Posted on October 20th, 2025
Fin Flutter
From My Bench
Fishing the surf can be hard on flies, shredding the dressing from sharp fishy teeth and dulling hooks from dragging the sand. Building a robust, surf fly provides a thousand casts and dozens of fish to hand. I recently had the opportunity to take a fly-tying class from one of the bay area fly tying legends, Steve Adachi. He is the innovator of the Adachi Clouser and interesting variations of the same fly. The origin of the fly, Steve claims, is a culmination of original work by several historic striper fishermen and guides. Steve however, perfected the design and added his own flavored details and an additional robustness to the fly that withstands the rigors of time, tides, sand and almost everything lurking below the surface.
Steve ties his flies as he says, “tied to catch 100 fish”. He ties for some of the bay area premier striper guides, striper hunters, and fly shops up and down the California coastline. His clients demand the durability, Steve says. Although he ties different variations for himself and other users, all his flies have some commonality which has produced fabled success with both amateurs and professionals. Being an engineer, I know the devil is in the details and as Steve demonstrated in his ties, he annunciated the details for his long lasting and effective Adachi Clousers.
The key to building a robust fly as Steve demonstrates is in the layers of epoxy he applies during several steps within the tying process. Steve didn’t share the brand of the epoxy but did say the material he uses penetrates deep into the dressing and locks in the fibers and stabilizing the eyes. As I tied with Steve, it might be tempting to take shortcuts, use some UV or cyanoacrylate adhesive to bond the layers, but being patient is a virtue of fly fisher people and tyers who are unsettled with mediocrity.
The evening of tying ran long but the enthusiasm did not wane as I absorbed every fish story while the fly absorbs the thin adhesive. Tying a legendary fly with witness of a legendary tyer was a lifetime experience for me. I came away from the evening with a new appreciation and techniques to duplicate a fly I frequently use. I fish the Adachi Clouser in the Delta, San Luis, and along the Monterey and SF Bays, it works everywhere you find stripers or perch in the surf. It is a universal tie and with small tweaks can morph into almost any other baitfish found on the west coast.
The tie is demonstrated by Steve himself in the link below:
The details Steve shared with the tying group are important but are also easy to effectively replicate the with a rotary tool and a thin, slow drying epoxy. The epoxy I used to replace the process is manufactured by Flex Coat:
The material in the link is designed for coating lures and poppers. However, I called Flex Coat and they said their high build rod wrapping adhesive is the same as the lure coating. I opted to use the rod building epoxy. The adhesive is slow drying and provides a smooth luster to the fly.
Steve ties his flies with a heavy monofilament. The mono allows the colors and flash to radiate through the mono. The first adhesive is intended to bond the inner flash and the eyes. After tying the eyes and the flash onto the hook, a level amount of adhesive is applied to the body. You need to use a fly spinner to rotate the fly until the adhesive is dry to assure a level coating.
After the adhesive dries, the synthetic fiber is lashed onto the fly as descried in Steve’s instructional video, and additional adhesive is applied to the head and around the neck of the fly. I used a bodkin to apply the adhesive but any applicator can be used. The fly is returned to the spinner for the final cure.
I am not claiming to be an expert, but to the contrary, a layman who is continually learning and passing on techniques to other tyers. One note… given Steve’s high bar of catching 100 stripers on every fly, and considering my catch rate, my fly box is filled with two lifetimes of Steve’s flies.
If you don’t have the fly spinner or just don’t have the time for tying, you can purchase Steve’s hand tied flies at Lost Coast Outfitters for about 12 bucks which is a bargain considering the time it takes to tie and the material cost.
Posted on October 19th, 2025
Annual fundraiser Sat Jan 31st, 2026
- Mark your Calendar …tickets are now available below and at the monthly meetings on Dec 3 and Jan 7th. Tickets for dinner and door prizes will be $50 and members can renew membership and purchase dinner tickets in December online.
2026 SCFF Annual Fundraiser Ticket
Posted on October 19th, 2025
Bead Chain Woolybugger
To fish this fly, use a sinking line, twitch or strip to elicite a strike from a trout. Woolybuggers typically are not tied with bead chain eyes. They give an entirely different profile. This pattern also varies in that dry fly hackle is used and barbs are kept short.
Hook: TMC 5263 , sizes 8-14
Thread: color to match tail or body
Eyes: bead chain , size proportional
Tail: Marabou, color to match hackle or body.
Hackle: Neck or saddle. Color to match body or tail, or dun.
Body: Chenille: black, brown, olive, cinnamon, or those colors variegated.
1. Crimp Barb.
2. Attach thread behind eye. Touching wraps 1/4 back on shank then forward to one hook eye behind eye.
3. Cut bead chain with wire cutters into sets of 2.
4. Attach bead chain eyes to top of shank, one ball on each side, using multiple figure eight wraps and around base of eyes on top of shank. Wrap thread to mid shank. Apply drop of glue.
5. Pull clump of marabou off stem of feather. Note: moisten marabou for easy handling. Cut off butt ends. Lay butts on top of shank behind eyes. Tie to top of shank back to end of shank. Break (do not cut) tips to desired length.
6. Select hackle with barbs equal to 1 1/2 hook gap. Holding tip, stroke barbs against grain. Position tip on top of shank, butt end to rear. Tie in place.
7. Pull fibers off about 1/4″ of chenille exposing core threads. Attach threads to rear of shank. Advance thread to behind bead chain.
8. Wrap body forward with touching wraps. Tie off, cut excess.
9. Spiral hackle forward in 6 evenly spaced wraps. Tie off, cut excess. A couple more thread wraps to secure.
10. Make several figure 8 wraps around bead chain eyes. Wrap thread head. Whip finish. Cut thread. Apply glue to head.
Posted on October 19th, 2025
November Fly Tying Class: The Kilowatt
Nov 12 6:30 PM @ Aptos Grange
This is a variation of Cliff Watt’s Kilowatt fly that has produced some really nice steelhead for me on the San Lorenzo. I’ve swung it on a skaget line in the estuary, dead, drifted it on a tight line in the riffles, and through runs under a bobber. It also can be jigged like a spoon through a pool or frog water. As always, the classes are free and materials are provided if you have black 140 denier or 3/0 wax nylon, please bring it. The club will have thread to borrow. For you beginners there will be equipment to use as well. Sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-345-0864.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt |
|---|
Posted on October 13th, 2025
November: Alex Ferber – Trinity on the Swing
Nov 05 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
This month’s speaker will be none other than our very own Fly Casting Master, Alex Ferber! Please come listen in as he shares his thoughts and wisdom on his passion for swinging flies for Steelhead and Trout. This session will be especially pertinent for those considering this month’s Fishout on the Trinity River.
