Back in the 1940s, Shasta and Keswick Dams were constructed to achieve a number of objectives, including water storage and generating hydroelectric power. However, through an apparent lack of foresight, the welfare of wild fish spawning habitat wasn’t given priority. Perhaps it was thought that the stretch of the Sacramento River below the Dams would provide sufficient spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook (King) salmon.Prior to the construction of these dams, Chinook salmon had access to the McCloud river for spawning.As a direct result of the dam construction, the Chinook runs have declined.In 1994 these winter run salmon were federally listed as endangered.In recent years, the fish counts have further diminished with severe drought and excessive warm water conditions.Peter Moyle, a fish biologist at UC Davis who has studied Central Valley fish since the 1970s stated “The winter run is headed for extinction, no question, if we don’t develop an artificial system for keeping it going,”
In response, federal and state agencies embarked on an effort to transport adult chinook from the base of Keswick Dam to Battle Creek, about 50 miles southeast where the water is more consistently cool and clear and the fish can move upstream and back out to the ocean.In addition, about 40,000 Chinook eggs were transported from a hatchery by truck and helicopter above Shasta Dam to the McCloud River.As the McCloud river fish migrated back downstream,the surviving smolt were captured and transported down below Keswick Dam to enable them to move down the Sacramento River. For more information and insight on this interesting effort to prevent these amazing fish from disappearing from this watershed, go to:https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/saving-salmon-chinook-return-to-californias-far-north-with-a-lot-of-hum/
After 3 long years, we are bringing back our annual fundraiser on February 18th from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange! So many things have changed in the past three years and there was no way we could run the fundraiser “the way we used to”, so here we go. New venue, new hours, new food, new ticket price, new faces and with your help, more comradery, laughter and fun. We will be serving lunch, raffling wonderful prizes, spotlighting deserving members with annual awards, and introducing the 2023 Board of Directors.
There are lots of activities including casting demos/instruction, fly tying demos/instruction, seminars from well-know pros, vendors selling all-things fly fishy. It’s a great opportunity to learn and check out gear before you purchase. Many club members make it an annual event. If you are new to the sport, go and pick up a few tips. Visit the the website for details and how to get tickets. https://flyfishingshow.com/pleasanton-ca/
After 3 long years, we are bringing back our annual fundraiser on February 18th from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange! So many things have changed in the past three years and there was no way we could run the fundraiser “the way we used to”, so here we go. New venue, new hours, new food, new ticket price, new faces and with your help, more comradery, laughter and fun. We will be serving lunch, raffling wonderful prizes, spotlighting deserving members with annual awards, and introducing the 2023 Board of Directors.
Buy your tickets now: Its such a bummer to plan a party when no one tells you they are coming. We know you are thinking about it, so just do it! Tickets are $25/person and we only can sell 150 entrance/meal tickets due to space limitations of the Grange. Tickets are available online here: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/annual-fundraiser/
Volunteer: Many long term club members say the best part of our Annual Fundraiser is the time volunteering and working with others to put the whole event together. We still need people to step-up and take an assignment whether it is before, during or after the event. Contact Elaine Cook (coookin@gmail.com) to find out where you can best help.
Lunch:
Fresh, healthy, filling and fun. What’s not to like about Mediterranean food? We are bringing a winner from the Bay Area down to cater our lunch. @Zagat dubbed SAJJ Mediterranean falafel as best in the Bay Area! Guests will have the option to choose between the following three entrees. (All entrees will be served with fries.)
SAJJ Bowl: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; served over turmeric rice, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, hummus, cabbage, diced pickles, and a drizzle of tahini sauce
SAJJ Wrap: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; garlic spread, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, sumac onions and diced pickles
SAJJ Pita: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; with hummus, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, diced pickles
Seating will be available indoor and outdoor all though inside will be cozy depending on the weather. Lunch will be available between 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Water, soda, and coffee will be available as well as a dessert table. We will not be serving or selling alcohol so plan accordingly.
Parking: Everyone needs to buddy-up and comes to the Fundraiser with a fellow member, so that we can fit everyone in the parking lot. Otherwise, over flow will need to park on Mar Vista Drive.
Raffle Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online and can also be purchased at the event. If you purchased online, your tickets will be waiting for you along with your entrance/lunch receipt when you check-in. Raffle boxes will be on the tables for you to decide what you want to win. Keep a portion of your ticket so that you can claim your winnings.
Health Protocol: We hope to have a lot of people attend this event and the Grange is not that big of a building. Masking is encouraged as we want everyone healthy for the upcoming fishing season.
We have had a successful 2023 membership renewal with over 150 members renewed as of the end of December and anticipating more renewals after sending out a friendly email reminder so that members can be included in the 2023 Roster, which includes 25 new members. Membership renewal
Also, we have 30 members that have signed up for the annual dinner and raffle and have also sold over $400 Raffle tickets which can be bought online under the menu listed as 2023 Annual Fundraiser and will be available at the dinner @ the Aptos Grange, Sat Feb 18th. Fundraising Tickets Here!
Thank you for all for the renewals, donations, and Annual dinner and raffle sales, and have a Happy New 2023
Mar 26 : Pyramid Lake Fish-out March 26th – April 1st 2023 – New Info
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Mike White - (831) 706-5556
NEEDS TO BE UPDATED WITH 2023 INFO.
The Pyramid Lake trip is one of the best-attended fishouts the club has, and for a good reason. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cruise parallel to the shore in easy casting distance from shore. Cost for the week including meals and lodging and is around $300+ per person depending on the number in attendance. You need not fish all six days as there may be openings (usually later in the week.) Contact Mike for more details (831) 706-5556, to check on openings, or be put on a waiting list. First come first served.
You can also make your own arrangements either by bringing your own RV (Pyramid Lake Lodge has hook-ups and sells permits to park on the any of the beaches along the lake) or staying in Reno. Reno is 45 minutes away. Call Pyramid Lake Lodge to inquire about last minute cancellations in their cabins as well (775) 476-0400 and check out their website to see what the cabins look like at www.pyramidlakelodge.com. The General Store in Sutcliff offers meals on selected nights only to those who call in before 2:00 PM. Check at the General Store for details.
