May 2012

May 2012
May Meeting
May 24, 2012
Queeny Park 7:00 P.M.
MICHAEL J. SIEPKER
Sportfish Population Ecologist
Missouri Department of Conservation
Mike will update us on the current state and outlook of MDC trout program, including the status of the fisheries in the State and
several completed and ongoing trout projects.
About our speaker;
Mike Siepker is the Sportfish Population Ecologist in the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Resource Science Division, stationed
out of West Plains. In his 8 years with MDC, Mike has worked on numerous projects such as bass and crappie reproduction in large
reservoirs, walleye and smallmouth bass movement in Ozark rivers, and hooking mortality in largemouth bass. Mike has also
worked on several projects related to trout. He led a statewide survey of trout habitat, participated on the Trout Stocking
Committee, and assisted in the development of current projects such as rainbow trout strain evaluation and triploid brown trout
evaluation.
President’s Message
By Malcolm Royse
“If I were asked to give one word of advice to an angler planning to take his family with him on a
fishing holiday, I’d give it: DON’T.” Joe Pisarro
I missed my first meeting since I became president of OFF. It was for a good reason - I was
fishing. I thought I would share with a few details of the Michigan steelhead trip, as it was a great
trip.
As everyone knows, the weather has been nuts this year and the ice coming off the Muskegon River early. This caused an
early beginning of the runs of the steelhead. By the time we got on the river, the main runs were over and we were seeing a lot of
beat up fish. There were four of us making the trip this year; Mark Harris, “Bad Ass” Norm Miller, Dan Kiddy and myself. We all
caught fish, but it was a lot of casting and moving around to get on and stay on fish. We even got into a few fresh fish, but they were
few and far between. The great thing about the trip was that I got to watch people get a really silly grin on their faces that they
could not get off. I believe that their face muscles hurt after a while--I know mine did. Everyone got pictures of some really nice
steelhead, which they brought to the net. There were a lot more fish hooked, about 6 to 1 ratio, then actually made it to the net. I
still have visions of the “tail walking monsters,” that just would not be stopped, turned nor held. I want to say thank you to Dave
Roller, of Pere Marquette Outfitters, for again being a great person and guide.
For those of you who have steelhead on your bucket list, we are going back next spring and there will be a club outing for 6
people, maybe 8, however 4 of the spots are already taken. Let Bill Todd know if you have any interest. We are also planning an
outing for salmon in 2013; more details on that trip to follow.
This is the time of the year when all of us are busy with the yard and other family things, but do not forget to get out and do
some fishing. It is good for the soul. See you on the river.
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
Page 2
Casting Tip
by Bill Armon
As reported last month the casting tips are on hiatus for a few newsletters in order to share the information on the first inductees
into the “Legends of Ozark Fly Fishers”. This program was started to preserve and maintain the history of our club as well as to
credit members who have made exceptional contributions to the club.
A committee of long time members selected the first group of legends. The six individuals selected are Nelson Renick, John Buckley,
Caesar Carnaghi, Jerry Jarosik, Marty King and Jerry Clark. These awards were presented at our annual banquet in January. Last
month the short bios of John Buckley and Nelson Renick were given. This month we will present Caesar Carnaghi’s bio as researched
by Bob Temper. We also thank members of the families who were present at our banquet to accept these awards.
Caesar Carnaghi is a true legend. He was one of those people that never seemed to make a fuss but always was there as part of the
solution to any problem. In a manner of speaking he was a pioneer. He was not one of the founders of Ozark Fly Fishers, however he
joined it early in its infancy and served it well. He was the second person to serve as President of the club 1975-1976 and was on the
board of directors for 10 years through 1984. He served a second term as president in 1982 and he served later as Vice president.
Once again he rose to the occasion and served on the board of directors for another three years from 1991 – 1994. Caesar was a
member of Ozark Fly Fishers for over 30 years.
Caesar was an avid fly fisherman. He took his young family to Jackson Hole, WY for vacation and saw some information about a
gathering of Federation of Fly Fishers. He made it a point to attend the meeting and that was the first of more than 25 FFF conclaves
that he attended. Caesar saw a need and stepped up to serve as the national Treasurer for many years in the early days of FFF.
