2021 Rosters will be available at the August 4th
BBQ…..Should you not be able to attend, email me @ robert6367@aol.com and I will mail one out to you.
Annual dinner volunteer needed to help set up online silent auction thru square and zoom. Can send me an email if you can provide technical assistance.
Posted on July 26th, 2021
While summer is in full swing, now is the time to take note of the help you receive on your flyfishing journey. Freeze in your mind each act, and then nominate the perpetrator for this year’s John Steele Award. Our Annual B-B-Q at the Sherriff’s Possee House would be a great place to drop off a ballot. Or just e-mail me at troutdock89@gmail.com
Posted on July 26th, 2021
The only fishers without mask tan lines are ones with beards!
Posted on July 25th, 2021
Date: 8/11/21
Time: 6:30
Place: Zoom
Posted on
At first glance this fly looks like your typical wooly bugger but it’s not. It’s tied in a way that allows it to hang in the water column in a horizontal plane or balanced. Hung under an indicator in choppy water the fly pulses and swims the way a baitfish or leech does. Professional fly anglers like Phil Rowley and Brian Chan are big advocates for this pattern on still waters for trout and I’ll vouch for it as a great bass pond fly.
The body of this fly is created using a dubbing loop so some kind of dubbing whirl tool is needed. Dubbing looped bodies are also very effective for nymphs and other streamers so this is a good technique to know. If you need more info, check out this video with options for dubbing whirls:
Class is 8/11/21 @6:30PM on Zoom.
Please email metropolitantrout@gmail.com by 7/29 and include your address so I can mail you the materials. The days leading up to the class I will be out of town and unavailable to reach which is why I’m asking for the early RSVP.
Hope to see you there, Jerry
Posted on July 24th, 2021
We have found an incredible venue for our annual B-B-q/Swap Meet this year! The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Posse House is a beautiful property on the bank of the San Lorenzo River. There’s an outdoor picnic area, a pasture where we can demo or practice our casting, a beautiful indoor area with tables for our swap meet, a built-in grilling pit, and a horseshoe pit. (There’s also a fire pit but we will abstain for now). The club will supply burgers, dogs, sides, and soft drinks. We’ll have club swag for sale. You can bring your family & friends, but please RSVP in form below or email to troutdock89@gmail.com so we know how much food to provide. You may responsibly bring adult beverages, as well as any rods you might want to try out or tackle you want to swap or trade. No leaving unclaimed gear behind. Please, no pets.
The Address is 2127 Ocean Street Extension. To access, take the Ocean Street Extension past the cemetery, past the crematorium, about a quarter-mile down on the left. Use the second driveway entrance. Please drive slow and be respectful of the neighbors and this beautiful historic property.
5:00 pm: Casting practice, swap meet display
6:30 pm: BBQ Dinner
Cost: $0.00
The Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Posse Grounds
This will be our first opportunity in what seems like forever to meet and greet in person. Please, if you are un-vaxed, wear a mask for your own protection.
Posted on July 24th, 2021
The Heat Is On
Mother nature is serving up a blow this summer? 2021 is way hotter than average across much of the United States. What does that mean for trout? What does that mean for those of us that fly fish for trout? These questions have been on the minds of many of us this past month as temperatures soared here in California and across the west.
HOW HOT IS TOO HOT FOR TROUT?
In the heat of summer, water temperatures increase, which can be troublesome and often fatal for trout, especially during extended periods. If water temps get above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, fish begin to struggle to breathe, get stressed and need a little extra TLC from us. How hot is too hot for trout? Here are a few tips courtesy of Trout Unlimited based on water temperature:
PACK A THERMOMETER
How do you tell if the water is too warm and causing the fish stress? Pack a fishing thermometer with you and when you get to the stream check the water temperature. If the water is too hot (out of the trout comfort zone), have a beer, take a nap, read a book, chase warm water species, fish a spring creek or a tailwater, or head for the high country and try again when the water temperatures drop. In other words, give the trout a break. We all have a responsibility to protect the trout we love.
My Personal Actions for Trout This Summer
I will always carry a thermometer and check water temperature every
hour. If water temperature goes above 65 degrees I will stop fishing.
I will consider not fishing cold water fish if air temps go above 95
degrees and water temps are not below 65.