Equipment: 6-9 weight rods with hi-speed, hi-D shooting heads or fast sink integrated lines to fish the bottom in 6 to 9 feet of water, and a floating line for indicator fishing. You should bring a stripping basket and a ladder that will accommodate it. A ladder helps to get you up out of the cold water and enable you to cast out to where the fish are. You can still catch fish without one but not with near as much consistency.
Flies: Woolly buggers in black, white, purple, olive, midge, caddis and mayfly nymphs to name a few. If as in years past the Confab in February is offering the opportunity to see how some of the best Pyramid patterns are made plan to attend and bring a vise and tie some yourself. Flies may also available from club member Jim Hall who ties some very good flies specific to Pyramid cutthroat as well as other species at reasonable cost. His number is (831) 713-6835. There is a general store with provisions as well as tackle and an assortment of flies.
How to get there: Take US 80 to Reno-Sparks, take the Pyramid Blvd. off ramp and go north about 35 miles. Crosby Lodge is at Sutcliff, near the Ranger Station.
If you have any questions about equipment or how to get there, check the “Gearing up” columns in the March 2007-2009 archives on our great club website, or call Mike White at (831) 706-5556.
If you are considering going to Pyramid again this year with the club and you have not already done so, please contact the person who is booking the trailer you stayed in last year. Trailer-masters, if your trailer has gaps or cancellations, you can call Mike so he can pass the names of members who don’t have lodging to fill the empty spots.
Fishing, Camping, and New Ladder Regulation:
Fishing and camping permits can be purchased online prior to the fish-out. We would highly recommend doing this. Go to www.plpt.nsn.us to obtain your licenses. There is also an RV Park available at (775) 476-1155.
As with any great fishery there are always a long list of rules and regulations. We would recommend you review them on the website above. Suffice to say those of us who have been going to Pyramid Lake for many years are a good source of information as well. We will help inform and guide all newcomers. 15.6 USE OF LADDERS, ETC. Any ladders, milk crates, boxes or other objects used in the water as a fishing aid must be occupied or closely attended (i.e. remain in the area) by fishermen at all times. Any person who leaves such objects unoccupied in the water for more than one hour will be deemed guilty of littering. 15.6.1 Fishing aids described above must have a permanent tag affixed that has the name, address, and phone number of the owner of the fishing aid. If the permitted angler using the fishing aid is not the owner, the owner will be the responsible party for any infractions by the permitted angler.
This year we have five trailers reserved. (6,7,8,9, and 10) As of September 1st 2021 we have 5 openings available. These openings will fill up quickly, so contact Mike immediately at (831) 706-5556. Last year was an incredible experience with many fish over 15 lbs brought to the net. If you cannot commit early and make it into one of our reserved trailers you can always make your own arrangements by contacting the Pyramid Lake Lodge at (775) 476-0400.
NOTE: Due to insurance regulations, all attendees must be paid up members of Santa Cruz Fly fishermen, so get your membership paid up if you haven’t done so yet.
Apr 15 : BOURDET RANCH ONE DAY FISHOUTS
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
BOURDET RANCH
One-day fishouts: April 15 (Sat), April 19 (Wed), April 24 (Mon)
Location: Bourdet Ranch on Hwy 152 across from Casa de Fruta, Hollister
I have reserved 3 dates at this beautiful ranch in the green rolling hills of Hollister which offers 4 bass and pan fish ponds. Trespass fee is $75/person (fisher or non-fisher) per day, CASH ONLY. Important: 4-WD is REQUIRED but those without 4-WD can buddy up with someone who does. Ponds are primarily fished from float tubes with some limited bank fishing. The ponds fish best if each pond has just 3 fishers at a time. We will meet at the ranch entrance 8:00 a.m. and leave together at about 5:30pm. Be sure to bring lunch and drinks. If you are interested, please call me soon as possible as this is a very popular bass fishing venue and there is a limit to how many people I can take. You can sign up for 1 or all dates as permitted.
My cell: (831) 566-7707 email: flyfishgal3@aol.com
Cecilia Stipes
Apr 15 : Del Valle Fishout – CANCELED
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Joshua Wilkens
**CANCELED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE**
Currently the park has issued a hard closure for camping until May 20th, 2023. Any members who had previously made reservations thru the county website / Reserve America, should have received an email detailing the cancelation and a refund from The East Bay Parks District.
An alternate destination maybe suggested soon, keep an eye out for an e-mail on google groups.
Fish Species: Going for striper, largemouth, small mouth, bluegill, white crappie, rainbow trout, and striper.
Equipment: I’m bringing a 6 wt floating line for everything but stripers and 8 wt full sink for stripers down as far as 25 feet. Fishing out of float tube.
Flies: Clousers and buggers (smelt patterns) should be able to find one if not all species maybe.
Day Fishing Fees: Parking $6.
Watercraft launch fee: $5 for trailered boats; $3 for car-top, inflatable boats and float tubes. $2 for windsurf boards. Boat inspection: $4/cartop; $7/trailered.
Float tube Inspection: Don’t bring kayak if you do make sure super dry and bring float tube just in case, they fail kayaks like 95% of time for me. I learned to just float tube there.
Camping Fees: $43 for tent campsite with reservation fees included, then $8 for additional vehicle, $5 fishing day pass, and #3 inspection. 2 vehicles and 8 people max per site. There is tap water and toilets. There is the potential of a group camp out, keep an eye on Google Groups.
Site Link: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=537, https://www.ebparks.org/parks/del-valle
Apr 29 : Los Padres Dam / Reservoir Fishout
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Description: Los Padres Reservoir is located East of Carmel Valley Village. The best route is Carmel Valley Road East about 8 miles to a right turn on Cachagua Road to a right turn into and
through Princess Camp then about .5 miles to the Reservoir parking lot. You have to carry your float tube about .5 miles into the reservoir
and launch from the dam. Lake is about a mile long. Best to arrive before daybreak. Parking lot usually fills up opening day.
DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS VISIBLE WITHIN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON THE SHORE
No signups necessary, anyone wishing to fish should just show up. In general, fish in 10 to 20-foot depths. There are stories of huge brown trout, rainbows up to 24” and a chance to catch
steel-head much bigger.
Fishmaster: No Fishmaster for this Fishout self led
Fish Species: Steel Head Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Equipment: 5 and or 6wts with floating line and full sink or shooting heads. Fishing out of float tube.
Flies: Flies sizes 8 and 10 hooks, types black and brown woolly buggers, Denny Rikards seal buggers (orange, olive and black) and leeches (brown and black), Hale Bopp leeches (black,
brown and wine) and Hornburgs. Balanced flies under an indicator could be a good bet as well. Fishing is very similar to Goodwin Lake: very few hits on the surface.
Day Fishing Fees: No Fees
Fog burning off in the early morning
Carmel Creek with fish ladder to the left center. There is a couple of big fish in there…
May 06 : Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
First Surf Fishout of 2023!
Location: Rio Del Mar State Beach
Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there 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 2023
Meeting Time (AM)
State Beach
2023
Date
Sunrise
Low tide
High tide
Moon
Tide flow
Fishmaster
MAY
6
Saturday
5:55
Rio Del Mar
6:09
LO 05:48 -0.8
HI 12:28 PM +3.5
Full May 5
Low slack to low Flood
Sam
JUNE
3
Saturday
5:35
Manresa
5:49
LO 04:52 -1.0
HI 11:42 +3.4
Full June 4
Low mid-flood
??
JULY
1
Saturday
5:35
Palm
5:51
LO 03:53 -0.8
HI 10:50 +3.4
Full July 3
Mid-flood
Sam
AUGUST
5
Saturday
6:00
Rio Del Mar
6:16
LO 07:48 -0.1
HI 2:29 PM +4.9
New Aug 16
Mid-flood
Sam
SEPT
2
Saturday
6:25
Manresa
6:39
LO 06:30 +0.3
HI 12:52 PM +5.3
Full Aug 31
Low slack to low Flood
Sam
OCT
7
Saturday
6:50
Palm
7:08
LO 13:17 + 3.3
HI 07:55 AM +4.0
Full Sep 29
High flood to slack
Sam
Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise.
Los Banos Creek Reservoir is an oasis in the valley, it has Bass and Bluegill and the option of fishing Stripers and Bass in the O’Neill Forebay 20 miles away.
Camping: Los Banos Campground (209) 826-6393) doesn’t take reservations, has 14 sites with tables with shade and also shade trees, non-potable water, and campfire rings.
Sites are $20.00 per day. Bring firewood and folding chairs.
Food: Bring your own food for breakfast and lunch.
Dinner will be pot-luck; bring your own meat. Also bring plates, cups and silverware.
I will supply stove, BBQ, coffee pot and wash area for dishes.
There is no drinking water available.
Gear: Float tube and fins, kayak etc. lake has 5mph speed limit
Fly line 5-6wt. include floating, intermediate, and fast sinking.
For fly suggestions contact me.
This Fishout is limited to the first 10 members who contact me – Dan Eaton (831) 201-2330.
Jun 03 : Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Location: Manresa State Beach
Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass
Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, but note will go out early on Google group if so.
You may want to use a two fly rig, one smaller for perch and a larger one
for Stripers. When I add flies I often need to use lighter weight
ones than I might with one fly. For example, dumbbell eyes are
heavy, so I tie most Clousers and jig flies using bead-chain or even plastic eyes, knowing I will very likely be
using 2 or 3, so need them to be light enough to cast.
A reminder that the surf is not a place to learn to cast, but it will force you to improve your line control!
Belts are not mandatory but a good idea if you get swept off your feet. Baskets are also not mandatory but darn near.
Cost: Parking? & maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: In front Manresa Beach Parking Lot on San Andreas Rd.
San Andreas Rd. Lot has limited parking as the beach lot does not open until 8am
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: Coffee and donuts at the local hang out
Jun 24 : Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 25 – Jul 1 2023 – New Info
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster: Jeff (Yog) Goyert - Fishmaster (831)234-0033
The Lake Almanor fishout is scheduled for the last week of June, 6/24 thru 7/1, 2023. This time period is, hopefully, the peak of the annual Hexagenia hatch that begins generally mid-June and runs through mid-July. The most productive fishing takes place early evenings on into past dark between Lake Almanor West to Canyon Dam on the SouthWest side of the lake. Most of the fishing is done from float tubes as well as small boats or even from shore.
In addition to the evening “Hex” hatch, a multitude of opportunities exist for fishing throughout the day to include Little Crater Lake, Manzanita Lake, Baum Lake, Eagle Lake, Butt Valley Reservoir, Deer Creek, Clear Creek, Feather River, Yellow Creek, plus many more.
Lodging will be the responsibility of individual attendees. A popular campground operated by PG&E is the Rocky Point Campground, for reservation information call 916-386-5164. Many USFS campgrounds are in the area. Reservations are available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Make use of internet resources to acquire the actual campground names. There are also many resorts and rental cabins available in the area. A few examples are Wilson’s Camp/530-259-2267 and Plumas Pines Resort/530-259-4343. Other options are available via online research. Be advised that due to the popularity of fishing at this time of year reservations fill up early.
Sierra Fly and Tackle, stores in Chester and Hamilton Branch, is a great resource for current conditions and reports along with a large invantory flies and equipment. A must stop for all visiting fly fishers if only to get one of their cool tee-shirts. Both first time and veteran “Hex” Anglers could well benefit from the expertise provided by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Lance Gray (530-517-2204) or Tim Loomis (831-345-8411) both offer instructional packages to help achieve success during the “Hex”.
Jul 01 : Palm Beach Surf Fishout
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Location: Palm Beach State Park
Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass
Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, but a note will go out early on Google group if so.
