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