If you are wondering what to use for an excuse to go out, TVTU will have some great chapter meetings this winter.  I hope to see you there.  In December, our guest speaker will be Rob Crandall. Rob is usually our steelhead expert, but his program this time will be a variety-show of ideas for springtime fishing.  Don’t worry; it will include some spring steelheading.  His new DVD, “Deep Swing Secrets,” may be available by then.

For our combined annual meeting with the Stonefly Maidens in February, we will have Dave Hughes.    At his last TVTU visit, Dave’s superb program was from his book, “Trout from Small Streams.”  In February, Dave will narrow his focus to a single chapter of that book.  His program will be “Tenkara:  Unburdened.” I have never tried Tenkara, but have always been interested in it. Along with many other fine prizes in the meeting raffles, we will have an especially appropriate one: a Tenkara USA “Sato” rod.  It’s a multi-size telescopic rod with three lengths for varying stream sizes.  Yes, I will be buying a raffle ticket.

Please join me in attending the Pacific Northwest Fly Tyers Rendezvous on November 12.  It is a good chance to catch up with your favorite tyers.  TVTU members who will be tying include: Hal Gordon, Jim Fenner, Jerry Brickey, Dick Rohrbaugh, and Ron Reinebach.  I always enjoy this show and learn something new about materials or techniques.