Posted on November 21, 2021November 21, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Fishout Schedule

mobile scrollable table

EVENT NAME	EVENT DATE	SPECIES	FISH MASTER
Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 3rd-9th 2022	April 03, 2022 – April 09, 2022	Lahontan Cutthroat Trout	Mike White – (831) 706-5556
Mammoth Fishout – 2022	September 24, 2022 – October 08, 2022	Trout	John Cook fishmaster– (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515

Apr 03 12:00 AM : Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 3rd-9th 2022

Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Mike White – (831) 706-5556

The Pyramid Lake trip is one of the best-attended fishouts the club has, and for a good reason. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cruise parallel to the shore in easy casting distance from shore. Cost for the week including meals and lodging and is around $300+ per person depending on the number in attendance. You need not fish all six days as there may be openings (usually later in the week.) Contact Mike for more details (831) 706-5556, to check on openings, or be put on a waiting list. First come first served.

You can also make your own arrangements either by bringing your own RV (Pyramid Lake Lodge has hook-ups and sells permits to park on the any of the beaches along the lake) or staying in Reno. Reno is 45 minutes away. Call Pyramid Lake Lodge to inquire about last minute cancellations in their cabins as well (775) 476-0400 and check out their website to see what the cabins look like at www.pyramidlakelodge.com. The General Store in Sutcliff offers meals on selected nights only to those who call in before 2:00 PM. Check at the General Store for details.

Equipment: 6-9 weight rods with hi-speed, hi-D shooting heads or fast sink integrated lines to fish the bottom in 6 to 9 feet of water, and a floating line for indicator fishing. You should bring a stripping basket and a ladder that will accommodate it. A ladder helps to get you up out of the cold water and enable you to cast out to where the fish are. You can still catch fish without one but not with near as much consistency.

Flies: Woolly buggers in black, white, purple, olive, midge, caddis and mayfly nymphs to name a few. If as in years past the Confab in February is offering the opportunity to see how some of the best Pyramid patterns are made plan to attend and bring a vise and tie some yourself. Flies may also available from club member Jim Hall who ties some very good flies specific to Pyramid cutthroat as well as other species at reasonable cost. His number is (831) 713-6835. There is a general store with provisions as well as tackle and an assortment of flies.

How to get there: Take US 80 to Reno-Sparks, take the Pyramid Blvd. off ramp and go north about 35 miles. Crosby Lodge is at Sutcliff, near the Ranger Station.

If you have any questions about equipment or how to get there, check the “Gearing up” columns in the March 2007-2009 archives on our great club website, or call Mike White at (831) 706-5556.

If you are considering going to Pyramid again this year with the club and you have not already done so, please contact the person who is booking the trailer you stayed in last year. Trailer-masters, if your trailer has gaps or cancellations, you can call Mike so he can pass the names of members who don’t have lodging to fill the empty spots.

Fishing, Camping, and New Ladder Regulation:

Fishing and camping permits can be purchased online prior to the fish-out. We would highly recommend doing this. Go to www.plpt.nsn.us to obtain your licenses. There is also an RV Park available at (775) 476-1155.

As with any great fishery there are always a long list of rules and regulations. We would recommend you review them on the website above. Suffice to say those of us who have been going to Pyramid Lake for many years are a good source of information as well. We will help inform and guide all newcomers. 15.6 USE OF LADDERS, ETC. Any ladders, milk crates, boxes or other objects used in the water as a fishing aid must be occupied or closely attended (i.e. remain in the area) by fishermen at all times. Any person who leaves such objects unoccupied in the water for more than one hour will be deemed guilty of littering. 15.6.1 Fishing aids described above must have a permanent tag affixed that has the name, address, and phone number of the owner of the fishing aid. If the permitted angler using the fishing aid is not the owner, the owner will be the responsible party for any infractions by the permitted angler.

This year we have five trailers reserved. (6,7,8,9, and 10) As of September 1st 2021 we have 5 openings available. These openings will fill up quickly, so contact Mike immediately at (831) 706-5556. Last year was an incredible experience with many fish over 15 lbs brought to the net. If you cannot commit early and make it into one of our reserved trailers you can always make your own arrangements by contacting the Pyramid Lake Lodge at (775) 476-0400.

Mike White (831) 706-5556, lumberguy73@hotmail.com

NOTE: Due to insurance regulations, all attendees must be paid up members of Santa Cruz Fly fishermen, so get your membership paid up if you haven’t done so yet.

Sep 24 12:00 AM : Mammoth Fishout – 2022

Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: John Cook fishmaster– (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515

Dates: This fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 24 – Oct 1. Week 2: Oct 1 – Oct 8.

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: TBD

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 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.

