Dolly Vardens dress quite gaudily.
Posted on September 21st, 2021
Who is that fish?
Author: santacruzflyfishing_gia1ac
Hang In There – We’re Almost There!
Mona and I have been going to Kennedy Meadow’s fishing the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus for 30 years now. How I remember the old days! The Stan is where I saw my very first fly fishermen. Yep a couple of ole timers who were fishing the pocket water (I didn’t’ know it was called that back then) with some really tiny PT and Zug Bug nymphs. Mona and I were just kids, 27 and 25! We marveled at the peace these two fly anglers carried, casual, fulfilled. We wanted that.
As Mona and I started our annual trips there, it wasn’t just for the fishing. We met family there. We slowed down, and stopped all together. There was no such thing as a cell phone and we didn’t know words like – Wi-Fi, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or what an App was.
This last trip was our best fly-fishing experience in those thirty years. I suppose it’s because our 23- and 25-year-old children, who were practically born at Kennedy Meadows, are healthy, and because for the first time, Tommy hooked and landed at least 15 fish on dry flies and another 15 or more on nymph’s. And we were practically the only people on the water. Laughing. Taking it all in. Slowing down, stopping. Enjoying.
It isn’t and wasn’t always that way.
I remember the fires that nearly choked us out of our five days stay and the fire we missed altogether – thank God. I remember the thunderstorm that rolled in, flooded our tent and campsite in a matter of minutes, all while we ducked for cover from lighting that had shattered trees next to us. Or the seemingly perfect week, except for an ice dam break and filled the river with chalky white silt for that entire week. No fishing, no fish, not a one.
While we distinctly remember these days, we lose site of the many years where the fishing was good, or okay, but the trip itself with family and friends, the hiking and the beauty of the Sierra, left us with something far more beautiful to remember.
I’m remembering these days because I need to realize that even the worst days fishing, aren’t really that bad when we put things into perspective. When Covid disrupts our plans for a year, or maybe another 6 months, again, compared to thirty, ten or even five, it’s not that bad.
I was so looking forward to kicking off our September return to meeting together – like we’ve done for the last 43 plus years, without any consideration, except perhaps when the ’89 earth quake occurred. But Covid has dealt us another setback; so we won’t be meeting in person in September. At this point, I’m not even sure of October, but we will keep moving that direction and keep you informed.
We are going to have a super Zoom presentation, and I have some awesome speakers lined up for October, November and December– Spey Casting for Steelhead and a review of the Green River – for those of you planning 2022 outings. September is “fanatical fly-fishing” who is an adventure outdoors team specializing in some pretty fun fly-fishing destinations, techniques, tackle, and flies.
Thank you for all your help this year. Thank you for persevering with us throughout so much. Our mission and goals have remained – To Promote, Educate and Enjoy the Sport of Fly Fishing. And, as hard as it is to believe at this juncture, I’m optimistic about a good wet year ahead, the disappearance of Covid and a lot of fun to be had together, as we work hard return to normal!
See you soon. Promise. Tom
Posted on August 25th, 2021
Date: Sept. 8th
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Zoom
Posted onYellow Clouser
It’s Striper time! This clouser pattern was supper productive at the O’Niel Forbay last fall. The club fishouts to the Forbay will start next month but don’t wait till then to give this one a try. This is a large fly so will be easy via Zoom as well as for beginners. Sign up by calling me at (831)688-1561 at least a couple days ahead to allow time for packets of materials to be assembled and you to pick up at my door. Thread will be flat wax nylon white, Monocord, or other very strong equivalent. You can borrow some. Beginners can also borrow vise and tools. To join in, go to the bar at the top of our newsletter and tap Zoom, then fly tying class.
Posted on April 10th, 2021
Red and White Bead Chain Whistler
This pattern can be used for stripers, pike, salmon, steelhead or ocean fish depending on size. These directions are approite for stripers. Use a fast sinking line and rapid long strips. The overall length of this fly should be about 3 1/2 “. This fly will turn upside down when fished.
Hook: Mustad 34007 size 1 1.Crimp Barb.
Thread: White very strong, ie: flat waxed nylon or monocord 1.Attach behind eye. 2.Touching wraps to mid shank then forward to one and half eye lengths behind eye.
Eyes: Lg. bead chain, cut in sets of 2 1.Attach to top of shank with many figure eight and circular wraps. 2.Apply Zap-A-Gap or similar glue. 3.Thread wraps to mid shank.
