fly paper - Wenatchee Valley Fly Fishers

Wenatchee Valley Flyfishers
FLY PAPER — March 2006
Page 1
http://www.wvff.net
FLY PAPER
An Affiliate of the Federation of Fly Fishers
March 2007
Volume 20
Looking Upstream
Richard DeLorenzo
Flyfishing Argentina
March 15
General Meeting
“Below the Applewood Grill”
March 17
Lake Lenore with Gary Bates
April 5
Board Meeting
April 14-15
Lake Lenice
April 19
General Meeting
April 28-29
Blue Lake/Chopaka
Wet Fly 6:00
Dinner 7:00
Program 8:00
No. 90
Methow Valley Fly Fishers club member Richard DeLorenzo will be
giving a presentation on fishing in Argentina. Richard has lived
and fished in Alaska since the 1970’s. He has worked in the field
of education during the winter, but explored most of the Alaskan
Wilderness during his 30 years there. He has experience as a
wilderness river guide, fly fishing guide, and pilot.
When not flying in Alaska, he takes advantage of exploring new
countries including the Bahamas, Belize, Elutheria, Ireland,
Sweden, Norway, Scotland, and his favorite, Argentina. Richard
has spent 3 months exploring the Northern Patagonia regions and
will share with us some of his favorite places and techniques. He
now lives with his family in Carlton along the Methow River. This
promises to be a fun and interesting evening.
Hope to see you there!
GENERAL MEETINGS AT THE APPLEWOOD GRILL
Third Thursday of the month, September through June.
2006 OFFICERS AND BOARD
President — Steve DeJong
1006 Grenz St.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 662-6194
Secretary — Dick Nicklas
23111 Saddle
Leavenworth, WA 98826
(509) 763-4327
1st Vice President — Don Bolstad
303 Hilltop Pl.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 663-0472
Treasurer — Gordi Northrup
1212 Malaga Ave.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 662-0769
2nd Vice President — OPEN
Ghille — Gil Biles
1701 N. Western
Wenatchee, W 98801
5(09) 663-2325
Program — Gary Anderson
149 NE 26th
East Wenatchee, WA 98802
(509) 884-6886
Newsletter Editor — Nancy
Howard
1509 Woodhaven Place
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 663-1063
Outings — John Murio
618 Daniels Street
East Wenatchee, WA 98802
(509) 884-0204
Membership — Eric Rainbolt
38 N. Jennings
Wenatchee WA 98801
(509) 662-2314
Conservation Chair — Joe Roy
2410 First St. NE
E. Wenatchee, WA 98802
(509) 884-2874
The “FLYPAPER” is published monthly by Wenatchee Valley Fly Fishers — P. O. Box 3687, Wenatchee, WA 98807-3687
Telephone (509) 663-1063 ! email [email protected] ! Editor Nancy Howard
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF MATERIAL IS THE FIRST OF THE MONTH OF PUBLICATION.
Page 2
WVFF Board Meeting Minutes,
March 1, 2007
FlyPaper March 2007
that position for quite a few years now. It makes the progression
to President a three-year commitment. And we seem to have
slogged along fine with a president and first Vice President.
President DeJong adjourned the meeting at 9:30 PM
Board Members Present: Steve DeJong, Joe Roy, John Murio,
Al Smith, Gil Biles, Gary Anderson, Nancy Howard, Don
Bolstad.
Guests: Bob Mitchell, Ralph Jordan, Larry McCracken, Fred
Kunzmann
President Steve called the meeting to order at about 7:10 PM
Due to some members’ schedules, we rearranged the agenda.
All Smith gave the treasurers report. He has created a new
electronic accounting file for us and will have a printed budget
summary each month. He also suggested that since our
savings earns little interest, that we put some of our funds
into a 6-month CD. Nancy Howard moved and Gary Anderson
seconded that we place $8,000 in a 6 month CD. Discussion
included whether we are to grow our account or use the
money. We can withdraw the money any time we need it and
even the penalty will not eat up more than our greater
earnings over leaving the money to sit. After discussion, the
motion passed unanimously. Al Smith will set it up.
