| Here are the correct answers: HOOK REEL FLY LINE | If you got all four correctly you get to go fishing. If not, go directly to the fly casting lessons and be taught by Tom Hogye our Fly Casting Master! |
Posted on October 26th, 2023
From Club Member, Brad Elliot:
If you want to have a fun and enjoyable trout fishing experience, signup for the next Mammoth Fishout. John and Elaine Cook host this wonderful experience. They have been fishing this area for many years and know all the places to go, flies to use etc. etc. This was my second year in this gorgeous area in the fall of the eastern Sierras. I am an avid float tuber and my buddy Mike Lovejoy and I enjoyed some wonderful days on the beautiful mountain lakes catching rainbows up to 20″. What fun! The food and conversation over cocktails in the evening just add to the great fishing during the day.
From Fish Master, John Cook:
Elaine and I have been doing this for many many years, more like decades, and each year we find it entirely different than the last. The variables include personalities, the weather, fishing conditions, water levels, Crowley conditions, hatches etc. etc. etc. Even after all this time we love it and look forward to the next. And the best thing is, we always make some new friends. Hope you will be one of the anticipatory fishermen in 2024.
From Club Member, Scott Kitayama
Third year of going on the Mammoth fishing trip. My first two trips were primarily fishing lakes since the fishing was good, and the streams didn’t have much water. This year was exactly the opposite, the lakes were unfishable or I didn’t have much luck in them. However, the stream such as San Joaquin, Owens, Hot creek, McGee were all in good shape, and I had the chance to fish them with dry flies with John/Elaine Cook and Bob Garbarino . The weather was beautiful, Mammoth scenery is gorgeous, and small fish were willing to come up for flies. All in all it was a good trip and helped me learn how to be a better dry, fly fisherman.
Posted on October 26th, 2023
It was a lot cooler at 6 am this morning than it is now on Saturday afternoon 10/7. But the catching wasn’t so hot (that’s why no perch pictures), except for Josh Wilkens arrived earliest and who caught that impressive Bat Ray that is already pictured on our website.
We had Will Murphy, Jerry McKeon, Matt Bohn, and Tommy Polito in addition to Josh out there and it was followed by a GREAT breakfast at Mike Lovejoy’s home, where we were also joined by our President, Scott. In the future, don’t miss “Breakfast at Lovejoy’s”.
What a great club we have. Today there are members fishing up at Mammoth, fishing today at the beach and spey cast lessons going on!
Posted on October 26th, 2023
The newsletter provides brief fishout info. For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule
| EVENT NAME | EVENT DATE | SPECIES | FISH MASTER |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Fishout Round-Up | Dec 01 - Dec 02 | FISH | Club Members |
| Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Date Postponed High Water | Mar 15 - Mar 17 | Trout | Alex Ferber |
| Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info | Apr 01 - Apr 07 | Lahontan Cutthroat Trout | Mike White - (831) 706-5556 |
| Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) | Apr 20 | Bass, crappie, bluegill | Scott Kitayama |
| Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout | May 04 | Surf Perch / Striped Bass | Lance B. |
Posted on October 26th, 2023
followed by
557 1/2 LAKEVIEW RD. , WATSONVILLE
ANNUAL. FUND RAISER COORDINATOR: DAVID SOUTH (831)713-5866 (831)234-0196
DINNER TICKETS: Are $40 and have already sold out..
VOLUNTEERS: Many long-term club members say that the best part of our event is the time volunteering, and working with others to put the whole event together. Contact Elaine Cook at (831)231-6515 or (831)-251-4741, or coookin@gmail.com (no text please) to find out how you can best help.
DONATIONS: Our club would be grateful for donations to be used as raffle prizes at our annual fundraiser. Examples: flies you have tied, other handcrafted items, business services, personal services such as fly-tying lessons, casting lessons, etc. If you have such a contribution, please contact our annual raffle coordinator Rick Chace, at (831)234-9200.
RAFFLE TICKETS: Can be purchased online when buying your dinner ticket (which will be issued at the door),or at our event. Two door prizes of 50 raffle tickets will be awarded, which should increase your chances of winning. There will be silent auction items as well.
ABOUT THE ROD AND GUN CLUB: it’s located in a rural setting overlooking Kelley lake. The parking lot is gravel so not a problem if it’s raining. Their insurance doesn’t permit us to bring alcohol. However, there is a cash bar where drinks and sodas can be purchased.
