May is here which means that trout season is in high gear and that it’s time to head for the hills. The weather gods have smiled upon us with a bit April airborne moisture, conditions are great for chasing some trout.
Posted on April 26th, 2022
The days are getting lighter longer – my favorite time of the year, when you think you overslept because it’s light out, but realize its only 6:30. At least on the weekends.
Last month I mentioned pilgrimages. That trip to the Rogue with Mike Diciano (Rich had to cancel last minute unfortunately) and with Humble Heron Fly Fishing – James and Kait Sampsel, was as it should have been, with the only exception being a selfish desire to get a trophy shot with a big steelhead. While we had several hookups over the 3 days, and Mike did land a nice size fish, you saw on the club page, the trip was epic. I’d say one of the nicest parts was being completely disconnected from all news, cell, internet, even newspaper – for almost 4 full days.
Boy if you didn’t have a chance to hear Gordon Tharrett’s presentation on the Green River, you’ve got to explore that. No wonder we’ve had a fish-out there for the last 30+ years. And the fishing (catching) is still as good as it ever has been. Thank God for some watershed stewardship especially around healthy fish population and fly-fishing. Stay tuned for some follow up information on fly-fishing the Green River – where to stay, costs, …
At this writing I come off of celebrating 60 years on this planet. When I first joined the club in the fall of ’91, most of the Board called me “kid”. I’m glad some still do. 30 years goes by fast doesn’t it! And to make things interesting, it was 40 years ago I moved myself from my home in East Cleveland (Wickliffe) to the Santa Cruz area, all in the pursuit of a crazy horse sport called Vaulting. We just had a bunch of those friends at the house and I’m glad so many of us are still close after 40 years.
I suppose if I never kept track of years in numbers, I’m grateful there are times I still feel like I’m 12, 25, 35, or 42. Particularly physically and mentally. It’s really just a number, isn’t it? While I’ve had a couple of ball joints that need replacement, the regular maintenance, fuel in the tank, and keeping things in order – for the most part, has provided that sort of outlook on life. My most favorite way to wade is just as I did when I was a kid – shorts and sandals – in the summer of course. And I don’t mind the cold, the rain, or slogging for more than a couple miles to cover some good water and the environment that water flows through. I can still cast like I did when I was 30, maybe even a little better, and I’ve learned spey casting techniques, which while super fun with a big two-handed rod, are also very good to use at times when fishing with a single-hand rod. You might wonder why “42”, well, that’s when I think I was mentally and physically at my highest fitness. I could still run like a gazelle, and I was riding my bike like a crazy person, racing and just getting out for long fast rides with a bunch of people. 12? Its how I feel most when I retire at night, reading before I go to sleep, remembering when I was just that age, thanking God for my family, my friends, what I had and what I wanted to have in the future. Not so much, material things, but health, safety, and well being for me, my friends and family. So I still feel that same way. 25 and 35 were just good years. I was still made of rubber at 25, and 35 was just sort of normal – I could build stuff all day long – which I did, when Mona and I bought our place in Ben Lomond, and were in the midst of figuring out how to be parents. Yes, there were times later when fly fishing took a back seat to all those responsibilities raising a family, building a home, making the most of my work, but it was always still there. It still is and likely will always be. There will always be that calling for the great outdoors, the solace fly-fishing, those beautiful trips we take with those we love and friends we’ve met along the way. Those trips where we explore new places on this planet we’ve never been to before, and the people we meet along the way. The gear and the flies we get to use, get to save up for, and which become a part of the memories in our lives.
And so it goes. It’s not about the numbers that add up, but the experiences, memories, family, friends we keep adding to this thing called life. I’m grateful to be where I am now, with all of you, my fam, friends and what is yet to come.
These next few months are going to be fun. I hope you will join us, both at the Aptos Grange, and on Zoom. Yep, we’re still going to have our speakers on Zoom, for those of you who just can’t make it to the Grange – AND, we’re still holding the raffle on-line, so you don’t have to be present to win something awesome for your fly-fishing needs.
May is going to be the legendary Al Quatrocchi. He is going to be showing us what you can do for salt water fly fishing for Corbino, and other species. We’ll be meeting at the Grange, but Al is going to present so everyone even on Zoom will be able to attend.
We have Casting classes at Jade Street park the last Saturday of every month – 1:30 p.m. now. With an opportunity to grab a beverage and something to eat after over at Carpo’s and Beer Thirty. Come join us. Stosh and company do a great job of providing you with everything you need to hone your casting.
July we don’t typically have a club meeting because it’s around the 4th of July – and that will be the same this year.
August – mark your calendars – we’ll be having a fun outdoor club barbeque, raffle and swap meet at the Sherriff’s Posse Hall again, which should be an awesome time to be together.
Thanks for all you do for the club, and if you’re inclined, the Board could use your help. We currently have openings for Secretary, Web Master, Facilities and more. Don’t be shy – we’d love to have your help.
See you in a couple weeks.
Posted on April 26th, 2022
Posted on April 26th, 2022
Date: May 28, 2022
Time: 1:30 PM
Place: Jade Park, Capitola
Posted on
Where: Jade Park, Capitola
When: May 29th by, 2:00 – 3:30 pm (beer thirty afterward?)
Bring your lawn chair, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members. Casual atmosphere with plenty of room for social distancing!
