tight lines may - santa lucia fly fishers · bill winston sylvia & lew leichter tim marshall...

(1 SLFF NEWSLETTER – May 2014

PRESIDENT’S LETTER – May 2014

John Gierach: “For years I've been working to simplify and focus my

fly selection, a project that requires a new fly box or two every season. I can't figure that out. Someone said that no new law should be made without an old law being thrown out to make room for it.

That's how I feel about fly patterns, but laws and trout flies are among those things in life that resist being made sense of.”

http://www.santaluciaflyfishers.com San Luis Obispo, CA Greg & Mary Lugo, Editors

by Lew Leichter

Tight Lines May, 2014

NEW MEMBERS: We had a big turnout at our April meeting to enjoy Gary Bulla's program on fishing in Baja California. Joining us were 6 new members: Bob Brantley, Larry Dellard, Ron George, Jennifer & Pierre Labrecque and Jim Trask. We look forward to getting to know all of you and spending time on the water together. SO FAR IN APRIL: April has been a fun month. I participated in my first “One Surf Fly Beach Classic” at Rincon, caught my share of surf perch and won some cool stuff in the raffle. Congratulations to Andy Malavos for winning the trophy for biggest fish caught. I celebrated April 15th by fishing Lago Fig and had the lake to myself. I would describe the day as an occasional trout amongst all those g.d. bluegill. Last Saturday I enjoyed the Santa Margarita outing, both the fishing and picnic. A very big thank you to Elaine C and her two helpers. In early May David Holmes and I will be spending two days on Pronghorn Lake in the Klamath Falls area fishing with still water guru Denny Rickards. I can't wait! 2015 BANQUET: Yes believe it or not we have to start the planning process now. We are looking at some alternative venues and need to reserve one soon as they get booked up. WE ALSO NEED TO LINE UP A SPEAKER. IF YOU HAVE A RECOMMENDATION, SOMEONE WHO HAS A PROGRAM THAT WOULD BE OF SOME INTEREST TO ALL ATTENDEES, PLEASE CONTACT ME. THESE FOLKS GET BOOKED UP FAST AND WE NEED TO CO-ORDINATE WITH THEM ON THE DATE. MAY MEETING: Freddy Otte, the city biologist for San Luis Obispo, will be our guest speaker. SAVE THE DATES: May 1st: Fly tying (see below) May 8th: 5:30 Board meeting, 6:30 General meeting at Margie's with Freddie Otte May 31st: Shad outing on the American River in Sacramento (contact Rich Chubon)


Guest Speaker: Freddy Otte, San Luis Obispo City Biologist

Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 6:30pm Margie’s Diner, 1575 Calle Joaquin, SLO

In 1997, I began working for Central Coast Salmon Enhancement as their Chinook salmon pen-rearing program biologist and was involved in the watershed management planning where I was trained on the freshwater aspect of our local steelhead’s life history. In 2005, I was hired as the Biologist for the City of San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo is very progressive in resource protection and enhancement and this position is unique in that there are very few municipalities that employ a biologist. As the City Biologist, I closely interact with planners and engineers during project design. I am dedicated to ensuring the protection of steelhead whose survival is threatened by urban development, water pollution, and other factors. I oversee endangered species monitoring, research projects with Cal Poly intern candidates, assist in flood control activities and ensure environmental protections for sensitive species, assist in dealing with the impact of transients and help with fisheries projects in the watershed.

I am the coordinator of the City’s Stormwater Management Program that is mandated by the State Water Quality Control Board and overseen by the City’s Natural Resources Program. This program improves water quality for local steelhead. I have collaborated with numerous agencies and organizations to broaden the ability to implement steelhead trout recovery in San Luis Obispo County. I am President of the Board of Directors for the Salmonid Restoration Federation (SRF) a statewide advocacy and training organization. We host an annual conference throughout the state with the most recent in Santa Barbara dealing mostly with Steelhead trout and their plight. We will be holding the first Steelhead Summit in July in Ventura to better align our restoration activities and research opportunities and needs for the perpetuation of these iconic fish.

