Spring is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about a fly to entice those largemouth bass. . It’s not too early to sign up for this class that we do annually. There is limited space so being committed to attending is very important. All materials will be provided. Beginners should attend at least one fly tying class prior in order to be able to complete the poppers. In general it takes no particular skill to make these beauties and it’s very artsy crafty. Please call if you have any questions. 831-234-6515.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
We are not going to have an “official meeting” in February since we have just had the Annual Fundraiser the Saturday before. However, we have already rented the Aptos Grange for Feb 4th and so we are going to use for New Member Orientation and hopefully the start of a new members group called Crew26.
New Member Orientation: This is open to anyone, but is primarily meant for people who have joined in the last year. Opportunity to meet other new members, talk about your fishing goals and learn how to get the most out of the club.
This fly represents a number of aquatic insects as they are emerging in the stream lake or pond. They are often used as if they are moving in the water. The fly will be simple to tie. Beginners, you are always welcome and equipment is provided for you. As always all the materials are provided and if you have black 8/0 thread please bring it. Sign ups are important so that we have enough material for everybody that attends. Therefore sign up at the club meeting or call me at 831-234-6515 with at least 24 hours notice.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
Spring is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about a fly to entice those largemouth bass. . It’s not too early to sign up for this class that we do annually. There is limited space so being committed to attending is very important. All materials will be provided. Beginners should attend at least one fly tying class prior in order to be able to complete the poppers. In general it takes no particular skill to make these beauties and it’s very artsy crafty. Please call if you have any questions. 831-234-6515.
Spring is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about a fly to entice those largemouth bass. . It’s not too early to sign up for this class that we do annually. There is limited space so being committed to attending is very important. All materials will be provided. Beginners should attend at least one fly tying class prior in order to be able to complete the poppers. In general it takes no particular skill to make these beauties and it’s very artsy crafty. Please call if you have any questions. 831-234-6515.
The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will have booth A4 at the Pleasanton Fly Show. Club members will be staffing the booth. Discounted show tickets are available for current Santa Cruz Fly Fishing members.
Pleasanton Fly Show Ticket - 2026
The SCFF is selling discounted tickets to current members of the club for $13.00. This is a 35% discount from the on-site price.
The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will have booth A4 at the Pleasanton Fly Show. Club members will be staffing the booth. Discounted show tickets are available for current Santa Cruz Fly Fishing members.
This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.
This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.
Trailers are Full - 12/01 Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. This one is similar to trips we've done in the past except on a smaller scale. I have reserved 2 trailers and can accommodate 10 people. The dates are March 15th through the 21st. The weather can be very unpredictable in March, but we have had good times in the past fishing this time of [...]
Call-in is Sunday, March 8 at 7:00 pm and not earlier.
This is our club’s 24th annual bass fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch. April 17-19, 2026 (Fri-Sun), Fishmaster: Cecilia Stipes (831) 566-7707 flyfishgal3@aol.com
2026 Green River Fishout is now open! We are doing a maximum of 12 people. Contact Fishmaster Scott Andersen for more information; Cell: 831-247-2993. Email: scott.a.andersen@gmail.com
We are going to do a local fishout with some of our partner organizations, Sisters on the Fly and the Monterey Chapter of Project Healing Waters. The intent is to provide a place close to home where members new to fly fishing have an opportunity cast for fish, get comfortable using a float tube, camp, and participate in the fellowship of a fishout. Will arrange to have shared meals, rigging clinic, and casting clinics. Fishmasters: SCFF: Scott Kitayama & Randy Saar Sisters on the Fly: PJ MyattProject Healing Waters: Dave Kite Location: Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County [...]
Fishmaster: Mike White Update 12/01 - Duet to low response, the Fishout reservations need to be made by Dec. 15th if we do not fill our 13 spots the Fishout will be opened to other clubs to join. Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members, I have reserved June 4th and 5th for 2026 with Rob Anderson. He can take a max of 14 people. I am going to put together the details of the trip, and provide all the necessary information once you commit to the trip. Each person is responsible for their own lodging. The cost for [...]
This Fishout’s final date is still TBD and subject to river flows as we get closer to spring.
The upper Sac. has excellent access via. Hwy 5 and by walking the railway tracks. Euro/High Stick/Indicator Nymphing is the go to.
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!
Fly fishing guide Michael Bert (Trout Creek Flies / Green River Outfitters) will be talking about his experience fly fishing on the Green River, Utah. Zoom Recording Link
Our Speaker for this month’s January meeting will be Michael Bert, Fly-Fishing Guide (Trout Creek Flies / Green River Outfitters). He will be speaking on his experience fly fishing, and guiding on, the Green River in Utah.
