2025 Annual Fundraiser………………
February Monthly Meeting: New Member Orientation and Hangout……………………
My Turn……………………………
Fly Tying……………………
February Fly Tying Class: Gino’s Midge Emerger
Fly of the Month: Copper Top
Conservation Concerns……………
Profile: The Osprey
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – February thru March
Membership Renewal
Gearing Up ……………………
Fishout Schedule
Cartoon ……………………
Posted on January 23rd, 2025
Feb 01 5:00 PM at the Pajaro Valley Rod & Gun, Watsonville
followed by
557 1/2 LAKEVIEW RD. , WATSONVILLE
DINNER TICKETS: Are $40 which can be purchased at the November, December and January club meetings and online at www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/annual-fundraiser/. There is room for 160 people and we are going to sell out so buy your tickets soon.
ALCHOHOL: The facility has a full bar with reasonable prices for wine, beer, liquor and sodas. You may bring wine to the event, however you will pay a corkage fee at the bar to open it and provide wine glasses. The Bar only accepts cash.
VOLUNTEERS: Many long-term club members say that the best part of our event is the time volunteering, and working with others to put the whole event together. Contact Kevin McClish at (831) 338-4513 or kbmcclish@hotmail.com (no text please) to find out how you can best help.
DONATIONS: Our club would be grateful for donations to be used as raffle prizes at our annual fundraiser. Examples: flies you have tied, other handcrafted items, business services, personal services such as fly-tying lessons, casting lessons, etc. If you have such a contribution, please contact our Scott Kitayama, at (650)279-5871.
RAFFLE TICKETS: Can will be sold at the event. Two door prizes of 50 raffle tickets will be awarded, which should increase your chances of winning. There will be silent auction items as well.
ABOUT THE ROD AND GUN CLUB: it’s located in a rural setting overlooking Kelley lake. The parking lot is gravel so not a problem if it’s raining. There is additional parking at lower lots if you go around the left side of the building.
SO ALL IN ALL, COME SUPPORT YOUR CLUB, AND DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN.
Ticket purchasers : ( 180 as of Jan 28)
Asterisk means that the person paid by cash or check. Did not purchase through website.
Posted on January 23rd, 2025
Feb 05 6:45 PM at the Aptos Grange
We are not going to have an “official meeting” in February since we have just had the Annual Fundraiser the Saturday before. However, we have already rented the Aptos Grange for Feb 5th and so we are going to open it up for a hang out. There will be a couple of different groups meeting there that night.
New Member Orientation: This is open to anyone, but is primarily meant for people who have joined in the last year. Opportunity to meet other new members, talk about your fishing goals and learn how to get the most out of the club.
Women’s Group Meetup: This is an opportunity for women in the club to be able to meet each other, discuss fishing opportunities and ways to make the club more welcoming to the fastest growing segment of fly fishing.
| Date | Monthly Speaker | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 05 | Jim Cox - Western Rivers Conservancy | Jim Cox joined Western Rivers Conservancy in 2011 and is the Director of Donor Relations. He has more than 40 years of experience working professionally in the nonprofit sector. Jim joining the club to discuss how Western Rivers Conservancy works to restore and protect rivers through the Western US. |
| Apr 02 | Rob Anderson - New Pyramid Lake Strategies | In conjunction with June’s Pyramid Lake Fish Out, we’re thrilled to have Rob Andersen, owner and operator of Bucket List Fishing, join the club to share his expertise on new techniques for fishing Pyramid Lake. Rob’s knowledge of this iconic fishery is second to none, whether you’re a seasoned Pyramid Lake angler or new to the lake’s unique challenges, you won’t want to miss this chance to learn from one of the best in the business! |
| May 07 | Lance Gray - Lake Almanor | We’re excited to welcome Lance Grey, longtime friend of the club and owner/operator of Lance Grey & Company, to speak with us about some of Northern California’s most renowned fisheries, including Lake Almanor and the Feather River. Lance has spent years exploring and guiding in these waters, and his deep knowledge of these rivers and lakes will give us invaluable insights into fishing techniques, seasonal patterns, and how to make the most of your time on these iconic fisheries. |
Posted on January 23rd, 2025
When I joined the club about 4 years ago my intention was to attend the monthly meetings and learn from our guest speakers. All I really wanted back then was to get out the house and learn more about fly fishing. After several meetings I got inspired to fish locally and to do so with other club members but I found it challenging to make those connections. Today I have a handful of friends I’m comfortable calling or texting who I fish with regularly. I consider this group my primary tribe. When I look back on how I became part of this network of fishing buddies, it comes down to two basic factors. Leveraging club resources and putting myself out there socially is how I made my connections.
