Chicago Winter Happenings

Winter's back.  Our local water is frozen over and it's tying and outdoor shows for the next couple months.  Chicago has a lot of options to try to keep yourself busy and stave off cabin fever. Here's a few of them:

Tying Classes and Demos

This winter if you're looking to improve your tying game -besides hanging out with us of course- there are a bunch of classes coming up at the shops here in Chicago.  With different days and times available there should be something fitting for everybody.  Check out the options and make sure you tell them you heard about it here!


Orvis Chicago
The Chicago branch of Orvis will be offering free beginning fly tying classes at their downtown store.  Saturdays beginning Jan 18th- Feb 22.  They also plan on having fly demonstrations during the week through the next couple months by some great local guides and tyers.  Call or stop by the shop for more details.
LINK


Chicago Fly Fishing Outfitters
The crew over at Chicago Fly will be offering a full schedule of tying classes from January through March.  Everything from beginner Intro courses to more advanced Musky, Nymphing,  and Trout Streamer courses are being offered.  Whatever you're into, they have a class for you.  They also have a roster of special guests doing presentations. Check out the website or call the shop for more info.
LINK





Chicago Area Outdoors Shows:
While Chicago doesn't have a fly fishing specific show aside from the Early Show back in November, there are a few shows over the winter with at least some fly fishing aspect to them.  Anyway they're a good way to break up the winter.

Chicago Muskie Show
January 10-12
Palatine
LINK

All Canada Show
January 9- 12
St Charles
LINK

Chicagoland Fishing Travel and Outdoor Show
This show seems to have the most fly fishing in it with a Fly Fishing Pavillion featuring manufacturers, guides, and tiers.
January 23-26 2014
Schaumburg, IL
LINK

Chicago Outdoor Sports Show
January 22-26
Rosemont, IL
LINK

Tinley Park Fishing Show
A surprisingly good, huge show featuring clubs, guides, gear, and anything fishing.
Feb 8-9
Tinley Park
LINK

December Wrap Up

Monday was cold.  And snowy.  So a handful of us hung inside the nice warm bar. As usual it was a great time.  Good fishy conversation, some good brews, and a bunch of flies.  We saw some red fish flies, some poppers, and some chunky baitfish.  Seems as if some of us are already thinking about warmer weather!
Our next meet up is January 13.  Until then- here's some pics.