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June 2023 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
   Lee Haskins (In Person)
June Raffle……………………
President’s Line……………………
Fly Tying……………………
 June Class: Damselfy Nymph
 Fly of the Month: Vernille Caddis
Conservation Concerns……………
 Klamath River Dam Removal – A Deep Dive
Membership Notes…………………
 Club Activities – June
  Fly Casting Meetup June 24 at Jade St. Park
 Membership is at a New High of 212
Fishout Schedule…………………
Gearing Up…………………
 Alpine County
 SAFETY: A recycled article from 2012
Gone Fishing…………………
 Lake Nacimiento Fishout
 Fishing the Cantankerous Surf
Cartoon ……………………

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(In Person) Lee Haskins


Jun 07 6:30 PM at the Aptos Grange
New Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939


Lee Haskin began his fishing career in the late fifties, at about 10 years old. He learned to tie flies from his father, and an old Herter’s fly tying manual, and soon was flyfishing, side-by-side with his fly-fishing father, on trout waters throughout the California Sierras. However, in 1967 Lee caught his first striped bass at the mouth of the Pajaro River, just prior to moving to Long Beach to attend college. After settling in to college, Lee discovered the many species of fish that would readily come to the fly. His primary target was the Bonita, found in the San Gabriel River, near the college.

After reading about Bob Edgley blue shark fly fishing in Monterey Bay, in the late 1960’s, Lee was focused on catching yet another species on the fly. Many trips out of Capitola, CA yielded numerous blue sharks, as well as rockfish in the kelp beds.

In the early 1970’s Lee began to fish San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay, with a primary interest in catching stripers with top water bugs. About that same time Lee and old friend and mentor, Del Brown, (talk about good company!) began fishing the South San Francisco Bay for stripers. Del and Lee fished from Coyote Point to Candlestick Park throughout the 1970’s. However, in the early 1980’s, the San Francisco Bay’s incredible striper fishing dropped off, and Del began his world record run for permit. At this time, Lee concentrated his efforts once again on the San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay, targeting the flats and islands along Highway 152 on the O’Neill Forebay, and also, depending on the season, along the dam and many accessible coves, fishing from a float tube. Lee has fished these areas successfully since the 70’s.

Although Lee enjoys catching stripers throughout the year on his own flies, specifically Lee’s San Luis Smelt, he is particularly fond of throwing his favorite gurgler patterns along the weed beds of the O’Neill Forebay.

Lee found that his Gurgler Series could fill a niche with top-water loving fly fisherman around the world, and enjoys introducing people to this versatile pattern. A number of Lee’s fly patterns incorporate foam in the design, including the Neutralizer Series, which has become very popular for tarpon, redfish and snook. His commercial fly tying business keeps him busy filling fly orders for folks all over the world. Fortunately, he still has time for travel, from Alaska to Honduras, to the Bahamas. Lee particularly enjoys fishing inshore saltwater locations, for tarpon, permit, snook, bonefish, and redfish. Working with guides and outfitters, in the Yucatan, Belize, and the Bahamas, Lee has developed several successful and popular patterns for each fishery he visits. He also hosts trips to the Yucatan, primarily for baby tarpon

 

 



Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt
Club BBQAug 02 Club BBQ
Sep 06 Fly Fishing Film Tour 2023

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June Raffle

Ok folks, it is now June and time to really get serious about some fine fly fishing.
We have some great raffle prizes help get the party started.

ROD AND REEL PACKAGE
How about a winners pick for either a 5wt, 6wt, or 7wt V-Access 9 ft four piece rod in a cordura hard case along with a matching machine cut HCH reel. Winners choice from mountain trout streams to open water stripers and everything in between. One rod/reel prize will be awarded, winners choice.

HEXAGENIA FLIES
For some of us, June means one thing-HEX HATCH! And that means Lake Almanor, Butt Valley Reservoir, Lake Davis, Fall River, and a few other guarded secret spots that produce the mid-summer Hexagenia Fly. Lance Gray, famed Lake Almanor guide, has put together a box of a dozen of his favorite Hex flies ranging from his Swimming AP, Hex Wiggletail, Hex Dunn, to a Loop Wing Paranymph plus a few in between. A great selection of some great flies.
Note: Henderson Springs has quite a prolific hex hatch in mid-May.