You may want to use a two fly rig, one smaller for perch and a larger one
for Stripers. When I add flies I often need to use lighter weight
ones than I might with one fly. For example, dumbbell eyes are
heavy, so I tie most Clousers and jig flies using bead-chain or even plastic eyes, knowing I will very likely be
using 2 or 3, so need them to be light enough to cast.
A reminder that the surf is not a place to learn to cast, but it will force you to improve your line control!
Cost: Parking? & maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: Parking Lot / End of W. Beach St.
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: Coffee and donuts at the local hang out after the session
Jul 16 : Loreto Fly Fishing Trip July 2023
(Click for address and map) Fishmaster:
Sign Up Now! Experience a new HIGH! Fish for Dorado, and many other salt-water fish, including Bonito, Roosters, Yellowtail and Sailfish on a fly! Join the group going to Loreto in Baja
Sunday, July 16th through Thursday, July 20th.
This trip includes:
Four nights at the beautiful Hotel La Mission, on the water-front next to the Loreto Harbor.
Three days of fishing on 24-foot Super Pangas, with fly fishing guides.
Ground transfers and fishing licenses.
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: *$900.00 per person,double occupancy; around $460.00 for a non-fishing guest. It does not include meals because there are some nice restaurants (A lot of fresh seafood!) in town or if you prefer, eat at the hotel, where they will also cook your catch to your preference. Interested?
Please contact Rich Hughett, 831-757-5709, for all the details. You will need to book airline flights* as soon as possible.
*No money will be collected in advance. Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines from San Jose to Los Angeles and Alaska Airlines to Loreto. Rich will help with your airline reservations.
Gear: The minimum size rod for Dorado is a 10 weight, with a corresponding size reel with plenty of backing. I suggest everyone take floating, intermediate and full sink lines, such as T-14. Most fish down there are not leader shy, so I use about a 5 foot leader with a 20 pound tippet. For Dorado, the main fly is a Sarmulmac. Clousers also work. In fact a variety of flies work for salt water fish, as long as they represent a smaller baitfish.
Notes: Further discussion of dates, gear and preparations to be had as interest develops
Just spent a few minutes looking at old emails when I became the SCFF Newsletter editor back in April 2020. Covid19 was closing the world down and the SCFF board was trying to figure out if we would have an April meeting. The club had recently started working with a tech consultant, Vicki Winters, who was creating a new website for SCFF and we were wondering if our club members would be able to read the newsletter online and use something new called Google Groups.
It is amazing where we have all come in less than three years. Our newsletter is only available online, Google Groups lets us share information with each other all year, and the website has beautiful pictures due to your submissions to Jerry McKeon for our Instagram account.
As of now, the Newsletter Editor position is unfilled and Vicki Winters is stepping in as a consultant to make sure that we do not miss a month. In February, I will become the new President for SCFF and am excited to see how we can work together to improve our fishing club no matter what the future brings.
Devin Olsen started fly fishing in Yellowstone at age 9. Within a couple of years, it became an addiction he could not shake and he begged for rides to local streams until he could drive. He started competing at age 19 and made Fly Fishing Team USA in 2006 when he was 21 years old. He has competed in 12 consecutive World Fly Fishing Championships with Fly Fishing Team USA. He has earned a bronze individual medal and silver and bronze team medals from these championships and numerous medals from competitions in the United States.
Away from competitive fishing he holds a bachelor’s degree in ecology and a master’s degree in fisheries science. He worked as a fisheries biologist for several years before starting his company Tactical Fly Fisher. He has produced three instructional films Modern Nymphing: European Inspired Techniques, Modern Nymphing Elevated: Beyond the Basics, and Adaptive Fly Fishing. He is also the author of the book Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers.
Devin will be joining the club virtually to present Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers.
Who out there has tried Euro Nymphing? Who out there has heard about it and wanted to learn more about it? Who out there has no idea what it is and wants find out what is so special about Euro Nymphing? Anybody in any of these situations had better do two things:
First. Be sure to attend the December Fly Club meeting to hear guest speaker Devin Olson’s presentation on Euro Nymphing.
Second. Be sure to buy a bunch of raffle tickets to win your share of the Euro Nymphing prizes we have put up for grabs.
This month’s prizes include winner’s choice of either a Maxcatch Competition nymph rod (10′ 2 WT) or Adamsbuilt “Ready to Fish” rod (9.4′ 5 WT), 50 Euro Nymphing flies (tied by Barry Burt) with pocket box, or a DVD outlining everything you’ll need to know about successful Euro Nymphing.
The ticket sales are open and close at noon the day of the meeting (12/7).
Tickets are a dollar each, $20 bucks get you 25. The drawing of tickets will take place at the monthly meeting. Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.
Excuses to buy your friends and family, fly-fishing stuff and accidently order a few extras- for yourself! Hide them in your stocking, under the tree – address them from yer significant other, your 3-year-old son or daughter, or someone from work. Act really surprised!!
While I’ve been fly-fishing for some 30 years now, I’m always impressed by the new things I see out in the market that I just must have. In fact, I’ve seen examples so many times during the year, I realize now that I actually need them. Yes, need.
While you’re all reading this flush with Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, deserts you’ve waited all year to have, and an overdose of football games, some of us are watching the weather reports every night, looking for that next rain, the rainy season, steelhead.
Some of us will be down in the estuary come the 1st of December, if for no other reason than an opportunity to practice casting our Spey rods and lines on an actual body of water we don’t have to drive 3 hours to.
Did you ever wonder why the San Lorenzo was once known as the most famous steelhead river in all of norther California? I did. And while it isn’t really documented, where else can you fish over 11 miles of river, with virtually easy access, and where every three miles along a stretch of Steelhead water, there is a bar, or several, and a place to eat!
True – It is noted that anglers used to come from far and wide, with their partners, mistresses, …, and ply the waters of the San Lorenzo all weekend, fishing, drinking, eating, shopping. And, back in the day when there were A LOT of anglers, and a lot of fish with which to angle.