SO ALL IN ALL, COME SUPPORT YOUR CLUB, AND DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN.
Ticket purchasers : (as of Jan 25, 1:00 pm)
Asterisk means that the person paid by cash or check. Did not purchase through website.
Pajaro Valley Rod & Gun club is located 14 miles south of the Aptos Grange.
Posted on October 26th, 2023
Next years dues for 2024 can be paid online now @ santacruzflyfishing.org/membership. 25% of our 225 members have already renewed online and the response has exceeded last year with online renewals.
Dues can also be paid @ the Nov and Dec meetings and by check mailed to SCFF, PO Box 2008, Santa Cruz, Cal 95063
Posted on October 26th, 2023
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 18 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | Volunteer With Trout Unlimited at Little Arthur Creek | SCFF volunteers will be helping Trout Unlimited remove a barrier to steelhead spawning habitat on Little Arthur Creek in the Pajaro River watershed. We currently have enough volunteers planning to help, but cancellations are possible. Contact Bob Garbarino if you are interested. rjgarbarino@gmail.com or 831-247-2045 | |
| Nov 18 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Nov 19 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Volunteer for Salinas River Cleanup, Sunday November 19th. | Join the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers for the annual clean up of the Salinas River fishing access. The event will be on Sunday November 19th starting at 9:00 am. Greg Smith is the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers representative for this event. Wear clothing for the weather of that day and if you can, bring gloves and a three prong hoe, as it’s the best tool. Directions:
| |
| Nov 19 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Volunteer for Salinas River Cleanup, Sunday November 19th. | Join the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers for the annual clean up of the Salinas River fishing access. The event will be on Sunday November 19th starting at 9:00 am. Greg Smith is the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers representative for this event. Wear clothing for the weather of that day and if you can, bring gloves and a three prong hoe, as it’s the best tool. Directions:
|
Posted on October 26th, 2023
Two conservation organizations our club supports with annual donations—Alameda Creek Alliance and Caltrout—are working on a project to increase the habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead on Alameda Creek. The goal of this project is to provide fish access to an additional 20 miles of the Alameda Creek watershed, into and above Sunol Regional Park. The obstacle to be addressed is a protective concrete pad over a main PG&E gas pipeline near the 680 freeway in Sunol Valley. The concrete crosses Alameda Creek at a level that blocks fish passage except during high streamflow events. The plan is to lower the pipeline 17 feet below the stream bed. Caltrout will be providing their resources to spearhead the project, and will lead stream monitoring after the obstacle is removed. This work builds on many projects on Alameda Creek over the years that resulted in Chinook salmon and steelhead being able to swim up into Niles Canyon in 2022—the first time in 50 years. Thank you SCFF club members for your support that enables us to pass along our success to organizations like Alameda Creek Alliance and Caltrout. To learn more about this, go to: http://www.alamedacreek.org/newsroom/pdf/media%20articles/2023/Cal%20Trout%209-18-23.pdf
Posted on October 26th, 2023
Midges are the most abundant food for trout. During the winter, it is their main source of food. They come in a great variety of sizes and colors. This pattern simulate the midge pupa stage, therefore is fish subsurface. The bead usually represents the air bubble that brings them to the surface to hatch out. These two particular patterns are very commonly used and are very effective. Their size has nothing to do with the size fish they catch.
HOOK: TMC 2457 or similar scud hook Sizes 16-22
Crimp barb.
BEAD: silver for zebra midge, gold for tiger midge. Use size chart online for comparison of hook size to bed size.
Feed bead onto hook, small opening first.
THREAD: black 6/0, 8/0 or 12/0 depending on size of hook.
Attach behind bead. Touching wraps to part way around bend of hook (see picture). Wrap back to bead.
RIB: silver for zebra midge, gold for tiger midge. Size medium, small, or fine, depending on size of hook.
Place on near side of hook shank, wrap in place back to rear thread wraps. make two thread wraps behind rib.
BODY: thread as above
At this point in going forward, spin bobbin counter clockwise to make thread lie flat. Wrap forward, beginning in front of wire up to bead with touching wraps. Wrap thread backward 3/4 of shank then forward to bead again. Then halfway back, then 1/4 back leaving thread, hanging behind bead.
