Author: santacruzflyfishing_gia1ac

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Copper Top

by Elaine Cook - Fly Tying Chairman

You may have noticed that midges are being featured the last few months.  Those of you going to the Green River fishout certainly need to have a variety with you.  One of the guides at the Green River has recommended this one in size 16 for the last week of April.  Needless to say these flies can be used wherever you fish for trout.

1. Hook:  Heavy skid hook. TMC 2457, Dai-Riki 235. Sizes 16-22.  Crimp barb .
2. Bead:  Copper.  Refer to chart in December newsletter for choosing appropriate size bead for the different sizes of hooks.  Feed bead onto hook up to eye, small opening first.
3. Thread:  Black, 8/0 for size 16 and 18 hooks, 12/0 for a smaller hooks.  Attached behind bead.  Touching wraps halfway around bend.  Touching wraps back to bead.
4. Rib:  Copper wire.  Small for size 16 and 18 hooks.  Extra fine for smaller.  Insert tip into back of bead.  Tie to top of shank with touching wraps back almost to rear of body.  Touching wraps back to bead.
5. Body:  Thread as above.  Create a tapered body with thread wraps.  See picture.  Then spiral rib forward in about seven wraps up to bead.  Holding wire upright, makes several thread wraps behind and several in front.  Twist wire to cut.  Hold bead in place with a collar of thread wraps.  Whip finish, cut thread.  Apply glue to body and color.

Posted on November 11th, 2024

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Mammoth Fishout – September 20 to September 27 and September 27 to October 4.

by John Cook Fish Master 831-234-6515 or 831-688-1561

DATES: This fish out will take place over two consecutive one week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks.

LOCATION: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6-7 hour drive from Santa Cruz. there are numerous lakes and streams in the area to fish.

GENERAL: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. The condo has a lovely  hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share the queen size bed, or one  person a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on the floor.

COST: $500 per week, $1000 for two. This will include room and board.

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 prepare the evening meal and clean up afterwards. That person will also purchase the food for the dinner meal which will be reimbursed for the cost.

 

 

Posted on January 9th, 2025

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2025 Annual Fundraiser

Tickets on sale now for the 2025 Annual Dinner & Fundraiser! Dinner is only $40 per person with Incredible raffle and silent auction of fly fishing items and more. Click here for detailed information about the event along with a list current attendees. Over half the tickets have already been sold! Click here to purchase tickets.

Posted on December 27th, 2024

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Fish Stories from our members

Jan 08 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
2024 Fish Stories from our members

Zoom Meeting:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Let’s start the new year by listening to stories from your fellow club  members.   First fish, biggest fish, funniest story, who knows what we will hear.

For those of you who want to see what people did in 2024, please spend time looking at the pictures and captions on the club’s website: www.santacruzflyfishing.org . Viewing is best done on a full screen computer and when you click on the picture, you get a larger image and the full description. Images are sorted chronologically and hitting the ‘Load More’ button at the bottom of the page will show pictures from earlier in the year. Also, please share your pictures with others by sending them to Jerry at metropolitantrout@gmail.com.



Posted on December 27th, 2024

Date:  None

Time:  Not applicable

Place:  Not applicable

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No fly tying class in January 2025

by Elaine Cook – flying chairman

FLY TYING CLASS MESSAGES :

Sorry folks, we won’t be having a class in January because the first is New Year’s Day.Therefore, the club meeting will be held on the second Wednesday of the month.
Here is a big thank you to all of you who helped with the classes this year. Some of you were instructors and others helped beginners foregoing tying your own fly. Club members truely appreciate your help and guidance.
Looking forward: the class in February will be Gino’s Midge Emerger, as usual on the second Wednesday of the month. In March, we will have our annual popper class on the weekend of the 15th and 16th. Limited space so sign up early.

Posted on December 27th, 2024

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Quigley Cripple BWO

by Elaine Cook – Fly Tying Chairman

The Quiggly represents an emerging mayfly that is dressed in an unusual manner to make the rear end of the tail hang down in the water and the thorax and wing out of the water. Apply saliva to the body and tail, then floatant to the wing and hackle. During a hatch, fish tend to be more eager to take an Emerger than a Dun because they are not ready to fly off.
HOOK: TMC 100, sizes 14 16 18.
THREAD: 8/0 or 12/0 (Preferable for the smaller sized hooks).
TAIL and BODY: gray Marabou (fluffy).
THORAX: dark olive dubbing
WING: deer hair with narrow fibers
HACKLE: grizzly.
1. Crimp barb.
2. Attach thread behind eye, wrap to rear of shank with touching wraps.
3. Select 3 to 5 barbs of marabou, cut from stem, tie in with tips extending hook shank length to rear. Tie down with 2 thread wraps forward, then fold marabou backward and make two thread wraps backward.
4. Make dubbing loop with marabou. Wrap thread forward to 1/3 back on shank.
5. Gently twist dubbing loop into rope. Wrap forward with touching wraps up to hanging thread.
6. Dub a round thorax that surrounds a section of the shank starting 1/4 back and ending 1/2 back..
7. Select small bundle of deer hair. Clean out under fur, stack tips. Lay on top of shank, tips out over eye that measure shank length in front of thorax.
8. Tie in by making first wrap around only hair fibers and second wrap around both fibers and hook shank. Make several snug wraps on top of one another. Make one wrap around base of wing to bundle it, then one more wrap around shank. Cut butt ends so that they just cover thorax.
9. Reposition hook with eye tipped upward.
10. Select hackle with barbs one and a half hook gap. Cut off fuzzy end. Cut 5 to 6 barbs short along base of stem on each side forming a “crew cut“. Holding feather tip to rear, dark shiny side towards you, crew cut both behind I and wing. Tie in crew cut behind wing with two wraps, then two wraps between eye and wing. Position thread between wing and cut butts. Make 3 to 5 hackle wraps in the same place around deer hair and shank. Tie off cut access.
11. Have hitch behind eye.
12. If tail longer than hook shank length, pinch marabou to cut (don’t use scissors).

