Tag: January 2026

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January 2026 Newsletter

Annual Fundraiser Sat. Jan. 31st………………
January: Michael Bert – Spring on the Green………………
My Turn: Introducing Crew26 – A Tribe for New Fly Fishers……………………………
Fly Tying……………………
 January Fly Tying Class: Pheasant Tail Bonefish/Surf Fly
 Mercury Black Beauty
Conservation Concerns……………………
  A Plan for Native Fish In Our Local Watersheds
Membership Notes…………………
  2026 Dues Reminder
  Club Activities – January thru March
Gearing Up ……………………
  Fishout Schedule
Cartoon ……………………

Posted on December 16th, 2025

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Michael Bert – Spring on the Green

Jan 07 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange

Fly fishing guide Michael Bert (Trout Creek Flies / Green River Outfitters) will be talking about his experience fly fishing on the Green River, Utah.  Zoom Recording Link

Our Speaker for this month’s January meeting will be Michael Bert, Fly-Fishing Guide (Trout Creek Flies / Green River Outfitters).  He will be speaking on his experience fly fishing, and guiding on, the Green River in Utah.

Michael Bert grew up fishing in Missouri and Arkansas on the spring fed creeks, rivers, and tailwaters of the Ozarks. Former bait and meat fisherman. Spent 7 seasons fly fishing in Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas of the Beartooth-Absaroka Mountain Range Northeast of Yellowstone National Park. 1992-1994 & 2017-2021. First fly fished on Utah’s Green River in 1993 and have fished and/or guided on the Green river annually ever since. Works as a fly fishing guide for Trout Creek Flies / Green River Outfitters in Dutch John, Utah. Occasionally works for other outfitters on Utah’s Green River.

Favorite Fly Fishing Authors include Robert Traver “Trout Madness” and Harry Middleton “The Earth us Enough: Growing Up in a World of Trout and Old Men”

Presently splits time between the Green River April 1st through October (ish) on the Green River and Missouri November through March. Will guide in Missouri or Arkansas upon request.
Primarily drift boat trips on big water and walk/wade for creeks and smaller rivers.

Certified Guide through the United States Forest Service and G.R.O.G.A. “Green River Outfitters and Guides Association”.

 



Posted on December 9th, 2025

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Introducing Crew26: A Tribe for New Fly Fishers

by Scott Kitayama, incoming Membership Chair

Every fly fishing journey begins the same way—with curiosity, a bit of uncertainty, and the excitement of learning something new. To better support members who are just getting started, the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club is launching a new group within the club: Crew26.

Crew26 is designed to be a welcoming “tribe” for those who are beginning their fly fishing journey. Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing or still finding your footing, Crew26 is a place to ask questions, learn together, and connect with other members who are at a similar stage.

What Crew26 Is About

Crew26 will use a mix of informal tools and gatherings—a WhatsApp group, ad-hoc meetups, and occasional Zoom calls—to share information, encouragement, and real-world experience. Topics we hope to explore throughout the year include:

  • Basic equipment without breaking the bank – what you actually need to get started

  • Where to find good online instruction – trusted videos, courses, and learning resources

  • Water safety tips – staying safe while wading and fishing

  • Beginner-friendly club fishouts – what to expect and how to prepare

  • Recommendations of places to fish – local and regional spots suitable for beginners

  • Good catch-and-release practices – caring for the fish and the resource

  • How to take a good fish photo without hurting the fish

  • Recommendations of guides that club members have personally used

  • And anything else the group wants to discuss

This is meant to be a flexible, member-driven space—if there’s a question, challenge, or success you want to share, Crew26 is the place for it.

How to Get Involved

If Crew26 sounds like a good fit for you, here are two easy ways to jump in:

  1. Join the WhatsApp group
    Scan the QR code included with this article to join the WhatsApp group called
    “Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Crew26.”

  2. Attend the New Member Orientation
    Join us on February 4 at the Aptos Grange for the New Member Orientation meeting. It’s a great opportunity to meet other Crew26 members and learn more about what’s ahead.

More Than Just Fish

Learning how to fly fish—and catching that first (or fiftieth) fish—is often what brings us to the club. But over time, most of us discover that the biggest gift the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club offers is to find great fishing buddies and a welcoming community. 

Crew26 is about building those connections early—learning together, supporting each other, and finding your place within the club. We hope you’ll join us and become part of the Crew.