STILLWATER GUIDE BOOK
The good news is that we had a very wet winter however the downside is that some of our favorite streams and rivers will be running high well into summer. Might be time to give some thought to Stillwater options. To that end we have a great book raffle prize “Fly Fishing California Stillwater” by Bill Sunderland.
This beauty is loaded with extensive stillwater techniques, detailed maps, gorgeous photographs, fly selection tips, and local connections to help you achieve success in our mountain and valley waters. A true treasure trove of stillwater information.

THE FINE PRINT
Raffle tickets cost a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25. Click on the following link to purchase your lucky raffle tickets:
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/raffle-prizes/
The online raffle ticket sales office will close at noon on Wednesday the day of the monthly meeting (6/7/23). Club membership not required to participate, need not be present to win. The prize drawing will take place at the regular monthly meeting.

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To Promote, Educate and Enjoy the sport of fly fishing.

by Scott Kitayama

Happy June Everyone,  I thought I would use the club’s mission statement to provide a unifying theme around some disparate events that happened in May.    Usually, I like to discuss future events, but sometimes you just have to look back and appreciate what has been accomplished.

Promote: Did you hear about the Swap Meet that happened on May 20th?  If you weren’t one of the 150 or so who attended, it was a ‘shoulda been there’ event. I saw beautiful rods and reels that were sold for 10% of the original retail price going to happy fishermen from SF, East Bay, and other distant places.  Carly Blanchard created the Swap Meet poster and Jeff Goyert made sure that the event was well-promoted online and in print.   Due to generous product donations from club member estates, the Swap Meet raised quite a bit of money for the club and helps to ensure that next year we will be able to match and/or exceed our 2023 donations for conservation and education.

Educate: I am so proud to be part of a great organization that gives back to the community.  Below are the eight students that we gave scholarships in 2023.   The Scholarship program is headed up by David South and he has done a tremendous job this year; getting the club to double the scholarship amount per student, coordinating with the schools to select the students, and lining up club members to present the scholarships.  David South, Kathy Powers, Tom Hogye and I attended senior award nights and gave these students a chance to be recognized by their peers and parents for their past and future accomplishments. 

High SchoolRecipientMajorCollege
Aptos HSVivienne ChankaiEnvironmental Sci.UC Santa Barbara
Harbor HSMaya ManildiEnvironmental Sci.UC Berkeley
Pajaro Valley HSAlexa Falcon-VizcarraFood ScienceUC Davis
Santa Cruz HSJace GularteFire ScienceCal Poly Humboldt
San Lorenzo Valley HSMia HamiltonGreen EngineeringUC Davis
Scotts Valley HSPayton DufourEnvironmental Sci.UC Davis
Soquel HSJakob SporlederAg Bus. / Engineering.Cal Poly SLO
Watsonville HSAaron EscalanteEnvironmental Sci.Cabrillo College

Enjoy Fly Fishing: This spring, I have enjoyed the heck out of fly fishing. In late April, I caught my first ever sea trout, snook, and tarpon in Florida fishing with club member, Jeff Sloboden. Caught black bass locally and spent a fun day with some club members and local fishers in search of spawning white bass in the Nacimiento River (alas, too late). But for me, the biggest thrill was achieving my goal of the past five years by catching my first striper off the beach with a fly rod. What made it even better was that I was with two other club members, Bob Garbarino and Lance Boling. Bob was able to jump into the hole after me and land a striper, Lance had to wait a few extra days before he caught his. In all of these fishing adventures, what made them special? What’s that word again? Oh yeah “Fellowship“.

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– June Fly-tying Class



Jun 14 6:30 PM @ Aptos Grange

Damselfly Nymph

Damselflies will be featured this month and next for our fly tying classes. Adult in June and nymph in June. Trout, largemouth bass and bluegill will go for this particular insect. As usual, all the materials will be provided for the class, except for the thread, and no charge to participate. The thread this month olive 8/0 and bobbin. Some will be available to borrow. If you have a light colored thread, such as white, tan or yellow, you can bring it and we’ll color it with a sharpie pen. Tools and vices and thread are available for beginners, who are always welcome. It never hurts to bring a lamp and magnification. Sign up  by contacting Tom Eckert best number 831-818-3801, email c_eckert1@comcast.net or at the June club meeting..



