CDC stands for cul-de-canard which is the butt feather of a duck. It has some interesting properties that will help the fly float without gel floatant. In fact gel floatant actually mashes down the barbs making the fly not float. Instead dress with a dry powdered floatsnt like Frog Fanny. When it becomes waterlogged, squeeze dry on clothing or a chamois. Then brush more Frog Fanny into the fibers. Don’t be concerned with the white fluffy appearance for it doesn’t seem to deter the fish at all.
HOOK: TMC 200 size 24-20. crimp Barb. Note: length of CDC feather will determine size of hook. See shuck below.
THREAD: 8/0 Color to match CDC NOTE: mayflies come in many colors. Some of the more common are gray, olive, tan, brown and cream. Attach thread behind eye. Wrap to above hook point with touching wraps.
SHUCK; CDC feather. Measure length of feather along stem were barbs protrude. Select a feather that is at least as long as the following as in the following chart. Longer is even better.
One and 3/4” for 14 hooks.
One and 1/2” for 16 hooks
One and 1/4” for 18 hooks
One inch for 20 hooks.
Stroke barbs toward tip of feather. Tie in on top of shank, tips hook length beyond thread, with three wraps. Carefully pull feather forward until shuck equals shank length. Lift butt and, wrapped thread to eye.
BODY: continuing with the same feather as above. Spiral wrap feather forward covering shank. Tie off with 2 wraps between barbs.
WING: using same feather as above, hold stem upright, stroke barbs backward. Make a loop with stem that extends to shuck. Tie off securely add eye. Cut excess. NOTE; loop will probably lean. Wrap thread head. Whip finish, cut thread. Do not use head cement or any glue. Stroke barbs backward. Cut them short at end of shuck.
The Nacimiento river is a 1hr boat ride from the Pine Knoll Campground and 1 hour back. The plan is to limit 6 angles per day (unless we secure another boat). Once we reach the river mouth, there is some hiking necessary to reach the prime river sections for the white bass. Last year the timing was perfect. Donations welcome for fuel.
We can try to plan ½ day on the 6th and full day on the 7th.
Start time around 8 AM on the 7th and return when everyone is done.
If anyone else has a boat they would like to bring please let me know.
Send me an email if you are interested.
Camping
You will need to book your own campsite at the Pine Knoll Camp ground. Last year there was no one there so sites were easy to get when we arrived. Food and drinks are on the individual unless we decide to share meals
https://golakenaci.com/amenities/#rv-tent-camping
Gear and Tackle Recommendations:
4-5 weight rods. Floating, full sink and intermediate lines were used. Flies: Clousers, San Louis smelts and Krystal buggers were used. Pack food and drinks for lunch.
This is our club’s 24th annual bass fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch since year 2000. This sprawling private ranch is located adjacent to Henry Coe State Park, off Hwy 152 entrance in Hollister near Casa de Fruta Restaurant. It’s a 22-mile off-road trek through the backcountry from the park entrance. This requires a 3-day weekend commitment. Accommodations are a 1928 ranch house and bunk house with options to tent camp or sleep in your vehicle. The ranch offers 9 bass ponds on its property plus 2 hike-ins on park property, float tube or shore fishing, hiking, birding, photography, and opportunities for riding your ATV on miles of ranch roads.
The terrain is rough, rocky and sometimes steep, therefore, all vehicles MUST be 4-WD with good clearanceto drive in and around the ranch! If you do not have a 4-WD vehicle, arrangements can be made for you to carpool with someone who does.
Breakfasts and dinner meals/barbecues are organized by teams. Lunches, snacks and beverages are each individual’s responsibility.
IMPORTANT
Call-in is Sunday, March 8 at 7:00 pm and not earlier. (831) 566-7707
Group is limited to 10 fishers (non-fishers welcome). COST: $300/person (no charge for children 12 yrs and under). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check payable to: Cecilia Stipes
Mail: 328 Capelli Drive, Felton CA 95018
Apr 25 : Green River – Utah
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Green River – Utah
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 $TBD. 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 rental. I’m counting on everyone on the list to send their payment and secure their place on the trip. If not all 12 people commit by payment, there will be a increased adjustment in the weekly fee for each angler since the rental cost is based on the number of people.
Steve Andersen will be handling the food end of our trip. Our desire is to have group dinner meals. So one or more of us will stop in Salt Lake City and stock up on provisions for these meals along with lunch makings. Breakfast will be up to the individual, whether they want to cook it or eat out. We will provide basic breakfast foods. Scott’s email is included in the email list above. Please if you have any dietary restrictions advise him of specialty item possibly needed for your meals. The fee for food will be a separate fee calculated after our arrival at the fish out. If you intend to cook your own food, you’re welcome to use the kitchen, but keep in mind there are no grocery stores within 50 miles. So remember to stock up before you leave civilization! There are three different restaurants in the area.
There are many guide services available for the Green River float, along with raft rental. Over the next few weeks, we will provide a list of potential recommendations so you might want to book your float trips? There is plenty of access along this river for wading a 7 mile trail system along the A section of the river.
Elaine Cook has offered to hold a fly tying class especially for the Green and will provide patterns that will accommodate that time of year. There is a great fly shop Trout Creek Flyer https://troutcreekflies.com/
We will start an ongoing thread of emails to this group. I will start to suggest that you think about if you’re going to fly or drive. If you fly, you fly into Salt Lake City and you can rent a car and split the cost with another member or 2.. The drive time from Salt Lake is about 4 1/2 hours. Drive time from Santa Cruz is probably 14 1/2 or 15 hours.
2025 Green River Fishout!
A BUCKT LIST Fly Fishing Trip | Green River-Part 1
May 01 : Coyote Lake – Gilroy (bass, bluegill, crappie)
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
We are going to do a local fishout with some of our partner organizations, Sisters on the Fly and the Monterey Chapter of Project Healing Waters. The intent is to provide a place close to home where members new to fly fishing have an opportunity cast for fish, get comfortable using a float tube, camp, and participate in the fellowship of a fishout. Will arrange to have shared meals, rigging clinic, and casting clinics.
Fishmasters:
SCFF: Scott Kitayama & Randy Saar Sisters on the Fly: PJ Myatt Project Healing Waters: Dave Kite
If you have questions or plan on camping and share meals OR If you are new to fly fishing and want to participate, contact Scott Kitayama scottkitayama@gmail.com.
Meeting time and place:
May 1st – May 3rd (Lakeview Campground) SCFF: Campsite #44 PHW: Campsite #45 SOTF: Campsite #??
Equipment
It is possible to fish from the shore, however this outing is to get members to try float tubing in a safe environment. Float Tubs, Flippers need to be inspected at the boat launch. PFDs are required and walkie talkies are encouraged.
Flies
* Topwater:
frog pattern, sliders, gurglers, poppers
* Stripping:
bunny leach, midnight cowboy, micro-clouser
* Indicator:
balanced leach, crappie jigs, hares ear (sz 10 and larger)
More details to be added as we get closer to the date.
This fish out is so popular we have decided to do it a second time. Michael Sherwood and Elaine Cook will be leading up the second which will be held the 5th, 6th, and 7th of May. The call in will be on March 16 at 7 PM. Michael Sherwood will be taking the calls. (831) 234-2244.
This sprawling private ranch is located adjacent to Henry Coe State Park, off Hwy 152 entrance in Hollister near Casa de Fruta Restaurant. It’s a 22-mile off-road trek through the backcountry from the park entrance. This requires a 3-day commitment. Accommodations are a 1928 ranch house and bunk house with options to tent camp or sleep in your vehicle. The ranch offers 9 bass ponds on its property plus 2 hike-ins on park property, float tube or shore fishing, hiking, birding, photography, and opportunities for riding your ATV on miles of ranch roads.
The terrain is rough, rocky and sometimes steep, therefore, all vehicles MUST be 4-WD with good clearanceto drive in and around the ranch! If you do not have a 4-WD vehicle, arrangements can be made for you to carpool with someone who does.
Breakfasts and dinner meals/barbecues are organized by teams. Lunches, snacks and beverages are each individual’s responsibility.
IMPORTANT
Call-in in is to Michael Sherwood on Monday, March 16th at 7:00 pm and not earlier. (831) 234-2244
Group is limited to 10 fishers (non-fishers welcome). COST: $300/person (no charge for children 12 yrs and under). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check payable to: Michael Sherwood
Mail: PO Box 2369, Santa Cruz, CA 95063
Michael Sherwood with the Roostercomb ridge in the background.
Location:
Pit River, close to Burney, California. The Pit river is located in the Shasta National Forest. Accessed via Hwy 299 and Hwy 89. Approximately 2 hrs east of Redding California
Lodging:
We will be camping at Ruling Creek Campground PG & E Campground – First come first serve ($15.00 daily cost subject to change). Located on the Pit 4 reach, below the Pit River 4 Dam. There are toilets, and fire rings. There usually is water available. The closest shopping is in Burney, about 1 hr away.
Description of the River:
The Pit river is a tailwater fishery, freestone in nature. It is accessed via a frontage road, maintained by PG and E. There is about 30 miles of river to explore. The river is well known for its wild and hard fighting Rainbow trout. It is fished mainly using nymphs, dead drifted under an indicator or using tight line techniques. On occasion fish will take dry flies, as well. These fish are pound for pound some of the hardest fighting trout you will ever experience. This boulder strewn river is notorious for its challenging wading. The nymphing can be quite technical, where getting good drifts will be rewarded with some awesome hookups. Typically this river is not terribly pressured. The river is in a beautiful, remote,wooded canyon, with some stunning views. The weather in May is very comfortable, typically in the 70’s.
Equipment:
9 ft, 5-6 wt rods, typically faster action work best. Typical nymph rig set ups, with lots of split shot. Felt, studded wading boots are essential. I would avoid rubber/Vibrum soles. This is a slippery river. This river has excellent Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis, so flies mimicking these bugs usually work well.
Skill Sets:
Strong wading skills are important. This river has tight quarters, so having a strong roll cast, and single spey casting techniques are very helpful in getting you bugs into position. There is some hiking, but most of the river access is right along the river.
Jun 04 : Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout – June 2026 – UPDATED 12/01
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Fishmaster: Mike White
Update 12/01 –
Duet to low response, the Fishout reservations need to be made by Dec. 15th if we do not fill our 13 spots the Fishout will be opened to other clubs to join.
Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members,
I have reserved June 4th and 5th for 2026 with Rob Anderson. He can take a max of 14 people. I am going to put together the details of the trip, and provide all the necessary information once you commit to the trip. Each person is responsible for their own lodging. The cost for the trip is $375. All your meals are provided.
If you are interested in attending please contact Mike White at 831 706-5556 or email at lumberguy73@hotmail.com
We must have a 50% deposit by January 1st in order to hold our spot.
Two-Day Float Tube Outing Information:
Two-day Float Tube Outings
Our outings are the most popular thing we do and are a great way to spend a couple days on the water with our guides and chef and have a chance to experience our favorite times of year to be at the lake. Ever since the introduction of the Pilot Peak strain of the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout we have been targeting these enormous fish. Early in the fall and again late in spring these fish stage in areas that allow us to fish for them from float tubes and pontoon boats.
You will meet us at the lake the late afternoon before the first day of fishing. We set this time aside to go over everything you need to know before the fishing starts. We will do everything from rigging up rods, setting up our floating devices, if you are camping with us we help you get settled in for the event. We always have a camp set up at the lake so you can leave gear at the lake each night. We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.
We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.
We will spend two + days on the water fishing and learning. Our Team will accompany you on the water helping to fine tune the techniques we have developed to catch these fish. We will be there to help you land and take pictures of your fish of a lifetime catch.
A complete Pre-Trip Planner will be sent to you once you are signed up for the outing. Included in the planner are the things you will need to bring. Some of the items are pretty mandatory including a fly rod with a fast-sinking shooting head with a sinking running line and something to float in like a float tube, kayak, or pontoon boat, and a good anchor.
Gear – Equipment is not included in our float tube outings unless prior arrangements have been made. We do offer limited Pontoon Boat rentals which also need to be arranged ahead of the outing.
Accommodations – Deals at local hotels will be available and in our Pre-Trip Planner. Camping at the lake is a blast this time of your and we encourage you to join us at the lake. You can dry camp at the beach we are fishing or there is an R.V. park at the lake with full hookups. Camping permits are required and need to be purchased in advance.
Permits – You will need a fishing permit to fish on the reservation. You will also need a camping permit if you intend to camp. Links to both of these will be in our pre-trip planner.
Food – This is a fully catered event. During the outing we will serve dinner at our Pre-Trip gathering and also the next night for those who camp with us and also hot lunches both days. In the mornings there will be coffee and some snacks. Kicking back and having a meal served for you while hanging out on the shores of the lake is a big reason why we have such a high rate of return from our outings customers.
Cost of the Outing is $375– Not included in the price are Tribal Permits, gear and gratuities to the staff and guides.
PS. You must have your 50% deposit mailed to Rob Anderson by January 1, 2026.