RIB (continued) spiral wrap forward in about five wraps, each getting slightly further apart than the last. Tie off with several wraps behind wire and several in front of wire then one behind wire and one in front of wire. Twist wire in awinterhelicopter type motion to cut. Never use good scissors.
FINISH: make multiple thread wraps behind bead and covering tied off wire rib. Whip finish. Cut thread. Apply glue. Coat body with UV resin, or glue, or sally Hansen hard as nails.
Posted on October 26th, 2023
Our fly this month was originated by Jay Fair many years ago, and he’s considered one of the best stillwater fly fisherman there has been in Northern California. He passed away a number of years ago, but his flies and the materials that he developed are sought after even today. This is an easy fly to tie and is thought to be one of the most effective lake and pond fly patterns around. As always, the class is free and materials provided. If you have a black, six ought thread, please bring it, some will be available for beginners. You beginners ought to plan on attending this class, and tools and vises are available for you to use. Kathy Powers will be conducting the class this month. She is one of the most skilled fly tires we have in the club and loves to share her knowledge and skills with others. Signing up for the class, which is needed, can be done at the November club meeting or by calling Kathy at 831-316-2451 or myself, Elaine, at 831-234-6515 and no latter than 24 hours before the class.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Dec 13 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Trout Nugget - December Fly Tying Class | All club members are welcome! |
| Jan 10 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Trout Nugget - January Fly Tying Class | All club members are welcome! |
 | Feb 14 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | The Booby Fly - feb 24 | 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.
|
 | Mar 16 - Mar 17 10:00 am - 3:00 pm | March Poppers Class! -2024 | 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 |
 | Apr 10 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | AP nymph | Looking ahead we will be tying a nymph that has been around for a long long time. It’s a great fly for beginners. |
Posted on October 26th, 2023
Thankful that:
and
Happy Thanksgiving,
Scott Kitayama
Posted on October 26th, 2023
Rods/Reels: We will be giving away TWO! Rod/reel packages to our lucky ticket holders. Both packages are V-Access SK carbon 9 ft 4 section rods, choice of either 7wt or 5wt.
Net: Take a look at this long handle, long oval laminated wooden landing net. Nearly 3 feet in length, this net, with a clear fish friendly vinyl basket.
Fish Whistle: The Fish Whistle is the perfect addition to any trip that succeeds greater than all expectations or for that occasional adventure that does not turn out quite so well.
Raffle tickets are a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25. Click on the following link to purchase your lucky tickets.
The online ticket sales office will close at noon on Wednesday the day of the meeting. The drawing will take place at the monthly meeting (11/1/23) held at the Aptos Grange. Club membership not required to participate, need not be present to win.
Posted on October 26th, 2023
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939
Conway X Bowman is a USCG-licensed captain who pioneered fly fishing for Mako sharks over 27 years ago. has fly fished and guided around the globe from the jungles of Thailand to the remote lakes and rivers of Alaska.
Conway is regarded as one of the top fly fishing guides and anglers in the world. His pioneering of not only Mako sharks on the fly, but also West Coast saltwater fly fishing has been featured in many books, and he is the author of The Orvis Guide to Saltwater Fly fishing: 101 tips for the Absolute Beginner. Conway resides in the coastal town of Encinitas, California, with his marine biologist wife, Michelle, and their boys Maximillian and Jackson.
Conway will be joining the club virtually to speak about fly fishing for Mako Sharks just off the coast of San Diego.
| Monthly Speaker | Date | Excerpt |
|---|
Posted on October 26th, 2023
General Meeting……………………
Conway Bowman ~ Fly Fishing for Mako Sharks
November Raffle……………………
President’s Line……………………
Fly Tying……………………
November Class: Wiggle Worm
Fly of the Month: Tiger & Zebra Midges
Conservation Concerns……………
SCFF Supports Organizations That Make a Difference
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – November
2024 membership renewals
2024 Annual Dinner & Fundraiser
Fishout Schedule…………………
Gone Fishing…………………
Last Surf Fishout of 2023
Thoughts on Mammoth
Cartoon ……………………
Solution to last month’s puzzle
Posted on October 26th, 2023
General Meeting……………………
Fly Fishing Film Tour Part 2
October Raffle……………………
President’s Line……………………
Fly Tying……………………
October Class: October Caddis
Fly of the Month: Scintilla Bubble
Conservation Concerns……………
Fly Fishing Conservation Best Practices
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – October
2024 membership renewals can be done online
Fishout Schedule…………………
Gone Fishing…………………
Upper Sac Fishout
Cartoon ……………………
A puzzle instead of a cartoon this month!
