August BBQ 2024………………
President’s Line……………………
Fly Tying……………………
August Class: Sierra Bright Dot
Fly of the Month: Easy Foam Hopper
Conservation Concerns……………
Profile: Restore the Delta
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – August
SCFF Website linked to Merchandise Store
New Way to Fish Pyramid
Gearing Up…………………
Upcoming Fishouts
Outside Club Events…………………
NCCFFI Hall of Fame Dinner
Cartoon ……………………
Posted on July 29th, 2024
For our August meeting, we’ll get together for our annual summer B-B-Q. This year, we’ll meet at 6:00 pm at the Aptos Grange. The club will host a burger and hot-dog cookout with all the fixings along chips, water and sodas. We suggest a $5 donation for the dinner.
Adult beverages will not be offered. Feel free to bring your own. This meeting is a great opportunity to meet and greet in person.
Posted on July 29th, 2024
A couple of Wednesday’s ago, I caught more steelhead than ever in my life. Instead of a fly rod, an electroshock rod was put in the water and we scooped up 2 inch “Young of the Year” to move them from a “soon-to-be-dried-up-tributary” to the main section of the Carmel River. On that day, the Carmel River Steelhead Association and volunteers gave over 300 fish a chance to survive. They are doing a few rescues over the next few weeks if you want to volunteer.
We live in the best place. On Sunday morning, my wife put on a down coat and I put on a sweater so that we could walk the beach. By noon, blue sky was starting to appear and the high temperature at my house was 68 degrees. Perfect. Earlier in the week, I was in Tahoe and was shocked that the low temperature was 68 degrees and then it got hot! Tried fishing some streams flowing into Lake Tahoe, but stopped by 10:00 am because the water was getting too warm.
I was able to attend July’s fly tying class where Jesse Collins taught a beaded nymph pattern and it was nice to see new members there. Also saw new members taking advantage of the Fly Casting clinic which was run by Alex Ferber with assistance from Sam Bishop. Relatively new to the club, both Jesse and Alex have really helped the club in teaching classes and hosting fishouts.
On August 7th, we will have the annual summer BBQ at the Aptos Grange starting at 6:00 pm. Hope to see you there!
Posted on July 29th, 2024
Aug 14 6:30 PM @ Aptos Grange
Summer and fall are the best times to use this trout fly. It’s best used in small streams where the water is not real turbulent. The Sierras are great for this fly. It also works well in stillwater and quiet parts of rivers.
The class is free and materials provided. If you have 8/0 black thread, please bring it. As always, bring your vice and tools.
For you beginners, there will be what you need to participate and you are always welcome and encouraged to come. Be sure to bring prescription glasses and if you have magnification, bring that as well.
Sign ups are important so that the amount of material will be adequate. You can do that at the club meeting or calling by the day before the class. 831-234-6515 or 831-688-1561.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to Fly Name to see more information.
| Date | Fly | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | September Fly Tying Class: Punk Perch |
Our class this month will feature a stillwater pattern for trout. If you’re going to Mammoth, you’ll want to have a few of these with you to fish Crowley. It’s a relatively easy fly to tie, so if you were thinking about learning to tie flies, come on down. We always have equipment available for people to borrow. All materials are provided and if you have black 8/0 and red 6/0 thread do bring them. The red will only be used for the head, so several bobbins will already have the red thread on them to share. | |
 | Oct 09 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | October Fly Tying Class: Adachi clouser | Our club member, Tommy Polito, is having much success in both the surf and forebay catching stripers using this fly.. He is also finding other fish species are attracted to the fly as well. There have been many requests for our club members to have a class for tying clousers, so I’m glad to make that happen. Please, as always, sign up at the next club meeting or call 831-234-6515. The class is always free and materials are provided. If you have flat wax nylon white, do bring it and some will be available to borrow We welcome you beginners and have equipment for you to use. ~Elaine |
Posted on July 16th, 2024
As summer wears on hoppers are getting bigger and become available to trout as the grass dries and the only green left, that the hoppers eat, is near water. Needless to say they are a big source of protein which makes them particularly attractive to trout and bass. There is a good demonstration on the web for tying this fly, but it’s without any sound. Watching the video and reading my helpful hints below I believe you will be able to successfully tie the fly. Look it up by name: “Tying an easy foam hopper”
HOOK: TMC 5263 size 10.
THREAD: 6/0 color to match body (tan, yellow, green, brown, and even blue).
BODY: 2mm foam. Cut strip slightly wider than hook gap. Position rounded end hook shank beyond rear of hook. Poke both holes using a bodkin instead of scissors. Apply glue to the thread wraps on the shank, as well as the foam on each side of those thread wraps. After folding foam backward to form the head, squeeze to prevent gap between layers.
OVER WING: EP fibers or spooled Antron work well. My picture is made with EP fibers.
