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Happy Summer – We Want to Hear from YOU!

by Tom Hogye

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Title – Be Creative!  Or just be simple!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grateful for all of you.   Hogye

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

 

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Fly tying – July 2022


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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

Foam Run CaddisSep 14 Foam Run Caddis

A simple great drive fly pattern for this month.

CicadaOct 12 Cicada

Fly for bass, trout and carp!

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

A must have steelhead fly.

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Hantavirus Mouse

by Elaine Cook — fly tying chairman

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

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

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SCFF Scholarship Program

by Scholarship Chairperson David South

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

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

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Stephen “Stosh” Rudzinski Remembered

by Conservation Chair Bob Garbarino

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

Your pal Bob Grababurrito.


NOTE:

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

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

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New Member Spotlight – Emily Marriott

Hi all, 

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

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

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

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

All the best,

Emily Marriott


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

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June surf fishing

by Sam Bishop

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

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

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Fishout Schedule – July 2022

mobile scrollable table 

EVENT NAME EVENT DATE SPECIES FISH MASTER
Trinity River FishoutNov 07 - Nov 09
Pyramid Lake Ladder Fishout – March 2026 – UPDATEDMar 15 - Mar 21
Green River – UtahApr 25 - May 02
Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout – June 2026 – UPDATEDJun 04 - Jun 05

Nov 07 : Trinity River Fishout


Trinity River Fishout
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:
Trinity River Fishout
The fishery:
The Trinity River is located approximately 1 hr west of Redding, and runs along Hwy 299. It has a wild and hatchery run of Steelhead. The season typically runs from September into March, depending on weather, as well as the flows of the river.

There is plenty of walk wading access. The river can be fished from a drift boat/raft as well. The majority of fish are caught using nymphs drifted under an indicator. The Trinity has excellent runs where one can swing flies. The average Trinity Steelhead is 5-7 pounds, with bigger fish caught frequently. Over the past few years the Trinity has seen an excellent return of fish, and based on early season returns, should be an excellent year.

Basically,  this is a Steelhead Trip. There are some resident trout, including some really nice brown trout.

Lodging:

This is a do it yourself trip, to be arranged on your own. Camping is an option, but most of the campgrounds  close by early November. There are various motels in the area. Weaverville is the main town in the area, there is also Douglas City and Lewiston. All have motels/hotels available. There are many restaurants in the area. Weaverville has an excellent market. If there is an interest, we could also try and book an Air B & B for the group.

Weather:

The weather in November can be cold and rainy, but there are many days where the sun is out and it warms up. Be prepared for all possible conditions, even a possibility of snow.

Skill Level:
All skill levels. This is a good opportunity to learn to fish for Steelhead. I will be available to assist in those wanting to learn or improve their fishing skills. I have a passion for using 2 handed rods (Spey Casting) and for those interested in learning or improving how to Spey cast, I will be available for instruction. I will be teaching a series of Spey casting clinics, in September and October in preparation for the upcoming season
Tackle:
Single hand rods, 7-8 wt rods, using floating lines with indicator set up. Typical flies used are Egg patterns, Copper John’s, Stonefly imitations like Rubberlegs,  Dark Perdigons. Sizes ranging from Size 8-14.
Spey or Switch rods, usually 5-6 wt in the Fall, I use a 7 wt in the winter. Skagit or Scandi heads, with floating to heavy sink tips, depending on the river conditions and season. Flies that work well include leeches, intruders, HoBo Spey, Traditionals, as well as dry fly patterns ( Skaters) in the early Fall.
Amenities:
Weaverville is the closest town, where there are good restaurants, motels and a really nice Holiday Market. It’s kind of the hub. There is an RV park in Weaverville,  but no campsites.
Camping is available in Douglas City  area as well as Junction City and further west on 299. The town of Douglas city doesn’t have much, other than a small mini mart. Indian Creek Lodge is a few miles east of Douglas City. The town of Lewiston is just below the Lewiston dam. It offers some camping and motels. There is a really nice motel west of Junction City (I believe it is called Steelhead Lodge?). It’s an excellent place to stay if one wishes to fish below Junction City.
General Notes:
Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip.  After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?).    You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564  or alex.ferber74@gmail.com.  If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.
———————————-

I am a licensed guide on the Trinity and will be available for those interested in floating the river for the day. The trip can be designed as an Indicator trip, Spey trip or combination of both.

Please feel free to contact me for any questions

If you can, please let me know if you are interested in joining us and if you would be interested in some type of group accommodation to be arranged

Alex Ferber

831-419-0564



Mar 15 : Pyramid Lake Ladder Fishout – March 2026 – UPDATED


Pyramid Lake Ladder Fishout - March 2026 - UPDATED
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Fishmaster: Mike White

Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members

I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too.

This one is similar to trips we’ve done in the past except on a smaller scale. I have reserved 2 trailers and can accommodate 10 people.  The dates are March 15th through the 21st. The weather can be very unpredictable in March, but we have had good times in the past fishing this time of year.

The cost will range from $250 -$300 for lodging and typically meals are worked out by each trailer lead. For example, I lead trailer 9, and make a group buy of food for breakfast, lunch, and then each person is responsible to cook one dinner which they provide.  It usually works out to $60 per person for the group buy, and whatever your dinner costs. It’s a very reasonable investment for a five plus day trip.

So, if you want to join us please contact me right away, like today. I have already  paid the 50% deposit on the trailers. As of September 24th we have five people signed up to attend the fish out. I can be reached at 831 706-5556, text or call. Or email me at lumberguy73@hotmail.com

Again if you want to go, get back to me now.

General Lake / Shore Fishing Information: 

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 enables you to cast out to where the fish are. You can still catch fish without one but not with nearly as much consistency.

Flies: Woolly buggers in black, white, purple, olive, midge, caddis and mayfly nymphs to name a few. 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 reason-able 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 go-ing 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.

