Mike is the Owner and Head Guide of Mammoth Lakes Fly Fishing Guide Service in Mammoth Lakes, CA. He first discovered his passion for fly fishing as a kid casting dry flies to wild brook trout on small streams in Vermont. He spent many years developing his skills and chasing trout and warm water species all over local waters, eventually moving to California in 2003. After a few years with the San Diego Fly shop learning surf fishing and saltwater tactics, he moved to Mammoth Lakes full time. His primary focus since has been exploring and learning the nuances of the many fishing opportunities in the Eastern Sierras. He completed the Clearwater Guide School in 2014, spent several years as a top guide at The Troutfitter, and currently operates his own service, guiding and teaching anglers of all skill levels. www.mammothlakesflyfishing.com
Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
A lot of us fisherpeople (is that a word?) think of April as the kickoff of a new season to launch our angling endeavors across the great outdoors. To that end we have some great raffle prizes up for grabs.
How about a winners pick for a V-access rod and reel package? This is a great way to fill in that empty slot in your fly rod quiver. The winner (singular) has their pick of either a 5wt,6wt,7wt. or 8wt rod along with a matching reel. These picks can get you covered from the small Sierra streams to the big Northern rivers or the Stillwater in between. It’s a winners choice!
Thinking of one more trip to Pyramid or maybe a spring trip to Mammoth Lakes?
Take a look at this Simms Gortex hat that will keep you warm and dry. The fold down flaps will keep your ears and neck warm while darkened underbill cuts down on reflected glare. Don’t let the cold and wet put a damper on your next angling adventure.
Anybody thinking about getting into Fly Tying? Anybody looking for a great gift for a Fly Fishing friend? Anybody need neat little Fly Tying kit to pack away on your next trip? This Fly Tying kit from Colorado Angler Supply is just the prize you’re looking for. Packed away in a classic wooden box is a vise with a pedestal base along with seven quality tying tools. Also included is a basic fly tying instruction book. A really sweet prize for a lucky winner.
Raffle tickets are available online, click on the following link to purchase your lucky tickets:
Tickets are a dollar each, twenty bucks gets you 25. The ticket sales office will close at noon on the the day of the April meeting (4/5/23). Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.
If you are like me, I joined the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club because I wanted to learn technique and find fishing friends. Joining the club (and joining the Board) really opened by eyes to the issues of conservation; I had limited knowledge of the environmental issues effecting our sport and unaware of the conservation activities to improve the habitat of our fisheries. Also, I had felt that our small club donations couldn’t help that much. I don’t believe that anymore.
I now believe that individuals and grassroot advocacy can make a big differences. I believe because I have seen it with my own eyes. I have seen reduction in smog, recovery of sea otters, saving of wetlands, removal of dams and recycling. All of these results started as grassroot movements with people banding together to enact change, whether that was change of people’s behavior (littering less, paying more for organic) or a change through local, state or national government (Watsonville Wetlands, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Clean Air Act). It is easy to get depressed about our current environmental issues like rising oceans, extreme weather, and crashing salmon population, but I gain hope by looking back at successes against past environmental challenges. And as club members, we have a way to try and help create future environmental successes.
For the past several years, our club has been donating around $3,000 for conservation projects and $1,600 for high school to college scholarships for Santa Cruz county students focusing on Environmental Studies. At the last Board meeting, we decided that the club could increase our donations by having a clear funding plan. So for 2023, we are doubling the size or our scholarships to $400 per student and keeping the conservation donations the same. In future years, we will increase our conservation donations as well.
We are able to pay for our club because of our increased membership size and member generosity. With over 200 members, we will be able to cover the cost of running the club from dues, online donations, and monthly raffles. That means we will be able to direct the net proceeds from our annual fundraiser towards conservation and scholarships. The fundraiser we had in February netted about $3,500 which would not have covered our donations, but as a post-Covid reboot, it was very successful and gives us confidence that we can increase the proceeds and make it better in years to come.
Like our club, the SCFF Board is continuing to grow and have recently added Kevin McClish to be our facilities coordinator. Kevin has been part of the club for several years and participated in outings, meetings and fly tying. Thank you Kevin for volunteering.
Now on to fishing! April and May are some of the best times to fish locally and you should take advantage of the time to try out surf fishing, crappie and black bass fishing. If you haven’t done it before, put a note up on google groups asking for help. I am sure you will get some bites.
This fly will be very important if you’re planning to go to the fishout at Lake Almanor in June. The Hex also hatches in other waters in northeast, California at the same time. You will sure want to have a few if you are planning to head that way. This class is more advanced than usual, and will be difficult for beginners. If however you still wish to attend, that’s fine, there’s always something to learn. As usual, the class is free and materials are provided. sign ups are required so that adequate material will be there for everyone. If you have yellow six old thread, please bring it. There are vices and tools for beginners to borrow. Regarding Covid, I will be wearing a mask, and since we are close to one another, you may consider the same for yourself. If you are ill in any way, please stay at home. Thanks
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
Damsels are available to finish year round, but in the spring and early summer, they migrate to shore, crawl out on vegetation and structure, shed their shuck, and begin to fly around to mate.