Posted on September 26th, 2023
The fishout on the upper Sac was from Sept 8th – 10th. Members stayed at the Sims Flat campground and in Dunsmuir. The days were warm, but in the early morning, you could feel fall in the air and the stream water temperature had cooled down. According to fish master, Alex Ferber, the upper Sac can be a fickle stream and the fishing was tough. Fish were mainly caught nymphing though there were dry fly opportunities in the evening.
New members that took advantage of the fishout included: Alex F, Scott A, Robert H, Clark C. Other members included: Scott C, Greg F, Bob G and Scott K.
Posted on September 26th, 2023
The newsletter provides brief fishout info. For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule
| EVENT NAME | EVENT DATE | SPECIES | FISH MASTER |
|---|---|---|---|
| October surf fishout – Beer Can | Oct 07 | perch, stripers | Sam Bishop - Fishing; Mike Lovejoy - Breakfast |
| Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) – CONFIRMED Oct 14 | Oct 14 | Bass, crappie, bluegill | Scott Kitayama |
| O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout | Oct 19 - Oct 22 | Striped Bass | Kevin Murdock |
| 2023 Fishout Round-Up | Dec 01 - Dec 02 | FISH | Club Members |
| Upper Sacramento River Fishout (Dunsmuir) Date Postponed High Water | Mar 15 - Mar 17 | Trout | Alex Ferber |
| Pyramid Lake Fish-out April 1 – April 7, 2024 – New Info | Apr 01 - Apr 07 | Lahontan Cutthroat Trout | Mike White - (831) 706-5556 |
| Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) | Apr 20 | Bass, crappie, bluegill | Scott Kitayama |
| Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout | May 04 | Surf Perch / Striped Bass | Lance B. |
Posted on September 26th, 2023
Since January 2023, we have 38 new members join averaging over 4 new members a month for a total of 221 members.
This amounts to a 20% increase in membership and going forward this creates an opportunity and challenge to bring new members ideas and new ways to provide ways to adapt to changing environments. As new members, please feel free to provide any suggestions to our Board members, Board President Scott Kitayama 650-279-5871 or myself Bob Peterson 831-251-8655
Posted on September 26th, 2023
Update on 2024 membership dues renewal can now be done online @santacruzflyfishing.org/membership.
Dues can also be paid at the October/November/December monthly meetings or can Mail in a check to SCFF
PO Box 2008, Santa Cruz 95063. Dues are $40 for single/ $60/family/ $20 for Jr. New members who joined
after July 1, 2023 do not need to renew.
Posted on September 26th, 2023
Date: October 11
Time: Doors open @ 6:15. Class @6:30
Place: Aptos Grange Hall
Posted onAs the name implies, the October caddis is an insect that hatches out during October. It is particularly prolific on the upper Sacramento River. But can be found in many other places including the Merced River just outside Yosemite. If you are a beginner, you are definitely welcome and vices and tools will be available for you to use. The classes are free and materials provided. Students are encouraged to bring orange 6/0 thread or 120 denier. Thread will be available for beginners, please note if you don’t have orange thread, bring a white or light colored thread and we can use a sharpie to color it. Sign ups are important so that enough material is available for all that attend. Sign up at a club meeting or call Elaine at 831-688-1561. Please allow 24 hours advance notice.
Posted on September 26th, 2023
A few years ago, I posted an article in the newsletter with science-based conservation tips for fly anglers at: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/tag/november-2021/#post-3950. With the trend toward increased in angling pressure, drought and higher temperatures, I thought it would be a good time to revisit this subject. I found an article on the Fly Fishers International website that presents some great principles and practices for individual anglers that can help increase the survival rate of fish. Many of these were found in my previous article, but are certainly worth repeating. I must admit I haven’t always adhered to all these best practices, but I’m trying to be aware of them and become a better conservation-minded angler.