Posted on April 22nd, 2022
We have been working to bring added value to all of our clubs and members with a focus on fly fishing education, events in the months ahead, as well as continuing to support all of you in 2022. We are developing an easy to use and conduct Fly Fishing 101 program, developed by Clay Hash of Fly Fishing Traditions. Clay is on our Board and a dedicated fly fisher, with a focus on educating people about fly fishing and how it is done. Clay has developed a series of teaching modules that we are preparing to make available to all of our member clubs. We hope to have it completed soon. Watch for it in May or June.
In addition to this program on fly fishing, Clay is also working on another easy to use program for clubs on teaching fly casting. It, too, will be easy to use and present. We hope to have it available in the summer.
The beauty of both the Fly Fishing 101 and Fly Casting programs is that they don’t take an expert to present. They will provide a complete process clubs can use to educate members & take to your community. We realize that most clubs offer similar programs, but the beauty of this program is it is complete and easy to deliver. It’s not necessary for a club teacher to be an expert. They will come in a format that can be carried forward year after year, can be tweaked and adjusted to meet club needs, and organized in an easy-to-understand sequence.
Lastly, we’re in the development process of re-starting our YubaFest event held for the first time 3 years ago. COVID interrupted the last 2 years. It is designed to be a celebration of the western Sierra watershed rivers, and the Yuba is the Queen of these rivers due to its continuous and controllable cool and consistent flows. Additionally, it is a river many of our members fish nearly year round.
We see this as a Celebration and a party, with learning and education included. It will be a family event with food, music, casting games & instruction, river education and some limited fishing opportunities. We will partner with the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), a longtime river partner and advocate for the Yuba. We hope to provide those who attend the opportunity to join the SYRCL salmon river tours to lean about the river and where and how salmon spawn. This will be a full day of fun events and activities, so look forward to hearing more from us as this comes together. It will be a Fall event, likely in October.
Posted on April 22nd, 2022
mobile scrollable table
| EVENT NAME | EVENT DATE | SPECIES | FISH MASTER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nacimiento River Camp & Fishout | Apr 06 - Apr 08 | ||
| Roostercomb Ranch | Apr 17 - Apr 19 | ||
| Green River – Utah | Apr 25 - May 02 | ||
| Coyote Lake – Gilroy (bass, bluegill, crappie) | May 01 - May 03 | ||
| Roostercomb Ranch II: May 5 – 7th | May 05 - May 07 | ||
| Pit River Camp Fishout | May 22 - May 24 | ||
| Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout – June 2026 – UPDATED 12/01 | Jun 04 - Jun 05 | ||
| Yuba River Private Water – UC Davis Property | Jun 19 - Jun 21 | ||
| Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 20th – 27th 2026 | Jun 20 - Jun 27 | Trout, Bass | Jeff (Yog) Goyert - Fishmaster (831)234-0033 |
| Burney & Around | Jul 10 - Jul 12 |
The Nacimiento river is a 1hr boat ride from the Pine Knoll Campground and 1 hour back. The plan is to limit 6 angles per day (unless we secure another boat). Once we reach the river mouth, there is some hiking necessary to reach the prime river sections for the white bass. Last year the timing was perfect. Donations welcome for fuel.
We can try to plan ½ day on the 6th and full day on the 7th.
Start time around 8 AM on the 7th and return when everyone is done.
If anyone else has a boat they would like to bring please let me know.
Send me an email if you are interested.
Camping
You will need to book your own campsite at the Pine Knoll Camp ground. Last year there was no one there so sites were easy to get when we arrived. Food and drinks are on the individual unless we decide to share meals
https://golakenaci.com/amenities/#rv-tent-camping
Gear and Tackle Recommendations:
4-5 weight rods. Floating, full sink and intermediate lines were used. Flies: Clousers, San Louis smelts and Krystal buggers were used. Pack food and drinks for lunch.
Fishmaster
Kevin Mcclish – kbmcclish@hotmail.com
April 17-19, 2026 (Fri-Sun)
Fishmaster: Cecilia Stipes
(831) 566-7707 flyfishgal3@aol.com
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 shore fishing, hiking, birding, photography, and opportunities for riding your ATV on miles of ranch roads.
The terrain is rough, rocky and sometimes steep, therefore, all vehicles MUST be 4-WD with good clearance to drive in and around the ranch! If you do not have a 4-WD vehicle, arrangements can be made for you to carpool with someone who does.
Breakfasts and dinner meals/barbecues are organized by teams. Lunches, snacks and beverages are each individual’s responsibility.
Call-in is Sunday, March 8 at 7:00 pm and not earlier. (831) 566-7707
Group is limited to 10 fishers (non-fishers welcome). COST: $300/person (no charge for children 12 yrs and under). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check payable to: Cecilia Stipes
Mail: 328 Capelli Drive, Felton CA 95018
Green River – Utah
General Information –
It is necessary for us to pay upfront to reserve the accommodations. The club’s standard approach to this is for each angler to pay his individual portion of the rental fee for sleeping accommodations.
Each angler will be responsible for the weekly rate of $TBD. This is a nonrefundable fee.
If an angler decides not to attend, they are responsible to sell their portion to another angler or forfeit their portion of the rental. I’m counting on everyone on the list to send their payment and secure their place on the trip. If not all 12 people commit by payment, there will be a increased adjustment in the weekly fee for each angler since the rental cost is based on the number of people.
