflyfishers@gmail.com with your number of dinner attendees so that an accurate count can be obtained.  The meeting begins at 5:30 with a social hour followed by a family style dinner served at 6:30.  The presentation will begin following dinner.  The dinner cost is $19 which includes the tip.  Payment needs to be made in the exact cash amount or via a check payable to Badger Fly Fishers.

Hope to see you on the 16th to learn about the Washburn Observatory’s significant contributions to astronomy!

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

The following is a list of our future monthly meeting presentations for the next three months:

1. January 27, 2020 – Rich Osthoff on fishing the Driftless Region.
2. February 8, 2020 – Spring Opener Fundraiser with Bob Clouser as guest speaker.
3. February 24, 2020 – Tim Landwehr on “Fly Fishing in Patagonia.”
4. March 23, 2020 – Bradd Sims from WDNR on “Smallmouth Bass Fishing and Easement Program”

Matt Mitro is a fisheries research scientist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).  Based in Madison, Matt has been working with the WDNR since 2003 on statewide fisheries issues with a focus on trout in Wisconsin’s inland streams.  Previously he worked for the EPA’s Atlantic Ecology Division and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.  Matt earned his PhD in fisheries from Montana State University studying Rainbow Trout recruitment in the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River.  Matt is an avid fly fisher who has chased trout for over 40 years.  Additional information on Matt’s research and published articles can be found at this link.

Matt will discuss three trout research topics:

1. Climate Change and Trout – Much work has been done in Wisconsin investigating how climate change may ultimately impact trout distribution and how changes in environmental conditions affect interactions among species. Matt will present an overview of studies on climate model projections that show regions of Wisconsin expected to be most resistant to the effects of climate warming and on how interactions of gill lice and trout, mediated by stream conditions, may lead to brook trout loss.
2. Brown Trout Density and Growth – Perceptions of poor growth in high density trout populations have raised the question of whether increased harvest can improve brown trout growth. Matt will present findings from an experimental study on Spring Coulee Creek related to this issue.
3. Beaver Influence on Trout Habitat and Populations – This is a project to study the effect beavers have on cold-water stream habitat and trout populations in Wisconsin. The study began this year and it is expected to help fill in many of the gaps in the understanding of how to best manage for both trout and beaver on Wisconsin streams.

At the November 25th monthly meeting the winning bid for the fundraising auction of the Costa Rica trip will also be announced.  The winning bidder (or his/her representative) must be present at this meeting to pay for the trip.  The last chance and deadline to bid on this trip is Sunday, November 24th at 7:00 p.m.  All the complete details related to the trip and auction can be found at this link.

This meeting also includes the elections of Officers and Board of Directors members so come prepared to participate in this portion of the meeting.  The meeting on Monday, November 25th will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 6:00 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

The following is a list of our future monthly meeting presentations for the next three months:

1. December 16, 2019 – Jim Lattis, UW Space Place Director on “UW-Madison’s Washburn Observatory – 140 Years on the Frontiers.”
2. January 27, 2020 – Rich Osthoff on fishing the Driftless Region.
3. February 8, 2020 – Spring Opener Fundraiser with Bob Clouser as guest speaker.
4. February 24, 2020 – Tim Landwehr on “Fly Fishing in Patagonia.”

Mat Wagner, along with his wife Geri, owns the Driftless Angler Fly Shop in Viroqua, WI.  Mat will make a presentation titled “Golden Dorado Fishing in Northern Argentina” at this month’s meeting. Mat has fished all over North America for pretty much anything that swims and was fortunate enough last year to fish for Golden Dorado in Northern Argentina and is now obsessed with what he calls the “best and most fun fish you will ever catch on a fly rod.”  Freshwater Golden Dorado fishing is only available in a small part of the world and more specifically Central and East Central South America.  Mat’s trip was to the Upper Parana River and the waters of the Ibera Marshlands.  Golden Dorado average 6 to 22 pounds in size and can grow up to 40+ pounds in size.  These fish are well known for their aggressive eats and acrobatic fighting.  In addition to some fantastic photos, Mat’s presentation will include and discuss the locations, habitats and tactics to catch Golden Dorado.  In April next year Mat is going back to Northern Argentina to lead a group of anglers to pursue these great fighting fish with a fly rod.  Come prepared to the meeting to sign up for this true trip of a lifetime because you will definitely want to be on it after seeing Mat’s presentation!  The meeting on Monday, October 28th will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 6:00 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

