Date: None
Time: None
Place: None
Posted onA big thank you goes out to those who taught classes this year and to those who assisted new tiers at our in person fly tying classes. Covid has made it difficult to keep this club function going but thanks to zoom we managed to make it happen. If it’s been a while since you attended classes feel free to come back again and please wear a mask to protect yourself and others. Tight thread lines to all of you in 2023.
Posted on December 27th, 2022
Save the date: March 8, 2023 6:30-8:3o PM
Where : Aptos Grange
The club would like to try a fly tying hangout and since the Grange is available we landed on this date. Bring your vise, tools, materials and fish stories. Great excuse to get out of the house and do some tying with others. Please note this is not an instructional class. There is an instructional class in March and Elaine will provide information for that. This is just a casual get together for folks who want to fill their boxes and talk fishing.
Hope to see you there! Jerry
Posted on December 27th, 2022
Pyramid lake has a particular beetle with these colors that goes to the bottom of the lake then ascends to the surface to take a breath. Then repeat this process over and over. Because this fly is made of foam and is used on a sinking line, when you strip it descends and when you pause it starts to rise up, which imitates the actual beetle. This is a simple fly to tie and if you’re going to Pyramid you must have one in your box. NOTE: Photo colors are not true, use color descriptions in instructions.
Hook: TMC 2457 size 6.
Thread: white 3/0 monochord or equivalent.
Overbody: white close cell foam, 2 mm thick.
Underbody: cactus chartreuse chenille.
1. Crimp barb.
2. Attach thread behind eye, wrap to above barb with touching wraps.
3. Cut foam in shape shown in diagram.
4. Wrap thread forward and touching wraps to two eye lengths behind eye.
5. Place tapered end of foam on top of shank positioning point toward the front where the thread hangs.
6. Wrap foam snuggly to top of shank back to above barb, then thread wraps forward to two eye lengths behind eye.
7. Tie in chenille. Wrap backward, each wrap against the last until above barb. Then forward in same manner to hanging thread. Tie off, cut access.
8. Pull foam forward till snugly against top of chenille. Make several snug thread wraps.
9. Whip finish under foam and behind hook eye. Cut thread.
10. Cut off excess foam, leaving 1/4 inch in front of thread wraps.
11. Apply Zap-A-Gap or similar glue to thread wraps.
Posted on December 3rd, 2022
Back in the 1940s, Shasta and Keswick Dams were constructed to achieve a number of objectives, including water storage and generating hydroelectric power. However, through an apparent lack of foresight, the welfare of wild fish spawning habitat wasn’t given priority. Perhaps it was thought that the stretch of the Sacramento River below the Dams would provide sufficient spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook (King) salmon. Prior to the construction of these dams, Chinook salmon had access to the McCloud river for spawning. As a direct result of the dam construction, the Chinook runs have declined. In 1994 these winter run salmon were federally listed as endangered. In recent years, the fish counts have further diminished with severe drought and excessive warm water conditions. Peter Moyle, a fish biologist at UC Davis who has studied Central Valley fish since the 1970s stated “The winter run is headed for extinction, no question, if we don’t develop an artificial system for keeping it going,”
In response, federal and state agencies embarked on an effort to transport adult chinook from the base of Keswick Dam to Battle Creek, about 50 miles southeast where the water is more consistently cool and clear and the fish can move upstream and back out to the ocean. In addition, about 40,000 Chinook eggs were transported from a hatchery by truck and helicopter above Shasta Dam to the McCloud River. As the McCloud river fish migrated back downstream, the surviving smolt were captured and transported down below Keswick Dam to enable them to move down the Sacramento River. For more information and insight on this interesting effort to prevent these amazing fish from disappearing from this watershed, go to: https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/saving-salmon-chinook-return-to-californias-far-north-with-a-lot-of-hum/
Posted on December 27th, 2022
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 28 | Fly Casting Meetup | Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Feb 18 | 2023 SCFF Annual Fundraiser, Awards, and Installation Day | After 3 long years, we are bringing back our annual fundraiser on February 18th from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange! So many things have changed in the past three years and there was no way we could run the fundraiser “the way we used to”, so here we go. New venue, new hours, new food, new ticket price, new faces and with your help, more comradery, laughter and fun. We will be serving lunch, raffling wonderful prizes, spotlighting deserving members with annual awards, and introducing the 2023 Board of Directors. | Aptos Grange |
| Feb 24 | Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show | There are lots of activities including casting demos/instruction, fly tying demos/instruction, seminars from well-know pros, vendors selling all-things fly fishy. It’s a great opportunity to learn and check out gear before you purchase. Many club members make it an annual event. If you are new to the sport, go and pick up a few tips. Visit the the website for details and how to get tickets. https://flyfishingshow.com/pleasanton-ca/ | |
| Feb 25 | Cancelled - Fly Casting Meetup | Instead of a club casting meetup in Santa Cruz, check out the Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Mar 08 | Fly Tying Hang Out in March | Bring your vise, tools, materials and fish stories. Great excuse to get out of the house and do some tying with others. | Aptos Grange |
| Mar 25 | Fly Casting Meetup | Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
Posted on December 27th, 2022
After 3 long years, we are bringing back our annual fundraiser on February 18th from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange! So many things have changed in the past three years and there was no way we could run the fundraiser “the way we used to”, so here we go. New venue, new hours, new food, new ticket price, new faces and with your help, more comradery, laughter and fun. We will be serving lunch, raffling wonderful prizes, spotlighting deserving members with annual awards, and introducing the 2023 Board of Directors.