Upper Body: Red Bucktail 1.Cut clump from hide about size of wooden matchstick. 2.Pull out long fibers from tips and line up with others. 3. Cut butt ends at an angle 3 1/8 ” from tips. 4.Attach to top of shank behind barbells wrapping back to mid shank. 5.Repeat with a second clump. 6.Apply glue.
Mid Body: Mega Baitfish Emulator-pearl 1.Cut about 1/8″ of binding. 2.Attach strands behind barbells to top of shank tips at rear of fly.
Lateral Line: Neck grizzly hackle 1.Select 2 feathers, barbs equal to hook gap. 2.Cut stem 3″ from tip. 3.Cut about 10 barbs short on each side of butt end of stem forming a “crew cut”. Tie one “crew cut” in on each side of shank behind barbells.
Lower Body: white Bucktail 1.Repeat like upper body but only use 1 clump.
Thorax: red chenille-lg. 1.Strip fuzz off exposing threads. 2.Tie in threads. 3.Advance thread to barbells. 4.Wrap chenille forward. 5.Tie off, cut excess.
Hackle: Very webby Grizzly hackle with very playable barbs. 1.Select feather, barbs equal to 1 1/2 hook gap. 2.Cut off fuzzy end and prepare “crew cut”. 3.With dark side up, tip to rear, tie in “crew cut between barbells on top of chenille. 4.Stroke barbs to rear while wrapping hackle 3 times behind barbells. 5.Tie off, cut excess. 6.Moisten fingers, hold barbs back, make a couple thread wraps to hold them toward rear.
Head: Tying Thread 1.Make a number figure 8 wraps around barbells. 2. Form a small tapered nose infront of eyes. 3. Whip finish, cut thread. 4.Apply glue to nose and thread between barbells.
Posted on April 22nd, 2021
Klamath River story
This link is the best one I have read to date and brings me up to date on this ancient and historic ‘fish channel’. The present dilemma is the timing of dam removal and the amount of mud and sediment that will fill and choke the lower river where the tribal fishermen can take an X number of pounds yearly, what they got this year is 1/3 and the fish are trapped in low warming water. The water behind Iron Gate dam is shallow and warm and the surface is covered in green algae, all to be flushed downstream. A careful dismantling and timing with the winter rains to flush out the sediment as quickly as possible and then wait for the river to heal itself again. We carefully un-do what was a bad idea in the first place.
Dam work is due to start next year….it has been postponed before, it’s a very complicated operation politically and logistically and humanely.
ssr
Posted on August 23rd, 2021
2021 Membership Rosters available by email request
Just a reminder that 2021 membership Rosters are still available. Just send me an email @ Robert6367@aol.com and I will put one in the mail. (Editors note: They are really nice!)
Posted on August 23rd, 2021
Fishing in Montana
August 2-7 – Montana – Pat and John Steele
Fishing in Montana, after over a year and a half’s absence from any fly fishing, was restorative. We came home exhausted, yet refreshed.
We began our five day trip in Bozeman, and fished the Yellowstone River, which, because of summertime low water and high water temperatures, was observing so-called “Hoot Owl” hours, restricting fishing to between 6 AM and 2 PM, in order to not over-stress the fish. We enjoyed catching many healthy, robust rainbows and browns, taking care to snap photos quickly and return the fish to the water as fast as possible.
The second day we were in Bozeman, the guide took us to the Madison River. We were a bit reluctant to fish there, as it has been historically very crowded with other boats, and the water at this time of year is pretty darn skimpy. We were pleasantly surprised to find it not too terribly crowded, and the water higher than we expected. The fishing was likewise much better than it has been in the past few years we’ve been there.
The third day we picked up a car and drove to Helena, and fished the following two days on the Missouri River. The first day there, we fished in a drift boat. We passed by the railroad tracks where the thieving eagle had stolen John’s hooked fish two years ago. I guess he/she wasn’t on duty this time. The population of nice, robust rainbows seems to be as good if not better than it has been in the past years.
The last day was the cherry on the sundae, as we fished from a power boat on the “Land of the Giants” part of the river, right above Holter Dam. The fish here are phenomenal, you have to resist the temptation to clamp down on your reel, or tighten your drag, you must be patient and let them take out line, jump, try to get tangled on the boat, and be strategic about how you go about landing them. They don’t get big by being stupid or meek.
The terminal tackle used in both places was sub-surface stuff, crawdad/shrimp imitations, with a dropper called a “Friskett”. In deeper water, a split shot was added to get the flies down. Chucking this rig isn’t very visual and doesn’t require a whole lot of finesse, but it does get results.
