HAFFT has numerous conservation days, fishing outings and public outreach programs like teaching kid’s fly tying. We also have meetings but they are on another part of the website. These events are open to current paid members of the club only but guests are always welcome. All club events, unless stated otherwise, start at 9:00 am.
Teaching Tying at the Dunnville Fishing Derby
Fly-tying instruction for kids and Club Promotion Dunnville (on the Grand) All done… report on the home page
Volunteers required to help teach kids to tie one on. Yes, if you can tie a wooly worm, we want YOU! In 2003 640 kids caught 14 different species of fish. We are trying to get the kids to fish BARBLESS. The event organizers are all for it.
We will need folks to assist Ron Marini teaching fly tying that day. Please email Ron at flyfish552001@yahoo.ca if you can help.
Fishing the Grand 2005- The Return of Ricky and the Big, Bad Bassmasters
A HAFFT club outing for bass on the Grand In the Grand River at Paris* Here is a map! All finished!
This event is open to any member that has paid their membership and to new flyfishers.
There is no fee just come on out and have some fun.
Please bring along a 4wt to 6 wt floating line. Larger flys, say size 8,6 and 4, that imitate minnows, crayfish, big nymphs work. White, yellow, brown,etc. are good colours but most things work. Bass poppers and large woolly buggers are always good.
Rick Crawford is organizing so call him at home at (905) 627-9355 for more info or just bug him at the meetings. He is our librarian.
Meet Rick Crawford at about 9:00 AM in Syl Apps arena parking lot on the day of the event. The fishing starts right there in the river.
We are easy to spot since we have flyrods and dress funny!
Directions:
403 West out of Hamilton then Exit Paris Road (this the exit at the west end of Brantford).
Left on Hwy 2 (Tim Hortons on the North East Corner). Some of us may be at Tim’s around 8am.
Stay in the right lane which exits to Willow Street (if you cover high level bridge you go to wrong side of river)
Left at the stop – Williams Street
Next left is Syl Apps Community Center and park in the lot on the right.
Meet at 8:30am but if you are late you can find us by heading towards the skate board ramp, up the hill, then down hill to river. Go DOWNSTREAM.
Mooneye Madness Night.
Our famous Mooneye extravaganza- In the Grand River just downriver of Caledonia at Seneca Park.* All done! Here is the report.
This event is open to any member that has paid their membership and to new flyfishers. New flyfishers will particularly enjoy the mooneye since when they are “on” they are terribly keen to hit a fly.
There is no fee, just come on out and have some fun.
Bring bushy white flys (size 10 and smaller) and a 6 wt or lighter rod. Big spinner patterns (ie. mayfly adults that have died and fallen to the river) also work particularly near dusk.
We meet at about 6PM.
*The park is located 1-2 miles east of Hwy #6 on #54. This is the road that parallels the river on its North side. Seneca Park is simply a narrow grassed area between #54 and the river. People can park their vehicles almost right up to the river’s edge. The water should be no deeper than thigh level. Be careful of the odd pot hole.
** We will be out in June only if the water in the Grand is less than about40 m3/s. Anything higher than that and it is just too tough and dangerous to fish. You can check the water levels here at the Grand River Conservation Authority. Click on the link and look for the graph line for Brantford after agreeing that the river flow data may not be perfect.
Trout Fishing at Humber Springs Trout Club
A Spring Outing with HAFFT for Trout At Humber Springs Trout Club in Mono Township. Here is a map! History, Man.
This event is open to any member that has paid their membership and to new flyfishers.
There is a 25$ fee payable to Humber Springs.
Please bring along a 4wt to 6 wt floating line. There are both rainbow trout and native brook trout. The fishing can be just about anything in May at Humber Springs. Large woolly buggers can work but so can size 18 and smaller chironomid imitations.
Teaching Beginner’s Fly Tying for Kids at the Izaak Walton Forum
Fly-tying instruction for kids and Club Promotion Burlington Holiday Inn (QEW & Guelph Line) Saturday and Sunday April 9&10, 2005
DONE!
The club will be providing teachers for the Forum. This has been great fun in other years plus you get to see the exhibitor hall for free.
Call Bruce Wainman at (905) 319 8928 or Email: the Hamilton Area Fly Fishers and Tyers to volunteer your time.
Conservation and Fly FIshing Exhibition
Fly fishing education and conservation as well as club Promotion Caledonia Done!
We will also have selected club members speaking about conservation, techniques and casting.
Stream Work with the Hamilton Conservation Authority
Planning and working on stream bank . TBA cancelled.
Sherri Wiseman from the HCA has requested that we assist in marking off areas of potential hazard and perhaps do a bit of bank work. We will not be going into the stream, but concentrating on the fallen structure along the banks, etc. The location is yet to be determined but the day is set aside from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bring a lunch, we will provide the pop and juice.
