At first glance this fly looks like your typical wooly bugger but it’s not. It’s tied in a way that allows it to hang in the water column in a horizontal plane or balanced. Hung under an indicator in choppy water the fly pulses and swims the way a baitfish or leech does. Professional fly anglers like Phil Rowley and Brian Chan are big advocates for this pattern on still waters for trout and I’ll vouch for it as a great bass pond fly.
The body of this fly is created using a dubbing loop so some kind of dubbing whirl tool is needed. Dubbing looped bodies are also very effective for nymphs and other streamers so this is a good technique to know. If you need more info, check out this video with options for dubbing whirls:
Class is 8/11/21 @6:30PM on Zoom.
Please email metropolitantrout@gmail.com by 7/29 and include your address so I can mail you the materials. The days leading up to the class I will be out of town and unavailable to reach which is why I’m asking for the early RSVP.
This emerging caddis is fished in the surface film using a floating line. Apply floatent to the loop wing only.
Hook: TMC 100 sizes 14-18
Thread: tan 8/0
Shuck: Amber Z-Lon or spooled Antron
Body: tan Hairtron or Hairline dubbing
Wing: white Z-Lon or Antron
Thorax: same as body AND dubbing wax
Head: thread
1. Crimp Barb.
2. Apply thread 1/3 back on shank.
3. Separate strand of shuck material in half. Tie to top of shank from tie-in to a little around bend of hook. Cut length equal to 1/2 hook shank long.
4. Dub a generous body up to tie in. Brush backward a little to make rough.
5. Tie in wing material on your side of shank. Form a loop that extends to rear of shank. Tie in on far side of shank at original tie in location. Cut excess. Wrap down butts.
6. Apply dubbing wax to a couple inches of thread. Using touch method, apply small amounts of dubbing to thread. Wrap a generous, shaggy thorax forward to hook eye. Wet fingers, pull forward dubbing backward. Make several thread wraps forming a head. Whip finish, cut thread. Brush thorax fibers back a little forming a shaggy fly.
Our first two stockings of the 2021 season in Lake Tahoe are complete! This week we stocked 5,083 10 inch Pilot Peak Lahontan Cutthroat Trout on the Nevada side. To monitor and evaluate Pilot Peak LCT growth, survival, and movement around the Lake, 30% of those trout were FLOY tagged with a unique ID and phone number so that anglers can report their catch and help us collect this vital information. Thank you to the Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the U.S. Forest Service-Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit for the ongoing collaboration in providing a native trout for recreational angling opportunities in Lake Tahoe.
Fun Facts:
-Lahontan Cutthroat Trout are the only trout native to Lake
Tahoe.
-Lahontan Cutthroat Trout is the state fish of Nevada.
-Lahontan Cutthroat Trout are the Largest inland cutthroat trout in the world.
It is estimated that up to 95% of wild salmon habitat has been wiped out by damming of rivers in California. Hatcheries have helped make up for the impact of dams. Now amid the ongoing drought, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has launched a program to release 17 million Chinook Salmon smolt into San Francisco Bay and others—including Monterey Bay. The fish are being loaded in trucks from hatcheries and transported to the bay and released. Historically, the fish have been released into rivers and streams. But, with drought-induced low flows coupled with warmer temperatures, the survival rate is extremely low. The hope is that more fish will have a better survival rate (estimated to be about 80%) which could provide some support for the $900 million commercial and sport salmon fishing business in the state. For more information, check out the web link.
The Klamath River was once the third most productive salmon & steelhead river in the lower 48, but more than 100 years ago four dams were built on it that blocked 250+ miles of spawning & rearing habitat. The license to operate those dams has now been transferred from PacifiCorp, a subsidiary of Berkshire-Hathaway, to the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) and the states of Oregon & California.
The license will transfer solely to KRRC later in 2021, and dam removal work will begin in the summer of 2022. The Kiewit Corporation will start decommissioning in January 2023, with all four dams removed by Fall 2023. Resource Environmental Solutions will implement & monitor restoration work after removal.
The Northern California Council of Fly Fishers International participated in early Klamath discussions in 2003; in 2004 Tribes, State & Federal agencies and other NGO parties joined the formal negotiations that will culminate in new spawning & rearing habitat and a healthy river.
