Well, here we are entering September! Wow! What a year getting back to “normal”.
I don’t want to rub it in, but if you missed the August Club BBQ for any reason in excusable, we really missed you. What fun it was to see more than sixty of you at the Sherriff’s Posse Hall and how fun it was.
Shout out to Kevin Murdock and David South for working their magic at the BBQ and for taking the time to go to the store, get all the food, condiments, utensils, set up, and tear down/clean up at the end. If any of you enjoyed the squash, those were Tromboncino and Green Squash from my garden. Yum. Yum.
To all of you who brought items for the swap portion, that was really awesome. Those funds will be going toward our high school scholarships. And thank you to Elaine Cook for carefully organizing all of Doug Severin’s fly-tying materials into specific categories of which I think each bag easily had a life-time of fly-tying materials for each. To say that I have so much fun doing the raffle with Jeff Goyert – who is expert at orchestrating the raffle and who easily and willingly takes your money – understatement. It’s a blast calling out the numbers messing with you guys. Just glad you play along nicely. Way to go Ester and Dar for triple winnings and coincidently being great fly-tiers who helped Elaine last month. You couldn’t stage this better.
Ernie Kinzli, our founding father – so to speak – was present and I was grateful to introduce him to a number of you who weren’t around during the days when he ran his fly-shop in Santa Cruz, then in Soquel right at the bridge of Soquel Creek, Ernie’s favorite haunt for Steelhead and Coho, back in the day. Ernie donated a classic mix between a float tube and a raft that breaks down into it’s own carrying pack. Watch for it in upcoming events. The proceeds for that will be going to the scholarship fund. Thank you, Ernie!
Ernie Kinzli
I cannot begin to say thank you enough to everyone. When they say distance makes the heart grow fonder, that could not be more true. I was just happy to finally see so many of you after this war we’ve been waging for far too long.
As my second, and unprecedented, term as your President begins to wind down, I am going to be at a loss for words given all the emotion, memories, and support I have to be thankful for. Okay – kidding about the ‘loss for words’ part! But anyhow, I’m not going anywhere and will be around to continue supporting the club, you, and doing some other fun stuff – like teaching the casting classes!
I LOVE casting. I’m probably a better “caster” than I am an angler – or one who catches fish. I’ve just loved learning all the way back to 1992 when Mona and I saw a couple of guys fly-fishing on the Stanislaus, and when we went to the Fly Fishing Show, I tried out a Sage SP (which I still have), and got my first “lesson” from Randy Swisher, none other than the infamous Doug Swisher’s son.
I practiced in the grasses at Ed Levin Park in Milpitas during my lunch breaks practically till my arm fell off. Then when we had the “Con-Fab” in February – which I’m hoping we’ll bring back – I just had to beat Kathy Powers at the distance casting. Nothin doin. Kathy is an amazing caster, and probably the best dressed of all of us – any day of the week. But I loved casting.
Then Walt Robinson, who was a member of this club and the San Jose club, was a Master Casting Instructor and fly-tier, gave me some lessons and helped me rig my reel with backing, line, butt section with a nail knot, and blood know to tippet so my line would turn over as beautifully as it should, provided I did what I was supposed to.
Walt suggested I go for my Casting Certification – which I did at the following years Fly-Fishing Show. I was so new back then, and I still wasn’t as good as I really needed to be. Ironically, that morning when I was casting on the casting pond, it was frozen over. Burrr. You should have seen my roll cast – more like a whip and a splat.
But I digress. I love casting and while I’m far from expert, I enjoy seeing you improve, get it, and how you start controlling line so you know exactly where you can put a fly no matter the conditions. Sure distance is a part of casting as the good fish always seem to be on the other side, or just a little bit farther. And you will get there, working your way from the closest water first, and the farthest water last. Often stopping somewhere in between, hitting the honey hole.
So come join me and the rest at Jade Street Park for the rest of the summer, last Saturday of the month – 1:30. When winter comes, and we get some good water on the San Lorenzo, we can do some spey casting in the estuary, or some “chuck n duck” in the gorge. And when Spring comes again, we can pull out the shooting heads for Pyramid and Surf Perch Striper fishing. Can you say double haul?
See you at the Grange for an informative gig with Trout Unlimited and what we’re all working to do to restore salmon and steelhead habitat in the most challenging of times.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this Fishout has been canceled. Please stay tuned as there is a chance for rescheduling.
Fishmaster:
Alex Ferber
Location:
Lakes, rivers and streams of the Burney area
Species:
Trout
Date:
July 10th-12th
Cost:
No Cost
Meet Up:
Date of Fishout TBD and subject to change due seasonal conditions
Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below). The park is approximately 10 minutes from the highway 299/80 junction. The park is on the left hand side going east on 299. If you google Hat Creek Park, it should show up.
This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster Alex Ferber. Here he will be discussing the local fishery, access points, general information and answering any questions you might have about making this a successful outing.
Meeting time to be updated as we get closer
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, Micro May, Golden Stones
Drys: Caddis Patterns 12-16, Upright wing vs. Emerges, Missing Link, Stone Flys, Parachute Adams, Comparaduns (various sizes 16-12)
Misc.: Soft Hackles, Streamers, Leaches
What To Expect:
This Fishout is DIY Fishout with your Fishmaster acting as a resource person helping with any questions regarding where to fish, access, use of personal watercraft, fishery history, etc. Depending on interest there is potential of a pre Fishout presentation (TBD) and or tour of any one of the local areas with the most interest.
More information to be updated as interest develops. Please contact the Fishmaster if you are interested in attending.
Local Waters:
Hat Creek: Spring creek with plenty of easy access, walk and wading. There are 3 distict sections from the Power House Riffle, to The Lower Freestone Section. There are an abundence of hatches year round and daily from mayflies, caddis, and stone flies with the potential of a trico or green drake hatch.
Burney Creek: Spring creek with access around the McArthur Burney Falls State Park. The waterfall is a must see. This is great water for a dry/dropper set up as well as traditional dry and nymph fishing. Above the falls the creek is stocked and below the fish are wild.
Pit River: Classic tailwater freestone fishery. This river is known for its hard fighting wild rainbows. There is great walk and wade access but the terrain is difficult with large snot covered bowling balls covering the river bed. Those with strong wading skills and a stout wading stick only need apply. The river is broken up by multiple power houses each with their own characters. Primary a nymphing river either by indicator or tight line. Rubber legs and dark lords and lots of weight (bring lots of both).
BaumLake: Stocked and great for a small float tube or kayak. Excellent dry fly and streamer fishing.
Lake Britton: Primarily a motorized boat lake. Warm water fishery with small mouth bass, and potential for bull trout.
Ahjumawi / Big Lake Lava Springs State Park: Launch at “Rat Farm”
Fall River: Iconic spring creek with an abundance of large wild rainbows. No shore access. Non motorized boats can be launched at the Cal Trout public access or a kayak/motor boat at the “Rat Farm” (Big Lake/Ahjjumawi launch). Awesome dry fly, streamer and indicator fishing.
Lodging:
Camping – Too many to list, this is an outdoors paridise with options from unimproved to glamping. Plenty of places for RV hookups and KOA camping
Hotels & Motels: Various options available in the Burney area
Directions: Take San Andreas Road from the freeway all the way to the coast, passing under the railroad bridge and continuing beyond the State Park until you get to Oceanview Drive. Turn there, bear to the right and park in the parking lot
Fish Master: Sam Bishop / 831-274-4024 / sambishop@totlcom.com
At0545 am, Saturday, July 11 our club surf fishout will be at Manresa Beach. This is a beach that can challenge you and pleasantly surprise you. Stripers catches are not unusual on this beach.
Sunrise is at about 6 am, so you should be there ready to fish by 15 minutes before that.
Around 8 – 8:30 am I will be back up in the parking lot and serving some hot snacks, quesadillas probably. No coffee though, so bring your own beverage if desired.
There is a minus 3.4’ tide at 3 am and high is 3.4 at 10 am, so we will be fishing an incoming tide. Some people believe that is the best type of tide, but I cannot verify it. Seems to me when the fish are hungry they bite. Very little moon that night too, which should be good.
Newcomers to fly fishing the surf are welcome, but please go to our club website, drop down menu “KNOWLEDGE” and read the “Surf Fishing Info” section. And if you are really new to fly fishing and do not know how to cast, this is not the place to learn.
Any additional questions, call or email me at 831-274-4024 sambishop@totlcom.com. I will have a couple spare stripping baskets to loan and flies to give away.
Additional Details to Follow
Cost: Maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: See above
Aug 01 : Palm Beach Surf Fishout With The Delta Fly Fishers
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama / scottkitayama@gmail.com
Location: Palm Beach
Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers
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)
Single, double & triple fly rigs
Clousers to sand crabs
Directions: Take W. Beach St. in Watsonville towards Pajaro Dunes. Park at the end of W. Beach St. on the right side of the road outside of the entrance to Pajaro Dunes.
Note: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this Fishout. Join us and meet some new people and trade some notes.
Tides for Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay August 1, 2026.
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Sa 1 Low 6:52 AM 0.0 6:14 AM Set 9:14 AM 95
1 High 1:35 PM 4.3 8:15 PM Rise 9:56 PM
1 Low 6:49 PM 2.3
September 8–15, 2026 (Additional week: September 1–8, 2026, if enough anglers)
Each week will be made up of 8 anglers, with Rick and Jesse serving as hosts. This document provides an outline of the fall Alaska fly fishing trip. All projected dates and plans are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Trip Structure & Expectations
For the first three days, anglers will be split into three groups:
Three anglers fishing with Jesse from a drift boat
Two anglers fishing with Rick from a drift boat
One group driving to a wade-fishing location
On the fourth day, the three groups will consolidate into two groups.