Michael Bert grew up fishing in Missouri and Arkansas on the spring fed creeks, rivers, and tailwaters of the Ozarks. Former bait and meat fisherman. Spent 7 seasons fly fishing in Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas of the Beartooth-Absaroka Mountain Range Northeast of Yellowstone National Park. 1992-1994 & 2017-2021. First fly fished on Utah’s Green River in 1993 and have fished and/or guided on the Green river annually ever since. Works as a fly fishing guide for Trout Creek Flies / Green River Outfitters in Dutch John, Utah. Occasionally works for other outfitters on Utah’s Green River.
Favorite Fly Fishing Authors include Robert Traver “Trout Madness” and Harry Middleton “The Earth us Enough: Growing Up in a World of Trout and Old Men”
Presently splits time between the Green River April 1st through October (ish) on the Green River and Missouri November through March. Will guide in Missouri or Arkansas upon request.
Primarily drift boat trips on big water and walk/wade for creeks and smaller rivers.
Certified Guide through the United States Forest Service and G.R.O.G.A. “Green River Outfitters and Guides Association”.
This fly is a favorite of Yvon Choinard (Patagonia) an avid fly fisher in both salt and freshwater. The Pheasant Tail Bonefish fly works well in thin as well as higher saltwater flats, we recommend tying the fly with a variety of weight eyes from beadchain to heavier barbell eyes. This fly is also effective for catching fish in the surf locally.
The techniques we will use to tie are intermediate level, and beginners are welcome to attend and learn the more advanced skills. As usual classes are free and materials are provided. Bring flo orange or white flat waxed nylon or similar material. There are vises and tools for beginners to use.
Please sign up at the club meeting or call/text Larry at 831 325 4589, with at least 24 hours notice which means notify me no later than Tuesday January 13th by noon.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
This fly represents a number of aquatic insects as they are emerging in the stream lake or pond. They are often used as if they are moving in the water. The fly will be simple to tie. Beginners, you are always welcome and equipment is provided for you. As always all the materials are provided and if you have black 8/0 thread please bring it. Sign ups are important so that we have enough material for everybody that attends. Therefore sign up at the club meeting or call me at 831-234-6515 with at least 24 hours notice.
Spring is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about a fly to entice those largemouth bass. . It’s not too early to sign up for this class that we do annually. There is limited space so being committed to attending is very important. All materials will be provided. Beginners should attend at least one fly tying class prior in order to be able to complete the poppers. In general it takes no particular skill to make these beauties and it’s very artsy crafty. Please call if you have any questions. 831-234-6515.
Spring is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about a fly to entice those largemouth bass. . It’s not too early to sign up for this class that we do annually. There is limited space so being committed to attending is very important. All materials will be provided. Beginners should attend at least one fly tying class prior in order to be able to complete the poppers. In general it takes no particular skill to make these beauties and it’s very artsy crafty. Please call if you have any questions. 831-234-6515.
This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.
Wild Alaska Salmon will highlight the dinner and we will have many prizes available for door prizes and silent auction. A wild salmon dinner for at $50/person and expect it will sell out early. Click on the article to see who has purchased tickets to the event.
The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will have booth A4 at the Pleasanton Fly Show. Club members will be staffing the booth. Discounted show tickets are available for current Santa Cruz Fly Fishing members.
This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.
This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.
Trailers are Full - 12/01 Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. This one is similar to trips we've done in the past except on a smaller scale. I have reserved 2 trailers and can accommodate 10 people. The dates are March 15th through the 21st. The weather can be very unpredictable in March, but we have had good times in the past fishing this time of [...]
Call-in is Sunday, March 8 at 7:00 pm and not earlier.
This is our club’s 24th annual bass fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch. April 17-19, 2026 (Fri-Sun), Fishmaster: Cecilia Stipes (831) 566-7707 flyfishgal3@aol.com
2026 Green River Fishout is now open! We are doing a maximum of 12 people. Contact Fishmaster Scott Andersen for more information; Cell: 831-247-2993. Email: scott.a.andersen@gmail.com
We are going to do a local fishout with some of our partner organizations, Sisters on the Fly and the Monterey Chapter of Project Healing Waters. The intent is to provide a place close to home where members new to fly fishing have an opportunity cast for fish, get comfortable using a float tube, camp, and participate in the fellowship of a fishout. Will arrange to have shared meals, rigging clinic, and casting clinics. Fishmasters: SCFF: Scott Kitayama & Randy Saar Sisters on the Fly: PJ MyattProject Healing Waters: Dave Kite Location: Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County [...]
Fishmaster: Mike White Update 12/01 - Duet to low response, the Fishout reservations need to be made by Dec. 15th if we do not fill our 13 spots the Fishout will be opened to other clubs to join. Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members, I have reserved June 4th and 5th for 2026 with Rob Anderson. He can take a max of 14 people. I am going to put together the details of the trip, and provide all the necessary information once you commit to the trip. Each person is responsible for their own lodging. The cost for [...]
Trailers are Full - 12/01 Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. This one is similar to trips we've done in the past except on a smaller scale. I have reserved 2 trailers and can accommodate 10 people. The dates are March 15th through the 21st. The weather can be very unpredictable in March, but we have had good times in the past fishing this time of [...]
