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What’s In Your Fly Box?

by your President, Tom Hogye

As I sat drinking my delicious coffee on our third morning at Kennedy Meadows, I had all my Trout fly boxes out to look at what I had left that I’d want to throw at the fish the next couple of days.  Everything tastes and feels better when you’re in the mountains, especially the coffee.   As we fished hard the last few days, the rewards were great, but the sacrifices many.   For me it as a few wear marks on my feet from wet wading in sandals, and the loss of flies I’d been doing so very well with.

I love the mornings up here, especially early before anyone else is awake.   The only technology to behold was the lantern, the coffee pot and my fly boxes.    No rushing to respond to anything.   Just the contemplation of what will work next.

This trip was even nicer with the addition of some of our club members and good friends.  Scott, Bob, Cecilia, Sophia, and Kathryn.   The opportunity to fish together, laugh, eat, and chill by the campfire or coffee together in the morning.   We are nominating Kathryn for both the Otter and Alligator award at our Annual Dinner in January.   This gal out-fished all of us and carried the battle scars to prove it, first day getting a black eye, from a fall.  The next day attempting to cause yours truly to pass out with a hook deep in her finger and that barb she thought was pinched, wasn’t completely, scaring all the bears in the forest as Cecilia tried to help with that pull it out quick with some leader looped around it trick.  Then, after landing yet another sizeable fish in a challenging piece of water, decided to go for an early morning swim after nearly donating her rod and reel to the Stanislaus in homage to the fish she caught.   The most beautiful spirit and super fun person, who would have stayed the duration if not for the untimely, but perhaps timely, passing of her father who would have wanted her to be fishing and to keep fishing when he departed – which she did, but then headed home as anyone would have done.  I am so looking forward to next year already.   What a blast we had.

A fly box can tell you a lot about yourself, or someone else.    It’s not just a box that holds your flies.  It could possibly be a reflection of you.   At least that’s my observation as I stare into these somewhat organized but deliberate assortments within.  Then there’s those other folks.    You know; you’ve seen those meticulously organized boxes with dry flies, hoppers, nymphs, perfectly arranged by type, size, weight.    Maybe six or more of the same flies all in a row, color coordinated, labeled on the outside, some even stacked in their own fly box holders, ready to be selectively stuffed into a vest depending upon what body of water is being fished.  Hundreds of them.   And I’m just talking trout boxes.  If you’re like me, and you see these fly boxes in a raffle, scoop them up, and after a few years, they never look that way ever again!

My fly boxes are somewhat organized but are a scattered collection no less.  Nymphs, attractors, dry fly, wet fly, fly flies and un-fly flies, all together.   And while I may have originally had six or more all neat in a row, I’ve fished them, lost them, and usually replaced the empty spaces with different flies.   And I don’t have just one box like this.  They’re all that way.  Probably because if I only had one box, I’d want it to cover top, sub-surface and dredging.   Some are even flies I’ve acquired, but never used.  Or flies I’ve used and purposely tried not to lose, an attempt to keep at least one of them in the box so I know to either tie some up on a cold rainy winter night or buy some at the next fly shop I visit.   Some I’ve used just for teaching because they really look like the bugs they are imitating, or a frog, a mouse.     Kid’s love to see that when you open the box and a fly is tied like a mouse – I guess it isn’t a “fly”, is it?!

I know all the flies in the boxes, which ones I’ve used where, and even remember fish they’ve caught.     In the latest instance, I had these quite favorable BWO’s (Blue Wing Olive’s) with a trailing shuck for a tail.  They were terrifically effective, and I felt they could catch a thousand fish.  But I lost my last one on a fish this week, and I couldn’t tell you where in any of my fly boxes there was a space for one, let alone six of them in anymore but one size or two.

Your fly box is also a memory holder.  When you open each one, a flood of memories embraces you – hopefully most of them good memories.   If you’ve had that fly box for as long as you’ve been fly fishing, the box alone is a memory.  You remember when you got it, why, from whom, and with all those flies, you remember the fish, the day, the experience casting that fly, the take, the play, landing that beautiful specimen, and its safe release back into the wild.   The high-five you had with the friend with you, or the extraordinary gratitude you had for the gift, the peace and tranquility as you look at all the beauty around you.

No doubt the next time I see a Blue Winged Olive in my fly box, I’m going to remember this trip and especially those who were with us who made it most enjoyable.

See you Wednesday at the Barbeque and Swap Meet – Sherriff’s Posse Hall, Ocean Street Extension.

Tom

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Fly tying – August 2022


Aug 10 6:30 AM : Fluke Fly – Aug Fly tying

Fluke Fly - Aug Fly tying

IMPORTANT:  This class will be taught at the Aptos Grange.  Masks will be OPTIONAL if you are vaccinated.   NO ZOOM access.

The Fluke Fly is a smaller adaptation of a deceiver. It is tied with deceiver hackle and synthetic materials, on a light jig hook for snag resistance, a slow fall and easy castability. Fished on a floating line near shore or structure, it will sink near the bottom of a lake or pond (where the fish are?) and rise and fall as it is stripped back. The target is black bass and sunfish.

Contact Greg Foy to attend the class. greg@foyconstruction.com



Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.

Date More Info Excerpt
Foam Run CaddisSep 14 Foam Run Caddis

A simple great drive fly pattern for this month.

CicadaOct 12 Cicada

Fly for bass, trout and carp!

Blow Torch - November Fly Tying ClassNov 09 Blow Torch - November Fly Tying Class

A must have steelhead fly.

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Parachute Ant

by Elaine Cook – fly tying chairman

There are many and patterns, most of which are hard to see on the surface of the water. Here is one with a nice white post. Ants are most effective mid summer on and are more available to fish on windy days. Add floatant and fish with drag free presentation. They are good on lakes as well.
HOOK: TMC 100  Sizes 12 to 16.
THREAD: Black 8/0.     Attach mid shank
OVER BODY: White Antron yarn
Attach Antron to back half of shank and extending to the rear of hook. Note: Antron pieces need to be long enough to go over rear back body and then up as post.
REAR BODY: Black super fine dubbing and black permanent marking pen.
Dub a bulbous rear body up to mid shank, no further. Pull Antron snuggly over rear body and tie down. And attach Antron to top of shank with touching wraps forming a narrow mid body, about 1/4 of shank. Note: if tying a size 12 hook, additional touching thread wraps back to rear body then forward again.
POST: Continuation of white Antron
Hold Antron upright. Make 4 to 5 thread wraps upward around Antron. Then make 4 to 5 wraps down to base.Make a couple of wraps in front of post to hold upright.
HACKLE: grizzly  barbs equal to 1 1/2 to 2 times hook gap
Prepare hackle by cutting off fuzzy end then cutting 4 to 5 barbs short at base of stem (crew cut).
Identify shiny dark side of hackle. Position on your side of hook, shiny side facing you, tip to rear, and crew cut at base of post. Tie in place in front and behind post.
FORWARD BODY: Black super find dubbing. And some ants have a red forward body, so thread can be changed to red and red superfine dubbing used for this section.
Wrap a small bulbous forward body from eye back to midsection.
HACKLE: same feather from above
Wrap thread behind post, then forward, then in front of post, then allow to hang on your side. Using hackle pliers, wrap hackle around base of post about four times , then allow to hang on your side. Bring thread up in front of hanging hackle till parallel to table.  Wrap around post and under parachuted hackle about three times. Several half hitches behind hook eye. Cut thread. Cut excess hackle. Cut Antron so that it equals hook shank length. Push up on heckle from beneath hook to be sure it is parallel to table. Trim any barbs that hang below.