Google Groups: This email based form of communication reaches all club members that use this feature. This a good place to start up dialogue around anything fly fishing. It’s fairly common for people to post upcoming trip info to the O’Neill Forebay, Pyramid lake and other fishing destinations.
WhatsApp: A text based app you can put on your smart phone or device to message people within a particular interest group. Currently the club has one WhatsApp group and that is for local surf fishing. Folks ask questions, post invites to hit the beach and sometimes offer fishing reports when they’re finished fishing. If you seek information or fellowship fishing the beach, this a worthwhile app to put on your phone. If you would like to start a page for a different type of fishing, the opportunity is yours.
Club Meetings: A lot of members show up early for club meetings and are willing to engage with fellow anglers. You might have to introduce yourself and kick start the conversation but our members are always welcoming and happy to talk fishing.
Casting Practice: Work on your cast while building your social circle. Check the website for dates and times.
Fly Tying Classes: Every second Wednesday (the Weds after the General Meeting) the club offers free fly tying. After the initial instruction there is plenty of opportunity to strike up conversation and talk fishing while everyone is tying.
Instagram/Facebook: These social media accounts we support are a yet another way to see what’s happening in the club and put some faces to the names of our members. For both mediums just search SantaCruzFlyFishing.
Fish Outs: These club organized fishing trips are probably the most organic way to find your tribe. Not only are you fishing with like minded folks, there are usually post trip opportunities to socialize. Breakfast, campfire hangouts, meeting up for a beer, etc.
Go fish and let others know.
A great way to find your tribe is to simply plan your own trip and invite others to join. The advantage here is you choose the date, time, place, etc that works for you. A possible disadvantage is you might not get any takers but you will if you keep at it. I’ll add that when you consistently invite others to fish or simply update them with your results, they will often return the favor.
Know your fishing opportunities and improve them. If you’re fairly competent with the fundamentals you’re more likely to find people that will want to fish with you. Sure we have members who will help beginners but not everyone wants to spend their time teaching a novice how to cast or how to tie on a fly. If you can get yourself proficient in the fundamentals you’re more likely to find your tribe. While fishing the surf my first time, it was obvious my double haul needed work. The anglers getting the most hook ups could throw their flies 70-90’ consistently over the waves. I practiced my double haul at the local soccer field for several months until I was satisfied with my distance. When I rejoined the club for a few summer fish outs the fishing was more second nature allowing me to focus more on having fun with other members.
Volunteer!
The club is run entirely on volunteer service. There are lots of opportunities to support your club with your time. In addition to personal satisfaction, volunteering exposes you to a lot of engaged and very knowledgeable members and anglers. My time on the board, working a service project or leading a tying class has expedited my ability to meet members and be included on fishing outings. To learn about club opportunities check the website, newsletter or talk to board member. We’d love to have your help!
Joining an established club with 250 members can make finding your tribe challenging but if you leverage the club’s resources and push yourself socially you should find success. Next time you see me at a club event, say hi. Maybe we can go fishing sometime.
Posted on January 23rd, 2025
Date: February 12, 2025
Time: 6:30pm (doors open at 6:15pm)
Place: Aptos Grange Hall
Posted on
Feb 12 6:30 PM @ Aptos Grange
This mayfly emerging fly pattern can be used throughout the United States. For those going to the Green River fishout in April, it is being recommended by a particular guide named Gino who has guided there for many many years. As always, the class is free and materials provided. if you have black 8,0 thread do bring it. For you beginners, there our vices and tools for you to use. You are always welcome to try your hand at flying. Sign ups are important which you can do at the February club meeting or by calling me at 831-234-6515. Please allow at least 24 hours to prepare materials. Elaine
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | |
|---|---|---|
 | Mar 15 10:00 am - 3:00 pm | Poppers - Day 1 |
| Mar 16 10:00 am - 3:00 pm | Poppers - Day 2 |
 | Apr 09 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Cicada |
 | May 14 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | No Mess Mouse |
Posted on November 11th, 2024
You may have noticed that midges are being featured the last few months. Those of you going to the Green River fishout certainly need to have a variety with you. One of the guides at the Green River has recommended this one in size 16 for the last week of April. Needless to say these flies can be used wherever you fish for trout.
1. Hook: Heavy skid hook. TMC 2457, Dai-Riki 235. Sizes 16-22. Crimp barb .
2. Bead: Copper. Refer to chart in December newsletter for choosing appropriate size bead for the different sizes of hooks. Feed bead onto hook up to eye, small opening first.