Opening day on the San Lorenzo used to be covered every year for decades, in the Sentinel, and in the Mercury News, a number of those years with write-ups from our very own Jeff Goyert, who wrote that column in the Sentinel.
Anglers of all kinds rushed- and I do mean rushed, to their spots along the estuary and well into the canyons of the mountains, to ply for their wary catch. All the fly-anglers on the boardwalk side of the river, almost elbow to elbow – just wide enough apart to give way to the necessary double haul while waste deep in a changing tide. Most of them there well before first light. Ed Marcillac and a few others must smart enough to use their dinghy’s – even guys like the infamous Hal Jansen, all comfy out of the water, with coffee thermos, casting classic Steelhead wooly buggers, Comet, Boss, Green Butt Skunks. Hardware and bait anglers clinging to their spots along the cliffs and high banks on the other side. You’d be hard pressed to be there for fifteen minutes before someone was hooking up and others were politely reeling in to give way. It was magical, and it was chaotic.
I suppose I kind of like that most of us can head out to the river these days and find it busy if we spot three other anglers within 200 yards along the estuary. But almost no one is walking along the bridge, or the cliffs, siting schools for those of us already in the water. Oh, the fish are there, on occasion, but not like the old days. I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m told the movie, Rivers of the Lost Coast, contains footage from the early San Lorenzo days. There is one clip also on YouTube, sometime in the late 60’s I’d guess, where the river was covered with anglers. But today? While there may not be as many fish, I do like the peace one can find when plying the waters with whatever might be of our liking that morning, almost completely unencumbered by another angler – unless you invited them along.
Yes, I wish those big numbers of Steelhead, and Coho, were returning to the San Lorenzo again, but I also recognize that this might also bring forth the throngs of anglers, of which I’m not so sure the river could handle anymore. Why with what people are posting on social media these days, anglers are having to doctor up background images and speak in tongues to keep people from finding where they caught the fish, and thereby descend in droves on that hallowed water you thought you owned.
I’m looking forward to the chance to fish the San Lorenzo this year. Many of you have heard from me, that it’s also about raising awareness – yes, there are fish in this river, big ones, and it’s the reason we need to take care of it now more than ever.
It’s a rare gift to be able to fish a river so close to one’s home, not to mention several of them, that were once great Steelhead, Coho, and even Chinook, fisheries. The fish are few and far between anymore. The river, deprived of it’s nutrients and wholesomeness by a city that is destined to destroy the river because of it’s insatiable want for growth. Who knows, maybe a mayor who serves a term of 4 years now, can perhaps, help us make a difference, stop the growth, and give more water back to the San Lorenzo in the critical times of the year.
Hopeless romantic. That’s what I’ve been called. Someone has to fight the good fight, raise awareness, love the river for the health it deserves, and be the bad guy for saying stop the growth.
The City would love to see us river stewards go away, move on, die. But if we keep sharing and pressing for what is good and right, for the fish – for the river, for the health of the entire eco-system along all our Pacific Coast waters, there will be more river stewards and hopefully change, for the fish and everything that surrounds, lives amongst and thrives, with the fish.
Happy Holidays – It’s Black Friday on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Started on Saturday and Sunday!
Get out there – go shopping!! I mean – fishing.
Posted on November 28th, 2022
Date: December 14
Time: Doors open at 6:15 PM - class begins at 6:30 PM
The technique of spinning deer hair has been requested by club members a number of times. The Muddler Minnow will give you the opportunity to learn just that. Beginners in the past have done well tying this type of fly so don’t hesitate to give it a try. Two types of thread will be used this time, 6/0 black and any color monocord. Some will be available to borrow. As usual bring your vice tools and light. We welcome beginners and equipment will be provided for you. Sign ups are important in order to have the right amount of material prepared which is provided. You can sign up at the club meeting or call Elaine with at least 24 hours notice at 831-688-1561. I encourage wearing a mask for we are close to one another while tying. If not vaccinated and boosted please wear one for sure. Thank you.
Ever wonder what to do with that small plastic container you get when you buy flies? A piece of fuzzy fabric glued to the inside bottom works well when trying to contain beads and hold them in place while threading a bead onto a hook.
Having trouble keeping track of your hooks and flies at your fly tying desk? A magnet like those that come in hook packages can solve this problem. Just glue it to the base of
When applying glue to a hook that you are in the process of tying materials to, the last thing you want is for the glue to drop down into your bobbin which ruins the tool. Here are a couple of ways to suspend it off to the side.
Do you if you like Zap-A-Gap glue but get tired of it clogging up, here are a few suggestions: 1. When you first use the container, uncap and attach the narrow plastic funnel to the top. (Save the cap) amazingly no need to recap because for some reason it doesn’t solidify in the narrow opening between uses.
2. When the above fails, remove funnel and use in the normal way, recapping between uses. Do wipe end off with soft cloth before capping.
3. When the above starts clogging use a safety pin to open the hole.
4. Finally when the above fails, cut off the tip. (See diagram)
These techniques will probably get you through the whole bottle.
In what has been a decades long saga, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently approved the removal of four dams on the Klamath River by issuing a License Surrender Order for the Lower Klamath River Hydroelectric Project.This will be the largest dam removal project in US history.The primary expected benefit of removing the dams is restoring the Chinook and Coho Salmon runs by expanding spawning area upstream of the dams and allowing unobstructed passage downstream to the ocean. Pre-construction begins in spring 2023 with Copco dam #2 scheduled to be removed in late summer 2023 and the remaining 3 dams removed by October 2024.Hopefully this will bring a brighter future for future generations of Native Americans, anglers and all who benefit from a healthy river system!
Over period of seven years, surveys in the Delta Estuary have found zero Delta smelt during the month of September. Data is recorded every year from September through December. The last month and Delta smelt (2 fish) were caught was October 2017. See https://www.dfg.ca.gov/delta/data/fmwt/indices.asp
In order to ward off extinction of Delta smelt, UC Davis has raising them in a captive breeding program. Beginning late last year and continuing early 2022, the hatchery fish were released into the delta as part of an experiment.
