Presenters
Tom Rosenbauer
Tom Rosenbauer is the chief fly-fishing enthusiast for Orvis, where he has worked for 45 years. He is the author of more than 30 books on fly fishing and fly tying, and he has hosted the world’s most popular fly-fishing podcast, the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide, since 2008.
"The Battenkill has been a part of my life since before I ever saw it. As a teenage fly tier, I fell in love with John Atherton's descriptions of it in The Fly and the Fish, and first fished the river in the early 1970s. I've been blessed to live on or near the Battenkill for almost 50 years, and it never seems to both delight and frustrate me. Its trout are never easy, but the river is always easy on the eyes."
Michael E Valla
Retired, Glens Falls Hospital public health pediatric dentist. Fly Fishing/Tying book author: "Tying Catskill-Style Dry Flies," "The Founding Flies," "Tying the Founding Flies," "Tying and Fishing Streamers and Bucktails," "Favorite Flies for he Catskills," "Classic Wet-Fly Box," "Classic Streamer Fly Box," "Classic Dry Fly Box"---and "Fly Fishing Guide to New York State"
John Burrows
John R.J. Burrows is the Vice President of U.S. Operations for the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF). ASF is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wild Atlantic salmon and their ecosystems. John oversees ASF’s restoration and conservation programs, communications, and advocacy activities in the U.S. John has been with ASF since 2000 and has worked on a variety of regulatory and policy issues, FERC hydropower relicensings, and habitat connectivity and river restoration projects, including the removal of several large dams. Under ASF’s Maine Headwaters initiative, John and other ASF U.S. staff have completed more than 60 small dam removal and fish passage projects across Maine, restoring access to more than 1,200 miles of river and stream habitat and more than 35,000 acres of lake and pond habitat. John earned his B.A. from Gettysburg College and an M.E.S. from the Yale School of the Environment.
John Shaner
John Shaner grew up in a fishing family in the Finger Lakes region of NY, and caught his first trout on a fly he tied himself in 1966. Although he is primarily self-taught, he has studied many different fly dressing techniques and has been privileged to have sat at the elbow of many famous fly tiers. He especially enjoys reproducing and using traditional trout patterns. Catskill style dry flies were his first interest, but in the past 25 years his focus has been on British wet flies. John has developed a profound interest in “Spiders”, which Americans call them “Soft Hackles”. John began exploring the Catskills as soon as he had a driver’s license and in the years since he has fished for trout across the US from Maine to Oregon, Michigan to New Mexico, and he has made a number of trips to the UK to fish the famous Chalk Streams and other rivers. Most of his working career has been spent in the fly-fishing business where John has managed fly shops, guided, and worked as a sales representative for The Orvis Co. and Cortland Line. Since 2008 he has been associated with Hardy of Alnwick, England. John retired in 2021 to devote more time to fishing and travel.
Estancia Caleufu
In the heart of Patagonia, amidst the rugged beauty of Neuquén province, lies Estancia Caleufu. Max Knüll and Javier Rivara stand as guardians of a legacy that stretches back over a century.
Max and his family's stewardship of this 80,000-acre cattle ranch has shaped not only the landscape but also the culture of fly fishing in the area. Estancia Caleufu is the oldest fly fishing lodge in northern Patagonia. For over four decades, its gates have opened exclusively guest referrals.
Under the expert guidance of Javier Rivara, Estancia Caleufu's fly fishing operation flourishes. With over 30 kilometers of private water, including stretches along the Caleufu River, Chilchiuma River, and two spring creeks, anglers are offered a sanctuary where the pursuit of trout is as pure as the landscape that surrounds them. Estancia Caleufu embodies a spirit of authenticity. It is a place where time slows, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature and the essence of fly fishing. For Estancia Caleufu is not just a lodge; it is a living testament to the enduring passion for fly fishing that has echoed through Patagonia since the early 1900s.