Kudos go to our outfitter, Ed Lawrence, who has done several presentations to our club, and his able guides, Tim Schwartze and Captain John Hall. We also need to cite several handy apps for land transportation, Uber and Turo. Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental app, and we were very happy with it, the pick up place was within walking distance of the hotel, the car was immaculately clean, and the cost was a third of what a commercial rental car place would have been.
This having been our first fishing foray since the pandemic shutdown in March of 2020, we weren’t sure about how it would go, but we were reassured that there still is a world out there, and the fish still like us. Go forth and fish, stay safe, stay well!
Pat and John Steele
Posted on August 23rd, 2021
August fly fishing the surf
Rio Del Mar had a low tide, low waves and a flat beach for the seven club members on the August 7 surf fish-out. Flat beaches with little “structure” are common later in the summer. That all changes when the winter storms come in.
Jeff Gose, Kirk Mathew, Justin Ice, Scott Councilman, Tommy Polito, John Davis joined me at 6 am. Some fish were caught, but it seemed like all the surf perch were born only a few weeks earlier! Then there were a couple of Sculpin in the mix too.
In the pictures, note Tommy and his hand made basket. Notice the close-up of the “Sharpie” pens he used to minimize tangling! Other pictures include Justin, Jeff, Kirk. I think I missed John and Scott.
New Member: Tommy Polito 
New Member: Justin Ice 
Newish Member: John Davis. Jeff Gose & Kirk Mathews in background 
The crew at Rio Del Mar
Posted on August 23rd, 2021
Traveling the West
When last I wrote we had been fishing the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park in mid June. Many road miles and tested waters since then. Low warm waters, heat, “Hoot Owl” restrictions, and smoke have dominated. All of which has lead to poor fishing. There have been a handful of special days that we reflect back on as great memorable fishing. There was adult damsel fishing that produced many, many 16″ to 19″ Rainbows and Cutthroats in a lake east of Yellowstone. A small county park pond, full of small large mouth bass that readily responded to a popper. If we caught one we caught a 100. That was just outside the town of Sheridan Wy. A little further south, another bass water in a local reservoir. Numbers were not the result, but searching them out in a forest of reeds and getting explosive takes that produced really large big mouths was truly exciting. Went back a couple weeks later and we couldn’t produce the same results. To escape the heat we took a gravel/dirt road into the mountains. There had been rain a couple days before and the night we arrived. That made the river look like chocolate milk. Waiting patiently for 2 days payed off. So many large Cutthroats brought to net in the wilderness. Of course all on dry flies. And lastly, we forked up the bucks and hired guides to take us onto a beautiful priviate stream in ranch land at the base of the Big Horn mountains. Grass hoppers were everywhere and guess what the large, plentiful Cutthroats did with an artificial fly that resembled the insect! We are now road weary and will thankfully be home by the time you read this. Elaine and John and part of the time Kathy
Posted on August 26th, 2021
CANCELLED: Redding Flyshop 43 yr Labor Day luncheon Fri 10am Sept 3
The Redding Flyshop is hosting a Labor Day Luncheon 10am to 2pm Friday 9/3
celebrating 43 years in Redding. Product manufacturer reps will be present.
The Flyshop will donate a $50 Gift Certificate to our monthly Raffle and we hope you can make it.
Posted on August 23rd, 2021
Fin Flutter
…..
Posted on April 17th, 2021
August B-B-Q / Swap Meet
We have found an incredible venue for our annual B-B-q/Swap Meet this year! The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Posse House is a beautiful property on the bank of the San Lorenzo River. There’s an outdoor picnic area, a pasture where we can demo or practice our casting, a beautiful indoor area with tables for our swap meet, a built-in grilling pit, and a horseshoe pit. (There’s also a fire pit but we will abstain for now). The club will supply burgers, dogs, sides, and soft drinks. We’ll have club swag for sale. You can bring your family & friends, but please RSVP in form below or email to troutdock89@gmail.com so we know how much food to provide. You may responsibly bring adult beverages, as well as any rods you might want to try out or tackle you want to swap or trade. No leaving unclaimed gear behind. Please, no pets.
The Address is 2127 Ocean Street Extension. To access, take the Ocean Street Extension past the cemetery, past the crematorium, about a quarter-mile down on the left. Use the second driveway entrance. Please drive slow and be respectful of the neighbors and this beautiful historic property.