New TU Chapter Meets in SLO The Steinbeck Country Chapter of trout Unlimited held their introductory meeting in SLO on March 29th. In attendance were several TU employees and members of this newly formed TU chapter; representatives of Morro Bay National Estuary Program, Central Coast Salmon & Enhancement and 10 interested members of our club. I want to thank Elaine & Jim Crescenzi, Charlotte Kelley, Andy Harrison, Bernard Pieters, Charlie Cohn, K C Lim, Ron Bryant and Tom Nickelson for being there. We hope good things will come of having more of a TU presence on the Central Coast. We'll keep you informed. Lew Leichter


The Board of Directors and Members of the Santa Lucia Fly Fishers would like to thank the following sponsors of the 2014 Annual Banquet. We could not do it without your support.

Guides: Guy Jeans Beryl Rea George Durand Tom Maumoynier Mark Pinto Alan Blankenship Ernie Gulley Rick Paaske Jack Trout Gear: 4 Seasons Outfitters Irideus Fly Shop North Fork Outdoors Measure Net Rajeff Sports Doctor Slick Sage Redington Rio Scientific Anglers

Members: Madeline & George Protsman Mark Shelton David Holmes Jim Snodgrass Ed Filice Diane Whitehouse Peter Van Hest Bernard Pieters Tom Nickelson John Ljung Judy & Rich Chubon Jim Crescenzi Sheri & Ron Bryant Bill Winston Sylvia & Lew Leichter Tim Marshall Jim Schlagel

At David Holmes suggestion, a number of the garage sale participants made donations of various items to the club (rod, reel, etc.) to be used as raffle items. See you at the next meeting!

SLFF Annual Garage Sale This year’s garage sale was another club success. Many members were able to find bargains on “slightly” used and new items, while others cleaned out their garage.


SLFF Tying Group by Jim Crescenzi

The next fly tying session will be held on May 1st at 6:30 pm at the SLO Odd Fellow’s Hall (but if you’re not there by 6 pm - you’re late). By Popular Demand, “Heluva Fly” To Be Tied in May! It’s not often that a pattern is scheduled by popular demand! That’s the case here, as Peter van Hest was catching a lot of trout at Lago Fig earlier this year while his buddies had less success. This led to Peter revealing his special pattern, which was promptly followed by a request that we ask Peter to share his secret weapon, which he calls a “Heluva Fly”. Peter explains that it is a variant of the Carey Special, with a particular hook (a little different than the fly in the photo) and a custom selection of materials to jazz it up. We have several witnesses who testify to the success of the pattern, so tyers won’t want to miss the session led by Peter on Thursday, May 1st, at the SLO Odd Fellows Hall (at the normal 6:30 PM).

Materials are provided except for thread (Olive thread, size 6 or 8 is recommended - a limited supply can be purchased at the session for $2). If you need help with equipment, please call Jim Crescenzi (805 927-2285), as it is likely the club has loaner vices and bobbins etc., for use at the session. Ray Belknap, who tied his custom “small green wooly bugger”, led the April tying session. This session was well attended and most informative, as various tyers made suggestions as to their preferred version of small green wooly buggers, and of tricks in tying them. Our June session will be the “Bird’s Nest”, led by Paul Crafts. All three sessions should serve us well for our Manzanita Lake outing in mid June.


MAY- 31ST – JUNE 1 AMERICAN RIVER SHAD – Rich Chubon JUNE – 18-23 MANZANITA LAKE – Bernard Pieters JUNE – 25-28 LAKE ALMANOR – George Prostman JULY 12th HALIBUT OUTING - Bernard Pieters JULY 26 th ANNUAL BBQ & HALIBUT OUTING – Bernard Pieters SEPTEMBER - 19-21 MAMMOUTH LAKE FFF FLY FISHING FAIRE – Rich Chubon SEPTEMBER - 22nd CROWLEY LAKE - Lew Leichter OCTOBER - 11- 12 KERN RIVER OUTING – Art Chapman NOVEMBER - 1-2 ONEIL FOREBAY STRIPERS – Mark Shelton ALL OUTING DATES ARE TENATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON WEATHER, WATER AND FISHING CONDITION American River Shad Outing - Rich Chubon The Shad outing is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of May 31st. I am monitoring water and fishing conditions on the American River. If you are interested in this trip email me at [email protected] or call at 805-782-9193. I will put you on the interest list and keep you informed about our trip plans. Delta Fishing Opportunity - News from Professional Guide Mark Pinto, April 17th: “The Delta right now is really great. We haven't seen this grade of fish for years. It's the spring run and it seems like the fish just keep coming in... The top-water Bass action is in full swing too, much earlier than usual because of the warmer water... Everything should hold for a while. I have 3 trips this next week with some great tides.... It’s tough to beat the shorts weather and variety right now...”

