Category: Monthly Meeting Program

Speaker info

Date:  May 6

Time:  6:30 PM

Place:  Aptos Grange

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The Truckee River: A Guides Perspective

May 06 6:30 PM at the Aptos Grange (Zoom Presentation)

Join veteran guide Matt Heron for an in-depth look at fly fishing the Truckee River, one of the West’s most technical and rewarding trout fisheries.

His presentation will break down key access points from downtown Truckee to the Nevada border, helping you confidently explore the river on your own.

He’ll cover everything from proven fly selections, seasonal strategies, access points and more.

Most importantly, he’ll dig into the techniques that consistently produce on the Truckee, so you can spend less time guessing and more time hooking fish.

 

Biography:

In1991 Matt was gifted his first fly rod. He had no idea it would set the course for his long and productive career within the fly fishing industry.

He grew up catching trout and bass in the historic Adirondack Mountains of upstate NY. Not long after he became obsessed with chasing migratory steelhead, brown trout, and salmon in the Great Lakes’ tributaries.

Today Matt runs his fly fishing school and outfitter, Matt Heron Fly Fishing in Truckee, CA near Lake Tahoe. His school at Everline Resort is widely recognized as one of the premier fly fishing education programs in the country. His team of guides focuses primarily on daily classes in the summer and the year-round guiding on the Truckee and Little Truckee Rivers, and surrounding fisheries.

Matt is a featured presenter and caster for the International Sports Expos and the Fly Fishing Show every year on the west coast. He’s a past winner of the Best of the West casting competition and a Fly Fishers International & Far Bank Certified Casting Instructor.

Matt also serves as the Regional Director for the Reno/Tahoe chapter of Cast Hope helping at-risk youth discover the outdoors via fly fishing.

Most recently, Matt has joined the editorial committee for Cal Fly Fisher magazine.

In his “free” time, Matt is lucky enough to host his guests to some of the world’s finest fly fishing destinations and lodges around the world.

His professional affiliations include Sage, RIO, Simms and Costa.



NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 6:30 pm, we will be conducting a short Crew26 Introductory clinic to help our those new to the sport. Please look at the Club Activities article in the Newsletter for more information.

Posted on April 16th, 2026

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Trout Unlimited and You! TU’s Local Chapter Presents

Apr 01 6:30 PM at the Aptos Grange (Zoom Presentation)

Christy Fischer,
Steinbeck Country Chapter President

Randy Saar,
SCFF Club Liaison to the Steinbeck Country Chapter – Randy will also be a fish out host for Coyote Creek in May as well as Mammoth Mountain fish out in September

Trout Unlimited will be presenting at our April meeting –
Christy & Randy will discuss the origins of Trout Unlimited and the structure of the organization. There will be an explanation of the local chapter’s connection with the community, engagement with local partners, and assessing cold water environmental issues. The talk will include how TU is involved with identifying priority waters and
planning for restoration, re connection and protection of those waters. There will be two short films, one on restoration work on one of our local creeks and another about your engagement with Trout Unlimited – followed by a Q & A. Those not already members are encouraged to join at the new member rate available at the meeting – they are a fantastic resource for our sport.

For more information – https://www.tu.org/

 



NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 6:30 pm, we will be conducting a short Crew26 Introductory clinic to help our those new to the sport. Please look at the Club Activities article in the Newsletter for more information.

Posted on March 23rd, 2026

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Landon Mayer shares his secrets for catching large predator trout

Mar 04 7:00 PM at the Aptos Grange (Zoom Presentation)

Landon Mayer’s angling success is fueled by an addiction to pursuing large trout with small flies and lightweight fly-fishing equipment. Mayer enthusiastically teaches and demonstrates his techniques and on-river knowledge to fellow anglers and has developed innovative strategies for sighting, hooking, and landing selective trout. He shares these tips and secrets in his books Guide Flies: Easy to Tie Patterns for Tough Trout (2022), The Hunt for Giant Trout: 25 Top Locations in the US to Catch a Trophy (new for 2019), Trout Tips: A Guide’s Secrets, Tactics and Techniques (2016), Colorado’s Best Fly Fishing (2013), Sight Fishing for Trout (2010), and How to Catch the Biggest Trout of Your Life (2007), in addition to his new film with Headwater Media: Mastering the Short Game (2019), Fly Tiers Master Class: Guide Flies and other Favorites (2024).

