This dry fly pattern is an adult mayfly. These insects hatch all over the United States, very readily in the spring and summer. The “BWO” stands for blue wing olive. If you are one of the people going to the green river in April, this fly is an absolute must. We will be tying the fly in a size 16, so bring your glasses, magnification if you have it and a table light. The club has quite a few lights, but usually not enough to go around. As always, the class is free and all materials are provided. If you have black 6/0 thread do bring it. We love to have beginners and have equipment for you to use and plenty of instruction. Also, don’t forget to sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-688-1561 or 831-234-6515. Elaine
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
Midges be the major source of food for trout in the winter and early spring but available all year. Midges tend to be smaller in moving water and larger in still water. This particular pattern is best used in moving water and particularly good for tail waters and spring creeks. The pupa follow the larval stage and imitates the midge ascending to the surface to hatch out. That’s when it’s the most vulnerable to trout and the stage that they are most likely to eat.
HOOK: Heavy scud hook, such as TMC 2457 or Dai-Riki 235 Sizes 18-22 Crimp barb. THREAD: Black Ultra thread 70 denier, for attaching gills UNI-Thread 12/0, for body of size 18 hooks. 14/0 for body of size 20 and 22. Attach 1/3 back on shank with few wraps. GILLS: White Z-lon or similar. Separate fibers. Tie small bundle to top of shank up to hook eye. Cut rear fibers at an angle. Wrap down to shank creating a taper. Tie off thread cut access. BEAD: Black glass. Size to match hook. See picture. Feed onto hook, small opening first, up to hook eye. BODY: See above. Attached behind bead. Touching wraps to halfway around bend of hook. Touching wraps forward to bead. RIB: Silver wire. Small for size 18 hooks. Extra fine for size 20 and 22 hooks. Feed tip into rear of bead. Attach to top of shank with touching wraps, back to just short of body. Touching thread wraps forward to bead. Spiral wrap wire forward in about seven wraps up to bead. make one extra wire wrap behind bead. Cut wire with old scissors. Wrap thread collar behind bead covering final wire wraps. Tie off cut excess. Apply glue to body and collar. Cut gills to appropriate length, see picture.
We may never master fly fishing -it tends to master us- but the club member who may come closest is Elaine Cook. The length of her membership alone -more than 36 years- is a testament to her patience, perseverance, and love for the art and science of this beautiful sport, and a healthy dose of all three for her fellow club members.
Elaine started fishing with her dad as a five-year-old, in the streams and waterways of the Eastern Sierra. Until she left home at age 17, Elaine fished the Sierra and the Pacific Ocean with her father, acquiring a deep love of the outdoors and the rich memories she treasures today. Three of her father’s bamboo rods arc gracefully across a wall in the cozy Aptos home she and her husband and fellow club member John have shared since 1972.
Father’s rods
and wicker creel
and Mother’s fishing vest
Among other prized artifacts are her dad’s well-loved wicker creel and fishing licenses from the ’40’s, and the 30’s-era green fishing vest that belonged to her mother, also an accomplished fisherman and enthusiastic fly-tyer who nevertheless didn’t teach her daughter the first thing about tying flies, Elaine said. Across the room from her father’s bamboo rods, in a corner flooded with natural light, is the spacious desk where Elaine ties favorite flies and masters the new ones she’s preparing to teach, like clockwork, on the second Wednesday of every month.
For the past 20 years, Elaine has been a poised, patient, meticulously-prepared fly tying mentor to members and non-members alike; the near- and far-sighted, the hesitant and the old hands, the know-it- alls and the know-nothings who come together to listen quietly as she demonstrates each painstaking step in tying the fly of the month, perfectly timed for the next excursion or upcoming hatch, or an all- purpose archetype that’s a must-have in every fly box. Beginners know; she is never disparaging; always warm and encouraging. “This is a complicated fly, so good for you for getting it done. I’ll bet your next one will turn out great.”
Elaine has been an integral part of the club in every way possible. Before taking over the fly tying classes she served from 1988 to 2022 as the editor of the newsletter. She’s been membership chairman, sponsored countless fishouts, and is even a cartoonist, like her father, whose work was nationally syndicated.
Elaine recounts that her pastime became a passion while in her 40’s. With their three kids grown, she and John were on a summer trip through the west in their Volkswagen bus, checking out streams, fishing here and there, “and having absolutely no success at all,” Elaine said. During a one-night stop at a KOA campground to do laundry, she saw a sign for free group casting lessons and private lessons, for a price, in casting or fly tying. “I literally ran back to the car and said to John, ‘Give me some money!'”