UPCOMING OUTINGS and EVENTS for 2014


Up Coming Outings - continued

MANZANITA LAKE OUTING by Bernard Pieters JUNE 18th - 23th

This outing has become a tradition in our club, and some of the info is well know to many of us. This majestic place with its alpine natural beauty, and quality fishing is bringing us fishermen and women back year after year. In spite of the overall good fishing, the lake can also be challenging. Most of us will agree, "there is a definite learning curve to fishing this lake successfully". Keep in mind, the trout in this lake are "catch and release", wild and highly educated (at times). Many of us have encountered situations when we individually tried to figure out what was going on with this trout, was it the weather or simple trial and error? But when you do figure it out, it can pay off big time! Last year was a blast, most of us were greatly rewarded for our efforts. Motivated by last years results, 11 members have already signed on for the outing. A floating device is the best way to go, however there are many good spots around the lake which can be fished productively from shore. In general the fishing is slow from 4 - 7 PM, this will give you ample time to have dinner, and be ready for the evening fishing. There is a fishing briefing (report) planned on a regular basis (around 5 PM) in site #1. A get together can be arranged for one of the early evenings. Lake Almanor is reasonably close by, it would be a great idea to combine Manzanita with the Almanor outing on June 25th. DETAILS WHERE: Manzanita Lake - Lassen Nat’l Park (North entrance. Take highway 44 east out of Redding) ACCOMMODATIONS: Camping near the lake (no hook ups). Motels are in Shingletown, about 14 miles towards Redding (on highway 44). FEES: Entrance fee $10 / camping fee $18 / California fishing license required TACKLE: Rod 4 - 6 wt, with floating line / clear intermediate 8 - 15 ft tips / small indicators LEADERS: 11 -17 ft (long leaders for most fishing) TIPPETS: 4 - 7 X Fluorocarbon (during the day), 3 X for late evening (and shorter leader) DRY- FLIES: Parachute Adams / Callibaetis; Cripple and Duns / Harrops cdc emerging Midge/all in sizes (14) 16 - 18. Black Ants size (12) 14 -16 NYMPHS: Pheasant tail (no bead) /Gold ribbed Haire's ear / Callibaetis / Birds Nest /all in size 14 -18 Damsels (olive) size 12 - 14 / Zebra or Tiger Midge size 18 - 20 BUGGERS - LEECHES: Small Woolly Bugger (olive) / size 8 - 10, for during the day Mid size Woolly Bugger (dark) / Seal Bugger (dark) / Zonker (dark), all in size 6 - 8, for late evening RESERVATIONS: Reserve your site now (they sell out fast). You can made your reservation on line at www.Recreation.gov phone 877 444 6777 Loop A & C are for reservations only, loop D & E are first come, first serve. Most members are camping together in loop C. Christine and I are in C 1 CONTACT: Bernard P for any help planning your trip (before June 10th) [email protected] 489-3085 See You at Manzanita


Past Outings Reports March SLFF Casting Clinics This March, the SLFF was once again fortunate to have our IFFF Fly Casting Instructor qualified members volunteer their time and expertise to instruct our club members. We were given new challenges to overcome and learned new techniques commensurate with our experience levels. Those members who were unable to attend should make it a point to attend the 2015 classes if they are again offered. It is an excellent way to brush up on rarely-used skills, learn new techniques and get ready for the fishing season. A BIG thank you to our crew of instructors: Chad McPartland, Todd Tosé, Bob Hurd, Eric Sherar, and Bernard Pieters and a special thanks to Bernard Pieters for coordinating this month long effort.