Joe Roy then listed the members of our newly formed
Conservation Committee: Tom Whiteside, Craig Garver, Ralph
Jordan, Bob Mitchell, Don Bolstad, Irv Conner. Discussion
revolved around the goals and purpose of the conservation
committee and the Bill Barnet Conservation Fund (which now
stands at $2665.00).
We decided that the club and
committee should try for three kinds of activities each year.
1) Monetary gifts to organizations. 2) Gifts of work parties
(bodies doing work). 3) Adding our funds and “sweat equity”
as partners with agencies and other groups to enhance large
scale projects. Our choices for this year’s activities are: 1)
(the funds) We propose to send up to $1,000 to the Big Twin
aerator project (see article on page 7) 2) We propose to set
up monthly or twice monthly cleanup crews for Black Lake
and to work with the Water district on signage in English,
Spanish and Russian. And 3) we propose to gather people
and river-worthy powerboats for the River Keeper water
analysis project this August.
In other business, we had reports from several members. Gil
Biles, the Ghille, will include a column in each FlyPaper with
overdue and missing books, videos and DVDs. He will also be
sending a post card to the last known member to have
possession of library materials. Please be looking in those
piles in the corner! Gary Anderson announced that our
speaker for March is a Methow Valley Fly Fisher club member,
Richard DeLorenzo who will offer us a presentation on fishing
Argentina. April’s program will be Jack Mitchell of the Evening
Hatch in Ellensburg. And May’s presentation will be a very
special event. Gary has convinced Dave Hughes, renowned
fly fisher, fly tyer, and author to present for our General
Meeting on May 17th and then to present an all-day, threepart seminar on Saturday, May 19, culminating with a casting
clinic. Gary suggested, and the board agreed that we invite
the Methow Valley Fly Fishers to join us for this great event.
Originally, John Murio had scheduled our May outing to Dry
Falls for May 19, but board consensus moved the outing to
the previous Saturday, May 12. That still misses Apple
Blossom, but is the Saturday before Mother’s day, so perhaps
Mom might like a fly fishing outing?
In other business, we agreed to purchase The Fly Fishing
Instructor Handbook available for $50 from the FFF. We will
also be bringing to the March General meeting a request to
change the By Laws by removing the position of 2nd Vice
President. We have not had any member willing to serve in
Respectfully submitted for the world-traveling Dick Nicklas by
Nancy Howard.
WVFF General Meeting Minutes,
February 16, 2006
In Dick Nicklas’ absence, (He and Pam and on their world
tour) no one at the General Meeting in February took
notes, so we have no minutes.
Over Due Books from the
WVFF Library
As of March 1, 2007
Dear Members,
Below are over due books and videos that you have
checked out from our library. Please return them at
the next meeting or to me at 1701 N. Western Ave
Wenatchee so others can use them.
