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August 2023 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
   August BBQ
Summer Raffle Schedule……………………
President’s Line……………………
Fly Tying……………………
 August Class: Chubby Chernobyl
 Fly of the Month: Parachute Ant with Orange Post
Conservation Concerns……………
 Fall Creek Fish Ladder Improvement Project Begins
Membership Notes…………………
 Club Activities – August
 Hands-On Learning Opportunities
 30 2023 Rosters Will Be Available
Fishout Schedule…………………
Gone Fishing…………………
 Lake Almanor Fishout
Cartoon ……………………

Posted on July 26th, 2023

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Lake Almanor Fishout

by Jeff Goyert

Group photo of SCFF members at Lake Almanor fishout.

I think that the dozen of us that participated in the Lake Almanor Fishout would agree that the weather was perfect; cool and crisp in the mornings and up into the mid-seventies in the afternoons. The downside of the mild weather was the relatively cool lake water temperature which reduced the quality of the Hexagenia hatch. A handful of big fish were taken by anglers lucky enough be in the right place at the right time doing the right thing. 

Those that ventured to other local waters such as Clear Creek, Crater Lake, Baum Lake, Manzanita Lake and such were rewarded for their time spent behind the wheel with lovely scenery and quality fly fishing. 

The dates for next year’s Lake Almanor Fishout will be Saturday 6/22 thru Saturday 6/29. For cabin reservations at Wilson’s Camp call Debbie a 530-259-2267. For cabins at Plumas Pines call 530-259-4343.

Many thanks to all that participated in this years event, congratulations to those successful in their angling efforts. 

Posted on July 26th, 2023

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Fall Creek Fish Ladder Improvement Project Begins

by Bob Garbarino

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District has announced that work has begun in Felton to improve fish migration up into Fall Creek—a tributary of San Lorenzo River. Early last year, our club submitted a letter in support of this project. This was in response to a request from one of our members, Carly Blanchard, who happens to be The San Lorenzo Valley Water District Environmental Programs Manager. The existing fish ladder—built thirty years ago—had steps too tall to allow the fish to easily move up the creek. The re-design incorporates lowering the ladder steps from eighteen to twelve inch steps. This is critical to make the trip upstream easier for steelhead and coho salmon. The water district has been working with the National Marine Fisheries Services and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on the design to meet current accepted standards. The budget for the project is about $2.3 million with $1.1 million coming by way of a grant from the CDFW Watershed Restoration Grant Program. Completion date is expected to be October 2023.  Great work Carly!
By the way, there is a trail that follows Fall Creek in the Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell State Park that is beautiful, especially this year after all the rain. Check it out if you get a chance.
For more information, go to: https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2023/07/10/fish-ladder-upgrades-underway-at-fall-creek-in-felton/

Posted on July 26th, 2023

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Club Activities – August

Date Activity Link DescriptionLocation
Aug 26 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.

Jade Street Park baseball field
Sep 06 6:00 pm - 9:00 pmFly Fishing Film Tour 2023

The 17th annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T) The 2023 show will feature locations from Cuba to Patagonia, Mexico to Australia, Alaska, Wyoming, the Deep South, Massachusetts and beyond. Experience the achievement of a permit slam, follow one man’s journey from Mexico to the waters of Wyoming, explore the best international waters and compete for the legendary belt buckle. Join us for a journey of adventure, friendship and the best fly fishing action.

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

Aptos Grange
Sep 23 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.

Jade Street Park baseball field

Posted on July 26th, 2023

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Fishout Schedule – August

The newsletter provides brief fishout info.  For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule

EVENT NAME EVENT DATE SPECIES FISH MASTER
Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout Aug 05Surf Perch / Striped Bass Sam Bishop
Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout Sep 02Surf Perch / Striped Bass To Be Determined
Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Sep 08 - Sep 10Trout Alex Ferber 
Mammoth Fishout – UPDATED – Sep 23 - Oct 07Trouts John Cook
October surf fishout – Beer Can Oct 07perch, stripers Sam Bishop - Fishing; Mike Lovejoy - Breakfast
Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) – CONFIRMED Oct 14 Oct 14Bass, crappie, bluegill Scott Kitayama
O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout Oct 19 - Oct 22Striped Bass Kevin Murdock
2023 Fishout Round-Up Dec 01 - Dec 02FISH Club Members
Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Date Postponed High Water Mar 15 - Mar 17Trout Alex Ferber 
Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info Apr 01 - Apr 07Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Mike White - (831) 706-5556
Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) Apr 20Bass, crappie, bluegill Scott Kitayama

Aug 05 : Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/rio-del-mar-state-beach-surf-fishout/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop
First Surf Fishout of 2023! Saturday May 6th 2023 5:55AM Location: Rio Del Mar State Beach Read More

Sep 02 : Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/manresa-state-beach-surf-fishout/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: To Be Determined
Location: Manresa State Beach  Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass  Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of… Read More

Sep 08 : Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir)


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/upper-sacramento-river-fishout-dunsmuir/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber 
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Upper Sacramento River with Potential McCloud River Side Trip Species: Trout Duration: 3 Days Cost: No Cost https://goo.gl/maps/qC5QbdWhMStgX27X9 Equipment: Typical Trout Set Up 9', 4-6wt Rods w/ Floating Lines Ideal Euro Nymphing, and Trout Spey conditions available Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hairs Ear, Prince Nymph, Wooly Buggers, Perdigon, Copper Johns, Zebra Midge,… Read More

Sep 23 : Mammoth Fishout – UPDATED –


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/mammoth-fishout-2/
Mammoth Fishout - UPDATED -
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: John Cook
UPDATE Both weeks of this Fishout has been filled. I am maintaining a waiting list. There are three people on the list currently. If I get enough I will think about getting another condo. Please email or contact me directly for inquires.  John & Elain Cook - Fishmaster (831) 234-6515 coookin@gmail.com Dates:  This Fishout will… Read More