The following is a list of our future monthly meeting presentations for the next three months:

1. November 25, 2019 – Elections and Mathew Mitro, WDNR.
2. December 16, 2019 – Jim Lattis, UW Space Place Director on “UW-Madison’s Washburn Observatory – 140 Years on the Frontiers.”
3. January 27, 2020 – Rich Osthoff on fishing the Driftless Region.

Welcome to our new season of presentations!  Scott Osborne represents Avalon Outdoor in the United States and has been involved in fly fishing destination travel for nearly a decade which includes guiding clients in Virginia and hosting trips around the world.  Scott began working with Avalon Outdoor a few years ago by first hosting groups for the company and is now its primary representative in the United States.  Avalon Outdoor is an Italian owned company that has been based in Cuba for 27 years and places a strong emphasis on conservation in the protected marine areas of Cuba while offering high quality fly fishing, scuba diving, and eco adventure operations.  The company is the only outfitter in Cuba that offers six unique, pristine and protected marine parks for fly fishing only.  Additional information about Avalon Outdoor’s Cuban fly fishing offerings can be found on this website.  Scott is based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia where he loves chasing smallmouth bass, brook trout, and musky throughout the year.  He is enthusiastic about sharing the uniqueness of Cuba and spreading the word to people everywhere of the conservation efforts and the amazing saltwater fly fishing opportunities available.

Scott’s presentation will discuss Avalon Outdoor’s focus on protecting the vulnerable marine areas in Cuba while offering the highest quality fly fishing and scuba diving trips in the Caribbean.  Through a unique model and innovative partnerships, Avalon Outdoor has made it their mission to create a sustainable business that effectively preserves and protects the marine parks of Cuba while fostering wonderful opportunities for Cubans to live successful lives as stewards of their coastal resources.  Furthermore, in this model of sustainable conservation, Avalon Outdoor has created a legal pathway for United States citizens to visit Cuba and participate in this conservation effort while enjoying fly fishing or scuba diving in the Caribbean’s most pristine marine areas.  Mark your calendars now as you don’t want to miss this fabulous and unique presentation as we kick-off our 2019/2020 season of monthly meetings!

The meeting on Monday, September 23rd will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 6:00 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

Emmy Award-winning filmmakers George Howe and Tim Jacobson of Sustainable Driftless and Rob Nelson of Untamed Science have teamed up again to produce a one hour feature-length film on the amazing origins, diversity, and resources of the Driftless Region.  The creative team also includes Swedish filmmaker Jonas Stenstrom of Untamed Science, and six-time Emmy-winning wildlife cinematographer Neil Rettig.  The result is an extremely rare footage of natural phenomena in the Driftless Region in a way never seen before.

The one hour long movie will take you on a wild ride of adventure from the air, ground, water, and a secret underworld, as leading scientists, local guides, and area enthusiasts reveal their passion for, and knowledge of the Driftless Region.  Travel back 500 million years to discover how this unique region was formed and has evolved over time.  Explore the archaeology, paleontology, geology, and biology of this fascinating region which will take you to parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois to uncover ancient hidden mysteries, endangered Ice-Age throwbacks, and globally rare ecosystems.  This is not a fishing DVD but you are sure to get a new appreciation for the Driftless Region by attending the meeting to watch the movie.  Here is a link to the “Decoding the Driftless” trailer.