Posted on December 29th, 2024

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Profile–California Sportfishing Protection Alliance

by Bob Garbarino

California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) is a collection of committed activists with extensive experience and expertise in the trenches of the administrative, and judicial processes affecting fisheries, water rights, and water quality. These are these arenas in which defenders of the public interest and the public trust win or lose the battles to protect the fisheries and water quality of our waterways.
California has many laws protecting fisheries and water quality but a poor track record of enforcing them. CSPA monitors the water rights and water quality processes, and where necessary, enforces laws enacted to protect the aquatic environment. They have developed working relationships with state and federal agencies and legislators, and they closely collaborate with other fishing and environmental organizations. CSPA’s work covers the following important areas affecting California’s fisheries.
Clean Water Law Enforcement—This includes stopping stormwater pollution, wastewater pollution and agricultural pollution.
Balance the Water Budget—Areas of focus are reforming water rights, stopping the Sites Reservoir project, enforcing state doctrines and planning for drought.
Save the Bay-Delta Estuary—Priorities are stopping the Delta Tunnel, restoring the rule of law and completing the Bay-Delta Plan.
Protect Rivers from Hydropower Dams—Key strategies are leveraging hydropower licensing, removing obsolete dams and protecting the Clean Water Act Section 401.
Improve Fisheries Management—CSPA states that 83% of California’s native fisheries are at risk of extinction. To combat the fisheries decline, CSPA is working to increase natural production, modernize hatcheries and promote equitable access.
Through the hard work and commitment of the staff at CSPA, we can know that they are acting on our behalf to help to restore healthy habitats for native fish—including Chinook salmon and steelhead.

Go to  https://calsport.org/  for more in-depth information on CSPA.

Posted on December 27th, 2024

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Making our Annual Fundraiser the best ever

We want to be sure to have raffle and silent auction  prizes that appeal to everyone and many attendees don’t fly fish.  We would like you go to your favorite businesses and ask for donations for the fundraiser, below is a list of companies that HAVE ALREADY donated to our 2025 fundraiser.   Click here for a  PDF link to a “Request for Donation” letter and a “fill in the blank” gift certificate.    I hope that by filling in the name of the business, signing your name, and writing a short note on the letter, it will help make it easier to ask.  Remember, we are asking for help to fund donations to local environmental organizations and student scholarships.    

We are blessed to be getting gift certificates for the fundraiser and are looking to get more.  Here are some who have already donated:

Bayside Marine
Bookshop Santa Cruz
Cafe Cruz
The Farm Bakery
Cafe Cruz
Riverside Lighting		Stagnaro Charters
H&H Fish
Johnny’s Harborside
Pajaro Valley Golf Course
AdamsBuilt
MasterCleaners		Pacific Golf Center
Trout Spot Fly Shop
Central Coast Fly Shop
TFO
CA Sportfishing Protection

If you do frequent any of these companies, please thank them for their generosity. And finally, you can help by attending the event!  Remember, you can’t win the great prizes unless you are present. 

Posted on December 27th, 2024

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Fishout Schedule

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

Date Link (new tab) Description
Mar 14 - Mar 16 Upper Sacramento River / McCloud FishoutThis 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.
Apr 12 6:00 am - 1:00 pmKelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie)Stand by as dates and details to be updated as the days get longer and warmer! Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 6 people) Species: bass,  crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited.  Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. Addtional Details & Confirmation of dates to be updated - Stay tuned Meeting time and place: Scott will directly be in contact with those that are coming on the Fishout. Equipment: Need to have float tube or kayak to fish the lake.  [...]
Apr 18 - Apr 20 Rooster Comb RanchRoostercomb Ranch Private ranch pond fishing, located adjacent to Henry Coe State Park, 22 miles off Hwy 152 from the entrance which is 5 miles from Casa de Fruta Restaurant in Hollister. It is a 3-day fun-filled weekend with fishing bass ponds The ponds are primarily fished from float tubes or from the bank using woolly buggers and poppers. You can also bring conventional spin rods and gear. Lodging and accommodation information will be updated (search Roostercomb in the top right search bar to learn about our past Fishouts here). The terrain is rough, rocky and sometimes steep; therefore all vehicles [...]
Apr 26 - May 03 12:00 amGreen River – UtahGreen River - Utah Currently this trip is at maximum capacity. For wait list options or updates, please contact the Fishmaster  Rick chace rchace@got.net General Information - It is necessary for us to pay upfront to reserve the accommodations. The club's standard approach to this is for each angler to pay his individual portion of the rental fee for sleeping accommodations. Each angler will be responsible for the weekly rate of $300. This is a nonrefundable fee. If an angler decides not to attend, they are responsible to sell their portion to another angler or forfeit their portion of the [...]
Jun 02 - Jun 04 Pyramid Lake FishoutFishmaster: 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. However the past three years have been very challenging and we have not caught very many fish and people have come away disappointed with the outcome. That leads me to a new discovery about how to fish Pyramid Lake. Jeff Goyertte, a club member and our raffle coordinator took a trip to the lake and fished with Rob Anderson, a [...]
Jun 20 - Jun 22 Burney and AroundDate and description subject to change due to seasonal conditions Please Stay Tuned Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Lakes, rivers and streams of the Burney area Species: Trout Duration: 3 Days 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 [...]
Jun 22 - Jun 28 12:00 amLake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 22th – 28th 2025The Lake Almanor Fishout is scheduled for the last week of June, 6/22 thru 28th, 2025. 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 [...]
Jul 07 12:00 amLoreto Fly Fishing TripLoreto Mexico Details to be finalized and date to be confirmed  The fishing day starts around 6:00 a.m. and we usually get back to the harbor between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. Spend the rest of the afternoon fishing from the beach, having a cool drink in the pool, exploring Loreto, or just sitting around telling some tall fish stories. And, you will have many exciting moments on the Sea of Cortez to talk about. The approximate cost for everything but meals and airfare is: *$995.00 per person, double occupancy; around $460.00 for a non-fishing guest. -  It does not include [...]
Sep 20 - Oct 04 12:00 amMammoth Fishout -Sept. 20-Oct. 4thFall trout fishing in streams and lakes. Trip is for seven days and the participants share a condo in Mammoth Lakes.
Oct 16 - Oct 19 O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20thCamping and striped bass fishing at the O'Neil Forebay.
Oct 31 - Nov 02 12:00 amTrinity River FishoutTarget: Steelhead and trout.  Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip, text Alex at (831) 419-0564  or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. 

