Posted on by

January Raffle

It’s January! Two important things: the “Holidays” are over (yay!) And it is time win some great fly fishing raffle prizes.

 First we will do a winner’s pick for a 5WT or a 6WT Echo Carbon XL 9 Ft 4 section Fly rod along with a matching ION large arbor disc drag reel. One rod prize awarded, winner’s pick. 

Float tubers should take a look at this great landing net up for grabs. It features a long handle for an over length of 35 inches with an oval basket size of 20 inches. Perfect for the Almanor hex hatch,  Forebay Stripers, and Eagle Lake Rainbows.

It is probably time to organize and freshen up  your stash of tippets. How about winning 5 spools of Rio Powerflex tippets, 30 yards each testing from 2X to 6X? These spools are held in a trick Fishpond Headgate tippett holder.

The ticket sales are open and close at noon the day of the meeting (1/4/2023). 

Click on this link to purchase tickets: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/raffle-prizes/

Tickets are a dollar each, $20 bucks get you 25. The drawing of tickets will take place at the monthly meeting. Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.

Support your club, buy a raffle ticket!

Posted on December 26th, 2022

Posted on by

Pyramid beetle -White over chartreuse

by Elaine Cook – fly time chairman

Pyramid lake has a particular beetle with these colors that goes to the bottom of the lake then ascends to the surface to take a breath. Then repeat this process over and over. Because this fly is made of foam and is used on a sinking line, when you strip it descends and when you pause it starts to rise up, which imitates the actual beetle. This is a simple fly to tie and if you’re going to Pyramid you must have one in your box.  NOTE:  Photo colors are not true, use color descriptions in instructions.

Hook: TMC 2457 size 6.
Thread: white 3/0 monochord or equivalent.
Overbody: white close cell foam, 2 mm thick.
Underbody: cactus chartreuse chenille.

1. Crimp barb.
2. Attach thread behind eye, wrap to above barb with touching wraps.
3. Cut foam in shape shown in diagram.
4. Wrap thread forward and touching wraps to two eye lengths behind eye.
5. Place tapered end of foam on top of shank positioning point toward the front where the thread hangs.
6. Wrap foam snuggly to top of shank back to above barb, then thread wraps forward to two eye lengths behind eye.
7. Tie in chenille. Wrap backward, each wrap against the last until above barb. Then forward in same manner to hanging thread. Tie off, cut access.
8. Pull foam forward till snugly against top of chenille. Make several snug thread wraps.
9. Whip finish under foam and behind hook eye. Cut thread.
10. Cut off excess foam, leaving 1/4 inch in front of thread wraps.
11. Apply Zap-A-Gap or similar glue to thread wraps.

Posted on December 3rd, 2022

Posted on by

Delta Smelt….Where are you?

by Bob Garbarino

Over period of seven years, surveys in the Delta Estuary have found zero Delta smelt during the month of September. Data is recorded every year from September through December. The last month and Delta smelt (2 fish) were caught was October 2017. See https://www.dfg.ca.gov/delta/data/fmwt/indices.asp
In order to ward off extinction of Delta smelt, UC Davis has raising them in a captive breeding program. Beginning late last year and continuing early 2022, the hatchery fish were released into the delta as part of an experiment.
Along with the Delta smelt, populations of longfin smelt, striped bass, American shad, threadfin shad and splittail have all declined catastrophically coinciding when the State Water Project went into operation in 1967. Other factors contributing to the decline are toxic chemicals, decreasing water quality and invasive species.
For more information, go to https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/11/3/2133402/-Breaking-Zero-Delta-smelt-found-in-Midwater-Trawl-Survey-for-seventh-September-in-a-row?utm_campaign=recent

Posted on November 28th, 2022

Posted on by

Klamath River Dam Removal Receives Federal Approval

by Bob Garbarino

In what has been a decades long saga, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently approved the removal of four dams on the Klamath River by issuing a License Surrender Order for the Lower Klamath River Hydroelectric Project.  This will be the largest dam removal project in US history.  The primary expected benefit of removing the dams is restoring the Chinook and Coho Salmon runs by expanding spawning area upstream of the dams and allowing unobstructed passage downstream to the ocean.  Pre-construction begins in spring 2023 with Copco dam #2 scheduled to be removed in late summer 2023 and the remaining 3 dams removed by October 2024.  Hopefully this will bring a brighter future for future generations of Native Americans, anglers and all who benefit from a healthy river system!

Press Release:
https://klamathrenewal.org/ferc-approves-license-surrender-and-decommissioning-of-the-lower-klamath-project-dams/

Article:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/nov/17/us-dam-removal-endangered-salmon-klamath-river

Posted on November 28th, 2022

Posted on by

Fly tying Tips

by Elaine Cook – fly tying chairman

Ever wonder what to do with that small plastic container you get when you buy flies? A piece of fuzzy fabric glued to the inside bottom works well when trying to contain beads and hold them in place while threading a bead onto a hook.

Having trouble keeping track of your hooks and flies at your fly tying desk? A magnet like those that come in hook packages can solve this problem. Just glue it to the base of

When applying glue to a hook that you are in the process of tying materials to, the last thing you want is for the glue to drop down into your bobbin which ruins the tool. Here are a couple of ways to suspend it off to the side.

Do you if you like Zap-A-Gap glue but get tired of it clogging up, here are a few suggestions:
1. When you first use the container, uncap and attach the narrow plastic funnel to the top. (Save the cap) amazingly no need to recap because for some reason it doesn’t solidify in the narrow opening between uses.

2. When the above fails, remove funnel and use in the normal way, recapping between uses. Do wipe end off with soft cloth before capping.