Redd Count on the Spencer Creek at Hunter Farm–Done!
Redd Count Spencer Creek near the Hunter Farm Saturday, October 30, 2004 (more dates will be scheduled if we don’t finish or if the trout haven’t started spawning).
We will start at 9:00AM with a brief session on redd identification
The club will be continuing our work of the last few years on the upper reaches of the Spencer Creek by counting brook trout redds. The farm is up in Flamborough. Click here for a map. We need as many folks out from the club as we can get for this event. If we have enough people we can also work on Fletcher Creek.
Bring hip or chest waders if you have them and dress for the weather. We won’t be cancelling for anything less than a hurricane.
Call Bruce Wainman at (905) 319 8928 or Email: the Hamilton Area Fly Fishers and Tyers to volunteer your time.
Teaching Tying at the Dunnville Fishing Derby
Fly-tying instruction for kids and Club Promotion Caledonia Millfest(on the Grand below the old mill) done…..Saturday, July 31, 2004
Volunteers required to help teach kids to tie one on. Yes, if you can tie a wooly worm, we want YOU! The event organizers are all for it.
We will need folks to assist Ron Marini teaching fly tying that day. Please email Ron at flyfish552001@yahoo.ca if you can help.
Teaching Fly Tying at the OFAH Get Outdoors Youth Leadership Camps
Fly-tying instruction for kids and Club Promotion Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve done…..August 3-9, 2004.
Wanted! a few good men [or women] to teach fly tying on Aug. 4th and 8th at the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Get Outdoors Youth Leadership Camps. We will travel up on Aug. 3rd stay overnight and then teach fly tying all day on the 4th. From 5th to 7th inclusive we have fishing access to some terrific water. More lessons on the 8th stay overnight and head home on the 9th.
We will probably be sleeping in a tent, under the stars, serenaded to sleep by a pack of timber wolves being studied at the reserve. More info about the Reserve can be found at www.haliburtonforest.com. Four people would be ideal, maximum five. Interested parties email John French or by phone him at 905-544-5056 (after 9:00pm preferably). We need responses, ASAP, as plans must to be finalized.
The one session with the Get Outdoors Program we did last year was a big hit with the kids which is why we were invited back for both this year. These are really motivated young adults and they are a particular pleasure to teach.
Click here for more information on the OFAH Get Outdoors Program
Teaching Tying at the Dunnville Fishing Derby
Fly-tying instruction for kids and Club Promotion Dunnville (on the Grand) Done…..Saturday, July 10, 2004
Volunteers required to help teach kids to tie one on. Yes, if you can tie a wooly worm, we want YOU! Last year 640 kids caught 14 different species of fish. This year we are trying to get the kids to fish BARBLESS. The event organizers are all for it.
We will need folks to assist Ron Marini teaching fly tying that day. Please email Ron at flyfish552001@yahoo.ca if you can help.
Fishing the Grand 2004- The return of the Bassmasters
A HAFFT club outing for bass on the Grand In the Grand River at Paris* Here is a map! Done….July 11, 2004 at 8:30AM
This event is open to any member that has paid their membership and to new flyfishers.
There is no fee just come on out and have some fun.
Please bring along a 4wt to 6 wt floating line. Larger flys, say size 8,6 and 4, that imitate minnows, crayfish, big nymphs work. White, yellow, brown,etc. are good colours but most things work. Bass poppers and large wooly buggers are always good.
Rick Crawford is organizing so call him at home at (905) 627-9355 for more info or just bug him at the meetings. He is our librarian.
Meet Rick Crawford at about 8:30 AM in Syl Apps arena parking lot on the day of the event. The fishing starts right there in the river.
We are easy to spot since we have flyrods and dress funny!
Directions:
403 West out of Hamilton then Exit Paris Road (this the exit at the west end of Brantford).
Left on Hwy 2 (Tim Hortons on the North East Corner). Some of us may be at Tim’s around 8am.
Stay in the right lane which exits to Willow Street (if you cover high level bridge you go to wrong side of river)
Left at the stop – Williams Sreet
Next left is Syl Apps Community Center and park in the lot on the right.
Meet at 8:30am but if you are late you can find us by heading towards the skate board ramp, up the hill, then down hill to river. Go DOWNSTREAM.
Mooneye Madness Night. Rescheduled Time!
Our famous Mooneye extravaganza- In the Grand River just downriver of Caledonia at Seneca Park.* DONE!
This event is open to any member that has paid their membership and to new flyfishers. New flyfishers will particularly enjoy the mooneye since when they are “on” they are terribly keen to hit a fly.