Steve Andersen will be handling the food end of our trip. Our desire is to have group dinner meals. So one or more of us will stop in Salt Lake City and stock up on provisions for these meals along with lunch makings. Breakfast will be up to the individual, whether they want to cook it or eat out. We will provide basic breakfast foods. Scott’s email is included in the email list above. Please if you have any dietary restrictions advise him of specialty item possibly needed for your meals. The fee for food will be a separate fee calculated after our arrival at the fish out. If you intend to cook your own food, you’re welcome to use the kitchen, but keep in mind there are no grocery stores within 50 miles. So remember to stock up before you leave civilization! There are three different restaurants in the area.
There are many guide services available for the Green River float, along with raft rental. Over the next few weeks, we will provide a list of potential recommendations so you might want to book your float trips? There is plenty of access along this river for wading a 7 mile trail system along the A section of the river.
Elaine Cook has offered to hold a fly tying class especially for the Green and will provide patterns that will accommodate that time of year. There is a great fly shop Trout Creek Flyer https://troutcreekflies.com/
We will start an ongoing thread of emails to this group. I will start to suggest that you think about if you’re going to fly or drive. If you fly, you fly into Salt Lake City and you can rent a car and split the cost with another member or 2.. The drive time from Salt Lake is about 4 1/2 hours. Drive time from Santa Cruz is probably 14 1/2 or 15 hours.
2025 Green River Fishout!
A BUCKT LIST Fly Fishing Trip | Green River-Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEZ7X2eeph8
Fly Fishing for BIG BROWN Trout on a LEGENDARY Trout Stream | Green River-Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gwUTUknv0Q
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 Myatt Project Healing Waters: Dave Kite |
| Location: | Coyote Lake – Harvey Bear Ranch County Park |
| Species: | bass, crappie, bluegill |
| Duration: | Up to 3 days |
| Registration and Cost: | Day Use Fee: $6 per auto. Camping: $37/night up to 8 people & 2 cars. https://gooutsideandplay.org/ If you have questions or plan on camping and share meals OR If you are new to fly fishing and want to participate, contact Scott Kitayama scottkitayama@gmail.com. |
| Meeting time and place: | May 1st – May 3rd (Lakeview Campground) SCFF: Campsite #44 PHW: Campsite #45 SOTF: Campsite #?? |
| Equipment | It is possible to fish from the shore, however this outing is to get members to try float tubing in a safe environment. Float Tubs, Flippers need to be inspected at the boat launch. PFDs are required and walkie talkies are encouraged. |
| Flies | |
| * Topwater: | frog pattern, sliders, gurglers, poppers |
| * Stripping: | bunny leach, midnight cowboy, micro-clouser |
| * Indicator: | balanced leach, crappie jigs, hares ear (sz 10 and larger) |
More details to be added as we get closer to the date.
May 5 – 7, 2026 (Tue – Thu)
Fishmasters:
Michael Sherwood (831) 234-2244 michaeldsherwood@gmail.com
Elaine Cook (831) 234-6515 coookin@gmail.com
This fish out is so popular we have decided to do it a second time. Michael Sherwood and Elaine Cook will be leading up the second which will be held the 5th, 6th, and 7th of May. The call in will be on March 16 at 7 PM. Michael Sherwood will be taking the calls. (831) 234-2244.
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 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 shore fishing, hiking, birding, photography, and opportunities for riding your ATV on miles of ranch roads.
The terrain is rough, rocky and sometimes steep, therefore, all vehicles MUST be 4-WD with good clearance to drive in and around the ranch! If you do not have a 4-WD vehicle, arrangements can be made for you to carpool with someone who does.
Breakfasts and dinner meals/barbecues are organized by teams. Lunches, snacks and beverages are each individual’s responsibility.
Call-in in is to Michael Sherwood on Monday, March 16th at 7:00 pm and not earlier. (831) 234-2244
Group is limited to 10 fishers (non-fishers welcome). COST: $300/person (no charge for children 12 yrs and under). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check payable to: Michael Sherwood
Mail: PO Box 2369, Santa Cruz, CA 95063
Fishmaster:
Alex Ferber / alex.ferber74@gmail.com
Location:
Pit River, close to Burney, California. The Pit river is located in the Shasta National Forest. Accessed via Hwy 299 and Hwy 89. Approximately 2 hrs east of Redding California
Lodging:
We will be camping at Ruling Creek Campground PG & E Campground – First come first serve ($15.00 daily cost subject to change). Located on the Pit 4 reach, below the Pit River 4 Dam. There are toilets, and fire rings. There usually is water available. The closest shopping is in Burney, about 1 hr away.
Description of the River:
The Pit river is a tailwater fishery, freestone in nature. It is accessed via a frontage road, maintained by PG and E. There is about 30 miles of river to explore. The river is well known for its wild and hard fighting Rainbow trout. It is fished mainly using nymphs, dead drifted under an indicator or using tight line techniques. On occasion fish will take dry flies, as well. These fish are pound for pound some of the hardest fighting trout you will ever experience. This boulder strewn river is notorious for its challenging wading. The nymphing can be quite technical, where getting good drifts will be rewarded with some awesome hookups. Typically this river is not terribly pressured. The river is in a beautiful, remote,wooded canyon, with some stunning views. The weather in May is very comfortable, typically in the 70’s.
Equipment:
9 ft, 5-6 wt rods, typically faster action work best. Typical nymph rig set ups, with lots of split shot. Felt, studded wading boots are essential. I would avoid rubber/Vibrum soles. This is a slippery river. This river has excellent Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis, so flies mimicking these bugs usually work well.
Skill Sets:
Strong wading skills are important. This river has tight quarters, so having a strong roll cast, and single spey casting techniques are very helpful in getting you bugs into position. There is some hiking, but most of the river access is right along the river.
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 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 in order to hold our spot.
