April: Rob Anderson – Bucket list fish………………
Temporary Suspension of Raffles……………………
F3T Film – Santa Cruz, April 23……………………
My Turn: Let’s Talk Fishouts……………………………
Conservation Concerns……………………………
Fly Tying……………………
April Fly Tying Class: Cicada
Fly of the Month: Mosquito
April Lost and Found
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – April thru June
2025 roster available at April Meeting!
Gearing Up ……………………
Fishout Schedule
Cartoon ……………………
Posted on March 26th, 2025
Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939
Rob’s team will be guiding the club’s Pyramid trip on June 2nd – 4th. There are still spaces left, check your calendar and bring your questions to the meeting Pyramid trip link
Rob was born and raised in Virginia, where he grew up hunting and fishing from a very young age. A career in Golf brought Rob West and rekindled his interest in Fly Fishing. After a serious accident in 2000 that required surgery and rehabilitation, Rob changed careers and joined the Reno Fly Shop. He played a key role in building the guide service and became the first non-tribal guide at Pyramid Lake, where his efforts helped grow the lake’s popularity through fishing reports and a dedicated website.
In the early 2000s, Rob’s passion for Peacock Bass led him to Brazil, where he began hosting trips to the Amazon and developing a travel program. When the Reno Fly Shop closed in 2010, Rob launched his own website to promote local guiding, including trips to Pyramid Lake, and continued his work in the Amazon with various lodges. In 2016, he partnered with Neto Silva to create an exclusive fly-fishing program on the Xeruini River Preserve, now one of the world’s premier fishing destinations.
Today, Rob runs his local guide service, Bucket List Fly Fishing, and hosts charity events, all while supporting conservation and local communities. His passion for fishing, especially at Pyramid Lake, and his dedication to giving back continue to drive his work.
NOTE: Prior to the start of the General Meeting at 5:45 pm, we will be conducting short Introductory Skills to help our those new to the sport. We will also have the same Introductory Skills class at the casting clinic. Please look at the Club Activities article n the Newsletter for more information.
FUTURE SPEAKERS
| Date | Monthly Speaker | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 07 | Lance Gray - Lake Almanor | We’re excited to welcome Lance Grey, longtime friend of the club and owner/operator of Lance Grey & Company, to speak with us about some of Northern California’s most renowned fisheries, including Lake Almanor and the Feather River. Lance has spent years exploring and guiding in these waters, and his deep knowledge of these rivers and lakes will give us invaluable insights into fishing techniques, seasonal patterns, and how to make the most of your time on these iconic fisheries. |
Posted on March 26th, 2025
| Woodhouse Brewery 119 Madrone St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 April 23rd @ 6:00PMThe 2025 Tour is Proudly Presented by the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club |
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The 19th annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T) is back on the road for 2025 with a top notch selection of short films that are sure to get you fired up for the season ahead!The F3T is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind and we are proud to be an annual community event for all anglers. Come for the action, buy a beer and snacks, and stay for the prizes.
More info: https://flyfilmtour.com
Posted on March 26th, 2025
We will be pausing raffles at our monthly meetings. This is a precautionary measure as we work with the State of California to address the club’s tax-exempt status. We have been actively working on this matter for over thirteen months and expect to resolve it well before the end of our fiscal year on January 30, 2026.
Posted on March 26th, 2025
Currently in 2025 the club has roughly 18 Fishouts on the calendar from still water to the surf.
A primary reason I joined the club was to participate in the Fishouts. We are fortunate to have members here who are and have been willing to share some of their favorite places with those in the club. We have members that have been hosting the same trip for over 15 years and every year they sell out with a waiting list. As a club we have the unique opportunity to utilize the vast experiences and knowledge those in the club share. This goes with out saying that with larger groups we are able negotiate better pricing for most of these trips making them much more affordable and accessible to those who might not be able to make such trips a reality. As an example take a look at Rich Hughlett’s Loreto trip in Mexico coming up in July. This is a smoking deal with almost all expenses paid with your buy in. All one has to do there after is save the date. Here you join group of anglers that have visited the same location for over 20 years and they are more than willing to share their advise and help getting you to their honey hole.
I recently hosted my first Fishout. The Yuba River Private Water trip. For those of you who were on the originally scheduled date and those of you who were able to attend, you know that this was a trip 3 years in the making! Due to high waters and weather we had to postpone the trip and reschedule, but it happened and it was a blast. Granted the fishing was not great, but it was my first camping trip of the year and I am grateful for that alone. Besides that, I was able hang out and talk with folks from the club that during meetings or online has been fleeting at best. During the Fishout there is no hurry or expectations share a drink or a meal and you really get to know your fellow club members.