3. Thread: Black, 8/0 for size 16 and 18 hooks, 12/0 for a smaller hooks. Attached behind bead. Touching wraps halfway around bend. Touching wraps back to bead.
4. Rib: Copper wire. Small for size 16 and 18 hooks. Extra fine for smaller. Insert tip into back of bead. Tie to top of shank with touching wraps back almost to rear of body. Touching wraps back to bead.
5. Body: Thread as above. Create a tapered body with thread wraps. See picture. Then spiral rib forward in about seven wraps up to bead. Holding wire upright, makes several thread wraps behind and several in front. Twist wire to cut. Hold bead in place with a collar of thread wraps. Whip finish, cut thread. Apply glue to body and color.
Posted on November 11th, 2024
Last year when the SCFF conservation committee was looking for new ideas for our support, The Osprey caught my attention. First of all, naming your organization after such an amazing bird is a great start. So, other than a cool name, what is it about The Osprey that is a good fit for our club?
The Osprey describes itself: “International Journal of Salmon and Steelhead Conservation is a scientific journal published by a consortium of like-minded conservation organizations: The Conservation Angler, Fly Fishers International, World Salmon Forum, Wild Steelhead Coalition, Steelhead Society of British Columbia, and Skeena Wild.” The journal is published three times a year by a team consisting of an editorial committee and a group of of scientific advisors. The focus of the articles is on Pacific salmon and steelhead science, recovery and management. They are devoted advocates of conserving existing wild steelhead and salmon and recovery of diminishing populations. They identify some primary threats to their survival include climate change, population growth, ill-advised dams and hatchery projects.
By going to the website https://www.ospreysteelhead.org/, you can access their archive of publications. Some of the articles get pretty deep into the science, but it shows they are committed to understanding the fundamental basis for decisions and recommendations involving that benefit to the fish.
Here’s a sample of article titles from the fall 2024 issue:
Rewilding the Lower Snake River
Life history Diversity Emerges in Salmonids Repopulating Tributaries of the Undammed Elwha River
Native Resident Trout Policy: An Opportunity to Properly Acknowledge Gaps in Managing Resident Wild Steelhead in Washington State
Reflections on American Conservation and Economic History in Relation to Wild Salmon and Steelhead
Articles like these demonstrate the authors have a sound understanding of the science and history of the challenges these fish have endured. It also show their commitment to the fish and rivers they care deeply about.
Not only does support for The Osprey help with the journal publication, it also helps to get the journal into the hands of wild fish conservation decision-makers and influencers including scientists, fisheries managers, politicians, and wild fish advocates.
In the fall 2024 issue, the new editor, John McMillian suggests other sources of information about wild steelhead and salmon:
Research and peer-reviewed papers by John McMillan: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/John-Mcmillan-8
John McMillan’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/rainforest_steel/
An informative podcast about science, angling and conservation called The Deep Wade Podcast: https://thedeepwadepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Posted on January 23rd, 2025
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 01 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm | 2025 SCFF Annual Fundraiser - Feb 1st, 5-9 pm | Wild Alaska Salmon will highlight the dinner and we will have many prizes available for the raffle. We are keeping the dinner affordable at $40/person and expect it to sell out early. Click on the article to see who has purchased tickets to the event. | Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club |
| Feb 15 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | We will be working on FFI skills development course from the Bronze and Silver levels. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, it would be a great time to come out and see what it’s all about. The skills are directed at improving your casting skills, and will improve your overall fly fishing success. This will be a perfect time for those folks who are just getting started, to learn some basic core casting techniques. I will have practice rods if needed. Hope to see you there. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Feb 28 10:00 am - 6:00 pm | Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show - SCFF booth | The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will have a booth at the Pleasanton Fly Show. We are still looking for volunteers to help fill shifts at the show. If you are interested, please contact Justin Ice at mobile: 408-690-6143. | Alameda County Fairgrounds |
| Mar 01 9:00 am - 5:30 pm | Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show - SCFF booth | The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will have a booth at the Pleasanton Fly Show. We are still looking for volunteers to help fill shifts at the show. If you are interested, please contact Justin Ice at mobile: 408-690-6143. | Alameda County Fairgrounds |
| Mar 02 9:00 am - 4:30 pm | Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show - SCFF booth | The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will have a booth at the Pleasanton Fly Show. We are still looking for volunteers to help fill shifts at the show. If you are interested, please contact Justin Ice at mobile: 408-690-6143. | Alameda County Fairgrounds |
| Mar 15 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | We will be working on FFI skills development course from the Bronze and Silver levels. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, it would be a great time to come out and see what it’s all about. The skills are directed at improving your casting skills, and will improve your overall fly fishing success. This will be a perfect time for those folks who are just getting started, to learn some basic core casting techniques. I will have practice rods if needed. Hope to see you there. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
Posted on January 23rd, 2025
If you are not on Googlegroups, have not renewed your 2025 membership, or have been placed on the inactive file, please email me at robert6367@aol.com to be updated. As of Jan 23rd we have over 200 members on our Roster. Also, as of January 23, we have 8 tickets left to the Annual Fundraiser Feb 1. Thank you for your renewal, Annual Dinner support, and generous donations.
