September: Mammoth Lakes Region………………
My Turn: Membership Update & Reflections after 9 Years ……………………………
Fly Tying……………………
August Fly Tying Class: Loberg
Fly of the Month: Hot Butt
Conservation Concerns……………………
Bull Trout History in California
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – September thru November
Gearing Up ……………………
Fishout Schedule
Marketplace……………………
Cartoon ……………………
Posted on August 22nd, 2025
Please Note – New Time & New Format
Luke Kinney from Golden Trout Guiding Company and Elaine Cook will be talking about Mammoth Lakes area and the fishout.
NOTE: Meetings will now follow this time: 6:30 pm – Hands on Learning, 7:00 pm – Club information, 7:30 pm – Main speaker(s)
Posted on August 21st, 2025
I first joined SCFF club in July 2008 after I had retired and was looking forward to expanding my fishing experience from a spinning rod and reel to fly fishing, in not only California, but in other States and eventually Alaska and other areas, as well as meeting other like minded fishing partners who shared similar interest. I would have to say that my 17 years in the club has far exceeded my expectations, including the following trips and experiences:
I only mention these trips since these are experiences and memories that make the Club something more than just a monthly meeting or an annual BBQ. In 2016, I volunteered to be Membership Chair to help the then President Jim Black with membership since he was doing
two jobs as Membership and newly elected President. Since then I have seen the club grow from 120 members to 240 members on the current Roster. It’s been a good run, but it is time for me to step down and have let someone else take the responsibility of club membership.
Membership Chair involves the following tasks and responsibilities:
The above only highlights recent changes in the Club since 2008 when memberships dues were either paid by check , or in cash, and monthly newsletters were printed and mailed out (and before that they were mimeographed for those who can still remember). I hope that the above comments may help members understand a little more about the Membership Chair and for those that have the time and interest to think about expanding your club experience by contacting me or any Board member by email or text.
Bob Peterson/robert6367@aol.com
Posted on August 21st, 2025
We will be tying a streamer fly that is particularly successful at Crowley Lake near Mammoth. Tie up a few for the fishout there at the end of the month. It imitates a bait fish so will work in many stillwaters for bass or trout. Please bring your equipment and red 6/0 thread. If you don’t have 6/0, 8/0 will work as well. There will be a red sharpie pen to color any light colored thread.For you beginners, everything will be provided for you to borrow. As always, the class is free and all materials provided. Sign ups are very important in order to have enough material for all. Please do that at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-234-6515
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt |
|---|
Posted on April 24th, 2025
This fly represents an adult caddis with an egg sack. The female caddis returns to the water in an interesting up-and-down dance, depositing her eggs and sometimes becoming trapped in the surface film and very available to the trout.
HOOK: TMC 100 sizes 14–20. Crimp barb.
THREAD: 8/0 black. Attach 1/3 back on shank.
EGG SACK: Spooled Antron yarn, hot pink. Place strand on top of shank with end above hanging thread. Fasten to top of shank with touching thread wraps back to above barb. Cut short so length equals 1/4 hook shank.
HACKEL: Grizzly, barbs equal to 1/2 hook gap. Prepare “crew cut“ at end of stem. Fasten crew cut to top of shank, tip to rear, dull side of feather toward you. Touching thread wraps back to tie in.
BODY: Peacock herl. Select three strands. Break off fragile tips. Lay on top of shank with tips at tie in and butts to rear. Tie in place back to rear of shank. Form a dubbing loop. Advance thread to tie in. Using dubbing tool make a chenille. Wrap chenille forward with touching wraps to tie in. Tie off, cut excess. Spiral hackle forward in about 3 to 4 wraps. Tie off, cut excess. Cut barbs short on top of body.
WING: Deer hair (medium thick shafts). Closely cut a clump of hair from hide the size of a wooden match stick. Remove under fur. Stack tips. Lay on top of shank, tips at rear of egg sack, butts forward. Make one loose thread wrap around hair only – not shank. Make second wrap around both hair and shank. Snug in place by pulling bobbin downward. Make 3–6 more tight thread wraps on top of one another. Raise hair butts upward and cut short at an angle so that butts extend 1/4 hook shank length beyond thread wraps. Half hitch knots under cut butts and behind hook eye, cut thread. Apply small amount of glue.