Oct 07 : October surf fishout – Beer Can


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/october-surf-fishout/
October surf fishout - Beer Can
Beer Can Beach (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop - Fishing; Mike Lovejoy - Breakfast
Surf fish-out Saturday October 7, followed by breakfast at Mike Lovejoy's. Important location information and breakfast information Read More

Oct 14 : Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) – CONFIRMED Oct 14


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kelly-lake-watsonville-bass-crappie/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 10 people) Species: bass,  crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited.  Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. I am waiting on confirmation on this date, however I wanted to gauge… Read More

Oct 19 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/o-neill-forebay-stosh-memorial-fish-out/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Kevin Murdock
Event: O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout Date: Thursday October 19 to Sunday October 22 (I chose this weekend for it's 'skinny' moon, less night feeding for the fish) Target Gamefish: Striped Bass Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O'Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33) Hosts: Kevin Murdock … Read More

Dec 01 : 2023 Fishout Round-Up


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/2023-fishout-round-up/
2023 Fishout Round-Up
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Club Members
Greetings Club Members (Existing, new, soon to be),  This though not a Fishout, but rather a year in review of 2023's great events held by our members.  19 trips planned in 2023 not all the trips planned were executed due to the high waters and weather early in the season but for some of those… Read More

Mar 15 : Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Date Postponed High Water


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/upper-sacramento-river-fishout-dunsmuir-2/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber 
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Upper Sacramento River with Potential McCloud River Side Trip Species: Trout Date / Duration: POSTPONED DUE TO HIGH WATER Tentatively March 15th - 17th, 3 Days                                                   … Read More

Apr 01 : Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/pyramid-lake-fish-out-april-1-april-7-2024-new-info/

Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Mike White - (831) 706-5556
The Pyramid Lake trip is one of the best-attended fishouts the club has, and for a good reason. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cruise parallel to the shore in easy casting distance from shore. Read More

Apr 20 : Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie)


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kelly-lake-watsonville-bass-crappie-date-tbd/
Kelly Lake - Watsonville (bass, crappie)
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama
Updated March 25th,  fish out if full. Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 6 people) Species: bass,  crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited.  Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. On this Fishout, priority will be… Read More

Posted on July 26th, 2023

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Chubby Chernobyl – August Fly Tying Class



Aug 09 6:30 PM @ Aptos Grange

This fly just works.  It makes a great hopper/dropper top fly and it catches fish on it’s own.  No dry fly hackle or other expensive materials and it can be tied and just about any color.  We’ll be tying this one in purple which is probably my favorite version.  It’s also not too difficult to tie making it great for beginners.

Purple, black or dark thread in 6/0 or 70 denier works well but anything close will do.  I’ll have some extra thread.  Another thing to bring, if you have it is super glue.  All materials provided.  Please bring your vise and tools but if you need anything, let me know.

No need to RSVP.

Hope to see you there! Jerry

Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.

Date Fly Excerpt
Barry SmeltSep 13 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmBarry Smelt

Guest instructor: Michael Sherwood

October Caddis - Fly Tying ClassOct 11 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmOctober Caddis - Fly Tying Class

All club members are welcome!

Posted on July 25th, 2023

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August BBQ

Aug 02 6:00 PM at the Aptos Grange Club BBQ

For our August meeting, we’ll get together for our annual summer B-B-Q. This year, we’ll meet at 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange. The club will host a burger and hot-dog cookout with all the fixings. (Adult beverages will not be offered. Feel free to bring your own.)

We’ll also hold a fishing swap-meet/flea market. Bring your gently or un-used gear to the meeting for cash or trade. Be sure to bring your own display table.

Also, bring your favorite rod and join the cast for cash competition.   This meeting is a great opportunity to meet and greet in person.



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

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt
Sep 06 Fly Fishing Film Tour 2023
Fly Fishing Film Tour - Part 2Oct 04 Fly Fishing Film Tour - Part 2
Nov 01 November's Virtual Speaker ~ Conway Bowman ~ Fly Fishing for Mako Sharks
Lance Gray - GuideDec 06 Lance Gray - Guide

Posted on July 25th, 2023

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Summer notes

We are going to have the Annual BBQ and Swap meet at the Aptos Grange on Wednesday, August 2nd at 6:00 pm. I kind of think of this event as a gift from David South and Kevin Murdock to the club members. They do all of the purchase of the food, prep and cook it for us. All they want is that we show up, eat some food, and have a good time. Its that easy to make them happy.

Bucket-List Fishing 


In June, I joined club members, Elaine and John Cook, Kathy Powers and Michael Sherwood as we camped and fished our way through Yellowstone NP, Cody WY and Dutch John UT. With guides costing upwards of $700 a day, it was an honor to fish and learn from fellow club members who have been fishing these waters annually for upwards of 25 years. We had lots-of-fish days and no-fish days, sunny days and God-is-going-to-blow-our-camper-two-states-east days. After two and a half weeks, I was sated; I could have fished more, but I didn’t need to fish more. And that might be the best way to end a trip.

Goodbye and thank you Emily Marriott

Just last year, Emily Marriott joined the SCFF club and the Board by volunteering for the Secretary and the Marketing positions. Without any prior experience in fly fishing, Emily learned quickly and became a regular at the fly tying classes and the surf fishouts. In August, Emily and Adam are moving to central Illinois to help care for aging parents and be closer to their daughter and grandchild.  We are going to miss Emily’s smile, purple hair, and great work she did on behalf of the club. Thank you so much Emily!

Welcome Carly Blanchard to the SCFF Board

For the rest of the 2023, Carly Blanchard has stepped in to be the Secretary for the club. Carly has been helping behind the scenes with the monthly online raffle and she is going to be a real help with conservation issues as she is the Environmental Programs Manager for the San Lorenzo Valley Watershed District. You can read about one of her projects, “Fall Creek Fish Ladder”, in the conservations section of the newsletter. We are lucky to have her join the Board!

We still have an opening on the Board for Marketing and Merchandise position. If you have a creative flair, like designing and selling logo items, and want to help spread the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing brand than let’s talk!