Elaine’s fascination with the art of fly-tying was immediate. John ordered fly-tying magazines for her, and on her first visit to Ernie’s Casting Pond, Ernie -who spent his 90th birthday at our meeting this month- told her to ‘pick out a fly in this book and I’ll teach you how to tie it.’ Elaine was equipped at home with her mother’s vise and a few of her tools. “Ernie told me, ‘Come back in a week and we’ll do another one.’ He’s the one who told me about the club.” It was tough balancing her budding hobby with her job as an RN, running a hospital’s busy maternity department. “But I really wanted to get into it,” she said. At her first club meeting she was welcomed very warmly, she recalls, and being the only woman there hardly registered.
“I was so excited when I came home from that meeting. I told John I was going to go back every single month.” She jumped in, soon a fixture at board meetings long before she joined the board. “It was great. People were giving classes, teaching casting, knots, fly tying, having outings…I was participating in everything. I couldn’t get enough.” John wasn’t interested in fly fishing then, “but he would take me on the outings and come to the club meetings and somehow got encouraged to be the president, not even a fisherman!” she said. By following Elaine on their trips John learned how to read a stream, and from talking to others he picked up the lingo. Then came the trip when he turned to Elaine and said, “give me that rod,” she said, and he was hooked.
Asked to share a favorite fishing experience, Elaine doesn’t hesitate. “It’s a lake in Wyoming that we go to in the Spring when the damsels are hatching. It’s a medium-sized lake, so I get in my float tube and it takes me 20 or 30 minutes to paddle to the far end. The rainbow in that lake average about 16 to 18 inches, and at the far end there are reeds and brush, and they love to be down in there. You can see the fish feeding. You put a fly out in an adult damsel pattern and wait for them to come around. It’s tricky to get a fly in to them. It’s very exciting. I’ve been there many times.” Not surprisingly, she doesn’t share the location. “Oh, I never disclose that,” she said with a smile. “It isn’t easy to get to, way out on BLM land, dirt roads, gravel roads, a dry camp, no running water…” So how the heck did she find it? “A librarian friend found it on a map in the library.”
Mammoth
Pyramid
Hawg
Upper Sac
Crowley
Elaine is energetic and admirably fit, and until a year ago nothing slowed her down. But last fall she sustained a serious foot injury (“I was doing some very aggressive fishing”) which has been frustratingly slow to heal and remains painful. This summer, to their great disappointment, John and Elaine had to scrub their annual 3-month swing through the western states to fish and well….pretty much to fish.
She rejects the suggestion by some that she’s the best fisherman in the club. “I am not. I am skilled and I do very well. I am persistent. I will put in more time. And because I have joined a club with so many outings; ocean, river, stream, pond, high in the mountains, in the desert, in the San Joaquin Valley….I’ve learned a lot of varied skills. Most tend to focus on one or two kinds of fishing. I will fish for anything that swims.”
At 82, Elaine still personifies that spirit.
“Next year, in my head, I want to do exactly what I had planned for this year, which involved largemouth bass fishing in northern California, and up into Oregon for largemouth and trout fishing, and then into Montana, Yellowstone, into Wyoming, then south into Utah. From there if we’re tired or it’s smoky we may meander back, maybe around August. So the plans right now are up for grabs.”
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.
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.
This fly originated in England, and became extremely popular until they outlawed because it was too successful. It is now becoming very popular in the states, and having the same results including at Pyramid Lake. We will be having a club fish out there in early April so be sure and bring a few of these flies with you. It’s tied in a variety of ways and we will be tying one that was particularly successful at Pyramid this last year. For those of you who are new to our club, the classes are always free with materials provided.For people who are new to fly tying, tools, vices, and thread are made available. For those who have thread bring white flat waxed nylon or similar. Our annual fundraiser of Salmon and big ralffle on the 3rd of February is taking the place of our club meeting so you will need to sign up by calling or emailing me. 831-234-6515, coookin@gmail.com
MARCH FLY TYING CLASS: We will be doing our annual popper class and space is limited. It will be held the weekend of March 16 and 17th at my home. Two days are required, each about four hours, due to drying of paints and epoxies. No particular fly tying skill is needed for this class. If you wish to attend this class, you can sign up now to assure your place. Do call if you have questions.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
Born in Carmel and raised in Monterey, Geoff Malloway grew up in the fields and streams of California’s Central Coast. His time studying Natural Resources Management at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, further developed his love and respect for the outdoors and his desire to share and teach the conservation ethic. In April 1996, Geoff settled on opening Central Coast Fly Fishing since he wanted to be self-employed yet still have an avenue to work with natural resource agencies and the public.