5:00 pm: Casting practice, swap meet display
6:30 pm: BBQ Dinner
Cost: $0.00
The Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Posse Grounds
This will be our first opportunity in what seems like forever to meet and greet in person. Please, if you are un-vaxed, wear a mask for your own protection.
Posted on July 24th, 2021
Stay Fishing My Friends
Hi everyone. I am back from a terrific fly-fishing and hiking week with family high in the Sierra, far away from the internet or a phone. The only technology in my hand was my 3wt, Sage LL with my beloved Abel reel. Okay, truth be told, I had my “camera” with me – that sometimes doubles as a phone! Hence the photos in this P-Message. Tommy and I fished a mile together for the entire day both landing about thirty fish each, Tommy catching more than 15 on dry flies. The beauty of a net and barbless flies is they often came out of the fish in the net, and made getting them back to their habitat all the better. It was awesome spending a whole day together doing that, laughing, and talking. The fish made it best of all and so much easier to do the rest.
Getting away from technology is one of the best things we can do today. But admittedly, there is technology that enables us to enjoy that getting away even more.
As Mona and I traveled Sonora Pass in our air-conditioned comfy Ford F150, enjoying our cabin with electricity, a shower and a refrigerator, we took turns reading about the history of Sonora Pass, it’s first discovery, how treacherous it was to build and how people “camped” there in the weekends traveling there in Model T Fords with an ice box, no electricity, no showers and no “facilities”. No fly boxes filled with hundreds of flies purchased with ease, if necessary, from the comfort of your home delivered to you next day.
Sonora Pass has some terrific history – ironically, if it weren’t for the Depression in the 30’s and WWII, it would likely not be the treasure it is today. In the 20’s, plans were to take full advantage of that area building communities for getting away from the city. Clark’s Fork, if you’ve ever been there, ends at Iceberg Meadow’s, abandoned plans for another highway that would have continued north and east, connecting with Highway 4. Leland Meadows, a place I haven’t been, is reportedly the one place that was last developed beyond Pinecrest, but most halted because of the depression and the war.
While no one likes a pandemic, a depression, a war, these things have benefited the earth and all the creatures, and people, that were here long before us. Even on this trip, while a year later, it seemed more beautiful, quieter and abundant. I never realized that if it weren’t for the depression and WWII, where we’ve been going – for almost 30% of it’s entire 100 year+ existence, would not be what it is today. Pretty cool.
I hope to see you at the BBQ Wednesday. Look at the newsletter and send Scott an article under the Newsletter submission page. Someplace where you fished with family and or friends. We love hearing from you – our members.
As we work hard to navigate the waters of living today, please know your board is actively and constantly talking about how we do our best to continue our mission to promote, educate and enjoy the sport of Fly-Fishing solely for the purpose of our members having fun, being engaged and being contributors to the same. Thank you all for your encouragement, your membership and for participating like you do. It is in fact how all of us came to this club, joined and took interest. It is a lot of fun and such beautiful work.
As the year winds down, we are looking ahead at how we can continue growing. I’m excited about the opportunities to be together, have fund-raisers, education days, new fish-outs, fly-tying, casting and other activities we will do thoughtfully with you, our members, in mind. Do keep the ideas coming and thank you for being the most important part of the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club.
Oh – Follow us on Instagram: santacruzflyfishing – and follow me: tomhogye !
Fish often my friends. Tom
Posted on July 31st, 2021
Date: 8/11/21
Time: 6:30
Place: Zoom
Posted onBalanced Leech – August fly tying class edition
At first glance this fly looks like your typical wooly bugger but it’s not. It’s tied in a way that allows it to hang in the water column in a horizontal plane or balanced. Hung under an indicator in choppy water the fly pulses and swims the way a baitfish or leech does. Professional fly anglers like Phil Rowley and Brian Chan are big advocates for this pattern on still waters for trout and I’ll vouch for it as a great bass pond fly.
The body of this fly is created using a dubbing loop so some kind of dubbing whirl tool is needed. Dubbing looped bodies are also very effective for nymphs and other streamers so this is a good technique to know. If you need more info, check out this video with options for dubbing whirls:
Class is 8/11/21 @6:30PM on Zoom.
Please email metropolitantrout@gmail.com by 7/29 and include your address so I can mail you the materials. The days leading up to the class I will be out of town and unavailable to reach which is why I’m asking for the early RSVP.