3. When the above starts clogging use a safety pin to open the hole.

4. Finally when the above fails, cut off the tip. (See diagram)

These techniques will probably get you through the whole bottle.

Posted on November 28th, 2022

Posted on by

In Memorial: John Steele

All of us have wonderful stories about John, the times we spent with him and the gifts he shared with us. I too have a rod that he built, Fly tying tools he crafted, works of art he created, flies that he tied. I will think of him warmly whenever I use or see something he’s created.

There is one gift, above all else, that I think John should be remembered by. John constantly exemplified, by thought, word, and deed what it truly means to be a gentleman. He was truly a gentle man.

There was no place in his world for the toxic masculinity that has become so pervasive in today’s world. John didn’t trade in gossip. He spoke ill of no one. He encouraged always. He offered advice when it was sought, not just to hear his own voice being brilliant.

John lived a life of service, from his younger days as a pharmacist, to his later years as a sportsman extraordinaire. John served on our board as a president. For years he and Pat opened up their home to us to use as a meeting place for our board of directors. He spent countless hours searching for deals on fishing tackle for our annual raffle. Day after day he worked to create works of art for our silent auction. How many of us are better anglers because he worked with us on our double haul or steeple cast. His flies, which we enthusiastically threw at fish, were themselves works of art. I know I have some of them framed, but I’m pretty sure John would say “fish em” if he could.

I mentioned that he was a gifted sportsman. He was skilled in all aspects of pursuing whatever game he was after, and yet I never heard him boast or exaggerate. If he said he caught a five pound trout, you were sure it was within ounces of 5 pounds. If he said he caught it on 7x tippet and a size 20 baetis, and cast 40 feet into a strong headwind, you could take that to the bank. He was self-deprecating, and preferred to let others laud his exploits.

In an age when many think it comical to commiserate about how unreasonable a spouse or significant other could be, John never disrespected his Pat. It was obvious she was his highest priority, and he always treated her thusly.

I can’t speak for our whole assembly, but for myself, I never saw John lose his temper. I don’t think I ever even saw him angry. Or intoxicated. Calm, composed, compassionate. That’s how I remember John.

What a balm, in this era of self-aggrandation, to spend time with someone to whom character meant so much. Not the kind of character that makes excuses to justify whatever selfish motives a person might have, but the kind of character that it takes to always be kind, to excuse others their faults, to stand up for those weaker, and always place others before themselves.

I count myself lucky, to be a member of this club, to have been able to associate myself with men and women like John & Pat. There is, after all, a reason we renamed the Dame Julianna award after John. He has impacted each and every one of us, in a positive way.

That was John’s greatest gift. To make us want to be more like him.

Kevin Murdock’s tribute to John Steel at John’s Celebration of Life.

Posted on November 28th, 2022

Posted on by

Happy Holidays – Time for Rain and Steelhead!

Happy Holidays!   Know what that means?

Excuses to buy your friends and family, fly-fishing stuff and accidently order a few extras- for yourself!    Hide them in your stocking, under the tree – address them from yer significant other, your 3-year-old son or daughter, or someone from work.   Act really surprised!!

While I’ve been fly-fishing for some 30 years now, I’m always impressed by the new things I see out in the market that I just must have.   In fact, I’ve seen examples so many times during the year, I realize now that I actually need them.   Yes, need.

While you’re all reading this flush with Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, deserts you’ve waited all year to have, and an overdose of football games, some of us are watching the weather reports every night, looking for that next rain, the rainy season, steelhead.

Some of us will be down in the estuary come the 1st of December, if for no other reason than an opportunity to practice casting our Spey rods and lines on an actual body of water we don’t have to drive 3 hours to.

Did you ever wonder why the San Lorenzo was once known as the most famous steelhead river in all of norther California?    I did.   And while it isn’t really documented, where else can you fish over 11 miles of river, with virtually easy access, and where every three miles along a stretch of Steelhead water, there is a bar, or several, and a place to eat!

True – It is noted that anglers used to come from far and wide, with their partners, mistresses, …, and ply the waters of the San Lorenzo all weekend, fishing, drinking, eating, shopping.   And, back in the day when there were A LOT of anglers, and a lot of fish with which to angle.

Opening day on the San Lorenzo used to be covered every year for decades, in the Sentinel, and in the Mercury News, a number of those years with write-ups from our very own Jeff Goyert, who wrote that column in the Sentinel.

Anglers of all kinds rushed- and I do mean rushed, to their spots along the estuary and well into the canyons of the mountains, to ply for their wary catch.   All the fly-anglers on the boardwalk side of the river, almost elbow to elbow – just wide enough apart to give way to the necessary double haul while waste deep in a changing tide.   Most of them there well before first light.     Ed Marcillac and a few others must smart enough to use their dinghy’s – even guys like the infamous Hal Jansen, all comfy out of the water, with coffee thermos, casting classic Steelhead wooly buggers, Comet, Boss, Green Butt Skunks.   Hardware and bait anglers clinging to their spots along the cliffs and high banks on the other side.    You’d be hard pressed to be there for fifteen minutes before someone was hooking up and others were politely reeling in to give way.    It was magical, and it was chaotic.

I suppose I kind of like that most of us can head out to the river these days and find it busy if we spot three other anglers within 200 yards along the estuary.    But almost no one is walking along the bridge, or the cliffs, siting schools for those of us already in the water.   Oh, the fish are there, on occasion, but not like the old days.    I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m told the movie, Rivers of the Lost Coast, contains footage from the early San Lorenzo days.    There is one clip also on YouTube, sometime in the late 60’s I’d guess, where the river was covered with anglers.   But today?  While there may not be as many fish, I do like the peace one can find when plying the waters with whatever might be of our liking that morning, almost completely unencumbered by another angler – unless you invited them along.