How to get there: Take US 80 to Reno-Sparks, take the Pyramid Blvd. off ramp and go north about 35 miles. Crosby Lodge is at Sutcliff, near the Ranger Station.If you have any questions about equipment or how to get there, check the “Gearing up” columns in the March 2007-2009 archives on our great club website, or call Mike White at (831) 706-5556.If you are considering going to Pyramid again this year with the club and you have not already done so, please contact the person who is booking the trailer you stayed in last year. Trailer-masters, if your trailer has gaps or cancellations, you can call Mike so he can pass the names of members who don’t have lodging to fill the empty spots.
Regulations: Fishing and camping permits can be purchased online prior to the fish-out. We would highly recommend doing this. Go to www.plpt.nsn.us to obtain your licenses. There is also an RV Park available at (775) 476-1155.
As with any great fishery there are always a long list of rules and regulations. We would recommend you review them on the website above. Suffice to say those of us who have been go-ing to Pyramid Lake for many years are a good source of information as well. We will help inform and guide all newcomers.
Pyramid Lake Lodge at (775) 476-0400
NOTE: Due to insurance regulations, all attendees must be paid up members of Santa Cruz Fly fishermen, so get your member-ship paid up if you haven’t done so yet.
Jun 19 : Yuba River Private Water – UC Davis Property
Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club (SCFFC)Lower Yuba Private Water Camp & Fishout
June 19th-21st 2026
(Date subject to change due to weather and flows)
The information provided below has been modified from the Grizzly Peak Fly Fishing Club and Tri-Valley Fly Fishing Club (2022-23)
Special Notes
The outing is limited to 20 people. With a $50.00 buy in payable to the club. Reservations will be accepted via email to the Fishmaster (Justin Ice) only one person reservation per email (if you and your buddy want to go then 2 emails are needed). Due to the limited capacity, reserving your spot is first come first serve starting Feb. 4th at 9am Payment to the club by Feb. 13th if payment not received on this date your space will be forfeited. No refunds.
Camping will be available on the property beginning at 4 PM Friday and extending to Sunday evening. Fishing hours are dawn to dusk. Gate code will be sent out as we get closer to the Fishout date. Each angler will be responsible to close the gate behind them. The gate code will be emailed to us the week before the trip. Additional details to follow as we get closer to the date
The Lower Yuba is accessible from the sea – you must have a 2026 California Steelhead Reporting Card in addition to your fishing license. Unlike the license, the report card must be delivered in hard copy, either by snail mail or by hand from a fishing store. Plan ahead!
Location
University of California Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, 8279 Scott Forbes Road, Browns Valley, CA 95918. Meet at the gate to the river road (N39.24672°, W121.32222°), which is on your right about 1/3 mile before you reach the research center. Note that, misleadingly, there is a sign at the gate that says “No Fishing Access”. The gate will be opened and then locked behind us. 2.5 hrs from Berkeley. Take I-80 east to Sacramento, turn onto I-5 north, then onto Hwy 70 to Marysville. Pass through downtown Marysville on 70, and as you round the lake, turn right onto Hwy 20 east. Continue 15 miles, pass the Sycamore Ranch Campground. At the sign to the UC Station, turn left onto Peoria Rd, and then at another sign, bear right onto Scott Forbes Rd (also called Long Bar Rd). The gate is just past Sicard Flat Ditch. SCFFC strongly encourages carpooling.
General Notes
Our Club event on the Yuba will be on the private property owned by the University of California and is one of their Sierra Research facilities. We have contracted for TVFF’s exclusive use of the facility for the two days over the weekend. The river is about 1.5 miles above the highway 20 bridge over the Yuba and accessible only through a locked gate for a maximum of twenty (20) anglers per day. There is approximately 2.5 miles of available river that is the tailwater section a mile or so below Englebright Dam. The river has easy and level access, so it’s ideal for those less comfortable in heavy current wading situations, although that is also available for those Euro Nymphing.
The UC facility is on many acres in a pastoral valley leading down to the river. Most of the research here is for cattle, grazing land management, and erosion control so it is very quiet with no nearby roads, ranches, or houses. There is a covered picnic area that sits above the river with 8-10 picnic tables and a porta potty restroom with hand wash station that is also available on site no water on site, limited cell phone reception, no fires. All in all, it’s a very scenic and serene site.
Gear and Tackle Recommendations:
Yuba River fish are notoriously “hot” and frisky. They workout full time in the strong current and just love to play in it when disturbed by a sharp hook. Anticipate that you will see strong runs on hook ups and that the fish will feel like they are 4-6″ larger than you see in the net. So…
Rod & line weights/types: 5 or 6 weight rods, reels and floating lines are the norm to help control their runs. A 4 weight for Euro Nymphing should work well as long as it has a good stiff butt section to manage any runs.
Leaders and tippet: Fishing style dependent but normally I fish a 9’ 4X leader and adjust with added tippet of up to 4-6’ of 5 for the dry flies, and stick with 4X fluoro for the nymphs.
Other gear:
Note that we will not be using any watercraft as this is a walk and wade event with float takeouts way too far downstream to be of use for us.
Flies: Flies to match and we will send out a more current list as we get closer to the dates and better understand how the weather and water are impacting the hatches. Typically, you will need Skwala dries and nymphs, Pale Morning Duns, Baetis/Blue Wing Olives, Pink Alberts, Little Yellow Sallies, Pale Evening Duns, Golden Stones, and four varieties of Caddis.
Location / Date
University of California Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, 8279 Scott Forbes Road, Browns Valley, CA 95918.
June 19th – 21st 2026
Registration / Booking Info
February 4th (Wednesday) 9am
Email only, one reservation per email, first come first served
Payment to Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club by February 13th . Payments not received on this date the space will be forfeited.
Payment details to follow
Jun 20 : Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 20th – 27th 2026
Rocky Point Campground (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Jeff (Yog) Goyert - Fishmaster (831)234-0033
The Lake Almanor Fishout is scheduled for June 20th thru 27th, 2026. This time period is, hopefully, the peak of the annual Hexagenia hatch that begins generally mid-June and runs through mid-July. The most productive fishing takes place early evenings on into past dark between Lake Almanor West to Canyon Dam on the Southwest side of the lake. Most of the fishing is done from float tubes as well as small boats or even from shore.
In addition to the evening “Hex” hatch, a multitude of opportunities exist for fishing throughout the day to include Little Crater Lake, Manzanita Lake, Baum Lake, Eagle Lake, Butt Valley Reservoir, Deer Creek, Clear Creek, Feather River, Yellow Creek, plus many more.
Lodging will be the responsibility of individual attendees. A popular campground operated by PG&E is the Rocky Point Campground, for reservation information call 916-386-5164. Many USFS campgrounds are in the area. Reservations are available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Make use of internet resources to acquire the actual campground names. There are also many resorts and rental cabins available in the area. A few examples are Wilson’s Camp/530-259-2267 and Plumas Pines Resort/530-259-4343. Other options are available via online research. Be advised that due to the popularity of fishing at this time of year reservations fill up early.
On Tuesday the 23th plan on breakfast with the club. Location TBD as Carol’s Café is under new ownership.
Sierra Fly and Tackle, stores in Chester and Hamilton Branch, is a great resource for current conditions and reports along with a large inventory flies and equipment. A must stop for all visiting fly fishers if only to get one of their cool tee-shirts. Both first time and veteran “Hex” Anglers could well benefit from the expertise provided by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Lance Gray (530-517-2204) or Tim Loomis (831-345-8411) both offer instructional packages to help achieve success during the “Hex”.
Date of Fishout TBD and subject to change due seasonal conditions
Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below). The park is approximately 10 minutes from the highway 299/80 junction. The park is on the left hand side going east on 299. If you google Hat Creek Park, it should show up.
This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster Alex Ferber. Here he will be discussing the local fishery, access points, general information and answering any questions you might have about making this a successful outing.
Meeting time to be updated as we get closer
Equipment:
Typical Trout Set Up 9′, 4-6wt Rods w/ Floating Lines Ideal
Euro Nymphing, and Trout Spey conditions available
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hairs Ear, Prince Nymph, Wooly Buggers, Perdigon, Copper Johns, Zebra Midge, Micro May, Golden Stones
Drys: Caddis Patterns 12-16, Upright wing vs. Emerges, Missing Link, Stone Flys, Parachute Adams, Comparaduns (various sizes 16-12)
Misc.: Soft Hackles, Streamers, Leaches
What To Expect:
This Fishout is DIY Fishout with your Fishmaster acting as a resource person helping with any questions regarding where to fish, access, use of personal watercraft, fishery history, etc. Depending on interest there is potential of a pre Fishout presentation (TBD) and or tour of any one of the local areas with the most interest.
More information to be updated as interest develops. Please contact the Fishmaster if you are interested in attending.
Local Waters:
Hat Creek: Spring creek with plenty of easy access, walk and wading. There are 3 distict sections from the Power House Riffle, to The Lower Freestone Section. There are an abundence of hatches year round and daily from mayflies, caddis, and stone flies with the potential of a trico or green drake hatch.
Burney Creek: Spring creek with access around the McArthur Burney Falls State Park. The waterfall is a must see. This is great water for a dry/dropper set up as well as traditional dry and nymph fishing. Above the falls the creek is stocked and below the fish are wild.
Pit River: Classic tailwater freestone fishery. This river is known for its hard fighting wild rainbows. There is great walk and wade access but the terrain is difficult with large snot covered bowling balls covering the river bed. Those with strong wading skills and a stout wading stick only need apply. The river is broken up by multiple power houses each with their own characters. Primary a nymphing river either by indicator or tight line. Rubber legs and dark lords and lots of weight (bring lots of both).
BaumLake: Stocked and great for a small float tube or kayak. Excellent dry fly and streamer fishing.
Lake Britton: Primarily a motorized boat lake. Warm water fishery with small mouth bass, and potential for bull trout.
Ahjumawi / Big Lake Lava Springs State Park: Launch at “Rat Farm”
Fall River: Iconic spring creek with an abundance of large wild rainbows. No shore access. Non motorized boats can be launched at the Cal Trout public access or a kayak/motor boat at the “Rat Farm” (Big Lake/Ahjjumawi launch). Awesome dry fly, streamer and indicator fishing.
Lodging:
Camping – Too many to list, this is an outdoors paridise with options from unimproved to glamping. Plenty of places for RV hookups and KOA camping
Hotels & Motels: Various options available in the Burney area
Green drakes are a mayfly that hatches out in June and early July in the western United States. We will be tying the adult version. This is a large mayfly and should work well via zoom. And for you who are new to our fly tying classes, all materials except for thread are provided for the class which is free. 6/0 thread will be used in this class. If you need to borrow tools vise and or thread, that can be made available to you. Beginners are always welcome, but need a little instruction ahead of time via FaceTime. Call to sign up and a packet of materials will be put at my front door for you. 831-688-1561
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
There are 15 species of callibaetis in the western United States in Canada. They emerge in spring, summer and fall, and are usually larger in the spring and smaller in the fall. Their distinguishing features are two tails, tan under body and modeled wings. They prefer still water but can be found in slow moving water as well. Use a floating line, apply floatant, leave still on water or dead drift. HOOK: TMC 100. Sizes 12-16. Crimp Barb. Crimp Barb. THREAD: Tan 8/0 Apply mid shank. Wrap forward to 1/3 back on shank. Cut thread tag. WING: Hungarian Partridge Using two feathers, pull barbs off base of feather until a narrow fan is formed. Length of fan should equal hook shank length. Attach feather to top of shank tips, forward and stems to rear , at junction of feather and stem. Pull feathers upright and make several wraps in front to hold in place. Tie down 1/8 inch of stems behind wing cut access. Make several thread wraps around base of wing to hold upright. Wrap thread to rear of shank. TAIL: dun microfibetts Make thread ball with 8 to 10 X thread wraps on top of one another. Wrap thread forward 1/3 of shank. Select 6-8 fibers(keep tips lined up). Lay on top of shank, tips extending well to rear. Tie to shank with four touching three thread wraps toward ball. Pull fibetts forward to make tail equal to shank length. Divide fibetts with bodkin. Pull the fibetts on far side away from shank and slightly upward, take one thread wrap toward ball. Grab remaining fibetts, pull them toward you and slightly downward. Take another wrap of thread toward ball. Repeat last two steps a couple more times. Ending at the ball. Cut access. BODY: Tan super fine dubbing Advance thread one wrap. Dub a narrow tapered body up to wing. HACKLE: Grizzly, barbs equal to hook gap Form a crew cut at butt end of feather by cutting 5 to 6 barbs short on each side of stem. Tie crew cut in at base of wing with dark side of feather toward you and tip to rear. THORAX: Tan super find dubbing Dub around base of wing. Taper dubbing forward to one hook eye length behind eye. Spiral hackle forward, two wraps behind wing, to in front of wing. Tie off cut access. Tie thread head. Whip finish, cut thread.
The Quigley represents an merging mayfly that is stressed in an unusual manner to make the rear of the fly hang down in the water and the thorax and wing out of the water. Apply saliva to the body 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: Gray 8/0 or 12/0(preferred).
TAIL and BODY: Gray marabou (fluffy)
THORAX: Dark Olive Debbie.
WING: Deer hair with narrow fibers
HACKLE: Grizzly
Crimp Barb.
Attached thread behind eye wrap to rear of shank in touching wraps.
