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.
PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES! DOOR PRIZES & RAFFLE PRIZES
Spring is here in full bloom, the rains are over, Summer is just around the corner. Sounds like it is time to get serious about fishing! With that in mind we have some great raffle prizes up for grabs. This month choose between an Euro-Nympth Fly Rod/DVD set, an Echo 6/7 Arbor Reel, or a Mokelumne Gear Bag.
Don’t miss out, buy your lucky raffle tickets. The online ticket sales office will close at noon on 5/01/24.
Raffle tickets cost a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25. Click on the following link to purchase your lucky raffle tickets:
This adult caddis pattern is similar to a Henryville. One or both of these patterns are great to have in your dry fly box. These are primarily used in moving water. Be sure to apply floatant before getting wet. This fly is tied and sizes 12 to 18 and these directions have been written for a size 16 hook. Adjust materials accordingly.
NOTE: The wings need to be prepped ahead of time them with silicone or spraying them with clear lacquer.
HOOK: TMC 100 Crimp barb.
THREAD: olive 8/0. ( 12/0 or 14/0 for size 18 hooks). Attached mid shank.
BODY HACKLE: Medium dun saddle, barbs equal to one and a quarter hook gap. Cut 3 to 4 barbs short on each side of the butt end of the stem “crew cut”. Tie in “crew cut” at rear of shank with dull side facing you.
BODY: olive super fine dubbing. Dub a cigar shaped body 2/3 forward on shank. Palmer hackle forward with three wraps. Tie off, cut excess.
UNDERWING: Wood duck mallard flank. Cut three barbs from stem. Tie butt ends in so that tips extend 1/2 shank length beyond end of shank. Cut excess.
OVERWING: mallard quill feather. Using a Bodkin, separate a section the width of 1/2 of a hook shank. Cut a notch near the outer edge. (See diagram). position on top of shank, notch end to the rear, the same length as the underwing. Snuggly tie in place with a couple of snug thread wraps, then one wrap further back onto body. Cut excess close. Wrap down butts.
THORAX HACKLE: use the same hackle. Prep and tie in as above.
THORAX: peacock hurl with long barbules . Pull off fragile tip. Tie in tip. Advance thread to one eye length behind eye. 2 touching wraps of peacock hurl forward. Tie off cut excess. 2 wraps of hackle forward. Tie off. Cut excess. Tie off with 3 half hitches. Apply very small amount of superglue to tie off threads.
Posted on April 24th, 2024
Date: May 8, 1924
Time: Door is open at 6:15 PM, class begins at 6:30
As we all prepare for trout fishing this spring and summer, terrestrials are important to have in your box. Be sure to sign up for the class by calling me at 831-234-6515, or you can sign up at the main club meeting. It’s important to have at least 24 hours notice so that material packets can be made. As always, the class is free, materials are provided, and tools and vises are available for beginners. If you have black 8/0 thread, please bring it. This will be a great class for beginners as well. A couple of twists for more experience tiers who want to see something a little different and a little more realistic.
When you talk about a “go to fly”, this has to be one of them. It’s an emerging caddis pattern, is easy to tie, uses few materials, floats nicely, lands on the water easily, and fish like it very well. NOTE: Directions are written for a size 16 hook. Adjust amount of material for other sizes.
HOOK: TMC 100, SIZES 14–20. Crimp barb.
THREAD: olive or tan (to match body) 8/0.
Attached behind eye.
Touching wraps to mid shank.
SHUCK: ginger or amber , Micro Zelon, Sparkle Emerger Yarn, or spooled Antron.
Separate fibers with bodkin.
Moisten fibers for easy handling.
Select about five strands.
Lay on top of shank, tips extending two shank lengths beyond eye.
Tie in place with 3 to 4 wraps.
Fold the forward Zelon to the rear.
Tie place with touching wraps to rear of shank.
Cut Zelon to shank length.
BODY: olive or tan Antron dubbing.
Dub a cigar shaped body forward to one eye length behind eye.
Trim wild hairs.
WING: Deer hair – medium thick fiber, with tips marked.
Cut clump of fibers from hide.
Clean out under fur. Finished clump should equal size of a wooden matchstick.