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Nevada Paiute Tribe Receives Federal Grant

by Bob Garbarino

There is a dam on the Truckee River just upstream of Pyramid Lake near the town of Nixon. Numana Dam was built in 1971 to divert water from the river to be used by the Paiute Tribe for irrigation on their reservation. However, this dam was not originally constructed to allow the cui-ui fish to migrate up the Truckee toward Lake Tahoe to spawn. The cui-ui is an endangered fish only found in Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River.

In April the Interior Department approved $8.3 million to support Lahontan cutthroat and cui-ui recovery. The project will include installation of screens to allow the fish to move down to Pyramid and an underwater ramp to migrate up past the dam.  For more information on this and how climate change is having a negative impact on fish populations in our rivers, go to the web page.

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Update on 2022 Roster

by Bob

Hopefully, the 2022 Roster is going to the printer this week and maybe  be available WED August 3.  The Roster is also available in a pdf file now for those that would like an electronic version for their iphone or computer.  Please email me @ robert6367 if interested in a hard copy or the electronic pdf file.  We are also planning to add the Roster to Google Drive and it will be available online thru our website .  Membership continues to grow with 2 new members a month and is @ 195 current members

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Lake on BLM land- Wyoming

by Elaine and John Cook

Planning to travel and fish during Covid has been more challenging due to so many folks choosing an outdoor vacation experience. So we find timing of locations, and reservations a necessity. We so much prefer being nomads. Our first destination in Wyoming, a place we have been to many times, is a sweet lake that we have camped at and fished for many years. It always provides us with wonderful, powerful rainbow trout up to 22”. 2x tippet and 6 wt. rods are a necessity if you plan to land any. No reservations are available on BLM land so timing was imperative. RV and forest service reservation we made in route and arrival late on the 4th was perfect. A short wait and we hade the whole campground to ourselves. Few people fished the lake all week. What makes the lake even more special is that it’s catch and release and when we go a massive damsel hatch occurs. Adult damsel fly patterns are the ticket. The insects are crawling out and hatching all over your tube, and clothing as well on vegetation and the sandy shore. Adults are everywhere and in times in swarms where numerous  males are in per suit of a few females. The pursuit is on, looking for backs and tails of sipping trout and getting a fly into their path and fooling them. Such fun! Now just to be different, John likes using big flies, so he wants the wind to come up which is when they will take something different. Well this year he decided to be ridiculous and use a mouse pattern. Oh my, it actually worked!!

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Rio Del Mar surf fish-out

by Sam Bishop

The fish were mostly small, but the dozen fly fishers that came to Rio Del Mar on the Friday before the 4th of July holiday had a good time and most had hookups or fish. Afterwards a few of us had a social time at the Pixie Deli, known for its good breakfast burritos. Three members from the Salinas Club were happy to be with us too, including their President, Elizabeth McCarter (pictured). She and our own Emily Marriott were the damsels amongst us, trying the surf for the first time. Jeff Slaboden is moving to Florida, which is sad for us, because it is likely we won’t see him often for our local fishouts.

Tommy Polito and Scott Kitayama are leading up the August fish-out. Stay tuned for that one!

I think I missed a name or two, but here is the gang that went fishing: Peter Swarzenski, Gordon Cummings, Emily Marriott, Jeff Slaboden, Scott Kitayama, Josh Wilkens, Tommy Polito, Koney Eng, Sam Bishop and from the Salinas Club, Elizabeth McCarter, Wilson Taguinod and Fred Farias

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Fishout Schedule – August 2022

mobile scrollable table 

EVENT NAME EVENT DATE SPECIES FISH MASTER
Manresa BeachSep 07Surf Perch, Stripers Tommy Polito, Scott Kitayama
Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 21-Oct.5Sep 21 - Oct 05Trout John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515
Last Surf Fishout of 2024!Oct 05
O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20thOct 17 - Oct 20
Trinity River FishoutNov 01 - Nov 04

Sep 07 : Manresa Beach



Manresa State Beach (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Tommy Polito, Scott Kitayama

Location: Manresa State Beach

Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers

Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),

Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket

(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)

Single, double & triple fly rigs

Clousers to sand crabs

Directions: Take RDM Blvd all the way down to the flats (bottom), circle the round-about to the left and exit back along Beach Drive, drive half mile to the State Beach (aka Platform). DO NOT stop up by the round-about, be sure to continue on Beach Drive. Early in the morning the parking lot is closed, but there is plenty of parking outside.

SURF FISHOUTS 2024 Meeting    Time (AM) State Beach  Sunrise Low tide High tide Moon    Tide flow Fishmaster
MAY 4th Saturday 5:55 Rio Del Mar 6:10 LO 02:14  +1.1 HI 07:58 AM +4.0 New Jun  7 Hi Flood to High Slack Lance B
JUNE* 1st Saturday 5:35 Beercan* 5:50 LO 01:12 +1.3 HI 06:39 +3.4 New  Jun 6 High Slack to Ebb Sam
JULY 6th Saturday 5:40 Palm 5:56 LO 06:03 -1.1 HI 1:04 PM +3.7 New    Jul 5 Low slack to Flood Lance B
AUGUST 3rd Saturday 6:00 Rio Del Mar 6:15 LO 05:05 -0.7 HI 11:54 AM +3.8 New  Aug 4 Low slack to Flood Sam
SEPT 7th Saturday 6:25 Manresa 6:44 LO 07:04 +1.8 HI 1:26 PM +4.6 New  Sep 2 Low slack to low Flood Sam
OCT 5th Saturday 6:50 Palm 7:06 LO 05:50 + 2.1 HI Noon +5.0 New   Oct 2 Low Flood Sam
Notes:

Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise.

Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, notifications on Google Groups.

June 1st* Mike Lovejoy’s for breakfast after fishing:  115 Driftwood Ct., Aptos

Contacts:

Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4024                                         Lance Boling <clboling@gmail.com>

       

 

Locations

           Rio Del Mar State Beach – Google Map location for “Platform Beach”
           Beercan Beach* – Enter  1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos. Path & Stairs  between Houses (See Notes)
           Palm Beach – Pajaro Dunes, end of West Beach St.
           Manresa State Beach – Google it, but parking may be on Ocean View Dr, 500 yards down the road

Tides

Zen



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


Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 21-Oct.5
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515

UPDATED – 7/20/2024 –  Only two spots open first week,  second week is full.

Sign Ups: As a reminder, it is important to sign up early or this Fishout.

Call John Cook letting him know which week, both or private room. Payment is required to secure our spot we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.

Contact Ph # (831) 234-6515

Fishmasters: John & Elaine Cook

Dates:  This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept  21 – Sept 28 .       Week 2: Sept 28 – Oct 5.

Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.

General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Condo has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.

Cost:  Shared single:  $450/wk, $900/2 wks,   Private room:  $800/wk,  $1,600/2 wks.   Dinner guests:  $20/meal

Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards.   Each person will be assigned a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare.   You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.

 



Oct 05 : Last Surf Fishout of 2024!



Palm State Beach (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Location: Palm Beach

Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers

Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),

Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket

(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)

Single, double & triple fly rigs

Clousers to sand crabs

Directions: Take RDM Blvd all the way down to the flats (bottom), circle the round-about to the left and exit back along Beach Drive, drive half mile to the State Beach (aka Platform). DO NOT stop up by the round-about, be sure to continue on Beach Drive. Early in the morning the parking lot is closed, but there is plenty of parking outside.