Here is a short bio from our speaker, Alex:
My name is Alex Ferber, I am a long term resident of Santa Cruz, CA and currently split my time between Santa Cruz and Northern California. I am a semi retired Physician Assistant. I have been Fly Fishing for about 25 years and have been a licensed Fly Fishing Guide for the past 8 years. While in Northern California I focus on fishing for Trout and Steelhead. I also guide and teach Surf Fishing in Santa Cruz. I teach casting classes both single and 2 handed rods, as well as Introductory Fly Fishing classes in the Santa Cruz area. The rivers I guide include Fall River, The Upper and Lower Sacramento Rivers, the McCloud and Pit Rivers, along with Hat Creek, Burney Creek and various smaller creeks and rivers in the area. During the Fall and winter I am on the Trinity River, chasing Steelhead. I offer both walk wading and float trips.
My passion is swinging flies for Steelhead and Trout. A close second is pursuing wild Rainbows on Fall River with dry flies.
I place a high priority on teaching. My goal with all my guests is to introduce folks to new techniques in order to develop new skills, to enable them to become more complete anglers. I feel it is really important to be stewards of the rivers we fish and the precious environment we visit. We need to appreciate that our resources are limited and to not place excessive stress on our fisheries. When we visit a river, we need to ensure that we leave as small an imprint as possible. I try to pass these ideas on to all the people I fish with. Fly fishing should not be just about catching fish. We need to respect the partnership we have with the fish we pursue and cherish the wonderful places we visit. We need to ensure that these amazing places continue to exist for future generations. I look forward to sharing my passion for fly fishing with you!
NOTE: Meetings will now follow this time: 6:30 pm – Hands on Learning, 7:00 pm – Club information, 7:30 pm – Main speaker(s)
Posted on October 8th, 2025
December is Open Enrollment for 2026 Membership Dues Online
As a reminder, 2026 dues can be renewed online Dec 1-Dec 31 by clicking “menu->membership” on the club website. Because the portal is a secure platform, you will need your email and a password to renew your 2026 membership. Also your membership renewal date is on a calendar date from the date of renewal payment. We will continue to provide updates mid November and before December which will include the January date of the Annual Dinner, price, and ticket details, which can be purchase together online with dues renewals.
Posted on October 8th, 2025
Place: Stanislaus
Posted on — Leave a commentStanislaus Float Report
Saturday, September 20th:
Our fish-out with the Stanislaus Fly Fishing Club was scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m., floating the middle fork of the Stanislaus from Knights Ferry to Orange blossom, just outside of Oakdale CA.
Mapquest advises a 2 1/2 hour drive, so I’m up at 4:30 and on the road at 5. My canoe is strapped to the roof of my truck and all my gear was loaded the evening before.
Here is my essential list:
- canoe
- life jackets
- throwable floating device
- paddle + spare paddle
- anchor + 50 feet of anchor line
- sunscreen (actually forgot sunscreen, mistake!)
- sunglasses
- hat
- 4 & 7 weight fly rods with matching reels
- floating, sinking, and intermediate lines for both reels
- flies for trout, stripers, and bass
- two quarts drinking water
- 4 beers and a sandwich
I made one stop for a breakfast sandwich and coffee, and arrived at 7:45. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Gus Link and his partner, Paul. (? not 100% positive on name) of the Stanislaus Fly Fishing Club. Their vessel was a two person pontoon boat with a rowing station and a casting platform. Kevin Morrison and Susan (not sure on last name) from our Santa Cruz Club rounded out our group with kayaks of their own.
The theme of our trip was a non-motorized float down the Stanislaus with the possibility of catching Trout, Stripers, Smallmouth Bass, and Carp. Gus and Paul had previously unloaded their boat & tackle, and leaving us to watch their gear, shuttled a truck down to our take-out at Horseshoe Bend. While they were gone, we unloaded our boats and gear, and rigged for trout initially. Although we had originally planned to float to Orange Blossom, low water dictated an earlier pull out.
We had agreed to pay $20 apiece for shuttle service, and a $10 parking and day use fee. However, Gus said that because there were only 3 of us to transport, he would waive the shuttle fee. And my senior State Parks pass gave me free entry and parking privileges. Woohoo, good start.
Our guides returned and we launched at 8:30-ish. The water temp was high 50s, and air temps were low 80s. In my mind, an earlier start would have been advisable. I decided (wisely) that temps were too warm to warrant waders.
In all candor, I must admit that I overestimated my canoeing skills. The trip was advertised as a gentle float, and it was…punctuated by small sets of rapids every five or ten minutes. I must have smashed into every rock in the river. Keeping two hands on my paddle and fishing at the same time was impossible. Even on the smooth runs, as soon as I put down my paddle to cast, my boat would begin to helplessly spin about, making accuracy impossible. I had either to anchor mid run or beach the boat in order to fish.
Early on, I saw caddies, stone, and mayfly hatches coming off. I saw no surface activity to indicate active feeding. My go to was a stonefly pattern, with a soft hackled P/T nymph as a dropper two feet below. We floated over lots of carp, but saw no sign of trout.
The drift itself was lovely, but til about midway between Knights Ferry and Horseshoe all I saw were carp. Lots of them. Big, averaging 16 to 20 inches. Some bigger. They were not interested in my offerings. I switched droppers frequently, to no avail. P/T nymphs, Stonefly nymphs, Zug bug, prince nymph. None appealed to our target audience.
At about the midway point, I finally saw trout. Big ones. Steelhead sized. And swimming away fast. They were very sparse, and extremely wary. They were gone before I could even get a cast off.
