In case you missed the September meeting, I want to revisit one of the important annual SCFF traditions: donations to support conservation organizations. Two of these organizations, CalTrout and the Coastal Watershed Council, received donations. I wanted to share with you thank you letters from them. Through your membership and participation in our fundraising activities, our club is able to support CalTrout, Coastal Watershed Council and other conservation organizations that help repair, enhance and preserve our fisheries. Thank you!
From theCalTrout website:
“At California Trout, we work to ensure healthy waters and resilient wild fish for a better California. It’s our belief that abundant wild fish indicate healthy waters and that healthy waters benefit all Californians. With more than sixty large-scale conservation projects underway, in tandem with public policy efforts in Sacramento, our six regional offices work tirelessly to advance our cause through a three-pillared approach to conservation.”
Letter from CalTrout:
Dear Bob,
Thank you so much for your gift of $500.00 received on 09/08/2022. Our vision of a California with healthy waters flowing from headwater to sea, where the diversity and resilience of our waters and fish match that of the people throughout our state, is achievable.
We are working harder than ever! Your contribution directly supports:
Removal of Rindge Dam and upstream barriers to restore Malibu Creek watershed which includes critical habitat for endangered Southern steelhead.
Working to establish baseline science on the Klamath River to capture variability and response in the post-dam removal era.
Recreating a healthy ecosystem in Humboldt Bay by restoring Cochran Creek estuary, which has been cut off from the ocean and no longer provides quality habitat to native fish and other wildlife.
Tracking coho and more in Walker Creek while monitoring water quality and temperature to better understand conditions for endangered salmon and threatened steelhead.
Expanding our presence in two new regions critical to habitat recovery and statewide impact: Battle Creek and Sacramento.
Building our Outreach and Education Program to effectively foster the next generation of conservationists, one that mirrors the diversity of our state.
Together, we will leave California a better place for future generations.
Yours in resilience,
“The Coastal Watershed Council is transforming the lower San Lorenzo River into a community destination by inspiring people to explore, enhance and protect this critical natural resource.”
Letter from the Coastal Watershed Council:
Dear Bob and members of the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club,
Thank you for being among the growing group of people committed to transforming the lower San Lorenzo River into a place where all Santa Cruzans can connect to nature in their daily lives.
Your donation of $250, received on August 31, 2022, matters so much. Together, we’re enhancing native habitat, improving water quality, and engaging thousands of youth through environmental education and leadership development. With your gift to the Coastal Watershed Council, we’re increasing positive activity along the river and the Santa Cruz Riverwalk, an urban park that lines its banks.
l’d welcome an opportunity to walk along the Riverwalk, meet for a chat, or schedule a call to learn more about why you care about the watershed. Let’s talk!
Every day, l’m inspired by our vision of a thriving urban riverfront and the support of people like you. Thank you.
End of Summer Raffle! This month we have three great prizes. Winners get the choice of a 4-piece 9-foot rod & reel set (5 WT, 6WT, or & WT), hand-tied striper flies by Lee Haskin (Perfect for the Forebay), or a set of Motorola Walkie-Talkie units with batteries included!
The ticket sales are open and close at noon 10/5 the day of the meeting.
Tickets are a dollar each, $20 bucks get you 25. The drawing of tickets will take place at the monthly meeting. Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.
Palm Beach Surf Fishout With The Delta Fly Fishers
Aug 01
Alaska Kenai Peninsula Fly Fishing
Sep 08 - Sep 15
Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 19-Oct. 3rd 2026
Sep 19 - Oct 03
Trout
John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515
Lower Sacramento River Group Float – Hosted by the Delta Fly Fishers
Oct 10
O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 15-18th
Oct 15 - Oct 18
Trinity River Fishout
Nov 13 - Nov 15
Jun 20 : Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 20th – 27th 2026
Rocky Point Campground (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Jeff (Yog) Goyert - Fishmaster (831)234-0033
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”.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this Fishout has been canceled. Please stay tuned as there is a chance for rescheduling.
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).