Along with the Delta smelt, populations of longfin smelt, striped bass, American shad, threadfin shad and splittail have all declined catastrophically coinciding when the State Water Project went into operation in 1967. Other factors contributing to the decline are toxic chemicals, decreasing water quality and invasive species.
For more information, go to https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/11/3/2133402/-Breaking-Zero-Delta-smelt-found-in-Midwater-Trawl-Survey-for-seventh-September-in-a-row?utm_campaign=recent
After 3 long years, we are bringing back our annual fundraiser on February 18th from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange! So many things have changed in the past three years and there was no way we could run the fundraiser “the way we used to”, so here we go. New venue, new hours, new food, new ticket price, new faces and with your help, more comradery, laughter and fun. We will be serving lunch, raffling wonderful prizes, spotlighting deserving members with annual awards, and introducing the 2023 Board of Directors.
There are lots of activities including casting demos/instruction, fly tying demos/instruction, seminars from well-know pros, vendors selling all-things fly fishy. It’s a great opportunity to learn and check out gear before you purchase. Many club members make it an annual event. If you are new to the sport, go and pick up a few tips. Visit the the website for details and how to get tickets. https://flyfishingshow.com/pleasanton-ca/
After 3 long years, we are bringing back our annual fundraiser on February 18th from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange! So many things have changed in the past three years and there was no way we could run the fundraiser “the way we used to”, so here we go. New venue, new hours, new food, new ticket price, new faces and with your help, more comradery, laughter and fun. We will be serving lunch, raffling wonderful prizes, spotlighting deserving members with annual awards, and introducing the 2023 Board of Directors.
Buy your tickets now: Its such a bummer to plan a party when no one tells you they are coming. We know you are thinking about it, so just do it! Tickets are $25/person and we only can sell 150 entrance/meal tickets due to space limitations of the Grange. Tickets are available online here: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/annual-fundraiser/
Volunteer: Many long term club members say the best part of our Annual Fundraiser is the time volunteering and working with others to put the whole event together. We still need people to step-up and take an assignment whether it is before, during or after the event. Contact Elaine Cook (coookin@gmail.com) to find out where you can best help.
Lunch:
Fresh, healthy, filling and fun. What’s not to like about Mediterranean food? We are bringing a winner from the Bay Area down to cater our lunch. @Zagat dubbed SAJJ Mediterranean falafel as best in the Bay Area! Guests will have the option to choose between the following three entrees. (All entrees will be served with fries.)
SAJJ Bowl: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; served over turmeric rice, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, hummus, cabbage, diced pickles, and a drizzle of tahini sauce
SAJJ Wrap: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; garlic spread, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, sumac onions and diced pickles
SAJJ Pita: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; with hummus, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, diced pickles
Seating will be available indoor and outdoor all though inside will be cozy depending on the weather. Lunch will be available between 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Water, soda, and coffee will be available as well as a dessert table. We will not be serving or selling alcohol so plan accordingly.
Parking: Everyone needs to buddy-up and comes to the Fundraiser with a fellow member, so that we can fit everyone in the parking lot. Otherwise, over flow will need to park on Mar Vista Drive.
Raffle Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online and can also be purchased at the event. If you purchased online, your tickets will be waiting for you along with your entrance/lunch receipt when you check-in. Raffle boxes will be on the tables for you to decide what you want to win. Keep a portion of your ticket so that you can claim your winnings.
Health Protocol: We hope to have a lot of people attend this event and the Grange is not that big of a building. Masking is encouraged as we want everyone healthy for the upcoming fishing season.
All of us have wonderful stories about John, the times we spent with him and the gifts he shared with us. I too have a rod that he built, Fly tying tools he crafted, works of art he created, flies that he tied. I will think of him warmly whenever I use or see something he’s created.
There is one gift, above all else, that I think John should be remembered by. John constantly exemplified, by thought, word, and deed what it truly means to be a gentleman. He was truly a gentle man.
There was no place in his world for the toxic masculinity that has become so pervasive in today’s world. John didn’t trade in gossip. He spoke ill of no one. He encouraged always. He offered advice when it was sought, not just to hear his own voice being brilliant.
John lived a life of service, from his younger days as a pharmacist, to his later years as a sportsman extraordinaire. John served on our board as a president. For years he and Pat opened up their home to us to use as a meeting place for our board of directors. He spent countless hours searching for deals on fishing tackle for our annual raffle. Day after day he worked to create works of art for our silent auction. How many of us are better anglers because he worked with us on our double haul or steeple cast. His flies, which we enthusiastically threw at fish, were themselves works of art. I know I have some of them framed, but I’m pretty sure John would say “fish em” if he could.
I mentioned that he was a gifted sportsman. He was skilled in all aspects of pursuing whatever game he was after, and yet I never heard him boast or exaggerate. If he said he caught a five pound trout, you were sure it was within ounces of 5 pounds. If he said he caught it on 7x tippet and a size 20 baetis, and cast 40 feet into a strong headwind, you could take that to the bank. He was self-deprecating, and preferred to let others laud his exploits.
In an age when many think it comical to commiserate about how unreasonable a spouse or significant other could be, John never disrespected his Pat. It was obvious she was his highest priority, and he always treated her thusly.
I can’t speak for our whole assembly, but for myself, I never saw John lose his temper. I don’t think I ever even saw him angry. Or intoxicated. Calm, composed, compassionate. That’s how I remember John.
What a balm, in this era of self-aggrandation, to spend time with someone to whom character meant so much. Not the kind of character that makes excuses to justify whatever selfish motives a person might have, but the kind of character that it takes to always be kind, to excuse others their faults, to stand up for those weaker, and always place others before themselves.
I count myself lucky, to be a member of this club, to have been able to associate myself with men and women like John & Pat. There is, after all, a reason we renamed the Dame Julianna award after John. He has impacted each and every one of us, in a positive way.
