Trout Unlimited:
Basil W. Woods, Jr. Chapter
Concord, New Hampshire
Trout Unlimited: Basil W. Woods, Jr. Chapter
PO Box 3302
Concord, NH 03302-3302
concordt
Newsletters and Archives
Archives
September 15-19, 2010 - National TU Meeting, Waterville Valley
Our chapter, along with the Pemi and Merrimack chapters, had a strong presence at this year's National TU Meeting. We had a silent auction for one of Charlie Preston's fabulous boxes, a catch-and-release net made by Gordon Riedesel, and a box of flies made by several of the directors. We also sold our new chapter hats, fly boxes, and T-shirts. We had a slide show of this years Kids Trout Camp. Most importantly, we talked to TU members from all over the country.
Seventeen years ago, Fred Kretchman began making classic bamboo fly rods. On April 15, he shared his knowledge, love of the craft, and expertise at our April chapter meeting.
Fred's thorough knowledge of bamboo rod making - its history, famous makers, and his own meticulous techniques - made time fly by. He brought samples of Tonkin bamboo in the rough, his machinist qualitiy bamboo shaping handmill, a custom-made shaping press, and samples of rods in process and completed.
As with many fine handcrafts, bamboo rod making has always maintained a few practitioners and a knowledge base which somehow have survived technology's advances. First fiberglass then graphite rods dominated the rod market but the mystique and tradition of a bamboo rod persists. Fred said it takes him between 45 and 50 hours to make a two-piece fly rods. Master craftsmen such as Fred Kretchmer are continuing this special art.
A more detailed report is in the May Troutlines newsletter.
For more about Fred Kretchman and his rods visit his website at: www.finebamboorods.com
Chapter Meeting Notes
February 2010 Chapter Meeting Report
On Thursday February 18. Joe Norton from TU and John Magee from NH Fish and Game spoke about projects on Indian Stream and Nash Stream. Chapter Vice President Dan Stickney reports that the most significant point made from these two speakers is that Wood is Good.
Wood is good because trout, aquatic insects, and other biota benefit substantially from trees, brush, sticks, etc that make their way into a stream capable of supporting trout. Whereas boulders, rocks, and gravels are what many anglers key in on, woody structures and materials offer more food and shelter to our coldwater friends than is often acknowledged. Stream scour (Nash Stream is an extreme example) degrades fish habitat. This is why stream bank restoration, "chop and drop", mechanical adjustment of boulders and rocks in the streambed for improved habitat, and re-engineering of culverts are so important to trout. The removal or re-engineering of culverts allows access to the upper portion of the watershed where young fish can grow and thrive and where cannibalistic predation can be reduced once spawning is over and the adult fish return to the lower reaches of the stream system. A big Thanks to John and Joe!
January 2010 Chapter Meeting Report
The January chapter meeting Thursday night the 28th was both informative and entertaining. Dave Magnon from the NH TU Council outlined activities for the upcoming National TU Meeting to be held in Waterville Valley, September 15-19. This year's meeting is redirecting the focus to the eastern US and will be a great opportunity for New England to showcase our special coldwater fisheries.
Our special guest speaker, Nick Karas brought to our chapter his life-long love and work with the Brook Trout. His deep understanding of the Brook Trout and how it is the most adaptable of cold water fish was enhanced by his many experiences with this fish and its environment. Lots of questions and stories made for a great evening.
We also thank NH Fish and Game for making their seminar room available to us.
Author and scholar Nick Karas shared his many insights with chapter meeting attendees. Thanks Nick!
Trout Unlimited: Basil W. Woods, Jr. Chapter
PO Box 3302
Concord, NH 03302-3302
concordt
