Potomac Valley Fly Fishers

Last Sunday we met up at the Outpost and fished a few local streams. The last time I tried to catch native brookies, I got completely skunked — which, honestly, felt about right because those little fish are basically underwater ninjas. This time though, with some help from Vince, I actually managed to land three brook trout! Personal best… or at least a personal redemption arc.

At some point I also managed to land face-down in the stream, but we don't need to talk about that. Let’s just call them battle scars and proof of dedication.

After fishing, we regrouped for an absolute smorgasbord: meatballs, pulled pork, adobo (Filipino braised chicken), pancit (a traditional Filipino noodle dish), pasta salad, broccoli salad, potato salad, desserts, and of course… an entirely reasonable amount of beer (and mango sangria).

Sorry we left your fridge like that, Ed. But really, it’s being used for the greater good.

We also had a few highly prestigious competitions: most fish caught, most flies lost, and biggest fish. I was fully confident I’d take home the trophy for most flies lost, but somehow even managed to take the L on that one.

All in all, it was a great day. Ed continues to be the world’s greatest host, and as always, it’s hard to beat spending time on the water with such a great group of people.





**ie

PVFF Membership Spotlight 🌟

We’re kicking off our first Membership Spotlight of the month with none other than Pete "Moss" D'Adamo! 🙌

From casting lines at Liberty Reservoir as a teenager to epic trips across the country — the Ozarks (White & Norfork Rivers), Colorado River, Green River, James River, New River, Roanoke River, and right here at home in Maryland — fly fishing has been a journey filled with beautiful water, amazing fish, and even better fellowship.

✨ Member for: 3 years
🎯 Go-to flies: Green leech, Clint’s Sunday Special nymph, and poppers for bass
🐟 Memorable catches: Multiple brown trout on the White River + a 6-lb rainbow in the Missouri Ozarks
🌎 Dream destination: New Zealand

Even at 70, Pete is still kayaking miles on the Potomac and Monocacy chasing smallmouth bass. 🚣‍♂️ Fishing, camping, hiking — and no plans to slow down anytime soon.

What challenges him most? Perfecting casting techniques. “Still learning.” (Aren’t we all?)

Beyond the river, his passion for water runs deep. After earning a biology degree, Pete later completed both a master’s and Ph.D. in environmental engineering while working — finishing his doctorate at 47. He retired as a national water treatment director, dedicating his career to water quality and treatability. His philosophy? Water is life.

His advice for beginners:
👉 Join a club like PVFF
👉 Learn your flies, knots, and casting
👉 Find a mentor (we’ve got some great ones!)

And one more fun fact — his wife Pauline is from County Clare, Ireland, and they visit every other year with hopes of exploring fishing opportunities there too. 🇮🇪🎣

Thanks for being part of the PVFF family, Pete!





**ie

🎣 PVFF March Events Are Here!

📅 March 4 | 10am–12pm
BHC Clean Up Part 2 (EVENT FULL)
We will wrap up the cleanup efforts in the Canyon Area of Big Hunting Creek. It’s steeper terrain this time — bring boots/waders and gloves. We’ll provide supplies, plus food and drinks at the Outpost afterward.

📅 March 7 | 10am–2pm
Saturday Spring Fly Tying
All skill levels welcome! Learn basic patterns, tackle a challenging fly, or sharpen specific techniques. Coffee + pizza included ☕🍕
Register via our website (link in bio).

📅 March 8 | 8am–12pm (EVENT FULL)
Northern Frederick County Creek Fishing Outing
Shake off the winter blues and fish the Catoctin area creeks — Big & Little Hunting, Fishing, Little Fishing, and Owens — before spring stocking. Food and drinks to follow.

📅 March 10 | 7pm
Monthly Membership Meeting
Guest speaker Steve Makranczy returns to talk fly fishing for snakehead
Plus a Frederick County Division of Energy & Environment rep will share conservation opportunities and how we can get involved.

📅 March 17 | 7pm
Beginner Fly Tying
Featuring the Smokey Mountain Palmer Dry Fly. Materials provided — perfect for first-time tyers!

📅 March 18 | 7pm
Advanced Fly Tying
Bradley Bennett ties the legendary “20 Incher” Stonefly — a big trout favorite.
Can’t attend in person? Join us via Zoom!

As always, for more details about these events, please check out the March Streamlines newsletter or visit our website. Link in bio.

🎣 PVFF February Events 🎣
Cold weather, hot plans. Here’s what’s on deck this month—check out the February Streamlines or visit our website for more info. Link in our bio.

📅 Feb 10 | Monthly Meeting
🕖 7:00 PM | Tuscarora High School, Frederick, MD
Members: Get an up-close look at local macro-invertebrates with guest speaker Britton Reed and learn how preserving them helps protect our fisheries.

📅 Feb 17 | Beginner Fly Tying
🕖 7:00 PM | Trinity UMC, Frederick, MD
Members: Winter is for tying. Learn to tie the Griffith’s Gnat & Flashback PT Nymph—perfect for newbies. Materials provided, vises available.

📅 Feb 18 | Advanced Fly Tying
🕖 7:00 PM | Trinity UMC, Frederick, MD
Members: For intermediate & advanced tiers—refine techniques, try new materials, and tie alongside experienced anglers. Bring your tools; materials provided.

📅 Feb 26 | Celebrating Lefty Kreh (open to public)
🕙 10 AM–12 PM | Lefty Sculpture, Baker Park
Coffee, donuts, and stories as we honor Lefty Kreh at his sculpture in downtown Frederick. All are welcome.

Not a PVFF member? 👀

👉 Join the Potomac Valley Fly Fishers and be part of the community, the knowledge, and the fun. 🐟