Date: April 30, 2022
Time: 2:00 PM
Place: Jade Park, Capitola
Posted on
Where: Jade Park, Capitola
When: April 30th, 2:00 – 3:30 pm (beer thirty afterward?)
Bring your lawn chair, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members. Casual atmosphere with plenty of room for social distancing!
Posted on March 25th, 2022
After nearly 5 years of serving as President, Tom Hogye, will be stepping down at the end of 2022. I told the board that I would run for the President position in 2023 if we could find someone(s) to take over the newsletter. Please take a look and see if you or someone you know in the club is willing to help.
The Newsletter Editor is an SCFF Board Position that is responsible for acquiring, editing, and laying out the award-winning Santa Cruz Fly Fishing newsletter. The contents of the newsletter comes from other board members responsible for speakers, fly-tying, conservation, fish-outs, membership, as well as contribution from members at-large. The editing takes about 2-4 hours around around the 3rd weekend of the month. The Editor needs to be proficient with computers, email, and web-based word processors. Experience with WordPress is a plus.
The Online Content Publisher can also be a Board Position working closely with the Newsletter Editor to ensure the timely distribution of the monthly newsletter. The Publisher updates SCFF’s WordPress website to ensure the the monthly newsletter is available online. The publisher will also create and distribute the notification email to the membership with pertinent information such as speaker, raffle prizes and fly tying. Publishing is done around the 4th Wednesday of the month after completion of editing and takes 2-3 hours. The Publisher needs to be proficient as the Admin for WordPress or other website-building systems.
If you have any interest in helping, please contact Scott Kitayama at scottkitayama@gmail.com. BTW/ if you have a child or grandchild who is proficient with technologies, this might be a great activity to add to the resume.
Posted on March 26th, 2022
Attached is April’s NCFFI monthly report with informative addition as it has info on both the latest on the Klamath dam removal process as well as our NCCFFI plans for 2022. https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/APR2022_NCCFFI.pdf
Posted on March 28th, 2022
mobile scrollable table
| EVENT NAME | EVENT DATE | SPECIES | FISH MASTER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing – UPDATED – | Jul 05 | ||
| Loreto Fly Fishing Trip | Jul 07 | ||
| Palm Beach Surf Fishout | Aug 09 | ||
| Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing – CO Fishout with The San Jose Fly Fishing Club | Sep 06 | ||
| Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 20-Oct. 4th | Sep 20 - Oct 04 | Trout | John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515 |
| Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout – CO Fishout with The Delta Fly Fishers | Oct 04 | ||
| O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20th | Oct 16 - Oct 19 | ||
| Trinity River Fishout | Oct 31 - Nov 02 |
Location: Beer Can Beach (AKA Summer Beach) – Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos
Fish Master: Scott Kitayama / scottkitayama@gmail.com
Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass
Min./Max Participants: Breakfast RSVP Required 5:00pm July 3.
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc.
What to Expect:
Meet at 5:20AM
Sunrise is at 5:53 and we are fishing a 3-foot tidal crest, high tide being8: 55AM.
Meet at the staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos.
Breakfast at Mike Lovejoy’s house, 115 Driftwood Ct, Aptos. Park on the street. Hot water available for hand wash. Hose available for rinsing equipment.
Coffee at 8:00am and breakfast served 8:30-9:30.
RSVP For Breakfast – 5:00pm July 3.
Cost: Maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Loreto Mexico
Details to be finalized and date to be confirmed
The fishing day starts around 6:00 a.m. and we usually get back to the harbor between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. Spend the rest of the afternoon fishing from the beach, having a cool drink in the pool, exploring Loreto, or just sitting around telling some tall fish stories. And, you will have many exciting moments on the Sea of Cortez to talk about.
The approximate cost for everything but meals and airfare is: *$995.00 per person, double occupancy; around $460.00 for a non-fishing guest. –
It does not include meals because there are some nice restaurants (A lot of fresh seafood!) in town or if you prefer, eat at the hotel, where they will also cook your catch to your preference. Interested?
Please contact Rich Hughett, 831-757-5709, for all the details. You will need to book airline flights* as soon as possible.
*No money will be collected in advance. Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines from San Jose to Los Angeles and Alaska Airlines to Loreto. Rich will help with your airline reservations.
Gear: The minimum size rod for Dorado is a 10 weight, with a corresponding size reel with plenty of backing. I suggest everyone take floating, intermediate and full sink lines, such as T-14. Most fish down there are not leader shy, so I use about a 5 foot leader with a 20 pound tippet. For Dorado, the main fly is a Sarmulmac. Clousers also work. In fact a variety of flies work for salt water fish, as long as they represent a smaller baitfish.
Notes: Further discussion of dates, gear and preparations to be had as interest develops
Fishmaster : Scott Kitayama
Contact info: scotttkitayama@gmail.com
Location: Palm Beach State Park
| Date | High Tide | Low Tide | Sun | Moon | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | ft | PM | ft | AM | ft | PM | ft | Rise | Set | |||
| 9 | Sat | 12:06 PM | 4.0 | 10:53 | 5.5 | 5:25 | -0.7 | 4:46 | 2.4 | 6:19 | 8:06 |  |
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 time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc.
What to Expect: Tide and weather dependent, but expect good times.
You may want to use a two fly rig, one smaller for perch and a larger one
for Stripers. When I add flies I often need to use lighter weight
ones than I might with one fly. For example, dumbbell eyes are
heavy, so I tie most Clousers and jig flies using bead-chain or even plastic eyes, knowing I will very likely be
using 2 or 3, so need them to be light enough to cast.
A reminder that the surf is not a place to learn to cast, but it will force you to improve your line control!
Cost: Parking? & maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: Parking Lot / End of W. Beach Rd.