Buy your tickets now: Its such a bummer to plan a party when no one tells you they are coming. We know you are thinking about it, so just do it! Tickets are $25/person and we only can sell 150 entrance/meal tickets due to space limitations of the Grange. Tickets are available online here: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/annual-fundraiser/
Volunteer: Many long term club members say the best part of our Annual Fundraiser is the time volunteering and working with others to put the whole event together. We still need people to step-up and take an assignment whether it is before, during or after the event. Contact Elaine Cook (coookin@gmail.com) to find out where you can best help.
Lunch:
Fresh, healthy, filling and fun. What’s not to like about Mediterranean food? We are bringing a winner from the Bay Area down to cater our lunch. @Zagat dubbed SAJJ Mediterranean falafel as best in the Bay Area! Guests will have the option to choose between the following three entrees. (All entrees will be served with fries.)
SAJJ Bowl: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; served over turmeric rice, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, hummus, cabbage, diced pickles, and a drizzle of tahini sauce
SAJJ Wrap: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; garlic spread, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, sumac onions and diced pickles
SAJJ Pita: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; with hummus, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, diced pickles
Seating will be available indoor and outdoor all though inside will be cozy depending on the weather. Lunch will be available between 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Water, soda, and coffee will be available as well as a dessert table. We will not be serving or selling alcohol so plan accordingly.
Parking: Everyone needs to buddy-up and comes to the Fundraiser with a fellow member, so that we can fit everyone in the parking lot. Otherwise, over flow will need to park on Mar Vista Drive.
Raffle Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online and can also be purchased at the event. If you purchased online, your tickets will be waiting for you along with your entrance/lunch receipt when you check-in. Raffle boxes will be on the tables for you to decide what you want to win. Keep a portion of your ticket so that you can claim your winnings.
Health Protocol: We hope to have a lot of people attend this event and the Grange is not that big of a building. Masking is encouraged as we want everyone healthy for the upcoming fishing season.
Posted on December 27th, 2022
We have had a successful 2023 membership renewal with over 150 members renewed as of the end of December and anticipating more renewals after sending out a friendly email reminder so that members can be included in the 2023 Roster, which includes 25 new members. Membership renewal
Also, we have 30 members that have signed up for the annual dinner and raffle and have also sold over $400 Raffle tickets which can be bought online under the menu listed as 2023 Annual Fundraiser and will be available at the dinner @ the Aptos Grange, Sat Feb 18th. Fundraising Tickets Here!
Thank you for all for the renewals, donations, and Annual dinner and raffle sales, and have a Happy New 2023
Posted on December 27th, 2022
mobile scrollable table
| EVENT NAME | EVENT DATE | SPECIES | FISH MASTER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyramid Lake Fish-out March 26th – April 1st 2023 – New Info | Mar 26 - Apr 01 | Lahontan Cutthroat Trout | Mike White - (831) 706-5556 |
| Del Valle Fishout | Apr 15 | Stripers, bass, trout | Joshua Wilkens |
| Los Padres Dam / Reservoir Fishout | Apr 29 | ||
| Santa Cruz County Surf Fishout | May 06 | ||
| Santa Cruz County Surf Fishout | Jun 03 | ||
| Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 25 – Jul 1 2023 – New Info | Jun 24 - Jul 01 | Trout, Bass | Jeff (Yog) Goyert - Fishmaster (831)234-0033 |
| Santa Cruz County Surf Fishout | Jul 01 | ||
| Kennedy Meadows / Sonora Pass – Fish-Out 2023 | Jul 23 - Jul 27 | Trout | Tom Hogye - Fishmaster (831) 214 7578 |
NEEDS TO BE UPDATED WITH 2023 INFO.