The point here is to protect our cold water fish so they will be with us in the winter and next year. As some of you already know, Oregon has issued a set of regulatory changes to protect its fisheries (see emergency regulations for angling zones: https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/ ).
We’ve not yet heard anything from CDFW but I do expect it. Let’s band together and do our part to care for and protect our fisheries in this, our most severe summer in years, if not ever. I salute all of you who join me in this effort. We’re in this together – we and our fish.
Posted on July 18th, 2021
Dennis Rosario, Tommy Polito, Matt Jockers
Seven of us rose before dawn to celebrate the arrival of the July 4 weekend. We found our way to Manresa State Beach despite the morning mist and heavy overcast. The only fireworks involved were in the fact that everyone caught fish, with honors for the largest going to Tommy Polito, as pictured above. The group included regulars Jeff Gose and Scott Kitayama as well as the club’s newest member, Matt Jockers. Dennis Rosario, James Davis, and myself rounded out the group. No one has been able to figure out where all the stripers have gone this year, but the perch have been very cooperative, and getting pushed round by the waves is a great way to start your day. Come join us for our monthly surf fishouts!
Posted on July 12th, 2021
If you have never fished the Firehole, it’s fun to know that the stream has many geysers that drain into it which makes the water warm year round. Our annual trek brings us here to catch Browns and rainbows that average 9″ to 12″ and some up to 15″. This year found the water warmer than usual and only the 1st day produced fish. When the water reaches 70 degrees the fish turn off and fishing is highly discouraged. In the photo, you can see where we fished right across from a major outflow from one of the geysers and the fish readily came up for dry flies.
Posted on June 30th, 2021
Greetings to all and I’m glad to say that we are continuing to see COVID cases diminish in most of our region. I am hearing that many of our clubs are again holding fishing retreats and scheduling in-person club meetings. This is all good!
NCCFFI is working for the future of Fly Fishing
Fly Fishers International (FFI) – Working for our Sport & it’s members
Women Connect – Within NCCFFI & FFI
It’s important to understand that both NCCFFI and FFI are working hard to help our sport on many fronts. FFI is the only organization we have that is only focused on fly fishing and All fish in all waters. Being a member means you support fly fishing and its future. Join today: https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/Join-Renew
Posted on June 26th, 2021
We just finished up a week at Coffee Creek in the Trinity Alps. Mostly rainbow planters in the creeks, unless you hike in deeper. Then it is the occasional 8-inch rainbow or brook. On a 100F day, the family traveled up to Kangaroo Lake (6,000ft) with our float tubes and raft. Again, mostly planters, but about 20 degrees cooler at that elevation. Here is a picture of some of the family heading out into Kangaroo with their gear. Kangaroo is in the middle of nowhere, but it is handicap accessible.
Posted on June 26th, 2021
It is estimated that up to 95% of wild salmon habitat has been wiped out by damming of rivers in California. Hatcheries have helped make up for the impact of dams. Now amid the ongoing drought, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has launched a program to release 17 million Chinook Salmon smolt into San Francisco Bay and others—including Monterey Bay. The fish are being loaded in trucks from hatcheries and transported to the bay and released. Historically, the fish have been released into rivers and streams. But, with drought-induced low flows coupled with warmer temperatures, the survival rate is extremely low. The hope is that more fish will have a better survival rate (estimated to be about 80%) which could provide some support for the $900 million commercial and sport salmon fishing business in the state. For more information, check out the web link.
Posted on June 26th, 2021
Image from https://riverbum.com/blog/intro-to-fly-fishing-casting-with-the-roll-cast/
Beginner and novice fly casters who are interested in instruction in the roll cast, one of two foundational techniques in fly casting, should plan on attending a lesson that will take place in Boulder Creek at 10 AM on Wednesday, July 28. If you would like to participate, please contact me at 831-338-6056 or via email at traugott@ucsc.edu so that I can sign you up, give you directions, and discuss any equipment issues. The plan for July is for one hour of systematic group instruction followed by an additional hour of general practice and socializing. I am presuming that most participants will have their own rod, reel, and floating line. (A loaner rod or two may be available for those who do not have their own.) If there is sufficient interest, we could follow up in August with a similar session devoted to the “Pick-up and Lay-down” or basic overhead cast. More specialized techniques for experienced casters could become the focus of future sessions. It all depends on the level of member interest, so don’t hesitate to get in touch and let me know if you would like to participate.