Posted on December 27th, 2024

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Fly Fishing in Chilean Patagonia – Live Speaker

Dec 04 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Recording of the Meeting:  https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/IYqsd16PFQHY5nHdEK4yoC30hTuneOfb2oTNwjjaTHzgxfUPrLQeOG-4h8qNl1K8.jS-yHbwPMVWTxARn

(transcript included.  Minute 50:00 Miles Marquez talk.  Minute 19:00  Bucket list places and international travel tips)

Miles has been with Big Sky Anglers since the business on the corner of Madison and Canyon Street. He started out in the fly shop and quickly made his way to a full time guide in short order. Miles has truly unique background, he grew up on the streets of New York City, he and his buddies chased striped bass with their fly rods from the Bronx, along the East River, and down to the jetties in Queens. In between, they would ride the train up to the Catskills and fish dries on fabled rivers such as the Beaverkill and the West Branch of the Delaware River. Over the years Miles has lived and fished along the central California coast, in Northern Georgia, in rural Indiana, Argentina and Chile. Miles served with distinction in the US Army’s special operations community, as a member of 1st Bn, 75th Ranger Regiment. A Ranger School graduate, two deployments to Afghanistan and a wide variety of special operations training in all environments makes him no stranger to the outdoors, and a respectful and professional individual of the highest order.

After leaving the Army in the Spring of 2015, Miles moved to West Yellowstone. Miles quickly began to soak up local knowledge and learn the area’s waters as well as many of the long time locals. His drive and knowledge led to him to search for work in the fishing world.

Miles splits time between guiding full-time in West Yellowstone in the summer and in Chile for Martin Pescador during the winter months. When he’s not out on the water, you can find him rock climbing throughout the Rockies or hanging with his daughter, River.

You will never find Miles on the same piece of water day after day. Whether he’s on the Lakes, the Madison, Henry’s Fork or deep in the Yellowstone backcountry, he loves to explore all the area has to offer. Miles believes that fly fishing in any capacity or location makes all your worldly problems and worries vanish behind the sound of the river, the wild around you, and the rhythm of your casting stroke.



January general meeting will be on Wednesday the 8th and the January fly tying class will be cancelled.

Posted on November 26th, 2024

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Help make our Annual Fundraiser the best ever

Planning and organizing the Annual Fundraiser on Feb 1, 2025 has been going on for months.   We have recruited nearly 40 volunteers and I am deeply gratified by the outpouring help.  But there are still ways that you can make a difference!   

We want to be sure to have raffle and silent auction  prizes that appeal to everyone and many attendees don’t fly fish.  We would like you go to your favorite businesses and ask for donations for the fundraiser.  Click here for a  PDF link to a “Request for Donation” letter and a “fill in the blank” gift certificate.    I hope that by filling in the name of the business, signing your name, and writing a short note on the letter, it will help make it easier to ask.  Remember, we are asking for help to fund donations to local environmental organizations and student scholarships.    

If you already have all the fly fishing  equipment you need and have new or nearly new items, consider donating them for the Fundraiser.    We can always use more items on the raffle tab le.

And finally, you can help by attending the event!  Remember, you can’t win the great prizes unless you are present. 

Posted on November 27th, 2024

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Barbed Wire Midge Pupa

by Elaine Cook - Fly Tying Chairman

Midges be the major source of food for trout in the winter and early spring but available all year. Midges tend to be smaller in moving water and larger in still water. This particular pattern is best used in moving water and particularly good for tail waters and spring creeks. The pupa follow the larval stage and imitates the midge ascending to the surface to hatch out. That’s when it’s the most vulnerable to trout and the stage that they are most likely to eat.

HOOK: Heavy scud hook, such as TMC 2457 or Dai-Riki 235     Sizes 18-22   Crimp barb.
THREAD: Black
Ultra thread 70 denier, for attaching gills
UNI-Thread 12/0, for body of size 18 hooks. 14/0 for body of size 20 and 22.
Attach 1/3 back on shank with few wraps.
GILLS: White Z-lon or similar. Separate fibers. Tie small bundle to top of shank up to hook eye. Cut rear fibers at an angle. Wrap down to shank creating a taper. Tie off thread cut access.
BEAD: Black glass. Size to match hook. See picture.   Feed onto hook, small opening first, up to hook eye.
BODY:  See above.  Attached behind bead. Touching wraps to halfway around bend of hook. Touching wraps forward to bead.
RIB: Silver wire.
Small for size 18 hooks.
Extra fine for size 20 and 22 hooks.
Feed tip into rear of bead. Attach to top of shank with touching wraps, back to just short of body. Touching  thread wraps forward to bead. Spiral wrap wire forward in about seven wraps up to bead. make one extra wire wrap behind bead. Cut wire with old scissors. Wrap thread collar behind bead covering final wire wraps. Tie off cut excess. Apply glue to body and collar. Cut gills to appropriate length, see picture.