Fly Fishing Practices
Practice catch and release to help sustain and manage the fishery. This is especially important with all the challenges fish face. Land fish quickly. The longer the fish is played the more exhausted and stressed it becomes. Keep fish in the water. When removing the fly, keep the fish in the water so it can keep breathing. This is usually easier with a aid of a net.
Handle fish with care. Wet the fish and support it horizontally with both hands. Try not to squeeze too hard. This can be difficult when trying to control a slippery, lively fish. Avoid suspending the fish by its lip. Use barbless or crimped-barb hooks as they are easier/quicker to remove with less harm to the fish. It’s easier to remove a barbless hook from your body and clothing too!. A hemostat or other hook removal tool can be useful. If the fly is deep in the fish, cut the line off close to the fly as possible. When photographing fish, minimize time out of the water. Keep the fish in the water until the photographer says they are ready. When releasing, if the fish appears sluggish, gently hold it in the stream with its head facing into the current until it is ready to swim off. Carry a stream thermometer. When fishing for cold water fish—like trout—don’t fish when the water temperature approaches 70 degrees F.
Fly Fishing Gear and Flies
Use appropriate sized rod, reel, line and tippet that will allow landing your target species as quick as possible. Carry an effective hook removal tool. Use a rubber net whenever possible to help minimize damage to the fish’s skin and gills. Always use barbless or crimped barb hooks.
Protecting Fish, Water and Environment
Eliminate lead from the environment—BB weights and wire wrap for flies. Make sure you clean and dry (or other practical and effective method) equipment that contacts water when moving to a different watershed—especially when a body of water is known to have invasive critters like quagga mussels or New Zealand Mudsnails. Check local regulations for wading boot restrictions—felt soles are not permitted in some waters. Pack out all your trash, including tippet. Avoid stepping on spawning beds and redds. Don’t target actively spawning fish. Try to practice “leave no trace”.
For more details on this subject, go to: https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/Conservation/Ethos/Responsible-Fishing-Practices
Posted on September 26th, 2023
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 07 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Intro to Spey Casting - Part 1 Jade Park | Spey Casting clinic will be Saturday’s October 7,14 and 21. Spey Casting is a style of presenting a fly in a down and across manner ( aka Swinging Flies)It utilizes special lines and facilitates casting in tight quarters.It enables one to use sinking lines and throwing larger flies with ease. It’s a technique used in fishing for Salmon, tout and Steelhead. It’ also has been used for Striped Bass and Shad. The first class would be ideal for those who have never casted a 2 handed rod. We will be learning the basics of casting and I will talk about the lines and their applications. It will be at the Jade St Park from 2-4 pm. We will meet on the lawn next to the Soccer field, space permitting. I will supply rods. Right now I have 2 people interested. I have enough rods for 6 folks.
| Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Oct 12 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Google Groups Tech Help Session | Chris Seavers will hold a Zoom session to help you become familiar with the Google Groups interface and how to customize your experience. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939
| |
| Oct 14 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Intro to Spey Casting - Part 2 San Lorenzo River | Spey Casting clinic will be Saturday’s October 7,14 and 21. Spey Casting is a style of presenting a fly in a down and across manner ( aka Swinging Flies)It utilizes special lines and facilitates casting in tight quarters. It enables one to use sinking lines and throwing larger flies with ease. It’s a technique used in fishing for Salmon, tout and Steelhead. It’ also has been used for Striped Bass and Shad. The second class will be on the San Lorenzo River.
-Click the title link to read more-
| |
| Oct 21 7:30 am - 11:00 am | CANCELLED - Clinic for Forebay beginners - Oct. 21st | Going to have a clinic for club members who have fished from a float tube before, but have not fished the Forebay for Stripers. To get in the class, you MUST contact scottkitayama@gmail.com. Class will be limited to about 10 people and I am also inviting some people from the Salinas Valley fish club. | |
| Oct 21 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Oct 21 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Intro to Spey Casting - Part 3 TBD | Spey Casting clinic will be Saturday’s October 7,14 and 21. Spey Casting is a style of presenting a fly in a down and across manner ( aka Swinging Flies)It utilizes special lines and facilitates casting in tight quarters.It enables one to use sinking lines and throwing larger flies with ease. It’s a technique used in fishing for Salmon, tout and Steelhead. It’ also has been used for Striped Bass and Shad. The 3rd class is scheduled for October 21, but it’s not the optimal tide, so I will discuss it with the class to see what they would like to do.