Call-in is Sunday, March 8 at 7:00 pm and not earlier.
This is our club’s 24th annual bass fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch. April 17-19, 2026 (Fri-Sun), Fishmaster: Cecilia Stipes (831) 566-7707 flyfishgal3@aol.com
2026 Green River Fishout is now open! We are doing a maximum of 12 people. Contact Fishmaster Scott Andersen for more information; Cell: 831-247-2993. Email: scott.a.andersen@gmail.com
We are going to do a local fishout with some of our partner organizations, Sisters on the Fly and the Monterey Chapter of Project Healing Waters. The intent is to provide a place close to home where members new to fly fishing have an opportunity cast for fish, get comfortable using a float tube, camp, and participate in the fellowship of a fishout. Will arrange to have shared meals, rigging clinic, and casting clinics. Fishmasters: SCFF: Scott Kitayama & Randy Saar Sisters on the Fly: PJ MyattProject Healing Waters: Dave Kite Location: Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County [...]
Fishmaster: Mike White Update 12/01 - Duet to low response, the Fishout reservations need to be made by Dec. 15th if we do not fill our 13 spots the Fishout will be opened to other clubs to join. Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members, I have reserved June 4th and 5th for 2026 with Rob Anderson. He can take a max of 14 people. I am going to put together the details of the trip, and provide all the necessary information once you commit to the trip. Each person is responsible for their own lodging. The cost for [...]
This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.
Wild Alaska Salmon will highlight the dinner and we will have many prizes available for door prizes and silent auction. A wild salmon dinner for at $50/person and expect it will sell out early. Click on the article to see who has purchased tickets to the event.
The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will have booth A4 at the Pleasanton Fly Show. Club members will be staffing the booth. Discounted show tickets are available for current Santa Cruz Fly Fishing members.
This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.
Club member Jesse Colins is a former Alaskan Guide and will be presenting to the club on Tips and Tricks that he has discovered over time. Zoom Recording Link
After giving a great presentation on entomology, Jesse is back to provide solid basic information for enthusiasts just starting to fly fish as well as some great nuggets for the more experienced crew – definitely something for everyone. This will be a information packed presentation taking 45 min with 5 minute Q&A either during or after – he will touch on a lot of topics and concepts related to catching more trout.
Club Member Jesse Collins is a former guide who first started guiding on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula in 2007. He grew up within walking distance of the Chattahoochee River and started flyfishing when his grandfather took him to see the premier of “River Runs Through It” in 1992. For over 30 years Jesse has been tying flies and fly fishing and has fished all over America from the southeast tailwaters like the Taccoa, Chattahoochee, and South Holston Rivers, to the Great Lakes Tributaries, Pennsylvania Spring Creeks, Appalachian Freestones, Western rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, and the Beaverhead, all the way to Alaska. He is passionate about all things fly fishing and one of his favorite places in the world is Alaska where he makes it back every year.
6:30 – 7:00 pm Skills Clinic: Prior to the meeting, Jesse will display some of his favorite items that he uses to catch more trout!
Trailers are Full - 12/01 Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. This one is similar to trips we've done in the past except on a smaller scale. I have reserved 2 trailers and can accommodate 10 people. The dates are March 15th through the 21st. The weather can be very unpredictable in March, but we have had good times in the past fishing this time of [...]
Call-in is Sunday, March 8 at 7:00 pm and not earlier.
This is our club’s 24th annual bass fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch. April 17-19, 2026 (Fri-Sun), Fishmaster: Cecilia Stipes (831) 566-7707 flyfishgal3@aol.com
2026 Green River Fishout is now open! We are doing a maximum of 12 people. Contact Fishmaster Scott Andersen for more information; Cell: 831-247-2993. Email: scott.a.andersen@gmail.com
We are going to do a local fishout with some of our partner organizations, Sisters on the Fly and the Monterey Chapter of Project Healing Waters. The intent is to provide a place close to home where members new to fly fishing have an opportunity cast for fish, get comfortable using a float tube, camp, and participate in the fellowship of a fishout. Will arrange to have shared meals, rigging clinic, and casting clinics. Fishmasters: SCFF: Scott Kitayama & Randy Saar Sisters on the Fly: PJ MyattProject Healing Waters: Dave Kite Location: Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County [...]
Fishmaster: Mike White Update 12/01 - Duet to low response, the Fishout reservations need to be made by Dec. 15th if we do not fill our 13 spots the Fishout will be opened to other clubs to join. Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members, I have reserved June 4th and 5th for 2026 with Rob Anderson. He can take a max of 14 people. I am going to put together the details of the trip, and provide all the necessary information once you commit to the trip. Each person is responsible for their own lodging. The cost for [...]
This month we will have an informal casting practice session where you can work on aspects of your cast of your choice. If you want to work on accuracy, bring a target,. I’ll bring a few as well. If you are just getting started, come and pick up a few tips. Practice rods will be provided if needed. Hope to see you there.