Likewise he served the Southern Council as its president and was named a Southern Council Legend. The only reason he ever missed
the Southern Council Conclave was a health issue in his later years. He was known to many by that ready smile and happy
disposition. He always offered that warm friendly handshake and greeting that made you feel special. He was a stranger to no one.
Caesar is survived by his wife Judy, their four children and eight grandchildren.
The following is a list of the offices Caesar held in our club:
1975
1976
1977
1978
1981
1982
1983
1984
1990
1991
1992
1998
Pres.
Pres.
Past Pres.
Past Pres.
V. Pres.
Pres.
Past Pres.
Past Pres.
Directors
El. Directors
El. Directors
Past Pres.
As a sidelight, I would like to add that Caesar also won more raffle prizes than anyone else in the history of the club.
We will have casting on the lawn before the meeting this month. Anyone who would like help with their casting is invited. We start
at 6 and stop around 6:30 so we can all get good seats and the winning raffle ticket.
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
Page 3
Outings
By Mark Thalhammer
Monty Python Outing Saturday June 9th
If you are like me, fishing is great; the planning, packing, getting up early, the driving mile after mile, the how to duck the spouse while you are
having fun…… not so great. Let’s face it, you (not me, my wife might read this) are a little lazy. Well, the June outing is just the ticket to the few
hours of relaxing fishing that you have been waiting for. There is no planning; I am going to tell you where and when. There is no packing; the only
thing you need to bring is your fishing stuff and your fishing license. Spouse, no problem, you can drop her/him off at the mall.
I have been asked several times about a local outing, one that everyone could attend. 370 Lakeside Park, St. Peters has been mentioned several
times and it is the location for our June outing. This 140-acre lake is just a couple years old so it is a work in progress. It has recently been stocked
with bass, blue gill and channel catfish for C&R fishing plus many other species of questionable origin. There is a LOT of room for bank fishing. You
may use any watercraft as long as you don’t use a gas engine. You can rent yaks, canoes, paddle boats, and bikes. Campsites or RV hook ups are
available. Basically it has it all and is in our own backyard. Could you possibly want anything more?
Fishing is $2pp for non residents and you must register with the ranger. To get there take I-70 West to Cave Springs/Truman Blvd., head North to
the lake. If you have any questions you can find the answer on their website: http://www.stpetersmo.net/rvpark.aspx
Date and Time: morning of Saturday June 9th until you leave. I will have some coffee and water and be in the area close to the Marina. If you
would like me to pick up some doughnuts for you give me a call. I will bring some charcoal incase anyone wants to cook up some burgers or dogs,
byom (bring your own meat, etc), otherwise everyone is on their own. Mark Thalhammer 636-928-6842
4TH Annual Water Quality Monitoring Outing
MACROINVERTEBRATE FLY TYING CLASS / EXHIBITS / BARBECUE / RAFFLES / ICE CREAM MAKING AND ALL AROUND “GOOD TIME!”
JULY 13 & 14, 2012 AT MONTAUK STATE PARK
FRIDAY EVENING (the 13TH) - AT THE SEARCY BUILDING
SATURDAY (the14TH) 9:00 A.M. - AT THE NEW PAVILION
Ozark Fly Fishers will once again host an outing promoting the Missouri Stream Team program. Anyone interested is welcome to attend, member
or not, trained or otherwise. Feel free to bring others, and don’t forget the kids as they are the future of conservation.
Perhaps you have no interest in this program. Then by all means come on down anyway and enjoy the camaraderie, a fly tying class, eat barbecue,
win a prize from our raffles, and have some homemade ice cream at the end of the day. Or maybe you just might want to “wet” a line. You are
free to do as you wish, coming and going at will.
If you are unfamiliar with Stream Team and would like to learn about the program, here is your chance. This outing will also provide an
opportunity for those who have completed introductory or other advanced levels of training. It will serve as a refresher / review for people who
might not feel confident with the monitoring process. Perhaps you are unsure about macroinvertebrate identification or a chemical testing
procedure. These types of questions will be welcomed and encouraged. This outing should strengthen your ability to monitor with confidence.