Hope to see you there, Jerry
Posted on July 24th, 2021
Bead Chain Woolybugger
To fish this fly, use a sinking line, twitch or strip to elicite a strike from a trout. Woolybuggers typically are not tied with bead chain eyes. They give an entirely different profile. This pattern also varies in that dry fly hackle is used and barbs are kept short.
Hook: TMC 5263 , sizes 8-14
Thread: color to match tail or body
Eyes: bead chain , size proportional
Tail: Marabou, color to match hackle or body.
Hackle: Neck or saddle. Color to match body or tail, or dun.
Body: Chenille: black, brown, olive, cinnamon, or those colors variegated.
1. Crimp Barb.
2. Attach thread behind eye. Touching wraps 1/4 back on shank then forward to one hook eye behind eye.
3. Cut bead chain with wire cutters into sets of 2.
4. Attach bead chain eyes to top of shank, one ball on each side, using multiple figure eight wraps and around base of eyes on top of shank. Wrap thread to mid shank. Apply drop of glue.
5. Pull clump of marabou off stem of feather. Note: moisten marabou for easy handling. Cut off butt ends. Lay butts on top of shank behind eyes. Tie to top of shank back to end of shank. Break (do not cut) tips to desired length.
6. Select hackle with barbs equal to 1 1/2 hook gap. Holding tip, stroke barbs against grain. Position tip on top of shank, butt end to rear. Tie in place.
7. Pull fibers off about 1/4″ of chenille exposing core threads. Attach threads to rear of shank. Advance thread to behind bead chain.
8. Wrap body forward with touching wraps. Tie off, cut excess.
9. Spiral hackle forward in 6 evenly spaced wraps. Tie off, cut excess. A couple more thread wraps to secure.
10. Make several figure 8 wraps around bead chain eyes. Wrap thread head. Whip finish. Cut thread. Apply glue to head.
Posted on March 3rd, 2021
Gill Net Buy-Back In California
In the California budget for 2021-2022, $1.3 million is allocated to pay each commercial fishermen $110,000 in exchange for turning in their gill net. Gill nets are huge nets (up to one mile) suspended in the water column that ensnare any fish or mammal that gets entangled in the net. Sea turtles, whales, sea lions and dolphins are some of the sea creatures that have been trapped in the nets. California state law mandates that all gill nets be phased out by 2024. Deep set buoy gear is the new method that is suggested to replace gill net fishing. As expected, some commercial fishermen are resisting the change, claiming that gill nets are not as harmful as claimed by the NOAA and Oceana. The fishermen also say that alternate fishing techniques are not commercially viable.
Posted on July 26th, 2021
Pebble mine update
Our club’s financial support has helped this campaign and one of our former ‘in person’ presenters at the Aptos Grange Hall, who lost his life on a sweeper tree on the American Creek AK, was our incentive to act for the noble causes to save the last non-dammed rivers in the North West and especially the greatest fisheries for commercial and sport salmon fishing in the world. Pebble Mine is the big challenge and we must keep opposing them.
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Posted on July 26th, 2021
2021 Rosters are available at the August 4 BBQ
2021 Rosters will be available at the August 4th
BBQ…..Should you not be able to attend, email me @ robert6367@aol.com and I will mail one out to you.
Annual dinner volunteer needed to help set up online silent auction thru square and zoom. Can send me an email if you can provide technical assistance.
Posted on July 26th, 2021
The Annual John Steele Award
While summer is in full swing, now is the time to take note of the help you receive on your flyfishing journey. Freeze in your mind each act, and then nominate the perpetrator for this year’s John Steele Award. Our Annual B-B-Q at the Sherriff’s Possee House would be a great place to drop off a ballot. Or just e-mail me at troutdock89@gmail.com
Posted on July 26th, 2021
Fishing the Firehole River in Yellowstone Park
If you have never fished the Firehole, it’s fun to know that the stream has many geysers that drain into it which makes the water warm year round. Our annual trek brings us here to catch Browns and rainbows that average 9″ to 12″ and some up to 15″. This year found the water warmer than usual and only the 1st day produced fish. When the water reaches 70 degrees the fish turn off and fishing is highly discouraged. In the photo, you can see where we fished right across from a major outflow from one of the geysers and the fish readily came up for dry flies.
Posted on June 30th, 2021
2021 Fly Fishers’ Tans
The only fishers without mask tan lines are ones with beards!
Posted on July 25th, 2021
Our first in-person meeting: August BBQ!