A short while further, I saw my first Striped Bass. It was hunkered down deep, generally hanging out with the carp. I anchored upstream, and switched to my heavier rod with a sinking line and a chartreuse and white deceiver. 15 minutes of casting without a grab. I saw many more stripers further on, none actively feeding. They were just sulking around the bottom of the deeper runs. Each time I passed two or more, I would paddle back upstream, anchor up, tie on a different streamer, and futilely cast and retrieve for ten or fifteen minutes. No love for me.
It was about 3:00 when we reached Horse Shoe Bend. Susan was already out of the water and ready to go. Kevin and I kept an eye on her gear as Gus drove her to her car. Both cars returned, Susan loaded her Kayak and bid adieu. Kevin and I loaded all our tackle in Gus’ truck, but left the boats unattended. Gus drove us back to our trucks, and we then returned back to Horseshoe to retrieve our boats.
A nice moment: A group of kayakers held off above me as I covered the water with my casts. After a few moments, I reeled in and waved for them to pass. They stopped briefly at my boat to point out an Osprey nest with juveniles, being fed by Mother or Father bird. I was so focused on fishing that I was missing the real life nature exhibition.
I also floated by a wake of buzzards fighting over scraps of some long dead critter. At times, watching them soar in the skies over my head, I wondered if they were anticipating a fatal mishap on my part.
Another nice moment: The parking area at the take-out was about 75 yards, uphill, from where we took out. As I struggled up the hill with my canoe, two young men asked if they could help, then promptly carried the boat and loaded it on my roof rack. Who says chivalry is dead?
By 4:30 I was loaded to go, and by 7:00, I arrived back in Aptos after an uneventful drive.
Would I float it again? Absolutely, but I would use my brothers pontoon boat (similar to Gus’), and shoot for a 6:30 launch. Maybe a touch earlier, when water levels are at 700 cfm, not 250 as it was for us Saturday. At 250, I had to step out of my boat once due to shallow water. 700 cfm would eliminate that requirement.
Final Score: Susan caught a trout. We were all envious. That was the only fish hooked.
This report respectfully submitted to The Santa Cruz Fly-Fishing Club
by K.Murdock
Sgt. at Arms
SCFFC
Posted on October 5th, 2025
October 2025 Newsletter
October: California Stripers………………
My Turn: My Love of Fishing ……………………………
Fly Tying……………………
October Fly Tying Class: Gurgler
Fly of the Month: Bead Chain Whistler
Conservation Concerns……………………
Important Win for San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary Coalition
Membership Notes…………………
Strategic Direction for SCFF
SCFF Fly Display at 2025 Santa Cruz Fair
Club Activities – October thru December
Gearing Up ……………………
Fishout Schedule
Cartoon ……………………
Bait for Thought ……………………
Thank you to Terry Williams
Posted on September 22nd, 2025
Thank You to Terry Williams
In August the club received a generous donation of items for us to use as we saw fit. It included fly tying materials, fishing equipment, and a very large amount of rod crafting and building materials and tools. We will be able to use the items for our fly tying classes, swap meet, and annual installation dinner. So thanks go to Terry Williams who read about our club online. The items were her husband‘s who has passed away. She describes him as having been an avid fly fisherman.
Posted on September 19th, 2025
Strategic Direction for the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club
This month I had the pleasure of talking with Jesse Collins-Incoming President and Scott Kitayama, the current President,
about their Club.
Some facts:
The Club started in 1977 so we are getting close to 50 years. And like many of the Northern California Clubs we:
● Hold monthly meetings with speakers.
● Monthly fly tying classes.
● Monthly casting clinics on the lawn and sometimes in the San Lorenzo river.
● Have about 17 fish outs per year.
They are currently around 260 members with significant growth occurring during and after Covid. Tom Hogye (who serves as VP of NCCFFI) was President of the club at that time So at a time when many clubs stopped having meetings and were losing members, the Santa Cruz club did some things that helped us survive and continue to thrive today.
They:
● Continued to have meetings during Covid using Zoom and today’s meetings are now a hybrid of zoom and in-person.
● Fully embraced Instagram to tell our story to an audience younger than our average membership and today have over 1,000+ followers.
● Increased our conservation donations and started a scholarship at the local high schools convinced that our membership would grow by “doing good in the community”.
Scott Kitayama became President in 2023 and his main theme has been “fellowship”. We have tried to make the meetings more welcoming to new attendees, have breakfast and coffee at our local beach fishouts, work with other local organizations such as Project Healing Waters and Sisters on the Fly.
Jesse Collins will be the next President and is already setting direction. He discussed his deep-rooted love for fly fishing, which began in his childhood on the East Coast. He values the community aspect of the sport and aims to mentor others, especially veterans, through teaching and guiding. Jesse also mentioned his plans to conduct advanced fly tying clinics and share his knowledge through presentations on various fishing topics. He believes the club membership will continue to increase, become more dynamic and younger. One of the ways is providing affordable fly fishing experiences that would be attractive to any angler.
Here are some takeaways from our meeting:
Hybrid Meetings and Engagement Strategies
Some clubs are experiencing some push back on continuing virtual meetings with their in-person meetings. What have you experienced?
Some members expressed a preference for in-person interactions. Scott contributed to the discussion by emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and engagement in meetings.
Engagement Strategies and Scholarship Programs
Could you talk about what you are doing to bring in more members and diversity of members?
Jesse emphasized the need for greater member engagement to enhance the club’s activities, suggesting that more hands-on presentations could attract new participants. When asked about youth programs, Scott explained the club’s scholarship initiative for high school seniors entering environmental studies. The discussion highlighted the importance of fostering interest in nature among younger generations.
Scott also emphasized the value of local knowledge in fishing, suggesting that club members possess expertise that could rival professional guides.
How are you engaging younger generations in Fishing Activities?
Jesse discussed strategies to engage younger generations in the fishing club, including organizing cost-effective, do-it-yourself trips and implementing a points system to incentivize participation. He noted the success of the fly fishing film tour, which drew a large audience and resulted in new memberships. He also mentioned collaborating with the local Project Healing Waters chapter to attract veterans and their families to the club. These are successful events that have increased membership. He highlighted the importance of making learning enjoyable and accessible, suggesting shorter, more interactive sessions before meetings. He also mentioned the positive impact of recruiting younger members to the board, which encouraged diverse opinions and fresh perspectives.