Stream Team staff from the DNR and the MDC will be on hand to mentor and answer any questions that you may have.
th
We are privileged to have a “first time” special event planned for this year. Our outing will start off on Friday evening (the 13 ) at the Searcy
Building. Here, Mark Van Patten (MDC Stream Biologist and host of the PBS TV series – THE TYING BENCH) will present a fly tying class. This class
will be concerned with imitative forms of macroinverebrates. (Those monitoring on Saturday will see these organisms first hand in the sampling
nets.) Note: If you do not know how to tie and would like to learn, Mark will provide expert instruction, along with the equipment and materials
needed for tying these flies. For those who already tie, you are of course also invited to attend (bring your tying equipment).
Another “first” for this year will be the addition of our Friends of Ozark Fly Fishers fly board. This board consists of flies donated by generous nonmembers. These are people who excel at fly fishing. This board will be raffled.
Our Member’s fly board will also be present. If you have not yet donated, please do so. Let’s fill this board up. We are off to a good start. Please
bring your fly (all we need is one per person – if you want to donate additional – GREAT!) to the monthly meetings or to the outing itself. We will
take fly donations right up to the time of the raffle. This simple volunteer donation was quite successful for the club last year and the beauty of it
all was that it cost the club absolutely nothing. This board will also be raffled.
If you plan to attend or have any questions, please contact Scott Darrough at 314-560-1335 or [email protected]
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
Page 4
OUTING SCHEDULE:
Friday - at the Searcy Building
Evening fly tying with Mark Van Patten, - Imitating macroinvertebrates
Saturday - at the New Pavilion
9:00 a.m. Arrival / social time / exhibits
10:00 a.m. Questions and Answers with the Stream Team staff
10:30 a.m. Macroinvertebrate monitoring at Site #2 (Baptist Camp Access)
12:30 p.m. Barbecue lunch / social time
1:30 p.m. Raffles – attendance / pay / Members and Friends of Ozark Fly Fishers fly boards
2:00 p.m. Program at the pavilion concludes. You are on your own, - fish, take a nap, etc…
2:30 p.m. For those interested, - team returns to Site #2 (Baptist Camp Access) to complete stream flow, visual survey and water
chemistry monitoring (this should take no more than two hours, depending on instruction and discussion during the procedures)
8:30 p.m. Return to pavilion for “Homemade” ice cream social - (Montauk whistle blows at 8:30 p.m.)
9:30 p.m. Ice cream social concludes
Come and have a good time!
Enjoy the WQM Outing in comfort. We have eight lodge rooms reserved for both Friday and Saturday nights. Rate is $155.00 Contact: Mark
Thalhammer 636-928-6242 email: [email protected]
Taneycomo Outing 9/13, 9/14, 9/15, departing 9/16
Taneycomo Lake, located in Branson Missouri, is one of the top tailwaters in the country. Please join us on a three day outing and help us catch a
state-record trout. As in past years we will have a BBQ lunch, BIG Fish contest and fly tying.
We will be staying at centrally located Lilleys’ Landing, 367 River Lane, Branson, MO, phone 1-888-Lilleys. If you need info on the area, Phil Lilley has
a great forum full of information about Taney and all of the other fisheries in Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas……
http://ozarkanglers.com/forums/
Lilleys’ offers several room layouts that you can see at: http://lilleyslanding.com Rooms are going fast, the following are still available: #11, 12, 14
and 22 with nightly rates of $87-$125 plus tax. The rooms sleep one to seven depending on choice. A one hundred dollar deposit will hold your
st
room with the balance due by August 1 .
Please act quickly and get your deposit in the mail, include your email address and room preference. Call or email us regarding availability and
further details: Mark or Jo Thalhammer, 27 Morning Wind Ct., St. Charles, MO 63304, ph. 636-928-6242 email: [email protected]
A quick fix to a hackle problem in the creek
By Mike Swederska
If you fly fish enough I am sure that you have had this happen to you. While fishing you notice the hackle on the fly that is catching
fish coming apart and it is the only one left in your fly box. It could be the hackle for a dry or the hackle around a wooly bugger this
does not matter. If there is enough hackle left on the fly. You may be able to fix it without leaving the creek.