SURF FISHOUTS 2024 Meeting    Time (AM) State Beach  Sunrise Low tide High tide Moon    Tide flow Fishmaster
MAY 4th Saturday 5:55 Rio Del Mar 6:10 LO 02:14  +1.1 HI 07:58 AM +4.0 New Jun  7 Hi Flood to High Slack Lance B
JUNE* 1st Saturday 5:35 Beercan* 5:50 LO 01:12 +1.3 HI 06:39 +3.4 New  Jun 6 High Slack to Ebb Sam
JULY 6th Saturday 5:40 Palm 5:56 LO 06:03 -1.1 HI 1:04 PM +3.7 New    Jul 5 Low slack to Flood Lance B
AUGUST 3rd Saturday 6:00 Rio Del Mar 6:15 LO 05:05 -0.7 HI 11:54 AM +3.8 New  Aug 4 Low slack to Flood Sam
SEPT 7th Saturday 6:25 Manresa 6:44 LO 07:04 +1.8 HI 1:26 PM +4.6 New  Sep 2 Low slack to low Flood Sam
OCT 5th Saturday 6:50 Palm 7:06 LO 05:50 + 2.1 HI Noon +5.0 New   Oct 2 Low Flood Sam
Notes:

Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise.

Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, notifications on Google Groups.

June 1st* Mike Lovejoy’s for breakfast after fishing:  115 Driftwood Ct., Aptos

Contacts:

Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4024

Lance Boling <clboling@gmail.com>

       

 

Locations

           Rio Del Mar State Beach – Google Map location for “Platform Beach”
           Beercan Beach* – Enter  1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos. Path & Stairs  between Houses (See Notes)
           Palm Beach – Pajaro Dunes, end of West Beach St.
           Manresa State Beach – Google it, but parking may be on Ocean View Dr, 500 yards down the road

Tides

Zen



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



(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Event: O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout

Date: October 17th – 20th

(I will be looking for a weekend with a ‘skinny’ moon, less night feeding for the fish)

Target Gamefish: Striped Bass

Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O’Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33)

Hosts: Kevin Murdock   troutdock89@gmail.com

 

These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.

Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the

San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.

The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.

Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly

Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.

Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga mussels)

Fins, sunscreen, polarized glasses, life vest

Links: 

Fly Fishing O’Neill Forebay for Stripers

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

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

Forebay Water level:

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

There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.

Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.

This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!



Nov 01 : Trinity River Fishout


Trinity River Fishout
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

NOTE:   Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip.  After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?).    You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564  or alex.ferber74@gmail.com.  If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.

The fishery:
Basically,  this is a Steelhead Trip. There are some resident trout, including some really nice brown trout. I  walk wade or float my raft,  depending on the river conditions. I personally use a Spey rod to swing flies.   Many people use indicators.  There are a lot of walk in spots to explore. The river can be floated with rafts or driftboats. There is a shuttle service available.
Tackle:
Single hand rods, 7-8 wt rods, using floating lines with indicator set up. Typical flies used are Egg patterns, Copper John’s, Stonefly imitations like Rubberlegs,  Dark Perdigons. Sizes ranging from Size 8-14.
Spey or Switch rods, usually 5-6 wt in the Fall, I use a 7 wt in the winter. Skagit or Scandi heads, with floating to heavy sink tips, depending on the river conditions and season. Flies that work well include leeches, intruders, HoBo Spey, Traditionals, as well as dry fly patterns ( Skaters) in the early Fall.
The River:
The Trinity River is located aprox 1 hr west of Redding on  Hwy 299. Its a beautiful tailwater fishery, with flows controlled from the Lewiston Dam. This is where the hatchery can be found. It has many different faces, including some big water as it runs west. It meets up with the Klamath River on its journey to the ocean. It has an excellent run of both wild and hatchery fish, ranging from 5-7 #, with some larger fish in the  +10-12 # range. There are fish in the system year round, but typically a push of fish starts in late September and peaks in late November, with a second run usually in late December- March. The fishing remained really good thru the end of March last season. It is very flow dependant and can run quite low in the Fall, with occasional bumps in flows when there is precipitation. It can blow out on occasion, but clears pretty fast.
Amenities:
Weaverville is the closest town, where there are good restaurants, motels and a really nice Holiday Market. It’s kinda the hub. There is an RV park in Weaverville,  but no campsites.
Camping is available in Douglas City  area as well as Junction City and further west on 299. The town of Douglas city doesn’t have much, other than a small mini mart. Indian Creek Lodge is a few miles east of Douglas City. The town of Lewiston is just below the Lewiston dam. It offers some camping and motels. There is a really nice motel west of Junction City (I believe it is called Steelhead Lodge?). It’s an excellent place to stay if one wishes to fish below Junction City.


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Happy Summer – We Want to Hear from YOU!

by Tom Hogye

 

Happy Summer – I hope you are getting out to do some fishing, hiking, exploring, resting, and taking good care of yourself wherever you are these days.

I just returned from a brief respite in the Eastern Sierra and while it was a plan to fish as much as I could, I was just happy to be away from the hustle and bustle of life’s daily activities, in remote wilderness with my best friend, and adventurer wife, Mona.     While Mona is a pretty good fly-angler and loves the water, she’s also really engaged in finding minerals, crystals, and semiprecious stones when we’re out and about.    I’m always just looking for gold.   And no – haven’t found any yet.   But it sure does take us to some of the most beautiful places in California.

I want all of you to know that this Newsletter is for you.  Part of what makes this club so fun and such a terrific resource is all of YOU!

If you look on the website, you’ll see the Newsletter “button” and under that button, you’ll see a place where YOU – yes – YOU – can Submit an article, a photo, a short snippet of something about you, about fly-fishing, maybe even searching for gold!   AND, you can add really cool things like pictures, just like I get to do every month.  You can too!!    It’s easy and we want to hear from you.   Who knows, you might just be the next Norman MaClean, Steinbeck, David James Duncan, …  or you might just be the member another member would love to hear from.

It’s easy.  Go to the Newsletter Button -> Article Submission -> Submit Page.   Don’t be scared – It won’t bite!

There really aren’t that many rules, just your name, email address, month you might want this published.   It’s not necessary to write a note to the Newsletter editor, but if you want to – go ahead!   You cannot make a mistake.

You do have to pick an Article Category.  But don’t worry, if you make a mistake, we’ll fix it – easy.

Article Title – Be Creative!  Or just be simple!

Author Byline – It’s really just your name.  Or if you go by another name as a writer, then feel free to express yourself.    I sometimes go by Brad Pitt!  Or Pauly!

Article Text – Now this is maybe a bit tricky.   I always type my note in a Word Document.  I save it then “Select All” – copy and paste in to the “Article Text” area.   Now you don’t have to do that, but it bears mentioning that if you are writing some really good stuff and think you might win a Pulitzer Prize or think it will then get published in Gray’s Journal or Fly-Fishing Magazine – you should save it as a Word document.   If you don’t and your just typing free text in the Article Text field, and PG&E decides it’s time for a PSBS (Power Safety Bull…) and the power goes out.  Well, there goes yer Pulitzer Prize.  Or it’s like havin a Rogue River Steelhead on your line for about 15 seconds, long enough to get excited thinkin the God’s have just answered yer prayers, only to see the thing jump in the air and send yer Hobo Spey into the Stratosphere.  Trust me.  Save your stuff in Word, copy, and paste into the body of the Article Text.    Oh, and don’t worry about all the Bold, Italics, Font, bullet stuff at the top.  I never use that.   Just copy and paste or if yer gutsy, free text in that space and go for it!