Posted on July 25th, 2023

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Club Activities – July

Date Activity Link DescriptionLocation
Jul 22 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.

Jade Street Park baseball field
Aug 26 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.

Jade Street Park baseball field

Posted on June 28th, 2023

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July 2023 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
  No monthly meeting in July – August BBQ
Summer Raffle Schedule……………………
President’s Line……………………
Fly Tying……………………
 July Class: Copper John
 Fly of the Month: Renegade Fly
Conservation Concerns……………
 Tulare Lake is Back—For Now
Membership Notes…………………
 Club Activities – July
  Fly Casting Meetup July 22 at Jade St. Park
 2023 Rosters available August BBQ
Fishout Schedule…………………
Cartoon ……………………

Posted on June 28th, 2023

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Summer Raffle Schedule

by Jeff Goyert, Raffle Chairman

The Fly Club raffle is taking a short break for the summer. There will be no meeting or raffle in July, in lieu of the August meeting we will be holding our annual summer BBQ. No raffle but we will have some great door prizes. Don’t miss out. 

September will see our regular meeting with both online and in-person raffle ticket sales. 

Many thanks to all who participate in our raffles, your support is greatly appreciated. 

Posted on June 26th, 2023

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Tulare Lake is Back—For Now

by Bob Garbarino

Some of the expected outcomes of the onslaught of storms this year are the near record snowpack, reservoirs full to the brim and swollen rivers. With climate change, we can expect more drastic swings between flooding and drought in a feast-or-famine cycle. One event during heavy rain and snowpack years is the re-emergence of the “ghost lake”—Tulare Lake. Part of the complex history of man controlling water in California, Tulare has an interesting legacy. Tulare Lake was once the largest lake west of the Mississippi River, although its size varied between dry and wet periods. It was fed by the Kings, Tule, Kaweah and smaller rivers. During a typical year, the lake covered 650-700 square miles!
It provided habitat to a vast number of wildlife including thicktail chub (now extinct),  hitch, blackfish, Sacramento perch, pikeminnow, sucker, Tule Elk,  blackbirds, singing marsh wrens, geese, ducks white pelicans, black cormorants, herons, egrets, frogs, turtles, otters and beaver. Living off the abundance of wildlife were the indigenous Yokuts bands.
The demise of the Yokuts and Tulare lake can be traced to the appearance of European settlers. In the case of the Yokuts, malaria, smallpox, enslavement, genocide and the loss of their ancestral land were certainly devastating.
For Tulare Lake, after California became a State, the newly annexed “swamp and overflow” land in the area was subject to sale by the federal government for pennies. The conditions for sale were that the lake can be crossed in a boat and that the prospective buyer was willing to drain the lake for the purpose of farming. With this incentive, farmers engaged in constructing levees and other water containment measures to make the lake bed farmable. The final blow to the lake came in the first half of the 20th century with the influx of mega farming. These farmers had a hand in convincing the Army Corps of Engineers to spend millions of dollars building Pine Flat Dam on the Kings River as a flood control structure. Following shortly afterwards, dams on the Kaweah, Tule, and Kern Rivers were built. So, except during years when the snowmelt overwhelms the flood control infrastructure (1969, 1983, and 1997 and 2023) Tulare Lake does not exist. From a wildlife resurgence perspective, this year can be considered a wonderful event. Not to mention recharging much-depleted aquifers that have been over-drawn over the years. The downside is how all the water has disrupted and displaced residents in the region. Many of the residents are on the low end of the income scale, will loose farming jobs. Water managers in the area think that it may take a year or two to reclaim much of the lake for farming, costing the economy over a billion dollars.
While we will never return Tulare Lake to its historic glory, I can’t help from thinking if a scaled back version of the lake would be a compromise for the best interests for all stakeholders in California.

For an interesting read, see the following website:  https://californiawaterblog.com/2023/04/16/lake-tulare-and-its-fishes-shall-rise-again/

Posted on June 21st, 2023

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Fishout Schedule – July

The newsletter provides brief fishout info.  For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule

EVENT NAME EVENT DATE SPECIES FISH MASTER
Palm Beach Surf Fishout Jul 01Surf Perch / Striped Bass Sam Bishop
Loreto Fly Fishing Trip July 2023 Jul 16 - Jul 20Salty Sharp Toothed Fishy Critters Rich Hughett
Kennedy Meadows / Sonora Pass – Fish-Out 2023 Jul 23 - Jul 27Trout Tom Hogye
Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout Aug 05Surf Perch / Striped Bass Sam Bishop
Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout Sep 02Surf Perch / Striped Bass To Be Determined
Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Sep 08 - Sep 10Trout Alex Ferber 
Mammoth Fishout – UPDATED – Sep 23 - Oct 07Trouts John Cook
October surf fishout – Beer Can Oct 07perch, stripers Sam Bishop - Fishing; Mike Lovejoy - Breakfast
Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) – CONFIRMED Oct 14 Oct 14Bass, crappie, bluegill Scott Kitayama
O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout Oct 19 - Oct 22Striped Bass Kevin Murdock
2023 Fishout Round-Up Dec 01 - Dec 02FISH Club Members
Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Date Postponed High Water Mar 15 - Mar 17Trout Alex Ferber 
Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info Apr 01 - Apr 07Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Mike White - (831) 706-5556
Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) Apr 20Bass, crappie, bluegill Scott Kitayama

Jul 01 : Palm Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/santa-cruz-county-surf-fishout-2/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop
Location: Palm Beach State Park  Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass  Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the… Read More

Jul 16 : Loreto Fly Fishing Trip July 2023


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/loreto-fly-fishing-trip-july-2023/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Rich Hughett
Sign Up Now! Experience a new HIGH! Fish for Dorado, and many other salt-water fish, including Bonito, Roosters, Yellowtail and Sailfish on a fly! Join the group going to Loreto in Baja Sunday, July 16th through Thursday, July 20th. This trip includes: Four nights at the beautiful Hotel La Mission, on the water-front next to… Read More

