Oct 04 6:00 PM at the Aptos Grange No Zoom for September and October meetings.
The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club presents the Part 2 of Fly Fishing Film Tours 2023 film line up at the Aptos Grange during the October general meeting. We want this to be a fun and exciting event and as a way of recruiting new club members. Please invite friends to come and watch the movie with you. No food and or drinks during the movie since we cannot have them in the main room of the Grange. However, we will have time after the film to visit and snack in the side room. We will have sodas and water for sale, if you want anything else, you need to bring it.
17th annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T)
The 2023 show will feature locations from Cuba to Patagonia, Mexico to Australia, Alaska, Wyoming, the Deep South, Massachusetts and beyond. Experience the achievement of a permit slam, follow one man’s journey from Mexico to the waters of Wyoming, explore the best international waters and compete for the legendary belt buckle. Join us for a journey of adventure, friendship and the best fly fishing action.
The F3T is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Come for the action and stay for the giveaways and camaraderie that will feed your fishing addiction.
While some parts of the country see the Autumn as a time to stow the fishing gear and prepare for the long dark winter, we are blessed with some of the best fishing of the season. Think Stripers, steelhead, Pyramid giants just to name a few, then add quiet uncrowded Sierra streams to make us realize how fortunate we are.
That being said, how about some great raffle prizes?
This month we have a pair of Costa sunglasses, a heavy-duty folding camping chair or a choice of TWO V-access Rod & Reel Packages (9′ 8wt w/ arbor VII Reel or 8’6″ 4wt w/ 06N CNC Reel).
Don’t miss out, buy your lucky raffle tickets.
Raffle tickets cost a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25. Click on the following link to purchase your lucky raffle tickets:
The online raffle ticket sales office will close at noon on Wednesday the day of the monthly meeting (10/4/23). Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.
The prize drawing will take place at the regular meeting.
As the name implies, the October caddis is an insect that hatches out during October. It is particularly prolific on the upper Sacramento River. But can be found in many other places including the Merced River just outside Yosemite. If you are a beginner, you are definitely welcome and vices and tools will be available for you to use. The classes are free and materials provided. Students are encouraged to bring orange 6/0 thread or 120 denier. Thread will be available for beginners, please note if you don’t have orange thread, bring a white or light colored thread and we can use a sharpie to color it. Sign ups are important so that enough material is available for all that attend. Sign up at a club meeting or call Elaine at 831-688-1561. Please allow 24 hours advance notice.
This fly imitates a midge sending to the surface. The air bubble (bead) is making the ascension possible. Midges hatch throughout the year and most still waters and moving waters. It’s best finished using an indicator. Take this fly, and the October caddis that will be taught at the flytying class to the upper Sacramento and McLeod rivers in late October to mid November.
Hook: Size 16-24 (TMC, TFS 2487).
Thread: black 8/0
Bubble: One petite or extra small, clear glass bead plus 5X tippet.
Tail: dark rust, stiff bird, hackle
Thorax: Dark olive, super find dubbing.
Head: Black thread
1. Crimp barb. NOTE: end of shank is above barb
2. Attach thread 2/5 back on shank with about six wraps. Leave bobbin hanging at rear of wraps.
3. Slip bead onto tippet and position in the center. Fold backward and hold strands together. Place on hook shank, bead forward of eye, tippet to rear, make several thread wraps. Pull on tippet to move bed into position. Makes several snug thread wraps 1/8 inch to rear.
4. Bend tippet toward eye and snuggly tie down up to behind bead. Cut excess.
5. Cut about 12 barbs off stem of hackle keeping tips aligned. Lay on top of shank, tips extending about two hook lengths to rear of shank. Secure to shank behind bed with wraps to mid shank. Pull on barb butts positioning tips so they are hook shank length beyond shank. Attached to shank with touching wraps back to slightly beyond end of hook shank. Cut excess hackle butts behind bed.
6. Wrap thread forward, forming slender tapered body up to bead.
7. Wrap a small thorax, two wraps behind bead, one in front, two around base of bead.
8. Wrap a small thread head, whip finish, cut thread.
A few years ago, I posted an article in the newsletter with science-based conservation tips for fly anglers at: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/tag/november-2021/#post-3950. With the trend toward increased in angling pressure, drought and higher temperatures, I thought it would be a good time to revisit this subject. I found an article on the Fly Fishers International website that presents some great principles and practices for individual anglers that can help increase the survival rate of fish. Many of these were found in my previous article, but are certainly worth repeating. I must admit I haven’t always adhered to all these best practices, but I’m trying to be aware of them and become a better conservation-minded angler.