Select 3 to 5 barbs of marabou, cut from stem, tie in with tips extending hook shank length to rear. Make two thread wraps forward, then fold marabou backward and make two thread wraps.
Make thread loop. Hold loop and stem and of marabou together, then wrap thread 2/3 forward on shank. If marabou is longer than shank length, pinch off tips, don’t cut.
Twist loop and marabou into rope, then wrap up to hanging thread using touching wraps. Tie off, cut access.
Dub a round thorax that covers shank from 1/4 to 1/2 back on shank from eye.
Select small bundle of deer hair. Clean out under fur, stack tips. Lay on top of shank, tips out over eye so that they measure a shank length from thorax.
Tie in by making first wrap around only hair fibers and the 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 and so that they just cover thorax.
Reposition hook with eye tipped upward.
Select hackle, barbs one and a half hook gap. Cut off fuzzy and. Cut 5 to 6 barb short along base of stem forming a “crew cut”. Holding feather tip to rear, dark shiny side toward you, tie and crew cut behind wing and cut deer hair butts and 2 in front of deer hair bundle. Position thread between wing and cut butts. Make 3 to 5 hackle wraps in the same place and around deer hair and shank. Tie off, cut excess.
April showers bring May flowers. What does May flowers bring? Pilgrims.
We can only hope for April showers, given California is once again entering another few years of low water (drought).
Isn’t pilgrim a funny word? Who came up with that one? We never use that word to define someone entering a country anymore. Sound more diffusing, comforting, than the words immigrant or migrant. Writing this caused me to look up the word. I figured it was just because they were people discovering a new country. Turns out, it is “a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons”. As in the English Puritans fleeing religious persecution on the Mayflower and landed here in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620.
A person who travels on long journeys – pilgrimage.
I like traveling on long journeys for fly-fishing reasons, which we could all argue are in fact religious. Aren’t they?
Don’t we all meditate, flee reality, think deeply, clear our minds, take deep breaths, sigh a big relief, love friends, love the outdoors, and pray considerably in all manners of the exercise of this sport?
How many times I’ve asked God for just one fish, or for my son, my daughter, my wife, my friend, to catch a fish while we are out. So they know how exciting it really is to cause one of these creatures to take this bundle of fur and feather on a tiny hook, bring it to hand, admire it’s beauty. The enormous power we have over it, but how gently and carefully we act to watch it swim away. That feeling when it has left our hands. A gift it was to us, and a gift we gave back so that it could continue living.
How many times I’ve stopped, looked around, shook my head and sometimes cried because I couldn’t believe how beautiful it is where I am standing, with whom I’m standing, and how fortunate I was to be there. How hard it was to get there and how many times I figured I might not get there. But oh how worth it, it was, and how you couldn’t imagine making another decision, glad you did. If it was easy, everyone would do it, and it just wouldn’t feel the same – would it?
A pilgrimage, perhaps several, is necessary for all of us. Living – I mean really living – requires them. Some of them are small – perhaps a morning, an afternoon, or an evening. Some, you make sacrifices, working hard for several months, several years, perhaps much of your life. You save, plan, organize, and maybe you pray it all works out. You battle, ‘should I go, or should I not go.’ Sometimes over and over again. Sometimes in the middle of the night when work, family, or something else stirs you to thinking you shouldn’t go. You pray it’s the right decision to take the time and go. Some might say it’s just fishing – and aren’t you lucky, or they tell you there are other, more important things you should be doing. But there aren’t. This is it.
You know when you’ve left, when your feet are finally in the water, all of those things you battled before you made the trip, are gone. In a second. They washed away as soon as you stepped in the water. Your first cast makes you take a deep breath, exhale, and you feel an enormous weight lifted; gone. Your focus turns completely to that bundle of fur and feather, ten, thirty, sixty feet away from you, drifting in the column of water. Nothing else comes to mind but that tiny little bundle at the end of that line, in that body of water, on this entire planet. Nothing. You wait, you watch, you listen. You pray.
When I was a kid, my pilgrimages where to my Gram’s Cottage on the weekends, leaving school, my paper-route, and any issues my parents might have, grabbing my Ugly Stick, tackle box and heading for the water. Even those were tough to get to at times. As we “mature”, pilgrimages seem to get larger, a bit more involved, riskier. As they should. But I suppose the more grand the adventure, the more religious, the experience.
I really didn’t mean to write this with pilgrims or pilgrimage in mind. It was the fact it was raining, that we haven’t had any rain, and my hope for April showers, and maybe even some May and June showers, would help us get through another low water year. But I learned a bit more about pilgrims and pilgrimages.
And while it was certainly not a need to flee religious persecution, or flee for any reason, I’m not often given an opportunity to take some time and plant my feet in a big river for a few days. So, at this writing, I’m making a bit of a pilgrimage to the Rogue to fish with Kait and James from Humble Heron Fly-Fishing, casting my thirteen six, eight weight spey rod, swinging big flies for steelhead. Grateful for Rich’s invite, even though he cannot make it, which I will miss a lot. But, I certainly cannot wait to get in the truck with Mike, and get my feet in the water, feel everything wash away, take a deep breath, focus on that bundle of fur and feathers and pray for the opportunity to bring a Steelhead to hand, witness a beauty all its own, and know that feeling of letting it slip out of my hands, back to the water it belongs to. Maybe a few times!
Each one of them changes you. Recharges, renews you. Make a pilgrimage or twelve.
If you enjoyed receiving items from Doug’s estate at the January and March club meetings, you will have the opportunity to do that again at both the April club meeting. His desire was that club members would have the opportunity to receive his fishing belongings . Some will be in raffles but those at the club meeting in April will be free for the taking. Donations will be welcomed if you so choose. The pictures show a lot of the items that will be up for grabs . The doors will open at 6 PM at the Grange and the meeting will start at 6:30. Don’t miss out come early to choose what you would like. The meeting will also be via zoom, so if you wish to come for some donated items and then go home to do a zoom meeting, that will be fine.
It’s amazing how much plastic is a part of our world. It’s hard to imagine how we could go about our daily lives without the utility and convenience it provides. However, our planet is becoming overwhelmed with plastic—especially in our oceans. Here are some statistics that appeared in a recent article in Fishbio titled “Toxic Soup in the Plastic Age”.
By the year 2050, the amount of plastic in the world’s oceans may outweigh all of the fish combined.
Plastic use will triple in use by 2050
Almost a third of the plastic produced each year is not disposed of, and much of it eventually makes its way to the sea
Plastic is ingested by more than 700 species of marine wildlife including fish, birds, and marine mammals
Once present in the food web, plastic particles can end up in market species such as tuna, and eventually humans
They tiny pieces of plastic that result from degradation can persist for hundreds to thousands of years
Our country disposes of 30 billion plastic bottles a year
This all sounds overwhelming and we are going to drown in our own creation. So, what can we do? Here are ideas from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
We have a lot of talent in our community. For a fly-fishing club, in a surf community that was once mostly a retirement town with surfers and outdoorsy people, we became a fly-fishing club.
You might find it interesting, that we really don’t have that much fly-fishing around here anymore. Certainly not a “trout stream”. But did you know that as far back as the early 20’s, hatcheries were built along the San Lorenzo for the purposes of supplanting year round trout fishing? That’s right! Back in the 20’s, clear through the 50’s, you could fish the San Lorenzo, and most, if not all, of her tributaries for trout – all year. And your limit – per day?! 25 fish. At least for a while. Then it went to something like 5 or 10.
True! I remember Jim Lazarotti, who spent his life here, from the 50’s until he passed away in 2008, working to save the San Lorenzo, telling me that he would fish Zayante Creek before school catching fish his mom would make for dinner.
We often marvel at the catch rates from the old days, but I also wonder if those catch rates were not also kill rates, would the rivers and tributaries have been better today. Probably not.
The surf, cars and airplanes, have provided us the ability to be fly-anglers with plenty of opportunities to feed our desire to be out of doors, in the water, marveling at fish, and all things within those elements of the healthy habitats where we find these creatures. Fluttery things, crawly things, four footed and two footed (Big Foot and Sasquatch! – just seeing if you’re paying attention), perhaps some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of being stuck at home or afraid to go somewhere, with or without a mask, because of a pandemic. Which, by the way, is ending. Funny how it’s now called an endemic. Weird cuz it wasn’t called a begindemic. Never mind.
I hope if you’re reading this after February 27th, you got to go to the Fly-Fishing show in Pleasanton on the 25th to the 27th. I am so excited to be going again, especially since so many of you are also going. I’m sure there is something I still need there even after now 30 years of fly-fishing under my belt.
I’m also excited about our March meeting as it will be at the Grange, with a raffle, an in person guest speaker – Dagur – from Iceland. And a chance to see some of you who I only just met these last 2 years via Zoom – in person! At this meeting, we are also going to work on our “hybrid” solution, which is to run the meeting in person and via Zoom for those who can’t make it. Please bear with us as we may bump along at this meeting, trying to dial in the technology we need to become our own 1 million subscriber YouTube channel. Okay, kidding. We really just want to be good for those who can’t be at the meeting in person and can still enjoy the club meeting.
In this newsletter you will also read some beautiful tributes to three of our long-time members who left this planet this year. Matt Murphy, Jim Black and Pat Murray, all of whom were beloved members, family and friends with their own special gifts they bestowed on the club, their family and those who were very close to them.
If you have a knack for writing – please note that you can write a nice article, or even just a few sentences, and publish it in our Newsletter. Yes – You! Just find the tab on the website, under Newsletter, Article Submission, fill out the details, the write your article. Easy. We’d love to hear from you and put your input in our newsletter.
Michael McGannon has been our Marketing and “merch” guy for several years. I’m super grateful for Michael, because every time we’ve been together, he’s often drawing on a napkin – which I’m constantly stealing from him to hide in my own personal collection. The Picaso fish, the multi-caster, the tangled mess, and others he’s drawn up. At one of our last meetings, I explained to the board I wanted to have something related to Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz Fly Fishing. So what better way to describe that than on a surf board! This is an initial rendition that Michael drew up for me, and I love it. Note the Striper in the waves. Truth be told, is I got this idea from an old advertisement Salz Leathers used to promote a leather they made called “Surfer”. It was a waterproof leather we made for the likes of Timberland and Wolverine boots. Similarly, it was a heifer surfing. Likely a native heifer – but that’s another story. I envision this one being refined a bit, then being available as a T-Shirt – Santa Cruz Fly Fishing. Who knows, maybe we can get the “Santa Cruz” logo on it and sell it in the surf shops!! Wouldn’t that be a hoot! Thank you Michael!!
I’ve really enjoyed our Zoom meetings. I don’t know what we would have done if it weren’t for that technology which until then, was just a way for companies to hold fancy meetings in conference rooms and offices and for those who might have been “remote” for one of those meetings. I am certain Zoom never thought they’d be taking on the whole world when the begindemic occurred. And while we often use fly-fishing to get away from it all – it all – meaning technology, that very “technology” has made fly-fishing infinitely more enjoyable, perhaps a bit easier to learn, and Zoom gave us a chance to break down barriers, not otherwise possible.
But I sure am looking forward to seeing you, shaking your hand in person. My only regret is that I won’t be able to “mute” you all when it comes to start the meeting.
The Nacimiento river is a 1hr boat ride from the Pine Knoll Campground and 1 hour back. The plan is to limit 6 angles per day (unless we secure another boat). Once we reach the river mouth, there is some hiking necessary to reach the prime river sections for the white bass. Last year the timing was perfect. Donations welcome for fuel.
We can try to plan ½ day on the 6th and full day on the 7th.
Start time around 8 AM on the 7th and return when everyone is done.
If anyone else has a boat they would like to bring please let me know.
Send me an email if you are interested.
Camping
You will need to book your own campsite at the Pine Knoll Camp ground. Last year there was no one there so sites were easy to get when we arrived. Food and drinks are on the individual unless we decide to share meals
https://golakenaci.com/amenities/#rv-tent-camping
Gear and Tackle Recommendations:
4-5 weight rods. Floating, full sink and intermediate lines were used. Flies: Clousers, San Louis smelts and Krystal buggers were used. Pack food and drinks for lunch.
This is our club’s 24th annual bass fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch since year 2000. This sprawling private ranch is located adjacent to Henry Coe State Park, off Hwy 152 entrance in Hollister near Casa de Fruta Restaurant. It’s a 22-mile off-road trek through the backcountry from the park entrance. This requires a 3-day weekend commitment. Accommodations are a 1928 ranch house and bunk house with options to tent camp or sleep in your vehicle. The ranch offers 9 bass ponds on its property plus 2 hike-ins on park property, float tube or shore fishing, hiking, birding, photography, and opportunities for riding your ATV on miles of ranch roads.
The terrain is rough, rocky and sometimes steep, therefore, all vehicles MUST be 4-WD with good clearanceto drive in and around the ranch! If you do not have a 4-WD vehicle, arrangements can be made for you to carpool with someone who does.
Breakfasts and dinner meals/barbecues are organized by teams. Lunches, snacks and beverages are each individual’s responsibility.