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

Date Fly Excerpt
Damselfly NymphJun 14 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmDamselfly Nymph

Guest Instructor: Tom Eckert

Jul 12 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmRed Copper John

John Barr’s “Copper John” is this our fly for this month’s class .

Aug 09 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmChubby Chernobyl

Guest Instructor: Jerry McKeon

Barry SmeltSep 13 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmBarry Smelt

Guest instructor: Michael Sherwood

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Vernille Caddis

by Elaine Cook - fly tying chairman

This is one of my “go to flies”. A caddis hatch does not need to be occurring for trout to gobble it up. The larger size works  well in the Rocky Mountains, smaller in the Sierras. Fish with a floating line, and drag free drift in moving water.
HOOK: TMC 2487, sizes 14–16.
Crip barb.
THREAD:  olive or dun olive.        size 8/0 for 14 hooks, 10 or 12/0 for size 16
Attach 2 eye lengths behind eye.
Touching wraps to above barb.
BODY:  Olive:  vernille, ultra chenille, or velvet chenille in size small or fine. Super glue or the like.
Using a candle, carefully melt end of strand by placing it near the base of flam to round the end. It takes very little exposure to the
heat.
Apply super glue using bodkin to thread wraps.
Place on top of shank, melted end above rear of hook.
One wrap to secure.
Spiral wraps to mid shank.
Cut excess.
Tie down stub.
UNDER-WING: dun spooled Antron
Position thread in front of body.
Cut to even fibers.
Lay on top of body with tip slightly beyond end of body.
Tie in place.
Cut excess.
Tie down butt ends up to eye.
Splay fibers.
HACKLE: medium dun
Select feather with barbs equal to hook gap.
Prep butt end: cut off fuzz, stroke barbs against grain, cut 5 to 6 barbs short on each side of stem “crewcut”.
Position:
Tip to rear.
Dark side facing you
Butt end behind eye.
Tie in place back to body.
WING:  light deer hair with fine fibers
Cut fibers from hide so that bundle is width of a matchstick or slightly less.
Clean out underfur stack tips.
Position on top of shank, tips extend into ends of underwing.
Tie in place, first thread wrap around hair only, then several snugly around  fibers and shank., to splay fibers.
Touching wraps up to eye.
Stroke butt hairs into bundle over eye at 45° angle upward.
Make two wraps around base of bundle.
HACKLE  (cont.).
Make 3 to 5 Hackle wraps forward.
Tie off, cut access.
Half-hitch behind eye and under hair fibers.
Cut thread.
Cut head on an angle. “See photo”.
Apply glue to final thread wraps, using bodkin.
Cut short, any stray fibers.

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Klamath River Dam Removal—A Deep Dive

by Bob Garbarino

We’ve all been hearing about the decade-long effort to to get approval and funding to remove four dams on the Klamath River. The nation’s largest dam removal project is underway. The project cost estimate comes in at $500 million and is expected to have the river at a free-flowing state by the end of 2024.
So, what what is involved in a project like this?
Here are some numbers to give a sense of the scale. Remove 100,000 cubic yards of concrete, 1.3 million cubic yards of soil and 2,000 tons of steel. Fifteen million cubic yards of sediment that has accumulated behind the dams will be released.
What needs to happen prior to removal of the dams?
Seventeen million native plant seeds and 300,000 tree and shrub starts are being collected and prepared for planting the 2,000 acres that will be exposed after the reservoirs are drained. Invasive species are being removed. Water monitoring, wildlife surveys and barriers to protect fish in construction areas are being implemented. Endangered Lost River and short-nosed suckers will need to be relocated because they can’t survive in a flowing river. A new water line will need to be installed that is part of the delivery system to the town of Yreka. Some access roads will need to be widened and fortified to accommodate the heavy machinery required to demolish and remove the dam. Bridges will need to be reinforced. Nearby construction crew temporary housing needs to be provided. All this pre-demolition work need to take place before the dams can be removed.
The first dam to be demolished is Copco 2, the smallest of the four. This dam will have holes drilled and filled with dynamite. Hydraulic picks and other machinery will be used to break down the rubble into manageable chunks to be hauled away. While Copco 2 is being removed, the other three dams will be prepared for draw down and demolition.
This summary just touches the surface of all the details of this huge project. When all is said and done, the hope and expectation is that a healthy, free-flowing Klamath river will provide a much improved ecosystem. And with that, an extended reach of clean, cold habitat for re-establishing decimated Coho and Chinook salmon populations.
For more details and a deeper dive, see the excellent article found at: https://www.northcoastjournal.com/humboldt/undamming-and-restoring-the-klamath/Content?oid=26439802
The non-profit organization in charge of managing the project is Klamath River Renewal Corporation. Their website is: https://klamathrenewal.org/

