Fly Fishing Safari

DERBY — Spring is coming and with it comes opening day for trout. Hundreds of trout are being stocked in rivers, ponds, and streams around the state.

Prepare for the season by joining John Turecek as he leads a slideshow on Saturday, March 1, that will cover Long Island Sound and down to Caribbean locations, along with some of the history and sport of fly fishing.

The program will take place from 1 to 3 pm at the Kellogg Environmental Center.

Mr Turecek is an avid fisherman and artist with 40 years of experience known not only for guiding fishing trips throughout New England, but also for his skill at designing flies. The program will include a demonstration on how to tie a fly as well as displays of equipment, prey species and the fly that best imitates them.

Fly fishing is an ancient fishing form that today uses a heavy line and a style of artificial bait referred to as flies. Early line was made of silk and flies, or lures, were made from hair, feathers, fur, and fabric. Today, even though the line is often coated in plastic, the lures or flies are still handmade using the same materials as before.

Lures are constructed to resemble the larval form of aquatic insects and other prey of predator fish, like the trout. The construction of the lures is so precise that it is viewed as an art form and collecting them is a popular hobby. Whether an experienced fisherman or someone interested in starting a new hobby, participants will gain insight to the excitement of fly fishing.

Registration is required, and all ages are welcome. Call the Kellogg Environmental Center at 734-2513. The Kellogg Environmental Center is a facility of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Outdoor Recreation Division, and is located at 500 Hawthorne Avenue (off Route 34; watch for signs).