Flyfisher Spring-Sum 2011

Spring - Summer 2011 • $3 fedflyfishers.org

Conserving, Restoring & Educating Through Fly Fishing

Choices on

REDFISH

FLATS Make rods bend in Texas’ Redfish Bay

WET FLIES FOR

BLUEGILLS

TIPS FOR FINDING GREAT

LOCAL WATERS ARKANSAS RIVER

BROWNS

DEPARTMENTS Meet the Board

6

20 22 27 24

Just Fishing FFF is a great educational resource with a new focus on membership.

By Phil Greenlee

7 8

Letters I Am a Member Meet Glenn Short.

9

Home Waters Fly fishing news and notes.

19

FFF Fly Fishing Fair A couple ways you can participate.

19

FEATURES 20

31

Biology of the Redfish Flats.

By Verne Lehmberg 34

Wet Flies and Bluegills Advise on how to temp the taste buds of these selective eaters. By Terry and Roxanne Wilson

Book Review Biology on the Fly Fly Box Saltwater flies. By Verne Lehmberg

36

At the Vise The Matrix Spoon. By Kyle Moppert

22

24

Finding Great Local Waters Tips to help you find the best fishing in unfamiliar locations. By Beau Beasley

38

Ankle-Deep in the Arkansas

39

“Beginner’s Blues.” By Carol Oglesby

Choices on the Redfish Flats

Fly Tips Try making these simple redfish spoon flies. By C. Boyd Pfeiffer

Come along on a guided trek to seek out browns on the Arkansas River. By Craig Springer 27

Woman’s Outlook

40

Casting How to cast into a salty breeze.

By Tom Tripi

Where, what and how to fish for redfish on Texas’ Redfish Bay. By Verne Lehmberg 42

Fly Rod Corner A tribute to the late Ralph Moon.

By Buck Goodrich

FFF Headquarters

Federation of Fly Fishers 5237 U.S. Highway 89 South, Ste.11 Livingston, MT 59047-9176 (406) 222-9369 • fax (406) 222-5823 www.fedflyfishers.org Conclave Coordinator: Jessica Atherton conclave@fedflyfishers.org

Office Manager: Rhonda Sellers • rhonda@fedflyfishers.org Membership/Casting Certification/ClubWire: Barbara Wuebber • fffoffice@fedflyfishers.org Bookkeeper: Judy Snyder • bookkeeper@fedflyfishers.org Assistant: Ruth Fowler • ruth@fedflyfishers.org

44

Fly Fishing Heritage Lessons from Ralph Moon. By Jon Lyman

46

Annual Donor Report

Flyfisher: Magazine of the Federation of Fly Fishers

Editor-in-Chief: Bill Toone

Flyfisher is the official publication of the Federation of Fly Fishers, Flyfisher is published for the FFF by: published two times a year and distributed by mail free to memKeokee Co. Publishing, Inc. bers. Send membership inquiries, fees and change of address P.O. Box 722, Sandpoint, ID 83864 notices to the FFF Headquarters in Livingston, Montana at the (208) 263-3573 • fax (208) 263-4045 keokee.com • flyfishermag@keokee.com address above. Flyfisher is produced for the FFF by Keokee Co. Publisher: Chris Bessler Publishing, Inc. Address all editorial and advertising corresponEditors: Al and Gretchen Beatty dence to the address at left. Contents of Flyfisher copyright © 2011 Art Director/Designer: Jackie Oldfield Copy Editor: Billie Jean Plaster by the Federation of Fly Fishers. Written permission required to Editorial Assistant: Beth Hawkins reprint articles. “FFF,” “FFF & Reel Design” and “FFF & Fish Advertising Director: Clint Nicholson Regional Sales Manager: Scott Johnson Design” are registered marks of the Federation of Fly Fishers.

PRINTED IN THE USA

Please remember to recycle this magazine and any other appropriate material.

Cover photo: A redfish burrows for food while an angler tries to get his fly in front of the shimmery fish. To learn about fishing for redfish in the flats of Texas’ Redfish Bay see page 27. Photo by Tosh Brown.

Feature photos, clockwise from top, left: A nice bluegill taken with a wet fly. Photo by Terry and Roxanne Wilson.

Out-of-the-way, quiet pools like this can be found with the help of your local fly shop. Photo by Beau Beasley.

A nice Arkansas River brown. Photo by Craig Springer.

Joe Deforke used his Cactus Shrimp to catch this redfish.

Photo by Joe Deforke.

C o n s e r v i nMagazine g, Resto i n gFederation a n d E d u of c aFly t i nFishers g T h r o•u g h F l y- Summer F i s h i n g2011 Volume XLII, No. V ofr the Spring

4

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

Meet the FFF’s Directors and Officers Council Presidents Eastern Rocky Mountain: Pat Oglesby 970-434-3912 • pcoglesby@bresnan.net 3095 Evanston Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81504

Ohio: David Snyder 216-372-7751 • ohiofly1@gmail.com 67 Aaron Street, Berea, OH 44017

Florida: Bill Gunn 321-773-5334 • wtgunnjr@aol.com 101 Marion Street, Indian Harbor Beach, FL 32937

Oregon: Sherry Steele 541-420-5532 • steelefly@msn.com 69077 Chestnut Place, Sisters, OR 97759

Great Lakes: Jim Schramm 231-869-5487 • jdschramm@oceana.net P.O. Box 828, Pentwater, MI 49449

South Eastern: Anthony Hipps 336-249-0338 • anthony.hipps@syngenta.com 815 Maple Tree Road, Lexington, NC 27292

Great Rivers: Open Contact FFF National Office Rhonda@fedflyfishers.org

Southern: Michael E. Ames 870-578-2557 • aflycaster@sbcglobal.net 411 Normal, Harrisburg, AR 72432

Gulf Coast: Kyle Moppert 225-342-7551 • bowfin47@gmail.com 2170 Terrace Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Southwest: Michael Schweit 818-601-9702 • msangler@earthlink.net 7933 Jellico Avenue, Northridge, CA 91325

Mid-Atlantic: Jim Porter 410-992-7776 • jim@portergroup.com 10320 Little Patuxent Parkway, Ste. 1100 Columbia, MD 21044

Washington: Carl Johnson 360-863-9889 • flyfishalso@frontier.com P.O. Box 1206, Monroe, WA 98272

North Eastern: Leslie Wrixon 508-733-8535 • lesliewrixon@yahoo.com 27 College Road, Wellesley, MA 02482

Western Rocky Mountain: Lee Davison 208-538-1462 • lee@snakeriveroutfitters.com 238 N. 4700 E., Rigby, ID 83442

Northern California: Anne Marie Bakker 707-721-6184 • ambconsulting@sbcglobal.net 1295 Calledel Arroyo, Sonoma, CA 95476

THE FFF COUNCILS The Federation of Fly Fishers represents the interests of fly fishers across the United States through its regional councils. Much of the FFF’s most important work is carried out through its regional councils and the fly fishing clubs in those regions. If you’re a fly fisher, stay in touch with the activities of your council – and get involved!

Western Rocky Mtn Washington Southwest Southern South East Oregon Ohio North East

[4]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

Northern California Mid Atlantic Great Rivers Great Lakes Gulf Coast Florida Eastern Rocky Mtn

Council Presidents' Representative Tilda Runner-Evans: 970-683-8879 lewtildaevans@gmail.com 3602 “G” Road, Palisade, CO 81526

Rick Pope: 214-821-8172 rpope@airmail.net 8115 Sovereign Row, Dallas, TX 75247

Bud Frasca: 208-762-2631 grizzking@aol.com 2699 E Packsaddle Drive, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

Exec. Comm • Financial Development Comm.

Chair • FFF Foundation President Earl Rettig: 541-330-9670 • herettig@msn.com 19928 Antler Point Drive, Bend, OR 97702

Don Gimbel: 406-222-2932 dgimbel@carret.com 22 Sunset Trail, Livingston, MT 59047

Exec. Comm • Legal Counsel Jim Schramm*: 231-869-5487 jdschramm@oceana.net P.O. Box 828, Pentwater, MI 49449

Exec. Comm • Chairman of the Board/ President • Philip Greenlee 530-356-9430 • philipgreenlee@att.net 1911 Bechelli Lane, Redding, CA 96002

Wolf Schrey: 616-648-1572 wmschrey@hotmail.com • 2141 Deer Hollow Drive S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Keith Groty: 517-290-8284 groty@msu.edu 1396 S. Palmerlee Road, Cedarville, MI 49719

Sherry Steele: 541-420-5532 steelefly@msn.com 69077 Chestnut Place, Sisters, OR 97759

Exec. Comm • Secretary Herb Kettler: 434-977-6703 herbkettler@att.net 809 Winston Terrace, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Mike Stewart: 860-653-4203 tellicofly@yahoo.com 215 Loomis Street, North Granby, CT 06060

Michael Kyle: 417-207-2053 mbkwrh@gmail.com 3278 S. Palisades Drive, Springfield, MO 65807

Greg Stumpf: 909-594-8847 gregstumpf@roadrunner.com 1825 Pepperdale Drive, Rowland Heights, CA 91748

David Lemke: 713-502-1809 dlemke@sbcglobal.net 4002 Aberdeen Way, Houston, TX 77025

Exec. Comm • Flyfisher Editor in Chief Bill Toone: 406-556-7241 • btoone@3riversdbs.net 198 Game Trail Road, Bozeman, MT 59715

Bob Long: 208-357-5353 blong@spcpro.com P.O. Box 462, Shelley, ID 83274

Robert Uselton: 870-935-5569 rob_southerncoaches@yahoo.com P.O. Box 16113, Jonesboro, AR 72403

Roger Maler: 352-293-3322 rmaler@tampabay.rr.com 3073 Gulf Winds Circle, Hernando Beach, FL 34607

Exec. Comm • Conservation Comm. Rep. Rick Williams: 208-938-9004 troutdna@cableone.net 524 West Two Rivers Drive, Eagle, ID 83616

Exec. Comm • Membership Howard Malpass: 318-780-3739 whmalpass@hotmail.com 5825 Southern Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71106 Roger Miller: 559-226-4351 rogfly1@hotmail.com 1107 E. Fedora, Fresno, CA 93704

Exec. Comm • Treasurer Ron Winn: 208-861-1325 • ronwin@bellsouth.net 2103 South Grant Place, Melbourne, FL 32901 Carl Zarelli: 253-460-7752 carlzarelli@comcast.net 4630 Memory Lane West, University Place, WA 98466 * not a member of the BOD

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[5]

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

Board of Directors & Executive Committee

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

Just Fishing FFF A GREAT EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE WITH A NEW FOCUS ON MEMBERSHIP

By Philip Greenlee, Chairman of the Board of Directors

F

or me the first few months of the year have been a launching point of new ideas focused on further progress. You can tell a lot about an organization by its people, and our 15 councils are no exception.