Posted on December 15th, 2025

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January Fly Tying Class: Pheasant Tail Bonefish/Surf Fly

by Larry Yien



Pheasant Tail Bonefish/Surf fly

Jan 14 6:30 PM @ Aptos Grange

This fly is a favorite of Yvon Choinard (Patagonia) an avid fly fisher in both salt and freshwater.  The Pheasant Tail Bonefish fly works well in thin as well as higher saltwater flats, we recommend tying the fly with a variety of weight eyes from beadchain to heavier barbell eyes.  This fly is also effective for catching fish in the surf locally.

The techniques we will use to tie are intermediate level, and beginners are welcome to attend and learn the more advanced skills.  As usual classes are free and materials are provided.  Bring flo orange or white flat waxed nylon or similar material. There are vises and tools for beginners to use.

Please sign up at the club meeting or call/text Larry at 831 325 4589, with at least 24 hours notice which means notify me no later than Tuesday January 13th by noon.

Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.

Date Fly Excerpt
Guinea Hen Soft TackleFeb 11 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmGuinea Hen Soft Tackle

This fly represents a number of aquatic insects as they are emerging in the stream lake or pond. They are often used as if they are moving in the water. The fly will be simple to tie. Beginners, you are always welcome and equipment is provided for you. As always all the materials are provided and if you have black 8/0 thread please bring it. Sign ups are important so that we have enough material for everybody that attends. Therefore sign up at the club meeting or call me at 831-234-6515 with at least 24 hours notice.

 

PoppersMar 14 10:00 am - 3:00 pmPoppers

Spring is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about a fly to entice those largemouth bass. .  It’s not too early to sign up for this class that we do annually. There is limited space so being committed to attending is very important. All materials will be provided. Beginners should attend at least one fly tying class prior in order to be able to complete the poppers. In general it takes no particular skill to make these beauties and it’s very artsy crafty. Please call if you have any questions. 831-234-6515.

PoppersMar 15 12:00 pm - 4:00 pmPoppers

Spring is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about a fly to entice those largemouth bass. .  It’s not too early to sign up for this class that we do annually. There is limited space so being committed to attending is very important. All materials will be provided. Beginners should attend at least one fly tying class prior in order to be able to complete the poppers. In general it takes no particular skill to make these beauties and it’s very artsy crafty. Please call if you have any questions. 831-234-6515.

Posted on December 13th, 2025

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Mercury Black Beauty

by Elaine Cook – Fly Tying Chairman

This fly was originated by Pat Dorsey, and represents a midge pupae just before emergence. You would fish this under an indicator in stillwater for trout.

HOOK:  Tiemco 2457 or 2488. Dai-Riki 135 or 125. Sizes number 16–24. Crimp barb.

BEAD:  Spirit River Mercury clear glass. The directions clarify the type of bead names and sources. Spirit River Hi-Lite Glass Beads in silver-lined metallic, or transparent finishes. Waspish markets glass beads under the name Killer Caddis. Feed bead onto hook, up to eye.

NOTE: See chart for hook size to bead size:

THREAD:  Black 8/0 or 70-denier Attach behind bead. Touching thread wraps to mid shank, then back to bead.

RIB:  Silver wire, small or fine. Position wire behind bead, leaving an a tag and extending below the fly. Tie in wire, with touching wraps to about halfway back to mid shank. Slowly pull on wire until tag and slides underneath the tying thread. Continue wrapping wire to shank with touching wraps back to above barb.

BODY:  Same thread. Touching wraps back to bead. Touching wraps back-and-forth from mid shank to bead, forming a tapered body. Leave thread hanging behind bead. Spiral wire forward in five wraps the last behind bead. Tie down wire and twist to cut wire short.

THOAORX/BEAD:  Black super fine dubbing. Dub small thorax behind bead. Whip finish, cut thread short.

Posted on December 13th, 2025

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A Plan for Native Fish In Our Local Watersheds

by Bob Garbarino

Water and Native Fish In Our Local Watersheds

Happy Holidays!
After a few weeks of beautiful weather—warm days with nary a cloud in the sky—I must say it’s been wonderful to enjoy these days outdoors, even though there hasn’t been steelhead fishing in our local coastal streams. Even though the flows are low, it’s a good thing the fish aren’t pressured (legally, that is) on streams with low flow restrictions. But we do need rain and so do the fish. So, by the time this article gets published, I hope we’ve had a few good storms. What does the have to do with conservation? If you get where I’m going with this, it’s about water. And when it comes to fish, the abundance and quality of water means just about everything. With this in mind, I have some news I’ve come across recently about a water issue related to native fish in our area that is interesting.