BaumLake: 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
Burney Sporting Goods – 37427 CA-299, Burney, CA 96013
Jul 11 : Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Location: Beer Can Beach (AKA Summer Beach) – Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos
Fish Master: Sam Bishop / sambishop@totlcom.com / 831-274-4024
Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass
Min./Max Participants: No Limit
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 time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama / scottkitayama@gmail.com
Location: Palm Beach
Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers
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 time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Single, double & triple fly rigs
Clousers to sand crabs
Directions: Take W. Beach St. in Watsonville towards Pajaro Dunes. Park at the end of W. Beach St. on the right side of the road outside of the entrance to Pajaro Dunes.
Note: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this Fishout. Join us and meet some new people and trade some notes.
Tides for Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay August 1, 2026.
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Sa 1 Low 6:52 AM 0.0 6:14 AM Set 9:14 AM 95
1 High 1:35 PM 4.3 8:15 PM Rise 9:56 PM
1 Low 6:49 PM 2.3
September 8–15, 2026 (Additional week: September 1–8, 2026, if enough anglers)
Each week will be made up of 8 anglers, with Rick and Jesse serving as hosts. This document provides an outline of the fall Alaska fly fishing trip. All projected dates and plans are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Trip Structure & Expectations
For the first three days, anglers will be split into three groups:
Three anglers fishing with Jesse from a drift boat
Two anglers fishing with Rick from a drift boat
One group driving to a wade-fishing location
On the fourth day, the three groups will consolidate into two groups.
Groups will rotate daily to ensure all anglers have time fishing from the boats.
Wade fishing will take place every day, and anglers must be comfortable with wading and light hiking.
Recommended Equipment
4-5 wt. Rods (Switch / Spey / Single Hand)
Full Sink
Floating
Sink Tips
Wade Fishing Locations
Russian River – Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden
Anchor River – Steelhead
Deep Creek – Steelhead
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Travel Day
Arrive in Anchorage. Groups will pick up Turo rental vehicles and drive to a rental cabin near Sterling (between Soldotna and Cooper Landing). Groceries and supplies will be purchased in town.
Day 2
Drift boat fishing on the Upper Kenai River with Rick and Jesse (weather permitting, possibly through the canyon). The third group will wade fish the Russian River.
Day 3
Drift boat float from Skilak Lake outlet to Bing’s Landing on the Middle Kenai for Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden, with potential Coho opportunities. The wade-fishing group will travel south to the Anchor River for Steelhead.
Day 4
Rick and Jesse’s groups will either fish the Upper Kenai again for Rainbow Trout or float the Kasilof River from Tustumena Lake to the bridge for Steelhead and Silver Salmon.
Day 5
Groups consolidate into two groups of five anglers. Fishing will take place on the Anchor River and Deep Creek for Steelhead. If weather conditions prevent fishing, the group will fish the Russian River.
Day 6
Both groups fish the Upper Kenai and Russian River together. Optional hike to the Upper Russian River to view salmon jumping the falls.
Day 7
Optional saltwater fishing charter for one group while the other group fishes for Steelhead or Trout.
Day 8 – Departure
Drive back to Anchorage, return Turo rentals in daily parking, and depart Alaska.
Trip Cost
$700 Deposit per person (Non Refundable)
$1,400 per person (Total) — Includes:
Rental vehicles
Drift boat rentals and shuttles
U-Haul rental for towing one drift boat
Lodging
Fishing beads
Does Not Include:
Airfare
Fishing licenses
Rods and fishing equipment
Food
Estimated Additional Costs
Round-trip airfare (Alaska Airlines): approximately $612
Alaska fishing license: approximately $45
Estimated food and dining: approximately $300
Estimated total trip cost: approximately $2,500 (Not including optional saltwater charter)
Meals
The group will dine out in town for three dinners. The remaining four dinners will be prepared at the cabin, with two anglers paired each night to cook. Breakfast and lunch planning will be finalized once all anglers are confirmed.
Cancellation Policy
If an angler decides not to attend, they are responsible for selling their spot to another angler or forfeiting their portion of the rental costs (deposits & payments are non refundable).
Jesse & Rick will be hosting a table at the January SCFF meeting. At that time will take $700.00 deposits on the trip.
