Happy New Year, fly tossers
Page 2 OFFICERS Melody Weinhandl, President Vacant, President-elect Andrew Sauter, Vice President Casey Leary, Secretary Matt Stanton, Treasurer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terms expire in 2011 Bob Fischer Scott Novotny Alex Rose Bill Wichers Terms expire in 2012 Spencer Amend Neil Ruebush Brent “Smokey� Weinhandl, DDS Vacant Terms expire in 2013 Greg Groves Joe Meyer Will Waterbury Herb Waterman The Backcast is the monthly newsletter of the Wyoming Fly Casters, an affiliate club of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy and the Federation of Fly Fishers. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the views of the officers, board or members of the Wyoming Fly Casters. Annual dues are $20 for an individual, $30 for a family, or $250 for a lifetime individual membership or $450 for a lifetime family membership. Visit the club website at www.wyflycasters.org. The deadline for submission of information for each issue is the last week of the month. Make contributions to the next issue by e-mailing material to the Backcast editor at ChevPU57@aol.com, or call (307) 436-8774. The Backcast is available either in electronic format or through USPS snail mail. To receive each newsletter through a monthly e-mail, you must be able to open .pdf (Adobe Acrobat, a software program available free of charge) documents. Usually, each issue is roughly 1 MB in size, some are larger. Your e-mail provider may have limits on the size of attachments. In order to be added to the e-mail list, send a request to ChevPU57@aol.com. In addition to receiving each issue of the newsletter earlier than your hard copy peers, e-mail subscribers are able to print each copy in vibrant color -- an added plus if the issue is rich in color photographs. By subscribing electronically, you also save the club roughly $17.40 a year in printing and postage costs.
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
Drag-free Drifts by Melody Weinhandl, President, WFC brooktrout6671@gmail.com
H
ats off to the Christmas banquet committee for doing a fabulous job of coordinating this year's annual Christmas banquet at the Isaak Walton Clubhouse. From the feedback I've been given it was a resounding success. Thank you, Greg Groves, for organizing the event and for making sure there were enough tables and chairs to accommodate the almost 90 people in attendance. Thanks also to Bob Fischer and Matt Stanton for assisting with checking in our members and guests and to Will Waterbury and Wanda Peters for coordinating an informative display on Flycasters and for their help with the decor. Thanks to Smokey Weinhandl for his creativity in designing the tickets and posters that were displayed around town and for his assistance in decorating the banquetroom. Thanks also to Alex Rose and Jaime Gibson for organizing the raffles and draws. For those who were unable to attend, it was an evening of awards, remininscing about the year in fishing and more than a few tales of the one that got away. Special music was provided by Cody and his sister Sheryl Redding who performed songs for the season during the delicious meal which was catered by The Herbadashery. The BBQ beef, smoked chicken and fixings were outstanding and if anyone left hungry it was certainly not because there wasn't enough food. It was a time of tearful gift giving as Joe Meyer was gifted a Winston fly rod from his friends in WFC. This custom built rod was beautifully designed and personalized with Joe's name. Joe selflessly volunteers his time to the organization through events like Expo, giving casting instructions at public events featuring WFC, and providing fly tying instruction. His outings, Fishing with Joe, have become legendary in the community and have been wonderful opportunities for new members to learn where some of the best places to fish in the area are and if necessary Joe also provides the casting skills that it takes to
successfully fish those areas. Spencer Amend coordinated the construction of the rod and he also handled this portion of the presentation. The opportunity to contribute to Joe's gift was given to the membership as discreetly as possible so that it was truly a surprise. Enough money was raised that Joe was also awarded a reel to compliment his custom rod. Congratulations on a gift well earned, Joe. A special thanks was also extended to Randy Stalker for what has become the highlight of the evening . . .the annual parade of pictures from 2010's fishing expeditions. This slideshow, complete with music, was entertaining and informative and mabye even a little thought provoking. After all, "who would you rather fish with?" Randy was pleased to present a few options. In honor of Randy's years of dedicated service to WFC and for volunteering his time and talent as editor of our monthly newsletter, the Backcast, he was presented with a gift certificate to Sportsman's Warehouse to show our appreciation. David Sweet, chairman of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited, told me that our club newsletter is one of the most professional that he's ever seen and that it represents our organization exceptionally well. I concur. Thank you, Randy, for the skills you have shared with us so that others can enjoy all that the Flycasters does in pictures, articles, recipes, and information of upcoming events. As we embark on a new year, I would encourage you to get to know some of the fine members listed above and take the opportunity to get even more involved if time allows. It has been a privilege to spend time with these fine representatives of WFC as well as the many that were not a part of this committee this year. Isn't it amazing that some of the best of the best of what Wyoming has to offer just happen to be members of the Wyoming Flycasters? Stay warm and happy angling (if you dare . . . brrrrr),
Melody
Cover shot: Joe Meyer with the first fish caught on the new fly rod he was given.