In the pre-COVID days, our July meetings were typically the lightest attended of the year. Our membership clearly wanted to be on the road over the 4th of July holiday. Accordingly, we would hang a ‘gone fishing’ sign on our monthly general meeting. That’s what we’re doing this July. Enjoy the holiday, go fishing. We’ll reconvene with a special meeting in August. For our August meeting, we’ll get together at a new location for our annual summer B-B-Q. This year, we’ll meet at 6:30 pm at the Sheriff’s Posse House on the Ocean St extension in Santa Cruz. It’s located about a half mile beyond the cemetery. Ample parking and outdoor seating come with the venue. The club will host a burger and hot-dog cookout with all the fixings. We’ll also hold a fishing swap-meet/flea market. Bring your gently or un-used gear to the meeting for cash or trade. There is also a perfect field for casting demonstrations and competitions. Bring your favorite rod and cast for prizes.
The Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Posse Grounds
This will be our first opportunity in what seems like forever to meet and greet in person. Please, if you are un-vaxed, wear a mask for your own protection.
Posted on June 21st, 2021
Let’s Go Fly-Fishing!
Let’s go fly-fishing!! Happy Summer everyone! I hope at this writing you’re all making plans to get out and do some fly-fishing in the coming days or you’re already gone doing just that. Send us some photos we can share with the world – info@santacruzflyfishing.com .
While California is a bit short on water this year, that means flows are very manageable and fish are hungry. Mona and I had an epic adventure over the Memorial Day weekend and are planning another trip around the Sierra Mountain streams in late July. Best way to spend our 30th Anniversary together. It was really surprising and fun to find miles and miles of dirt roads and off-road trails we were able to explore in our truck. Many of you have likely been to Crowley Lake, fly-fishing, but did you know there are incredible “columns” on the backside of the lake that make it look like you’re in Greece? But access is literally a good mile and a half hike on trails. Fly Fishing Hot Creek is great, but have you also seen the geothermal hot springs? Have you ever seen the 3 mile long lava flow of some of the largest obsidian deposits just south of Mammoth? Chidago Canyon Gold Mines? Have you heard of Cerro Gordo – once the largest silver mine in California? The Alabama Hills and Movie Road? Haystack Mountain? (UH spoiler alert – there is no hay!) Climb Mt. Whitney? Come on people! Get out there!!
Kennedy Meadows/ HWY 108
If you’re relatively new to fly-fishing, and love camping where it’s not too remote, Mona and I have been enjoying the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus along Highway 108 for 30 years. Dry-fly and nymph fishing to both planted and wild fish is generally quite good. Most of the fish are in the 10” range, but some surprising large fish are there. The campgrounds along the river are easy to access and nice. Kennedy Meadows Pack station/resort is at the base of Sonora Pass and if you love exploring the mountains away from Yosemite, this is the place to do it. You can pack horses, do day trips, or hourly trail rides. Cabins, a store, restaurant and saloon are all favorites of many for decades. The pass rises from 6,300 feet to over 10,000 feet in 9 miles. If anyone is interested in hanging out with us at Kennedy Meadows in late July – let me know. Fly-fishing the meadow all day is second to nothing.
No July Meeting
Historically there is no general meeting in July as it falls right around the 4th and many are in fact fishing. But there will be a fly-tying class and our Board Meeting – if you’re interested in becoming part of the team.
August BBQ and Swap Meet – Sherriff’s Posse Hall – Ocean Street Extension
August will be our first physical gathering since March of 2020. It is our August BBQ and Swap Meeting. It will be held at the Santa Cruz Sherriff’s Posse Hall on Ocean Street extension. It’s an awesome outdoor country venue. Hot dogs, burgers, Beans, Potato Salad and who knows what else! Remember, if you bring something to the swap meet, please be prepared to take it home if someone doesn’t want it. I’m particularly excited because we have been blessed with so many new members who have never experienced a physical club meeting yet. While this won’t be like our general meeting, it is surely something to look forward to as we start getting together again. September meeting we’re hoping to have at the Grange Hall. More details in your newsletter to come.
Thank you.
Special shout out to David South and Bob Peterson for the excellent work handing out scholarships at the high-schools this year. There is interest in making these scholarships larger in dollar amounts. If you’d like to participate for next year, let us know. We’d love to do more for the students, the future of our sport and this planet.