1. Rewrap the hackle back to where it was or as far as what is left of it.
2. Then pull off about eight inches of 7x tippet and cut it from the spool.
3. While pinching the hackle, pinch about four inches of the tippet in with the hackle keeping the four inch tag parallel to the hook
shank pointing to the bend of the hook.
4. Wrap the tippet as if it were thread around the hackle and hook shank. Make just a few wraps forward and then the same back to
your locking fingers pinch.
5. Now just over lap the tippet, (half hitch) cinch it down over the hackle end and tippet wraps three times and then pull too tighten
the knot.
6. Clip ends and re-tie the fly back on to your fishing tippet
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
Page 5
Fly of the Month
By Mike Ott
Ralph Cutter’s E/C Caddis
Caddis are one of the dominant bugs in most rivers, and make for great fishing for several
reasons; They are generally found in “reasonable” sizes (14-18s), are relatively predictable
and reliable, and tend to come off in pretty good numbers. Best of all, trout love caddis and
a good caddis hatch seems to bring up every fish in the river. I found this pattern in one of
the numerous fly fishing catalogs that arrive in my mail box every spring and then it was
featured in the May/June issue of American Angler magazine. This pattern combines the
best of an Elk Hair Caddis, the best of an X-Caddis, and the best of a Parachute Caddis.
What’s not to like?
Hook: Standard Dry Fly Hook #14-18
Thread: 8/0 – 12/0 Brown
Tail/Shuck: Ginger Z-lon
Body: Cinnamon Superfine Dubbing
Thorax: Caddis Green Superfine Dubbing
Wing: Light Elk Hair
Hackle: Grizzly or Dun Hackle
1) Secure hook in vise. Start thread about 1/3 hook shank from hook eye and wrap to hook bend.
2) Tie in a bunch of ginger Z-lon about the diameter of the hook wire and extending back about ½ the length of the hook
shank.
3) Dub a uniform body of cinnamon dubbin about 2/3 the hook shank
4) Dub a short thorax of the caddis green dubbing.
5) Tie in the base of the hackle behind the hook eye and tie back to the end of the thorax.
6) Neatly stack a compact bunch of elk hair and tie in just as you would for an Elk Hair Caddis.
7) Pull the hair bases up and make several wraps of thread behind the hook eye making the hair ends stand up from the hook
shank. Trim neatly leaving a short section of the butts.
8) Make two or three wraps of hackle around the base of the wing and trimmed butts to form a parachute-style hackle.
9) Tie hackle off behind the hook eye and trim. Whip Finish ant trim thread.
Treat the wing and hackle with floatant but avoid treating the body. This fly should sit flush on the water or even hang with the body
and tail in the surface. This fly is best fished dead drift as an adult or an emerger, but another wrap or two of hackle and it will
skitter on the surface. Experiment with other colors as well… Olive, Black, and Grey.
Project Healing Waters
By Jim Marstiller
Wednesday May 2nd was a banner day for Project Healing Waters as a group of approximately 50 attended the outing at Westover
Farms. This was by far the largest group ever to attend an outing. As usual, many of the volunteers were also members of the Ozark
Fly Fishers. Thank you so much! We’re still debating which was better, the food or the fishing? What a great day. It’s important to
note that Healing Waters will not be meeting again at the VA again until mid-June due to scheduling conflicts at the facility. Please
feel free to join us then as we could really use your help. The demand for the program is at an all-time high. Come help veterans tie
flies or cast; zero previous experience required! Any questions feel free to call Jim Marstiller or Jim Wallace.
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
Page 6
Mill Creek Watershed Coalition
By Jim Marstiller
The MCWC continues to build the relationships with agencies, non-profits, UMR and the citizens of Mill Creek, that are essential to
attract support. Part of that effort includes participation in the June 9th Newburg’s Days, the annual celebration of Newburg,
MO. Note: Jim Morrison is, of this writing, undetermined as to whether he will enter his truck in the annual “mud run”
competition
et. Note: If anyone would like
attend and/or help by tying some “Darrough’s Dragons” flies - or anything else - that would be greatly appreciated. The Newburg
Days effort will be followed by a meeting with the citizens of Mill Creek per se June 10th (location TBD).