The members of Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club are long time fans and supporters of Central Coast Fly Fishing as the only shop in Monterey(now even closer!). Geoff visiting Novembers meeting to discuss the new shop locations, fishing classes and programs offered, and a review of the rules regulations of our local waters.
November is here, our Indian Summer is over, and we all may be a bit overdue to spend some time on the water. The lakes have turned over, the rivers are starting to flow, and some of the small creeks are prime for fall fishing. This month’s raffle can help you with all of the above.
We again are having the ever popular winners choice rod/reel package, your choice of 5 wt thru 8wt 9 foot 4 piece rod in a hard tube cordura covered case with a matching reel. Something new maybe for the surf or a backup when you are fishing off the beaten path.
Take a look at this Klamath wet/dry bag from Adamsbuilt, perfect to stash everything for a few days on the water.
Plenty of room for waders, boots, wading staff, and much more. It boasts 5 internal pockets, a large velcro rod tube holder, and a rugged molded waterproof bottom. It might even fit in the overhead as carry on (no guarantee!).
If you are planning to catch a nice fish, you should have yourself a nice net. This Trademark Burlwood net features ‘Fish-Safe’ clear rubber netting, a 15 inch measuring stick handle and a 20 inch net for an overall length 35 inches. Perfect for the surf, float tubes, or boats.
Raffle tickets will be available at the monthly meeting November 6th, at the Aptos Grange. They are a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25.
2025 Annual Fundraiser is on Saturday, Feb 1, 2025: I know, I know, it seems so far away, but it is really just round the corner! Tickets are now on sale on our website and we will be sold out before the end of January. Also, you may get a phone call from one of our board members recruiting volunteers for the event. Please be nice to them, they have lots of roles to fill and please try and find a role where you can help.
Review a quick tutorial on SCFF Event Calendar: A few months ago, we improved the Events Calendar on the website and made it easier to quickly see what events are happening, ways to sign up for future events and how to add future club events to your personal calendar. It is only 4 minutes long and will help you get more out of the club website.
Sign up to volunteer for the San Lorenzo Cleanup on November 16th!: If this sounds interesting to you and wonder how to sing up, then scroll back up and watch the tutorial. Ha! Jesse Collins will be leading the cleanup and it gives us a chance to help our local waters before the rains come.
Also our neighbors, Salinas Valley Fly Fishers will be doing their annual Salinas River cleanup on Sunday, November 24th.
Partnership with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing: Please take a look at the article regarding our new relationship with the Monterey chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. I think this is going to be a good union for both PHWFF and SCFF and I have seen the enthusiasm from our volunteers such as Jesse Collins, Alex Ferber, and Wilson Taguinod. If you are interested in volunteering with their monthly activities or are a an injured veteran who would like participate in the program, I strongly encourage you to send an introductory email to Brian Steckler at Brian.Steckler@projecthealingwaters.org. Brian is the head of the organization and is looking to significantly expand it in 2025.
The primary food source for trout in the winter time are midges. This pattern is an emerger that will float in the surface film due to the foam post. The body will hang down into the water. The directions are written for a size 16 hook. Adjust materials, accordingly.
HOOK: Daiichi 1130, TMC 100 or similar lightweight wire scud hook. Crimp barb.
THREAD: White 6/0. Attach 2 eye lengths behind eye. Wrap to halfway around bend of hook with touching wraps. Then back to tie in. Repeat once or twice depending on size of hook. (see photo)
BODY: Pearl Krystal Flash. Tie to top of shank with touching thread wraps back to two thread wraps from end of prior thread wraps. Then thread wraps back to tie. Cut excess. Wrap flash forward with touching or slightly overlapping wraps. Tie off, cut excess. Apply glue to entire body. Allowed to dry. Then cut white thread.
THREAD: Black 6/0. Attach 2 eye lengths behind eye.
POST: 2mm White Foam. Cut very narrow strip. Then point at one end. Attach pointed end behind eye with remainder of strip forward. Fold back and tie down leaving loop (see photo). Cut excess. Tie down butt end. Apply small amount of glue. Allow to dry.