Saving in Word will also help you with your editing especially if you have a newer Word version that alerts you to all the spelling errors yer makin  – like these I leave here intentionamentally.

Article Summary – you don’t really need one of these, but it’s okay to put something there – in the event you’re creating the next best seller and need a “Foreward” maybe stated as said by someone the likes of Brad Pitt.    But not necessary.

Source – It’s pretty self explanatory.  I never use it.   Mostly because I’m not plagiarizing anyone – at least not that I know of!

Featured Photo – Now this is where I get excited!  Every month I get to post another picture of myself, loving where I am, who I am with, and just plain love looking at pictures of me with other people I like in places I like to be.  Okay – you guessed it – I just like lookin at pictures of me!

Okay – seriously.  The photos should be saved somewhere on your computer, and it should be simple.   Click on the “Choose File” button.   Go to the folder where that beautiful photo is and “Select” it.   You can add a simple caption.  Easy – but not necessary.

Additional Photos –   You can also “drag and drop” up to 6 more photos, that our illustrious editor will carefully place within the article.

Then “Submit” – and be patient – wait for your computer to catch up and that’s it!  You are now officially a published author and potentially the next Pulitzer Prize winner!

It is much simpler than I’ve written – a short – hey we went fishing here, I had a great time, love the club and think Tom Hogye is the best …., put a couple photos in there and presto you’re in.

So next month I’m hoping I see a wonderful selection of work from all of you.  Because without YOU, we would not be!

Grateful for all of you.   Hogye

P.S.   You can’t submit a President’s Line – until yer President!! 🙂  But it sure is fun when you can!

 

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Fly tying – July 2022


Jul 13 6:30 PM : Pat’s Tungston Bead Head Rubber Legs – JULY Fly tying

Pat’s Tungston Bead Head Rubber Legs - JULY  Fly tying

IMPORTANT:  This class will be taught at the Aptos Grange.  Masks will be OPTIONAL.   NO ZOOM access.

The tungsten bead head Rubber Legs is a heavily weighted nymph pattern that makes a great point fly for a euro nymphing rig, and can also be used to sink an indicator rig deep into the water column.  This fly imitates medium to large species of stoneflies—particularly skwalas, and can be tied in a variety of colors to imitate other species of stoneflies.  Rubber Legs Patterns are generally used to target trout but can also be used to target black bass and other freshwater species.  This is a particularly useful pattern for fishing the Yuba and Truckee rivers. 

Contact Dar to attend the class.  mendsandbends@gmail.com



Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.

Date More Info Excerpt
Fluke Fly - Aug Fly tyingAug 10 Fluke Fly - Aug Fly tying

Greg Foy, Instructor – Fluke Fly is a jig to target Black Bass and Sunfish

Foam Run CaddisSep 14 Foam Run Caddis

A simple great drive fly pattern for this month.

CicadaOct 12 Cicada

Fly for bass, trout and carp!

Blow Torch - November Fly Tying ClassNov 09 Blow Torch - November Fly Tying Class

A must have steelhead fly.

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Hantavirus Mouse

by Elaine Cook — fly tying chairman

This is a large fly that can target large brown trout or large mouth bass. These flies can be fished during the day but will prove most effective at night with both these types of fish. This fly can be tied in either brown or tan. The fly was designed by Brett Smith who you can find on YouTube.
HOOK: Partridge D3ST size 4.
Crimp Barb.
THREAD: Flad wax nylon. Brown or tan
Attach mid shank. Wrap back to above hook point.
TAIL: Black rubber bracelet material that can be found at Walmart or hobby stores.
Using a 3 inch piece of material, tie in tip mid shank, while pulling a little on material,  wrap back to above hook point.
BODY: Brown or tan foam. 5 mm thick. Can be found in fly shops and hobby shops.
Cut a strip one half inch wide and 4-5 inches long. At one end cut a tapered, blunt point.
Apply Zap-A-Gap or similar glue to entire shank. Advance thread to two hook eye lengths behind eye. Position foam on top of shank, pointed end two eye lengths behind hook eye. Attach and spiral wrap, with only moderate tension (don’t compress), using about 6 spirals, back to tail. Hold foam upright to be sure it’s wrapped far enough back. There should be no thread wraps visible on tail. Spiral wrap thread forward in about six wraps up to two eye lengths behind eye.
LARGE KRYSTAL HACKLE – BROWN OR DUN
Return thread back to tail. Tie in hackle.. Advance thread up to two eye lengths behind eye. Wrap hackle forward using touching wraps and stroking fibers to the rear with each wrap. Tie off, cut access. Brush hackle to get out excess fibers. Stroke fibers out to each side so that they are in the same plane.
BODY continued:
Place glue on top rib of body. Pull on foam and bring it forward. Pinch it from side to side were thread hangs hold it for a minute. Make two snug thread wraps, then let glue set a little longer. Make several more thread wraps around neck. Brush hackle out to sides again.

ARTIC FOX: grey or tan.
Turn hook upside down. Cut hide side of arctic fox into peace 3/16 of an inch by 3/4 of an inch. Position hide against under side of body with one end at neck. Attach with several snug thread wraps. Apply glue to underside of body. Press hide down and hold until glue sets.
LEGS: Magnum Predator Legs -Grizzly Barred – Root Beer Colored or Dun.
turn hook right side up. Using two legs on each side, attached centers to neck area. Trim legs so that they extend a little beyond hook bend. Tie off behind Eye. Apply glue.
HEAD: Continuation of foam body.
Cut a blunted pointed head. See picture.
Finish by stroking hackle to rear.

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Stephen “Stosh” Rudzinski Remembered

by Conservation Chair Bob Garbarino

This edition of Conservation Concerns is dedicated to Steve “Stosh” Rudzinski. A self-described “tree hugger” who contributed in so may ways to our club. He actively served the club in many roles including President, Conservation Chair, Fly Casting Master, Facilities Coordinator, Fishout Master—just to name a few. I had the pleasure of spending time with him caravanning up to Pyramid Lake at 4 AM, having a brew at Beer 30, shuttling buckets of steelhead fry on Bean Creek, sharing fish stories at over breakfast at the Cookhouse and sitting next to him at his favorite “spot” at Blockhouse.  When you were at Blockhouse it was only right that you yield the “spot” to Stosh. Those of us who had an opportunity to fish with him came to appreciate his angling knowledge and curiosity in all things fishy. The guy could flat-out fish. Those of us who spent time with him got to experience his unique views on a wide range of subjects. But what I remember most about Stosh was his witty sense of humor and big heart. He always had time for people and liked to engage in conversation. And if you didn’t have a nickname,  he would conjure up one!  Thank you Stosh for all the good times. You are missed!

Your pal Bob Grababurrito.


NOTE:

Steve Rudzinski Memorial Celebration – July 6th / 12th Avenue Beach area – Santa Cruz- 5-7 P.M.

There will be a potluck on the beach coordinated by Steve’s daughter, Renee.  If you are going, please let Tom Hogye (thomashogye@yahoo.com) know  so that he can pass the information to Renee.