Posted on January 23rd, 2025
The newsletter provides brief fishout info. For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule
| Date | Link (new tab) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 12 6:00 am - 1:00 pm | Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) | Stand by as dates and details to be updated as the days get longer and warmer! Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 6 people) Species: bass, crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited. Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. Addtional Details & Confirmation of dates to be updated - Stay tuned Meeting time and place: Scott will directly be in contact with those that are coming on the Fishout. Equipment: Need to have float tube or kayak to fish the lake. [...] |
| Apr 18 - Apr 20 | Rooster Comb Ranch – UPDATED – | 23rd Annual Bass Fishout at Roostercomb Ranch This is our club's 23rd 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 [...] |
| Apr 26 - May 03 12:00 am | Green River – Utah | Green River - Utah Currently this trip is at maximum capacity. For wait list options or updates, please contact the Fishmaster Rick chace rchace@got.net General Information - It is necessary for us to pay upfront to reserve the accommodations. The club's standard approach to this is for each angler to pay his individual portion of the rental fee for sleeping accommodations. Each angler will be responsible for the weekly rate of $300. This is a nonrefundable fee. If an angler decides not to attend, they are responsible to sell their portion to another angler or forfeit their portion of the [...] |
| May 16 - May 19 | Upper Sacramento River / McCloud Fishout – UPDATED – | This Fishout’s final date is still TBD and subject to river flows as we get closer to spring. The upper Sac. has excellent access via. Hwy 5 and by walking the railway tracks. Euro/High Stick/Indicator Nymphing is the go to. |
| Jun 02 - Jun 04 | Pyramid Lake Fishout | Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. However the past three years have been very challenging and we have not caught very many fish and people have come away disappointed with the outcome. That leads me to a new discovery about how to fish Pyramid Lake. Jeff Goyertte, a club member and our raffle coordinator took a trip to the lake and fished with Rob Anderson, a [...] |
| Jun 20 - Jun 22 | Burney and Around – UPDATED – | Date and description subject to change due to seasonal conditions Please Stay Tuned Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Lakes, rivers and streams of the Burney area Species: Trout Duration: 3 Days Cost: No Cost Meet Up: Date of Fishout TBD and subject to change due seasonal conditions Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below). The park is approximately 10 minutes from the highway 299/80 junction. The park is on the left hand side going east on 299. If you google Hat Creek Park, it should show up. This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster [...] |
| Jun 22 - Jun 28 12:00 am | Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 22th – 28th 2025 | The Lake Almanor Fishout is scheduled for the last week of June, 6/22 thru 28th, 2025. This time period is, hopefully, the peak of the annual Hexagenia hatch that begins generally mid-June and runs through mid-July. The most productive fishing takes place early evenings on into past dark between Lake Almanor West to Canyon Dam on the Southwest side of the lake. Most of the fishing is done from float tubes as well as small boats or even from shore. In addition to the evening "Hex" hatch, a multitude of opportunities exist for fishing throughout the day to include Little [...] |
| Jul 07 12:00 am | Loreto Fly Fishing Trip | Loreto Mexico Details to be finalized and date to be confirmed The fishing day starts around 6:00 a.m. and we usually get back to the harbor between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. Spend the rest of the afternoon fishing from the beach, having a cool drink in the pool, exploring Loreto, or just sitting around telling some tall fish stories. And, you will have many exciting moments on the Sea of Cortez to talk about. The approximate cost for everything but meals and airfare is: *$995.00 per person, double occupancy; around $460.00 for a non-fishing guest. - It does not include [...] |
| Sep 20 - Oct 04 12:00 am | Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 20-Oct. 4th | Fall trout fishing in streams and lakes. Trip is for seven days and the participants share a condo in Mammoth Lakes. |
| Oct 16 - Oct 19 | O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20th | Camping and striped bass fishing at the O'Neil Forebay. |
| Oct 31 - Nov 02 12:00 am | Trinity River Fishout | Target: Steelhead and trout. Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip, text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. |
Posted on January 23rd, 2025
Is ice fishing really worth it?