Covid Issues: TBD

Posted on November 21st, 2021

Posted on October 29, 2021October 29, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

November 2021 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
April Vokey – Spey Casting for Steelhead
November Door Prize
President’s Line…………………….
Rain! Steelhead! April on November 2nd. December and January BBQ Slide Show
Fly Tying……………………
Bug Eye Nymph – Instructor: Dan Eaton
Kilowatt Fly
Conservation Concerns……………
Fish Handling–Best Practices
November River Cleanup Days
Membership Notes…………………
2022 Membership Renewal Oct/Nov/Online
A gift suggestion
Fishout Schedule…………………
Gone Fishing……………………….…
ForeBay FishOut results
Reel News……………………….…
Smith River now has a fisher Monitoring Program
Cartoon…………………………..…

Posted on October 29th, 2021

Posted on October 28, 2021October 29, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

April Vokey – Spey Casting for Steelhead

April Vokey will be talking about the British Columbia waters where she grew up chasing the salmon and steelhead migration that frequented BC’s coastal waters. She began her guiding career on the Fraser and Harrison rivers for sturgeon and salmon, but left after several season to found her own guiding operation, Fly Gal Ventures, in 2007 at age 24. The company was built on the basis of the promotion of education and encouragement to those who looked to chase their dreams. She has since established herself as a respected authority in the sport and has traveled the globe in pursuit of gamefish on a fly rod.

Her writing has appeared in numerous industry leading publications including Fly Fisherman, Fly Rod & Reel, and Fly Fusion magazines. In July 2012, April became the first fly angler to be featured in Outside magazine for their “XX-Factor” segment. She is in the process of authoring her first book.

Also a popular TV personality, April has been featured on the Outdoor Channel’s Buccaneers and Bones series, 60 Minutes Sports, The Steve Harvey show, Discovery Channel’s Refined, Discovery’s/OLN’s Close Up Kings, and WFN’s Fly Nation TV.

Most recently, Vokey proudly wrote and hosted her own exclusive series, ShoreLines with April Vokey, as shown on the World Fishing Network. The series focuses on fly-fishing’s rich history and the people it consists of. Feeling limited by airtime, she has since branched out with her podcast, Anchored with April Vokey, an uncensored series dedicated to archiving the stories and personalities from some of fly-fishing’s most influential people. The show is one of the only fishing podcasts solely recorded in a face to face environment where April ensures to ask questions apart from the norm. It evolved into Anchored Outdoors in January, 2020.

In 2013, April chose to pursue her passion for saltwater species (and a blue-eyed Aussie bloke), and therefore surrendered her Canadian winters for Australia’s & New Zealand’s summers. She now resides in Canada for six months of the year, and in Australia for the other six. Her dog, Colby, travels with her between countries, keeping her safe from grizzlies and kangaroos alike.

She is a FFF certified casting instructor, a fly-tying instructor, traveling speaker and an eternal student of life, love, and conservation. Please contact info@aprilvokey.com to enquire about bookings.

Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.

Monthly Speaker	Date	Excerpt
Gordon Tharrett – fishing the Green river in Utah	Dec 01 6:30 PM	Gordon Tharrett will be sharing with us the remarkable fly-fishing around Utah and the Green River, where what some of the members call “The 20/20 club” – a size 20″ trout on a size 20 fly”
Annual Slideshow	Jan 05 7:00 PM	In January, we’re going to be back at the Sherriff’s Posse Hall for another BBQ and our annual Club Members Photo Slide Show. Submit your photos today to Tommy Polito thomaspolito12@gmail.com then come join us the first week of January – in person!!!

Posted on October 28th, 2021

Posted on October 23, 2021October 23, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Meeting Raffle Prizes

We have some great door prizes for lucky meeting attendees. Take a look! A really cool Trout Unlimited sling pack to carry all your goodies, An Adamsbuilt wader safety belt, great for you or for your fishing partner if they forget theirs, and a pair of lucky fishing socks, who doesn’t need a little extra luck.

No tickets to buy, just show up at the Zoom meeting.

Posted on October 23rd, 2021

Posted on October 28, 2021October 28, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Bug Eye Nymph – Instructor: Dan Eaton

This fly is my number one choice for bass subsurface. I normally use an intermediate sink line and trail this fly 24”-48” behind a green or black Woolybugger. I’ve also caught trout and Stripers using the same system. Use a slow retrieve . Don’t be without this fly!

Please call Dan Eaton at (831) 336-2933 to sign up and I’ll get your packet of material together for you at my front door. There is no charge for the class and all materials are provided except olive 8/0 and 6/0 thread. Or at least 8/0. If you need to borrow club thread, let me know. Beginners are welcome but you will have to contact Elaine Cook at (831)688-1561 well ahead of time to borrow vice , and tools.

If you would like to tune in to watch, that’s fine.

Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.