Posted on June 26th, 2021
The Klamath River was once the third most productive salmon & steelhead river in the lower 48, but more than 100 years ago four dams were built on it that blocked 250+ miles of spawning & rearing habitat. The license to operate those dams has now been transferred from PacifiCorp, a subsidiary of Berkshire-Hathaway, to the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) and the states of Oregon & California.
The license will transfer solely to KRRC later in 2021, and dam removal work will begin in the summer of 2022. The Kiewit Corporation will start decommissioning in January 2023, with all four dams removed by Fall 2023. Resource Environmental Solutions will implement & monitor restoration work after removal.
The Northern California Council of Fly Fishers International participated in early Klamath discussions in 2003; in 2004 Tribes, State & Federal agencies and other NGO parties joined the formal negotiations that will culminate in new spawning & rearing habitat and a healthy river.
Posted on June 26th, 2021
Let’s go fly-fishing!! Happy Summer everyone! I hope at this writing you’re all making plans to get out and do some fly-fishing in the coming days or you’re already gone doing just that. Send us some photos we can share with the world – info@santacruzflyfishing.com .
While California is a bit short on water this year, that means flows are very manageable and fish are hungry. Mona and I had an epic adventure over the Memorial Day weekend and are planning another trip around the Sierra Mountain streams in late July. Best way to spend our 30th Anniversary together. It was really surprising and fun to find miles and miles of dirt roads and off-road trails we were able to explore in our truck. Many of you have likely been to Crowley Lake, fly-fishing, but did you know there are incredible “columns” on the backside of the lake that make it look like you’re in Greece? But access is literally a good mile and a half hike on trails. Fly Fishing Hot Creek is great, but have you also seen the geothermal hot springs? Have you ever seen the 3 mile long lava flow of some of the largest obsidian deposits just south of Mammoth? Chidago Canyon Gold Mines? Have you heard of Cerro Gordo – once the largest silver mine in California? The Alabama Hills and Movie Road? Haystack Mountain? (UH spoiler alert – there is no hay!) Climb Mt. Whitney? Come on people! Get out there!!
Kennedy Meadows/ HWY 108
If you’re relatively new to fly-fishing, and love camping where it’s not too remote, Mona and I have been enjoying the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus along Highway 108 for 30 years. Dry-fly and nymph fishing to both planted and wild fish is generally quite good. Most of the fish are in the 10” range, but some surprising large fish are there. The campgrounds along the river are easy to access and nice. Kennedy Meadows Pack station/resort is at the base of Sonora Pass and if you love exploring the mountains away from Yosemite, this is the place to do it. You can pack horses, do day trips, or hourly trail rides. Cabins, a store, restaurant and saloon are all favorites of many for decades. The pass rises from 6,300 feet to over 10,000 feet in 9 miles. If anyone is interested in hanging out with us at Kennedy Meadows in late July – let me know. Fly-fishing the meadow all day is second to nothing.
No July Meeting
Historically there is no general meeting in July as it falls right around the 4th and many are in fact fishing. But there will be a fly-tying class and our Board Meeting – if you’re interested in becoming part of the team.
August BBQ and Swap Meet – Sherriff’s Posse Hall – Ocean Street Extension
August will be our first physical gathering since March of 2020. It is our August BBQ and Swap Meeting. It will be held at the Santa Cruz Sherriff’s Posse Hall on Ocean Street extension. It’s an awesome outdoor country venue. Hot dogs, burgers, Beans, Potato Salad and who knows what else! Remember, if you bring something to the swap meet, please be prepared to take it home if someone doesn’t want it. I’m particularly excited because we have been blessed with so many new members who have never experienced a physical club meeting yet. While this won’t be like our general meeting, it is surely something to look forward to as we start getting together again. September meeting we’re hoping to have at the Grange Hall. More details in your newsletter to come.
Thank you.
Special shout out to David South and Bob Peterson for the excellent work handing out scholarships at the high-schools this year. There is interest in making these scholarships larger in dollar amounts. If you’d like to participate for next year, let us know. We’d love to do more for the students, the future of our sport and this planet.