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SCFF Scholarship Program

by Scholarship Chairperson David South

Our future fishing depends on conservation of our watersheds and shoreline.  Looking forward, SCFF has provided scholarships to deserving seniors who will be majoring in Environmental Science while attending college. This year SCFF provided $200 scholarships to a deserving student at each of our eight local high schools. The recipients are: San Lorenzo H.S.- William Bowers (Point Loma University) Harbor H.S.- Shea Egan (Western Washington University) Watsonville H.S.- Wendolyn Garcia Flores (Cabrillo College) Aptos H.S.-Marissa Camacho (Cabrillo College) Pajaro Valley H.S.-Melissa Roman Fernandez (UC Berkeley) Santa Cruz H.S.-Rell Haywood (Cal Poly SLO) Soquel H.S.-Matt Levie (Cabrillo College) Scotts Valley H.S.- Jessica Hill Roddick (Cal Poly Humboldt)

Special recognition to : Bob Peterson (logistics), Presenters- Kevin Murdock, Kathy Powers, Sam Bishop and Tom Hogye, and treasurer Jim Tolonen

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New Member Spotlight – Emily Marriott

Hi all, 

I recently joined the club, and missed the June meeting so I hopped on the Google group to say hello and next thing I knew I was at a board meeting raising my hand to serve as the new Secretary. I’m not sure exactly what happened but I’m definitely pointing fingers at Bob Peterson, Tom Hogye and Kathy Powers. 🙂 How can you say no to such a charming group? Kidding aside, I’m super excited to be a part of the club and looking forward to being involved.

I’m a bike industry nerd with a background in event marketing & project management. I grew up on the lower Westside of Santa Cruz and worked as a local bartender for a decade, so I’m pretty reliable for making a mean Bloody Mary too. I’m a lifelong lover of the outdoors but I’m brand, brand new to fly fishing – as green as you can get. I’m currently nose down in books, practicing casting and learning the basics, and having a great time making a fool of myself off the docks at Loch Lomond. 

One of my long term goals is to learn surf casting as that’s such an accessible option in our area. I haven’t learned the double haul yet so I’ve got a long way to go. 

Sadly I’ll be on a work trip during the August BBQ, but hope to meet many of you at the casting meet-ups and fly tying classes. I’ll be the overly enthusiastic one with the clear need for help. 

All the best,

Emily Marriott


Editor’s Note:   Don’t be shy, we would love to highlight you as a featured club member.   If you are interested, take a look at Tom’s President’s note and send in a spotlight!

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June surf fishing

by Sam Bishop

We had a great turn out of ten fly fishermen on Saturday June 6. Almost everyone caught fish. This was way better than the month before when we were skunked! Here were the attendees, and it is always great to see those who show up so often. We were talking about getting up very early to go fishing and Greg Smith said “Once you get out here it is beautiful!”.

Greg Smith and Lance Boling from the Salinas Club, Mark Coor guest, Scott Kitayama, Jeff Zischke, Dennis Robbins “Newbie” to our club, Robert Eberle (the master catcher), Adam Altoff,  Scott Councilman, Sam Bishop

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Fishout Schedule – July 2022

mobile scrollable table 

EVENT NAME EVENT DATE SPECIES FISH MASTER
Manresa BeachSep 07Surf Perch, Stripers Tommy Polito, Scott Kitayama
Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 21-Oct.5Sep 21 - Oct 05Trout John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515
Last Surf Fishout of 2024!Oct 05
O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20thOct 17 - Oct 20
Trinity River FishoutNov 01 - Nov 04

Sep 07 : Manresa Beach



Manresa State Beach (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Tommy Polito, Scott Kitayama

Location: Manresa State Beach

Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers

Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),

Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket

(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)

Single, double & triple fly rigs

Clousers to sand crabs

Directions: Take RDM Blvd all the way down to the flats (bottom), circle the round-about to the left and exit back along Beach Drive, drive half mile to the State Beach (aka Platform). DO NOT stop up by the round-about, be sure to continue on Beach Drive. Early in the morning the parking lot is closed, but there is plenty of parking outside.

SURF FISHOUTS 2024 Meeting    Time (AM) State Beach  Sunrise Low tide High tide Moon    Tide flow Fishmaster
MAY 4th Saturday 5:55 Rio Del Mar 6:10 LO 02:14  +1.1 HI 07:58 AM +4.0 New Jun  7 Hi Flood to High Slack Lance B
JUNE* 1st Saturday 5:35 Beercan* 5:50 LO 01:12 +1.3 HI 06:39 +3.4 New  Jun 6 High Slack to Ebb Sam
JULY 6th Saturday 5:40 Palm 5:56 LO 06:03 -1.1 HI 1:04 PM +3.7 New    Jul 5 Low slack to Flood Lance B
AUGUST 3rd Saturday 6:00 Rio Del Mar 6:15 LO 05:05 -0.7 HI 11:54 AM +3.8 New  Aug 4 Low slack to Flood Sam
SEPT 7th Saturday 6:25 Manresa 6:44 LO 07:04 +1.8 HI 1:26 PM +4.6 New  Sep 2 Low slack to low Flood Sam
OCT 5th Saturday 6:50 Palm 7:06 LO 05:50 + 2.1 HI Noon +5.0 New   Oct 2 Low Flood Sam
Notes:

Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise.

Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, notifications on Google Groups.

June 1st* Mike Lovejoy’s for breakfast after fishing:  115 Driftwood Ct., Aptos

Contacts:

Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4024                                         Lance Boling <clboling@gmail.com>

       

 

Locations

           Rio Del Mar State Beach – Google Map location for “Platform Beach”
           Beercan Beach* – Enter  1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos. Path & Stairs  between Houses (See Notes)
           Palm Beach – Pajaro Dunes, end of West Beach St.
           Manresa State Beach – Google it, but parking may be on Ocean View Dr, 500 yards down the road

Tides

Zen



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


Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 21-Oct.5
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515

UPDATED – 7/20/2024 –  Only two spots open first week,  second week is full.

Sign Ups: As a reminder, it is important to sign up early or this Fishout.

Call John Cook letting him know which week, both or private room. Payment is required to secure our spot we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.

Contact Ph # (831) 234-6515

Fishmasters: John & Elaine Cook

Dates:  This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept  21 – Sept 28 .       Week 2: Sept 28 – Oct 5.

Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.

General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Condo has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.

Cost:  Shared single:  $450/wk, $900/2 wks,   Private room:  $800/wk,  $1,600/2 wks.   Dinner guests:  $20/meal

Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards.   Each person will be assigned a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare.   You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.

 



Oct 05 : Last Surf Fishout of 2024!



Palm State Beach (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Location: Palm Beach

Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers

Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),

Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket

(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)

Single, double & triple fly rigs

Clousers to sand crabs

Directions: Take RDM Blvd all the way down to the flats (bottom), circle the round-about to the left and exit back along Beach Drive, drive half mile to the State Beach (aka Platform). DO NOT stop up by the round-about, be sure to continue on Beach Drive. Early in the morning the parking lot is closed, but there is plenty of parking outside.