Posted on October 26th, 2024

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Profile – Friends of the Eel River

by Bob Garbarino

This month we have a look at another conservation organization SCFF supports: Friends of the Eel River

Friends of the Eel River works for the recovery of the Wild and Scenic Eel River, its fisheries, and communities. A top goal is to decommission and remove PG&E’s two aging dams in the Eel River headwaters and drastically reduce and/or shift the water diversion to the Russian River. In 2017, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission began the lengthy project relicensing process. In 2018, PG&E announced its intent to auction the project (known as the Potter Valley Project) off. And in 2019, PG&E announced it was withdrawing its license renewal application. The latest proposal is to begin removal of the dams in 2028.

Why Remove the Dams?

Fish populations in the Eel River have severely declined. The Eel River once saw some of the largest salmon runs in California. with estimated annual runs of more than 1 million salmon and steelhead, including some 800,000 Chinook. Now those fish populations are between 1% and 3% of their historic numbers. The river’s salmon and steelhead populations are all listed as threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Water quality throughout the Eel River is listed as impaired under the Clean Water Act because of excessive sedimentation and high temperatures. The river’s mainstem and estuary are also negatively affected by a lack of floodplain connectivity and habitat loss from agricultural land conversions, the introduction of non-native pikeminnow, and poor water quality. Cape Horn Dam has a poorly functioning fish ladder, and 12 miles upstream, Scott Dam, which creates Lake Pillsbury, has no fish passage at all.  The result is 288 miles of potential salmon and steelhead spawning and rearing habitat is blocked.  Scott Dam is the largest barrier to native salmon habitat on the north coast of California.   It blocks access to high elevation, climate change resilient habitat in Mendocino National Forest and Snow Mountain Wilderness.

Other Programs Friends of the Eel River is engaged in:
Public Lands—FOER works to improve and enhance access to public lands and to support new designations promotes access in the Eel River watershed.

Estuary and the Lower River—Restoring the Eel estuary is key to reviving healthy populations of migrating native salmonids. To achieve this, they work to implement effective groundwater management and preparing for climate change and sea level rise.

Water Quality—Instream flow protection and point source pollution violation enforcement are two efforts FOER supports.

The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club conservation committee enthusiastically supports Friends of the Eel River because of their dedication to restore the health of the Eel River watershed. It is through their efforts that gives us hope for the future of this fishery.

Also worth noting is FOER is a member of a coalition of  Tribes, conservation groups, and businesses called Free the Eel. https://freetheeel.org/

For a brief overview of Friends of the Eel River and more insight into the organization, go to:
https://eelriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/FOER-One-Pager-Info-Sheet.pdf

This is an excellent article on the dam removal project:
https://therevelator.org/dams-eel-river/#:~:text=A%20report%20from%20fisheries%20biologists,beyond%20the%20next%2050%20years.%E2%80%9D

 

Posted on November 27th, 2024

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Geoff Malloway of Central Coast Fly Fishing

Nov 06 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
Geoff Malloway ~ Owner of Central Coast Fly Fishing

Zoom Meeting:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Born in Carmel and raised in Monterey, Geoff Malloway grew up in the fields and streams of California’s Central Coast.  His time studying Natural Resources Management at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, further developed his love and respect for the outdoors and his desire to share and teach the conservation ethic.  In April 1996, Geoff settled on opening Central Coast Fly Fishing since he wanted to be self-employed yet still have an avenue to work with natural resource agencies and the public.

The members of Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club are long time fans and supporters of Central Coast Fly Fishing as the only shop in Monterey(now even closer!).   Geoff visiting Novembers meeting to discuss the new shop locations, fishing classes and programs offered, and a review of the rules regulations of our local waters.



Posted on October 30th, 2024

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Profile–Restore the Delta

by Bob Garbarino

A year ago, I got an email from one of our members, Bob Ransdell, suggesting that our club consider supporting Restore the Delta. After taking a brief look at their website I decided to add this organization to our list of candidates for this year’s SCFF contributions. After learning about their mission, areas of focus and how they align with our club priorities, the SCFF conservation committee decided to support Restore the Delta with a cash contribution. The mission of Restore the Delta is “to ensure the health of the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary and Delta communities”. Since 2006 they have worked in  areas of public education, program and policy development, and outreach to advance their vision to restore the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta. To achieve their goals, they interface with local, state and federal agencies. They also connect communities with the estuary and foster participation in government planning, community science and waterway monitoring. Their ongoing work includes:
Delta Tunnel—The current iteration of this plan—the Delta Conveyance Project—would divert up to 6,000 cfs of water from the north delta to large farming operations and water wholesalers south of the delta. Restore the Delta, along with their allies including the Bay Institute, California Indian Environmental Alliance, Golden State Salmon Association, San Francisco Baykeeper and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians have been engaged in legal action against the California Department of Water Resources to stop the DCP. In a recent press release by Delta Tribal Environmental Coalition (DTEC), Scott Artis, executive director for the Golden State Salmon Association stated “Extending water permits for 55 years isn’t a ‘minor change’—it’s a major blow to California’s already struggling salmon populations. The Delta Conveyance Project will devastate the fishing industry and Bay-Delta watershed that communities and tens of thousands of people and businesses rely on, all while bending the rules for big water interests.”
Policy and Advocacy—Restore the Delta has a Delta Policy Analyst that monitors and engages with the State Water Resources Control Board. She advocates for water quality standards that are protective of tribes, environmental justice communities, and Delta fisheries and ecosystems.
Water Quality—A priority is to understand the science behind and monitor harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs pose a serious threat in the form of toxins released from blooms that can cause problems from skin rashes to liver problems. They can kill pets and deplete dissolved oxygen which can kill fish, impacting sustenance fishing and sport fishing.
There are other programs that this organization is involved with to protect and restore the delta. Together, these all contribute to further our club’s mission to conserve, protect and restore local, state and national fisheries. This is why the conservation committee supports Restore the Delta.