Santa Cruz Watersheds
Last September, the Santa Cruz City Council approved the Anadromous Salmonid Habitat Conservation Plan that was a collaborative effort led by the City of Santa Cruz Water Department, with significant contributions from the Coastal Watershed Council, County of Santa Cruz Water Resources, Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, and San Lorenzo Valley Water District. This plan has been in the works for about two decades. Some of the key aspects of the plan are:

Conserve and restore steelhead and coho salmon populations in the project area in Santa Cruz County.

Restore fish habitat. Examples are the placement of logs in San Vicente Creek and removal of invasive plants by the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County.

Increase flows in streams to allow fish safe passage.  Under the plan the water department will be allowed to take less water from the San Lorenzo and other area streams. Included in the water diversion plan are limits on the amount that can be drawn based a number of factors that are tied to the flows and the fish life cycles. The plan also calls for the sharing of water between Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Soquel Creek water districts. Well and aquifer storage is also part of the plan.

Mitigate negative impact of maintenance and other water department activities on fish.

Repair and improve water diversion infrastructure.

The plan is a thirty year strategy budgeted at $36 million.

There have been some encouraging observations of steelhead and coho in Mill Creek and San Vicente Creeks after the removal of the dam on Mill Creek in 2021. However, we’ll see if there are any appreciable improvements in the San Lorenzo River watershed in the future. With all the large scale housing projects that are being built and planned, more demands for water use are inevitable. And we can surely expect drought years will occur and possibly increase. So, as the Anadromous Salmonid Habitat Conservation Plan is well intended, there are still significant headwinds facing our native fish.  I do appreciate the efforts led by Chris Berry, watershed compliance manager for the Santa Cruz Water Department who has been working on this plan since 2001. Some of the local organizations like the Coastal Watershed Council and RCD of Santa Cruz County and the work they do also gives us reason for optimism.  Let’s hope they succeed!

Some of the information in this article came from:
https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2025/12/11/santa-cruz-rethinks-water-use-to-conserve-coho-salmon-save-steelhead/

 

Posted on December 13th, 2025

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2026 Dues Reminder

by Bob

Three ways to renew 2026 dues.
1.  Online  at santacruzflyfishing.org—can use email and password. Email me if you need help with password.
2.  Can always mail check to SCFF, PO Box 2008, Santa Cruz, Calif, 95063
3.  Can invoice you if you email me at Robert6367@aol.com.
New members from 7/1/2025 do not have to renew for 2026 and have 18 months of membership
To date, less than 50% of members have not renewed and should you need help please contact me.

Posted on December 15th, 2025

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Club Activities – January thru March

Date Activity Link DescriptionLocation
Jan 24 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.

Jade Street Park baseball field
Jan 31 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm2026 SCFF Annual Fundraiser - Jan 31st, 5-9 pm

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.

Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club
Feb 27 - Mar 01 10:00 am - 6:00 pmPleasanton Fly Fishing Show - SCFF booth

The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will have booth A4 at the Pleasanton Fly Show.   Club members will be staffing the booth. Discounted show tickets are available for current Santa Cruz Fly Fishing members.

Alameda County Fairgrounds
Feb 28 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.

Jade Street Park baseball field
Mar 21 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.

Jade Street Park baseball field

Posted on December 9th, 2025

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Fishout Schedule

The newsletter provides brief fishout info.  For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule

Date Link (new tab) Description
Mar 15 - Mar 21 Pyramid Lake Ladder Fishout – March 2026 – UPDATED – 12/01Trailers are Full - 12/01  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 [...]
Apr 17 - Apr 19 Roostercomb RanchCall-in is Sunday, March 8 at 7:00 pm and not earlier.   (831) 566-7707 This is our club’s 24th annual bass fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch. April 17-19, 2026 (Fri-Sun), Fishmaster: Cecilia Stipes (831) 566-7707 flyfishgal3@aol.com
Apr 25 - May 02 12:00 amGreen River – Utah2026 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
May 01 - May 03 Coyote Lake – Gilroy (bass, bluegill, crappie)We are going to do a local fishout with some of our partner organizations, Sisters on the Fly and the Monterey Chapter of Project Healing Waters.  The intent is to provide a place close to home where members new to fly fishing have an opportunity cast for fish, get comfortable using a float tube, camp, and participate in the fellowship of a fishout.    Will arrange to have shared meals, rigging clinic, and casting clinics. Fishmasters: SCFF: Scott Kitayama & Randy Saar Sisters on the Fly: PJ MyattProject Healing Waters: Dave Kite Location: Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County [...]
Jun 04 - Jun 05 Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout – June 2026 – UPDATED 12/01Fishmaster: Mike White Update 12/01 - Duet to low response, the Fishout reservations need to be made by Dec. 15th if we do not fill our 13 spots the Fishout will be  opened to other clubs to join.  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 [...]