Two-Day Float Tube Outing Information:
Two-day Float Tube Outings
Our outings are the most popular thing we do and are a great way to spend a couple days on the water with our guides and chef and have a chance to experience our favorite times of year to be at the lake. Ever since the introduction of the Pilot Peak strain of the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout we have been targeting these enormous fish. Early in the fall and again late in spring these fish stage in areas that allow us to fish for them from float tubes and pontoon boats.
You will meet us at the lake the late afternoon before the first day of fishing. We set this time aside to go over everything you need to know before the fishing starts. We will do everything from rigging up rods, setting up our floating devices, if you are camping with us we help you get settled in for the event. We always have a camp set up at the lake so you can leave gear at the lake each night. We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.
We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.
We will spend two + days on the water fishing and learning. Our Team will accompany you on the water helping to fine tune the techniques we have developed to catch these fish. We will be there to help you land and take pictures of your fish of a lifetime catch.
A complete Pre-Trip Planner will be sent to you once you are signed up for the outing. Included in the planner are the things you will need to bring. Some of the items are pretty mandatory including a fly rod with a fast-sinking shooting head with a sinking running line and something to float in like a float tube, kayak, or pontoon boat, and a good anchor.
Gear – Equipment is not included in our float tube outings unless prior arrangements have been made. We do offer limited Pontoon Boat rentals which also need to be arranged ahead of the outing.
Accommodations – Deals at local hotels will be available and in our Pre-Trip Planner. Camping at the lake is a blast this time of your and we encourage you to join us at the lake. You can dry camp at the beach we are fishing or there is an R.V. park at the lake with full hookups. Camping permits are required and need to be purchased in advance.
Permits – You will need a fishing permit to fish on the reservation. You will also need a camping permit if you intend to camp. Links to both of these will be in our pre-trip planner.
Food – This is a fully catered event. During the outing we will serve dinner at our Pre-Trip gathering and also the next night for those who camp with us and also hot lunches both days. In the mornings there will be coffee and some snacks. Kicking back and having a meal served for you while hanging out on the shores of the lake is a big reason why we have such a high rate of return from our outings customers.
Cost of the Outing is $375– Not included in the price are Tribal Permits, gear and gratuities to the staff and guides.
PS. You must have your 50% deposit mailed to Rob Anderson by January 1, 2026.
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.
Regulations: 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 go-ing to Pyramid Lake for many years are a good source of information as well. We will help inform and guide all newcomers.
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 member-ship paid up if you haven’t done so yet.
The information provided below has been modified from the Grizzly Peak Fly Fishing Club and Tri-Valley Fly Fishing Club (2022-23)
Special Notes
The outing is limited to 20 people. With a $50.00 buy in payable to the club. Reservations will be accepted via email to the Fishmaster (Justin Ice) only one person reservation per email (if you and your buddy want to go then 2 emails are needed). Due to the limited capacity, reserving your spot is first come first serve starting Feb. 4th at 9am Payment to the club by Feb. 13th if payment not received on this date your space will be forfeited. No refunds.
Camping will be available on the property beginning at 4 PM Friday and extending to Sunday evening. Fishing hours are dawn to dusk. Gate code will be sent out as we get closer to the Fishout date. Each angler will be responsible to close the gate behind them. The gate code will be emailed to us the week before the trip. Additional details to follow as we get closer to the date
The Lower Yuba is accessible from the sea – you must have a 2026 California Steelhead Reporting Card in addition to your fishing license. Unlike the license, the report card must be delivered in hard copy, either by snail mail or by hand from a fishing store. Plan ahead!
Location
University of California Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, 8279 Scott Forbes Road, Browns Valley, CA 95918. Meet at the gate to the river road (N39.24672°, W121.32222°), which is on your right about 1/3 mile before you reach the research center. Note that, misleadingly, there is a sign at the gate that says “No Fishing Access”. The gate will be opened and then locked behind us. 2.5 hrs from Berkeley. Take I-80 east to Sacramento, turn onto I-5 north, then onto Hwy 70 to Marysville. Pass through downtown Marysville on 70, and as you round the lake, turn right onto Hwy 20 east. Continue 15 miles, pass the Sycamore Ranch Campground. At the sign to the UC Station, turn left onto Peoria Rd, and then at another sign, bear right onto Scott Forbes Rd (also called Long Bar Rd). The gate is just past Sicard Flat Ditch. SCFFC strongly encourages carpooling.
General Notes
Our Club event on the Yuba will be on the private property owned by the University of California and is one of their Sierra Research facilities. We have contracted for TVFF’s exclusive use of the facility for the two days over the weekend. The river is about 1.5 miles above the highway 20 bridge over the Yuba and accessible only through a locked gate for a maximum of twenty (20) anglers per day. There is approximately 2.5 miles of available river that is the tailwater section a mile or so below Englebright Dam. The river has easy and level access, so it’s ideal for those less comfortable in heavy current wading situations, although that is also available for those Euro Nymphing.
The UC facility is on many acres in a pastoral valley leading down to the river. Most of the research here is for cattle, grazing land management, and erosion control so it is very quiet with no nearby roads, ranches, or houses. There is a covered picnic area that sits above the river with 8-10 picnic tables and a porta potty restroom with hand wash station that is also available on site no water on site, limited cell phone reception, no fires. All in all, it’s a very scenic and serene site.