IMPORTANT
Call-in is Sunday, March 8 at 7:00 pm and not earlier. (831) 566-7707
Group is limited to 10 fishers (non-fishers welcome). COST: $300/person (no charge for children 12 yrs and under). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check payable to: Cecilia Stipes
Mail: 328 Capelli Drive, Felton CA 95018
Apr 25 : Green River – Utah
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Green River – Utah
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 $TBD. 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 rental. I’m counting on everyone on the list to send their payment and secure their place on the trip. If not all 12 people commit by payment, there will be a increased adjustment in the weekly fee for each angler since the rental cost is based on the number of people.
Steve Andersen will be handling the food end of our trip. Our desire is to have group dinner meals. So one or more of us will stop in Salt Lake City and stock up on provisions for these meals along with lunch makings. Breakfast will be up to the individual, whether they want to cook it or eat out. We will provide basic breakfast foods. Scott’s email is included in the email list above. Please if you have any dietary restrictions advise him of specialty item possibly needed for your meals. The fee for food will be a separate fee calculated after our arrival at the fish out. If you intend to cook your own food, you’re welcome to use the kitchen, but keep in mind there are no grocery stores within 50 miles. So remember to stock up before you leave civilization! There are three different restaurants in the area.
There are many guide services available for the Green River float, along with raft rental. Over the next few weeks, we will provide a list of potential recommendations so you might want to book your float trips? There is plenty of access along this river for wading a 7 mile trail system along the A section of the river.
Elaine Cook has offered to hold a fly tying class especially for the Green and will provide patterns that will accommodate that time of year. There is a great fly shop Trout Creek Flyer https://troutcreekflies.com/
We will start an ongoing thread of emails to this group. I will start to suggest that you think about if you’re going to fly or drive. If you fly, you fly into Salt Lake City and you can rent a car and split the cost with another member or 2.. The drive time from Salt Lake is about 4 1/2 hours. Drive time from Santa Cruz is probably 14 1/2 or 15 hours.
2025 Green River Fishout!
A BUCKT LIST Fly Fishing Trip | Green River-Part 1
May 01 : Coyote Lake – Gilroy (bass, bluegill, crappie)
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
We are going to do a local fishout with some of our partner organizations, Sisters on the Fly and the Monterey Chapter of Project Healing Waters. The intent is to provide a place close to home where members new to fly fishing have an opportunity cast for fish, get comfortable using a float tube, camp, and participate in the fellowship of a fishout. Will arrange to have shared meals, rigging clinic, and casting clinics.
Fishmasters:
SCFF: Scott Kitayama & Randy Saar Sisters on the Fly: PJ Myatt Project Healing Waters: Dave Kite
If you have questions or plan on camping and share meals OR If you are new to fly fishing and want to participate, contact Scott Kitayama scottkitayama@gmail.com.
Meeting time and place:
May 1st – May 3rd (Lakeview Campground) SCFF: Campsite #44 PHW: Campsite #45 SOTF: Campsite #??
Equipment
It is possible to fish from the shore, however this outing is to get members to try float tubing in a safe environment. Float Tubs, Flippers need to be inspected at the boat launch. PFDs are required and walkie talkies are encouraged.
Flies
* Topwater:
frog pattern, sliders, gurglers, poppers
* Stripping:
bunny leach, midnight cowboy, micro-clouser
* Indicator:
balanced leach, crappie jigs, hares ear (sz 10 and larger)
More details to be added as we get closer to the date.
This fish out is so popular we have decided to do it a second time. Michael Sherwood and Elaine Cook will be leading up the second which will be held the 5th, 6th, and 7th of May. The call in will be on March 16 at 7 PM. Michael Sherwood will be taking the calls. (831) 234-2244.
This sprawling private ranch is located adjacent to Henry Coe State Park, off Hwy 152 entrance in Hollister near Casa de Fruta Restaurant. It’s a 22-mile off-road trek through the backcountry from the park entrance. This requires a 3-day commitment. Accommodations are a 1928 ranch house and bunk house with options to tent camp or sleep in your vehicle. The ranch offers 9 bass ponds on its property plus 2 hike-ins on park property, float tube or shore fishing, hiking, birding, photography, and opportunities for riding your ATV on miles of ranch roads.
The terrain is rough, rocky and sometimes steep, therefore, all vehicles MUST be 4-WD with good clearanceto drive in and around the ranch! If you do not have a 4-WD vehicle, arrangements can be made for you to carpool with someone who does.
Breakfasts and dinner meals/barbecues are organized by teams. Lunches, snacks and beverages are each individual’s responsibility.
IMPORTANT
Call-in in is to Michael Sherwood on Monday, March 16th at 7:00 pm and not earlier. (831) 234-2244
Group is limited to 10 fishers (non-fishers welcome). COST: $300/person (no charge for children 12 yrs and under). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check payable to: Michael Sherwood
Mail: PO Box 2369, Santa Cruz, CA 95063
Michael Sherwood with the Roostercomb ridge in the background.
Location:
Pit River, close to Burney, California. The Pit river is located in the Shasta National Forest. Accessed via Hwy 299 and Hwy 89. Approximately 2 hrs east of Redding California
Lodging:
We will be camping at Ruling Creek Campground PG & E Campground – First come first serve ($15.00 daily cost subject to change). Located on the Pit 4 reach, below the Pit River 4 Dam. There are toilets, and fire rings. There usually is water available. The closest shopping is in Burney, about 1 hr away.
Description of the River:
The Pit river is a tailwater fishery, freestone in nature. It is accessed via a frontage road, maintained by PG and E. There is about 30 miles of river to explore. The river is well known for its wild and hard fighting Rainbow trout. It is fished mainly using nymphs, dead drifted under an indicator or using tight line techniques. On occasion fish will take dry flies, as well. These fish are pound for pound some of the hardest fighting trout you will ever experience. This boulder strewn river is notorious for its challenging wading. The nymphing can be quite technical, where getting good drifts will be rewarded with some awesome hookups. Typically this river is not terribly pressured. The river is in a beautiful, remote,wooded canyon, with some stunning views. The weather in May is very comfortable, typically in the 70’s.
Equipment:
9 ft, 5-6 wt rods, typically faster action work best. Typical nymph rig set ups, with lots of split shot. Felt, studded wading boots are essential. I would avoid rubber/Vibrum soles. This is a slippery river. This river has excellent Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis, so flies mimicking these bugs usually work well.
Skill Sets:
Strong wading skills are important. This river has tight quarters, so having a strong roll cast, and single spey casting techniques are very helpful in getting you bugs into position. There is some hiking, but most of the river access is right along the river.
Jun 04 : Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout – June 2026 – UPDATED 12/01
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Fishmaster: Mike White
Update 12/01 –
Duet to low response, the Fishout reservations need to be made by Dec. 15th if we do not fill our 13 spots the Fishout will be opened to other clubs to join.
Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members,
I have reserved June 4th and 5th for 2026 with Rob Anderson. He can take a max of 14 people. I am going to put together the details of the trip, and provide all the necessary information once you commit to the trip. Each person is responsible for their own lodging. The cost for the trip is $375. All your meals are provided.
If you are interested in attending please contact Mike White at 831 706-5556 or email at lumberguy73@hotmail.com
We must have a 50% deposit by January 1st in order to hold our spot.
Two-Day Float Tube Outing Information:
Two-day Float Tube Outings
Our outings are the most popular thing we do and are a great way to spend a couple days on the water with our guides and chef and have a chance to experience our favorite times of year to be at the lake. Ever since the introduction of the Pilot Peak strain of the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout we have been targeting these enormous fish. Early in the fall and again late in spring these fish stage in areas that allow us to fish for them from float tubes and pontoon boats.
You will meet us at the lake the late afternoon before the first day of fishing. We set this time aside to go over everything you need to know before the fishing starts. We will do everything from rigging up rods, setting up our floating devices, if you are camping with us we help you get settled in for the event. We always have a camp set up at the lake so you can leave gear at the lake each night. We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.
We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.
We will spend two + days on the water fishing and learning. Our Team will accompany you on the water helping to fine tune the techniques we have developed to catch these fish. We will be there to help you land and take pictures of your fish of a lifetime catch.
A complete Pre-Trip Planner will be sent to you once you are signed up for the outing. Included in the planner are the things you will need to bring. Some of the items are pretty mandatory including a fly rod with a fast-sinking shooting head with a sinking running line and something to float in like a float tube, kayak, or pontoon boat, and a good anchor.
Gear – Equipment is not included in our float tube outings unless prior arrangements have been made. We do offer limited Pontoon Boat rentals which also need to be arranged ahead of the outing.
Accommodations – Deals at local hotels will be available and in our Pre-Trip Planner. Camping at the lake is a blast this time of your and we encourage you to join us at the lake. You can dry camp at the beach we are fishing or there is an R.V. park at the lake with full hookups. Camping permits are required and need to be purchased in advance.
Permits – You will need a fishing permit to fish on the reservation. You will also need a camping permit if you intend to camp. Links to both of these will be in our pre-trip planner.
Food – This is a fully catered event. During the outing we will serve dinner at our Pre-Trip gathering and also the next night for those who camp with us and also hot lunches both days. In the mornings there will be coffee and some snacks. Kicking back and having a meal served for you while hanging out on the shores of the lake is a big reason why we have such a high rate of return from our outings customers.
Cost of the Outing is $375– Not included in the price are Tribal Permits, gear and gratuities to the staff and guides.
PS. You must have your 50% deposit mailed to Rob Anderson by January 1, 2026.
How to get there: Take US 80 to Reno-Sparks, take the Pyramid Blvd. off ramp and go north about 35 miles. Crosby Lodge is at Sutcliff, near the Ranger Station.If you have any questions about equipment or how to get there, check the “Gearing up” columns in the March 2007-2009 archives on our great club website, or call Mike White at (831) 706-5556.If you are considering going to Pyramid again this year with the club and you have not already done so, please contact the person who is booking the trailer you stayed in last year. Trailer-masters, if your trailer has gaps or cancellations, you can call Mike so he can pass the names of members who don’t have lodging to fill the empty spots.
Regulations: Fishing and camping permits can be purchased online prior to the fish-out. We would highly recommend doing this. Go to www.plpt.nsn.us to obtain your licenses. There is also an RV Park available at (775) 476-1155.
As with any great fishery there are always a long list of rules and regulations. We would recommend you review them on the website above. Suffice to say those of us who have been go-ing to Pyramid Lake for many years are a good source of information as well. We will help inform and guide all newcomers.
Pyramid Lake Lodge at (775) 476-0400
NOTE: Due to insurance regulations, all attendees must be paid up members of Santa Cruz Fly fishermen, so get your member-ship paid up if you haven’t done so yet.
Jun 19 : Yuba River Private Water – UC Davis Property
Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club (SCFFC)Lower Yuba Private Water Camp & Fishout
June 19th-21st 2026
(Date subject to change due to weather and flows)
The information provided below has been modified from the Grizzly Peak Fly Fishing Club and Tri-Valley Fly Fishing Club (2022-23)
Special Notes
The outing is limited to 20 people. With a $50.00 buy in payable to the club. Reservations will be accepted via email to the Fishmaster (Justin Ice) only one person reservation per email (if you and your buddy want to go then 2 emails are needed). Due to the limited capacity, reserving your spot is first come first serve starting Feb. 4th at 9am Payment to the club by Feb. 13th if payment not received on this date your space will be forfeited. No refunds.
Camping will be available on the property beginning at 4 PM Friday and extending to Sunday evening. Fishing hours are dawn to dusk. Gate code will be sent out as we get closer to the Fishout date. Each angler will be responsible to close the gate behind them. The gate code will be emailed to us the week before the trip. Additional details to follow as we get closer to the date
The Lower Yuba is accessible from the sea – you must have a 2026 California Steelhead Reporting Card in addition to your fishing license. Unlike the license, the report card must be delivered in hard copy, either by snail mail or by hand from a fishing store. Plan ahead!
Location
University of California Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, 8279 Scott Forbes Road, Browns Valley, CA 95918. Meet at the gate to the river road (N39.24672°, W121.32222°), which is on your right about 1/3 mile before you reach the research center. Note that, misleadingly, there is a sign at the gate that says “No Fishing Access”. The gate will be opened and then locked behind us. 2.5 hrs from Berkeley. Take I-80 east to Sacramento, turn onto I-5 north, then onto Hwy 70 to Marysville. Pass through downtown Marysville on 70, and as you round the lake, turn right onto Hwy 20 east. Continue 15 miles, pass the Sycamore Ranch Campground. At the sign to the UC Station, turn left onto Peoria Rd, and then at another sign, bear right onto Scott Forbes Rd (also called Long Bar Rd). The gate is just past Sicard Flat Ditch. SCFFC strongly encourages carpooling.
General Notes
Our Club event on the Yuba will be on the private property owned by the University of California and is one of their Sierra Research facilities. We have contracted for TVFF’s exclusive use of the facility for the two days over the weekend. The river is about 1.5 miles above the highway 20 bridge over the Yuba and accessible only through a locked gate for a maximum of twenty (20) anglers per day. There is approximately 2.5 miles of available river that is the tailwater section a mile or so below Englebright Dam. The river has easy and level access, so it’s ideal for those less comfortable in heavy current wading situations, although that is also available for those Euro Nymphing.