Yes, I wish those big numbers of Steelhead, and Coho, were returning to the San Lorenzo again, but I also recognize that this might also bring forth the throngs of anglers, of which I’m not so sure the river could handle anymore.   Why with what people are posting on social media these days, anglers are having to doctor up background images and speak in tongues to keep people from finding where they caught the fish, and thereby descend in droves on that hallowed water you thought you owned.

I’m looking forward to the chance to fish the San Lorenzo this year.   Many of you have heard from me, that it’s also about raising awareness – yes, there are fish in this river, big ones, and it’s the reason we need to take care of it now more than ever.

It’s a rare gift to be able to fish a river so close to one’s home, not to mention several of them, that were once great Steelhead, Coho, and even Chinook, fisheries.    The fish are few and far between anymore.   The river, deprived of it’s nutrients and wholesomeness by a city that is destined to destroy the river because of it’s insatiable want for growth.   Who knows, maybe a mayor who serves a term of 4 years now, can perhaps, help us make a difference, stop the growth, and give more water back to the San Lorenzo in the critical times of the year.

Hopeless romantic.  That’s what I’ve been called.   Someone has to fight the good fight, raise awareness, love the river for the health it deserves, and be the bad guy for saying stop the growth.

The City would love to see us river stewards go away, move on, die.    But if we keep sharing and pressing for what is good and right, for the fish – for the river, for the health of the entire eco-system along all our Pacific Coast waters, there will be more river stewards and hopefully change, for the fish and everything that surrounds, lives amongst and thrives, with the fish.

Happy Holidays – It’s Black Friday on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.   Started on Saturday and Sunday!

Get out there – go shopping!!   I mean – fishing.

Posted on November 28th, 2022

Posted on by

December Raffle

Who out there has tried Euro Nymphing? Who out there has heard about it and wanted to learn more about it? Who out there has no idea what it is and wants find out what is so special about Euro Nymphing? Anybody in any of these situations had better do two things:

First. Be sure to attend the December Fly Club meeting to hear guest speaker Devin Olson’s presentation on Euro Nymphing. 

Second. Be sure to buy a bunch of raffle tickets to win your share of the Euro Nymphing prizes we have put up for grabs.

This month’s prizes include winner’s choice of either a Maxcatch Competition nymph rod (10′ 2 WT) or Adamsbuilt “Ready to Fish” rod (9.4′ 5 WT), 50 Euro Nymphing flies (tied by Barry Burt) with pocket box, or a DVD outlining everything you’ll need to know about successful Euro Nymphing.

The ticket sales are open and close at noon the day of the meeting (12/7). 

Click on this link to purchase tickets: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/raffle-prizes/

Tickets are a dollar each, $20 bucks get you 25. The drawing of tickets will take place at the monthly meeting. Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.

Support your club, buy a raffle ticket!

Posted on November 28th, 2022

Posted on by

December 2022 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
  Devin Olsen – Tactical Fly fishing
  December Raffle
President’s Line…………………….
Fly Tying……………………
  Muddler Minnow – Fly Tying Class
  Fly Tying Tips
Conservation Concerns……………
  Klamath River Dam Removal Receives Federal Approval
  Delta Smelt….Where are you?
Membership Notes…………………
  Club Activities – December
  Annual Fundraising Event is back!
  In Memorial: John Steele
  107 members have renewed dues for 2023
  Leave something at Aptos Grange?
Fishout Schedule…………………
Cartoon…………………………..…

Posted on November 28th, 2022

Posted on by

Annual Fundraising Event is back!

Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Logo =green trout biting a fly


After 3 long years, we are bringing back our annual fundraiser on February 18th from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange!   So many things have changed in the past three years and there was no way we could run the fundraiser “the way we used to”, so here we go.  New venue, new hours, new food, new ticket price, new faces and with your help, more comradery, laughter and fun.    We will be serving lunch, raffling wonderful prizes, spotlighting deserving members with annual awards, and introducing the 2023 Board of Directors.

Buy your tickets now:    Its such a bummer to plan a party when no one tells you they are coming.  We know you are thinking about it, so just do it!  Tickets are  $25/person and we only can sell 150 entrance/meal tickets due to space limitations of the Grange.    Tickets are  available online  here:  https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/annual-fundraiser/

Volunteer:    Many long term club members say the best part of our Annual Fundraiser is the time volunteering and working with others to put the whole event together.     We still need people to step-up and take an assignment whether it is before, during or after the event.    Contact Elaine Cook (coookin@gmail.com) to find out where you can best help.

Lunch:

Fresh, healthy, filling and fun.   What’s not to like about Mediterranean food?   We are bringing a winner from the Bay Area down to cater our lunch.   @Zagat dubbed SAJJ Mediterranean falafel as best in the Bay Area!   Guests will have the option to choose between the following three entrees.  (All entrees will be served with fries.)

SAJJ Bowl: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; served over turmeric rice, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, hummus, cabbage, diced pickles, and a drizzle of tahini sauce

SAJJ Wrap: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; garlic spread, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, sumac onions and diced pickles

SAJJ Pita: Your choice of Chicken Shawarma, Steak shawarma or falafel; with hummus, wild arugula, tomato & cucumber mix, diced pickles

Seating will be available indoor and outdoor all though inside will be cozy depending on the weather.     Lunch will be available between 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.    Water, soda, and coffee will be available as well as a dessert table.   We will not be serving or selling alcohol so plan accordingly.