I have observed people parked closer than 100 feet to the lake. I asked several of them about it, and the response was the Rangers weren’t enforcing it. This prompted me to contact the lead Ranger by phone. He said, “We are most definitely going to enforce the 100-foot ordinance!” So, when parking your vehicle, you must be a minimum of 100 feet from the lake’s water line. Also, you need a permanent tag affixed to your ladder with your name, address, and phone number on it. Most of us who use fiberglass ladders use a heavy black magic marker to write the necessary information directly on the ladder. There are also tags which can be purchased from local fly shops, for a fee.

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 member-ship paid up if you haven’t done so yet.



Apr 25 : Green River – Utah


Green River - Utah
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Green River – Utah

General Information –

It is necessary for us to pay upfront to reserve the accommodations. The club’s standard approach to this is for each angler to pay his individual portion of the rental fee for sleeping accommodations.
Each angler will be responsible for the weekly rate of $TBD. This is a nonrefundable fee.

If an angler decides not to attend, they are responsible to sell their portion to another angler or forfeit their portion of the rental. I’m counting on everyone on the list to send their payment and secure their place on the trip. If not all 12 people commit by payment, there will be a increased adjustment in the weekly fee for each angler since the rental cost is based on the number of people.

Steve Andersen will be handling the food end of our trip. Our desire is to have group dinner meals. So one or more of us will stop in Salt Lake City and stock up on provisions for these meals along with lunch makings. Breakfast will be up to the individual, whether they want to cook it or eat out. We will provide basic breakfast foods. Scott’s email is included in the email list above. Please if you have any dietary restrictions advise him of specialty item possibly needed for your meals. The fee for food will be a separate fee calculated after our arrival at the fish out. If you intend to cook your own food, you’re welcome to use the kitchen, but keep in mind there are no grocery stores within 50 miles. So remember to stock up before you leave civilization! There are three different restaurants in the area.

There are many guide services available for the Green River float, along with raft rental. Over the next few weeks, we will provide a list of potential recommendations so you might want to book your float trips? There is plenty of access along this river for wading a 7 mile trail system along the A section of the river.

Elaine Cook has offered to hold a fly tying class especially for the Green and will provide patterns that will accommodate that time of year. There is a great fly shop Trout Creek Flyer https://troutcreekflies.com/

We will start an ongoing thread of emails to this group. I will start to suggest that you think about if you’re going to fly or drive. If you fly, you fly into Salt Lake City and you can rent a car and split the cost with another member or 2.. The drive time from Salt Lake is about 4 1/2 hours. Drive time from Santa Cruz is probably 14 1/2 or 15  hours.

 

2025 Green River Fishout!

A BUCKT LIST Fly Fishing Trip | Green River-Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEZ7X2eeph8

Fly Fishing for BIG BROWN Trout on a LEGENDARY Trout Stream | Green River-Part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gwUTUknv0Q

 

 

 

 

 



Jun 04 : Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout – June 2026 – UPDATED


Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout - June 2026 - UPDATED
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Fishmaster: Mike White

Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members,

I have reserved June 4th and 5th for 2026 with Rob Anderson. He can take a max of 14 people. I am going to put together the details of the trip, and provide all the necessary information once you commit to the trip. Each person is responsible for their own lodging. The cost for the trip is $375. All your meals are provided.

If you are interested in attending please contact Mike White at 831 706-5556 or email at lumberguy73@hotmail.com

We must have a 50% deposit by January 1st in order to hold our spot.

Two-Day Float Tube Outing Information: 

Two-day Float Tube Outings

Our outings are the most popular thing we do and are a great way to spend a couple days on the water with our guides and chef and have a chance to experience our favorite times of year to be at the lake. Ever since the introduction of the Pilot Peak strain of the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout we have been targeting these enormous fish. Early in the fall and again late in spring these fish stage in areas that allow us to fish for them from float tubes and pontoon boats.

You will meet us at the lake the late afternoon before the first day of fishing. We set this time aside to go over everything you need to know before the fishing starts. We will do everything from rigging up rods, setting up our floating devices, if you are camping with us we help you get settled in for the event. We always have a camp set up at the lake so you can leave gear at the lake each night. We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.

We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.

We will spend two + days on the water fishing and learning. Our Team will accompany you on the water helping to fine tune the techniques we have developed to catch these fish. We will be there to help you land and take pictures of your fish of a lifetime catch.

A complete Pre-Trip Planner will be sent to you once you are signed up for the outing. Included in the planner are the things you will need to bring. Some of the items are pretty mandatory including a fly rod with a fast-sinking shooting head with a sinking running line and something to float in like a float tube, kayak, or pontoon boat, and a good anchor.

Gear – Equipment is not included in our float tube outings unless prior arrangements have been made. We do offer limited Pontoon Boat rentals which also need to be arranged ahead of the outing.

Accommodations – Deals at local hotels will be available and in our Pre-Trip Planner. Camping at the lake is a blast this time of your and we encourage you to join us at the lake. You can dry camp at the beach we are fishing or there is an R.V. park at the lake with full hookups. Camping permits are required and need to be purchased in advance.

Permits – You will need a fishing permit to fish on the reservation. You will also need a camping permit if you intend to camp. Links to both of these will be in our pre-trip planner.

Food – This is a fully catered event. During the outing we will serve dinner at our Pre-Trip gathering and also the next night for those who camp with us and also hot lunches both days. In the mornings there will be coffee and some snacks. Kicking back and having a meal served for you while hanging out on the shores of the lake is a big reason why we have such a high rate of return from our outings customers.

Cost of the Outing is $375– Not included in the price are Tribal Permits, gear and gratuities to the staff and guides.

PS. You must have your 50% deposit mailed to Rob Anderson by January 1, 2026.

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.

Regulations: 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 go-ing to Pyramid Lake for many years are a good source of information as well. We will help inform and guide all newcomers.

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 member-ship paid up if you haven’t done so yet.