November 22nd, 1:00-3:00 PM
Jade Street Park
4400 Jade St
Capitola, 95010
Join the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers for the annual clean up of the Salinas River fishing access. The event will be on Sunday November 23 starting at 9:00 am. Jay Jefferson is the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers representative for this event. Wear clothing for the weather of that day and if you can, bring gloves and a three prong hoe, as it’s the best tool.
Directions:
Go South on Highway 1 towards Monterey
Follow CA-1 S to Molera Rd. Take exit 414 from CA-1 S and take Nashua Rd over the highway
Take the first right on Monte Road 1.6 miles to your destination. This is a dirt parking lot on the left side of the road before the twin bridges.
This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.
Wild Alaska Salmon will highlight the dinner and we will have many prizes available for door prizes and silent auction. A wild salmon dinner for at $50/person and expect it will sell out early. Click on the article to see who has purchased tickets to the event.
Fishing the surf can be hard on flies, shredding the dressing from sharp fishy teeth and dulling hooks from dragging the sand. Building a robust, surf fly provides a thousand casts and dozens of fish to hand. I recently had the opportunity to take a fly-tying class from one of the bay area fly tying legends, Steve Adachi. He is the innovator of the Adachi Clouser and interesting variations of the same fly. The origin of the fly, Steve claims, is a culmination of original work by several historic striper fishermen and guides. Steve however, perfected the design and added his own flavored details and an additional robustness to the fly that withstands the rigors of time, tides, sand and almost everything lurking below the surface.
Steve ties his flies as he says, “tied to catch 100 fish”. He ties for some of the bay area premier striper guides, striper hunters, and fly shops up and down the California coastline. His clients demand the durability, Steve says. Although he ties different variations for himself and other users, all his flies have some commonality which has produced fabled success with both amateurs and professionals. Being an engineer, I know the devil is in the details and as Steve demonstrated in his ties, he annunciated the details for his long lasting and effective Adachi Clousers.
The key to building a robust fly as Steve demonstrates is in the layers of epoxy he applies during several steps within the tying process. Steve didn’t share the brand of the epoxy but did say the material he uses penetrates deep into the dressing and locks in the fibers and stabilizing the eyes. As I tied with Steve, it might be tempting to take shortcuts, use some UV or cyanoacrylate adhesive to bond the layers, but being patient is a virtue of fly fisher people and tyers who are unsettled with mediocrity.
The evening of tying ran long but the enthusiasm did not wane as I absorbed every fish story while the fly absorbs the thin adhesive. Tying a legendary fly with witness of a legendary tyer was a lifetime experience for me. I came away from the evening with a new appreciation and techniques to duplicate a fly I frequently use. I fish the Adachi Clouser in the Delta, San Luis, and along the Monterey and SF Bays, it works everywhere you find stripers or perch in the surf. It is a universal tie and with small tweaks can morph into almost any other baitfish found on the west coast.
The tie is demonstrated by Steve himself in the link below:
The details Steve shared with the tying group are important but are also easy to effectively replicate the with a rotary tool and a thin, slow drying epoxy. The epoxy I used to replace the process is manufactured by Flex Coat:
The material in the link is designed for coating lures and poppers. However, I called Flex Coat and they said their high build rod wrapping adhesive is the same as the lure coating. I opted to use the rod building epoxy. The adhesive is slow drying and provides a smooth luster to the fly.
Steve ties his flies with a heavy monofilament. The mono allows the colors and flash to radiate through the mono. The first adhesive is intended to bond the inner flash and the eyes. After tying the eyes and the flash onto the hook, a level amount of adhesive is applied to the body. You need to use a fly spinner to rotate the fly until the adhesive is dry to assure a level coating.
After the adhesive dries, the synthetic fiber is lashed onto the fly as descried in Steve’s instructional video, and additional adhesive is applied to the head and around the neck of the fly. I used a bodkin to apply the adhesive but any applicator can be used. The fly is returned to the spinner for the final cure.
I am not claiming to be an expert, but to the contrary, a layman who is continually learning and passing on techniques to other tyers. One note… given Steve’s high bar of catching 100 stripers on every fly, and considering my catch rate, my fly box is filled with two lifetimes of Steve’s flies.
If you don’t have the fly spinner or just don’t have the time for tying, you can purchase Steve’s hand tied flies at Lost Coast Outfitters for about 12 bucks which is a bargain considering the time it takes to tie and the material cost.
This is a variation of Cliff Watt’s Kilowatt fly that has produced some really nice steelhead for me on the San Lorenzo. I’ve swung it on a skaget line in the estuary, dead, drifted it on a tight line in the riffles, and through runs under a bobber. It also can be jigged like a spoon through a pool or frog water. As always, the classes are free and materials are provided if you have black 140 denier or 3/0 wax nylon, please bring it. The club will have thread to borrow. For you beginners there will be equipment to use as well. Sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-345-0864.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
Club Member and Fishing Guide Alex Ferber talks about the Trinity River and the opportunities to catch steelhead and trout. Zoom Recording Link
This month’s speaker will be none other than our very own Fly Casting Master, Alex Ferber! Please come listen in as he shares his thoughts and wisdom on his passion for swinging flies for Steelhead and Trout. This session will be especially pertinent for those considering this month’s Fishout on the Trinity River.