Parking:  Everyone needs to buddy-up and comes to the Fundraiser with a fellow member, so that we can fit everyone in the parking lot.  Otherwise, over flow will need to park on Mar Vista Drive.

Raffle Tickets:    Tickets can be purchased online and can also be purchased at the event.   If you purchased online, your tickets will be waiting for you along with your entrance/lunch receipt when you check-in.    Raffle boxes will be on the tables for you to decide what you want to win.   Keep a portion of your ticket so that you can claim your winnings.

Health Protocol:   We hope to have a lot of people attend this event and the Grange is not that big of a building.  Masking is encouraged as we want everyone healthy for the upcoming fishing season.

 


Posted on November 26th, 2022

Posted on by

Club Activities – December

No upcoming events scheduled - check back soon!

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

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt
Feb 18 2023 SCFF Annual Fundraiser, Awards, and Installation Day

After 3 long years, we are bringing back our annual fundraiser on February 18th from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange!   So many things have changed in the past three years and there was no way we could run the fundraiser “the way we used to”, so here we go.  New venue, new hours, new food, new ticket price, new faces and with your help, more comradery, laughter and fun.    We will be serving lunch, raffling wonderful prizes, spotlighting deserving members with annual awards, and introducing the 2023 Board of Directors.

Feb 24 Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show

There are lots of activities including casting demos/instruction, fly tying demos/instruction, seminars from well-know pros, vendors selling all-things fly fishy. It’s a great opportunity to learn and check out gear before you purchase. Many club members make it an annual event. If you are new to the sport, go and pick up a few tips. Visit the the website for details and how to get tickets. https://flyfishingshow.com/pleasanton-ca/

Fly Tying Hang Out in MarchMar 08 Fly Tying Hang Out in March

Bring your vise, tools, materials and fish stories.  Great excuse to get out of the house and do some tying with others.

Apr 29 Fly Casting Meetup

Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.

Swap Meet at Aptos GrangeMay 20 Swap Meet at Aptos Grange

Swap meet at the Aptos Grange parking lot. 9am to 1 pm. All things fishing/outdoors!
BUY-SELL-TRADE

May 27 Fly Casting Meetup

Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.

Jun 24 Fly Casting Meetup

Bring your lawn chair, lunch, and fly rod to practice casting with other SCFF club members.

Posted on November 24th, 2022

Posted on by

Fishout Schedule – Dec 2022

mobile scrollable table 

EVENT NAME EVENT DATE SPECIES FISH MASTER
Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 19-Oct. 3rd 2026Sep 19 - Oct 03Trout John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515
Lower Sacramento River Group Float – Hosted by the Delta Fly FishersOct 10
O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 15-18thOct 15 - Oct 18
Trinity River FishoutNov 13 - Nov 15

Sep 19 : Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 19-Oct. 3rd 2026


Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 19-Oct. 3rd 2026
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515

General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes (Max limit 8 per week). The condo complex has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.

Cost:  Shared single:  $500/wk, $1000/2 wks.

Sign Ups: We will begin taking Mammoth reservations and money starting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, March 4th (at the March Meeting).   Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!

Check Payable to: Scott Kitayama.   Mail:  36 Pima St, Watsonville, CA  95076

Group is limited to 8 in the condo per week. COST: $500/person . Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!

Payment of $500 is required to secure your spot.   we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.

Fishmasters:Scott Kitayama:  scottkitayama@gmail.com , mobile:  650 279 5871   and  Randy Saar:  randy_saar@yahoo.com,  mobile:  650 269 6138

Dates:  This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept  19- Sept 26.       Week 2: Sept 26 – Oct 3.

Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.

 

Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards.   Each person will be responsible for a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare.   You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.



Oct 10 : Lower Sacramento River Group Float – Hosted by the Delta Fly Fishers


Lower Sacramento River Group Float - Hosted by the Delta Fly Fishers
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Greetings,

The Delta Fly Fishers have offered the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club the opportunity to join them on their annual guided float trip on the Lower Sacramento River.

See the information below from the Fishmaster Robert Fujimura.

Lower Sacramento River Group Float Outing with Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club– Saturday October 10, 2026

Delta Fly Fishers are happy again to invite your club to join this annual Delta Fly Fishers outing with host Scott Sugimoto of On the Riffle Guide Service and his guides and support staff for another awesome day on this famous tailwater fishery for resident rainbow trout.  Scott and his team have successfully hosted our club annually for several years during the prime fly fishing season.  The Lower Sacramento River fishing has been a reliable and renowned trophy trout fishery of the West.  Suitable for novice fly fishers but still fun and challenging for the more experienced ones.

Participants will have a full day of guided indicator nymph fishing from a drift boat with an experienced guide per two anglers.  Fishing gear, flies, shuttle service, and all you can eat group BBQ lunch are provided.  The guide fee of $300 per person (double occupancy per boat) does not include tip.

Please contact Bob Fujimura to register and pay your guide fee before August 30 or earlier (email [deltaflyfishers@gmail.com] .  Early registration will help ensure that we reserve our guides in advance – so don’t delay in registering if you are interested in this annual crowd pleaser.  Registration requires prepayment of guide fees and submission of a DFF liability waiver form.  All guide fees are non-refundable in the case of you cancel your trip – however, you can sell your spot to another club member.

Our annual outing is a fun event for our club members with a long history of repeated participation by its attendees.  Registered participants will be provided with additional detailed information (via email) on pre-event fishing conditions, recommended fishing equipment or gear for optional use during or outside of the guided day, local group dining or lodging options, and other trip activities.  On request, non-DFF club registrants can be provided with a Zoom orientation session prior to the event.  Scott also welcomes inquiries about the guided itinerary and technical questions about this event (email: scott@ontheriffle.com or phone: (530) 276-1612).