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: Coffee and snacks served at 8:30am
Location: Beer Can Beach (AKA Summer Beach) – Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos
Fish Master:Michael Lovejoy <mikelovejoy94@gmail.com>
Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass
Min./Max Participants: RSVP For Breakfast by 5:00pm September 3nd
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc.
What to Expect:
Meet at 5:20AM
Meet at the staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos.
Breakfast at Mike Lovejoy’s house, 115 Driftwood Ct, Aptos. Park on the street. Hot water available for hand wash. Hose available for rinsing equipment.
Coffee and breakfast served 8:30-9:30.
RSVP For Breakfast by 5:00pm September 3nd
| Date | High Tide | Low Tide | Sun | Moon | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | ft | PM | ft | AM | ft | PM | ft | Rise | Set | |||
| 6 | Sat | 10:42 | 4.3 | 9:59 | 5.6 | 4:11 | -0.3 | 3:51 | 1.9 | 6:41 | 7:29 |  |
Cost: Maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Sign Ups: As a reminder, it is important to sign up early as sign ups have started and spaces are filling up fast for this Fishout.
Call John Cook letting him know which week, both or private room. Payment is required to secure our spot we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.
Contact Ph # (831) 234-6515
Fishmasters: John & Elaine Cook
Dates: This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 20 – Sept 27 . Week 2: Sept 27 – Oct 4.
Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.
General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Condo has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.
Cost: Shared single: $500/wk, $1000/2 wks. (Pricing Subject To Change)
Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards. Each person will be assigned a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare. You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.
Location: Manresa State Beach (Ocean View Drive, La Selva Beach Parking Lot)
Meet at 5:45AM
Sunrise is 7:04AM and we will be fishing an incoming tide cresting at 9:28AM.
Fish Master: Lance Boiling / clboling@gmail.com / 408-728-0548
Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass
Min./Max Participants: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this outing
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc.
What to Expect: Good Times
Cost: Parking? & maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: Coffee and donuts at the local hang out
After the fish-out, I will be making tailgate quesadillas and providing beverages.
Event: O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout
Date: October 17th – 20th (Subject To Change)
(I will be looking for a weekend with a ‘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 troutdock89@gmail.com
These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.
Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the
San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.
The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.
Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly
Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.
Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga mussels)
Fins, sunscreen, polarized glasses, life vest
Links:
https://mengsyn.com/ A fly-fishing addict who fishes San Luis Reservoir and the Forebay.
http://www.danblanton.com/ Long time local fishing guide.
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/dynamicapp/QueryDaily?s=Onf
There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.
Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.
This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!
Date and description subject to change due to seasonal conditions Please Stay Tuned
NOTE: Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip. After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?). You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.
Posted on March 25th, 2022
Ha ha
Posted on March 25th, 2022
General Meeting……………………
Fisheries of the Central Coast & Iceland with Dagur
March Raffle Prizes
Donations from Doug Severin’s Estate
President’s Line…………………….
Fly Tying……………………
Popper Class
Red & Black larva lace midge
Conservation Concerns……………
Steelhead Spa-What’s That?
Prairie Creek Restoration
Membership Notes…………………
Remembrance: Matt Murphy
Remembrance: Jim Black
Remembrance: Pat Murray
Fishout Schedule…………………
Marketplace…………………
Wanted: Pyramid Ladder
Cartoon…………………………..…
Posted on February 23rd, 2022
The March Meeting will be both in-person and on Zoom. Doors at the Aptos Grange will be open by 6:00 pm while we set up and test the system. The Zoom meeting will start by 6:30 pm, the link is here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83842895848
Dagur Gudmundsson was born and raised on the wind-swept rock of Iceland, where he grew up chasing everything from arctic char and ice age brown trout to Atlantic cod and pollock. During his teenage years, he moved to the Central Coast of California where the fishing is quite different from the cold waters of Iceland.
When he was 18, Dagur started guiding at the world-class salmon river West Rangá, which in addition to having some of the most prolific Atlantic salmon fishing in the world, also has huge native brown trout in its upper reaches.
In between spending his summers guiding in Iceland, Dagur attended California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, where he acquainted himself with the local fisheries through lots of trial and error. He recently started a fly fishing guide service in San Luis Obispo with a focus on the area’s overlooked fisheries when it comes to fly fishing, such as bass, carp, and surf perch. Dagur also ties and sells flies, is a regular contributor to California Fly Fisher magazine, and teaches clinics on carp and bass through the Central Coast Fly Fishing fly shop in Carmel.
Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
| Monthly Speaker | Date | Excerpt |
|---|
Posted on February 23rd, 2022
Whether you’re throwing midges under an indicator or stripping Beetles along the bottom you will need some serious gear to do battle with the monster trout of Pyramid lake.
 | Either a 9 foot 8 WT Echo ION XL 4 piece rod or a bit heftier 9’8″ 9 WT G.Loomis IM6 2 piece rod. The matching Katuysha 6071-T6 aluminum alloy reel is corrosion resistant and has a large arbor for increased backing capacity and a fast retrieve. |
  | Speaking of Beetles and Midges, take a look at these Pyramid lake beauties. We have a dozen Beetles and 16 midges packaged up in a pocket size Adamsbuilt two sided case. Keep them handy in your shirt pocket to save yourself a trip off the ladder back to your truck when you need to re-rig. Proven Lahontan Cutthroat winners. |
 | A great new book by John Gierach: “Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers”? It is a great collection of short stories, there is even one about Pyramid lake! A book like this is also great for those dark winner nights that are too cold to walk to the bar. |
HOW TO BUY TICKETS
The online ticket sales are available and will close at noon on Wed. March 2nd. Tickets are a dollar each. 20 bucks get you twenty five. Click on this link to purchase tickets:
https://santacruzflyfishing.org/raffle
Posted on February 19th, 2022
If you enjoyed receiving items from Doug’s estate at the January club meeting, you will have the opportunity to do that again at both the March and April club meetings. His desire was that club members would have the opportunity to receive his fishing belongings .More fishing items and fly tying materials will be available at the March and April club meetings.Some will be in raffles but those at the club meeting in March and April will be free for the taking. Donations will be welcomed if you so choose. The pictures show a lot of the items that will be up for grabs . The doors will open at 6 PM at the Grange and the meeting will start at 6:30. Don’t miss out come early to choose what you would like. The meeting will also be via zoom, so if you wish to come for some donated items and then go home to do a zoom meeting, that will be fine.