Posted on April 2nd, 2025
A couple months ago, I was forwarded an interesting article from Dougald Scott—one the members of our SCFF conservation committee. What makes it so interesting to me is it includes conservation, history, a California native fish and one of the legendary rivers in our state—The McCloud River. And it was written by Dr. Peter B Moyle, Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and associate director of the Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California, Davis. In my limited perusing of matters relating to fish science in California, Dr. Boyle’s work has frequently appeared and he is well respected in his field. Here are several points I learned that I hope you will find interesting in this article titled Bull Trout and Other Endemic Fishes: McCloud River, found in California WaterBlog. I encourage you to read it for much more insight. Many thanks to Dougald Scott for sharing the article.
Bull Trout were native to the McCloud River, primarily in the headwaters and noted for a “very handsome and beautiful fish”. In the 1800s it was targeted by wealthy anglers and the indigenous McCloud Winnemem Wintu.
Bull trout are actually type of char and were called Dolly Varden when they were found in the McCloud, as they called are in Alaska (and perhaps other areas). As you may know, Brook Trout are also char that thrive in colder water.
Several factors were probably to have caused the extirpation of the Bull Trout from the McCloud river:
The last documented encounter with a Bull Trout in the McCloud occurred in 1975.
The story of the McCloud River’s place in trout history hopefully will teach us some lessons on how to do a better job of prioritizing our native fish for the benefit of all us and for future generations.
Another interesting bit of history:
The first fish hatchery on the West Coast was built in 1872 on the McCloud, producing Chinook salmon and steelhead for the McCloud (and other locations domestically and internationally). The hatchery shut down in 1937 as it was to be submerged by the impending Shasta Reservoir. Another hatchery, Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery, was subsequently built below Shasta Dam.
*The first adult Chinook salmon in over 100 years have been spotted in the McCloud River.
Posted on August 21st, 2025
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 05 8:00 am - 10:00 am | Spey Casting Class--8:00 AM Start on San Lorenzo River | Casting Master: Alex Ferber
For this class I will focus on an Introduction to Spey casting and be gearing it to those with little or no experience. Those with experience are welcome to come and work on their casting and I will be available to give tips. I have rods to loan out, so if you don’t have a 2 handed rod there will rods for you to use. I should have enough for about 8 people. The remainder of the classes ( dates to be announced) will be a chance to continue your practice, but also an opportunity to work on some other casts that you might be interested in learning.
We will be wading into the river, so waders are a good idea. We won’t be fishing–no hooks allowed. We’ll have yarn to attach to your leader. If you can, please let me know if you can attend, but it’s not necessary. Just show up.
831-419-0564 We will be meeting at the Mike Fox Skate park parking lot on the San Lorenzo river at 8 AM.
Address: 299 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| Mike Fox Skate Park Parking Lot |
| Sep 20 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | We will be working on FFI skills development course from the Bronze and Silver levels. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, it would be a great time to come out and see what it’s all about. The skills are directed at improving your casting skills, and will improve your overall fly fishing success. This will be a perfect time for those folks who are just getting started, to learn some basic core casting techniques. I will have practice rods if needed. Hope to see you there. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
Posted on August 18th, 2025
The newsletter provides brief fishout info. For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule
| Date | Link (new tab) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 06 6:00 am - 10:00 am | Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing – CO Fishout with The San Jose Fly Fishing Club | Location: Beer Can Beach (AKA Summer Beach) - Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos Fish Master:Michael Lovejoy <mikelovejoy94@gmail.com> Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: RSVP For Breakfast by 5:00pm September 3nd Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online) Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc. Steve Adachi Clouser What to Expect: Meet at [...] |
| Sep 20 - Oct 04 12:00 am | Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 20-Oct. 4th | Fall trout fishing in streams and lakes. Trip is for seven days and the participants share a condo in Mammoth Lakes. |
| Oct 04 5:45 am - 10:30 am | Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout – CO Fishout with The Delta Fly Fishers | Location: Manresa State Beach (Ocean View Drive, La Selva Beach Parking Lot) Meet at 5:45AM Sunrise is 7:04AM and we will be fishing an incoming tide cresting at 9:28AM. Fish Master: Lance Boiling / clboling@gmail.com / 408-728-0548 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this outing Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY [...] |
| Oct 16 - Oct 19 | O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20th | Camping and striped bass fishing at the O'Neil Forebay. |
| Nov 07 - Nov 09 12:00 am | Trinity River Fishout – Confirmed Date | Target: Steelhead and trout. Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip, text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. |
Posted on August 18th, 2025
Trout Unlimited (TU) is the nation’s oldest and largest coldwater conservation organization, dedicated to protecting, conserving, and restoring native trout and salmon resources and their habitats across North America. Founded by anglers in 1959, the non-profit has over 150,000 members organized into local chapters nationwide. Each year, TU members contribute more than 650,000 volunteer hours working together to make local streams cleaner, colder and healthier.