Thanks, The Ghille
Gil Biles
Books
Washington Best Lakes
In The Fishes Eye
The Gilly
Essential Trout Flies
Emerges
Clark Fork Montana
What the Guide Said
The Custom Graphite
Rod
Caddisflies
Blue Upright
Solving Fly Casting
Problems
Smallmouth Strategies
for the Fly Rod
Trout and Beyond
Fly Fishing the High
Country
The Montana Angling
Guide
Continued on Page 3
Member
Stephen Wancho
Chuck Peven
Tom Whiteside
G. Anderson
Allen Smith
Gary Bates
Vladimir Steblina
Tom Rowe
Joe Roy
Gary Bates
Eric Rainbolt
Bruce Merighi
Steve Aguilu
Phil Conner
Chuck Moser
Page 3
FlyPaper March 2007
Videos
Fly Fishing for Trout
Fishing Lessons
Tying & Fishing Effective
Trout Flies
Mastering the Midge
Tying Flies for Spring
Creeks & Tail Waters
Fly Fishing Made Easy
Introduction to Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing for Bass
Tying Fresh Water
Streamers
Fly Tying Basics
Beyond The Basics
Fly Tying Basics
Member
VIDEOS
Jeremy Kendall
Walt Wittgow
Beyond The Basics
Just Fly Tying from Ice Off
to Ice On
Tying Western Trout Flies
Fly Tying Basics
Fly tying Basics
Vladimir Steblina
Walt Tribley
Tim Witter
Jeremy Kendall
Walt Tribley
Tim Witter
Jeremy Kendall
Walt Tribley
Steve Aguilu
Fred Kunzmann
Bill Marts
M. Bradley
Jack Dennis
Al Betty
Jack Dennis
When you return these books, please let me know so
I can remove from the missing list.
It is important to return them as others would like to
read them.
Thanks, The Ghille, Gil
Big Twin Aerator
WVFF Club Books Missing
Dear Members below is a list of books and Videos
missing from our library if you have them please
return them at the next meeting or to me, Gil
Biles, at: 1701 N. Western Ave. Wenatchee.
BOOKS
Fly Fishing Encyclopedia
Beattie A&G
The Essence of Fly Casting
Mel Krieger
Floating White Water Rivers
R.W. Miskimins
Fly Fishing Stillwaters for
Trophy Trout
Denny Rickards
Fishing the Flats with Mark Sosin Lefty Kreh
Fishing the Big Three
Ted Williams
Freshwater Wilderness Yellowstone
& Their World w/Paul Schullery John Varley
Fly Fishing Only
Gene Trump
Introduction to Fly Fishing
Dave Whitlock
Modern Fly Tying Methods
D. Martin
The Montana Angling Guide
Chuck Fothergill
Strategies for Still Waters
Tying Dry Flies
To Hell with Fishing
Tying Trout Flies
Trout the Size of Foot Balls
Upland Stream
The Dry Fly
& Bob Sterling
Dave Hughes
Kaufmann
Webster/ Zern
Gray Borger
Richard Anderson
W.D. Wetherell
LaFontane
Don Bronson, of the Methow Valley Fly Fishers, sent
our first Vice President, Don Bolstad, this update on
the Big Twin Aerator project.
“Don, thanks very much for your interest.
We have raised $4000 hard money from various fly clubs
towards the $7000 deficit. Some other clubs are
considering funding at this time. If they contribute as
indicated, we will have a $2000 deficit remaining. A total
of eight clubs as well as two individuals have or will have
contributed.
Thanks for the offer on labor but we have a lot of good
backs from MVFF who have volunteered. We hope to
break ground with the power excavation in April.
We sincerely appreciate the help from your club.
Duncan Bronson”
At the March General Meeting, your Board will be
asking you to OK a donation of $1,000 to the Big
Twin Aerator.
Thank You!!!
I’d like to express my gratitude for the gift
presented me at the WVFF February
meeting. I’m STILL walking on sunshine!
What a surprise.
We’re looking forward to seeing all of you at
this year’s outing August 10-12th. I hope
some of our new members will make it up
there too.
Thank you,
Pat Herd
Page 4
FlyPaper March 2007
Rocky Ford February Outing
Dedicated—but cold—Fly Fishers
The closest some came
to the fish!
Page 5
FlyPaper March 2007
WORK IS FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT FISH’
Daiwa bumper sticker
In case you missed the February General Meeting,
here is Jeff Korth’s information:
After hearing Jeff Korth and Bob Jateff of the
WDFW give their assessments of 2007 fishing
prospects, the Daiwa sticker came to mind—so
many places (lakes/ponds) to visit. All those
ponds with bird names like Quail, Chukar,
Pheasant, Wigeon, etc. I must confess that I lost
my concentration after hearing of the water that
had a trout size class of +30”. Not many fish, but
30” fish are something special.