Groups will rotate daily to ensure all anglers have time fishing from the boats.
Wade fishing will take place every day, and anglers must be comfortable with wading and light hiking.
Recommended Equipment
4-5 wt. Rods (Switch / Spey / Single Hand)
Full Sink
Floating
Sink Tips
Wade Fishing Locations
Russian River – Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden
Anchor River – Steelhead
Deep Creek – Steelhead
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Travel Day
Arrive in Anchorage. Groups will pick up Turo rental vehicles and drive to a rental cabin near Sterling (between Soldotna and Cooper Landing). Groceries and supplies will be purchased in town.
Day 2
Drift boat fishing on the Upper Kenai River with Rick and Jesse (weather permitting, possibly through the canyon). The third group will wade fish the Russian River.
Day 3
Drift boat float from Skilak Lake outlet to Bing’s Landing on the Middle Kenai for Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden, with potential Coho opportunities. The wade-fishing group will travel south to the Anchor River for Steelhead.
Day 4
Rick and Jesse’s groups will either fish the Upper Kenai again for Rainbow Trout or float the Kasilof River from Tustumena Lake to the bridge for Steelhead and Silver Salmon.
Day 5
Groups consolidate into two groups of five anglers. Fishing will take place on the Anchor River and Deep Creek for Steelhead. If weather conditions prevent fishing, the group will fish the Russian River.
Day 6
Both groups fish the Upper Kenai and Russian River together. Optional hike to the Upper Russian River to view salmon jumping the falls.
Day 7
Optional saltwater fishing charter for one group while the other group fishes for Steelhead or Trout.
Day 8 – Departure
Drive back to Anchorage, return Turo rentals in daily parking, and depart Alaska.
Trip Cost
$700 Deposit per person (Non Refundable)
$1,400 per person (Total) — Includes:
Rental vehicles
Drift boat rentals and shuttles
U-Haul rental for towing one drift boat
Lodging
Fishing beads
Does Not Include:
Airfare
Fishing licenses
Rods and fishing equipment
Food
Estimated Additional Costs
Round-trip airfare (Alaska Airlines): approximately $612
Alaska fishing license: approximately $45
Estimated food and dining: approximately $300
Estimated total trip cost: approximately $2,500 (Not including optional saltwater charter)
Meals
The group will dine out in town for three dinners. The remaining four dinners will be prepared at the cabin, with two anglers paired each night to cook. Breakfast and lunch planning will be finalized once all anglers are confirmed.
Cancellation Policy
If an angler decides not to attend, they are responsible for selling their spot to another angler or forfeiting their portion of the rental costs (deposits & payments are non refundable).
Jesse & Rick will be hosting a table at the January SCFF meeting. At that time will take $700.00 deposits on the trip.
Sep 19 : Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 19-Oct. 3rd 2026
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515
General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes (Max limit 8 per week). The condo complex has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.
Cost: Shared single: $500/wk, $1000/2 wks.
Sign Ups: We will begin taking Mammoth reservations and money starting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, March 4th (at the March Meeting). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check Payable to: Scott Kitayama. Mail: 36 Pima St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Group is limited to 8 in the condo per week. COST: $500/person . Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Payment of $500 is required to secure your spot. we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.
Fishmasters:Scott Kitayama: scottkitayama@gmail.com , mobile: 650 279 5871 and Randy Saar: randy_saar@yahoo.com, mobile: 650 269 6138
Dates: This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 19- Sept 26. Week 2: Sept 26 – Oct 3.
Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.
Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards. Each person will be responsible for a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare. You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.
Oct 10 : Lower Sacramento River Group Float – Hosted by the Delta Fly Fishers
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Greetings,
The Delta Fly Fishers have offered the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club the opportunity to join them on their annual guided float trip on the Lower Sacramento River.
See the information below from the Fishmaster Robert Fujimura.
Lower Sacramento River Group Float Outing with Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club– Saturday October 10, 2026
Delta Fly Fishers are happy again to invite your club to join this annual Delta Fly Fishers outing with host Scott Sugimoto of On the Riffle Guide Service and his guides and support staff for another awesome day on this famous tailwater fishery for resident rainbow trout. Scott and his team have successfully hosted our club annually for several years during the prime fly fishing season. The Lower Sacramento River fishing has been a reliable and renowned trophy trout fishery of the West. Suitable for novice fly fishers but still fun and challenging for the more experienced ones.
Participants will have a full day of guided indicator nymph fishing from a drift boat with an experienced guide per two anglers. Fishing gear, flies, shuttle service, and all you can eat group BBQ lunch are provided. The guide fee of $300 per person (double occupancy per boat) does not include tip.
Please contact Bob Fujimura to register and pay your guide fee before August 30 or earlier (email [deltaflyfishers@gmail.com] . Early registration will help ensure that we reserve our guides in advance – so don’t delay in registering if you are interested in this annual crowd pleaser. Registration requires prepayment of guide fees and submission of a DFF liability waiver form. All guide fees are non-refundable in the case of you cancel your trip – however, you can sell your spot to another club member.
Our annual outing is a fun event for our club members with a long history of repeated participation by its attendees. Registered participants will be provided with additional detailed information (via email) on pre-event fishing conditions, recommended fishing equipment or gear for optional use during or outside of the guided day, local group dining or lodging options, and other trip activities. On request, non-DFF club registrants can be provided with a Zoom orientation session prior to the event. Scott also welcomes inquiries about the guided itinerary and technical questions about this event (email: scott@ontheriffle.com or phone: (530) 276-1612).
Oct 15 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 15-18th
These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.
Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.
The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.
Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly
Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.
Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga and golden mussels)
There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.
Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.
This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!
Nov 13 : Trinity River Fishout
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
NOTE: Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip. After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?). You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.
The fishery:
Basically, this is a Steelhead Trip. There are some resident trout, including some really nice brown trout. I walk wade or float my raft, depending on the river conditions. I personally use a Spey rod to swing flies. Many people use indicators. There are a lot of walk in spots to explore. The river can be floated with rafts or driftboats. There is a shuttle service available.
Tackle:
Single hand rods, 7-8 wt rods, using floating lines with indicator set up. Typical flies used are Egg patterns, Copper John’s, Stonefly imitations like Rubberlegs, Dark Perdigons. Sizes ranging from Size 8-14.
Spey or Switch rods, usually 5-6 wt in the Fall, I use a 7 wt in the winter. Skagit or Scandi heads, with floating to heavy sink tips, depending on the river conditions and season. Flies that work well include leeches, intruders, HoBo Spey, Traditionals, as well as dry fly patterns ( Skaters) in the early Fall.
The River:
The Trinity River is located aprox 1 hr west of Redding on Hwy 299. Its a beautiful tailwater fishery, with flows controlled from the Lewiston Dam. This is where the hatchery can be found. It has many different faces, including some big water as it runs west. It meets up with the Klamath River on its journey to the ocean. It has an excellent run of both wild and hatchery fish, ranging from 5-7 #, with some larger fish in the +10-12 # range. There are fish in the system year round, but typically a push of fish starts in late September and peaks in late November, with a second run usually in late December- March. The fishing remained really good thru the end of March last season. It is very flow dependant and can run quite low in the Fall, with occasional bumps in flows when there is precipitation. It can blow out on occasion, but clears pretty fast.
Amenities:
Weaverville is the closest town, where there are good restaurants, motels and a really nice Holiday Market. It’s kinda the hub. There is an RV park in Weaverville, but no campsites.
Camping is available in Douglas City area as well as Junction City and further west on 299. The town of Douglas city doesn’t have much, other than a small mini mart. Indian Creek Lodge is a few miles east of Douglas City. The town of Lewiston is just below the Lewiston dam. It offers some camping and motels. There is a really nice motel west of Junction City (I believe it is called Steelhead Lodge?). It’s an excellent place to stay if one wishes to fish below Junction City.
IMPORTANT: This class will be taught at the Aptos Grange Hall. Masks will be required for this session. No zoom access.
If you are looking for an easy dry fly trout pattern, here it is for you. And certainly great for beginners, who are always welcome. Caddis are one of the most important food sources for trout and should be included in anybody’s fly box. The upcoming Mammouth fishout will be one of those places that you can readily use this fly.The classes are always free and all materials are provided except for the thread if you have it available. This time we will be using olive 8/0 thread.The club has tools, vises and thread to borrow if you need them.
Please call Elaine Cook at 831-688-15612 reserve your spot and ensure that there are enough materials for the class.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
Sep 07 6:30 PM Aptos Grange (in-person) and Zoom (online)
Tim Frahm, Trout Unlimited’s Central Coast Steelhead Coordinator, will be speaking with the club about the conservation of wild Steelhead on California’s Central Coast. He will be discussing ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance wild steelhead populations on the Central Coast such as eliminating fish barriers, improvement of summer flows, and floodplain restoration.
These projects require massive effort in locating, designing, permitting, funding, and finally construction. The price around such restoration often ranges in the millions. Please join September’s meeting to learn about the past, present, and future efforts to give wild steelhead a fighting chance in their historical, native watersheds on the Central Coast.