They are all made up of people dedicated to the sport of fly fishing, conservation and education.

Originally the purpose of the Federation was to preserve America’s native fish by promoting of catch-andrelease angling. Since that beginning we have grown and changed into a multitasking, international 11,000-member organization spread all across the United States and 16 foreign countries.

As an example our Casting Certification Program reaches out to foreign fly casters under the direction of retired 3M/Scientific Anglers employee Bruce Richards, the FFF Casting Board of Governors chairman.

Richards is one of the world’s most knowledgeable people on fly line design. From this base it’s time to focus on new ideas and growth for the organization’s future.

Even though the FFF as an organization is stable, the fly fishing industry is facing many new challenges related to world economics and the migration of fly-fishing equipment manufacturing to countries outside the United States. Our international presence gives us the ability to focus on trends in the fly-fishing industry and thus to monitor our membership requirements. To better respond to these new challenges, the national office in Livingston, Montana, has updated its computer equipment. This improvement has allowed the staff to quickly respond to membership requirements and provide efficient day-to-day operations. This spring we hired a new office manager, Rhonda Sellers, who was employed with AT&T for 31 years and possesses the required office skills to help us increase our membership.

Additionally we have appointed a new membership chairman, Howard Malpass. He is enthusiastic and has several ideas to support our goal of increasing the membership. For exam-

[6]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

the FFF or the FFF ple, if every member in the Foundation are tax organization would recruit deductible. Donations to one new member we would the FFF may be used for increase our membership current organizational by 100 percent. In a recent needs, while your gifts to conversation, Malpass and I the Foundation would not developed the concept that be spent and only the if a member recruits two investment income would new members, their annual Phil Greenlee, be distributed. Upon their dues for one year would be Chairman of the passing, some FFF memwaived. The additional Board of Directors bers designate a financial membership fees would not gift through their employer. be allocated to salaries but instead be New legislation extending through focused on advertising, exposing the 2011 makes it much easier to make FFF to the international community, donations. The provision allows taxand promoting our benefits, objectives free distributions from individual retireand ideals. One example of the FFF’s ment accounts (IRAs) of up to diverse mission includes such efforts $100,000 per taxpayer per year. This as support of youth programs that means that IRA owners age 70.5 years teach juveniles life skills through fly or older may donate directly to the fishing. These skills just might be the Federation or its Foundation. deterrents that give a young person Your gifts to the FFF are imporexposure to a new way of life and a tant and needed to enable the organiroad toward an appreciation of our zation to fulfill its charter. To obtain environment. further information or to initiate a gift, For some time we have been please contact the FFF office in brainstorming ways to create value for Livingston, Montana. You can also joining the FFF. Even though the contact Earl Rettig, chairman of the Federation has some of the best fly FFF Foundation, at 541-330-9670. tiers, casting instructors, educators and Thanks for recruiting one new memFlyfisher magazine, awards conservaber, and remember if you get two new tion grants, and teaches the technical members your annual dues are free. side of fly fishing, we need a little By the way, speaking of gifts, more spice to wake up the fly-fishing Mike Michalak, owner of the Fly Shop world. In other words, the organization (www.flyshop.com) in Redding, should offer added value to the memCalifornia has donated a trip of a lifeber base. time focused on large sea-run brown Currently I am negotiating with trout (average size is 10 pounds) on manufacturers with the goal of providthe Rio Grande River in Argentina at ing more options to purchase fly-fishthe Estancia Maria Behety Lodge ing goods at discounted rates. The owned by the Menendez family; it is profit from these FFF website sales will 30 miles upstream from the entrance be focused on conservation. Another of a huge 135,000-acre estancia concept we are currently working on is (ranch). The location places guests an FFF debit/credit card. The bank within easy distance of more than 100 partner is stable and has no subprime of the best pools on the river. Value of loans; it offers a competitive rate. the week long angling package is Additionally, cardholders would have $5,950. This trip is only one of the 150 airlines to choose from to redeem great items that will be part of the air miles. There is no financial risk to live auction at the FFF National Fly the Federation of Fly Fishers.

Fishing Fair and Conclave in West It is easy for you to support the Yellowstone. We look forward to FFF and also gain income and/or seeing you there. estate tax advantages. All donations to

I am writing because I have a couple comments on the latest edition of Flyfisher.

First off, I would like to say that I really enjoyed the articles on midges and midge fishing by Bill Toone, Verne Lehmberg and Scott Sanchez. The articles were well written with excellent pictures.

I am also writing because I am disappointed with the article “Les Johnson Wins Arnold Gingrich Memorial Life Award” on the top of page 17. I appreciate that the article was written about Les. He has made great contributions to the sport of fly fishing, and he has basically dedicated his life to the sport. The part of the article that disturbed me is the incorrect name of the conservation organization that Les and a handful of others, including myself, dedicated hundreds of hours of our lives to create and sustain in the name of steelhead conservation. A quick Web search will show that the Save our Wild Steelhead, the organization named in the article, does not exist. The Wild Steelhead Coalition is the correct name of the organization that we helped create 10 years ago.

The Wild Steelhead Coalition is made up entirely of volunteers. The organization has funded research on wild steelhead, and generated and disseminated a large amount of data demonstrating the decline of wild steelhead in the Pacific Northwest. The Wild Steelhead Coalition has also made great progress toward changing the attitudes of steelhead management within the Washington Department of Fish and

Wildlife, another organization misnamed in the article. A great opportunity to share the Wild Steelhead Coalition and the great work that they have done with the rest of the fly fishing community that reads Flyfisher has been lost simply due to one mistake and a lack of editing.

After seeing these simple mistakes, it makes me wonder how many other articles in Flyfisher have incorrect information. I expect more from a national publication that I support with my annual dues and through my membership to the FFF Guide Program.

The website of the Wild Steelhead Coalition is, WildSteelheadCoalition.org.

James “Chris” Grieve President, Northwest Fly Fishing Adventures, Inc. (via e-mail) Editor’s note: We apologize for the errors and will be more careful in the future.

I’m sure this will not be the only communication that you receive concerning your article in the winter issue of Flyfishing. Your consistent but flagrantly incorrect misuse of the terms larvae and pupae did not do credit to the magazine. Larva and pupa are the singular and larvae and pupae, respectively, the plural forms of usage. “A midge pupae … ” is gibberish and “larvae stage” and “pupae stage” are grammatically incorrect at best.

The fly identified as a Griffin’s Gnat on Page 31 is, in fact, the Griffith’s Gnat.

Preston Singletary (via e-mail) Editor’s note: Preston, your point of usage did indeed escape our copy editors and we’ll be watching for it in the future. Thanks for reading our magazine so closely – though, in the interest of accuracy, the title is Flyfisher.

Montana

TROUT FISHING ONLY 2 Days Beaverhead & 2 Days Bitterroot

Rainbows • Browns • Cutthroat Brook • Dolly Varden

$ Includes: 5 Nights Lodging, One 2,400 Angol r Two Guided and Boat Daily, ers Streamside Lunch, Airport Shuttle www.AbbotsMontanaFishing.com Bill Abbot ~ 800-363-2408

32 Years Experience - Montana Guide #76

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[7]

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

The Wild Steelhead Coalition

Letters Small Patterns, Large Fish

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

I Am a Member GLENN SHORT Residence Sherman Oaks, California FFF Council Southwest Member since 2009 Home Waters Owens River, East Walker River, San Gabriel River, Hot Creek

Favorite fish Trout Reason for being a member The Federation’s focus on education and conservation, and its ability to be our national voice at a time when natural places are under constant assault.

Memorable fishing experience A recent trip to Montana, which included a wonderful stay at Five Rivers Lodge, was won in the FFF raffle. Jay Burgin and Mary Jacques were terrific hosts, and our days on the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Ruby rivers with guide Will Fenoglio were especially memorable. After my visit to Five Rivers Lodge, I visited my friend and fellow FFF member, Paul Guttenberg

& [8]

and his wife, Jeleen, in West Yellowstone and caught big gulpers on the Madison Arm of Hebgen Lake.

What others say Michael Schweit, Southwest Council president, said: “I had the pleasure of helping Glenn catch one of his first fish on the San Joaquin River. Since joining Sierra Pacific Fly Fishers and the Federation, he has been a tireless volunteer at many venues and is in the process of developing a photography

program for anglers. His own photographs are beyond beautiful.�

Does your council or club have an individual you would like to be considered for a future “I Am a Member� Profile?

If so, please e-mail Bill Toone, Flyfisher Editor-in-Chief, at btoone@3riversdbs.net with your consideration. Please include a brief bio (25 to 40 words) along with the reason you feel this person exemplifies the best of the Federation of Fly Fishers.

ZZZ DGYHQW XUHVL QNRGL DN FRP

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

&

Home Waters To supp o tion, re rt any FFF con storatio servan progra m, plea or education se mak deducti e a tax ble con tr The Fed eration ibution to: 5237 U of Fly F ish .S. Livingsto Hwy. 89 S., S ers te. n, MT 5 9047-9 11 176

KLAMATH DAM REMOVAL AN UPSTREAM BATTLE Photo by Will Atlas

which is non-binding, places too much emphasis on dam removal and does ver the last century the not address the need to protect adeKlamath region of southern quate instream flows for ESA listed Oregon and northern coho, spring chinook and steelhead.

California has been plagued by conToday a coalition of groups has flicts over water and fish managepetitioned the National Marine ment. Dam construction on the Fisheries Service to list Klamath spring Klamath River and its principal tribuchinook as threatened. Even with a A half-pounder caught by the author tary, the Trinity River, during the proposed listing looming, the California on the Lower Klamath River.

1950s and ’60s blocked access to Department of Fish and Game continhundreds of miles of river. In the ues to allow retention of wild springers, 1970s there were violent clashes between police and tribal and federal managers recently reduced instream flows for the members when they sought to exercise their right to fish.

Klamath to maximize irrigation deliveries.