Gear and Tackle Recommendations:
Yuba River fish are notoriously “hot” and frisky. They workout full time in the strong current and just love to play in it when disturbed by a sharp hook. Anticipate that you will see strong runs on hook ups and that the fish will feel like they are 4-6″ larger than you see in the net. So…
Rod & line weights/types: 5 or 6 weight rods, reels and floating lines are the norm to help control their runs. A 4 weight for Euro Nymphing should work well as long as it has a good stiff butt section to manage any runs.
Leaders and tippet: Fishing style dependent but normally I fish a 9’ 4X leader and adjust with added tippet of up to 4-6’ of 5 for the dry flies, and stick with 4X fluoro for the nymphs.
Other gear:
Note that we will not be using any watercraft as this is a walk and wade event with float takeouts way too far downstream to be of use for us.
Flies: Flies to match and we will send out a more current list as we get closer to the dates and better understand how the weather and water are impacting the hatches. Typically, you will need Skwala dries and nymphs, Pale Morning Duns, Baetis/Blue Wing Olives, Pink Alberts, Little Yellow Sallies, Pale Evening Duns, Golden Stones, and four varieties of Caddis.
Location / Date
University of California Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, 8279 Scott Forbes Road, Browns Valley, CA 95918.
June 19th – 21st 2026
Fishmaster
Justin Ice (408)-690-6143, justin@schwagerdavis.com
Registration / Booking Info
February 4th (Wednesday) 9am
Email only, one reservation per email, first come first served
Payment to Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club by February 13th . Payments not received on this date the space will be forfeited.
Payment details to follow
The Lake Almanor Fishout is scheduled for June 20th thru 27th, 2026. 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 on the Southwest side of the lake. Most of the fishing is done from float tubes as well as small boats or even from shore.
In addition to the evening “Hex” hatch, a multitude of opportunities exist for fishing throughout the day to include Little Crater Lake, Manzanita Lake, Baum Lake, Eagle Lake, Butt Valley Reservoir, Deer Creek, Clear Creek, Feather River, Yellow Creek, plus many more.
Lodging will be the responsibility of individual attendees. A popular campground operated by PG&E is the Rocky Point Campground, for reservation information call 916-386-5164. Many USFS campgrounds are in the area. Reservations are available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Make use of internet resources to acquire the actual campground names. There are also many resorts and rental cabins available in the area. A few examples are Wilson’s Camp/530-259-2267 and Plumas Pines Resort/530-259-4343. Other options are available via online research. Be advised that due to the popularity of fishing at this time of year reservations fill up early.
On Tuesday the 23th plan on breakfast with the club. Location TBD as Carol’s Café is under new ownership.
Sierra Fly and Tackle, stores in Chester and Hamilton Branch, is a great resource for current conditions and reports along with a large inventory flies and equipment. A must stop for all visiting fly fishers if only to get one of their cool tee-shirts. Both first time and veteran “Hex” Anglers could well benefit from the expertise provided by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Lance Gray (530-517-2204) or Tim Loomis (831-345-8411) both offer instructional packages to help achieve success during the “Hex”.
| Fishmaster: | Alex Ferber |
| Location: | Lakes, rivers and streams of the Burney area |
| Species: | Trout |
| Date: | July 10th-12th |
| Cost: | No Cost |
| Meet Up: | Date of Fishout TBD and subject to change due seasonal conditions
Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below). The park is approximately 10 minutes from the highway 299/80 junction. The park is on the left hand side going east on 299. If you google Hat Creek Park, it should show up. This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster Alex Ferber. Here he will be discussing the local fishery, access points, general information and answering any questions you might have about making this a successful outing. Meeting time to be updated as we get closer |
| 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, Micro May, Golden Stones | |
| Drys: Caddis Patterns 12-16, Upright wing vs. Emerges, Missing Link, Stone Flys, Parachute Adams, Comparaduns (various sizes 16-12) | |
| Misc.: Soft Hackles, Streamers, Leaches | |
| What To Expect: | This Fishout is DIY Fishout with your Fishmaster acting as a resource person helping with any questions regarding where to fish, access, use of personal watercraft, fishery history, etc. Depending on interest there is potential of a pre Fishout presentation (TBD) and or tour of any one of the local areas with the most interest.
More information to be updated as interest develops. Please contact the Fishmaster if you are interested in attending. |
| Local Waters: | Hat Creek: Spring creek with plenty of easy access, walk and wading. There are 3 distict sections from the Power House Riffle, to The Lower Freestone Section. There are an abundence of hatches year round and daily from mayflies, caddis, and stone flies with the potential of a trico or green drake hatch.