Membership Rosters are now available by email request, or can be picked up on August 4th at the Sherriff Posse BBQ first monthly meeting of the year @ 1227 Ocean St Ext. Should you not be able to attend, or would like an electronic version, please send me an email @ robert6367@aol.com.
I would also like to thank Carly Blanchard for her technical assistance in formatting the Roster for final printing by Community Printing.
Image from https://riverbum.com/blog/intro-to-fly-fishing-casting-with-the-roll-cast/
Beginner and novice fly casters who are interested in instruction in the roll cast, one of two foundational techniques in fly casting, should plan on attending a lesson that will take place in Boulder Creek at 10 AM on Wednesday, July 28. If you would like to participate, please contact me at 831-338-6056 or via email at traugott@ucsc.edu so that I can sign you up, give you directions, and discuss any equipment issues. The plan for July is for one hour of systematic group instruction followed by an additional hour of general practice and socializing. I am presuming that most participants will have their own rod, reel, and floating line. (A loaner rod or two may be available for those who do not have their own.) If there is sufficient interest, we could follow up in August with a similar session devoted to the “Pick-up and Lay-down” or basic overhead cast. More specialized techniques for experienced casters could become the focus of future sessions. It all depends on the level of member interest, so don’t hesitate to get in touch and let me know if you would like to participate.
The July Surf Fishout will take place at Manresa State Beach, on Saturday, July 3rd. The sun will rise at 5:53 a.m., and the tide will be high at 6:54 A.M. We will meet at 5:45 A.M. at the entrance to the State Park at 1445 San Andreas Road. Park outside and just past the park entrance where there is space for a half dozen cars. There are a couple more spaces on the opposite side of the street. If all the available spaces are full when you arrive, go a quarter mile further along San Andres Rd. and turn right onto Oceanview Drive. Park at the end of that street, along the fence on the right, and take the stairs down to the beach where you can eventually join the rest of the group. For details regarding equipment and technique, check the excellent instructions on surf fishing that Sam Bishop has published on our club website. The basic equipment is a five- to 8-weight rod with an intermediate to full-sinking line or sinking tip. Any type of Clouser pattern or anchovy fly will work for stripers, and small bonefish patterns (for example, Gotchas) will catch perch, especially if they have red or orange highlights. The only surf-specific piece of essential equipment is a stripping basket, which Sam makes and sells for $20 to benefit the club. Make contact with him in advance, or let me know if you would like to borrow or purchase a stripping basic on July 3.
Roy Gunter writes: I am offering to sponsor a fishout to the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska leaving on September 4, 2021 and returning on September 12, 2021. Limited to 4 participants including Roy. We will stay in the Riverside Cabin at the Eagle Landing Resort in Cooper Landing, AK (go to eaglelandingresort.com to check out Resort and Cabin). Trip will be fishing the Kenai River, Russian River and nearby creeks, targeting rainbows and dolly varden, but catching many salmon along the way. Trip includes 2 guided trips on the Kenai River, including at least one boat trip down the Kenai River Canyon to the delta of Skilak Lake. You will have to provide your own airfare to Anchorage and return, which can be arrange for virtually no charge if you obtain an Alaska Airlines Credit Card. Alaska Airlines now flies out of Monterey. However, a rental car is included in the trip. Food and beverages are included and obtained from Costco and Carrs Supermarket for preparation at the cabin. Since I am cooking for the most part, meals are gourmet including wine and/or other beverages. Since I am an Alaska Air card holder, over the last 20 years I have never exceeded $2,000 for the entire trip, including the cost of a motel before flying out, and once paid only $770. Couples are welcome, but there is only one queen bed in a separate bedroom. Other Club Members who have accompanied me include: Bob Monaco, Steve Rawson, Milana Rawson, Daneen Gunter, Don Foskett, Gary Hazelton, Harry Petrakis, Mark Traugott and Gil Santos. Requirements: $1,000 deposit subject to forfeit unless you find a substitute fisherman to accept your spot and you must have recieved all of your covid vaccinations at least 14 days prior to departure. Prior participants have priority. If interested please contact Roy Gunter at 831-809-0316 or email at rgunteriii@yahoo.com.
