President’s Letter

Welcome!

Hello, fellow fly fishers. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and enjoyed time with their families and loved ones. With the holidays behind us, these are great times to get out on the water and enjoy our Texas winter. The club has multiple activities planned for 2022 and we are looking forward to a great lineup of speakers, outings and festivals.

On Saturday, Jan. 15, Fort Worth Fly Fishers will host its annual Flyfishing 101 event at the Texas 16 bridge below Possum Kingdom Dam (see the article in this newsletter for directions and a map). Both FWFF members and non-members are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring a guest interested in learning about fly fishing using nymph or streamer techniques in hopes of landing one of many species below the dam, including stocked rainbow trout. Please plan on meeting off the roadway on the east side of the bridge (just south of the state hatchery at 600 Texas 16 in Graford) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Brad Dodson, Education Director, at (682) 365-1615, email dodson97@sbcglobal.net, or Chris Patnode, Outings Director, at chrispatnode@benekeith.com.

Take note that the 5th Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival will once again be held at the Mesquite Convention Center, 1750 Rodeo Dr. in Mesquite, on Feb. 26-27. At this indoor/outdoor venue attendees can check out a myriad of fly fishing manufacturers, attend lectures on techniques and topics of interest to fly anglers of every stripe, and taste some of the Lone Star State’s best micro-brewed beer. Meet nationally known fly fishing authors, professional guides, expert casters, custom bamboo rod makers, and fly tyers from across the country – all at the Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival.

Save the date! The Tarrant Regional Water District Flyfest 2022 will be held on March 12 on the banks of the Trinity River in Fort Worth. Whether you are an experienced angler or have never touched a fly rod, this fun day at the Trinity River has something for everyone. FWFF is seeking volunteers to assist in this event and will have sign-up sheets available at the January meeting. Additional information will be posted on the FWFF website and Facebook page as it becomes available.

If you have not already paid your 2022 Membership dues, please get those in to FWFF as soon as possible. Dues can be accepted in person at the January meeting, mailed in, or paid by credit card on the FWFF website. If you have already paid, thank you.

Most of our Committee Chairs could use some assistance on their committee. If you have even one hour, please reach out to one of us, get involved, and help our Club become even better than it already is.

Last, but definitely not least, I want to recognize the outgoing board members who rotate off the board Jan. 1: Jim Bass, Director-at-Large, and Emily Craig, Conservation. Their contributions of time and talent were an integral part of the growth of our club. I also want to express not only my personal appreciation but the board’s appreciation to David Hooper, who has served as president over the past two years. David’s contributions, too many to mention, to the programs and services provided for the membership are instrumental in making Fort Worth Fly Fishers one of the largest and best fly-fishing clubs in the U.S. His commitment, leadership, and guidance during the difficult years of Covid will leave a lasting legacy. If you see any of these individuals, please take a minute and thank them for their service.

Happy New Year!
Jack Gillis, President

Fort Worth Fly Fishers