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.

Monster Brookies and Pike were on display within Robin Reeve's informative talk and slide show on fishing in Labrador. This early season imagery got many of our members yearning to hit the water. The Orvis store made us very comfortable and provided wonderful food and beverages to the membership. There was a discount provided to all attendees that wanted to temper their Fly Fishing EAS (Equipment Acquisition Syndrome). In addition the store raffled off a Hydros II fly reel that was won by John LeJeune, fair and square. "That's my story and I'm sticking to it" claimed LeJeune when interviewed for this blog post. Thanks to Chad Christie and Emily Shea of Orvis for helping make a successful meeting.

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

The chapter enjoyed a very innovative talk by Jim MacCartney on mobile wood deployment in trout streams that uses half man and half mother nature technique to naturally deploy cover for improved trout habitat. Thanks also to Jim MacDougall for providing some highlight photos of the meeting.

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.

Thanks again to Kalil Boghdan who drew a standing room only crowd at our February meeting. His presentation about stirper fishing in the Essex, Parker, Merrimack and Ipswich estuaries was very informative and made everyone in the room long to be in the salt casting to a boil with birds above. His extensive knowledge and attention to detail certainly showed why he was named Orvis' 2012 Endorsed Guide of the year. You can read more about his award here. Kalil has also been featured in The Angling Report and on the NOAA Fisheries Service webste. Have a look and read what makes Kalil such a great guide. You can also find out more his Downriver Charters Guide Service at his website www.downrivercharters.com.

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.

Nick Wildman presented an interesting talk last night on major dam removal projects in Massachusetts. Nick is the Priority Projects Coordinator for the MA Division of Ecological Restoration. His talk highlighted some of the major dam removal projects going on in Massachusetts right now. The Division will work with any dam owners that are interested in help with their dam removal project in hopes of returning these sites to their original flows to improve the rivers health and ecosystem. There have been many successful projects of late and most notably to our chapter the Ox Pasture Brook Project. Of current interest to the Nor'East Chapter is the proposed removal of two of the three dams in the Shawsheen River. Here is where we need your help. Earlier this month, the Town of Andover submitted an "Environmental Notification Form" (ENF) to the state's Mass. Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office, regarding removal of Balmoral and Marland Place Dams.

The purpose of the ENF is to inform the MEPA office and the public about the project, and to request the state waive the requirement for a full environmental review (EIR) document. You can see the full ENF (all 275 pages!) on the website, www.ecorestoration.org (last document under "tech resources"). THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT NOW! Please send a letter to Secretary Sullivan, supporting the restoration project and the waiver request. You don't need to be an Andover resident--any Massachusetts organization or individual can weigh in. The letter is due by 25 May. The following is all the information you need for the letter. You can cut-and-paste right into your letter; the rest should be in your own words. If you're writing on behalf of an organization, please use letterhead if you have it.

Address the letter to:
Secretary Richard K. Sullivan, Jr.
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
Attention: MEPA Office
100 Cambridge Street Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114

At the top of the letter, note the following file number:

MEPA File #: 14889 - Shawsheen River Dam Removals and River Restoration Project

In your own words, make the following points:

• You or your organization supports the Shawsheen River Restoration Project, specifically, removal of Balmoral and Marland Place Dam
• Give your reasons why you support the restoration (for example, fish and wildlife restoration, ecosystem improvement, water quality improvement, paddling, fishing, aesthetics, potential flood reduction, improvement of public safety)
• You or your organization supports the Town's request to waive the full Environmental Impact Review (it's important to use this language)

Please mail your letter directly to Secretary Sullivan by May 18 if possible, to allow for mailing times.

Thank you! This letter is extremely important to the restoration project.

© 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

Congratulations to Tim Twombly who is now the new chapter Secretary. Tim will be a great addition to our officer roster.

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.

There is still an opening for the office of secretary. Please let Kevin Correa know if you are interested in holding this office.

President - Kevin Correa
Vice President - Tom Schultz
Treasurer - Mike O’Neill
Secretary - Open

Directors:
James Goodhart
Neil Green
Art Howe
Harris Krinsky
John LeJeune
Jim MacDougall
Bill Mann
Bob Torkildsen
Tim Twombly
Ken Washburn
David Williams

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.

The Chapter would again like to thank Russ Cohen for his wonderful talk on cold water habitats and their importance. We'd also like to thank him for the donation of a signed copy of his book Wild plants I have Known. . . and Eaten. Copies of his presentation can be downloaded by clicking here. For those members who missed the meeting or are interested in hearing more of Russ he will be speaking nearby very soon in Salisbury on Monday November 14 at 7:00 PM.

Water - When is Enough Not Enough?
Featured Speaker: Russ Cohen, Division of Ecological Restoration, MA Dept. of Fish and Game (http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/der/index.htm)
Massachusetts is blessed with relatively abundant precipitation (an average of 45 inches/year), leading many residents to the erroneous belief that there’s plenty of “surplus” water available for human consumption at any time and for any purpose. Russ’s presentation explains why our water resources can at times be insufficient to support our aquatic ecosystem, how human activities both historically and today adversely affected our river and stream systems, and what potential solutions are available to mitigate these impacts.
The talk is sponsored by the Sea Spray Garden Club and will take place at the East Parish United Methodist Church, 8 Lafayette Road in Salisbury.  The talk is open to all interested people.

"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

As a follow-up to Rick Southgate's great presentation on Striped Bass I'm posting two YouTube Videos of a presentation done my Martha Mathers that covers some of the work that she and Kristen Ferry did during Kristen thesis research. This was posted as part of a Mass Audubon outreach program. I can't find Kristen's thesis on-line or her contact info at the Mass. Division of Marine Fisheries. If anyone knows how to contact her please let us know.

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!

A few local events are upon us, please see the chapter's google calendar for more dates, times and other information.  Here are a select few:

LL Bean Fishing Spring Fishing Weekend - March 19-21
Squannatissit Banquet - March 20
Ipswich Dam Removal - March 29
Larkin Dam Removal - March 30
Nor’East Chapter Meeting - April 6th
TU National Stream Clean-up Day - April 17
Parker River Paddle - April 24
Fish and Wildlife Conference - April 26

You can also email us at  newsletter@tunoreast.org

In anticipation of our meeting this Tuesday March 9 at First Light Anglers I rounded up a few links to sources about Brook Trout.

Salvelinus_fontinalis

Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture

TU Brook Trout Conservation Success Index

Hope to see you at the meeting!