Steve Born will be attending the meeting and has graciously offered to answer questions after the movie about the Driftless Region and its geology.  Steve is Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the Urban and Regional Planning Department at the University of Wisconsin.  He is a geologist by training with multiple degrees from various universities, is passionate about fly fishing and is co-author of “Exploring Wisconsin Trout Streams” (UW Press).  Steve’s comments on the Driftless Region after the movie are guaranteed to be both informative and entertaining.

The meeting is on Monday, May 20th which is one week earlier than normal due to the Memorial Day holiday and will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 6:00 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

Phil Anderson is a recently retired professor of Genetics at the UW-Madison and an amateur historian of fly tying and fishing.  He has lived in Madison for 37 years and among his weaknesses are trout of the Driftless and classic books on the history of fly tying.  Phil has taught fly tying classes for the Southern Wisconsin chapter of Trout Unlimited for 14 years and writes a monthly column for SWTU about classic trout flies that have withstood the test of time.  He has educated quite a few Driftless trout over the years about the history of fly tying by reintroducing them to classic flies that they probably have never seen.  Such flies have lost their place of prominence in fly shops, glossy magazines, and glitzy websites but they’ve lost none of their fish-catching magic.

Fly anglers have been fooling trout with fur and feather for hundreds of years.  Read an old fly tying book or examine your granddad’s fly box and you’ll discover flies that are the foundations of our sport.  Many of those old flies are great fish catchers often better than the latest hot new fly.  All trout flies, even modern ones, descend from ancestral flies of similar design and some of those designs date to the earliest days of fly fishing.

The English-language literature on fly fishing began in 1496 with publication of the first book that included artificial flies and recipes for their construction.  Fly angling evolved tremendously in the ensuing 500+ years due largely to conceptual and technical advances by some of history’s most insightful and influential anglers.  Phil will examine the evolution of fly fishing using classic trout flies as a window on the history of the sport.

As with biological evolution, the pace of change in fly fishing over time has not been uniform.  Relatively lengthy periods of stasis in which few significant changes occurred have been punctuated by short periods of major change.  New ideas and methods were established often by individual angler-authors that swept rather quickly through fly fishing.  Phil will highlight some of the landmark anglers, influential books and famous fly patterns and comment on their impacts both at the time and today.

The meeting on Monday, April 22nd will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 6:00 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

Abe Downs is the owner of Great Northern Fly Fishing and an Orvis endorsed fly fishing guide on the Upper Wisconsin River fishing for smallmouth bass and musky.  Abe started fly fishing for trout as most fly fishermen do but quickly realized trout are not the only game in town.  Turning his attention to warm water species, Abe soon found himself fishing for bass and musky.  Since rivers and fish are always changing, Abe believes fishermen need to change too so he likes to experiment with new fly fishing techniques.  Abe also has a passion for travel and finding new places in the world to catch fish with a fly rod.

Do you want to become famously known as the next Santiago as in Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Old Man and the Sea”?  If you recall, Santiago is an aged Cuban fisherman who, after 84 days without success on the water, heads out to sea to break his run of bad luck.  On the 85th day Santiago hooks a giant and resolute marlin; what follows is a great struggle between man, sea creature, and the elements.  You can gain some extremely valuable knowledge to help become the next Santiago by attending Abe’s (a.k.a. The Newest Santiago of Costa Rica) presentation on “Fly Fishing Costa Rica for Marlin”.In September 2018 Abe flew to San Jose, Costa Rica and then traveled on to Quepos on the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica.  Quepos has a population of about 22,000 people and is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park.  The city is very tourism-oriented having many bars and restaurants and a vivacious nightlife.  The town is named for the native Quepo Indians who inhabited the area in the colonial era.  Abe’s presentation will be about fly fishing for marlin in the Pacific Ocean off Quepos.  He will include a general overview of his travel to Costa Rica and some of his cultural experiences while in Costa Rica.  Specific to the marlin fly fishing, Abe will talk about the tackle requirements and what it takes to hook into one of the biggest fishes you can fly fish for.  With the knowledge obtained from Abe’s presentation you are guaranteed to catch an enormous marlin well within the 85 days it took Santiago to catch one!!!  Hope you can make it to this month’s meeting to learn how you too can become famous as the next Santiago of Costa Rica!!!  The meeting on Monday, March 25th will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 6:00 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

John Lyons is a fish biologist with over 33 years of post-graduate experience studying the fishes of Wisconsin, the Upper Great Lakes Region, Mexico and Central America.  Since 1985 John has been the Curator of Fishes for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Zoological Museum and prior to his retirement in 2017, he was a fisheries research scientist and supervisor for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) for more than 32 years.  John earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.S. in Biology from Union College, Schenectady, NY.