 



Oct 15 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 15-18th


O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout October 15-18th
Medeiros Primitive Campground - Oneill Forebay (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Event: O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout

Date: October 15th – 18th

Target Gamefish: Striped Bass

Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O’Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33)

Hosts: Kevin Murdock   troutdock89@gmail.com

These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.

Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.

The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.

Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly

Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.

Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga and golden mussels)

Fins, sunscreen, polarized glasses, life vest

Links: 

Fly Fishing O’Neill Forebay for Stripers

https://mengsyn.com/ A fly-fishing addict who fishes San Luis Reservoir and the Forebay.

http://www.danblanton.com/ Long time local fishing guide.

Forebay Water level:

https://cdec.water.ca.gov/dynamicapp/QueryDaily?s=Onf

There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.

Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.

This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!



Nov 13 : Trinity River Fishout


Trinity River Fishout
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

NOTE:   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.

The fishery:
Basically,  this is a Steelhead Trip. There are some resident trout, including some really nice brown trout. I  walk wade or float my raft,  depending on the river conditions. I personally use a Spey rod to swing flies.   Many people use indicators.  There are a lot of walk in spots to explore. The river can be floated with rafts or driftboats. There is a shuttle service available.
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.
The River:
The Trinity River is located aprox 1 hr west of Redding on  Hwy 299. Its a beautiful tailwater fishery, with flows controlled from the Lewiston Dam. This is where the hatchery can be found. It has many different faces, including some big water as it runs west. It meets up with the Klamath River on its journey to the ocean. It has an excellent run of both wild and hatchery fish, ranging from 5-7 #, with some larger fish in the  +10-12 # range. There are fish in the system year round, but typically a push of fish starts in late September and peaks in late November, with a second run usually in late December- March. The fishing remained really good thru the end of March last season. It is very flow dependant and can run quite low in the Fall, with occasional bumps in flows when there is precipitation. It can blow out on occasion, but clears pretty fast.
Amenities:
Weaverville is the closest town, where there are good restaurants, motels and a really nice Holiday Market. It’s kinda 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.


Posted on November 22nd, 2022

Date:  December 14

Time:  Doors open at 6:15 PM - class begins at 6:30 PM

Place:  Aptos Grange Hall 2555 Mar Vista Dr.

Posted on by

Fly Tying Class – December 14, 6:15 pm

The technique of spinning deer hair has been requested by club members a number of times. The Muddler Minnow will give you the opportunity to learn just that. Beginners in the past have done well tying this type of fly so don’t hesitate to give it a try. Two types of thread will be used this time, 6/0 black and any color monocord. Some will be available to borrow. As usual bring your vice tools and light. We welcome beginners and equipment will be provided for you. Sign ups are important in order to have the right amount of material prepared which is provided. You can sign up at the club meeting or call Elaine with at least 24 hours notice at 831-688-1561. I encourage wearing a mask for we are close to one another while tying. If not vaccinated and boosted please wear one for sure. Thank you.

Posted on November 22nd, 2022

Posted on by

Devin Olsen – Tactical Fly fishing


Devin Olsen started fly fishing in Yellowstone at age 9. Within a couple of years, it became an addiction he could not shake and he begged for rides to local streams until he could drive. He started competing at age 19 and made Fly Fishing Team USA in 2006 when he was 21 years old. He has competed in 12 consecutive World Fly Fishing Championships with Fly Fishing Team USA. He has earned a bronze individual medal and silver and bronze team medals from these championships and numerous medals from competitions in the United States.

Away from competitive fishing he holds a bachelor’s degree in ecology and a master’s degree in fisheries science. He worked as a fisheries biologist for several years before starting his company Tactical Fly Fisher. He has produced three instructional films Modern Nymphing: European Inspired Techniques, Modern Nymphing Elevated: Beyond the Basics, and Adaptive Fly Fishing. He is also the author of the book Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers.

Devin will be joining the club virtually to present Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers.

Posted on November 22nd, 2022

Posted on by

107 members have renewed dues for 2023

by 50% of members have already their dues

Thanking those members who have mailed in dues and donations renewals for next year. We have collected over  $5,500 to date exceeding last years November collections..Online renewals now exceed 75% of all renewals. Please call,text, or email me should you have any renewal questions, or concerns. Dues are due by 12/31…Robert6367@aol.com/831-251-8655

 

Posted on November 17th, 2022

Posted on by

Fall Casting Class – Steelhead – Singlehand and Spey – Oct 29 and Nov 26

 Last Saturday of the month 1:30-3:30 – Jade Street Park

Well, it’s getting that time of year again – we hope. Rain and Steelhead.

I will be bringing my spey rod and single hand rods so you can work on some cool stuff for swingin flies for Steelhead or simply swinging flies in big water.

We’ll also show you some super easy and fun techniques for doing the same with a single handed rod on some of our local waters – the San Lorenzo, Soquel, Pescadero and others.

Come practice, learn something new – I guarantee it, and enjoy a couple hours away from the norm.   Let me know if I can help you with anything specific – bring a friend. We’ll have plenty of tools!

Fish on.   Tom  831-214-7578 / thomashogye@yahoo.com

Posted on October 26th, 2022

Posted on by

Sign up to share your fishing pictures and story in January.

We are looking for six people who want to share their 2022 fishing story with the club at the January 2023 meeting. Here are some details:

  • Story should be about six minutes long with pictures or video.
  • The story can be told live or can be pre-recorded .
  • The audience will be encouraged to ask questions.