Hold clump above shank, tips above center of shuck.
Make one wrap around hair only, then three or four around hair and shank. The hairs will flare.
Stroke, butt fibers forward and upward into a bundle out over the eye.
Hold wing hairs in a bundle to the rear on top of the shank.
Make 10 touching thread wraps to the rear making a collar.
Advance thread to behind eye That’s good honey
Bring forward hair upward and forward into a clump.
Cut hair fibers at an angle so they equal two eyed lengths long. See photo.
Half hitch behind eye 4-5 times.
Cut thread.
Super Glue to collar and tie off threads.
This year the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club board of directors approved an increase in the conservation budget from $3,000 to $4,000. This was made possible by our increase in memberships, your generous donations and fundraiser/raffle participation. I hope you all realize that you are helping conservation efforts that we believe are aligned with improving and protecting our fisheries. One of the goals this year put forth by our President, Scott Kitayama, is to encourage more participation in the club committees. As our club size increases, the board would appreciate some help. I was fortunate to have Mary Hermansky, Dougald Scott and Rich Hughett help with putting together the conservation proposal for this year. They all have a lot of experience and provided some relevant perspective and fresh ideas.
For this month’s article, I’m going to provide a profile on one of the new additions to our list of organizations: Wild Steelheaders United.
Mission: Wild Steelheaders United (an organization within Trout Unlimited) was established to educate and mobilize the numerous wild steelhead advocates wanting to engage in the Initiative. It is a place where anglers can become more informed about wild steelhead biology and ecology, keep abreast of policy issues, and learn about TU’s conservation work. Some of their projects in California:
Carmel River: San Clemente Dam Removal and River Re-route Project—Wild Steelheaders United and Trout Unlimited helped gain permits, approvals, and funding for the largest dam removal project in California’s history (so far). This project restored fish passage to more than 25 miles of mainstem and spawning tributaries in this once-productive wild steelhead river. A mere three years after the project’s completion, the winter steelhead run here increased significantly.
Carmel River: Rancho Canada land acquisition and conversion to regional park—Water rights experts from Wild Steelheaders United and Trout Unlimited played a key role in negotiating the terms of and obtaining funding for this landmark transaction, which converted an old 36-hole golf course to regional park land and keeps 300 acre-feet of water per year in the lower Carmel River to improve wild steelhead habitat and migration conditions in a reach that sometimes dries back.
Klamath River restoration—in 2016, Trout Unlimited joined the States of California and Oregon, tribes, federal agencies and other stakeholders in signing the amended Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, which paves the way for removing four antiquated dams on this legendary steelhead fishery, resolving decades of stubborn water quality problems and re-opening more than 400 miles of good spawning and rearing habitat for salmon and steelhead. In 2018, the Klamath River Renewal Corporation submitted to the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission its Definitive Plan for taking over the license for these dams from the utility PacifiCorp and then removing them, while the State of Oregon issued its
certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act that the removal of JC Boyle Dam would not impair water quality upstream of the California-Oregon border.
Protecting steelhead habitat and water quality on public lands in northwest California— Eel and Trinity Rivers—TU and Wild Steelheaders United are the lead sportsmen’s groups working to permanently protect key steelhead habitats in the Eel and Trinity Rivers—two of the most famous steelhead streams in the West. These rivers flow largely through public lands. In 2018, Congressman Jared Huffman and Senator Kamala Harris introduced legislation to accomplish this goal, through a package of new land and water designations, forest and watershed restoration measures, development of new and enhanced recreational infrastructure, and restoration of illegal cannabis cultivation sites.
TU’s California Water Project completes fish passage and habitat restoration projects that benefit steelhead—In recent years TU and Wild Steelheaders United have led multiple restoration projects in coastal steelhead waters, including agricultural water supply solutions in the steelhead factories of Pescadero and San Gregorio Creeks; Mill and Yellowjacket Creeks (important spawning and rearing tributaries to the Russian River); and Pennington Creek, a steelhead stream that connects to Morro Bay near San Luis Obispo.