Burney Creek: Spring creek with access around the McArthur Burney Falls State Park. The waterfall is a must see. This is great water for a dry/dropper set up as well as traditional dry and nymph fishing. Above the falls the creek is stocked and below the fish are wild. Pit River: Classic tailwater freestone fishery. This river is known for its hard fighting wild rainbows. There is great walk and wade access but the terrain is difficult with large snot covered bowling balls covering the river bed. Those with strong wading skills and a stout wading stick only need apply. The river is broken up by multiple power houses each with their own characters. Primary a nymphing river either by indicator or tight line. Rubber legs and dark lords and lots of weight (bring lots of both). Baum Lake: Stocked and great for a small float tube or kayak. Excellent dry fly and streamer fishing. Lake Britton: Primarily a motorized boat lake. Warm water fishery with small mouth bass, and potential for bull trout. Ahjumawi / Big Lake Lava Springs State Park: Launch at “Rat Farm” Fall River: Iconic spring creek with an abundance of large wild rainbows. No shore access. Non motorized boats can be launched at the Cal Trout public access or a kayak/motor boat at the “Rat Farm” (Big Lake/Ahjjumawi launch). Awesome dry fly, streamer and indicator fishing. |
| Lodging: | Camping – Too many to list, this is an outdoors paridise with options from unimproved to glamping. Plenty of places for RV hookups and KOA camping |
| Hotels & Motels: Various options available in the Burney area | |
| Food: | DIY, with potential of potluck as details emerge |
| Fishmaster Contact info: | Alex Ferber |
| 831-419-0564 | |
| alex.ferber74@gmail.com | |
| https://sites.google.com/view/adventureflyfishingsantacruz/home | |
| Links: | https://www.theflyshop.com/streamreport.html |
| https://www.shastaangler.com/ | |
| Burney Sporting Goods – 37427 CA-299, Burney, CA 96013 | |
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Posted on April 22nd, 2022
Al Quattrocchi (aka Al Q) has been a saltwater fly angler, fly tier, and fly fishing advocate for over thirty-five years. He has been an advocate for education and the environment by creating fly fishing events along the West Coast of California with the hope of introducing new anglers to this great passion he has for saltwater flyfishing. His personal mentors include Neal Taylor, Lefty Kreh, Nick Curcione, and Bob Popovics.
Al founded the popular One Surf Fly in So Cal which lasted nine seasons and raised thousands of dollars for non-profits, supporting local fly shops up and down the west coast.. Al and Conway Bowman teamed up to host the Carp Throw Down at Lake Henshaw in San Diego. This was the first fly-only, catch-and-release carp event in Southern California that supported many non-profit organizations with their annual raffle. Al and master FFF MCI instructor, Jim Solomon, teach fly casting techniques to many anglers around the world through a program entitled The FlyZone. One of Al’s most famous fly fishing students is Jimmy Kimmel.
Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
| Monthly Speaker | Date | Excerpt |
|---|
Posted on April 21st, 2022
Club needs a Monthly Newsletter Editor to replace Scott Kitayama who has volunteered to be Club President. Member should be interested in Club activities and web based communication. Scott will assist in training in the transition and it would be a great opportunity for any new member to be involved in all the club activities. Please contact me , or Scott at scottkitayama@gmail.com…650-279-5871
Membership is up to 180 dues paying members including 20 new members!
Posted on April 21st, 2022
IMPORTANT: This class will be taught at the Aptos Grange. Masks will be REQUIRED for this session. NO ZOOM access.
Terrestrials become available to trout beginning in the spring and on into the fall. Trout tend to gobbled them up. This is a good pattern to imitate them. We will be using 6/0 black thread. The club has tools, vices and thread to borrow if you need them. There is no charge for the class and materials are all provided.
You must call Elaine Cook at (831)688-1561 to reserve your spot and ensure that she has the materials for the class.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
| Monthly Speaker | Date | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Jun 08 | Dali Lama | John Steele, Instructore – The Dali Lama is our go to fly on the Tsiu for silver salmon. |
 | Jul 13 | Pat’s Tungston Bead Head Rubber Legs - JULY Fly tying | Dar Naghshineh, Instructor – Pat’s Tungston Bead Head Rubber Legs is primarily for trout, but also black bass. |
 | Aug 10 | Fluke Fly - Aug Fly tying | Greg Foy, Instructor – Fluke Fly is a jig to target Black Bass and Sunfish |
 | Sep 14 | Foam Run Caddis | A simple great drive fly pattern for this month. |
 | Oct 12 | Cicada | Fly for bass, trout and carp! |
Posted on April 21st, 2022
Note from Stosh:
The lake was stingy with rewarding us after many hours on a ladder or chair or other this last week. Diligence and more time with the fly in the water always pays off with at least one fish a day instead of ‘skunkdom’. The fish you could see follow the fly and turn away, maybe flipping its tail at it or the fly hooking a side fin happened a lot (and counted as a fish landed) ?
A guide told me that they did not stock the lake the 2 years of C-19 and next year should be a lot better so there is always hope for the future fishing there. I caught all but one fish on a black midge with a white bead which was partially worn away and brassy and still catching fish, they only took the balanced leech on the lower hook one time. (more than fifteen).
Thanks to all who attended and let’s make it happen again next year. I only landed one fish stripping beetles and leeches. They call it ‘midging’ now.
Note from Scott:
This was my first time on the Pyramid trip and have a few thoughts to share for those who haven’t gone:
My suggestion is to get out of your comfort zone and throw yourself into the experience: Get up at 4:00 am and fish until 6:30 pm, Get on that ladder and howl back at the wind, Have a drink or five with your fellow club members. I think it is a wise life choice.
Posted on April 21st, 2022
FOR SALE: BRAND NEW (never used) G. Loomis NRX+ 590-4 9 foot 5 weight fly rod, with soft and hard cases. Retail cost: $795.00. Priced at $600.00. Call Rich Hughett @ 831-757-5709
Posted on April 21st, 2022
Starting June 22 thru June 29th I will once again be guiding at L. Almanor for the world famous Hexagenia hatch that starts in mid June and goes on into early July. This will be my 21st year fishing the lake. The Hexagenia is one of the largest Mayflies in North America.