Posted on January 23rd, 2025
No upcoming events scheduled - check back soon!
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt |
|---|
Posted on November 11th, 2024
Apr 10 6:30 PM @
Looking ahead we will be tying a nymph that has been around for a long long time. It’s a great fly for beginners.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 14 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | No Mess Mouse | TBD |
Posted on November 11th, 2024
Mar 16 10:00 AM @
It’s time to get ready for the bass and bluegill season with some of these top water creations. This is a two day class that is a very artsy crafty and beginners should feel comfortable in attending. All the materials will be provided including the thread. Vises and tools will be available for beginners. There is limited space, so only sign up if you are committed to attend and do so no later than March 11. You can sign up at the club meeting or by calling me at 831-234-6515
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 09 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Cicada | TBD |
| May 14 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | No Mess Mouse | TBD |
Posted on November 11th, 2024
DATES: This fish out will take place over two consecutive one week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks.
LOCATION: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6-7 hour drive from Santa Cruz. there are numerous lakes and streams in the area to fish.
GENERAL: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. The condo has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share the queen size bed, or one person a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on the floor.
COST: $500 per week, $1000 for two. This will include room and board.
FOOD PREPARATION: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a kitchen day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and prepare the evening meal and clean up afterwards. That person will also purchase the food for the dinner meal which will be reimbursed for the cost.
Posted on January 9th, 2025
2025 Annual Fundraiser………………
January Monthly Meeting: Fish Stories from our members……………………
January Raffle……………………
My Turn……………………………
Fly Tying……………………
No Fly Tying Class in January
Fly of the Month: Quigley Cripple BWO
Conservation Concerns……………
Profile: California Sportfishing Protection Alliance
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – January
Making our Annual Fundraiser the best ever
2025 Membership renewal is winding down
Gearing Up ……………………
Fishout Schedule
Fishing Partners…………………
Project Healing Water 2025 schedule
Cartoon ……………………
Posted on December 27th, 2024
Tickets on sale now for the 2025 Annual Dinner & Fundraiser! Dinner is only $40 per person with Incredible raffle and silent auction of fly fishing items and more. Click here for detailed information about the event along with a list current attendees. Over half the tickets have already been sold! Click here to purchase tickets.
Posted on December 27th, 2024
Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939
Let’s start the new year by listening to stories from your fellow club members. First fish, biggest fish, funniest story, who knows what we will hear.
For those of you who want to see what people did in 2024, please spend time looking at the pictures and captions on the club’s website: www.santacruzflyfishing.org . Viewing is best done on a full screen computer and when you click on the picture, you get a larger image and the full description. Images are sorted chronologically and hitting the ‘Load More’ button at the bottom of the page will show pictures from earlier in the year. Also, please share your pictures with others by sending them to Jerry at metropolitantrout@gmail.com.
Posted on December 27th, 2024
As a repeated reminder, the January Fly Club monthly meeting is being held on Wednesday the 8th of January rather than the normal first Wednesday of the month which in this case is New Years Day. Anyone who shows up on the first, have fun in the parking lot.
On the bright side is we all have an extra week to save up a few more bucks to buy lucky tickets for our great raffle.
Take a look at this Vector 1000 Amp portable jumper with 120 psi compressor. Deep in the boonies, low tire or dead battery, no problem. It even will keep your cell phone charged!
How about this 42 0z. Rambler mug from Yeti. Keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. Environment friendly reusable straw.
We will also have up for grabs winners choice of a 6wt, 7wt, or 8wt V-Access 9 foot 4 section Rod with matching reel.
Includes zipper top courdra covered tube hard case.
And don’t forget, we will have some great door prizes. Everybody gets a free ticket!
Raffle tickets are a dollar each, 20 bucks gets you 25. Raffle monies help support our conservation efforts and our scholarship program. Must be present to win.
Posted on December 27th, 2024
The holidays zipped by, and here we are in 2025! Before diving into the hustle of the new year, take a moment to think about a few things you’d like to explore on your fly fishing journey this year. I prefer the word “journey” over “goal” because fly fishing offers endless chances to learn new skills and embrace fresh experiences.