Sep 19 : Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 19-Oct. 3rd 2026
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515
General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes (Max limit 8 per week). The condo complex has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.
Cost: Shared single: $500/wk, $1000/2 wks.
Sign Ups: We will begin taking Mammoth reservations and money starting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, March 4th (at the March Meeting). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check Payable to: Scott Kitayama. Mail: 36 Pima St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Group is limited to 8 in the condo per week. COST: $500/person . Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Payment of $500 is required to secure your spot. we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.
Fishmasters:Scott Kitayama: scottkitayama@gmail.com , mobile: 650 279 5871 and Randy Saar: randy_saar@yahoo.com, mobile: 650 269 6138
Dates: This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 19- Sept 26. Week 2: Sept 26 – Oct 3.
Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.
Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards. Each person will be responsible for a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare. You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.
Oct 10 : Lower Sacramento River Group Float – Hosted by the Delta Fly Fishers
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Greetings,
The Delta Fly Fishers have offered the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club the opportunity to join them on their annual guided float trip on the Lower Sacramento River.
See the information below from the Fishmaster Robert Fujimura.
Lower Sacramento River Group Float Outing with Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club– Saturday October 10, 2026
Delta Fly Fishers are happy again to invite your club to join this annual Delta Fly Fishers outing with host Scott Sugimoto of On the Riffle Guide Service and his guides and support staff for another awesome day on this famous tailwater fishery for resident rainbow trout. Scott and his team have successfully hosted our club annually for several years during the prime fly fishing season. The Lower Sacramento River fishing has been a reliable and renowned trophy trout fishery of the West. Suitable for novice fly fishers but still fun and challenging for the more experienced ones.
Participants will have a full day of guided indicator nymph fishing from a drift boat with an experienced guide per two anglers. Fishing gear, flies, shuttle service, and all you can eat group BBQ lunch are provided. The guide fee of $300 per person (double occupancy per boat) does not include tip.
Please contact Bob Fujimura to register and pay your guide fee before August 30 or earlier (email [deltaflyfishers@gmail.com] . Early registration will help ensure that we reserve our guides in advance – so don’t delay in registering if you are interested in this annual crowd pleaser. Registration requires prepayment of guide fees and submission of a DFF liability waiver form. All guide fees are non-refundable in the case of you cancel your trip – however, you can sell your spot to another club member.
Our annual outing is a fun event for our club members with a long history of repeated participation by its attendees. Registered participants will be provided with additional detailed information (via email) on pre-event fishing conditions, recommended fishing equipment or gear for optional use during or outside of the guided day, local group dining or lodging options, and other trip activities. On request, non-DFF club registrants can be provided with a Zoom orientation session prior to the event. Scott also welcomes inquiries about the guided itinerary and technical questions about this event (email: scott@ontheriffle.com or phone: (530) 276-1612).
Oct 15 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 15-18th
These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.
Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.
The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.
Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly
Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.
Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga and golden mussels)
There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.
Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.
This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!
Nov 13 : Trinity River Fishout
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
NOTE: Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip. After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?). You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.
The fishery:
Basically, this is a Steelhead Trip. There are some resident trout, including some really nice brown trout. I walk wade or float my raft, depending on the river conditions. I personally use a Spey rod to swing flies. Many people use indicators. There are a lot of walk in spots to explore. The river can be floated with rafts or driftboats. There is a shuttle service available.
Tackle:
Single hand rods, 7-8 wt rods, using floating lines with indicator set up. Typical flies used are Egg patterns, Copper John’s, Stonefly imitations like Rubberlegs, Dark Perdigons. Sizes ranging from Size 8-14.
Spey or Switch rods, usually 5-6 wt in the Fall, I use a 7 wt in the winter. Skagit or Scandi heads, with floating to heavy sink tips, depending on the river conditions and season. Flies that work well include leeches, intruders, HoBo Spey, Traditionals, as well as dry fly patterns ( Skaters) in the early Fall.