Thank you to Jerry McKeon, Scott Kitayama, and Carly Blanchard for the terrific work on the website, Instagram, Facebook page, and the Club Roster, it has helped us stay so connected and active in the very best way. It was so nice to hear guest speakers say how awesome our club is, how funny we are, engaged, and how many people have been making the Zoom meetings – 38 last month for Brian O’Keefe’s presentation on photographing fish, wild-life, … Really amazing. He will be back next year for sure.
Thank you, Elaine and all your guest Fly-Tiers, helping us get through quite a year navigating Zoom and getting fly-tying materials to everyone.
Jeff Goyert and Micheal McGannon for putting together the most awesome and engaging raffle items and SCFF merch to buy – and more to come!
Steve Rudzinski, thank you for going out of your way with the Jade Street Park casting fun and Sam Bishop, for helping with that and so many fish-outs close to home.
Thanks to everyone of you on the board, members, guests and those who support the membership, our goals, objectives, who helped us thrive during these most interesting times. I would not have been able to do this without each and every one of you.
I look forward to finally seeing all of you again, in person. But if I miss you this time – it’s because we’re fishing!! ?
Posted on June 26th, 2021
Membership Rosters are now available by email request, or can be picked up on August 4th at the Sherriff Posse BBQ first monthly meeting of the year @ 1227 Ocean St Ext. Should you not be able to attend, or would like an electronic version, please send me an email @ robert6367@aol.com.
I would also like to thank Carly Blanchard for her technical assistance in formatting the Roster for final printing by Community Printing.
Posted on June 26th, 2021
Gillian Healey is from Aptos High
Maya Gipson graduated from San Lorenzo High
Posted on June 26th, 2021
Even though we have no meeting in July, I thought I would give a little tease of things to come in the way of raffle prizes. As you can see in the photo, it looks like I have the makings of small fly shop with all the prizes that I have stashed away; rods, reels, flies, nets, fly boxes and gear bags. On top of that, we’ve got the new John Gierach book, a Simms fish whistle, and a certificate for a Humble Heron guided fishing trip. Wow, lots of cool stuff.
Posted on June 26th, 2021
General Meeting……………………
Our first in-person meeting: August BBQ!
Monthly Raffle……………………
Future Raffle Goodies
President’s Line…………………….
Let’s Go Fly-Fishing!
Fly Tying……………………
Window Tint Chironomid
Balanced Leech – August fly tying class
Iris Caddis
Conservation Concerns……………
Lahontan trout stocking in Lake Tahoe
17 Million Chinook Salmon Release In California Bays Planned
After 10 years of Decline The Klamath River Headed for Recovery
Membership Notes…………………
2021 Membership Rosters available
Thank You letters from scholarship recipients
Beginner’s Roll Cast Instruction
Fishout Schedule…………………
Gearing Up……………………….…
Manresa State Beach Surf Fishing July 3, 2021
Alaska Trip
Mammoth Fishout
Gone Fishing……………………….…
The Registers enjoying the Trinity Alps
Wild surf and fun fishing!
Reel News……………………….…
Northern Calif. Council, Fly Fishers International July 2021 Report
Cartoon…………………………..…
Posted on June 26th, 2021
In the pre-COVID days, our July meetings were typically the lightest attended of the year. Our membership clearly wanted to be on the road over the 4th of July holiday. Accordingly, we would hang a ‘gone fishing’ sign on our monthly general meeting. That’s what we’re doing this July. Enjoy the holiday, go fishing. We’ll reconvene with a special meeting in August. For our August meeting, we’ll get together at a new location for our annual summer B-B-Q. This year, we’ll meet at 6:30 pm at the Sheriff’s Posse House on the Ocean St extension in Santa Cruz. It’s located about a half mile beyond the cemetery. Ample parking and outdoor seating come with the venue. The club will host a burger and hot-dog cookout with all the fixings. We’ll also hold a fishing swap-meet/flea market. Bring your gently or un-used gear to the meeting for cash or trade. There is also a perfect field for casting demonstrations and competitions. Bring your favorite rod and cast for prizes.
The Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Posse Grounds
This will be our first opportunity in what seems like forever to meet and greet in person. Please, if you are un-vaxed, wear a mask for your own protection.