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
Brag Board
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Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
WFC MeMber ProFile by Greg B. Groves legatcn@gmail.com
T
he morning after the WFC Christmas banquet, I spent an hour with Alex Rose. Alex’s Scotch-Irish roots spring from middle Tennessee where his great-times-six-grandfather (six generations ago) was awarded a land grant as payment for his service to the nation during the Revolutionary War. His family never drifted too far from the land and their desire to be self sufficient. Alex admires his 92-year old grandfather who plowed behind mules while growing his own livestock, grain and tobacco during the Great Depression. While he was growing up, Alex’s father, a truck driver for Walmart, took the time to introduce him to the outdoors where they often hiked, camped and fished together with bait. Alex earned a degree with a double major in public relations and psychology from Western Kentucky University. Even though his studies prepared him for journalism work in a corporate environment, he let little get between him and the outdoors. He once quit a job to spend five and a half months hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. During the journey from Georgia to Maine, the freedom he experienced was “awesome.” For him, waking up each morning in yet another beautiful place was a life changing experience. While on the trail he fished every stream he could find, and since he needed the calories, everything he caught, he cooked. Alex’s employment history sounds like a succession of dream jobs where he got paid to lead people on hikes, connect people to natural wonders and get them excited about history. Early in his career, he took a seasonal park ranger job with the National Park Service in the Blue Ridge Parkway near Ashville, North Carolina. At the end of the season, he immediately drove to Montana for
Alex Rose a twelve-day fishing trip on the Ruby, Gallatin, East Gallatin, and the Bighorn rivers. It was on that trip he fell in love with western fly fishing. More importantly, while working the Parkway, he met another park ranger named Erin. When Erin was transferred to the Eastern Sierra area of California, Alex moved as well and took a job with the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association. The area where Alex and Erin lived and worked was a study in contrasts: desert on one side and giant sequoias on the other. The area also provided ample opportunities for Alex to catch plenty of 16 to18 inch golden trout on a fly. Eventually Alex and Erin were married and moved on to work as park rangers at the Homestead National Monument near Lincoln, Nebraska. The monotonous landscape along with the absence of nearby trout fishing got to Alex. He was happy when Erin landed the education curator position at Fort Caspar. Though the move to Casper, Wyoming left Alex without a job for five months, each morning gave him the option to either snow ski or fly fish. It was during that time, he met Jim Sparks, a former Marine Corps officer, banker and active guide at the Ugly Bug Fly Shop. Jim helped Alex learn how to
productively fly fish for trout on the North Platte River. After five months, Alex accepted an interpreter position with the Bureau of Land Management’s National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. His job is to get people excited about the historical significance of westward expansion. Alex said, “History is often boring but it’s my job to make history fun and provocative.” At 7:00 a.m. on the day of our chat, Alex had already completed an early morning interview with a local television station to promote the Holiday on the Homestead event at the Trails Center. The corporate journalism skills Alex acquired in college are going to good use in Wyoming. Alex is a practical person when it comes to fly fishing gear. His favorite fly rod is a nine foot five weight Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO). According to Alex, it’s the best rod for the money and the warranty is great. When asked to name some exceptional fishermen, he mentioned Russ Newton who he described as a, “great young local fisherman who fishes well over 100 days a year”. Alex told a story about Russ coming to his home for dinner and he brought an ornamental plant for Erin and for Alex he brought live aquatic insects in a jar of water. After dinner, Alex and Russ tied flies while closely examining the bugs in a jar. The next day, Russ returned to the North Platte where he released the captive insects. Alex recalls joining the WFC for two reasons. First, after moving to Casper he discovered it was going to take a while to learn how to fish the (continued on next page)
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
Alex Rose profile
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Tailing Loops