Keith Curley
I grew up in New Hampshire and always loved the outdoors, especially fishing. One of my favorite spots was the Merrimack River, which had been cleaned up as a result of the Clean Water Act. An interest in helping other rivers recover is what ultimately led me to Trout Unlimited. I went to St. Lawrence University for my undergrad and Johns Hopkins University for my graduate degree in Environmental Science and Policy. I’ve been with Trout Unlimited since starting as an intern in 2003, and have worked in the Development, Government Affairs, and Eastern Conservation departments.
FLY TYERS PARTICIPANTS
Adriano Manocchia
Born in New York City, Adriano Manocchia received a Bachelors degree from Pace University in New York. After graduating, he spent 12 years as a photojournalist. In 1984, Adriano turned his attention to fine art and quickly received the attention of critics worldwide. A number of awards and special projects marked his recognition in the art field. Adriano’s work is in major private collections. "My paintings are my emotions; I paint what attracts me. It is that incessant search for the visually stimulating that makes this voyage exciting. While painting places I observe, I enhance my images through compositional means, bringing them closer to ideals upheld in a bygone age of painting.” www.adriano-art.com
Chris Del Plato
Chris has spent over 25 years researching streamer and bucktail history with a particular focus on the unique patterns and tying styles of Carrie Stevens and the 'exact imitation' or 'match the minnow' approaches of Lew Oatman and Keith Fulsher. Chris has demonstrated streamer tying at various events, including the International Fly Tying Symposium. He has also been featured in numerous sporting publications. He also runs the StreamerList.com, a large online community of streamer & bucktail aficionados. Website: streamertyer.com , Instagram: @streamertyer
Jim Clune
Fly tying gives a wonderful "gift of absorption"*. Sitting at the bench is always my "pocket of contentedness"*. It's just a fascinating, enjoyable, lifetime hobby. *M. Obama "The Light We Carry"
Gavin Rueda
Hi, my name is Gavin Rueda. I am a youth fly tyer and fisherman from Saratoga county, NY with a passion for conservation and youth conservation education. I am also a part of Clearwater Trout Unlimited and the TU National Youth Leadership Council; and I really enjoy sharing my passion for the environment with others.
Peter Simonson
Peter Simonson has been fly-tying for 25 years, initially just creating flies needed for fishing. He enjoys tying historic streamers from the Rangeley region of Maine and especially the unnamed and other lesser-known streamer patterns of Carrie G. Stevens. Peter has tied at numerous fly-fishing shows and museum events over the past dozen years, and was recently featured in the Autumn 2022 issue of Fly Tyer magazine. Learn more at www.petersimonsonflydresser.com.
Mike Stewart
Mike is a custom fly tyer who has been tying flies since 1982. He ties and teaches how to tie all types of flies, but especially enjoys wet flys, flymphs, and soft hackles. Mike started fishing on the Missisquoi River in Richford, VT in the late 1950's where he caught his first trout on a fly rod. He has demonstrated fly tying at various fishing shows across the US. Currently, Mike lives in North Granby, CT.
Bill Newcomb
Bill Newcomb is a celebrated fly tyer and fly fishing historian who has been tying for over 50 years up and down the East Coast and Europe. "This is a fun sport - you meet so many nice people. To the people who came before we owe so much. We're here to pass it on.
Mike Valla
Retired, Glens Falls Hospital public health pediatric dentist. Fly Fishing/Tying book Retired, Glens Falls Hospital public health pediatric dentist. Fly Fishing/Tying book author: "Tying Catskill-Style Dry Flies," "The Founding Flies," "Tying the Founding Flies," "Tying and Fishing Streamers and Bucktails," "Favorite Flies for he Catskills," "Classic Wet-Fly Box," "Classic Streamer Fly Box," "Classic Dry Fly Box"---and "Fly Fishing Guide to New York State": "Tying Catskill-Style Dry Flies," "The Founding Flies," "Tying the Founding Flies," "Tying and Fishing Streamers and Bucktails," "Favorite Flies for he Catskills," "Classic Wet-Fly Box," "Classic Streamer Fly Box," "Classic Dry Fly Box"---and "Fly Fishing Guide to New York State"
Tom Miller
Having fished the Battenkill for over 30 years and residing along its banks for the past 20 years, Tom has had the opportunity to keenly observe the habits of both its fish and the fishermen who pursue them, as well as the aquatic entomology unique to this prolific river. With the knowledge gained from these observations, Tom has devoted his commercial fly tying business to providing anglers many effective patterns, many of which are unique to him, to increase their chance of success and enjoyment on the water. Tom's flies can be found in the boxes of both local Battenkill regulars and visiting anglers. Tom is proud that he provides the preferred flies for many Battenkill river guides. He has also for many years supplied premium quality flies to fly shops throughout New England and Canada.