Jul 23 : Kennedy Meadows / Sonora Pass – Fish-Out 2023


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kennedy-meadows-sonora-pass-fish-out-2023/
Kennedy Meadows / Sonora Pass - Fish-Out 2023
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Tom Hogye
Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station / Baker & Deadman campground. http://www.kennedymeadows.com.   If you want to stay in a cabin, you should try to get a reservation now. The cabins generally roll over annually with returning guests from the previous year.   The Hogye's will be in Cabin 11.   Rates range from $115 - 260 per… Read More

Aug 05 : Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/rio-del-mar-state-beach-surf-fishout/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop
First Surf Fishout of 2023! Saturday May 6th 2023 5:55AM Location: Rio Del Mar State Beach Read More

Sep 02 : Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/manresa-state-beach-surf-fishout/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: To Be Determined
Location: Manresa State Beach  Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass  Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of… Read More

Sep 08 : Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir)


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/upper-sacramento-river-fishout-dunsmuir/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber 
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Upper Sacramento River with Potential McCloud River Side Trip Species: Trout Duration: 3 Days Cost: No Cost https://goo.gl/maps/qC5QbdWhMStgX27X9 Equipment: Typical Trout Set Up 9', 4-6wt Rods w/ Floating Lines Ideal Euro Nymphing, and Trout Spey conditions available Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hairs Ear, Prince Nymph, Wooly Buggers, Perdigon, Copper Johns, Zebra Midge,… Read More

Sep 23 : Mammoth Fishout – UPDATED –


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/mammoth-fishout-2/
Mammoth Fishout - UPDATED -
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: John Cook
UPDATE Both weeks of this Fishout has been filled. I am maintaining a waiting list. There are three people on the list currently. If I get enough I will think about getting another condo. Please email or contact me directly for inquires.  John & Elain Cook - Fishmaster (831) 234-6515 coookin@gmail.com Dates:  This Fishout will… Read More

Oct 07 : October surf fishout – Beer Can


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/october-surf-fishout/
October surf fishout - Beer Can
Beer Can Beach (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop - Fishing; Mike Lovejoy - Breakfast
Surf fish-out Saturday October 7, followed by breakfast at Mike Lovejoy's. Important location information and breakfast information Read More

Oct 14 : Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) – CONFIRMED Oct 14


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kelly-lake-watsonville-bass-crappie/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 10 people) Species: bass,  crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited.  Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. I am waiting on confirmation on this date, however I wanted to gauge… Read More

Oct 19 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/o-neill-forebay-stosh-memorial-fish-out/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Kevin Murdock
Event: O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout Date: Thursday October 19 to Sunday October 22 (I chose this weekend for it's 'skinny' moon, less night feeding for the fish) Target Gamefish: Striped Bass Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O'Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33) Hosts: Kevin Murdock … Read More

Dec 01 : 2023 Fishout Round-Up


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/2023-fishout-round-up/
2023 Fishout Round-Up
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Club Members
Greetings Club Members (Existing, new, soon to be),  This though not a Fishout, but rather a year in review of 2023's great events held by our members.  19 trips planned in 2023 not all the trips planned were executed due to the high waters and weather early in the season but for some of those… Read More

Mar 15 : Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Date Postponed High Water


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/upper-sacramento-river-fishout-dunsmuir-2/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber 
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Upper Sacramento River with Potential McCloud River Side Trip Species: Trout Date / Duration: POSTPONED DUE TO HIGH WATER Tentatively March 15th - 17th, 3 Days                                                   … Read More

Apr 01 : Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/pyramid-lake-fish-out-april-1-april-7-2024-new-info/

Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Mike White - (831) 706-5556
The Pyramid Lake trip is one of the best-attended fishouts the club has, and for a good reason. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cruise parallel to the shore in easy casting distance from shore. Read More

Apr 20 : Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie)


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kelly-lake-watsonville-bass-crappie-date-tbd/
Kelly Lake - Watsonville (bass, crappie)
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama
Updated March 25th,  fish out if full. Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 6 people) Species: bass,  crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited.  Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. On this Fishout, priority will be… Read More

Posted on June 16th, 2023

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July Fly-tying Class



Jul 12 6:30 PM @ Aptos Grange

John Barr’s “Copper John” is our fly for this month’s class . This attractor fly has a stonefly nymph’s biot tail with a red wire body and a mayfly like thorax. The bead head and wire body help the fly sink to the bottom of the water column and hopefully grab the attention of some chunky opportunistic trout. Bring black 6/0 or 8/0 thread, other materials will be supplied. The club has tools to lend for beginners. I hope to see you there! My phone number is below, please text message or call to sign up.
Greg Foy – ph/txt: (831) 239-8780

Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.

Date Fly Excerpt
Aug 09 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmChubby Chernobyl

Guest Instructor: Jerry McKeon

Barry SmeltSep 13 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmBarry Smelt

Guest instructor: Michael Sherwood

October Caddis - Fly Tying ClassOct 11 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmOctober Caddis - Fly Tying Class

All club members are welcome!

Posted on June 16th, 2023

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The Accidental Tyer

When I joined the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club, I assumed that I was going to learn how to cast, where to go, how to read water, and land a fish.  One day, I asked Sam Bishop where I could buy surf perch flies and he looked at me with incredulity.  “You don’t buy them, you make ’em and if it takes longer than 3 minutes, than you did it wrong.”    So a bit chastened, I went to to a fly tying class which featured a surf perch fly.   On the left is a picture from the Feb. 2020 newsletter and on the right is the fly that I tied in the class.  Let’s just say that I wasn’t a natural.

With that experience and COVID shutting down all in-person activities, it should have been the end of my fly tying.   However by September, Tom Hogye (past-president) convinced Elaine to teach fly tying online using Zoom and I volunteered to help Elaine run the Zoom class which means I participated in the class.    Over the months, I started to look forward to spending an  evening a month in the Zoom class with other club members.  Now I watch YouTube videos on tying, go to club swap meets, and buy material  on-line.  Oh and I still go to the monthly tying classes to learn from others in the club.   I even think my tying has improved.