Here is a short bio from our speaker, Alex:
My name is Alex Ferber, I am a long term resident of Santa Cruz, CA and currently split my time between Santa Cruz and Northern California. I am a semi retired Physician Assistant. I have been Fly Fishing for about 25 years and have been a licensed Fly Fishing Guide for the past 8 years. While in Northern California I focus on fishing for Trout and Steelhead. I also guide and teach Surf Fishing in Santa Cruz. I teach casting classes both single and 2 handed rods, as well as Introductory Fly Fishing classes in the Santa Cruz area. The rivers I guide include Fall River, The Upper and Lower Sacramento Rivers, the McCloud and Pit Rivers, along with Hat Creek, Burney Creek and various smaller creeks and rivers in the area. During the Fall and winter I am on the Trinity River, chasing Steelhead. I offer both walk wading and float trips.
My passion is swinging flies for Steelhead and Trout. A close second is pursuing wild Rainbows on Fall River with dry flies.
I place a high priority on teaching. My goal with all my guests is to introduce folks to new techniques in order to develop new skills, to enable them to become more complete anglers. I feel it is really important to be stewards of the rivers we fish and the precious environment we visit. We need to appreciate that our resources are limited and to not place excessive stress on our fisheries. When we visit a river, we need to ensure that we leave as small an imprint as possible. I try to pass these ideas on to all the people I fish with. Fly fishing should not be just about catching fish. We need to respect the partnership we have with the fish we pursue and cherish the wonderful places we visit. We need to ensure that these amazing places continue to exist for future generations. I look forward to sharing my passion for fly fishing with you!
NOTE: Meetings will now follow this time: 6:30 pm – Hands on Learning, 7:00 pm – Club information, 7:30 pm – Main speaker(s)
Our fish-out with the Stanislaus Fly Fishing Club was scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m., floating the middle fork of the Stanislaus from Knights Ferry to Orange blossom, just outside of Oakdale CA.
Mapquest advises a 2 1/2 hour drive, so I’m up at 4:30 and on the road at 5. My canoe is strapped to the roof of my truck and all my gear was loaded the evening before.
Here is my essential list:
canoe
life jackets
throwable floating device
paddle + spare paddle
anchor + 50 feet of anchor line
sunscreen (actually forgot sunscreen, mistake!)
sunglasses
hat
4 & 7 weight fly rods with matching reels
floating, sinking, and intermediate lines for both reels
flies for trout, stripers, and bass
two quarts drinking water
4 beers and a sandwich
I made one stop for a breakfast sandwich and coffee, and arrived at 7:45. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Gus Link and his partner, Paul. (? not 100% positive on name) of the Stanislaus Fly Fishing Club. Their vessel was a two person pontoon boat with a rowing station and a casting platform. Kevin Morrison and Susan (not sure on last name) from our Santa Cruz Club rounded out our group with kayaks of their own.
The theme of our trip was a non-motorized float down the Stanislaus with the possibility of catching Trout, Stripers, Smallmouth Bass, and Carp. Gus and Paul had previously unloaded their boat & tackle, and leaving us to watch their gear, shuttled a truck down to our take-out at Horseshoe Bend. While they were gone, we unloaded our boats and gear, and rigged for trout initially. Although we had originally planned to float to Orange Blossom, low water dictated an earlier pull out.
We had agreed to pay $20 apiece for shuttle service, and a $10 parking and day use fee. However, Gus said that because there were only 3 of us to transport, he would waive the shuttle fee. And my senior State Parks pass gave me free entry and parking privileges. Woohoo, good start.
Our guides returned and we launched at 8:30-ish. The water temp was high 50s, and air temps were low 80s. In my mind, an earlier start would have been advisable. I decided (wisely) that temps were too warm to warrant waders.
In all candor, I must admit that I overestimated my canoeing skills. The trip was advertised as a gentle float, and it was…punctuated by small sets of rapids every five or ten minutes. I must have smashed into every rock in the river. Keeping two hands on my paddle and fishing at the same time was impossible. Even on the smooth runs, as soon as I put down my paddle to cast, my boat would begin to helplessly spin about, making accuracy impossible. I had either to anchor mid run or beach the boat in order to fish.
Early on, I saw caddies, stone, and mayfly hatches coming off. I saw no surface activity to indicate active feeding. My go to was a stonefly pattern, with a soft hackled P/T nymph as a dropper two feet below. We floated over lots of carp, but saw no sign of trout.