Posted on February 19th, 2022
We have a lot of talent in our community. For a fly-fishing club, in a surf community that was once mostly a retirement town with surfers and outdoorsy people, we became a fly-fishing club.
You might find it interesting, that we really don’t have that much fly-fishing around here anymore. Certainly not a “trout stream”. But did you know that as far back as the early 20’s, hatcheries were built along the San Lorenzo for the purposes of supplanting year round trout fishing? That’s right! Back in the 20’s, clear through the 50’s, you could fish the San Lorenzo, and most, if not all, of her tributaries for trout – all year. And your limit – per day?! 25 fish. At least for a while. Then it went to something like 5 or 10.
True! I remember Jim Lazarotti, who spent his life here, from the 50’s until he passed away in 2008, working to save the San Lorenzo, telling me that he would fish Zayante Creek before school catching fish his mom would make for dinner.
We often marvel at the catch rates from the old days, but I also wonder if those catch rates were not also kill rates, would the rivers and tributaries have been better today. Probably not.
The surf, cars and airplanes, have provided us the ability to be fly-anglers with plenty of opportunities to feed our desire to be out of doors, in the water, marveling at fish, and all things within those elements of the healthy habitats where we find these creatures. Fluttery things, crawly things, four footed and two footed (Big Foot and Sasquatch! – just seeing if you’re paying attention), perhaps some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of being stuck at home or afraid to go somewhere, with or without a mask, because of a pandemic. Which, by the way, is ending. Funny how it’s now called an endemic. Weird cuz it wasn’t called a begindemic. Never mind.
I hope if you’re reading this after February 27th, you got to go to the Fly-Fishing show in Pleasanton on the 25th to the 27th. I am so excited to be going again, especially since so many of you are also going. I’m sure there is something I still need there even after now 30 years of fly-fishing under my belt.
I’m also excited about our March meeting as it will be at the Grange, with a raffle, an in person guest speaker – Dagur – from Iceland. And a chance to see some of you who I only just met these last 2 years via Zoom – in person! At this meeting, we are also going to work on our “hybrid” solution, which is to run the meeting in person and via Zoom for those who can’t make it. Please bear with us as we may bump along at this meeting, trying to dial in the technology we need to become our own 1 million subscriber YouTube channel. Okay, kidding. We really just want to be good for those who can’t be at the meeting in person and can still enjoy the club meeting.
In this newsletter you will also read some beautiful tributes to three of our long-time members who left this planet this year. Matt Murphy, Jim Black and Pat Murray, all of whom were beloved members, family and friends with their own special gifts they bestowed on the club, their family and those who were very close to them.
If you have a knack for writing – please note that you can write a nice article, or even just a few sentences, and publish it in our Newsletter. Yes – You! Just find the tab on the website, under Newsletter, Article Submission, fill out the details, the write your article. Easy. We’d love to hear from you and put your input in our newsletter.
Michael McGannon has been our Marketing and “merch” guy for several years. I’m super grateful for Michael, because every time we’ve been together, he’s often drawing on a napkin – which I’m constantly stealing from him to hide in my own personal collection. The Picaso fish, the multi-caster, the tangled mess, and others he’s drawn up. At one of our last meetings, I explained to the board I wanted to have something related to Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz Fly Fishing. So what better way to describe that than on a surf board! This is an initial rendition that Michael drew up for me, and I love it. Note the Striper in the waves. Truth be told, is I got this idea from an old advertisement Salz Leathers used to promote a leather they made called “Surfer”. It was a waterproof leather we made for the likes of Timberland and Wolverine boots. Similarly, it was a heifer surfing. Likely a native heifer – but that’s another story. I envision this one being refined a bit, then being available as a T-Shirt – Santa Cruz Fly Fishing. Who knows, maybe we can get the “Santa Cruz” logo on it and sell it in the surf shops!! Wouldn’t that be a hoot! Thank you Michael!!
I’ve really enjoyed our Zoom meetings. I don’t know what we would have done if it weren’t for that technology which until then, was just a way for companies to hold fancy meetings in conference rooms and offices and for those who might have been “remote” for one of those meetings. I am certain Zoom never thought they’d be taking on the whole world when the begindemic occurred. And while we often use fly-fishing to get away from it all – it all – meaning technology, that very “technology” has made fly-fishing infinitely more enjoyable, perhaps a bit easier to learn, and Zoom gave us a chance to break down barriers, not otherwise possible.
But I sure am looking forward to seeing you, shaking your hand in person. My only regret is that I won’t be able to “mute” you all when it comes to start the meeting.
See you soon!! Really – not kidding!!
