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2026 HAFFT PROGRAMS and OUTINGS (Details Below)
2026 HAFFT PROGRAMS and OUTINGS (Details Below)
Thursday March 26 8 – 10 am Casting Practice at Syl Apps Community Centre in Paris
Thursday March 26 8 – 10 am Casting Practice at Syl Apps Community Centre in Paris
Friday April 10 8 – 10 am Casting Practice at Syl Apps Community Centre in Paris
Friday April 10 8 – 10 am Casting Practice at Syl Apps Community Centre in Paris
Wednesday April 15 5 – 7 pm Casting Practice at Syl Apps Community Centre in Paris
Wednesday April 15 5 – 7 pm Casting Practice at Syl Apps Community Centre in Paris
Saturday April TBA Reelflies Open House
Saturday April TBA Reelflies Open House
Saturday April 11 Casting Practice at Courtcliffe park
Saturday April 11 Casting Practice at Courtcliffe park
Saturday April 18 Fishing at Lyndon Trout Farm
Saturday April 18 Fishing at Lyndon Trout Farm
Friday May 22 and Saturday May 23 Bronte Creek small trout outing
Friday May 22 and Saturday May 23 Bronte Creek small trout outing
Tuesday June 9 Mooney at Seneca Park (June 16 rainday)
Tuesday June 9 Mooney at Seneca Park (June 16 rainday)
Saturday July 18 Bass-Stravaganza at Syl Apps in Paris (Rain date Saturday July 25th)
Saturday July 18 Bass-Stravaganza at Syl Apps in Paris (Rain date Saturday July 25th)
Programs and Outings Co-ordinated by:
Programs and Outings Co-ordinated by:
Sarah Matchett (905) 807-2629 sarah.p.matchett@gmail.com
Sarah Matchett (905) 807-2629 sarah.p.matchett@gmail.com
We would like to get as many members as possible out to any and all of these events. Please give them some thought. They will be fun and educational for everyone.
We would like to get as many members as possible out to any and all of these events. Please give them some thought. They will be fun and educational for everyone.
HAFFT Mentorship Program
HAFFT Mentorship Program
(Available only to current HAFFT Members)
The HAFFT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM is targeted toward beginners to flyfishing in general, or beginners in a specific species or technique.
The HAFFT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM is targeted toward beginners to flyfishing in general, or beginners in a specific species or technique.
HAFFT needs to secure mentor volunteers. The number depends on how many people want to be mentored in the on-stream program. We will adjust the numbers based on the demands. HAFFT have a number of fully kitted out fly rods that can be borrowed by beginners. We suggest that beginners do not buy any equipment apart from waders until they understand what they might need.
HAFFT needs to secure mentor volunteers. The number depends on how many people want to be mentored in the on-stream program. We will adjust the numbers based on the demands. HAFFT have a number of fully kitted out fly rods that can be borrowed by beginners. We suggest that beginners do not buy any equipment apart from waders until they understand what they might need.
Objective of Mentorship program:
Objective of Mentorship program:
The objective of the program is to provide one to two days, of one on one, on the water instruction, to less experienced fly fishers. Each mentor / mentee situation will vary based on the capabilities and requirements of each mentee. Important note: the intent of each outing must be a Specific Learning Experience eg. Introduction to fly fishing for complete novices, dry fly fishing techniques for small fish in a small stream environment.....or subsurface fishing for Smallmouth bass in a large river situation.
The objective of the program is to provide one to two days, of one on one, on the water instruction, to less experienced fly fishers. Each mentor / mentee situation will vary based on the capabilities and requirements of each mentee. Important note: the intent of each outing must be a Specific Learning Experience eg. Introduction to fly fishing for complete novices, dry fly fishing techniques for small fish in a small stream environment.....or subsurface fishing for Smallmouth bass in a large river situation.
Role of Coordinators:
Role of Coordinators:
Rick Crawford will take the names, phone numbers, and e-mail of mentees and volunteer mentors. Mentees should provide the specific goals or objectives they hope to learn. The Coordinators will assign mentees to mentors; one to one. The Coordinators will answer any questions about the program.
Rick Crawford will take the names, phone numbers, and e-mail of mentees and volunteer mentors. Mentees should provide the specific goals or objectives they hope to learn. The Coordinators will assign mentees to mentors; one to one. The Coordinators will answer any questions about the program.
Potential Mentors / Mentees should contact Rick Crawford with name, phone, email, and for Mentees their desired specify objectives or learning experience. rick.crawford@cogeco.ca
Potential Mentors / Mentees should contact Rick Crawford with name, phone, email, and for Mentees their desired specify objectives or learning experience. rick.crawford@cogeco.ca
Role of Mentors:
Role of Mentors:
The Mentor will provide one on one, on the water instruction to their assigned Mentee. They will provide information in line with their Mentee’s objectives. They will supply leader(s), tippet(s), and flies (everything from the fly line down, and determine how to connect to the fly line). They will decide the fishing location and the approach for one or two mutually agreed to days or partial days.