The Pyramid Lake trip is one of the best-attended fishouts the club has, and for a good reason. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cruise parallel to the shore in easy casting distance from shore. Cost for the week including meals and lodging and is around $300+ per person depending on the number in attendance. You need not fish all six days as there may be openings (usually later in the week.) Contact Mike for more details (831) 706-5556, to check on openings, or be put on a waiting list. First come first served.
Equipment: 6-9 weight rods with hi-speed, hi-D shooting heads or fast sink integrated lines to fish the bottom in 6 to 9 feet of water, and a floating line for indicator fishing. You should bring a stripping basket and a ladder that will accommodate it. A ladder helps to get you up out of the cold water and enable you to cast out to where the fish are. You can still catch fish without one but not with near as much consistency.
Flies: Woolly buggers in black, white, purple, olive, midge, caddis and mayfly nymphs to name a few. If as in years past the Confab in February is offering the opportunity to see how some of the best Pyramid patterns are made plan to attend and bring a vise and tie some yourself. Flies may also available from club member Jim Hall who ties some very good flies specific to Pyramid cutthroat as well as other species at reasonable cost. His number is (831) 713-6835. There is a general store with provisions as well as tackle and an assortment of flies.
How to get there: Take US 80 to Reno-Sparks, take the Pyramid Blvd. off ramp and go north about 35 miles. Crosby Lodge is at Sutcliff, near the Ranger Station.
If you are considering going to Pyramid again this year with the club and you have not already done so, please contact the person who is booking the trailer you stayed in last year. Trailer-masters, if your trailer has gaps or cancellations, you can call Mike so he can pass the names of members who don’t have lodging to fill the empty spots.
Fishing, Camping, and New Ladder Regulation:
Fishing and camping permits can be purchased online prior to the fish-out. We would highly recommend doing this. Go to www.plpt.nsn.us to obtain your licenses. There is also an RV Park available at (775) 476-1155.
As with any great fishery there are always a long list of rules and regulations. We would recommend you review them on the website above. Suffice to say those of us who have been going to Pyramid Lake for many years are a good source of information as well. We will help inform and guide all newcomers. 15.6 USE OF LADDERS, ETC. Any ladders, milk crates, boxes or other objects used in the water as a fishing aid must be occupied or closely attended (i.e. remain in the area) by fishermen at all times. Any person who leaves such objects unoccupied in the water for more than one hour will be deemed guilty of littering. 15.6.1 Fishing aids described above must have a permanent tag affixed that has the name, address, and phone number of the owner of the fishing aid. If the permitted angler using the fishing aid is not the owner, the owner will be the responsible party for any infractions by the permitted angler.
This year we have five trailers reserved. (6,7,8,9, and 10) As of September 1st 2021 we have 5 openings available. These openings will fill up quickly, so contact Mike immediately at (831) 706-5556. Last year was an incredible experience with many fish over 15 lbs brought to the net. If you cannot commit early and make it into one of our reserved trailers you can always make your own arrangements by contacting the Pyramid Lake Lodge at (775) 476-0400.
Mike White (831) 706-5556, lumberguy73@hotmail.com
NOTE: Due to insurance regulations, all attendees must be paid up members of Santa Cruz Fly fishermen, so get your membership paid up if you haven’t done so yet.
Fish Species: Going for striper, largemouth, small mouth, bluegill, white crappie, rainbow trout, and striper.
Equipment: I’m bringing a 6 wt floating line for everything but stripers and 8 wt full sink for stripers down as far as 25 feet. Fishing out of float tube.
Flies: Clousers and buggers (smelt patterns) should be able to find one if not all species maybe.
Day Fishing Fees: Parking $6.
Watercraft launch fee: $5 for trailered boats; $3 for car-top, inflatable boats and float tubes. $2 for windsurf boards. Boat inspection: $4/cartop; $7/trailered.
Float tube Inspection: Don’t bring kayak if you do make sure super dry and bring float tube just in case, they fail kayaks like 95% of time for me. I learned to just float tube there.
Camping Fees: $43 for tent campsite with reservation fees included, then $8 for additional vehicle, $5 fishing day pass, and #3 inspection. 2 vehicles and 8 people max per site. There is tap water and toilets. There is the potential of a group camp out, keep an eye on Google Groups.