Posted on October 30th, 2024

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Celebrating Gil Santos

by Tim Loomis

There will be a Celebration of Life for Gil Santos on November 2nd at 2:00 pm at the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge and all of Gil’s friends are encouraged to attend. 

A remembrance by Tim Loomis

On October 3, 2024, we lost Gil Santos, who passed away peacefully at home from natural causes. Gil was 90 years young, and instead of mourning his passing, I’d like to celebrate a life well-lived. Gil truly did it all. If you ever saw him at a club meeting or in public, you’d notice he was always impeccably dressed, as though pressed and ironed just before leaving home. He was, as they say, “flat-out debonair” – the Cary Grant of fly fishing. Along with his polished appearance, Gil was a true gentleman and a fabulous fly fisherman.

According to Ernie Kinzli, our club’s first president, Gil joined in the 1993-1994 season. Ernie and Norm Bedell, our former club treasurer, were classmates in their younger years, so we’re lucky to still have a few founding members with us. Gil, born in 1934, had a life full of adventures, hunting, and fly fishing – a journey we can only imagine.

My first memory fishing with Gil was at Pyramid Lake around 2004 or 2005. I’d just arrived and happened to place my ladder next to his. On one of my first casts, I hooked and landed a fish. Gil had been in the water for almost five hours without a bite, yet instead of being frustrated, he cheered me on, celebrating my catch. Later, when I ventured over to his trailer, which he shared with Ed Marcel and a guy from the East Coast named Alan, Gil gave me some good-natured ribbing for “invading his territory,” followed by, “So, what fly were you using?” From that moment on, I was privileged, as many of you were, to fish with Gil across the country.

Gil loved sharing his knowledge and wisdom about fly fishing with anyone who asked. He also had a special feel for the history of our community. One of my favorite things about fishing with Gil was listening to his stories of growing up in and around Santa Cruz. He was truly a treasure. 

And finally as a testament to his love of Santa Cruz and fishing, Gil’s family has generously donated $1,000 to the scholarships that our club gives to local seniors pursuing careers in conservation.  

Rest in peace, Gil Santos. You will be missed.

 

Posted on October 30th, 2024

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November time to renew 2024 Membership Dues and buy Annual Fundraiser dinner tickets

by Membership Chair Bob Peterson

Easiest way to renew membership is online @ santacruzflyfishing.org/membership by checking renewal, no changes, check waiver, and make payment/donation by creditcard.  Deadline is Dec 31st to be included in the Roster. New members since July  do not have to renew for 2025.  85% of our members renewed online.

To renew by check, make check payable to SCFF Club and mail to PO Box 2008, Santa Cruz, Calif, 95063.  Dues are $40/single,$60 family, $20jr. Dinner tickets for Sat Feb 1st are $40.   You can also email me @ robert6367@aol.com and I can invoice you for renewal and/or  annual dinner tickets.  Please note, last year  160 annual dinner tickets sold out in Jan.  And lastly, annual raffle tickets are not available online, but will be sold @ the Rod and Gun Club dinner in Watsonville.

Thank you, Bob Peterson, Membership Chair, 831-251-8655  CP or Txt

 

 

Posted on October 30th, 2024

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Ernie’s 90th Birthday!

by Jeff Kinzli

Hello, my dad is Ernie Kinzli of Ernie’s Casting Pond. He was one of the founders of the SCFF way back in the day. We will be celebrating his 90th birthday soon and would like to invite friends to come celebrate with him. It will be on December 14th from 1-3PM in East Santa Cruz. Please RSVP to me (Jeff Kinzli) via kinzli@gmail.com or text 831-235-0454 and I’ll send you an invitation. Thank you!

Posted on October 30th, 2024

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Local Surf Fly Fishing

Oct 02 6:45 AM at the Aptos Grange
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

The ocean is the closest fishery that we have in Santa Cruz.  Luckily for us in the area, our beaches provide ample access for those to take advantage of this fishery year-round.

Club members Jerry McKeon, Tommy Polito, and Lance Boiling will discuss fly fishing on our local beaches.  We will chat about everything from tides and conditions to gear and tips.  Whether you’re new to fishing the surf, or an experienced feather chucker; come share stories and learn why our closest fishery is one of our favorites.



Posted on September 24th, 2024

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Embracing the Challenge of Fly Fishing

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of fishing the Fall River with club members Alex Ferber and Wilson Taguinod. Having previously fished this big, slow-moving spring creek, we thought it would be a good opportunity to try our hand at dry flies. With Alex guiding on the river, Wilson and I felt confident in our technique. However, when it comes to achieving the perfect downstream drift with a size 20 fly on an 18-foot leader, things can get tricky!

While we managed to catch a few fish by stripping some bugs, we couldn’t land a single one on a dry fly. Later, as we discussed the day, it became clear: if we wanted to improve our chances of success, we needed to practice and refine our techniques.

Upon returning to Santa Cruz, I attended a fly casting clinic to work on my presentation skills. Here’s the truth I’m learning: regardless of your skill level, fly fishing can be a challenge if you want it to be. It involves solving many little puzzles—finding the right location, determining what the fish are eating, and figuring out how to present the fly. It’s crucial to gauge how much challenge you want without letting frustration lead you to give up.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Santa Cruz club is excited to offer more educational and fishing opportunities. We have some new volunteers on board who will help us broaden our offerings, catering to novices and providing challenges for experts alike.