As we were coming to the end of our discussion we all expressed enthusiasm for organizing a swap meet for clubs in California, highlighting the opportunity for collaboration and sharing resources. Scott noted the success of previous events and suggested that attracting overnight visitors could enhance participation. Jesse proposed organizing more joint events to foster collaboration among clubs, which could enhance membership and engagement and highlight the potential benefits of shared experiences.
Thank you Jesse and Scott for a very insightful discussion and I can’t wait to get some of the club collaborations going with you!
Posted on September 19th, 2025
An Important Win for San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary Coalition
An effort to fast track a controversial project to construct a 45 mile, 36 foot diameter tunnel that would divert water from the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary to supply consumers to the south including agricultural businesses and urban residents has been defeated. Agriculture consumes 4 times the volume of water than cities and towns in the state. This surely does not mean the project is dead. But it does reveal that there is a substantial coalition that has worked hard to gather support to throw a major roadblock to the Delta Conveyance Project (aka Delta Tunnel). This fast track approach would have added trailer bills to California’s budget.
What would these bills have established?
- Bypass established environmental review and public participation processes.
- Given unlimited bonding authority to the Department of Water Resources for the Delta Conveyance Project.
- Fast tracked the DCP construction.
- Eliminated the administrative record access.
- Eliminated the public participation for the so-called “Healthy Rivers and Landscapes” Program also known as the “voluntary agreements”.
Why did the trailer bills get defeated?
- A coalition of more than 50 organizations of Tribes, environmental justice organizations, fishing groups, conservation advocates, and Delta communities opposed the trailer bills. Some of the members include, Restore the Delta, California Sport Fishing Protection Alliance, Golden State Salmon Association and Friends of the River.
- State residents emailed and called their representatives to voice disapproval.
- The Delta Legislative Caucus unified around opposition to the bills.
What are primary reasons for opposition?
- An estimated cost of $20-$100 billion dollars, with an expected cost burden to rate payers.
- Environmental concerns, including harm to ecosystems and an incomplete environmental impact report.
- Harm to native fish populations, including endangered salmon which are already in severe decline as demonstrated by the closure of the commercial salmon fishery for 3 years.
- Construction impact (expected to last about 15 years) could disrupt ecosystems and threaten habitats, by increasing sedimentation and pollution in the Delta’s waterways, disrupt farming operations, affect local water supplies, and increase noise and traffic in surrounding areas.
- Prime delta farmland could be diminished and/or disrupted.
- Delta residents and legislators declaring that the process is not responsive to local concerns and input.
What possible are alternate measures instead of one massive project?
- Increase water conservation
- Desalination
- Improve groundwater management, including groundwater recharge
- Increase wastewater recycling
- Fortify existing Delta levees
I was pleased and relieved to hear about how sometimes positive results can be attained by a collection of grassroots organizations and individuals from different backgrounds to stand up to powerful agencies and corporate interests and push back one more time. Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club supports Restore the Delta California Sport Fishing Protection Alliance with contributions. They play an important role in this ongoing effort. Also, Santa Cruz Fly Fishing and Northern California Council Fly Fishers International signed this letter opposing the trailer bills.
Photo credit: The Freshwater Trust (TFT)
Other sources for this article:
https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2025/03/california-delta-tunnel-residents-fear/?
Posted on September 19th, 2025
October: California Stripers – Here’s the Skinny
Oct 01 6:30 PM at the Aptos Grange
The stripers have been hitting in the surf, which is perfect timing for our speaker for October, Noel De Guzman, to give us the skinny on California stripers.
As a resident of the SF Bay Area, Noel has fished for striped bass since the 1970s, and has landed stripers throughout their migratory range. He is a self taught fly fisherman who was sold on fly fishing when he watched a trout devour a yellow humpy at the tip of his rod, before a cast was made, while stripping line off the reel. A few proud accomplishments include holding a USCG OUPV captain license, credentialed since 2010, serving as co-director of the Costa Bass-N-Fly tournament, and as the chairman for DanBlanton.Com’s Striperfest fundraising body. The most impactful aspects of his striped bass fishing pursuit were becoming a boat owner and living in the California Delta (Discovery Bay, CA).
NOTE: Meetings will now follow this time: 6:30 pm – Hands on Learning, 7:00 pm – Club information, 7:30 pm – Main speaker(s)
Posted on September 19th, 2025
My Love of Fishing
Some people who don’t fish think that fishing is lazy or boring. But it is just the complete opposite. There are multitudes of little decisions to be made for each situation. Variables to be considered. And you are never quite sure what choices will make the difference.
Did I cast too high or too long, too far to the right or to the left? Did I retrieve the subsurface fly too slowly or too quickly? Is the color of the dry fly too bright or too dull, is the size too big or too small? Do I stay “here”, or should I go over “there”?
And you know hooking a fish is not just luck, but you do not know by how much. That is why I fish.
It is never exactly the same. Success requires constant readjusting, reevaluation. Because I am never disappointed in the outdoors. Because I don’t expect anything. Because anything is possible, I can be hopeful out there, even if I don’t succeed. Because I know if I just go over there behind that rock or next to that log jam or wade out into that water just a little further it might make a difference. Something might be different. Something I change might lend itself to success.
And if I catch a fish the reward of success gives me great joy, a deep sense of accomplishment, and gratitude for the experience.
Tight Lines,
Kathy Powers
SCFF at-large Board Member
Posted on September 18th, 2025
Seasonal Silliness
Posted on September 17th, 2025
Bead Chain Whistler
This pattern can be used for stripers, pike, salmon, steelhead or ocean fish, depending on size. These directions are appropriate for stripers. Use a fast sinking line and rapid long strips. The overall length of the fly should be about 3 inches, which will turn upside down when finished.
HOOK: Mustad 34007 , size 1 to 1/0. Crimp barb.
THREAD: White flat waxed nylon. Attach behind eye. Touching wraps to mid shank then forward to one and a half eye lengths behind eye.