 



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June 2022 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
  Striper Fishing on the Lower Sac with Hogan Brown
  June Raffle Prizes
President’s Line…………………….
Fly Tying……………………
  Dali Lama
  CDC One Feather Fly Cripple
Conservation Concerns……………
  Endangered California Salmon Returned To Safer Waters After More Than A Century 
Membership Notes…………………
  UFO Meetup – Jade Park
Fishout Schedule…………………
Cartoon…………………………..…

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Striper Fishing on the Lower Sac with Hogan Brown


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



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



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

No upcoming events scheduled - check back soon!

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt

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June Raffle

by JEFF GOYERT

As they say “June is busting out all over” and we say it’s time to get serious about fly fishing!  To that end we have some great raffle prizes up for grabs.

How about a little change up in your game with your choice between two speciality rods.
     How about a Spey rod to spice things up a bit? Think swinging flies on big Steelhead waters! This SalmonFly rod is 13ft 7in and rated as a 9/10 weight.
                             Or
     Plan B,  an Intouch competition 10ft 6in euro-nymph rod in 3 weight. Perfect for our Sierra trout streams
The winning ticket holder gets their pick.
Everybody needs an extra reel loaded with maybe an intermediate line or maybe a full sink line or some other specialty line that is needed to save the day. This Sougayilang machined aluminium reel in 5/6 weight will fill the bill. It is light weight with a large arbor and can be set up with either right or left hand retrieve.
Like the old TV commercial used to say”don’t go out without it”, don’t go wading on any of our trout streams without a sturdy wading staff. This ‘third leg’ not only helps keep you upright in the slippery rock streams, it also makes it easier to scramble down the bank to get to the stream. This collapsible staff comes with both a quiet rubber tip as well as a soft bottom basket tip along with a carabiner clip and neoprene belt sheath.
The fine print:
Raffle tickets are available for sale online up until noon on the day of the meeting June 1st.  Click on this link to purchase tickets:
Tickets cost one dollar each, 20 bucks get you 25 tickets. The raffle will be held at the June 1st meeting at the Grange Hall in Aptos.  Club membership not required, need not be present to win.
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Vapor Trails, UFOs and the Love of Fly Fishing

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

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

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

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

June is upon us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace out.   Tom

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Fly tying – June 2022


Jun 08 6:30 PM : Dali Lama

Dali Lama

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

Foam Run CaddisSep 14 Foam Run Caddis

A simple great drive fly pattern for this month.

CicadaOct 12 Cicada

Fly for bass, trout and carp!

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CDC One Feather Fly

by Elaine cook fly tying chairman

CDC stands for cul-de-canard which is the butt feather of a duck. It has some interesting properties that will help the fly float without gel floatant. In fact gel floatant actually mashes down the barbs making the fly not float. Instead dress with a dry powdered floatsnt like Frog Fanny. When it becomes waterlogged, squeeze dry on clothing or a chamois. Then brush more Frog Fanny into the fibers. Don’t be concerned with the white fluffy appearance for it doesn’t seem to deter the fish at all.
HOOK: TMC 200 size 24-20.  crimp Barb. Note: length of CDC feather will determine size of hook. See shuck below.
THREAD: 8/0 Color to match CDC NOTE: mayflies come in many colors. Some of the more common are gray, olive, tan, brown and cream. Attach thread behind eye. Wrap to above hook point with touching wraps.
SHUCK; CDC feather. Measure length of feather along stem were barbs protrude. Select a feather that is at least as long as the following as in the following chart. Longer is even better.
One and 3/4” for 14 hooks.
One and 1/2” for 16 hooks
One and 1/4” for 18 hooks
One inch for 20 hooks.
Stroke barbs toward tip of feather. Tie in on top of shank, tips hook length beyond thread, with three wraps. Carefully pull feather forward until shuck equals shank length. Lift butt and, wrapped thread to eye.
BODY: continuing with the same feather as above. Spiral wrap feather forward covering shank. Tie off with 2 wraps between barbs.
WING: using same feather as above, hold stem upright, stroke barbs backward. Make a loop with stem that extends to shuck. Tie off securely add eye. Cut excess. NOTE; loop will probably lean. Wrap thread head. Whip finish, cut thread. Do not use head cement or any glue. Stroke barbs backward. Cut them short at end of shuck.

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

by Conservation Chair Bob

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

Date:  June 25, 2022

Time:  1:30 PM

Place:  Jade Park, Capitola

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United Fly-Casting Outdoors (UFO) Meetup – Jade Park

by Tom Hogye -

Where: Jade Park, Capitola

When: June 25th,  1:30 – 3:00 pm  (beer thirty afterward?)

Bring your lawn chair, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.  Casual atmosphere with plenty of room for social distancing!

If you have any questions, please contact Tom Hogye.  thomashogye@yahoo.com

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Fishout Schedule – June 2022

mobile scrollable table 

EVENT NAME EVENT DATE SPECIES FISH MASTER
Trinity River FishoutNov 07 - Nov 09
Pyramid Lake Ladder Fishout – March 2026 – UPDATEDMar 15 - Mar 21
Green River – UtahApr 25 - May 02
Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout – June 2026 – UPDATEDJun 04 - Jun 05

Nov 07 : Trinity River Fishout


Trinity River Fishout
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:
Trinity River Fishout
The fishery:
The Trinity River is located approximately 1 hr west of Redding, and runs along Hwy 299. It has a wild and hatchery run of Steelhead. The season typically runs from September into March, depending on weather, as well as the flows of the river.

There is plenty of walk wading access. The river can be fished from a drift boat/raft as well. The majority of fish are caught using nymphs drifted under an indicator. The Trinity has excellent runs where one can swing flies. The average Trinity Steelhead is 5-7 pounds, with bigger fish caught frequently. Over the past few years the Trinity has seen an excellent return of fish, and based on early season returns, should be an excellent year.

Basically,  this is a Steelhead Trip. There are some resident trout, including some really nice brown trout.

Lodging:

This is a do it yourself trip, to be arranged on your own. Camping is an option, but most of the campgrounds  close by early November. There are various motels in the area. Weaverville is the main town in the area, there is also Douglas City and Lewiston. All have motels/hotels available. There are many restaurants in the area. Weaverville has an excellent market. If there is an interest, we could also try and book an Air B & B for the group.

