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 Joseph's Grill in St. Paul. Alternate months are activity-based (fly-tying demos, casting clinics, Chili Fest, etc.). They focus on fly fishing for all species. Visit their website for more information: www.lewjewett.org.

Minnesota Fly Fishers is a Minneapolis-based group that hosts 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)

The Twin Cities Chapter of Trout Unlimitedmeets monthly. Emphasis is on preserving/restoring cold-water fisheries and on education. (www.mntu.org)

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). Visit their website at: www.kiaptuwish.org

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 St. Paul Fly Tiers is a 50+ year-old club that meets most Thursdays at 7:30 in Schroeder's Bar and Grill (605 Front Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55117) to tie flies and plan summer fishing trips. Main contacts are Andy Fiskness 612-802-4295) 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.