	Monthly Speaker	Date	Excerpt
	X-Caddis	Dec 08 6:30 PM	– dry fly for trout – streams and lakes throughout the West – Olive 8/0 thread.
	Red Bead Cone Head	Jan 12 6:30 PM	– large trout and bass – appropriate for Pyramid , Los Banos Creek Reservoir, Delta and like waters – black 6/0 thread

Posted on October 28th, 2021

Posted on October 29, 2021October 29, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

November River Cleanup Days

by Bob Garbarino

Hi SCFF club members,

There are three river cleanup days scheduled in November. This is a great way to provide community service in a hands-on fashion. Volunteering for these events could be an opportunity for those members with children needing community service credits for school.

Soquel Creek

Soquel Creek Cleanup

San Lorenzo River

San Lorenzo River Cleanup

Salinas River

Volunteer for Salinas River Cleanup, Sunday November 21st.

Posted on October 29th, 2021

Posted on October 29, 2021October 29, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

A gift suggestion

Its just about that time when my loved ones say, “I don’t know what to get him, he buys all the fishing stuff he wants when he wants.”

Maybe a hint would be for to look at the items from the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Store. For your holiday shopping, we are going to set up pickup in Aptos for the items. After you purchase, you will coordinate a pick up place and time with Kevin Murdock.

Or maybe if you can’t wait until Christmas, just buy some stuff yourself.

Posted on October 29th, 2021

Posted on October 28, 2021October 28, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

SCFF Fishouts

mobile scrollable table

EVENT NAME	EVENT DATE	SPECIES	FISH MASTER
O’Neill Forebay – Nov 4 – 7 2021	November 04, 2021 – November 07, 2021	Striped Bass	Kevin Murdock (831) 238 -3037
Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 3rd-9th 2022	April 03, 2022 – April 09, 2022	Lahontan Cutthroat Trout	Mike White – (831) 706-5556
Mammoth Fishout – 2022	September 24, 2022 – October 08, 2022	Trout	John Cook fishmaster– (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515

Nov 04 12:00 AM : O’Neill Forebay – Nov 4 – 7 2021

Islands Oneill Forebay (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Kevin Murdock (831) 238 -3037

We will camp at the same place again at Medeiros Campground site #23 I will try to get again, there are 4 sites there and more than one car per site is okay. New people should contact me personally for details. Bring everything to camp bare bones style, only a single vault style toilet which is not too bad compared to the other porta potties throughout the campground. Bring water, and food and cooking gear, there will be a camp stove or two to use or cook over the camp fire.

Gear to use: 7 or 8 wt rod, full sinking line like Rio Outbound Short or Tungsten T-11 shooting head with a good running line. 15 lb test fluorocarbon leader (6′ is long enough so the fly gets down deeper). Lee Haskins or Jim Hall has flies for sale. Both are listed in our club roster and you can make an order directly with them. Float tubes of course or small craft like flat bottom dingy’s and some kayaks work okay except when windy. (It can really BLOW you away there and we hope for good conditions but we have had big rainstorms in years past so prepare for the worst).

One thing we never have enough of is firewood for the evening rap sessions, the size of wood that comes in a box at the grocery store is perfect for our portable fire tubs.

The camp is only 70 miles from Santa Cruz and directions can be easily be found on your GPS system. Call or email me @ (831) 238 -3037 or troutdock89@gmail.com to be on the list so I have a good idea of how many will attend. We always have a good time at this event. See you there, Kevin

Apr 03 12:00 AM : Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 3rd-9th 2022

Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Mike White – (831) 706-5556

How to get there: Take US 80 to Reno-Sparks, take the Pyramid Blvd. off ramp and go north about 35 miles. Crosby Lodge is at Sutcliff, near the Ranger Station.

If you have any questions about equipment or how to get there, check the “Gearing up” columns in the March 2007-2009 archives on our great club website, or call Mike White at (831) 706-5556.

Fishing, Camping, and New Ladder Regulation:

Mike White (831) 706-5556, lumberguy73@hotmail.com

NOTE: Due to insurance regulations, all attendees must be paid up members of Santa Cruz Fly fishermen, so get your membership paid up if you haven’t done so yet.

Sep 24 12:00 AM : Mammoth Fishout – 2022

Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: John Cook fishmaster– (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515

Dates: This fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 24 – Oct 1. Week 2: Oct 1 – Oct 8.

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.

Cost: TBD

Covid Issues: TBD

Posted on October 28th, 2021

Posted on October 29, 2021October 29, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Smith River now has a Fishery Monitoring Program

by Dr. Mark Rockwell, D.C. - President Northern Cal Fly Fishing Council

It is with great pride I report to you that after 4 years of effort we have achieved what once seemed to be impossible – a continuously run fishery monitoring plan for the Smith River, with a focus on sonar counting both Chinook salmon & Steelhead. As most know, the Smith is the last remaining anadromous fish river in California that is free flowing from source to sea. It is also the crown jewel of steelhead, with the California State record for size. It measured 42” X 23”, which calculates to somewhere between 29 & 32 pounds. At record weighting it topped the scale at more than 27 pounds.