The River:
The Trinity River is located aprox 1 hr west of Redding on Hwy 299. Its a beautiful tailwater fishery, with flows controlled from the Lewiston Dam. This is where the hatchery can be found. It has many different faces, including some big water as it runs west. It meets up with the Klamath River on its journey to the ocean. It has an excellent run of both wild and hatchery fish, ranging from 5-7 #, with some larger fish in the +10-12 # range. There are fish in the system year round, but typically a push of fish starts in late September and peaks in late November, with a second run usually in late December- March. The fishing remained really good thru the end of March last season. It is very flow dependant and can run quite low in the Fall, with occasional bumps in flows when there is precipitation. It can blow out on occasion, but clears pretty fast.
Amenities:
Weaverville is the closest town, where there are good restaurants, motels and a really nice Holiday Market. It’s kinda the hub. There is an RV park in Weaverville, but no campsites.
Camping is available in Douglas City area as well as Junction City and further west on 299. The town of Douglas city doesn’t have much, other than a small mini mart. Indian Creek Lodge is a few miles east of Douglas City. The town of Lewiston is just below the Lewiston dam. It offers some camping and motels. There is a really nice motel west of Junction City (I believe it is called Steelhead Lodge?). It’s an excellent place to stay if one wishes to fish below Junction City.
by Getting Through the Storm, Planning the Future!
Well at this writing, Mona and I are in Florida helping Emily batten down the hatches for Hurricane Ian which is set to bring heavy rains and winds to her community near Ocala. It is practically a divine appointment, because this trip was a last-minute plan, no hurricane in the picture, just some time to get out to help our daughter with her place and visit. Getting out may be equally as interesting since we’re supposed to leave right as it grazes Gainesville with heavy rain.
Planning. How many times have we planned something and then it doesn’t happen, or something changes our plans – like COVID?! Well, that’s what happened to our Annual Dinner / Fundraiser many of us have cherished and looked forward to for decades. That event is so much fun, most of us who plan, volunteer, and participate, know it is a full day of fun together – and the very next best thing to fishing together. All the prep beforehand, coffee and donuts in the morning – just like fishing together. Covid really put a damper on this for the last couple of years, which seems like centuries – BUT – no more. Hang on to your britches family – we are going to have the Annual Fundraiser again – on February 18th. Mark your calendars. More to follow, but plan for an event that starts early in the day, is full food, fun, the installation and acknowledgement of our members, board members and other fun stuff, AND the raffle!! This has normally been our largest fundraising event for our facility, conservation funds, events, and our scholarship fund. So stay tuned for more.
The fly-tying classes are back in full swing at the Grange, the second Wednesday of the month. If you are interested in taking some wintertime to tie up some bugs – get to the basics and other good foundational techniques and tools to use for your own fly-tying. I love tying flies on those shorter winter rainy days and evenings. If you haven’t ever taken a class – great! Reach out to Elaine Cook and you’re in. We all started with ugly bugs that still caught fish!
We will have another casting class at Jade Street Park last Saturday in October, so please stay tuned. We can work on single hand Spey techniques which are excellent for some of our local Steelhead waters when that time comes this fall and winter. And for those of you wanting to work on anything else – we’re game – bring it!!
Fish-outs for the 2023 year are already getting on the calendar. Check it out. Make a plan ahead of time. If you want to join us at Kennedy Meadows on Sonora Pass next year and you want to stay in a cabin – even a small one – get on the list with them now. Most cabins book nearly a year in advance. It’s a beautiful place to be in the summer.
I am super grateful for our board – your board, and all they have done to help you make the very best of your own fly-fishing dreams. We are continuing to develop our “hybrid-meetings” and kudos needs to go out to Scott Kitayama and Tommy Polito for continuing to improve this experience, despite some of the pitfalls. We are still working on getting speakers to physically come to the meetings, but some of them are just so good we will likely continue to have some of our speakers via zoom.
Thanks, Jeff Goyert, for making the best raffle in all the Northern California clubs. The prizes are awesome and the opportunity for every member to participate is the best thing we can offer the membership. Don’t forget – those raffle dollars go directly into the clubs scholarship and conservation funding, amongst other club necessities.
