The Merrymeeting Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited is excited to host its second annual Cabin Fever Reliever — March Brown Madness II!

On Saturday, from 8:30 a.m.-noon at Coastal Enterprises, Inc., at 30 Federal Street, the chapter will present its own brand of cabin fever relief, “March Brown” Madness II, this year with Bill Pierce, Executive Director of the Outdoor Sports History Museum in Oquossoc.

Also, back by popular demand, is Les Hilyard, author and fly tyer, plus flytying demonstrations by Selene Dumaine, a fly tyer and designer who ties in the Carrie Stevens tradition, and Justin Crouse, of Guide’s Choice Flies.

To start the morning, Hilyard, co-author with his dad, Graydon, of Carrie Stevens Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies, will preview their upcoming book on Herb Welch, the western mountain’s fabled taxidermist, artist and sculptor, teacher, fly tyer, and creator of the Black Ghost streamer. Hilyard will demonstrate the classic tying techniques for the Black Ghost streamer live, on the big screen, as he relates tales about one of Maine’s most widely recognized outdoor legends.

With pictures, videos and tales, Bill Pierce will recount the history of fly fishing for big brookies, blue backs and salmon in the Rangeley region. Pierce brings insight, perspective and humor to his presentation about one of Maine storied fly fishing meccas.

The chapter has expanded its offerings this year to include a silent auction and a few bucket raffles that include guided fishing trips and gear from LL Bean. They will feature their chapter’s expanded activity on their work with Mid-coast Maine, sea-run brook trout, and they’ll auction off a limited series print of a Red Brook Sea-Run Brook Trout by famed fish artist Flick Ford.

Chapter President Brad Swanson invites seasoned fly fishers and new enthusiasts, alike, “This will be a full morning of presentations, demonstrations, information and fly tying instruction at a very high level. We’ll be raising funds for the chapter. Definitely check out our silent auction and raffles. Come join us for a cup of coffee, a donut and some preseason fly fishing camaraderie. It will be a great way to start March and get ready for the open water season.”

For more information about this topic, contact Bradshaw Swanson, President at Merrymeeting Bay Chapter Trout Unlimited at W_ [email protected].