Fly Fishing Practices
Practice catch and release to help sustain and manage the fishery. This is especially important with all the challenges fish face. Land fish quickly. The longer the fish is played the more exhausted and stressed it becomes. Keep fish in the water. When removing the fly, keep the fish in the water so it can keep breathing. This is usually easier with a aid of a net.
Handle fish with care. Wet the fish and support it horizontally with both hands. Try not to squeeze too hard. This can be difficult when trying to control a slippery, lively fish. Avoid suspending the fish by its lip. Use barbless or crimped-barb hooks as they are easier/quicker to remove with less harm to the fish. It’s easier to remove a barbless hook from your body and clothing too!. A hemostat or other hook removal tool can be useful. If the fly is deep in the fish, cut the line off close to the fly as possible. When photographing fish, minimize time out of the water. Keep the fish in the water until the photographer says they are ready. When releasing, if the fish appears sluggish, gently hold it in the stream with its head facing into the current until it is ready to swim off. Carry a stream thermometer. When fishing for cold water fish—like trout—don’t fish when the water temperature approaches 70 degrees F.
Fly Fishing Gear and Flies
Use appropriate sized rod, reel, line and tippet that will allow landing your target species as quick as possible. Carry an effective hook removal tool. Use a rubber net whenever possible to help minimize damage to the fish’s skin and gills. Always use barbless or crimped barb hooks.
Protecting Fish, Water and Environment
Eliminate lead from the environment—BB weights and wire wrap for flies. Make sure you clean and dry (or other practical and effective method) equipment that contacts water when moving to a different watershed—especially when a body of water is known to have invasive critters like quagga mussels or New Zealand Mudsnails. Check local regulations for wading boot restrictions—felt soles are not permitted in some waters. Pack out all your trash, including tippet. Avoid stepping on spawning beds and redds. Don’t target actively spawning fish. Try to practice “leave no trace”.
For more details on this subject, go to: https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/Conservation/Ethos/Responsible-Fishing-Practices
Going to have a clinic for club members who have fished from a float tube before, but have not fished the Forebay for Stripers. To get in the class, you MUST contact scottkitayama@gmail.com. Class will be limited to about 10 people and I am also inviting some people from the Salinas Valley fish club.
-Click the title link to read more-
Since January 2023, we have 38 new members join averaging over 4 new members a month for a total of 221 members.
This amounts to a 20% increase in membership and going forward this creates an opportunity and challenge to bring new members ideas and new ways to provide ways to adapt to changing environments. As new members, please feel free to provide any suggestions to our Board members, Board President Scott Kitayama 650-279-5871 or myself Bob Peterson 831-251-8655
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/mammoth-fishout-2/ Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: John Cook
UPDATE Both weeks of this Fishout has been filled. I am maintaining a waiting list. There are three people on the list currently. If I get enough I will think about getting another condo. Please email or contact me directly for inquires. John & Elain Cook - Fishmaster (831) 234-6515 coookin@gmail.com Dates: This Fishout will… Read More
Oct 07 : October surf fishout – Beer Can
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/october-surf-fishout/ Beer Can Beach (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Sam Bishop - Fishing; Mike Lovejoy - Breakfast
Surf fish-out Saturday October 7, followed by breakfast at Mike Lovejoy's. Important location information and breakfast information Read More
Oct 14 : Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) – CONFIRMED Oct 14
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 10 people) Species: bass, crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited. Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. I am waiting on confirmation on this date, however I wanted to gauge… Read More
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Kevin Murdock
Event: O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout Date: Thursday October 19 to Sunday October 22 (I chose this weekend for it's 'skinny' moon, less night feeding for the fish) Target Gamefish: Striped Bass Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O'Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33) Hosts: Kevin Murdock … Read More
Apr 01 : Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Mike White - (831) 706-5556
The Pyramid Lake trip is one of the best-attended fishouts the club has, and for a good reason. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cruise parallel to the shore in easy casting distance from shore. Read More
by Elaine Cook - your your fellow mental mind teaser
It’s a puzzle instead of a cartoon this month.
All good fly fishermen should tune in next month to see how astute they are.
Find a word that is common to each group of three definitions below. HINT: each word can be associated with fishing.
1. telephone part.
the purpose of a commercial
a boxer’s punch
2. unsteady
motion picture film
a sewing machine bobbin
3. tent door
part of a man’s trousers
part of a flight attendant’s job
4. words of an actor
an element of poetry
a facial feature we all get
Sep 06 6:00 PM at the Aptos Grange No Zoom for September and October meetings.
The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club presents the Fly Fishing Film Tours 2023 film line up in a 2 part series showing at the Aptos Grange during the September and October general meetings. We want this to be a fun and exciting event and as a way of recruiting new club members. Please invite friends to come and watch the movie with you. No food and or drinks during the movie since we cannot have them in the main room of the Grange. However, we will have time after the film to visit and snack in the side room. We will have sodas and water for sale, if you want anything else, you need to bring it.
