The estate of our dear friend Doug Severin and club member of many years, has donated his fly fishing belongings to our club. As Doug desired, his belongings will be made available at raffles and club events. The first opportunity to acquire something will be at our Jan. meeting and BBQ. The picture shows some of the items that will be available which will include fly tying materials. Beat the crowds, come early ! (Editor’s note: There is a lot more stuff than this and will be available at the next three meetings.)
Buy your tickets from home or buy them at the Posse Grounds BBQ meeting. Or both!
To celebrate our first “in person” meeting in many moons, we have a bunch of choices for our lucky raffle winners.
Look at these rod and reel packages:
2 Spey rods, one 7/8 wt and one 9/10 wt.
3 BlackStar high carbon 9 ft rods in 4wt, 5wt. or 8wt. The winning ticket holder gets their choice of any one of the five rod and reel packages!
If you are going to land a fish you are going to need a net, you pick the right one for you.
How about a classic wooden handle net to be hang from the back of your vest?
Maybe a long handled wooden net for your float tube, pontoon boat, or kayak.
We also have the perfect Pyramid Lake net that you really gotta have to land that trout of a lifetime when you are fishing for the big boys.
3 to choose from, the winner gets to pick!
What better prize than a box of flies?
We have boxes of flies donated by Matt Maurin that are up for grabs. Leaches. Steamers, and hoppers; take your pick.
We also have a box of Pyramid Lake midges and beetles along with a Clear Lake crappie/bass rig.
Be a winner, take your pick!
How do I win? Easy. Just buy tickets! There will be 3 chances to win!
Tickets are a dollar each sold in blocks of five, Twenty bucks gets you 25 tickets.
Tickets will be available starting at noon on Saturday January 1st. Click on: https://santacruzflyfishing.org/raffle
The cutoff to purchase tickets will be at noon the day of the January meeting Wednesday 1/5/22.
Tickets will also be available that evening at the meeting. Need not be present to win.
Wow! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone and all you hold dear. I hope you got all those fly fishing, fly-tying, casting, wading and outdoorsy things you wanted for the holiday.
I first want to thank each and every one of you for your extraordinary support and participation in Santa Cruz Fly Fishing. I’m sure our founders, way back in 1977, would never have envisioned the fullness of our mission – “To Promote, Educate and Enjoy the sport of Fly-Fishing”. It might surprise you that many of our original founders are still members of this club. Yes, over 45 years. So if you’re new – think of the possibilities!!
As I begin my 5th year as President, this is unprecedented to say the least. But we’ve been dealing a lot with that word these last couple of years. When I first joined the club in 1992, I was a young enthusiastic, infected person. I had the bug badly. I’d take my fly-rod to work with me and practice casting in the park near my work more than a few days a week. I was tying the ugliest most unproportioned flies, but they were catching some fish, and I was getting better. All of this long before the internet, YouTube, cell phones, … Crazy to think of that. When I was Conservation Chair from 93-96, I typed letters and faxed them to hundreds of people, as I began my stead to change the mindset of in our anadromous fisheries because, even as fly-anglers, we were all still hurting too many fish and we needed to show the world that the anglers were going to be the people who saved the Coho and Steelhead. (Side note: – Keep your fish wet! In the water. With today’s cameras and our insatiable desire to get good photos of fish, it is clear that we are all keeping fish out of the water way too long – for that photo or video clip of a lifetime which is likely the next reason fish mortality could be on the rise. True! Keep the fish in the water.)
In ’96 I accepted my first run at being President and loved it. I suppose this is because, like today, I wasn’t alone. I had the most awesome support from the membership and most importantly, the board, who today, also do more to support these efforts than I could ever imagine.
When I was President the first time, I took on the mantra that every idea was a good idea. While we might not take on everyone of them, considering every idea gave birth to even more ideas that we put to work. It let you share your own thoughts and wishes and enabled us to take that which you felt as a good thing, mold it, refine it, give you ownership and make it happen. Like recently when Steve and Kevin did that pre-Christmas camping trip at New Brighton. Turns out that was a blast and will be something we do again – and might be something we can do in combination with a surfperch fish-out in the Spring or Summer! Or some of us who are looking for someone to resurrect the Pack Fish-out – where you get on a horse for a few hours, ride to remote mountain lakes and/or streams, stay a few days and pack out later.