Posted on February 23rd, 2022
We will be making poppers so that we can go for those big mouthed bass. In the past the class has spanned over 2 days and involved lots of paints, epoxies, glues, solutions, along with various other supplies. It is not reasonable to assume that everyone would have everything that would be needed to craft these beauties, and not practical via Zoom. In order to not miss out this year, a simplified method has been devised which will give everyone reasonable and useful poppers. The only thing you will need to complete your popper fly is clear nail polish and Supper Glue or equivalent. If you have 30 min epoxi, a variety of acrylic paints and rubbing alcohol, your finished fly will be more like the ones we usually craft. Some lead time for prepping and putting supplies together will be needed. So please sign up soon but no later than Mar. 5th. It will still be a 2 day class, but fewer hours than usual. We’ll start at noon. Allow 2-3 hours each day. You beginners to fly tying should feel comfortable doing this class. As always, the class is free and materials provided. Very strong thread, any color, such as flat waxed nylon or monocord will be needed. If you need thread, or tools and vise if you are a beginner, the club can loan them to you. Materials , directions and tips for bass fishing will bagged for you to be picked up at my door. Call me to sign up @ (831)688-1561
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
| Monthly Speaker | Date | Excerpt |
|---|
Posted on February 23rd, 2022
Midges, also known as chironomids, are available to trout year-round. Not only in their larval stage but hatches occur as well. In nature they vary a lot in size and color. For the club fishout at Pyramid Lake tie larger flies. I prefer size 8 hooks. For Crowley lake use smaller hooks. The best way to fish a midge is to suspend it under an indicator so it rides a little above the bottom.
HOOK: TMC 2457 or TMC 2487 sizes 6-16
Note: 2457 is a heavier hook and is typically the hook of choice for a bigger fish like it Pyramid Lake.
Crimp Barb.
BEAD: Silver, size to match hook.
Note, for a size 10 Hook use a size 5/32 inch.
Slip small opening on to hook first, and position behind hook eye.
THREAD: Red, 3/0 or 6/0 depending on hook size
Test thread with glue to be sure it doesn’t turn black when applied.
Thinner thread with larger hooks will require more thread wraps.
Attached behind the bed.
RIB: Larva Lace Other brands also available. This is a vinyl strand with elasticity. Diameter is usually round, sometimes D shaped.
Micro midge for size 16 hooks, midge for 12 and 14, small for eight and 10, medium for size 6. Lay on top of shank with and slightly behind bead. Touching thread wraps halfway back on shank. Then pull on rib material to make thinner and continue with thread wraps halfway around rear bend of hook. Note spin thread counter clockwise to keep flat and avoid twisting.
BODY: Red thread.
Wrap forward with touching thread wraps to cover rib well up to bed. Spin thread as above. Use more touching thread wraps backward and forward to form a slender tapered body if necessary. Finish with thread behind bead. Make one half hitch.. Snugly spiral rib forward in opposite direction of thread wraps, 6 wraps to reach bead, each a little further apart. Secure in place with 5 to 6 snug thread wraps. Cut excess rib. Tie off thread, cut. Applied glue to entire body. Allow to dry.
COLLAR: Peacock hurl and black 8/0 thread.
Attach thread behind bead. Select one hurl from stem of feather with medium to long barbules. Break off fragile tip. Tie tip in behind bead. Make dubbing loop. Hold hurl down side of loop, insert dubbing tool, and twist to make chenille. Make several chenille wraps behind bead, tie off, cut excess. Apply glue to about 1/2 inch of thread near bead, whip finish behind bead, cut thread.
Posted on February 14th, 2022
If you are interested in fish-related scientific information, you should check out fishbio.com. They have articles on fisheries research, monitoring and conservation. I came across an article on steelhead kelt reconditioning. What the heck is that? First of all…what is a kelt. Not all steelhead die after spawning one time. Some spawn multiple times. Steelhead that return to the ocean or an estuary after spawning are called kelts. During the journey back down the river post-spawn, kelts are challenged by obstacles such as dams that are typically designed to aid juvenile salmonids—not adults. This is the case on the Columbia river. To help the fish survive, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and the Yakama Nation have been practicing kelt reconditioning. This involves capturing the fish and placing them in holding tanks where they are given medical attention, fed and allowed to rest for several months before release. The fish are also tracked by PIT tags after being released. For more information on this interesting subject, go to the link.
Posted on February 19th, 2022
Save the Redwoods League, in partnership with Caltrout, the Yurok Tribe, National Park Service, California State Parks, California State Coastal Conservancy, NOAA Restoration Center and Wildlife Conservation Board has begun a project that includes returning Prairie Creek and adjacent floodplain habitat for salmon and steelhead back to a more natural state. The project is taking place adjacent to the former Orick Mill site north of Eureka in Humboldt County. For more information on the overall scope of the project and an inspiring video, go to the link.
Posted on February 19th, 2022
Thoughts from Steve Rudzinski (Stosh)
Matt and I met at Pyramid Lake trailer #7 ‘the Animal House’. He shared a room with his good buddy Dougald Scott, (the Snoring chamber) would shake as a wall separating the bathroom was pretty thin. The mornings Matt liked making cheese on toasted bread in the oven, and the coffee pot was set to go off early before first light. Even at that time of day did not distract his natural smile and great humor.
We would fish nearby at Blockhouse beach waiting for that plastic ball to go under. Matt landed some fine fish and we all helped net them, I think of that place like the ‘senior citizens hole’. Good banter and when the fishing was hot…well it never got that hot.
Matt brought me eggs from his hens at home and his elk stews and venison dishes in years when the elk eluded him was always our group meal the first night after fishing. Wine and storytelling into the evening was fun and I enjoyed his sharp mind and humor and will miss him this year at the lake. See you on the other side of the veil, – Stosh
Thoughts from Dougald Scott
Our club lost a colorful member and good friend in February. Matt Murphy had been an SCFF member since 2008. He was easily recognized by his massive white mustache and jovial presence. At our annual dinners, he was known for buying massive numbers of raffle tickets with high hopes of a new float tube or fly rod, and then accepting his final winnings of a calendar or hat with good humor.
At Pyramid Lake fishouts, Matt was a fixture in Trailer 7, aka the “Animal House.” Cabin mates always looked forward to his wild-game dinners, especially his elk stew. He thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of all of the club members, especially at fishouts.