Over the summer months, we will have guest club instructors including Tom Eckert, Greg Foy, Jerry McKeon, and Michael Sherwood.  You should give it a try, you might accidentally become a tyer.

Have a wonderful 4th of July,

Scott Kitayama, President

P.S.  The fly that Sam was referring to is the “orange stick”.  Very effective, fast to tie, and only uses two materials.  I am not sure you can buy it.  You might just have to make ’em.

Posted on June 14th, 2023

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June Raffle

Ok folks, it is now June and time to really get serious about some fine fly fishing.
We have some great raffle prizes help get the party started.

ROD AND REEL PACKAGE
How about a winners pick for either a 5wt, 6wt, or 7wt V-Access 9 ft four piece rod in a cordura hard case along with a matching machine cut HCH reel. Winners choice from mountain trout streams to open water stripers and everything in between. One rod/reel prize will be awarded, winners choice.

HEXAGENIA FLIES
For some of us, June means one thing-HEX HATCH! And that means Lake Almanor, Butt Valley Reservoir, Lake Davis, Fall River, and a few other guarded secret spots that produce the mid-summer Hexagenia Fly. Lance Gray, famed Lake Almanor guide, has put together a box of a dozen of his favorite Hex flies ranging from his Swimming AP, Hex Wiggletail, Hex Dunn, to a Loop Wing Paranymph plus a few in between. A great selection of some great flies.
Note: Henderson Springs has quite a prolific hex hatch in mid-May.

STILLWATER GUIDE BOOK
The good news is that we had a very wet winter however the downside is that some of our favorite streams and rivers will be running high well into summer. Might be time to give some thought to Stillwater options. To that end we have a great book raffle prize “Fly Fishing California Stillwater” by Bill Sunderland.
This beauty is loaded with extensive stillwater techniques, detailed maps, gorgeous photographs, fly selection tips, and local connections to help you achieve success in our mountain and valley waters. A true treasure trove of stillwater information.

THE FINE PRINT
Raffle tickets cost a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25. Click on the following link to purchase your lucky raffle tickets:
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/raffle-prizes/
The online raffle ticket sales office will close at noon on Wednesday the day of the monthly meeting (6/7/23). Club membership not required to participate, need not be present to win. The prize drawing will take place at the regular monthly meeting.

Posted on June 1st, 2023

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Lake Nacimiento Fishout

by Bob Garbarino

I first heard about white bass fishing at Lake Nacimiento about twenty years ago. Even though the lake is only about two hours from Santa Cruz, I never made the trip down there. During the spring spawn when the the conditions are favorable (like ample water) is the prime time to head up the Narrows on the opposite side of the lake from the Marina. Club member Kathryn Yant got the ball rolling this year. She had been working on plans for a trip to Naci with Geoff Malloway, the owner of Central Coast Fly Fishing. Scott Kitayama and I were fortunate to be invited by her to join the group of eight anglers. Dagur Guðmundsson, a central coast guide that presented to our club was took part in the trip. He is quite familiar with Naci and San Antonio and guides these fisheries. We camped the night before at Lake San Antonio because there is a three night minimum at Naci. After setting up the tent, we spread out in search of carp before the rest of the gang arrived. We didn’t find any, but it was great to see the lake near full. The meal that night was full-on gourmet thanks to Chef Brandon Miller. We even had a sighting in the sky which turned out to be a Starlink pass-by.
The next morning we caravanned over to the Marina at Naci and hopped on our rented pontoon boat—what a sweet ride with Captain Malloway at the helm! It was brand new with cushy seats and plenty of room for all of us. The water was glass-smooth and aside from some wood debris we had to keep an eye out for, it was a relaxing cruise. After about an hour, we made it to as far as we could go up the Narrows, which is where the Nacimiento River empties into the lake. After Geoff gave us a brief “how-to” talk and made sure we had some flies, we got out of the boat and waded upstream in search of white bass. Unfortunately, after a couple hours of searching the clear water, it became evident the spawn was over and the whites had moved back into the lake. We did manage to eke out a few spotted and largemouth bass. Dagur thought we may have caught a couple of smallmouth/spotted bass hybrids. It was a beautiful day and we had the place to ourselves, but the fish didn’t get the memo with our invitation….oh well. On the way back we fished out of the boat in a few of the coves. I guess Dagur decided the boat was to full to try to fish, so he jumped out with rod in hand and proceeded to “fish/swim”. It’s a strange sight to see only a head and arm with rod sticking out of the water! And he was making some nice casts. Oh, to be a young buck. To sum up the fishout: close to home, beautiful scenery, great company, fantastic dinner, fun boat ride, good fishing, not so good catching. I have no regrets, learned a lot, had a great time and look forward to doing it again. I think our club should think about exploring this area for fishouts in the future. And if you are interested in learning about fishing in this area, subscribe to the Central Coast Fly Fishing newsletter to keep up on events offered. https://www.centralcoastflyfishing.com/
Also contact Dagur Guðmundsson for guided fishing opportunities in the area. He is super knowledgable, energetic and a lot of fun. https://www.dagurflyfishing.com/
The bass photos in this article are courtesy of Dagur.
Here is some interesting information about white bass: https://fishbio.com/another-controversial-bass/

Posted on May 31st, 2023

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Fishout Schedule – June

The newsletter provides brief fishout info.  For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule

EVENT NAME EVENT DATE SPECIES FISH MASTER
Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout Jun 03Surf Perch / Striped Bass Tommy Polito
Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 25 – Jul 1 2023 – New Info Jun 24 - Jul 01
Palm Beach Surf Fishout Jul 01Surf Perch / Striped Bass Sam Bishop
Loreto Fly Fishing Trip July 2023 Jul 16 - Jul 20Salty Sharp Toothed Fishy Critters Rich Hughett
Kennedy Meadows / Sonora Pass – Fish-Out 2023 Jul 23 - Jul 27Trout Tom Hogye
Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout Aug 05Surf Perch / Striped Bass Sam Bishop
Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout Sep 02Surf Perch / Striped Bass To Be Determined
Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Sep 08 - Sep 10Trout Alex Ferber 
Mammoth Fishout – UPDATED – Sep 23 - Oct 07Trouts John Cook
October surf fishout – Beer Can Oct 07perch, stripers Sam Bishop - Fishing; Mike Lovejoy - Breakfast
Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) – CONFIRMED Oct 14 Oct 14Bass, crappie, bluegill Scott Kitayama
O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout Oct 19 - Oct 22Striped Bass Kevin Murdock
2023 Fishout Round-Up Dec 01 - Dec 02FISH Club Members
Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Date Postponed High Water Mar 15 - Mar 17Trout Alex Ferber 
Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info Apr 01 - Apr 07Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Mike White - (831) 706-5556
Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) Apr 20Bass, crappie, bluegill Scott Kitayama

Jun 03 : Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/santa-cruz-county-surf-fishout/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Tommy Polito
Location: Manresa State Beach  Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass  Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of… Read More

Jun 24 : Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 25 – Jul 1 2023 – New Info


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/lake-almanor-hex-hatch-2023/
Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch - Jun 25 - Jul 1 2023 - New Info
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:
The Lake Almanor fishout is scheduled for the last week of June, 6/24 thru 7/1, 2023. This time period is, hopefully, the peak of the annual Hexagenia hatch that begins generally mid-June and runs through mid-July. The most productive fishing takes place early evenings on into past dark between Lake Almanor West to Canyon Dam… Read More

Jul 01 : Palm Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/santa-cruz-county-surf-fishout-2/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop
Location: Palm Beach State Park  Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass  Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the… Read More

Jul 16 : Loreto Fly Fishing Trip July 2023


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/loreto-fly-fishing-trip-july-2023/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Rich Hughett
Sign Up Now! Experience a new HIGH! Fish for Dorado, and many other salt-water fish, including Bonito, Roosters, Yellowtail and Sailfish on a fly! Join the group going to Loreto in Baja Sunday, July 16th through Thursday, July 20th. This trip includes: Four nights at the beautiful Hotel La Mission, on the water-front next to… Read More

Jul 23 : Kennedy Meadows / Sonora Pass – Fish-Out 2023


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kennedy-meadows-sonora-pass-fish-out-2023/
Kennedy Meadows / Sonora Pass - Fish-Out 2023
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Tom Hogye
Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station / Baker & Deadman campground. http://www.kennedymeadows.com.   If you want to stay in a cabin, you should try to get a reservation now. The cabins generally roll over annually with returning guests from the previous year.   The Hogye's will be in Cabin 11.   Rates range from $115 - 260 per… Read More

Aug 05 : Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/rio-del-mar-state-beach-surf-fishout/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop
First Surf Fishout of 2023! Saturday May 6th 2023 5:55AM Location: Rio Del Mar State Beach Read More

Sep 02 : Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/manresa-state-beach-surf-fishout/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: To Be Determined
Location: Manresa State Beach  Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass  Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of… Read More

Sep 08 : Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir)


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/upper-sacramento-river-fishout-dunsmuir/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber 
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Upper Sacramento River with Potential McCloud River Side Trip Species: Trout Duration: 3 Days Cost: No Cost https://goo.gl/maps/qC5QbdWhMStgX27X9 Equipment: Typical Trout Set Up 9', 4-6wt Rods w/ Floating Lines Ideal Euro Nymphing, and Trout Spey conditions available Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hairs Ear, Prince Nymph, Wooly Buggers, Perdigon, Copper Johns, Zebra Midge,… Read More

Sep 23 : Mammoth Fishout – UPDATED –


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/mammoth-fishout-2/
Mammoth Fishout - UPDATED -
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: John Cook
UPDATE Both weeks of this Fishout has been filled. I am maintaining a waiting list. There are three people on the list currently. If I get enough I will think about getting another condo. Please email or contact me directly for inquires.  John & Elain Cook - Fishmaster (831) 234-6515 coookin@gmail.com Dates:  This Fishout will… Read More

Oct 07 : October surf fishout – Beer Can


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/october-surf-fishout/
October surf fishout - Beer Can
Beer Can Beach (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop - Fishing; Mike Lovejoy - Breakfast
Surf fish-out Saturday October 7, followed by breakfast at Mike Lovejoy's. Important location information and breakfast information Read More

Oct 14 : Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) – CONFIRMED Oct 14


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kelly-lake-watsonville-bass-crappie/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 10 people) Species: bass,  crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited.  Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. I am waiting on confirmation on this date, however I wanted to gauge… Read More

Oct 19 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/o-neill-forebay-stosh-memorial-fish-out/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Kevin Murdock
Event: O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout Date: Thursday October 19 to Sunday October 22 (I chose this weekend for it's 'skinny' moon, less night feeding for the fish) Target Gamefish: Striped Bass Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O'Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33) Hosts: Kevin Murdock … Read More

Dec 01 : 2023 Fishout Round-Up


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/2023-fishout-round-up/
2023 Fishout Round-Up
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Club Members
Greetings Club Members (Existing, new, soon to be),  This though not a Fishout, but rather a year in review of 2023's great events held by our members.  19 trips planned in 2023 not all the trips planned were executed due to the high waters and weather early in the season but for some of those… Read More

Mar 15 : Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Date Postponed High Water


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/upper-sacramento-river-fishout-dunsmuir-2/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber 
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Upper Sacramento River with Potential McCloud River Side Trip Species: Trout Date / Duration: POSTPONED DUE TO HIGH WATER Tentatively March 15th - 17th, 3 Days                                                   … Read More

Apr 01 : Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/pyramid-lake-fish-out-april-1-april-7-2024-new-info/

Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Mike White - (831) 706-5556
The Pyramid Lake trip is one of the best-attended fishouts the club has, and for a good reason. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cruise parallel to the shore in easy casting distance from shore. Read More

Apr 20 : Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie)


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kelly-lake-watsonville-bass-crappie-date-tbd/
Kelly Lake - Watsonville (bass, crappie)
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama
Updated March 25th,  fish out if full. Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 6 people) Species: bass,  crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited.  Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. On this Fishout, priority will be… Read More

Posted on May 31st, 2023

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Membership is at new high of 212

by Bob

Our newest member Lannie Spencer comes from  Piedmont, Calif, however spends 3 days a month in Aptos and recently met a member @ Companion Bakery in Aptos.  Lannie is our 212th member and we welcome him to our flyfishing group.