Here’s a shortened version of the story. Ben Taylor, Chuck Bucaria, Lowell Ashbaugh and I began working on the Smith more than 10 years ago. We achieved a change in leader length to stop the “flossing-type” snagging of Chinook, and we worked with the Fish & Game Commission to stop the take of wild Steelhead. Both of these changes were necessary to preserve both species. Then, more than 6 years ago we began a dialogue with CDFW on how they monitor the runs of anadromous fish. As it turned out, they had no credible data other than to say “we know the Smith has healthy runs of Chinook & Steelhead”. Well, we thought that simply was unacceptable.

After a year talking with the CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief, we secured a meeting with Chuck Bonham, CDFW Director, shortly after his appointment under Governor Brown. We made a plea to he and the Fishery Chief that we’d write a Fisheries Management Plan for the Smith as a draft and work with their fishery biologist on the North Coast to make it an acceptable document to implement on the river. We offered to write the draft plan, pay costs to get it into a reviewable draft ($35,000), and get it into implementation. That started a nearly 3 year process but finished in 2019 with an approved Fisheries Monitoring Plan, which is where we are today.

Following that effort we worked with CDFW to obtain 3 DIDSON sonar monitoring devices, which CDFW said they had, but weren’t sure if they could authorize them for the Smith. As it turned out, more than 18 months went by without CDFW making the devices available. They said the equipment was not available and they had no funding for personnel to manage the program. They had no idea when it could be started.

We then decided to work with NOAA fisheries and the Tolowa Dee ni’ (TDN) Tribe which lives on the estuary of the river, and runs a small hatchery there. TDN applied for and received a grant from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for staffing the project for 2 years, but was promised by CDFW that it would provide the DIDSON equipment. After nearly a year CDFW was not able to come up with the sonar equipment. TDN then applied to BIA again, this time for 2 sonar units, at a cost of $170,000. I also communicated to Director Bonham that CDFW was losing face and reputation with us and the Tribe. To his credit he pushed the state and regional Tribal Liaisons to work with the Tribe and the regional director to get the equipment to the Tribe. They then worked out a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to loan 2 DIDSON units to the Tribe.

Today, October 2021 we’ll have 2 DIDSON sonar counting units in the water for the migration seasons of both Chinook and Steelhead. The Tribe also has 2 additional units as spares in case of a failure. This program will be run totally by Tolowa Dee ni’ for both installation & maintenance of the sonar as well as staffing to do the monitoring and reporting to CDFW. This program will be run annually into the future. We need 2 life cycles of Chinook to have scientifically credible information that will be used to manage that fishery. This is a huge win for the fish and for those of us who love Chinook & Steelhead, and the Smith.

For those of you who have not fished the Smith, a most historic river in fly fishing lore, you should consider it. I’ve fished it only once, in February, and was able to land 2 bright Smith River Steelhead in the 12-15 pound range. I saw several others rolling that were larger. They are magnificent fish, and the Smith is one of our most beautiful rivers. Zack Larson, who I fished with, does guide, and Zack helped us write some of the fishery plan. Give him a call: 707-954-1085. BTW, the Smith receives significant rain in the winter, and flows can be very high. The day before I fished it was running at 16,000 cfs, but clarity as fishable. The next day the flows were down to 7,000 cfs, and the day I landed the 2 fish it was at 5,000 cfs. Hence, though it gets lots of water, it drops and clears quickly. If you love Steelhead or Chinook, this is California’s best place.

Posted on October 29th, 2021

Posted on September 21, 2021September 23, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

October 2021 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
Michael Malekos – Float tubing
October Door Prize
President’s Line…………………….
Hang In There – We’re Almost There!
Fly Tying……………………
Sierra Bright Dot
Tips For Fly Tying
Conservation Concerns……………
Welcome Robert ‘Bob’ Garbarino
CalTrout News – California Budget, Water and Fish
Membership Notes…………………
BRIAN O’KEEFE’S PRO FISHING PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
Reminder: Palm Beach Oct. 2- where are the Palms?
Reminder: FishOut for striped bass Oct 7-10 O’Neill Forebay
Fishout Schedule…………………
Gone Fishing……………………….…
Sons (and Daughters) of the beaches
Reel News……………………….…
CSPA September 21st Report to NCCFFI
Cartoon…………………………..…

Posted on September 21st, 2021

Posted on September 21, 2021September 21, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Michael Malekos – Float tubing

For October’s meeting we welcome Mike Malekos. Mike is the Founder and Administrator of The Casting A Rise Foundation. Casting A Rise raises money for charitable, educational, and nonprofit organizations through fly fishing. Please take a look at www.castingarise.com and consider supporting this impactful 501(C)(3) organization.