Matt had many stories to share from his rich life experiences. His early years were spent in Afghanistan, Hawaii, and Samoa. In Afghanistan, he expanded his love for the outdoors and spent most of his time hunting much needed wild game for the family’s table. For many years after high school in Davis, he was a white water guide on numerous rivers throughout the west. Later on he became a master craftsman and contractor building many fine houses.
Matt will be sorely missed, especially at the Pyramid Lake Fishouts.
Posted on February 19th, 2022
Club member Jim Black passed away recently. He was an adventurous fly fisherman, traveling the western US and the world . Jim had a strong affection for the club, assuming the presidency in 2017 due to the incumbent’s illness; however his tenure was short, as he faced his own medical problems. He was able to continue on the board as Programs Chair often coming up with great ideas and funding some himself. Unfortunately his illness interceded one again.
One year, I was meeting Jim, Tom Welle, his son-in-law, and a bunch of Tom’s brothers to fish Henderson Springs, a series of lakes east of Redding. Tom and Jim stopped at The Fly Shop to pick up some flies. Low and behold, Jim realized his rods and gear bag had been left behind.
Forgetting your fly rod; $500.
Remembering your reel and waders were in the bag; $300
Spending your son-in-laws 50th birthday with him and family; priceless.
We’ll miss you Jim.
Posted on February 23rd, 2022
Pat Murray, a dear club member of ours, passed away recently. She was introduced to the club in 2006 by long-term club member Gill Santos. You could find her at many club functions and fishouts ,and help at the annual fundraiser was much appreciated. On one particular memorable horse pack trip into Humphreys Basin in the High Sierra, she kept us entertained with her skills at playing bridge , which helped us deal with the cold rain and then corn snow which fell upon our tarps all day. The O’Neil Forbay was one of her frequent haunts. She really enjoyed catching those mighty Stripers. Thanks Gil for introducing us to Pat who was such a fun friend. – by Elaine Cook
Posted on February 17th, 2022
mobile scrollable table
| EVENT NAME | EVENT DATE | SPECIES | FISH MASTER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing – UPDATED – | Jul 05 | ||
| Loreto Fly Fishing Trip | Jul 07 | ||
| Palm Beach Surf Fishout | Aug 09 | ||
| Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing – CO Fishout with The San Jose Fly Fishing Club | Sep 06 | ||
| Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 20-Oct. 4th | Sep 20 - Oct 04 | Trout | John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515 |
| Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout – CO Fishout with The Delta Fly Fishers | Oct 04 | ||
| O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20th | Oct 16 - Oct 19 | ||
| Trinity River Fishout | Oct 31 - Nov 02 |
Location: Beer Can Beach (AKA Summer Beach) – Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos
Fish Master: Scott Kitayama / scottkitayama@gmail.com
Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass
Min./Max Participants: Breakfast RSVP Required 5:00pm July 3.
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc.
What to Expect:
Meet at 5:20AM
Sunrise is at 5:53 and we are fishing a 3-foot tidal crest, high tide being8: 55AM.
Meet at the staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos.
Breakfast at Mike Lovejoy’s house, 115 Driftwood Ct, Aptos. Park on the street. Hot water available for hand wash. Hose available for rinsing equipment.
Coffee at 8:00am and breakfast served 8:30-9:30.
RSVP For Breakfast – 5:00pm July 3.
Cost: Maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Loreto Mexico
Details to be finalized and date to be confirmed
The fishing day starts around 6:00 a.m. and we usually get back to the harbor between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. Spend the rest of the afternoon fishing from the beach, having a cool drink in the pool, exploring Loreto, or just sitting around telling some tall fish stories. And, you will have many exciting moments on the Sea of Cortez to talk about.
The approximate cost for everything but meals and airfare is: *$995.00 per person, double occupancy; around $460.00 for a non-fishing guest. –
It does not include meals because there are some nice restaurants (A lot of fresh seafood!) in town or if you prefer, eat at the hotel, where they will also cook your catch to your preference. Interested?
Please contact Rich Hughett, 831-757-5709, for all the details. You will need to book airline flights* as soon as possible.
*No money will be collected in advance. Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines from San Jose to Los Angeles and Alaska Airlines to Loreto. Rich will help with your airline reservations.
Gear: The minimum size rod for Dorado is a 10 weight, with a corresponding size reel with plenty of backing. I suggest everyone take floating, intermediate and full sink lines, such as T-14. Most fish down there are not leader shy, so I use about a 5 foot leader with a 20 pound tippet. For Dorado, the main fly is a Sarmulmac. Clousers also work. In fact a variety of flies work for salt water fish, as long as they represent a smaller baitfish.
Notes: Further discussion of dates, gear and preparations to be had as interest develops
Fishmaster : Scott Kitayama
Contact info: scotttkitayama@gmail.com
Location: Palm Beach State Park
| Date | High Tide | Low Tide | Sun | Moon | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | ft | PM | ft | AM | ft | PM | ft | Rise | Set | |||
| 9 | Sat | 12:06 PM | 4.0 | 10:53 | 5.5 | 5:25 | -0.7 | 4:46 | 2.4 | 6:19 | 8:06 | |
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 time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc.
What to Expect: Tide and weather dependent, but expect good times.
You may want to use a two fly rig, one smaller for perch and a larger one
for Stripers. When I add flies I often need to use lighter weight
ones than I might with one fly. For example, dumbbell eyes are
heavy, so I tie most Clousers and jig flies using bead-chain or even plastic eyes, knowing I will very likely be
using 2 or 3, so need them to be light enough to cast.
A reminder that the surf is not a place to learn to cast, but it will force you to improve your line control!
Cost: Parking? & maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: Parking Lot / End of W. Beach Rd.