Posted on December 9th, 2025

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Annual fundraiser Sat Jan 31st, 2026

by Bob Peterson

Jan 31 5:00 PM at the Pajaro Rod and Gun Club

ANNUAL DINNER & FUNDRAISER
 Wild Alaskan Salmon BBQ
 with Hors d’Oeuvres to Start the Evening

Saturday, January 31
 5:00 – 9:00 PM 
Door Prizes and Silent Auction

Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club
   557 1/2  LAKEVIEW RD. , WATSONVILLE

Dinner Tickets

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the November, December, and January club meetings or online in the form below.
Capacity is limited to 180 guests, and we expect to sell out—please purchase early.

Alcohol

The venue offers a full bar with reasonably priced wine, beer, liquor, and soft drinks.
You may bring your own wine; however, a cash-only corkage fee will apply, which includes opening and glassware.

Volunteers

Many long-time members say volunteering is the most rewarding part of this event. To find out how you can help, please contact Elaine Cook at (831) 234-6515 or coookin@gmail.com (no texts, please).

Donations

We welcome donations for door prizes and the silent auction. Examples include:
• Flies you’ve tied
• Handcrafted items
• Business or personal services (e.g., fly-tying lessons, casting instruction)

If you’d like to contribute, please contact Scott Kitayama at (650) 279-5871.

About the Venue

The Rod and Gun Club is located in a peaceful rural setting overlooking Kelley Lake. The gravel parking lot is easy to navigate even in wet weather, with additional parking available in the lower lots around the left side of the building.

Please Note

Due to permitting limitations, we will not be running a raffle or any other “games of chance” this year. Door prizes and silent auction items will still be part of the fun.

Join us for a great evening, support your club, and don’t miss out on the fun!

2026 SCFF Annual Fundraiser Ticket

Price: $50.00
Every person attending the Salmon dinner/fundraiser needs a purchase ticket. The ticket provides admission at the door and entry for door prizes.
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Ticket purchasers :    as of  1/23/2025 (182) 185 is sold out.

Ainsworth, J, 4
Alciati, M, 1 (cash)
Alcocer, D, 4 (cash)
Amirsehhi,R,2
Anderson, S, 1
Arena, R, 1
Badger, G, 1
Bishop, S, 4 (cash)
Bohn, M, 4
Bonano (Montagne), Eva Marie, 1 (cash)
Burt, B, 2 (cash)
Carlsen, K, 6
Cavanaugh, N,2
Chace, R, 3 (cash)
Coehlo, P, 4
Collins, J, 1 (cash)
Converse, M, 2
Cook,E&J,2
Dahl, P, 2 (cash)
Eaton, D, 2 (cash)
Eckert, T, 2 (cash)x
Ethrington, R, 3 (cash)
Farias, F, 2
Farley, E, 2
Garbarino, B, 1
Goyert,J,1
Hall, J, 1
Hammig,M, 2 (cash)
Hannon, E, 2
Herceg, G, 6
Hermansky, M, 1
Hernandez, D, 1 (cash)
Hogye, T, 3
Holcomb, D, 2, (cash)
Holombo, R, 1
Howard, J, 2
Hughes, C, 2
Hughett, R, 2
Ice, J, 2
Johnson, A, 1
Kemp, R,2
Kitayama,S,2
Kite,D,2
Loomis,T,1
Lovejoy, M, 1
Manzo, L, 2
Martinson, B, 1 (cash)
McClish, K, 1
McCombs, R, 2
McDonough, M, 2
McGibbon, M, 3 (cash)
Mello, J, 2
Morrison, K, 2
Murdock, K, 4
Myatt,P,1
Osman, F, 2
Palmer, B, 8
Pappas,S,2
Pisturino, J, 2
Peretto, E, 2
Peterson,B,1
Powers,K,3
Presser,A,2
Quail, G, 1 (Cash)
Ramaekers, A, 2
Ransdall, R, 1
Redfield, S, 1
Reed, R, 1
Rittenhouse, R, 2
Rosendale, J, 1
Seaman, B, 1
Schmida, D, 1
Schmida, S, 1 (cash)
Severs, C, 1
Sherwood, M, 2
Slay, D, 1
Slay, G, 1
Smith,N,1
Soderstrom, P, 2
South,D,2
Squires, R, 2
Stipes,C&R, 2 (cash)
Taguinod,W,4
Thompson,R, 5
Ticknor, B, 1
Tolonen,J,1
Twisselman, M,1
White, M, 2
Witmer, D, 2
Wolfe, J, 2



Posted on January 1st, 2026