With the success of the club’s Instagram account, we get a chance to see lots and lots of fish pictures during the year. So we are changing the traditional slideshow to a show-and-tell type format. This will be a fun way for us to get to hear some great stories and learn more about a place visited by a fellow member in ‘22. If you know of a member who has a great story, please encourage them to sign up and share it with the rest of the club.

To sign up, send an email to scottkitayama@gmail.com.

Posted on October 26th, 2022

Posted on by

O’Neill Fore bay Fishout Report or

What a difference a day makes!

Arrived with Brother Terry around noon on Thursday. Found that Elain and John had arrived the day before, and had selected a perfect waterfront campsite. That evening, they met up with Bill Seaman and had a fantastic evening on the water near the old boat launch. Lots of good sized fish.

Whilst Terry & I went about setting up camp, other members dribbled in off of the water with varying degrees of success. Scott Kitayama caught fish on both his first and last cast. He reported that Bob Garbarino had landed a very nice fish. Gil Santos showed up and quickly launched his pram. David Marks came into camp to visit & swap stories. Rumor had it that Yog was out on the water catching fish. Mike Diciano was camped nearby with his motorhome, and launched his inflatable shortly after we arrived. The weather was perfect, with gentle to no wind and comfortably warm temperatures. We watched as Mike rowed into the fray, and we wondered why the stern of his little floatie was under water. Turns out float tubes inflated in the heat of the day tend to loose air pressure when immersed in cold water…

I would point out that setting up camp to host a crowd is thirsty business, so Terry and I paused our efforts frequently to hydrate. During one of those pauses, I noted that my pop-up camper had been invaded by giant hornets. While they were not particularly aggressive, Terry is allergic to bee stings, so I spent the next hour chasing a couple dozen of the buggers out of the camper. Time to re-hydrate again.

With camp established (complete with full wind screen) we enjoyed a light meal. I intended to head out in my float tube afterwards. It was then that I discovered I didn’t have my license with me. I recalled it was on my entryway table, placed there so I wouldn’t forget it. Oh well, Los Banos was just a hop, skip, and jump away so I left for Walmart while Terry took his boat to be inspected.

We arrived back in camp just as everyone was coming off the water. It seemed that most everyone had caught fish, with the consensus being that this year’s graduating class of fish were considerably larger than the previous year’s. Armed with that knowledge, Terry & I weren’t too dismayed to not have fished that day; there is always tomorrow, and we had great expectations. Snacks, cocktails, a fire, and great conversations ensued.

The following morning dawned about ten degrees cooler than the previous day. Terry & I were on the water by 6:30. We fished the islands where Gil had measured some success the evening before. We marked a few sporadic fish on the finder in around 20 ft. of water, but they seemed to have developed lockjaw. We moved on to where the group was concentrated on the South west corner of the Fore bay. Slim pickens there too. Many had caught a fish or two, but certainly not at the rate of the previous two days.

Having been totally skunked, we decided to head to camp and enjoy a nice lunch. Which led to a Bloody Mary. Or two. Which led to a nap. I awoke greatly refreshed around 3:00. Time to head out for the afternoon bite, but we found that the mighty wind had risen and chased everyone off of the water. We thought it best to cut our losses and head on in. There were white caps and good swells so it took almost an hour to get to the dock area. We were thoroughly soaked, but the warm wind quickly dried us off. We noticed that there was about a 300 yard stretch of water out to 50 yards off shore that was in a ‘wind shadow’ from the hills behind the launch ramps. It was still breezy, so one of us had to helm the boat while the other fished. Terry piloted as I landed two schoolies of around18”. Terry’s turn. I handed him my rod and took over the helm. I like to believe it was my superior boat piloting that led to Terry landing a 25” chromer.

Getting the skunk off the boat took till the last 30 minutes of fishing time. Whew, that was close. Arrived back at camp to find JT and our newest member, Rich, had joined our group. Lance snuck in and set up his tent and joined in. Rich shared a fine bottle of Scotch with us, which instantly endeared him to the gang. We sat up till late sharing scotch and stories.

The wind grew in intensity.

Everyone slept fitfully Friday night, with the wind buffeting tents, campers, and trailers. Saturday morning found the red light blinking at the cottonwood creek entrance, meaning watercraft was forbidden from launching. I estimated a steady 30mph wind with occasional stronger gusts. Hoping against hope that the wind wouldn’t last, Terry & I hunkered down and made a nice breakfast. The sunrise was spectacular. The more experienced among us checked out the weather forecast to find that strong winds were expected through Sunday. Most folks began packing up to go. Around noon, we began to slowly break camp. The rest of the crew had left by one-o-clock. Around 3:00, I gave one last cruise by the North side of the Fore bay to see if the ‘wind shadow’ still held. There was still a small calm area, but I decided better than to launch my float tube when there wasn’t another vessel on the water anywhere.

Sadly, we had to cut the O’Neill Fore bay trip short. We missed out on several members who had planned on coming out on Sunday, but you just can’t ignore the weather. The moral of the story: The best time to fish is right now! (If you can).