There is no fee, just come on out and have some fun.
Bring bushy white flys (size 8 and smaller) and a 6 wt or lighter rod. Big spinner patterns (ie. mayfly adults that have died and fallen to the river) also work particularly near dusk.
We meet at about 6PM.
*The park is located 1-2 miles east of Hwy #6 on #54. This is the road that parallels the river on its North side. Seneca Park is simply a narrow grassed area between #54 and the river. People can park their vehicles almost right up to the river’s edge. The water should be no deeper than thigh level. Be careful of the odd pot hole.
** We will be out in June only if the water in the Grand is less than about 50 m3/s. Anything higher than thatand it is just too tough and dangerous to fish. You can check the water levels here at the Grand River Conservation Authority. Click on the link and look for the graph line for Brantford after agreeing that the river flow data may not be perfect.
Trout Fishing at Rainbow Ranch
A Spring Outing with HAFFT for Trout At Rainbow Ranch, Southeast of Guelph. Here is a map! DONE
This event is open to any member that has paid their membership and to new flyfishers.
There is a 25$ fee payable to Rainbow Ranch.
Please bring along a 4wt to 6 wt floating line. There are both rainbow trout and native brook trout. The fishing can be just about anything in April at Rainbow Ranch. Large woolly buggers can work but so can size 18 and smaller chironomid imitations.
The best fishing at Rainbow Ranch starts early in the summer but in the early season it is often best to wait until the sun is a little higher in the sky. I will be there around 9AM or even a bit earlier. The Ranch opens at dawn.
Working at the Kids Flytying Area at the Ontario Spring Fishing Show
Teaching Tying to Kids International Center DONE
The club will be teaching kids to tie flies at the Spring Fishing Show. Not a lot of experience is needed in fly tying but enthusiasm is required in large quantities. For many of our club members this is the highlight of their year.
If you sign up to help then the rest of the show is yours to enjoy.
The Spring Fishing Show is at the International Center near Pearson Airport. The show has its own very elaborate web site so check it out!
Email the webmaster for more information
Terrestrial Fly Swap
Fourth Annual Fly Exchange Start anytime Finished on Gear Swap Night on the second meeting in September.
The fourth annual fly swap for HAFFT is concentrating on terrestrial insects this year. Click here for an entry form and more information.
Bass Fishing on the Grand 2003
A HAFFT club outing for bass on the Grand In the Grand River at Paris* Here is a map! Done!
This event is open to any member that has paid their membership and to new flyfishers.
There is no fee just come on out and have some fun.
Please bring along a 4wt to 6 wt floating line. Larger flys size 8,6,4 that imitate minnows, crayfish, big nymphs. White, yellow, brown,etc. Most things work. Bass poppers and large wooly buggers are always good.
Rick Crawford organizing so call him at home at (905) 627-9355 for more info.
Meet Rick Crawford at about 8AM. We are easy to spot since we have flyrods and dress funny!
*Directions From Hamilton to the Site:
403 West out of Hamilton then Exit Paris Road (this the exit at the west end of Brantford).
Left on Hwy 2 (Tim Hortons on the North East Corner).
Stay in the right lane which exits to Willow Street (if you cover high level bridge you go to wrong side of river)
Left at the stop – Williams Sreet
Next left which is Sly Apps Community Center and park in the lot on the right
Meet at 8am but if you are late you can find us by heading towards the skate board ramp, up the hill, then down hill to river. Go DOWNSTREAM,
Mooneye Madness Night!
Our famous Mooneye extravaganza- In the Grand River just downriver of Caledonia at Seneca Park.* June 11, 2003–Done!
This event is open to any member that has paid their membership and to new flyfishers.
There is no fee just come on out and have some fun.
Bring bushy white flys (size 8 and smaller) and a 6 wt or lighter rod. Big spinner patterns (ie. mayfly adults that have died and fallen to the river) also work particularly near dusk.
Big fun on eager fish.
We meet at about 6PM.
*The park is located 1-2 miles east of Hwy #6 on #54. This is the road that parallels the river on its North side. Seneca Park is simply a narrow grassed area between #54 and the river. People can park their vehicles almost right up to the river’s edge. The water should be no deeper than thigh level. Be careful of the odd pot hole.
Fishing at Primrose Trout Farm
Spring Outing Saturday, April 12, 2003 Primrose Trout Farm–Done!
It’s time for the spring fishing outing with the club. We will be meeting at Primrose Trout Farm at about 9AM for a full day of fishing. The club has negotiated a special rate of 25$ for fishing the whole day, catch and release only. Click here for more information on the Primrose Trout Farm, including directions.
We already have about 6 members confirmed so there should be a few rides available if you check around. We are not as yet planning a bbq for lunch but anyone who would like to volunteer should let me know.
