Ryan Peterson is making a trip from Alaska to Nor'East TU to present to us his incredibly impactful short film "sea-swallow's." He exposes the faces of Bristol Bay and the truth about Pebble Mine. This Trout Unlimited sponsored piece should not be missed. Mark your calendars for this unique chapter event.

Here is a quote from the ArtsAlaska.org film festival where the film premiered:

There are films that change your mind, that get into your consciousness. sea-swallow’d, by Ryan Peterson of Alaskanist Stories did this perfectly. Without words, through music and images, this film showed the faces of people living in Bristol Bay, Alaska. One by one, we saw regular people living their lives, surrounded by Alaska’s vast wilderness and the world’s most productive salmon habitat. The landscape shots, the camera work… just stellar. In this film, we saw shots that I don’t think have ever been seen before, especially in the salmon scene when the camera was underneath, looking up at, the running salmon. Jaws in the theatre dropped, audibly, during this scene. Collectively, we felt we were seeing something amazing. It was an emotional, intrinsic feeling that swept the audience, without any need to use an overt “environmental” argument. The closing words, unspoken, and image of the “No Pebble Mine” banner had the theatre erupt in applause and cheers. This was the most electric moment of the entire evening.

Ryan on Ryan:

Born and raised in Alaska, went to college at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland to study American History. From 2001-2005 I worked in state politics in AK, first in the office of Governor Tony Knowles, then as an aide to a legislator representing downtown Anchorage. I've lived, travelled and guided flyfishers all over Alaska, and this year will guide my 10th season in Kamchatka, Russia. From 2005-2012 I worked as an international flyfishing travel specialist at The Fly Shop in Redding California, arranging flyfishing trips all over the world. I recently moved home to Anchorage, where I've founded a production company to document the flyfishing and broader outdoor culture of Alaska. Several of the films I have worked on have received wide-acclaim within the flyfishing and fish conservation communities and beyond. Among them are sea-swallow'd which examines the relationship between humans and salmon in Bristol Bay, AK in the context of the proposed Pebble Mine, and Eastern Rises (with Felt Soul Media) a flyfishing documentary romp through Kamchatka, Russia. The later won the award for Best Mountain Sport Film at the prestigious Banff Mountain Film Festival in 2011.

Ryan will also share with us some of his steelhead guiding and filming experiences.

Monday June 3, 2013
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)(Bring Your Own Beverage)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

Owners of the North Country Angler in North Conway, New Hampshire. Bill and Janet will present Fly Fishing the Eastern Slope of the New Hampshire White Mountains covering the home waters he has fished for over thirty years, including the Saco, Ellis, Wildcat and Swift Rivers. He'll also talk about Mountain Pond and the Androscoggin River. They are licensed NH Guides. Bill writes a weekly fishing column for his local newspaper and a monthly column for NH Outdoor Gazette.

Monday May 6, 2013
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)(Bring Your Own Beverage)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

In an effort to switch things up a bit, the chapter will hold its April 1st Chapter Meeting at the
Orvis Store at the North Shore Mall.

Our speaker for the evening is Robin Reeve. As managing partner of Three Rivers Lodge, Robin
has spent the last fifteen summers along fertile rivers of the Labrador interior. He will be shar-
ing his images of this wilderness, of its trophy brook trout and perhaps divulging a few angling
secrets.





All purchases during the meeting will receive a 20% discount.

See you there.

Monday April 1, 2013
7:00PM Robin Reeve Presentation
Orvis
North Shore Mall
Peabody, Mass

Join us this month for a presentation by Jim MacCartney, River Restoration Director for Trout Unlimited (TU). Jim works nationwide on a variety of river restoration projects including stream crossing remediation, channel restoration, bank stabilization, habitat enhancement, dam removal, and watershed assessment. Before joining TU, he worked for the NH Department of Environmental Services where he administered the NH Rivers Program and led development of the State’s instream flow policy. Jim previously was President of the River Management Society, and earned his M.S. in Resource Management and Administration from Antioch University New England. In addition to his job with TU, Jim also works part-time for the National Park Service on Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Jim’s talk will focus on some of TU’s restoration efforts in the region and the innovative techniques being employed.

We're also going to celebrate St' Patrick's Day a little early because our own Mike O'Neill will be making corned beef and cabbage for our pre-meeting meal. Join us and remember to bring your own green beverage!