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: Coffee and snacks served at 8:30am
Location: Beer Can Beach (AKA Summer Beach) – Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos
Fish Master:Michael Lovejoy <mikelovejoy94@gmail.com>
Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass
Min./Max Participants: RSVP For Breakfast by 5:00pm September 3nd
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc.
What to Expect:
Meet at 5:20AM
Meet at the staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos.
Breakfast at Mike Lovejoy’s house, 115 Driftwood Ct, Aptos. Park on the street. Hot water available for hand wash. Hose available for rinsing equipment.
Coffee and breakfast served 8:30-9:30.
RSVP For Breakfast by 5:00pm September 3nd
| Date | High Tide | Low Tide | Sun | Moon | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | ft | PM | ft | AM | ft | PM | ft | Rise | Set | |||
| 6 | Sat | 10:42 | 4.3 | 9:59 | 5.6 | 4:11 | -0.3 | 3:51 | 1.9 | 6:41 | 7:29 | |
Cost: Maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Sign Ups: As a reminder, it is important to sign up early as sign ups have started and spaces are filling up fast for this Fishout.
Call John Cook letting him know which week, both or private room. Payment is required to secure our spot we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.
Contact Ph # (831) 234-6515
Fishmasters: John & Elaine Cook
Dates: This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 20 – Sept 27 . Week 2: Sept 27 – Oct 4.
Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.
General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Condo has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.
Cost: Shared single: $500/wk, $1000/2 wks. (Pricing Subject To Change)
Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards. Each person will be assigned a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare. You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.
Location: Manresa State Beach (Ocean View Drive, La Selva Beach Parking Lot)
Meet at 5:45AM
Sunrise is 7:04AM and we will be fishing an incoming tide cresting at 9:28AM.
Fish Master: Lance Boiling / clboling@gmail.com / 408-728-0548
Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass
Min./Max Participants: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this outing
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc.
What to Expect: Good Times
Cost: Parking? & maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: Coffee and donuts at the local hang out
After the fish-out, I will be making tailgate quesadillas and providing beverages.
Event: O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout
Date: October 17th – 20th (Subject To Change)
(I will be looking for a weekend with a ‘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 troutdock89@gmail.com
These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.
Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the
San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.
The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.
Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly
Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.
Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga mussels)
Fins, sunscreen, polarized glasses, life vest
Links:
https://mengsyn.com/ A fly-fishing addict who fishes San Luis Reservoir and the Forebay.
http://www.danblanton.com/ Long time local fishing guide.
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/dynamicapp/QueryDaily?s=Onf
There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.
Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.
This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!
Date and description subject to change due to seasonal conditions Please Stay Tuned
NOTE: Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip. After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?). You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.
Posted on February 23rd, 2022
WANTED: Anybody have a tricked-out Pyramid ladder that is in good shape and no longer being used? How about selling it to me so that it can get its feet back in the alkaline lake? Would like to keep the price less than $80. Call/text 650 279 5871 or email: scottkitayama@gmail.com
Posted on February 16th, 2022
Posted on February 19th, 2022
General Meeting……………………
Katie Kobayashi, Local Steelhead
Great choices for the February Raffle
President’s Line…………………….
Fly Tying……………………
Surf Percher
Josh’s Smelt
GLOW BUG
Conservation Concerns……………
SCFF Club Members Volunteer Locally
Membership Notes…………………
176 members for the 2022 Roster
Fly Tying Donation to Club
Fishout Schedule…………………
Reel News…………………
2021 John Steele Award winner
Greatest Show on Earth! Feb 25, 26, 27
National Forest Campground Reservations (simplified)
Riddle Answer…………………………..…
Posted on January 25th, 2022
Katie’s passions for science and the outdoors first collided as a college student at UC Berkeley, where her studies took her to extraordinary field sites ranging from the crystal clear South Fork Eel River to the tropical streams of French Polynesia.
She quickly became motivated to apply her research experience to the salmon- and trout-bearing streams she had explored on fly fishing trips with her father. After graduating, Katie began working for the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center—contributing to research and monitoring efforts for endangered/threatened coho salmon and steelhead trout across Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties.
Katie began her PhD with the NOAA/UCSC Fisheries Collaborative Program in 2016. Her research examines the evolutionary differences between steelhead and rainbow trout (O. mykiss), their role in stream food webs, and the effects of escalating wildfire regimes on these dynamics. She manages a highly collaborative research project in Scott Creek (Santa Cruz County, CA), working with academic, agency, and NGO partners to draw connections between natural history, evolutionary ecology, and fisheries management.
Katie strives to communicate her research to both academic and local communities through her teaching, writing, and art. She is currently a graduate fellow with California Sea Grant and UCSC’s Center for Innovations in Teaching and Learning.
Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
| Monthly Speaker | Date | Excerpt |
|---|
Posted on January 19th, 2022
Two good things about February, first we are nearly through winter with spring not too far off and second, it’s time to win some new gear for the upcoming season! Our raffle this month is designed to help us get on with it.
Rod and reel package
What would be better to get started this spring than a brand new 5 WT 9 ft high carbon max catch rod in a hard denier case matched with a aluminum alloy Sougayilang reel. A classic California trout outfit perfect for all skill levels.
Be a winner, buy a ticket!
Fly Box Case
We all might need to spend a little time in our gear bags organizing our varied and numerous flies. To help with this endeavor we have, from Adamsbuilt, four Super Slim Series fly boxes along with a fully padded denier textured nylon carry case. Perfect way to keep track of and access hundreds of flies.
Be a winner,buy a ticket!
Fish Whistle
Back by popular demand, we have a Simms Fish Whistle up for grabs. Tried and true, this gem will save the day when the fishing gets tough. Kit includes papers, whistle, Bic, and waterproof stash container. (Stash not included). All contained in a hard zippered cordura mini pack with carabiner clip. Endorsed by fishing guides coast to coast. Be a winner, buy a ticket!