San Geronimo Creek/Lagunitas Creek restoration—In 2019 TU and Wild Steelheaders United partnered with the Trust for Public Land to acquire and begin restoration of a former golf course on San Geronimo Creek, an important tributary to Lagunitas Creek, which harbors the last best run of wild coho salmon in California and also supports steelhead. TU volunteers have played a lead role in restoration efforts on Lagunitas Creek for many years, and TU’s North Coast Coho Project will lead the San Geronimo Creek restoration work.
The information source for this article came from https://www.wildsteelheaders.org/. Check out this site for much more information. For a conservation atlas and a steelhead fishing trip planner, go to https://www.wildsteelheaders.org/our-work/conservation/. Also, Tim Frahm and Christy Fischer of our local TU Steinbeck Country Chapter were primary forces in the success of many of the projects listed above.
2024 Roster will be available @ the May 1 Meeting . 230 members have paid their dues. If you would like an electronic version please email @ robert6367@aol.com
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Lakes, rivers and streams of the Burney area Species: Trout Duration: 3 Days Cost: No Cost Meet Up: Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below) This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster Alex Ferber. Here he will be discussing the local fishery, access points,… Read More
Fishmaster: Tim Loomis - 831- 345-8411 / bigsurstyles@att.net The Lake Almanor fishout is typically scheduled for the last weeks of June (22nd - 29th). 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… Read More
Location: Palm Beach State Park Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style 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… Read More
Sign Up Now! Experience a new HIGH! Fish for Dorado, and many other salt-water fish, including Bonito, Roosters, Yellowtail and Sailfish on a fly! Join the group going to Loreto in Baja July 7th through the 11th This trip includes: Four nights at the beautiful Hotel La Mission, on the water-front next to the Loreto… Read More
Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station / Baker & Deadman campground. http://www.kennedymeadows.com. If you want to stay in a cabin, you should try to get a reservation now. The cabins generally roll over annually with returning guests from the previous year. The Hogye's will be in Cabin 11. Rates range from $115 - 260 per… Read More
Location: Rio Del Mar State 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… Read More
Location: Manresa State 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… Read More
UPDATED - 4/24/2024 - Three spots open first week, second week is full. Sign Ups: As a reminder, it is important to sign up early or this Fishout. Half of the spots have been filled. Call John Cook letting him know which week, both or private room. Payment is required to secure our spot we… Read More
Event: O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout Date: Date to be updated as we get closer to October (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… Read More
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… Read More
Steve Schalla is the creator of the website, www.FlyFishingtheSierra.com. Filled with maps and fishing knowledge, the website has become a repository for everything he’s learned about fly fishing over the past 30 years. Steve’s goal has been to create regional maps covering all of the waters of the Sierra. These maps show fish species, fishless areas, access trails, fishing/permit regulations, and a hatch chart with a suggested fly selection.
Steve is a graduate of Forestry from Cal with an emphasis on Botany from UCSB. He has established reforestation nurseries in California, Oregon, and Washington and grew close to 45 million seedlings for replanting many of our forests. Additionally, Steve is active with Fly Fishers International and his local club, Sespe Fly Fishers.
Steve will be speaking to the club on the history of the Golden Trout Wilderness, from the uniqueness of the geology and natural fish introduction to cultural interests that impact Golden Trout today.
PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES! DOOR PRIZES & RAFFLE PRIZES
Spring has sprung which means that it is time to start thinking about trout fishing! We have some great raffle prizes and door prizes to be given away at our April meeting,
Don’t miss out, buy your lucky raffle tickets. The online ticket sales office will close at noon on 3/31/24.
Raffle tickets cost a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25. Click on the following link to purchase your lucky raffle tickets:
This fly was created by Andy Puyans back in the 1960s. He was a well-known fly tyer and this pattern has been successfully used for decades in waters that hold mayflies. If you are planning to fish Los Padres Reservoir or Lake Almanor, be sure to have a few of these with you. It can be tied in sizes 10 to 18 and for our class we will be using a size 10 hook, an easy size to handle. Our fly tying classes are always free and materials provided. For beginners, who are always welcome, vices and tools are available. If you have black 6/0 thread please bring it. You can sign up for the class at the club meeting or call me, with at least 24 hours notice, at 831-234-6515.