When I first took on the position of Fishout Committee Chair my predecessor John Cook would advise me to make sure I let everyone know that the Fishouts are the best way to meet new friends, get to know others in the club in a relaxed environment and that there is no better ice breaker than sharing a beer and talking about “the skunk that followed you around all day”.
I personally have always considered myself an introvert. I fish and camp alone or with my dog and or maybe a friend. Taking on the Fishout was a step out of my comfort zone, but I am glad I did it and plan on organizing another soon.
I hope this article inspires some of you to join a Fishout, offer to host one or even offer suggestions on a great location for a Fishout. New to the sport or a salty dog, you can’t catch a fish if you don’t get your line wet.
Posted on March 26th, 2025
As I write this article, I’m hopeful I’ll make a trip to the Eel River to fish for steelhead before the season ends the end of March. This will be my first time to fish this river and I’m looking forward to learning about this fishery. I remember driving past the Eel many years ago when I lived in the Arcata/Eureka area and being struck by its beautiful deep green color. Not only am I excited about the prospect of getting up there and experiencing the natural beauty of the area, I’m also encouraged by the progress being made to improve the health of the river.
Eel River History
The Eel River once supported the third largest runs of salmon and steelhead in California. Salmon were so plentiful canneries operated on the river in the late 1800s and early 1900s. But, over the years a number of factors have contributed to a severe decline to a small fraction of historical numbers:
Commercial overfishing
Erosion from clear cut timber harvesting, cattle ranching and road building
Introduction of invasive pikeminnow
Floods and drought
Water quality issues
Dam construction
Water diversions
Dam Removal
One of the key developments that have experts encouraged is the planned license surrender and decommissioning of the Scott and Cape Horn Dams by PG&E. This will open the opportunity to completely remove the dams. The result will be to open up 288 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for salmon and steelhead all the way to the river headwaters. The removal of the dams is currently projected to begin in 2028.
Water Diversion to the Russian River
The other related aspect of the dam removal is what to do with the water diversion tunnel at Cape Horn Dam. This is a tunnel that has been sending water to the Russian River watershed since 1908. Earlier this year, a complex Memorandum of Understanding was established by numerous stakeholders: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Trout, Eel-Russian Project Authority, Humboldt County, Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission , Round Valley Indian Tribes, Sonoma County Water Agency, and Trout Unlimited. This memorandum defines the requirements and infrastructure to allow water to be diverted from the Eel River to the the Russian River. One of the key requirements outlined in this document is that diversions will not negatively impact fish restoration progress. Let’s hope that is the case.
Santa Cruz Fly Fishing provides contributions to Cal Trout, Trout Unlimited and Friends of the Eel River—all of whom have been instrumental in having a positive impact on helping the Eel River making a comeback.
For more insight into the Eel River restoration, have a look at Cal Trout’s Vision Book
and Friends of the River.
Posted on March 26th, 2025
Cicadas are a large insect, are not aquatic, and hatch out in spring throughout the United States. They end up in the water on windy days in particular, but also, they are very poor pilots and are hatching out in the trees around rivers and streams. Trout and bass truly love these bugs. They’re made out of foam so are a high floaters. For those going to the Green River you will want to have a few of these in your box. It may be just a little too early for the cicadas to be out, but the fish have not forgotten about them.
As always, the class is free and materials provided. If you have black six on thread do bring it. We welcome you beginners and have vice and tools and thread for you to borrow. Sign ups are important so that enough material is there for those attending. Please sign up at the next club meeting or call me no later than the day before the class. 831-234-6515.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | May 14 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | No Mess Mouse | Mouse patterns are becoming popular for bass and even trout fisherman. This is an easy fly to tie and good size. Please bring brown 6/0 thread. If you don’t have this thread, bring another 6/0 and there will be a Sharpie pen to color your thread. If you are a beginner, which we always welcome, there will be thread, vice, and tools for you to use. Please sign up at the club meeting or call me with at least 24 hours notice. 831-234-6515. As always the class is free and all materials provided. We never seem to have enough table lights, so if you have one, please bring it. |
Posted on November 11th, 2024
The mosquito pattern has been around for decades and is a good old standby. Use for trout, apply floatant, and fish dead drift. The traditional mosquito uses the natural grizzly feather, which is black and white. Don’t hesitate to use grizzly that has been dyed brown, cream, or dun.
1. HOOK: TMC 100 size 12 to 18 Crimp barb.
2. THREAD: Black 6/0 for larger flies, 8/0 for smaller. Attach 1/3 back on shank.
3. WINGS: Grizzly neck Select two feathers from side that have rounded tips and width of feather just a little below the tip equals 2/3 width of the shank. Note location on stem that is the equal to hook length. Stroke all barbs from that point back on stem. Position feathers with tips forward, separation of barbs mid shank, bend of feathers going away from each other. Tie in place, cut excess. NOTE: WINGS SHOULD BE 1/3 BACK ON SHANK. Several wraps of thread in front of wings to hold them upright. One wrap of thread between wings too slightly separate. Cut any excess barbs, extending forward over eye of hook.