Over the past five months, Alex Ferber has been instrumental in our casting clinic, and I’m pleased to announce that he has been voted onto the SCFF Board as our casting instructor. Alex’s passion for teaching is evident—whether casting on the grass, practicing with yarn on the San Lorenzo, or fishing rivers up north, he is dedicated to helping you improve. In 2025, Alex will design casting classes that culminate in fishing trips. For instance, his current spey casting clinic will conclude with a steelhead outing on the Trinity River.

Another valuable addition to our team is Jesse Collins. Jesse previously gave a presentation about his experiences as a professional guide in Alaska. In late August, he, Bob Garbarino, and Kevin Murdock ventured to Alaska to fish. Jesse will join the board in 2025 and is already planning advanced fly tying sessions, adventure trips to Alaska, and greater outreach to the fishing community in Santa Cruz.

Do you remember this quote from JFK?

“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard…”

I choose to fly fish and explore different techniques, species, and situations because it is a challenge—and because it’s hard. I’m grateful for the club and its members who help me navigate these challenges. I hope you find similar benefits through our community.

Fish hard, my friends,

Scott Kitayama, President

Posted on September 24th, 2024

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October Fly Tying Class: Adachi Clouser

by Elaine Cook - Fly Tying Chairman



Oct 09 6:30 PM @ Aptos Grange
October Fly Tying Class: Adachi clouser

Our club member, Tommy Polito, is having much success in both the surf and forebay catching stripers using this fly.. He is also finding other fish species are attracted to the fly as well.  There have been many requests for our club members to have a class for tying clousers, so I’m glad to make that happen.  Please, as always, sign up at the next club meeting or call 831-234-6515.  The class is always free and materials are provided. If you have flat wax nylon white, do bring it and some will be available to borrow   We welcome you beginners and have equipment for you  to use.    ~Elaine

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

Date Fly Excerpt
Colorado King CaddisNov 13 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmColorado King Caddis

This dry fly pattern for trout can be tied in sizes 8 to 18, so will work in a great variety of places. I particularly like one of the larger sizes for using in the Rocky Mountains. We will use a larger hook for the class.  This is not a difficult fly to tie so you beginners should feel comfortable participating. The fly includes peccary, which is seldom used for tying flies. You more experienced tyers should find the technique using this material interesting. As always all the materials are provided and if you have 6/0 black thread, please bring it. We welcome you beginners and have equipment for you to use. Please sign up at the club meeting or call me at 831-234-6515.

BWO Thorax StyleDec 11 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmBWO Thorax Style

This dry fly pattern is an adult mayfly. These insects hatch all over the United States, very readily in the spring and summer. The “BWO” stands for blue wing olive. If you are one of the people going to the green river in April, this fly is an absolute must. We will be tying the fly in a size 16, so bring your glasses, magnification if  you have it and a table light. The club has quite a few lights, but usually not enough to go around. As always, the class is free and all materials are provided. If you have black 6/0 thread do bring it. We love to have beginners and have equipment for you to use and plenty of instruction. Also, don’t forget to sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-688-1561 or 831-234-6515. Elaine

Help

Posted on September 18th, 2024

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Black Smut Midge

by Fly tying chairman – Elaine Cook.

Midges are the main source of food for trout throughout the winter and even though they are very small, they are usually abundant. If you’re going to a spring creek or tailwater, you will want to have some in either this pattern or others. This is an adult midge, not easy to see on the water, so best to trail it off of a fly that you can see. You will be needing to use thin tippet such as 6X.
HOOK: TMC 101 size 20. This is a straight eye hook. Crimp barb.
THREAD: 12/0 or 14/0 black    Attached behind eye. Touching wraps to rear of shank.
BODY: beaver, black. Wrap a non-tapered body forward to one eye length behind eye.  Make one thread wrap backward onto body and let thread hang.
WINGS: 2 dark dun hackle tips from size 16 neck feathers. Position one on the far side of body with dark side outward and tips hook shank length. Tie in place. Repeat with other hackle tip on near side.
HACKLE: Grizzly saddle, hackle size 20.  Prepare butt end with “crew cut”. Tie in “crew cut” with light side facing you.  Several wraps of hackle in place.  Tie off cut access.
HEAD: Whip finish forming head. Cut thread.

Posted on September 18th, 2024

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Profile–Eastern Sierra Land Trust

by Bob Garbarino

This month, we continue our profile series on one of the conservation organizations our club supports:  Eastern Sierra Land Trust

This organization is relevant in that the area affected by Eastern Sierra Land Trust’s efforts helps protect the fishery where one of our club fishouts takes place in the Mammoth Lakes and surrounding area. In fact several members of Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will be there when this article is released.
Eastern Sierra Land Trust works with willing landowners to protect vital lands in the Eastern Sierra region for their scenic, agricultural, natural, recreational, historical, and watershed values. Rich in natural beauty, home to abundant wildlife, and steeped with history, the Eastern Sierra is a magnificent and complex region.  Wildlife habitat is plentiful and diverse, supporting fisheries, migrating deer herds, and important bird flyways. Historic working farms and ranches are scenic, productive, and an integral part of our local economy.
By partnering with forward-thinking landowners and conservation supporters like you, ESLT is able to permanently protect the land, water, and wildlife that make the Eastern Sierra so special. Since their founding in 2001, they have successfully conserved over 23,000 acres on 26 unique properties that provide important resources to wildlife and the local community.

What does a land trust do?
Land trusts work with private landowners and the public to conserve working farms and ranches, natural areas, and cultural and biological resources for the benefit of their communities. They may acquire lands through donation or purchase; set up voluntary land protection agreements (conservation easements) with willing landowners; or mediate land trades between landowners and public agencies.
Land trusts have existed for over 100 years; today, more than 1,300 are operating in the United States. Funded primarily by charitable donations and private or government grants, land trusts across the nation have cumulatively conserved more than 56 million acres – including scenic areas, hiking trails, critical wildlife habitats, farms and ranches, and historic landmarks. Most land trusts operate locally, providing crucial land-use tools for property owners and citizens concerned with conservation on private lands.