(continued from previous page) North Platte. By joining the club and networking with successful fishers, he was able to, “quickly dial in” local fishing techniques. Secondly, he joined the club so he could learn how to tie flies. Three years ago, he began learning the basics from club members who were experienced fly tiers, and now he coordinates the WFC program for members who want to learn how to tie their own flies. During 2009, through March 2010, Alex served as president of the club. He’s pleased the club supported the Government Bridge public access project on the North Platte. Though not final, when it’s done, the project will provide one mile of walk-in public access to the North Platte. He’s also proud to be affiliated with a club that shuns elitism. Alex believes the English created an elitist reputation that’s been difficult for fly fishers to overcome. In response to that, Alex said, the WFC is a down to earth club that welcomes anyone who enjoys fly fishing, being around fly fishers and promoting reasonable conservation projects. To illustrate the down to earth nature of the club, Alex asked, “What other fly fishing club would invite a chef to present his favorite fish recipes during a monthly meeting?” In fact, though the club promotes catch and release, there is a time and a place to hook and cook. Alex’s goals include a fly fishing trip to Alaska, and he wants to catch a large golden trout in either the Wind River Range or the Cloud Peak Wilderness. He also wants to live in a log cabin in Southern Appalachia where he will grow organic produce. I predict Alex will meet all his goals and in addition, he will probably win next year’s Christmas Fly competition. Author Greg Groves intends to alternate WFC monthly profiles between veteran members and newcomers. -- Ed.
by Randy Stalker, Backcast editor chevPU57@aol.com If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing rods.
A
lready, as the year 2011 prepares to open, the major rod and fly fishing manufacturers are announcing the introduction of new models, while long-favorites are being discontinued. Naturally, the latest and best rods, incorporating new design technologies, command ever increasing prices. From the catalogs I am receiving, many companies are pricing themselves out of the pocketbook range of most weekend hobbyists -- myself included. But fly fishing is an art and a sport which has a rich tradition. And, as such, several components never change over the course of time: such as the venerable Adams dry fly, the indispensable hare’s ear nymph, and of course, the versatile wooly bugger. I’ll probably keep fishing the same half dozen patterns for the balance of my fly fishing career, most on my five weight Sage RPL or cheap Chinese-made 7 foot, 4 weight bamboo. Gazing at the new catalogs now hitting the mail boxes of fishermen around the country, aside from drooling at the expanding offerings of gadgetry, makes me wonder: what has made the most positive impact on fly fishing in, say, the last 20 years? Some might argue that IM6 carbon fiber (thank you, aerospace industry), also called the second generation of graphite, was a revolutionary material. It knocked fiberlass of its rod material throne, and it give new sticks the capability of throwing lots of line, quickly, with a short stroke. Others might point out that large arbor reels enabled the fly fisher to take in large amounts of line with fewer cranks and land fish quicker. Of course, new drag systems are also heavily promoted, but I feel drag is the most overrated component of a fly rod. How many fly fishing videos feature a guy bringing in a fish by pulling in line, not winding the reel? As Chef Ptomaine points out, “A $25 Medalist holds line as well as a
$350 Abel.” Certainly everyone can appreciate the confort afforded by the development of breathable waterproof fabrics for waders. Gone are the days of suffering in hot and sweaty chest-high neoprenes. I love my old Simms waist-highs, but in the winter I loathe them. Another candidate is fluocarbon leader and tippet material. Monofilament is still king for the dry fly fisher (plus, it is a third cheaper), but for the nymph fisher, you can’t beat the near invisibility and sinkability of flurocarbon. Plus, you can get by one or two X sizes of large tippet with fluocarbon. These are all marvelous improvements. But Charlie Shedd, a world traveling fly fisher, certified FFF fly caster, WFC member and fellow Glenrockian, considers something much smaller to wear the crown of innovation. He says the introduction of tungsten beads is what really set the fishing world on its ear. A tungsten bead, much heavier than lead or brass, sinks the nymph into the fishing zone near the bottom much quicker and efficient. Whoever fishes with a copper John realizes the contribution of tungsten to the fly tossing world. But what’s the next development in the fly fishing world? Let’s leap foward and make a prediction. In a few years, you might be seeing a drift boat float down the river, and the guy behind the oars is wearing a bright shirt, decorated with a myriad of fishing company logos, just like his brethen in bass tournaments. The boat may look more like a NASCAR Chevy than a Platte River Clackacraft. Too far fetched? Not really. Did you note the news this week that Jimmy Johnson, a race car driver, finished runner up behind the Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees for “athlete of the year” honors? Gee . . . does that mean in future years, Jimmy Houston or Bill Dance, Jack Dennis or Craig Matthews, or even Alex Rose or Russ Newton may be contenders for the athletic crown? Anyone who has waded waist deep in the Platte knows the developed athleticism associ(continued on page 7)
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Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