Regarding Membership, we hope to have our 2023 Roster printed and ready for our monthly June meeting June 7th and if you would like to receive a printed copy, please email @robert6367@aol.com.  Also if you are receiving to many googlegroup emails, please email me and I will unsubscribe you from the mailing list.

Posted on May 31st, 2023

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Klamath River Dam Removal—A Deep Dive

by Bob Garbarino

We’ve all been hearing about the decade-long effort to to get approval and funding to remove four dams on the Klamath River. The nation’s largest dam removal project is underway. The project cost estimate comes in at $500 million and is expected to have the river at a free-flowing state by the end of 2024.
So, what what is involved in a project like this?
Here are some numbers to give a sense of the scale. Remove 100,000 cubic yards of concrete, 1.3 million cubic yards of soil and 2,000 tons of steel. Fifteen million cubic yards of sediment that has accumulated behind the dams will be released.
What needs to happen prior to removal of the dams?
Seventeen million native plant seeds and 300,000 tree and shrub starts are being collected and prepared for planting the 2,000 acres that will be exposed after the reservoirs are drained. Invasive species are being removed. Water monitoring, wildlife surveys and barriers to protect fish in construction areas are being implemented. Endangered Lost River and short-nosed suckers will need to be relocated because they can’t survive in a flowing river. A new water line will need to be installed that is part of the delivery system to the town of Yreka. Some access roads will need to be widened and fortified to accommodate the heavy machinery required to demolish and remove the dam. Bridges will need to be reinforced. Nearby construction crew temporary housing needs to be provided. All this pre-demolition work need to take place before the dams can be removed.
The first dam to be demolished is Copco 2, the smallest of the four. This dam will have holes drilled and filled with dynamite. Hydraulic picks and other machinery will be used to break down the rubble into manageable chunks to be hauled away. While Copco 2 is being removed, the other three dams will be prepared for draw down and demolition.
This summary just touches the surface of all the details of this huge project. When all is said and done, the hope and expectation is that a healthy, free-flowing Klamath river will provide a much improved ecosystem. And with that, an extended reach of clean, cold habitat for re-establishing decimated Coho and Chinook salmon populations.
For more details and a deeper dive, see the excellent article found at: https://www.northcoastjournal.com/humboldt/undamming-and-restoring-the-klamath/Content?oid=26439802
The non-profit organization in charge of managing the project is Klamath River Renewal Corporation. Their website is: https://klamathrenewal.org/

Posted on May 31st, 2023

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Club Activities – June

Date Activity Link DescriptionLocation
Jun 24 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.

Jade Street Park baseball field
Jul 22 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.

Jade Street Park baseball field

Posted on May 31st, 2023

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– June Fly-tying Class



Jun 14 6:30 PM @ Aptos Grange
Damselfly Nymph

Damselflies will be featured this month and next for our fly tying classes. Adult in June and nymph in June. Trout, largemouth bass and bluegill will go for this particular insect. As usual, all the materials will be provided for the class, except for the thread, and no charge to participate. The thread this month olive 8/0 and bobbin. Some will be available to borrow. If you have a light colored thread, such as white, tan or yellow, you can bring it and we’ll color it with a sharpie pen. Tools and vices and thread are available for beginners, who are always welcome. It never hurts to bring a lamp and magnification. Sign up  by contacting Tom Eckert best number 831-818-3801, email c_eckert1@comcast.net or at the June club meeting..

Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.

Date Fly Excerpt
Damselfly NymphJun 14 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmDamselfly Nymph

Guest Instructor: Tom Eckert

Jul 12 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmRed Copper John

John Barr’s “Copper John” is this our fly for this month’s class .

Aug 09 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmChubby Chernobyl

Guest Instructor: Jerry McKeon

Barry SmeltSep 13 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmBarry Smelt

Guest instructor: Michael Sherwood

Posted on May 31st, 2023

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To Promote, Educate and Enjoy the sport of fly fishing.

by Scott Kitayama

Happy June Everyone,  I thought I would use the club’s mission statement to provide a unifying theme around some disparate events that happened in May.    Usually, I like to discuss future events, but sometimes you just have to look back and appreciate what has been accomplished.

Promote: Did you hear about the Swap Meet that happened on May 20th?  If you weren’t one of the 150 or so who attended, it was a ‘shoulda been there’ event. I saw beautiful rods and reels that were sold for 10% of the original retail price going to happy fishermen from SF, East Bay, and other distant places.  Carly Blanchard created the Swap Meet poster and Jeff Goyert made sure that the event was well-promoted online and in print.   Due to generous product donations from club member estates, the Swap Meet raised quite a bit of money for the club and helps to ensure that next year we will be able to match and/or exceed our 2023 donations for conservation and education.

Educate: I am so proud to be part of a great organization that gives back to the community.  Below are the eight students that we gave scholarships in 2023.   The Scholarship program is headed up by David South and he has done a tremendous job this year; getting the club to double the scholarship amount per student, coordinating with the schools to select the students, and lining up club members to present the scholarships.  David South, Kathy Powers, Tom Hogye and I attended senior award nights and gave these students a chance to be recognized by their peers and parents for their past and future accomplishments. 