The drift itself was lovely, but til about midway between Knights Ferry and Horseshoe all I saw were carp. Lots of them. Big, averaging 16 to 20 inches. Some bigger. They were not interested in my offerings. I switched droppers frequently, to no avail. P/T nymphs, Stonefly nymphs, Zug bug, prince nymph. None appealed to our target audience.
At about the midway point, I finally saw trout. Big ones. Steelhead sized. And swimming away fast. They were very sparse, and extremely wary. They were gone before I could even get a cast off.
A short while further, I saw my first Striped Bass. It was hunkered down deep, generally hanging out with the carp. I anchored upstream, and switched to my heavier rod with a sinking line and a chartreuse and white deceiver. 15 minutes of casting without a grab. I saw many more stripers further on, none actively feeding. They were just sulking around the bottom of the deeper runs. Each time I passed two or more, I would paddle back upstream, anchor up, tie on a different streamer, and futilely cast and retrieve for ten or fifteen minutes. No love for me.
It was about 3:00 when we reached Horse Shoe Bend. Susan was already out of the water and ready to go. Kevin and I kept an eye on her gear as Gus drove her to her car. Both cars returned, Susan loaded her Kayak and bid adieu. Kevin and I loaded all our tackle in Gus’ truck, but left the boats unattended. Gus drove us back to our trucks, and we then returned back to Horseshoe to retrieve our boats.
A nice moment: A group of kayakers held off above me as I covered the water with my casts. After a few moments, I reeled in and waved for them to pass. They stopped briefly at my boat to point out an Osprey nest with juveniles, being fed by Mother or Father bird. I was so focused on fishing that I was missing the real life nature exhibition.
I also floated by a wake of buzzards fighting over scraps of some long dead critter. At times, watching them soar in the skies over my head, I wondered if they were anticipating a fatal mishap on my part.
Another nice moment: The parking area at the take-out was about 75 yards, uphill, from where we took out. As I struggled up the hill with my canoe, two young men asked if they could help, then promptly carried the boat and loaded it on my roof rack. Who says chivalry is dead?
By 4:30 I was loaded to go, and by 7:00, I arrived back in Aptos after an uneventful drive.
Would I float it again? Absolutely, but I would use my brothers pontoon boat (similar to Gus’), and shoot for a 6:30 launch. Maybe a touch earlier, when water levels are at 700 cfm, not 250 as it was for us Saturday. At 250, I had to step out of my boat once due to shallow water. 700 cfm would eliminate that requirement.
Final Score: Susan caught a trout. We were all envious. That was the only fish hooked.
This report respectfully submitted to The Santa Cruz Fly-Fishing Club
The stripers have been hitting in the surf, which is perfect timing for our speaker for October, Noel De Guzman, to give us the skinny on California stripers.
As a resident of the SF Bay Area, Noel has fished for striped bass since the 1970s, and has landed stripers throughout their migratory range. He is a self taught fly fisherman who was sold on fly fishing when he watched a trout devour a yellow humpy at the tip of his rod, before a cast was made, while stripping line off the reel. A few proud accomplishments include holding a USCG OUPV captain license, credentialed since 2010, serving as co-director of the Costa Bass-N-Fly tournament, and as the chairman for DanBlanton.Com’s Striperfest fundraising body. The most impactful aspects of his striped bass fishing pursuit were becoming a boat owner and living in the California Delta (Discovery Bay, CA).
NOTE: Meetings will now follow this time: 6:30 pm – Hands on Learning, 7:00 pm – Club information, 7:30 pm – Main speaker(s)
Location: Manresa State Beach (Ocean View Drive, La Selva Beach Parking Lot) Meet at 5:45AM Sunrise is 7:04AM and we will be fishing an incoming tide cresting at 9:28AM. Fish Master: Lance Boiling / clboling@gmail.com / 408-728-0548 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this outing 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 [...]
Location: Manresa State Beach (236 Ocean View Drive Parking Lot) Meet at 5:45AM Sunrise is 7:04AM and we will be fishing an incoming tide cresting at 9:28AM. Fish Master: Lance Boiling / clboling@gmail.com / 408-728-0548 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this outing 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 [...]
Trailers are Full - 12/01 Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. This one is similar to trips we've done in the past except on a smaller scale. I have reserved 2 trailers and can accommodate 10 people. The dates are March 15th through the 21st. The weather can be very unpredictable in March, but we have had good times in the past fishing this time of [...]
Call-in is Sunday, March 8 at 7:00 pm and not earlier.
This is our club’s 24th annual bass fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch. April 17-19, 2026 (Fri-Sun), Fishmaster: Cecilia Stipes (831) 566-7707 flyfishgal3@aol.com
2026 Green River Fishout is now open! We are doing a maximum of 12 people. Contact Fishmaster Scott Andersen for more information; Cell: 831-247-2993. Email: scott.a.andersen@gmail.com
We are going to do a local fishout with some of our partner organizations, Sisters on the Fly and the Monterey Chapter of Project Healing Waters. The intent is to provide a place close to home where members new to fly fishing have an opportunity cast for fish, get comfortable using a float tube, camp, and participate in the fellowship of a fishout. Will arrange to have shared meals, rigging clinic, and casting clinics. Fishmasters: SCFF: Scott Kitayama & Randy Saar Sisters on the Fly: PJ MyattProject Healing Waters: Dave Kite Location: Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County [...]