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Aquatic invasive species program went smoothly The first boating season under Wyoming's new Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) legislation was deemed a success based on the numbers of boats inspected, AIS decal sales and overall cooperation from boaters. From May 22, through Sept. 26, Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel inspected more than 42,000 watercraft at 36 different waters throughout Wyoming. According to AIS coordinator Beth Bear, the majority were standard inspections with very few high risk inspections or decontaminations. "Only 58 of the total inspections were considered high risk, with the remainder standard and exit inspections," Bear said. "Of the high risk inspections, there were 23 decontaminations and none were found to have live invasive mussels." Waters where most inspections were conducted were: Jackson Lake (over 7,000), Flaming Gorge (over 5,000), and Glendo Reservoir (more than 4,500). The greatest numbers of inspections were conducted over the July 4th holiday with more than 4,000 boats inspected. Of the total, roughly 28 percent were conducted on nonresident watercraft representing 46 states and Canada. As expected, most of the nonresident watercraft were from neighboring states: Colorado, Utah, Montana and Idaho. "Given the short notice to purchase decals and get the AIS program implemented, boaters were very cooperative with getting their watercraft inspected," said Bear. "Overall, things went very smoothly and even during the busy holi-
day boating weekends, delays were minimal. As the boating season progressed, more and more boaters were following the Drain, Clean and Dry procedure which greatly sped up the inspection process." In addition to inspections, more than 40 waters were monitored for larval, juvenile and adult invasive mussels during 2010. To date, all waters tested have been negative with final results on 20 of these waters expected later this year. The program was started last spring following a $1.5 million appropriation by the Wyoming Legislature. Following the legislative session, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission passed an emergency regulation that enabled the WGFD to take immediate action to deal with the threat. The WGFD then implemented watercraft inspections and decal sales. The emergency regulation gave the Commission authority to pass a permanent regulation and also provided for an annual AIS decal required of boaters before launching in Wyoming. The decal is a funding mechanism for the AIS program and took effect May 17. Fees are $10 for motorized watercraft registered in Wyoming and $30 for motorized watercraft registered in other states. The fee for non-motorized resident watercraft is $5 and $15 for nonresident watercraft without motors. Inflatable watercraft 10 feet and less are exempt. To date, more than 35,000 decals have been sold, representing 82 percent of all watercraft registered in Wyoming. The program raised $446,385 from decal sales this first year.
Fishing licenses expired on Dec. 31 The Wyoming Game and Fish Department would like to remind anglers that all 2010 fishing licenses and conservation stamps expired on Dec. 31. Hunting seasons for some species, including waterfowl, small game, chukar and gray partridge, continue into the new year, but to participate, 2011 bird and small game licenses are required. Waterfowl hunters will note that their Federal Migratory Bird and Conservation Stamp (duck stamp) and Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit are valid until June 30. Licenses for 2011 are now available at Game and Fish Department offices and license agents throughout the state. The 2011 licenses can also be purchased online at http://gf.state.wy.us.
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
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Editor’s message (continued from page 5) ated with casting a rod and fighting a large fish while struggling to maintain traction on a slippery bottom. Let’s not complicate our sport. Keep it simple so we can recruit new and younger members to the recreation of fishing -- whether on a fly or spinning rod. I am reminded of that old cartoon featuring a young boy holding a willow stick, topped with a stretch of string and ending with a paper clip for a hook. The boy is dragging a mess of fish bigger than he is. His father, outfitted with a vest, two tackle boxes, two baitcasting rods, and burdened by doodads and gadgets, is skunked. Some days are like that, even for us veteran fly casters. Many a time I have taken a novice under my wing to show him the ropes, and often I am out-fished by him (or her). • The annual Fly Fishing Show and Outdoor Sportsmen’s Exposition are slated for Denver on Jan. 7-9. I look forward to these two shows more than I do Christmas. I have been going for the last seven years -- weather permitting -- and four WFC members are planning to attend one of the two shows on Saturday. Which one? Undecided. We’ll have to take a vote. It’s too bad they are on the same weekend, because both offer the fly fisher the opportunity to take in some seminars, check out new products, and possibly even get their picture taken with some calendar girls (that’s where I get some of those incriminating photos which grace the Christmas slide show). Both Casper fly shops are to be represented, so familiar faces will be among the throngs. • Call me a whimp, but I passed on this year’s polar bear outing (a tradition on New Years Day). It seemed kind of silly to drive 80 miles, one way, just to have a bowl of chili or a burger at the Sunset Grill with other WFC members. I chickened out because of the deep snow and frigid temperatures. If any brave souls went, I would appreciate some photos as proof of either bravery or foolishness.
