January 09 - Spokane Fly Fishers

Spokane Fly Fishers
www.spokaneflyfishers.com
JANUARY MEETING - JANUARY 14TH
SPEAKER: NEALE STREEKS
COME TO THE MEETING EARLY.
From 6 to 7 PM, Neale Streeks will
give a fly tying demonstration.
Neale is the author of several
books on fishing and fly tying.
Following the demonstration, during the meeting he will speak to
us about fishing the Missouri.
The Missouri River is a very rich "tailwater" river. With its high
trout populations, weed laced flats, beautiful mountain scenery, and great hatches. It is one of the best dry fly fisheries in
the West today. The controlled water flows provide excellent
fishing opportunities year round. Whether you fish from a
boat, wade or walk the bank, you will gain much new insight
from Neale Streeks’ years on the water.
FIN CLIPPING
AT THE COLVILLE FISH HATCHERY
By Judy Kaufman
Redband Trout have certainly been in the news lately. We may
have the opportunity to meet some wild ones come late January or February.
Last year, some of our members got to know about 10,000 of
them. We went to the Colville Fish Hatchery and clipped off
their little adipose fins. Fin clipping is painless for the little
guys; they are anesthetized but come around quickly after
their ordeal. Clipping may take place during the middle of the
week; I know that means some of
you won’t have the chance to make
the trip.
At this writing, we don’t have a definite clipping date (if any). If a date is
set we’ll announce it at the January
meeting. This is just another very
good reason to get to that meeting.
January, 2009
SFF Officers and
Board Members
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Board Position 1
Board Position 2
Board Position 3
Past President
Sgt. At Arms
Fred Howe
Mike Melmoth
Ray Baker
Gail Bailey
Bob Hudson
Craig Pearsall
Tim Reed
Dan Ferguson
Bob Kowal
Contact us at:
P. O. Box 4141
Spokane, WA 99220
Or
[email protected]
AROUND THE BEND
January 3rd, Beginning Fly Tying Classes start.
January 8th, Intermediate Fly
Tying Classes start.
January 14th, SFF Meeting
7 PM Neale Streeks
January 21st, SFF Board
Meeting 7PM
February 11th, SFF Meeting
7 PM Rick Hafele
February 18th, SFF Board
Meeting 7 PM
March 6th, 7th, 8th Great
West Fly Fishing Show
March 11th, SFF Meeting
7 PM Conservation Raffle
March 18th, SFF Board
Meeting 7 PM
PREZ SEZ
By Fred Howe
It was wonderful that so many of you were able to attend the Holiday
Party this year. It was fun to be able to socialize a little. Carla Ferguson
deserves the thanks of all in the club for spending the entire day in the
kitchen cooking. My wife (Linda) and Klaus Rissman assisted Carla but
I understand the cooking (other than peeling potatoes) was all Carla.
Jerry Voelker, Jack Fruit, and Jan Sadlo must be thanked for providing
the liquid refreshments (Jerry and Jack manned the bar and Jan provided the punch but was unable to attend. I want to thank Dan for the
Rein Mice on the gingerbread house and for the great slide show with
reminiscences of the past SFF year. We were sorry that a few of the more active members
were unable to attend due to illness. Special thanks go to Betty Smith-Lambert for putting
flies in the ornaments and to George Davis (Santa). I was particularly pleased that Stan
Troyer brought Don Chinn, a long time member, to the dinner.
The SFF new year begins with both the Beginning (January 3rd) and Intermediate Fly Tying
Classes (January 8th). Our speaker for the January meeting is a celebrated author and guide
Neale Streeks, followed in February by author and guide Rick Hafele. We were lucky to get
both of these speakers so I hope many of you will attend the meetings. Hopefully, the
weather will be better and the roads clear.
March, of course, brings our CONSERVATION RAFFLE. Did you receive a fly fishing gift
for Christmas that you really don’t need (or especially want)? How about donating it to the
Conservation Raffle? Have you taken advantage of the wonderful after Christmas sales?
Remember the Raffle! We need all of the donations we can get so that when you attend the
meeting in March there will be plenty of items of interest to other members and some that
you can’t wait to win.
The Conservation Committee is still looking for a worthwhile project (or projects) to designate for the raffle proceeds. If you have anything to donate, or any idea for the raffle proceeds, please contact Roger at 509 327-8231 or [email protected].
Those of you who wish to volunteer for either (or both) of the VA projects (Project Healing
Waters or Roll’n on the River) should contact the volunteer coordinators at the VA as soon
as possible. They are Gwen Porche at 509-434-7503 and Kathy Kovalesky at 509-434-7510.
Linda and I went last week and were fingerprinted. It was painless. If you have any questions about either of these programs, contact Tim Reed at 796-2344.
I want to wish all of you a happy and safe 2009 with lots of good fishing.