That was John’s greatest gift. To make us want to be more like him.
Kevin Murdock’s tribute to John Steel at John’s Celebration of Life.
Thanking those members who have mailed in dues and donations renewals for next year. We have collected over $5,500 to date exceeding last years November collections..Online renewals now exceed 75% of all renewals. Please call,text, or email me should you have any renewal questions, or concerns. Dues are due by 12/31…Robert6367@aol.com/831-251-8655
A number of items were found by the Aptos Grange manager on Thursday. There was a pile of new-ish fishing tackle left by the entry. If you are missing some nice gear, call or text me and identify the items so we can get them back to you.
Nov 02 6:30 PM : Capt. Maury Hatch ~ Fly Fishing for Striped Bass in Northern California
Maury has been fly fishing the western United States and Mexico for 40+ years. After honing his skills with trout, he hooked his first striped bass in 1995, and has been chasing, catching, and releasing stripers ever since. As a Captain, he guides both out of the San Joaquin Delta in a center console bay boat in the fall and spring, and then on a jet sled on the Feather and the American Rivers in the summer for Stripers and Small Mouth Bass. All trips include top of the line equipment as well as custom tied flies. He is the sales rep for Costa Sunglasses in Northern California as well as an ambassador-level pro staffer for the following products: Simms clothing, Sage rods, RIO lines, Galvan reels and Camp Chef Grill and BBQ products.Maurey will be providing a summary of his 35-year addiction to the pursuit of striped bass on the fly rod in Northern California.
Join us in person at the Aptos Grange or by Zoom. (link is on club’s website main menu. Zoom -> Club Meeting).
Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean we all pack away our gear, there are still a lot of opportunities out there to enjoy. Take a look at this neat stuff we have this month. This month lucky winners have chance to win a “Salmon Fly” Spey rod, a choice between two heavy-duty Adamsbuilt bags, and a Maxcatch fly fishing vest.
The ticket sales are open and close at noon the day of the meeting (11/2).
Tickets are a dollar each, $20 bucks get you 25. The drawing of tickets will take place at the monthly meeting. Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.
This President’s line is a tough one. I’m writing like this because I’ve been sitting here at my desk wondering what to write, how to start, for over half an hour. I’ve been thinking about this all week and how do I write it down for you, for me, for anybody.
The Santa Cruz Fly Fishermen, now Santa Cruz Fly Fishing, has been around for 45 years. No one thinks of that when they join, not that anyone should join because of its age. I certainly didn’t. My wife had a client who told her about the club, who told me, and since I was new to fly fishing in 1992, and I really wanted to learn more, learn to tie flies, cast better, know where to go at any given time of the year, I went to a club meeting.
I remember what I loved right away was how everyone was talking to each other; how easy it was to talk to anyone and tell them where exactly I was as a beginner. There were no “airs” as we often see in other settings. I was not only welcome but introduced to other people at the meeting simply because I was new and they all wanted to help. I don’t even know who the speaker was, or the raffle. But I do remember meeting Kathy Powers, John Steele, Tom McMillan and George Peterson. Today I still see this happening at every club meeting. I’ll say, it is also the very reason it is so difficult to start the “official” meeting part on time. Everyone is literally talking to each other about everything related to fly fishing – for the most part and I feel bad interrupting genuinely good conversations. And as embarrassing as it might be for some, I love the introduction of guests, new members and who’s been fishing, where… I still remember when I first stood up as a new member and how welcome I felt.
Kathy Powers encouraged me to get involved with the club, and within a few months I was going to be the clubs Conservation Chair the following year. It has been 30 years.
At the time, when newsletters were printed and mailed, SCFF was known for having the best newsletter in all the northern CA clubs. I thought that was the coolest thing on the planet. Pat Steele, and Elaine Cook were responsible for collecting all the data putting it in print, getting it mailed. For 29 years Pat Steele edited and published the newsletter, and when the internet came along, figured out how to put the website together and publish the newsletter to the website where we all had a chance to read it. She was also my best editor. The best letter I’ve ever received from anyone was Pat’s letter as I completed my first stint as President.
I’d say, on the side-lines, but it was characteristically more of a stealthy quiet thing, John Steele was there. President of our club the year I arrived. I realize John was younger than I am now when I first met him. And to think some of you still call me “kid”.
It was probably natural for John to be the President at that time, because along with his wife, he was actively involved with many parts of fly-fishing, and his other love – duck hunting. At that time, still working as a pharmacist here in Santa Cruz, raising two young adult children. John ran the rod-building class, organized, and encouraged people to go on a number of fish-outs – most notably the Green River for 30 years and a pile of Alaska trips. When he wasn’t doing that, with all of George Peterson’s walnut gunstock scraps, John was busy making shadowbox frames for fly displays, Regal vise holders and tool holders, fly-tying tables. John would make this beautiful large trout windchimes, wood carvings, fish, quail, frames, and stained glass. He’d take ordinary Sage blanks and turn them into works of art, especially the scrimshaw carvings, one of which I am a treasured recipient. And for as many years, taking a full bedroom in their house to store all the fly-fishing gear we would amass every year for the Annual Dinner Fundraiser. Spending his own time, buying things you would want, finding the best prices and the very best products for the benefit of everyone in SCFF. The silent auction was likely the largest contributor of finances during the Annual Dinner, most of which had something hand-made by John Steele. And if you ever asked John about fly-fishing, fly-tying, where to go, how, when… if John didn’t know the answer, he would take you to the person you could talk to, introduce you and make sure you were well on your way.
The formerly known Dame Juliana-Berners award for the person making the biggest difference in your fly-fishing experiences every year, became appropriately the John Steele Award.
In retirement, John and Pat made a pact to travel somewhere (most often involving fly-fishing) as often as humanly possible. And they did. Alaska, the Green River, Montana, Wyoming, the North & South Atlantic, the South Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico – East and West. Salmon, Trout, Bonefish, Redfish, Snook, you name it – there is a photo of John and Pat – together usually with fish. And after all that, dove, pheasant, duck season.
