Mission

Trout Unlimited is a national organization dedicated to protecting and improving cold water fishing resources. Our local chapter is a key building block and our local members volunteer their time, money and energy to improving cold-water fishing resources in New Hampshire. Almost all members love fly fishing, and related activities, such as fly tying.

In Memoriam Ronald M. Sowa Past President, MRVTU (1949-2018) It is with much sadness that we inform you that our fellow Board member Ron Sowa passed away last month. Ron served on our Chapter’s Board of Directors for over ten years and was Chapter President from 2012 through 2016. During that time he was involved in all aspects of the Chapter’s activities. His friendly demeanor, organizational skills and thorough knowledge of the State’s Fish & Game Agency and fly-fishing business were evident in all of his invaluable contributions. Ron was the driving force behind the revitalization of the FlyFish NH Show and thanks to him it has become one of the most important fishing shows in the Northeast. In addition, Ron served as the administrator of this website as well as our FaceBook page. We will miss our dear friend. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ron’s wife Helen and his entire family. Board of Directors, Merrimack River Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited

The monthly meetings of the 2019 – 2020 Merrimack River Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited will commence beginning October 8, 2019 and will run through May 12, 2020.

The Board of Directors has been working throughout the summer months to arrange interesting and varied monthly presentations on different subjects pertaining to fly fishing and cold water fisheries conservation. We will also be resurrecting the MRVTU Newsletter and this website with future meeting information and trout fishing info for our members.

We have lined up a great list of presentations and new member recruitment program beginning at our first meeting on October 8, and running throughout our regular meeting schedule. Below is a list of presenters and topics for our October 8^th Meeting:

• • Piscataquog Land Conservancy (PLC), Paul Doscher and Chris Wells will present on stream restoration and habitat-improvement projects in the Piscataquog watershed and around New Hampshire.  They will also provide an overview of PLC and how its land conservation work supports healthy watersheds and cold-water fisheries.
  • Bryce Stetson the MRVTU attendee at the Level 2 Trout Camp. Our Chapter sponsed Bryce at this past Trout Camp. Bryce will be presenting a brief overview of his experience at the camp.
  • Raffle for assorted flies tied by our fellow MRVTU member Todd Nelson.

Membership recruitment and rewards. When current members bring a new member (expired memberships of 3 yrs are eligible). MRVTU will pay the new members dues for one year which includes a free subscription to TROUT magazine. The MRVTU member who recruited the new member will receive his/her choice of a MRVTU shirt or hat.

Here is a list of future meeting speakers and topics:

November 12

• Rick Little, Shadcreek Flies http://www.shopshadcreekflies.com
  • Well known and respected professional fly tier.
  • Presentation: “Bugs and Smelt-Favorite Flies and Streamside Musings”

This is one of my most popular programs and is great for fly fishermen and fly tyers. It is designed to stimulate a discussion about what is a “favorite fly” and to get anglers thinking about the flies that they use and why. It is a fun, light-hearted program that includes photos of flies, fishing locations and outdoor scenery. I share some of my favorite freshwater patterns and the experiences and stream-side observations that have contributed to making these flies “favorites”.

• Raffle for 8 of Rick’s hand tied flies

December 10

• Annual MRVTU Social, food, drinks, raffles and fishing trip presentations.
• Mike Sousa, winner of last years float trip. Mike will review his trip with words and pics.
• Joel Kasper, our Chapter President will review his Bonefish Bahamas fishing trip with words and pics.

January 14

• Bill Holleran from Red Brook Tenkara.
  • Bill will discuss the various aspects and history of the Tenkara fly fishing, equipment, flies and technique.
• Raffles for free stuff

February 11

• Tom Villemure, MRVTU member
  • Tom will talk about his recent trip to Yellowstone

March and beyond:  More great speakers and free stuff. Stay tuned !!

Meetings are held at: Sweeney Post of the American Legion 251 Maple Street, Manchester, NH.

Guests and potential members are always welcome.

Sweeney has a cash bar and food for members available.

The regular meeting starts at 7:00 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm and usually lasts until around 9:00 pm.

Merrimack River Valley Chapter is a affiliate supporter of the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation

2017 Youth Camp

Youth Trout Camp is conducted by the NH Trout Unlimited State Council and its chapters throughout the state.  The five day camp teaches appreciation through the art and science of fly fishing.  The Youth Camp is for ages 14-17 years of age.