FLY FISHING CLUBS

FEDERATION OF FLY FISHERS (www.fedflyfishers.org)

The Twin Cities has two active FFF clubs, both of whom focus on fly-fishing for all fish species. Emphasis is on education and conservation. Each club meets regularly during non-summer months, and spends time fishing during the summer. Guests are always welcome at meetings.

Lew Jewett Fly Fishers is generally St. Paul-based, and meets every other month (third Tuesday) at Awada's Restaurant in St. Paul. Alternate months are activity-based (fly-tying demos, casting clinics, Chili Fest, etc.). Main contacts are David Keene (763-509-1809), Lyth Hartz (651-293-0368) or Bob Trevis (651-454-1397).

Minnesota Fly Fishers is generally Minneapolis-based, and meets every month (first Thursday) at Soba's Restaurant in Minneapolis. They also host an annual two-day Fly Fishing Clinic each spring. Main contacts are Lew Beccone (612-922-4969), Rick Lundstrom (612-379-0284) or Ed Estlow (952-470-9846). (The Spring Clinic is usually in April - cost is modest).

TROUT UNLIMITED (www.tu.org) or (www.mntu.org)

The Twin Cities Chapter of Trout Unlimited was somewhat "dormant" for 18 months as it reorganized, but did have a Spring fund-raising banquet. Emphasis is on preserving/restoring cold-water fisheries and on education. Main contact is President Kevin Biegler at kevinbiegler@sourdoughcreek.com.

The Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets the first Wednesday in non-summer months at Bob Smith's Sports Club in Hudson, Wisconsin. Its goals and objectives are similar, but with a Wisconsin orientation and more stream projects. Main contacts are Gary Horvath (715-425-8489) or Greg Dietl (651-714-1525).

Fly Chuckers is a group of fly anglers who meet winter months at the Como Park Pavilion on alternating Saturday mornings for subjects ranging from smallmouth bass flies to rod-building. Members often arrange summer get-togethers - the main contact is Curt Nordrum (651-744-3187).

The Minnesota Smallmouth Alliance is a group of anglers, primarily fly anglers, whose focus is on the challenging smallmouth bass and conservation efforts. Main contact is Dan Johnson (e-mail tadpoly@aol.com).

The St. Paul Fly Tiers is a 50+ year-old club that meets weekly at 7:30 in the basement of the Tin Cup (1220 Rice Street, St. Paul) to tie flies and plan summer fishing trips. Main contacts are Mark Tibbets (952-240-2331) or Bob Anderson (651-776-7064).

There are numerous other clubs in Minnesota (and Wisconsin & Iowa) - many with Federation of Fly Fishers or Trout Unlimited affiliation. Space doesn't allow us to list them all, but all offer a chance to interact with others who share your interests. Check them out by using the national Internet links.