More than 57 years, married to the love of his life, his “cat”, glued to the hip. They did everything together and loved it! Especially fishing.
John died, again, this past Sunday. Yes, again. Some 22 years ago, John suffered a heart-attack and died. He and Pat were home, John in his easy chair – gone. Pat was in the other room for several minutes before discovering why John didn’t answer. The ability for him to come back was in part because Pat and John live less than 2 minutes from the fire department. John had been gone for quite some time.
When John got better after the first incident, he jumped right back into fishing, hunting, crafting…, giving. He got healthy. Then he ran the club and became President – again! He and Pat traveled, hosted the Board Meetings at their house for years, chock full of goodies to eat, dogs and cats, until the C-word stopped it. And travel they did.
This last time, John didn’t come back. He passed peacefully. Selfishly, because we loved him so very much, we’re kind of upset, sad, heartbroken, and grateful for all he meant to us – a tiny portion mentioned here. A celebration of John’s life is planned for November13th, at 1:00 PM, at Chaminade.
30 years. Half of my life. More than two-thirds as long as the club has been around. How did that happen? It wasn’t until this week I thought of it this way, knowing so many of you half of my life and some of the best parts of it. You join this club and it’s like Hotel California – you can check out, but you can never leave!
Don’t be afraid to get involved. It will change your life. You will find introductions turn into friends, turn into family.
This fly is almost guaranteed to catch steelhead in our local waters during early season, which is right around the corner. As always the class is free and materials provided except for thread. The thread this month is black 8/0 and any fluorescent orange, but only bring it if you have it. There will be plenty available for everyone at the class. Beginners are always welcome and there will be devices and tools available as well as threads. Sign ups are important so that enough material is available for all. You can sign up at the club meeting or call me with at least 24 hours notice . 831-688-1561
Chironomid’s are more commonly called midges. They are the most abundant food source for trout and can be found in any freshwater , but most abundant in still water. They are available to trout year-round. This pattern simulates a midge in its pupa stage which is between larva and adult. Best fished under an indicator. HOOK: TMC 200, Dai-Riki 270, Daiichi 1270. Sizes 12-18.
Crimp Barb. THREAD: Black 6/0.
Attach behind hook eye. Touching wraps to 2 eye lengths behind eye. NOTE: frequently spin bobbin counter clockwise to keep thread flat. TAIL and GILLS: White High-Vis or Darlon or similar. (Same material for both. Gills in front of hook, tail in rear, )
Separate fibers with bodkin. Use about 15 to 20 strands. Lay bundle on top of shank extending about hook shank length beyond eye. Tie in place with touching wraps back to slightly past rear of shank. Cut bundle about hook shank length beyond rear of hook. BODY: red Flashabou under red vinyl D-Rib (choose size to match size of hook). OR. Pearl Flashabou under amber vinyl D-Rib.
Attach Flashabou extending to the rear. Thread wraps 2 eye lengths forward. Cut piece of D-Rib 3” long. Cut one end at an angle. Position D-Rib, flat side down, extending to rear, and point where thread hangs. Tie in with snug touching wraps back to tail. Advance thread forward in one wrap to the D-Rib tie in. Using touching thread wraps, wrap forward to gill tie in, then back to the D-Rib tie in, then forward to gill tie in again. This will form a body with uniform thickness. Wrap Flashabou forward with touching or overlapping wraps to cover thread. Tie off cut access. Make one half hitch. While gently pulling on the rib material, make first wrap behind prior wraps then forward with touching wraps to gill tie in. Tie off cut access. THORAX: peacock herl.
Divide gill fibers and pull out to each side of shank. Make criss cross thread wraps to hold in place. Using 1-3 pieces of herl depending on size of hook, pull off fragile tips. Tie tips in behind gills. Make dubbing loop, insert hurl, then twist to make chenille. Advance thread to behind eye. Wrap chenille behind and in front of gills. Tie off, cut excess. Wrap small thread head. Whip finish, cut thread. Cut out a few tail fibers. Trim gills and tail. (See photo)
Just over a year ago, a small dam on Mill Creek near Bonny Doon was removed (see my article in the June 2021 newsletter https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SCFF_June_2021.pdf). One of the expected outcomes was to expand and improve spawning habitat for fish. Now, scientists have reported some unexpected good news. Twelve juvenile steelhead and 15 coho fry have been found in the creek. It is the first time coho have been found in the creek. Though it is early in the recovery process and more work to be done—like removing invasive plant species and placement of large woody debris—this is encouraging news, no doubt.
For more interesting details on this article, see the following websites:
An interesting recent article from FISHBIO discussed a study performed by the National Marine Fisheries Services on the migration of steelhead from the Carmel River up into Los Padres Reservoir and and their return out of the reservoir and downstream toward the ocean.The data obtained from the experiment supports the concept that fishways at dams dams present what they call ecological traps.The article describes ecological traps:“Animals expressing instinctual behaviors that put them at disadvantage in an altered environment is referred to as an ecological trap.”The goal of the study was to determine the how many fish made it back out of the reservoir on their way out to the ocean. There are two routes for the fish to make it out:over the spillway (when there is enough water) and through a bypass.Both adult and juvenile steelhead preferred the spillway by a significant margin and that very low percentage offish make it back down to an antenna 8.7 miles downstream.The scientists concluded that the dam significantly impairs downstream passage and the fishway is creating an ecological trap.I encourage you to read the full article….it’s not long and and is quite interesting.FISHBIO has an office in Santa Cruz.
You can also make your own arrangements either by bringing your own RV (Pyramid Lake Lodge has hook-ups and sells permits to park on the any of the beaches along the lake) or staying in Reno. Reno is 45 minutes away. Call Pyramid Lake Lodge to inquire about last minute cancellations in their cabins as well (775) 476-0400 and check out their website to see what the cabins look like at 
If you have any questions about equipment or how to get there, check the “Gearing up” columns in the March 2007-2009 archives on our great club website, or call Mike White at (831) 706-5556. 