Weather:

The weather in November can be cold and rainy, but there are many days where the sun is out and it warms up. Be prepared for all possible conditions, even a possibility of snow.

Skill Level:
All skill levels. This is a good opportunity to learn to fish for Steelhead. I will be available to assist in those wanting to learn or improve their fishing skills. I have a passion for using 2 handed rods (Spey Casting) and for those interested in learning or improving how to Spey cast, I will be available for instruction. I will be teaching a series of Spey casting clinics, in September and October in preparation for the upcoming season
Tackle:
Single hand rods, 7-8 wt rods, using floating lines with indicator set up. Typical flies used are Egg patterns, Copper John’s, Stonefly imitations like Rubberlegs,  Dark Perdigons. Sizes ranging from Size 8-14.
Spey or Switch rods, usually 5-6 wt in the Fall, I use a 7 wt in the winter. Skagit or Scandi heads, with floating to heavy sink tips, depending on the river conditions and season. Flies that work well include leeches, intruders, HoBo Spey, Traditionals, as well as dry fly patterns ( Skaters) in the early Fall.
Amenities:
Weaverville is the closest town, where there are good restaurants, motels and a really nice Holiday Market. It’s kind of the hub. There is an RV park in Weaverville,  but no campsites.
Camping is available in Douglas City  area as well as Junction City and further west on 299. The town of Douglas city doesn’t have much, other than a small mini mart. Indian Creek Lodge is a few miles east of Douglas City. The town of Lewiston is just below the Lewiston dam. It offers some camping and motels. There is a really nice motel west of Junction City (I believe it is called Steelhead Lodge?). It’s an excellent place to stay if one wishes to fish below Junction City.
General Notes:
Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip.  After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?).    You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564  or alex.ferber74@gmail.com.  If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.
———————————-

I am a licensed guide on the Trinity and will be available for those interested in floating the river for the day. The trip can be designed as an Indicator trip, Spey trip or combination of both.

Please feel free to contact me for any questions

If you can, please let me know if you are interested in joining us and if you would be interested in some type of group accommodation to be arranged

Alex Ferber

831-419-0564



Mar 15 : Pyramid Lake Ladder Fishout – March 2026 – UPDATED


Pyramid Lake Ladder Fishout - March 2026 - UPDATED
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Fishmaster: Mike White

Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members

I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too.

This one is similar to trips we’ve done in the past except on a smaller scale. I have reserved 2 trailers and can accommodate 10 people.  The dates are March 15th through the 21st. The weather can be very unpredictable in March, but we have had good times in the past fishing this time of year.

The cost will range from $250 -$300 for lodging and typically meals are worked out by each trailer lead. For example, I lead trailer 9, and make a group buy of food for breakfast, lunch, and then each person is responsible to cook one dinner which they provide.  It usually works out to $60 per person for the group buy, and whatever your dinner costs. It’s a very reasonable investment for a five plus day trip.

So, if you want to join us please contact me right away, like today. I have already  paid the 50% deposit on the trailers. As of September 24th we have five people signed up to attend the fish out. I can be reached at 831 706-5556, text or call. Or email me at lumberguy73@hotmail.com

Again if you want to go, get back to me now.

General Lake / Shore Fishing Information: 

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 enables you to cast out to where the fish are. You can still catch fish without one but not with nearly as much consistency.

Flies: Woolly buggers in black, white, purple, olive, midge, caddis and mayfly nymphs to name a few. 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 reason-able 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 go-ing 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.

I have observed people parked closer than 100 feet to the lake. I asked several of them about it, and the response was the Rangers weren’t enforcing it. This prompted me to contact the lead Ranger by phone. He said, “We are most definitely going to enforce the 100-foot ordinance!” So, when parking your vehicle, you must be a minimum of 100 feet from the lake’s water line. Also, you need a permanent tag affixed to your ladder with your name, address, and phone number on it. Most of us who use fiberglass ladders use a heavy black magic marker to write the necessary information directly on the ladder. There are also tags which can be purchased from local fly shops, for a fee.

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 member-ship paid up if you haven’t done so yet.



Apr 25 : Green River – Utah


Green River - Utah
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Green River – Utah

General Information –

It is necessary for us to pay upfront to reserve the accommodations. The club’s standard approach to this is for each angler to pay his individual portion of the rental fee for sleeping accommodations.
Each angler will be responsible for the weekly rate of $TBD. This is a nonrefundable fee.

If an angler decides not to attend, they are responsible to sell their portion to another angler or forfeit their portion of the rental. I’m counting on everyone on the list to send their payment and secure their place on the trip. If not all 12 people commit by payment, there will be a increased adjustment in the weekly fee for each angler since the rental cost is based on the number of people.

Steve Andersen will be handling the food end of our trip. Our desire is to have group dinner meals. So one or more of us will stop in Salt Lake City and stock up on provisions for these meals along with lunch makings. Breakfast will be up to the individual, whether they want to cook it or eat out. We will provide basic breakfast foods. Scott’s email is included in the email list above. Please if you have any dietary restrictions advise him of specialty item possibly needed for your meals. The fee for food will be a separate fee calculated after our arrival at the fish out. If you intend to cook your own food, you’re welcome to use the kitchen, but keep in mind there are no grocery stores within 50 miles. So remember to stock up before you leave civilization! There are three different restaurants in the area.

There are many guide services available for the Green River float, along with raft rental. Over the next few weeks, we will provide a list of potential recommendations so you might want to book your float trips? There is plenty of access along this river for wading a 7 mile trail system along the A section of the river.

Elaine Cook has offered to hold a fly tying class especially for the Green and will provide patterns that will accommodate that time of year. There is a great fly shop Trout Creek Flyer https://troutcreekflies.com/

We will start an ongoing thread of emails to this group. I will start to suggest that you think about if you’re going to fly or drive. If you fly, you fly into Salt Lake City and you can rent a car and split the cost with another member or 2.. The drive time from Salt Lake is about 4 1/2 hours. Drive time from Santa Cruz is probably 14 1/2 or 15  hours.