For our club, the journey is about fostering fellowship among members through education, promotion, and the enjoyment of fly fishing. We’re kicking things off with an exciting dinner event on February 1—I hope it’s on your calendar! Be sure to grab your tickets soon; we’ve already sold half of them, and they’re going fast. Throughout the year, we’re aiming to adapt and create more events that help members connect, meet new people, and find others with similar interests. These include gatherings at general meetings, fly-tying sessions, or fishing outings. If you have suggestions for ways to encourage socialization, please let us know.
On a personal note, my fly fishing journey this year includes visiting my brother in Hawaii and catching a bonefish. I’ve heard that bonefishing in Hawaii is particularly challenging, so I plan to ease into it. First, I’ll fish for bonefish in a location known for easier success, and before that, I’ll practice sight fishing for carp to sharpen my skills. This step-by-step journey is not just about fishing; it’s about learning, discovering new places, and connecting with other people along the way. I can’t wait to see where it leads.
NOTE: In 2025, the column “President’s Line” is changing to “My Turn” where each month a member of the Board of Directors can share his/her thoughts.
Posted on December 27th, 2024
Date: None
Time: Not applicable
Place: Not applicable
Posted onFLY TYING CLASS MESSAGES :
Sorry folks, we won’t be having a class in January because the first is New Year’s Day.Therefore, the club meeting will be held on the second Wednesday of the month.
Here is a big thank you to all of you who helped with the classes this year. Some of you were instructors and others helped beginners foregoing tying your own fly. Club members truely appreciate your help and guidance.
Looking forward: the class in February will be Gino’s Midge Emerger, as usual on the second Wednesday of the month. In March, we will have our annual popper class on the weekend of the 15th and 16th. Limited space so sign up early.
Posted on December 27th, 2024
The Quiggly represents an emerging mayfly that is dressed in an unusual manner to make the rear end of the tail hang down in the water and the thorax and wing out of the water. Apply saliva to the body and tail, then floatant to the wing and hackle. During a hatch, fish tend to be more eager to take an Emerger than a Dun because they are not ready to fly off.
HOOK: TMC 100, sizes 14 16 18.
THREAD: 8/0 or 12/0 (Preferable for the smaller sized hooks).
TAIL and BODY: gray Marabou (fluffy).
THORAX: dark olive dubbing
WING: deer hair with narrow fibers
HACKLE: grizzly.
1. Crimp barb.
2. Attach thread behind eye, wrap to rear of shank with touching wraps.
3. Select 3 to 5 barbs of marabou, cut from stem, tie in with tips extending hook shank length to rear. Tie down with 2 thread wraps forward, then fold marabou backward and make two thread wraps backward.
4. Make dubbing loop with marabou. Wrap thread forward to 1/3 back on shank.
5. Gently twist dubbing loop into rope. Wrap forward with touching wraps up to hanging thread.
6. Dub a round thorax that surrounds a section of the shank starting 1/4 back and ending 1/2 back..
7. Select small bundle of deer hair. Clean out under fur, stack tips. Lay on top of shank, tips out over eye that measure shank length in front of thorax.
8. Tie in by making first wrap around only hair fibers and second wrap around both fibers and hook shank. Make several snug wraps on top of one another. Make one wrap around base of wing to bundle it, then one more wrap around shank. Cut butt ends so that they just cover thorax.
9. Reposition hook with eye tipped upward.
10. Select hackle with barbs one and a half hook gap. Cut off fuzzy end. Cut 5 to 6 barbs short along base of stem on each side forming a “crew cut“. Holding feather tip to rear, dark shiny side towards you, crew cut both behind I and wing. Tie in crew cut behind wing with two wraps, then two wraps between eye and wing. Position thread between wing and cut butts. Make 3 to 5 hackle wraps in the same place around deer hair and shank. Tie off cut access.
11. Have hitch behind eye.
12. If tail longer than hook shank length, pinch marabou to cut (don’t use scissors).
Posted on December 29th, 2024
California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) is a collection of committed activists with extensive experience and expertise in the trenches of the administrative, and judicial processes affecting fisheries, water rights, and water quality. These are these arenas in which defenders of the public interest and the public trust win or lose the battles to protect the fisheries and water quality of our waterways.
California has many laws protecting fisheries and water quality but a poor track record of enforcing them. CSPA monitors the water rights and water quality processes, and where necessary, enforces laws enacted to protect the aquatic environment. They have developed working relationships with state and federal agencies and legislators, and they closely collaborate with other fishing and environmental organizations. CSPA’s work covers the following important areas affecting California’s fisheries.
Clean Water Law Enforcement—This includes stopping stormwater pollution, wastewater pollution and agricultural pollution.