17th annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T)
The 2023 show will feature locations from Cuba to Patagonia, Mexico to Australia, Alaska, Wyoming, the Deep South, Massachusetts and beyond. Experience the achievement of a permit slam, follow one man’s journey from Mexico to the waters of Wyoming, explore the best international waters and compete for the legendary belt buckle. Join us for a journey of adventure, friendship and the best fly fishing action.
The F3T is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Come for the action and stay for the giveaways and camaraderie that will feed your fishing addiction.
Our September meeting is going to feature our big Fly Fishing FilmTour (F3T) so we figured we should have some special raffle prizes and door prizes. Click on the link below to visit our online store to purchase your lucky raffle tickets!
WINNERS CHOICE RODS AND REELS We are going to be giving away a couple of rods and reels to a couple of our lucky winners. First we have a 10 ft. 2 wt. Euro-nymph rod, perfect for our challenging Sierra streams. The second will be a V-Access 9 ft . 6 wt. rod with 5/6 CNC machine cut reel. Both rods are four piece and include a cordura covered hard tube case.
5 GALLON YETI LOAD-OUT BUCKET How about a load of Yeti? We start out with a 5 Gallon Yeti Load-out bucket packed with a Yeti Rambler Bottle, Yeti 750 ML Yonder, and Yeti Thin Ice block. Great quality stuff to make your next outdoor adventure totally enjoyable.
DRY CREEK Z GEAR POUCH If you are heading to the great outdoors you are going to need something to stash all your goodies. We have a Simms DRY CREEK Z GEAR POUCH. It`s totally waterproof with a self-healing zipper and has clear view accessibility. Also includes a really cool Simms slate Captain`s Cap.
The online raffle ticket sales office will close at noon on Wednesday the day of the monthly meeting (9/6/23). Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win. The prize drawing will take place at the regular monthly meeting.
Here we are getting ready for the Fishout in October at the forebay. Of course, the forebay can be fished anytime from now to into it November. As always, the class is free, and all materials are provided, except for the thread which will be white: flat wax nylon, Big Fly, monocord or similar. We welcome beginners and provide them with tools, thread and advice. It’s always helpful to bring magnification and a table lamp. Some lamps are always provided, but not enough to go around usually. Elaine Cook will be assisting beginners. Sign ups are important and can be done at the September club meeting or calling Michael at 831-234-2244 or Elaine at 831-234-6515. Please allow at least 24 hours notice ahead.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
This dry fly is an absolute must for the upcoming fishout to Mammoth Lakes. Be sure to use this in the high Sierra streams, Hot Creek,, and the upper Owens. don’t hesitate to use this fly throughout the west and the north east as well. The fish in the Rockies particularly like the larger flies. This thorax fly tying style was developed around 75 years ago by Vince Marinaro for the limestone streams of the Northeast.
HOOK: TMC 10o (standard dry fly) size is 12–18. The small flies work well in spring creeks and tail waters.
Crimp Barb.
THREAD: Olive 8/0.
Attach thread, mid shank, and leave hanging 1/3 back from eye.
WING: light, gray, turkey flat.
Select a bunch of turkey, flat, barbs, lining up tips and cutting from stem. Measure turkey flat barbs equal in length to hook shank and tie and on top of shank with Tips extending beyond eye. Cut bar butts off at an angle. Stand wing upright, making several wraps as a dam to hold barbs vertical. Return thread to cut Barb butts.
TAIL: light dun hackle fibers. (Side feather from chicken neck that has stiffer barbs).
Select 10–12 hackle barbs, line up tips, tie in so tips are one hook shank length beyond the end of the shank. Last wrap under tail to keep from bending downward. Cut, butts even with cut wing butts.
BODY: Olive, superfine dubbing. ( the natural insect varies in color from olive, to pale olive gray, to yellow olive green, to rusty olive).
Dub a slender body up to mid shank.
HACKLE: light dun neck, or saddle
Select hackle with barbs 1 1/2 hook gap long. Remove any fuzz at butt end, stroke barbs against grain at butt end. Cut several barbs short off each side of butt end. Lay that section on side of shank, tip to rear and tie in place. dub remainder of hook to one eye length behind eye. Spiral hackle forward in three turns behind wing and three turns in front of wing. Tie off cut access. Wrap, a small thread head, whip finish, cut thread, and seal with his cement, if desired.
The 17th annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T) The 2023 show will feature locations from Cuba to Patagonia, Mexico to Australia, Alaska, Wyoming, the Deep South, Massachusetts and beyond. Experience the achievement of a permit slam, follow one man’s journey from Mexico to the waters of Wyoming, explore the best international waters and compete for the legendary belt buckle. Join us for a journey of adventure, friendship and the best fly fishing action.