California is one of about 6 states that have these Mayflies. Michigan is also famous for the stupendous Hex hatch they have. Often times the department of Public Works in many Michigan towns spend hours cleaning up spent Hex carcasses over 2 feet deep from underneath highway lights. We should be so lucky! However, we do have a pretty significant Hex hatch of our own at L. Almanor. Lake Almanor is located about 35 minutes east of Mt. Lassen along Rte. 36 out of Red Bluff. You can camp at Lake Almanor West in the state campgrounds above Prattville or stay in one of the many motels on the lake or in Chester on Rte. 36. Customers have a good chance of landing giant rainbows and browns (8-12lbs) along w/smallmouth bass up to 22”. The lake also has 1-3 lb. landlocked salmon that are often landed and make excellent dinner fare.
My guiding starts at 3pm w/a short presentation on “How To Fish” for the Hex out of a float tube or pontoon. We cover the gestation period for the Hex nymph and the Hex migration to the surface. I offer 3 styles of fly fishing – nymphing w/an indicator, stripping a nymph/streamer combo and dry fly fishing. We try to get on the water by 5pm and continue until dark around 9:30pm.
My rates are $200.00 for individuals / Lower rate for groups of 3 at $190.00 apiece. Club members get a discount to $175.00 apiece. I supply float tubes and fins, rods/reels, tippet and flies. Customers need to supply their own waders and are encouraged to use their own water craft and fins if they have them. Contact me with questions and dates.
Big Sur Styles Guide Serv.
Tim Loomis
C 831-345-8411
H 831-426-4683
Posted on April 19th, 2022
General Meeting……………………
Fly fishing for Corbina with Al Quadrattro
May Raffle Prizes
President’s Line…………………….
Fly Tying……………………
Cricket
BWO Quigley Cripple
Conservation Concerns……………
Klamath Tribes and Klamath Water Users Respond to BOR Water Allocations
Membership Notes…………………
UFO Meetup – Jade Park
Volunteer needed for Newsletter Editor
Notes from Pyramid
Reel News …………………………
NCFFI Newsletter – May 2022
Fishout Schedule…………………
Marketplace…………………
Cartoon…………………………..…
Posted on April 16th, 2022
On April 11th, the Bureau of Reclamation announced plans for the Klamath Project water allocation for 2022.
https://www.klamathfallsnews.org/news/reclamation-opens-klamath-project-irrigation-season-with-limited-water-allocation
The Klamath Tribes and Klamath Water Users have both responded. As you might expect, both groups are extremely disappointed with the BOR announcement. Being that SCFF is focused on fish and environmental conditions that support them, we look for ways to support conservation causes. However, issues that involve water have many stakeholders. When I came across the Klamath Tribes response, I saw a link to the Klamath Water Users press release. So I decided to include both.
Here is the Klamath Tribes Response:
https://www.klamathfallsnews.org/news/klamath-tribes-respond-to-bor-water-allocations
Bureau of Reclamation 2022 Operation Plan hastens extinction of endangered C’waam and Koptu
CHILOQUIN, Ore. – Yesterday’s announcement by the Bureau of Reclamation of its 2022 Operations Plan is perhaps the saddest chapter yet in a long history of treaty violations visited upon us by the United States.
Under the Plan, Reclamation intends to usurp “up to 62,000-acre-feet” of water from the nearly extinct and (Klamath Tribes) treaty-protected C’waam (Lost River sucker) and Koptu (shortnose sucker) at the height of their spawning season. Instead, despite the clear mandate of the Endangered Species Act to prioritize the needs of endangered species, Reclamation intends to send that water to irrigators in violation of Reclamation’s own water allocation formula.
Today, we see in the Klamath Basin the consequences of nearly 120 years of ecosystem degradation at the hands of the settler society. They have drained hundreds of thousands of acres of open water and wetlands, mowed down the largest pine forests in the west, mined the groundwater to the point that wells now go dry where marshes and lakes formerly prevailed, straightened whole river systems and striven to eradicate beavers that once engineered complex waterways, allowed their cattle to destroy riparian zones and defecate in icy cold springs, and dammed the mighty Klamath River five times.
The Klamath Tribes are tired of hearing: “it is another bad water year,” “we are all suffering,” and “come to the table so we can negotiate an end to this conflict.” This disaster is the entirely predictable and inevitable consequence of multi-generational mismanagement and poor judgment.
Neither the Klamath Tribes nor our downriver tribal brothers and sisters made any of the decisions that brought us here. And we have nothing left with which to “compromise.” Global warming is undoubtedly a global problem, but thus far its local consequences appear to be exacerbating existing and systematic inequalities between ourselves and the larger society.
It is time for all involved to realize that this homeland ecosystem we all share and profess to love has limits. This sacred place that has always been the home of the Klamath Tribes is exceedingly complex, evolved over thousands of years, and made from symbiotic life-forms.
The Klamath Tribes remain committed to cooperating with those genuinely interested in restoring the ecological health of our treaty-protected lands. We are equally committed to fighting those who don’t.
Here is the Klamath Water Users response:
https://www.klamathfallsnews.org/news/failed-federal-water-policy-will-shut-down-klamath-basin-food-production-for-second-consecutive-year
KWUA Responds to Reclamation’s water announcement
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The federal government announced today that it will deprive highly fertile farms and ranches in the Klamath Basin of irrigation water necessary to produce food this year. The decision comes at a time of global food security fears, rapidly rising food prices, and concerns that grocery store shelves may become empty this year.
Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA), which represents irrigation water users who produce food based on once-reliable irrigation water supplies from Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon’s largest surface water body, decried today’s announcement.
“We have 170,000 acres that could be irrigated this year and we’re ready to get to work,” said KWUA President Ben DuVal, who farms with his wife and daughters on land served by the Project. “On a single acre, we can produce over 50,000 pounds of potatoes, or six thousand pounds of wheat. This year, most of that land will not produce any food because the government is denying water for irrigation. We’ll just be trying to keep the weeds and dust under control.”