While the scope of the MCWC is the long-term restoration of the entire watershed and all its natural communities, it appears that
money will be made available for stream habitat improvements (e.g. skyhooks) this year (MDC). Installation timing TBD. Of course
the greater the volunteer turnout, the more skyhooks can be installed. Last time the club had a tremendous turnout of over 30
people! Although not permanent, skyhooks do result in a significant increase in the fish population as long as they last. More
permanent fish holding improvements are in the planning phase. Another event that will take place this year will be the removal of
non-native invasive plants – timing TBD. An all-day workshop will take place Monday May 14th at 9AM for the MCWC executive
committee and other interested parties on the non-native plant species in Mill Creek. All are welcome but this is not a prerequisite
for participating in a non-native invasive plant removal day later this year. Stay tuned.
Database Report to Members
By Dave Haas
Last reported membership on 4-12-2012
New memberships since 4-12-2012
Former members rejoining since 4-12-2012
Total memberships as of 5-10-2012
247
2
4
253
A year ago
246
Annual gain or (loss)
7
2.8%
Ozark welcomes the following new members:
Richard Bable
Ballwin, MO
Paul Prang
Chesterfield, MO
Call for Comments
The Board of Directors is looking for your opinion regarding the newsletter. The newsletter is one of the great benefits of belonging
to Ozark Fly Fishers. But the club currently spends almost $2000 annually to print and distribute the newsletter. A printed copy
costs around $1.85 each, printed and mailed, or $20.35/year/member who recives a printed copy. Right now, about 81 members
have elected to receive the printed newsletter. Not all of them have email. Plus we distribute some copies to the fly shops. We want
to know what you think.
Would that money be better spent on programs and outings?
Should we charge something extra for the printed version, or is the printed version a valid benefit to those who have
chosen to receive it. (Consider that not all members participate in outings, meetings or other benefits.)
Should the newsletter be just paperless? If so, how do we get it to those members who do not have email?
Please send your comments to the editor at [email protected] or call Bill Leslie at (314) 398-1468.
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
Page 7
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. Supporting Member
Program
rd
The Board of Directors of OFF established a specific method to raise funds to be spent supporting 3 party groups and causes who are impacting
the local and regional fly-fishing community. The Board believes that many regular members will be willing to make this additional contribution
rd
because they have a strong desire to assure that OFF continues to make donations to these 3 parties.
Those who contribute will be recognized regularly in the monthly newsletter for their support. Make checks payable and send to:
OZARK FLY FISHERS, INC.
P.O. BOX 440181
ST. LOUIS, MO 63141-4181
NAME:___________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING MEMBER
SILVER TROUT SUPPORTER
Less than $50__________
GOLDEN TROUT SUPPORTER
$50 or more_________
$100 or more________
SUPPORTING MEMBER PROGRAM CONTRIBUTORS
As of April 2012
Jim & Annie Morrison
Bob & Louann Zagar
Mark and Mary Jo Thalhammer
Malcolm Royce
Susan and Steve Parsons
2011
Steven & Susan Parsons
Mark & Mary Jo Thalhammer
Jim & Annie Morrison
Malcolm Royce
Larry & Donna Carli
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OZARK FLY FISHERS
BOGO
Buy one raffle ticket @ $5 - Get one raffle ticket free!!
FEDERATION OF FLY FISHERS – SOUTHERN COUNCIL
(Kayak only – Optional equipment shown not included)
STAND-UP FISHING KAYAK
Ozark Fly Fishers Members & Guests
2 FOR $5
Buy Yours at the Next Meeting
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
Page 8
Conservation
By Wallis W Warren
The State of our Waters
Children of a culture born in a water-rich environment, we have never really learned how important water is to us. We understand
it, but we do not respect it. - William Ashworth, Nor Any Drop to Drink,
It has been a busy few months since my confirmation as Clean Water Commissioner for our state. The last few meetings in Jefferson
City have brought several major issues into focus, unfortunately, not in a positive light.