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Club Activities – June

Date Activity Link DescriptionLocation
Jun 24 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.

Jade Street Park baseball field
Jul 22 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.

Jade Street Park baseball field
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Membership is at new high of 212

by Bob

Our newest member Lannie Spencer comes from  Piedmont, Calif, however spends 3 days a month in Aptos and recently met a member @ Companion Bakery in Aptos.  Lannie is our 212th member and we welcome him to our flyfishing group.

Regarding Membership, we hope to have our 2023 Roster printed and ready for our monthly June meeting June 7th and if you would like to receive a printed copy, please email @robert6367@aol.com.  Also if you are receiving to many googlegroup emails, please email me and I will unsubscribe you from the mailing list.

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Fishout Schedule – June

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

EVENT NAME EVENT DATE SPECIES FISH MASTER
Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout Jun 03Surf Perch / Striped Bass Tommy Polito
Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 25 – Jul 1 2023 – New Info Jun 24 - Jul 01
Palm Beach Surf Fishout Jul 01Surf Perch / Striped Bass Sam Bishop
Loreto Fly Fishing Trip July 2023 Jul 16 - Jul 20Salty Sharp Toothed Fishy Critters Rich Hughett
Kennedy Meadows / Sonora Pass – Fish-Out 2023 Jul 23 - Jul 27Trout Tom Hogye
Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout Aug 05Surf Perch / Striped Bass Sam Bishop
Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout Sep 02Surf Perch / Striped Bass To Be Determined
Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Sep 08 - Sep 10Trout Alex Ferber 
Mammoth Fishout – UPDATED – Sep 23 - Oct 07Trouts John Cook
October surf fishout – Beer Can Oct 07perch, stripers Sam Bishop - Fishing; Mike Lovejoy - Breakfast
Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) – CONFIRMED Oct 14 Oct 14Bass, crappie, bluegill Scott Kitayama
O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout Oct 19 - Oct 22Striped Bass Kevin Murdock
2023 Fishout Round-Up Dec 01 - Dec 02FISH Club Members
Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Date Postponed High Water Mar 15 - Mar 17Trout Alex Ferber 
Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info Apr 01 - Apr 07Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Mike White - (831) 706-5556
Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) Apr 20Bass, crappie, bluegill Scott Kitayama

Jun 03 : Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/santa-cruz-county-surf-fishout/

(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/
Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch - Jun 25 - Jul 1 2023 - New Info
(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

Jul 01 : Palm Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/santa-cruz-county-surf-fishout-2/

(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

Jul 16 : Loreto Fly Fishing Trip July 2023


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/loreto-fly-fishing-trip-july-2023/

(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

Jul 23 : Kennedy Meadows / Sonora Pass – Fish-Out 2023


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kennedy-meadows-sonora-pass-fish-out-2023/
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

Aug 05 : Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/rio-del-mar-state-beach-surf-fishout/

(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

Sep 02 : Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/manresa-state-beach-surf-fishout/

(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)


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/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 Fishout - UPDATED -
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/
October surf fishout - Beer Can
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


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kelly-lake-watsonville-bass-crappie/

(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

Oct 19 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/o-neill-forebay-stosh-memorial-fish-out/

(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/
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

Mar 15 : Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Date Postponed High Water


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/upper-sacramento-river-fishout-dunsmuir-2/

(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber 
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Upper Sacramento River with Potential McCloud River Side Trip Species: Trout Date / Duration: POSTPONED DUE TO HIGH WATER Tentatively March 15th - 17th, 3 Days                                                   … Read More

Apr 01 : Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/pyramid-lake-fish-out-april-1-april-7-2024-new-info/

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

Apr 20 : Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie)


https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/events/kelly-lake-watsonville-bass-crappie-date-tbd/
Kelly Lake - Watsonville (bass, crappie)
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama
Updated March 25th,  fish out if full. Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 6 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. On this Fishout, priority will be… Read More

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Alpine County

by Randy Saar

Have you ever fished the area around Hope Valley and Markleeville?  If you have you know how many fishing opportunities there are and if not, you may want to consider venturing that way.  It’s about a four-and-a-half hour drive from Santa Cruz through Stockton then Jackson, the foothills, finally to the Sierra and over ~8,700 Ft. Carson Pass on SR-88 a Scenic Byway.