With a strong interest in preserving the history and heritage of the sport, Tom has a passion for continuing the traditional aspects of fly fishing; he stubbornly continues to build his own leaders, his personal preference in equipment consists of vintage bamboo rods and reels, and ties and utilizes traditional fly patterns, some of which date back over 150 years.
Tom currently resides in Arlington, VT with his two English Setters which accompany him on most forays to the river. As an avid grouse hunter, autumn finds the 3 weight replaced with the 20 gauge, and Tom and his dogs can be found roaming the uplands somewhere in New England pursuing that most noble of all game birds.
Tom is available on a limited basis for guided Battenkill angling trips as well as grouse and woodcock hunts in October and November. He also offers fly tying instruction for all skill levels, with the goal of helping develop a lifelong passion for this enjoyable craft with endless opportunities for learning. Tom can be reached at battenkillflies@gmail.com
Fly Fishing Workshop and Seminar Leaders
Brew Moscarello
Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide and Instructor Brew Moscarello has been fishing the Battenkill river for nearly 4 decades. As the founder of Trico Unlimited, Fly Fishing Adventures in Southern Vermont, Brew specializes in helping Fly Fisherman of all abilities advance their skills while having fun. Learn more at www.tricounlimited.com
Peter Basta
Peter's first fish to the fly was on the BattenKill near Shushan! Peter has fished this area of Vermont and nearby NY since those early years except while at college in Nova Scotia. Peter is a guide in this area and has been practicing his craft for many years. He has also guided in Michigan and NY for Steelhead but is retired from that part of his guiding. Peter specializes in taking out beginners as an "On Stream Instruction" course all done stream side. He guides on 5 major watersheds and fishes both stocked and wild trout and all fished are released.
Ray Berumen
Ray Berumen, owner of Taconic Guide Service and Mayfly Lodge in Manchester, Vermont, is the former Engineering Manager for both Orvis Fly rods USA and British Fly Reels Ltd., Cornwall, England. The reason I have come to love the Battenkill river is surprisingly not for its fishing as it goes much deeper than that alone. The rugged beauty of natural free flowing, freestone, spring fed crystal clear waters is a unique experience and a lifetime full of endless adventures. The fishing can be pretty good, too..!
Alan Erdossy
A fly fisher and tyer for 65 years, Alan grew up fishing the Letort and Yellow Breeches in PA. His Simplified Fly Fishing School at Tall Timber Lodge has introduced students of all ages to the wonderful world of trout for over 30 years. He served as coordinator for TU's Atlantic Salmon Task Force, and is here representing the VT Trout Camp for Teens.
Brian McCardle
I am a lifelong fly fisherman since age of 12. I joined the Boston chapter of Trout Unlimited at age 30. served on it's board of directors as well as trip coordinator for trips to the Beaverkill, Housatonic, Farmington. I became active in the Federation of Fly Fishers, now Fly Fishers international and served on the board of directors and am now the treasurer of the northeast council for the last 20 years. After retiring I worked as a casting instructor as well as fly tying teacher at LL Bean for 11 years. I was one of original volunteers for Project Healing Waters. This year will be the 11th year of running a fishing camp for a local kids school for the blind. Fly fishing is such a wonderful sport and has been a life changer for me. Semper Fi! - Brian
Pat Johnson
Casting Instructor and guide in Quebec, Canada. Competitive Fly Angler. Vice president FFI-North Eastern Council
Douglas Goosen
FFI North East council board of directors member. FFI Certified Instructor
Andrew MacArthur
Andrew grew up on Long Island where he developed a passion for targeting fluke, bluefish, and stripers with his surf rods. Now a resident of Arlington, VT, Andrew serves as Chapter President for TU Southwestern Vermont, owns Cedar Bear Carpentry LLC., and is a passionate outdoor educator. Since moving to the area in 2012, Andrew has fallen in love with fly fishing for anything with fins, is an avid fly tier, and especially loves the Battenkill watershed!