Until next year,

Kevin

Posted on October 26th, 2022

Posted on by

November 2022 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
  Capt. Maury Hatch – Fly Fishing Stripers in NorCal
  November Raffle
President’s Line…………………….
Fly Tying……………………
  Blow Torch – Fly Tying Class
  Chironomid in red or amber
Conservation Concerns……………
  Steelhead and Coho Found in Mill Creek
  Los Padres Dam Steelhead Migration Data Results
Membership Notes…………………
  2023 Dues Renewal reminder
  Sign up to share your fish story
  Oct and Nov Casting Classes
  Tech Tip: Managing Google Group emails
Reel News…………………
Gone Fishing…………………
Fishout Schedule…………………
Cartoon…………………………..…

Posted on October 26th, 2022

Posted on by

Capt. Maury Hatch – Fly Fishing Stripers in NorCal


Nov 02 6:30 PM : Capt. Maury Hatch ~ Fly Fishing for Striped Bass in Northern California


Maury has been fly fishing the western United States and Mexico for 40+ years.  After honing his skills with trout, he hooked his first striped bass in 1995, and has been chasing, catching, and releasing stripers ever since.  As a Captain, he guides both out of the San Joaquin Delta in a center console bay boat in the fall and spring, and then on a jet sled on the Feather and the American Rivers in the summer for Stripers and Small Mouth Bass. All trips include top of the line equipment as well as custom tied flies. He is the sales rep for Costa Sunglasses in Northern California as well as an ambassador-level pro staffer for the following products: Simms clothing,  Sage rods, RIO lines, Galvan reels and Camp Chef Grill and BBQ products.Maurey will be providing a summary of his 35-year addiction to the pursuit of striped bass on the fly rod in Northern California.

Join us in person at the Aptos Grange or by Zoom.  (link is on club’s website  main  menu.  Zoom -> Club Meeting).

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

Monthly Speaker Date Excerpt
Devin Olsen ~Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All AnglersDec 07 Devin Olsen ~Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers

Devin will be joining the club virtually to present Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers.

Posted on October 26th, 2022

Posted on by

Fishout Schedule – Nov 2022

mobile scrollable table 

EVENT NAME EVENT DATE SPECIES FISH MASTER
Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 19-Oct. 3rd 2026Sep 19 - Oct 03Trout John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515
Lower Sacramento River Group Float – Hosted by the Delta Fly FishersOct 10
O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 15-18thOct 15 - Oct 18
Trinity River FishoutNov 13 - Nov 15

Sep 19 : Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 19-Oct. 3rd 2026


Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 19-Oct. 3rd 2026
Mammoth Lakes (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster: John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515

General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes (Max limit 8 per week). The condo complex has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.

Cost:  Shared single:  $500/wk, $1000/2 wks.

Sign Ups: We will begin taking Mammoth reservations and money starting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, March 4th (at the March Meeting).   Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!

Check Payable to: Scott Kitayama.   Mail:  36 Pima St, Watsonville, CA  95076

Group is limited to 8 in the condo per week. COST: $500/person . Please note that you are NOT on the list until I have your check, YOUR CHECK SAVES YOUR SPOT!

Payment of $500 is required to secure your spot.   we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.

Fishmasters:Scott Kitayama:  scottkitayama@gmail.com , mobile:  650 279 5871   and  Randy Saar:  randy_saar@yahoo.com,  mobile:  650 269 6138

Dates:  This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept  19- Sept 26.       Week 2: Sept 26 – Oct 3.

Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.

 

Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards.   Each person will be responsible for a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare.   You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.



Oct 10 : Lower Sacramento River Group Float – Hosted by the Delta Fly Fishers


Lower Sacramento River Group Float - Hosted by the Delta Fly Fishers
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Greetings,

The Delta Fly Fishers have offered the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club the opportunity to join them on their annual guided float trip on the Lower Sacramento River.

See the information below from the Fishmaster Robert Fujimura.

Lower Sacramento River Group Float Outing with Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club– Saturday October 10, 2026

Delta Fly Fishers are happy again to invite your club to join this annual Delta Fly Fishers outing with host Scott Sugimoto of On the Riffle Guide Service and his guides and support staff for another awesome day on this famous tailwater fishery for resident rainbow trout.  Scott and his team have successfully hosted our club annually for several years during the prime fly fishing season.  The Lower Sacramento River fishing has been a reliable and renowned trophy trout fishery of the West.  Suitable for novice fly fishers but still fun and challenging for the more experienced ones.

Participants will have a full day of guided indicator nymph fishing from a drift boat with an experienced guide per two anglers.  Fishing gear, flies, shuttle service, and all you can eat group BBQ lunch are provided.  The guide fee of $300 per person (double occupancy per boat) does not include tip.

Please contact Bob Fujimura to register and pay your guide fee before August 30 or earlier (email [deltaflyfishers@gmail.com] .  Early registration will help ensure that we reserve our guides in advance – so don’t delay in registering if you are interested in this annual crowd pleaser.  Registration requires prepayment of guide fees and submission of a DFF liability waiver form.  All guide fees are non-refundable in the case of you cancel your trip – however, you can sell your spot to another club member.

Our annual outing is a fun event for our club members with a long history of repeated participation by its attendees.  Registered participants will be provided with additional detailed information (via email) on pre-event fishing conditions, recommended fishing equipment or gear for optional use during or outside of the guided day, local group dining or lodging options, and other trip activities.  On request, non-DFF club registrants can be provided with a Zoom orientation session prior to the event.  Scott also welcomes inquiries about the guided itinerary and technical questions about this event (email: scott@ontheriffle.com or phone: (530) 276-1612).

 



Oct 15 : O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 15-18th


O'Neill Forebay 'Stosh' Memorial Fishout October 15-18th
Medeiros Primitive Campground - Oneill Forebay (Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

Event: O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout

Date: October 15th – 18th

Target Gamefish: Striped Bass

Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O’Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33)

Hosts: Kevin Murdock   troutdock89@gmail.com

These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.

Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.

The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.

Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly

Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.

Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga and golden mussels)

Fins, sunscreen, polarized glasses, life vest

Links: 

Fly Fishing O’Neill Forebay for Stripers

https://mengsyn.com/ A fly-fishing addict who fishes San Luis Reservoir and the Forebay.

http://www.danblanton.com/ Long time local fishing guide.