 

2025 Green River Fishout!

A BUCKT LIST Fly Fishing Trip | Green River-Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEZ7X2eeph8

Fly Fishing for BIG BROWN Trout on a LEGENDARY Trout Stream | Green River-Part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gwUTUknv0Q

 

 

 

 

 



Jun 04 : Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout – June 2026 – UPDATED


Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout - June 2026 - UPDATED
Pyramid Lake (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Fishmaster: Mike White

Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members,

I have reserved June 4th and 5th for 2026 with Rob Anderson. He can take a max of 14 people. I am going to put together the details of the trip, and provide all the necessary information once you commit to the trip. Each person is responsible for their own lodging. The cost for the trip is $375. All your meals are provided.

If you are interested in attending please contact Mike White at 831 706-5556 or email at lumberguy73@hotmail.com

We must have a 50% deposit by January 1st in order to hold our spot.

Two-Day Float Tube Outing Information: 

Two-day Float Tube Outings

Our outings are the most popular thing we do and are a great way to spend a couple days on the water with our guides and chef and have a chance to experience our favorite times of year to be at the lake. Ever since the introduction of the Pilot Peak strain of the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout we have been targeting these enormous fish. Early in the fall and again late in spring these fish stage in areas that allow us to fish for them from float tubes and pontoon boats.

You will meet us at the lake the late afternoon before the first day of fishing. We set this time aside to go over everything you need to know before the fishing starts. We will do everything from rigging up rods, setting up our floating devices, if you are camping with us we help you get settled in for the event. We always have a camp set up at the lake so you can leave gear at the lake each night. We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.

We will have some type of comfort food available. If you cannot make the Pre-Trip gathering one of our guides will help you as much as possible the first morning to get rigged up and on the water.

We will spend two + days on the water fishing and learning. Our Team will accompany you on the water helping to fine tune the techniques we have developed to catch these fish. We will be there to help you land and take pictures of your fish of a lifetime catch.

A complete Pre-Trip Planner will be sent to you once you are signed up for the outing. Included in the planner are the things you will need to bring. Some of the items are pretty mandatory including a fly rod with a fast-sinking shooting head with a sinking running line and something to float in like a float tube, kayak, or pontoon boat, and a good anchor.

Gear – Equipment is not included in our float tube outings unless prior arrangements have been made. We do offer limited Pontoon Boat rentals which also need to be arranged ahead of the outing.

Accommodations – Deals at local hotels will be available and in our Pre-Trip Planner. Camping at the lake is a blast this time of your and we encourage you to join us at the lake. You can dry camp at the beach we are fishing or there is an R.V. park at the lake with full hookups. Camping permits are required and need to be purchased in advance.

Permits – You will need a fishing permit to fish on the reservation. You will also need a camping permit if you intend to camp. Links to both of these will be in our pre-trip planner.

Food – This is a fully catered event. During the outing we will serve dinner at our Pre-Trip gathering and also the next night for those who camp with us and also hot lunches both days. In the mornings there will be coffee and some snacks. Kicking back and having a meal served for you while hanging out on the shores of the lake is a big reason why we have such a high rate of return from our outings customers.

Cost of the Outing is $375– Not included in the price are Tribal Permits, gear and gratuities to the staff and guides.

PS. You must have your 50% deposit mailed to Rob Anderson by January 1, 2026.

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.

Regulations: 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 go-ing to Pyramid Lake for many years are a good source of information as well. We will help inform and guide all newcomers.

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 member-ship paid up if you haven’t done so yet.

 



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Fly fishing for Corbina with Al Quadrattro


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


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

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

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

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



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

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

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May 2022 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
  Fly fishing for Corbina with Al Quadrattro
  May Raffle Prizes
President’s Line…………………….
Fly Tying……………………
  Cricket
  BWO Quigley Cripple
Conservation Concerns……………
  Klamath Tribes and Klamath Water Users Respond to BOR Water Allocations
Membership Notes…………………
  UFO Meetup – Jade Park
  Volunteer needed for Newsletter Editor
  Notes from Pyramid
Reel News …………………………
  NCFFI Newsletter – May 2022
Fishout Schedule…………………
Marketplace…………………
Cartoon…………………………..…

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Wabbit Season! Duck Season! No – it’s Trout Season!

The days are getting lighter longer – my favorite time of the year, when you think you overslept because it’s light out, but realize its only 6:30.    At least on the weekends.

Last month I mentioned pilgrimages. That trip to the Rogue with Mike Diciano (Rich had to cancel last minute unfortunately) and with Humble Heron Fly Fishing – James and Kait Sampsel, was as it should have been, with the only exception being a selfish desire to get a trophy shot with a big steelhead.   While we had several hookups over the 3 days, and Mike did land a nice size fish, you saw on the club page, the trip was epic.  I’d say one of the nicest parts was being completely disconnected from all news, cell, internet, even newspaper – for almost 4 full days.

Boy if you didn’t have a chance to hear Gordon Tharrett’s presentation on the Green River, you’ve got to explore that.    No wonder we’ve had a fish-out there for the last 30+ years.   And the fishing (catching) is still as good as it ever has been.   Thank God for some watershed stewardship especially around healthy fish population and fly-fishing.   Stay tuned for some follow up information on fly-fishing the Green River – where to stay, costs, …

At this writing I come off of celebrating 60 years on this planet.   When I first joined the club in the fall of ’91, most of the Board called me “kid”.   I’m glad some still do.   30 years goes by fast doesn’t it!   And to make things interesting, it was 40 years ago I moved myself from my home in East Cleveland (Wickliffe) to the Santa Cruz area, all in the pursuit of a crazy horse sport called Vaulting.   We just had a bunch of those friends at the house and I’m glad so many of us are still close after 40 years.