I wasn’t always a member. After those first 12 years, my children, my job and building my home took over. Emily was competing all over the world and Tommy liked bikes, so we started riding together and I started racing. Yep – went from fly-fishing president to mountain bike racer. Then Tommy started racing and I was helping coach the team – which in mountain bike racing, means you ride as hard, or harder than these teenagers. Some of you remember when Tommy and Emily were tiny little tots running around the Grange during club meetings!!
All too soon, Emily was on her own and Tommy was now focusing on cars. Mona would always ask me if I’d heard from anyone at the “fly club”, or if I was going to a meeting. I’d always say that was a good idea, or that I was bummed because I just missed the meeting. I would still get Christmas cards from John and Elaine, John and Pat, and Kathy Powers – every year. Those tugged at my heart strings. Oh – I was still fly fishing every year – still going to Kennedy Meadows, but my mountain bike took me on the San Lorenzo trails more than my fly-rod did.
Finally, that September 2017 meeting came around and all the stars aligned. I was back.
I could not be more grateful for all of you. Many of you know exactly who you are and how we pulled together so much fun around fly-fishing, teaching, conservation, and more. Some of you have just joined and haven’t yet experienced the activities we do in the community and with other agencies such as the Coastal Watershed Council, Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project, the Kids Day at the Fair Grounds, our Public Day at Quail Hollow Ranch; Confab, fun with the Patagonia Store… Hang in there. We’ll be back to doing all of this and you’re not going to believe how much fun and how rewarding it is to share what you love with someone else.
As things get back to normal, and they will, our club meetings will be even more special, and we’ll still be able to engage those around the world – yes – really? Yes, Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club members who live in other places in our world, but support the work we do to – what? “Promote, Educate and Enjoy the Sport of Fly-Fishing”.
Our January meeting will be taking place at the Santa Cruz Sherriff’s Posse Hall on Ocean Street Extension the 5th of this month. It is our annual club slide show, where your photos are the show for this month. We will be having a Barbeque, with snacks and beverages, a super nice raffle, AND a swap meet. Many of us will be there early, so if you want to help in any way, please reach out to Kevin Murdock or myself between now and the end of this week!! Please RSVP through the form in the meeting article or email to scottkitayama@gmail.com
Here is a great one for you beginners. So get out that new vise and tools that you got at Christmas and join in. You can also borrow those as well as thread if needed. The thread this month is black 6/0. You may ask, after looking at the photo, “Where is the red bead?” When the fly gets wet it glows through the dubbing. You may have noticed a couple bass club Fishouts pop up on the fishout schedule for spring. Dan Eaton will be fishmastering them and he highly recommends this fly and the Fly Of The Month to target these fish subsurface. Give me a call to sign up and I’ll prepare a bag of materials for you and put it by my door. NO CHARGE FOR THE CLASS as usual. (831)688-1561
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
Both the Fly of the Month and Fly Tying Class this month will feature bass flies the Dan Eaton highly recommends for his upcoming Fishouts in the spring.
HOOK: Saber 7246. Or. TMC 5262 BEAD: brass conehead Size 1/4 “ (large) fits size 2-4 hooks THREAD: black 6/0 TAIL: black marabou with long barbs and Black Krystal Flash HACKLE: black saddle hackle, barbs equal to about hook gap BODY: small peacock crystal chenille and small grey or silver chenille
Crimp barb.
Feed cone onto hook, small hole first.
Attach thread behind cone.
Select generous clump of marabou barbs. Position on top if shank, butts behind
cone, tips extending shank length beyond rear of shank. Tie snugly in place up to
cone then back nearly to rear of shank.
Using one strand of Krystal Flash, cut in half then in half again.
Attach center of strands with 2 wraps. Position rear strands to side near you, tie in place. Pull forward strands back and to far side. Tie in place.
Attach tip of hackle to rear of shank, extending to rear.