March 1 Opener 2007 Prospects
Back to the Daiwa sticker, the Club is considering
starting weekday outings to supplement our
scheduled weekend outings. We have Club
members who work shifts (including our
esteemed Club President Steve DeJong), have
weekend obligations, and others like me that are
retired. These members could be available for a
weekday outing. One thing I learned when I
retired in SE Louisiana, was that the number of
weekday fishermen was low compared to
weekends. Plus, you can be more selective in
picking the day to fish due to the weather
conditions.
If you are interested in participating in a weekday
outing let us know. There are no rules of when or
where. This may turn out to be nothing more
than a list of weekday available fly fishers with
email addresses and/or phone numbers. John
Murio will help us get organized. I’d suggest that
we might pick a few lakes that the people want to
fish. I’m inclined toward the Pothole lakes with
big fish and short walk-ins. We also request
volunteers to be the leaders to the lakes. The
area maps are not always accurate (on purpose I
suspect). Nothing beats local knowledge that has
been there before and knows the local roads, etc.
You do not have to be retired or on AARP’s
mailing list to take part in the weekday outings.
The weekend outings are still the primary Club
outings. All the outings are open to all Club
members and guests. The planned weekend
outing details are found in the monthly Club
newsletter. If you are interested in participating
in weekday outings, please contact Gil Biles or
Don Bolstad. Or, plan to talk to us at the next
regular meeting.
Gil Biles
663-2325
[email protected]
Don Bolstad
663-0472
[email protected]
Updated February 20, 2007 - J. Korth District 5
Fisheries Biologist
Warm temperatures, a little rain and a lot of wind
have worked wonders on the ice.
Most lakes
currently are open or at least have some open water.
The forecast for the rest of February is for warm
temperatures, so all waters should be ice free on the
opener. See below for details. Updates will be
provided if major changes occur. Check with the
Region 2 office in Ephrata (509) 754-4624.
Summary: Most of the waters constituting the
March 1 Opener should sport fair fisheries, at least to
start the season. Quincy and Burke were rehabbed
two years ago, so this is the year for great fishing.
Martha and Caliche have problems, but a few added
catchables should pull ‘em through. Dusty and
Lenore are in great shape, but the Beverly quality
lakes are past their prime. Lenice and Nunnally
should still provide fair angling this spring, and more
large rainbow will be added in April 2007.
Quincy and Burke Lakes:
BEST BET. Burke and Quincy lakes are the largest
of the Mach 1 trout waters. Both were rehabilitated
fall 2005, so the 2007 fishery will be the first based
on stocked fingerling rainbow. Surveys last fall
revealed very good survival and growth of trout in
both lakes. This should be a great year!!! We
anticipate limits of 10-12 inch rainbow as soon as
the ice is gone. Currently, Burke has open water at
the launch, but Quincy is still completely iced.
However, the ice is rotten, and both lakes should be
ice free by the opener. The fishery in these waters
should be good through at least mid-April. Rainbow
fingerling plants for 2006: Burke Lake - 35,084;
Quincy Lake 22,017.
Upper, Lower, and West Caliche: The Caliche
Lakes were very poor last year, and the presence of
yellow perch has been confirmed. Competition with
the perch probably spells the demise of the
fingerlings stocked last spring, so larger fall
fingerlings were also stocked in Upper Caliche.
These rainbows should make about 9 inch yearlings
by the opener. If available, we will also stock up to
5,000 catchables (12 inch rainbows) into Upper
Caliche. Currently, all the Caliche lakes are ice free.
Rainbow fingerling plants for 2006: Upper Caliche 9,500; Lower Caliche - 5,000; West Caliche - 500.