The fly tying class this month is an AP nymph. It’s tied in the same manner, but using different materials. This pattern works well for flies sized 12 to 18. The AP nymph is better adapted to the larger hooks like 10 to 14. mayflies come in a variety of colors. More comonly tan, olive, brown and pale yellow. use same color for thread, mallard, feather, body and thorax.
HOOK: TMC 200 R, sizes 12 to 18. Crimp barb.
THREAD: color to match body Attached mid shank, and wrap to rear of shank.
TAIL: Died mallard flank feather. Stroke barbs so that tips are lined up. Cut approximately 6-10 barbs from stem. Position on top
of shank, tips to rear forming a short tail. (see sample). Attach to top of shank up to 1/3 back from eye. Cut excess.
RIB: Find gold wire. Attach strand under hook shank back to tail.
BODY: Super fine dubbing. Dub a tapered body up to 1/3 back from eye. Spiral wire forward, 5 wraps. Tie off cut excess.
WING CASE: Died mallard, flank feather. Prepare the feather in the same manner as above, but select twice the number of barbs.
Position on top of shank with tips to the rear, allowing length to be slightly longer than hook. Tie in place.
THORAX: Same dubbing as body. A generous, round body. Finishing one eye length behind eye. Bring wing case forward over
thorax and tie down.
LEGS: Divide mallard barbs in half. Tied down one half on far side with tips to the rear, and 1/2 on the near side.
HEAD: Tie a small thread head, and then whip finish. Cut thread.
A Sacramento County superior court judge recently handed down a ruling upholding an important decision by the California State Water Board that impacts flows in the San Joaquin River and its three primary tributaries—the Tuolumne, Merced and Stanislaus Rivers.
Background:
In 2018, the State Water Resources Control Board issued a water quality plan for the San Joaquin River and the aforementioned tributaries that are part of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta watershed. The plan called for increasing flows in the three tributaries to help increase severely decreasing populations of chinook salmon and steelhead trout. In order to increase flows, water diversions would need to be reduced. Diversions of over 80% of river flows are currently allowed. In 2022, a stretch of the Merced River was run dry. The 2018 plan was challenged with numerous lawsuits and claims by large agricultural water suppliers such as the Merced Irrigation District and Westlands Water District as well as municipal suppliers including the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and the city of Modesto.
The Decision:
A total of 12 lawsuits and 116 claims were rejected in this ruling. If and when the standards are implemented, diversions during certain times of the year will be limited to 50%-70% of total river flows. This will result in a double in water flow in the rivers at certain times of the year. Also rejected was a challenge to a limit to salinity levels. It is expected that lawsuits will challenge the court decision.
Another Idea:
Another approach governor Newsom has promoted are so-called “voluntary agreements”. This approach, where parties come together to work out a comprehensive, multi-year solution that brings together dozens of water agencies with the state and federal governments to pool resources and take concrete actions to provide targeted river flows and expand habitat in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and Bay Delta. These environmental improvements are supposedly guided by scientific monitoring and collaborative decision making. Many of the water agencies, including Westlands support the VA path. But, former Water Board chair Felicia Marcus says a voluntary agreement can be effective, regulatory requirements must be in place to enforce adequate water for the environment.
We will see how this saga plays out and if salmon and steelhead numbers bounce back sooner than later.
Membership continues to grow with 5+ new members per month for a total of 228 members who have renewed their memberships to be included in the 2024 Roster which should be available by the end of April f0r the May meeting. We print 50 hardcopies and electronic copies are available upon request . Members can send an email to Robert6367@aol.com prior to the May meeting. Also if you are not receiving the monthly newsletter, or googlegroups, please send me an email and you can be added.