Lake Shasta, the largest reservoir in California is 124 feet below its fill line. It is at 36% of total capacity. The last three years have been the worst in the history of the reservoir, which was formed in 1948. While many of California’s reservoirs receive water from snowmelt, Lake Shasta gets 90% from rainfall. Power generation, fish, farmers, municipal water departments are all negatively impacted by restricted flows from Shasta. Central Valley farmers have been reduced to 18% of a normal year’s allocation. However, with one good year of rain, the reservoir can almost fully recover as it did in 1977 when it was down 230 feet. For more on this ongoing story and a short news video go to: https://www.ktvu.com/news/drought-critically-low-water-levels-at-lake-shasta-californias-largest-reservoir
In other news related to the drought and the Sacramento River, the Bureau of Land Management and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working together to help the winter-run Chinook salmon in the midst of the ongoing drought. The work is taking place at the Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery directly below Shasta Dam. One of the projects is the installation of chillers to maintain the cold water temperature required for rearing Chinook at the hatchery as the lake water supply warms. For more information, go to: https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/39957-in-california-reclamation-and-u-s-fish-wildlife-service-launch-innovative-plan-to-aid-winter-run-chinook-salmon-amid-extreme-drought
This month membership is over 200 dues paying members largely with new online members averaging 2 new members a month. Another milestone is that Jerry Mckeon has over 500 followers on Instagram which has increased significantly since Jerry has been aggressively marketing the activity. He reminds members, including new members to submit photos to him thru his email metropolitantrout@gmail.com. Thank you to those who have contributed photos.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this Fishout has been canceled. Please stay tuned as there is a chance for rescheduling.
Fishmaster:
Alex Ferber
Location:
Lakes, rivers and streams of the Burney area
Species:
Trout
Date:
July 10th-12th
Cost:
No Cost
Meet Up:
Date of Fishout TBD and subject to change due seasonal conditions
Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below). The park is approximately 10 minutes from the highway 299/80 junction. The park is on the left hand side going east on 299. If you google Hat Creek Park, it should show up.
This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster Alex Ferber. Here he will be discussing the local fishery, access points, general information and answering any questions you might have about making this a successful outing.
Meeting time to be updated as we get closer
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, Micro May, Golden Stones
Drys: Caddis Patterns 12-16, Upright wing vs. Emerges, Missing Link, Stone Flys, Parachute Adams, Comparaduns (various sizes 16-12)
Misc.: Soft Hackles, Streamers, Leaches
What To Expect:
This Fishout is DIY Fishout with your Fishmaster acting as a resource person helping with any questions regarding where to fish, access, use of personal watercraft, fishery history, etc. Depending on interest there is potential of a pre Fishout presentation (TBD) and or tour of any one of the local areas with the most interest.
More information to be updated as interest develops. Please contact the Fishmaster if you are interested in attending.
Local Waters:
Hat Creek: Spring creek with plenty of easy access, walk and wading. There are 3 distict sections from the Power House Riffle, to The Lower Freestone Section. There are an abundence of hatches year round and daily from mayflies, caddis, and stone flies with the potential of a trico or green drake hatch.
Burney Creek: Spring creek with access around the McArthur Burney Falls State Park. The waterfall is a must see. This is great water for a dry/dropper set up as well as traditional dry and nymph fishing. Above the falls the creek is stocked and below the fish are wild.
Pit River: Classic tailwater freestone fishery. This river is known for its hard fighting wild rainbows. There is great walk and wade access but the terrain is difficult with large snot covered bowling balls covering the river bed. Those with strong wading skills and a stout wading stick only need apply. The river is broken up by multiple power houses each with their own characters. Primary a nymphing river either by indicator or tight line. Rubber legs and dark lords and lots of weight (bring lots of both).
BaumLake: Stocked and great for a small float tube or kayak. Excellent dry fly and streamer fishing.
Lake Britton: Primarily a motorized boat lake. Warm water fishery with small mouth bass, and potential for bull trout.
Ahjumawi / Big Lake Lava Springs State Park: Launch at “Rat Farm”
Fall River: Iconic spring creek with an abundance of large wild rainbows. No shore access. Non motorized boats can be launched at the Cal Trout public access or a kayak/motor boat at the “Rat Farm” (Big Lake/Ahjjumawi launch). Awesome dry fly, streamer and indicator fishing.
Lodging:
Camping – Too many to list, this is an outdoors paridise with options from unimproved to glamping. Plenty of places for RV hookups and KOA camping
Hotels & Motels: Various options available in the Burney area
Directions: Take San Andreas Road from the freeway all the way to the coast, passing under the railroad bridge and continuing beyond the State Park until you get to Oceanview Drive. Turn there, bear to the right and park in the parking lot
Fish Master: Sam Bishop / 831-274-4024 / sambishop@totlcom.com
At0545 am, Saturday, July 11 our club surf fishout will be at Manresa Beach. This is a beach that can challenge you and pleasantly surprise you. Stripers catches are not unusual on this beach.
Sunrise is at about 6 am, so you should be there ready to fish by 15 minutes before that.
Around 8 – 8:30 am I will be back up in the parking lot and serving some hot snacks, quesadillas probably. No coffee though, so bring your own beverage if desired.
There is a minus 3.4’ tide at 3 am and high is 3.4 at 10 am, so we will be fishing an incoming tide. Some people believe that is the best type of tide, but I cannot verify it. Seems to me when the fish are hungry they bite. Very little moon that night too, which should be good.
Newcomers to fly fishing the surf are welcome, but please go to our club website, drop down menu “KNOWLEDGE” and read the “Surf Fishing Info” section. And if you are really new to fly fishing and do not know how to cast, this is not the place to learn.
Any additional questions, call or email me at 831-274-4024 sambishop@totlcom.com. I will have a couple spare stripping baskets to loan and flies to give away.
Additional Details to Follow
Cost: Maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: See above
Aug 01 : Palm Beach Surf Fishout With The Delta Fly Fishers
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama / scottkitayama@gmail.com
Location: Palm Beach
Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers
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)
Single, double & triple fly rigs
Clousers to sand crabs
Directions: Take W. Beach St. in Watsonville towards Pajaro Dunes. Park at the end of W. Beach St. on the right side of the road outside of the entrance to Pajaro Dunes.
Note: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this Fishout. Join us and meet some new people and trade some notes.
Tides for Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay August 1, 2026.
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Sa 1 Low 6:52 AM 0.0 6:14 AM Set 9:14 AM 95
1 High 1:35 PM 4.3 8:15 PM Rise 9:56 PM
1 Low 6:49 PM 2.3
September 8–15, 2026 (Additional week: September 1–8, 2026, if enough anglers)
Each week will be made up of 8 anglers, with Rick and Jesse serving as hosts. This document provides an outline of the fall Alaska fly fishing trip. All projected dates and plans are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Trip Structure & Expectations
For the first three days, anglers will be split into three groups:
Three anglers fishing with Jesse from a drift boat
Two anglers fishing with Rick from a drift boat
One group driving to a wade-fishing location
On the fourth day, the three groups will consolidate into two groups.
Groups will rotate daily to ensure all anglers have time fishing from the boats.
Wade fishing will take place every day, and anglers must be comfortable with wading and light hiking.
Recommended Equipment
4-5 wt. Rods (Switch / Spey / Single Hand)
Full Sink
Floating
Sink Tips
Wade Fishing Locations
Russian River – Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden
Anchor River – Steelhead
Deep Creek – Steelhead
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Travel Day
Arrive in Anchorage. Groups will pick up Turo rental vehicles and drive to a rental cabin near Sterling (between Soldotna and Cooper Landing). Groceries and supplies will be purchased in town.
Day 2
Drift boat fishing on the Upper Kenai River with Rick and Jesse (weather permitting, possibly through the canyon). The third group will wade fish the Russian River.
Day 3
Drift boat float from Skilak Lake outlet to Bing’s Landing on the Middle Kenai for Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden, with potential Coho opportunities. The wade-fishing group will travel south to the Anchor River for Steelhead.
Day 4
Rick and Jesse’s groups will either fish the Upper Kenai again for Rainbow Trout or float the Kasilof River from Tustumena Lake to the bridge for Steelhead and Silver Salmon.
Day 5
Groups consolidate into two groups of five anglers. Fishing will take place on the Anchor River and Deep Creek for Steelhead. If weather conditions prevent fishing, the group will fish the Russian River.
Day 6
Both groups fish the Upper Kenai and Russian River together. Optional hike to the Upper Russian River to view salmon jumping the falls.
Day 7
Optional saltwater fishing charter for one group while the other group fishes for Steelhead or Trout.
Day 8 – Departure
Drive back to Anchorage, return Turo rentals in daily parking, and depart Alaska.
Trip Cost
$700 Deposit per person (Non Refundable)
$1,400 per person (Total) — Includes:
Rental vehicles
Drift boat rentals and shuttles
U-Haul rental for towing one drift boat
Lodging
Fishing beads
Does Not Include:
Airfare
Fishing licenses
Rods and fishing equipment
Food
Estimated Additional Costs
Round-trip airfare (Alaska Airlines): approximately $612
Alaska fishing license: approximately $45
Estimated food and dining: approximately $300
Estimated total trip cost: approximately $2,500 (Not including optional saltwater charter)
Meals
The group will dine out in town for three dinners. The remaining four dinners will be prepared at the cabin, with two anglers paired each night to cook. Breakfast and lunch planning will be finalized once all anglers are confirmed.
Cancellation Policy
If an angler decides not to attend, they are responsible for selling their spot to another angler or forfeiting their portion of the rental costs (deposits & payments are non refundable).
Jesse & Rick will be hosting a table at the January SCFF meeting. At that time will take $700.00 deposits on the trip.
Sep 19 : Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 19-Oct. 3rd 2026
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515
General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes (Max limit 8 per week). The condo complex has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.
Cost: Shared single: $500/wk, $1000/2 wks.
Sign Ups: We will begin taking Mammoth reservations and money starting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, March 4th (at the March Meeting). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check Payable to: Scott Kitayama. Mail: 36 Pima St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Group is limited to 8 in the condo per week. COST: $500/person . Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Payment of $500 is required to secure your spot. we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.
Fishmasters:Scott Kitayama: scottkitayama@gmail.com , mobile: 650 279 5871 and Randy Saar: randy_saar@yahoo.com, mobile: 650 269 6138
Dates: This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 19- Sept 26. Week 2: Sept 26 – Oct 3.
Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.
Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards. Each person will be responsible for a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare. You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.
Oct 10 : Lower Sacramento River Group Float – Hosted by the Delta Fly Fishers
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Greetings,
The Delta Fly Fishers have offered the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club the opportunity to join them on their annual guided float trip on the Lower Sacramento River.
See the information below from the Fishmaster Robert Fujimura.
Lower Sacramento River Group Float Outing with Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club– Saturday October 10, 2026
Delta Fly Fishers are happy again to invite your club to join this annual Delta Fly Fishers outing with host Scott Sugimoto of On the Riffle Guide Service and his guides and support staff for another awesome day on this famous tailwater fishery for resident rainbow trout. Scott and his team have successfully hosted our club annually for several years during the prime fly fishing season. The Lower Sacramento River fishing has been a reliable and renowned trophy trout fishery of the West. Suitable for novice fly fishers but still fun and challenging for the more experienced ones.
Participants will have a full day of guided indicator nymph fishing from a drift boat with an experienced guide per two anglers. Fishing gear, flies, shuttle service, and all you can eat group BBQ lunch are provided. The guide fee of $300 per person (double occupancy per boat) does not include tip.
Please contact Bob Fujimura to register and pay your guide fee before August 30 or earlier (email [deltaflyfishers@gmail.com] . Early registration will help ensure that we reserve our guides in advance – so don’t delay in registering if you are interested in this annual crowd pleaser. Registration requires prepayment of guide fees and submission of a DFF liability waiver form. All guide fees are non-refundable in the case of you cancel your trip – however, you can sell your spot to another club member.
Our annual outing is a fun event for our club members with a long history of repeated participation by its attendees. Registered participants will be provided with additional detailed information (via email) on pre-event fishing conditions, recommended fishing equipment or gear for optional use during or outside of the guided day, local group dining or lodging options, and other trip activities. On request, non-DFF club registrants can be provided with a Zoom orientation session prior to the event. Scott also welcomes inquiries about the guided itinerary and technical questions about this event (email: scott@ontheriffle.com or phone: (530) 276-1612).
Oct 15 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 15-18th
These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.
Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.
The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.
Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly
Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.
Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga and golden mussels)
There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.
Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.
This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!
Nov 13 : Trinity River Fishout
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
NOTE: Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip. After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?). You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.
The fishery:
Basically, this is a Steelhead Trip. There are some resident trout, including some really nice brown trout. I walk wade or float my raft, depending on the river conditions. I personally use a Spey rod to swing flies. Many people use indicators. There are a lot of walk in spots to explore. The river can be floated with rafts or driftboats. There is a shuttle service available.
Tackle:
Single hand rods, 7-8 wt rods, using floating lines with indicator set up. Typical flies used are Egg patterns, Copper John’s, Stonefly imitations like Rubberlegs, Dark Perdigons. Sizes ranging from Size 8-14.
Spey or Switch rods, usually 5-6 wt in the Fall, I use a 7 wt in the winter. Skagit or Scandi heads, with floating to heavy sink tips, depending on the river conditions and season. Flies that work well include leeches, intruders, HoBo Spey, Traditionals, as well as dry fly patterns ( Skaters) in the early Fall.
The River:
The Trinity River is located aprox 1 hr west of Redding on Hwy 299. Its a beautiful tailwater fishery, with flows controlled from the Lewiston Dam. This is where the hatchery can be found. It has many different faces, including some big water as it runs west. It meets up with the Klamath River on its journey to the ocean. It has an excellent run of both wild and hatchery fish, ranging from 5-7 #, with some larger fish in the +10-12 # range. There are fish in the system year round, but typically a push of fish starts in late September and peaks in late November, with a second run usually in late December- March. The fishing remained really good thru the end of March last season. It is very flow dependant and can run quite low in the Fall, with occasional bumps in flows when there is precipitation. It can blow out on occasion, but clears pretty fast.
Amenities:
Weaverville is the closest town, where there are good restaurants, motels and a really nice Holiday Market. It’s kinda the hub. There is an RV park in Weaverville, but no campsites.
Camping is available in Douglas City area as well as Junction City and further west on 299. The town of Douglas city doesn’t have much, other than a small mini mart. Indian Creek Lodge is a few miles east of Douglas City. The town of Lewiston is just below the Lewiston dam. It offers some camping and motels. There is a really nice motel west of Junction City (I believe it is called Steelhead Lodge?). It’s an excellent place to stay if one wishes to fish below Junction City.
IMPORTANT: This class will be taught at the Aptos Grange. Masks will be OPTIONAL if you are vaccinated. NO ZOOM access.
The Fluke Fly is a smaller adaptation of a deceiver. It is tied with deceiver hackle and synthetic materials, on a light jig hook for snag resistance, a slow fall and easy castability. Fished on a floating line near shore or structure, it will sink near the bottom of a lake or pond (where the fish are?) and rise and fall as it is stripped back. The target is black bass and sunfish.
Contact Greg Foy to attend the class. greg@foyconstruction.com
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
As I sat drinking my delicious coffee on our third morning at Kennedy Meadows, I had all my Trout fly boxes out to look at what I had left that I’d want to throw at the fish the next couple of days. Everything tastes and feels better when you’re in the mountains, especially the coffee. As we fished hard the last few days, the rewards were great, but the sacrifices many. For me it as a few wear marks on my feet from wet wading in sandals, and the loss of flies I’d been doing so very well with.
I love the mornings up here, especially early before anyone else is awake. The only technology to behold was the lantern, the coffee pot and my fly boxes. No rushing to respond to anything. Just the contemplation of what will work next.
This trip was even nicer with the addition of some of our club members and good friends. Scott, Bob, Cecilia, Sophia, and Kathryn. The opportunity to fish together, laugh, eat, and chill by the campfire or coffee together in the morning. We are nominating Kathryn for both the Otter and Alligator award at our Annual Dinner in January. This gal out-fished all of us and carried the battle scars to prove it, first day getting a black eye, from a fall. The next day attempting to cause yours truly to pass out with a hook deep in her finger and that barb she thought was pinched, wasn’t completely, scaring all the bears in the forest as Cecilia tried to help with that pull it out quick with some leader looped around it trick. Then, after landing yet another sizeable fish in a challenging piece of water, decided to go for an early morning swim after nearly donating her rod and reel to the Stanislaus in homage to the fish she caught. The most beautiful spirit and super fun person, who would have stayed the duration if not for the untimely, but perhaps timely, passing of her father who would have wanted her to be fishing and to keep fishing when he departed – which she did, but then headed home as anyone would have done. I am so looking forward to next year already. What a blast we had.
Cecilia using a dry fly
Bob, Scott, Tom
Kathryn Y
A fly box can tell you a lot about yourself, or someone else. It’s not just a box that holds your flies. It could possibly be a reflection of you. At least that’s my observation as I stare into these somewhat organized but deliberate assortments within. Then there’s those other folks. You know; you’ve seen those meticulously organized boxes with dry flies, hoppers, nymphs, perfectly arranged by type, size, weight. Maybe six or more of the same flies all in a row, color coordinated, labeled on the outside, some even stacked in their own fly box holders, ready to be selectively stuffed into a vest depending upon what body of water is being fished. Hundreds of them. And I’m just talking trout boxes. If you’re like me, and you see these fly boxes in a raffle, scoop them up, and after a few years, they never look that way ever again!
My fly boxes are somewhat organized but are a scattered collection no less. Nymphs, attractors, dry fly, wet fly, fly flies and un-fly flies, all together. And while I may have originally had six or more all neat in a row, I’ve fished them, lost them, and usually replaced the empty spaces with different flies. And I don’t have just one box like this. They’re all that way. Probably because if I only had one box, I’d want it to cover top, sub-surface and dredging. Some are even flies I’ve acquired, but never used. Or flies I’ve used and purposely tried not to lose, an attempt to keep at least one of them in the box so I know to either tie some up on a cold rainy winter night or buy some at the next fly shop I visit. Some I’ve used just for teaching because they really look like the bugs they are imitating, or a frog, a mouse. Kid’s love to see that when you open the box and a fly is tied like a mouse – I guess it isn’t a “fly”, is it?!
I know all the flies in the boxes, which ones I’ve used where, and even remember fish they’ve caught. In the latest instance, I had these quite favorable BWO’s (Blue Wing Olive’s) with a trailing shuck for a tail. They were terrifically effective, and I felt they could catch a thousand fish. But I lost my last one on a fish this week, and I couldn’t tell you where in any of my fly boxes there was a space for one, let alone six of them in anymore but one size or two.
Your fly box is also a memory holder. When you open each one, a flood of memories embraces you – hopefully most of them good memories. If you’ve had that fly box for as long as you’ve been fly fishing, the box alone is a memory. You remember when you got it, why, from whom, and with all those flies, you remember the fish, the day, the experience casting that fly, the take, the play, landing that beautiful specimen, and its safe release back into the wild. The high-five you had with the friend with you, or the extraordinary gratitude you had for the gift, the peace and tranquility as you look at all the beauty around you.
No doubt the next time I see a Blue Winged Olive in my fly box, I’m going to remember this trip and especially those who were with us who made it most enjoyable.
See you Wednesday at the Barbeque and Swap Meet – Sherriff’s Posse Hall, Ocean Street Extension.