Sam Bishops adds some insight on the Alaska Airlines Credit Card opportunity: “Buy a new Alaska Airline card and get 50,000 miles if you spend $2,000 in 2 or 3 months. $75 for the card, but you get a free bag. Without it the first bag is $40. I just got a new card for about the fourth time. I let the old one expire and get a new one for the mileage. I paid the house insurance on the new one and bingo I am covered.”
by John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515
Dates: This fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 18 – 25. Week 2: Sept 26 – Oct 2.
Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.
General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Condo has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share king size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.
Cost: Covers 7 night’s lodging and 3 meals per day. $320/week, $640/two weeks. $535/week for a private room. $ is not refundable unless someone takes your place. Any unused funds will be used for prizes at the annual fund raiser.
Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards.
SignUps: Call John Cook letting him know which week or both or private room. ASAP or up to May 1st. We will be leaving town mid May, so need to put things together and confirm reservation by then. Receiving your $ will reserve your spot. I will maintain a waiting list and, if space becomes available you will be notified by phone, even while we are on summer vacation. Deliver your $ by mail ( PO Box 2822, Aptos, Ca. 95001 ) or deliver in person. (215 Treasure Island Ave., Aptos , Ca. )
Covid Issues: All participants must have completed the vaccine regiment at least one month prior. Must be free of symptoms. If negative public health issues arrive, the fishout will be canceled and $ returned.
We just finished up a week at Coffee Creek in the Trinity Alps. Mostly rainbow planters in the creeks, unless you hike in deeper. Then it is the occasional 8-inch rainbow or brook. On a 100F day, the family traveled up to Kangaroo Lake (6,000ft) with our float tubes and raft. Again, mostly planters, but about 20 degrees cooler at that elevation. Here is a picture of some of the family heading out into Kangaroo with their gear. Kangaroo is in the middle of nowhere, but it is handicap accessible.
It was a wild surf this morning at Palm Beach! 11 loyal members showed up at dawn ready to do battle with the wild surf, sea lions and barred perch. Their skills produced 20 – 25 or so barred perch. A rather large sea lion patrolled the area regularly and I suspect that is why no one caught a Striper. Next month we fish Manresa.
Our group: Judy Johnson, Aaron Reisman, Todd Goudberg, Jeff Gose, Mark Traugott, Robert Eberle, John Davis, Joe Clark, Sean Hyslop, Kirk Mathew and yours truly, Sam Bishop
Greetings to all and I’m glad to say that we are continuing to see COVID cases diminish in most of our region. I am hearing that many of our clubs are again holding fishing retreats and scheduling in-person club meetings. This is all good!
NCCFFI is working for the future of Fly Fishing
Developing a stronger connection with our clubs to improve relationships, communication & better protect our watersheds through conservation.
Improving and re-modeling our website. Our goal is to have a good looking & informative website that has club activity information, conservation actions, educational opportunities & more. We hope to have the site up by early July.
Strategy group working on goals & objectives for the next 3-5 years. We will be working over the next several weeks to develop a vision and working set of actions to meet the needs of our clubs, members and our fly fishing community. We expect this to take a couple of months, but it will put us on the road to stability and being able to continue to build the fly fishing community we know is important to the future.
Things to look forward to: Better club support for your projects; Enhanced support for fly fishing by the Council by our work at the ISE show & Fly Fishing Show; Continued Council-club communications; enhanced connection with FFI programs and events; Better learning opportunities for all through Council level education programs.
Fly Fishers International (FFI) – Working for our Sport & it’s members
New Website – The website is now easier to navigate, full of helpful and interesting information and much better looking. https://www.flyfishersinternational.org
New – Virtual Expo November 5-7, 2021 – enjoy all FFI has to offer from home on your computer! This appears to be a new & exciting way to enjoy your organization, yet learn and support your sport. https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/Virtual-Expo This promises to be a great event that is full of information & opportunity.
NCCFFI & Women Connect: We have a local group of Women Connect, and our Council is proud to say Anne Marie Bakker, ambconsulting@sbcglobal.net, is our Council connection. Contact her to find out more and join.