The Mentor will provide one on one, on the water instruction to their assigned Mentee. They will provide information in line with their Mentee’s objectives. They will supply leader(s), tippet(s), and flies (everything from the fly line down, and determine how to connect to the fly line). They will decide the fishing location and the approach for one or two mutually agreed to days or partial days.
Contact Rick Crawford with Name, Phone, Email and specific objective if you want to be a Mentor. rick.crawford@cogeco.ca
Contact Rick Crawford with Name, Phone, Email and specific objective if you want to be a Mentor. rick.crawford@cogeco.ca
Role of Mentee:
Role of Mentee:
The Mentee will call their Mentor to review their specific learning goal and arrange mutually agreed to day(s). They will provide transport, gas, lunch, bring their own waders, rod, reel, fly line, equipment, (in some cases borrowed HAFFT equipment), etc. Depending on circumstances it may be necessary to drive separately and eliminate lunch. Contact Rick Crawford with Name, Phone, Email and specific objective if you want to be Mentored at rick.crawford@cogeco.ca
The Mentee will call their Mentor to review their specific learning goal and arrange mutually agreed to day(s). They will provide transport, gas, lunch, bring their own waders, rod, reel, fly line, equipment, (in some cases borrowed HAFFT equipment), etc. Depending on circumstances it may be necessary to drive separately and eliminate lunch. Contact Rick Crawford with Name, Phone, Email and specific objective if you want to be Mentored at rick.crawford@cogeco.ca
HAFFT OUTINGS for 2026
HAFFT OUTINGS for 2026
MARCH 2026
MARCH 2026
2026 HAFFT Indoor Casting Practice
2026 HAFFT Indoor Casting Practice
Thursday March 26, 8 to 10am
Thursday March 26, 8 to 10am
Friday April 10, 8 to 10am
Friday April 10, 8 to 10am
Wednesday April 15, 5 to 7pm
Wednesday April 15, 5 to 7pm
Location: Syl Apps Community Centre
Location: Syl Apps Community Centre
51 Williams Street, Paris, On N3L1L4
51 Williams Street, Paris, On N3L1L4
FEE: $5 Cash, bring EXACT cash amount and HAFFT Coordinators will collect and pay to office.
FEE: $5 Cash, bring EXACT cash amount and HAFFT Coordinators will collect and pay to office.
Come on out and get in some casting practice to get more prepared for the upcoming season. ....all levels....always something to learn
Come on out and get in some casting practice to get more prepared for the upcoming season. ....all levels....always something to learn
APRIL 2026
APRIL 2026
Indoor Casting (see above for details)
Indoor Casting (see above for details)
Friday April 10, 8 to 10am
Friday April 10, 8 to 10am
Wednesday April 15, 5 to 7pm
Wednesday April 15, 5 to 7pm
Saturday April TBA: Reel Flies Outing
Saturday April TBA: Reel Flies Outing
93 Broadway St. Tillsonburg, Ontario
93 Broadway St. Tillsonburg, Ontario
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Open house and deals on flies, etc.
Open house and deals on flies, etc.
April 11 Casting Practice at Courtcliffe Park
April 11 Casting Practice at Courtcliffe Park
(Open to members and guests)
(Open to members and guests)
(159 Carlyle Road east of Hwy 6) At or near the pavilion north of the parking area.
(159 Carlyle Road east of Hwy 6) At or near the pavilion north of the parking area.
1 p.m.: Meet and Greet and Fly Identification for Beginners.
1 p.m.: Meet and Greet and Fly Identification for Beginners.
Sarah Matchett will re-deliver her presentation on stream insects and the flies that represent them. Also meet some of the clubs executives and experienced fly fishers. A great place to find out about the HAFFT Mentorship Program!
Sarah Matchett will re-deliver her presentation on stream insects and the flies that represent them. Also meet some of the clubs executives and experienced fly fishers. A great place to find out about the HAFFT Mentorship Program!
2 p.m.: Casting Practice
2 p.m.: Casting Practice
Starting at 2 pm on the grass north of the parking area. More experienced fly fishermen will be on hand to coach and assist. A great way to loosen up your arm and refine your skills before the season.
Starting at 2 pm on the grass north of the parking area. More experienced fly fishermen will be on hand to coach and assist. A great way to loosen up your arm and refine your skills before the season.
