Vets Fly Tying in the Evening, a First, Prep and Packing for the CFFA Expo

4 degrees 14" snow, not fun

Tying the "Squirminator"

Well, it was a first, last night we met at night to tie flies at the American legion Hall in the evening, 6:30 until 8:30.  We’re hoping that a few of the vets that have conflicts during the day due to school, medical or work will be able to join us. We had 12 attendees show up, considering the temp was a balmy 14 degrees and there is still some ice and snow from the major storm we just had, it was a success.  Like anything else, you start small and build your base.

Making Choices and Drawing Materials

Here's another variation on the program. Each person that tied, had a choice to tie a classic Mickey Finn, a variation called the Marabou Mickey Finn, or a “Squirminator”. As always, recipes and video links were provided, but once you made your selection you needed to pull your own materials from what we provided.  That’s a piece we have been missing in our teaching process. That also allows the tyers to modify and colors and sizes to what they feel will work best.

If you are a vet with a disability and think you may be interested in our fly-fishing based program, please reach out using the contact links on this website. If you would like to support us, reach our as well. www.vetshealingonthefly.org. 

And don't forget to like and follow us on Facebook!!

Next up, Vets Healing on the Fly will be attending and running a couple of tag sale tables at the CFFA Expo. This is a fundraiser for our group so, please stop by and stock up. We are all prepped and ready to go.  Since we are a self-funded 501[c]3,   CFFA Expo tag sale helps us raise raise money to keep the program going.

prepped and ready for the show tomorrow.

On a side note, Emilio, is now in Argentina for a week of dry fly fishing.  His flight was canceled due to the storm, but 8 hours later than scheduled, and about a grand in added expense, he made it.

Fly fishing in the snow offers solitude and big fish opportunities, focusing on deep, slow pools where trout conserve energy, using nymphs and streamers, fishing mid-day (10 am - 3 pm) when water's warmest (around 40°F), and layering clothing for warmth with moisture-wicking base layers and waterproof shells, plus managing gear for freezing conditions like icy guides. Success relies on slow, stealthy approaches in clear winter water and adapting to fewer bug hatches by presenting small, weighted flies effectively.

I'll be back next week. Tight lines and stay safe.

See you next week.

Don