John’s presentation will inform us about a new environmental organization, Wisconsin’s Greenfire, Voices for Conservation, which was established in 2017 to promote the better use of science and increased transparency and collaboration in the management of Wisconsin’s natural resources.  This organization is open for anyone to join.  John will describe the origins, structure, and function of the group and how Greenfire hopes to work with groups such as the Badger Fly Fishers to help conserve the state’s aquatic ecosystems.  He will also focus on three pending fisheries issues which are the WDNR’s Trout Plan, Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) of anglers and hunters, and the adaptation strategies for addressing climate change impacts on fisheries in which the Badger Fly Fishers can play a particularly important role.  Additional information on Wisconsin’s Greenfire can be found on its website.  The meeting on Monday, February 25th will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 6:00 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.  Hope you can make it to the meeting to be educated about this new environmental group and more specifically its work related to Wisconsin’s aquatic ecosystems.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

Pat Dorsey is a Denver, Colorado based fly fishing guide and co-owner of the Blue Quill Angler, a full-service fly shop that has served customers since 1988.  Pat has pursued selective Rocky Mountain trout for over thirty-five years and as a result has a vast knowledge and expertise fly fishing in Colorado’s legendary rivers’ tailwaters and streams.  As a master fly fishing guide Pat has helped anglers of all ages and skill levels discover the joy of fly fishing, knows the waters of Colorado better than almost anyone and is an expert on the equipment and flies needed to catch selective Rocky Mountain trout.  You can find additional information about Pat at his website.

The Badger Fly Fishers are extremely thankful to the American Family Insurance Co. that its Spring Opener will once again be held at the American Family Insurance Training Center, Building A, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI.  The facility is outstanding and a perfect location for our event.  The Spring Opener fundraiser helps support local conservation projects.  As a result of attendees’ participation and support of this event the Badger Fly Fishers have been able to donate over $86,000 to improve Wisconsin’s fisheries through education and stream restoration projects.  A comprehensive list of these projects is included on the What We Do page.  The Spring Opener runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 9th.  The event includes 20+ fly tyers that provide hands-on expert instructions, a trade show with 20 or more vendors, a chance to win fabulous fly fishing related equipment in bucket raffles and a live auction that provides the opportunity to bid on spectacular fly fishing equipment and guided fishing trips.  Here are links to lists of the magnificent bucket raffle and lively auction items.  Admission for the day is only $10 for adults.  Children under 15 are admitted free.  An on-site lunch is available for a nominal charge.  The following is the schedule of activities for the day:

•   8:00 – Registration opens, fly tying begins and commercial exhibits open.
• 10:00 – Pat Dorsey’s presentation on “Fly Fishing Western US Rivers’ Tailwaters”.
• 11:00 – Kid’s bucket raffle organized by the Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance.
• 11:15 – Lunch service downstairs begins and continues until 12:30.
•   1:00 – Lively Auction.
•   2:30 – Pat Dorsey’s presentation on “Fly Fishing Colorado’s Best Trout Streams”.
•   4:30 – Bucket Raffle Drawings.

The Spring Opener event poster includes some additional information, a map with driving and parking directions can be found at this link and more information is available elsewhere on our website.  Please plan to attend this very important fundraising event for the Badger Fly Fishers that helps support the local conservation projects that all of us fly fishers enjoy and appreciate.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

Emily Buege is a Research Scientist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and a database manager and spatial analyst on the Snapshot Wisconsin project.  She has a B.S. in Ecology and a M.S. in Geography with an emphasis in environment and natural resources.  Emily’s thesis research involved species distribution modeling of native fish in the Bladen River, Belize.