Landon’s passion for fly-fishing has allowed him to make several noteworthy contributions to the sport on and off the water. This has included travels to fly-fishing related organizations of the Mid-Atlantic, West, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and Southern states, as well as teaching through guided trips, fly-fishing classes, presentations, and demonstrations of his unique techniques.
Mayer is a contributing writer for Fly Fisherman and High Country Angler magazines. His contributions also have been featured in publications such as Fly Rod and Reel, American Angler, Southwest Fly Fishing, Field and Stream, and Fish and Fly magazines.

He’ll also be at the Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show at the end of February presenting, tying, and casting

Mayer has been guiding in Colorado full time on the South Platte River for the last 23 years, and one full season on the Nak Nek River in AK.  He resides in Woodland Park, Colorado. For additional information on his services and presentations, contact him at:
719-210-0619
www.landonmayer.com
Landon Mayer Fly Fishing on Facebook
Landon Mayer Fly Fishing You Tube
@landonmayerflyfishing on Instagram

 



NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 6:30 pm, we will be conducting short Crew26 Introductory clinic to help our those new to the sport. Please look at the Club Activities article in the Newsletter for more information.

Posted on February 19th, 2026

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New Member Orientation – Crew26

Feb 04 7:00 PM at the Aptos Grange

Starting at 11:00 minutes into the recording:  Chris Severs gives a tour of the club website, discuss the Sef-Study “intro to fly fishing program”,  the 3 major goals for the evening.    Zoom Recording Link

We are not going to have an “official meeting” in February since we have just had the Annual Fundraiser the Saturday before.   However, we have already rented the Aptos Grange for Feb 4th and so we are going to  use for New Member Orientation and hopefully the start of a new members group called Crew26.

New Member Orientation:   This is open to anyone, but is primarily meant for people who have joined in the last year.   Opportunity to meet other new members, talk about your fishing goals and learn how to get the most out of  the club.



Posted on January 21st, 2026

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Jesse Collins – Trout Tactics

Dec 03 7:00 PM at the Aptos Grange

Club member Jesse Colins is a former Alaskan Guide and will be presenting to the club on Tips and Tricks that he has discovered over time.  Zoom Recording Link

After giving a great presentation on entomology, Jesse is back to provide solid basic information for enthusiasts just starting to fly fish as well as some great nuggets for the more experienced crew – definitely something for everyone.    This will be a information packed presentation taking  45 min with 5 minute  Q&A either during or after – he will touch on a lot of topics and concepts related to catching more trout. 

Club Member Jesse Collins is a former guide who first started guiding on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula in 2007. He grew up within walking distance of the Chattahoochee River and started flyfishing when his grandfather took him to see the premier of “River Runs Through It” in 1992. For over 30 years Jesse has been tying flies and fly fishing and has fished all over America from the southeast tailwaters like the Taccoa, Chattahoochee, and South Holston Rivers, to the Great Lakes Tributaries, Pennsylvania Spring Creeks, Appalachian Freestones, Western rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, and the Beaverhead, all the way to Alaska. He is passionate about all things fly fishing and one of his favorite places in the world is Alaska where he makes it back every year.


6:30 – 7:00 pm Skills Clinic: Prior to the meeting, Jesse will display some of his favorite items that he uses to catch more trout!

Posted on November 20th, 2025

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August: Club BBQ and casting

Aug 06 6:00 PM at the Aptos Grange

For our August meeting, we’ll get together for our annual summer B-B-Q. This year, we’ll meet at 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange. The club will host a hamburgers and hot-dog cookout with all the fixings along green salad, potato salad, chips, and dessert, water and sodas.   If you are vegan, bring us your Impossible burgers and we will be happy to grill them for you.

Adult beverages will not be offered. Feel free to bring your own. This meeting is a great opportunity to meet and greet in person.  We suggest a $5 donation for the dinner.

Alex Ferber will be there with the club rods to do a casting clinic and also discuss the double-handed spey casting clinic this fall along with the Trinity river fishout on the weekend of November 7th.



NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 6:15 pm, we will be conducting short Introductory Skills to help our those new to the sport. We will also have the same Introductory Skills class at the casting clinic. Please look at the Club Activities article in the Newsletter for more information.

Posted on July 25th, 2025

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June: Jesse Collins – Stream Entomology

Jun 04 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
Jesse Collins - Entymology

Our own Jesse Collins is going to give a presentation on stream entomology (study of insects).  Not only will this help you understand the insects that are around the streams, but also a discussion of the flies that imitate them and  how to fish them.   Zoom Recording Link



NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 6:15 pm, we will be conducting short Introductory Skills to help our those new to the sport. We will also have the same Introductory Skills class at the casting clinic. Please look at the Club Activities article in the Newsletter for more information.

Posted on May 22nd, 2025

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May: Lance Gray – Steelhead

May 07 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
Lance Gray - Steelheading on the Feather

Zoom Meeting:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

The Feather River, located in Oroville, CA, has a large Fall and Spring run of steelhead. The fishery has been in the news lately due to our wild winter 2017. The river has changed in many ways for the good. The high water has wiped the slate clean. New spawning gravel has been exposed, and side channels have been opened to rear the small steelhead and salmon minnows. The presentation gives a well-rounded view of the river. The lecture portion of this presentation covers history, angling information, access points, fly-fishing techniques, and flies. Lance will explore the difference between the Fall and Spring run fish and our tactics to target these great fish.

Lance will join us on Zoom to share the knowledge he’s gained since age 17, when he went to work at Powell’s in Chico, in the fly shop and building rods. He guided for Powell’s, led fly-tying and fly-fishing schools, and traveled.

In 1993, Lance and Kirsten started Saltwater Innovations, a company that manufactured and distributed products for saltwater fly fishing. Lance’s Crystal Popper, Gray’s Billfish Fly, the KO Charlie line and the Raghead Crabs are all Saltwater Innovations products. Kirsten worked behind the scenes, handling the day-to-day operation and running the manufacturing floor of the company.

In 2003 they launched Lance Gray & Company, a full-service outfitter offering guided trips, fly-fishing schools, workshops and a travel agency. Lance conducts presentations at fly clubs and outdoor shows and supports local groups like Cub Scouts and 4H. He’s a signature tier for Aqua Flies, pro staff member for Sage and Rio and is a featured writer, with articles published in Angling Trade Magazine, California Fly Fisher, Fly Fishermen, Sierra Fisherman and Northwest Fly Fishing.



NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 6:15 pm, we will be conducting short Introductory Skills to help our those new to the sport. We will also have the same Introductory Skills class at the casting clinic. Please look at the Club Activities article n the Newsletter for more information.

Posted on April 24th, 2025

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April: Rob Anderson – Bucket list fish

Apr 02 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
Rob Anderson - New Pyramid Lake Strategies

Rob Andersen, owner and operator of Bucket List Fishing, join the club to share his expertise on new techniques for fishing Pyramid Lake and Peacock Bass in Brazil.  Zoom Recording Link

Rob’s team will be guiding the club’s Pyramid trip on June 2nd – 4th.  There are still spaces left, check your calendar and bring your questions to the meeting  Pyramid trip link

Rob was born and raised in Virginia, where he grew up hunting and fishing from a very young age.  A career in Golf brought Rob West and rekindled his interest in Fly Fishing.  After a serious accident in 2000 that required surgery and rehabilitation, Rob changed careers and joined the Reno Fly Shop. He played a key role in building the guide service and became the first non-tribal guide at Pyramid Lake, where his efforts helped grow the lake’s popularity through fishing reports and a dedicated website.

In the early 2000s, Rob’s passion for Peacock Bass led him to Brazil, where he began hosting trips to the Amazon and developing a travel program. When the Reno Fly Shop closed in 2010, Rob launched his own website to promote local guiding, including trips to Pyramid Lake, and continued his work in the Amazon with various lodges. In 2016, he partnered with Neto Silva to create an exclusive fly-fishing program on the Xeruini River Preserve, now one of the world’s premier fishing destinations.

Today, Rob runs his local guide service, Bucket List Fly Fishing, and hosts charity events, all while supporting conservation and local communities. His passion for fishing, especially at Pyramid Lake, and his dedication to giving back continue to drive his work.



NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 5:45 pm, we will be conducting short Introductory Skills to help our those new to the sport. We will also have the same Introductory Skills class at the casting clinic. Please look at the Club Activities article n the Newsletter for more information.

FUTURE SPEAKERS

Date Monthly Speaker Description
May 07 Lance Gray - Steelheading on the FeatherWe’re excited to welcome Lance Grey, longtime friend of the club and owner/operator of Lance Grey & Company, to speak with us about some of Northern California’s most renowned fisheries, including Lake Almanor and the Feather River. Lance has spent years exploring and guiding in these waters, and his deep knowledge of these rivers and lakes will give us invaluable insights into fishing techniques, seasonal patterns, and how to make the most of your time on these iconic fisheries.
Jun 04 Jesse Collins - EntymologyOur own Jesse Collins is going to give a presentation on stream entomology (study of insects).  Not only will this help you understand the insects that are around the streams, but also a discussion of the flies that imitate them and  how to fish them.   Zoom Recording Link

Posted on March 26th, 2025

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March: Jim Cox – Western River Conservancy

Mar 05 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
Jim Cox - Western Rivers Conservancy

Jim joined Western Rivers Conservancy as Director of Donor Relations in 2011. He is a past steering committee co-chair of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon and is an active member of the Northwest Planned Giving Roundtable. He is a member of numerous conservation organizations including Trout Unlimited, Flyfishers Club of Oregon, FFI, and the Native Fish Society. Jim holds a Bachelor of Theatre Degree from Willamette University and lives in Portland, Oregon. In his free time, you can find him fly fishing for trout and steelhead on is favorite western streams and occasionally sitting in as guest trumpet soloist with the Latin jazz band The Steelhead Stalkers.

Western Rivers Conservancy has been working for more than 35 years to conserve and protect lands on more than 280 rivers and streams in nine western states, purchasing properties across the West to protect and conserve vital river ecosystems and to provide compatible public use and enjoyment.  Jim will be discussing the organization’s recent projects across the west including Dillon Beach in California, McDermitt Creek in Oregon, Terryall Creek Colorado, Racetrack Creek in Montana, the Yakima River in Washington and the Selway River in Idaho among others.



NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 5:45 pm, we will be conducting short Introductory Skills to help our those new to the sport. We will also have the same Introductory Skills class at the casting clinic. Please look at the Club Activities article n the Newsletter for more information.

FUTURE SPEAKERS

Date Monthly Speaker Description
Apr 02 Rob Anderson - New Pyramid Lake StrategiesRob Andersen, owner and operator of Bucket List Fishing, join the club to share his expertise on new techniques for fishing Pyramid Lake and Peacock Bass in Brazil.  Zoom Recording Link
May 07 Lance Gray - Steelheading on the FeatherWe’re excited to welcome Lance Grey, longtime friend of the club and owner/operator of Lance Grey & Company, to speak with us about some of Northern California’s most renowned fisheries, including Lake Almanor and the Feather River. Lance has spent years exploring and guiding in these waters, and his deep knowledge of these rivers and lakes will give us invaluable insights into fishing techniques, seasonal patterns, and how to make the most of your time on these iconic fisheries.
Jun 04 Jesse Collins - EntymologyOur own Jesse Collins is going to give a presentation on stream entomology (study of insects).  Not only will this help you understand the insects that are around the streams, but also a discussion of the flies that imitate them and  how to fish them.   Zoom Recording Link

Posted on February 27th, 2025

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February Meeting – New Member Orientation and Hangout



Feb 05 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange

We are not going to have an “official meeting” in February since we have just had the Annual Fundraiser the Saturday before.   However, we have already rented the Aptos Grange for Feb 5th and so we are going to open it up for a hang out.   There will be a couple of different groups meeting there that night.

New Member Orientation:   This is open to anyone, but is primarily meant for people who have joined in the last year.   Opportunity to meet other new members, talk about your fishing goals and learn how to get the most out of  the club.

Women’s Group Meetup:    This is an opportunity for women in the club to be able to meet each other, discuss fishing opportunities and ways to make the club more welcoming to the fastest growing segment of fly fishing.