Hopefully, the 2022 Roster is going to the printer this week and maybe be available WED August 3. The Roster is also available in a pdf file now for those that would like an electronic version for their iphone or computer. Please email me @ robert6367 if interested in a hard copy or the electronic pdf file. We are also planning to add the Roster to Google Drive and it will be available online thru our website . Membership continues to grow with 2 new members a month and is @ 195 current members
The fish were mostly small, but the dozen fly fishers that came to Rio Del Mar on the Friday before the 4th of July holiday had a good time and most had hookups or fish. Afterwards a few of us had a social time at the Pixie Deli, known for its good breakfast burritos. Three members from the Salinas Club were happy to be with us too, including their President, Elizabeth McCarter (pictured). She and our own Emily Marriott were the damsels amongst us, trying the surf for the first time. Jeff Slaboden is moving to Florida, which is sad for us, because it is likely we won’t see him often for our local fishouts.
Elizabeth (Salinas Fly Fishers)Fred (Salinas Fly Fishers)
Tommy Polito and Scott Kitayama are leading up the August fish-out. Stay tuned for that one!
I think I missed a name or two, but here is the gang that went fishing: Peter Swarzenski, Gordon Cummings, Emily Marriott, Jeff Slaboden, Scott Kitayama, Josh Wilkens, Tommy Polito, Koney Eng, Sam Bishop and from the Salinas Club, Elizabeth McCarter, Wilson Taguinod and Fred Farias
There is a dam on the Truckee River just upstream of Pyramid Lake near the town of Nixon. Numana Dam was built in 1971 to divert water from the river to be used by the Paiute Tribe for irrigation on their reservation. However, this dam was not originally constructed to allow the cui-ui fish to migrate up the Truckee toward Lake Tahoe to spawn. The cui-ui is an endangered fish only found in Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River.
In April the Interior Department approved $8.3 million to support Lahontan cutthroat and cui-ui recovery. The project will include installation of screens to allow the fish to move down to Pyramid and an underwater ramp to migrate up past the dam. For more information on this and how climate change is having a negative impact on fish populations in our rivers, go to the web page.
Planning to travel and fish during Covid has been more challenging due to so many folks choosing an outdoor vacation experience. So we find timing of locations, and reservations a necessity. We so much prefer being nomads. Our first destination in Wyoming, a place we have been to many times, is a sweet lake that we have camped at and fished for many years. It always provides us with wonderful, powerful rainbow trout up to 22”. 2x tippet and 6 wt. rods are a necessity if you plan to land any. No reservations are available on BLM land so timing was imperative. RV and forest service reservation we made in route and arrival late on the 4th was perfect. A short wait and we hade the whole campground to ourselves. Few people fished the lake all week. What makes the lake even more special is that it’s catch and release and when we go a massive damsel hatch occurs. Adult damsel fly patterns are the ticket. The insects are crawling out and hatching all over your tube, and clothing as well on vegetation and the sandy shore. Adults are everywhere and in times in swarms where numerous males are in per suit of a few females. The pursuit is on, looking for backs and tails of sipping trout and getting a fly into their path and fooling them. Such fun! Now just to be different, John likes using big flies, so he wants the wind to come up which is when they will take something different. Well this year he decided to be ridiculous and use a mouse pattern. Oh my, it actually worked!!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this Fishout has been canceled. Please stay tuned as there is a chance for rescheduling.
Fishmaster:
Alex Ferber
Location:
Lakes, rivers and streams of the Burney area
Species:
Trout
Date:
July 10th-12th
Cost:
No Cost
Meet Up:
Date of Fishout TBD and subject to change due seasonal conditions
Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below). The park is approximately 10 minutes from the highway 299/80 junction. The park is on the left hand side going east on 299. If you google Hat Creek Park, it should show up.
This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster Alex Ferber. Here he will be discussing the local fishery, access points, general information and answering any questions you might have about making this a successful outing.
Meeting time to be updated as we get closer
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, Micro May, Golden Stones
Drys: Caddis Patterns 12-16, Upright wing vs. Emerges, Missing Link, Stone Flys, Parachute Adams, Comparaduns (various sizes 16-12)
Misc.: Soft Hackles, Streamers, Leaches
What To Expect:
This Fishout is DIY Fishout with your Fishmaster acting as a resource person helping with any questions regarding where to fish, access, use of personal watercraft, fishery history, etc. Depending on interest there is potential of a pre Fishout presentation (TBD) and or tour of any one of the local areas with the most interest.
More information to be updated as interest develops. Please contact the Fishmaster if you are interested in attending.
Local Waters:
Hat Creek: Spring creek with plenty of easy access, walk and wading. There are 3 distict sections from the Power House Riffle, to The Lower Freestone Section. There are an abundence of hatches year round and daily from mayflies, caddis, and stone flies with the potential of a trico or green drake hatch.
Burney Creek: Spring creek with access around the McArthur Burney Falls State Park. The waterfall is a must see. This is great water for a dry/dropper set up as well as traditional dry and nymph fishing. Above the falls the creek is stocked and below the fish are wild.
Pit River: Classic tailwater freestone fishery. This river is known for its hard fighting wild rainbows. There is great walk and wade access but the terrain is difficult with large snot covered bowling balls covering the river bed. Those with strong wading skills and a stout wading stick only need apply. The river is broken up by multiple power houses each with their own characters. Primary a nymphing river either by indicator or tight line. Rubber legs and dark lords and lots of weight (bring lots of both).
BaumLake: Stocked and great for a small float tube or kayak. Excellent dry fly and streamer fishing.
Lake Britton: Primarily a motorized boat lake. Warm water fishery with small mouth bass, and potential for bull trout.
Ahjumawi / Big Lake Lava Springs State Park: Launch at “Rat Farm”
Fall River: Iconic spring creek with an abundance of large wild rainbows. No shore access. Non motorized boats can be launched at the Cal Trout public access or a kayak/motor boat at the “Rat Farm” (Big Lake/Ahjjumawi launch). Awesome dry fly, streamer and indicator fishing.
Lodging:
Camping – Too many to list, this is an outdoors paridise with options from unimproved to glamping. Plenty of places for RV hookups and KOA camping
Hotels & Motels: Various options available in the Burney area
Directions: Take San Andreas Road from the freeway all the way to the coast, passing under the railroad bridge and continuing beyond the State Park until you get to Oceanview Drive. Turn there, bear to the right and park in the parking lot
Fish Master: Sam Bishop / 831-274-4024 / sambishop@totlcom.com
At0545 am, Saturday, July 11 our club surf fishout will be at Manresa Beach. This is a beach that can challenge you and pleasantly surprise you. Stripers catches are not unusual on this beach.
Sunrise is at about 6 am, so you should be there ready to fish by 15 minutes before that.
Around 8 – 8:30 am I will be back up in the parking lot and serving some hot snacks, quesadillas probably. No coffee though, so bring your own beverage if desired.
There is a minus 3.4’ tide at 3 am and high is 3.4 at 10 am, so we will be fishing an incoming tide. Some people believe that is the best type of tide, but I cannot verify it. Seems to me when the fish are hungry they bite. Very little moon that night too, which should be good.
Newcomers to fly fishing the surf are welcome, but please go to our club website, drop down menu “KNOWLEDGE” and read the “Surf Fishing Info” section. And if you are really new to fly fishing and do not know how to cast, this is not the place to learn.
Any additional questions, call or email me at 831-274-4024 sambishop@totlcom.com. I will have a couple spare stripping baskets to loan and flies to give away.
Additional Details to Follow
Cost: Maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: See above
Aug 01 : Palm Beach Surf Fishout With The Delta Fly Fishers
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama / scottkitayama@gmail.com
Location: Palm Beach
Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers
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)
Single, double & triple fly rigs
Clousers to sand crabs
Directions: Take W. Beach St. in Watsonville towards Pajaro Dunes. Park at the end of W. Beach St. on the right side of the road outside of the entrance to Pajaro Dunes.
Note: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this Fishout. Join us and meet some new people and trade some notes.
Tides for Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay August 1, 2026.
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Sa 1 Low 6:52 AM 0.0 6:14 AM Set 9:14 AM 95
1 High 1:35 PM 4.3 8:15 PM Rise 9:56 PM
1 Low 6:49 PM 2.3
September 8–15, 2026 (Additional week: September 1–8, 2026, if enough anglers)
Each week will be made up of 8 anglers, with Rick and Jesse serving as hosts. This document provides an outline of the fall Alaska fly fishing trip. All projected dates and plans are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Trip Structure & Expectations
For the first three days, anglers will be split into three groups:
Three anglers fishing with Jesse from a drift boat
Two anglers fishing with Rick from a drift boat
One group driving to a wade-fishing location
On the fourth day, the three groups will consolidate into two groups.
Groups will rotate daily to ensure all anglers have time fishing from the boats.
Wade fishing will take place every day, and anglers must be comfortable with wading and light hiking.
Recommended Equipment
4-5 wt. Rods (Switch / Spey / Single Hand)
Full Sink
Floating
Sink Tips
Wade Fishing Locations
Russian River – Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden
Anchor River – Steelhead
Deep Creek – Steelhead
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Travel Day
Arrive in Anchorage. Groups will pick up Turo rental vehicles and drive to a rental cabin near Sterling (between Soldotna and Cooper Landing). Groceries and supplies will be purchased in town.
Day 2
Drift boat fishing on the Upper Kenai River with Rick and Jesse (weather permitting, possibly through the canyon). The third group will wade fish the Russian River.
Day 3
Drift boat float from Skilak Lake outlet to Bing’s Landing on the Middle Kenai for Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden, with potential Coho opportunities. The wade-fishing group will travel south to the Anchor River for Steelhead.
Day 4
Rick and Jesse’s groups will either fish the Upper Kenai again for Rainbow Trout or float the Kasilof River from Tustumena Lake to the bridge for Steelhead and Silver Salmon.
Day 5
Groups consolidate into two groups of five anglers. Fishing will take place on the Anchor River and Deep Creek for Steelhead. If weather conditions prevent fishing, the group will fish the Russian River.