Saturday April 18 Trout Pond Fishing – Lyndon Fish Hatchery (Open to members and guests)
Saturday April 18 Trout Pond Fishing – Lyndon Fish Hatchery (Open to members and guests)
Location: Lyndon Trout Pond - part of Lyndon Fish Hatchery, west of Kitchener
Location: Lyndon Trout Pond - part of Lyndon Fish Hatchery, west of Kitchener
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $50 Cash per person
Cost: $50 Cash per person
No rain date….we will cancel if there is a very poor weather forecast. If it rains during the outing, no refund will be given.
No rain date….we will cancel if there is a very poor weather forecast. If it rains during the outing, no refund will be given.
Bring your own lunch and water/drink (no alcohol)
Bring your own lunch and water/drink (no alcohol)
NOTE: Release fish in the water if possible. Minimal handling and quick release is important Please note that you pay for any injured fish and there is no fish cleaning service available.
NOTE: Release fish in the water if possible. Minimal handling and quick release is important Please note that you pay for any injured fish and there is no fish cleaning service available.
Equipment:
Equipment:
5-8 wt, floating line, leader (5’ tapered mono + 4’ of 6 lb fluorocarbon)
5-8 wt, floating line, leader (5’ tapered mono + 4’ of 6 lb fluorocarbon)
Vest or pack for mobility, hemostats, line clippers, polarized sun glasses, net , boots (not waders), rain gear just in case.
Vest or pack for mobility, hemostats, line clippers, polarized sun glasses, net , boots (not waders), rain gear just in case.
All barbless hooks, minimum 6lb test
All barbless hooks, minimum 6lb test
Fish must be handled carefully with MINIMAL time out of water
Fish must be handled carefully with MINIMAL time out of water
Fly Types: Heavy weighted streamers – dumbbell, weighted, streamers – bead chain, unweighted streamers, nymphs – weighted, unweighted
Fly Types: Heavy weighted streamers – dumbbell, weighted, streamers – bead chain, unweighted streamers, nymphs – weighted, unweighted
Other flies: mid-bead baby dolls, egg, puke fly, dries, etc.
Other flies: mid-bead baby dolls, egg, puke fly, dries, etc.
MAY 2026
MAY 2026
Friday May 22 and Saturday May 23: Bronte Creek – Zimmerman Park…Small Trout Fishing (Available only to current HAFFT Members)
Friday May 22 and Saturday May 23: Bronte Creek – Zimmerman Park…Small Trout Fishing (Available only to current HAFFT Members)
Start time is 8:00 a.m. at Zimmerman Park which is on No. 2 Side Rd., Burlington, between Walkers and Appleby Line.
Start time is 8:00 a.m. at Zimmerman Park which is on No. 2 Side Rd., Burlington, between Walkers and Appleby Line.
NOTE: parking area is quite small with no parking nearby so please car pool as much as possible.
NOTE: parking area is quite small with no parking nearby so please car pool as much as possible.
Bronte Creek is a small creek, so we will have a sign up for this. Upon arrival we’ll divide people into groups and assign sections of the creek to each group.
Bronte Creek is a small creek, so we will have a sign up for this. Upon arrival we’ll divide people into groups and assign sections of the creek to each group.
Email Rick Kowalchuk at rkowalchuk42@gmail.com if you want to participate and make sure you pick a specific date – May 22 or May 23. We will try to have an experienced fly fisher in each group.
Email Rick Kowalchuk at rkowalchuk42@gmail.com if you want to participate and make sure you pick a specific date – May 22 or May 23. We will try to have an experienced fly fisher in each group.
(Current HAFFT members only!)
(Current HAFFT members only!)
JUNE 2026
JUNE 2026
Tuesday June 9: "Mooneye Madness"
Tuesday June 9: "Mooneye Madness"
(Rain date June 16) (Open to members and guests)
(Rain date June 16) (Open to members and guests)
Location is Seneca Park (just a little south east of beautiful downtown Caledonia) 6 PM start.
Location is Seneca Park (just a little south east of beautiful downtown Caledonia) 6 PM start.
We hope conditions will be suitable this year however we have a backup date just in case (June 16).
We hope conditions will be suitable this year however we have a backup date just in case (June 16).
New flyfishers will particularly enjoy the Mooneyes since when they are "on" they are terribly keen to hit a fly. There is no fee, just come on out and have some fun. Bring bushy white dry flies (size 10 and smaller) and a 6 wt or lighter rod with floating line. Big spinner patterns (ie. mayfly adults that have died and fallen to the river) also work particularly near dusk. Wet flies in white or yellow can work as well (size 10-14). Bring waders and a wading staff if you have one. We meet at about 6 PM.