Monday March 4, 2013
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)(Bring Your Own Green Beverage)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

Photo: Lakewood Camps

Join us this month for a presentation on fishing Maine's Rapid River, presented by Whit Carter of Lakewood Camps. The big fishing attraction at Lakewood Camps is the Rapid River. Named the best natural brook trout stream in the lower 48 states, and listed as one of the top 100 best places to fish in the world, the Rapid lives up to this reputation. The Rapid often exceeds fly fishers expectations. Brook trout in the three to five pound range are common. The Rapids River's landlocked salmon must not be over looked either, they are prolific, and big. Many salmon exceed twenty inches, and three pounds. Landlocked salmon are a great fly fishing challenge, with long runs and lots of fighting and jumping which adds to the excitement. Find out more at www.lakewoodcamps.com

We will also have our annual business meeting, elections and member rod raffle. Don't miss out!

Monday January 7, 2013
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)(Bring Your Own Beverage)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

Monday December 3, 2012
6:00 Pizza free to all!
7:00 Fly tying and informal discussion
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

This months meeting will be our annual holiday pizza party and fly tying get-together. You don't have to be a fly tyer to come. We'll have pizza for all, so bring an appetite and your own holiday cheer. Like last year, fly tyers can bring their tools and materials and tie up anything they'd like. If you have an extra vice and tools bring them along and maybe help some non-tyers find out about the other half of the fly fishing sport. All are encouraged to try their hand at this wonderful pastime. This is a relaxed and cozy meeting where members can come and enjoy each others company as the year winds down.

We'll have informal discussion about the upcoming 2013 calendar and also discuss our Annual Chapter Business Meeting in January where we will hold elections. We'd also like to hear what's on your mind and what you'd like to see the chapter be doing in the future.

Mark your calendars for this very spacial meeting.

Wayne Castonguay, new Executive Director for the Ipswich River Watershed Association, will join us to introduce himself and give a brief overview of his observations of the IRWA during his first month on the job that may be of interest to TU.  At this early stage in his tenure, he primarily wants to learn more about TU’s role relative to the river and how he can help us advance mutual goals. Please join us for this important and informational meeting between our like minded organizations.

Monday October 1, 2012
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)(Bring Your Own Beverage)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

We are pleased to have Mark Foley of First Cast Fly Fishing presenting a 60 minutes slide show about fly-fishing and traveling in Argentina. At age 29, Mark spent one year hiking and fishing the Andes Mountain Range and he is a former Argentina fly-fishing lodge manager. During his presentation, he will take us on a fly-fishing journey from Tierra del Fuego to the border of the Bolivian rainforest. We will see spectacular pictures of the Andes Mountains, wildlife such as the Andean Condor, and of course, lots of photos of wild trout and Golden Dorado. Lastly, Mark will share a few secrets on how to travel on a dime, yet travel in comfort.

About Mark:
Mark is a native of New Hampshire and a graduate from Iowa State University. His love for adventure fishing and traveling has brought him to Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Central and South America, British Columbia and Alaska. He spent 15 years in medical sales before starting a not for profit, donation only business called First Cast Fly Fishing. In addition, he is a licensed NH guide, a certified fly fishing instructor for the NH Fish & Game, the Phillips Exeter Academy fly-fishing adviser and ODC instructor (outdoor challenge) and a Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge Counselor. Lastly, he is a life member of Trout Unlimited and Federation of Fly Fishers.



Monday September 10, 2012
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

The chapter will host a presentation by Nick Wildman, of Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration. Following a brief description of the agency’s philosophy and guiding principles, the talk will focus on current coldwater restoration projects on the Shawsheen River in Andover, the Hoosic River in Clarksburg, and the Jones river in Kingston. There will be ample time for questions and discussion. With all of the recent activity regarding the Shawsheen, this will be a great opportunity to learn more about the river and prospects for restoring it.
 
Nick Wildman is the Priority Projects Coordinator for the MA Division of Ecological Restoration. As part of this work, Nick facilitates the progress of 26 river restoration projects across the state. He has over six years experience directing stream and wetland restoration projects in the northeastern US. Nick holds a Master of Environmental Management degree from Duke University. He lives in New Bedford with his wife and two young children.