THORAX: Peacock Herl. Attach behind post. Make dubbing loop. Twist to form chenille. Wrap generous thorax. Tie off, cut access. Half hitch under post behind eye to tie off. Cut thread. Small amount of glue to tie off.
NOTE: Moisten body before fishing to aid its sinking into water.
This dry fly pattern for trout can be tied in sizes 8 to 18, so will work in a great variety of places. I particularly like one of the larger sizes for using in the Rocky Mountains. We will use a larger hook for the class. This is not a difficult fly to tie so you beginners should feel comfortable participating. The fly includes peccary, which is seldom used for tying flies. You more experienced tyers should find the technique using this material interesting. As always all the materials are provided and if you have 6/0 black thread, please bring it. We welcome you beginners and have equipment for you to use. Please sign up at the club meeting or call me at 831-234-6515.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
This dry fly pattern is an adult mayfly. These insects hatch all over the United States, very readily in the spring and summer. The “BWO” stands for blue wing olive. If you are one of the people going to the green river in April, this fly is an absolute must. We will be tying the fly in a size 16, so bring your glasses, magnification if you have it and a table light. The club has quite a few lights, but usually not enough to go around. As always, the class is free and all materials are provided. If you have black 6/0 thread do bring it. We love to have beginners and have equipment for you to use and plenty of instruction. Also, don’t forget to sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-688-1561 or 831-234-6515. Elaine
A year ago, I got an email from one of our members, Bob Ransdell, suggesting that our club consider supporting Restore the Delta. After taking a brief look at their website I decided to add this organization to our list of candidates for this year’s SCFF contributions. After learning about their mission, areas of focus and how they align with our club priorities, the SCFF conservation committee decided to support Restore the Delta with a cash contribution. The mission of Restore the Delta is “to ensure the health of the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary and Delta communities”. Since 2006 they have worked in areas of public education, program and policy development, and outreach to advance their vision to restore the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta. To achieve their goals, they interface with local, state and federal agencies. They also connect communities with the estuary and foster participation in government planning, community science and waterway monitoring. Their ongoing work includes: Delta Tunnel—The current iteration of this plan—the Delta Conveyance Project—would divert up to 6,000 cfs of water from the north delta to large farming operations and water wholesalers south of the delta. Restore the Delta, along with their allies including the Bay Institute, California Indian Environmental Alliance, Golden State Salmon Association, San Francisco Baykeeper and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians have been engaged in legal action against the California Department of Water Resources to stop the DCP. In a recent press release by Delta Tribal Environmental Coalition (DTEC), Scott Artis, executive director for the Golden State Salmon Association stated “Extending water permits for 55 years isn’t a ‘minor change’—it’s a major blow to California’s already struggling salmon populations. The Delta Conveyance Project will devastate the fishing industry and Bay-Delta watershed that communities and tens of thousands of people and businesses rely on, all while bending the rules for big water interests.” Policy and Advocacy—Restore the Delta has a Delta Policy Analyst that monitors and engages with the State Water Resources Control Board. She advocates for water quality standards that are protective of tribes, environmental justice communities, and Delta fisheries and ecosystems. Water Quality—A priority is to understand the science behind and monitor harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs pose a serious threat in the form of toxins released from blooms that can cause problems from skin rashes to liver problems. They can kill pets and deplete dissolved oxygen which can kill fish, impacting sustenance fishing and sport fishing.
There are other programs that this organization is involved with to protect and restore the delta. Together, these all contribute to further our club’s mission to conserve, protect and restore local, state and national fisheries. This is why the conservation committee supports Restore the Delta.
All are welcome from beginners to experienced casters. This is a good time to continue working on and enjoying your progress with effectively casting your fly-line -whether it’s 25, 35, 40, or 50 feet – 90% of your fishing casting. We will continue to work on this foundation for everyone who wants to successfully and enjoyably pickup their fly rod and cast exactly where you want – time after time. Bring your rod and reel if appropriate, and I will also have the nice club rods we have so you can toss one of those around too.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Gil Santos on November 2nd at 2:00 pm at the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge and all of Gil’s friends are encouraged to attend.