KWUA leaders said that there is adequate water available this year to provide irrigation from Upper Klamath Lake to the Klamath Project, a system of infrastructure that was built to deliver water to a community of family farms straddling the California-Oregon border. The Project provides water to some of the richest soils in the world. But federal regulators intend to deny irrigation water needed to produce food, at a time when the country and world most need it.
Rigid operating guidelines mandated by federal regulatory agencies mean that the Project’s family farms and ranches will have an uncertain amount of water, probably less than 15 percent of what they need, although producers will not finally know how much water they will have until it is far too late to plan their operations.
This federal policy comes on the heels of the federal government’s 2021 approach, when the government afforded zero water through Project facilities for irrigation for the first time in the 118-year history of the Project. The announced 2022 supply is the second-worst ever.
In today’s announcement of a 2022 Klamath Project Operations Plan, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation directed that water that could be used for irrigation or wildlife benefits will instead be used to artificially augment flows 40 miles downstream in the Klamath River, and to maintain specified elevations of water in Upper Klamath Lake.
In each case, the water will be dedicated to fish species based on regulatory commands of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). NMFS has authority related to coho salmon, considered a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and USFWS has authority related to Lost River suckers and shortnose suckers, both of which are listed as endangered under the ESA.
The federal agencies’ experiment of increasing water allocation to these ESA-listed species has been tried for 25 years in the Klamath Basin, yet there is no evidence this policy has benefitted the target fish populations.
“If we farmers failed as badly as the federal agency biologists who are controlling water policy, our bankers would have foreclosed on us 20 years ago,” said Mr. DuVal. “The regulators’ performance is unacceptable and should be embarrassing to federal decision-makers.”
KWUA Executive Director Paul Simmons said that NMFS’s requirements are egregious and out of balance. “Between now and the end of irrigation season, there will be about 210,000 acre-feet of inflow to Upper Klamath Lake,” he said. “But NMFS is telling Reclamation to release over 400,000 acre-feet of water down the Klamath River.”
To furnish that much water requires artificial supplementation of natural flow by releasing water that was stored behind a dam at the outlet of Upper Klamath Lake during the non-irrigation season.
KWUA leaders insist that NMFS’s regulatory demands are neither fair nor effective.
“It’s the world’s worst-kept secret that NMFS is using Klamath Project water to try to mitigate problems not caused by the Klamath Project,” said Mr. Simmons. “And when that doesn’t work, they just do it again, and then again.”
Although food producers in the Klamath Project are hamstrung, by regulatory demands, they share the concern that Pacific salmon stocks are struggling. “That’s bad for fishing communities and it’s bad for all of us,” said Mr. DuVal. A combination of many factors has affected fish populations, including a history of overfishing, sea lion predation, and ocean conditions. “I understand that it’s hard to regulate ocean conditions,” said Mr. DuVal. “But harming my family and destroying my community doesn’t fix ocean conditions and it doesn’t save fish.”
Project water shortage will also be exacerbated by USFWS’s stringent requirements for Reclamation to withhold water from the Project to maintain specified depths of water in Upper Klamath Lake. There is no evidence that regulation of irrigation supplies has yielded any benefit to sucker populations in Upper Klamath Lake.
Federal water policies’ negative impacts on food production comes at a time of global food security concerns, soaring prices at the grocery store, and fears of empty shelves. Klamath Basin farmers and ranchers are bracing for dust storms and resulting poor air quality and other local environmental impacts that predictably arise when once-reliable surface water supplies are directed elsewhere by federal agencies.
In addition, in 2022, for the first time ever, two federal national wildlife refuges will go dry because water will be redirected to a few ESA-listed species. Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge both depend on water diverted and delivered by irrigation districts. Those critically important features of the Pacific Flyway for waterfowl are disabled.
“Under the current application of the ESA in the Klamath there are no winners,” former KWUA President Tricia Hill said in testimony before a congressional committee last month. “Only losers. And I cannot convey how heartbreaking it is to watch our basin—from its people to its environment to its wildlife—crumble around me.”
Reclamation also announced today that there will be $20 million available to help mitigate economic damage to farms that do not use irrigation water this year. While KWUA expressed its gratitude to its congressional delegation and the Commissioner of Reclamation for that funding, local irrigators lament that dollars cannot replace the loss of food production, jobs, and community stability directly caused by unbalanced federal water management policies.
Klamath Irrigation District President and KWUA board member Ty Kliewer said that his family and his neighbors cannot live through a repeat of last year. “Government mismanagement is causing this situation, period. Many of my fellow producers liquidated entirely last year, and I don’t know who will make it through this year. If the government doesn’t restore balance to water policy immediately, it will have wiped out this community of food producers, for nothing.”
Posted on April 16th, 2022
The Quigley represents an merging mayfly that is stressed in an unusual manner to make the rear of the fly hang down in the water and the thorax and wing out of the water. Apply saliva to the body tail, then floatant to the wing and hackle. During a hatch fish tend to be more eager to take an emerger than a dun because they are not ready to fly off.
HOOK: TMC 100, sizes 14 16 18.
THREAD: Gray 8/0 or 12/0(preferred).
TAIL and BODY: Gray marabou (fluffy)
THORAX: Dark Olive Debbie.
WING: Deer hair with narrow fibers
HACKLE: Grizzly
Posted on March 25th, 2022