Conservation Partners
Jacob Fetterman
Jacob works for Trout Unlimited as the NY Project Coordinator. The focus of his work remains the Battenkill Watershed (in NY & VT), through the Battenkill Home Rivers Initiative - now entering its 4th year of operation. He has a Master of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture Management and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology.
Warren Coleman
Warren co-founded the TU Trout Camp more than ten years ago with some fellow MadDog Chapter members to provide young teens the opportunity to learn about flyfishing, cold water conservation and to inspire our next generation to step up and protect our natural resources. He grew up in Florida fishing the waters of Biscayne Bay and later the Nature Coast near Cedar Key, but has lived in Vermont since 1996. He moved here to attend law school in Sout Royalton and fell in love with the White River. He now focuses his time in the Upper Connecticut River watershed during the summer, but come fall he's in the northwoods of New England or out west on the prairies with his English Setters sourcing feathers for next year's softhackle flies. He's proud to be part of the TU Trout Camp providing an exceptional experience for novice to advanced campers with a top notch faculty dedicated to passing on their knowledge and enthusiasm. He makes annual pilgrimages to the Battenkill each spring and early summer. He loves the intimacy and challenge of its waters and beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Jim Henderson
Jim Henderson grew up on Cape Cod fishing for striped bass. He works at the Bennington County Regional Commission where he manages their environmental program, is a founding member of the Batten Kill Watershed Alliance and serves on the Board of Directors of the Bennington County Conservation District. Jim lives in Sandgate, Vermont where he raised three sons with his wife Nancy. He enjoys fishing hunting and bluegrass music.
Andrew MacArthur
Andrew grew up on Long Island where he developed a passion for targeting fluke, bluefish, and stripers with his surf rods. Now a resident of Arlington, VT, Andrew serves as Chapter President for TU Southwestern Vermont, owns Cedar Bear Carpentry LLC., and is a passionate outdoor educator. Since moving to the area in 2012, Andrew has fallen in love with fly fishing for anything with fins, is an avid fly tier, and especially loves the Battenkill watershed!
Erin De Vries
Erin joined VRC staff after serving as VRC’s River Stewardship Manager. Erin brings a deep knowledge of Vermont waters and watersheds from previous experience as a watershed and lake education coordinator and state wetlands ecologist. She is a people person dedicated to building awareness and partnerships that benefit communities and their health, our environment, and the economy. As Conservation Director, Erin enhances conservation partnerships and leads strategic visioning for the public access sites and riverlands the organization will conserve and restore.
Addie Hedges
Addie joined the VRC team in 2023 through the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board AmeriCorps program. Prior to moving to Vermont, Addie lived in Southwest Florida and the Midwest. She recently graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in geography and additional environmental studies and geology coursework. Addie has worked on water-related projects with state and federal geological surveys in Indiana and Vermont, bringing knowledge of hydrology and outreach to the team. As the Community Engagement Coordinator for VRC, Addie hopes to increase community knowledge of rivers and their importance. She wants to use her scientific knowledge and creative ideas to achieve goals and gain more knowledge about Vermont ecosystems and human communities!