I hope the snow lets up a little so that I can see all of you at the meeting on January 14th.
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING
The next Conservation meeting will be in January and committee members will be contacted in
advance of the meeting. If you would like to attend, please contact Roger Bertsch, 327-8231.
CONSERVATION CORNER
EGG SUCKING 2008
By Roger Bertsch
The traditional SFF “Egg Sucking” service project in support
of the Spokane Fish Hatchery was a huge success.
Twenty two members braved winter storm warnings and using “turkey basters” separated “bad” eggs from the eight million eggs that this hatchery annually ships around the state.
This year we worked on rainbow and kokanee eggs.
We began the day at 9 AM with coffee and doughnuts, then
progressed to the eggs. With each of us armed with a baster
and a mesh sieve, we proceeded to do our part to insure that
many little fish were saved, so they can grow as large as the
ones these members are holding.
After a good morning’s work, some of the group enjoyed
lunch at Fat Daddy’s Pizza.
RIVER FORUM CONFERENCE
January 22 and 23
Judy Kaufman
The Spokane River Forum (the same group that sponsored the Spokane River Float this past
summer) is having a conference January 22 & 23. The
broad areas that will be covered are: water quantity (what
fish need), water quality, recreation (Spokane River access or lack of), collaboration and community. The SFF
will be taking part in the conference. We will be represented in the recreation section talking about fishing the
river and the need for more and better access to the river.
The time has come to have the choice of fishing the river
by floating (pontoon, raft or drift boat) or wading (slipping
and breaking your behind).
More information will be available at the January meeting.
FEBRUARY SPEAKER
RICK HAFELE
By Judy Kaufman
Rick Hafele has a Masters of Science degree in aquatic entomology with a minor in fisheries science from Oregon State University. He has written the “Entomology” column for American Angler magazine for over twenty-five years. His latest book is
Nymph-Fishing Rivers and Streams 2006. Rick has a number of
programs (slide shows) that he does. Rather than have 2 or 3
members decide on a presentation the members at the January
meeting can vote their selection, the winner being the February
program.
Rick also does workshops. If there is enough interest he could put on a 3-hour slide/lecture
program that explains the “why” of fishing success that discusses:
·How to recognize the insect hatches important to the Western Angler.
·How insect behavior affects fish feeding behavior.
·How to select and fish the proper patterns.
Excellent color slides show, graphically, all stages of the insects, their habitat & fly patterns.
Rick’s fee for the workshop is $600 so there would definitely be a charge. The charge would
depend on the number attending. Interest in the workshop will be determined at the January
meeting. If you can’t make the meeting and would like to attend the workshop in February,
please contact Judy at 924-9462.
INTERMEDIATE FLY TYING
By Judy Kaufman
Now is the time to tie flies. The tiers that are teaching are members that are sharing successful patterns with the class. THESE FLIES CATCH FISH. If you can tie flies without tying your
finger to the hook (most of the time) you qualify for intermediate. Come join us, learn and
have a good time!
WHEN: Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 February 5, 12
TIME: 7 - 9 PM
WHERE: Wildlife Council Building – 6116 Market (2 blocks South of
Francis)
COST: $20 Payable January 8th
MATERIALS: You will be responsible for your own materials, tying
tools & vise. (Some materials will be furnished; they will be indicated
on the materials list.)
CONTACT: Judy Kaufman – 924-9462 if you haven’t signed up and
want to take the class. We will have the first session before the next
general meeting and you will need to know what materials to bring.
YELLOWSTONE OUTING ALERT
SEPTEMBER 13 THRU19, 2009
By Judy Kaufman
We know this is very early but you must give serious thought to this outing now. Arrangements have been made to stay at WAGON WHEEL RV
CAMPGROUND and CABINS tucked off the main streets of town at West
Yellowstone. This campground was chosen because it fits our requirements, is close to the West Yellowstone Park entrance and many fishing
sites. SFF has reserved some sites and cabins. The WAGON WHEEL requires you to make deposits by the end of January. SFF doesn’t make deposits. Individual members must make their own deposits. If you plan or are thinking about going on
this great outing come to the January SFF meeting and scope out the accommodations. If
you decide you are going & want to stay with the group at the WAGON WHEEL get ready to
ante up. The cancellation policy for RV & tent sites is 24 hours and for the camping cabins
14 days, prior to the booked arrival.
If you can’t make the January meeting, call KAREN REED 796-2344 or JUDY KAUFMAN 9249462 for information.
GOOD NEWS
By Dan Ferguson
Jesse Wanskasmith has redesigned our web site! While there are a few
things that need to be brought up to speed, it looks great. By the time
you read this, we’ll have a fishing report page where you, the fisherperson, can upload articles and pictures.
Jesse’s only been in the club a short while and although he’s a busy
guy; he’s made a number of our outings. For some reason he feels the
need to encumber himself with a bunch of camera equipment in addition
to a fly rod. Be sure to admire his easily recognizable pictures and thank
him for the new site.