The UC facility is on many acres in a pastoral valley leading down to the river. Most of the research here is for cattle, grazing land management, and erosion control so it is very quiet with no nearby roads, ranches, or houses. There is a covered picnic area that sits above the river with 8-10 picnic tables and a porta potty restroom with hand wash station that is also available on site no water on site, limited cell phone reception, no fires. All in all, it’s a very scenic and serene site.
Gear and Tackle Recommendations:
Yuba River fish are notoriously “hot” and frisky. They workout full time in the strong current and just love to play in it when disturbed by a sharp hook. Anticipate that you will see strong runs on hook ups and that the fish will feel like they are 4-6″ larger than you see in the net. So…
Rod & line weights/types: 5 or 6 weight rods, reels and floating lines are the norm to help control their runs. A 4 weight for Euro Nymphing should work well as long as it has a good stiff butt section to manage any runs.
Leaders and tippet: Fishing style dependent but normally I fish a 9’ 4X leader and adjust with added tippet of up to 4-6’ of 5 for the dry flies, and stick with 4X fluoro for the nymphs.
Other gear:
Note that we will not be using any watercraft as this is a walk and wade event with float takeouts way too far downstream to be of use for us.
Flies: Flies to match and we will send out a more current list as we get closer to the dates and better understand how the weather and water are impacting the hatches. Typically, you will need Skwala dries and nymphs, Pale Morning Duns, Baetis/Blue Wing Olives, Pink Alberts, Little Yellow Sallies, Pale Evening Duns, Golden Stones, and four varieties of Caddis.
Location / Date
University of California Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, 8279 Scott Forbes Road, Browns Valley, CA 95918.
June 19th – 21st 2026
Registration / Booking Info
February 4th (Wednesday) 9am
Email only, one reservation per email, first come first served
Payment to Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club by February 13th . Payments not received on this date the space will be forfeited.
Payment details to follow
Jun 20 : Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 20th – 27th 2026
Rocky Point Campground (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Jeff (Yog) Goyert - Fishmaster (831)234-0033
The Lake Almanor Fishout is scheduled for June 20th thru 27th, 2026. This time period is, hopefully, the peak of the annual Hexagenia hatch that begins generally mid-June and runs through mid-July. The most productive fishing takes place early evenings on into past dark between Lake Almanor West to Canyon Dam on the Southwest side of the lake. Most of the fishing is done from float tubes as well as small boats or even from shore.
In addition to the evening “Hex” hatch, a multitude of opportunities exist for fishing throughout the day to include Little Crater Lake, Manzanita Lake, Baum Lake, Eagle Lake, Butt Valley Reservoir, Deer Creek, Clear Creek, Feather River, Yellow Creek, plus many more.
Lodging will be the responsibility of individual attendees. A popular campground operated by PG&E is the Rocky Point Campground, for reservation information call 916-386-5164. Many USFS campgrounds are in the area. Reservations are available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Make use of internet resources to acquire the actual campground names. There are also many resorts and rental cabins available in the area. A few examples are Wilson’s Camp/530-259-2267 and Plumas Pines Resort/530-259-4343. Other options are available via online research. Be advised that due to the popularity of fishing at this time of year reservations fill up early.
On Tuesday the 23th plan on breakfast with the club. Location TBD as Carol’s Café is under new ownership.
Sierra Fly and Tackle, stores in Chester and Hamilton Branch, is a great resource for current conditions and reports along with a large inventory flies and equipment. A must stop for all visiting fly fishers if only to get one of their cool tee-shirts. Both first time and veteran “Hex” Anglers could well benefit from the expertise provided by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Lance Gray (530-517-2204) or Tim Loomis (831-345-8411) both offer instructional packages to help achieve success during the “Hex”.
Date of Fishout TBD and subject to change due seasonal conditions
Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below). The park is approximately 10 minutes from the highway 299/80 junction. The park is on the left hand side going east on 299. If you google Hat Creek Park, it should show up.
This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster Alex Ferber. Here he will be discussing the local fishery, access points, general information and answering any questions you might have about making this a successful outing.
Meeting time to be updated as we get closer
Equipment:
Typical Trout Set Up 9′, 4-6wt Rods w/ Floating Lines Ideal
Euro Nymphing, and Trout Spey conditions available
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hairs Ear, Prince Nymph, Wooly Buggers, Perdigon, Copper Johns, Zebra Midge, Micro May, Golden Stones
Drys: Caddis Patterns 12-16, Upright wing vs. Emerges, Missing Link, Stone Flys, Parachute Adams, Comparaduns (various sizes 16-12)
Misc.: Soft Hackles, Streamers, Leaches
What To Expect:
This Fishout is DIY Fishout with your Fishmaster acting as a resource person helping with any questions regarding where to fish, access, use of personal watercraft, fishery history, etc. Depending on interest there is potential of a pre Fishout presentation (TBD) and or tour of any one of the local areas with the most interest.
More information to be updated as interest develops. Please contact the Fishmaster if you are interested in attending.
Local Waters:
Hat Creek: Spring creek with plenty of easy access, walk and wading. There are 3 distict sections from the Power House Riffle, to The Lower Freestone Section. There are an abundence of hatches year round and daily from mayflies, caddis, and stone flies with the potential of a trico or green drake hatch.
Burney Creek: Spring creek with access around the McArthur Burney Falls State Park. The waterfall is a must see. This is great water for a dry/dropper set up as well as traditional dry and nymph fishing. Above the falls the creek is stocked and below the fish are wild.
Pit River: Classic tailwater freestone fishery. This river is known for its hard fighting wild rainbows. There is great walk and wade access but the terrain is difficult with large snot covered bowling balls covering the river bed. Those with strong wading skills and a stout wading stick only need apply. The river is broken up by multiple power houses each with their own characters. Primary a nymphing river either by indicator or tight line. Rubber legs and dark lords and lots of weight (bring lots of both).
BaumLake: Stocked and great for a small float tube or kayak. Excellent dry fly and streamer fishing.
Lake Britton: Primarily a motorized boat lake. Warm water fishery with small mouth bass, and potential for bull trout.
Ahjumawi / Big Lake Lava Springs State Park: Launch at “Rat Farm”
Fall River: Iconic spring creek with an abundance of large wild rainbows. No shore access. Non motorized boats can be launched at the Cal Trout public access or a kayak/motor boat at the “Rat Farm” (Big Lake/Ahjjumawi launch). Awesome dry fly, streamer and indicator fishing.
Lodging:
Camping – Too many to list, this is an outdoors paridise with options from unimproved to glamping. Plenty of places for RV hookups and KOA camping
Hotels & Motels: Various options available in the Burney area
We will be making poppers so that we can go for those big mouthed bass. In the past the class has spanned over 2 days and involved lots of paints, epoxies, glues, solutions, along with various other supplies. It is not reasonable to assume that everyone would have everything that would be needed to craft these beauties, and not practical via Zoom. In order to not miss out this year, a simplified method has been devised which will give everyone reasonable and useful poppers. The only thing you will need to complete your popper fly is clear nail polish and Supper Glue or equivalent. If you have 30 min epoxi, a variety of acrylic paints and rubbing alcohol, your finished fly will be more like the ones we usually craft. Some lead time for prepping and putting supplies together will be needed. So please sign up soon but no later than Mar. 5th. It will still be a 2 day class, but fewer hours than usual. We’ll start at noon. Allow 2-3 hours each day. You beginners to fly tying should feel comfortable doing this class. As always, the class is free and materials provided. Very strong thread, any color, such as flat waxed nylon or monocord will be needed. If you need thread, or tools and vise if you are a beginner, the club can loan them to you. Materials , directions and tips for bass fishing will bagged for you to be picked up at my door. Call me to sign up @ (831)688-1561
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
The March Meeting will be both in-person and on Zoom. Doors at the Aptos Grange will be open by 6:00 pm while we set up and test the system. The Zoom meeting will start by 6:30 pm, the link is here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83842895848
Dagur Gudmundsson was born and raised on the wind-swept rock of Iceland, where he grew up chasing everything from arctic char and ice age brown trout to Atlantic cod and pollock. During his teenage years, he moved to the Central Coast of California where the fishing is quite different from the cold waters of Iceland.
When he was 18, Dagur started guiding at the world-class salmon river West Rangá, which in addition to having some of the most prolific Atlantic salmon fishing in the world, also has huge native brown trout in its upper reaches.
In between spending his summers guiding in Iceland, Dagur attended California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, where he acquainted himself with the local fisheries through lots of trial and error. He recently started a fly fishing guide service in San Luis Obispo with a focus on the area’s overlooked fisheries when it comes to fly fishing, such as bass, carp, and surf perch. Dagur also ties and sells flies, is a regular contributor to California Fly Fisher magazine, and teaches clinics on carp and bass through the Central Coast Fly Fishing fly shop in Carmel.
Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
Save the Redwoods League, in partnership with Caltrout, the Yurok Tribe, National Park Service, California State Parks, California State Coastal Conservancy, NOAA Restoration Center and Wildlife Conservation Board has begun a project that includes returning Prairie Creek and adjacent floodplain habitat for salmon and steelhead back to a more natural state. The project is taking place adjacent to the former Orick Mill site north of Eureka in Humboldt County. For more information on the overall scope of the project and an inspiring video, go to the link.
If you are interested in fish-related scientific information, you should check out fishbio.com. They have articles on fisheries research, monitoring and conservation. I came across an article on steelhead kelt reconditioning. What the heck is that? First of all…what is a kelt. Not all steelhead die after spawning one time. Some spawn multiple times. Steelhead that return to the ocean or an estuary after spawning are called kelts. During the journey back down the river post-spawn, kelts are challenged by obstacles such as dams that are typically designed to aid juvenile salmonids—not adults. This is the case on the Columbia river. To help the fish survive, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and the Yakama Nation have been practicing kelt reconditioning. This involves capturing the fish and placing them in holding tanks where they are given medical attention, fed and allowed to rest for several months before release. The fish are also tracked by PIT tags after being released. For more information on this interesting subject, go to the link.
If you enjoyed receiving items from Doug’s estate at the January club meeting, you will have the opportunity to do that again at both the March and April club meetings. His desire was that club members would have the opportunity to receive his fishing belongings .More fishing items and fly tying materials will be available at the March and April club meetings.Some will be in raffles but those at the club meeting in March and April will be free for the taking. Donations will be welcomed if you so choose. The pictures show a lot of the items that will be up for grabs . The doors will open at 6 PM at the Grange and the meeting will start at 6:30. Don’t miss out come early to choose what you would like. The meeting will also be via zoom, so if you wish to come for some donated items and then go home to do a zoom meeting, that will be fine.
Pat Murray, a dear club member of ours, passed away recently. She was introduced to the club in 2006 by long-term club member Gill Santos. You could find her at many club functions and fishouts ,and help at the annual fundraiser was much appreciated. On one particular memorable horse pack trip into Humphreys Basin in the High Sierra, she kept us entertained with her skills at playing bridge , which helped us deal with the cold rain and then corn snow which fell upon our tarps all day. The O’Neil Forbay was one of her frequent haunts. She really enjoyed catching those mighty Stripers. Thanks Gil for introducing us to Pat who was such a fun friend. – by Elaine Cook
Katalla River: Juno AK, September 2005. L-R: Gil Santos; Pat Murray; Ed Marcillac; Tom McMillan; Dougald Scott.
Midges, also known as chironomids, are available to trout year-round. Not only in their larval stage but hatches occur as well. In nature they vary a lot in size and color. For the club fishout at Pyramid Lake tie larger flies. I prefer size 8 hooks. For Crowley lake use smaller hooks. The best way to fish a midge is to suspend it under an indicator so it rides a little above the bottom.
HOOK: TMC 2457 or TMC 2487 sizes 6-16
Note: 2457 is a heavier hook and is typically the hook of choice for a bigger fish like it Pyramid Lake.
Crimp Barb. BEAD: Silver, size to match hook.
Note, for a size 10 Hook use a size 5/32 inch.
Slip small opening on to hook first, and position behind hook eye. THREAD: Red, 3/0 or 6/0 depending on hook size
Test thread with glue to be sure it doesn’t turn black when applied.
Thinner thread with larger hooks will require more thread wraps.
Attached behind the bed. RIB: Larva Lace Other brands also available. This is a vinyl strand with elasticity. Diameter is usually round, sometimes D shaped.
Micro midge for size 16 hooks, midge for 12 and 14, small for eight and 10, medium for size 6. Lay on top of shank with and slightly behind bead. Touching thread wraps halfway back on shank. Then pull on rib material to make thinner and continue with thread wraps halfway around rear bend of hook. Note spin thread counter clockwise to keep flat and avoid twisting. BODY: Red thread.
Wrap forward with touching thread wraps to cover rib well up to bed. Spin thread as above. Use more touching thread wraps backward and forward to form a slender tapered body if necessary. Finish with thread behind bead. Make one half hitch.. Snugly spiral rib forward in opposite direction of thread wraps, 6 wraps to reach bead, each a little further apart. Secure in place with 5 to 6 snug thread wraps. Cut excess rib. Tie off thread, cut. Applied glue to entire body. Allow to dry. COLLAR: Peacock hurl and black 8/0 thread.
