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Trout Unlimited to Teach Art of Fly Fishing at Wildlife Park

June 10, 2009 - GRAY -- This time of year, anxious anglers are floating flies in the hopes of landing a big fish.

But where did fly fishing and the art of tying flies originate? Was it passed down from the American Indians, or did Europeans bring it with them on their journey to the New World?

If you guessed Europeans, you'd be right. Though the American Indians taught Europeans much about farming and hunting in their new surroundings, they did not typically fish with a rod and reel. Instead, native peoples used spears, nets and elaborate fish traps to get their fish.

According to the Sebago chapter of Trout Unlimited, Europeans have been using fly rods and fashioning flies for at least 500 years.

On Saturday, Trout Unlimited will continue this tradition with a fly-tying and casting workshop at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray. Trout Unlimited will provide all necessary equipment to attempt fly-tying; the group will also have about 20 rods are available for the casting workshop. But because there is no water available at the wildlife park, casting will be done on land.

"I think where it started was with the nobles who had access to streams back in Europe," said Dave Bowie, president of the Sebago chapter of Trout Unlimited. "Someone probably realized fly fishing would be a little more refined than digging worms."

Bowie, 61, has been tying flies for some 40 years since learning from a college roommate. He says tying your own is economical and allows more flexibility – you can customize a fly to what insect might be on the water at any given day.

Tying also helps one stay connected to the sport through those long winter months. Members of Trout Unlimited often get together for regular wintertime tying sessions.

"Many store-bought flies don't float right," said Bowie, "or the quality has something to be desired. The best part is being able to create a fly the way you want it. If you can tie your shoes, you can tie a fly."

This year marks the Sebago chapter's 30th year organizing events and teaching young and old the art of fly fishing.

The Sebago chapter is one of six in Maine and was the first Trout Unlimited group in the state. There are 500 members in the Portland area today.

Sebago chapter member Bill Oleszczuk, a fly tier for the past 30 years, will lead Saturday's workshop; he's had everyone from 80-year-old women to 6-year-old boys at these events.

"We teach very basic techniques," said Oleszczuk, who likes to frequent the Rangeley area for trout. "There'll be three or four other Trout Unlimited members that will also assist."

Bowie also likes the Rangeley area and has a camp nearby. He says the streams are still nice and clear, actively producing fish and have predictable insect hatches as well.

"A lot of it is following the migration of the fish," Bowie says. "In the spring, they chase the bait fish; then the insects hatch, which takes you through most of the summer; then again in the fall, the bait fish return."

Of course it's the insects that a fly tier tries to impersonate. Bowie says it's remarkable how an insect an eighth of an inch long will catch a fish that's two feet long.

Both Bowie and Oleszczuk say Trout Unlimited is more than just a fishing club. It's also about ensuring the healthy environment of streams and rivers, which is not only good for the fish, it's also good for the economy.

Toward that end, each year, Trout Unlimited operates Trout Camp, where 12 kids are chosen out of a field of essay writers. Businesses such as L.L. Bean and Patagonia help make the week of fly tying, lectures, fishing and campfires possible. This year's camp will be held the last full week in June at Evergreen Campground in Solon.

Echoing the traditions, most – but not all – flies are tied with natural materials. Feathers, hair and thread are combined to create something that will tempt a big trout. Bowie said some fishermen will even stop for road kill to collect feathers and bits of hair for their prized creations.

DON PERKINS, Portland Press Herald, June 10, 2009


Lakes:
Regions: Sebago


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