Attach crystal chenille to rear of shank, extending to rear.
Remove some fuzz from end of chenille exposing strings. Tie in strings.
Advance thread to cone.
Snugly wrap chenille forward to cone with slight spaces between the first few then
touching. Make 3-4 more wraps that will help to fill and secure cone. Snugly
tie off, cut excess.
Palmer crystal chenille forward in about 8 wraps. It’s OK to see a little grey. Tie off,
cut excess.
Palmer hackle forward in about 6 wraps then one extra behind cone. Tie off, cut
excess.
Whip finish. Cut thread. Carefully apply glue to thread wraps
As of last month, the California Department of Fish and Game has released 1.1 million juvenile fall run Chinook salmon into the Klamath River. The goal is to release 2 million fish. These fish were hatched at the Iron Gate Hatchery on the Klamath River and were originally scheduled to be released last spring. However, due to drought conditions and a disease outbreak, the fish were relocated to three other locations over the summer. This is good news for a river that has seen its once-storied Chinook salmon runs decimated for a variety of reasons—including low flows and dams. The other positive news is the planned removal of four dams on the Klamath that will allow fish more access to spawning waters.
We are on schedule to meet our membership dues budget and are hoping for additional donations in order to offset the loss from our annual fundraiser dinner. At the end of December 150 members have renewed their 2022 dues membership. In addition donations of $2,000 have exceeded the prior year by 50% and continues to grow with members support.
In February, we will have final 2021 revenue and expense figures and update our 2022 Budget. We still have 25 members who have not renewed and we will accept renewals at the January BBQ and for the balance of January. Email reminders will be sent in early January.
For those that have already renewed and donated online, THANK YOU
The club has had a great variety of Fishouts over the years. It’s planning time for 2022 and I’m encouraging you to think about planning one. It can be very simple or involved. And as fishmaster chairman, I’m here to help you with the decision to do one, choosing a plan, and guide you on how to organize the outing.
If you are hesitant, I would encourage something very simple. For example: making an announcement in the newsletter that includes, place, date and time, your name and contact info as fishmaster, type of fishing and equipment needed. Make it so sign ups are not needed, everyone is on their own for food and any fees required.
There is no need for you to be an expert in fishing that area and it is understood that you are not guaranteeing how good the fishing will be. It’s important to acquire basic information ahead of time, such as, how to get there, approximate driving time, any entrance fees, equipment inspections, PDF requirements, etc.
Please consider stepping up this year and help provide the opportunity for us to get together, have fun, find out about a new place to fish and the fishery, and learn from others. I’m waiting for your phone call. Please do call. John Cook — fishmaster chairman. (831)688-1561. (831)234-6515
Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info
Apr 01 - Apr 07
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
Mike White - (831) 706-5556
Apr 01 : Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Mike White - (831) 706-5556
Pyramid trip starts the Monday after Easter in 2024. SCFF will have 5 trailers which means lots of folks will be attending. This is a bucket-list fishery.
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.
You can also make your own arrangements either by bringing your own RV (Pyramid Lake Lodge has hook-ups and sells permits to park on the any of the beaches along the lake) or staying in Reno. Reno is 45 minutes away. Call Pyramid Lake Lodge to inquire about last minute cancellations in their cabins as well (775) 476-0400 and check out their website to see what the cabins look like at www.pyramidlakelodge.com. The General Store in Sutcliff offers meals on selected nights only to those who call in before 2:00 PM. Check at the General Store for details.
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 have any questions about equipment or how to get there, check the “Gearing up” columns in the March 2007-2009 archives on our great club website, or call Mike White at (831) 706-5556.
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.
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.
You can also make your own arrangements either by bringing your own RV (Pyramid Lake Lodge has hook-ups and sells permits to park on the any of the beaches along the lake) or staying in Reno. Reno is 45 minutes away. Call Pyramid Lake Lodge to inquire about last minute cancellations in their cabins as well (775) 476-0400 and check out their website to see what the cabins look like at 
If you have any questions about equipment or how to get there, check the “Gearing up” columns in the March 2007-2009 archives on our great club website, or call Mike White at (831) 706-5556. 