New flyfishers will particularly enjoy the Mooneyes since when they are "on" they are terribly keen to hit a fly. There is no fee, just come on out and have some fun. Bring bushy white dry flies (size 10 and smaller) and a 6 wt or lighter rod with floating line. Big spinner patterns (ie. mayfly adults that have died and fallen to the river) also work particularly near dusk. Wet flies in white or yellow can work as well (size 10-14). Bring waders and a wading staff if you have one. We meet at about 6 PM.
Seneca Park is located 1-2 miles east of Hwy #6 on #54. This is the road that parallels the river on its North side. Seneca Park is simply a narrow-grassed area between #54 and the river. The parking lot is right where you enter the park. The water should be no deeper than thigh level. Be careful of the odd pot hole.
Seneca Park is located 1-2 miles east of Hwy #6 on #54. This is the road that parallels the river on its North side. Seneca Park is simply a narrow-grassed area between #54 and the river. The parking lot is right where you enter the park. The water should be no deeper than thigh level. Be careful of the odd pot hole.
Note: We will be out in June only if the water in the Grand is less than about 35 m3/s at Brantford. Anything higher than that and it is just too tough and dangerous to fish.
Note: We will be out in June only if the water in the Grand is less than about 35 m3/s at Brantford. Anything higher than that and it is just too tough and dangerous to fish.
You can check the water levels here at: http://apps.grandriver.ca/waterdata/kiwischarts/rf_lowergrand.aspx
You can check the water levels here at: http://apps.grandriver.ca/waterdata/kiwischarts/rf_lowergrand.aspx
JULY 2026
JULY 2026
Saturday July 18: "Bass-stravaganza "
Saturday July 18: "Bass-stravaganza "
(Rain day July 25) (Open to members and guests)
(Rain day July 25) (Open to members and guests)
Morning to mid afternoon.
Morning to mid afternoon.
Meet at the Syl Apps Arena (Paris) parking lot at 8am.
Meet at the Syl Apps Arena (Paris) parking lot at 8am.
Basic bass equipment: 5 to 8 wt rods with floating lines.
Basic bass equipment: 5 to 8 wt rods with floating lines.
Bass flies: fairly big and something that gets to the bottom - weighted woolly buggers, weighted leaches, split shot / hook / 2" tube killer rig.
Bass flies: fairly big and something that gets to the bottom - weighted woolly buggers, weighted leaches, split shot / hook / 2" tube killer rig.
Bring waders and wading staff.
Bring waders and wading staff.
Suggestions: Bring sun tan lotion, hat, sun glasses, water, food if you want. No need to book.
Suggestions: Bring sun tan lotion, hat, sun glasses, water, food if you want. No need to book.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
2026 Outings that could run through the HAFFT Members Facebook Group. The “potential” outings listed below would be best coordinated through the Facebook HAFFT Members Group by interested individuals.
2026 Outings that could run through the HAFFT Members Facebook Group. The “potential” outings listed below would be best coordinated through the Facebook HAFFT Members Group by interested individuals.
Mid to End of May: 2-3 Day Brooktrout "Speck-tacular"
Mid to End of May: 2-3 Day Brooktrout "Speck-tacular"
With one or two overnights ... There are great Brookies in the area around Durham and Flesherton, in several rivers. The motel https://www.leelasvillainn.ca/ is clean and comfortable with 2 types of accommodation. Suggest max 4-6 per trip. Members can arrange on their own.
With one or two overnights ... There are great Brookies in the area around Durham and Flesherton, in several rivers. The motel https://www.leelasvillainn.ca/ is clean and comfortable with 2 types of accommodation. Suggest max 4-6 per trip. Members can arrange on their own.
End of July to Early August: Bass Trip
End of July to Early August: Bass Trip
Possible two to three day Bass trip to Maitland, Saugeen, or Grand Rivers. Members can exchange intel, flow rates, and arrange outings on the HAFFT Members Page on Facebook
Possible two to three day Bass trip to Maitland, Saugeen, or Grand Rivers. Members can exchange intel, flow rates, and arrange outings on the HAFFT Members Page on Facebook
End August to Early September: Whitemans Creek for small trout.
End August to Early September: Whitemans Creek for small trout.
Members can exchange intel, flow rates, and arrange outings on the HAFFT Members Page on Facebook
Members can exchange intel, flow rates, and arrange outings on the HAFFT Members Page on Facebook
End September to Mid October: Fall Salmon
End September to Mid October: Fall Salmon
Good time to fish Chinook Salmon on Bronte Creek. Weather and timing of first heavy rains will influence date when Salmon arrive in numbers. Run window usually lasts 10-14 days. Members can exchange intel and arrange outings on the HAFFT Members Page on Facebook
Good time to fish Chinook Salmon on Bronte Creek. Weather and timing of first heavy rains will influence date when Salmon arrive in numbers. Run window usually lasts 10-14 days. Members can exchange intel and arrange outings on the HAFFT Members Page on Facebook
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