Mike is also a contributing Columnist at California Fly Fisher magazine. His “Snapshot” articles are short, informative pieces discussing how to fly fish various fisheries within our state. Through his commentary Mike shares how to get there, how to fish there, and most importantly, why he fishes each body of water the way he does. The written synopsis of his fly fishing experience is intended to shorten an angler’s learning curve and to serve as a starting point for someone who has never visited the profiled fishery. Among other things, Mike touches on the area, equipment selection, and how he found fish to behave. During his presentation, Mike will share his views regarding float tube safety, selection, essential gear, and profile several still water trout fishing destinations Santa Cruz Fly Fishing members should consider visiting.

Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.

	Monthly Speaker	Date	Excerpt
	April Vokey – Spey Casting for Steelhead	Nov 02 6:30 PM	Dame Juliana of Steelhead spey Casting- April Vokey
	Gordon Tharrett – fishing the Green river in Utah	Dec 01 6:30 PM	Gordon Tharrett will be sharing with us the remarkable fly-fishing around Utah and the Green River, where what some of the members call “The 20/20 club” – a size 20″ trout on a size 20 fly”

Posted on September 21st, 2021

Posted on September 21, 2021September 21, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Great Door Prize for October meeting

by Jeff Goyert

Just in time for the Forebay Fishout we have got a couple of door prize boxes of Striper flies tied by the master of the Forebay; Lee Haskin. These works of art donated by Lee are the gold standard of Forebay striper flies. Each box has two San Luis Smelt patterns and two topwaters gurglers.

“How do I win?” you ask, just show up at the October zoom meeting. Everybody attending the zoom meeting will get a free door prize ticket. Winners must be in attendance at the meeting.

Posted on September 21st, 2021

Posted on September 21, 2021September 21, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Sierra Bright Dot

This dry fly is an attractor pattern for trout. And attract it does. I will challenge you by tying a small fly , size 16, but on the other hand it is a very simple tie. So don’t hesitate to join in. Please set up a good light, manification and prescription glasses if you wear them. The class is always free, materials provided and we welcome beginners. If you have never tied before or haven’t tools or vise, you will need to call me ASAP to get you set up. To the rest of you, I will be out of town from Oct. 6th and return on the 10th. So call me soon if you want material before I leave. Otherwise leave me a message letting me know if you need to borrow black 8/0 thread and I’ll get the bag of materials at my door sometime on Monday the 11th. To sign up call: (831)688-1561 or (831)251-4741 or (831)234-6515. NO text messages please.

Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.

Monthly Fly	Date	Excerpt
Bug Eye Nymph	Nov 10 6:30 PM	– bass and trout -Taught by Dan Eaton. Very effective last spring at Los Banos Creek Reservoir for bass.
X-Caddis	Dec 08 6:30 PM	– dry fly for trout – streams and lakes throughout the West – Olive 8/0 thread.
Red Bead Cone Head	Jan 12 6:30 PM	– large trout and bass – appropriate for Pyramid , Los Banos Creek Reservoir, Delta and like waters – black 6/0 thread
Surf Percher	Feb 09 6:30 PM	– surf fish species – local beaches – red 6/0 thread
Poppers	Mar 12 9:00 AM	– bass – top water lakes and ponds, primarily in spring – very strong thread, any color. NOTE: Let Elaine know early if you want to attend. Class is VERY popular.
Green Drake	Apr 13 6:30 PM	– dry fly for trout – spring in the Rocky Mountains and other Western streams and rivers – tan 6/0 thread
Cricket	May 11 6:30 PM	– dry fly for trout – streams and rivers thought the West – black 6/0 thread

Posted on September 21st, 2021Edit

Posted on September 21st, 2021

Posted on September 21, 2021September 21, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Fishout Schedule – October

mobile scrollable table

EVENT NAME	EVENT DATE	SPECIES	FISH MASTER
Palm Beach	October 02, 2021	Surf Perch and other species	Sam Bishop (831) 476-6451
O’Neill Forebay – Oct 7 – 10 2021	October 07, 2021 – October 10, 2021	Striped Bass	Steve Rudzinski ssrudzinski@gmail.com
O’Neill Forebay – Nov 4 – 7 2021	November 04, 2021 – November 07, 2021	Striped Bass	Steve Rudzinski ssrudzinski@gmail.com
Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 3rd-9th 2022	April 03, 2022 – April 09, 2022	Lahontan Cutthroat Trout	Mike White – (831) 706-5556

Oct 02 6:40 AM : Palm Beach

Palm State Beach (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop (831) 476-6451

The Forebay fish-out Stosh organized is the second weekend of October, so I have moved our surf fish-out to the first Saturday in October (2^nd) so everyone can participate in both.