INDICATOR: White 2 mm foam. Cut strip slightly narrower than body.
LEGS: Round rubber legs, color to match body or have some fun with stripes and a different colors. Take a look at the samples. Please note: I didn’t do a great job with positioning the knot in the legs. Look at sample in the video. Rubber legs need some explanation. Use about 6 inches, fold in half, tie a knot near the fold and cinch down tight. Cut the loop near the knot. The doubled up rubber legs will be tied in, and position the knot beyond the end of the hook. After tying in, cut short one leg on each side in front. Don’t forget when completing the fly to add a dab of glue to the knots in the legs.
Posted on July 16th, 2024
This month, as part of our mission to inform our membership about conservation organizations we support, we have a look into Restore the Delta. https://restorethedelta.org/
Mission: To ensure the health of the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary and Delta communities.
ABOUT RESTORE THE DELTA
Restore the Delta works in the areas of public education, program and policy development, and outreach so that all Californians recognize the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta as part of California’s natural heritage, deserving of restoration. They interface with local, state and federal agencies.
They envision the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a place where a vibrant local economy, tourism, recreation, farming, wildlife, and fisheries thrive as a result of resident efforts to protect our waterways. They seek water quality protections for all communities, particularly environmental justice communities and California tribes, as well as community protections from flood and drought impacts.
Their goal is to connect communities to regional rivers and to empower communities to become the guardians of the estuary through participation in government planning, community science and waterway monitoring, and a sustainable local economy. They work to build the next generation of water leaders by developing programs in science, land and water management, and the green economy. They work for a Delta with waters that are fishable, swimmable, and drinkable, and farmable. They envision improvements in the Delta as opportunities for Delta tribes, Delta farming communities, and environmental justice communities to gain greater equity in decision making and to share in the benefits from area natural resources management.
Based in the Delta, California, Restore the Delta has worked since 2006 in the areas of public education and outreach and has grown to over 75,000 regular followers throughout California.
PRIMARY AREA OF FOCUS
Delta Conveyance Project—The Delta tunnel has taken the form of previous water conveyance projects in the past, like the Peripheral Canal idea that was rejected by California voters way back in 1982 and California WaterFix that died in 2019. Currently known as the Delta Conveyance Project, the proposal would construct two new water intake facilities on the Sacramento River in the North Delta to fill a single tunnel that would divert freshwater flows. That water would be shipped to large farming operations and water wholesalers south of the Delta. The Delta Conveyance project would divert up to 6,000 cubic feet of water per second. The project is estimated to cost between $16-40 billion and won’t be completed until at least 2040. The California Department of Water Resources published the final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Delta Conveyance Project on December 8, 2023, and published a Notice of Determination (NOD) on December 21, 2023. The NOD is the final administrative published record for a proposed project by the lead agency, which in this case is the Department of Water Resources.
Reviewing the prior Draft EIR, Restore the Delta identified 17 significant and unavoidable impacts of the proposed tunnel project on the environment that were not accounted for in the Draft EIR. Among these impacts will be the loss of prime agricultural farmland, loss of local non-tribal cultural resources, transportation and air quality impacts, and painful loss of tribal cultural resources.
The recently certified final EIR still largely ignores the project’s impacts on Delta urban environmental justice communities, how construction will ruin small Delta farming towns, and the natural resources essential to the cultural and spiritual practices of Delta tribes.
On January 22, 2023, Restore the Delta with a coalition of environmental and Tribal organizations took legal action against the California Department of Water Resources following the certification and approval of the FEIR for its violation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The CEQA case includes 13 CEQA violations. The groups claim that after the approval of the project from the agency, it failed to consider the extensive, disparate effects the project would inflict upon communities and wildlife, such as Tribal and other historically marginalized communities and endangered fish species, including Chinook salmon and steelhead.
The groups taking legal action against the Department of Water Resources include The Bay Institute, California Indian Environmental Alliance, Golden State Salmon Association, Restore the Delta, San Francisco Baykeeper, and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians.
Because the delta is such crucial component that impacts the health of many the fisheries in California, in makes sense for SCFF to support Restore the Delta. Thanks to member Robert Ransdell for suggesting that we consider Restore the Delta.