This adult Caddis pattern is designed for moving water but also works in stillwater for trout. Apply floatant and allow a drag free drift.
HOOK: TMC 100 size 12-20.
Crimp barb.
THREAD: Olive 8/0.
Apply 1/3 back on shank. Wrap to rear of shank.
RIB: grizzly Hackle, barbs equal to hook gap.
Cut off fuzzy end. Stroke barbs so that they stand out sideways. Cut 5 to 6 short on each side of the stem forming a “crew cut”.
Tie in “crew cut “ to rear of shank with dull side toward you and tip to the rear.
BODY: light olive super fine dubbing
Dub a cigar shaped body 2/3 forward on shank. Palmer grizzly forward in about four wraps. Tie off, cut excess. Cut off tops of
barbs at an angle leaving shorter stubs at head end.
UNDERWING: Lemon wood duck or mallard flank feather (well barred)
Even up tips of barbs and cut out 6–8. Tie in on top of shank, in front of body, with tips extending hook gap length beyond body.
Cut butt ends, tie down.
OVERWING: mallard wing quill. Light or medium gray. Seagull feathers also work. Some caddis are tan with modeled wings. So a variety of birds can work. Do not use primary feathers. Select a soft feather with narrow barbs. Look for sections of feather that will form a nice taper (not to pointed or blunt) when one section is removed. See picture.
Prepare quill by spraying with clear, fast drying lacquer and allow to dry. Most authorities will recommend using two feathers, one from each side of the bird to have mirror image curves. If using flat quills, that isn’t necessary. Using a bodkin, separate two segments that are about hook gap wide at the stem end. Cut near stem. If tips are too pointed, trim to shape. Place one segment on each side with bottom edge of wing at shank level. Tips extending almost to end of underwing, and tips down. Use pinch method twice to tie in place
in front of body. Cut but ends, tie down. NOTE: The quail barbs will separate as you fish the fly. This will only make it more attractive to the fish.
HACKLE: Brown, barbs one and a half hook gap.
Prepare the same as grizzly hackle. Tie “crew cut” to top of shank in front of wing with shiny side toward you and tip to the rear.
Wrap hackle forward, forcing thread as you go, with about 4 touching wraps up to one eye length behind eye.Tie off, cut excess.
Apply a small amount of glue to head.
On March 10th the Pacific Fisheries Management Council adopted proposals that will close Chinook fishing for 2023. They will reconvene on April 7 and will vote to finalize their decision on the sport and commercial season for California marine and inland waters as well as off most of the Oregon coast. In addition, three organizations that represent commercial and sport fishing professionals are also recommending closing the season: Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Association, the Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association and the Northern California Guides and Sportsmen’s Association. Some members of these organizations predict the 2024 season will be closed as well. The last time fishing was cancelled was in 2008 and 2009. This year, only 169,767 adult Sacramento River fall run chinook are estimated to be offshore this year. Last year the estimate was 396,458. Ten years ago the numbers were in the 800,000 range. In 2022, only an estimated 61,850 fish made it to spawn in the Sacramento River—the 3rd lowest recorded. Hostile conditions, brought on by extreme heat, state and federal water control policies, thiamine deficiency—to name a few—all contribute to the low numbers of fish surviving.
I know many—if not all—of our club members are staying informed on important issues like this, and support many local, state and beyond conservation organizations. As you may be aware, our club allocates a substantial portion of our budget to support many organizations fighting for the future of out beautiful sport. Whenever you have an opportunity to weigh-in on issues such as the one in this article, I urge you to let your voice be heard. Thank you for all you do to support SCCF!
This class is for members who already have basic skills and are comfortable casting a two handed rod. Focus will be on anchor placement as well as eliminating slack and maintaining line tension to improve your deliveries. We can also work on adding various “touch and go” cast such as the single spey and snake roll to your arsenal. Email me: richr@cruzio.com and we’ll find a date/time that works in the last week of April. Location will be Soquel Creek on the ocean side of the Stockton Street bridge in Capitola.