Sunrise is at 07:04, and we will meet at 0640. High tide (+4.2’) is at 09:17, so we will fish a flood tide. Some people believe this is the best tide to fish as the fish will be coming in to feed on critters untouched in the sand for several hours. I can’t personally say one way or the other, as I have caught fish in the surf at all stages of tide. It seems to be more a case of whether or not they see what I am offering and are they biting it?

I will have flies (free), stripping baskets ($20 to the Club) and brand new wading belts ($10 to repay my cost) available.

Getting there: Take West Beach out of Watsonville all the way towards the ocean until you are mired in the sand. You went just a bit too far, so back up your 4WD about 100 feet and park on the right under the Eucalyptus trees that drip and stain your vehicle when they are wet. (Hint: Wash it off right away when you get home.)

BTW, I like the State Beaches, because when you are done, there is a shower nearby to wash the sand off your waders and salt off your gear before heading home.

This is our last “organized” surf fish-out for 2021. Last month most everyone caught fish or had hook-ups. Let’s do it again!

Oct 07 12:00 AM : O’Neill Forebay – Oct 7 – 10 2021

Islands Oneill Forebay (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Steve Rudzinski ssrudzinski@gmail.com

The annual O’Neill ForeBay Striped Bass FishOut has been scheduled for Oct 7-10 and Nov 4-7 (Thurs-Sunday). I made it during the dark phase of the moon this year.

One thing we never have enough of is firewood for the evening rap sessions, the size of wood that comes in a box at the grocery store is perfect for our portable fire tubs.

The camp is only 70 miles from Santa Cruz and directions can be easily be found on your GPS system. Call or email me @ 831 462 4532 or ssrudzinski@gmail.com to be on the list so I have a good idea of how many will attend. We always have a good time at this event. See you there, Stosh

Nov 04 12:00 AM : O’Neill Forebay – Nov 4 – 7 2021

Islands Oneill Forebay (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Steve Rudzinski ssrudzinski@gmail.com

Target Species:

Apr 03 12:00 AM : Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 3rd-9th 2022

Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Mike White – (831) 706-5556

How to get there: Take US 80 to Reno-Sparks, take the Pyramid Blvd. off ramp and go north about 35 miles. Crosby Lodge is at Sutcliff, near the Ranger Station.

If you have any questions about equipment or how to get there, check the “Gearing up” columns in the March 2007-2009 archives on our great club website, or call Mike White at (831) 706-5556.

Fishing, Camping, and New Ladder Regulation:

Mike White (831) 706-5556, lumberguy73@hotmail.com

NOTE: Due to insurance regulations, all attendees must be paid up members of Santa Cruz Fly fishermen, so get your membership paid up if you haven’t done so yet.

Posted on September 21st, 2021

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

CSPA September 21st Report to NCCFFI

by Cindy Charles, Golden West Fly Fishers

The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) has been in the trenches fighting for fisheries and water quality on multiple fronts during this historic 2021 drought. Here is a link to our website for the most current news https://calsport.org/news

Recent activities include:

Sacramento River: On August 26th, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, AquAlliance and the California Water Impact Network filed a lawsuit in federal District Court against the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation over the plans of a group of Sacramento River Settlement Contractors to pump extra groundwater in 2021. Reclamation’s Plan would enable further groundwater pumping from an already depleted groundwater basin during the current drought. It is noteworthy that these water users have enough river water now to sell to south-of-Delta interests. The Court denied an injunction against the additional groundwater extraction, and CSPA and allies are appealing the denial. Meanwhile, the case is pending until later this year and the groundwater extra pumping continues.

Yuba River: CSPA gave a presentation on September 17 on lower Yuba River flows in an important public technical workshop at the State Water Board. The subject of the workshop was the Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the FERC relicensing of the Yuba River Development Project. The purpose of the workshop was to review the technical issues raised in petitions for reconsideration of the Certification. Project owner Yuba Water Agency, CDFW, and a coalition of NGO’s, including CSPA, each filed petitions. NGO Petitioners objected to the certification because key conditions related to flows and habitat restoration were vague and kicked the can down the road on controversial issues, including flow. CSPA expects the CA Water Board to make a final decision on the petitions in an upcoming meeting.

California Drought Plan: CSPA has been providing timely and extensive feedback on drought planning responses to the Bureau of Reclamation and the Department of Water Resources, who “manage” the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project. Most recently, CSPA appeared before the State Water Board on September 21 to advocate for an immediate halt to water transfers from Sacramento River Settlement Contractors to farmers south of the Delta. Cessation of these transfers would increase end-of-November storage in Shasta Reservoir by over 100,000 acre-feet. CSPA told the Board :

[S]tart now to keep the present condition from getting worse. Specifically, the Board should act now to end the ongoing water transfers that BOR is making on behalf of Sacramento River Settlement Contractors from water sourced in Shasta Reservoir. The Board should not allow it to get worse by allowing BOR to complete these transfers in the balance of September and in October. The August Addendum currently anticipates Shasta storage to be 728 thousand acre-feet. That storage level is reckless.

