October Fly of the Month- Griffith's Gnat

The Griffith’s Gnat was created by George Griffith, one of the co-founders of Trout Unlimited. Griffith organized the first meeting of TU at his cottage, “The Barbless Hook,” and was a lifelong conservationist. He died in 1998 at 97. Griffith and the other founders made a plan to unite the angling community around a common purpose: to take care of the wild and native trout and salmon we all enjoy and appreciate.  You can read more about The Griffith’s Circle on the Trout Unlimited Website.

The Griffith’s Gnat is a versatile little guy.  It can imitate a midge cluster of mating flies or an adult single midge – depending on size.  I have fished it when trout have been finicky and unresponsive to BWO patterns, and I want to give them a look at a different pattern.  It works well as a second fly, trailing off of another dry. I also use it as an indicator when fishing a smaller midge fly. Fish seem to like it in slower, flat water and riding low in the foam.  

Tie up six and bring them to the October 10th chapter meeting. There will be two raffles.

Fly Tying Monday, September 16 with Jeff Lutz

Join us for the next fly tying session at the Parsippany Library, 449 Halsey Rd, Parsippany, on Monday evening, September 16th from 6:45 to 8:45. Jeff Lutz catches big fish under extreme conditions. On Monday he will demonstrate how to tie some of his most effective flies. Jeff will be tying the following jig style nymphs- Olive Woolley Jig, Duracell Jig and a Caddis Pupae Jig. If everyone could bring olive, brown, and tan colored thread along with .015 lead wire that would be great. He will supply all of the other materials and bring a material list for each of the flies. Tyers should bring their vise, bobbin, hackle pliers, scissors, and whip finish tool. 

It’s fun, and it’s FREE!! All are welcome. Please let us know if you can make it. Email htuprez@gmail.com

September Fly of the Month- Muddler Minnow

Muddler Minnow

Ask most anglers this infamous question: “If you could have only one fly to use to catch fish anywhere, anytime and under any conditions, which fly would you choose?” Many will come up with the same answer: the Muddler Minnow. Whether used in warm or cold, fresh or saltwater; no matter if you are out to catch trout, salmon, steelhead, bass, panfish, bonefish and any other species – you name it – the Muddler will catch them all.

This is a pattern that is deadly all over the world for many species of game fish. This gold-bodied version is a favorite in clear water and is the original version. Not as well known as a steelhead fly, it is never-the-less very productive.

Tie up six of any variation, and bring them to the September chapter meeting. There will be two raffles.

September 12th Chapter Meeting with Stephen Sautner

Stephen Sautner has been writing about fishing for four decades. For 15 years, he was a frequent contributor to The New York Times "Outdoors" column. He continues to write for The Drake, FlyFish Journal, Hatch Magazine, Angler's Journal and other publications. He is the author of three books, including "A Cast in the Woods" about a fishing cabin he bought in the Catskill Mountains. He lives in Scotch Plains and can sometimes be found prowling around local wild trout streams. 

Come to the April chapter meeting on Thursday, September 12th at the Whippany American Legion Hall at 7:30pm.