Balance the Water Budget—Areas of focus are reforming water rights, stopping the Sites Reservoir project, enforcing state doctrines and planning for drought.
Save the Bay-Delta Estuary—Priorities are stopping the Delta Tunnel, restoring the rule of law and completing the Bay-Delta Plan.
Protect Rivers from Hydropower Dams—Key strategies are leveraging hydropower licensing, removing obsolete dams and protecting the Clean Water Act Section 401.
Improve Fisheries Management—CSPA states that 83% of California’s native fisheries are at risk of extinction. To combat the fisheries decline, CSPA is working to increase natural production, modernize hatcheries and promote equitable access.
Through the hard work and commitment of the staff at CSPA, we can know that they are acting on our behalf to help to restore healthy habitats for native fish—including Chinook salmon and steelhead.
Go to https://calsport.org/ for more in-depth information on CSPA.
Posted on December 27th, 2024
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 11 10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup--10:00 AM Start Time | We will be working on FFI skills development course from the Bronze and Silver levels. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, it would be a great time to come out and see what it’s all about. The skills are directed at improving your casting skills, and will improve your overall fly fishing success. This will be a perfect time for those folks who are just getting started, to learn some basic core casting techniques. I will have practice rods if needed. Hope to see you there. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Feb 01 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm | 2025 SCFF Annual Fundraiser - Feb 1st, 5-9 pm | Wild Alaska Salmon will highlight the dinner and we will have many prizes available for the raffle. We are keeping the dinner affordable at $40/person and expect it to sell out early. Click on the article to see who has purchased tickets to the event. | Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club |
| Feb 15 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | We will be working on FFI skills development course from the Bronze and Silver levels. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, it would be a great time to come out and see what it’s all about. The skills are directed at improving your casting skills, and will improve your overall fly fishing success. This will be a perfect time for those folks who are just getting started, to learn some basic core casting techniques. I will have practice rods if needed. Hope to see you there. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Feb 28 10:00 am - 6:00 pm | Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show - SCFF booth | The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will have a booth at the Pleasanton Fly Show. We are still looking for volunteers to help fill shifts at the show. If you are interested, please contact Justin Ice at mobile: 408-690-6143. | Alameda County Fairgrounds |
| Mar 01 9:00 am - 5:30 pm | Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show - SCFF booth | The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will have a booth at the Pleasanton Fly Show. We are still looking for volunteers to help fill shifts at the show. If you are interested, please contact Justin Ice at mobile: 408-690-6143. | Alameda County Fairgrounds |
| Mar 02 9:00 am - 4:30 pm | Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show - SCFF booth | The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club will have a booth at the Pleasanton Fly Show. We are still looking for volunteers to help fill shifts at the show. If you are interested, please contact Justin Ice at mobile: 408-690-6143. | Alameda County Fairgrounds |
Posted on December 16th, 2024
We want to be sure to have raffle and silent auction prizes that appeal to everyone and many attendees don’t fly fish. We would like you go to your favorite businesses and ask for donations for the fundraiser, below is a list of companies that HAVE ALREADY donated to our 2025 fundraiser. Click here for a PDF link to a “Request for Donation” letter and a “fill in the blank” gift certificate. I hope that by filling in the name of the business, signing your name, and writing a short note on the letter, it will help make it easier to ask. Remember, we are asking for help to fund donations to local environmental organizations and student scholarships.
We are blessed to be getting gift certificates for the fundraiser and are looking to get more. Here are some who have already donated:
| Bayside Marine Bookshop Santa Cruz Cafe Cruz The Farm Bakery Cafe Cruz Riverside Lighting | Stagnaro Charters H&H Fish Johnny’s Harborside Pajaro Valley Golf Course AdamsBuilt MasterCleaners | Pacific Golf Center Trout Spot Fly Shop Central Coast Fly Shop TFO CA Sportfishing Protection |
If you do frequent any of these companies, please thank them for their generosity. And finally, you can help by attending the event! Remember, you can’t win the great prizes unless you are present.
Posted on December 27th, 2024
As of Dec 18th we have 160 members who have renewed their 2025 membership with another 50 renewals coming in the next few weeks We do plan to send out a draft roster and print next years Roster in mid January, so members are encouraged to renew their membership in the next few weeks to be included in 2025 Roster. Members who do no renew will be placed in an inactive file and will not receive the monthly newsletter.