It’s important to understand that both NCCFFI and FFI are working hard to help our sport on many fronts. FFI is the only organization we have that is only focused on fly fishing and All fish in all waters. Being a member means you support fly fishing and its future. Join today: https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/Join-Renew
The Fly Fishing Photography presentation will not get bogged down in technology and fancy camera speak. Instead, I will offer mostly tips and suggestions. I’ll show many ways to get good/better/best photos, and much of my lecture will be through the lens of our smart/iPhones, as well. Besides photography tips: scenery/action/macro/underwater/etc, I’ll talk about handling fish and our responsibility to not over-do it. There are a lot of fun fish and fishing photos that we will discuss and some down right horrible photos that are part of the do’s and don’ts chapter. A lot of my photography tips will apply to your everyday fishing, but will also help with general friends/family/pets/food/Instagram/Facebook photography.
Bio: Brian OKeefe has balanced a lifetime of fly fishing, near and far, with work in almost every niche in the sport: fly shops, trout and steelhead guide, fly tackle rep, writer/photographer, online magazine owner, fly club speaker and currently with www.elevenangling.com, an international fly fishing lodge/mothership outfitter. Lives in Nyssa, Oregon.
BONUS TALK: Fly Fishing for Pacific Salmon (in the salt): After a dozen or so trips to British Columbia and Alaska to specifically fly fish for silvers and kings in the salt, I have put together a presentation on the when/where/how, of this endeavor. I’ll show some really nice salmon, and the ways to go about catching them: motherships, DIY, local day guides, etc. Plus tackle, timing and techniques. Great fishing, scenery, wildlife and food.
June is the time of year, this year for sure, that we fly fishers get serious about spending some serious time on the water. It is time to get out of the house and visit our favorite lakes and streams. How about we do that with some new gear?
WINNER’S PICK ROD/REEL COMBO
Who among us can’t use a new rod and reel? Something to fill in a blank spot in our quiver, something as a back up to stash away in the back of the truck, or maybe a gift for someone new to the sport. The lucky winner with the lucky raffle ticket will have their choice of a four piece, 9 foot high carbon rod with matching reel in either 4wt, 5wt, 6wt, or 8wt. The winner picks!
All the rods include a cloth case inside a zippered cordura hard case and a protective cloth reel sack. The 8wt has a nice little fighting butt, perfect for Pyramid Lake or San Luis reservoir.
SUMMERTIME TROUT FLIES – 5 DOZEN!!
Unbelievable! Need to to give your heart a jump start? Just open this box of flies donated by Matt Maurin. 60 beautiful flies; Elk hair Cadis, midges, Pheasant Tails, and more. Wow, got to be $150 worth of flies in a really cool Santa Cruz Fly Club box. Don’t miss out on this one.
THINK SAFE PFD Life Preserver
If you spend any time on the water, be it float tube, kayak, or pontoon boat, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and WEAR A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE! Don’t have one? Buy a raffle ticket and win one! This USCG approved Type III vest also has top flap and side entry gear pockets along with a D ring for accessory attachment. Constructed of durable nylon with large armholes and open neck for great range of movement.
THE FINE PRINT:
Raffle tickets are a dollar each sold in blocks of five, twenty bucks gets you 25 tickets. Click on this link to purchase tickets:
Club membership not required to purchase tickets, need not be present at Zoom meeting to win. Ticket sales cutoff is noon June 2nd the day of the monthly meeting.
First of all I want to thank all of you who have participated in the Zoom meetings we’ve had over the last year. You made the leap and helped all of us have fun at a time when the media wanted us to focus on doom and gloom. I am grateful for all the new members we got to meet via Zoom, and some of the casting classes we were able to have together.
Now that the world is beginning to turn again – I’m singing the song – “Crimson and Clover, Covid is over…”.
At this writing, Mona and I are preparing to take off for almost a week of Eastern Sierra bliss – no cell, no work,. Just fly-fishing and exploring that beautiful part of our country along the 395. We will be hitting Mammoth, Crowley, Bishop, Lone Pine and Cerro Gordo (look it up and follow Brent on YouTube). I hope to have some photos for our Instagram and Facebook pages to share with all of you – pretty much – instantly – when cell or wifi is available. .