Site Link: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=537, https://www.ebparks.org/parks/del-valle
Description: Los Padres Reservoir is located East of Carmel Valley Village. The best route is Carmel Valley Road East about 8 miles to a right turn on Cachagua Road to a right turn into and
through Princess Camp then about .5 miles to the Reservoir parking lot. You have to carry your float tube about .5 miles into the reservoir
and launch from the dam. Lake is about a mile long. Best to arrive before daybreak. Parking lot usually fills up opening day.
DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS VISIBLE WITHIN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON THE SHORE
No signups necessary, anyone wishing to fish should just show up and if you can find me on the reservoir say “Hi” and ask where tofish. In general, fish in 10 to 20-foot depths. There are stories of huge brown trout, rainbows up to 24” and a chance to catch
steel-head much bigger.
Fishmaster: Justin Ice
Fish Species: Steel Head Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Equipment: I’m bringing two rods 5 wt with floating line and 6 wt with full sink or shooting heads. Fishing out of float tube.
Flies: Flies sizes 8 and 10 hooks, types black and brown woolly buggers, Denny Rikards seal buggers (orange, olive and black) and leeches (brown and black), Hale Bopp leeches (black,
brown and wine) and Hornburgs. Balanced flies under an indicator could be a good bet as well. Fishing is very similar to Goodwin Lake: very few hits on the surface.
Day Fishing Fees: No Fees
Fog burning off in the early morning
Carmel Creek with fish ladder to the left center. There is a couple of big fish in there…
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com
Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers
First of Surf Fishout of 2023! Stay tuned, this will be a series every first Saturday Fishouts from May until October
Location and time to be determained as we get closer to the first Saturday of the Month(s) as swell and tide will be factors in where and when.
6-8wt. rods full sinking lines 12-20 lb test leaders
Single, double & triple fly rigs
Stripping basket an essential (loaners available please request ahead of time)
clousers to sand crabs
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop
Location: To be determined
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. Stripping basket, Polarized glasses (safety),
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!
Belts are not mandatory but a good idea if you get swept off your feet. Baskets are also not mandatory but darn near.
Cost: Parking? & maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: Details to be updated pending Fishout location
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: Coffee and donuts at the local hang out
The Lake Almanor fishout is scheduled for the last week of June, 6/24 thru 7/1, 2023. This time period is, hopefully, the peak of the annual Hexagenia hatch that begins generally mid-June and runs through mid-July. The most productive fishing takes place early evenings on into past dark between Lake Almanor West to Canyon Dam on the SouthWest side of the lake. Most of the fishing is done from float tubes as well as small boats or even from shore.
In addition to the evening “Hex” hatch, a multitude of opportunities exist for fishing throughout the day to include Little Crater Lake, Manzanita Lake, Baum Lake, Eagle Lake, Butt Valley Reservoir, Deer Creek, Clear Creek, Feather River, Yellow Creek, plus many more.
Lodging will be the responsibility of individual attendees. A popular campground operated by PG&E is the Rocky Point Campground, for reservation information call 916-386-5164. Many USFS campgrounds are in the area. Reservations are available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Make use of internet resources to acquire the actual campground names. There are also many resorts and rental cabins available in the area. A few examples are Wilson’s Camp/530-259-2267 and Plumas Pines Resort/530-259-4343. Other options are available via online research. Be advised that due to the popularity of fishing at this time of year reservations fill up early.
Sierra Fly and Tackle, stores in Chester and Hamilton Branch, is a great resource for current conditions and reports along with a large invantory flies and equipment. A must stop for all visiting fly fishers if only to get one of their cool tee-shirts. Both first time and veteran “Hex” Anglers could well benefit from the expertise provided by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Lance Gray (530-517-2204) or Tim Loomis (831-345-8411) both offer instructional packages to help achieve success during the “Hex”.
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop
Location: To be determined
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. Stripping basket, Polarized glasses (safety),
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!
Belts are not mandatory but a good idea if you get swept off your feet. Baskets are also not mandatory but darn near.
Cost: Parking? & maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: Details to be updated pending Fishout location
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: Coffee and donuts at the local hang out
Posted on December 27th, 2022
by Pat Steele
Posted on November 22nd, 2022
Just spent a few minutes looking at old emails when I became the SCFF Newsletter editor back in April 2020. Covid19 was closing the world down and the SCFF board was trying to figure out if we would have an April meeting. The club had recently started working with a tech consultant, Vicki Winters, who was creating a new website for SCFF and we were wondering if our club members would be able to read the newsletter online and use something new called Google Groups.