Once again, Missouri has passed on an opportunity to move towards classifying our waters, a requirement of the Clean Water Act
which is recognizing its 40th anniversary this year. It is difficult to understand how Missouri, a state so rich in water resources, has
refused to make this basic effort to protect our waters. We remain the last state to classify our waters ~ and we are still holding on
to that position ~ dead last.
Over 80% of our waters remain unclassified ~ over 120,000 miles without protection from the Clean Water Law. Of course, not only
are the waters unprotected, but the aquatic life supported by these waters also remain unprotected, with the majority of
wastewater discharges going into these unclassified streams, wetlands and rivers.
Recently, a lawsuit was filed against the EPA challenging the agency to enforce the minimal standards of the Clean Water Act in
Missouri, which require the state to set water quality standards for all waters. Although the ruling verified that Missouri is in
violation, the court did not require enforcement action be taken by the EPA.
This allowed Missouri yet another opportunity to set its own standards for water quality, however instead of showing leadership and
moving forward on the standards introduced, the current standards brought before the commission met with opposition by special
interests and many legislators. Although stakeholders from a wide range of perspectives participated in monthly meetings over a
period of years and a great deal of resources from the Department of Natural Resources were expended over this time, the
recommended standards were once again subjected to ‘review’, otherwise known as a delay tactic.
The worn out cry, ‘it will cost too much’ once again kept our waters at risk, our health and quality of life at risk. If it costs so much
and will work such a hardship on the citizens of the state, then how have 49 other states managed to classify their waters? Are we
really so different from every other state in the Union?
The benefit of the withdrawal of the water quality standards is that it does allow for improvement, because as with most
compromises, the proposed standards left much to be desired.
During this session legislation was introduced to change the state slogan from ‘the Show Me State’ to ‘Where River’s Flow’. The
action of our legislators and special interests to block protection of our water obviously demonstrate their pride in being called the
‘Show Me State’ – as far as I am concerned, the view from behind is not desirable, nor is our continued lack of regard for one of our
most important resources. Hopefully, some day our actions will demonstrate that the citizens of Missouri are proud to be a state
blessed and where healthy rivers flow.
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
Page 9
OZARK FLY FISHERS’ VALUE PROPOSITION
By Jim Morrison – Treasurer
How can you turn $25 into $150
The average dues for a year’s membership in OFF for 2012 just under $25. So, you might ask, what do I get for my membership?
What is the value of my membership?
To answer that question you have to know at least 2 things.
1) How much do you want to get out of your dues, etc.? You know the old saying “You’ll only get out what you put in.”
Well in this case, you’ll get as much out of the club as the time you commit. The more you show up the better deal this is. Most of
our Members’ benefits cost the club the same whether there are 40 or 100 folks attending. Be there and be rewarded. The more
the merrier….really.
2) What would you pay to do something similar? What is a program or all-day event or instructional class worth?
Only you can do something about the answer to Q1….and let’s take a stab at Q2 together. I’ve assigned some dollar values to
various OFF activities and events based on regular prices you might pay for something elsewhere.
Monthly Programs – Are they worth the price of a discount movie ticket…I think so. I would rather pay $5 to listen to someone
describe chasing redfish in Texas or trout in Western North Carolina than spend that same amount to watch a movie that will be on
cable for free in 2 months. If you agree, well that is $45 of value to a membership in OFF (9 monthly meetings @ $5).
All-day meetings – One in February and the Water Quality Outing in July. Listening to a nationally recognized expert for a full day
will help me be a better fisher and tier. Engaging with a regional expert on conservation and water quality will help me make the
river a better place to fish. Is being better at what I am passionate about worth the price of an upper-deck ticket to a Cardinals’
game on a Saturday in July (with a beer and a brat)….I think so. If you agree, well that is another $40 of value (2 all-day events
@$20) for a total thus far of $85.
½ day events and local outings with food provided – are they worth the price of a lunch at your neighborhood gathering place…I
think so. If you agree, well that is another $40 (4-1/2 day events @$10) and now we are up to $125.
A Monthly Newsletter and website tailored to one of your passions…fly fishing in Missouri, Arkansas…or wherever else. Is that
worth the price of a best selling book that I will likely forget in 6 months.…I think so. If you agree, well that is another $25 for a total
of $150.