Posted on June 21st, 2021
Date: July 14, 2021
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Zoom
Posted on
This fly utilizes automotive window tint film for the body. It is easy to tie and an important fly to have when fishing stillwater.
Note: The class is on July 14, if you contact matt early, he can mail it to you or pick it up at Matt’s house in Scott’s Valley. Matt’s cell phone is 831-419-7333 or send your address for mailing to Twissfile@gmail.com.
Posted on June 21st, 2021
| Date | Location | Target Species | Fishmaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 3, 5:45am | Manresa Beach | Surf Perch (DATE CHANGE) | Mark Traugott, 831-338-6056 |
| July 13-17 | Loreto, Baja Sur | Saltwater Fishing | Rich Hughett (831) 595-0288 |
| Aug. 7, 6am | Rio Del Mar Beach | Surf Perch and other species | Jeff Gose (831) 227-0722 |
| Sept. 4, 6:30am | Manresa Beach | Surf Perch and other species | Sam Bishop (831) 476-6451 |
| Sept 4-12 | Alaska | Rainbow, Salmon and Dolly Varden | Roy Gunter (831) 809-0316 |
| Sept 18-25 | Mammoth Lakes | Trout (2 SPOTS OPEN) | John & Elaine (831) 688-1561 |
| Sept 26- Oct 2 | Mammoth Lakes | Trout (CONDO FULL) | John & Elaine (831) 688-1561 |
| Oct. 9, 7am | Palm Beach | Surf Perch and other species | Sam Bishop (831) 476-6451 |
| Oct. – Nov. TBA | O’Neill Forebay | Stripers | Steve Rudzinski (831) 462-4532 |
Posted on June 21st, 2021
Date: 8/11/21
Time: 6:30
Place: Zoom
Posted onAt first glance this fly looks like your typical wooly bugger but it’s not. It’s tied in a way that allows it to hang in the water column in a horizontal plane or balanced. Hung under an indicator in choppy water the fly pulses and swims the way a baitfish or leech does. Professional fly anglers like Phil Rowley and Brian Chan are big advocates for this pattern on still waters for trout and I’ll vouch for it as a great bass pond fly.
The body of this fly is created using a dubbing loop so some kind of dubbing whirl tool is needed. Dubbing looped bodies are also very effective for nymphs and other streamers so this is a good technique to know. If you need more info, check out this video with options for dubbing whirls:
Class is 8/11/21 @6:30PM on Zoom.
Please email metropolitantrout@gmail.com by 7/29 and include your address so I can mail you the materials. The days leading up to the class I will be out of town and unavailable to reach which is why I’m asking for the early RSVP.
Hope to see you there, Jerry
Posted on June 18th, 2021
Article from https://www.facebook.com/LahontanNFHC
Our first two stockings of the 2021 season in Lake Tahoe are complete! This week we stocked 5,083 10 inch Pilot Peak Lahontan Cutthroat Trout on the Nevada side. To monitor and evaluate Pilot Peak LCT growth, survival, and movement around the Lake, 30% of those trout were FLOY tagged with a unique ID and phone number so that anglers can report their catch and help us collect this vital information. Thank you to the Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the U.S. Forest Service-Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit for the ongoing collaboration in providing a native trout for recreational angling opportunities in Lake Tahoe.
Fun Facts:
-Lahontan Cutthroat Trout are the only trout native to Lake
Tahoe.
-Lahontan Cutthroat Trout is the state fish of Nevada.
-Lahontan Cutthroat Trout are the Largest inland cutthroat trout in the world.
(Photo Credits USFWS)
Posted on June 11th, 2021
Dateline 5 June 2021, 0530 hours:
It was a wild surf this morning at Palm Beach! 11 loyal members showed up at dawn ready to do battle with the wild surf, sea lions and barred perch. Their skills produced 20 – 25 or so barred perch. A rather large sea lion patrolled the area regularly and I suspect that is why no one caught a Striper. Next month we fish Manresa.