Monday May 7, 2012
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

© 2012 Photography by Michelson, Inc.

This month photographer/videographer Robert Michelson will present “The Life Cycles and Spawning Behavior of Eastern Brook Trout and Atlantic Salmon.” Bob will share his photos and short videos during his presentation.

Photography By Michelson, Inc. is based in Braintree, Massachusetts. Bob is an underwater photographer and videographer who has been diving for 31years. His images and articles have appeared in numerous national publications, and his video footage and programming has aired on numerous broadcast and cable networks. Bob is also working with the MA/RI Council of Trout Unlimited to produce a documentary on several river restoration projects that the council is supporting.

Monday April 2, 2012
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

Just a reminder that there will be no March meeting this month since we all attended the Fly Fishing Film Tour. See you again on April 2, 2012

Two reasons to come to our February 6th meeting:

First, we failed to give away the Winston Ascent rod at our last meeting, so we’ll be raffling it off at the meeting. As a reminder, you received a free chance to win the rod for every meeting you attended.

Second, Sean Smith will be presenting "Fishing the New Hampshire Seacoast" and providing great insight into fishing the seacoast rivers, including the Lamprey, Exeter, Isinglass and Cocheco. Sean has guided in this area for years and was the former president of the Great Bay TU chapter. We hope to see you there.

Monday February 6, 2012
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

Attention All Members
Annual meeting and elections to be held this Monday at the IWRA. We will discuss the future events and happenings of the chapter for 2012. Please attend this import ant meeting.
Monday January 9, 2012
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

We hope to see you at the December meeting.

Monday December 5, 2011
6:00 Pizza free to all!
7:00 Fly tying and informal discussion
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

This months meeting will be our annual holiday pizza party fly tying get-together. You don't have to be a fly tyer to come. We'll have pizza for all, so bring an appetite and your own holiday cheer. Like last year, fly tyers can bring their tools and materials and tie up anything they'd like. If you have an extra vice and tools bring them along and maybe help some non-tyers find out about the other half of the fly fishing sport. All are encouraged to try their hand at this wonderful pastime. This is a relaxed and cozy meeting where members can come and enjoy each others company as the year winds down.

We'll have informal discussion about the upcoming 2012 calendar and also discuss our Annual Chapter Business Meeting in January where we will hold elections. We'd also like to hear what's on your mind and what you'd like to see the chapter be doing in the future.

Mark your calendars for this very spacial meeting.

"Why We Should Care About Wild Trout Streams and their Inhabitants"


Our Speaker: Russ Cohen, Division of Ecological Restoration, MA Dept. of Fish and Game

Russ’ presentation elaborates on the point that the presence of naturally-reproducing wild trout are an indicator that a stream is in relatively good shape and is likely to support a host of aquatic and other sensitive organisms that share wild trout’s demanding habitat requirements.  While there are more wild trout streams around than many people (even TU members) realize, these high-quality habitats are threatened and could be lost unless they are better recognized and protected.  Russ’ presentation covers the characteristics of healthy wild trout streams (adequate instream flows, cool water temperatures, plentiful streamside vegetation, large woody material in the stream, etc.), the various human activities that can degrade trout habitat (excessive removal of riverine vegetation, water supply withdrawals, impervious surfaces, etc.) and what actions people can take to help protect and restore these valuable resources.  Russ is the co-author of "Ten Ways Conservation Commissions Can Help Protect Coldwater Streams and Their Inhabitants", an important publication that provides tangible ways conservation commissions and others can most effectively protect coldwater resources within their communities.  Besides the obvious appeal trout streams have to Trout Unlimited members, and the fact that many TU members are familiar with cold water conservation efforts, Mr. Cohen's presentation will expose our members and others to new ideas and current approaches to stream management.  

Monday November 7, 2011
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)
7:00 Presentation
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.
Dinner will be three bean chili or clam chowder, salad, bread and dessert. Bring your own beverage.