High SchoolRecipientMajorCollege
Aptos HSVivienne ChankaiEnvironmental Sci.UC Santa Barbara
Harbor HSMaya ManildiEnvironmental Sci.UC Berkeley
Pajaro Valley HSAlexa Falcon-VizcarraFood ScienceUC Davis
Santa Cruz HSJace GularteFire ScienceCal Poly Humboldt
San Lorenzo Valley HSMia HamiltonGreen EngineeringUC Davis
Scotts Valley HSPayton DufourEnvironmental Sci.UC Davis
Soquel HSJakob SporlederAg Bus. / Engineering.Cal Poly SLO
Watsonville HSAaron EscalanteEnvironmental Sci.Cabrillo College

Enjoy Fly Fishing: This spring, I have enjoyed the heck out of fly fishing. In late April, I caught my first ever sea trout, snook, and tarpon in Florida fishing with club member, Jeff Sloboden. Caught black bass locally and spent a fun day with some club members and local fishers in search of spawning white bass in the Nacimiento River (alas, too late). But for me, the biggest thrill was achieving my goal of the past five years by catching my first striper off the beach with a fly rod. What made it even better was that I was with two other club members, Bob Garbarino and Lance Boling. Bob was able to jump into the hole after me and land a striper, Lance had to wait a few extra days before he caught his. In all of these fishing adventures, what made them special? What’s that word again? Oh yeah “Fellowship“.

Posted on May 31st, 2023

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June 2023 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
   Lee Haskins (In Person)
June Raffle……………………
President’s Line……………………
Fly Tying……………………
 June Class: Damselfy Nymph
 Fly of the Month: Vernille Caddis
Conservation Concerns……………
 Klamath River Dam Removal – A Deep Dive
Membership Notes…………………
 Club Activities – June
  Fly Casting Meetup June 24 at Jade St. Park
 Membership is at a New High of 212
Fishout Schedule…………………
Gearing Up…………………
 Alpine County
 SAFETY: A recycled article from 2012
Gone Fishing…………………
 Lake Nacimiento Fishout
 Fishing the Cantankerous Surf
Cartoon ……………………

Posted on May 31st, 2023

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SAFETY A recycled article from 2012


In February 2012, a fisherman from Oakland drowned in the surf on Rio Del Mar Beach. He had a wife
and two teen aged children. What a tragedy! It appears that he was in a strong rip current area, his
waders filled up, dragged him down and out. His fishing buddy could not save him.
So this issue, we think it is appropriate to discuss safety; surf safety in particular, but much of this
applies to any wading.
Waders are wonderful, but they can be dangerous. Frankly I cannot understand why any reputable
company would make waders without built-in belt loops and a wading belt, but some still do. We have
all gone on a fishing trip and forgotten something. The wading belt may be that item and yet it is
number one for safety with waders. You will not find me buying waders without belt loops so a belt is
always with my waders and never forgotten. And when worn, my wading belt is always TIGHT.

Think you are safe in still water?
At Pyramid Lake one of our members slipped on an area with a clay bottom. His waders did not fill up,
but he went upside down, because the air in the wader legs kept pulling his feet up so his head went
down. Fortunately his fishing buddies were there to assist, but it sure shook him up and he quit for the
day, cold and shaking with the aftermath of fear. If you are “top heavy”, be even more careful, because
your risk is even greater.

Moving water:
Streams and rivers: How many times have I crossed a river with my heart in my mouth wondering what
the heck would I do if my legs were swept out from under me and I went tumbling down the river,
unable to regain my footing? Well I NEVER cross a river without a wading stick of some sort and prefer
to cross with a buddy, holding each other when it is a serious current.
Boots: I totally prefer felt soled boots, but they are being banned in more and more places. In a
discussion with a Montana guide, who has one of the very latest, expensive rubber soled boots that
were supposed to be premium sticky, he said “Now I have to have a wading stick all the time. The
rubber soled boots just don’t hold like felt does.” I do not know what to recommend, other than adding
cleats, and I just wish I did not have to make that purchase decision for my Alaska trip this year, but I
do.
You do not need felt or any sticky soled boots in the surf. I wear boot foot rubber soled waders in the
surf.

SURF:
The surf is moving water, but totally different than a river. If you are even marginally aggressive, it is
not a matter of “if”; it is a matter of “when” you will be knocked down. So do your best to avoid a knock
down, but prepare yourself and you will laugh at yourself when it happens.
I have been knocked down to my knees several times and to my butt once or twice. I have slid off the
edge of a sand berm into a rip current and swam on my back for awhile to finally get to the side of the
channel and get stabilized again. But I never was worried because I had prepared. I have never lost my
hat or my gear. Yes, I am an aggressive surf fisherman, but I have seen more conservative club
members get knocked down too. In every case we have been safe because we had prepared in
advance.
Waders again, in the surf. Start with a belt of course, but also wear a jacket of some type over the
top, NOT tucked inside, so when a wave hits you, the water goes outside, not inside. A windbreaker or
other jacket cannot shed water if it is tucked in, yet I see that on the beach all the time. Many of us
wear kayak style jackets now, tightly fastened around the neck. And many wear a PFD – Personal
Flotation Device: You can buy different styles of these lightweight devices. Pull a lanyard in an
emergency and it inflates. You have to wear some type of lifejacket on the O’Neil Forebay and other
places, so might as well get a good PFD and wear it for surf fishing too.
If you are down and water is coming in, keep your head about you. Don’t panic and remember almost
nobody drowns. In fact the first story in this article represents the only person I have ever heard of who
actually drowned and it is possible he panicked and/or could not swim. You prepared yourself; you
know what to do, so pick yourself up calmly get out of there and go dry off.
Let’s go fishing: The rip currents represent the most likely place to catch any type fish in the surf,
because that current is pulling crabs, worms and lots of other fish food right through it. The fish hang
out there for chow, so I will not tell you to not go near them, but I will advise you not to actually get IN
one. Properly prepared for the surf, you will have a great time and only rarely have to quit early
because you got water inside your waders!
I’ll see you out there, with the other daughters and sons of the beaches.

Posted on May 28th, 2023