Members that have joined since January, 2024:
New Member
City
January: J. Reis D. Botman M. Kiely J. McKeon N. Dryden R. Morton C. Morast February: P. Shields M. Curtis J. Ainsworth J. Shulin B. Payne J. Raynes March: C. Chriswell C. Beale K. Taylor W Russel C. Koontz
Sant Cruz Santa Cruz Livermore Santa Cruz Santa Cruz La Selva Beach Santa Cruz
Soquel Watsonville Aptos Texas Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Scotts Valley San Jose Pebble Beach Santa Cruz
SAFETY FIRST when fishing the surf. If you’ve ever been hit by a wave or fall in the water and your stripping basket becomes involved, it can be a real issue. At that point your ability to maneuver in the water is greatly reduced as the water pulls you in the direction it wishes to go. Whichever type you use, make sure the belt and/or basket can be quickly removed. A couple of suggestions for how you achieve a quick release. 1. A basket that attaches to the belt with Velcro. 2.Purchase your own double sided Velcro, about 2 inches wide, to make your own attachment. 3. Scientific Anglers ECOastal basket comes equipped in this way. 4. The basket that Sam now has available for the club to purchase comes with a belt that has a plastic attachment that slips apart easily. Do note: belts with a button release is very difficult to do when you’re tossing in the surf helplessly. Whatever you decide to use, be sure to try it ahead of time, and probably while holding the rod in the other hand.
The Pyramid Lake trip is one of the best-attended fishouts the club has, and for a good reason. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cruise parallel to the shore in easy casting distance from shore. Read More
Updated March 25th, fish out if full. 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. On this Fishout, priority will be… Read More
Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Lakes, rivers and streams of the Burney area Species: Trout Duration: 3 Days Cost: No Cost Meet Up: Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below) This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster Alex Ferber. Here he will be discussing the local fishery, access points,… Read More
Fishmaster: Tim Loomis - 831- 345-8411 / bigsurstyles@att.net The Lake Almanor fishout is typically scheduled for the last weeks of June (22nd - 29th). 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… Read More
Location: Palm Beach State Park Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style 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… Read More
Sign Up Now! Experience a new HIGH! Fish for Dorado, and many other salt-water fish, including Bonito, Roosters, Yellowtail and Sailfish on a fly! Join the group going to Loreto in Baja July 7th through the 11th This trip includes: Four nights at the beautiful Hotel La Mission, on the water-front next to the Loreto… Read More
Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station / Baker & Deadman campground. http://www.kennedymeadows.com. If you want to stay in a cabin, you should try to get a reservation now. The cabins generally roll over annually with returning guests from the previous year. The Hogye's will be in Cabin 11. Rates range from $115 - 260 per… Read More
Location: Rio Del Mar State 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… Read More
Location: Manresa State 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… Read More
UPDATED - 4/24/2024 - Three spots open first week, second week is full. Sign Ups: As a reminder, it is important to sign up early or this Fishout. Half of the spots have been filled. Call John Cook letting him know which week, both or private room. Payment is required to secure our spot we… Read More
Event: O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout Date: Date to be updated as we get closer to October (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… Read More
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… Read More
David Gregory is the owner of Yosemite Outfitters, a fly fishing and Hiking guide service out of Yosemite.
David has a B.S. in Parks and Recreation Management and is a graduate of Clearwater Guide School. He is enthusiastically devoted to sharing his love of fly fishing and guides for Yosemite Outfitters. The past 19 years he has formed a deep connection to Yosemite and the cool crystal waters off the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers
From roaming the Patagonian Andes to the sheer magic of Yosemite, David Gregory will take us on an aquatic adventure through places that have captured his heart. Addressing the need for conservation and stewardship to preserve the future of our sport and planet.
March is here and it is time to get serious about going after some of the big guys at Pyramid Lake. Take a look at these great raffle prizes that will give you a leg up at the Lake of the Giants, or if you prefer a nice little rod/reel package for Sierra streams.
Don’t miss out, buy your lucky raffle tickets.
Raffle tickets cost a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25. Click on the following link to purchase your lucky raffle tickets:
The online ticket sales office will close at noon on Wednesday the day of the Fly Club meeting. The drawing will take place at the monthly meeting (3/6) held at the Aptos Grange. Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.
Participation in the monthly raffle helps the Club’s conservation and scholarship programs, your support is greatly appreciated.
The Santa Cruz club is a member of the Fly Fishing International (FFI) which provides us with well priced insurance to run the club. I thought that was all it did, but after attending a lunch meeting at the Pleasanton Fly show, I am convinced that they have a program that will be a cornerstone of our club as well as many clubs around the world. This year our club will continue to roll out the Fly Casting Skills Development program and I can imagine a time when we will have 20+ people at our casting clinics. The “aha” for me is that the program is based around Skill Assessment, not a pass/fail test and not a classroom. And the Skills Development program is for everyone, below I have pulled information about the mission and skills involved at each level.