 

Date Monthly Speaker Description
Mar 05 Jim Cox - Western Rivers ConservancyJim Cox joined Western Rivers Conservancy in 2011 and is the Director of Donor Relations. He has more than 40 years of experience working professionally in the nonprofit sector. Jim joining the club to discuss how Western Rivers Conservancy works to restore and protect rivers through the Western US.
Apr 02 Rob Anderson - New Pyramid Lake StrategiesRob Andersen, owner and operator of Bucket List Fishing, join the club to share his expertise on new techniques for fishing Pyramid Lake and Peacock Bass in Brazil.  Zoom Recording Link
May 07 Lance Gray - Steelheading on the FeatherWe’re excited to welcome Lance Grey, longtime friend of the club and owner/operator of Lance Grey & Company, to speak with us about some of Northern California’s most renowned fisheries, including Lake Almanor and the Feather River. Lance has spent years exploring and guiding in these waters, and his deep knowledge of these rivers and lakes will give us invaluable insights into fishing techniques, seasonal patterns, and how to make the most of your time on these iconic fisheries.
Jun 04 Jesse Collins - EntymologyOur own Jesse Collins is going to give a presentation on stream entomology (study of insects).  Not only will this help you understand the insects that are around the streams, but also a discussion of the flies that imitate them and  how to fish them.   Zoom Recording Link

Posted on January 23rd, 2025

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Fish Stories from our members

Jan 08 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
2024 Fish Stories from our members

Zoom Meeting:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Let’s start the new year by listening to stories from your fellow club  members.   First fish, biggest fish, funniest story, who knows what we will hear.

For those of you who want to see what people did in 2024, please spend time looking at the pictures and captions on the club’s website: www.santacruzflyfishing.org . Viewing is best done on a full screen computer and when you click on the picture, you get a larger image and the full description. Images are sorted chronologically and hitting the ‘Load More’ button at the bottom of the page will show pictures from earlier in the year. Also, please share your pictures with others by sending them to Jerry at metropolitantrout@gmail.com.



Posted on December 27th, 2024

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Fly Fishing in Chilean Patagonia – Live Speaker

Dec 04 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Recording of the Meeting:  https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/IYqsd16PFQHY5nHdEK4yoC30hTuneOfb2oTNwjjaTHzgxfUPrLQeOG-4h8qNl1K8.jS-yHbwPMVWTxARn

(transcript included.  Minute 50:00 Miles Marquez talk.  Minute 19:00  Bucket list places and international travel tips)

Miles has been with Big Sky Anglers since the business on the corner of Madison and Canyon Street. He started out in the fly shop and quickly made his way to a full time guide in short order. Miles has truly unique background, he grew up on the streets of New York City, he and his buddies chased striped bass with their fly rods from the Bronx, along the East River, and down to the jetties in Queens. In between, they would ride the train up to the Catskills and fish dries on fabled rivers such as the Beaverkill and the West Branch of the Delaware River. Over the years Miles has lived and fished along the central California coast, in Northern Georgia, in rural Indiana, Argentina and Chile. Miles served with distinction in the US Army’s special operations community, as a member of 1st Bn, 75th Ranger Regiment. A Ranger School graduate, two deployments to Afghanistan and a wide variety of special operations training in all environments makes him no stranger to the outdoors, and a respectful and professional individual of the highest order.

After leaving the Army in the Spring of 2015, Miles moved to West Yellowstone. Miles quickly began to soak up local knowledge and learn the area’s waters as well as many of the long time locals. His drive and knowledge led to him to search for work in the fishing world.

Miles splits time between guiding full-time in West Yellowstone in the summer and in Chile for Martin Pescador during the winter months. When he’s not out on the water, you can find him rock climbing throughout the Rockies or hanging with his daughter, River.

You will never find Miles on the same piece of water day after day. Whether he’s on the Lakes, the Madison, Henry’s Fork or deep in the Yellowstone backcountry, he loves to explore all the area has to offer. Miles believes that fly fishing in any capacity or location makes all your worldly problems and worries vanish behind the sound of the river, the wild around you, and the rhythm of your casting stroke.



January general meeting will be on Wednesday the 8th and the January fly tying class will be cancelled.

