After giving a great presentation on entomology, Jesse is back to provide solid basic information for enthusiasts just starting to fly fish as well as some great nuggets for the more experienced crew – definitely something for everyone. This will be a information packed presentation taking 45 min with 5 minute Q&A either during or after – he will touch on a lot of topics and concepts related to catching more trout.
Club Member Jesse Collins is a former guide who first started guiding on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula in 2007. He grew up within walking distance of the Chattahoochee River and started flyfishing when his grandfather took him to see the premier of “River Runs Through It” in 1992. For over 30 years Jesse has been tying flies and fly fishing and has fished all over America from the southeast tailwaters like the Taccoa, Chattahoochee, and South Holston Rivers, to the Great Lakes Tributaries, Pennsylvania Spring Creeks, Appalachian Freestones, Western rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, and the Beaverhead, all the way to Alaska. He is passionate about all things fly fishing and one of his favorite places in the world is Alaska where he makes it back every year.
6:30 – 7:00 pm Skills Clinic: Prior to the meeting, Jesse will on display some of his favorite items that he uses to catch more trout!
As I close out my third year as President, I’ve been reflecting on what has mattered most during my time in this role. What stands out above everything else is fellowship.
Our club isn’t just about flies, gear, or techniques. It’s about people—learning together, supporting one another, and creating a community where new friendships form naturally. Over these past years, we have worked hard to make sure our activities and events reflect that sense of connection. All we’ve ever asked of you is simply to participate, and you have responded with enthusiasm and generosity.
Your involvement shows in what we’ve accomplished. In 2023, we donated $6,250 in Scholarships and Conservation. This year, we reached $9,800—a 57% increase in just two years. That growth is a direct reflection of the commitment and goodwill of our members.
Our Annual Fundraiser is another example. After returning from a three-year hiatus in 2023 with a renewed format at the Aptos Grange, we moved the event to the Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club in 2024 and 2025 and completely sold out—nearly 180 attendees each year. These gatherings were full of connection, conversation, and a very visible sense of shared purpose.
We continued expanding our presence through events like the Fly Fishing Film Tour. In 2025, hosting the F3T at Woodward Brewery brought nearly 100 people out on a weeknight, many of whom were not yet members but were clearly part of the greater fly-fishing community in Santa Cruz.
This year we also had a booth at the Pleasanton Fly Show for the first time, staffed by club members all weekend. It allowed us to meet people across the industry, reconnect with past members, and introduce the club to anglers who hadn’t known we existed.
Membership has grown steadily: 175 members in 2023 → 254 in 2025. Our social reach has grown as well, with our Instagram following now over 1,000.
We’ve also strengthened relationships beyond our own club. Working with other California clubs, we’ve shared knowledge, attended each other’s fishouts, and exchanged experiences that enrich everyone involved. Partnerships with Project Healing Waters, Trout Unlimited, and Sisters on the Fly continue to build bridges within the broader community—connections that could bring future members to SCFF.
As I look back, I’m proud of the path we’ve taken. Yet most of these accomplishments were carried by the dedication of our Board and volunteers. I have been fortunate to work with a stable, committed leadership group that guided us through the challenges of Covid and into a reimagined club.
My sincere thanks to those finishing their service: Tommy Polito (Programs), Kevin Murdock (VP), Tom Hogye (Past President), Jim Tolonen (Treasurer), Jeff Goyert (Raffle), and Bob Peterson (Membership). Your work will continue to shape the club for years to come.
MY TURN TO LOOK FORWARD
As we look ahead to 2026, we welcome new Board members who bring fresh ideas, energy, and the same commitment to service that has kept the club strong. While I am stepping out of the President role, I’m not stepping away from my purpose. My focus from the beginning has been fellowship, and that remains the heart of what I want to continue building.
This year I’ll be taking on the Membership role, with the goal of reimagining how we welcome and support members.
Improving the Membership Experience Through Technology
For 2026, membership renewals will be handled directly through the club’s website. You should already have received your login information. The new member portal will allow you to update your contact information, manage auto-renewal, and indicate volunteer interests. It will streamline communication and help us stay better connected.
Creating a First-Year Program for New Members
The first year in any organization is pivotal. I want to ensure new members feel connected, supported, and included from the moment they join. To do this, I plan to create a first-year cohort—Crew’26—a group of new members who will attend meetings, clinics, and fishouts together. The goal is to help new members build relationships early, learn alongside each other, and feel at home in the club.
Ultimately, the greatest gift our club offers is the opportunity to find community. To find people who share your interests, your curiosity, and your appreciation for the outdoors. If we can help new members form those connections, they will stay with the club for years to come.
Serving as your President has been an honor and a privilege. When I joined, Santa Cruz Fly Fishing was already a wonderful club; I hope that together we have made it even stronger.
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.
Are you having difficulties seeing the details as you apply materials to your hook? In the photo you will see 5 items that are guaranteed to make the process of creating your wonderful fly much more enjoyable. Good lighting is imperativeive ,no matter what age you are. I suggest a table light for indoors, and a headlight when electricity isn’t available. Being able to see a crisp image is helped by wearing prescription glasses, if you need them. In addition, magnification is a huge help. You will be amazed at how well you can see your fly. In the lower right, you will see an item called MagEyes. They are lightweight, inexpensive, not bulky, and easy to adjust on your head. You can obtain them at www.mageyes.com or calling 800-210-6662. the last item in the photo are called flip vocals. There are a variety of types on the market. I particularly like the one in the picture that fastens with push pin through the bill of the cap. You should able to get those at various fly shops, or online.
Wild Alaska Salmon will highlight the dinner and we will have many prizes available for door prizes and silent auction. A wild salmon dinner for at $50/person and expect it will sell out early. Click on the article to see who has purchased tickets to the event.
In conjunction with California Fish and Wildlife and Yolo County, the NCCFFI (Northern California Fly Fishers International) is planning a general cleanup and trail maintenance/restoration at Putah Creek on Saturday, January 10, 2026,
The project will cover key access points and include garbage clean up as well as trail maintenance/restoration work to be done. Volunteers from each club are requested to gather and bring rakes, loppers,hand pruners, hand tree saws (for larger limbs, hedge trimmers (gas), and weed wackers (gas). Protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, long pants, long shirts etc. are recommended.
Since Putah Creek is the closest Heritage and Wild Trout stream to the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, we are asking local fly clubs to put the word out and solicit volunteers to help with this effort on January 10th . We would like to get groups of 6-10 volunteers from each club with a total amount of volunteers being about 50-60.
We will send out additional information about this cleanup effort in December. (Complete details to be announced in the December RiverMouth). The general plan is to start working early in the morning on January 10th and finish early in the afternoon…at which time lunch will be served to all the volunteers (details pending).
Please save the date (January 10th ) and join us to care for Putah Creek.
Sign Up Now – To sign up, go to the NCCFFI Website www.nccffi.org.
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 year. The cost will range [...]
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 [...]
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
Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members, I have reserved June 4th and 5th for 2026 with Rob Anderson. He can take a max of 14 people. I am going to put together the details of the trip, and provide all the necessary information once you commit to the trip. Each person is responsible for their own lodging. The cost for the trip is $375. All your meals are provided. If you are interested in attending please contact Mike White at 831 706-5556 or email at lumberguy73@hotmail.com We must have a 50% deposit by January 1st [...]