Thank you to Jerry McKeon, Scott Kitayama, and Carly Blanchard for the terrific work on the website, Instagram, Facebook page, and the Club Roster, it has helped us stay so connected and active in the very best way. It was so nice to hear guest speakers say how awesome our club is, how funny we are, engaged, and how many people have been making the Zoom meetings – 38 last month for Brian O’Keefe’s presentation on photographing fish, wild-life, … Really amazing. He will be back next year for sure.
Thank you, Elaine and all your guest Fly-Tiers, helping us get through quite a year navigating Zoom and getting fly-tying materials to everyone.
Jeff Goyert and Micheal McGannon for putting together the most awesome and engaging raffle items and SCFF merch to buy – and more to come!
Steve Rudzinski, thank you for going out of your way with the Jade Street Park casting fun and Sam Bishop, for helping with that and so many fish-outs close to home.
Thanks to everyone of you on the board, members, guests and those who support the membership, our goals, objectives, who helped us thrive during these most interesting times. I would not have been able to do this without each and every one of you.
I look forward to finally seeing all of you again, in person. But if I miss you this time – it’s because we’re fishing!! ?
Posted on June 26th, 2021
Date: 8/11/21
Time: 6:30
Place: Zoom
Posted onBalanced Leech – August fly tying class
At first glance this fly looks like your typical wooly bugger but it’s not. It’s tied in a way that allows it to hang in the water column in a horizontal plane or balanced. Hung under an indicator in choppy water the fly pulses and swims the way a baitfish or leech does. Professional fly anglers like Phil Rowley and Brian Chan are big advocates for this pattern on still waters for trout and I’ll vouch for it as a great bass pond fly.
The body of this fly is created using a dubbing loop so some kind of dubbing whirl tool is needed. Dubbing looped bodies are also very effective for nymphs and other streamers so this is a good technique to know. If you need more info, check out this video with options for dubbing whirls:
Class is 8/11/21 @6:30PM on Zoom.
Please email metropolitantrout@gmail.com by 7/29 and include your address so I can mail you the materials. The days leading up to the class I will be out of town and unavailable to reach which is why I’m asking for the early RSVP.
Hope to see you there, Jerry
Posted on June 18th, 2021
Iris Caddis
This emerging caddis is fished in the surface film using a floating line. Apply floatent to the loop wing only.
Hook: TMC 100 sizes 14-18
Thread: tan 8/0
Shuck: Amber Z-Lon or spooled Antron
Body: tan Hairtron or Hairline dubbing
Wing: white Z-Lon or Antron
Thorax: same as body AND dubbing wax
Head: thread
1. Crimp Barb.
2. Apply thread 1/3 back on shank.
3. Separate strand of shuck material in half. Tie to top of shank from tie-in to a little around bend of hook. Cut length equal to 1/2 hook shank long.
4. Dub a generous body up to tie in. Brush backward a little to make rough.
5. Tie in wing material on your side of shank. Form a loop that extends to rear of shank. Tie in on far side of shank at original tie in location. Cut excess. Wrap down butts.
6. Apply dubbing wax to a couple inches of thread. Using touch method, apply small amounts of dubbing to thread. Wrap a generous, shaggy thorax forward to hook eye. Wet fingers, pull forward dubbing backward. Make several thread wraps forming a head. Whip finish, cut thread. Brush thorax fibers back a little forming a shaggy fly.
Posted on March 2nd, 2021
17 Million Chinook Salmon Release In California Bays Planned
It is estimated that up to 95% of wild salmon habitat has been wiped out by damming of rivers in California. Hatcheries have helped make up for the impact of dams. Now amid the ongoing drought, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has launched a program to release 17 million Chinook Salmon smolt into San Francisco Bay and others—including Monterey Bay. The fish are being loaded in trucks from hatcheries and transported to the bay and released. Historically, the fish have been released into rivers and streams. But, with drought-induced low flows coupled with warmer temperatures, the survival rate is extremely low. The hope is that more fish will have a better survival rate (estimated to be about 80%) which could provide some support for the $900 million commercial and sport salmon fishing business in the state. For more information, check out the web link.
Posted on June 26th, 2021
2021 Membership Rosters available
Membership Rosters are now available by email request, or can be picked up on August 4th at the Sherriff Posse BBQ first monthly meeting of the year @ 1227 Ocean St Ext. Should you not be able to attend, or would like an electronic version, please send me an email @ robert6367@aol.com.
I would also like to thank Carly Blanchard for her technical assistance in formatting the Roster for final printing by Community Printing.