Posted on September 22nd, 2021

Posted on August 26, 2021August 26, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

September 2021 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
Women-focused Flyfishing, Travel and Finatical Flyfishing
September Door Prize
Photo Raffle – drawing 9/1 at Sept SCFF Meeting
President’s Line…………………….
Hang In There – We’re Almost There!
Fly Tying……………………
Yellow Clouser
Red and White Bead Chain Whistler
Conservation Concerns……………
Klamath River story
Membership Notes…………………
Invitation for new members to try Striper fishing
2021 Membership Rosters available by email request
Fishout Schedule…………………
Gone Fishing……………………….…
Fishing in Montana
August fly fishing the surf
Traveling the West
Reel News……………………….…
Redding Flyshop 43 yr Labor Day luncheon Fri 10am Sept 3
September NCCFFI update
Cartoon…………………………..…

Posted on August 26th, 2021

Posted on August 23, 2021August 24, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Women-focused Flyfishing, Travel and Finatical Flyfishing

Finatical Flyfishing was created for women by women who have traveled and fished in Chile, Alaska, the Bahamas, Mexico, Cuba, the Seychelles, Belize, Christmas Island, Hawaii and throughout the continental United States. Our trips are built around knowledgeable, skilled, high quality guide operations and amazing locations; giving you the best trip for your precious days on the water

Most of us would probably agree that flyfishing adds a great deal to our lives. Travel and the communities flyfishing brings to us, strengthen our flyfishing skills and often other parts of our lives as well. Join us as we talk about the Henry’s Fork, international destinations and the trips offered by Finatical Flyfishing.

Bio

Stephanie Albano spent the bulk of her career at CARQUEST Auto Parts She held positions in national marketing, as Director of Distribution Center Operations and as a Financial Analyst. A mentor in Denver encouraged her to start Hatched Concepts which offers consulting and small business services. She launched Finatical Flyfishing in May of 2021.

Posted on August 23rd, 2021

Posted on August 23, 2021August 26, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

September Door Prize

by Jeff Goyert

Just when we thought things would be back to normal, the Covid crud creeps back into our lives. Kind of like when you spend an inordinate time painstakingly tying up the perfect indicator drift rig with multiple flies, split shot, and tippit only to have the whole mess tangled hopelessly fifteen feet off the ground on your first cast in the only tree within a quarter of you.

Anyway, we have the good news that we will have some great door prizes at the September Zoom meeting, everybody attending will get a free ticket!

We are in the process of revamping our regular monthly raffle to make it bigger and better when we start up our in person meetings. Stay tuned.

Posted on August 23rd, 2021

Posted on August 26, 2021August 26, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Photo Raffle – drawing 9/1 at Sept SCFF Meeting

by Jerry McKeon

Instagram is going well and many thanks to those who have provided photos/videos. It’s been fun connecting in new ways and we have helped sign up 30 new members so far this year. Many of our new members listed “social media” as the way they found us. As you know, healthy membership sign ups bodes well for the club’s success so on behalf of SCFF, THANK YOU!

If you’re new to the club, welcome! You can find us on Instagram at SantaCruzFlyFishing or you can view that same content on our website SantaCruzFlyFishing.org.

With another season coming to an end, I’m asking for your help by sending me some of your favorite fishing photos/videos. For our next meeting on September 1st I’m going to raffle off a waterproof fly-box with a dozen trout flies.

How to get a raffle ticket:

Each fishing photo you e-mail or text me earns you a raffle ticket
Must be sent by 3pm Sept 1st
10 photos or videos maximum
Email to metropolitantrout@gmail.com or text me at (831)-588-4759
Please include a brief description

Posted on August 26th, 2021

Posted on August 26, 2021August 26, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Invitation for new members to try Striper fishing

by Scott Kitayama

Last year was the first time I ever caught a Striper on a fly and the first time I ever fished the O’Neill Forebay. I didn’t know many people in the club, tried fishing the Forebay on my own and wasn’t very successful. One reason I joined the club’s board was to selfishly meet people who would teach me how to fish the Forebay and other places. It worked. Now I would like to help other club members who would like to Striper fish this fall.

Over 30 new members have joined in the past year and if a new member (or old member) wants to try and fish the O’Neill Forebay during October 7-10 or November 4-7 fishout, send an email at scottkitayama@gmail.com. For those busy with family and work, a half-day will still be a good experience. Send me a note even if you don’t have a float tube or heavy rod and I’ll try and help you find equipment and someone experienced to fish with you.