The Klamath was once among the most prolific salmon The Klamath basin flow agreements are based in part rivers in the world; however, in on water availability. In years when the availability of water 1997 coho were listed as threatYou can help conserve, is normal or high, federal regulators have agreed to release ened under the Endangered restore and protect our more water to provide adequate instream flow for rearing Species Act (ESA). Today popuprecious fisheries. Read the and migrating fish. This year despite a wet winter and a lations of spring chinook and favorable forecast for summer water availability, federal manred patch at the top of the steelhead remain depressed. A agers are releasing only drought levels of flow. Compounding page to read how. major factor in this overall decline the situation is PacifiCorp’s demand for water to use in has been the loss of habitat and power generation until the actual removal takes place. instream flow due to dam construcNow, Republican Congress members opposed to dam tion and water diversion. In 2001, removal have included provisions in the House budget that a drought year, more than 70,000 strip all funding from a study designed to precede the dam salmon and steelhead were killed removal process. At the moment the agreed-upon 2020 when irrigation withdrawals and removal date appears tenuous at best, and U.S. Department drought conditions combined to bring water of the Interior officials have a deadline of 2012 to make a temperatures in the lower river to lethal levels. decision on the future of the dams. Dam removal is the best Last year stakeholders including fishermen, irrilong-term option for recovering wild salmon in the Klamath. gators, dam owners, tribes and state governments came Given the current uncertainty, we ought to start doing what together to forge a landmark agreement for the removal of the we can to see that the fish hang on until that happens. That four Klamath dams. Many believe the current agreement, goal starts with protecting instream flows.

By Will Atlas

O

Index of Articles Klamath Dam Removal an Upstream Battle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 June 4 Warm Water Conclave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Life Membership for Disabled Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Fly Fishing Legend Billy Pate Dies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Fishing with Lewis and Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 FFF Events and Casting Certification Calendars . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Library Named for Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 The Hat – In Memory of Dick Walle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Reel Good Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Fly Fishing for Bass In a Tournament? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Growing the Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 VOTE for your FFF National Board! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[9]

JUNE 4 WARM WATER CONCLAVE

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR DISABLED VETERANS

T

his membership has been in the planning stages for a long time and finally it has become a reality. I’m pleased to announce that any veteran with a service connected disability of 70 percent or more is eligible for this full Life Membership. It was developed as a way for the Federation of Fly Fishers to recognize your service to our country and as a thank you to our brothers and sisters in arms.

This Life Membership costs $100 for a one-time processing fee; your service is your payment for the rest of the membership. The eligibility and verification documentation needed for the program are quite simple. All we need is a copy of your Veteran’s Administration Affairs identification card showing the service connected disability verification of 70 percent or more and a copy of your Notice of

he Ohio Council and the Mohican Fly Fishers of Ohio are pleased to announce the Warm Water Conclave scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be held in Belleville, Ohio, at the American Legion pavilion adjacent to 77 Bell St. and beside the Clear Fork River.

The interested angler will learn how to catch warmwater fish using a fly rod in ponds, lakes and rivers. The fish species will include bass, bluegill, carp, crappie and sauger, just to name a few. Admission is $6 per person or $12 per family.

By Howard Malpass

T

Eligibility from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which can also provide the disability percentage. The review process for acceptance is completed by former or retired military members who are familiar with the military documents involved.

We look forward to seeing you involved with your local club and getting to know all of us here in the FFF. It will be an honor to have you as part of the organization, and we all look forward to seeing you on the rivers and lakes of this great country.

For more information or to join us, you can contact me at Wm. Howard Malpass, National Membership Chairman, 5825 Southern Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana 71106, or e-mail whmalpass@hotmail.com. See the FFF website at www.fedflyfishers.org for more information.

By Marshall Cutchin

M

aster saltwater fly fisher Billy Pate died April 19, 2011, at age 81. Pate was an important pioneer in landing big saltwater fish on fly rods and was particularly dedicated to tarpon fishing, although billfishing was also a passion.

His 1982 188-pound tarpon world record on 16-pound tippet remained unbeaten for 21 years, and he was the first person to catch a blue marlin and a black marlin on fly. He was also the first angler to catch six billfish species on a fly rod. Pate was also an ardent conservationist; he was instrumental in the creation of the $50 tarpon tag sys-

tem in Florida and was a founder or board member of the Everglades Protection Association, Trout Unlimited, Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited (now Bonefish & Tarpon Trust), the Don Hawley Foundation, and the Pate Foundation.

Billy Pate partnered with legendary Florida Keys guide George Hommel in 1967 to create one of the first destination angling companies in the United States, Worldwide Anglers, which they sold in 1995 to Bass Pro Shops. In 1976, Pate got together with Tibor Reels’ Ted Juracsik to design the first readily available anti-reverse

Terry and Roxanne

LIVINGSTON, MONTANA

Wilson Authors, speakers available for club events and shows.

Slide shows, seminars, and tying demonstrations.

Warmwater fly fishing. (largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, and other species)

terrywil@windstream.net • 417-777-2467

[10]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

Budget Host

PARKWAY MOTEL Surrounded by blue-ribbon water and great hunting!

• In-room coffee • Pets accepted • Grassy BBQ area • HBO TV • Quiet location

• High-speed wireless internet • Micro/fridge in all rooms • Kitchenettes available • Two-room suites • All ground floor rooms

1124 W. Park, Livingston, MT 59047 budgethostparkway@gmail.com

800-727-7217 • 406-222-3840

tarpon reel, a reel that later went on to help catch 225 world records.

He was inducted into the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame in 2003.

Editors’ note: We thank longtime members Marty Seldon and Fanny Krieger for their help in obtaining information about former FFF member and important fly-fishing personality Billy Pate.

AQUARIUM CHILLERS for

Trout & Salmon Incubation Simple, Efficient, Tested Reliable Used Successfully Nationwide in “Trout in the Classroom” Programs For price and details contact: Glacier Corporation 1021 Fuller Street • Santa Anna, CA 92701 714-557-2826 • www.glaciercorp.com Discounts given to Schools, FFF & TU Chapters

Photo by Pat Ford

FLY FISHING LEGEND BILLY PATE DIES

FISHING WITH LEWIS AND CLARK

C ALENDAR F F F 2 0 11 E V E N T S June 2011 FFF Ohio Council – Warm Water 4 Conclave American Legion Pavilion, Belleville, Ohio www.ohiofffo.ipower.com/current.htm

August/September 2011 FFF 46th Annual Fly Fishing Fair 30-3 & Conclave West Yellowstone, Montana www.federationconclave.org

2011 FFF C ASTING INSTRUCTOR CERTIFIC ATION

E

ver wonder how the fishing was for Lewis and Clark? Pretty good, as you might imagine. In fact, Lewis and Clark relied heavily on fish to survive their expedition across the unknown tracts of what was to become the continental United States – and they had some sport at it, too.

And now a major exhibit of the fishing experiences of Lewis and Clark – originally created by the Federation of Fly Fishers as a physical exhibit with large-format panels displayed in its fly fishing museum in Livingston, Montana – has been adapted into an interactive virtual tour at UndauntedAnglers.org.

The adaptation of the physical display to the World Wide Web was performed by Keokee, which also publishes the Federation of Fly Fishers’ national magazine, Flyfisher.

FFF’s project coordinator, Leah Elwell, said the exhibit, researched by Seonaid Campbell, was originally created in 2004 for display at the FFF’s Fly Fishing Discovery Center in Livingston. After downsizing its operations, the FFF found a new home for the exhibit with the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Trails. The Missouri River Basin Center focuses on the scientific and biological aspects of the expedition and serves as an ideal location for the physical exhibit.

Elwell said the creation of an online exhibit was completed in order to share with a greater number of people the fascinating information about the fish and fishing that Lewis and Clark encountered in the continent’s virgin wilderness.

“Undaunted Anglers is the only exhibit that focuses on all aspects of fishing related to the expedition,” said Elwell. The new site, Undaunted Anglers.org, provides a virtual look at 100 panels of graphics created for the

physical display, with beautifully articulated text, illustrations and photographs. Detailed information regarding fish species, methods used to catch fish and relationships with American Indians who were versed in fish and catching them are major themes throughout the exhibit.

Also featured at Undaunted Anglers.org are educational resources for both educators and the public to enjoy, including a virtual adaptation of an educational booklet for middle school-aged students describing the fish and fishing of Lewis and Clark, curriculum to incorporate fish and fishing information as seen through the eyes of the expedition, and current information on the conservation of fish species that Lewis and Clark recorded.

The project was made possible with funding by the National Park Service Lewis and Clark Historic Trail. To see more go to UndauntedAnglers.org.

*Schedule subject to change – see most current schedule with details at www.fedflyfishers.org The following events offer FFF Casting Instructor Certification.

Pre-registration is required.

Call 406-222-9369 to register. There is a $50 fee for Certified Instructor (CI) Testing and $100 fee for Master Instructor (MA) Testing plus a $50 fee if you pass; for Two-Handed Casting Instructor (THCI) there is a $100 test fee plus $50 pass fee.

You must also be a current FFF member.

May 21-22, 2011 CI - pre. workshop Sonoma, California

June 17-18, 2011, CI Test #1118 Roscommon, Michigan

May 13-15, 2011 MA, THCI Test #1114 Aberdeen, Scotland

September 2-4, 2011 MA, THCI Test #1120 Piteå, Sweden

May 14-15, 2011, CI Test #1111 Maastricht, Netherlands

October 6-8, 2011 MA Test #1117 Mountain Home, Arkansas

June 1-5, 2011 MA, THCI Test #1115 Malaysia

LIBRARY NAMED FOR GRANT

T

he American Museum of Fly Fishing (AMFF) reports that our good friend and past FFF President Gardner Grant has been recognized by the AMFF Board of Trustees for an incredible 36 years of dedication by naming the museum’s library in his honor. The Gardner L. Grant Library has more than 7,000 angling titles with an “open shelf” segment for public enjoyment and is available for research and reading.

Established in 1968 in Manchester, Vermont, by a group of interested anglers, the AMFF was created to preserve and exhibit the treasures of American angling. Today, the museum

serves as a repository for and conservator to the world’s largest collection of angling and angling-related items, numbering in the thousands.

The collections and exhibits thoroughly document the evolution of fly fishing as a sport, art form, craft and industry in the United States and abroad, dating as far back as the 16th century. Rods, reels, flies, tackle, art, photographs, manuscripts and books form the major portions of the museum’s collections.

For more information about the organization, please visit www.amff.com.

Information provided by Marty Seldon and the AMFF website.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[11]

THE HAT

REEL GOOD FOOD

In Memory of Dick Walle

An FFF Cookbook

By Wolf Schrey

M

y wife, Inge, and I had just joined the FFF and started attending the various fly-fishing and fly-tying events. The first event was the Southfield Rod Show. As we wandered around and soaked up all the new impressions, I noticed a man who wore a “hat� that made him really stand out. I did not know who this individual was but assumed he must be quite popular, as he was always surrounded by a crowd of people. I thought that hat was really cool, almost a cowboy hat with the band full of flies.