I’ve read a couple of good books lately. Of course, they revolve around that which makes our fly-fishing enjoyable. Both books are eye openers. One more scientific; the other more passionate, deep, compelling, mysterious. Both a very good read. First one, “Salmon Without Rivers”, by Jim Lichatowich. An easy-to-read scientific write about the history of salmon and steelhead and her delicate and vital habitat. Thank you, Carly Blanchard, for allowing me this good read. If you don’t know what we did to the rivers, habitat and other species just barely 150 years ago – you need to read this. Another good one is “My Story as Told by Water”, David James Duncan. A series of chapters around all forms of trout, steelhead, salmon, some deep passionate and activist revelations, some significant successes, and some interesting takes on Salmon from the perspective of how they were perceived long before we turned them into an industry. Thank you Jeff Goyert for this one. I highly recommend both books. Would love to hear what you guys read as I’m needing a new one. I suppose if you write to me with a suggestion, it means you read this President’s message!
Thank you to everyone who has been active in the club. I love seeing all the enthusiasm, new ideas, new members. I love getting to know you even if I only see you once or twice a month. For me, the club is a respite from the storm I look forward to so often. And as we are getting back to the Grange in person, it sure is fun seeing you now more often or even the very first time.
Spread the word – the plan is it keeps getting better and better because of you. See you soon.
Oct 05 6:30 PM Aptos Grange (in-person) and Zoom (online)
Claire is the new Senior Project Manager for the Bay Area Region of California Trout. She came on board to help add capacity specifically in the South Bay as well as Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. She comes to Caltrout with a broad range of fisheries experience, from agency work to ecological consulting, and has a passion for fishing and the outdoors. Her expertise is California native trout. She has had the privilege to be involved with the management and conservation of all eleven of California’s native trout…has caught a few of them too.
If you plan to dry fly fish for trout anywhere in the world it’s a good idea to have a few of these flies in your box. A lot of club members fish the Green River in Utah and if you go there in the spring, this is a must have fly. To protect people from Covid during our class, if you are not vaccinated and boosted wear a mask. Otherwise wearing a mask is recommended for all. Please bring your vice tools and light. Also 6/0 black thread. Some tools, vices and thread will be available for beginners who are always welcome. The class is free and all other materials are provided.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
HOOK: Mustad 34007 size 1/0 or 2/0
THREAD: white flat waxed nylon
EYES: barbell eyes-white with black pupil
BELLY: 1.Doug’s Bugs Motion Flash-pearl (similar to Krystal Flash or Mega Baitfish Emulator. These are thicker strands. So use fewer.)
2. Gold craft fur.
3. White or cream craft fur.
BACK: Zap-A-Gap or similar glue.
Crimp barb.
Attached thread behind eye. With touching wraps, cover front 1/2 of shank. Position thread 1/2 way between hook eye and point.
Attach eyes to top of shank with figure 8 wraps and wraps around base of barbells. Apply glue to thread wraps. Advanced thread to in front of eyes.
Using about 15 strands of flash, cut in half, bundle. NOTE: If using other materials, they at thicker strands, so use less. Also when fibers bundled they should be 5 inches long. Place center of bundle in front of eyes, tie in place with two wraps. Fold forward strands rearward and tie in place with 2 wraps behind eyes.
Advance thread to in front of eyes. Cut patch, about 1/2 inch by 3/4 inch, of gold craft fur and clean out fuzz. Tie in butt ends snuggly up against eyes. Then wrap down with two wraps behind eyes.
Advanced thread to in front of eyes. Cut and prepare patch of white craft fur, about 3/4 inch by 3/4 inch, as above. Tie in as above.
Advance thread to in front of eyes. Tie a half hitch. Reposition hook upside down vise.
Prepare olive craft for, 1/2 inch by three-quarter inch, as above. Tie in only in front of eyes. Wrap down but ends forming a tapered nose.
Whip finish, cut thread, apply glue to nose and fibers between eyes.
Trim extra long fibers to shape fly. Overall length of fly should be about 3 inches.
Having clousers to fish for stripers is essential. Here’s one to try next time you go for these powerful fish.