Scoop
Club surprises, honors a long-time member By Spencer Amend We did it! The club kept a secret for two months! The plot was hatched at the October meeting, when I asked members to help do something for someone who does so much for others. Joe Meyer truly represents what the spirit of WFC is all about! When the call goes out for working at the EXPO, teaching casting to some group or another, teaching fly tying to new members or old, helping Boy Scouts, helping high school students, helping Game & Fish with a project, taking new members fishing (and showing them how to do it, including sharing his good flies), recruiting new members, or many other activities, Joe is always there.
Lyin’ and Tyin’ clinics slated The next one is Jan. 15 at 9 a.m.
For those who listen, Joe has freely given advice on when, where, and how to fish this great fishery resource that is in our backyard. The request must have struck a cord with WFC members, because more than 50 contributed to help provide Joe with a new fly rod and reel and line. Thanks to the generosity of WFC members, we were able to present Joe with a Winston BII-MX rod (custom built, one-of-a-kind, assembled at no cost by a friend of mine who has met and fished with Joe), a Ross Evolution LT reel, and a matching line. Plus there was a little left over for accessories. Well deserved, Joe; thanks for all you do for us and on behalf of WFC!
The Lyin' and Tyin' clinics will again be held at the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission building on Three Crowns golf course. For new members not familiar with these clinics, they provide an excellent opportunity for tiers of all skill levels to socialize while tying flies. The sessions are also a great opportunity for beginning fly tiers to learn from the experienced tiers, and to get one-on-one tips and instruction regarding the art of tying. New members or beginning tiers simply show up with a vice and materials, and the pros will show, step-by-step, how to tie bugs.
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Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
THANKS I really enjoy my new Winston flyrod. I would like to thank everyone that helped with its purchase. I am still available to teach casting and fly tying. I will also try to answer your questions about where to fish. Call 235-1316 and ask for Joe.
Date Income 11/22/10
Expenses 11/17/10 11/22/10 11/30/10
Our members are very special to us and we want to remember them in times of adversity. If you know of a member or their spouse who is ill or is recently deceased, please contact Donna Diesburg at (307) 234-4278 or e-mail her at faith10@bresnan.net.
WFC TREASURER'S REPORT (ending November 30, 2010) Vendor/Item
Amount
Deposit - Dues $170; Christmas party $250; November raffle $21; ($50 held out for raffle change) Total
$441.00 $441.00
#4073, Joe Meyer, club tying kit supplies #4074,IWLA (Nov/Dec rent) #4075, Staples (file supplies) Total
$25.15 $150.00 $26.23 $201.38
JANUARY Club Calendar SUNDAY
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SATURDAY 1 New Year’s Day; Polar Bear outing
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Regular meeting, 7 p.m.
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Lyin’ and Tyin’, 9 a.m.
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WFC Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
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9Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
More Brag Board
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CLASSIFIEDS
GOOD STUFF FOR SALE (CHEAP!) Patagonia SST jacket, XL, Brand new. $175 (list $315). Scott Novotny 266-3072 • Sage Z-Axis 906-4, brand new, unused, with warranty card. Original price $695. Now $375. Orvis TLS Power Matrix 905-2, brand new, unused with factory warranty card. Original price $395. Now $175. Art Van Rensselaer 265-9287 or 262-7655 • Fleece fingerless fishing gloves. Coleman two-burner stove, like new. Don Jelinek 267-7477
Protect our environment
Inspect - Clean - Dry Take the Clean Angling Pledge www.cleanangling.org