The F3T is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Come for the action and stay for the giveaways and camaraderie that will feed your fishing addiction.
Going to have a clinic for club members who have fished from a float tube before, but have not fished the Forebay for Stripers. To get in the class, you MUST contact scottkitayama@gmail.com. Class will be limited to about 10 people and I am also inviting some people from the Salinas Valley fish club.
-Click the title link to read more-
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: To Be Determined
Location: Manresa State Beach 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… Read More
Sep 08 : Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir)
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Alex Ferber
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Upper Sacramento River with Potential McCloud River Side Trip Species: Trout Duration: 3 Days Cost: No Cost https://goo.gl/maps/qC5QbdWhMStgX27X9 Equipment: Typical Trout Set Up 9', 4-6wt Rods w/ Floating Lines Ideal Euro Nymphing, and Trout Spey conditions available Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hairs Ear, Prince Nymph, Wooly Buggers, Perdigon, Copper Johns, Zebra Midge,… Read More
Sep 23 : Mammoth Fishout – UPDATED –
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/mammoth-fishout-2/ Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: John Cook
UPDATE Both weeks of this Fishout has been filled. I am maintaining a waiting list. There are three people on the list currently. If I get enough I will think about getting another condo. Please email or contact me directly for inquires. John & Elain Cook - Fishmaster (831) 234-6515 coookin@gmail.com Dates: This Fishout will… Read More
Oct 07 : October surf fishout – Beer Can
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/october-surf-fishout/ Beer Can Beach (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Sam Bishop - Fishing; Mike Lovejoy - Breakfast
Surf fish-out Saturday October 7, followed by breakfast at Mike Lovejoy's. Important location information and breakfast information Read More
Oct 14 : Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) – CONFIRMED Oct 14
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 10 people) Species: bass, crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited. Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. I am waiting on confirmation on this date, however I wanted to gauge… Read More
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Kevin Murdock
Event: O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout Date: Thursday October 19 to Sunday October 22 (I chose this weekend for it's 'skinny' moon, less night feeding for the fish) Target Gamefish: Striped Bass Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O'Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33) Hosts: Kevin Murdock … Read More
Apr 01 : Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Mike White - (831) 706-5556
The Pyramid Lake trip is one of the best-attended fishouts the club has, and for a good reason. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cruise parallel to the shore in easy casting distance from shore. Read More
Saturday, August 5, 2023 was another foggy summer morning at Rio Del Mar Beach. Our surf fish-out was to start at 0600, so being the organizer and wanting to be early, I showed up at 0530. There was only one good parking spot left because so many guys showed up even earlier than me! An eager group for sure, ready to fish a minus low, slack tide as we started. As we worked our way down the beach (the fish don’t come to you, you have to keep moving to find them) we started picking up more bites as the tide began to change. Most of us picked up between 1 and 10 fish, but I know of that were “write home about it” size.
And I met a couple other people on the beach that have serious interest in our Club, so I hope we get a couple new members too!
Here is a list of those I know were there. I missed a couple who did not sign in. My apologies for spelling I couldn’t read.
Adam and Peter Althoff, Jerry McKeon, Matt Bohn, Jeff Zeische, Bob Garbarino, Pete Soderstron, Lance Boling
And Jerry McKeon has already posted pictures on Instagram.
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 burger and hot-dog cookout with all the fixings. (Adult beverages will not be offered. Feel free to bring your own.)
We’ll also hold a fishing swap-meet/flea market. Bring your gently or un-used gear to the meeting for cash or trade. Be sure to bring your own display table.
Also, bring your favorite rod and join the cast for cash competition. This meeting is a great opportunity to meet and greet in person.
Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
The Fly Club raffle is taking a short break for the summer. There will be no meeting or raffle in July, in lieu of the August meeting we will be holding our annual summer BBQ. No raffle but we will have some great door prizes. Don’t miss out.
September will see our regular meeting with both online and in-person raffle ticket sales.
Many thanks to all who participate in our raffles, your support is greatly appreciated.
This fly just works. It makes a great hopper/dropper top fly and it catches fish on it’s own. No dry fly hackle or other expensive materials and it can be tied and just about any color. We’ll be tying this one in purple which is probably my favorite version. It’s also not too difficult to tie making it great for beginners.
Purple, black or dark thread in 6/0 or 70 denier works well but anything close will do. I’ll have some extra thread. Another thing to bring, if you have it is super glue. All materials provided. Please bring your vise and tools but if you need anything, let me know.
No need to RSVP.
Hope to see you there! Jerry
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