17 new members have signed up as new members making our total paid membership in March at 200. We continue to add new members. Historically, 2 new members every month, but for the last 2 1/2 months, the average has increased 3x to 6.4. This significant increase is due to online webpage activity with the support of Jerry McKeon/ Instagram Media Communication. Members are reminded to send photos of recent fish pictures to Jerry at Metropolitantrout@gmail.com. Please welcome them to the club when you see them at meetings and outings. New Members include:
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Mike White - (831) 706-5556
The Pyramid Lake trip is one of the best-attended fishouts the club has, and for a good reason. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cruise parallel to the shore in easy casting distance from shore. Read More
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Cecilia Stipes
BOURDET RANCH One-day fishouts: April 15 (Sat), April 19 (Wed), April 24 (Mon) Location: Bourdet Ranch on Hwy 152 across from Casa de Fruta, Hollister I have reserved 3 dates at this beautiful ranch in the green rolling hills of Hollister which offers 4 bass and pan fish ponds. Trespass fee is $75/person (fisher or non-fisher)… Read More
Apr 15 : Del Valle Fishout – CANCELED
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/del-valle-fishout-2023/ (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Justin Ice
**CANCELED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE** Currently the park has issued a hard closure for camping until May 20th, 2023. Any members who had previously made reservations thru the county website / Reserve America, should have received an email detailing the cancelation and a refund from The East Bay Parks District. An alternate destination maybe suggested… Read More
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Self Lead
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… Read More
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Sam Bishop
First Surf Fishout of 2023!
Saturday May 6th 2023 5:55AM
Location: Rio Del Mar State Beach Read More
May 08 : Los Banos Creek Reservoir
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/los-banos-creek-reservoir/ (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Dan Eaton
Los Banos Creek Reservoir is an oasis in the valley, it has Bass and Bluegill and the option of fishing Stripers and Bass in the O’Neill Forebay 20 miles away. Camping: Los Banos Campground (209) 826-6393) doesn’t take reservations, has 14 sites with tables with shade and also shade trees, non-potable water, and campfire rings.… Read More
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Tommy Polito
Location: Manresa State Beach Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of… Read More
Jun 24 : Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 25 – Jul 1 2023 – New Info
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/lake-almanor-hex-hatch-2023/ (Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
The Lake Almanor fishout is scheduled for the last week of June, 6/24 thru 7/1, 2023. This time period is, hopefully, the peak of the annual Hexagenia hatch that begins generally mid-June and runs through mid-July. The most productive fishing takes place early evenings on into past dark between Lake Almanor West to Canyon Dam… Read More
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Sam Bishop
Location: Palm Beach State Park Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the… Read More
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Rich Hughett
Sign Up Now! Experience a new HIGH! Fish for Dorado, and many other salt-water fish, including Bonito, Roosters, Yellowtail and Sailfish on a fly! Join the group going to Loreto in Baja Sunday, July 16th through Thursday, July 20th. This trip includes: Four nights at the beautiful Hotel La Mission, on the water-front next to… Read More
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kennedy-meadows-sonora-pass-fish-out-2023/ (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Tom Hogye
Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station / Baker & Deadman campground. http://www.kennedymeadows.com. If you want to stay in a cabin, you should try to get a reservation now. The cabins generally roll over annually with returning guests from the previous year. The Hogye's will be in Cabin 11. Rates range from $115 - 260 per… Read More
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Sam Bishop
First Surf Fishout of 2023!
Saturday May 6th 2023 5:55AM
Location: Rio Del Mar State Beach Read More
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: To Be Determined
Location: Manresa State Beach Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety), Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket (If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of… Read More
Sep 08 : Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir)
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Alex Ferber
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Upper Sacramento River with Potential McCloud River Side Trip Species: Trout Duration: 3 Days Cost: No Cost https://goo.gl/maps/qC5QbdWhMStgX27X9 Equipment: Typical Trout Set Up 9', 4-6wt Rods w/ Floating Lines Ideal Euro Nymphing, and Trout Spey conditions available Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hairs Ear, Prince Nymph, Wooly Buggers, Perdigon, Copper Johns, Zebra Midge,… Read More
Sep 23 : Mammoth Fishout – UPDATED –
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/mammoth-fishout-2/ Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: John Cook
UPDATE Both weeks of this Fishout has been filled. I am maintaining a waiting list. There are three people on the list currently. If I get enough I will think about getting another condo. Please email or contact me directly for inquires. John & Elain Cook - Fishmaster (831) 234-6515 coookin@gmail.com Dates: This Fishout will… Read More
Oct 07 : October surf fishout – Beer Can
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/october-surf-fishout/ Beer Can Beach (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Sam Bishop - Fishing; Mike Lovejoy - Breakfast
Surf fish-out Saturday October 7, followed by breakfast at Mike Lovejoy's. Important location information and breakfast information Read More
Oct 14 : Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) – CONFIRMED Oct 14
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 10 people) Species: bass, crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited. Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. I am waiting on confirmation on this date, however I wanted to gauge… Read More
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Kevin Murdock
Event: O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout Date: Thursday October 19 to Sunday October 22 (I chose this weekend for it's 'skinny' moon, less night feeding for the fish) Target Gamefish: Striped Bass Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O'Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33) Hosts: Kevin Murdock … Read More
Dec 01 : 2023 Fishout Round-Up
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/2023-fishout-round-up/ (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Club Members
Greetings Club Members (Existing, new, soon to be), This though not a Fishout, but rather a year in review of 2023's great events held by our members. 19 trips planned in 2023 not all the trips planned were executed due to the high waters and weather early in the season but for some of those… Read More