Chapter Meetings

Guest Speaker

September 8, 2025:  Tim Flagler

What Trout Like to Eat & the Flies to Feed Them 

Professional guide, fly tyer, and founder of Tightline Productions LLC, Tim Flagler will present one of his most popular topics.  This presentation includes incredible underwater footage of a variety of aquatic insects, bait fish & crustaceans that trout eat in order to survive. In addition, Tim will share the fly patterns he uses to best imitate the variety of bugs discussed. (Instructions on how to tie the patterns shared in this presentation can be found on Tim’s YouTube channel.)

Guest Speaker

October 20, 2025: Capt. Jim Freda

Trophy Stripers on the Fly 

Getting a trophy striped bass on the fly is what many fly anglers dream of and it isn't easy but can be done. Highly respected charter captain, author, seminar speaker, and photographer, Captain Jim Freda of Shore Catch Sportfishing, will share tips and gear recommendations to put you in position to catch the striper of a lifetime on a fly rod here in New Jersey.

Guest Speaker

November 10, 2025:  Bart Lombardo

Late Season Tactics for Trout

Late season trout fishing, which typically takes place from late summer through fall and into winter, offers fly fishermen a unique set of opportunities and challenges. When combined with NJ's extensive fall stocking program and decreased fishing pressure, many argue that it is the best time to fish for trout.  Bart Lombardo, a professional guide, fly tyer, author, and founder of the ever-popular Panfish On The Fly website, will share his in-depth knowledge of fly fishing local waters during this period and cover the most effective techniques to achieve success.

ESCTU Holiday Party

December ?, 2025

D&R Greenway Land Trust, Inc., 1 Preservation Pl, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA

January 12, 2026:  Fritz Miller

Annual Fly Tying Night 

Professional guide & fly tyer, ESCTU's Fritz Miller will provide an informative fly tying demonstration showcasing effective local area flies. Attendees can bring their own equipment to tie along.

Guest Speaker

February 9, 2026: Larry Godfrey

Larry Godfrey's Fly Fishing Insights

Join ESCTU's Larry Godfrey as he shares his favorite fly-fishing hacks, tips, and tricks that have helped him catch more fish.  He will share his favorite tackle tips and techniques for fishing nymphs, streamers, and dries, picked up from his favorite podcasts, YouTube channels, books, and magazine articles.  

Guest Speaker

March 9, 2026: Tom  McCoy

Fishing the Upper West Branch

Notice how crowded our Catskill waters have become? That is due to all of us continually going to the same “favorite” pools. Expanding our knowledge of the Catskill mountains and their diverse waters is crucial to finding tranquil spots. Life-long fly fisherman and author, Tom McCoy, will share his experiences fishing the upper West Branch of the Delaware River from Stamford to Walton and its tributaries. His presentation will familiarize you with this scenic valley and offer resources to facilitate discovery of new fishing grounds.

Guest Speaker

April 13, 2026:  Fritz Miller

Exploring Pine Creek 

ESCTU's Fritz Miller, a professional guide and fly tier will share his expertise on fishing central Pennsylvania's renowned "Big" Pine Creek, an 87-mile tributary to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Drawing from his personal experience, Fritz will outline the optimal times, locations, and techniques for fishng Pine Creek and it's tributaries while also providing guidance on effective fly patterns and their strategic deployment.

Guest Speaker

May 11, 2026: Brian Millen

Annual Fly Casting Clinic

Joan Wulff-certified casting instructor and inventor of the Excel Caster, ESCTU’s Brian Millen provides casting instruction on various fly casting techniques.  Bring your own rod(s) or try one of the latest Orvis rods provided courtesy of the Orvis Princeton. Location: D&R Greenway Land Trust.