Attach thread behind bead. Select one hurl from stem of feather with medium to long barbules. Break off fragile tip. Tie tip in behind bead. Make dubbing loop. Hold hurl down side of loop, insert dubbing tool, and twist to make chenille. Make several chenille wraps behind bead, tie off, cut excess. Apply glue to about 1/2 inch of thread near bead, whip finish behind bead, cut thread.
Two good things about February, first we are nearly through winter with spring not too far off and second, it’s time to win some new gear for the upcoming season! Our raffle this month is designed to help us get on with it.
Rod and reel package
What would be better to get started this spring than a brand new 5 WT 9 ft high carbon max catch rod in a hard denier case matched with a aluminum alloy Sougayilang reel. A classic California trout outfit perfect for all skill levels.
Be a winner, buy a ticket!
Fly Box Case
We all might need to spend a little time in our gear bags organizing our varied and numerous flies. To help with this endeavor we have, from Adamsbuilt, four Super Slim Series fly boxes along with a fully padded denier textured nylon carry case. Perfect way to keep track of and access hundreds of flies.
Be a winner,buy a ticket!
Fish Whistle
Back by popular demand, we have a Simms Fish Whistle up for grabs. Tried and true, this gem will save the day when the fishing gets tough. Kit includes papers, whistle, Bic, and waterproof stash container. (Stash not included). All contained in a hard zippered cordura mini pack with carabiner clip. Endorsed by fishing guides coast to coast. Be a winner, buy a ticket!
THE FINE PRINT:
Raffle tickets are a dollar each sold in blocks of five, twenty bucks gets you 25 tickets. Click on this link to purchase tickets: https://santacruzflyfishing.org/raffle
Club membership not required to purchase tickets, need not be present at Zoom meeting to win. Ticket sales will open at noon on Sunday 1/30/22 and will close at noon on Wednesday, the day of the monthly zoom meeting, 2/2/22.
The Nacimiento river is a 1hr boat ride from the Pine Knoll Campground and 1 hour back. The plan is to limit 6 angles per day (unless we secure another boat). Once we reach the river mouth, there is some hiking necessary to reach the prime river sections for the white bass. Last year the timing was perfect. Donations welcome for fuel.
We can try to plan ½ day on the 6th and full day on the 7th.
Start time around 8 AM on the 7th and return when everyone is done.
If anyone else has a boat they would like to bring please let me know.
Send me an email if you are interested.
Camping
You will need to book your own campsite at the Pine Knoll Camp ground. Last year there was no one there so sites were easy to get when we arrived. Food and drinks are on the individual unless we decide to share meals
https://golakenaci.com/amenities/#rv-tent-camping
Gear and Tackle Recommendations:
4-5 weight rods. Floating, full sink and intermediate lines were used. Flies: Clousers, San Louis smelts and Krystal buggers were used. Pack food and drinks for lunch.
This is our club’s 24th annual bass fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch since year 2000. This sprawling private ranch is located adjacent to Henry Coe State Park, off Hwy 152 entrance in Hollister near Casa de Fruta Restaurant. It’s a 22-mile off-road trek through the backcountry from the park entrance. This requires a 3-day weekend commitment. Accommodations are a 1928 ranch house and bunk house with options to tent camp or sleep in your vehicle. The ranch offers 9 bass ponds on its property plus 2 hike-ins on park property, float tube or shore fishing, hiking, birding, photography, and opportunities for riding your ATV on miles of ranch roads.
The terrain is rough, rocky and sometimes steep, therefore, all vehicles MUST be 4-WD with good clearanceto drive in and around the ranch! If you do not have a 4-WD vehicle, arrangements can be made for you to carpool with someone who does.
Breakfasts and dinner meals/barbecues are organized by teams. Lunches, snacks and beverages are each individual’s responsibility.
IMPORTANT
Call-in is Sunday, March 8 at 7:00 pm and not earlier. (831) 566-7707
Group is limited to 10 fishers (non-fishers welcome). COST: $300/person (no charge for children 12 yrs and under). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check payable to: Cecilia Stipes
Mail: 328 Capelli Drive, Felton CA 95018
Apr 25 : Green River – Utah
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Green River – Utah
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 $TBD. 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 rental. I’m counting on everyone on the list to send their payment and secure their place on the trip. If not all 12 people commit by payment, there will be a increased adjustment in the weekly fee for each angler since the rental cost is based on the number of people.
Steve Andersen will be handling the food end of our trip. Our desire is to have group dinner meals. So one or more of us will stop in Salt Lake City and stock up on provisions for these meals along with lunch makings. Breakfast will be up to the individual, whether they want to cook it or eat out. We will provide basic breakfast foods. Scott’s email is included in the email list above. Please if you have any dietary restrictions advise him of specialty item possibly needed for your meals. The fee for food will be a separate fee calculated after our arrival at the fish out. If you intend to cook your own food, you’re welcome to use the kitchen, but keep in mind there are no grocery stores within 50 miles. So remember to stock up before you leave civilization! There are three different restaurants in the area.
There are many guide services available for the Green River float, along with raft rental. Over the next few weeks, we will provide a list of potential recommendations so you might want to book your float trips? There is plenty of access along this river for wading a 7 mile trail system along the A section of the river.
Elaine Cook has offered to hold a fly tying class especially for the Green and will provide patterns that will accommodate that time of year. There is a great fly shop Trout Creek Flyer https://troutcreekflies.com/
We will start an ongoing thread of emails to this group. I will start to suggest that you think about if you’re going to fly or drive. If you fly, you fly into Salt Lake City and you can rent a car and split the cost with another member or 2.. The drive time from Salt Lake is about 4 1/2 hours. Drive time from Santa Cruz is probably 14 1/2 or 15 hours.
2025 Green River Fishout!
A BUCKT LIST Fly Fishing Trip | Green River-Part 1
May 01 : Coyote Lake – Gilroy (bass, bluegill, crappie)
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
We are going to do a local fishout with some of our partner organizations, Sisters on the Fly and the Monterey Chapter of Project Healing Waters. The intent is to provide a place close to home where members new to fly fishing have an opportunity cast for fish, get comfortable using a float tube, camp, and participate in the fellowship of a fishout. Will arrange to have shared meals, rigging clinic, and casting clinics.
Fishmasters:
SCFF: Scott Kitayama & Randy Saar Sisters on the Fly: PJ Myatt Project Healing Waters: Dave Kite
If you have questions or plan on camping and share meals OR If you are new to fly fishing and want to participate, contact Scott Kitayama scottkitayama@gmail.com.
Meeting time and place:
May 1st – May 3rd (Lakeview Campground) SCFF: Campsite #44 PHW: Campsite #45 SOTF: Campsite #??
Equipment
It is possible to fish from the shore, however this outing is to get members to try float tubing in a safe environment. Float Tubs, Flippers need to be inspected at the boat launch. PFDs are required and walkie talkies are encouraged.
Flies
* Topwater:
frog pattern, sliders, gurglers, poppers
* Stripping:
bunny leach, midnight cowboy, micro-clouser
* Indicator:
balanced leach, crappie jigs, hares ear (sz 10 and larger)
More details to be added as we get closer to the date.
This fish out is so popular we have decided to do it a second time. Michael Sherwood and Elaine Cook will be leading up the second which will be held the 5th, 6th, and 7th of May. The call in will be on March 16 at 7 PM. Michael Sherwood will be taking the calls. (831) 234-2244.
This sprawling private ranch is located adjacent to Henry Coe State Park, off Hwy 152 entrance in Hollister near Casa de Fruta Restaurant. It’s a 22-mile off-road trek through the backcountry from the park entrance. This requires a 3-day commitment. Accommodations are a 1928 ranch house and bunk house with options to tent camp or sleep in your vehicle. The ranch offers 9 bass ponds on its property plus 2 hike-ins on park property, float tube or shore fishing, hiking, birding, photography, and opportunities for riding your ATV on miles of ranch roads.
The terrain is rough, rocky and sometimes steep, therefore, all vehicles MUST be 4-WD with good clearanceto drive in and around the ranch! If you do not have a 4-WD vehicle, arrangements can be made for you to carpool with someone who does.
Breakfasts and dinner meals/barbecues are organized by teams. Lunches, snacks and beverages are each individual’s responsibility.
IMPORTANT
Call-in in is to Michael Sherwood on Monday, March 16th at 7:00 pm and not earlier. (831) 234-2244
Group is limited to 10 fishers (non-fishers welcome). COST: $300/person (no charge for children 12 yrs and under). Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!
Check payable to: Michael Sherwood
Mail: PO Box 2369, Santa Cruz, CA 95063
Michael Sherwood with the Roostercomb ridge in the background.
Location:
Pit River, close to Burney, California. The Pit river is located in the Shasta National Forest. Accessed via Hwy 299 and Hwy 89. Approximately 2 hrs east of Redding California
Lodging:
We will be camping at Ruling Creek Campground PG & E Campground – First come first serve ($15.00 daily cost subject to change). Located on the Pit 4 reach, below the Pit River 4 Dam. There are toilets, and fire rings. There usually is water available. The closest shopping is in Burney, about 1 hr away.
Description of the River:
The Pit river is a tailwater fishery, freestone in nature. It is accessed via a frontage road, maintained by PG and E. There is about 30 miles of river to explore. The river is well known for its wild and hard fighting Rainbow trout. It is fished mainly using nymphs, dead drifted under an indicator or using tight line techniques. On occasion fish will take dry flies, as well. These fish are pound for pound some of the hardest fighting trout you will ever experience. This boulder strewn river is notorious for its challenging wading. The nymphing can be quite technical, where getting good drifts will be rewarded with some awesome hookups. Typically this river is not terribly pressured. The river is in a beautiful, remote,wooded canyon, with some stunning views. The weather in May is very comfortable, typically in the 70’s.
Equipment:
9 ft, 5-6 wt rods, typically faster action work best. Typical nymph rig set ups, with lots of split shot. Felt, studded wading boots are essential. I would avoid rubber/Vibrum soles. This is a slippery river. This river has excellent Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis, so flies mimicking these bugs usually work well.
Skill Sets:
Strong wading skills are important. This river has tight quarters, so having a strong roll cast, and single spey casting techniques are very helpful in getting you bugs into position. There is some hiking, but most of the river access is right along the river.
Jun 04 : Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout – June 2026 – UPDATED 12/01
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Fishmaster: Mike White
Update 12/01 –
Duet to low response, the Fishout reservations need to be made by Dec. 15th if we do not fill our 13 spots the Fishout will be opened to other clubs to join.
Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members,
I have reserved June 4th and 5th for 2026 with Rob Anderson. He can take a max of 14 people. I am going to put together the details of the trip, and provide all the necessary information once you commit to the trip. Each person is responsible for their own lodging. The cost for the trip is $375. All your meals are provided.
If you are interested in attending please contact Mike White at 831 706-5556 or email at lumberguy73@hotmail.com
We must have a 50% deposit by January 1st in order to hold our spot.
Two-Day Float Tube Outing Information:
Two-day Float Tube Outings
Our outings are the most popular thing we do and are a great way to spend a couple days on the water with our guides and chef and have a chance to experience our favorite times of year to be at the lake. Ever since the introduction of the Pilot Peak strain of the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout we have been targeting these enormous fish. Early in the fall and again late in spring these fish stage in areas that allow us to fish for them from float tubes and pontoon boats.
You will meet us at the lake the late afternoon before the first day of fishing. We set this time aside to go over everything you need to know before the fishing starts. We will do everything from rigging up rods, setting up our floating devices, if you are camping with us we help you get settled in for the event. We always have a camp set up at the lake so you can leave gear at the lake each night. We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.
We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.
We will spend two + days on the water fishing and learning. Our Team will accompany you on the water helping to fine tune the techniques we have developed to catch these fish. We will be there to help you land and take pictures of your fish of a lifetime catch.
A complete Pre-Trip Planner will be sent to you once you are signed up for the outing. Included in the planner are the things you will need to bring. Some of the items are pretty mandatory including a fly rod with a fast-sinking shooting head with a sinking running line and something to float in like a float tube, kayak, or pontoon boat, and a good anchor.
Gear – Equipment is not included in our float tube outings unless prior arrangements have been made. We do offer limited Pontoon Boat rentals which also need to be arranged ahead of the outing.
Accommodations – Deals at local hotels will be available and in our Pre-Trip Planner. Camping at the lake is a blast this time of your and we encourage you to join us at the lake. You can dry camp at the beach we are fishing or there is an R.V. park at the lake with full hookups. Camping permits are required and need to be purchased in advance.
Permits – You will need a fishing permit to fish on the reservation. You will also need a camping permit if you intend to camp. Links to both of these will be in our pre-trip planner.
Food – This is a fully catered event. During the outing we will serve dinner at our Pre-Trip gathering and also the next night for those who camp with us and also hot lunches both days. In the mornings there will be coffee and some snacks. Kicking back and having a meal served for you while hanging out on the shores of the lake is a big reason why we have such a high rate of return from our outings customers.
Cost of the Outing is $375– Not included in the price are Tribal Permits, gear and gratuities to the staff and guides.
PS. You must have your 50% deposit mailed to Rob Anderson by January 1, 2026.