There are many fly-fishing opportunities on still-water, rivers and streams.  Larger lakes include Silver Lake, Caples Lake, Upper and Lower Blue Lakes and Indian Creek Reservoir.  And then there’s Heenan Lake that is open from Sep. 1 through Nov. 30 where you can catch broodstock Lahonton Cutthroat.  Numerous smaller lakes are also in the region, e.g. Woods Lake, Lake Kirkwood, Burnside Lake and others.  4, 5 or 6 weights are used on the lakes with wooly buggers, various nymphs with the Damsel Fly nymph often being the most productive.  Hit risers with a Damsal Fly dry or parachute Callibartis.

Much of the fishing attention is focused on the West Fork and to a greater degree East Fork of the Carson River.

The West Fork originates above Upper Blue Lake at Lost Lakes and runs through Charity Valley and Hope Valley.  The meadows have good long runs with a few steeper, narrower, faster canyon areas that hold fish in the deeper pools.  The river then flows down a rather steep boulder strewn path along Hwy 88 through the town of Woodfords.  Call it pocket water.  There are many places to pull off the road at fishable locations.  Blue Lakes and the river are regularly visited by Fish and Wildlife trucks full of planters.

The East Fork originates high up between Ebbitts Pass (Hwy 4) and Nevada with fishable Silver Creek and Wolf Creek adding to it along the way.  Most of the more accessible waters are planted.  A few miles south past Markleeville the East Fork passes under Hangman’s Bridge, where from there to Nevada there are special regulations including artificial lures only.  This area is not planted and flyfishers target rainbows and browns for miles down this stretch of the river.  Runs, riffles and pools provide fairly straight forward dry and nymph fishing.  The areas strewn with borders will make wading more challenging and requiring more technical casting and mending.

Fishing 4 to 5 wt. rods is ideal but 3 and 6 are just fine and to some degree the time of year or day and fly will influence your selection.  If the County (Alpine Co.) plants Alper’s trout or you’re throwing streamers go heaver.  If the flows are slow and a small fly delicately presented to smaller natives is the way of the day, go smaller.  Depending on overnight temperatures morning Mayfly hatches get going like crazy and parachute Adams should do the trick.  Stoneflies come out early too.  When you hear the grasshoppers start buzzing, you may want to get on that band wagon.  Dry dropper rigs with a nymph of the top fly work good, except in slow shallow water where the nymph could get snagged and/or the dry is small.  Bigger Mayfly dry’s, Stimulator’s, Chubby’s and of course hoppers work for the dry or indicator.  Imitative droppers (and for bare nymphing too such as hare’s ear, pheasant tail or stone fly) work well but loud Prince Nymphs or Copper Johns usually get more attention.  In the evening, Caddis get their heads up and rising fish are targetable.  Browns are more vulnerable a ways downstream from where Markleeville Creek (water not to be ignored) enters the East Fork.  Go deep with streamers swung around submerged boulders.  And Browns are even up in Wolf Creek meadow (think spring creek tactics, possibly with terrestrials) before it plunges down to the river.  This gorge has rainbows in the pocket water.  It’s bouldering territory where you dap a little dry, maybe get a couple feet of drift and, hopefully, see a little guy come up and grab your gift.  Wolf Creek is about 5 mils (dead end) off Hwy 4 turning off at Centerville Flat Campground on a somewhat paved road (good fishing along there) then a dirt road to the Wolf Creek campground or a left turn before that to the meadow and then down to the river.  If you keep going south on Hwy 4, fishable Silver Creek runs along the route, with good access at Centerville Flat Campground.  Keep going and you’ll find Kinney Reservoir for easy access lake fishing.