Working Farms & Ranches
The Working Farms and Ranches Program helps local families set up voluntary land conservation agreements that permanently protect their working lands from the threat of subdivision. The Eastern Sierra’s working farms and ranches are scenic, historic, and a vital part of the regional economy. They also offer important habitat to wildlife: many iconic or rare species use the Eastern Sierra’s irrigated meadows and open pastures as a place to roam, forage, and raise their young. Yet many families following the ranching traditions of their parents and grandparents are struggling. Rising pressures to subdivide are putting these productive lands at risk. They don’t want to see their land developed, but many are running out of options. Fortunately, conservation provides a solution – and a growing number of ranchers and farmers in the area are choosing to partner with Eastern Sierra Land Trust to conserve their land for the future. This is usually accomplished by using one of their primary conservation tools: the conservation easement. Under a conservation easement, landowners retain title and management of their property, while designating how their land may be used now and in the future. For example, landowners may want to protect their land’s current agricultural use in perpetuity by prohibiting any subdivision or land use that would compromise those protected qualities, while retaining all other property rights. Landowners also may benefit from significant tax advantages currently and for future generations.

Critical Habitats
Eastern Sierra Land Trust’s Critical Habitats Program helps protect and restore lands that wildlife need to survive – providing them with safe, healthy homes forever. As our population grows, poorly-planned development puts wildlife at risk. Subdivision of open lands chops up migration corridors, wetlands, and breeding grounds, leaving wild creatures with nowhere to go. The Critical Habitats Program helps ensure that the Eastern Sierra’s wild inhabitants will always have a place to thrive. They accomplish this through public education; habitat restoration and land stewardship; and legally-binding agreements, such as the conservation easement, that protect important habitat from the threat of future development. Concerned property owners in the Eastern Sierra are working with ESLT to conserve and restore wildlife habitat on their land. For example, in the community of Swall Meadows, several landowners have partnered with ESLT to protect a critical migration corridor for the Round Valley mule deer herd.

Community Connections
Eastern Sierra Land Trust’s Community Connections Program works to build bonds between families and the land. By getting people of all ages outdoors and educating them about the natural world, they cultivate a deep appreciation for our region and all that it offers.
At Eastern Sierra Land Trust, they know that preserving the Eastern Sierra goes beyond protecting land with legal tools. By introducing people of all ages to the value of conservation and by helping them develop deep bonds with this land, you’re ensuring that the work we do today will last long into the future. Outings such as the annual field trip to our local Mule Deer Migration Corridor, wildflower walks, birdwatching opportunities, and hands-on volunteer days get families out in nature, where they get to know the places and wildlife species that make the Eastern Sierra unique.

One recent activity was The Great Sierra River Cleanup—part of California Coastal Cleanup day. ESLT, Friends of the Inyo, and volunteers will remove trash along the Owens River on LADWP land near the Artesian Springs.

Posted on September 24th, 2024

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Fishout Schedule – Oct

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

Date Activity Link DescriptionLocation
Sep 21 - Oct 05 12:00 amMammoth Fishout -Sept. 21-Oct.5

Fall trout fishing in streams and lakes. Trip is for seven days and the participants share a condo in Mammoth Lakes.

Mammoth Lakes
Oct 05 6:50 am - 8:50 amLast Surf Fishout of 2024!

Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers

Palm State Beach
Oct 17 - Oct 20 O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout October 17-20th

Camping and striped bass fishing at the O’Neil Forebay.

Medeiros Primitive Campground – Oneill Forebay
Nov 01 - Nov 04 12:00 amTrinity River Fishout

Target: Steelhead and trout.  Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip, text Alex at (831) 419-0564  or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. 

Sep 21 : Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 21-Oct.5


Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 21-Oct.5
UPDATED - 9/16/2024 -  first week is full,  second week is full. Sign Ups: As a reminder, it is important to sign up early or this Fishout. Call John Cook letting him know which week, both or private room. Payment is required to secure our 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. Contact Ph # (831) 234-6515 Fishmasters: John & Elaine Cook Dates:  This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept  21 - Sept 28 .       Week 2: Sept 28 - Oct 5. 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. General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Condo 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:  $450/wk, $900/2 wks,   Private room:  $800/wk,  $1,600/2 wks.   Dinner guests:  $20/meal 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 assigned a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare.   You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.   Read More

Oct 05 : Last Surf Fishout of 2024!



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.
SURF FISHOUTS 2024 Meeting    Time (AM) State Beach  Sunrise Low tide High tide Moon    Tide flow Fishmaster
MAY 4th Saturday 5:55 Rio Del Mar 6:10 LO 02:14  +1.1 HI 07:58 AM +4.0 New Jun  7 Hi Flood to High Slack Lance B
JUNE* 1st Saturday 5:35 Beercan* 5:50 LO 01:12 +1.3 HI 06:39 +3.4 New  Jun 6 High Slack to Ebb Sam
JULY 6th Saturday 5:40 Palm 5:56 LO 06:03 -1.1 HI 1:04 PM +3.7 New    Jul 5 Low slack to Flood Lance B
AUGUST 3rd Saturday 6:00 Rio Del Mar 6:15 LO 05:05 -0.7 HI 11:54 AM +3.8 New  Aug 4 Low slack to Flood Sam
SEPT 7th Saturday 6:25 Manresa 6:44 LO 07:04 +1.8 HI 1:26 PM +4.6 New  Sep 2 Low slack to low Flood Sam
OCT 5th Saturday 6:50 Palm 7:06 LO 05:50 + 2.1 HI Noon +5.0 New   Oct 2 Low Flood Sam
Notes: Meet up times are scheduled 15 - 20 minutes before official sunrise. Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, notifications on Google Groups. June 1st* Mike Lovejoy's for breakfast after fishing:  115 Driftwood Ct., Aptos Contacts: Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4024 Lance Boling <clboling@gmail.com>
          Locations            Rio Del Mar State Beach - Google Map location for "Platform Beach"
           Beercan Beach* - Enter  1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos. Path & Stairs  between Houses (See Notes)
           Palm Beach - Pajaro Dunes, end of West Beach St.
           Manresa State Beach - Google it, but parking may be on Ocean View Dr, 500 yards down the road
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zraPirPBmIU
Tides Zen Read More