SURF FISHOUTS 2024 Meeting    Time (AM) State Beach  Sunrise Low tide High tide Moon    Tide flow Fishmaster
MAY 4th Saturday 5:55 Rio Del Mar 6:10 LO 02:14  +1.1 HI 07:58 AM +4.0 New Jun  7 Hi Flood to High Slack Lance B
JUNE* 1st Saturday 5:35 Beercan* 5:50 LO 01:12 +1.3 HI 06:39 +3.4 New  Jun 6 High Slack to Ebb Sam
JULY 6th Saturday 5:40 Palm 5:56 LO 06:03 -1.1 HI 1:04 PM +3.7 New    Jul 5 Low slack to Flood Lance B
AUGUST 3rd Saturday 6:00 Rio Del Mar 6:15 LO 05:05 -0.7 HI 11:54 AM +3.8 New  Aug 4 Low slack to Flood Sam
SEPT 7th Saturday 6:25 Manresa 6:44 LO 07:04 +1.8 HI 1:26 PM +4.6 New  Sep 2 Low slack to low Flood Sam
OCT 5th Saturday 6:50 Palm 7:06 LO 05:50 + 2.1 HI Noon +5.0 New   Oct 2 Low Flood Sam
Notes:

Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise.

Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, notifications on Google Groups.

June 1st* Mike Lovejoy’s for breakfast after fishing:  115 Driftwood Ct., Aptos

Contacts:

Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4024

Lance Boling <clboling@gmail.com>

       

 

Locations

           Rio Del Mar State Beach – Google Map location for “Platform Beach”
           Beercan Beach* – Enter  1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos. Path & Stairs  between Houses (See Notes)
           Palm Beach – Pajaro Dunes, end of West Beach St.
           Manresa State Beach – Google it, but parking may be on Ocean View Dr, 500 yards down the road

Tides

Zen



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



(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Event: O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout

Date: October 17th – 20th

(I will be looking for a weekend with a ‘skinny’ moon, less night feeding for the fish)

Target Gamefish: Striped Bass

Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O’Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33)

Hosts: Kevin Murdock   troutdock89@gmail.com

 

These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.

Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the

San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.

The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.

Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly

Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.

Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga mussels)

Fins, sunscreen, polarized glasses, life vest

Links: 

Fly Fishing O’Neill Forebay for Stripers

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

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

Forebay Water level:

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

There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.

Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.

This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!



Nov 01 : Trinity River Fishout


Trinity River Fishout
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

NOTE:   Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip.  After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?).    You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564  or alex.ferber74@gmail.com.  If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.

The fishery:
Basically,  this is a Steelhead Trip. There are some resident trout, including some really nice brown trout. I  walk wade or float my raft,  depending on the river conditions. I personally use a Spey rod to swing flies.   Many people use indicators.  There are a lot of walk in spots to explore. The river can be floated with rafts or driftboats. There is a shuttle service available.
Tackle:
Single hand rods, 7-8 wt rods, using floating lines with indicator set up. Typical flies used are Egg patterns, Copper John’s, Stonefly imitations like Rubberlegs,  Dark Perdigons. Sizes ranging from Size 8-14.
Spey or Switch rods, usually 5-6 wt in the Fall, I use a 7 wt in the winter. Skagit or Scandi heads, with floating to heavy sink tips, depending on the river conditions and season. Flies that work well include leeches, intruders, HoBo Spey, Traditionals, as well as dry fly patterns ( Skaters) in the early Fall.
The River:
The Trinity River is located aprox 1 hr west of Redding on  Hwy 299. Its a beautiful tailwater fishery, with flows controlled from the Lewiston Dam. This is where the hatchery can be found. It has many different faces, including some big water as it runs west. It meets up with the Klamath River on its journey to the ocean. It has an excellent run of both wild and hatchery fish, ranging from 5-7 #, with some larger fish in the  +10-12 # range. There are fish in the system year round, but typically a push of fish starts in late September and peaks in late November, with a second run usually in late December- March. The fishing remained really good thru the end of March last season. It is very flow dependant and can run quite low in the Fall, with occasional bumps in flows when there is precipitation. It can blow out on occasion, but clears pretty fast.
Amenities:
Weaverville is the closest town, where there are good restaurants, motels and a really nice Holiday Market. It’s kinda the hub. There is an RV park in Weaverville,  but no campsites.
Camping is available in Douglas City  area as well as Junction City and further west on 299. The town of Douglas city doesn’t have much, other than a small mini mart. Indian Creek Lodge is a few miles east of Douglas City. The town of Lewiston is just below the Lewiston dam. It offers some camping and motels. There is a really nice motel west of Junction City (I believe it is called Steelhead Lodge?). It’s an excellent place to stay if one wishes to fish below Junction City.


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Striper Fishing on the Lower Sac with Hogan Brown


Jun 01 6:30 PM : Striper Fishing on the Lower Sac with Hogan Brown



Growing up on the Lower Yuba River as an only child who had a bug collection and really liked catching fish with imitations of those bugs didn’t make Hogan the coolest kid growing up. Good thing he got over it and persevered. Deciding to start rowing a drift boat and guiding the lower Yuba instead of living in the woods bitter and resentful. Living in Chico, CA now Hogan guides for anything that swims, from trout to striped bass and carp to steelhead, he is at home in a drift boat or poling a mud flat for carp. Guiding the Lower Yuba River, Feather River, and Lower Sacramento River for stripers, trout, steelhead, shad, carp, and bass has made him one of the most versatile and experienced guides in Northern California. His trout, bass, carp, and striper flies have become staples in his home state of Northern California and throughout the West, and his patterns are currently sold through Rio Products and numerous fly shops. Hogan is a Scott Fly Rods, Lamson – Waterworks Reels, Stealth Craft Boats, Air Flo Fly Lines, and Echo Rods Pro along with being a Simms, and Costa Del Mar Sunglasses Ambassador. Hogan is also co-founder of the California Bass Union dedicated to Developing, Sharing, and Growing Fly Fishing for bass in his home state of California as well as the host for the Barbless fishing podcast. Hogan is also a connoisseur of fine ales and fermented grains, a home gardener, die-hard San Francisco Giants baseball and Notre Dame Football fan, along with being a husband and father to two young boys.



Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.

No upcoming events scheduled - check back soon!

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt

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Vapor Trails, UFOs and the Love of Fly Fishing

The absolute most difficult part of being President of this Club, especially after so many years getting to know so many of you, calling you family, friends, is when we lose someone to an untimely passing.    This isn’t supposed to happen in a fly-fishing club – is it?

As many of you know already and by the extraordinary outpouring of your hearts on the club mail account is the untimely passing of our beloved Steve Rudzinski.    So many of you described Steve and his character in the most beautiful of ways.  A staple at the Pyramid Lake fish-out always rallying everyone together.  A consistent O’Neil Forebay Fish-out master who would do everything to set up a successful adventure for everyone and especially newcomers, before he began catching is first fish – which he did very well.    And the Casting classes he came up with on his own, that turned into one of the most successful monthly events and fun gatherings on the lawns at Jade Street Park.   If there was an activity, an event, a gathering, at SCFF, or MBSTP, Steve was one of the first to volunteer.  As many of you heard me say – we will never see a vapor trail ever the same way again, and I guess in a cool way, they will always remind me of Steve.   And the UFO’s.    How wonderful to be so transparent and so genuine.     I really wanted to go bowling with him.

The ole saying is better to have loved and lost than never loved at all.

And so it goes.    Until we meet again Steve, thank you for your heart and soul my friend.

June is upon us.

The fishing will be good, the summer hot, and plenty of comradery to be had with all at SCFF.   I hope you have all you need to be fishing from the surf to the Sierra and beyond.     Mona and I will be heading east to dabble in the Sierra rivers this weekend and I’m looking forward to that solace one finds out on the water, in the environ as natural, untouched, and far away as possible.   If that’s possible.

