Category Archives: Meetings 2015

November HFF Meeting Recap

Guest Speaker Rex Waters of the INDNR chats with Tim Mather, Club president.
Guest Speaker Rex Waters of the INDNR

On Tuesday November 17th, we had our meeting at Bobby’s Colorado Steakhouse with guest speaker, Rex Watters. He spoke to us about many of the management strategies taking place at both Monroe Reservoir as well as the Stillwater Marsh Wetlands area he manages. He also mentioned a few ways we can help including volunteer days planting trees and helping manage and keep these areas that we use so often clean.

Rex informed us about the issue with the Asian Carp here in Bloomington. While most of us do not use live bait, there is still a concern about the spread of this invasive species due to their destructive quality and their ability to outcompete other fish in the region.  He also spoke to us about how we can prevent the spread of these Carp from entering Lake Monroe, informing us about the resemblance of Gizzard Shad to the Asian Carp. With both looking so similar in their growing stages, many are unable to differentiate these species and will accidentally spread these invasives into undesired areas such as Lake Monroe.

One project Indiana DNR is currently attempting to implement here in Monroe County is building disposals for the fishing line (leader, tippet) and bait. This will help decrease the chances of spread of invasive species as well as keep the environment and the critters in it happy!

Rex also spoke to use about the Bald Eagle population at Monroe Reservoir, and it seems they are thriving in the region with 17 nests currently being used as well as one of the oldest documented Eagles living right here in Monroe County.

Mike Donovan
Mike Donovan tying a Parmachene Belle Streamer

The fly tying demonstration part of the meeting was presented by Mike Donovan, tying a Parmachene Belle Streamer as promised in previous meetings. Mike always does a good job of explaining about the materials he uses and why they are important in reproducing classic flies.

November HFF Meeting

Rex Watters Indiana DNR
Rex Watters Indiana DNR

The speaker at the November Hoosier Fly Fishers will be Rex Watters, Indiana DNR wildlife specialist. He comes with the high recommendation of Larry Barber and Mike Donovan. Rex has the reputation of being a great and dedicated steward of all aspects of the out doors and wildlife in our area. I am sure he will able be able to answer any questions we may have about all things Lake Monroe. There is an interesting interview with Rex at:

http://ww.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2011/09/13/outdoors.930683.sto

I am interested in his thoughts about the extended high water this summer and the effects it may have had on the Lake Monroe fishery.

Parmachene Belle Streamer
Parmachene Belle Streamer

The fly tying demo this month will be Mike Donovan tying the heretofore-promised Parmachene Belle Streamer. Mike was going to tie this fly last month but our other two demonstrators, Al Fish and Paul Brown did such a good job that we ran out of time.

Thanks Al and Paul, I for one learned a lot. Our club is blessed with many skilled tiers who are always willing to share their skill and experience.

The annual Christmas Party will be December 13th at the Colorado Steakhouse. We will get started at 12:00 noon

.  As is always the case, the food, coffee and soft drinks will be provided by the club.  However, if you want or need a seasonally appropriate adult beverage, that is on your dime.  And there will be usual excitement surrounding the raffle prize. That prize is yet to be determined but I do know it will not be a bowling ball or set of golf clubs. Rather, I would look for some much coveted fly fishing gear.

Looking ahead to the April meeting…that will be our annual auction. So I am planning to round up some good stuff for the auction and try to round up a few dollars to take home some of the cool stuff you all bring to the auction.  Once again we will be treated to the dulcet voice and clever rapid fire patter of our own Kevin Montague.

There seems to be interest in a fly tying class. We are working on that and I will keep you informed.

Hope to see you all on November 17th at the Colorado Steakhouse. Dinner at 6:00 PM and the program begins at 7:00 PM. You do not need to be a member of Hoosier Fly Fishers to attend our regular monthly meetings. Visitors are always welcome.

Tim