Day 6
Both groups fish the Upper Kenai and Russian River together. Optional hike to the Upper Russian River to view salmon jumping the falls.
Day 7
Optional saltwater fishing charter for one group while the other group fishes for Steelhead or Trout.
Day 8 – Departure
Drive back to Anchorage, return Turo rentals in daily parking, and depart Alaska.
Trip Cost
$700 Deposit per person (Non Refundable)
$1,400 per person (Total) — Includes:
Rental vehicles
Drift boat rentals and shuttles
U-Haul rental for towing one drift boat
Lodging
Fishing beads
Does Not Include:
Airfare
Fishing licenses
Rods and fishing equipment
Food
Estimated Additional Costs
Round-trip airfare (Alaska Airlines): approximately $612
Alaska fishing license: approximately $45
Estimated food and dining: approximately $300
Estimated total trip cost: approximately $2,500 (Not including optional saltwater charter)
Meals
The group will dine out in town for three dinners. The remaining four dinners will be prepared at the cabin, with two anglers paired each night to cook. Breakfast and lunch planning will be finalized once all anglers are confirmed.
Cancellation Policy
If an angler decides not to attend, they are responsible for selling their spot to another angler or forfeiting their portion of the rental costs (deposits & payments are non refundable).
Jesse & Rick will be hosting a table at the January SCFF meeting. At that time will take $700.00 deposits on the trip.
Sep 19 : Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 19-Oct. 3rd 2026
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515
General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes (Max limit 8 per week). The condo complex has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.
Cost: Shared single: $500/wk, $1000/2 wks.
Sign Ups: We will begin taking Mammoth reservations and money starting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, March 4th (at the March Meeting). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check Payable to: Scott Kitayama. Mail: 36 Pima St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Group is limited to 8 in the condo per week. COST: $500/person . Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Payment of $500 is required to secure your spot. we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.
Fishmasters:Scott Kitayama: scottkitayama@gmail.com , mobile: 650 279 5871 and Randy Saar: randy_saar@yahoo.com, mobile: 650 269 6138
Dates: This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 19- Sept 26. Week 2: Sept 26 – Oct 3.
Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.
Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards. Each person will be responsible for a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare. You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.
Oct 10 : Lower Sacramento River Group Float – Hosted by the Delta Fly Fishers
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Greetings,
The Delta Fly Fishers have offered the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club the opportunity to join them on their annual guided float trip on the Lower Sacramento River.
See the information below from the Fishmaster Robert Fujimura.
Lower Sacramento River Group Float Outing with Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club– Saturday October 10, 2026
Delta Fly Fishers are happy again to invite your club to join this annual Delta Fly Fishers outing with host Scott Sugimoto of On the Riffle Guide Service and his guides and support staff for another awesome day on this famous tailwater fishery for resident rainbow trout. Scott and his team have successfully hosted our club annually for several years during the prime fly fishing season. The Lower Sacramento River fishing has been a reliable and renowned trophy trout fishery of the West. Suitable for novice fly fishers but still fun and challenging for the more experienced ones.
Participants will have a full day of guided indicator nymph fishing from a drift boat with an experienced guide per two anglers. Fishing gear, flies, shuttle service, and all you can eat group BBQ lunch are provided. The guide fee of $300 per person (double occupancy per boat) does not include tip.
Please contact Bob Fujimura to register and pay your guide fee before August 30 or earlier (email [deltaflyfishers@gmail.com] . Early registration will help ensure that we reserve our guides in advance – so don’t delay in registering if you are interested in this annual crowd pleaser. Registration requires prepayment of guide fees and submission of a DFF liability waiver form. All guide fees are non-refundable in the case of you cancel your trip – however, you can sell your spot to another club member.
Our annual outing is a fun event for our club members with a long history of repeated participation by its attendees. Registered participants will be provided with additional detailed information (via email) on pre-event fishing conditions, recommended fishing equipment or gear for optional use during or outside of the guided day, local group dining or lodging options, and other trip activities. On request, non-DFF club registrants can be provided with a Zoom orientation session prior to the event. Scott also welcomes inquiries about the guided itinerary and technical questions about this event (email: scott@ontheriffle.com or phone: (530) 276-1612).
Oct 15 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 15-18th
These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.
Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.
The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.
Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly
Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.
Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga and golden mussels)
There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.
Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.
This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!
Nov 13 : Trinity River Fishout
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
NOTE: Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip. After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?). You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.
The fishery:
Basically, this is a Steelhead Trip. There are some resident trout, including some really nice brown trout. I walk wade or float my raft, depending on the river conditions. I personally use a Spey rod to swing flies. Many people use indicators. There are a lot of walk in spots to explore. The river can be floated with rafts or driftboats. There is a shuttle service available.
Tackle:
Single hand rods, 7-8 wt rods, using floating lines with indicator set up. Typical flies used are Egg patterns, Copper John’s, Stonefly imitations like Rubberlegs, Dark Perdigons. Sizes ranging from Size 8-14.
Spey or Switch rods, usually 5-6 wt in the Fall, I use a 7 wt in the winter. Skagit or Scandi heads, with floating to heavy sink tips, depending on the river conditions and season. Flies that work well include leeches, intruders, HoBo Spey, Traditionals, as well as dry fly patterns ( Skaters) in the early Fall.
The River:
The Trinity River is located aprox 1 hr west of Redding on Hwy 299. Its a beautiful tailwater fishery, with flows controlled from the Lewiston Dam. This is where the hatchery can be found. It has many different faces, including some big water as it runs west. It meets up with the Klamath River on its journey to the ocean. It has an excellent run of both wild and hatchery fish, ranging from 5-7 #, with some larger fish in the +10-12 # range. There are fish in the system year round, but typically a push of fish starts in late September and peaks in late November, with a second run usually in late December- March. The fishing remained really good thru the end of March last season. It is very flow dependant and can run quite low in the Fall, with occasional bumps in flows when there is precipitation. It can blow out on occasion, but clears pretty fast.
Amenities:
Weaverville is the closest town, where there are good restaurants, motels and a really nice Holiday Market. It’s kinda the hub. There is an RV park in Weaverville, but no campsites.
Camping is available in Douglas City area as well as Junction City and further west on 299. The town of Douglas city doesn’t have much, other than a small mini mart. Indian Creek Lodge is a few miles east of Douglas City. The town of Lewiston is just below the Lewiston dam. It offers some camping and motels. There is a really nice motel west of Junction City (I believe it is called Steelhead Lodge?). It’s an excellent place to stay if one wishes to fish below Junction City.
Jul 13 6:30 PM : Pat’s Tungston Bead Head Rubber Legs – JULY Fly tying
IMPORTANT: This class will be taught at the Aptos Grange. Masks will be OPTIONAL. NO ZOOM access.
The tungsten bead head Rubber Legs is a heavily weighted nymph pattern that makes a great point fly for a euro nymphing rig, and can also be used to sink an indicator rig deep into the water column. This fly imitates medium to large species of stoneflies—particularly skwalas, and can be tied in a variety of colors to imitate other species of stoneflies. Rubber Legs Patterns are generally used to target trout but can also be used to target black bass and other freshwater species. This is a particularly useful pattern for fishing the Yuba and Truckee rivers.
Contact Dar to attend the class. mendsandbends@gmail.com
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
This is a large fly that can target large brown trout or large mouth bass. These flies can be fished during the day but will prove most effective at night with both these types of fish. This fly can be tied in either brown or tan. The fly was designed by Brett Smith who you can find on YouTube. HOOK: Partridge D3ST size 4.
Crimp Barb. THREAD: Flad wax nylon. Brown or tan
Attach mid shank. Wrap back to above hook point. TAIL: Black rubber bracelet material that can be found at Walmart or hobby stores.
Using a 3 inch piece of material, tie in tip mid shank, while pulling a little on material, wrap back to above hook point. BODY: Brown or tan foam. 5 mm thick. Can be found in fly shops and hobby shops.
Cut a strip one half inch wide and 4-5 inches long. At one end cut a tapered, blunt point.
Apply Zap-A-Gap or similar glue to entire shank. Advance thread to two hook eye lengths behind eye. Position foam on top of shank, pointed end two eye lengths behind hook eye. Attach and spiral wrap, with only moderate tension (don’t compress), using about 6 spirals, back to tail. Hold foam upright to be sure it’s wrapped far enough back. There should be no thread wraps visible on tail. Spiral wrap thread forward in about six wraps up to two eye lengths behind eye.
LARGE KRYSTAL HACKLE – BROWN OR DUN
Return thread back to tail. Tie in hackle.. Advance thread up to two eye lengths behind eye. Wrap hackle forward using touching wraps and stroking fibers to the rear with each wrap. Tie off, cut access. Brush hackle to get out excess fibers. Stroke fibers out to each side so that they are in the same plane.
BODY continued:
Place glue on top rib of body. Pull on foam and bring it forward. Pinch it from side to side were thread hangs hold it for a minute. Make two snug thread wraps, then let glue set a little longer. Make several more thread wraps around neck. Brush hackle out to sides again.
ARTIC FOX: grey or tan.
Turn hook upside down. Cut hide side of arctic fox into peace 3/16 of an inch by 3/4 of an inch. Position hide against under side of body with one end at neck. Attach with several snug thread wraps. Apply glue to underside of body. Press hide down and hold until glue sets.
LEGS: Magnum Predator Legs -Grizzly Barred – Root Beer Colored or Dun.
turn hook right side up. Using two legs on each side, attached centers to neck area. Trim legs so that they extend a little beyond hook bend. Tie off behind Eye. Apply glue.
HEAD: Continuation of foam body.
Cut a blunted pointed head. See picture.
Finish by stroking hackle to rear.