FLY FISHING SCHOOL
Our 26th Annual Fly Fishing School is scheduled to start in
March. Now is the time to sign up before the class is full. It will
be advertised at the Great West Sport Fishing Show.
The class truly benefits those who are new or intermediate fly
fishers. You will learn: What the Fish Eat (Entomology), Tackle
Assembly & Knots, Fly Fishing Past & Future, Fishing Lakes,
Fishing Rivers & Streams, Basic Casting Principles & get Casting
Practice.
To sign up or for more information, contact the SFF web site at
www.spokaneflyfishers.com or contact Dan Ferguson at 3258885.
HOLIDAY PARTY REPORT
By Linda Howe
The 2008 Holiday Party was a huge success. As this picture
shows, Carla, after many hours in the kitchen preparing our wonderful meal, remains happy. You can tell that she really loves to
cook and is not afraid of hard work. Thank you Carla. We all appreciate your talents and dedication to
SFF.
In addition to cooking the food, Carla
also constructed the Gingerbread
House. Dan Ferguson assisted and
tied the detailed “reinmice” which
pulled Santa’s sleigh. Their little masterpiece was won by Bob Kowal.
Dan also did a great job with the slide show presentation of our
outings and activities of 2008.
Seventy two people shared the festivities and their many wonderful salads, hot side dishes
and desserts were enjoyed by all.
Betty Smith Lambert, once again, put the flies (tied by
Betty and other club members) into the 48 glass ornament balls. Thank you, Betty, for your hard work. Betty
reports that she will not be able to continue this annual
job but will teach someone else the technique. If you
wish to assist and continue this tradition, please give
Betty a call at 838-5914. If no one volunteers, we will
miss this wonderful addition to the party.
It was wonderful to see that Bob Mielbrecht is recovering from his recent surgery and that he
and Pat were able to attend the party. We also welcomed back Don Chinn, a founding member of the club who has been unable to attend the meetings for a few years. Hopefully, Don
will become a regular attendee.
Klaus Rissman (the member who prepares the food at the
monthly meetings) and I worked most of the day setting up
the room and the tree and assisting Carla a little. We wish
to thank all the members who assisted with the clean-up.
Your help was needed and greatly appreciated.
Santa (better known to us as George Davis) made an appearance again this year with his trusty reindog Gomer.
Thank you, George, for greeting our guests.
The gift exchange was enjoyed by all.
RECYCLED WADERS
By Dan Ferguson
Trying to figure out what to do with those old waders that you can’t seem to patch? Are you
to frugal (cheap) to just throw them out? Have you been asked “just how many waders do
you need?” You need to check out: www.recycledwaders.com They will take your old waders
and create great looking tote bags from them for a reasonable charge. You can get a wallet,
Nook Sack, Fanny Pack or a Messenger Creel. The bags even impressed our daughter! And,
they’re “broken in”, with light staining and patch material! None of us wants to hit the stream
looking like a “newbie”.
The company was gracious enough to send some samples for our coming conservation raffle. So, be sure to check out Recycled Waders at the web site or at our raffle.
ALASKA FISHING EXPERIENCE
By Bob Kowal
If you are interested in a fantastic wilderness fishing experience, consider joining others in
the club on a week long float trip in Alaska in the first two weeks of July. We will be floating American Creek, targeting sockeye salmon, HUGE rainbow trout and grayling on dry
flies, . All food and food preparation, tents and tent set up are taken care of. I have been
with this guide and he takes very good care of you and puts you on to fish. In one 20 minute
stretch I hooked 4 rainbows over 20 inches. You need to bring fishing equipment, a sleeping bag/pad and appropriate clothing. Put http://frontierriverguides.com/Western%
20Alaska.html Click Trip Information and then scroll to the bottom of the new page and click
on Katmai Region for a description of the trip into your browser and check out the website. If
you are interested, call Bob Kowal or e-mail him at [email protected].
2009 SFFOUTINGS
Geno Baril, the Outings Chairperson, is looking for members to host some of the outings for
2009. If you wish to host a particular outing call Geno at 468-0589. The Outings list will be
in the February Barbless.
THE BARBLESS FLYER
Spokane Fly Fishers
P. O. Box 4141
Spokane, WA 99220
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR NAME TAGS TO THE MEETING
NEXT MEETING
JANUARY 14, 2009
NEALE STREEKS
FISHING THE MISSOURI
7:00 Meeting - 6:00 Tying Demonstration
ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL
1104 W. HEROY
“THE MISSION OF THE SPOKANE FLY FISHERS IS TO PROVIDE A FAMILY FRIENDLY
ORGANIZATION FOR PROMOTING THE SPORT OF FLY FISHING THROUGH
EDUCATION, APPLICATION, AND CONSERVATION.”