-Click the title link to read more-
| |
| Nov 18 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | Volunteer With Trout Unlimited at Little Arthur Creek | SCFF volunteers will be helping Trout Unlimited remove a barrier to steelhead spawning habitat on Little Arthur Creek in the Pajaro River watershed. We currently have enough volunteers planning to help, but cancellations are possible. Contact Bob Garbarino if you are interested. rjgarbarino@gmail.com or 831-247-2045 | |
| Nov 18 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Nov 19 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Volunteer for Salinas River Cleanup, Sunday November 19th. | Join the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers for the annual clean up of the Salinas River fishing access. The event will be on Sunday November 19th starting at 9:00 am. Greg Smith is the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers representative for this event. Wear clothing for the weather of that day and if you can, bring gloves and a three prong hoe, as it’s the best tool. Directions:
| |
| Nov 19 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Volunteer for Salinas River Cleanup, Sunday November 19th. | Join the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers for the annual clean up of the Salinas River fishing access. The event will be on Sunday November 19th starting at 9:00 am. Greg Smith is the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers representative for this event. Wear clothing for the weather of that day and if you can, bring gloves and a three prong hoe, as it’s the best tool. Directions:
|
Posted on September 26th, 2023
When I think of fly fishing, my mind often conjures up the iconic image from “A River Runs Through It”: the elegant overhead casting of a dry fly in the middle of a picturesque river. However, upon joining the Santa Cruz club about five years ago, I was surprised to discover that river fishouts had become a rarity. I was told that these outings used to be more common, but as time passed, the interest dwindled, and the club aged. Recently, we’ve experienced an influx of new members, and with their arrival, several new river fishouts have been organized. I’ve just returned from one on the upper Sac, and I’m reminded of the beauty and serenity of wading in a river.
Wading is good for your soul if you have good soles
Imagine my shock when I found the rocks in the upper Sac to be exceptionally slippery. For the past three years, I’ve relied on Vibram-sole wading boots for my angling adventures on rivers like the Stanislaus, Truckee, Putah, Firehole, and San Lorenzo with little trouble. However, during our upper Sac fishout, seven club members, all wearing Vibram-soled boots, took unexpected dips into the river. The following day, I replaced my Vibram soles with felt, and the difference in traction was remarkable. I was taken aback by the discrepancy, especially since fishing gear advertisements and videos often promote rubber soles as the modern choice, portraying felt soles as outdated. While there are places that ban felt soles due to environmental concerns, California isn’t one of them, and we frequently encounter slippery algae and granite here. I strongly urge you to prioritize the best traction boots available when wading. Below is a chart I sourced from Korkers’ website, illustrating the types of soles and their effectiveness on various surfaces.
Remember, traction matters, as does balance
My earliest fly fishing experiences were on streams where I could quickly move along the banks of small mountain creeks. However, the upper Sac fishout was a stark reminder that stream fishing can be more challenging than I recall. It’s not merely a lapse in memory; walking on streams becomes increasingly challenging with age. I’ve attached a graph depicting a simple balance test and its correlation with “perceived age.” As you can see, there’s a notable decline after reaching 40 years of age.
Now, I’m no expert in wade fishing, so if you require detailed information about equipment, you can seek advice from the club via Google Groups or visit a fly fishing shop for proper gear setup. However, here are some safety items I personally use: a wading belt, a wading staff, a whistle, a walkie-talkie, a cell phone, and a fishing partner.
My ultimate advice: don’t wait
This is counsel I’m personally taking to heart. My plan is to embark on more river fishing trips and maintain my physical fitness. Hopefully, I’ll continue to enjoy fishing from a boat or float tube when wading becomes more challenging. And for our younger club members, I encourage you to seize your “River Runs Through It” experience as soon as possible.
Wishing you great fishing adventures this October,
Scott Kitayama President, Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club
Posted on September 26th, 2023
The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club presents the Part 2 of Fly Fishing Film Tours 2023 film line up at the Aptos Grange during the October general meeting. We want this to be a fun and exciting event and as a way of recruiting new club members. Please invite friends to come and watch the movie with you. No food and or drinks during the movie since we cannot have them in the main room of the Grange. However, we will have time after the film to visit and snack in the side room. We will have sodas and water for sale, if you want anything else, you need to bring it.
