November Fly of the Month-Prince Nymph

The Prince Nymph is a classic fly pattern that has stood the test of time and is known for its effectiveness in attracting trout and other fish species. Originating in the mid-20th century, the fly was created by Doug Prince, a fly tier and angler from California. It was designed to imitate a variety of aquatic insects and has since become a staple in many anglers' fly boxes. According to Paul Schullery's "The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies," the Prince Nymph is one of the most iconic patterns, embodying the innovation and tradition of fly fishing.

The Prince Nymph is renowned for its versatility and effectiveness in various water conditions. It’s an excellent pattern for both beginners and experienced anglers because it’s relatively easy to tie and works well in different fishing scenarios. I find it works great as an attractor fly with a pheasant tail nymph or hares ear trailing behind it. This combination is effective in any season, but excels in the winter months.

Tie up 6 of any variation and bring them to the November 14 chapter meeting. There will be two raffles.

Fall Tree Planting Events

Interested in helping plant trees to improve the health of our watershed this fall? Join Raritan Headwaters’ Restoration Coordinator Robert Lucas at any or all of the following events! Planting dates and locations are as follows (groups are welcome):

Far Hills Borough – October 14th Completed. 150 trees were planted!!

Califon Island Park – October 21st click here to sign up

Rockabye Meadow Peapack-Gladstone Borough – November 2nd click here to sign up. Rain date November 9th click here to sign up for the rain date.

Hacklebarney TU Members at Far Hills Tree Planting, October 14, 2024

October 10th Chapter Meeting with Fritz Miller

Fritz Miller, a NJ native, is a professional guide and fly tier.  Fritz's passions lie in the excitement of the hunt for fish.  Having a USCG  "Six pack" captain's license enables him to indulge in his passions.  One of those passions is pursuing stripers along the NJ coast.  He also loves to target Pike along the Passaic River in northern NJ, and this  will be the topic of his presentation.  

Fishing and the outdoors have deep roots in Fritz's family.  Fritz has had rod in his hand, and been on a boat for as long as he can remember.  He grew up along the Delaware River in Florence and spent the majority of his time fishing for anything that swims along its banks.  The summers were usually spent down in LBI seine netting minnows, catching fluke, stripers, blues, and crabs from sun up to sun down. Fly fishing didn't come until a little bit later in life, around the age of 18, and its been his passion ever since.

Second to being on the water is sitting behind a vise.  Fritz has spent almost every ounce of free time perfecting patterns, creating his own, or trying to create the perfect fly for the perfect situation. Over the past few years, guiding has been one of his favorite past times as he is a teacher at heart.  He recently acquired his captains license to help teach the art of fly fishing, not only on streams for trout but for stripers and toothy critters that inhabit our waters.

Come hear what Fritz has to say about Pike Fishing on the Passaic River, located close to home for anglers in northern New Jersey. Thursday, October 10th at the Whippany American Legion Hall at 7:30pm. All are welcome and we hope to see you there.