Our local Steinbeck Country Chapter is focused on protecting, restoring and exploring the watersheds of the Central Coast from the San Mateo Coast to San Luis Obispo. Each membership supports on-the-ground conservation work in your own backyard and offers opportunities to meet like-minded people as we work to protect native rainbow and steelhead trout in our coastal streams and waters. Together we’re spending time doing what we love and helping protect wild places for the next generation.
Join us! Use the QR Code below or this link: www.tu.org/join198SteinbeckCountry to become a member – first time members can join today for 50% off TU’s modest annual dues.
TU membership also includes:
Posted on August 22nd, 2025
Posted on April 24th, 2025
August: Club BBQ & Casting………………
My Turn: A Great Week on the Green River……………………………
Fly Tying……………………
August Fly Tying Class: Crackleback Dry Wooly
Fly of the Month: Snow Cone Chironomid
Conservation Concerns……………………
Last Barrier on Alameda Creek—Removal Begins
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – August thru October
Membership/Roster update
Gearing Up ……………………
Fishout Schedule
Cartoon ……………………
Marketplace……………………
Club Discount on California Fly Fisher Magazine
Posted on July 25th, 2025
For our August meeting, we’ll get together for our annual summer B-B-Q. This year, we’ll meet at 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange. The club will host a hamburgers and hot-dog cookout with all the fixings along green salad, potato salad, chips, and dessert, water and sodas. If you are vegan, bring us your Impossible burgers and we will be happy to grill them for you.
Adult beverages will not be offered. Feel free to bring your own. This meeting is a great opportunity to meet and greet in person. We suggest a $5 donation for the dinner.
Alex Ferber will be there with the club rods to do a casting clinic and also discuss the double-handed spey casting clinic this fall along with the Trinity river fishout on the weekend of November 7th.
NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 6:15 pm, we will be conducting short Introductory Skills to help our those new to the sport. We will also have the same Introductory Skills class at the casting clinic. Please look at the Club Activities article in the Newsletter for more information.
Posted on July 25th, 2025
The last week of April 2025, my wife, Linda, and I had the pleasure of hosting a Club Fishout week with the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club at the Green River. Below Flaming Gorge Reservoir Utah, the Green River offers stunning scenery, jaw-dropping views, moments of wonder, combined with trophy trout. Known as one of America’s most scenic trophy trout destinations, the Green River was not a disappointment. Located in the remote northeast corner of Utah, the Green River is one of the premier tailwaters in the country. The river flows from Flaming Gorge Reservoir through towering red rock canyons and holds upwards of 12,000 fish per mile. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to fly fishing, it’s hard to have a bad day here. The Green is best fished from a drift boat, but wade fisherman can also equally enjoy the river from its banks. The Green is divided into three main sections:
Section A (7 miles): A true tailwater with cold, clear water and consistently strong fishing.
Section B (11 miles): Slightly slower water, less crowded, and known for bigger fish.
Section C (14 miles): Meanders through Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge and into Colorado- home to some truly massive brown trout.
The river fishes with midges, Baetis and caddis as the primary insects, as well as terrestrials in the summer. Resident fish are Rainbow, Brown, and Cutthroat, and Flaming Gorge reservoir holds Lake Trout, Rainbow and bass. Most of our group of 10 anglers used Trout Creek Outfitter Guides, a longtime partner of our club. Many will remember Denny Breer, the shop’s founder, who used to present at our club meetings back in the 1980’s, and generously donated float trips to our annual fundraiser. For this trip we were able to secure a four bedroom home that could accommodate 14 anglers. We had two last minute emergency cancellations. Our food coordinator was unfortunately in a car accident on
his way out of town and could not attend the trip. The home was a great match for our group of 10. A fun fact we learned was that the home was previously owned by Denny!
The fishing and the catching were excellent. On our very first evening, Club President Scott received a tip from a Trout Creek Creek guide that Lake Trout were actively spawning along the banks of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Scott ventured down on a solo mission and returned triumphantly with photo of himself with a beautiful 5 pound Laker! I know some of the other in the group fished the lake, but to my knowledge Scott was the only that managed to land a Lake Trout .
Over the next week all of the club anglers returned from the Green with daily fish counts in the mid-twenties. I believe the high count for the week came from Steve Pappas, who netted 34 fish floating section A and B of the river. We ate like kings each evening, with club members taking turns at cooking and cleanup. We also had the pleasure of watching the last few games with the Warriors in the playoffs on the two big screen TVs. The Fishout indeed was a great success, with many anglers expressing interest in returning for next year’s trip.