I suppose if I never kept track of years in numbers, I’m grateful there are times I still feel like I’m 12, 25, 35, or 42.  Particularly physically and mentally.  It’s really just a number, isn’t it?    While I’ve had a couple of ball joints that need replacement, the regular maintenance, fuel in the tank, and keeping things in order – for the most part, has provided that sort of outlook on life.    My most favorite way to wade is just as I did when I was a kid – shorts and sandals – in the summer of course.    And I don’t mind the cold, the rain, or slogging for more than a couple miles to cover some good water and the environment that water flows through.   I can still cast like I did when I was 30, maybe even a little better, and I’ve learned spey casting techniques, which while super fun with a big two-handed rod, are also very good to use at times when fishing with a single-hand rod.    You might wonder why “42”, well, that’s when I think I was mentally and physically at my highest fitness.    I could still run like a gazelle, and I was riding my bike like a crazy person, racing and just getting out for long fast rides with a bunch of people.    12?  Its how I feel most when I retire at night, reading before I go to sleep, remembering when I was just that age, thanking God for my family, my friends, what I had and what I wanted to have in the future.   Not so much, material things, but health, safety, and well being for me, my friends and family.   So I still feel that same way.    25 and 35 were just good years.   I was still made of rubber at 25, and 35 was just sort of normal – I could build stuff all day long – which I did, when Mona and I bought our place in Ben Lomond, and were in the midst of figuring out how to be parents.   Yes, there were times later when fly fishing took a back seat to all those responsibilities raising a family, building a home, making the most of my work, but it was always still there.    It still is and likely will always be.  There will always be that calling for the great outdoors, the solace fly-fishing, those beautiful trips we take with those we love and friends we’ve met along the way.    Those trips where we explore new places on this planet we’ve never been to before, and the people we meet along the way.   The gear and the flies we get to use, get to save up for, and which become a part of the memories in our lives.

And so it goes.   It’s not about the numbers that add up, but the experiences, memories, family, friends we keep adding to this thing called life.   I’m grateful to be where I am now, with all of you, my fam, friends and what is yet to come.

These next few months are going to be fun.   I hope you will join us, both at the Aptos Grange, and on Zoom.  Yep, we’re still going to have our speakers on Zoom, for those of you who just can’t make it to the Grange – AND, we’re still holding the raffle on-line, so you don’t have to be present to win something awesome for your fly-fishing needs.

May is going to be the legendary Al Quatrocchi.   He is going to be showing us what you can do for salt water fly fishing for Corbino, and other species.    We’ll be meeting at the Grange, but Al is going to present so everyone even on Zoom will be able to attend.

We have Casting classes at Jade Street park the last Saturday of every month – 1:30 p.m. now. With an opportunity to grab a beverage and something to eat after over at Carpo’s and Beer Thirty.   Come join us. Stosh and company do a great job of providing you with everything you need to hone your casting.

July we don’t typically have a club meeting because it’s around the 4th of July – and that will be the same this year.

August – mark your calendars – we’ll be having a fun outdoor club barbeque, raffle and swap meet at the Sherriff’s Posse Hall again, which should be an awesome time to be together.

Thanks for all you do for the club, and if you’re inclined, the Board could use your help.   We currently have openings for Secretary, Web Master, Facilities and more.   Don’t be shy – we’d love to have your help.

See you in a couple weeks.

 

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Fly tying – May 2022


May 11 6:30 PM : Cricket

Cricket

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

Terrestrials become available to trout beginning in the spring and on into the fall. Trout tend to gobbled them up. This is a good pattern to imitate them. We will be using 6/0 black thread. The club has tools, vices and thread to borrow if you need them. There is no charge for the class and materials are all provided.

You must call Elaine Cook at  (831)688-1561 to reserve your spot and ensure that she has the materials for the class.



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

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt
Dali LamaJun 08 Dali Lama

John Steele, Instructore – The Dali Lama is our go to fly on the Tsiu for silver salmon.

Pat’s Tungston Bead Head Rubber Legs - JULY  Fly tyingJul 13 Pat’s Tungston Bead Head Rubber Legs - JULY Fly tying

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

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

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

Foam Run CaddisSep 14 Foam Run Caddis

A simple great drive fly pattern for this month.

CicadaOct 12 Cicada

Fly for bass, trout and carp!

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BWO Quigley Cripple

by Elaine Cook — fly tying chairman

The Quigley represents an merging mayfly that is stressed in an unusual manner to make the rear of the fly hang down in the water and the thorax and wing out of the water. Apply saliva to the body tail, then floatant to the wing and hackle. During a hatch fish tend to be more eager to take an emerger than a dun because they are not ready to fly off.
HOOK: TMC 100, sizes 14 16 18.
THREAD:  Gray 8/0 or 12/0(preferred).
TAIL and BODY: Gray marabou (fluffy)
THORAX: Dark Olive Debbie.
WING: Deer hair with narrow fibers
HACKLE: Grizzly

  1. Crimp Barb.
  2. Attached thread behind eye wrap to rear of shank in touching wraps.
  3. Select 3 to 5 barbs of marabou, cut from stem, tie in with tips extending hook shank length to rear. Make two thread wraps forward, then fold marabou backward and make two thread wraps.
  4. Make thread loop. Hold loop and stem and of marabou together, then wrap thread 2/3 forward on shank. If marabou is longer than shank length, pinch off tips, don’t cut.
  5. Twist loop and marabou into rope, then wrap up to hanging thread using touching wraps. Tie off, cut access.
  6. Dub a round thorax that covers shank from 1/4 to 1/2 back on shank from eye.
  7. Select small bundle of deer hair. Clean out under fur, stack tips. Lay on top of shank, tips out over eye so that they measure a shank length from thorax.
  8. Tie in by making first wrap around only hair fibers and the second wrap around both fibers and hook shank. Make several snug wraps on top of one another.
  9. Make one wrap around base of wing to bundle it, then one more wrap around shank. Cut butt and so that they just cover thorax.
  10. Reposition hook with eye tipped upward.
  11. Select hackle, barbs one and a half hook gap. Cut off fuzzy and. Cut 5 to 6 barb short along base of stem  forming a “crew cut”. Holding feather tip to rear, dark shiny side toward you, tie and crew cut behind wing and cut deer hair butts and 2 in front of deer hair bundle. Position thread between wing and cut butts. Make 3 to 5 hackle wraps in the same place and around deer hair and shank. Tie off, cut excess.
  12. Half hitch knot behind hook eye. Cut excess.
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Klamath Tribes and Klamath Water Users Respond to BOR Water Allocations

by Conservation Chair

On April 11th, the Bureau of Reclamation announced plans for the Klamath Project water allocation for 2022.
https://www.klamathfallsnews.org/news/reclamation-opens-klamath-project-irrigation-season-with-limited-water-allocation