And remember you don’t have to buy a raffle ticket (although you know you will)….just show up. And in the words of one of your
favorite credit-card companies “And the pride and accomplishment and fellowship of sharing your passion and experience with
people you know, as well as complete strangers….PRICELESS”.
And the best news of all…you don’t have to give up a single discount movie, nor a Cards’ game, nor your favorite fly fishing
magazine, nor even one single lunch. You can still have all of those because your OFF membership will cost you less than most of
those. Our average Member’s dues are less than $25 per year. And if getting $150 of value for a mere $25 is not enough, make it a
family membership for $30, bring your spouse….and double your benefits for just $5 more….and we love to have guests…bring them
along.
OK…enough of the sales pitch. I also hope that you make the most of your membership by doing at least 2 things: 1) Seek out a
Board member at the next meeting or event you attend and let them know what else we can do for you. How can we make OFF
better for you….and 2) oh yeah…Show Up.
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
Page 10
Opinion
The Cost of Giving
by Mark Thalhammer
What is the real cost of our charitable giving? I would like to take a moment to comment on the difference between giving for the
sake of giving and giving to make a meaningful difference. Our club has become accustomed to seeing programs that contain the
word “fishing” and then assuming that they are something that we must support. Supporting these programs only makes sense if
we get the most VALUE that we can from the programs that we have chosen. I don’t believe that the maximum value of our support
has been realized.
Ozark, for the last few years, has donated money for weekend retreat programs that offer personal counseling with limited exposure
to fly fishing. The programs are not about teaching fly fishing as some of the participants are what I call “well fished” individuals. By
any standard, these weekend retreats are very expensive with the cost for a local participant running $800 per individual for one
weekend.
There are a great many worthy causes out there and I would guess we all have our own. I would like to see our “charitable giving”
go to Parkinson Research; that may lead to a cure and then we could conceivably help millions. You might think that $800 would go
a long way at a local food pantry and you would be right. The St. Louis Food Bank can prepare FOUR meals for one dollar. Do we
value a weekend retreat for one person the same as 3,200 meals for the hungry? Someone else may wonder how far $800 would go
to help the Red Cross aid Tornado victims, or United Way to help local families in need? How much equipment could $800 buy for a
local scout troop or maybe it should be used to help out returning vets? As I said, there are a great many worthy causes that help
many people in need.
I believe $800 is a lot of money to spend for a weekend retreat for one person. As a point of reference, $800 is the yearly OFF dues
of 26 of our members. If you feel the way I do, please let your board members know that in the future — you want to get more
bang for your buck but, if you feel that this is a fair use of club funds, let them know that as well.
Just my opinion.
FISHING ETIQUETTE
By John Berry
The weather lately has been terrific and, after three high water years in a row, it seems as though we are in for a spectacular year for
fishing. I know that I have done well lately. The direct effect of this is that more anglers will be heading our way. As we incur more
angling pressure, fishing etiquette becomes more important as a greater number of anglers fish in a limited amount of water. I am
writing this article at the insistence of my wife, Lori, who encountered boorish behavior, while fishing in Cotter recently.
The main problem encountered, is crowding another angler. You know the story. You get there early, figure everything out, and
begin catching fish. By the time the fog clears, you have a half a dozen other anglers encroaching on your position. This problem is
particularly troublesome on the Norfork River, where there is limited access and only four and a half miles of river.
Fly fishers require quite a bit of space. When they cast, there is a length of line out in the front and rear of their position. In
addition, they tend to move either up or down stream as they systematically cover a given stretch of water. If you observe an angler
slowly working down through a run and you pop in the river just below his or her position, you take a chance on severely messing up
the anglers drift. It is much better to approach the angler and ask if it is OK to share the run. Ask if they would prefer you to fish
above or below them. I am always surprised by how positively most anglers react to a little courtesy.
You should also be willing to share. Don’t hog a prime location all day. Let others in to have a shot at it. Demonstrate you fishing
prowess by catching fish in several locations. If you have figured it out and a nearby angler is struggling, let him know what fly you
are using and how you are fishing it. If you have an extra fly, why not give him one. It is a great way to make a friend!
