As I write this on January 26, I’m wrapping up work and looking out at clear skies, hoping for more rain. The San Lorenzo has been steadily dropping in flow, and for the sake of the steelhead, I’m wishing for storms that will bring the river back to healthy levels so these fish can reach their spawning grounds. Just as seasonal changes renew the watershed and bring new runs of fish, our club is experiencing some changes of its own. I’d like to take a moment to share where we’re headed in 2026. The first big change is that we have a new president — me. I know I have big shoes to fill in Scott Kitiyama’s absence. Over the past three years, Scott led this club with dedication, enthusiasm, and a hands‑on presence in nearly every facet of our operations: fishouts, fly tying, and so much more. Scott, thank you for everything you’ve done. I hope we’ll continue to see you around.
You may also have noticed that we haven’t been holding our usual raffles at monthly meetings. In short, we’re working through the paperwork required to align our nonprofit status with state regulations so we can legally run raffles again. We’re optimistic that raffles will return later this year, but we can’t guarantee timing quite yet. In the meantime, please hang in there with us. At our annual fundraiser, instead of raffles, we’re offering some great door prizes and expanding our silent auction — and we think you’ll really enjoy what we’ve put together.
One of my goals as president is to encourage more member engagement. In my opinion, fishouts are the heart of this club and the spark that keeps people involved. When I joined in 2021, I attended only a couple of meetings and didn’t feel very connected at first. That changed when I signed up for the 2022 Lake Almanor fishout — I’d always been curious about the Hex hatch and decided to give it a try. I ended up sharing a cabin with Jeff Goyert, Michael Sherwood, Bob Garbarino, and Kevin Murdock, and we had an incredible time. That weekend turned me from a ghost member into an active one.
If you’ve ever felt hesitant to show up because you don’t know many people, trust me — I’ve been there. A fishout is the best way to break the ice, get involved, and make new friends. In 2024 we held 18 fishouts, in 2025 we bumped that up to 22, and in 2026 we plan to top that.
I’m also passionate about making semi‑exotic fishing opportunities both accessible and affordable. This September, Rick Chace and I are hosting two weeks of fishouts on the Kenai Peninsula — giving members the chance to fish world‑class trout, steelhead, and salmon waters for a fraction of lodge prices. My hope is to make Alaska an annual trip that continues even if I’m not able to attend someday. I’d also love to eventually add DIY trips to British Columbia and winter steelhead trips to the Olympic Peninsula. The more engaged members we have, the more adventures we can offer. The sky is the limit, but we need you to bring your fishing experience and skillset forward to make the opportunities possible. If you have a bucket list destination and would like to organize a trip, please let us know, we are happy to help you make that vision a reality.
Last year, Justin Ice did a fantastic job organizing the Fly Fishing Film Tour at Woodhouse Brewery. We filled the place with more than 120 people and added six new members that night. We plan to host the event again this year and are looking into expanding to the International Fly Fishing Film Tour as well. We’re also exploring a monthly fly swap and fly‑tying meetup at Woodhouse. If you tie — or want to learn — we’d love your ideas and involvement.
Another area I’m excited about is updating our club logo. A great brand starts with great imagery, and I think it’s time for a refresh that reflects who we are today while honoring our roots. We’ll develop several options and put the final decision to a club vote. Strong visual branding on our merchandise will help represent the club in the best possible light.
My overarching goal is to celebrate the club’s history and tradition while fostering growth, engagement, and connection. I’m passionate about providing meaningful fishing opportunities for all of you, and I truly believe that time outdoors — fresh air, movement, and camaraderie — is some of the best medicine there is. I hope you’ll join me in making 2026 another outstanding year for our club.
Regards,
Jesse Collins
Posted on January 27th, 2026