So, there are lots and lots of fishing and camping opportunities in the area.  Now back to kind of the center of it all — Markleeville.  This is the county seat of the least populated county in California.  The little town has a couple restaurants a motel and a small/limited general store.  A few miles south of town is the Carson River Resort (“resort” – ya right) with a very little store and campsites across the street on the river.  This stretch of the road is central for recreation in the area.

I’m writing to mention to the SCFF Club members that I think this is a great area (the beauty however has been moderated by recent wildfires) that is relatively close to enjoy and encourage you to check it out.  Below are a couple of maps and photos to help orient you.

Randy Saar

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SAFETY A recycled article from 2012


In February 2012, a fisherman from Oakland drowned in the surf on Rio Del Mar Beach. He had a wife
and two teen aged children. What a tragedy! It appears that he was in a strong rip current area, his
waders filled up, dragged him down and out. His fishing buddy could not save him.
So this issue, we think it is appropriate to discuss safety; surf safety in particular, but much of this
applies to any wading.
Waders are wonderful, but they can be dangerous. Frankly I cannot understand why any reputable
company would make waders without built-in belt loops and a wading belt, but some still do. We have
all gone on a fishing trip and forgotten something. The wading belt may be that item and yet it is
number one for safety with waders. You will not find me buying waders without belt loops so a belt is
always with my waders and never forgotten. And when worn, my wading belt is always TIGHT.

Think you are safe in still water?
At Pyramid Lake one of our members slipped on an area with a clay bottom. His waders did not fill up,
but he went upside down, because the air in the wader legs kept pulling his feet up so his head went
down. Fortunately his fishing buddies were there to assist, but it sure shook him up and he quit for the
day, cold and shaking with the aftermath of fear. If you are “top heavy”, be even more careful, because
your risk is even greater.

Moving water:
Streams and rivers: How many times have I crossed a river with my heart in my mouth wondering what
the heck would I do if my legs were swept out from under me and I went tumbling down the river,
unable to regain my footing? Well I NEVER cross a river without a wading stick of some sort and prefer
to cross with a buddy, holding each other when it is a serious current.
Boots: I totally prefer felt soled boots, but they are being banned in more and more places. In a
discussion with a Montana guide, who has one of the very latest, expensive rubber soled boots that
were supposed to be premium sticky, he said “Now I have to have a wading stick all the time. The
rubber soled boots just don’t hold like felt does.” I do not know what to recommend, other than adding
cleats, and I just wish I did not have to make that purchase decision for my Alaska trip this year, but I
do.
You do not need felt or any sticky soled boots in the surf. I wear boot foot rubber soled waders in the
surf.

SURF:
The surf is moving water, but totally different than a river. If you are even marginally aggressive, it is
not a matter of “if”; it is a matter of “when” you will be knocked down. So do your best to avoid a knock
down, but prepare yourself and you will laugh at yourself when it happens.
I have been knocked down to my knees several times and to my butt once or twice. I have slid off the
edge of a sand berm into a rip current and swam on my back for awhile to finally get to the side of the
channel and get stabilized again. But I never was worried because I had prepared. I have never lost my
hat or my gear. Yes, I am an aggressive surf fisherman, but I have seen more conservative club
members get knocked down too. In every case we have been safe because we had prepared in
advance.
Waders again, in the surf. Start with a belt of course, but also wear a jacket of some type over the
top, NOT tucked inside, so when a wave hits you, the water goes outside, not inside. A windbreaker or
other jacket cannot shed water if it is tucked in, yet I see that on the beach all the time. Many of us
wear kayak style jackets now, tightly fastened around the neck. And many wear a PFD – Personal
Flotation Device: You can buy different styles of these lightweight devices. Pull a lanyard in an
emergency and it inflates. You have to wear some type of lifejacket on the O’Neil Forebay and other
places, so might as well get a good PFD and wear it for surf fishing too.
If you are down and water is coming in, keep your head about you. Don’t panic and remember almost
nobody drowns. In fact the first story in this article represents the only person I have ever heard of who
actually drowned and it is possible he panicked and/or could not swim. You prepared yourself; you
know what to do, so pick yourself up calmly get out of there and go dry off.
Let’s go fishing: The rip currents represent the most likely place to catch any type fish in the surf,
because that current is pulling crabs, worms and lots of other fish food right through it. The fish hang
out there for chow, so I will not tell you to not go near them, but I will advise you not to actually get IN
one. Properly prepared for the surf, you will have a great time and only rarely have to quit early
because you got water inside your waders!
I’ll see you out there, with the other daughters and sons of the beaches.