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
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Leave the boom box at home. Most anglers are looking for a bit of solitude on stream and are not interested in loud music. Control
your dog. I love to fish with my yellow lab, Ellie. She has been extensive trained in canine obedience and responds to command. She
does not bother other anglers. If your dog does not comply with this standard, leave it at home.
Boating etiquette can also be an issue and begins at the boat ramp. Prepare your boat in the parking lot. Connect the gas line to
your engine, put in your plug, rig your rods and put any additional gear that you may require during the day into the boat. When you
are ready back down the ramp, launch your boat, position it out of the way of other anglers and promptly move your vehicle to the
parking lot. Do not clog the ramp. Other boaters need to use the ramp and they cannot launch if you are hogging it. The same holds
when taking your boat out. Back down the ramp, put your boat on the trailer and move out of the way. Stow your gear and prepare
for the drive home in the parking lot, not on the ramp.
When you are running up or down stream, avoid putting a wake over a boat where people are actively fishing. I personally find it
uncomfortable to have a big wake hit my boat when I am guiding. This is amplified by boats with large jet motors that really put up a
large wake. You should also be particularly careful when passing small craft like canoes, kayaks and personal pontoons. You should
just slow down, until you pass them.
When you are fishing in congested areas like the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals dam maintain a reasonable distance
from other boats. If another boat is drifting down stream, do not get below them (low boating). Instead locate upstream of them.
There are situations where wading anglers and boaters interact. At low water, most anglers will fish the main channel, where most
of the trout will be located. Waders need to understand that the boat may have to float through the spot they are fishing because it
is the only way that they can get through that section of the river. Boaters must take great care to disturb waders, as little as
possible. We have to share the water and there is plenty for all of us.
If you keep these suggestions in mind, it will be a better place for all of us to fish.
Ozark Fly Fishers Calendar of Events
May 24, 2012 Genral Membership Meeting - Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park
June 23, 2012 Mill Creek WQM – (contact Bill Leslie)
June 28,2012 BBQ and casting -
Tillis Park
th
July 13-14 (4 Annual WQM Outing) – Montauk (contact Scott Darrough)
July 26, 2012 Genral Membership Meeting - Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park
August 23, 2012 Genral Membership Meeting - Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park
August 25, 45th Annual Operation Clean Stream (contact Scott Darrough)
September 13 – 16 Taneycomo Outing (contact Mark Thalhammer)
September 15, 2012 Mill Creek WQM – (contact Bill Leslie)
September 27, 2012 Genral Membership Meeting - Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park
October 13, 2012 Current River WQM – (contact Scott Darrough)
October 20, 2012Fall Chili Tie – In (contact Mark Thalhammer)
October 25, 2012 Genral Membership Meeting - Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park
November 9-11 Bennett Spring C&R (contact Mark Thalhammer)
December 6, 2012 Christmas exchange and fly tying - Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park
January 19, 2013 Annual Banquet
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
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Ozark Fly Fishers Objectives
Founded 1971
To promote fly fishing as the most sportsmanlike and enjoyable way of fishing and the method most consistent with the
preservation and wise use of our game fish.
To practice conservation of natural resources and to support efforts for environmental quality and pollution control.
To provide advice, education, and assistance to promote the art of fly fishing.
To demonstrate applied techniques in fly fishing, tying, casting and related subjects
Ozark Fly Fishers meet at 7:00 PM on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Queeny Park Rec Center (unless noted differently – see
Calendar)
Affiliate Member
Federation of Fly Fishers
Conserving ~ Restoring ~ Education though Fly Fishing
Officers:
Directors:
Chairs:
President : Malcolm Royse
Vice President : Bob Zagar
Secretary : Patti Hummert
Treasurer : Jim Morrison
Past President : Mike Swederska, Sr.
Communications : Bill Leslie
Conservation : Wallis Warren
Education : Pat Hummert
Membership : Mike Ott
Outings: Mark Thalhammer
Ways and Means : Mark Allen Harris
Casting : Brian Ellis
Fly Tying :Mike Ott
Webmaster : Ron Scott
Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
Support Our Corporate Members
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Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc
May 2012
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