4. TAIL: Grizzly Hackle Neck. Feathers from the side of the neck have stiff barbs that are straight. Select one that has long barbs. Stroke barbs against the grain to line up the tips. Cut 10 to 12 from stem. Lay on hook shank with tips extending hook shank length beyond shank. Tie in place with touching wraps, up to wings. Cut excess.
5. BODY: Moose mane. Cut one dark and one light strand from stem. Lay strands on top of hook shank with tips just behind wings and butts to rear. Secure to top of shank with touching thread wraps up to wings. Wrap both strands forward at the same time forming a barber pole effect. Cut excess.
6. HACKLE: Grizzly. Select feather with barbs equal to 1/2 length of hook gap. Cut several barbs short on but end of stem. Tie in crew cut behind wings. Wrap thread forward to one eye length behind eye. Wrap hackle around hook shank, twice behind wings and twice in front of wings. Cut excess.
7. HEAD: Wrap thread head. Whip finish. Cut thread.
Posted on March 9th, 2025
Date: Not applicable
Time: Not applicable
Place: Not applicable
Posted on — Leave a commentThe pliers on the left look very similar to my pliers, which I have misplaced. Have you seen them? They probably have a piece of yellow tape on them. The pliers on the right were left behind at the proper class. Please call if you can help solve this mystery. Sherlock Holmes. 831-234-6515. AKA ELAINE
Posted on March 26th, 2025
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 02 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm | Introductory Skills: Setting up, Moving, and Breaking down the fly rod |
This will cover the basics of setting up, breaking down the fly rod. Practice and a few simple tricks will make you proficient. Another topic covered will be how to secure your rod and flies when moving from one area to another. Note: From the New Member Orientation meeting we had in February, it was obvious that we need to provide some introductory skills and knowledge to members who are just starting out in fly fishing. Instead of building some complicated training program, we are going to start by providing short skills development before the fly casting clinic and the general meetings. | Aptos Grange |
| Apr 19 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm | Introductory Skills: Removing a hook from your skin |
Here is a skill for the novice as well as the expert. How to get a hook out of the skin quickly and minimal pain or damage. It is a simple technique, but one that makes sense when you see it and can practice it. If you just want to know how to do it, here is a video, but I am sure you are going to want to practice it. https://youtu.be/KNvWououyp4?si=_WeZUxkrtrVw4JEq | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Apr 19 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | We will be working on FFI skills development course from the Bronze and Silver levels. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, it would be a great time to come out and see what it’s all about. The skills are directed at improving your casting skills, and will improve your overall fly fishing success. This will be a perfect time for those folks who are just getting started, to learn some basic core casting techniques. I will have practice rods if needed. Hope to see you there. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Apr 23 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm | Fly Fishing Film Tour 2025 | The 19th annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T) 2025 is at the Woodhouse Brewery with a top notch selection of short films that are sure to get you fired up for the season ahead! | Woodhouse Brewery |
| May 07 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm | Introductory Skills: Removing a hook from your skin |
Here is a skill for the novice as well as the expert. How to get a hook out of the skin quickly and minimal pain or damage. It is a simple technique, but one that makes sense when you see it and can practice it. If you just want to know how to do it, here is a video, but I am sure you are going to want to practice it. https://youtu.be/KNvWououyp4?si=_WeZUxkrtrVw4JEq | Aptos Grange |
| May 10 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | We will be working on FFI skills development course from the Bronze and Silver levels. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, it would be a great time to come out and see what it’s all about. The skills are directed at improving your casting skills, and will improve your overall fly fishing success. This will be a perfect time for those folks who are just getting started, to learn some basic core casting techniques. I will have practice rods if needed. Hope to see you there. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| May 17 9:00 am - 1:00 pm | Swap Meet at Aptos Grange - 2025 | Swap meet at the Aptos Grange parking lot. 9am to 1 pm. All things fishing/outdoors! | Aptos Grange |
Posted on March 26th, 2025
The 2025 SCFF Roster will be available at the Wednesday Monthly Meeting April 2 at the Aptos Grange. An electronic PDF file that can be down loaded, as well as a googlesheet file is available for easy reference upon request. Should you have any questions, please contact me at robert6367@gmail.com
The costs of printing and mailing are over $11/copy with mailing/postage over $3 for each roster.