The club currently has a hold at the same property for the same week, April 25- May 2, 2026. The outing is to be Fish Mastered by Scott Anderson, who will be accepting trip commitments. For more information contact Scott at his Email: scott.a.andersen@gmail.com
Posted on July 18th, 2025
Crackleback Dry Wooly. This fly pattern is a great, generic representation of several insects found at stream or lakes. It can be fished dry or wet. Much like a Griffith’s Gnat but has far more color and material variations to match a variety of hatches. You need these in your fly box. “Expect near instant success!”
Class is free!!
Provided: All materials except thread (some available for beginners ) instructions, helpful assistance, and demonstrations.
Bring: Thread( black, brown or hot red 8/0) vice, tools, magnification, and glasses as needed. (Some are available for beginners).
Sign Up: At the club meeting or instructor at least 24 hours ahead. Phone # 831-818-3801
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Aug 13 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Crackleback Dry Wooly | Crackleback Dry Wooly. This fly pattern is a great, generic representation of several insects found at stream or lakes. It can be fished dry or wet. Much like a Griffith’s Gnat but has far more color and material variations to match a variety of hatches. You need these in your fly box. “Expect near instant success!” Class is free!! Provided: All materials except thread (some available for beginners ) instructions, helpful assistance, and demonstrations.
Bring: Thread( black, brown or hot red 8/0) vice, tools, magnification, and glasses as needed. (Some are available for beginners). Sign Up: At the club meeting or instructor at least 24 hours ahead. Phone # 831-818-3801 |
 | Sep 10 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Loberg |
|
Posted on July 18th, 2025
Chirononids are also known as midges. There are hundreds of species throughout the world. They are the major source of food for trout in the winter. This size and coloring should work well at the fish out in mammoth while fishing Crowley lake. To fish Pyramid Lake you would use the larger sizes. This pattern can be used to mimic most of them by changing color and size. Some materials are used for the larger hooks, which will be explained at the bottom of these directions.
HOOK: TMC 3761, Daiichi 1560 (these are a 1x long nymph hook). Crimp barb.
BEAD: 2mm pearl white bead. Feed small opening onto hook. Position behind eye.
THREAD: Black 8/0. Attach behind eye. Touching wraps to mid shank. Touching wraps back to bead.
RIB: Small Ultra Wire, red and silver or just one or the other. Using your thumbnail or hard object, pull wire over edge to remove any kinks or bends. Put wire tip or tips into bead on top of shank. Tie wire in place with touching wraps back to above barb.
BODY: Flashabou black. Cut end to a point. Return thread with touching wraps up to bead. Flashabou forward with overlapping wraps up to bead. Tie off, cut excess. Spiral wrap wire forward with seven turns up to bead. First two wraps close together and gradually getting further apart. Tie off. Cut excess with old scissors very close to bead. Make several wraps to cover ends of cut wire. Whip finish. Cut thread. Apply 2 coats of glue or Sally Hanson’s Hard As Nails to body.
HOOKS BEADS
6–8. 3.8 mm
10–12 2.8 mm.
12–14 2.3 mm.
For hooks size 6 to 12 use Flex Scrub wrap for body, and pull tightly as you wrap. For sizes 12 to 14 wrap thread back and forth two or three times before starting rib.
Posted on April 2nd, 2025
Back in November 2023 I wrote an article for this newsletter about a project being planned on Alameda Creek. The goal of this project is to remove the last major barrier to Chinook salmon and steelhead passage on Alameda Creek. The barrier in question is a protective erosion-control concrete pad over a PG&E gas main that crosses the creek just south of the Interstate 680 crossing near SR 84. The exciting news is that this project got started June 2025 and is planned to be complete by October! Before the barrier removal began, biologists from PG&E, CalTrout, East Bay parks, SFPUC, and volunteers used nets to rescue each fish, frog, and other native and nonnative freshwater species in the work zone and move them one by one to other locations where water runs cool and clear. Now, PG&E will remove the concrete barrier and relocate the pipeline about 100 feet downstream and bury it approximately 18 to 20 feet beneath the creek bed. CalTrout and others will replant and work to restore the affected area to a natural flow as well as monitor the creek during and after the gas line is relocated. The result will be to open up another 20 miles of creek upstream—greatly increasing spawning and rearing habitat and also enhance the overall health and resilience of the Alameda Creek ecosystem. This collaborative project, known as the Sunol Valley Fish Passage Project, was launched by California Trout (CalTrout) and PG&E with several other entities, including the Alameda Creek Alliance.