These next couple of weeks, we’re handing out scholarships to the high-school students as part of our commitment to the future of the environment, fly-fishing and the club.   Hopefully, these long-term investments will pay dividends for the benefit of our environment, even if it’s long after we’re gone, but hopefully sooner.

I saw a sign the other day that stated, “The planet was far better without us”.    True.    I hope as the future becomes more diverse, more aware of what we’ve done in the name of progress, those youth of today will shape tomorrow a bit better for the fish.    If the fish can thrive, anything can.    I’ve often said the fish are today’s canary in the coal mine.     Sure, they aren’t all warm and cuddly like a puppy, cat or stuffed bear, but not much on the planet can survive if the fish aren’t here.    Steve had his vapor trails and UFO’s; I have my beef with development and water.   Oh well – Lani Waller once told me, we each have our fights and to keep fighting the good ones.

Our June meeting will be at the Grange and on Zoom.  Yay!    So much fun being back together and at the same time giving those who can’t make it to the grange, an opportunity to hang out with us, even if we’re still ironing out the bumps of making it all happen together.    Come to the June meeting with a chance to see each other.    As many of you know, we don’t have a July meeting because of the 4th of July week, and August will be our annual club BBQ, Swap Meet and Raffle again at the Sherriff’s Posse Hall.

Elaine is having fly-tying classes in person at the Grange, which is great, so check in and learn all you need to know about the foundation for tying flies at the vice, or vices for fly tiers!     Materials are provided, check in with Elaine for any other particulars by class.

If you would like to be more involved with the club, come to a Board meeting.   We have fun, don’t bite, and could use your help.  Plenty of good opportunities to make a difference in the world, lead, be part of change, fun activities, and the opportunity to Promote, Educate and Enjoy the sport of fly fishing.   If you’re interested, reach out to me, or any of our esteemed board members, we’d love to have you.

Lots of fishing opportunities in the Fish-Out schedule, but if you still don’t see what you’re looking for, be sure to use the Club Google group email and put out a few feelers where you might want to fish, what you want to fish for.  You will get a wealth of information from your fellow members.  Where to fish, what to fish with, when, …    You might even find yourself with a few companions go to with you.

Get out there -have Fun.   Make a new friend.   Life is too short.

Peace out.   Tom

Posted on

Fly tying – June 2022


Jun 08 6:30 PM : Dali Lama

Dali Lama

IMPORTANT:  This class will be taught at the Aptos Grange.  Masks will be OPTIONAL for this session.   NO ZOOM access.

The Dali Lama is our go to fly on the Tsiu for silver salmon. It would work for steelhead or large trout.  We will be tying 2 sizes one for salmon and a size 2 fo streamer fishing for trout. The salmon one uses a cut off hook in front with a stinger hook in back.

Contact John Steele to let him know that you will be attending:  owlspad@icloud.com



Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt
Pat’s Tungston Bead Head Rubber Legs - JULY  Fly tyingJul 13 Pat’s Tungston Bead Head Rubber Legs - JULY Fly tying

Dar Naghshineh, Instructor – Pat’s Tungston Bead Head Rubber Legs is primarily for trout, but also black bass.

Fluke Fly - Aug Fly tyingAug 10 Fluke Fly - Aug Fly tying

Greg Foy, Instructor – Fluke Fly is a jig to target Black Bass and Sunfish

Foam Run CaddisSep 14 Foam Run Caddis

A simple great drive fly pattern for this month.

CicadaOct 12 Cicada

Fly for bass, trout and carp!

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CDC One Feather Fly

by Elaine cook fly tying chairman

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.

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Endangered California Salmon Returned To Safer Waters After More Than A Century

by Conservation Chair Bob

Teams from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have begun relocating endangered winter-run Chinook salmon to upper Battle Creek and threatened spring-run Chinook salmon to Clear Creek. The last time this relocation took place was 110 years ago. The fish are being moved from the Sacramento River below Shasta and Keswick Dams. The hope is that the colder water in the new environment will support spawning conditions and increased egg survival. The lasting drought, higher water temperatures, thiamine deficiency, predators and other stressors have devastated the Chinook over the last two years in this region. For additional details, go to the website below.

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Fishout Schedule – June 2022

mobile scrollable table 

EVENT NAME EVENT DATE SPECIES FISH MASTER
Manresa BeachSep 07Surf Perch, Stripers Tommy Polito, Scott Kitayama
Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 21-Oct.5Sep 21 - Oct 05Trout John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515
Last Surf Fishout of 2024!Oct 05
O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20thOct 17 - Oct 20
Trinity River FishoutNov 01 - Nov 04

Sep 07 : Manresa Beach



Manresa State Beach (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: Tommy Polito, Scott Kitayama

Location: Manresa State Beach

Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers

Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),

Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket

(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)

Single, double & triple fly rigs

Clousers to sand crabs

Directions: Take RDM Blvd all the way down to the flats (bottom), circle the round-about to the left and exit back along Beach Drive, drive half mile to the State Beach (aka Platform). DO NOT stop up by the round-about, be sure to continue on Beach Drive. Early in the morning the parking lot is closed, but there is plenty of parking outside.

SURF FISHOUTS 2024 Meeting    Time (AM) State Beach  Sunrise Low tide High tide Moon    Tide flow Fishmaster
MAY 4th Saturday 5:55 Rio Del Mar 6:10 LO 02:14  +1.1 HI 07:58 AM +4.0 New Jun  7 Hi Flood to High Slack Lance B
JUNE* 1st Saturday 5:35 Beercan* 5:50 LO 01:12 +1.3 HI 06:39 +3.4 New  Jun 6 High Slack to Ebb Sam
JULY 6th Saturday 5:40 Palm 5:56 LO 06:03 -1.1 HI 1:04 PM +3.7 New    Jul 5 Low slack to Flood Lance B
AUGUST 3rd Saturday 6:00 Rio Del Mar 6:15 LO 05:05 -0.7 HI 11:54 AM +3.8 New  Aug 4 Low slack to Flood Sam
SEPT 7th Saturday 6:25 Manresa 6:44 LO 07:04 +1.8 HI 1:26 PM +4.6 New  Sep 2 Low slack to low Flood Sam
OCT 5th Saturday 6:50 Palm 7:06 LO 05:50 + 2.1 HI Noon +5.0 New   Oct 2 Low Flood Sam
Notes:

Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise.

Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, notifications on Google Groups.

June 1st* Mike Lovejoy’s for breakfast after fishing:  115 Driftwood Ct., Aptos

Contacts:

Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4024                                         Lance Boling <clboling@gmail.com>

       

 

Locations

           Rio Del Mar State Beach – Google Map location for “Platform Beach”
           Beercan Beach* – Enter  1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos. Path & Stairs  between Houses (See Notes)
           Palm Beach – Pajaro Dunes, end of West Beach St.
           Manresa State Beach – Google it, but parking may be on Ocean View Dr, 500 yards down the road

Tides

Zen



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


Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 21-Oct.5
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515

UPDATED – 7/20/2024 –  Only two spots open first week,  second week is full.

Sign Ups: As a reminder, it is important to sign up early or this Fishout.

Call John Cook letting him know which week, both or private room. Payment is required to secure our spot we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.

Contact Ph # (831) 234-6515

Fishmasters: John & Elaine Cook

Dates:  This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept  21 – Sept 28 .       Week 2: Sept 28 – Oct 5.

Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.

General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Condo has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.