A remembrance by Tim Loomis
On October 3, 2024, we lost Gil Santos, who passed away peacefully at home from natural causes. Gil was 90 years young, and instead of mourning his passing, I’d like to celebrate a life well-lived. Gil truly did it all. If you ever saw him at a club meeting or in public, you’d notice he was always impeccably dressed, as though pressed and ironed just before leaving home. He was, as they say, “flat-out debonair” – the Cary Grant of fly fishing. Along with his polished appearance, Gil was a true gentleman and a fabulous fly fisherman.
According to Ernie Kinzli, our club’s first president, Gil joined in the 1993-1994 season. Ernie and Norm Bedell, our former club treasurer, were classmates in their younger years, so we’re lucky to still have a few founding members with us. Gil, born in 1934, had a life full of adventures, hunting, and fly fishing – a journey we can only imagine.
My first memory fishing with Gil was at Pyramid Lake around 2004 or 2005. I’d just arrived and happened to place my ladder next to his. On one of my first casts, I hooked and landed a fish. Gil had been in the water for almost five hours without a bite, yet instead of being frustrated, he cheered me on, celebrating my catch. Later, when I ventured over to his trailer, which he shared with Ed Marcel and a guy from the East Coast named Alan, Gil gave me some good-natured ribbing for “invading his territory,” followed by, “So, what fly were you using?” From that moment on, I was privileged, as many of you were, to fish with Gil across the country.
Gil loved sharing his knowledge and wisdom about fly fishing with anyone who asked. He also had a special feel for the history of our community. One of my favorite things about fishing with Gil was listening to his stories of growing up in and around Santa Cruz. He was truly a treasure.
And finally as a testament to his love of Santa Cruz and fishing, Gil’s family has generously donated $1,000 to the scholarships that our club gives to local seniors pursuing careers in conservation.
Easiest way to renew membership is online @ santacruzflyfishing.org/membership by checking renewal, no changes, check waiver, and make payment/donation by creditcard. Deadline is Dec 31st to be included in the Roster. New members since July do not have to renew for 2025. 85% of our members renewed online.
To renew by check, make check payable to SCFF Club and mail to PO Box 2008, Santa Cruz, Calif, 95063. Dues are $40/single,$60 family, $20jr. Dinner tickets for Sat Feb 1st are $40. You can also email me @ robert6367@aol.com and I can invoice you for renewal and/or annual dinner tickets. Please note, last year 160 annual dinner tickets sold out in Jan. And lastly, annual raffle tickets are not available online, but will be sold @ the Rod and Gun Club dinner in Watsonville.
Thank you, Bob Peterson, Membership Chair, 831-251-8655 CP or Txt
Hello, my dad is Ernie Kinzli of Ernie’s Casting Pond. He was one of the founders of the SCFF way back in the day. We will be celebrating his 90th birthday soon and would like to invite friends to come celebrate with him. It will be on December 14th from 1-3PM in East Santa Cruz. Please RSVP to me (Jeff Kinzli) via kinzli@gmail.com or text 831-235-0454 and I’ll send you an invitation. Thank you!
At the September SCFF board meeting, we unanimously voted to collaborate with the Monterey chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) program. The Monterey chapter began earlier this year and there already has been great cooperation between the two organizations. SCFF’s members have become key instructors for clinics and fish outs that PHWFF have conducted this summer and SCFF have six new members that have come through the relationship with PHWFF.
For 2025, SCFF will try and identify Veterans and Active Military members who could be well served by participating in PHWFF’s monthly programs. We will also let our club members know about volunteer opportunities to help Veterans during the year. The Monterey chapter of PHWFF will strongly encourage their participants to join the Santa Cruz club to take advantage of our clinics, speakers, and fish outs.
Background: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, a leading national nonprofit in the area of therapeutic outdoor recreation, using the sport of flyfishing as an intervention. The restorative healing powers of nature and the outdoors are well-documented: for our Veteran and military participants, the Camaraderie, Connectedness, and community found in our programs, alongside the symbiotic relationship between veteran and volunteer, directly correlates to
increased sense of belonging, resilience, and post traumatic growth.