UPPER BODY: Red or white bucktail. (recently, a copper tan color has worked well). Cut a clump from hide about the size of a wooden match stick. Pull out long fibers from tips and line them up with others. Cut bucktail ends at an angle two and three-quarter inches from tips. Attached to top of shank behind barbells, then back to mid Shank. Repeat with a second plump. Apply glue.
MID BODY: Mega Baitfish Emulator pearl color. Cut about 1/8 inch of binding. Attached strands behind barbells to top of shank. Trim to length of fly.
LATERAL LINE: Grizzly neck hackle. Select Two feathers, barbs equal to 1/2 hook gap. cut about 10 barbs short on each side of the butt end of stem, forming a “ crew cut”. Tie in “ crew cut “ on each side of shank behind barbells.
LOWER BODY: white bucktail. Repeat like upper body only use one clump.
THORAX: Red chenille. Strip fuzz from end exposing about 1/4 inch of threads. Tie in infront of body materials. Advanced thread to barbells. Wrap chenille forward. Tie off, cut excess.
HACKLE: Very webby grizzly hackle with pliable barbs. NOTE: picture of fly did not have pliable barbs and too long. Select feather, barbs equal to one and a half hook gap. Cut off fuzz and and prepare crew cut. With dark side up, tip to rear, tie in crew cut between barbells on top of chenille. Stroke barbs to rear while wrapping three times behind barbells.Tie off cut access. Moisten fingers, hold barbs back, make a couple of thread wraps to hold them toward rear.
HEAD THREAD: Make a number of figure 8 wraps around barbells. Form a small tapered nose in front of eyes. Whip finish, cut thread. Apply glue to nose and thread between barbells.
Posted on September 17th, 2025
Fishout Schedule
The newsletter provides brief fishout info. For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule
| Date | Link (new tab) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 04 5:45 am - 10:30 am | Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout – CO Fishout with The Delta Fly Fishers | 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 [...] |
| Oct 04 5:45 am - 10:30 am | Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout – CO Fishout with The Delta Fly Fishers | Location: Manresa State Beach (236 Ocean View Drive 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 [...] |
| Oct 16 - Oct 20 | O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 16-20th | Camping and striped bass fishing at the O'Neil Forebay. |
| Nov 07 - Nov 09 12:00 am | Trinity River Fishout | Target: Steelhead and trout. Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip, text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. |
| Mar 15 - Mar 21 | Pyramid Lake Ladder Fishout – March 2026 – UPDATED – 12/01 | Trailers are Full - 12/01 Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. This one is similar to trips we've done in the past except on a smaller scale. I have reserved 2 trailers and can accommodate 10 people. The dates are March 15th through the 21st. The weather can be very unpredictable in March, but we have had good times in the past fishing this time of [...] |
| Apr 17 - Apr 19 | Roostercomb Ranch | 24th Annual Bass Fishout at Roostercomb Ranch This is our club's 24th annual bass Fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch since year 2000. This sprawling private ranch is located adjacent to Henry Coe State Park, off Hwy 152 entrance in Hollister near Casa de Fruta Restaurant. It's a 22-mile off-road trek through the backcountry from the park entrance. This requires a 3-day weekend commitment. Accommodations are a 1928 ranch house and bunk house with options to tent camp or sleep in your vehicle. The ranch offers 9 bass ponds on its property plus 2 hike-ins on park property, float tube or [...] |
| Apr 25 - May 02 12:00 am | Green River – Utah | 2026 Green River Fishout is now open! We are doing a maximum of 12 people. Contact Fishmaster Scott Andersen for more information; Cell: 831-247-2993. Email: scott.a.andersen@gmail.com |
| May 01 - May 03 | Coyote Lake – Gilroy (bass, bluegill, crappie) | We are going to do a local fishout with some of our partner organizations, Sisters on the Fly and the Monterey Chapter of Project Healing Waters. The intent is to provide a place close to home where members new to fly fishing have an opportunity cast for fish, get comfortable using a float tube, camp, and participate in the fellowship of a fishout. Will arrange to have shared meals, rigging clinic, and casting clinics. Fishmasters: SCFF: Scott Kitayama & Randy Saar Sisters on the Fly: PJ MyattProject Healing Waters: Dave Kite Location: Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County [...] |
Posted on September 17th, 2025
Club Activities – October thru December
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 11 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | This month we will have an informal casting practice session where you can work on aspects of your cast of your choice. If you want to work on accuracy, bring a target,. I’ll bring a few as well. If you are just getting started, come and pick up a few tips. Practice rods will be provided if needed. Hope to see you there. October 11th 1:00-3:00 PM | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Oct 25 8:00 am - 11:00 am | San Lorenzo River Cleanup | Cleaning up our Local Waters! | SanLo – Ocean Extension |
| Nov 22 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | CANCELLED Fly Casting Meetup | This month we will have an informal casting practice session where you can work on aspects of your cast of your choice. If you want to work on accuracy, bring a target,. I’ll bring a few as well. If you are just getting started, come and pick up a few tips. Practice rods will be provided if needed. Hope to see you there. November 22nd, 1:00-3:00 PM | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Nov 23 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Volunteer for Salinas River Cleanup, Sunday November 23 | Join the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers for the annual clean up of the Salinas River fishing access. The event will be on Sunday November 23 starting at 9:00 am. Jay Jefferson is the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers representative for this event. Wear clothing for the weather of that day and if you can, bring gloves and a three prong hoe, as it’s the best tool. Directions:
|
Posted on September 17th, 2025
SCFF Fly Display at 2025 Santa Cruz Fair
To try and get the word out about the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club, we created a display of flies and fisherman for the Collection and Hobbies section of the fair located in the Crosetti Building. The flies and pictures are spectacular and need to be shared. So please enjoy:
(Click Play on the left video. Blue Ribbon for the display)
The flies were all tied by Santa Cruz Fly Fishing members. The collection is intended to spark interest in novice and experienced fly fishers to check out our website and hopefully join the club.