THE FINE PRINT:
Raffle tickets are a dollar each sold in blocks of five, twenty bucks gets you 25 tickets. Click on this link to purchase tickets: https://santacruzflyfishing.org/raffle
Club membership not required to purchase tickets, need not be present at Zoom meeting to win. Ticket sales will open at noon on Sunday 1/30/22 and will close at noon on Wednesday, the day of the monthly zoom meeting, 2/2/22.
Posted on January 25th, 2022
Hello Everyone. January was another first in SCFF’s 45 year history – a “hybrid” club meeting. Would any of us thought of the “inter-web” when this club first started? I suppose in 1977, if you said someone was using a cell phone, it was likely because they were in Jail. The internet might have been presumed to be some fancy fly-fishing term for the inside of your net, or what was in your net. Gore-Tex might have been some sort of Texas horror show.
If you’ve been around fly-fishing long enough, you will meet some of the nicest people in the world. Truly. You will also more likely meet “famous” people, who at least 99% of the fly fishing community knows, but only .0005% of the rest of the world does.
As I’m flying to Florida for work and to see Emily, I’m pouring through Fly Fisherman Magazine’s (hey wait, don’t they need a name change?!), 2022 Gear Guide. Wow! If you read this one, you’re sure to be seriously prompted and guilted into buying all the “necessary” gear in this issue. Seriously. They seem to hire writers who scribble in such eloquent, scientific, and perfunctory (I just like that word) manner as to make you feel that if you’re an educated person, you wouldn’t second guess or question their prescribed mandate to get out and put this stuff in your fly-fishing arsenal now, or you ain’t much of a fly-angler. That being said, I would be coming home with three pair of waders from all three vendors, fifteen new fly-rods, and equally as many fly-lines, four backpacks, a kayak, BOA wading boots (which I love by the way) that I must have, if I’m to be remotely successful in the trout or salt water fishing I might consider planning this year. No mention of two-handed Spey equipment for Steelhead or Salmon. Guess is they didn’t have enough room to publish or not enough interest.
Fly Fisherman Magazine has been one of the few publications that has outlasted many others over the last 30 years. Wonder what they will eventually do about the “erman” issue in the future.
I tried writing for the rag several years ago. They politely declined and helped me learn a bit about how one might end up being published in their rag, indicating that 90% of their readership were doctors, lawyers, and executive level subscribers, which sounded like people with a lot of money, were men and still smoked cigars (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I took that to meaning I didn’t use content within my text that would be enough of a challenge for their vocabulary, or the next winner on jeopardy.
Be that as it may, it isn’t Gray’s Journal, or Isaac Walton’s book, or that favorite Shooting Sportsman rag I used to subscribe to, and it is good to see it’s still around and writing good content. I did learn a lot about all the new gear out there and find that to be helpful especially as the end of February is the return to our Fly Fishing Show in Pleasanton, which many of our members will be going to. Jeff Goyert as even promised a tailgate party for lunch. It’s Feb 25,26, 27 – and you should definitely go – mask or no mask. It is completely worth it.
Some of us have been fishing the San Lorenzo, Soquel and Pescadero for Steelhead the last few weeks. Despite all the early rain we received, the good flows, the catch rates are very low. While I knew my chances to hook a fish were low, I went fishing. It is beautiful to be on the water, early, close to home, and it is so very peaceful. I’m grateful for that and need it. I hope the rain returns soon in the event the bigger spawning fish are still out there waiting for that
opportunity to come in and help the river survive another year. When the flows are lower than 100CFS, I tend to stay home. If you’re interested in when it might be less pressure on those fish holding in holes waiting for the flows to return, you can go to the USGS website www.waterdata.usgs.gov, and the river you fish. The San Lorenzo monitors the CFS of the river just below the rubber dam monster in Felton at the Henry Cowell Bridge. There is also a camera there shooting live video there. Some will tell you that below there other tributaries enter the San Lorenzo, so flow may actually be a bit higher, say in the lower gorge, but that measure is a good litmus for most.
Thank you all again for being such good spirited members despite the roller-coaster that Covid has been these last two years now. It has been good for us in a different way, especially with the opportunity to include members in so many activities where they couldn’t get to directly, but can enjoy via Zoom, our Instagram page and Facebook page. None of that would have happened as well as it did if it weren’t for Covid. We will get through this soon, and we are going to have fun fishing and casting, tying flies and helping to restore and preserve those waters special to you.
See you soon. Tom
Posted on January 26th, 2022
As the surf is just outside our back doors and Sam will be having club Fishouts in the surf before too long, we will be tying a fly to use for that endeavor. For you beginners this will be an easy fly. We will be using 6/0 red thread. The club has tools, vises and thread to borrow if you need them. There is no charge for the class and materials are provided. Give me a call to sign up and I’ll prepare a bag of materials and instructions for you, and put them at my front door. (831)688-1561
We will be making poppers so that we can go for those big mouthed bass. In the past the class has spanned over 2 days and involved lots of paints, epoxies, glues, solutions, along with various other supplies. It is not reasonable to assume that everyone would have everything that would be needed to craft these beauties, and not practical via Zoom. In order to not miss out this year, a simplified method has been devised which will give everyone reasonable and useful poppers. The only thing you will need to complete your popper fly is clear nail polish and Supper Glue or equivalent. If you have 30 min epoxi, a variety of acrylic paints and rubbing alcohol, your finished fly will be more like the ones we usually craft. Some lead time for prepping and putting supplies together will be needed. So please sign up soon but no later than Mar. 5th. It will still be a 2 day class, but fewer hours than usual. We’ll start at noon. Allow 2-3 hours each day. You beginners to fly tying should feel comfortable doing this class. As always, the class is free and materials provided. Very strong thread, any color, such as flat waxed nylon or monocord will be needed. If you need thread, or tools and vise if you are a beginner, the club can loan them to you. Materials , directions and tips for bass fishing will bagged for you to be picked up at my door. Call me to sign up @ (831)688-1561
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
| Image | Date | Fly Name |
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Posted on January 13th, 2022
Having recently joined the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club, Joshua Wilkens was first introduced to the Lee Haskin’s San Luis Smelt by Jeff Slaboden last year. “I was kind of neurotically tying these last year so if anybody just wants a few I have probably enough for the short group that potentially wants to go.” said Josh who hosting the Del Valle fishout in March.