This month we will have an informal casting practice session where you can work on aspects of your cast of your choice. If you want to work on accuracy, bring a target,. I’ll bring a few as well. If you are just getting started, come and pick up a few tips. Practice rods will be provided if needed. Hope to see you there.
October 11th 1:00-3:00 PM
Jade Street Park
4400 Jade St
Capitola, 95010
This month we will have an informal casting practice session where you can work on aspects of your cast of your choice. If you want to work on accuracy, bring a target,. I’ll bring a few as well. If you are just getting started, come and pick up a few tips. Practice rods will be provided if needed. Hope to see you there.
November 22nd, 1:00-3:00 PM
Jade Street Park
4400 Jade St
Capitola, 95010
Join the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers for the annual clean up of the Salinas River fishing access. The event will be on Sunday November 23 starting at 9:00 am. Jay Jefferson is the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers representative for this event. Wear clothing for the weather of that day and if you can, bring gloves and a three prong hoe, as it’s the best tool.
Directions:
Go South on Highway 1 towards Monterey
Follow CA-1 S to Molera Rd. Take exit 414 from CA-1 S and take Nashua Rd over the highway
Take the first right on Monte Road 1.6 miles to your destination. This is a dirt parking lot on the left side of the road before the twin bridges.
So are you looking for a fly to go after those stripers in the O’Neill Forbay? The club fishout being heldthere will be coming up very soon. When the stripers start boiling at the top of the surface, this is a fly you ought to use. As always, the classes, are freeand materials are provided. If you have white,flat waxed nylon, please bring it. We will also be using either 6/0 or 3/0. The club will have thread to borrow. For you beginners there will be equipment to use as well. Sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-234-6515.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
So are you looking for a fly to go after those stripers in the O’Neill Forbay? The club fishout being heldthere will be coming up very soon. When the stripers start boiling at the top of the surface, this is a fly you ought to use. As always, the classes, are freeand materials are provided. If you have white,flat waxed nylon, please bring it. We will also be using either 6/0 or 3/0. The club will have thread to borrow. For you beginners there will be equipment to use as well. Sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-234-6515.
This is a variation of Cliff Watt’s Kilowatt fly that has produced some really nice steelhead for me on the San Lorenzo. I’ve swung it on a skaget line in the estuary, dead, drifted it on a tight line in the riffles, and through runs under a bobber. It also can be jigged like a spoon through a pool or frog water. As always, the classes are free and materials are provided if you have black 140 denier or 3/0 wax nylon, please bring it. The club will have thread to borrow. For you beginners there will be equipment to use as well. Sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-345-0864.
This fly is great in Stillwater and can also be used in moving water, particularly swinging. We’ve had a lot of fairly challenging flies lately in our classes, but this one is easy to tie. So you beginners ought to all come. As usual, the classes are free and materials provided. If you have black 6/0 thread please bring it. Their are vises and tools for beginners to use and they are always welcome. Please sign up at the club meeting or call me at 831-234-6515 with at least 24 hours notice.
This fly is a favorite of Yvon Choinard (Patagonia) an avid fly fisher in both salt and freshwater. The Pheasant Tail Bonefish fly works well on saltwater flats, and in the surf.
Location: Beer Can Beach (AKA Summer Beach) - Staircase at 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos Fish Master:Michael Lovejoy <mikelovejoy94@gmail.com> Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: RSVP For Breakfast by 5:00pm September 3nd 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) Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc. Steve Adachi Clouser What to Expect: Meet at [...]
Location: Manresa State Beach (Ocean View Drive, La Selva Beach Parking Lot) Meet at 5:45AM Sunrise is 7:04AM and we will be fishing an incoming tide cresting at 9:28AM. Fish Master: Lance Boiling / clboling@gmail.com / 408-728-0548 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this outing 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 [...]
Location: Manresa State Beach (236 Ocean View Drive Parking Lot) Meet at 5:45AM Sunrise is 7:04AM and we will be fishing an incoming tide cresting at 9:28AM. Fish Master: Lance Boiling / clboling@gmail.com / 408-728-0548 Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: The Delta Fly Fishers will be joining us on this outing 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 [...]
Trailers are Full - 12/01 Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. This one is similar to trips we've done in the past except on a smaller scale. I have reserved 2 trailers and can accommodate 10 people. The dates are March 15th through the 21st. The weather can be very unpredictable in March, but we have had good times in the past fishing this time of [...]
Call-in is Sunday, March 8 at 7:00 pm and not earlier.