Posted on July 29th, 2024
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 17 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Fly Casting Meetup | All are welcome from beginners to experienced casters. This is a good time to continue working on and enjoying your progress with effectively casting your fly-line -whether it’s 25, 35, 40, or 50 feet – 90% of your fishing casting. We will continue to work on this foundation for everyone who wants to successfully and enjoyably pickup their fly rod and cast exactly where you want – time after time. Bring your rod and reel if appropriate, and I will also have the nice club rods we have so you can toss one of those around too. | Jade Street Park baseball field |
| Aug 31 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Intro to Spey Casting (limited spots) - Part 1 Jade Park | Spey Casting is a style of presenting a fly in a down and across manner ( aka Swinging Flies)It utilizes special lines and facilitates casting in tight quarters. It enables one to use sinking lines and throwing larger flies with ease. It’s a technique used in fishing for Salmon, tout and Steelhead. The first class would be ideal for those who have never casted a 2 handed rod. This class will be for beginners, or those with minimal experience. Maximum of 6 folks. I will provide rods for those who need a rod. Reserve your spots Alex Ferber, 831-419-0564 alex.ferber74@gmail.com | Jade Street Park baseball field |
Posted on July 21st, 2024
We now have the online Merchandise store linked to the website. Just go to the menu “Store” and click on the picture of the items, it will take you to an external website. Please note, if you have issues with your purchase, you will need to work it out with “the “FN Simple Uniforms”.
Update JUL-’24 feedback from SCFF members: Ordering is simple and any issues were ironed out (pin intended). Quality of items such as hat, t-shirt, sun shirt and button down shirt are great!
Posted on July 29th, 2024
Posted on July 29th, 2024
Upcoming Fishouts –
If you have not had a chace to join one of the many clubs hosted Fishouts this year, not to worry! We have more to come.
It is a great opportunity to meet new friends and new waters.
August 2024
Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout – Saturday August 3rd, 6am meet up
September 2024
Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout – Saturday September 7th, 6:25AM meet up
Mammoth Fishout -September 21st – October 5th
October 2024
Palm Beach Surf Fishout – Last Surf Fishout of 2024! Saturday October 5th, 6:50AM meet up
O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout – October 17th – 20th
Posted on July 29th, 2024
| Date | Activity Link | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 05 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | NCCFFI'S YUBAFEST 2024 | Yuba Fest 2024, a one-day event, will take place on Saturday, October 5th, celebrating the Lower Yuba River watershed. NorCal Fly Clubs, including members and participants in fly | Sycamore Ranch Park |
| Oct 08 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm | MBSTP Hatchery Volunteer Day | Come up to the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project hatchery and volunteer for a few hours. You will likely get a chance to check out the hatchery operation that rears Coho salmon. Where: MBSTP Hatchery 825 Big Creek Rd, Davenport, CA 95017 When: October 8th @ 12:00 PM Contact: Bob Garbarino 831-247-2045 rjgarbarino@gmail.com If you plan on going, contact Bob so we can coordinate access into the hatchery.
| Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project Hatchery |
| Nov 09 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm | NCCFFI Hall of Fame dinner - EVENT | The Winner of the 2024 Hall of Fame Award is: Mike Mercer! Working with the NCCFFI board and with the help of September speaker, Mark Rockwell, the price of a seat for the HOF at the SCFF table is $115 which is a $45 saving compared to the ticket price on the NCCFFI website. | Veterans Memorial Bldg – Lafayette |
| Nov 24 8:00 am - 11:00 am | Volunteer for Salinas River Cleanup, Sunday November 24 | Join the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers for the annual clean up of the Salinas River fishing access. The event will be on Sunday November 24 starting at 9:00 am. Jay Jefferson is the Salinas Valley Fly Fishers representative for this event. Wear clothing for the weather of that day and if you can, bring gloves and a three prong hoe, as it’s the best tool. Directions:
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Posted on July 29th, 2024
Dear Santa Cruz Fly Fishers,
This letter is to inform you about the upcoming NCCFFI event, the 2024 Hall of Fame dinner, and ask for your support. This year’s selectee is Mike Mercer, the acclaimed fly tyer from Redding. The event will be on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, at the Veterans Memorial building in Lafayette, near Walnut Creek.
This event was started back in 1987, with Jack Horner & E.C. Powell being inducted. It had been an annual event until 2015 when the Council stopped having it. After several years of requests to start it again, we are doing so this year.
Many of your members are likely not even aware of Hall of Fame since many are new to the club since 2015 or have simply forgotten about it. We believe strongly they would at least like to know it is happening and be able to attend.
The primary reasons for filling the venue – 200 people – is to once again honor one of fly fishing’s greats – Mike Mercer – and to support the sport of fly fishing and the Northern California Council. It’s especially important that we take a moment to honor our industrious fly-fishing celebrities, and just have a fun evening together, telling stories, meeting other greats who will attend, and supporting our Council.
Will you help us get the word out to your club members? Here is our plan:
Purchasing a Table representing your club.
We’ll look forward to seeing you at the event. We promise, you’ll really enjoy the evening, and you’ll be supporting fly fishing greatness, as well as supporting our Council. Check out the attached details about the event & auction items.
Thank You!
Ron Beltramo
NCCFFI Executive Board Member
Posted on July 29th, 2024
Can’t Lost It!
Posted on July 29th, 2024