17th annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T)
The 2023 show will feature locations from Cuba to Patagonia, Mexico to Australia, Alaska, Wyoming, the Deep South, Massachusetts and beyond. Experience the achievement of a permit slam, follow one man’s journey from Mexico to the waters of Wyoming, explore the best international waters and compete for the legendary belt buckle. Join us for a journey of adventure, friendship and the best fly fishing action.
The F3T is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Come for the action and stay for the giveaways and camaraderie that will feed your fishing addiction.
More info: https://flyfilmtour.com
Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
| Monthly Speaker | Date | Excerpt |
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Posted on September 26th, 2023
While some parts of the country see the Autumn as a time to stow the fishing gear and prepare for the long dark winter, we are blessed with some of the best fishing of the season. Think Stripers, steelhead, Pyramid giants just to name a few, then add quiet uncrowded Sierra streams to make us realize how fortunate we are.
That being said, how about some great raffle prizes?
This month we have a pair of Costa sunglasses, a heavy-duty folding camping chair or a choice of TWO V-access Rod & Reel Packages (9′ 8wt w/ arbor VII Reel or 8’6″ 4wt w/ 06N CNC Reel).
Don’t miss out, buy your lucky raffle tickets.
Raffle tickets cost a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25. Click on the following link to purchase your lucky raffle tickets:
https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/raffle-prizes/
The online raffle ticket sales office will close at noon on Wednesday the day of the monthly meeting (10/4/23). Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.
The prize drawing will take place at the regular meeting.
Posted on September 26th, 2023
This fly imitates a midge sending to the surface. The air bubble (bead) is making the ascension possible. Midges hatch throughout the year and most still waters and moving waters. It’s best finished using an indicator. Take this fly, and the October caddis that will be taught at the flytying class to the upper Sacramento and McLeod rivers in late October to mid November.
Hook: Size 16-24 (TMC, TFS 2487).
Thread: black 8/0
Bubble: One petite or extra small, clear glass bead plus 5X tippet.
Tail: dark rust, stiff bird, hackle
Thorax: Dark olive, super find dubbing.
Head: Black thread
1. Crimp barb. NOTE: end of shank is above barb
2. Attach thread 2/5 back on shank with about six wraps. Leave bobbin hanging at rear of wraps.
3. Slip bead onto tippet and position in the center. Fold backward and hold strands together. Place on hook shank, bead forward of eye, tippet to rear, make several thread wraps. Pull on tippet to move bed into position. Makes several snug thread wraps 1/8 inch to rear.
4. Bend tippet toward eye and snuggly tie down up to behind bead. Cut excess.
5. Cut about 12 barbs off stem of hackle keeping tips aligned. Lay on top of shank, tips extending about two hook lengths to rear of shank. Secure to shank behind bed with wraps to mid shank. Pull on barb butts positioning tips so they are hook shank length beyond shank. Attached to shank with touching wraps back to slightly beyond end of hook shank. Cut excess hackle butts behind bed.
6. Wrap thread forward, forming slender tapered body up to bead.
7. Wrap a small thorax, two wraps behind bead, one in front, two around base of bead.
8. Wrap a small thread head, whip finish, cut thread.
Posted on September 5th, 2023
General Meeting……………………
Fly Fishing Film Tour
September Raffle……………………
President’s Line……………………
Fly Tying……………………
Sept. Class: Barry Smelt
Fly of the Month: Blue Winged Olive
Conservation Concerns……………
Costly Columbia River Hatchery Program—Results Disappointing
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – September
Fishout Schedule…………………
Gone Fishing…………………
Another Successful Surf Fish Outing!
Cartoon ……………………
Posted on August 24th, 2023
Saturday, August 5, 2023 was another foggy summer morning at Rio Del Mar Beach. Our surf fish-out was to start at 0600, so being the organizer and wanting to be early, I showed up at 0530. There was only one good parking spot left because so many guys showed up even earlier than me! An eager group for sure, ready to fish a minus low, slack tide as we started. As we worked our way down the beach (the fish don’t come to you, you have to keep moving to find them) we started picking up more bites as the tide began to change. Most of us picked up between 1 and 10 fish, but I know of that were “write home about it” size.
And I met a couple other people on the beach that have serious interest in our Club, so I hope we get a couple new members too!