Our group: Judy Johnson, Aaron Reisman, Todd Goudberg, Jeff Gose, Mark Traugott, Robert Eberle, John Davis, Joe Clark, Sean Hyslop, Kirk Mathew and yours truly, Sam Bishop
Posted on June 8th, 2021
The July Surf Fishout will take place at Manresa State Beach, on Saturday, July 3rd. The sun will rise at 5:53 a.m., and the tide will be high at 6:54 A.M. We will meet at 5:45 A.M. at the entrance to the State Park at 1445 San Andreas Road. Park outside and just past the park entrance where there is space for a half dozen cars. There are a couple more spaces on the opposite side of the street. If all the available spaces are full when you arrive, go a quarter mile further along San Andres Rd. and turn right onto Oceanview Drive. Park at the end of that street, along the fence on the right, and take the stairs down to the beach where you can eventually join the rest of the group. For details regarding equipment and technique, check the excellent instructions on surf fishing that Sam Bishop has published on our club website. The basic equipment is a five- to 8-weight rod with an intermediate to full-sinking line or sinking tip. Any type of Clouser pattern or anchovy fly will work for stripers, and small bonefish patterns (for example, Gotchas) will catch perch, especially if they have red or orange highlights. The only surf-specific piece of essential equipment is a stripping basket, which Sam makes and sells for $20 to benefit the club. Make contact with him in advance, or let me know if you would like to borrow or purchase a stripping basic on July 3.
Posted on June 3rd, 2021
First of all I want to thank all of you who have participated in the Zoom meetings we’ve had over the last year. You made the leap and helped all of us have fun at a time when the media wanted us to focus on doom and gloom. I am grateful for all the new members we got to meet via Zoom, and some of the casting classes we were able to have together.
Now that the world is beginning to turn again – I’m singing the song – “Crimson and Clover, Covid is over…”.
At this writing, Mona and I are preparing to take off for almost a week of Eastern Sierra bliss – no cell, no work,. Just fly-fishing and exploring that beautiful part of our country along the 395. We will be hitting Mammoth, Crowley, Bishop, Lone Pine and Cerro Gordo (look it up and follow Brent on YouTube). I hope to have some photos for our Instagram and Facebook pages to share with all of you – pretty much – instantly – when cell or wifi is available. .
Our June meeting will be via Zoom – but don’t miss it. We’re bringing back a special presentation we use to do years ago – Teach you how to take awesome photos of the fish you catch. Brian O’Keefe, has some of the most common sense, but often overlooked, tips on how to get great photos of your fly-fishing experiences – including those of fish you would like to show off. Then you can share them with us so we can post to our Instagram page!!!
July we should be starting to experiencing some sense of normalcy, but we don’t have a club meeting historically, for obvious reasons. You’re all out fishing!!
August – Mark your calendars – we are going to have an in person Club BBQ. We historically call this our slop and swap – which means we grill up the food and you bring something to swap with other members. This will be our first physical gathering since March of 2020. More to follow, but we’re planning to have this at the Sherriff’s Posse’ hall on Ocean Street Extension, a beautiful rustic club atmosphere. Could be a sign of things to come.
Haven’t figured out who will be our speaker in September yet, but we’re hoping this will then be our first club gathering together. If any of you want to hear yours truly, speak on our own San Lorenzo River, with some recent updates, let me know. Otherwise send me some suggestions of what you’d like to hear.
Our raffle this month is going to be as good, and relevant, as ever. Thank you, Jeff Goyert for pulling in some of the best prizes our membership has had the pleasure of winning. You guys are barely spending twenty bucks on average, winning prizes that are worth hundreds. Keep it up. Even when we get together permanently, we’re going to continue the raffle as it is, so everyone has a chance to win something whether you’re at the meeting or now. Although, I’m thinking maybe I better have Jeff pull something really awesome just for those who pull their keesters out of the easy chair and make it to the meeting!
I’m really looking forward to “normal” again. I’ve met so many of you who have yet to experience the fun we have when we are together, aside from fishing together. Speaking of – lots of fishing to do together. If you’re not on the club email – get on it. There are lots of outings people are planning – surf, San Luis, Sierra, and more.
Our scholarships went out again this year and while we didn’t get as much participation due to covid, nine of the 14 available scholarships went out to students at San Lorenzo, Soquel, Aptos, Pajaro and Watsonville High Schools. We’re hoping Santa Cruz and Harbor have pulled it together after this writing to make it 13 out of 14. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the “Donation” button. That is where these dollars are going and we’re planning to continue and grow this in the future.