For an interesting read about the history of Alameda Creek Alliance and the creek they have worked to restore for 28 years, check out this article in Bay Nature: After 28 Years, Alameda Creek Opens Up To Fish
Thanks to Mary Hermansky of the SCFF conservation committee for sending me this article. And thank you club members for your support of the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club that enables us to contribute to organizations like Alameda Creek Alliance and CalTrout.
Another source of information for this article: CalTrout and PG&E Kick Off Construction on Alameda Creek Fish Passage Project
Posted on July 21st, 2025
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 23 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | We will be working on FFI skills development course from the Bronze and Silver levels. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, it would be a great time to come out and see what it’s all about. The skills are directed at improving your casting skills, and will improve your overall fly fishing success. This will be a perfect time for those folks who are just getting started, to learn some basic core casting techniques. I will have practice rods if needed. Hope to see you there. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Sep 05 8:00 am - 10:00 am | Spey Casting Class--8:00 AM Start on San Lorenzo River | Casting Master: Alex Ferber
For this class I will focus on an Introduction to Spey casting and be gearing it to those with little or no experience. Those with experience are welcome to come and work on their casting and I will be available to give tips. I have rods to loan out, so if you don’t have a 2 handed rod there will rods for you to use. I should have enough for about 8 people. The remainder of the classes ( dates to be announced) will be a chance to continue your practice, but also an opportunity to work on some other casts that you might be interested in learning.
We will be wading into the river, so waders are a good idea. We won’t be fishing–no hooks allowed. We’ll have yarn to attach to your leader. If you can, please let me know if you can attend, but it’s not necessary. Just show up.
831-419-0564 We will be meeting at the Mike Fox Skate park parking lot on the San Lorenzo river at 8 AM.
Address: 299 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| Mike Fox Skate Park Parking Lot |
| Sep 20 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | We will be working on FFI skills development course from the Bronze and Silver levels. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, it would be a great time to come out and see what it’s all about. The skills are directed at improving your casting skills, and will improve your overall fly fishing success. This will be a perfect time for those folks who are just getting started, to learn some basic core casting techniques. I will have practice rods if needed. Hope to see you there. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
Posted on July 21st, 2025
Over the summer, new membership has decreased from 4 a month, to 1 a month probably due to summer vacations.
Over the next 3 months , the webpage will be updated to allow members to review/update/edit their information on the roster and be able to renew their membership with a secure ID and password. Welcome to the digital age!
Posted on July 21st, 2025
The newsletter provides brief fishout info. For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule
| Date | Link (new tab) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 09 5:45 am - 8:30 am | Palm Beach Surf Fishout w/ coffee and snacks afterwards | Fishmaster : Scott Kitayama Contact info: scotttkitayama@gmail.com Location: Palm Beach State Park Date High Tide Low Tide Sun Moon AM ft PM ft AM ft PM ft Rise Set 9 Sat 12:06 PM 4.0 10:53 5.5 5:25 -0.7 4:46 2.4 6:19 8:06 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many [...] |
| Aug 23 5:45 am - 10:30 am | Palm Beach Surf Fishout – CO Fishout with The Fresno Fly Fishers | Location: Palm Beach State Park (End of Beach Rd. In front of the state park) Location subject to change depending on conditions. Updates to be provided. Stay tuned Meet at 5:45AM Sunrise is 6:29AM and we will be fishing an incoming tide cresting at 11:57AM. Fish Master: Justin Ice / justin@schwagerdavis.com / 408-690-6143 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: The Fresno Fly Fishers will be joining us on this outing and all are welcome to join https://flyfishers.clubexpress.com/ Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket [...] |
| Sep 06 6:00 am - 10:00 am | Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing – CO Fishout with The San Jose Fly Fishing Club | Location: Beer Can Beach (AKA Summer Beach) - Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos Fish Master:Michael Lovejoy <mikelovejoy94@gmail.com> Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: RSVP For Breakfast by 5:00pm September 3nd Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online) Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc. Steve Adachi Clouser What to Expect: Meet at [...] |
| Sep 20 - Oct 04 12:00 am | Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 20-Oct. 4th | Fall trout fishing in streams and lakes. Trip is for seven days and the participants share a condo in Mammoth Lakes. |
| Oct 04 5:45 am - 10:30 am | Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout – CO Fishout with The Delta Fly Fishers | Location: Manresa State Beach (Ocean View Drive, La Selva Beach Parking Lot) Meet at 5:45AM Sunrise is 7:04AM and we will be fishing an incoming tide cresting at 9:28AM. Fish Master: Lance Boiling / clboling@gmail.com / 408-728-0548 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this outing Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY [...] |
| Oct 16 - Oct 19 | O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20th | Camping and striped bass fishing at the O'Neil Forebay. |
| Nov 07 - Nov 09 12:00 am | Trinity River Fishout – Confirmed Date | Target: Steelhead and trout. Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip, text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. |
Posted on July 21st, 2025
You never know what is lurking just beneath you.