Material: I usually tie on shorter shank so less craft foul, typically octopus or drop shot hooks, 3/16 yellow eyes for my 8wt and a size or two smaller and slimmer body for 6wt. The fish dope was from last day sale at California fly shop, and the belly fat is my cats toy which I’m not sure on what pelt that is but it’s very knotted and curly like roughed up by my kitty. I think it’s like streamer hair not craft fur and it’s the parts I didn’t use at base years ago when I must of used it no clue. Then creame/tan/rootbeer craft fur (I’m subbing rootbeer for what’s usually dark brown artic fox because my cat ran off with it I can’t find it) and some pearl lengthy dubbing. I use Danville’s 210 cause it’s cheap thread.
I put two little chunks of creame up the shank towards eyes leaving room for belly. Add belly chunk behind eyes, add pearl on body tie ahead of eyes, add red stuff, fold pearl back over eyes and red stuff, flip over tie thick chunk tan, tie medium chunk rootbeer/dark brown I think. I was trying to imitate smelt last year with material I had, then I went fishing with Jeff whose friends with the smelt creator and he said something like the ginger dye he started with they stopped dying that color.
Posted on January 25th, 2022
Steelhead and trout follow salmon as they spawn and readily eat their eggs. This pattern simulates them. The fly doesn’t sink well so use a sinking line, put weight on your leader, or trail the fly behind a fly that sinks well, or add a gold bead to the hook before tying on the yarn.
HOOK: Mustad 9174 or TMC 105 or Targus 105. Size 6 or 8
THREAD: STRONG: white, peach, salmon or other light color. Such As: flat waxed nylon, Danville 2/0, monochord, Gudbrod Gx2 or Ultra 149 denier.
EGG: Glow Bug Yarn: comes in both thick and thin strands. bright salmon, pale salmon, orange, peach, pale yellow, and pink
1. Crimp Barb. NOTE: a hook with upturned eye also works, but material is harder to trim.
2. Attach thread 1/3 back on shank. Cover center 1/3 of shake with touching wraps. Leave thread mid shank.
3. THICK YARN:
THIN YARN:
–
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Posted on January 13th, 2022
Our club has been active lately in supporting local conservation groups. This is an important aspect of the club mission where we can help improve, repair and sustain the fishery—especially on a local level. Here are a few noteworthy events.
Coho Salmon Release with MBSTP
Late last December, Jeff Gose, Jerry McKeon and I helped the Monterey Salmon and Trout Project release adult Coho Salmon into two locations in Pescadero Creek. These fish began life at the MBSTP at the Kingfisher Flat Hatchery near Davenport. After the CZU fire hit, they were trucked up to the Warm Springs Hatchery in Sonoma County where they were raised to adult spawn maturity. These fish were RFID tagged so each one can be identified in the future. The three of us were all able to shuttle the fish from the truck and handle some as well as revive a few. Some of the fish were in the 6 pound range. Here is a quote from Jerry McKeon that I think expresses Jeff and my sentiments as well:
“Helping MBSTP release over a hundred Coho into Pescadero Creek was very rewarding for me. As anglers we have the unique ability to help revive fish that don’t immediately take to the new water. I was also very impressed by how well a group of mostly strangers worked together. Everyone had a sense of urgency and a single focus of getting these salmon safely into the creek. It was a real privilege to be a part of and if the opportunity arises again, I’ll happily raise my hand. “
Coastal Watershed Council January River Health Day
On January 15th, our own Elaine and John Cook, Jeff Slaboden and Camille Padilla volunteered their time to help plant and maintain native seedlings along the banks of the San Lorenzo River to increase biodiversity and revitalize the river ecosystem. I spoke to John and Elaine and they both said it was a worthwhile and rewarding experience. Good work and thank you all!
Coho Salmon Release with MBSTP—Part Two
On January 19th, member Sam Bishop assisted MBSTP with a follow-up release on Pescadero Creek. Sam said “They are ripe and ready to spawn. We hope they will do that right there near the release so their kids head out to sea next year.” Amen! Thank you Sam helping out and for serving on the board at MBSTP.
Posted on January 25th, 2022
176 members have paid their 2022 dues as of the end of January. Although membership dues and donations are more than last year, they are less than the 2019 pre Covid level which included the annual fundraiser dinner. The Board will be reviewing the 2022 Budget on Feb 16th after all 2021 expenditures and revenues are finalized. 2022 Budget will be sent to members in March.
If members are not receiving the monthly newsletter, it may be included in their spam file, or members are using an alternate email to review the newsletter, or dues have not been paid for 2022. Please email me if there is a problem with the newsletter or googlegroups. Robert6367@aol.com
Posted on January 25th, 2022
We’ve received another donation to share with our club members. Ed Sacks is the person we thank for his thoughtfulness and generosity. He was a club member some years ago and remembers well shopping at Ernie’s. He no longer ties flies so offers us what he had. That includes a fly tying table with vise, light and magnifier. Watch for these on the free giveaway table at an upcoming, in person club meetings.
Posted on January 25th, 2022