Posted on September 11th, 2025
October Fly Tying Class: Gurgler
Oct 08 6:30 PM @ Aptos Grange
So are you looking for a fly to go after those stripers in the O’Neill Forbay? The club fishout being heldthere will be coming up very soon. When the stripers start boiling at the top of the surface, this is a fly you ought to use. As always, the classes, are freeand materials are provided. If you have white,flat waxed nylon, please bring it. We will also be using either 6/0 or 3/0. The club will have thread to borrow. For you beginners there will be equipment to use as well. Sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-234-6515.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Oct 08 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Gurgler | So are you looking for a fly to go after those stripers in the O’Neill Forbay? The club fishout being heldthere will be coming up very soon. When the stripers start boiling at the top of the surface, this is a fly you ought to use. As always, the classes, are freeand materials are provided. If you have white,flat waxed nylon, please bring it. We will also be using either 6/0 or 3/0. The club will have thread to borrow. For you beginners there will be equipment to use as well. Sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-234-6515. |
 | Nov 12 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | The Kilowatt | This is a variation of Cliff Watt’s Kilowatt fly that has produced some really nice steelhead for me on the San Lorenzo. I’ve swung it on a skaget line in the estuary, dead, drifted it on a tight line in the riffles, and through runs under a bobber. It also can be jigged like a spoon through a pool or frog water. As always, the classes are free and materials are provided if you have black 140 denier or 3/0 wax nylon, please bring it. The club will have thread to borrow. For you beginners there will be equipment to use as well. Sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-345-0864. |
 | Dec 10 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Fly Tying Class: Blood Leech | This fly is great in Stillwater and can also be used in moving water, particularly swinging. We’ve had a lot of fairly challenging flies lately in our classes, but this one is easy to tie. So you beginners ought to all come. As usual, the classes are free and materials provided. If you have black 6/0 thread please bring it. Their are vises and tools for beginners to use and they are always welcome. Please sign up at the club meeting or call me at 831-234-6515 with at least 24 hours notice.
|
 | Jan 14 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Pheasant Tail Bonefish/Surf fly | This fly is a favorite of Yvon Choinard (Patagonia) an avid fly fisher in both salt and freshwater. The Pheasant Tail Bonefish fly works well on saltwater flats, and in the surf. |
Posted on September 8th, 2025
September 2025 Newsletter
September: Mammoth Lakes Region………………
My Turn: Membership Update & Reflections after 9 Years ……………………………
Fly Tying……………………
August Fly Tying Class: Loberg
Fly of the Month: Hot Butt
Conservation Concerns……………………
Bull Trout History in California
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – September thru November
Gearing Up ……………………
Fishout Schedule
Marketplace……………………
Cartoon ……………………
Posted on August 22nd, 2025
Trout Unlimited – 50% discount for first time members
Trout Unlimited (TU) is the nation’s oldest and largest coldwater conservation organization, dedicated to protecting, conserving, and restoring native trout and salmon resources and their habitats across North America. Founded by anglers in 1959, the non-profit has over 150,000 members organized into local chapters nationwide. Each year, TU members contribute more than 650,000 volunteer hours working together to make local streams cleaner, colder and healthier.
Our local Steinbeck Country Chapter is focused on protecting, restoring and exploring the watersheds of the Central Coast from the San Mateo Coast to San Luis Obispo. Each membership supports on-the-ground conservation work in your own backyard and offers opportunities to meet like-minded people as we work to protect native rainbow and steelhead trout in our coastal streams and waters. Together we’re spending time doing what we love and helping protect wild places for the next generation.
Join us! Use the QR Code below or this link: www.tu.org/join198SteinbeckCountry to become a member – first time members can join today for 50% off TU’s modest annual dues.
TU membership also includes:
- Subscription to TU’s Trout magazine.
- Access to national and regional TU events, workshops, and trainings.
- Updates and alerts from your local chapter.
- Potential discounts with TU’s partner brands and gear companies.
Posted on August 22nd, 2025
Bull Trout History in California
A couple months ago, I was forwarded an interesting article from Dougald Scott—one the members of our SCFF conservation committee. What makes it so interesting to me is it includes conservation, history, a California native fish and one of the legendary rivers in our state—The McCloud River. And it was written by Dr. Peter B Moyle, Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and associate director of the Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California, Davis. In my limited perusing of matters relating to fish science in California, Dr. Boyle’s work has frequently appeared and he is well respected in his field. Here are several points I learned that I hope you will find interesting in this article titled Bull Trout and Other Endemic Fishes: McCloud River, found in California WaterBlog. I encourage you to read it for much more insight. Many thanks to Dougald Scott for sharing the article.
Bull Trout were native to the McCloud River, primarily in the headwaters and noted for a “very handsome and beautiful fish”. In the 1800s it was targeted by wealthy anglers and the indigenous McCloud Winnemem Wintu.
Bull trout are actually type of char and were called Dolly Varden when they were found in the McCloud, as they called are in Alaska (and perhaps other areas). As you may know, Brook Trout are also char that thrive in colder water.
Several factors were probably to have caused the extirpation of the Bull Trout from the McCloud river:
- Shasta Dam, built in 1945 and McCloud Dam built in 1965 blocked migration of salmon and steelhead and reduced of size of the river by about 80% by diverting it to the Pit River for hydropower.
- Juvenile Salmon—which are no longer present in the McCloud*—were a declining source of food for Bull Trout.
- Brown trout were introduced into the watershed, which were likely to have competed for habitat and food.
- Logging in the watershed.
The last documented encounter with a Bull Trout in the McCloud occurred in 1975.
The story of the McCloud River’s place in trout history hopefully will teach us some lessons on how to do a better job of prioritizing our native fish for the benefit of all us and for future generations.
Another interesting bit of history:
The first fish hatchery on the West Coast was built in 1872 on the McCloud, producing Chinook salmon and steelhead for the McCloud (and other locations domestically and internationally). The hatchery shut down in 1937 as it was to be submerged by the impending Shasta Reservoir. Another hatchery, Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery, was subsequently built below Shasta Dam.
*The first adult Chinook salmon in over 100 years have been spotted in the McCloud River.
Posted on August 21st, 2025
September: Mammoth Lakes Region
Sep 03 6:30 PM at the Aptos Grange
Please Note – New Time & New Format
Luke Kinney from Golden Trout Guiding Company and Elaine Cook will be talking about Mammoth Lakes area and the fishout.