Posted on July 21st, 2025
Celebrate California Fly Fisher’s Relaunch Anniversary with a Special Offer for Fly Club Members
For more than three decades, California Fly Fisher has been the go-to publication for anglers who care about California’s fisheries, wild trout, and the craft of fly fishing. In July 2024, the magazine underwent a beautiful redesign and relaunch—and it’s better than ever in both print
and digital formats.
To mark their one-year relaunch anniversary, California Fly Fisher is offering club members an exclusive subscription discount—plus 10% off all merchandise Special Anniversary Rates for Fly Club Members:
– $39.95 – One year print + digital
– $20.00 – One year digital-only
Use promo code FLYCLUBANNIV at checkout.
Subscribe at calflyfisher.com/subscribe
Posted on July 25th, 2025
July Fly Tying Class:
Chubby Stimi taught by Greg Foy………………
Fly of the Month: March Brown Spotlight………………
July Fishouts: ……………
Loreto Fly Fishing Trip
Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing
Marketplace……………………
Posted on June 23rd, 2025
This fly is a simplified Stimulator pattern that keys in on the buoyant properties of the fly without some of the more complicated techniques. It’s a great dry/dropper pattern. The CDC and EP fiber wings have a great silhouette and the fly rides high in the water. This is a great caddis pattern (especially October caddis). You can play around with color combinations to match the caddis in your area. This fly is great for a hopper dropper set ups as well.
Class is Free
Provided: All materials except thread (some available for beginners) Instructions, helpful assistance, and demonstrations.
Bring: Thread (brown or olive 8/0 denier) vise, tools, magnification, and glasses as needed (some available for beginners).
Sign Up: At the club meeting or instructor at least 24 hours ahead. Phone # 831-227-9987
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Jul 09 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Chubby Stimi |
This fly is a simplified Stimulator pattern that keys in on the buoyant properties of the fly without some of the more complicated techniques. It’s a great dry/dropper pattern. The CDC and EP fiber wings have a great silhouette and the fly rides high in the water. This is a great caddis pattern (especially October caddis). You can play around with color combinations to match the caddis in your area. This fly is great for a hopper dropper set ups as well. Class is Free Provided: All materials except thread (some available for beginners) Instructions, helpful assistance, and demonstrations. Bring: Thread (brown or olive 8/0 denier) vise, tools, magnification, and glasses as needed (some available for beginners). Sign Up: At the club meeting or instructor at least 24 hours ahead. Phone # 831-227-9987 |
| Aug 13 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Crackleback Dry Wooly | Crackleback Dry Wooly. This fly pattern is a great, generic representation of several insects found at stream or lakes. It can be fished dry or wet. Much like a Griffith’s Gnat but has far more color and material variations to match a variety of hatches. You need these in your fly box. “Expect near instant success!” Class is free!! Provided: All materials except thread (some available for beginners ) instructions, helpful assistance, and demonstrations.
Bring: Thread( black, brown or hot red 8/0) vice, tools, magnification, and glasses as needed. (Some are available for beginners). Sign Up: At the club meeting or instructor at least 24 hours ahead. Phone # 831-818-3801 |
| Sep 10 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Loberg |
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Posted on June 20th, 2025
There are around 200 species of mayflies in the western USA alone. This one has brown coloring. This pattern can be tied to represent many species by changing color and size. This fly is best tied by experienced tiers.
HOOK: TMC 2487. Sizes 14–22. Crimp barb.
THREAD: Brown 12/0 or 14/0 is best. Attach 1/3 back on shank.
POST: Closed cell foam cylinders 1/16” thick for the larger hooks. Thinner for the small hooks. Lay on top of shank with end extending a little forward of hook eye. Make 4 snug wraps, one on top of the last. Make two wraps on shank in front of post. Pull foam to the rear and cut very close to thread wraps. Snugly tie down cut end of foam. Make several thread wraps in front of post to stand it upright. Make several thread wraps around base of post to make base for hackle.
TAIL: Brownish gold spooled Antron. Using bodkin separate 6 to 8 fibers from strand. Lay on top of shank, butted up against post and extended to the rear. Touching thread wraps back to a little beyond rear of shank. Cut tail fibers equal to 1/2 body length.
BODY: Super fine or X-dub dubbing, brown color. Dub a very thin tapered body forward to base of post. Reposition hook so that post faces upright.