Paul Bugeja
PAUL BUGEJA has a passion for wild native brook trout that began at a small pond in Branden, Vermont, in the early 1970's. He has fished throughout the state while travelling for business and pleasure, including both the storied rivers and lesser-known streams. Paul has also spent time in Wyoming and Montana pursuing wild native cutthroat, and in Ireland fishing for native sea-run brown trout and Atlantic salmon that are struggling due to habitat degradation. He also served on the board of Central Vermont Trout Unlimited for several years. Paul can be reached at Info@nativefishcoalition.org
VENDORS
Rablogan Castle
Rablogan Castle of Scotland is a comprehensive Scottish products shop set on the outskirts of Arlington, VT. Our Kitchen and Pantry area includes everything from imported UK groceries and candy, Scottish seafood and cheese to authentic locally made UK staples. We offer a broad range of authentic Family wear and Accessories, an Extensive Highland wear selection, Wool and Cashmere Sweaters, Home goods, Jewelry and Gifts. Additionally, we are the US home of the Rablogan of Scotland range of Tartan and Tweed garments that includes Lambswool shirts, Tweed Jackets and Vests, Capes and Ponchos, Scarves and Throws and much more. www.rablogan.com
Lopstick Outfitters
Lopstick Outfitters is an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Outfitter & Fly Shop in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. We offer Pro Gear, Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides, and Professional Upland Bird Hunting Guides! Visit us at our shop or on the web at lopstickoutfitters.com to start your adventure in the Great North Woods!
Wendy Gawlick
Wendy Gawlik is a Regional Program Manager at Casting for Recovery (CfR), a non-profit organization based in Bozeman, Montana. CfR provides free outdoor retreats for women of any age and any stage of breast cancer treatment or recovery. Their unique program combines breast cancer education and peer support with instruction in the sport of fly fishing. Each retreat typically hosts fourteen women who are randomly selected to attend. Wendy’s role involves managing regional programs and ensuring that participants have a meaningful and supportive experience during these retreats
Jim Becker
It was during a fishing excursion in the late 70’s through NH, Maine and Vermont that I stopped at the Orvis store in Manchester. I picked up a kit for a 7 ½ foot fiberglass rod and my rod making journey began. Going out fully on my own in 1998, I have enjoyed the development of JHBecker Rodworks and am proud of the quality and integrity of what I have offered my customers through the years. As 2023 begins, I enter my 25th year of JHBecker Rodworks. I look forward to continuing to offer personalized customer service with each rod, and continuing the tradition of hand made natural fiber rods to last the generations.
Arlotta Food
What began as a fun, family weekend at the Bennington Vermont Garlic Festival in 2010, Arlotta Food Studio evolved to become a multi-million dollar business today, selling a collection of organic olive oil, vinegar, and gourmet condiments across the US and Canada. In 2016 when demand for California olive oil grew to unprecedented levels, olive oil became almost impossible to source, forcing the company to buy its own groves in the California San Joaquin Valley.
Arlotta Food Studio can be found in over 60 Farmer's markets a week from Montauk to Brooklyn New York, along with some of the most popular upscale grocers and restaurants in the tri-state area. (www.arlottafood.com)
Stop by our table and have a taste!
Gear Haus & Fly Haus
GEAR HAUS is a locally owned and operated outdoor gear and sports equipment consignment shop in Manchester, Vermont. We help the community sell their gently used brand-name gear at reasonable prices while supporting sustainability and environmental stewardship. You’ll find gear for camping, hiking, backpacking, fly fishing, hunting, nordic and backcountry skiing, snowboarding, hockey, lacrosse, yoga, and more.
FLY HAUS is our dedicated fly shop located inside GEAR HAUS. We provide fly anglers with quality new and pre-owned fly-fishing gear, rod and reel rentals, and locally tied flies. Our goal is to support experienced and new fly anglers, while creating a place to gather, share stories about your day on the river, learn about our fisheries from our knowledgeable staff, and support local conservation initiatives.
FLY HAUS will be offering the opportunity to consign and sell your fly fishing gear during the festival. You can sign up at www.gearhausvt.com.
Steve Woit
Steve Woit is the author of the book “Fly Fishing Treasures”, a colorful review of the world of fly fishers and collecting with 800 color photos of vintage and antique rods, reels, flies. He will be signing books and displaying and selling antique fly fishing tackle, including vintage and antique reels, flies and collectibles. More information at: www.flyfishingtreasures.com and on social media on Instagram @flyfishingtreasures and Twitter @TreasuresFly