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Lake Nacimiento Fishout

by Bob Garbarino

I first heard about white bass fishing at Lake Nacimiento about twenty years ago. Even though the lake is only about two hours from Santa Cruz, I never made the trip down there. During the spring spawn when the the conditions are favorable (like ample water) is the prime time to head up the Narrows on the opposite side of the lake from the Marina. Club member Kathryn Yant got the ball rolling this year. She had been working on plans for a trip to Naci with Geoff Malloway, the owner of Central Coast Fly Fishing. Scott Kitayama and I were fortunate to be invited by her to join the group of eight anglers. Dagur Guðmundsson, a central coast guide that presented to our club was took part in the trip. He is quite familiar with Naci and San Antonio and guides these fisheries. We camped the night before at Lake San Antonio because there is a three night minimum at Naci. After setting up the tent, we spread out in search of carp before the rest of the gang arrived. We didn’t find any, but it was great to see the lake near full. The meal that night was full-on gourmet thanks to Chef Brandon Miller. We even had a sighting in the sky which turned out to be a Starlink pass-by.
The next morning we caravanned over to the Marina at Naci and hopped on our rented pontoon boat—what a sweet ride with Captain Malloway at the helm! It was brand new with cushy seats and plenty of room for all of us. The water was glass-smooth and aside from some wood debris we had to keep an eye out for, it was a relaxing cruise. After about an hour, we made it to as far as we could go up the Narrows, which is where the Nacimiento River empties into the lake. After Geoff gave us a brief “how-to” talk and made sure we had some flies, we got out of the boat and waded upstream in search of white bass. Unfortunately, after a couple hours of searching the clear water, it became evident the spawn was over and the whites had moved back into the lake. We did manage to eke out a few spotted and largemouth bass. Dagur thought we may have caught a couple of smallmouth/spotted bass hybrids. It was a beautiful day and we had the place to ourselves, but the fish didn’t get the memo with our invitation….oh well. On the way back we fished out of the boat in a few of the coves. I guess Dagur decided the boat was to full to try to fish, so he jumped out with rod in hand and proceeded to “fish/swim”. It’s a strange sight to see only a head and arm with rod sticking out of the water! And he was making some nice casts. Oh, to be a young buck. To sum up the fishout: close to home, beautiful scenery, great company, fantastic dinner, fun boat ride, good fishing, not so good catching. I have no regrets, learned a lot, had a great time and look forward to doing it again. I think our club should think about exploring this area for fishouts in the future. And if you are interested in learning about fishing in this area, subscribe to the Central Coast Fly Fishing newsletter to keep up on events offered. https://www.centralcoastflyfishing.com/
Also contact Dagur Guðmundsson for guided fishing opportunities in the area. He is super knowledgable, energetic and a lot of fun. https://www.dagurflyfishing.com/
The bass photos in this article are courtesy of Dagur.
Here is some interesting information about white bass: https://fishbio.com/another-controversial-bass/

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Fishing the cantankerous surf

by Sam Bishop

We had a very nice group of 15 people show up on Saturday May 6, for our first 2023 surf fish-out, held at Rio Del Mar Beach. No one knows why there were so few fish caught considering the many outstanding fly fisher-people challenging the surf with their expertly tied flies! Maybe it was the full moon? It even rained on us, but no one left early, until time for ½ dozen of us to enjoy a great breakfast at the Red Apple Café.

Unfortunately, a few people were late and did not sign in, but here is what I have:

Michael Gaines, Joe Stumph (guest from Reno), Robert Eberle, Lance Boling, Randy Sarr, Adam Althoff, Elaine Cook, Emily Marriott, Scott Kitayama, plus Elizabeth McCarter and Fred Farias from the Salinas Club.

Pictured is yours truly and Salinas Fly Casters President Elizabeth McCarter.

Please join us Saturday June 3 for the next surfing adventure. Details elsewhere in the newsletter.