How to get there: Take US 80 to Reno-Sparks, take the Pyramid Blvd. off ramp and go north about 35 miles. Crosby Lodge is at Sutcliff, near the Ranger Station.If you have any questions about equipment or how to get there, check the “Gearing up” columns in the March 2007-2009 archives on our great club website, or call Mike White at (831) 706-5556.If you are considering going to Pyramid again this year with the club and you have not already done so, please contact the person who is booking the trailer you stayed in last year. Trailer-masters, if your trailer has gaps or cancellations, you can call Mike so he can pass the names of members who don’t have lodging to fill the empty spots.
Regulations: Fishing and camping permits can be purchased online prior to the fish-out. We would highly recommend doing this. Go to www.plpt.nsn.us to obtain your licenses. There is also an RV Park available at (775) 476-1155.
As with any great fishery there are always a long list of rules and regulations. We would recommend you review them on the website above. Suffice to say those of us who have been go-ing to Pyramid Lake for many years are a good source of information as well. We will help inform and guide all newcomers.
Pyramid Lake Lodge at (775) 476-0400
NOTE: Due to insurance regulations, all attendees must be paid up members of Santa Cruz Fly fishermen, so get your member-ship paid up if you haven’t done so yet.
Jun 19 : Yuba River Private Water – UC Davis Property
Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club (SCFFC)Lower Yuba Private Water Camp & Fishout
June 19th-21st 2026
(Date subject to change due to weather and flows)
The information provided below has been modified from the Grizzly Peak Fly Fishing Club and Tri-Valley Fly Fishing Club (2022-23)
Special Notes
The outing is limited to 20 people. With a $50.00 buy in payable to the club. Reservations will be accepted via email to the Fishmaster (Justin Ice) only one person reservation per email (if you and your buddy want to go then 2 emails are needed). Due to the limited capacity, reserving your spot is first come first serve starting Feb. 4th at 9am Payment to the club by Feb. 13th if payment not received on this date your space will be forfeited. No refunds.
Camping will be available on the property beginning at 4 PM Friday and extending to Sunday evening. Fishing hours are dawn to dusk. Gate code will be sent out as we get closer to the Fishout date. Each angler will be responsible to close the gate behind them. The gate code will be emailed to us the week before the trip. Additional details to follow as we get closer to the date
The Lower Yuba is accessible from the sea – you must have a 2026 California Steelhead Reporting Card in addition to your fishing license. Unlike the license, the report card must be delivered in hard copy, either by snail mail or by hand from a fishing store. Plan ahead!
Location
University of California Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, 8279 Scott Forbes Road, Browns Valley, CA 95918. Meet at the gate to the river road (N39.24672°, W121.32222°), which is on your right about 1/3 mile before you reach the research center. Note that, misleadingly, there is a sign at the gate that says “No Fishing Access”. The gate will be opened and then locked behind us. 2.5 hrs from Berkeley. Take I-80 east to Sacramento, turn onto I-5 north, then onto Hwy 70 to Marysville. Pass through downtown Marysville on 70, and as you round the lake, turn right onto Hwy 20 east. Continue 15 miles, pass the Sycamore Ranch Campground. At the sign to the UC Station, turn left onto Peoria Rd, and then at another sign, bear right onto Scott Forbes Rd (also called Long Bar Rd). The gate is just past Sicard Flat Ditch. SCFFC strongly encourages carpooling.
General Notes
Our Club event on the Yuba will be on the private property owned by the University of California and is one of their Sierra Research facilities. We have contracted for TVFF’s exclusive use of the facility for the two days over the weekend. The river is about 1.5 miles above the highway 20 bridge over the Yuba and accessible only through a locked gate for a maximum of twenty (20) anglers per day. There is approximately 2.5 miles of available river that is the tailwater section a mile or so below Englebright Dam. The river has easy and level access, so it’s ideal for those less comfortable in heavy current wading situations, although that is also available for those Euro Nymphing.
The UC facility is on many acres in a pastoral valley leading down to the river. Most of the research here is for cattle, grazing land management, and erosion control so it is very quiet with no nearby roads, ranches, or houses. There is a covered picnic area that sits above the river with 8-10 picnic tables and a porta potty restroom with hand wash station that is also available on site no water on site, limited cell phone reception, no fires. All in all, it’s a very scenic and serene site.
Gear and Tackle Recommendations:
Yuba River fish are notoriously “hot” and frisky. They workout full time in the strong current and just love to play in it when disturbed by a sharp hook. Anticipate that you will see strong runs on hook ups and that the fish will feel like they are 4-6″ larger than you see in the net. So…
Rod & line weights/types: 5 or 6 weight rods, reels and floating lines are the norm to help control their runs. A 4 weight for Euro Nymphing should work well as long as it has a good stiff butt section to manage any runs.
Leaders and tippet: Fishing style dependent but normally I fish a 9’ 4X leader and adjust with added tippet of up to 4-6’ of 5 for the dry flies, and stick with 4X fluoro for the nymphs.
Other gear:
Note that we will not be using any watercraft as this is a walk and wade event with float takeouts way too far downstream to be of use for us.
Flies: Flies to match and we will send out a more current list as we get closer to the dates and better understand how the weather and water are impacting the hatches. Typically, you will need Skwala dries and nymphs, Pale Morning Duns, Baetis/Blue Wing Olives, Pink Alberts, Little Yellow Sallies, Pale Evening Duns, Golden Stones, and four varieties of Caddis.
Location / Date
University of California Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, 8279 Scott Forbes Road, Browns Valley, CA 95918.
June 19th – 21st 2026
Registration / Booking Info
February 4th (Wednesday) 9am
Email only, one reservation per email, first come first served
Payment to Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club by February 13th . Payments not received on this date the space will be forfeited.
Payment details to follow
Jun 20 : Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 20th – 27th 2026
Rocky Point Campground (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Jeff (Yog) Goyert - Fishmaster (831)234-0033
The Lake Almanor Fishout is scheduled for June 20th thru 27th, 2026. This time period is, hopefully, the peak of the annual Hexagenia hatch that begins generally mid-June and runs through mid-July. The most productive fishing takes place early evenings on into past dark between Lake Almanor West to Canyon Dam on the Southwest side of the lake. Most of the fishing is done from float tubes as well as small boats or even from shore.
In addition to the evening “Hex” hatch, a multitude of opportunities exist for fishing throughout the day to include Little Crater Lake, Manzanita Lake, Baum Lake, Eagle Lake, Butt Valley Reservoir, Deer Creek, Clear Creek, Feather River, Yellow Creek, plus many more.
Lodging will be the responsibility of individual attendees. A popular campground operated by PG&E is the Rocky Point Campground, for reservation information call 916-386-5164. Many USFS campgrounds are in the area. Reservations are available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Make use of internet resources to acquire the actual campground names. There are also many resorts and rental cabins available in the area. A few examples are Wilson’s Camp/530-259-2267 and Plumas Pines Resort/530-259-4343. Other options are available via online research. Be advised that due to the popularity of fishing at this time of year reservations fill up early.
On Tuesday the 23th plan on breakfast with the club. Location TBD as Carol’s Café is under new ownership.
Sierra Fly and Tackle, stores in Chester and Hamilton Branch, is a great resource for current conditions and reports along with a large inventory flies and equipment. A must stop for all visiting fly fishers if only to get one of their cool tee-shirts. Both first time and veteran “Hex” Anglers could well benefit from the expertise provided by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Lance Gray (530-517-2204) or Tim Loomis (831-345-8411) both offer instructional packages to help achieve success during the “Hex”.
Date of Fishout TBD and subject to change due seasonal conditions
Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below). The park is approximately 10 minutes from the highway 299/80 junction. The park is on the left hand side going east on 299. If you google Hat Creek Park, it should show up.
This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster Alex Ferber. Here he will be discussing the local fishery, access points, general information and answering any questions you might have about making this a successful outing.
Meeting time to be updated as we get closer
Equipment:
Typical Trout Set Up 9′, 4-6wt Rods w/ Floating Lines Ideal
Euro Nymphing, and Trout Spey conditions available
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hairs Ear, Prince Nymph, Wooly Buggers, Perdigon, Copper Johns, Zebra Midge, Micro May, Golden Stones
Drys: Caddis Patterns 12-16, Upright wing vs. Emerges, Missing Link, Stone Flys, Parachute Adams, Comparaduns (various sizes 16-12)
Misc.: Soft Hackles, Streamers, Leaches
What To Expect:
This Fishout is DIY Fishout with your Fishmaster acting as a resource person helping with any questions regarding where to fish, access, use of personal watercraft, fishery history, etc. Depending on interest there is potential of a pre Fishout presentation (TBD) and or tour of any one of the local areas with the most interest.
More information to be updated as interest develops. Please contact the Fishmaster if you are interested in attending.
Local Waters:
Hat Creek: Spring creek with plenty of easy access, walk and wading. There are 3 distict sections from the Power House Riffle, to The Lower Freestone Section. There are an abundence of hatches year round and daily from mayflies, caddis, and stone flies with the potential of a trico or green drake hatch.
Burney Creek: Spring creek with access around the McArthur Burney Falls State Park. The waterfall is a must see. This is great water for a dry/dropper set up as well as traditional dry and nymph fishing. Above the falls the creek is stocked and below the fish are wild.
Pit River: Classic tailwater freestone fishery. This river is known for its hard fighting wild rainbows. There is great walk and wade access but the terrain is difficult with large snot covered bowling balls covering the river bed. Those with strong wading skills and a stout wading stick only need apply. The river is broken up by multiple power houses each with their own characters. Primary a nymphing river either by indicator or tight line. Rubber legs and dark lords and lots of weight (bring lots of both).
BaumLake: Stocked and great for a small float tube or kayak. Excellent dry fly and streamer fishing.
Lake Britton: Primarily a motorized boat lake. Warm water fishery with small mouth bass, and potential for bull trout.
Ahjumawi / Big Lake Lava Springs State Park: Launch at “Rat Farm”
Fall River: Iconic spring creek with an abundance of large wild rainbows. No shore access. Non motorized boats can be launched at the Cal Trout public access or a kayak/motor boat at the “Rat Farm” (Big Lake/Ahjjumawi launch). Awesome dry fly, streamer and indicator fishing.
Lodging:
Camping – Too many to list, this is an outdoors paridise with options from unimproved to glamping. Plenty of places for RV hookups and KOA camping
Hotels & Motels: Various options available in the Burney area
176 members have paid their 2022 dues as of the end of January. Although membership dues and donations are more than last year, they are less than the 2019 pre Covid level which included the annual fundraiser dinner. The Board will be reviewing the 2022 Budget on Feb 16th after all 2021 expenditures and revenues are finalized. 2022 Budget will be sent to members in March.
If members are not receiving the monthly newsletter, it may be included in their spam file, or members are using an alternate email to review the newsletter, or dues have not been paid for 2022. Please email me if there is a problem with the newsletter or googlegroups. Robert6367@aol.com
We’ve received another donation to share with our club members. Ed Sacks is the person we thank for his thoughtfulness and generosity. He was a club member some years ago and remembers well shopping at Ernie’s. He no longer ties flies so offers us what he had. That includes a fly tying table with vise, light and magnifier. Watch for these on the free giveaway table at an upcoming, in person club meetings.
Our club has been active lately in supporting local conservation groups. This is an important aspect of the club mission where we can help improve, repair and sustain the fishery—especially on a local level. Here are a few noteworthy events.
Coho Salmon Release with MBSTP
Late last December, Jeff Gose, Jerry McKeon and I helped the Monterey Salmon and Trout Project release adult Coho Salmon into two locations in Pescadero Creek. These fish began life at the MBSTP at the Kingfisher Flat Hatchery near Davenport. After the CZU fire hit, they were trucked up to the Warm Springs Hatchery in Sonoma County where they were raised to adult spawn maturity. These fish were RFID tagged so each one can be identified in the future. The three of us were all able to shuttle the fish from the truck and handle some as well as revive a few. Some of the fish were in the 6 pound range. Here is a quote from Jerry McKeon that I think expresses Jeff and my sentiments as well:
“Helping MBSTP release over a hundred Coho into Pescadero Creek was very rewarding for me. As anglers we have the unique ability to help revive fish that don’t immediately take to the new water. I was also very impressed by how well a group of mostly strangers worked together. Everyone had a sense of urgency and a single focus of getting these salmon safely into the creek. It was a real privilege to be a part of and if the opportunity arises again, I’ll happily raise my hand. “
Coastal Watershed Council January River Health Day
On January 15th, our own Elaine and John Cook, Jeff Slaboden and Camille Padilla volunteered their time to help plant and maintain native seedlings along the banks of the San Lorenzo River to increase biodiversity and revitalize the river ecosystem. I spoke to John and Elaine and they both said it was a worthwhile and rewarding experience. Good work and thank you all!
Coho Salmon Release with MBSTP—Part Two
On January 19th, member Sam Bishop assisted MBSTP with a follow-up release on Pescadero Creek. Sam said “They are ripe and ready to spawn. We hope they will do that right there near the release so their kids head out to sea next year.” Amen! Thank you Sam helping out and for serving on the board at MBSTP.
Katie’s passions for science and the outdoors first collided as a college student at UC Berkeley, where her studies took her to extraordinary field sites ranging from the crystal clear South Fork Eel River to the tropical streams of French Polynesia.
