www.cjtu.org

May 2025

General Meeting

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Rich Liptak

Flyfishing for Trout on the Delawares “Other Half”, Callicoon NY to Port Jervis NY

This presentation goes on a 45 mile float from Callicoon NY to Port Jervis NY . Rich will discuss trout fishing on the Delaware Rivers little known trout zone, offering a fantastic alternative to the upper reaches of the river. Characteristics, techniques, access sites, and expectations will be covered.

Rich Liptak has been flyfishing the Delaware for 47 years as well as other rivers and streams in the Catskills and Poconos. Additionally Rich has fished many other areas throughout the country and out of the country in both fresh and saltwater.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Annual CJTU Picnic Meeting

CJTU is having our annual picnic meeting on June 10 at the American Legion in the grove behind the hall. If it rains, it will be held upstairs in our normal meeting location.

This year we are having our classic spread of freshly grilled hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs, plus sausage and peppers have been promised. Sides of cole slaw, macaroni and potato salads, chips, water and soda. The cost of the event is $20.00 per person. As always, we need to know in advance the number of people attending, though we will allow "at the door" folks to attend too.

You can pay at our May 13th meeting by giving Nick Romanenko cash or a check, or you can mail a check to:

Marsha Benovengo
3 Regency Way
Manalapan NJ 07726

Please make sure to include your phone number and e-mail address with the check!

Meeting Location

American Legion Hall
137 New Market Road
Dunellen, NJ

Meeting starts at 8:00 PM - Non Members are always welcome!

News & Events

Annual Musky River Cleanup - Point Mountain
Saturday, April 12th, 2025

Despite some rain (and a bit of snow !) volunteers from CJTU and MWA helped clean up around the Point Mountain section of the Musconetcong River.

Califon Trout Fest
Sunday, April 13th, 2025

CJTU did their part with casting lessons and some community outreach at the Califon Trout Fest. A little chilly, but a fun and productive day nonetheless.

Fly of the Month

Holy Grail Soft Hackle

Tied by Bill Ninke

I love soft hackled flies. They are easy to tie and fun to fish. While there are patterns that can be fished during mayfly emergences I tend to use them mostly when caddis are expected. In May 2024 I described the Grouse and Peacock Soft Hackle which is a staple in my fly box. But that pattern is unweighted and mostly fished shallow. Of course you can pair it with a heavy point fly in a duo rig to fish it deep. But if I want to fish a caddis pattern alone and deep, this month’s pattern is my choice.

I first learned of this pattern from reading Allen McGee”s book “Tying and Fishing Soft Hackled Nymphs” which I bought in 2007. I started tying and fishing it shortly thereafter. He gave it the unpretentious name of the Soft Hackled Hare’s Ear. Seems the current catchy name came into play after that. I’ve not been able to identify the originator of the catchy name.

A gold bead (brass or tungsten) is at the head. The body can be many things but I like various colors of hare’s mask dubbing with a pearl flashabou rib. The hackle (partridge, grouse or hen chicken) is wound in front of the bead so that the fibers are pushed out by the bead and can move freely in the current as the fly is fished. Red thread used for the tying gives a target point for trout when wound and whip finished at the head.

Many different hooks can be used but I like the Saber 7259 which has a black nickel finish and is barbless. Bead size is matched to the hook size as described in the materials section below. I carry the pattern tied with light natural, dark natural, dyed olive and dyed black Hare’s Mask dubbing in sizes 12 through 16. Fishing is done with a standard cast and mend in moving water and slow pulls in still water.

As for detailed tying instructions, there are many videos on YouTube. Tim Flagler, as always, has a great one which is my favorite. He offers many tying tips useful beyond this pattern. Check it out before you attempt the pattern. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctlez5CUFKw&t=25s)

You can send comments, questions and suggestions to Bill at fotm@cjtu.org

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