Winter Shows

We all know winter is on it's way and a lack of open water will eventually hit.  Sooner or later you're going to need to get out of the house.  Here's a list of a bunch of local and midwest fishing shows this winter to help stave off the cabin fever.  Some of these shows are fly fishing specific and some are general fishing.  They're all what you make of them!  I'm sure many of us from Chi- Tie will be hitting a few so look for us around!  (Thanks to Dick at NIFT for the help with some of this list...)
If you know of more shows I've missed let us know and I'll update the list.


Chicago Musky Expo
January 8-10, 2016
Hoffman Estates, IL
Musky fishing show.  For fly fishing see the Milwaukee expo.
https://www.muskieexpo.com/chicago-expo-links/

Chicago Fishing Travel and Outdoor Expo
January 28 – 31, 2016

Location: Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL

Fishing show with lots of exhibitors/vendors/programs, very limited fly fishing materials/programs.

http://sportshows.com/chicago/index.html

Milwaukee Musky Expo
February 12-14, 2016
West Bend, WI
 Milwaukee version of Chicago show.  This year presents a special fly fishing section with fly specific seminars, guides, vendors, flies, and casting pool.
https://www.muskieexpo.com/milwaukee-expo-links/

Tinley Park Fishing Show
February 13&14, 2016
Tinley Park, IL
Large space, tons of gear.
http://www.tinleyparkfishingshow.com/

Spring Opener – Badger Fly Fishers

Date:  February 13, 2016

Location: Madison, WI

http://badgerflyfishers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2016-Poster-2a-pdf.pdf

There will be vendors, fly tying demonstrations, raffles, etc.

Great American Fly Fishing Expo

Date: February 19 – 21, 2016

Location: Indiana State Fair Grounds, Indianapolis, IN

Manufacturers and retailers of fly fishing rods, reels, boats, clothing, fly tying tools and materials and accessories, fly fishing guides, resorts, lodges and outfitters focused on Midwest fishing.

http://www.greatflyfishingexpo.com/

 

Madison Fishing Expo

Date:  February 26 – 28, 2016

Location:   Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI

http://www.madfishexpo.com

 

Bronzeback Blowout – Illinois Smallmouth Alliance

Location: American Legion Hall, Elmhurst, IL (suburban Chicago)

Date:  March 5, 2016

http://www.illinoissmallmouthalliance.net

River Falls Fly Fishing Festival

March 11&12 2016

River Falls, WI

Friday night F3T, Saturday fly fishing expo

http://rfflyfishingfestival.com/index.html

2016  Midwest Fly Fishing Expo

March 12 & 13, 2016

Location: Macomb Community College Sports & Expo Center, Warren, MI

Show has demonstrations and programs on fly tying, fly casting, fly fishing seminars and more in 61,000 square feet of exhibition space.

http://mffc.org

 

December 14

Here we are again.  Another month and our next meet up is Monday December 14.  Come on out and join us for a few drinks and a few flies.  We'll be hanging out at Galway Bay putting down a few last minute flies for the late season or getting a head start on next spring.  Of course there will always be plenty of fishy conversation and laughs.  As always everyone is welcome!  Hope to see you there!

November 9

It's fall in Chicago but there's still plenty of fishing to do before everything freezes up!  And that means more tying!  We'll be at Galway Bay again next Monday November 9 for our next meet up.  Come join us- we'll be hanging out, talking fishing, tying some flies, and having a few drinks.  As always anyone is welcome whether you're an old seasoned pro or just curious about fly fishing and tying or anywhere in between.  Hope to see you there!!

(And don't forget- Sunday the 8th we'll be at the Early Show so come see us there too!)

2015 ISA Early Show

One of the coolest events in town!  This is the only show devoted entirely to fly fishing.  We'll be with a booth hanging out talking about fishing and tying!  Come on out for a great time.

The Early Show – Sunday 11/8/15 10am – 5pm

Presented by the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance & Dupage Rivers Fly Tyers

Come to the 5th Early Show, Chicago’s only all fly fishing & tying show!

Sit with the area’s best fly tyers as they demonstrate their talents on a wide variety of fly patterns. Kids will enjoy the free fly tying & entomology programs.

Show Features:

• 25+ Regional fly tyers – sit and watch them create a fly for the waters they fish.

• Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructors provide free casting lessons.

• Spey casting demonstrations & help matching the line to rod.

• Regional fishing guides on hand to share tips & book trips.

        Speaker presentations through the day

        Rod builders & cane rod building demo booth.

• Vendors include area shops, reps, pro tyers & guides all with great deals.

• Club booths ready to answer questions about their activities.

• Dupage Forest Preserve District booth to promote outdoor & youth programs.

• Raffle of donated flies & gear drawn at end of the show.

• Free Youth Fly Tying with all the materials and tools provided.

At the Dupage F.P.  Mayslake Peabody Estate, it was constructed by Francis Stuyvesant Peabody during the American Gilded Age. Experience the splendor of its grounds and learn about fly fishing & tying inside the mansion at The Early Show.

Mark Your Calendar Now For The First Fly Show Of The Fall Season!

Show Location:  Mayslake Peabody Estate	Show Date:	Sunday November 8, 2015
1717 West 31st Street	Show Time:	10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Admission is $10.00 for adults - kids 12 and under are FREE.

October Wrap Up

Beer, flies and Cubs win! 
We had a great time hanging out this month over at Galway! 
Our next meet up will be Nov 9!  Hope to see you there and in the mean time- Get out and fish!

October 12

It's fall! And we're all set for our next meet up.
Come join us to tie some flies, have a few drinks, and talk some fishing.  As always everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!