HACKLE: Grizzly dyed golden brown. Barbs equal to 2x hook gap. Cut about six barbs short on each side of butt end of stem “crew cut”. With dark side facing you tie crew cut in at base of post then raise hackle upright, make 2 to 3 wraps around hackle stem and base of post to keep it upright.
THORAX: same material as body. Dub a small thorax around base of post. Position thread hanging on your side in front of post.
HACKLE CONTINUED: Wrap hackle around base of post 2 to 3 times. Hold hackle down with left hand, bring thread up in front of hackle stem to shank level in front of stem. Wrap thread around base of post between hackle and thorax 3 times. Make 3 half hitches behind eye. Cut excess hackle.
HEAD: Thread. Using a bodkin, make enough half hitches behind eye to form a small thread head. Complete fly by cutting foam post a little above hackle to form a spotlight.
NOTE: sometimes a post of a different color is easier to see. Use a Sharpie to color it pink or orange or chartreuse if desired.
Posted on March 27th, 2025
The newsletter provides brief fishout info. For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule
| Date | Link (new tab) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 05 5:20 am - 10:00 am | Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing – UPDATED – | Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 5:20 am. Location: Beer Can Beach (AKA Summer Beach) - Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos (no bathrooms) Fish Master: Scott Kitayama / scottkitayama@gmail.com Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Meet at 5:20AM. Sunrise is at 5:53 and we are fishing a 3-foot tidal crest, high tide being 8: 55AM. Breakfast at Mike Lovejoy’s house, 115 Driftwood Ct, Aptos, please RSVP by July 3rd to mikelovejoy94@gmail.com. Coffee at 8:00am and breakfast served 8:30-9:30. Park on the street. Hot water available for hand wash. Hose available for rinsing equipment. |
| Jul 07 6:00 am | Loreto Fly Fishing Trip | Loreto Mexico Details to be finalized and date to be confirmed The fishing day starts around 6:00 a.m. and we usually get back to the harbor between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. Spend the rest of the afternoon fishing from the beach, having a cool drink in the pool, exploring Loreto, or just sitting around telling some tall fish stories. And, you will have many exciting moments on the Sea of Cortez to talk about. The approximate cost for everything but meals and airfare is: *$995.00 per person, double occupancy; around $460.00 for a non-fishing guest. - It does not include [...] |
| Aug 09 5:45 am - 8:30 am | Palm Beach Surf Fishout w/ coffee and snacks afterwards | Fishmaster : Scott Kitayama Contact info: scotttkitayama@gmail.com Location: Palm Beach State Park Date High Tide Low Tide Sun Moon AM ft PM ft AM ft PM ft Rise Set 9 Sat 12:06 PM 4.0 10:53 5.5 5:25 -0.7 4:46 2.4 6:19 8:06 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many [...] |
| Aug 23 5:45 am - 10:30 am | Palm Beach Surf Fishout – CO Fishout with The Fresno Fly Fishers | Location: Palm Beach State Park (End of Beach Rd. In front of the state park) Location subject to change depending on conditions. Updates to be provided. Stay tuned Meet at 5:45AM Sunrise is 6:29AM and we will be fishing an incoming tide cresting at 11:57AM. Fish Master: Justin Ice / justin@schwagerdavis.com / 408-690-6143 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: The Fresno Fly Fishers will be joining us on this outing and all are welcome to join https://flyfishers.clubexpress.com/ Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket [...] |
| Sep 06 6:00 am - 10:00 am | Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing – CO Fishout with The San Jose Fly Fishing Club | Location: Beer Can Beach (AKA Summer Beach) - Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos Fish Master:Michael Lovejoy <mikelovejoy94@gmail.com> Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: RSVP For Breakfast by 5:00pm September 3nd Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online) Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc. Steve Adachi Clouser What to Expect: Meet at [...] |
| Sep 20 - Oct 04 12:00 am | Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 20-Oct. 4th | Fall trout fishing in streams and lakes. Trip is for seven days and the participants share a condo in Mammoth Lakes. |
| Oct 04 5:45 am - 10:30 am | Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout – CO Fishout with The Delta Fly Fishers | Location: Manresa State Beach (Ocean View Drive, La Selva Beach Parking Lot) Meet at 5:45AM Sunrise is 7:04AM and we will be fishing an incoming tide cresting at 9:28AM. Fish Master: Lance Boiling / clboling@gmail.com / 408-728-0548 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this outing Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY [...] |
| Oct 16 - Oct 19 | O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20th | Camping and striped bass fishing at the O'Neil Forebay. |
| Nov 07 - Nov 09 12:00 am | Trinity River Fishout – Confirmed Date | Target: Steelhead and trout. Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip, text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. |
Posted on June 20th, 2025
U Boat 2000 Float Tube (by The Creek Company) and Accessories for Sale
Club member Ralph Berman would like to sell his Float Tube and all related parts and accessories. This includes a U Boat 2000 Float Tube (by The Creek Company), an electric air pump, flippers and booties, a hand pump, and a repair kit. The asking price is $350, but open to negotiation.