Oh and by the way, you can always learn to fish by calling Tom to join the board, that works too. 😉

Posted on August 26th, 2021

Posted on August 23, 2021August 23, 2021 by Scott Kitayama

Nor Calif. Council, Fly Fishers International Report – Aug 18, 2021

by Mark Rockwell

As I write this I am listening to the State Water Resources Control Board August meeting. They are discussing the extreme drought we’re in, as well as planning for another year of dry conditions in 2022. The discussion is serious and covers many streams were emergency drought stream flows are either in place or are about to start.
Two of the most impacted streams are the Scott & Shasta Rivers, tributaries to the Klamath River. These streams are main spawning & rearing habitat for Chinook, Coho & steelhead. We have sent 2 letters to the State Board supporting emergency flow recommendations supported by CDFW. The letters can be read here: https://www.nccffi.org/conservation-efforts/. See Item #12 on the list.
Joining us on our advocacy for the Scott & Shasta is the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA). They have been very active and made technical recommendations with the State Water Board and support the implementation of emergency curtailment of diversions of water.
Over many years CSPA and NCCFFI have worked on many issues that negatively impact our fisheries and work together on FERC power dam relicensing to improve flows and habitat, as well as to work for improved flows in the S.F. Bay-Delta and its tributaries. It takes a team effort to be successful in keeping our fisheries healthy and available for sport fishers. https://calsport.org/news/

CSPA and NCCFFI have decided to join together more closely in the future, and to work together and share information with members. Bill Jennings of CSAP and Mark Rockwell of NCCFFI have discussed the relationship and agreed to due several actions: 1) Share information each organization is working on, and report to members; 2) Do monthly reports for our members and place these reports on our websites; 3) work together to create a conservation presentation to use of fly club visits to inform our members about conservation needs and work being done.
Current Joint Efforts – Yuba River: Both CSPA and NCCFFI are working on relicensing on the Yuba system, and focused on Water Quality Certification. Both organizations are working with the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), and focused on funding by Yuba County Water Agency forhabitat improvement on the Lower Yuba & a pilot program to re-introduce salmon to the Upper Yuba. Stanislaus River – CSPA is working to block a proposed water transfer of up to 100,000 acre-feet to Westlands Water District. This transfer would greatly reduce water carry-over in New Melones Reservoir which is needed to protect Delta fish if the 2022 water year is dry.
Santa Clara Valley Watershed – NCCFFI is working with Cal Trout, TU, PCFFA and Flycasters of San Jose to improve salmon & steelhead streams in the Valley. Coyote Creek, Guadalupe River & Stevens Creek are the streams of focus. We are now working on a MOU with Valley Water to ensure future cooperative efforts to complete the Fish & Aquatic Habitat Cooperative Effort (FAHCE) for these streams, signed in 2003. We are also now reviewing the draft EIR for the Guadalupe & Stevens Creek. Work to be done includes: barrier removal, stream enhancements for rearing, improved spawning habitat & improved water flows. This will be a 10 year effort to recover and stabilize salmon & steelhead populations.
Smith River Fishery Monitoring Plan – We have been notified that monitoring will start for both Steelhead and Chinook Salmon in California’s last great anadromous river in the Fall of 2021. The Tribal partner – Tolowa Dee-Ni Nation – will be doing the monitoring and running DIDSON sonar monitoring equipment. This will be the first time we will have an annual monitoring program on this river, and it is hoped that it will take place over at least 3 generations of Chinook (9-12years) and Steelhead. This information will be useful for managing the river fishing regulations to ensure they are consistent with run size and population health.

Summary on Conservation & Fly Fishing

After several discussions with various club Presidents and members, it is clear that fishery conservation is an important benefit NCCFFI brings to clubs & members. It is also noted that conservation is not always a primary focus for some club members. The sport of fly fishing is focused on casting, tying and getting together to fish, and is focused on the social process that clubs provide. However, if we don’t have healthy fisheries and watersheds we have no real way to put our casting and tying skills into action. I think we all recognize that no fish means no sport.

So, my plea to everyone is to continue to support our Council’s conservation efforts, and our ability to join with other partners, like CSPA, Cal Trout & TU to keep our state’s valuable natural resources healthy and available. That takes work, effort and time. In our Council the conservation work never ends because the demands made on our natural resources is great, and all natural resources are in limited supply.

Fishery Conservation is important to all fly fishers. NCCFFI needs our clubs & members to recognize that conservation is one of our primary purposes and we do it to keep our sport alive and fly fishers able to catch fish.

Your support can come by: 1) joining us on our conservation network, 2) financial contributions by clubs to NCCFFI to allow us to do this work, 3) Taking an active part in local watershed conservation efforts and working to include NCCFFI in that effort. Grants are available through this Council.

Contacts for questions or to contribute:
Mark Rockwell, 530-559-5759, mrockwell1945@gmail.com
Send contributions to: NCCFFI c/o Tom Smith, Treasurer, P.O. Box 7231, Reno, NV 89510-7231 (all contributions are tax deductible)

Posted on August 23rd, 2021