Over time we saw this gentleman at other events. Finally at the GLC Conclave in Roscommon, Michigan, we actually met Dick Walle and his wife, Judy. As we got to know them, we discovered that the Walles were involved with Reeling and Healing, a breast cancer survivor’s organization. Inge and I immediately signed on as volunteers.

rTraditions T aditions Tr tions R iverTraditions

P E R S O N A L I Z E D F LLY Y BOXES

The perfect gift for yourself or \RXU À\ ¿VKLQJ EXGG\ 0DQ\ EDFNJURXQG SLFWXUHV DQG ER[ VW\OHV WR FKRRVH IURP &XVWRP ER[HV IRU FOXEV VKRSV DQG ORGJHV LV RXU VSHFLDOW\ Building traditions with personalized À\ ¿VKLQJ products

RiverTraditions.com [12]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

By Gretchen and Al Beatty At one of our breast cancer survivor retreats, I noticed a sign on the Walles’ car that read, “WE DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FRENCH!� That sign really surprised us. We both love the French, their rich culture, their wonderful melodious language, and their incredible food and wine. When we asked Dick what the meaning of that sign was, he went into a long tirade about the ungrateful French we had bailed out in two world wars. He did not like anything about them, but he forgave us for our admiration for them with a simple comment, “Well, you are just Europeans!�

Later that year Inge and I returned from a successful fishing trip in Labrador, Canada. We had shared camp with two charming dry fly fishermen from France. When I mentioned the experience of our wonderful trip to Dick and Judy, I could not help myself but ask, “Dick, if you do not care for the French, why then do you wear a French fly fishing hat?� We went on to explain we had met two French fly fishers who both wore a hat just like his, and that they had advised us it was the most popular head gear for fly fishers in France. Dick missed a step, but after regaining his composure, he just muttered that no Frenchman should be allowed to wear a hat like his. Of course, I had made the story up. He never found out about the truth.

In September 2010 we saw Dick at the Au Sable River cleanup. It was a function Inge and I attend each year, and it was the first time in 35 years that Dick was not able to participate. He did not look well and had to use a cane to walk. Not long after we learned he had cancer. I called our friend Dick every few days all the way to the end.

He always sounded cheerful, never complained and would not let his terrible illness get the better of him. Dick was a real fighter and now he is gone.

I think God is in good hands now with Dick by his side. May they both enjoy many tight lines and screaming reels.

Wolf Schrey is a longtime Federator from the Great Lakes Council.

A

s longtime Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) members, we’ve come to realize the importance of membership and revenue to the health of the organization.

With the goal of growing both our membership and income, we turn to all of you to participate in a fundraising effort to benefit the clubs, councils and national FFF office. That project is a recipe book of YOUR recipes.

We will publish 700 to 1,000 of your favorite recipes in categories like main dishes, desserts, camp and Dutch oven, which we think is most appropriate for our outdoor organization.

To participate you must be a member. Second you input your recipes directly into an Internet-driven program through Morris Press Cookbooks (www.morriscookbooks.com).

The Morris Press Cookbooks website offers instruction through a dropdown menu under the “Recipe Pages� tab. Go to “Writing & Sorting Recipes.�

Once you finish reading the instructions, navigate to www.typensave.com to enter your recipes. To make your recipe-entry job easier, we’ve included the instructions and a direct hyperlink at www.bts flyfishing.com/ReelGoodFood.html to access the recipe entry information and the recipe entry module all in one place. In either case your user group is “fff� and your password is “driftboat� (without the quotation marks).

It’s important to upload your recipes as soon as you can because, in the case of duplicate or similar recipes, the first one received will be published.

We expect to have the book ready for publication in the last quarter of 2011, available for Christmas gifts. The book will sell through an advance sales program at a reduced price of $19.95 plus shipping and handling. Orders can be placed through the FFF Office in Livingston, Montana (406-222-9369 or library@fedflyfishers.org). After publication the book’s price will be $24.95 plus shipping and handling, so get orders in early to lock in the reduced price. Contact us at gbeatt2@aol.com with your questions.

Gretchen and Al Beatty are longtime Federation members from Boise, Idaho, and authors of the 2000 book, the FFF Fly Pattern Encyclopedia.

Photo by Ted Warren

FLY FISHING FOR BASS IN A TOURNAMENT?

W

hile there aren’t many bass fishermen in East Texas who fly fish for bass, a lot of folks bow hunt for deer. Fly fishing for bass is like bow hunting for deer.

Sure you can increase your chances of getting a deer, and perhaps even a bigger deer, using a rifle but utilizing a bow adds to the challenge, skill and reward of hunting for deer.

It’s the same way for bass fishing.

Sure, you can probably catch more and maybe bigger bass using a bait casting or spinning outfit. But, are you up to the challenge of developing the skill and patience to catch bass on a fly rod? The excitement of catching a bass of any size on a fly rod certainly surpasses that of overpowering them with conventional tackle.

You might ask, Can you have a flyfishing bass tournament? Absolutely, say organizers of the second annual World Championship Bass on the Fly Fishing Tournament.

For some reason fly fishing evolved from freshwater trout fishing to saltwater fishing and somehow bypassed bass fishing. Some people say that’s because of the “bubba factor” – bass fishermen are essentially meat hunters rather than sport fishermen.

Others say it’s because fly fishers are snobbish and the sport is too expensive. If either of these statements were ever true, they certainly are no longer.

While working in a fly shop in Colorado in the summer, I meet hundreds of ordinary folks who want to

learn to fly fish even though they use conventional tackle the rest of the year. And many of these people are Texas bass fishermen! In addition, the cost of good fly-fishing equipment has come down in recent years and is now comparable to conventional bass fishing tackle.

While I am a dedicated bass fisher, I’ve come to appreciate the challenge of fly fishing for them and trout as well. Since I don’t know anyone who really fishes for bass as a food source, I believe bass fishermen are sport fishermen at heart. You don’t have to use a fly rod to fish for bass, but it sure is fun when you’re out there to relax.

As for a fly-fishing bass tournament, when everyone uses the same equipment, it’s a level playing field and many of us enjoy a little competition in our chosen sport. Since Ray Scott started B.A.S.S. tournaments, bass fishing has exploded, techniques and equipment have continually improved, and conservation has gained significant attention.

While there might be some diehard fly fishing traditionalists who will never approve of competitive fly fishing, there are plenty of fly fishers who are interested in the sanctioned trout fly fishing competitions around the world. So, if there are successful trout fishing and bass fishing tournaments, doesn’t it make sense to have a fly fishing tournament for bass? The fly-fishing industry could certainly use a shot

Happy angler Bryan Nims displays a nice fly-caught bass.

in the arm by engaging the 10 million bass fishermen, and B.A.S.S. proved that tournaments could do that.

Apparently some manufacturers think so as well because they have developed fly rods specifically for bass fishing. And, one of our local Lake Fork guides is part of a group asked to advise one of the national bass fishing organizations about organizing tournaments exclusively for fly fishing. So, let’s enable more folks to enjoy a flyfishing experience close to where they live that includes education, resource conservation and a little competition.

This year’s World Championship Bass on The Fly Fishing Tournament will be held May 21, 2011, at Lake Fork Marina in Lake Fork, Texas. More details and an entry form can be found at www.bassonthefly.org. This tournament is endorsed by the Federation of Fly Fishers – Southern Council. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Federation of Fly Fishers.

Ted Warren is an FFF certified casting instructor who operates Brothers Flies, brothersflies.com, and is one of the organizers of the World Championship Bass on the Fly Fishing Tournament. He can be reached at 903-850-7084.

GROWING THE MEMBERSHIP An All New Two-for-One Program

By Howard Malpass

I

t’s a twist on an old idea, but I am suggesting a membership incentive program never offered before – a plan that makes everyone a winner. It’s very simple: If a person who is an existing Federation of Fly Fishers member brings two new members to the organization, the existing member gets his or her next year’s dues paid. Talk about something that will help many of the members!

Some clubs that are considering changing their alliance from affiliate to charter may find this option attractive – and this is just the incentive to make it happen! I think this plan will help members who are sitting on the fence to roll over to the charter club side.

We’ll need some information to process your two new members, so you can get your membership at no cost. We

need the new members’ names, home club names, home addresses and home or office phone numbers.

We know there will be a few questions, so I will head off some in advance. If a Life Member brings in two new members, he/she may donate the extra membership to someone else; in other words, a Life Member almost gets a 3-for-1 deal. The same also goes for a person who has a Disabled Veterans Membership. We think any one of the offers is one heck of a good deal. Don’t spend too much time thinking about the potential of this great opportunity because it is a limited-time offer; it is only good from March 1, 2011, to September 1, 2011, so please act without delay to take advantage.

You can contact me at Wm. Howard Malpass, National Membership Chairman, 5825 Southern Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana 71106, or e-mail whmalpass@hotmail.com. See the FFF website at www.fedflyfishers.org for more information.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[13]

OBITUARIES

Caesar P. Carnaghi

Bruce McLane Ferguson

B

B

ruce McLane Ferguson, age 85, passed away in Gig Harbor, Washington, January 10, 2011. He was born July 18, 1925, in Dayton, Ohio, to Sydney and Iris (McLane) Ferguson. Bruce grew up in Scarsdale, New York, where he graduated from high school. In 1943 he entered the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army. After serving in the military he graduated from the University of Michigan and pursued a long career in forestry.

Bruce was a leader in the sport of fly fishing in salt water, coauthoring two volumes of “Fly Fishing for Pacific Salmon.” He received numerous awards and was a representative at the U.S.-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty negotiations.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Jean Ferguson; his children, Christine Robinson, Todd Ferguson, and Dave Ferguson (Ellen); his stepdaughters, Suzanne Carnahan (David) and Julie Dugan (Jim); and his grandchildren, Adam Robinson, Josh, Ben and Nathan Carnahan, Erin and Andrew Ferguson, and Samantha Dugan.

A memorial service was held at the New Tacoma Cemetery, Friday, January 28, 2011. Memorial donations can be made in his name to Multicare Hospice or the Federation of Fly Fishers.

Information was provided by The News Tribune (Tacoma, Washington), dated January 23, 2011.

Ralph M. “Pete” Parker

R

alph M. Parker passed away January 12, 2011. His passing was sudden and unrelated to his recent victory over lung cancer.

Born in Monongahela, Pennsylvania in 1934, Pete moved to California as a young boy and attended St. Catherine’s Military Academy and later Riverside Polytechnic High School where he

[14]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

orn July 2, 1928, and passed March 20, 2010, Caesar Carnaghi was an avid fly fisher. He took his young family to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for vacation and discovered information about a gathering of Federation of Fly Fishers. That was the first of more than 25 FFF conclaves that he attended. Caesar served as treasurer for many years in the early days of FFF. He was known to many by his ready smile and happy disposition. He was a stranger to no one.