The Klamath Tribes and Klamath Water Users have both responded. As you might expect, both groups are extremely disappointed with the BOR announcement. Being that SCFF is focused on fish and environmental conditions that support them, we look for ways to support conservation causes.  However, issues that involve water have many stakeholders. When I came across the Klamath Tribes response, I saw a link to the Klamath Water Users press release. So I decided to include both.

Here is the Klamath Tribes Response:
https://www.klamathfallsnews.org/news/klamath-tribes-respond-to-bor-water-allocations
Bureau of Reclamation 2022 Operation Plan hastens extinction of endangered C’waam and Koptu
CHILOQUIN, Ore. – Yesterday’s announcement by the Bureau of Reclamation of its 2022 Operations Plan is perhaps the saddest chapter yet in a long history of treaty violations visited upon us by the United States.
Under the Plan, Reclamation intends to usurp “up to 62,000-acre-feet” of water from the nearly extinct and (Klamath Tribes) treaty-protected C’waam (Lost River sucker) and Koptu (shortnose sucker) at the height of their spawning season. Instead, despite the clear mandate of the Endangered Species Act to prioritize the needs of endangered species, Reclamation intends to send that water to irrigators in violation of Reclamation’s own water allocation formula.
Today, we see in the Klamath Basin the consequences of nearly 120 years of ecosystem degradation at the hands of the settler society. They have drained hundreds of thousands of acres of open water and wetlands, mowed down the largest pine forests in the west, mined the groundwater to the point that wells now go dry where marshes and lakes formerly prevailed, straightened whole river systems and striven to eradicate beavers that once engineered complex waterways, allowed their cattle to destroy riparian zones and defecate in icy cold springs, and dammed the mighty Klamath River five times.
The Klamath Tribes are tired of hearing: “it is another bad water year,” “we are all suffering,” and “come to the table so we can negotiate an end to this conflict.” This disaster is the entirely predictable and inevitable consequence of multi-generational mismanagement and poor judgment.
Neither the Klamath Tribes nor our downriver tribal brothers and sisters made any of the decisions that brought us here. And we have nothing left with which to “compromise.”  Global warming is undoubtedly a global problem, but thus far its local consequences appear to be exacerbating existing and systematic inequalities between ourselves and the larger society.
It is time for all involved to realize that this homeland ecosystem we all share and profess to love has limits. This sacred place that has always been the home of the Klamath Tribes is exceedingly complex, evolved over thousands of years, and made from symbiotic life-forms.
The Klamath Tribes remain committed to cooperating with those genuinely interested in restoring the ecological health of our treaty-protected lands. We are equally committed to fighting those who don’t.