John LeJeune

This month's meeting is a must see! Dick Brown, Internationally acclaimed author specializing in bonefish will be speaking at our October meeting this Monday at the Ipswich River Watershed Association. Dick has just released the second edition of his "Bonefish Fly Patterns" book. Dick gets right to the the essential information on the quarry of this premier saltwater gamefish. His patterns are beautiful and effective. Dick's extensive experience and deep knowledge is sure to bring even the saltiest angler new tools in bringing the most elusive fish to hand. I have personally tied with Dick and his thoughtful and knowledgeable manor is a pleasure to be around. Don't miss this exciting presentation. Dick will also have copies of his books for sale at the meeting and will be glad to personalize your purchase. More info about Dick Brown, and all things bonefishing can be found at dickbrownbonefishing.com

Monday October 3, 2011
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)
7:00 Presentation
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.


John LeJeune

A great review of Dick Brown's Bonefish Fly Patterns has been posted over at the Global Fly Fisher website. Martin Jorgensen of Denmark gives Brown's book a rare 6 out of 6 "Global Class" rating. Take a look at the review of this excellent book.

Dick Brown will be speaking at out next chapter meeting on October 3, 2011.  He will be signing books and will have some available for purchase.  Mark your calendars for this very special event. 

Photo Kevin Correa

Think catching a fish on a fly you tied is satisfying? Wait until you catch a fish on a rod you built. Tom Costa and Kevin Correa present "An Introduction to Rod Building." The presentation will include choosing the equipment and materials you'll need to build your rod, and an overview of the steps involved in the building process. Plus Tom and Kevin will share tips and tricks to help your build go smoothly. Having trouble with a rod you're building? Bring it in and we'll help troubleshoot the problem.

See you Monday!

Details:
May Chapter Meeting - Monday, May 2nd
6 p.m. Doors open for dinner ($5 donation)
7 p.m. Introduction to Rod Building
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road, Ipswich

Just a quick note to remind everyone that our April meeting will be held this Monday, April 4th at the Ipswich River Watershed Association.
Meeting Details:
Monday April 4
6 pm Dinner
7 pm Meeting: Rick Southgate's Striped Bass Presentation
Ipswich River Watershed Association 143 County Road, Ipswich, MA
*Public Welcome*

Doors open for dinner at 6 pm (with a $5 donation). This month Mike O’Neill will be serving up his world-renowned corned beef and cabbage. (Yes our timing is a bit off, but given the fact that it’s April 1st and snowing, nothing seems to be going by calendar dates.)
Meeting begins at 7 pm. This month we are pleased to host Rick Southgate’s presentation:
Estuary Fly Fishing for Striped Bass: Times, Tides, Baitfish, Flies and Methods
Rick lives in Essex and has been fly fishing the north side of Cape Ann for over thirty years. For six years he ran a charter service focusing on the Essex River, Plum Island Sound and the beachfronts. Rick also worked with Mass Marine Fisheries and UMass on a 3-year study of the striped bass diet in the Essex River.

This presentation will cover:
* Understanding estuarine systems and how striped bass move and feed within them.
* The prey; when it arrives, how it moves and how best to imitate it.
* Favorite flies and how to tie and fish them.
* Fishing from boat, shore access and wading the flats.
Hope to see you there!

Rick Little lives in Hampstead, NH and is an avid fly fisherman and fly tyer.  He grew up in Marblehead and learned his love for fishing and the outdoors from his father.  While a student at the University of Maine, he was introduced to fly fishing and fly tying and has been enjoying both for over 40 years.  Rick's program "Adventure trip to Labrador City and northern Quebec" chronicles his journey, the sites and scenery as well as the fishing adventure of this trip to our neighbor to the north.  While Rick does have a "real" job, he started Shadcreek Flies (www.shadcreekflies.com) as a way to build upon his fly tying and to share what he has learned over the years.

Meeting Details:
November 1, 2010
7PM
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road, Ipswich, MA

Please join the Nor’East Chapter of Trout Unlimited for a discussion of the restoration of sea run brook trout on the north shore.  Steve Hurley, Southeast District Fisheries Manager for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has overseen Red Brook Restoration.

Meeting Details:
October 4, 2010
7PM
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road, Ipswich, MA

One week from today, mark your calendars:

First Light Anglers
21 Main Street
Rowley, MA 01969

7:00PM (6:00PM Pizza dinner with a small donation.)

Please join us as Patrick Brown of First Light Anglers talks about First Light’s efforts to revitalize the sea run trout fishery on the north shore.

Public Welcome.

We will also have a bucket raffle and are still looking for more contributions.  Anything that’s in it’s original packaging can be in the raffle and as always flies are welcome.