In 2025, Monterey chapter’s program will benefit 25-35 disabled veterans and active duty personnel who are in need of
healing from injuries and ailments sustained while serving our country. As of 2023, Monterey County has an estimated veteran population of approximately 7,700 individuals aged 18-64. Among these, a significant portion are disabled veterans. Specifically, around 6,800 disabled individuals aged 18-64 are active in the labor force, which includes veterans with service-connected disabilities. Some are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), hearing and sight degradation, and other service-caused injuries and ailments. Our veterans are at risk from the dramatic recent uptick in suicides in Monterey County and the country. Our program addresses this. Some of our disabled veterans have service animals to help them cope with life. Almost all of our disabled veterans are served by the local Veterans Affairs Clinic in Marina. PHWFF has a great working relationship with at least 5 recreational therapists on the VA Marina Clinic staff. These recreational therapists regularly point their disabled veterans to our organization due to the therapeutic and healing nature of our program. Some of these recreational therapists attend our classes with their disabled veteran patients. We have utilized the VA Clinic for meetings and classes in 2024.
This year’s annual fishout at the O-Neil Forebay started on an ominous note. The weather report predicted high winds, and boy did we get em.
Scott Kitayama had generously volunteered to tow the old pokemon over the hill whilst I hauled the camper. This huge gift prevented me from having to make two trips on day one. Scott’s reward was to arrive to a closed launch facility. The lake closes to boating when winds exceed 20 mph, and this morning, Mariah was gusting to 30 at times.
Unable to launch & fish, we set about making camp. We arrived at our Madeira campsite to find Jim Hall, who had arrived early and staked out site 7 as our land base. Perfect site. Convenient to Check 13 (near the old boat launch), Shade from trees, a gravel beach to launch float tubes, near the water supply and a clean vault
restroom. What more could you ask?
Once again, the sites nearest the islands were closed to vehicles. Nobody can give us an answer as to the why of it. My theory is that this allows them to
economize on maintenance & staffing during the slower months.
We had hoped for a pause in the wind to allow for an evening float, but were sorely disappointed. We sought solace by taking a short drive to Los Banos to enjoy a meal at the Portuguese style restaurant, Woolgrowers. Long a local institution, they had changed hands recently. I was worried that the multi course, generous portions, & legendary excellent service would be gone. Silly me. Soup and beans, followed by a green salad and a potato salad, then lamb stew, and finally our entrees (fried chicken for me, tri-tip for Scott). A half liter of red wine came with the meal. My desert was smoked gouda cheese & fruit, while Scott opted for ice cream. Our waitress brought ice cream for me too, assuming that I’d want it. She must know me. Total tab with a 20% tip: $90. Yeah.
Back at camp, the wind had finally let up sufficiently to allow Jim to start a campfire. That was a blunder. Mariah returned with a vengeance & we doused the fire & retreated to our trailer & tent respectively.
The morning found Jim with his tent flattened by the wind, and me with a flat tire on my truck. (? no idea). The wind was still howling. There would be no launching of boats nor tubes this morning. Scott drove me with my flat tire to Les Schwabs in Los Banos, as Jim relocated his tent near a tree so he’d have something to tie the tent to. We later nursed our disappointment with a batch of bloody Mary’s and a hearty camp breakfast. Tommy Polito & Randy Saar arrived separately. Scott & Tommy drove to the North Shore of the Forebay to try their hand fishing from shore near Check 12. Randy hung in camp, hoping like the rest of us for a respite from the incessant wind. I mounted my spare tire & drove back to Los Banos to retrieve the repaired one.
Finally, near suppertime, a pause in the wind! We all shared a meal of Brats, potato salad & pasta salad, along with stories and memories of Stosh, Gil, (whom we had just lost), Gary, John Steele and all the other club members who have passed, through the years.
After supper, Scott reluctantly bid farewell. He had hauled my boat over Pacheco Pass and for two days was unable to enjoy it. The few small bass that he’d caught from shore seemed a petty compensation. Tommy slid right into Scot’s wing of the trailer, and his slot in the boat if we could launch in the morning.
Saturday morning broke calmy, the water flat as a mirror. Yog had arrived before sunrise, and he, Jim, and Randy paddled out towards check 13. Tommy & I drove to the boat launch & motored to the channel near the first island. While Tommy & I were initially stymied, the Check 13 gang encountered boiling fish in the flats and had a field day. I decided to troll around a bit & see if we could turn up something on my fish-finder. While thus engaged, Tommy spied an unusual number of snowy egrets lined up on the west shore. We motored over to inspect & found ourselves in the midst of a group of feeding bass. After his fourth fish, Tommy insisted on giving me a fly like he had been using. White, black, and purple. FISH ON. I finally landed a pretty nice fish, proving the old adage that even a blind squirrel occasionally finds an acorn. We radioed our counterparts that we were on to a hot spot, but none of them dared leave the carnage they were inflicting on the stripers in their vicinity. Sage advice. never leave fish to find fish.