If interested, please respond by email to ralph201b@yahoo.com
Ralph has been a member for 25 years and has used this float at Mammoth Lake many times with great success.
Posted on June 20th, 2025
June: Jesse Collins – Stream Entomology………………
June Door Prizes……………
My Turn: Sun Protection for Fly Fishers……………………………
Fly Tying……………………
June Fly Tying Class: Royal Trude
Fly of the Month: Antron Caddis
Conservation Concerns……………………
A Local Watershed Gets Some Love
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – June thru August
4 new members
Gearing Up ……………………
Fishout Schedule
Cartoon ……………………
Posted on May 27th, 2025
Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939
Our own Jesse Collins is going to give a presentation on stream entomology (study of insects). Not only will this help you understand the insects that are around the streams, but also a discussion of the flies that imitate them and how to fish them.
NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 6:15 pm, we will be conducting short Introductory Skills to help our those new to the sport. We will also have the same Introductory Skills class at the casting clinic. Please look at the Club Activities article in the Newsletter for more information.
Posted on May 22nd, 2025
Don’t miss the June general meeting, everybody gets a free door prize ticket! We will be giving away a great 7 wt rod along with some other great goodies.
Must be present to win, don’t miss out!
Posted on May 17th, 2025
Fly fishers are at particular risk for sun damaged skin (PD/photo-damage) , eye damage and ultraviolet (UVL) induced skin cancer, some of which are life threatening. This is due to our sport requiring prolonged exposure to sunlight and it’s reflection off of water and sand.
UVL damage is cumulative and responsible for 90% of aging, which appears as thin, easily bruised and torn, wrinkled skin. UVL is associated with cataracts and numerous eye disorders. The annual cost of treating UVL induced skin cancer in the U.S. is around 10 Billion dollars. Protection is the key to avoid these adverse effects of sunlight.
The best sun protection is opaque clothing: hats without mesh, sun-gloves, “Buff” bandanas for face and neck, quality sunglasses, recently popular sun “hoodies,” and long sleeved shirts and pants. The density of the thread count is most important….a $10 KMart shirt that you can’t see light through when held up to strong light is equal/better in protection than a $90 one impregnated with sun protective factor (SPF) chemical. Some clothing like a white T-shirt become worthless when soaking wet. Don’t forget umbrellas where practical.
Sunscreen is the next best protection. They are rated in SPF (generally the higher number the better) and they are classified “organic” (meaning chemical) or ‘inorganic’ (meaning physical or mineral components). Of the dozen or more US approved ingredients, organic Avobenzone is considered the the safest and most effective. Oxybenzone the most likely to cause allergic reactions. Of the inorganic ingredients, micronized titanium dioxide & zinc oxide are the most commonly found. In addition, there may be pigments or antioxidants added for additional protection. When using any of these products remember to use them liberally, and re- apply through out the day. The inorganic group tend to be messy/greasy and wash of easily, so they definitely need to be re-applied more often than the chemical types.
Sunscreens have repeatedly been shown to prevent most common skin cancers and about 50% of malignant melanomas. They have recently come under scrutiny and controversy regarding THEORETICAL effect on human hormone production, bleaching of coral reefs, effect on algae in still waters, and presence of “nanoparticles” in the bloodstream. To date there is NO EVIDENCE of harm due to sunscreen in any of these areas.
The supposed “bad ingredients suspected are Benzophenone, Homosalicalate , and Octinoxate. Sunscreens thought to be “safer” are the mineral type…..but these have negative aspects as listed above.
“Safe “brands include: Think Sport, All Good Sport, Thrive Bodyshield, Banana Boat Light as Air, Badge Adventure Mineral, Hello Bello, Purely Simple & Sun Burn.
Thankfully, as fly fishers, if properly clothed, we only need a small dab of sunscreen on ears, nose, lips and possibly hands, so we don’t need to sweat safety issues…..feel free to use something cheap, highly effective and hard to wash off like Coppertone Sport 50 or 75 SPF! The best selection of sunscreen lip balms are found at “ski” shops.
Posted on May 22nd, 2025