Streamer Fly Swap
Third Annual Fly Exchange Finished May 12, 2003 done!
The The third annual fly swap for HAFFT is concentrating on streamer flies this year. Click here for an entry form and more information.
Teaching for the Get Outdoors Program
Teaching Kids Brant Rod and Gun Club Done!
The club will be teaching kids to tie flyes and cast lines. Not a lot of experience is needed but enthusiasm is required in large quantities.
Click here for a map. They are located on Henderson Road, off of Bishop’s Gate Road, near Burford.
This will be our first project with the Brant Rod and Gun Club.
Contact John French our President for more information.
Working the Club Booth at the Ontario Spring Fishing Show
Talking up the club International Center Done!
The club will be participating in the Spring Fishing Show trying to reach potential new members. Essentially you sit at the club booth for various lengths of time talking about fishing, the club and tying a few flies if you are so inclined. We need a pile of members to fill all the hours so please help out if you can.
The Spring Fishing Show is at the International Center near Pearson Airport. The show has its own very elaborate web site so check it out!
Contact John French our President for more information.
Work Day on Spencer’s Creek at Safari Road- All Done for the Year.
Stream Rehabilitation 1233 Safari Road October 5, 2002 at 9AM
The club will be starting new work on Spencer Creek by building a small fishway around a low-head weir on Spencer Creek. This is part of our continuing our work of the last few years clearing brush and rehabilitating the Spencer Creek. The site is up in Flamborough and is located at the 1st driveway East of Spencer’s Creek bridge on Safari Road. Parking will be available on the property so no parking on the roadway will be required.
Click here for a map.
This will be our first project with Ontario Streams and promises to be a bigger project than we have attempted to date. We expect to do some rock rolling and fence construction.
Contact Ken Glasbergen our Conservation Chairman for information.
Work Day Hunter Farm- All done, congratulations to all participants!
Stream Rehabilitation Hunter Farm July 13, August 10 and Sept. 14, 2002
The club will be continuing our work of the last few years clearing brush and rehabilitating the Spencer Creek. The farm is up in Flamborough. Click here for a map.
This note from John French regarding the July 13 date. “During our work day on Saturday we finished the backtracking to clear up the tornado damage. With the kids from the Caledonia Outdoor Youth Group ( 7 plus Len) there were 21 people on the stream. We finished about 100 m of stream in a little over an hour and boy did it look pretty once the flow cleared of mud.”
Call John French at (905) 544 5056 or email John to volunteer your time.
Dunnville Fish Derby
Fly-tying and Club Promotion Dunnville (onthe Grand) Done
Volunteers required to help teach kids to tie one on. Yes, if you can tie a wooly worm, we want YOU! Last year 640 kids caught 14 different species of fish. This year we are trying to get the kids to fish BARBLESS. The event organizers are all for it.
Call John French at 905-544-5056 to volunteer and for more info.
Caledonia Fish Derby
Fly-tying and Club Promotion Caledonia (on the Grand) done
Volunteers required to help teach kids to tie one on. Yes, if you can tie a wooly worm, we want YOU! No, it’s not deja vu all over again, we have to be in two places at once. This is the first year for this derby. It is being run by the Caledonia Outdoor Youth Group that visited us over the winter. We also picked up some live bodies to help out on our work days, so lets help them out too.
Call John French at 905-544-5056 to volunteer and for more info. Ken Glasbergen is overseeing this event. You can email Ken for further instructions.
First Annual Tuber Event ( F.A.T.E.)
Just Fishin’ Rockwood Conservation Area done
Got a float tube, u-boat, aqua cat, pontoon boat? Come fish for bass, panfish or the odd rainbow. Time to be determined when to start. Rockwood has an awesome bakery. Worth the trip in itself. Details to be posted.
Click here for more information on Rockwood Conservation Area, including a map.
Fishing Outing-Spring 2002
Spring Outing – Casting Clinic and Fishing Primrose Trout Farm done
This event is open to any member that has paid their membership. There is an additional 25$ fee payable to Primrose Trout Farm to cover the facility charge. This is a 50% discount from their normal rate.
There will be hot dogs and other goodies for lunch at around noon provided by the club. To see the directions to the Farm and figure out what is biting go to their website www.primrosetroutfarm.com.
It is over an hour to drive to Primrose (near Erin) so we will try to set up some carpooling at the April 8 meeting.
* The park is located 1-2 miles east of Hwy #6 on #52. This is the road that parallels the river on its North side. Seneca Park is simply a narrow grassed area between #52 and the river. People can park their vehicles almost right up to the rivers edge. The water should be no deeper than thigh level. Be careful of the odd pot hole.