It is amazing where we have all come in less than three years. Our newsletter is only available online, Google Groups lets us share information with each other all year, and the website has beautiful pictures due to your submissions to Jerry McKeon for our Instagram account.
As of now, the Newsletter Editor position is unfilled and Vicki Winters is stepping in as a consultant to make sure that we do not miss a month. In February, I will become the new President for SCFF and am excited to see how we can work together to improve our fishing club no matter what the future brings.
Happy New Year to us all! – Scott Kitayama
Posted on December 28th, 2022
General Meeting……………………
Devin Olsen – Tactical Fly fishing
December Raffle
President’s Line…………………….
Fly Tying……………………
Muddler Minnow – Fly Tying Class
Fly Tying Tips
Conservation Concerns……………
Klamath River Dam Removal Receives Federal Approval
Delta Smelt….Where are you?
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – December
Annual Fundraising Event is back!
In Memorial: John Steele
107 members have renewed dues for 2023
Leave something at Aptos Grange?
Fishout Schedule…………………
Cartoon…………………………..…
Posted on November 28th, 2022
Devin Olsen started fly fishing in Yellowstone at age 9. Within a couple of years, it became an addiction he could not shake and he begged for rides to local streams until he could drive. He started competing at age 19 and made Fly Fishing Team USA in 2006 when he was 21 years old. He has competed in 12 consecutive World Fly Fishing Championships with Fly Fishing Team USA. He has earned a bronze individual medal and silver and bronze team medals from these championships and numerous medals from competitions in the United States.
Away from competitive fishing he holds a bachelor’s degree in ecology and a master’s degree in fisheries science. He worked as a fisheries biologist for several years before starting his company Tactical Fly Fisher. He has produced three instructional films Modern Nymphing: European Inspired Techniques, Modern Nymphing Elevated: Beyond the Basics, and Adaptive Fly Fishing. He is also the author of the book Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers.
Devin will be joining the club virtually to present Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers.
Posted on November 22nd, 2022
Who out there has tried Euro Nymphing? Who out there has heard about it and wanted to learn more about it? Who out there has no idea what it is and wants find out what is so special about Euro Nymphing? Anybody in any of these situations had better do two things:
First. Be sure to attend the December Fly Club meeting to hear guest speaker Devin Olson’s presentation on Euro Nymphing.
Second. Be sure to buy a bunch of raffle tickets to win your share of the Euro Nymphing prizes we have put up for grabs.
This month’s prizes include winner’s choice of either a Maxcatch Competition nymph rod (10′ 2 WT) or Adamsbuilt “Ready to Fish” rod (9.4′ 5 WT), 50 Euro Nymphing flies (tied by Barry Burt) with pocket box, or a DVD outlining everything you’ll need to know about successful Euro Nymphing.
The ticket sales are open and close at noon the day of the meeting (12/7).
Click on this link to purchase tickets: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/raffle-prizes/
Tickets are a dollar each, $20 bucks get you 25. The drawing of tickets will take place at the monthly meeting. Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.
Support your club, buy a raffle ticket!
Posted on November 28th, 2022
Happy Holidays! Know what that means?
Excuses to buy your friends and family, fly-fishing stuff and accidently order a few extras- for yourself! Hide them in your stocking, under the tree – address them from yer significant other, your 3-year-old son or daughter, or someone from work. Act really surprised!!
While I’ve been fly-fishing for some 30 years now, I’m always impressed by the new things I see out in the market that I just must have. In fact, I’ve seen examples so many times during the year, I realize now that I actually need them. Yes, need.
While you’re all reading this flush with Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, deserts you’ve waited all year to have, and an overdose of football games, some of us are watching the weather reports every night, looking for that next rain, the rainy season, steelhead.
Some of us will be down in the estuary come the 1st of December, if for no other reason than an opportunity to practice casting our Spey rods and lines on an actual body of water we don’t have to drive 3 hours to.
Did you ever wonder why the San Lorenzo was once known as the most famous steelhead river in all of norther California? I did. And while it isn’t really documented, where else can you fish over 11 miles of river, with virtually easy access, and where every three miles along a stretch of Steelhead water, there is a bar, or several, and a place to eat!
True – It is noted that anglers used to come from far and wide, with their partners, mistresses, …, and ply the waters of the San Lorenzo all weekend, fishing, drinking, eating, shopping. And, back in the day when there were A LOT of anglers, and a lot of fish with which to angle.