Posted on December 27th, 2024
The newsletter provides brief fishout info. For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule
| Date | Link (new tab) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 12 6:00 am - 1:00 pm | Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) | Stand by as dates and details to be updated as the days get longer and warmer! Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 6 people) Species: bass, crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited. Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. Addtional Details & Confirmation of dates to be updated - Stay tuned Meeting time and place: Scott will directly be in contact with those that are coming on the Fishout. Equipment: Need to have float tube or kayak to fish the lake. [...] |
| Apr 18 - Apr 20 | Rooster Comb Ranch – UPDATED – | 23rd Annual Bass Fishout at Roostercomb Ranch This is our club's 23rd 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 [...] |
| Apr 26 - May 03 12:00 am | Green River – Utah | Green River - Utah Currently this trip is at maximum capacity. For wait list options or updates, please contact the Fishmaster Rick chace rchace@got.net General Information - It is necessary for us to pay upfront to reserve the accommodations. The club's standard approach to this is for each angler to pay his individual portion of the rental fee for sleeping accommodations. Each angler will be responsible for the weekly rate of $300. This is a nonrefundable fee. If an angler decides not to attend, they are responsible to sell their portion to another angler or forfeit their portion of the [...] |
| May 16 - May 19 | Upper Sacramento River / McCloud Fishout – UPDATED – | This Fishout’s final date is still TBD and subject to river flows as we get closer to spring. The upper Sac. has excellent access via. Hwy 5 and by walking the railway tracks. Euro/High Stick/Indicator Nymphing is the go to. |
| Jun 02 - Jun 04 | Pyramid Lake Fishout | Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. However the past three years have been very challenging and we have not caught very many fish and people have come away disappointed with the outcome. That leads me to a new discovery about how to fish Pyramid Lake. Jeff Goyertte, a club member and our raffle coordinator took a trip to the lake and fished with Rob Anderson, a [...] |
| Jun 20 - Jun 22 | Burney and Around – UPDATED – | Date and description subject to change due to seasonal conditions Please Stay Tuned Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Lakes, rivers and streams of the Burney area Species: Trout Duration: 3 Days Cost: No Cost Meet Up: Date of Fishout TBD and subject to change due seasonal conditions Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below). The park is approximately 10 minutes from the highway 299/80 junction. The park is on the left hand side going east on 299. If you google Hat Creek Park, it should show up. This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster [...] |
| Jun 22 - Jun 28 12:00 am | Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 22th – 28th 2025 | The Lake Almanor Fishout is scheduled for the last week of June, 6/22 thru 28th, 2025. This time period is, hopefully, the peak of the annual Hexagenia hatch that begins generally mid-June and runs through mid-July. The most productive fishing takes place early evenings on into past dark between Lake Almanor West to Canyon Dam on the Southwest side of the lake. Most of the fishing is done from float tubes as well as small boats or even from shore. In addition to the evening "Hex" hatch, a multitude of opportunities exist for fishing throughout the day to include Little [...] |
| Jul 07 12:00 am | Loreto Fly Fishing Trip | Loreto Mexico Details to be finalized and date to be confirmed The fishing day starts around 6:00 a.m. and we usually get back to the harbor between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. Spend the rest of the afternoon fishing from the beach, having a cool drink in the pool, exploring Loreto, or just sitting around telling some tall fish stories. And, you will have many exciting moments on the Sea of Cortez to talk about. The approximate cost for everything but meals and airfare is: *$995.00 per person, double occupancy; around $460.00 for a non-fishing guest. - It does not include [...] |
| Sep 20 - Oct 04 12:00 am | Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 20-Oct. 4th | Fall trout fishing in streams and lakes. Trip is for seven days and the participants share a condo in Mammoth Lakes. |
| Oct 16 - Oct 19 | O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20th | Camping and striped bass fishing at the O'Neil Forebay. |
| Oct 31 - Nov 02 12:00 am | Trinity River Fishout | Target: Steelhead and trout. Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip, text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. |
Posted on December 27th, 2024
NOTE: If the schedule is not displayed, please click link to open it.
Posted on December 27th, 2024
Posted on December 26th, 2024
Monthly Meeting: Fly Fishing in Chilean Patagonia – Live Speaker………………
2025 Annual Fundraiser………………
December Raffle……………………
President’s Line……………………
Fly Tying……………………
December Class: BWO Thorax Style
Fly of the Month: Barbed Wire Midge Pupa
Conservation Concerns……………
Profile: Friends of the Eel River
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – December
Member Spotlight – Elaine Cook
2025 Membership Renewal Reminder
Gearing Up ……………………
Safely Wading Rivers
2025 Fishout are going to be good!
Fishing Partners…………………
Project Healing Water Update
Cartoon ……………………
Merry Fishmas!
Posted on November 27th, 2024