When the fishing finally tapered off, Tommy had landed 10 or so and I had added one more caught & one lost after a brief fight. Yeah, that’s more like me. We motored over to check 13 to find that, for the most part, the bite was off there too. For everybody not named Randy. He continued to catch fish til lunch time. Jim had landed 11 fish, Yog was also successful, and I never did get a final count from Randy. I know it was bunches!
After lunch, Tommy had to make his goodbyes. Randy agreed to join me for the afternoon. We boated back to the island area where we encountered Tim Loomis, Cecelia, & Jaime paddling about just west of the islands, in 15ft of water. They’d had some success. I believe Randy caught another while I was missing grab after grab. My timing seemed off. We decided to call it a day and loaded up the boat. We just squeaked in under the wire (6:00pm) to get my boat tagged for the next morning. Theoretically that prevents waiting in line the next morning for a boat inspection.
Back at camp, Tim Loomis joined us around the campfire as we traded lies and swapped stories. He had come bearing gifts, and his own stories of how there was a feeding frenzy that started just after we left them. Story of my life. I was ok with that. After all, I had blue dreams that night of the beauty I had landed that morning with Tommy. We shared a meal of left overs from the previous evening, plus steak, chicken, & a burger. As we sat around the fire praising our good fortune, Tim, Tom, & Yog had to leave. There was a smattering of well wishes
and promises to return in the near future.
The next morning, Jim & Randy had to depart. I had dilly-dallied about, knowing that the Pokemon was already tagged. My aim was to launch as day broke (7-ish with the clocks still not set back), so as to not need flashlights as I set up. Imagine my dismay when I arrived at the ranger Kiosk to a long line of trucks with boats waiting to be inspected. There was only one ranger on duty and he was inspecting trucks in the entry line one at a time as he let them in. No easy entry for already inspected boats. Me driving around and paying from the electronic pay-station was beyond the poor boy’s comprehension.
It was 8:30 by the time I got through that line and the next line at the boat launch, and finally had my line in the water. I was still cursing the ranger minutes later when I hooked my first fish. I caught another & lost two more by 11:00. Time to head home; after all, I had two trips to make…
As the year of 2024 comes to a close I wanted to say thank you to all of the generous members who have taken time to host and or help organize the Fishouts of 2024.
We in the club are very fortunate to have such a great group of people who are willing to share their experiences and help introduce others to some of their favorite places. With the ever shrinking world due to instant messaging and social media, it seems the trend is to hide or secret what’s left of our wild spaces. So again it is so refreshing to have a place where generosity and information flows freely.
So enough of that, what’s the plan for 2025? Right now we have a hand full of trips to be published and we are looking for more! If you have hosted in the past or are looking to share a special place, please let me know.
Becoming a Fishmaster Fishmaster is a title we all stride to achieve, even if it’s in our own mind’s eye. A lofty goal to say the least! But becoming a Fishmaster in the eyes of the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club is easier than you may think. As a Fishmaster with the Santa Cruz Fly Fishers, you are not expected to deliver the weather, fish or lessons. We only hope that you share your joy for this great sport, general information you know firsthand (or research in preparation), time, date, type of water and quarry. The Fishout can be as simple or extravagant as you wish (see Fishmasters Log for details). If you are interested in becoming a Fishmaster or have a suggestion for a future Fishout, contact Justin Ice (justin@schwagerdavis.com) for more information. Once all the details are in order, your Fishout will be promptly posted in the next issue of the club’s monthly newsletter.
Please consider becoming a Fishmaster or recommending a future Fishout location.
The ocean is the closest fishery that we have in Santa Cruz. Luckily for us in the area, our beaches provide ample access for those to take advantage of this fishery year-round.
Club members Jerry McKeon, Tommy Polito, and Lance Boiling will discuss fly fishing on our local beaches. We will chat about everything from tides and conditions to gear and tips. Whether you’re new to fishing the surf, or an experienced feather chucker; come share stories and learn why our closest fishery is one of our favorites.
The second best thing about Fall is that Summer is over, mornings are crisper, and there is sometimes a chance of rain. The first best thing about this time of year is that it is the start of the Fall fishing season! The streams, lakes,and even the surf are different, for many of us it is our favorite time of the year to fish.
It is also a good time of the year to buy some lucky raffle tickets. Take a look at some of these great prizes.