Opening day on the San Lorenzo used to be covered every year for decades, in the Sentinel, and in the Mercury News, a number of those years with write-ups from our very own Jeff Goyert, who wrote that column in the Sentinel.
Anglers of all kinds rushed- and I do mean rushed, to their spots along the estuary and well into the canyons of the mountains, to ply for their wary catch. All the fly-anglers on the boardwalk side of the river, almost elbow to elbow – just wide enough apart to give way to the necessary double haul while waste deep in a changing tide. Most of them there well before first light. Ed Marcillac and a few others must smart enough to use their dinghy’s – even guys like the infamous Hal Jansen, all comfy out of the water, with coffee thermos, casting classic Steelhead wooly buggers, Comet, Boss, Green Butt Skunks. Hardware and bait anglers clinging to their spots along the cliffs and high banks on the other side. You’d be hard pressed to be there for fifteen minutes before someone was hooking up and others were politely reeling in to give way. It was magical, and it was chaotic.
I suppose I kind of like that most of us can head out to the river these days and find it busy if we spot three other anglers within 200 yards along the estuary. But almost no one is walking along the bridge, or the cliffs, siting schools for those of us already in the water. Oh, the fish are there, on occasion, but not like the old days. I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m told the movie, Rivers of the Lost Coast, contains footage from the early San Lorenzo days. There is one clip also on YouTube, sometime in the late 60’s I’d guess, where the river was covered with anglers. But today? While there may not be as many fish, I do like the peace one can find when plying the waters with whatever might be of our liking that morning, almost completely unencumbered by another angler – unless you invited them along.
Yes, I wish those big numbers of Steelhead, and Coho, were returning to the San Lorenzo again, but I also recognize that this might also bring forth the throngs of anglers, of which I’m not so sure the river could handle anymore. Why with what people are posting on social media these days, anglers are having to doctor up background images and speak in tongues to keep people from finding where they caught the fish, and thereby descend in droves on that hallowed water you thought you owned.
I’m looking forward to the chance to fish the San Lorenzo this year. Many of you have heard from me, that it’s also about raising awareness – yes, there are fish in this river, big ones, and it’s the reason we need to take care of it now more than ever.
It’s a rare gift to be able to fish a river so close to one’s home, not to mention several of them, that were once great Steelhead, Coho, and even Chinook, fisheries. The fish are few and far between anymore. The river, deprived of it’s nutrients and wholesomeness by a city that is destined to destroy the river because of it’s insatiable want for growth. Who knows, maybe a mayor who serves a term of 4 years now, can perhaps, help us make a difference, stop the growth, and give more water back to the San Lorenzo in the critical times of the year.
Hopeless romantic. That’s what I’ve been called. Someone has to fight the good fight, raise awareness, love the river for the health it deserves, and be the bad guy for saying stop the growth.
The City would love to see us river stewards go away, move on, die. But if we keep sharing and pressing for what is good and right, for the fish – for the river, for the health of the entire eco-system along all our Pacific Coast waters, there will be more river stewards and hopefully change, for the fish and everything that surrounds, lives amongst and thrives, with the fish.
Happy Holidays – It’s Black Friday on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Started on Saturday and Sunday!
Get out there – go shopping!! I mean – fishing.
Posted on November 28th, 2022
Date: December 14
Time: Doors open at 6:15 PM - class begins at 6:30 PM
Place: Aptos Grange Hall 2555 Mar Vista Dr.
Posted on
The technique of spinning deer hair has been requested by club members a number of times. The Muddler Minnow will give you the opportunity to learn just that. Beginners in the past have done well tying this type of fly so don’t hesitate to give it a try. Two types of thread will be used this time, 6/0 black and any color monocord. Some will be available to borrow. As usual bring your vice tools and light. We welcome beginners and equipment will be provided for you. Sign ups are important in order to have the right amount of material prepared which is provided. You can sign up at the club meeting or call Elaine with at least 24 hours notice at 831-688-1561. I encourage wearing a mask for we are close to one another while tying. If not vaccinated and boosted please wear one for sure. Thank you.
Posted on November 22nd, 2022
Ever wonder what to do with that small plastic container you get when you buy flies? A piece of fuzzy fabric glued to the inside bottom works well when trying to contain beads and hold them in place while threading a bead onto a hook.