The mission of the Fly Casting Skills Development program is to give all fly anglers a guide to learning and improving casting skills that address increasingly advanced fishing situations. It starts at the Foundation level, for true beginners to the sport who might be picking up a fly rod for the first time. It progresses through 4 levels of Foundation, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. These provide a broad, relevant range of fishing casts covering skill categories of loop control, accuracy, roll cast, presentation, change in direction and distance. Better casting skills open more fishing opportunities with less frustration. All fly anglers can benefit and should be proud of their accomplishment. There is even an opportunity for recognition of casting accomplishments with an award document and a pin at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
BRONZE FLY CASTING SKILL LEVEL
The Bronze Level is focused on developing or reinforcing solid beginning fly casting skills. A fly fisher with this level of proficiency can successfully fish many common fishing situations. The Bronze Level challenges are as follows: B1. Pick-Up and Lay-Down cast (PULD): 40 ft. B2. Vertical to Horizontal Casting: 40 ft. B3. Roll Cast, Dominant Side: 40 ft. B4. Roll Cast, Non-Dominant Side: 40 ft. B5. Shooting Line: Starting at 40 ft. shooting to 45+ ft. with no false casts allowed. B6. Accuracy: Hit 0, 30, and then 40-foot targets B7. Distance: Starting at 40 ft. shooting to 50+ ft.
SILVER FLY CASTING SKILL LEVEL
The Silver Level is focused on developing intermediate level fly casting skills. A fly fisher with these casting skills can successfully fish common situations and often achieve more challenging presentations.
The Silver Level challenges are as follows: S1. Vertical to Horizontal False Casts, Non-Dominant Side: 40 ft. S2. Reach Mend to Right: At 40 ft., the caster will perform a reach mend to the right. S3. Reach Mend to the Left: At 40 ft., the caster will perform a reach mend to the left. S4. Slack Line Presentation: At 40 ft., the caster will make a slack line presentation S5. Belgian style or Oval Cast: At 40 ft., the caster will perform a Belgian cast (open loop) S6. Accuracy, Non-Dominant Side: Hit 0, 30, and then 40-foot targets S7. Distance and Shooting Line: Starting t 45 ft., shooting to 60+ ft.
GOLD FLY CASTING SKILL LEVEL
The Gold Level is focused on developing advanced fly casting skills. A fly fisher with these skills can successfully fish in a wide variety of fishing situations.
The Gold Level challenges are as follows: G1. Loop Control, Non-Dominant Side: At 45 ft., the caster will perform 4 or more false casts off the non-dominant shoulder (left shoulder for a right-handed person) ending with fly hitting a 4 ft. target. Hauling is allowed. G2. Curve Casts: At 40 ft., the caster will perform a curve cast to the side of their choice with the line/leader curving around an obstacle at approximately 25 ft. The fly should land at least 45 degrees from the line layout between the caster and the obstacle. G3. Roll Cast Pick-Up: Starting at 40 ft., the caster will perform a roll cast pick-up with extension of line to 55ft. G4. Change of Direction Casts: At 40 ft., the caster will perform two different change of direction casts of their choosing with fly line and leader landing relatively straight. G5. Accuracy: Hit 20, 30, 40, and then 50-foot targets G6. Casting While Seated or Kneeling: While sitting in a chair or kneeling with one knee on the ground, start at 30 ft. and shoot to 40 ft.
G7. Backcast Presentation to a Minimum of 55 ft.:
G8. Distance and Shooting Line: Starting at 45 ft., shooting to 70+ ft.
It’s time to get ready for the bass and bluegill season with some of these top water creations. This is a two day class that is a very artsy crafty and beginners should feel comfortable in attending. All the materials will be provided including the thread. Vises and tools will be available for beginners. There is limited space, so only sign up if you are committed to attend and do so no later than March 11. You can sign up at the club meeting or by calling me at 831-234-6515
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