Posted on June 26th, 2021
Fishout Schedule – July update
| Date | Location | Target Species | Fishmaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 3, 5:45am | Manresa Beach | Surf Perch (DATE CHANGE) | Mark Traugott, 831-338-6056 |
| July 13-17 | Loreto, Baja Sur | Saltwater Fishing | Rich Hughett (831) 595-0288 |
| Aug. 7, 6am | Rio Del Mar Beach | Surf Perch and other species | Jeff Gose (831) 227-0722 |
| Sept. 4, 6:30am | Manresa Beach | Surf Perch and other species | Sam Bishop (831) 476-6451 |
| Sept 4-12 | Alaska | Rainbow, Salmon and Dolly Varden | Roy Gunter (831) 809-0316 |
| Sept 18-25 | Mammoth Lakes | Trout (2 SPOTS OPEN) | John & Elaine (831) 688-1561 |
| Sept 26- Oct 2 | Mammoth Lakes | Trout (CONDO FULL) | John & Elaine (831) 688-1561 |
| Oct. 9, 7am | Palm Beach | Surf Perch and other species | Sam Bishop (831) 476-6451 |
| Oct. – Nov. TBA | O’Neill Forebay | Stripers | Steve Rudzinski (831) 462-4532 |
Posted on June 21st, 2021
Alaska Trip
Roy Gunter writes: I am offering to sponsor a fishout to the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska leaving on September 4, 2021 and returning on September 12, 2021. Limited to 4 participants including Roy. We will stay in the Riverside Cabin at the Eagle Landing Resort in Cooper Landing, AK (go to eaglelandingresort.com to check out Resort and Cabin). Trip will be fishing the Kenai River, Russian River and nearby creeks, targeting rainbows and dolly varden, but catching many salmon along the way. Trip includes 2 guided trips on the Kenai River, including at least one boat trip down the Kenai River Canyon to the delta of Skilak Lake. You will have to provide your own airfare to Anchorage and return, which can be arrange for virtually no charge if you obtain an Alaska Airlines Credit Card. Alaska Airlines now flies out of Monterey. However, a rental car is included in the trip. Food and beverages are included and obtained from Costco and Carrs Supermarket for preparation at the cabin. Since I am cooking for the most part, meals are gourmet including wine and/or other beverages. Since I am an Alaska Air card holder, over the last 20 years I have never exceeded $2,000 for the entire trip, including the cost of a motel before flying out, and once paid only $770. Couples are welcome, but there is only one queen bed in a separate bedroom. Other Club Members who have accompanied me include: Bob Monaco, Steve Rawson, Milana Rawson, Daneen Gunter, Don Foskett, Gary Hazelton, Harry Petrakis, Mark Traugott and Gil Santos. Requirements: $1,000 deposit subject to forfeit unless you find a substitute fisherman to accept your spot and you must have recieved all of your covid vaccinations at least 14 days prior to departure. Prior participants have priority. If interested please contact Roy Gunter at 831-809-0316 or email at rgunteriii@yahoo.com.
Sam Bishops adds some insight on the Alaska Airlines Credit Card opportunity: “Buy a new Alaska Airline card and get 50,000 miles if you spend $2,000 in 2 or 3 months. $75 for the card, but you get a free bag. Without it the first bag is $40. I just got a new card for about the fourth time. I let the old one expire and get a new one for the mileage. I paid the house insurance on the new one and bingo I am covered.”
Contact: Roy Gunter 831 809 0316 rgunteriii@yahoo.com email is best.
Posted on April 16th, 2021
Mammoth Fishout
Dates: This fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 18 – 25. Week 2: Sept 26 – Oct 2.
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.
General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Condo has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share king size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.
Cost: Covers 7 night’s lodging and 3 meals per day. $320/week, $640/two weeks. $535/week for a private room. $ is not refundable unless someone takes your place. Any unused funds will be used for prizes at the annual fund raiser.
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.
SignUps: Call John Cook letting him know which week or both or private room. ASAP or up to May 1st. We will be leaving town mid May, so need to put things together and confirm reservation by then. Receiving your $ will reserve your spot. I will maintain a waiting list and, if space becomes available you will be notified by phone, even while we are on summer vacation. Deliver your $ by mail ( PO Box 2822, Aptos, Ca. 95001 ) or deliver in person. (215 Treasure Island Ave., Aptos , Ca. )
Covid Issues: All participants must have completed the vaccine regiment at least one month prior. Must be free of symptoms. If negative public health issues arrive, the fishout will be canceled and $ returned.
Posted on April 16th, 2021