May 22 : Pit River Camp Fishout

Pit River Below Lake Brittan Dam

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.

Jun 06 : Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout – June 2026 – UPDATED April 16

Fishmaster: Frank Gombos (Salinas Fly Club)

Update April 15 –

Due to low response, we have canceled the SCFF only fishout and will join the Salinas club on June Currently Jeff Goyert, Michael Sherwood and Scott Kitayama are going from the Santa Cruz club. If interesteed contact Frank @ 831 970 9623.

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.

Jun 06 : Beer Can Beach Surf Fishing & Breakfast

Location: Beer Can Beach (AKA Summer Beach) – Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos

Date: June 6th 2026

Fish Master: Peter Soderstrom / petertsoderstrom@gmail.com

 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass

 Min./Max Participants: Breakfast RSVP Required 5:00pm June 3rd. 

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, purchase can be made at our next general meeting or, there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online.

Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc.

Steve Adachi Clouser

What to Expect: 

Meet at 5:20AM

Sunrise is at 5:48 and we are fishing a falling tide

Meet at the staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos.

Breakfast at Mike Lovejoy’s house, 115 Driftwood Ct, Aptos.  Park on the street.  Hot water available for hand wash.  Hose available for rinsing equipment.

Coffee at 8:00am and breakfast served 8:30-9:30.

RSVP For Breakfast – 5:00pm June 3rd.

Mike Lovejoy – mikelovejoy94@gmail.com

https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9413745&units=standard&bdate=20260606&edate=20260606&timezone=LST/LDT&clock=12hour&datum=MLLW&interval=hilo&action=dailychart

Cost: Maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time

Meeting Location: Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos

Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/

Jun 19 : Yuba River Private Water – UC Davis Property

Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club (SCFFC)Lower Yuba Private Water Camp & Fishout
June 19th-21st 2026
(Date subject to change due to weather and flows)

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

Jun 20 : Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 20th – 27th 2026

Jul 10 : CANCELED – Burney & Around

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this Fishout has been canceled. Please stay tuned as there is a chance for rescheduling.

Aug 01 : Palm Beach Surf Fishout

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.

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

Zen

Sep 08 : Alaska Kenai Peninsula Fly Fishing

Alaska Kenai Peninsula Fly Fishing Trip

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).

Host Contact Information

Jesse Collins
C: 831-227-9987 <jesse@jcollinsproperties.com>

Rick Chace
C: 831-234-9200 <rchace@got.net>

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

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 15 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 15-18th

Event: O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout

Date: October 15th – 18th

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   troutdock89@gmail.com

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)

Fins, sunscreen, polarized glasses, life vest

Links: 

Fly Fishing O’Neill Forebay for Stripers

https://mengsyn.com/ A fly-fishing addict who fishes San Luis Reservoir and the Forebay.

http://www.danblanton.com/ Long time local fishing guide.

Forebay Water level:

https://cdec.water.ca.gov/dynamicapp/QueryDaily?s=Onf

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!