Oct 17 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20th


O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout October 17-20th
Event: O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout Date: October 17th - 20th (I will be looking for a weekend with a 'skinny' moon, less night feeding for the fish) Target Gamefish: Striped Bass Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O'Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33) Hosts: Kevin Murdock   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 mussels) Fins, sunscreen, polarized glasses, life vest Links:  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! Read More

Nov 01 : Trinity River Fishout


Trinity River Fishout
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.
Read More

Posted on September 24th, 2024

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Restoring the Klamath River – Virtual Speaker

Sep 04 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Dr. Mark Rockwell has been working on environmental issues since 2001, when he retired from his Chiropractic Practice in Redwood City, CA. He’s been married 54 years and has 3 children.  In 2001 he became the V.P. of Conservation for the Northern California Council, Fly Fishers International (NCCFFI). In 2005, after returning from a lobby trip to D.C. on Snake River dam removal, he was invited to be the California Organizer of the Endangered Species Coalition (ESC), working to stop the Congressional effort to rewrite the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  He worked for 12 years for the ESC as the California Organizer, and then the Pacific Field Organizer in charge of California, Oregon and Washington field operations.  He has been in leadership for Fly Fishers International (FFI) since joining the Board of the Northern California Council, FFI in 2003, serving as V.P. of Conservation, and then President from 2018 to 2023. He continues today as the V.P. of Conservation, and has received the coveted FFI Conservation Leadership Award twice – 2007 & 2023.


He began working on Klamath river dam removal in 2003, signing the original Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement (KBRA) & Klamath Hydropower Settlement Agreement (KHSA) agreements in 2010, and the current revised KHSA in 2015. It’s been a 20+ year collaborative
effort to provide the opportunity for the Klamath River to return to its historic greatness. In 2023 the license to operate the Klamath project was transferred and surrendered to the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, the entity formed to manage removal of the 4 dams and oversee restoration of the footprint lands of the project. As of early 2024, the Klamath is running free for the first time since 1918, and all dams will be off the river by the end of October 2024.

Mark continues to be focused on fishery & watershed conservation as his post-chiropractic life mission. “I spent my professional life treating spine and nervous system interference problems for my community in the San Francisco region for 25 years, and my post Chiropractic life working to improve our planet. Both of these efforts are done with a sense of love and caring. Conserving our great watersheds & fish is now my purpose. We owe it to our children & grandkids to pass along to them the same greatness & beauty we inherited.” ~ Dr. Mark Rockwell



Posted on August 27th, 2024

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September Raffle and Door Prizes

Bad news first: Now that the Pandemic is over, we are no longer able to conduct our monthly raffle online.

The good news: We have a huge pile of raffle prizes and door prizes that we will be up for grabs at the regular monthly meeting to be held on Wednesday September 4th. Aptos Grange, 6 pm.
  • We will have a winners choice of a 5wt or 6wt or 7wt or 8wt rod and matching reel!
  • We also have a great Cadis float tube and a subscription to the re-born “California Fly Fisher”.
  • In addition to the raffle prizes there will be a bunch of great door prizes (everybody gets a free ticket) including a 6 pack of Bell’s “Two Hearted IPA”!
Don’t miss out, this will be a great start to our Fall fly fishing season.

Posted on August 27th, 2024

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September Fly Tying Class: Punk Perch

by Elaine Cook - Fly Tying Chairman



Sep 11 6:30 PM @ Aptos Grange

Our class this month will feature a stillwater pattern for trout. If you’re going to Mammoth, you’ll want to have a few of these with you to fish Crowley. It’s a relatively easy fly to tie, so if you were thinking about learning to tie flies, come on down. We always have equipment available for people to borrow. All materials are provided and if you have black 8/0  and red 6/0 thread do bring them. The red will only be used for the head, so several bobbins will already have the red thread on them to share.

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

Date Fly Excerpt
October Fly Tying Class: Adachi clouserOct 09 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmOctober Fly Tying Class: Adachi clouser

Our club member, Tommy Polito, is having much success in both the surf and forebay catching stripers using this fly.. He is also finding other fish species are attracted to the fly as well.  There have been many requests for our club members to have a class for tying clousers, so I’m glad to make that happen.  Please, as always, sign up at the next club meeting or call 831-234-6515.  The class is always free and materials are provided. If you have flat wax nylon white, do bring it and some will be available to borrow   We welcome you beginners and have equipment for you  to use.    ~Elaine

Colorado King CaddisNov 13 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmColorado King Caddis

This dry fly pattern for trout can be tied in sizes 8 to 18, so will work in a great variety of places. I particularly like one of the larger sizes for using in the Rocky Mountains. We will use a larger hook for the class.  This is not a difficult fly to tie so you beginners should feel comfortable participating. The fly includes peccary, which is seldom used for tying flies. You more experienced tyers should find the technique using this material interesting. As always all the materials are provided and if you have 6/0 black thread, please bring it. We welcome you beginners and have equipment for you to use. Please sign up at the club meeting or call me at 831-234-6515.

Posted on August 19th, 2024