We have a really nice V-Access rod/reel package, 4 piece 9 foot, in 5wt, 6wt, 7wt, or 8wt. Take your pick, it is winners choice.
Take a look at the greatest float tube pump ever built! This the famous K-Pump made in the USA. No hoses, simple adapters, and can be used on the water. Quick and simple.
“Striper flies from Lee Haskin” What more do we need to say? Here we have a handful of Lee’s classic Forebay Striper flies, both Gurglers and Smelt. Great flies tied by the master himself.
Raffle tickets will be available for sale at the meeting, Wednesday 10/2, a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25. Don’t miss out, buy a ticket and be a winner.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of fishing the Fall River with club members Alex Ferber and Wilson Taguinod. Having previously fished this big, slow-moving spring creek, we thought it would be a good opportunity to try our hand at dry flies. With Alex guiding on the river, Wilson and I felt confident in our technique. However, when it comes to achieving the perfect downstream drift with a size 20 fly on an 18-foot leader, things can get tricky!
While we managed to catch a few fish by stripping some bugs, we couldn’t land a single one on a dry fly. Later, as we discussed the day, it became clear: if we wanted to improve our chances of success, we needed to practice and refine our techniques.
Upon returning to Santa Cruz, I attended a fly casting clinic to work on my presentation skills. Here’s the truth I’m learning: regardless of your skill level, fly fishing can be a challenge if you want it to be. It involves solving many little puzzles—finding the right location, determining what the fish are eating, and figuring out how to present the fly. It’s crucial to gauge how much challenge you want without letting frustration lead you to give up.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Santa Cruz club is excited to offer more educational and fishing opportunities. We have some new volunteers on board who will help us broaden our offerings, catering to novices and providing challenges for experts alike.
Over the past five months, Alex Ferber has been instrumental in our casting clinic, and I’m pleased to announce that he has been voted onto the SCFF Board as our casting instructor. Alex’s passion for teaching is evident—whether casting on the grass, practicing with yarn on the San Lorenzo, or fishing rivers up north, he is dedicated to helping you improve. In 2025, Alex will design casting classes that culminate in fishing trips. For instance, his current spey casting clinic will conclude with a steelhead outing on the Trinity River.
Another valuable addition to our team is Jesse Collins. Jesse previously gave a presentation about his experiences as a professional guide in Alaska. In late August, he, Bob Garbarino, and Kevin Murdock ventured to Alaska to fish. Jesse will join the board in 2025 and is already planning advanced fly tying sessions, adventure trips to Alaska, and greater outreach to the fishing community in Santa Cruz.
Do you remember this quote from JFK?
“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard…”
I choose to fly fish and explore different techniques, species, and situations because it is a challenge—and because it’s hard. I’m grateful for the club and its members who help me navigate these challenges. I hope you find similar benefits through our community.
Our club member, Tommy Polito, is having much success in both the surf and forebay catching stripers using this fly.. He is also finding other fish species are attracted to the fly as well. There have been many requests for our club members to have a class for tying clousers, so I’m glad to make that happen. Please, as always, sign up at the next club meeting or call 831-234-6515. The class is always free and materials are provided. If you have flat wax nylon white, do bring it and some will be available to borrow We welcome you beginners and have equipment for you to use. ~Elaine
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
This dry fly pattern for trout can be tied in sizes 8 to 18, so will work in a great variety of places. I particularly like one of the larger sizes for using in the Rocky Mountains. We will use a larger hook for the class. This is not a difficult fly to tie so you beginners should feel comfortable participating. The fly includes peccary, which is seldom used for tying flies. You more experienced tyers should find the technique using this material interesting. As always all the materials are provided and if you have 6/0 black thread, please bring it. We welcome you beginners and have equipment for you to use. Please sign up at the club meeting or call me at 831-234-6515.
This dry fly pattern is an adult mayfly. These insects hatch all over the United States, very readily in the spring and summer. The “BWO” stands for blue wing olive. If you are one of the people going to the green river in April, this fly is an absolute must. We will be tying the fly in a size 16, so bring your glasses, magnification if you have it and a table light. The club has quite a few lights, but usually not enough to go around. As always, the class is free and all materials are provided. If you have black 6/0 thread do bring it. We love to have beginners and have equipment for you to use and plenty of instruction. Also, don’t forget to sign up at the club meeting or call with at least 24 hours notice. 831-688-1561 or 831-234-6515. Elaine
