The Ospreys were formed by Captain Brian Vickery (Palgrave, Ontario) to compete in the 2nd National Fly-Fishing Championships at the Kenauk Reserve (Montebello), Quebec in 2004.

Although the Ospreys were unable to compete in the 3rd national competition in Campbell River, BC, they re-formed for the 4th national tournament held in June 2006 on the Grand and Conestoga Rivers in southwestern Ontario (Elora/Fergus). Two of the rookie Ospreys ranked in the Top Ten Canadian Fly-Anglers during the 2006 event: Arron Varga (Fergus) placed fourth, and their new Captain, Ernie Kalwa (Elora) placed ninth. Both Kalwa and Varga are active members of The Friends of The Grand River.

The Ospreys are excited to re-assemble their team for 2007 with three of the 2006 members, and two new team-mates: Ivo Balinov and Graham Murfitt, both residing in Ottawa. Both Ivo and Graham are top fly-anglers who have competed in previous Canadian national championships. Ian Scott of Orangeville, webmaster of about-flyfishing.com and a member of Humber Springs, is pleased to compete again with The Ospreys.

The team has been grateful to Sue and Arlene of Humber Springs for allowing them to use the trout ponds this year for practicing towards the loch-style tournament to be held in September in Grand Prairie, Alberta. The competition venues at Grand Prairie include two small lakes (Rainbows and Brook Trout), and one pond stocked with Rainbows. The pond will be fished from the bank, whereas both lakes will be fished loch-style with two competitors in each boat, acting as each other’s controller. The competition is operated by Fly-Fishing Canada, and the Peace Country Fly-Fishers Association as local organizers.

The team appreciates the cooperation of Humber Springs and its members during their practice weekend, August 25-26, 2007. The team will be simulating tournament conditions by practicing in boats for approximately 3-hour sessions (at least 2 per day between 9am-9pm) on the 5-acre and 4-acre ponds at Humber Springs.

Members are welcome to socialize with the team during breaks between sessions.

Previous Features

From The Bench: The Muncher is a favorite of Ian James for carp, smallies, more.    Tie This!

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