- We’ll also be doing some hands on learning starting with Hopper Dropper Rigs (When & How to) at 6:30pm
- General Meeting at 7pm
- Mammoth Based Guide Luke Kinney at 7:30pm and our very own Elaine Cook to follow with Mammoth Fish Out Info
NOTE: Meetings will now follow this time: 6:30 pm – Hands on Learning, 7:00 pm – Club information, 7:30 pm – Main speaker(s)
Posted on August 21st, 2025
Membership Update and Reflections after 9 Years
I first joined SCFF club in July 2008 after I had retired and was looking forward to expanding my fishing experience from a spinning rod and reel to fly fishing, in not only California, but in other States and eventually Alaska and other areas, as well as meeting other like minded fishing partners who shared similar interest. I would have to say that my 17 years in the club has far exceeded my expectations, including the following trips and experiences:
- 4 trips to Alaska with John and Pat Steele catching more Salmon in a week and still had 50lbs to take back on the flight home.
- 5 trips also with John and Pat with Ed Lawrence Guides to Bozeman, Montana on the Yellowstone, Madison, Missouri, and additional trips on the Green River in Utah and Antelope Valley Reservoir.
- 3 trips to Mcloud Preserve in Northern California with Tom Donovan.
- 12 trips to the Mammoth fishout with John and Elaine Cook which is always my favorite annual trip since I have been going to June Lake since 1955 with my family to fish the June Lake loop and Crowley with favorite memories of visiting Bodie, 4th of July fireworks on Mono Lake, and waterskiing on Mono Lake.
- 5 trips to to Pyramid Lake standing on a ladder with 20 other members waiting for the next bite before the wind and waves got too big. And my best picture is of my daughter catching a Pyramid fish bigger than her net.
I only mention these trips since these are experiences and memories that make the Club something more than just a monthly meeting or an annual BBQ. In 2016, I volunteered to be Membership Chair to help the then President Jim Black with membership since he was doing
two jobs as Membership and newly elected President. Since then I have seen the club grow from 120 members to 240 members on the current Roster. It’s been a good run, but it is time for me to step down and have let someone else take the responsibility of club membership.
Membership Chair involves the following tasks and responsibilities:
- Primary duty is to update the current Roster with member information and updates. This has been made easier by moving from an excel spreadsheet to an online membership database where members can input membership data and in the following months will be able to access the current club Roster with other club members’ contact information and other club information with a secure ID and password for members only.
- Collect annual membership dues in Nov. and Dec. this has also been made easier with the use of Square/Visa and in 2026 automatic dues renewal.
- Attending monthly meeting to respond to member questions and sign up any new members attending the meeting for the first time.
- Attending monthly Board meetings for any updates on membership information or changes.
- Monitor SCFF Google groups – the Club’s go-to email forum for club activities and member questions.
The above only highlights recent changes in the Club since 2008 when memberships dues were either paid by check , or in cash, and monthly newsletters were printed and mailed out (and before that they were mimeographed for those who can still remember). I hope that the above comments may help members understand a little more about the Membership Chair and for those that have the time and interest to think about expanding your club experience by contacting me or any Board member by email or text.
Bob Peterson/robert6367@aol.com
Posted on August 21st, 2025
Fishout Schedule
The newsletter provides brief fishout info. For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule
| Date | Link (new tab) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 06 6:00 am - 10:00 am | Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing – CO Fishout with The San Jose Fly Fishing Club | 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. Steve Adachi Clouser What to Expect: Meet at [...] |
| Sep 20 - Oct 04 12:00 am | Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 20-Oct. 4th | Fall trout fishing in streams and lakes. Trip is for seven days and the participants share a condo in Mammoth Lakes. |
| Oct 04 5:45 am - 10:30 am | Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout – CO Fishout with The Delta Fly Fishers | 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 [...] |
| Oct 04 5:45 am - 10:30 am | Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout – CO Fishout with The Delta Fly Fishers | Location: Manresa State Beach (236 Ocean View Drive 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 [...] |
| Oct 16 - Oct 20 | O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 16-20th | Camping and striped bass fishing at the O'Neil Forebay. |
| Nov 07 - Nov 09 12:00 am | Trinity River Fishout | Target: Steelhead and trout. Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip, text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. |
| Mar 15 - Mar 21 | Pyramid Lake Ladder Fishout – March 2026 – UPDATED – 12/01 | Trailers are Full - 12/01 Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. This one is similar to trips we've done in the past except on a smaller scale. I have reserved 2 trailers and can accommodate 10 people. The dates are March 15th through the 21st. The weather can be very unpredictable in March, but we have had good times in the past fishing this time of [...] |
| Apr 17 - Apr 19 | Roostercomb Ranch | 24th Annual Bass Fishout at Roostercomb Ranch This is our club's 24th annual bass Fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch since year 2000. This sprawling private ranch is located adjacent to Henry Coe State Park, off Hwy 152 entrance in Hollister near Casa de Fruta Restaurant. It's a 22-mile off-road trek through the backcountry from the park entrance. This requires a 3-day weekend commitment. Accommodations are a 1928 ranch house and bunk house with options to tent camp or sleep in your vehicle. The ranch offers 9 bass ponds on its property plus 2 hike-ins on park property, float tube or [...] |
| Apr 25 - May 02 12:00 am | Green River – Utah | 2026 Green River Fishout is now open! We are doing a maximum of 12 people. Contact Fishmaster Scott Andersen for more information; Cell: 831-247-2993. Email: scott.a.andersen@gmail.com |
Posted on August 18th, 2025
Club Activities – September thru November
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 05 8:00 am - 10:00 am | Spey Casting Class--8:00 AM Start on San Lorenzo River | Casting Master: Alex Ferber
For this class I will focus on an Introduction to Spey casting and be gearing it to those with little or no experience. Those with experience are welcome to come and work on their casting and I will be available to give tips. I have rods to loan out, so if you don’t have a 2 handed rod there will rods for you to use. I should have enough for about 8 people. The remainder of the classes ( dates to be announced) will be a chance to continue your practice, but also an opportunity to work on some other casts that you might be interested in learning.