Caesar was a member of St. Ann Lions Club, the Ozark Fly Fishers, the FFF and the Rollo Calcaterra American Legion Post No. 15. Caesar

served as a former president of the Southern Council. He served on the board of Ozark Fly Fishers in 1990, 1991 and 1992.

Caesar is survived by his wife, Judith; children Theresa, Peter, Steven and Christopher; and eight grandchildren.

Information provided by the Ozark Fly Fishers.

Charles (Chuck) Tryon

B

orn in Chicago May 4, 1938, Chuck grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. He passed away on February 8, 2011, in Visalia, California.

Preceded in death by his wife, Sharon, in 1991, he is survived by his daughter Holly and son-in-law Ed Kuykendall and by his brother, Ed Tryon.

Chuck lived in Rolla, Missouri, for 43 years, where he retired from the Forest Service as a hydrologist for the Mark Twain National Forest. While there he was responsible for starting the Rolla City recycling program. For the past two years he lived in California to be near his daughter.

There he became involved with the Kaweah Fly Fishers, where he actively supported the club. At the time of his passing, Chuck was in the process of tying 20 dozen flies for one of his favorite charities, Casting for Recovery.

A life member of the Federation of Fly Fishers, Chuck was a founding

member of the Roubidoux Fly Fishers Association and was instrumental in establishing it as Missouri’s first Stream Team. He was a great teacher and mentor who supported youth programs, cancer-related fly-fishing organizations and Project Healing Waters. In addition to writing many short articles, Chuck was the author of “200 Missouri Smallmouth Adventures” and with his wife, Sharon, coauthored “Fly Fishing for Trout in Missouri” and “Figuring Out Flies.” He will be remembered by his friends as a conservationist, a great listener and storyteller, and as a gentleman.

graduated in 1952. He proudly served in the Marines from 1952-56, then lived in New York and Colorado in subsequent years.

Pete married the love of his life, Barbara Duquette on Halloween 1953.

Barbara predeceased him in 2005. Pete and Barbara had three children, Ralph M. Parker III, Patricia (McClure) and Pamela (Parker-Martin) and seven grandchildren (Morgan, Adam, Jackson, Genna, Emily, Sarah and Margo). He was an avid and renowned fly fisher, flytier and longtime member

of the Federation of Fly Fishers.

He fished all over the world, and his flies are published in several books and magazines. Pete held four world records, his favorite being the giant trevally caught off Midway. He lived a remarkable life filled with adventures and optimism. He was a silver-tongued salesman and always had a story to tell. He was a leader and a great friend to many but loved his family most of all.

Photo and information provided by Greg Maxwell.

Information provided by his granddaughter, Genna McClure.

David Erik Radke

B

orn March 21, 1966, David Erik Radke, 44, of Charlotte, North Carolina, died November 21, 2010, tragically in a plane crash on his return home from an annual hunting trip in the Dakotas with his brother.

He was a beloved son, husband and father, and a child of God. He married Anne Marie Hornaday in 1995 and was employed at Paetec Corporation. David enjoyed a variety of outdoor pursuits; including fly fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking and camping with his family. He was a member of the Trout Unlimited Rocky River Chapter, as well as the Federation of Fly Fishers and found pleasure in tying his own flies. He enjoyed training horses, sharing that love with his wife and daughter Erika Jane. David was a natural carpenter and all-around handyman who brought joy to all who met him.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Marie Radke, 43, and daughter Erika Jane, 11; as well as his parents, Erik

Clarence Burnett Peaslee and Joyce Radke of Aurelia, Iowa; brother Mark Radke and his wife, Barbara, of Aurelia, Iowa; and his sister, Annette, and her husband, Dr. Steve Harris of Charlotte. David also leaves behind four beloved nieces and five nephews.

He was interred in the Morning Star Chapel columbarium. In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations can be made in David’s name to Federation of Fly Fishers online at https://www.fedfly fishers.org/Default.aspx?tabid=4329 or by mail: Memorial Donation, Federation of Fly Fishers, 5237 U.S. Hwy. 89 S., Ste. 11, Livingston, MT 59047 Original information was written by Anne Marie Radke and published in the Charlotte Observer.

Harry E. Gross

H

arry Gross from Salem, Oregon, passed away October 22, 2010, of cancer. Born December 23, 1959, in McMinnville, Oregon, to Cecil and Dolores Gross, he was raised and educated in Sheridan.

Harry was a hard worker who loved fly fishing, but more importantly he loved teaching anyone who wanted to learn how to tie flies, especially his granddaughter, Laura, one of his best students. What many of his friends in the Federation of Fly Fishers didn’t know was that car restoration was another love. He never got to see her completed, but he really enjoyed working on his most recent project, a 1956 Mercury named Ruby.

He left behind many friends in both the fly-fishing and classic car communities. He was featured in several books and videos on fly tying and had been commissioned to restore several classic show cars and trucks. The members in the Santiam Flycasters, an FFF club, especially remember him as

crusty, prickly and a real wiseacre. He and fellow flytiers often met on Wednesday evenings to tie flies and talk about a wide range of topics. Harry affectionately called that weekly meeting the Tyers and Liars Club.

In the fly-fishing world, Harry was wellknown for really setting a hook whenever he suspected a fish might have taken a look at his fly. He did it with such enthusiasm that often he launched the hapless fish into a low orbit, or broke his fly rod. He just couldn’t help it, and his friends loved him for it.

He is survived by his son, Andy, and wife, Nancy; grandchildren Andrew and Laura; two brothers, Alan and Bill Gross, and his extended family at the Lovegrove Collision Center.

Memorial services were on October 29, 2010. In lieu of flowers please send any donation to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Information provided by the Santiam Flycasters, Ron Henderson, Andy Gross and the Salem Statesman Journal.

C

larence Burnett Peaslee, 98, from Raytown, Missouri, passed away peacefully December 4, 2010, from pancreatitis. He was born July 22, 1912, in Kansas City, Missouri, to David Burnett Peaslee and Christina Martha Bergman.

Clarence graduated from East High School in 1929, the same year he got his first fly rod from Sears for $4.95 and started fishing. He began tying flies in 1930 with B.E. Gilmore, worked in a fly shop on Saturdays, and went fishing Sundays. From 1932 to 2006, Clarence spent every opening day of trout season at Roaring River State Park except during his overseas duty during World War II where he served with the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant in the 1279 Engineer Combat Battalion. He and his wife, Florence, spent their honeymoon at Roaring River in 1973.

In 1980 he retired from the U.S. Postal Service and devoted more time to fly fishing. Clarence was active in the Federation of Fly Fishers, demonstrating fly tying at their conclaves for 20-plus years. The FFF Southern Council honored Clarence as Federator of the Year in 1992, Teacher of the Year in 1995 and Living Legend, along with Florence, in 2010.

He was also proud of his 50 years of service plaque from Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association.

Clarence is survived by his widow, Florence Robinson Jones Peaslee, four daughters from Florence’s first marriage and their families, including 12 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He leaves one nephew, Robert L. Peaslee, and three nieces, Rosalind Schlomann, Carol Mayer and Elaine Wood and their families.

In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to the Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association (P.O. Box 3202, Harry S. Truman Station, Independence, MO 64055) or Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care (12000 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64145).

The information was supplied by Larry Murphy from the FFF Southern Council.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[15]

OBITUARIES (continued) Judy Gafford Boston

J

udy Gafford Boston, age 63, of Norfolk, Arkansas, and previously of Memphis, Tennessee, died March 6, 2011. Born December 21, 1947, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Judy grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. She graduated from Fortier High School in New Orleans and was a cytotechnologist.

Judy and her then husband, Barry Boston, raised their two daughters in Memphis.

As an adult, she received a bachelor’s degree with honors in environmental writing from the University of Memphis. Her greatest passion was spending time with her grandchildren.

She was also devoted to riparian habitat and water quality issues for which she was an award-winning conservation writer. As an avid fly fisher, she was a lifetime member of the Federation of Fly Fishers, Trout Unlimited and MidSouth Fly Fishers, where she served as conservation director, treasurer and vice president of membership. She received

Stuart MacChesney numerous awards from these organizations, including national Woman of the Year from the Federation of Fly Fishers.

She will be deeply missed by her survivors: her daughters and sons-in-law, Bethany Boston Landers and Mark Landers, and Bren Boston Padawer, and Jeremy Padawer; granddaughters Indie Mae Landers, Eden Boston Padawer and Joelle Boston Padawer; soul mate Dan Berry; and many beloved cousins including Mike Womack. A memorial service was held in Memphis on Sunday, March 13, 2011. The family requests memorials be sent to American Rivers (www.americanrivers.org) or the environmental charity of the donor’s choice.

Originally published in The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, March 10, 2011 .

Ralph Moon

B

orn May 30, 1925, in Pocatello, Idaho, Ralph Moon, longtime FFF member and friend to all, passed away January 26, 2011, at his home on the banks of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, near Chester, Idaho. He was 85 years old, a passionate river conservationist, master cane rod maker, awardwinning flytier, expert fly fisherman, outdoor writer and all-around great guy.

At the age of 8, Moon took up fly fishing 77 years ago and built rods for 57 years. He often said he purchased a book on bamboo rod making in 1952 and took 20 years to build his first rod.

Over the years he taught more than 100 people how to make rods. He once said, “Only the good Lord knows how many rods I have made.”

Ralph Moon was a curator of the International Fly Fishing Center Museum, which was first in West Yellowstone and later moved to Livingston, Montana. He devoted many years as an FFF director and contributed to that organization in countless ways for decades. He served as the FFF adviser during the production of the film, “A River Runs Through It.” He is

[16]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

the 1987 recipient of FFF’s Don Harger Award and the 1999 recipient of the FFF’s highest award, Order of the Lapis Lazuli.

Married to Pat in 1984, they were gracious hosts to anglers from all over the world, who considered him to be one of the sport’s great celebrities and felt that standing in his workshop, perusing his fishing library and wetting a line in the river near the Moon home were spiritual experiences. He shared his knowledge of every aspect of the sport, as well as about Fremont County’s flora and fauna. Ralph is survived by his wife, Pat; stepchildren Mike Robbins, John and Earl Laughters, and Pam Postman; his children, Kelly and Mike Moon; and step-granddaughter Lisa Carlson. His first wife, LaRae Taggart, passed in 1974.

Information provided by Susan Steinman, Henry’s Fork Foundation, Buck Goodrich, longtime FFF member, and the Moon family.