Having trouble keeping track of your hooks and flies at your fly tying desk? A magnet like those that come in hook packages can solve this problem. Just glue it to the base of
When applying glue to a hook that you are in the process of tying materials to, the last thing you want is for the glue to drop down into your bobbin which ruins the tool. Here are a couple of ways to suspend it off to the side.
Do you if you like Zap-A-Gap glue but get tired of it clogging up, here are a few suggestions:
1. When you first use the container, uncap and attach the narrow plastic funnel to the top. (Save the cap) amazingly no need to recap because for some reason it doesn’t solidify in the narrow opening between uses.
2. When the above fails, remove funnel and use in the normal way, recapping between uses. Do wipe end off with soft cloth before capping.
3. When the above starts clogging use a safety pin to open the hole.
4. Finally when the above fails, cut off the tip. (See diagram)
These techniques will probably get you through the whole bottle.
Posted on November 28th, 2022
In what has been a decades long saga, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently approved the removal of four dams on the Klamath River by issuing a License Surrender Order for the Lower Klamath River Hydroelectric Project. This will be the largest dam removal project in US history. The primary expected benefit of removing the dams is restoring the Chinook and Coho Salmon runs by expanding spawning area upstream of the dams and allowing unobstructed passage downstream to the ocean. Pre-construction begins in spring 2023 with Copco dam #2 scheduled to be removed in late summer 2023 and the remaining 3 dams removed by October 2024. Hopefully this will bring a brighter future for future generations of Native Americans, anglers and all who benefit from a healthy river system!
Press Release:
https://klamathrenewal.org/ferc-approves-license-surrender-and-decommissioning-of-the-lower-klamath-project-dams/
Article:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/nov/17/us-dam-removal-endangered-salmon-klamath-river
Posted on November 28th, 2022
Over period of seven years, surveys in the Delta Estuary have found zero Delta smelt during the month of September. Data is recorded every year from September through December. The last month and Delta smelt (2 fish) were caught was October 2017. See https://www.dfg.ca.gov/delta/data/fmwt/indices.asp
In order to ward off extinction of Delta smelt, UC Davis has raising them in a captive breeding program. Beginning late last year and continuing early 2022, the hatchery fish were released into the delta as part of an experiment.
Along with the Delta smelt, populations of longfin smelt, striped bass, American shad, threadfin shad and splittail have all declined catastrophically coinciding when the State Water Project went into operation in 1967. Other factors contributing to the decline are toxic chemicals, decreasing water quality and invasive species.
For more information, go to https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/11/3/2133402/-Breaking-Zero-Delta-smelt-found-in-Midwater-Trawl-Survey-for-seventh-September-in-a-row?utm_campaign=recent
Posted on November 28th, 2022
No upcoming events scheduled - check back soon!
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
| Monthly Speaker | Date | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 28 | Fly Casting Meetup | Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members. | |
| Feb 18 | 2023 SCFF Annual Fundraiser, Awards, and Installation Day | After 3 long years, we are bringing back our annual fundraiser on February 18th from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange! So many things have changed in the past three years and there was no way we could run the fundraiser “the way we used to”, so here we go. New venue, new hours, new food, new ticket price, new faces and with your help, more comradery, laughter and fun. We will be serving lunch, raffling wonderful prizes, spotlighting deserving members with annual awards, and introducing the 2023 Board of Directors. | |
| Feb 24 | Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show | There are lots of activities including casting demos/instruction, fly tying demos/instruction, seminars from well-know pros, vendors selling all-things fly fishy. It’s a great opportunity to learn and check out gear before you purchase. Many club members make it an annual event. If you are new to the sport, go and pick up a few tips. Visit the the website for details and how to get tickets. https://flyfishingshow.com/pleasanton-ca/ | |
| Feb 25 | Cancelled - Fly Casting Meetup | Instead of a club casting meetup in Santa Cruz, check out the Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show. | |
 | Mar 08 | Fly Tying Hang Out in March | Bring your vise, tools, materials and fish stories. Great excuse to get out of the house and do some tying with others. |
| Mar 25 | Fly Casting Meetup | Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members. | |
| Apr 22 | Fly Casting Meetup | Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members. |
Posted on November 24th, 2022
After 3 long years, we are bringing back our annual fundraiser on February 18th from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange! So many things have changed in the past three years and there was no way we could run the fundraiser “the way we used to”, so here we go. New venue, new hours, new food, new ticket price, new faces and with your help, more comradery, laughter and fun. We will be serving lunch, raffling wonderful prizes, spotlighting deserving members with annual awards, and introducing the 2023 Board of Directors.