We will be wading into the river, so waders are a good idea. We won’t be fishing–no hooks allowed. We’ll have yarn to attach to your leader. If you can, please let me know if you can attend, but it’s not necessary. Just show up.
831-419-0564 We will be meeting at the Mike Fox Skate park parking lot on the San Lorenzo river at 8 AM.
Address: 299 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| Mike Fox Skate Park Parking Lot |
| Sep 14 8:00 am - 10:00 am | Spey Casting Class--8:00 AM Start on San Lorenzo River | Casting Master: Alex Ferber
For this class I will focus on an Introduction to Spey casting and be gearing it to those with little or no experience. Those with experience are welcome to come and work on their casting and I will be available to give tips. I have rods to loan out, so if you don’t have a 2 handed rod there will rods for you to use. I should have enough for about 8 people. The remainder of the classes ( dates to be announced) will be a chance to continue your practice, but also an opportunity to work on some other casts that you might be interested in learning.
We will be wading into the river, so waders are a good idea. We won’t be fishing–no hooks allowed. We’ll have yarn to attach to your leader. If you can, please let me know if you can attend, but it’s not necessary. Just show up.
831-419-0564 We will be meeting at the Mike Fox Skate park parking lot on the San Lorenzo river at 8 AM.
Address: 299 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| Mike Fox Skate Park Parking Lot |
| Sep 20 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | We will be working on FFI skills development course from the Bronze and Silver levels. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, it would be a great time to come out and see what it’s all about. The skills are directed at improving your casting skills, and will improve your overall fly fishing success. This will be a perfect time for those folks who are just getting started, to learn some basic core casting techniques. I will have practice rods if needed. Hope to see you there. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Sep 21 8:00 am - 10:00 am | Spey Casting Class--8:00 AM Start on San Lorenzo River | Casting Master: Alex Ferber
For this class I will focus on an Introduction to Spey casting and be gearing it to those with little or no experience. Those with experience are welcome to come and work on their casting and I will be available to give tips. I have rods to loan out, so if you don’t have a 2 handed rod there will rods for you to use. I should have enough for about 8 people. The remainder of the classes ( dates to be announced) will be a chance to continue your practice, but also an opportunity to work on some other casts that you might be interested in learning.
We will be wading into the river, so waders are a good idea. We won’t be fishing–no hooks allowed. We’ll have yarn to attach to your leader. If you can, please let me know if you can attend, but it’s not necessary. Just show up.
831-419-0564 We will be meeting at the Mike Fox Skate park parking lot on the San Lorenzo river at 8 AM.
Address: 299 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| Mike Fox Skate Park Parking Lot |
| Oct 11 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | This month we will have an informal casting practice session where you can work on aspects of your cast of your choice. If you want to work on accuracy, bring a target,. I’ll bring a few as well. If you are just getting started, come and pick up a few tips. Practice rods will be provided if needed. Hope to see you there. October 11th 1:00-3:00 PM | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Oct 25 8:00 am - 11:00 am | San Lorenzo River Cleanup | Cleaning up our Local Waters! | SanLo – Ocean Extension |
| Nov 22 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | CANCELLED Fly Casting Meetup | This month we will have an informal casting practice session where you can work on aspects of your cast of your choice. If you want to work on accuracy, bring a target,. I’ll bring a few as well. If you are just getting started, come and pick up a few tips. Practice rods will be provided if needed. Hope to see you there. November 22nd, 1:00-3:00 PM | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Nov 23 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Volunteer for Salinas River Cleanup, Sunday November 23 | Join the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers for the annual clean up of the Salinas River fishing access. The event will be on Sunday November 23 starting at 9:00 am. Jay Jefferson is the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers representative for this event. Wear clothing for the weather of that day and if you can, bring gloves and a three prong hoe, as it’s the best tool. Directions:
|
Posted on August 18th, 2025
August 2025 Newsletter
August: Club BBQ & Casting………………
My Turn: A Great Week on the Green River……………………………
Fly Tying……………………
August Fly Tying Class: Crackleback Dry Wooly
Fly of the Month: Snow Cone Chironomid
Conservation Concerns……………………
Last Barrier on Alameda Creek—Removal Begins
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – August thru October
Membership/Roster update
Gearing Up ……………………
Fishout Schedule
Cartoon ……………………
Marketplace……………………
Club Discount on California Fly Fisher Magazine
Posted on July 25th, 2025
August: Club BBQ and casting
Aug 06 6:00 PM at the Aptos Grange
For our August meeting, we’ll get together for our annual summer B-B-Q. This year, we’ll meet at 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange. The club will host a hamburgers and hot-dog cookout with all the fixings along green salad, potato salad, chips, and dessert, water and sodas. If you are vegan, bring us your Impossible burgers and we will be happy to grill them for you.
Adult beverages will not be offered. Feel free to bring your own. This meeting is a great opportunity to meet and greet in person. We suggest a $5 donation for the dinner.
Alex Ferber will be there with the club rods to do a casting clinic and also discuss the double-handed spey casting clinic this fall along with the Trinity river fishout on the weekend of November 7th.
NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 6:15 pm, we will be conducting short Introductory Skills to help our those new to the sport. We will also have the same Introductory Skills class at the casting clinic. Please look at the Club Activities article in the Newsletter for more information.
Posted on July 25th, 2025
Club Discount on California Fly Fisher Magazine
Celebrate California Fly Fisher’s Relaunch Anniversary with a Special Offer for Fly Club Members
For more than three decades, California Fly Fisher has been the go-to publication for anglers who care about California’s fisheries, wild trout, and the craft of fly fishing. In July 2024, the magazine underwent a beautiful redesign and relaunch—and it’s better than ever in both print
and digital formats.
To mark their one-year relaunch anniversary, California Fly Fisher is offering club members an exclusive subscription discount—plus 10% off all merchandise Special Anniversary Rates for Fly Club Members:
– $39.95 – One year print + digital
– $20.00 – One year digital-only
Use promo code FLYCLUBANNIV at checkout.
Subscribe at calflyfisher.com/subscribe
Posted on July 25th, 2025