A

fter a long illness, Stuart MacChesney, age 87, residing in Fresno, California, passed away February 27, 2011. Born in 1924 in Hollywood, California, and living in Fresno since 1954, Stuart was an educator for Fresno Unified School District at Roosevelt High School. He was in the First Marine Division during World War II and fought at both New Britain and Peleliu in the South Pacific. Stuart taught English, psychology and the humanities for 30 years at Roosevelt High School and touched the lives of countless students.

An avid fisherman he founded the Fresno Fly Fishers for Conservation and was its first president.

He also was one of the founding fathers of the Federation of Fly Fishers.

He worked tirelessly to protect the upper and lower Kings River and was one of the earliest conservationists to further stream preservation for future generations. A certified fly-casting instructor, he taught hundreds of people to cast and fly fish, never charging for his services. His greatest joy was fishing with his son, Michael, his grandson, Christopher, and his best friend, Bob Eymann.

He now has the peace that he wanted and has at last joined his loving wife. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeff, and his wife, Audrey. He is survived by his son, Michael, and his wife, Mary; his grandson, Christopher, and his wife, Christine, and their two children, Sage and Logan; his granddaughter, Nicole Tsatsaronis and her husband, Lask and their two children, Sofia and Thanasi; his grandchildren, Kaitlin, Lyndsay and Sean from Jeff; and his step-grandchildren, Lydia McCall and Trudy Frost and her husband, Pat, and their daughter, Rosemary. A private family service was held.

Information from the Fresno Bee and Dr. Michael MacChesney.

Sylvester Nemes

Richard W. Talleur

S

ylvester Nemes died at his home in Bozeman, Montana, February 3, 2011, with his wife of 65 years, Hazel, at his side.

Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1922, as the first-born American of an immigrant family he grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where one of his first jobs was tending a newsstand. A barber friend taught him to tie flies in 1938, and he had been hooked ever since eventually joining the Federation of Fly Fishers in 1989.

In 1944 Sylvester met his wife, Hazel, on a blind date in Ringwood, Hampshire, England while serving with the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Many of their dates were on the River Test where they picnicked on K-rations and Syl fly-fished for trout. They were married in 1945, and after the war the two moved to the Midwest where he worked as a copywriter and photojournalist in the advertising industry. Family vacations were often in Montana, and after retiring the couple move to the state in 1984.

Over the years he wrote several books including “Softhackled Flies, Spinners and Six Months” in Scotland. He is credited with elevating the art of angling with a soft hackle fly and really was less than impressed with any type of bead-head nymph.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel, daughter Diane and son Eric.

Another son, Gregory, passed in 1984. A memorial service was held at the Fish Hatchery in Bozeman February 20, 2011.

R

ichard W. Talleur passed February 18, 2011, after a brief illness. Born November 20, 1931, and originally from Clinton Corners, New York, Dick enjoyed a long career with AT&T. After retiring, he took his favorite hobby and first love and made it his life. Dick was an accomplished flytier and fisherman, and a well-known and respected author of several books on fishing and fly tying. Dick loved his sport and, with his many friends, supported the continuation of fly fishing and the practice of catch and release.

Dick is predeceased by his parents Richard B. Talleur and Dorothy Carner Talleur Wollenhaupt; and by his son William D. Talleur. He is survived by his wife, Vera A. Talleur, stepson Yuri Y. Kovalenko, sister Carolyn A. Lawatsch, brother David C. Talleur and wife Denise, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

There was a celebration of his life service February 22, 2011. At a later date and in a private family ceremony, Dick Talleur’s ashes will be dispersed in a place of his choosing.

Data and picture were provided in part by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and Marty Seldon.

Information and picture from DickTalleur.com.

VOTE FOR YOUR FEDERATION OF FLY FISHERS NATIONAL BOARD! Members, cut out ballot or visit FedFlyFishers.org

I

t is time once again to exercise your right as an FFF member to vote on the national board.

Renewing board members are Herb Kettler, Bob Long, Howard Malpass, Wolf Schrey, Mike Stewart and Robert Uselton. A bit of information about the five new nominees is below. Please vote for your national board by mailing the ballot to Federation of Fly Fishers, 5237 U.S. Hwy. 89 S., Ste. 11, Livingston, MT 59047. Don’t want to cut up your magazine? Download a ballot at fedflyfishers.org/Default.aspx?tabid =5292. Votes are due by August 1, 2011.

Larry Gibbs – 2013 – A retired Deputy Sheriff, Larry Gibbs is a member of the Washington Council Board as an Auction Coordinator; he has previously served as Secretary and Treasurer. Presently, Gibbs is president of the Alpine Fly Fishers, which he helped convert to a Charter Club, auction chair for the FFF Fly Fishing Fair and Conclave, a member of the Presidents Club, and an all waters fly fisher.

Don Gibbs – 2012 – An FFF member since 1993, Don Gibbs is a Certified Casting Instructor and ERMC VP of Membership since 1998. As Council representative, Gibbs administers Acres Green Elementary School's Fly Fishing Program in

the Denver area. Gibbs has held all offices in his local club, and is currently involved with Project Healing Waters. Gibbs coordinates the Youth Fly Fishing Program at the Fly Fishing Show each January in Denver. He is a dedicated FFF member and devotes much of his time towards working for the good of the FFF.

David Snyder – 2013 – President of the Ohio Council and a Life Member of the FFF, David Snyder started fly fishing at the age of 12. Snyder is a past vice president of the Ohio Council and the Ohio SubCouncil, and is a freelance photographer.

Exercise your right – Vote!

Ballot for the FFF Board of Directors Indicate your vote by checking boxes adjacent to each nominee. d d ve eld ve eld pro ithh pro ithh p p A A W W

K K K K K K

K K K K K K

Herb Kettler Bob Long Howard Malpass Wolf Schrey Mike Stewart Robert Uselton

K K K K K

K K K K K

Dave Snyder Larry Gibbs Don Gibbs Dan McCrimmon Carl Ronk

I certify I am a member of the FFF. Name ________________________________________ Address _______________________________________ City ______________________________ State _______ ZIP _______________ Phone _____________________

Dan McCrimmon – 2012 – A fly fisher since the age of six, Dan McCrimmon has been involved with the FFF since 2000. He is very active with the Casting Instructor Certification Program as a Board of Governor, Master Casting Instructor, and Two-handed Casting Instructor (THCI Examiner).

McCrimmon is also a member of the Masters Certification Committee, Certified Instructor test development committee, and Chair of the International Committee.

Carl Ronk – 2014 – Carl Ronk was introduced to fly fishing at the age of 11.

Ronk is a licensed fly fishing guide in California, and is also a demonstration fly tier in the western states. A Life Member of the FFF, he makes it a point to support the FFF any way he can. Ronk is a member of FFF Fly Tying Group, Board of Governors and a member of the Board of Directors of the Oregon Council.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[17]

T H E F F F F O U N D AT I O N

Leave a

Legacy Feel good today about the gift you leave tomorrow. By making a deferred gift to the FFF Foundation, you will help to ensure the sport you love is fostered and kept thriving with our future generations.

The principal of your gift will remain in the Foundation to fund youth education, conservation and scholarship support. In addition, there are attractive income and/or estate tax benefits.

The FFF Foundation was established in 1995 as a 501(c)(3) public charitable foundation and is managed by an independent board of trustees.

For further information contact Phil Greenlee at FFF headquarters in Livingston, Montana, telephone (406) 222-9369.

D

VI

UC

AT I N G

CONSER

N

G

•

E

The Federation of Fly Fishers Foundation, Inc. Post Office Box 1688 Livingston, MT 59047

RE

S T O R I NG

•

FFF Fly Fishing Fair and Conclave SO, YOU WANT TO TIE AT THE FAIR

By Gene Kaczmarek

Photo by BT’s Photo

Y

ou would love to tie at the FFF National Fly Fishing Fair and Conclave, so you ask “How do people get invited to tie?”

There is no hidden agenda; the FFF Fly Tying Group is always looking for the best tiers for our events. We are not trying to keep anyone out, and there is really no inside track.

Each year we struggle with the question, Whom should we invite? Well, we start with those who have tied in the past, then we ask the councils’ fly tying chairs to recommend names they believe should be added to the list. We know you want to see the best tiers available who can teach you new things or help solve problems.

In 2007 a group of noted tiers was asked by the FFF leadership to form Well-known demonstration the “Fly Tying Group.” We are tiers flytier Henry Hoffman is who have the passion to teach and help just one of the many peoother tiers to become better at their ple who share their skills craft, or art. We all have tied at many at the tying tables. regional and national conclaves. Tiers at the fair need to be teachers, educators and showmen to capture the attention of the attendees. If you are interested in

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

By Pat Oglesby

T

he FFF Photo Contest is held each year at the National Fly Fishing Fair and Conclave and is open to everyone. There are five categories for amateurs and a special category for professionals. Photographers of all ages are encouraged to submit their photographs and have an opportunity to win prizes.

Winners in each category receive a Scientific Anglers fly line of their choice as well as ribbons for first, second and third places. New this year for the winners will be the possibility to have their work on the cover of Flyfisher. Winners in each category will be sent to the staff of Flyfisher for their review. There are no guarantees but if one of the entries meets their criteria, it might be selected for the magazine cover.

If you are interested in this challenge, you should consider submitting your photo(s) in a “portrait” format. Most cameras produce images in a rectangular format, and the photographer can either take a horizontal, or landscape, photo or turn the camera 90 degrees and take a vertical, or portrait, photo. Since magazines are viewed as a portrait, the Flyfisher staff most likely would look for an entry photo in that same format.

Look for the show registration guide in this issue for more information. Select a category that interests you and get out with your camera and take some shots. You never know, your work may be featured as a cover shot.

Pat Oglesby is the official photographer of the National Fly Fishing Fair and Conclave, and has been a Flyfisher contributor for many years.

the group, please check out the information on the FFF website at www.fedflyfishers.org under the “Fly Tying” tab.

Memberships are being accepted now, and we will be holding elections for the officers and board members soon.

So, “How can you get invited to tie at the conclave?”

First you need to tie for your club and then get invited to your council’s show. You should also get to know your council fly tying chair; they are always looking for new tiers for their show. Volunteer to tie, help out at their show, and volunteer to do anything that has to do with flies. Mount flies for your local show as a fundraiser and photograph the flytiers – anything to get you noticed. Once you have tied for your council and get to be known as an innovative tier, a good teacher and good representative for the FFF and the fly tying community, then ask them to nominate you to tie at the national. No fly tying chair in your council? Then volunteer to do the job. That will get you noticed fast.

Another way is to come to the fair, just as an attendee, get to know the tiers, talk to the staff and show them examples of your work, volunteer to fill in as a tier if someone does not show (it happens every year), and you might just get lucky.

We hope to see all of you in West Yellowstone and look forward to adding your name to the database of FFF demonstration tiers for future years.