Page 6
Martha Lake:
GOOD BET. Martha Lake suffers the ravages of
cormorant predation, most notably in 2003 when
~100 cormorants pretty much wiped the lake
clean of trout. In addition, it has been four years
since the last rehabilitation, and the numbers of
sunfish have been increasing steadily. Last year
was poor, and fingerling survival this year was
probably not any better. The north half of
Martha Lake has open water, and the lake is
expected to be ice free by the opener. Up to
5,000 catchables (12 inch rainbows) will be
stocked before opening day. Martha Lake was
also stocked with 11,200 rainbow fingerlings last
spring 2006.
Quincy WMA Walk-In Lakes:
These small waters on the west side of the
Wildlife Area offer anglers a chance to explore
the scabland and get a little exercise. Success
rates vary lake-to-lake and season-to-season.
Yearlings range from 9-12" and carryovers can
be found from 14-18". Crystal, Cup and Spring
Lks have been the most consistent. Currently,
at least Crystal Lake was ice free, and the rest
should also shed their skin by the opener.
Fingerlings stocked as follows: Cascade -100
rainbows; Cliff - 300 rainbows; Crystal - 400
rainbows; Cup - 300 rainbows; Dot - 500
rainbows; Scout - 100 rainbows; Spring, Upper
200 rainbows; Lower - 300 rainbows.
Quality Waters:
Dusty Lake:
Dusty Lake was rehabilitated in fall 2003 to rid
the water of speckled dace and goldfish.
Fingerling survival has been good, and
recruitment to carryovers very good. Dusty Lake
has many 16-20 inch rainbows, and there should
also be some real whoppers remaining from the
2004 stocking of 1.5 lb triploid rainbow. Tiger
trout have also been stocked since 2004, so 1620 inch trout of this species should also be
present. Brown trout have only been stocked
recently and probably won’t be much larger than
12-14 inches. For 2006, Dusty was stocked with
8,304 rainbow fingerings, 1,500 brown trout
fingerlings, and 801 tiger trout fingerlings.
Early spring fishing has been a little slow,
primarily because the fish remain suspended
fairly deep and are more difficult to find.
Because this lake is very deep (120+ ft), it holds
its temperature well and provides some summer
rainbow fishing, too. Dusty Lake is open through
November and has hosted a very good fall fishery
FlyPaper March 2007
to boot. Anglers should remember that the
regulations changed in 2004, and Dusty Lake is
managed under the selective fishery rules (no bait,
single barbless hook, 1 fish limit; see pamphlet).
Lenice and Nunnally Lakes:
Both lakes are currently ice free.
The last
rehabilitation occurred seven years ago in March
2000. Sunfish are the culprit, and as usual for this
species, four good seasons pass and the tide begins
to turn. Sunfish are now legion, and fingerling
survival has diminished. All is not lost, some
fingerlings are still making yearlings, and both Lenice
and Nunnally have been receiving regular shots of
1-1.5 lb triploid rainbow. About 1,000 more of these
fine fish will be stocked in spring 2006, but probably
not until April. Yearlings from the fingerlings that
survived should be 14", and some carryovers from
16" to 18" should also be extant. Both lakes were
again stocked with rainbow fingerlings spring ’06.
There are also brown and tiger trout (brown x brook
trout) stocked in small numbers. The last two state
records for tiger trout have come from these waters.
Selective fishing regulations - one fish, single,
barbless hook, no bait; see pamphlet. In 2006 Lenice: 9,445 rainbow, and 1,007 tiger trout, 2,000
brown, all fingerlings.
Nunnally: 12,005 rainbow, 2,014 tiger trout, and
3,028 brown, all fingerlings.
Lake Lenore:
Lenore is still mostly ice covered, but the ice is
rotten and breaking up.
The lake should be
completely open by the opener. Angling at Lenore
was pretty good the last three March opening days.