Posted on March 26th, 2025
The newsletter provides brief fishout info. For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule
| Date | Link (new tab) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 12 6:00 am - 1:00 pm | Kelly Lake – Watsonville (bass, crappie) | Stand by as dates and details to be updated as the days get longer and warmer! Fishmaster: Scott Kitayama Location: Kelly Lake in Watsonville (Private lake limited to 6 people) Species: bass, crappie, bluegill Duration: 1 day Registration and Cost: No Cost, but you must contact Scott as the number of people fishing is limited. Contact at scottkitayama@gmail.com. Addtional Details & Confirmation of dates to be updated - Stay tuned Meeting time and place: Scott will directly be in contact with those that are coming on the Fishout. Equipment: Need to have float tube or kayak to fish the lake. [...] |
| Apr 18 - Apr 20 | Rooster Comb Ranch – UPDATED – | 23rd Annual Bass Fishout at Roostercomb Ranch 3/04/2025 - SOLD OUT - If you are still interested, contact the Fish Master to be added to the wait list (contact information below) This is our club's 23rd annual bass Fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch since year 2000. This sprawling private ranch is located adjacent to Henry Coe State Park, off Hwy 152 entrance in Hollister near Casa de Fruta Restaurant. It's a 22-mile off-road trek through the backcountry from the park entrance. This requires a 3-day weekend commitment. Accommodations are a 1928 ranch house and bunk house with options to tent [...] |
| Apr 26 - May 03 12:00 am | Green River – Utah | Green River - Utah Currently this trip is at maximum capacity. For wait list options or updates, please contact the Fishmaster Rick chace rchace@got.net General Information - It is necessary for us to pay upfront to reserve the accommodations. The club's standard approach to this is for each angler to pay his individual portion of the rental fee for sleeping accommodations. Each angler will be responsible for the weekly rate of $300. This is a nonrefundable fee. If an angler decides not to attend, they are responsible to sell their portion to another angler or forfeit their portion of the [...] |
| May 16 - May 19 | Upper Sacramento River / McCloud Fishout – UPDATED – | This Fishout’s final date is still TBD and subject to river flows as we get closer to spring. The upper Sac. has excellent access via. Hwy 5 and by walking the railway tracks. Euro/High Stick/Indicator Nymphing is the go to. |
| Jun 02 - Jun 04 | Pyramid Lake Fishout | Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. However the past three years have been very challenging and we have not caught very many fish and people have come away disappointed with the outcome. That leads me to a new discovery about how to fish Pyramid Lake. Jeff Goyertte, a club member and our raffle coordinator took a trip to the lake and fished with Rob Anderson, a [...] |
| Jun 20 - Jun 22 | Burney and Around – UPDATED – | Date and description subject to change due to seasonal conditions Please Stay Tuned Fishmaster: Alex Ferber Location: Lakes, rivers and streams of the Burney area Species: Trout Duration: 3 Days Cost: No Cost Meet Up: Date of Fishout TBD and subject to change due seasonal conditions Hat Creek Park off Hy 299 (See the map below). The park is approximately 10 minutes from the highway 299/80 junction. The park is on the left hand side going east on 299. If you google Hat Creek Park, it should show up. This meet up will be a general discussion with your Fishmaster [...] |
| Jun 22 - Jun 28 12:00 am | Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 22th – 28th 2025 | The Lake Almanor Fishout is scheduled for the last week of June, 6/22 thru 28th, 2025. This time period is, hopefully, the peak of the annual Hexagenia hatch that begins generally mid-June and runs through mid-July. The most productive fishing takes place early evenings on into past dark between Lake Almanor West to Canyon Dam on the Southwest side of the lake. Most of the fishing is done from float tubes as well as small boats or even from shore. In addition to the evening "Hex" hatch, a multitude of opportunities exist for fishing throughout the day to include Little [...] |
| Jul 07 12:00 am | Loreto Fly Fishing Trip | Loreto Mexico Details to be finalized and date to be confirmed The fishing day starts around 6:00 a.m. and we usually get back to the harbor between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. Spend the rest of the afternoon fishing from the beach, having a cool drink in the pool, exploring Loreto, or just sitting around telling some tall fish stories. And, you will have many exciting moments on the Sea of Cortez to talk about. The approximate cost for everything but meals and airfare is: *$995.00 per person, double occupancy; around $460.00 for a non-fishing guest. - It does not include [...] |
| Sep 20 - Oct 04 12:00 am | Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 20-Oct. 4th | Fall trout fishing in streams and lakes. Trip is for seven days and the participants share a condo in Mammoth Lakes. |
| Oct 16 - Oct 19 | O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20th | Camping and striped bass fishing at the O'Neil Forebay. |
| Oct 31 - Nov 02 12:00 am | Trinity River Fishout | Target: Steelhead and trout. Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip, text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. |
Posted on March 26th, 2025
It’s an acquired taste.
Posted on March 26th, 2025