She quickly became motivated to apply her research experience to the salmon- and trout-bearing streams she had explored on fly fishing trips with her father. After graduating, Katie began working for the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center—contributing to research and monitoring efforts for endangered/threatened coho salmon and steelhead trout across Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties.
Katie began her PhD with the NOAA/UCSC Fisheries Collaborative Program in 2016. Her research examines the evolutionary differences between steelhead and rainbow trout (O. mykiss), their role in stream food webs, and the effects of escalating wildfire regimes on these dynamics. She manages a highly collaborative research project in Scott Creek (Santa Cruz County, CA), working with academic, agency, and NGO partners to draw connections between natural history, evolutionary ecology, and fisheries management.
Katie strives to communicate her research to both academic and local communities through her teaching, writing, and art. She is currently a graduate fellow with California Sea Grant and UCSC’s Center for Innovations in Teaching and Learning.
Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
Reservations can be made for national forest campgrounds and for other national recreational lands through recreation.gov. However, a much simpler way is to call on the phone ( 877-444-6777 ). You will actually get a live person. The website is extremely confusing as far as I’m concerned and many others I have talked to as well. The phone line is open from 9 AM till midnight (eastern time), every day including weekends. Give it a try, you’ll love it. Just a word to the wise, since Covid began there are way more people out there recreating, so make your reservations well ahead.
As the surf is just outside our back doors and Sam will be having club Fishouts in the surf before too long, we will be tying a fly to use for that endeavor. For you beginners this will be an easy fly. We will be using 6/0 red thread. The club has tools, vises and thread to borrow if you need them. There is no charge for the class and materials are provided. Give me a call to sign up and I’ll prepare a bag of materials and instructions for you, and put them at my front door. (831)688-1561
We will be making poppers so that we can go for those big mouthed bass. In the past the class has spanned over 2 days and involved lots of paints, epoxies, glues, solutions, along with various other supplies. It is not reasonable to assume that everyone would have everything that would be needed to craft these beauties, and not practical via Zoom. In order to not miss out this year, a simplified method has been devised which will give everyone reasonable and useful poppers. The only thing you will need to complete your popper fly is clear nail polish and Supper Glue or equivalent. If you have 30 min epoxi, a variety of acrylic paints and rubbing alcohol, your finished fly will be more like the ones we usually craft. Some lead time for prepping and putting supplies together will be needed. So please sign up soon but no later than Mar. 5th. It will still be a 2 day class, but fewer hours than usual. We’ll start at noon. Allow 2-3 hours each day. You beginners to fly tying should feel comfortable doing this class. As always, the class is free and materials provided. Very strong thread, any color, such as flat waxed nylon or monocord will be needed. If you need thread, or tools and vise if you are a beginner, the club can loan them to you. Materials , directions and tips for bass fishing will bagged for you to be picked up at my door. Call me to sign up @ (831)688-1561
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
If you were game enough to attempt to solve this riddle, I applaud you. Just remember if you solved it you’re fishing this year will be fantastic. You’ll find the solution below. I hope this was fun for you as it was for me. Do let me know if you were successful.
Steelhead and trout follow salmon as they spawn and readily eat their eggs. This pattern simulates them. The fly doesn’t sink well so use a sinking line, put weight on your leader, or trail the fly behind a fly that sinks well, or add a gold bead to the hook before tying on the yarn.
HOOK: Mustad 9174 or TMC 105 or Targus 105. Size 6 or 8
THREAD: STRONG: white, peach, salmon or other light color. Such As: flat waxed nylon, Danville 2/0, monochord, Gudbrod Gx2 or Ultra 149 denier.
EGG: Glow Bug Yarn: comes in both thick and thin strands. bright salmon, pale salmon, orange, peach, pale yellow, and pink
1. Crimp Barb. NOTE: a hook with upturned eye also works, but material is harder to trim.
2. Attach thread 1/3 back on shank. Cover center 1/3 of shake with touching wraps. Leave thread mid shank.
3. THICK YARN:
Cut 3 one inch or longer pieces.
(optional)to simulate a developing embryo, cut a 1 inch piece of contrasting color of thin yarn.
(See diagrams for upcoming steps.)
position thick yarn pieces side-by-side. If using contrasting piece, place it on top.
pinching center of material, place on top of shank so that they are not stacked but the three thick pieces are side-by-side and thin piece on top.
make three snug wraps, one on top of the other, keeping yarn on top of shank.
pull all material firmly upward to be sure it is all on top of shank.
tilt yarn to rear, make three wraps in front as close to yarn as possible.
pulling firmly up on yarn, make three snug wraps around base of yarn.
Advanced thread to eye.
whip finish, cut thread, apply super glue or equivalent to thread wraps ONLY behind hook eye.
Holding and pulling yarn upward, cut all at once in a single arc with a sharp heavy duty scissor, so that the cut corresponds to radius of egg.
stroke yarn downward and fluff to cover bottom of shank. Finger nail or Velcro can help.
trim yarn if needed to form a round contour.
THIN YARN:
Cut 5 inch or slightly longer pieces.
(optional) to simulate a developing embryo, cut one 1 inch piece of contrasting color of yarn or separate one piece of thick yarn into 2 pieces, and use one.
position all five pieces of one color side-by-side. If using a contrasting piece, position four pieces of primary color side by side and contrasting color on top of them.
Proceed as above with the step that starts with “pinching”.
In 2021, 12 club Members were nominated to receive the coveted John Steele Award. The reasons were as varied as they could be.
Sam Bishop was nominated for hosting the Beach Fish outs, described by one member as “The most important SCFF activity during Covid”.
Dan Eaton was nominated for hosting the Los Banos Creek fish out and giving largemouth bass fishing advice, and for hosting a fly tying class.
Robert Eberly apparently adopted a novice surf fisherman and schooled him throughout the day, eventually convincing our neophyte angler to join the SCFF club!
Jeff Goyert (Yog) helped a member get acquainted with the O-Neil Fore bay striper fishing techniques.
Scott Kitayama (Last year’s Steele award recipient) was nominated for helping a member while perch fishing, and again for just being friendly and helpful.
Phil Kowal has been helpful in e-mail and text for equipment questions and has also introduced club members to San Lois reservoir.
Jerry McKeon was nominated for his prodigious work on our Instagram account, which has grown both our membership, and our club’s reputation in the Fly Fishing hierarchy. He also received a nod for pitching in and helping set up Zoom Fly-tying.
Lord knows why Kevin Murdock was nominated; I suspect graft…
Steve Rudzinski (Stosh) was remembered for his work on the Jade St Park casting classes, and helping members with Pyramid and San Louis fishing techniques.
Bill Seamoa was able to facilitate transportation for one of our favorite couples to San Lois Reservoir when they were having difficulty driving in the dark.
Cecilia Stipes effervescent personality, and her willingness to share knowledge, as well as her efforts as one of our fish masters has made her a nominee again this year.
And finally, Mark Tragout was nominated for his casting classes in boulder creek, and for towing a tuber out of the weeds, and finally, for gifting the book “Home Waters” by John Mclean, to a member, which indirectly led to the marriage of a pair of our club members.
As you can see, Steele Award nominations can be for literally anything. We have numerous fish outs through the year where 20 or 30 of our members are present for up to a week. You can’t tell me that you can fish for a week without a club member sharing a tip, a fly, a spot, netting a monster, an incredible meal, emotional support or just plain good fellowship.
I should be getting 20 or 30 nominations after each fish out. The easiest way to make a nomination in this time of zoom and distance is to just e-mail me at troutdock89@gmail.com. That way I can just move the e-mail into my John Steele folder and count em up at the beginning of next year.
This year’s winner of the 2021 John Steele award is Mark Tragout.
Congratulations Mark. We are grateful to you and all our nominees.
Wow! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone and all you hold dear. I hope you got all those fly fishing, fly-tying, casting, wading and outdoorsy things you wanted for the holiday.
I first want to thank each and every one of you for your extraordinary support and participation in Santa Cruz Fly Fishing. I’m sure our founders, way back in 1977, would never have envisioned the fullness of our mission – “To Promote, Educate and Enjoy the sport of Fly-Fishing”. It might surprise you that many of our original founders are still members of this club. Yes, over 45 years. So if you’re new – think of the possibilities!!
As I begin my 5th year as President, this is unprecedented to say the least. But we’ve been dealing a lot with that word these last couple of years. When I first joined the club in 1992, I was a young enthusiastic, infected person. I had the bug badly. I’d take my fly-rod to work with me and practice casting in the park near my work more than a few days a week. I was tying the ugliest most unproportioned flies, but they were catching some fish, and I was getting better. All of this long before the internet, YouTube, cell phones, … Crazy to think of that. When I was Conservation Chair from 93-96, I typed letters and faxed them to hundreds of people, as I began my stead to change the mindset of in our anadromous fisheries because, even as fly-anglers, we were all still hurting too many fish and we needed to show the world that the anglers were going to be the people who saved the Coho and Steelhead. (Side note: – Keep your fish wet! In the water. With today’s cameras and our insatiable desire to get good photos of fish, it is clear that we are all keeping fish out of the water way too long – for that photo or video clip of a lifetime which is likely the next reason fish mortality could be on the rise. True! Keep the fish in the water.)
In ’96 I accepted my first run at being President and loved it. I suppose this is because, like today, I wasn’t alone. I had the most awesome support from the membership and most importantly, the board, who today, also do more to support these efforts than I could ever imagine.
When I was President the first time, I took on the mantra that every idea was a good idea. While we might not take on everyone of them, considering every idea gave birth to even more ideas that we put to work. It let you share your own thoughts and wishes and enabled us to take that which you felt as a good thing, mold it, refine it, give you ownership and make it happen. Like recently when Steve and Kevin did that pre-Christmas camping trip at New Brighton. Turns out that was a blast and will be something we do again – and might be something we can do in combination with a surfperch fish-out in the Spring or Summer! Or some of us who are looking for someone to resurrect the Pack Fish-out – where you get on a horse for a few hours, ride to remote mountain lakes and/or streams, stay a few days and pack out later.
I wasn’t always a member. After those first 12 years, my children, my job and building my home took over. Emily was competing all over the world and Tommy liked bikes, so we started riding together and I started racing. Yep – went from fly-fishing president to mountain bike racer. Then Tommy started racing and I was helping coach the team – which in mountain bike racing, means you ride as hard, or harder than these teenagers. Some of you remember when Tommy and Emily were tiny little tots running around the Grange during club meetings!!
All too soon, Emily was on her own and Tommy was now focusing on cars. Mona would always ask me if I’d heard from anyone at the “fly club”, or if I was going to a meeting. I’d always say that was a good idea, or that I was bummed because I just missed the meeting. I would still get Christmas cards from John and Elaine, John and Pat, and Kathy Powers – every year. Those tugged at my heart strings. Oh – I was still fly fishing every year – still going to Kennedy Meadows, but my mountain bike took me on the San Lorenzo trails more than my fly-rod did.
Finally, that September 2017 meeting came around and all the stars aligned. I was back.
I could not be more grateful for all of you. Many of you know exactly who you are and how we pulled together so much fun around fly-fishing, teaching, conservation, and more. Some of you have just joined and haven’t yet experienced the activities we do in the community and with other agencies such as the Coastal Watershed Council, Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project, the Kids Day at the Fair Grounds, our Public Day at Quail Hollow Ranch; Confab, fun with the Patagonia Store… Hang in there. We’ll be back to doing all of this and you’re not going to believe how much fun and how rewarding it is to share what you love with someone else.
As things get back to normal, and they will, our club meetings will be even more special, and we’ll still be able to engage those around the world – yes – really? Yes, Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club members who live in other places in our world, but support the work we do to – what? “Promote, Educate and Enjoy the Sport of Fly-Fishing”.
Our January meeting will be taking place at the Santa Cruz Sherriff’s Posse Hall on Ocean Street Extension the 5th of this month. It is our annual club slide show, where your photos are the show for this month. We will be having a Barbeque, with snacks and beverages, a super nice raffle, AND a swap meet. Many of us will be there early, so if you want to help in any way, please reach out to Kevin Murdock or myself between now and the end of this week!! Please RSVP through the form in the meeting article or email to scottkitayama@gmail.com
We have a lot of talent in our community. For a fly-fishing club, in a surf community that was once mostly a retirement town with surfers and outdoorsy people, we became a fly-fishing club.
In between spending his summers guiding in Iceland, Dagur attended California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, where he acquainted himself with the local fisheries through lots of trial and error. He recently started a fly fishing guide service in San Luis Obispo with a focus on the area’s overlooked fisheries when it comes to fly fishing, such as bass, carp, and surf perch. Dagur also ties and sells flies, is a regular contributor to California Fly Fisher magazine, and teaches clinics on carp and bass through the Central Coast Fly Fishing fly shop in Carmel.
Coastal Watershed Council January River Health Day
Katie began her PhD with the NOAA/UCSC Fisheries Collaborative Program in 2016. Her research examines the evolutionary differences between steelhead and rainbow trout (O. mykiss), their role in stream food webs, and the effects of escalating wildfire regimes on these dynamics. She manages a highly collaborative research project in Scott Creek (Santa Cruz County, CA), working with academic, agency, and NGO partners to draw connections between natural history, evolutionary ecology, and fisheries management.