Lenore has completely recovered from the serious
fish kills of 1998 and is currently carrying as many
cutthroat as ever. Three to four year old fish at
about three to five lbs + should be numerous in
2007. Spring fishing will be good through May,
somewhat slow during the summer, but great during
October and November. Stocking rates are about
55,000 Lahontan cutthroat fingerlings annually.
NOTE: Lenore has selective fishery regulations, and
in addition is catch and release March through May.
Page 7
FlyPaper March 2007
WENATCHEE VALLEY FLYFISHERS OUTINGS SCHEDULE FOR 2007
MONTH
DESTINATION
HOST
EQUIPMENT
Comments
February 17
Rocky Ford
Creek
John Murio
Something to keep
you warm and dry.
March 3
Dusty Lake
John Murio
Float tube and
sinking lines
The weather is iffy but the
fishing is usually good
underneath.
The water is cold and the fish
deep. Be ready to walk.
Gary
Bates
Float
tube/boat/wade,
be prepared for
cold
Float tube/pontoon
Easy to get to and usually good
fishing.
Opening Day. Some of us plan
to camp in the area for the
week.
Gary’s class on resident bugs,
how to fish them, and how to
lose them.
Hexagenia hatch that brings the
big rainbows and browns to the
top
Come join the best guide on the
lake, one of ours, usually hot
weather. Smallmouths & Carp.
March 17
Lake Lenore
April 14-15
Lake Lenice
Fred
Kunzmann
April 28-29
Blue Lake and
maybe
Chopaka
Dry Falls
Gordy
West
Float tube or boat
Gary
Anderson
Float tube or boat
June 16-17
Blue Lake in
the Okanogan
Steve
DeJong
July 7
Banks Lake
Mike
Huffer
August 3-5
Methow River
Pat Herdt
& G.
Northrup
Dry fly rigs
Camping and
cooking
6-8 wt. Rods,wet
wade, boat, or
hitch a ride with
Mike
Camping, eating,
and fishing on the
river
September
Salmon
Festival
Leavenworth
Gary
Anderson
September 29
or
October 6
November
Yakima River
Tom
Whiteside
May 12
December 25
January 20,
2008
Methow
River??
If it is open
Happy
Holidays
WVFF
Annual
Banquet
Santa
WVFF
Fly tying, casting,
or just plain old
talking about our
sport and club.
Plan to float the
river and do some
wading
Bundle up and
bring your 6-8
weights.
Make room for all
your NEW toys and
clothes.
Plenty of $$ to
spend at the raffle
and auction
We can fish the entire chain but
we will camp at Lenice.
Don’t miss this one as it was a
great family outing. Come
watch the dogs compete. Fish
some too.
This is an annual event for us
to promote fly fishing. Let Gary
know when and how long you
would like to help him.
Come and play in Tom’s
backyard, he promises a hearty
welcome.
This is tentative but something
to look forward to at this time.
Who decides whether you’re
naughty or nice?
Donate something for auction
or raffle. It doesn’t have to be
hand made or expensive.
Check out the dates to make sure there are no huge conflicts with other events or holidays.
Make suggestions for other outings to replace the ones we have planned or to add in between.
I am always looking for someone to host an outing and lend their expertise to the functions.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?
Page 8
FlyPaper March 2007
P.O. Box 3687
Wenatchee, WA 98807-3687
An FFF Affiliated Club
“RELEASE ‘EM ALIVE”
Fly Paper Catch and Release
Gil Biles has a Dual Fly Tying Vise for sale.
He is asking $75.
Call him at: 663.2325
Fly Tying Sessions
Please join us for our twice monthly
fly tying sessions at Fred Kunzmann’s.
We meet every second and fourth
Thursday evenings in
Fred’s garage.
Come any time after 6:00ish.
This year we plan to “match
the outing.” Check John
Murio’s great outing sheets
for the month and come
ready to tie what you’ll
need for the next outing.
FRED’S
GARAGE
2524 North Astor Court
East Wenatchee, WA 98802
(509) 886-1321