Gene Kaczmarek is on the Fly Tying Group Board of Governors and has filled the post of conclave fly tying chair for several years..

Book Review I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River

By Henry Winkler Insight Editions Publishing, 2011 7.0” x 8.5”, 142 pages, $21.95 ISBN # 978-1-60887-020-2

This is an interesting look at a man with a reflection on family, photography and fly fishing.

If you are looking for a how-to-fly-fish book then you may want to look elsewhere, but if you want to enjoy a fun read from the perspective of a well-recognized personality then this is the book.

Each year the Winkler family spends their summer vacation fly fishing in Montana. It is a special place for them, so we’ll let Winkler share that feeling with a quote from the book: “Relaxing wasn’t easy for me until I stepped off the plane and shook hands with Montana for the first time. The mountains and rivers of the Big Sky Country are my easy chair. I’d read somewhere that the sound of rushing water at 80 decibels is the most soothing sound to mankind, and yes, I have found that to be so true. My first time on the river, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and the big, blanketing blue sky, I felt as if my brain were afloat.

Being on the river is almost a religious experience. It’s like being in church only with mayflies instead of hymnals.”

We particularly like the part about “mayflies instead of hymnals.” It’s now on sale; we suggest you pick up a copy.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[19]

Classic

Wet Flies and Selective Bluegills Story and photos by Terry and Roxanne Wilson

I

n the middle of the previous century, when a gallon of classification of wet flies. Generally “wets” are tied on hooks gasoline sold for 32 cents, hardware stores were our priof standard length as opposed to nymphs and streamers that mary sources of fishing tackle. Early spring found the eldare tied on a longer hook that is often heavy enough to est of us with nose firmly pressed against the display case glass ensure that the fly sinks. Other wet fly characteristics fascinated by cards of brightly colored flies. A rummage-sale include sparseness, absorption and profile. Sparsely dressed purchased fiberglass fly rod and several carefully chosen flies flies enter the water with little commotion while their hackle, were regularly offered to bluegill on nearby waters. tail and wings move in a natural manner during manipulaA decade passed before a Field & Stream article tion or pressure from the current. Materials that absorb announced that those old fly patterns were actually classic wet water and thereby aid the fly’s sinking ability further flies tied especially for trout. Yet another 10 years elapsed enhance its purpose as does a profile that resembles the before recreating those elegant patterns and once again offerinsect or creature being simulated. ing them to bluegills. Initially the old classic patterns were In our book “Bluegill Fly Fishing and Flies” (1999), we envisioned as a way of connecting with the past masters of fly described big bluegills, those exceeding 8 inches, as freshwatying and fly fishing. However, over the years, we’ve continter’s most selective fish. Anglers who have examined the ued to fish the classic wet flies for a very different reason. stomach contents of many fish including trout, bass, crappies Plain and simple, they really and other species, recognize catch bluegills. that all frequently swallow an While the origins of assortment of debris such as some individual patterns can pebbles or small pieces of be traced through the works sticks. Bluegills did not. of J. Edson Leonard in his Those who have observed classic book titled “Flies” feeding bluegills know that (1950) and others, the histhey nearly always hesitate tory of wet fly tying and behind their prospective fishing becomes obscure as meals to evaluate them it easily predates the 17th before the morsels are eaten. century’s Izaak Walton.

Perhaps the bluegills heightEarly anglers noticed that ened selectivity is actually a when their insect-matching great recommendation for dry patterns became waterusing classic wet flies to catch logged and sank that they bluegills, due mainly to the were still taken regularly by fly’s subtle movements in the the fish. Initially the wet fly water and suggestive shapes. was presumed to replicate a On one wet fly outing, drowned surface insect, and we were float tubing a small at times they are probably town’s water supply lake when taken as such. But upon a young mother brought a car closer examination it would full of neighborhood children seem logical that they might to the picnic area above our also be taken as pupae position. We were still experiemerging at the water’s surmenting with various patterns face, an adult insect subwhen a brutish 9-inch bluegill merging to deposit eggs, a grabbed a size 10 McGinty small crustacean, a sow bug, and raced for a nearby brush a nymph, or perhaps even a pile. The action brought tiny minnow hatchling. excitement and a few shouts By definition a wet fly of joy from our audience at is any pattern that is fished the picnic tables a few yards beneath the surface. away. Observing our half-subAlthough streamers and merged position in the water, This beauty shown at top really liked a Royal Coachman classic wet-fly nymphs fit that description, the young mother grabbed pattern. The two bluegill just above gave proof that a popper and clasthey are different and not the picnic basket, herded her sic wet-fly dropper system can be an interesting method to use in makincluded in any modern ing a presentation from a float tube. brood back into the car and

[20]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

drove off in a cloud of dust. Exactly what danger Mom thought we posed is still a mystery to us.

Fishing these colorful patterns can often be as simple as using any of the infinite variations of the strip-and-pause retrieve. Keeping in mind the life-form the chosen fly represents can easily dictate the length of the strip and the length of the pause. If, for example, the fly represents a young minnow, the stripping should be frequent and erratic, whereas an insect imitation might only be manipulated to keep it in the fish zone or to activate the materials in the wings and hackle. In the final analysis though, it’s important to experiment with the strip-and-pause retrieve; the fish will definitely indicate what their preference might be.

A second retrieve that has been very effective for us is the Leisenring Lift. It’s easily executed by first allowing the wet fly to settle to the bottom in still water or to cast upstream and allow the fly to acquire depth before “you raise your rod tip with a slow, gradual motion that causes the fly to rise naturally toward the surface.” This quote is according to Vernon S. Hidy in “Sports Illustrated Book of Wet-Fly Fishing” (1960). In that book, Hidy discusses the techniques of master wet fly angler James Leisenring who was the namesake of the technique he pioneered. The Leisenring Lift causes the wet fly to behave like a nymph rising to the surface to hatch. Of course Leisenring’s intent was that the lift be executed at the end of a dead drift in moving water, but the technique is equally effective in still water for bluegills. Short casts to relatively shallow water with long leaders enable the angler to completely control all aspects of the lift. Wet insect patterns such as Black Gnat, Cowdung and Light Cahill, for example, are best suited to this task.

A third method is an adaptation of an old English trout tactic called “dapping.” With only the leader extending from the rod tip, the angler places the fly gently on the overhanging bank grass and allows it to fall softly into the water and be swept into undercut banks. Our modification involves casting onto emergent vegetation such as coontail or milfoil.

Then we gently pull the fly into the water and allow it to sink along the edges of the weeds or into pockets in the weeds before imparting action.

Finally, when fishing from a boat, canoe, kayak or float tube, the angler can utilize the wind to push them in a controlled drift to help locate feeding bluegills. We find a brightly colored attractor pattern such as Yellow Sally, Royal Coachman or Scarlet Ibis is best for this type of “searching presentation.”

Recently at the “Smallmouth Rendezvous” held annually in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, we had a conversation with fellow Federation member and talented demonstration flytier Toby Vaughn of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Our visit centered on our mutual passion for bluegills and our shared love of the classic wet fly patterns. Vaughn tied the flies pictured here in the sidebar.

There are literally hundreds of classic wet flies from which to choose. Good literary sources include the aforementioned “Flies” by Leonard that lists the recipes for virtually all of the classic wets that predate 1950; McClane’s Standard Fishing Encyclopedia edited by A.J. McClane contains color photographs and lists the recipe for 48 classic wet flies in the 1965 edition; and “Wet Flies: Tying and Fishing Soft Hackles, Winged and Wingless Wets, and Fuzzy Nymphs” by Dave

Recipes for Success Here are the recipes for a dozen of our favorite, classic wet flies. Each of them is tied similarly to those in the photograph. Our thanks to Toby Vaughn for providing the flies pictured here.

PROFESSOR Tail: Strip of red duck quill Body: Yellow silk floss ribbed with flat gold tinsel Hackle: Dark ginger Wing: Speckled gray mallard flank YELLOW SALLY Tail: Strip of yellow duck quill Body: Yellow silk floss ribbed with flat gold tinsel Hackle: Yellow Wing: Yellow duck quill BLACK GNAT Tail: None Body: Black chenille Hackle: Black Wing: Gray duck quill SCARLET IBIS Tail: Strip of red duck quill Body: Red silk floss ribbed with oval gold tinsel Hackle: Red Wing: Red duck quill ARKANSAS RED BUTT SOFT HACKLE Tail: None Tag: Red thread Body: Twisted peacock herl Hackle: Dun COWDUNG Tail: None Tag: Flat gold tinsel Body: Olive wool dubbing Hackle: Dark ginger Wing: Gray duck quill GRIZZLY KING Tail: Red duck quill Body: Green silk floss ribbed with flat gold tinsel Hackle: Light tipped badger Wing: Speckled gray mallard flank LIGHT CAHILL Tail: Lemon wood duck flank

Here is an example of the beautiful wet flies that Toby Vaughn tied for this article.

Body: Cream fox fur dubbing Hackle: Pale ginger Wing: Lemon wood duck flank ALEXANDRA Tail: Red duck quill Body: Flat silver tinsel Hackle: Black Wing: Peacock sword herl strands with slip of red duck quill at the sides MCGINTY Tail: Red hackle fibers mixed with barred teal flank Body: Alternate bands of black and yellow chenille Hackle: Red-brown Wings: White tipped blue mallard sections ROYAL COACHMAN Tail: Golden pheasant tippet Body: Divided in equal thirds; first third peacock herl, next red floss, followed by peacock herl Hackle: Red-brown Wings: White duck quill PINK LADY Tail: Golden pheasant tippet Body: Pink silk floss ribbed with flat gold tinsel Hackle: Ginger Wing: Gray duck quill

Hughes, (1995) is a good source as well.

Terry and Roxanne Wilson of Bolivar, Missouri, are longtime Flyfisher contributors focusing on warmwater fly fishing. For more articles, tips and tricks, or to schedule them to speak at your club, visit their website at TheBluegillPond.com or email them at terrywil@windstream.net.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[21]

Finding Great Local Waters No Matter Where You Are Story and photos by Beau Beasley

“To be honest, Beau,” Mike McAuliffe said to me, with a smile, “most fly anglers would say you’re out of your mind to come to New Jersey to fish for trout. But the truth is that we have great trout water here – they just don’t know about it.”

I must admit that my own limited knowledge of Garden State fly fishing revolved around the fantastic striper fishery in and around the coastal waters near Sandy Hook. It wasn’t until I began doing “research” for a new book on MidAtlantic fly fishing that I discovered that New Jersey boasts some very good trout water. A fellow fly fisher in Pennsylvania recommended I contact McAuliffe, a full-time fly fishing guide in northern New Jersey who specializes in trout waters.