Photos by David Holmes


Past Outings Reports - continued

Pyramid Lake Outing Report – Rich Chubon Fishing Pyramid can disappoint and reward an angler. Angler’s need to be prepared to encounter weather conditions which can change from the impossible, to the absurd, to the acceptable. The fish bite can turn on and turn off without notice and for seemingly no reason. This year’s trip was no exception. Art Chapman, Steve Lefler, and yours truly made the trip to the Paiute reservation northeast of Reno. My brother Dave from Prescott Arizona joined us. This was Dave’s first trip to Pyramid. We met up with Steve on Friday. He had arrived the day before and reported that fishing on the day before was super in the early afternoon. He had hooked and landed half-a-dozen or more fish. Guys on the line were taking fish under indicators as well as stripping. We suited up, moved our ladders into position along the line of fishers, looking forward to the action we had hoped for. As the afternoon arrived and turned in to evening we energetically tossed and stripped flies and when our shoulders tired we watched bobbing indicators. All was quiet, with only a few fish taken along the line. In our own group only one fish was taken. The mystic of Pyramid had once again left us wondering why, why, why! Saturday was sure to be better. On Saturday morning the wind began blowing early, a prelude to what the day would be like. As we took our position at the South Nets, the wind began to howl. It never let up. We soon saw wind gusts over 40 to 50 MPH. We elected to move around the lake, looking for some shelter from the winds. After trying Windless Cove (believe that), Warrior Point and other beaches, we called it a day. We had one fish and one hooked fisherman. Thank god we were fishing barbless. Saturday was a bust!

On Sunday we awoke to new conditions. It had snowed during the night. Snow had fallen to a few hundred feet above lake level. It was clear, crisp, beautiful, and the winds were subdued. Steve had left for another fishing venue. Art, Dave, and I moved back to fish the South Nets. Fishing started out slow. Around 11:00 Dave left to return to Arizona. Art and I continued fishing. I had tied up a variety of flies, some of the old standards, as well as my own variation of the Midnight Cowboy and Martini Olive wooly worm. Around noon I began taking fish on both these flies. I must have hooked well over a dozen fish and landed most of them. Just as soon as it started it got quiet for me. About an hour or so later it was Art’s turn. He began taking lots of fish, mostly on an olive green wooly worm. At one point I think Art made 4 or 5 casts and hooked and landed fish on each cast. He was on fire! He continued to catch fish, causing the fisherman to his left to “ask what the hell he was using”. All of our fish ranged from about 16 to 23 inches. Most were bright colored males. It was a perfect ending to a not so perfect trip. As a postscript, we saw pictures and talked to a fly fisher who had landed a 16-½ pound fish on Sunday. He was fishing Wino beach with an indicator in 7 feet of water. The fish took a chironomid. Using a 6-wt rod with a 3X tippet, he landed the fish after 40 minutes. Well, we can only hope, can’t we!



FORT HUNTER-LIGGETT BASS OUTING by Andy Harrison Out of the dozen different bass ponds located on Fort Hunter-Liggett, Del Venturi Reservoir isn’t usually mentioned as one of the better ones. In fact, it’s often regarded as a last resort place to fish when there’s nothing else open on the base. After being closed for a whole month, we were confident that FHL would open all the prime ponds up for our outing on April 5th. Unfortunately, when the weekend of the outing arrived, Del Venturi was the only one open. Art Chapman, Bob Bayer and I decided to give it a try anyway. We were glad we did!

The pond level was very low, but the recent rains had helped a little: the water was high enough to launch without getting muddy or losing a flipper, and was surprisingly clear with visibility to 5’. We pulled up expecting the banks to be lined with gear and bait anglers, but were pleasantly surprised to have the pond to ourselves all day. The algae were starting to bloom, but the breeze eventually came up and pushed it all to one side of the pond.

We all caught multiple bass, mostly in the 12-13” range. Art got big fish honors, landing a solid 3 pounder. Most of the bass were caught in 3-8’ of water, but a few were also caught

by sight-fishing from the shore. In addition to the bass, we landed a mess of chunky, hard-fighting bluegill by casting into the shallow water at the edge of the weedlines. All fish were caught on small (#12) beadhead buggers in olive/black and red/black. A very fun day at Del Venturi!