Buy your tickets now: Its such a bummer to plan a party when no one tells you they are coming. We know you are thinking about it, so just do it! Tickets are $25/person and we only can sell 150 entrance/meal tickets due to space limitations of the Grange. Tickets are available online here: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/annual-fundraiser/
Volunteer: Many long term club members say the best part of our Annual Fundraiser is the time volunteering and working with others to put the whole event together. We still need people to step-up and take an assignment whether it is before, during or after the event. Contact Elaine Cook (coookin@gmail.com) to find out where you can best help.
Lunch:
Fresh, healthy, filling and fun. What’s not to like about Mediterranean food? We are bringing a winner from the Bay Area down to cater our lunch. @Zagat dubbed SAJJ Mediterranean falafel as best in the Bay Area! Guests will have the option to choose between the following three entrees. (All entrees will be served with fries.)
SAJJ Bowl: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; served over turmeric rice, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, hummus, cabbage, diced pickles, and a drizzle of tahini sauce
SAJJ Wrap: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; garlic spread, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, sumac onions and diced pickles
SAJJ Pita: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; with hummus, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, diced pickles
Seating will be available indoor and outdoor all though inside will be cozy depending on the weather. Lunch will be available between 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Water, soda, and coffee will be available as well as a dessert table. We will not be serving or selling alcohol so plan accordingly.
Parking: Everyone needs to buddy-up and comes to the Fundraiser with a fellow member, so that we can fit everyone in the parking lot. Otherwise, over flow will need to park on Mar Vista Drive.
Raffle Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online and can also be purchased at the event. If you purchased online, your tickets will be waiting for you along with your entrance/lunch receipt when you check-in. Raffle boxes will be on the tables for you to decide what you want to win. Keep a portion of your ticket so that you can claim your winnings.
Health Protocol: We hope to have a lot of people attend this event and the Grange is not that big of a building. Masking is encouraged as we want everyone healthy for the upcoming fishing season.
Posted on November 26th, 2022
All of us have wonderful stories about John, the times we spent with him and the gifts he shared with us. I too have a rod that he built, Fly tying tools he crafted, works of art he created, flies that he tied. I will think of him warmly whenever I use or see something he’s created.
There is one gift, above all else, that I think John should be remembered by. John constantly exemplified, by thought, word, and deed what it truly means to be a gentleman. He was truly a gentle man.
There was no place in his world for the toxic masculinity that has become so pervasive in today’s world. John didn’t trade in gossip. He spoke ill of no one. He encouraged always. He offered advice when it was sought, not just to hear his own voice being brilliant.
John lived a life of service, from his younger days as a pharmacist, to his later years as a sportsman extraordinaire. John served on our board as a president. For years he and Pat opened up their home to us to use as a meeting place for our board of directors. He spent countless hours searching for deals on fishing tackle for our annual raffle. Day after day he worked to create works of art for our silent auction. How many of us are better anglers because he worked with us on our double haul or steeple cast. His flies, which we enthusiastically threw at fish, were themselves works of art. I know I have some of them framed, but I’m pretty sure John would say “fish em” if he could.
I mentioned that he was a gifted sportsman. He was skilled in all aspects of pursuing whatever game he was after, and yet I never heard him boast or exaggerate. If he said he caught a five pound trout, you were sure it was within ounces of 5 pounds. If he said he caught it on 7x tippet and a size 20 baetis, and cast 40 feet into a strong headwind, you could take that to the bank. He was self-deprecating, and preferred to let others laud his exploits.
In an age when many think it comical to commiserate about how unreasonable a spouse or significant other could be, John never disrespected his Pat. It was obvious she was his highest priority, and he always treated her thusly.
I can’t speak for our whole assembly, but for myself, I never saw John lose his temper. I don’t think I ever even saw him angry. Or intoxicated. Calm, composed, compassionate. That’s how I remember John.
What a balm, in this era of self-aggrandation, to spend time with someone to whom character meant so much. Not the kind of character that makes excuses to justify whatever selfish motives a person might have, but the kind of character that it takes to always be kind, to excuse others their faults, to stand up for those weaker, and always place others before themselves.
I count myself lucky, to be a member of this club, to have been able to associate myself with men and women like John & Pat. There is, after all, a reason we renamed the Dame Julianna award after John. He has impacted each and every one of us, in a positive way.
That was John’s greatest gift. To make us want to be more like him.
Kevin Murdock’s tribute to John Steel at John’s Celebration of Life.
Posted on November 28th, 2022