Posted on November 26th, 2024

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Geoff Malloway of Central Coast Fly Fishing

Nov 06 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
Geoff Malloway ~ Owner of Central Coast Fly Fishing

Zoom Meeting:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Born in Carmel and raised in Monterey, Geoff Malloway grew up in the fields and streams of California’s Central Coast.  His time studying Natural Resources Management at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, further developed his love and respect for the outdoors and his desire to share and teach the conservation ethic.  In April 1996, Geoff settled on opening Central Coast Fly Fishing since he wanted to be self-employed yet still have an avenue to work with natural resource agencies and the public.

The members of Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club are long time fans and supporters of Central Coast Fly Fishing as the only shop in Monterey(now even closer!).   Geoff visiting Novembers meeting to discuss the new shop locations, fishing classes and programs offered, and a review of the rules regulations of our local waters.



Posted on October 30th, 2024

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Local Surf Fly Fishing

Oct 02 6:45 AM at the Aptos Grange
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

The ocean is the closest fishery that we have in Santa Cruz.  Luckily for us in the area, our beaches provide ample access for those to take advantage of this fishery year-round.

Club members Jerry McKeon, Tommy Polito, and Lance Boiling will discuss fly fishing on our local beaches.  We will chat about everything from tides and conditions to gear and tips.  Whether you’re new to fishing the surf, or an experienced feather chucker; come share stories and learn why our closest fishery is one of our favorites.



Posted on September 24th, 2024

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Restoring the Klamath River – Virtual Speaker

Sep 04 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Dr. Mark Rockwell has been working on environmental issues since 2001, when he retired from his Chiropractic Practice in Redwood City, CA. He’s been married 54 years and has 3 children.  In 2001 he became the V.P. of Conservation for the Northern California Council, Fly Fishers International (NCCFFI). In 2005, after returning from a lobby trip to D.C. on Snake River dam removal, he was invited to be the California Organizer of the Endangered Species Coalition (ESC), working to stop the Congressional effort to rewrite the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  He worked for 12 years for the ESC as the California Organizer, and then the Pacific Field Organizer in charge of California, Oregon and Washington field operations.  He has been in leadership for Fly Fishers International (FFI) since joining the Board of the Northern California Council, FFI in 2003, serving as V.P. of Conservation, and then President from 2018 to 2023. He continues today as the V.P. of Conservation, and has received the coveted FFI Conservation Leadership Award twice – 2007 & 2023.


He began working on Klamath river dam removal in 2003, signing the original Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement (KBRA) & Klamath Hydropower Settlement Agreement (KHSA) agreements in 2010, and the current revised KHSA in 2015. It’s been a 20+ year collaborative
effort to provide the opportunity for the Klamath River to return to its historic greatness. In 2023 the license to operate the Klamath project was transferred and surrendered to the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, the entity formed to manage removal of the 4 dams and oversee restoration of the footprint lands of the project. As of early 2024, the Klamath is running free for the first time since 1918, and all dams will be off the river by the end of October 2024.

Mark continues to be focused on fishery & watershed conservation as his post-chiropractic life mission. “I spent my professional life treating spine and nervous system interference problems for my community in the San Francisco region for 25 years, and my post Chiropractic life working to improve our planet. Both of these efforts are done with a sense of love and caring. Conserving our great watersheds & fish is now my purpose. We owe it to our children & grandkids to pass along to them the same greatness & beauty we inherited.” ~ Dr. Mark Rockwell



Posted on August 27th, 2024

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August BBQ 2024

Aug 07 6:00 PM at the Aptos Grange Club BBQ 2024

For our August meeting, we’ll get together for our annual summer B-B-Q. This year, we’ll meet at 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange. The club will host a burger and hot-dog cookout with all the fixings along chips, water and sodas. We suggest a $5 donation for the dinner.

Adult beverages will not be offered. Feel free to bring your own. This meeting is a great opportunity to meet and greet in person.