Forebay Water level:

https://cdec.water.ca.gov/dynamicapp/QueryDaily?s=Onf

There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.

Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.

This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!



Nov 13 : Trinity River Fishout


Trinity River Fishout
(Click for address and map)
Fishmaster:

NOTE:   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.

The fishery:
Basically,  this is a Steelhead Trip. There are some resident trout, including some really nice brown trout. I  walk wade or float my raft,  depending on the river conditions. I personally use a Spey rod to swing flies.   Many people use indicators.  There are a lot of walk in spots to explore. The river can be floated with rafts or driftboats. There is a shuttle service available.
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.
The River:
The Trinity River is located aprox 1 hr west of Redding on  Hwy 299. Its a beautiful tailwater fishery, with flows controlled from the Lewiston Dam. This is where the hatchery can be found. It has many different faces, including some big water as it runs west. It meets up with the Klamath River on its journey to the ocean. It has an excellent run of both wild and hatchery fish, ranging from 5-7 #, with some larger fish in the  +10-12 # range. There are fish in the system year round, but typically a push of fish starts in late September and peaks in late November, with a second run usually in late December- March. The fishing remained really good thru the end of March last season. It is very flow dependant and can run quite low in the Fall, with occasional bumps in flows when there is precipitation. It can blow out on occasion, but clears pretty fast.
Amenities:
Weaverville is the closest town, where there are good restaurants, motels and a really nice Holiday Market. It’s kinda 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.


Posted on October 26th, 2022

Posted on by

Fly Tying Class – Blow Torch


Blow Torch - November Fly Tying Class

This fly is almost guaranteed to catch steelhead in our local waters during early season, which is right around the corner. As always the class is free and materials provided except for thread. The thread this month is black 8/0 and any fluorescent orange, but only bring it if you have it. There will be plenty available for everyone at the class. Beginners are always welcome and there will be devices and tools available as well as threads. Sign ups are important so that enough material is available for all. You can sign up at the club meeting or call me with at least 24 hours notice . 831-688-1561

Posted on October 26th, 2022

Posted on by

Los Padres Dam Steelhead Migration Data Results

by Bob Garbarino

An interesting recent article from FISHBIO discussed a study performed by the National Marine Fisheries Services on the migration of steelhead from the Carmel River up into Los Padres Reservoir and and their return out of the reservoir and downstream toward the ocean.  The data obtained from the experiment supports the concept that fishways at dams dams present what they call ecological traps.  The article describes ecological traps:  “Animals expressing instinctual behaviors that put them at disadvantage in an altered environment is referred to as an ecological trap.”    The goal of the study was to determine the how many fish made it back out of the reservoir on their way out to the ocean.   There are two routes for the fish to make it out:  over the spillway (when there is enough water) and through a bypass.  Both adult and juvenile steelhead preferred the spillway by a significant margin and that very low percentage of  fish make it back down to an antenna 8.7 miles downstream.  The scientists concluded that the dam significantly impairs downstream passage and the fishway is creating an ecological trap.  I encourage you to read the full article….it’s not long and and is quite interesting.  FISHBIO has an office in Santa Cruz.

https://fishbio.com/what-goes-up-might-not-come-down-fishways-as-an-ecological-trap/

Posted on October 26th, 2022

Posted on by

Tech Tip: Managing Google Group emails

by Scott Kitayama

I have been enjoying the banter on Santa Cruz fly Fishing’s Google Groups especially when new members ask questions. So I was surprised when I heard a member say that there are too many Google Groups emails or the subject line doesn’t make sense. I’m guessing this person’s emails all go to a single inbox and is messy, so this is a tip to manage your inbox.

Think of your inbox like a fly box, if you only have a few flies, they can all go into one box. After a while, you have dry flies, wet flies, streamers, poppers and your one fly box turns into a big ol’ mess. Just like having separate boxes for different flies, you can have separate email folders for different subjects.

Gmail :

For me, Google Groups emails go into a separate tab called Forums so I don’t have to look at them until I am ready. Here is a link to a video on how to set up Forums: https://youtu.be/dRCOX-4nE7c

Other email viewers like Apple Mail, Yahoo, Outlook, AOL:

Since I haven’t used any other email reader in over a decade, I am not brave enough to provide instructions. I suggest you search google to find info on “moving new emails to folders using filters”.

Another solution:

Send an email to Bob Peterson robert6367@gmail.com or Scott Kitayama scottkitayama@gmail.com and request changing the way you are receiving the Google Groups emails:

  • Don’t send email updates: you won’t receive emails but you can still access the group messages, by
    double clicking on the group, then open and respond to any message within the list.
  • Send daily summaries: you will receive one daily message if any message(s) are posted.
  • Combined updates: One message with 25 responses in that message.
  • Every new message: (default) You will receive an email message for every new message or response is posted.

Hope this helps someone.

Posted on October 26th, 2022

Posted on by

Steelhead and Coho Found in Mill Creek

by Bob Garbarino

Just over a year ago, a small dam on Mill Creek near Bonny Doon was removed (see my article in the June 2021 newsletter https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SCFF_June_2021.pdf). One of the expected outcomes was to expand and improve spawning habitat for fish. Now, scientists have reported some unexpected good news. Twelve juvenile steelhead and 15 coho fry have been found in the creek. It is the first time coho have been found in the creek. Though it is early in the recovery process and more work to be done—like removing invasive plant species and placement of large woody debris—this is encouraging news, no doubt.

For more interesting details on this article, see the following websites:

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Endangered-coho-salmon-Mill-Creek-California-17492120.php

Coho, Cobble, and Creek Beds: A Year After the Mill Creek Dam Was Removed

Posted on October 24th, 2022