Some of you may be following me on Instagram, and you should also be following “Santacruzflyfishing” on Instagram also. If you’re following me, you’re probably wondering why you see more horses than fish. I moved here in 1982 as a 20-year-old kid, competing in horse sports. After Tommy and Emily were born I stopped riding and focused on family, building a house, career. Some of you know Emily turned out to be quite the accomplished vaulter, rider, trainer and started asking me to ride again. I knew what that meant if I was to do it right. And, since you only have so much time to spend with your kids, when they ask – you do.
Someone once asked me about fly-fishing and if I was getting to do all the fly-fishing I was able to do. At the time I answered, not completely, but I’m really happy with all the opportunities I do get to spend that time fly-fishing. They seemed disappointed when I said it was probably maybe 50 days a year. But they are the most precious days of the year with really awesome people – most of them from this club and my family.
Who could ask for anything better! Tread lightly people. We are all sensitive, even the fish.
I can’t wait to see you. Tom
Posted on May 25th, 2021
Wow, what a great turnout for our surf fly fishing today, May 8, 2021! I think everyone but me (!) caught fish on this glorious spring day. It was a mid-flood tide, which is arguably the best time to fish the surf and the waves were breaking perfectly for us.
Attendees were Elaine Cook, Scott Kitayama, John Davis, Jerry McKeon, Doug Hessel, Jeff Slaboden, Kirk Mathew, Judy Johnson, Aaron Reismer, Jeff Gose Robert Eberle, Kevin McClish and Sam Bishop.
Next club surf outing is June 5 at Manresa. More info elsewhere under Gearing Up.
Posted on May 25th, 2021
OK, this may not be big news like the dams being removed on the Klamath river, but it is in our own backyard. The Sempervirens Fund has received a $550,000 grant to remove an abandoned 110 year old dam on Mill Creek. The creek feeds the San Vicente watershed between Bonny Doon and Davenport. By removing the dam, both Coho salmon and the water customers of Davenport are expected to benefit. The fish are expected to have improved spawning habitat and access to more of the creek. The water quality for the 950 customers downstream will be improved by allowing more erosion of granite.
Posted on May 25th, 2021
Refer to “Fishy Tales” in the September 2019 newsletter. It actually happened!
Posted on May 25th, 2021
A little backstory on what inspired this particular cartoon:
* August 2-6 – Missouri River – Pat and John Steele
John and I hadn’t made long range plans for this trip, but fellow SCFF member Bob Peterson raved so much about how well the Missouri was fishing that we jumped on a plane and went. Bob was right, the rainbows were fat, feisty and hungry. We didn’t have any top-water dry fly action, (fishing was all subsurface with a sow bug and some little purple thing called a “two-bit hooker”) but what we did have was epic. There was no trouble catching fish, the problem was in landing them on teeny tiny hooks. I had to learn to keep my paws off the reel and just let them jump, gator-roll, head-shake and do all their shenanigans until they tired out enough for me to land them without breaking them off. We did the first day on the lake at Holter dam, the so-called “Land of the Giants”, and Captain John Hall and his jet-propelled boat put us onto more big fish than we had ever caught in one day.
The second day, we launched from Craig and did a river trip. Along about 11 AM, John had hooked a nice big rainbow, was bringing it up to the surface, when we felt wings flap over our heads, from the stern of the boat, and to our absolute amazement, saw an eagle snatch the hooked fish, line and all, and fly off with it! The eagle broke the fish off, flew with it up onto some old, unused railroad tracks, proceeded to stomp and peck at it to subdue it, then flew up into the cliffs above, to share it with some eaglets that were nested up there. I was too stunned to take photos or video of the event. Later, when we met with our outfitter, Ed Lawrence, he told us that the eagle is a repeat offender, that other people fishing at that very spot, have experienced the same theft. There is even a video on YouTube featuring the thieving eagle. For a short, unplanned trip, this junket proved to be productive, enjoyable, and surprising!
P.S.-On August 5th, the Mann Gulch Fire, which happened in 1949, was commemorated at the lake. Thirteen smokejumpers lost their lives in it, and there is a memorial to them at the lake. The story is told in a book, “Young Men and Fire”, by Norman McClean, who also wrote “A River Runs Through It.” It is a riveting, tragic tale, and anyone who visits this area should read the book.
Pat
Posted on May 25th, 2021