Let’s discover our wildlife together!  Snapshot Wisconsin is a volunteer-based project which utilizes a statewide network of trail cameras to monitor wildlife year-round.  From coniferous forests to vast prairies volunteers host trail cameras throughout Wisconsin’s landscapes.  The photos of diverse wildlife captured on Snapshot Wisconsin cameras such as these here are hosted online where they can be classified by volunteers across the globe.  The resulting data set is used to inform WDNR management decisions and helps it learn more about Wisconsin’s wildlife.  The project is also a unique opportunity for individuals, families, and students to get involved in monitoring the state’s valuable natural resources.  Additional information about Snapshot Wisconsin can be found on its webpage and you can visit this website to view and classify images captured on all the project’s trail cameras.  Please note that Emily can not divulge the remote Northern Wisconsin location where one of these pictures was taken because it would become an instant tourist attraction that would likely overrun the area.  Get ready to see some beautiful pictures of wildlife in a natural setting and to learn how you might participate in this exciting project!

This meeting is a joint Holiday Party with the Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance (WSA) at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  New this year is that attendees will need to RSVP by Dec. 3rd via email to either Mike Simon at madisonmike@tds.net or Jerry Pasdo at japasdo@gmail.com with your number of dinner attendees.  The meeting begins at 5:30 with a social hour followed by a family style dinner served at 6:30.  The presentation will begin following dinner and the cost is $18 which includes the tip.  Payment needs to be made in the exact cash amount or via a check payable to WSA.  Hope to see you on Tuesday, December 11th to be educated about the WDNR’s Snapshot Wisconsin project!

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

As we all know, Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario are collectively known as the Great Lakes but these well-known bodies of water all originate from a lesser known source.  Lake Nipigon and the Nipigon River in northwestern Ontario drain into Lake Superior making the lake and river the largest tributaries of Lake Superior.  In fact Lake Nipigon is considered by many people to be the 6th Great Lake.  With a surface area of 1,872 sq. miles, shore length of 649 miles, maximum depth of 541 feet and nearly 500 islands it’s understandable why Lake Nipigon is a great lake!  The lake is also noted for its towering cliffs and unusual green-black sand beaches composed of the fine particles of a dark green mineral known as pyroxene.  The lake basin provides an important habitat for woodland caribou too.  Don Wolf has made the 12 hour road trip from Madison to Lake Nipigon numerous times to explore and fish the lake and rivers in the area.  In addition to being a huge lake, Lake Nipigon is a very wild lake that has very few houses on it and only about a half dozen boat landings on the entire lake.  Don will share his experiences and discoveries fishing for northern pike and brook trout on the lake and steelhead on the Lake Superior tributaries in the Lake Nipigon region.  The meeting on Monday, November 26th will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 6:00 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

Lisie Kitchel is a Conservation Biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) working in the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation where she is an expert on Wisconsin’s native freshwater mussels.  Lisie is trained as an Aquatic Ecologist with a BS in Ecosystems Analysis and an MS in Fisheries and has over 30 years of experience working with rare and endangered aquatic species.

Did you know that Wisconsin has 52 different species of native mussels?  Well it does!  Our native mussels, or clams as they are more commonly called, are one of Wisconsin’s most diverse yet hidden treasures.  Mussels have a surprisingly complex life cycle which is dependent on fish and they have adapted amazing ways to attract these fish as hosts.  Mussels have also contributed to the history of Wisconsin from food to buttons to pearls.

Acting as filters mussels improve the water quality of our lakes, rivers and streams and they are good indicators of changing environmental conditions.  Mussels are so important indicators that the WDNR has developed a Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program and recently completed a Freshwater Mussels Survey.  Lisie’s presentation guarantees that you will come away with a greater appreciation of these unique animals.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

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