Happy Summer – I hope you are getting out to do some fishing, hiking, exploring, resting, and taking good care of yourself wherever you are these days.
I just returned from a brief respite in the Eastern Sierra and while it was a plan to fish as much as I could, I was just happy to be away from the hustle and bustle of life’s daily activities, in remote wilderness with my best friend, and adventurer wife, Mona. While Mona is a pretty good fly-angler and loves the water, she’s also really engaged in finding minerals, crystals, and semiprecious stones when we’re out and about. I’m always just looking for gold. And no – haven’t found any yet. But it sure does take us to some of the most beautiful places in California.
I want all of you to know that this Newsletter is for you. Part of what makes this club so fun and such a terrific resource is all of YOU!
If you look on the website, you’ll see the Newsletter “button” and under that button, you’ll see a place where YOU – yes – YOU – can Submit an article, a photo, a short snippet of something about you, about fly-fishing, maybe even searching for gold! AND, you can add really cool things like pictures, just like I get to do every month. You can too!! It’s easy and we want to hear from you. Who knows, you might just be the next Norman MaClean, Steinbeck, David James Duncan, … or you might just be the member another member would love to hear from.
It’s easy. Go to the Newsletter Button -> Article Submission -> Submit Page. Don’t be scared – It won’t bite!
There really aren’t that many rules, just your name, email address, month you might want this published. It’s not necessary to write a note to the Newsletter editor, but if you want to – go ahead! You cannot make a mistake.
You do have to pick an Article Category. But don’t worry, if you make a mistake, we’ll fix it – easy.
Article Title – Be Creative! Or just be simple!
Author Byline – It’s really just your name. Or if you go by another name as a writer, then feel free to express yourself. I sometimes go by Brad Pitt! Or Pauly!
Article Text – Now this is maybe a bit tricky. I always type my note in a Word Document. I save it then “Select All” – copy and paste in to the “Article Text” area. Now you don’t have to do that, but it bears mentioning that if you are writing some really good stuff and think you might win a Pulitzer Prize or think it will then get published in Gray’s Journal or Fly-Fishing Magazine – you should save it as a Word document. If you don’t and your just typing free text in the Article Text field, and PG&E decides it’s time for a PSBS (Power Safety Bull…) and the power goes out. Well, there goes yer Pulitzer Prize. Or it’s like havin a Rogue River Steelhead on your line for about 15 seconds, long enough to get excited thinkin the God’s have just answered yer prayers, only to see the thing jump in the air and send yer Hobo Spey into the Stratosphere. Trust me. Save your stuff in Word, copy, and paste into the body of the Article Text. Oh, and don’t worry about all the Bold, Italics, Font, bullet stuff at the top. I never use that. Just copy and paste or if yer gutsy, free text in that space and go for it!
Saving in Word will also help you with your editing especially if you have a newer Word version that alerts you to all the spelling errors yer makin – like these I leave here intentionamentally.
Article Summary – you don’t really need one of these, but it’s okay to put something there – in the event you’re creating the next best seller and need a “Foreward” maybe stated as said by someone the likes of Brad Pitt. But not necessary.
Source – It’s pretty self explanatory. I never use it. Mostly because I’m not plagiarizing anyone – at least not that I know of!
Featured Photo – Now this is where I get excited! Every month I get to post another picture of myself, loving where I am, who I am with, and just plain love looking at pictures of me with other people I like in places I like to be. Okay – you guessed it – I just like lookin at pictures of me!
Okay – seriously. The photos should be saved somewhere on your computer, and it should be simple. Click on the “Choose File” button. Go to the folder where that beautiful photo is and “Select” it. You can add a simple caption. Easy – but not necessary.
Additional Photos – You can also “drag and drop” up to 6 more photos, that our illustrious editor will carefully place within the article.
Then “Submit” – and be patient – wait for your computer to catch up and that’s it! You are now officially a published author and potentially the next Pulitzer Prize winner!
It is much simpler than I’ve written – a short – hey we went fishing here, I had a great time, love the club and think Tom Hogye is the best …., put a couple photos in there and presto you’re in.
So next month I’m hoping I see a wonderful selection of work from all of you. Because without YOU, we would not be!
Grateful for all of you. Hogye
P.S. You can’t submit a President’s Line – until yer President!! 🙂 But it sure is fun when you can!
Our future fishing depends on conservation of our watersheds and shoreline. Looking forward, SCFF has provided scholarships to deserving seniors who will be majoring in Environmental Science while attending college. This year SCFF provided $200 scholarships to a deserving student at each of our eight local high schools. The recipients are: San Lorenzo H.S.- William Bowers (Point Loma University) Harbor H.S.- Shea Egan (Western Washington University) Watsonville H.S.- Wendolyn Garcia Flores (Cabrillo College) Aptos H.S.-Marissa Camacho (Cabrillo College) Pajaro Valley H.S.-Melissa Roman Fernandez (UC Berkeley) Santa Cruz H.S.-Rell Haywood (Cal Poly SLO) Soquel H.S.-Matt Levie (Cabrillo College) Scotts Valley H.S.- Jessica Hill Roddick (Cal Poly Humboldt)
Special recognition to : Bob Peterson (logistics), Presenters- Kevin Murdock, Kathy Powers, Sam Bishop and Tom Hogye, and treasurer Jim Tolonen
We had a great turn out of ten fly fishermen on Saturday June 6. Almost everyone caught fish. This was way better than the month before when we were skunked! Here were the attendees, and it is always great to see those who show up so often. We were talking about getting up very early to go fishing and Greg Smith said “Once you get out here it is beautiful!”.
Greg Smith and Lance Boling from the Salinas Club, Mark Coor guest, Scott Kitayama, Jeff Zischke, Dennis Robbins “Newbie” to our club, Robert Eberle (the master catcher), Adam Altoff, Scott Councilman, Sam Bishop
This edition of Conservation Concerns is dedicated to Steve “Stosh” Rudzinski. A self-described “tree hugger” who contributed in so may ways to our club. He actively served the club in many roles including President, Conservation Chair, Fly Casting Master, Facilities Coordinator, Fishout Master—just to name a few. I had the pleasure of spending time with him caravanning up to Pyramid Lake at 4 AM, having a brew at Beer 30, shuttling buckets of steelhead fry on Bean Creek, sharing fish stories at over breakfast at the Cookhouse and sitting next to him at his favorite “spot” at Blockhouse. When you were at Blockhouse it was only right that you yield the “spot” to Stosh. Those of us who had an opportunity to fish with him came to appreciate his angling knowledge and curiosity in all things fishy. The guy could flat-out fish. Those of us who spent time with him got to experience his unique views on a wide range of subjects. But what I remember most about Stosh was his witty sense of humor and big heart. He always had time for people and liked to engage in conversation. And if you didn’t have a nickname, he would conjure up one! Thank you Stosh for all the good times. You are missed!
Your pal Bob Grababurrito.
NOTE:
SteveRudzinskiMemorial Celebration – July 6th / 12th Avenue Beach area – Santa Cruz- 5-7 P.M.
There will be a potluck on the beach coordinated by Steve’s daughter, Renee. If you are going, please let Tom Hogye (thomashogye@yahoo.com) know so that he can pass the information to Renee.
I recently joined the club, and missed the June meeting so I hopped on the Google group to say hello and next thing I knew I was at a board meeting raising my hand to serve as the new Secretary. I’m not sure exactly what happened but I’m definitely pointing fingers at Bob Peterson, Tom Hogye and Kathy Powers. 🙂 How can you say no to such a charming group? Kidding aside, I’m super excited to be a part of the club and looking forward to being involved.
I’m a bike industry nerd with a background in event marketing & project management. I grew up on the lower Westside of Santa Cruz and worked as a local bartender for a decade, so I’m pretty reliable for making a mean Bloody Mary too. I’m a lifelong lover of the outdoors but I’m brand, brand new to fly fishing – as green as you can get. I’m currently nose down in books, practicing casting and learning the basics, and having a great time making a fool of myself off the docks at Loch Lomond.
One of my long term goals is to learn surf casting as that’s such an accessible option in our area. I haven’t learned the double haul yet so I’ve got a long way to go.
Sadly I’ll be on a work trip during the August BBQ, but hope to meet many of you at the casting meet-ups and fly tying classes. I’ll be the overly enthusiastic one with the clear need for help.
All the best,
Emily Marriott
Editor’s Note: Don’t be shy, we would love to highlight you as a featured club member. If you are interested, take a look at Tom’s President’s note and send in a spotlight!
The absolute most difficult part of being President of this Club, especially after so many years getting to know so many of you, calling you family, friends, is when we lose someone to an untimely passing. This isn’t supposed to happen in a fly-fishing club – is it?
As many of you know already and by the extraordinary outpouring of your hearts on the club mail account is the untimely passing of our beloved Steve Rudzinski. So many of you described Steve and his character in the most beautiful of ways. A staple at the Pyramid Lake fish-out always rallying everyone together. A consistent O’Neil Forebay Fish-out master who would do everything to set up a successful adventure for everyone and especially newcomers, before he began catching is first fish – which he did very well. And the Casting classes he came up with on his own, that turned into one of the most successful monthly events and fun gatherings on the lawns at Jade Street Park. If there was an activity, an event, a gathering, at SCFF, or MBSTP, Steve was one of the first to volunteer. As many of you heard me say – we will never see a vapor trail ever the same way again, and I guess in a cool way, they will always remind me of Steve. And the UFO’s. How wonderful to be so transparent and so genuine. I really wanted to go bowling with him.
The ole saying is better to have loved and lost than never loved at all.
And so it goes. Until we meet again Steve, thank you for your heart and soul my friend.
June is upon us.