Our June meeting will be via Zoom – but don’t miss it. We’re bringing back a special presentation we use to do years ago – Teach you how to take awesome photos of the fish you catch. Brian O’Keefe, has some of the most common sense, but often overlooked, tips on how to get great photos of your fly-fishing experiences – including those of fish you would like to show off. Then you can share them with us so we can post to our Instagram page!!!
July we should be starting to experiencing some sense of normalcy, but we don’t have a club meeting historically, for obvious reasons. You’re all out fishing!!
August – Mark your calendars – we are going to have an in person Club BBQ. We historically call this our slop and swap – which means we grill up the food and you bring something to swap with other members. This will be our first physical gathering since March of 2020. More to follow, but we’re planning to have this at the Sherriff’s Posse’ hall on Ocean Street Extension, a beautiful rustic club atmosphere. Could be a sign of things to come.
Haven’t figured out who will be our speaker in September yet, but we’re hoping this will then be our first club gathering together. If any of you want to hear yours truly, speak on our own San Lorenzo River, with some recent updates, let me know. Otherwise send me some suggestions of what you’d like to hear.
Our raffle this month is going to be as good, and relevant, as ever. Thank you, Jeff Goyert for pulling in some of the best prizes our membership has had the pleasure of winning. You guys are barely spending twenty bucks on average, winning prizes that are worth hundreds. Keep it up. Even when we get together permanently, we’re going to continue the raffle as it is, so everyone has a chance to win something whether you’re at the meeting or now. Although, I’m thinking maybe I better have Jeff pull something really awesome just for those who pull their keesters out of the easy chair and make it to the meeting!
I’m really looking forward to “normal” again. I’ve met so many of you who have yet to experience the fun we have when we are together, aside from fishing together. Speaking of – lots of fishing to do together. If you’re not on the club email – get on it. There are lots of outings people are planning – surf, San Luis, Sierra, and more.
Our scholarships went out again this year and while we didn’t get as much participation due to covid, nine of the 14 available scholarships went out to students at San Lorenzo, Soquel, Aptos, Pajaro and Watsonville High Schools. We’re hoping Santa Cruz and Harbor have pulled it together after this writing to make it 13 out of 14. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the “Donation” button. That is where these dollars are going and we’re planning to continue and grow this in the future.
Some of you may be following me on Instagram, and you should also be following “Santacruzflyfishing” on Instagram also. If you’re following me, you’re probably wondering why you see more horses than fish. I moved here in 1982 as a 20-year-old kid, competing in horse sports. After Tommy and Emily were born I stopped riding and focused on family, building a house, career. Some of you know Emily turned out to be quite the accomplished vaulter, rider, trainer and started asking me to ride again. I knew what that meant if I was to do it right. And, since you only have so much time to spend with your kids, when they ask – you do.
Someone once asked me about fly-fishing and if I was getting to do all the fly-fishing I was able to do. At the time I answered, not completely, but I’m really happy with all the opportunities I do get to spend that time fly-fishing. They seemed disappointed when I said it was probably maybe 50 days a year. But they are the most precious days of the year with really awesome people – most of them from this club and my family.
Who could ask for anything better! Tread lightly people. We are all sensitive, even the fish.
This is a great stillwater pattern, as dragonfly nymphs are found in most western lakes. There is no pupal stage, and they stay as nymphs for 3-5 years. So even when hatching there are still nymphs present. Dragonfly nymphs breath using gills in their abdomen. The difference is they do this through the anus. Yes, they breath through their butts. This is also how they swim, short 4-5 inch bursts along or near the bottom as they head toward shore to emerge. There they wait till nightfall to emerge to avoid predation by birds. Fish this fly on a weighted leader or sinking line, near the bottom and weed beds. Use short 4-6 inch retrieves using a slow hand twist technique. We will be using furry foam for this fly that has many other applications. This pattern can be easily adapted to become a damselfly nymph. We will be using 6-0 or 8-0 olive thread. If you give me enough time I can mail you a packet or you can pick one up at my house. Text me at (831) 234-2244.
Maya Gipson graduated from San Lorenzo High
