LEC MONTHLY MEETING MAY 15TH AT THE BURCHFIELD NATURE AND ARTS CENTER, 2001 UNION ROAD, WEST SENECA, NY
​
Beginners fly tying and Social Hour will be from 6:00PM-7:00PM. A general meeting and presentation will be at 7:00PM-8:30 PM. Featured fly will be the “Pheasant Tail Nymph” instructed by Bill Trowman. Casting instruction by Al Kerner and Rusty Hardiman.
Our feature presentation at 7:00 will be “Smallmouth Bass on the Fly” by guest speaker Kirk Klingensmith. Kirk is longtime member and past president of Twin Tiers/Five Rivers Chapter of FFI in Corning New York. A well traveled fly fisher here in North and South America Kirk has also contributed to many books and articles on fly fishing. This is a must see especially in our area where we have such a great smallmouth fishery.
​
Smallmouth Bass on the Fly
Fly Fishing for Smallmouth
Smallmouth bass are my favorite species to pursue with a fly rod, and I've spent over 55 years chasing them across the country, from the rocky streams of Maine to the winding rivers of Virginia and the expansive waters of Minnesota—and beyond.
In this presentation, I share my passion for smallmouth bass and the tactics that have proven effective for me over the years. We'll explore how smallmouth differ from other species typically pursued with a fly rod, and how to adapt your fishing strategies accordingly. You'll gain insights into the seasonal behaviors of smallmouth and how they influence their feeding patterns and habitat choices.
We'll also dive into the interplay between fly selection and fishing tactics, and how combining the right approach with the right flies can greatly improve your chances of success. Whether you prefer wade fishing or fishing from a watercraft, our region offers incredible smallmouth opportunities. I'll share recommendations for maximizing your experience from various platforms, including boats, kayaks, canoes, inflatables, and drift boats.
Kirk Klingensmith served as President of the Twin Tiers Five Rivers FFi Chapter from 2008 to 2024. A life member of both Trout Unlimited (TU) and Fly Fishers International (FFi), Kirk has been fly fishing for 55 years. While he enjoys fly fishing for a variety of species, smallmouth bass hold a special place in his heart. Each year, he dedicates 50-60 days to chasing bronzebacks, with 30-40 of those days spent floating the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers in his Hyde drift boat.
Kirk retired from a 37 year career Corning Inc, as an Engineering Fellow. He led technology for glass melting and forming, for LCD displays, optical fiber making, He holds 24 patents.
Please join us for a unique demonstration.
​
​​​
LEC Hoodies for Sale
The Lake Erie Chapter-FFI is offering the opportunity for you to purchase LEC Logo Hoodie -Sports Grey-Gildan Adult Heavy Blend 8 oz. 50% cotton, 50% polyester with the screen printed LEC logo for $40.00 The LEC Logo will be on the front of the hoodie and WE ARE FLY FISHING on the left sleeve.
Sizes go from small to 3x
Size Chart for Hoodies
Chest
Small 34-36
Medium 38-40
Large 42-44
XLarge 46-48
2XLarge 50-52
3XLarge 54-56
We are now taking orders (only available in Sport Grey Color) .
Ordering and payment information for LEC hoodies:
To order your LEC hoodie, email Mike Fabian at fabes112@gmail.com with your quantity and size. (as soon as possible)
For payment of the LEC hoodie ($40 each).
-
Send a check made out to Lake Erie Chapter-FFI and mail to Mike Fabian at 112 Westgate Blvd, West Seneca, NY 14224
-
Or you can make payment (cash or check) at the LEC monthly meeting on Thursday September 21, 2023
-
We will be putting in the order to the supplier on Friday September 22, 2023. It will take 2-3 weeks for delivery (have available at October monthly meeting)