The fishing will be good, the summer hot, and plenty of comradery to be had with all at SCFF. I hope you have all you need to be fishing from the surf to the Sierra and beyond. Mona and I will be heading east to dabble in the Sierra rivers this weekend and I’m looking forward to that solace one finds out on the water, in the environ as natural, untouched, and far away as possible. If that’s possible.
These next couple of weeks, we’re handing out scholarships to the high-school students as part of our commitment to the future of the environment, fly-fishing and the club. Hopefully, these long-term investments will pay dividends for the benefit of our environment, even if it’s long after we’re gone, but hopefully sooner.
I saw a sign the other day that stated, “The planet was far better without us”. True. I hope as the future becomes more diverse, more aware of what we’ve done in the name of progress, those youth of today will shape tomorrow a bit better for the fish. If the fish can thrive, anything can. I’ve often said the fish are today’s canary in the coal mine. Sure, they aren’t all warm and cuddly like a puppy, cat or stuffed bear, but not much on the planet can survive if the fish aren’t here. Steve had his vapor trails and UFO’s; I have my beef with development and water. Oh well – Lani Waller once told me, we each have our fights and to keep fighting the good ones.
Our June meeting will be at the Grange and on Zoom. Yay! So much fun being back together and at the same time giving those who can’t make it to the grange, an opportunity to hang out with us, even if we’re still ironing out the bumps of making it all happen together. Come to the June meeting with a chance to see each other. As many of you know, we don’t have a July meeting because of the 4th of July week, and August will be our annual club BBQ, Swap Meet and Raffle again at the Sherriff’s Posse Hall.
Elaine is having fly-tying classes in person at the Grange, which is great, so check in and learn all you need to know about the foundation for tying flies at the vice, or vices for fly tiers! Materials are provided, check in with Elaine for any other particulars by class.
If you would like to be more involved with the club, come to a Board meeting. We have fun, don’t bite, and could use your help. Plenty of good opportunities to make a difference in the world, lead, be part of change, fun activities, and the opportunity to Promote, Educate and Enjoy the sport of fly fishing. If you’re interested, reach out to me, or any of our esteemed board members, we’d love to have you.
Lots of fishing opportunities in the Fish-Out schedule, but if you still don’t see what you’re looking for, be sure to use the Club Google group email and put out a few feelers where you might want to fish, what you want to fish for. You will get a wealth of information from your fellow members. Where to fish, what to fish with, when, … You might even find yourself with a few companions go to with you.
Get out there -have Fun. Make a new friend. Life is too short.
Teams from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have begun relocating endangered winter-run Chinook salmon to upper Battle Creek and threatened spring-run Chinook salmon to Clear Creek. The last time this relocation took place was 110 years ago. The fish are being moved from the Sacramento River below Shasta and Keswick Dams. The hope is that the colder water in the new environment will support spawning conditions and increased egg survival. The lasting drought, higher water temperatures, thiamine deficiency, predators and other stressors have devastated the Chinook over the last two years in this region. For additional details, go to the website below.
The Carrie is a searching wet fly. Extremely successful in lakes. Use on a sinking line and twitch or strip to entice the mighty fish. It’s a good fly to use with a trailer. There are various options in tying this fly. I personally prefer sizes 10 or 12 on 3X long hooks, with back feathers of the Ring neck Pheasant for tail and hackle.
HOOK: Many hooks will work. TMC 5262, 5263, 300. Mustad 9672.
Crimp barb.
THREAD: Black 6/0
Attach to mid hook and wrap to rear of shank. TAIL: Ring neck pheasant. Rear feathers for a brown fly, back feathers for an olive blue fly. NOTE: Rear feathers are longer than back feathers.
Remove fuzz from stem of one feather. Stroke all barbs toward tip and feather. Measure from tips to 1/2 hook length. Attach that spot to rear of shank. Tips will extend beyond hook bend. Attach feather to hook shank up to two eyed lengths behind eye. Cut access in front of thread wraps. RIB: Medium sized copper wire which is optional.
Attached to top of mid shank, allowing a short tip to be bent backward. Snuggly attach back to rear of shank. BODY: Dark olive chenille
Strip 1/4 inch of chenille off inner threads. Attach threads to rear of shank. Wrap thread forward to 2 eye lengths behind eye. Wrap chenille forward using touching wraps. Tie off, cut excess. Wrap wire forward, in opposite direction as chenille, in about six wraps. Then 2 final wraps of wire on shank, 1 on top of the other. Twist to break. HACKLE: Ringneck Pheasant — Rear feather for brown Carrie. Back feather for olive/blue Carey. NOTE:Rear feathers are longer than back feathers.
Select feather with barbs at least a little longer than hook shank but up to 1 1/2 times hook length. Remove fuzz from stem. Cut stem short to one 8th inch from barbs. Attached stem behind eye with shinny side towards you. Positions thread behind eye. Tie one or two have hitches, let’s thread hang. Attach heckle pliers to several barbs at tip. Wrap hackle around shank 2-3 times, stroking barbs to rear with each wrap. Tie off, DON’T cut excess. Stroke all barbs to rear then wrap in place by forming a thread head. With finish, cut thread.
The days are getting lighter longer – my favorite time of the year, when you think you overslept because it’s light out, but realize its only 6:30. At least on the weekends.
Last month I mentioned pilgrimages. That trip to the Rogue with Mike Diciano (Rich had to cancel last minute unfortunately) and with Humble Heron Fly Fishing – James and Kait Sampsel, was as it should have been, with the only exception being a selfish desire to get a trophy shot with a big steelhead. While we had several hookups over the 3 days, and Mike did land a nice size fish, you saw on the club page, the trip was epic. I’d say one of the nicest parts was being completely disconnected from all news, cell, internet, even newspaper – for almost 4 full days.
Boy if you didn’t have a chance to hear Gordon Tharrett’s presentation on the Green River, you’ve got to explore that. No wonder we’ve had a fish-out there for the last 30+ years. And the fishing (catching) is still as good as it ever has been. Thank God for some watershed stewardship especially around healthy fish population and fly-fishing. Stay tuned for some follow up information on fly-fishing the Green River – where to stay, costs, …
At this writing I come off of celebrating 60 years on this planet. When I first joined the club in the fall of ’91, most of the Board called me “kid”. I’m glad some still do. 30 years goes by fast doesn’t it! And to make things interesting, it was 40 years ago I moved myself from my home in East Cleveland (Wickliffe) to the Santa Cruz area, all in the pursuit of a crazy horse sport called Vaulting. We just had a bunch of those friends at the house and I’m glad so many of us are still close after 40 years.
I suppose if I never kept track of years in numbers, I’m grateful there are times I still feel like I’m 12, 25, 35, or 42. Particularly physically and mentally. It’s really just a number, isn’t it? While I’ve had a couple of ball joints that need replacement, the regular maintenance, fuel in the tank, and keeping things in order – for the most part, has provided that sort of outlook on life. My most favorite way to wade is just as I did when I was a kid – shorts and sandals – in the summer of course. And I don’t mind the cold, the rain, or slogging for more than a couple miles to cover some good water and the environment that water flows through. I can still cast like I did when I was 30, maybe even a little better, and I’ve learned spey casting techniques, which while super fun with a big two-handed rod, are also very good to use at times when fishing with a single-hand rod. You might wonder why “42”, well, that’s when I think I was mentally and physically at my highest fitness. I could still run like a gazelle, and I was riding my bike like a crazy person, racing and just getting out for long fast rides with a bunch of people. 12? Its how I feel most when I retire at night, reading before I go to sleep, remembering when I was just that age, thanking God for my family, my friends, what I had and what I wanted to have in the future. Not so much, material things, but health, safety, and well being for me, my friends and family. So I still feel that same way. 25 and 35 were just good years. I was still made of rubber at 25, and 35 was just sort of normal – I could build stuff all day long – which I did, when Mona and I bought our place in Ben Lomond, and were in the midst of figuring out how to be parents. Yes, there were times later when fly fishing took a back seat to all those responsibilities raising a family, building a home, making the most of my work, but it was always still there. It still is and likely will always be. There will always be that calling for the great outdoors, the solace fly-fishing, those beautiful trips we take with those we love and friends we’ve met along the way. Those trips where we explore new places on this planet we’ve never been to before, and the people we meet along the way. The gear and the flies we get to use, get to save up for, and which become a part of the memories in our lives.
And so it goes. It’s not about the numbers that add up, but the experiences, memories, family, friends we keep adding to this thing called life. I’m grateful to be where I am now, with all of you, my fam, friends and what is yet to come.
These next few months are going to be fun. I hope you will join us, both at the Aptos Grange, and on Zoom. Yep, we’re still going to have our speakers on Zoom, for those of you who just can’t make it to the Grange – AND, we’re still holding the raffle on-line, so you don’t have to be present to win something awesome for your fly-fishing needs.
May is going to be the legendary Al Quatrocchi. He is going to be showing us what you can do for salt water fly fishing for Corbino, and other species. We’ll be meeting at the Grange, but Al is going to present so everyone even on Zoom will be able to attend.
We have Casting classes at Jade Street park the last Saturday of every month – 1:30 p.m. now. With an opportunity to grab a beverage and something to eat after over at Carpo’s and Beer Thirty. Come join us. Stosh and company do a great job of providing you with everything you need to hone your casting.
July we don’t typically have a club meeting because it’s around the 4th of July – and that will be the same this year.
August – mark your calendars – we’ll be having a fun outdoor club barbeque, raffle and swap meet at the Sherriff’s Posse Hall again, which should be an awesome time to be together.
Thanks for all you do for the club, and if you’re inclined, the Board could use your help. We currently have openings for Secretary, Web Master, Facilities and more. Don’t be shy – we’d love to have your help.
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