Cost:  Shared single:  $450/wk, $900/2 wks,   Private room:  $800/wk,  $1,600/2 wks.   Dinner guests:  $20/meal

Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards.   Each person will be assigned a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare.   You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.

 



Oct 05 : Last Surf Fishout of 2024!



Palm State Beach (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Location: Palm Beach

Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers

Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),

Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket

(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)

Single, double & triple fly rigs

Clousers to sand crabs

Directions: Take RDM Blvd all the way down to the flats (bottom), circle the round-about to the left and exit back along Beach Drive, drive half mile to the State Beach (aka Platform). DO NOT stop up by the round-about, be sure to continue on Beach Drive. Early in the morning the parking lot is closed, but there is plenty of parking outside.

SURF FISHOUTS 2024 Meeting    Time (AM) State Beach  Sunrise Low tide High tide Moon    Tide flow Fishmaster
MAY 4th Saturday 5:55 Rio Del Mar 6:10 LO 02:14  +1.1 HI 07:58 AM +4.0 New Jun  7 Hi Flood to High Slack Lance B
JUNE* 1st Saturday 5:35 Beercan* 5:50 LO 01:12 +1.3 HI 06:39 +3.4 New  Jun 6 High Slack to Ebb Sam
JULY 6th Saturday 5:40 Palm 5:56 LO 06:03 -1.1 HI 1:04 PM +3.7 New    Jul 5 Low slack to Flood Lance B
AUGUST 3rd Saturday 6:00 Rio Del Mar 6:15 LO 05:05 -0.7 HI 11:54 AM +3.8 New  Aug 4 Low slack to Flood Sam
SEPT 7th Saturday 6:25 Manresa 6:44 LO 07:04 +1.8 HI 1:26 PM +4.6 New  Sep 2 Low slack to low Flood Sam
OCT 5th Saturday 6:50 Palm 7:06 LO 05:50 + 2.1 HI Noon +5.0 New   Oct 2 Low Flood Sam
Notes:

Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise.

Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, notifications on Google Groups.

June 1st* Mike Lovejoy’s for breakfast after fishing:  115 Driftwood Ct., Aptos

Contacts:

Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4024

Lance Boling <clboling@gmail.com>

       

 

Locations

           Rio Del Mar State Beach – Google Map location for “Platform Beach”
           Beercan Beach* – Enter  1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos. Path & Stairs  between Houses (See Notes)
           Palm Beach – Pajaro Dunes, end of West Beach St.
           Manresa State Beach – Google it, but parking may be on Ocean View Dr, 500 yards down the road

Tides

Zen



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



(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Event: O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout

Date: October 17th – 20th

(I will be looking for a weekend with a ‘skinny’ moon, less night feeding for the fish)

Target Gamefish: Striped Bass

Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O’Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33)

Hosts: Kevin Murdock   troutdock89@gmail.com

 

These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.

Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the

San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.

The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.

Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly

Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.

Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga mussels)

Fins, sunscreen, polarized glasses, life vest

Links: 

Fly Fishing O’Neill Forebay for Stripers

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

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

Forebay Water level:

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

There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.

Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.

This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!



Nov 01 : Trinity River Fishout


Trinity River Fishout
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

NOTE:   Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip.  After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?).    You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564  or alex.ferber74@gmail.com.  If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.

The fishery:
Basically,  this is a Steelhead Trip. There are some resident trout, including some really nice brown trout. I  walk wade or float my raft,  depending on the river conditions. I personally use a Spey rod to swing flies.   Many people use indicators.  There are a lot of walk in spots to explore. The river can be floated with rafts or driftboats. There is a shuttle service available.
Tackle:
Single hand rods, 7-8 wt rods, using floating lines with indicator set up. Typical flies used are Egg patterns, Copper John’s, Stonefly imitations like Rubberlegs,  Dark Perdigons. Sizes ranging from Size 8-14.
Spey or Switch rods, usually 5-6 wt in the Fall, I use a 7 wt in the winter. Skagit or Scandi heads, with floating to heavy sink tips, depending on the river conditions and season. Flies that work well include leeches, intruders, HoBo Spey, Traditionals, as well as dry fly patterns ( Skaters) in the early Fall.
The River:
The Trinity River is located aprox 1 hr west of Redding on  Hwy 299. Its a beautiful tailwater fishery, with flows controlled from the Lewiston Dam. This is where the hatchery can be found. It has many different faces, including some big water as it runs west. It meets up with the Klamath River on its journey to the ocean. It has an excellent run of both wild and hatchery fish, ranging from 5-7 #, with some larger fish in the  +10-12 # range. There are fish in the system year round, but typically a push of fish starts in late September and peaks in late November, with a second run usually in late December- March. The fishing remained really good thru the end of March last season. It is very flow dependant and can run quite low in the Fall, with occasional bumps in flows when there is precipitation. It can blow out on occasion, but clears pretty fast.
Amenities:
Weaverville is the closest town, where there are good restaurants, motels and a really nice Holiday Market. It’s kinda the hub. There is an RV park in Weaverville,  but no campsites.
Camping is available in Douglas City  area as well as Junction City and further west on 299. The town of Douglas city doesn’t have much, other than a small mini mart. Indian Creek Lodge is a few miles east of Douglas City. The town of Lewiston is just below the Lewiston dam. It offers some camping and motels. There is a really nice motel west of Junction City (I believe it is called Steelhead Lodge?). It’s an excellent place to stay if one wishes to fish below Junction City.


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Fly fishing for Corbina with Al Quadrattro


May 04 6:30 PM : Virtual Speaker: Fly fishing for Corbina with Al Q


Al Quattrocchi (aka Al Q) has been a saltwater fly angler, fly tier, and fly fishing advocate for over thirty-five years. He has been an advocate for education and the environment by creating fly fishing events along the West Coast of California with the hope of introducing new anglers to this great passion he has for saltwater flyfishing. His personal mentors include Neal Taylor, Lefty Kreh, Nick Curcione, and Bob Popovics.

Al is a two-time, IGFA world record holder. Both of his saltwater records were accomplished in a single day with a 12-pound tippet record for Calico bass and a twenty-pound tippet record for White Seabass. He was recently awarded the Ross Allen Merigold Complete Angler Award by the historic Pasadena Fly Casting Club. His articles, illustrations, photography, and fly patterns have been published in many prominent fly fishing magazines across the country. Al is a licensed and bonded fly fishing guide that prefers teaching casting and fishing techniques to new anglers around the world.

Al founded the popular One Surf Fly in So Cal which lasted nine seasons and raised thousands of dollars for non-profits, supporting local fly shops up and down the west coast.. Al and Conway Bowman teamed up to host the Carp Throw Down at Lake Henshaw in San Diego. This was the first fly-only, catch-and-release carp event in Southern California that supported many non-profit organizations with their annual raffle. Al and master FFF MCI instructor, Jim Solomon, teach fly casting techniques to many anglers around the world through a program entitled The FlyZone. One of Al’s most famous fly fishing students is Jimmy Kimmel.

Al is currently the west coast regional editor of Tail MagazineTail is a bi-monthy publication and the premiere saltwater flyfishing magazine in the country. Al just became the west coast ambassador to the American Fly Fishing Museum located in Manchester Vermont. Although Al has fished in many places around the globe, his passion is still sight-fishing his local Southern California beaches in search of the elusive, corbina. He has recently self-published his first fly fishing book entitled, The Corbina Diaries which is published by Love2FlyFish Media.



Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt
Jun 01 Striper Fishing on the Lower Sac with Hogan Brown