Posted on July 29th, 2024

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Trout Unlimited Meeting

Jun 19 6:30 PM at the Aptos Grange
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939
TU Meeting at Aptos Grange on June 19th

Trout Unlimited Steinbeck Country Chapter (Central Coast of California) membership meeting announcement.
Please join us for a hybrid General Membership meeting on June 19th.
Date:  June 19
Time:  6:30 – 8:00
In Person Location:  Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Dr, Aptos, CA  95003
Zoom option:  Join Zoom Meeting  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88295626770
Meeting ID: 882 9562 6770

Agenda:
6:00 Gather and Social Time
6:30 Call to Order and Introduction by Christy Fischer, Chapter President
7:00 Presentation: Current and Future of the Klamath River – After the Dams are Gone – Latest news and Vision for the Future Presentation by Tommy Williams, SW NOAA Science Center
7:45 Presentation: Carmel River / Rancho Canada Floodplain Project – Turning a Golf Course into a Natural River on the Central Coast Presentation by Tim Frahm, Trout Unlimited
8:00 Wrap up by Christy Fischer – What’s next for the Chapter

Our lead presenter for this meeting is Tommy Williams who is a research biologist at the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) for the past 24 years, Tommy serves as the lead for the SWFSC on issues related to planning, and science issues regarding the removal of four dams on the Klamath River.  He knows the river, the landscape, the politics, the current conditions and the potential for recovery of cold-water fisheries.

Also presenting will be Tim Frahm, TU Central Coast Steelhead Project Manager discussing the ambitious Carmel River Floodplain Restoration Project (largest such project on the California Coast) which will commence construction next summer (2-year effort).

 

Posted on May 29th, 2024

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Matt: Truckee River

Jun 05 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Matt began fly fishing the waters of the Tahoe-Truckee region when he was a kid. As a guide, Gilligan brings to the river over 35 years of experience fly fishing and tying flies for Truckee River trout. A veteran guide, Gill loves to guide anglers of all abilities. Gill lives on the banks of the Truckee River in Hirschdale Ca, and has a familiarity with river that he will present to you.

www.gilligansguideservice.com

Posted on May 29th, 2024

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Jesse Collins: Fishing Alaska

May 01 6:30 PM at the Aptos Grange
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

 

Club Member Jesse Collins is a former guide who first started guiding on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula in 2007. He grew up within walking distance of the Chattahoochee River and started flyfishing when his grandfather took him to see the premier of “River Runs Through It” in 1992. For over 30 years Jesse has been tying flies and fly fishing and has fished all over America from the southeast tailwaters like the Taccoa, Chattahoochee, and South Holston Rivers, to the Great Lakes Tributaries, Pennsylvania Spring Creeks, Appalachian Freestones, Western rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, and the Beaverhead, all the way to Alaska. He is passionate about all things fly fishing and one of his favorite places in the world is Alaska where he makes it back every year.

Posted on April 24th, 2024

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The Origin of Golden Trout with Steve Schalla


Apr 03 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939


Steve Schalla is the creator of the website, www.FlyFishingtheSierra.com. Filled with maps and fishing knowledge, the website has become a repository for everything he’s learned about fly fishing over the past 30 years. Steve’s goal has been to create regional maps covering all of the waters of the Sierra. These maps show fish species, fishless areas, access trails, fishing/permit regulations, and a hatch chart with a suggested fly selection.

Steve is a graduate of Forestry from Cal with an emphasis on Botany from UCSB. He has established reforestation nurseries in California, Oregon, and Washington and grew close to 45 million seedlings for replanting many of our forests. Additionally, Steve is active with Fly Fishers International and his local club, Sespe Fly Fishers.

Steve will be speaking to the club on the history of the Golden Trout Wilderness, from the uniqueness of the geology and natural fish introduction to cultural interests that impact  Golden Trout today.


Apr 03 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939


Click here to see current month club meeting program

Posted on March 27th, 2024

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David Gregory – March


Mar 06 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939


David Gregory is the owner of Yosemite Outfitters, a fly fishing and Hiking guide service out of Yosemite.


David has a B.S. in Parks and Recreation Management and is a graduate of Clearwater Guide School. He is enthusiastically devoted to sharing his love of fly fishing and guides for Yosemite Outfitters. The past 19 years he has formed a deep connection to Yosemite and the cool crystal waters off the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers


From roaming the Patagonian Andes to the sheer magic of Yosemite, David Gregory will take us on an aquatic adventure through places that have captured his heart.  Addressing the need for conservation and stewardship to preserve the future of our sport and planet.

Posted on March 1st, 2024

Date:  January 3, 2024

Time:  6:45 pm

Place:  Aptos Grange and Zoom

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Fish Stories from our members

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Let’s start the year by hearing some fish stories from fellow club members. Stories will be about a 50 year fish hunt, chasing native fish in the west, blitzes in the bay and more. Hope to see you there!