One Surf Fly Beach Classic by Andy Malovos Rincon Beach, Saturday April 12, 2014

The Beach Classic this year was held at Rincon Beach- just South of Carpinteria, and was attended by 70 fly fishing surf casters mostly from Central and Southern California. In It's 7th year, The Classic is a half day of camaraderie, fishing, BBQ lunch, and raffle and is held at beaches from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Benefits from the raffle this year went to The Land Trust of Santa Barbara County. Organizers included Gary Bulla, Al Quatrochi, Jim Solomon, Shane Chung, Alex Ramirez and Photographer Michelle Bowman, (www.onesurffly.com) for pictures and more details.

Club President Lew Leichter, Rich Chubon, Peter Van Hest Ray Belknap, and myself, Andy Malovos were in attendance. The fishing rules for The Classic were developed by Al Quatrochi (Al Q). Bring your bagged Clouser surf fly size 2-6 to the sign-in table before 7am, turn it in to the organizers and grab another one from the big bag of submitted flys. I was lucky enough to get a nice red maraboo fly with lots of green and gold flash. You are given a plastic score card to wear on your back. Spotters come along and mark the card on the beach. Trophies are given for most fish and biggest fish. Don't lose your fly while fishing; you are out of competition. Once you select a fishing position on the beach, you must remain there for the 2-hour duration of fishing. Once the horn blew at 7am, the SLFF crew hot -footed to the South end of the beach. We found out early that long casts did not produce those hard fighting 1-2 pd. Barred Surf Perch like past club trips. Short casts produced little ones. However, the little bites could turn into big fish. I was lucky enough to hook a big thumping 15.7-inch BSP at about 730 am. Staying in place in the surf when the fish are around is OK. After the whistle blew we retreated to the BBQ Company restaurant on Santa Claus Lane just North of Rincon Beach. We ate tri-tip sandwiches and purchased raffle tickets. I did win the Big Fish Trophy. Kevin Greene tied the fly "Crabby Paddy" and we had our picture taken together. Will tied some for the club. Lots of nice raffle prizes. Benefits are always given to local organizations. Always an Up lifter! Oh Yeah - No entry fee!



Santa Margarita Lake Outing

A picture speaks a thousand words… a great time was had by all. Thank you Art Chapman and Jim Crescenzi for organizing the event, and thank you Elaine for the wonderful picnic. There were lots of “boats and floats” on the water and a few fishing from the shore. The weather could not have been more beautiful… even if the fish were not cooperative.


SLFF MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION An individual regular membership is $35.00 per year

For 12 months (January through December). Enrollment after 1 July is $20.00 for the remainder of the year.

To join, please download the Membership Form from our Website: http://santaluciaflyfishers.com/PDF/SLFF/App.pdf

Send completed form with a check for dues to: Santa Lucia Fly Fishers

c/o Secretary P.O. Box 166

San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

Come wet a line with us! Thank you for supporting those who help support our chapter.


Officers Directors President Lew Leichter Ron Bryant, Rich Chubon Vice President Art Chapman Jim Crescenzi, Tom Nickelson Secretary Sheri Bryant Bernard Pieters, Mark Shelton

Treasurer Judy Chubon

Committees Conservation Ron Bryant, Doug Daniels (TiC) Education David Holmes Membership Mark Shelton Rod Building Mike Powers, Rich Chubon Newsletter Greg & Mary Lugo Casting Bernard Pieters, Eric Sherar Website Ted Pope, KC Lim Fly Tying Jim Crescenzi Programs Rich Chubon, Mark Shelton Banquet & BBQ Sheri & Ron Bryant Outings, Salt Water Andy Malovos, Lew Leichter Library Steve Soenke Outings, Fresh Water Art Chapman, Rich Chubon Fundraising David Holmes, Lew Leichter SWCFFF Coordinator Lew Leichter Rich Chubon, Trish Curtis .

P.O. Box 166

San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

tight lines may - santa lucia fly fishers · bill winston sylvia & lew leichter tim marshall...

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