Here is a list of those I know were there. I missed a couple who did not sign in. My apologies for spelling I couldn’t read.
Adam and Peter Althoff, Jerry McKeon, Matt Bohn, Jeff Zeische, Bob Garbarino, Pete Soderstron, Lance Boling
And Jerry McKeon has already posted pictures on Instagram.
Posted on August 24th, 2023
In the May newsletter this year I wrote about a study that found introducing hatchery fish into streams with wild fish populations actually destabilized and reduced the wild fish population. This month I came across another article about how costly efforts to support and increase native salmon populations in the Columbia River has failed. This conclusion was based on a report published by an economics professor at Oregon State University and a biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Washington. They analyzed data collected over 50 years with counts of native and hatchery salmon and steelhead return runs at Bonneville Dam. The data indicated hatchery fish numbers had increased slightly, while wild salmon and steelhead populations had not. In fact, the introduction of hatchery fish have in some cases been found to have a harmful effect on the wild population. They also reported that over the last four decades, about $9 billion have been spent by federal and state agencies to run and maintain about 200 salmon hatchery programs in the Columbia River Basin.
While overfishing and the construction of 14 dams are the primary contributors to the declining numbers, others are farming pollution and diversion of water for irrigation, climate change, as well as habitat loss from logging and mining. An average of 1.5 million salmon and steelhead have run up the Columbia over the last decade—far short of the goal of 5 million by 2025. State of Oregon officials are moving forward with a third-party investigation of the hatchery operations, including the cost vs benefits. The Conservation Angler, an organization that focuses on protection of wild Pacific anadromous fish populations throughout the Northwest, is active in reforming hatchery practices including those on the Columbia/Snake River basin. This is another example of an angling group getting involved in conservation.
For more information about this subject got to: https://www.opb.org/article/2023/08/05/columbia-river-salmon-habitat-spending-study/
Posted on August 24th, 2023
| Here we are getting ready for the Fishout in October at the forebay. Of course, the forebay can be fished anytime from now to into it November. As always, the class is free, and all materials are provided, except for the thread which will be white: flat wax nylon, Big Fly, monocord or similar. We welcome beginners and provide them with tools, thread and advice. It’s always helpful to bring magnification and a table lamp. Some lamps are always provided, but not enough to go around usually. Elaine Cook will be assisting beginners. Sign ups are important and can be done at the September club meeting or calling Michael at 831-234-2244 or Elaine at 831-234-6515. Please allow at least 24 hours notice ahead. |
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Oct 11 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | October Caddis - Fly Tying Class | All club members are welcome! |
 | Nov 08 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Wiggle Worm - November Fly Tying Class | All club members are welcome! |
| Dec 13 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Trout Nugget - December Fly Tying Class | All club members are welcome! |
| Jan 10 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Trout Nugget - January Fly Tying Class | All club members are welcome! |
| Feb 14 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | The Booby Fly - feb 24 | 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.
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| Mar 16 - Mar 17 10:00 am - 3:00 pm | March Poppers Class! -2024 | 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 |
| Apr 10 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | AP nymph | Looking ahead we will be tying a nymph that has been around for a long long time. It’s a great fly for beginners. |
| Aug 14 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Sierra Bright Dot |
For you beginners, there will be what you need to participate and you are always welcome and encouraged to come. Be sure to bring prescription glasses and if you have magnification, bring that as well. Sign ups are important so that the amount of material will be adequate. You can do that at the club meeting or calling by the day before the class. 831-234-6515 or 831-688-1561. | |
| Sep 11 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | September Fly Tying Class: Punk Perch |
Our class this month will feature a stillwater pattern for trout. If you’re going to Mammoth, you’ll want to have a few of these with you to fish Crowley. It’s a relatively easy fly to tie, so if you were thinking about learning to tie flies, come on down. We always have equipment available for people to borrow. All materials are provided and if you have black 8/0 and red 6/0 thread do bring them. The red will only be used for the head, so several bobbins will already have the red thread on them to share. | |
 | Oct 09 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | October Fly Tying Class: Adachi clouser | 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 |
Posted on August 24th, 2023
Summer and fall are the best times to use this trout fly. It’s best used in small streams where the water is not real turbulent. The Sierras are great for this fly. It also works well in stillwater and quiet parts of rivers.