For those of you who want to see what people did in 2023, please spend time looking at the pictures and captions on the club’s website: www.santacruzflyfishing.org . Viewing is best done on a full screen computer and when you click on the picture, you get a larger image and the full description. Images are sorted chronologically and hitting the ‘Load More’ button at the bottom of the page will show pictures from earlier in the year. Also, please share your pictures with others by sending them to Jerry at metropolitantrout@gmail.com.

Posted on December 27th, 2023

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Lance Gray – December


Dec 06 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Lance Gray - Guide

During 2003, Lance and Kirsten Gray launched Lance Gray & Co., a full-service outfitter offering guided trips, fly-fishing schools, workshops and a travel agency. His guide service covers Lake Almanor, Manzanita Lake, and the Yuba, Lower Sac and Feather rivers. Lance is a signature tier for Aqua Flies, pro staff member for Sage and Rio and is a featured writer, with articles published in Angling Trade Magazine, California Fly Fisher, Fly Fishermen, Sierra Fisherman and Northwest Fly Fishing.

Lance and Kirsten together have more than a combined 50 years of experience in fly fishing. Lance started fly fishing with his father and brother Lincoln at age 7. In his teens, he began tying flies commercially for shops all around Northern California. During 1993, Lance and Kirsten started Saltwater Innovations, a manufacturer and distributor products for saltwater fly fishing. Lance’s Crystal Popper, Gray’s Billfish Fly, the KO Charlie line and the Raghead Crabs are all Saltwater Innovations products. Kirsten worked behind the scenes, handling day-to-day operations and running the manufacturing floor.

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt
Jan 03 Club Meeting

Posted on November 29th, 2023

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Conway Bowman ~ Fly Fishing for Mako Sharks


Nov 01 6:30 PM at the Aptos Grange

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939


Conway X Bowman is a USCG-licensed captain who pioneered fly fishing for Mako sharks over 27 years ago. has fly fished and guided around the globe from the jungles of Thailand to the remote lakes and rivers of Alaska.

Conway is regarded as one of the top fly fishing guides and anglers in the world. His pioneering of not only Mako sharks on the fly, but also West Coast saltwater fly fishing has been featured in many books, and he is the author of The Orvis Guide to Saltwater Fly fishing: 101 tips for the Absolute Beginner. Conway resides in the coastal town of Encinitas, California, with his marine biologist wife, Michelle, and their boys Maximillian and Jackson.

Conway will be joining the club virtually to speak about fly fishing for Mako Sharks just off the coast of San Diego.

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt
Nov 01 November's Virtual Speaker ~ Conway Bowman ~ Fly Fishing for Mako Sharks
Lance Gray - GuideDec 06 Lance Gray - Guide
Jan 03 Club Meeting

Posted on October 26th, 2023

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Fly Fishing Film Tour – Part 2


Oct 04 6:00 PM at the Aptos Grange
Fly Fishing Film Tour - Part 2

The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club presents the Part 2 of Fly Fishing Film Tours 2023 film line up at the Aptos Grange during the October general meeting.  We want this to be a fun and exciting event and as a way of recruiting new club members. Please invite friends to come and watch the movie with you. No food and or drinks during the movie since we cannot have them in the main room of the Grange. However, we will have time after the film to visit and snack in the side room. We will have sodas and water for sale, if you want anything else, you need to bring it.

17th annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T)

The 2023 show will feature locations from Cuba to Patagonia, Mexico to Australia, Alaska, Wyoming, the Deep South, Massachusetts and beyond. Experience the achievement of a permit slam, follow one man’s journey from Mexico to the waters of Wyoming, explore the best international waters and compete for the legendary belt buckle. Join us for a journey of adventure, friendship and the best fly fishing action.

The F3T is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Come for the action and stay for the giveaways and camaraderie that will feed your fishing addiction.

More info: https://flyfilmtour.com

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

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt
Nov 01 November's Virtual Speaker ~ Conway Bowman ~ Fly Fishing for Mako Sharks
Lance Gray - GuideDec 06 Lance Gray - Guide
Jan 03 Club Meeting

Posted on September 26th, 2023