Here is the Klamath Water Users response:
https://www.klamathfallsnews.org/news/failed-federal-water-policy-will-shut-down-klamath-basin-food-production-for-second-consecutive-year
KWUA Responds to Reclamation’s water announcement
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The federal government announced today that it will deprive highly fertile farms and ranches in the Klamath Basin of irrigation water necessary to produce food this year. The decision comes at a time of global food security fears, rapidly rising food prices, and concerns that grocery store shelves may become empty this year.
Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA), which represents irrigation water users who produce food based on once-reliable irrigation water supplies from Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon’s largest surface water body, decried today’s announcement.
“We have 170,000 acres that could be irrigated this year and we’re ready to get to work,” said KWUA President Ben DuVal, who farms with his wife and daughters on land served by the Project. “On a single acre, we can produce over 50,000 pounds of potatoes, or six thousand pounds of wheat. This year, most of that land will not produce any food because the government is denying water for irrigation. We’ll just be trying to keep the weeds and dust under control.”
KWUA leaders said that there is adequate water available this year to provide irrigation from Upper Klamath Lake to the Klamath Project, a system of infrastructure that was built to deliver water to a community of family farms straddling the California-Oregon border. The Project provides water to some of the richest soils in the world. But federal regulators intend to deny irrigation water needed to produce food, at a time when the country and world most need it.
Rigid operating guidelines mandated by federal regulatory agencies mean that the Project’s family farms and ranches will have an uncertain amount of water, probably less than 15 percent of what they need, although producers will not finally know how much water they will have until it is far too late to plan their operations.
This federal policy comes on the heels of the federal government’s 2021 approach, when the government afforded zero water through Project facilities for irrigation for the first time in the 118-year history of the Project. The announced 2022 supply is the second-worst ever.
In today’s announcement of a 2022 Klamath Project Operations Plan, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation directed that water that could be used for irrigation or wildlife benefits will instead be used to artificially augment flows 40 miles downstream in the Klamath River, and to maintain specified elevations of water in Upper Klamath Lake.
In each case, the water will be dedicated to fish species based on regulatory commands of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). NMFS has authority related to coho salmon, considered a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and USFWS has authority related to Lost River suckers and shortnose suckers, both of which are listed as endangered under the ESA.
The federal agencies’ experiment of increasing water allocation to these ESA-listed species has been tried for 25 years in the Klamath Basin, yet there is no evidence this policy has benefitted the target fish populations.
“If we farmers failed as badly as the federal agency biologists who are controlling water policy, our bankers would have foreclosed on us 20 years ago,” said Mr. DuVal. “The regulators’ performance is unacceptable and should be embarrassing to federal decision-makers.”
KWUA Executive Director Paul Simmons said that NMFS’s requirements are egregious and out of balance. “Between now and the end of irrigation season, there will be about 210,000 acre-feet of inflow to Upper Klamath Lake,” he said. “But NMFS is telling Reclamation to release over 400,000 acre-feet of water down the Klamath River.”
To furnish that much water requires artificial supplementation of natural flow by releasing water that was stored behind a dam at the outlet of Upper Klamath Lake during the non-irrigation season.
KWUA leaders insist that NMFS’s regulatory demands are neither fair nor effective.
“It’s the world’s worst-kept secret that NMFS is using Klamath Project water to try to mitigate problems not caused by the Klamath Project,” said Mr. Simmons. “And when that doesn’t work, they just do it again, and then again.”
Although food producers in the Klamath Project are hamstrung, by regulatory demands, they share the concern that Pacific salmon stocks are struggling. “That’s bad for fishing communities and it’s bad for all of us,” said Mr. DuVal. A combination of many factors has affected fish populations, including a history of overfishing, sea lion predation, and ocean conditions. “I understand that it’s hard to regulate ocean conditions,” said Mr. DuVal. “But harming my family and destroying my community doesn’t fix ocean conditions and it doesn’t save fish.”
Project water shortage will also be exacerbated by USFWS’s stringent requirements for Reclamation to withhold water from the Project to maintain specified depths of water in Upper Klamath Lake. There is no evidence that regulation of irrigation supplies has yielded any benefit to sucker populations in Upper Klamath Lake.
Federal water policies’ negative impacts on food production comes at a time of global food security concerns, soaring prices at the grocery store, and fears of empty shelves. Klamath Basin farmers and ranchers are bracing for dust storms and resulting poor air quality and other local environmental impacts that predictably arise when once-reliable surface water supplies are directed elsewhere by federal agencies.
In addition, in 2022, for the first time ever, two federal national wildlife refuges will go dry because water will be redirected to a few ESA-listed species. Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge both depend on water diverted and delivered by irrigation districts. Those critically important features of the Pacific Flyway for waterfowl are disabled.
“Under the current application of the ESA in the Klamath there are no winners,” former KWUA President Tricia Hill said in testimony before a congressional committee last month. “Only losers. And I cannot convey how heartbreaking it is to watch our basin—from its people to its environment to its wildlife—crumble around me.”
Reclamation also announced today that there will be $20 million available to help mitigate economic damage to farms that do not use irrigation water this year. While KWUA expressed its gratitude to its congressional delegation and the Commissioner of Reclamation for that funding, local irrigators lament that dollars cannot replace the loss of food production, jobs, and community stability directly caused by unbalanced federal water management policies.
Klamath Irrigation District President and KWUA board member Ty Kliewer said that his family and his neighbors cannot live through a repeat of last year. “Government mismanagement is causing this situation, period. Many of my fellow producers liquidated entirely last year, and I don’t know who will make it through this year. If the government doesn’t restore balance to water policy immediately, it will have wiped out this community of food producers, for nothing.”

Date:  May 28, 2022

Time:  1:30 PM

Place:  Jade Park, Capitola

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United Fly-Casting Outdoors (UFO) Meetup – Jade Park (new time date)

by Steve Rudzinski - Casting Chairman

Where: Jade Park, Capitola

When: May 29th by,  2:00 – 3:30 pm  (beer thirty afterward?)

Bring your lawn chair, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.  Casual atmosphere with plenty of room for social distancing!

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Notes from Pyramid

Note from Stosh:
The lake was stingy with rewarding us after many hours on a ladder or chair or other this last week. Diligence and more time with the fly in the water always pays off with at least one fish a day instead of ‘skunkdom’. The fish you could see follow the fly and turn away, maybe flipping its tail at it or the fly hooking a side fin happened a lot (and counted as a fish landed) ?

A guide told me that they did not stock the lake the 2 years of C-19 and next year should be a lot better so there is always hope for the future fishing there. I caught all but one fish on a black midge with a white bead which was partially worn away and brassy and still catching fish, they only took the balanced leech on the lower hook one time. (more than fifteen).

Thanks to all who attended and let’s make it happen again next year.   I only landed one fish stripping beetles and leeches. They call it ‘midging’ now.


Note from Scott:
This was my first time on the Pyramid trip and have a few thoughts to share for those who haven’t gone:

  • If you have ever dreamed of big trout in New Zealand or Argentina, stop dreaming and do this trip. The fish are getting bigger each year and there are lots of people who can show you where and how to fish. And the cost? Ha, I was gone for eight days and it cost about $500 for everything.
  • The Pyramid fishout is really “a loose confederation of trailers” all with different personalities banning together under Santa Cruz Fly Fishing.  Mike White and Jim Hall put on a club-wide dinner commemorating long-time club member, Gary Hazelton,  which provides a great way for everyone to bond. Otherwise the members mainly sleep, fish, and eat with others in their trailer.
  • I met a club member, Patrick, who is busy at work, was recently married, and has a new child.  Right now a full week fishing is impossible, but Patrick has figured how to miss a few days of work, appease his family and squeeze it into his life. I think he has made a wise life choice.
  • And the Pyramid trip is not just for guys. Elaine was there from our club, Elizabeth from the Salinas club and this group of women who annoyingly caught all the fish at Windless one day.

My suggestion is to get out of your comfort zone and throw yourself into the experience:  Get up at 4:00 am and fish until 6:30 pm,  Get on that ladder and howl back at the wind,   Have a drink or five with your fellow club members.    I think it is a wise life choice.


Pyramid 2023:  March 26th – April 1st, 2023.

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Volunteer needed for Newsletter Editor

by Bob Peterson

Club needs a Monthly Newsletter Editor to replace Scott Kitayama who has volunteered to be Club President.  Member should be interested in Club activities and web based communication.  Scott will assist in training in the transition and it would be a great opportunity for any new member to be involved in all the club activities.  Please contact me , or Scott at scottkitayama@gmail.com…650-279-5871

Membership is up to 180 dues paying members including 20 new members!