This is our club’s 24th annual bass fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch. April 17-19, 2026 (Fri-Sun), Fishmaster: Cecilia Stipes (831) 566-7707 flyfishgal3@aol.com
2026 Green River Fishout is now open! We are doing a maximum of 12 people. Contact Fishmaster Scott Andersen for more information; Cell: 831-247-2993. Email: scott.a.andersen@gmail.com
For this class I will focus on an Introduction to Spey casting and be gearing it to those with little or no experience. Those with experience are welcome to come and work on their casting and I will be available to give tips. I have rods to loan out, so if you don’t have a 2 handed rod there will rods for you to use. I should have enough for about 8 people. The remainder of the classes ( dates to be announced) will be a chance to continue your practice, but also an opportunity to work on some other casts that you might be interested in learning.
We will be wading into the river, so waders are a good idea. We won’t be fishing–no hooks allowed. We’ll have yarn to attach to your leader.
If you can, please let me know if you can attend, but it’s not necessary. Just show up.
831-419-0564
We will be meeting at the Mike Fox Skate park parking lot on the San Lorenzo river at 8 AM.
Address: 299 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
For this class I will focus on an Introduction to Spey casting and be gearing it to those with little or no experience. Those with experience are welcome to come and work on their casting and I will be available to give tips. I have rods to loan out, so if you don’t have a 2 handed rod there will rods for you to use. I should have enough for about 8 people. The remainder of the classes ( dates to be announced) will be a chance to continue your practice, but also an opportunity to work on some other casts that you might be interested in learning.
We will be wading into the river, so waders are a good idea. We won’t be fishing–no hooks allowed. We’ll have yarn to attach to your leader.
If you can, please let me know if you can attend, but it’s not necessary. Just show up.
831-419-0564
We will be meeting at the Mike Fox Skate park parking lot on the San Lorenzo river at 8 AM.
Address: 299 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We will be working on FFI skills development course from the Bronze and Silver levels. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, it would be a great time to come out and see what it’s all about. The skills are directed at improving your casting skills, and will improve your overall fly fishing success. This will be a perfect time for those folks who are just getting started, to learn some basic core casting techniques. I will have practice rods if needed. Hope to see you there.
For this class I will focus on an Introduction to Spey casting and be gearing it to those with little or no experience. Those with experience are welcome to come and work on their casting and I will be available to give tips. I have rods to loan out, so if you don’t have a 2 handed rod there will rods for you to use. I should have enough for about 8 people. The remainder of the classes ( dates to be announced) will be a chance to continue your practice, but also an opportunity to work on some other casts that you might be interested in learning.
We will be wading into the river, so waders are a good idea. We won’t be fishing–no hooks allowed. We’ll have yarn to attach to your leader.
If you can, please let me know if you can attend, but it’s not necessary. Just show up.
831-419-0564
We will be meeting at the Mike Fox Skate park parking lot on the San Lorenzo river at 8 AM.
Address: 299 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
This month we will have an informal casting practice session where you can work on aspects of your cast of your choice. If you want to work on accuracy, bring a target,. I’ll bring a few as well. If you are just getting started, come and pick up a few tips. Practice rods will be provided if needed. Hope to see you there.
October 11th 1:00-3:00 PM
Jade Street Park
4400 Jade St
Capitola, 95010
This month we will have an informal casting practice session where you can work on aspects of your cast of your choice. If you want to work on accuracy, bring a target,. I’ll bring a few as well. If you are just getting started, come and pick up a few tips. Practice rods will be provided if needed. Hope to see you there.
November 22nd, 1:00-3:00 PM
Jade Street Park
4400 Jade St
Capitola, 95010
Join the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers for the annual clean up of the Salinas River fishing access. The event will be on Sunday November 23 starting at 9:00 am. Jay Jefferson is the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers representative for this event. Wear clothing for the weather of that day and if you can, bring gloves and a three prong hoe, as it’s the best tool.
Directions:
Go South on Highway 1 towards Monterey
Follow CA-1 S to Molera Rd. Take exit 414 from CA-1 S and take Nashua Rd over the highway
Take the first right on Monte Road 1.6 miles to your destination. This is a dirt parking lot on the left side of the road before the twin bridges.
For our August meeting, we’ll get together for our annual summer B-B-Q. This year, we’ll meet at 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange. The club will host a hamburgers and hot-dog cookout with all the fixings along green salad, potato salad, chips, and dessert, water and sodas. If you are vegan, bring us your Impossible burgers and we will be happy to grill them for you.
Adult beverages will not be offered. Feel free to bring your own. This meeting is a great opportunity to meet and greet in person. We suggest a $5 donation for the dinner.
Alex Ferber will be there with the club rods to do a casting clinic and also discuss the double-handed spey casting clinic this fall along with the Trinity river fishout on the weekend of November 7th.
NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 6:15 pm, we will be conducting short Introductory Skills to help our those new to the sport. We will also have the same Introductory Skills class at the casting clinic. Please look at the Club Activities article in the Newsletter for more information.