Standing knee-deep in the Pequest River, McAuliffe managed to convince me that we were in the right place by landing one nice brown right after another. For the next three days, we fished the Pequest, the Musconetcong and the Raritan rivers. McAuliffe, in turn, recommended another New Jersey guide who worked in an area I needed to scope out as well. When all was said and done, one local guide’s recommendation saved me hours of time on my book and perhaps hundreds of miles of driving.

A good guidebook identifies the best waters across a specific geographic region and then provides the resources that readers need to check those waters out for themselves.

Believe it or not, Wikipedia.org can be helpful as an initial

[22]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

first step: Though its historical entries may be suspect, Wikipedia is a great source of basic information about a river’s location, size, fish population and nearby towns. From there I usually check out the surrounding towns themselves, including local history, places to stay and, of course, whether or not the area supports a local fly shop.

The local fly shop is the ultimate source of information about a body of water. Sure, I can locate the water on a map and identify generic patterns that look promising, but generally speaking the local fly shop, fly-fishing guide or fishing club represents a storehouse of knowledge about the water that simply cannot be replaced. This is true whether you’re fishing for smallmouth bass on Virginia’s New River or giant brook trout in Canada. I’ve often heard the old adage – “All fishing is local” – and that’s certainly proven true for me on numerous occasions.

But what about planning for that dream fishing trip to Alaska, Patagonia or Christmas Island? When it comes to locations you can’t easily reach, your best bet is to diligently research ahead of time. Do your homework on the area lodge that will best meet your needs. Spend quality time with a travel rep. Yes, the Internet can help you here, but my

Photo by Larry Coburn

Whether you’re fishing in Alaska (as seen far left) or 10 minutes from your home, local fishing information is crucial to success. Local knowledge can produce nice fish like this one below held by angler Joe Mattioli with Manhattan, New York, spanning the background or like the nice fish the author caught while doing “research” on Beaver Creek, Maryland (top, center image). Locals know how to make the difference between taking your rod for a walk and finding fish.

For some great local knowledge in the East, contact the below outfitters. They’ll happily share what they know.

Mike McAuliffe Ledgewood, NJ www.riseformstudio.tv 973-668-5026 Harry Robertson Richmond, VA www.hanoverfly.com 804-537-5036 Frontiers Wexford, PA www.frontierstravel.com 800-245-1950

neighbor’s 15-year-old son can produce a professional-looking website in a single afternoon, and I’m fairly certain that he knows very little about Dorado fishing. Firsthand knowledge from a reputable booking agent is your best bet. If, for example, I had Alaska, Tierra del Fuego, Canada or Costa Rica on my mind, I would contact Harry Robertson of Hanover Fly Fishers before making another move. I know that Robertson has been to all these places himself and won’t try to sell me on a fishery that’s not right for me. Reputable agencies like Frontiers that specialize in sporting travel do their best to ensure that you have a good time and have the expertise to understand your specific needs and wants. Their hope is that this will be your first of many destination adventures. Your responsibility in this relationship is to ask the right questions and then to follow their expert advice.

Booking a day with a local guide is also a great way to save time, as they generally are as eager as you are to find fish and can normally put you on them very quickly. I suggest spending a day or two with a local guide before spending the rest of your trip working the fishery on your own.

Guides can tell you where to fish, what patterns to use, and what parts of the river to avoid.

Word of mouth is also a good point of reference.

Contact the local fishing club to see what others have to say about the area you want to fish. Keep in mind that these folks can only relay their own experiences; your experience could be radically different from theirs depending on fishing

conditions and your fishing ability. I know what it’s like to be taken advantage of by a lousy guide, so whenever I have the chance to recommend one of the Mid-Atlantic’s topnotch fly angling guides I do so without a moment’s hesitation. Fishing with an expert can save you so many untold hours and much frustration.

Finally, I heartily recommend buying a guidebook to the area you are interested in fishing, as this approach can save you significant prep and prospecting time. Yes, it’s true that I have a vested interest in encouraging your purchase of a guidebook. But in my defense, I’ve only written two books on the subject, whereas I own dozens of them. I find that they provide critical information about access – and great maps! – that can save you loads of time. A good guidebook may also suggest local patterns, guides, fly shops and even places to stay nearby.

I’ll never forget the week I spent with McAuliffe fishing for and landing rainbows, browns and even brook trout in New Jersey’s relatively unheralded trout waters. Before that trip, I knew little more about the Garden State than stripers and the New Jersey Turnpike. It took a local expert to broaden my view and open up a whole new fishery to me.

Never underestimate the power of a great guide.

Beau Beasley (www.beaubeasley.com) is the director of the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival and lives with his wife and children in Warrenton, Virginia.

His new book, “Fly Fishing the Mid-Atlantic: A No Nonsense Guide to Top Waters,” can be ordered from the author or purchased at your local fly shop.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[23]

Ankle-deep in the Arkansas

PHOTOS BY BILL TOONE

Story and photos by Craig Springer

I

t seems counterintuitive, a misnomer. The Arkansas River heads in the high country of southern Colorado, and a portion of northern New Mexico. It’s the fourth-longest river in the United States, obviously named for an encounter in its namesake state. But it seems like it ought to be called something else, like the “Rio Truchas” or “Boulder River” or “Pike’s River.” Its moniker doesn’t fit, here at least. Zebulon Pike passed through here under Jefferson’s watch in his zealous attempt at exploring the then-northern Spanish colony. Pike got arrested for his endeavor, and in the complex outcome, was paroled in Mexico. For it all, he got a peak named after him; its waters feed the Arkansas.

When Pike and his men passed this way and documented the arduous task of working through the desolate, modern-day Royal Gorge cut by an eroding Arkansas River, the greenback cutthroat trout (the closest kin to New Mexico’s state fish, the Rio Grande cutthroat trout) swam in these cold waters near Cañon City, Colorado, in great abundance.

Today, the past lives on in memory, in place names, biographies and historical archives. The native greenback? It has retreated to the smallest and isolated tributary streams. In the face of brown trout, the greenback could not compete for food and space. The native trout spawns in spring, and

the introduced brown trout, in the fall. When the young browns are well on their way in their first year, they are already the meat-eaters they are meant to be; the greenback young are no match for the larger brown trout when they emerge from the gravels. The browns took over.

A tourist train plies through what was nearly impassable to Pike. The world’s highest suspension bridge spans the deep canyon, some 1,200 feet above. Its walls in places look like a layered wedding cake, the strata tilted by the wild convulsions of planet Earth’s plates. Elsewhere, the various colored canyon walls are swirled like giant slabs of ice cream. In the cold waters, rafts waft in frothy white water and jog in the vitreous glides of slow water between the rapids. Underneath them, and about my ankles, brown trout make a home in the rocky reaches in unexpected places.

The Arkansas River here is a freestone stream for 120 miles from Leadville to Cañon City. There are no dams on the Arkansas-proper until it flows into Pueblo Reservoir, well downstream from the headwaters, and by then it has warmed to the point that trout cannot live in it. This mountain stream has by then transcended into a prairie river.

These upper reaches are for brown trout. And there is no shortage of fish. According to local fishing guide Curtis Andrews, employed by Royal Gorge Anglers, the Colorado Division of Wildlife

For guide Curtis Andrews, a long, light leader without kinks is an important part of his presentation; therefore, a straightening tool is an important on-the-stream accessory (shown, above, left). Stoneflies are a major food source for the fish in the Arkansas River.

Andrews advises, “There’s no fish truck showing up next spring to dump fish.

These are wild browns, spawned in the gravelly redds. Don’t step on them.”

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[25]

reports in excess of 4,000 trout per stream mile where the river is broad and braided. In the tighter canyon, there is less habitat and about half the trout. Andrews is as local as the greenbacks; he was born and raised in Cañon City. The 28-year-old makes a living as an EMT and guides on the side. But given his schedule – three days on and four days off – you wonder if it isn’t the other way around – that an EMT job supplements his fly fishing.

Autumn angling on the Arkansas is hot. As the water cools, brown trout set up to spawn by the close of November. Couple that with a caddis fly hatch that lasts the month of October, and the stage is set for some frenzied action. A sporadic blue-wing olive hatch that lasts the fall season is icing on the cake. According to Andrews, these mayflies emerge to fly away, or feed trout, on cool gray, rainy or snowy days.

But with opportunity comes the need for precaution; as the fall season progresses, the flow drops, the water clears, and the brown trout spook easy. Andrews offers some tips that probably apply in any trout water with similar conditions: Watch your shadows; and use a long leader and light tippet, a 5x on a size 16-18 fly, and 6x on a size 20-22.

And spoken like someone who cares, Andrews advises walking slowly and carefully in the autumn waters.

“There’s no fish truck showing up next spring to dump fish. These are wild browns, spawned in the gravelly redds.

Don’t step on them,” he said.

Where the rocky cliffs edge back from the stream, the waters fan out into three smaller straits. I stepped up one of these braids in the Arkansas, and it looked more like the waters of the Guadalupe River in the Jemez where I frequent. In water not more than 12 inches deep, and about that same distance from the bank, I paid out line and laid a bead-head nymph, a blue-wing olive, in a little chute below a couple of large gray and red boulders. It was a muscular pull under the shadows of shrubby streamside willows. A brown trout turned the line taut. It didn’t swim, but tumbled downstream toward the net. Exposed to the bright sun, the

Guide Curtis Andrews works his fly through holding water Arkansas trout like to use as a feeding lane. The Arkansas brown, like the one shown here, provides a muscular pull under the shadows of shrubby, streamside willows.

fish showed a hint of the coming spawn. Its paired fins were trimmed in white; a little bead at the tip of its lower jaw swelled as a sign of how it would morph into a hook jaw later in the season. It was bronzed, like a sculpture.

Seventeen inches of pugnacious fish flesh with a stout flick of the tail swam back into the streaming current of this river that seems like it ought to be named something else.

Craig Springer is a freelance writer from Edgewood, New Mexico, where he also works for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and is editor of their magazine, Eddies.

CHEESECLOTH OVER THE RIVER?

By Al Beatty As one of the editors of this publication, I try to remain neutral and present both sides of any issue without bringing my bias into the mix. This is not always easy, but I really do work at it. However, recently I read an article in American Angler magazine (page 20, Spring 2011 issue) that made me angry enough to bring it to your attention. What you do about the proposed project will be up to you; rallying the troops is not my intent because by the time you read this, the respond-by timeline will be long past. That said you can use the information from the result (or lack) of the public response to

[26]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

the project in whatever way you see fit.

It’s a possible topic of conversation with an elected representative, friend or whomever you think might be interested.

The American Angler article is about an art project focused on the Arkansas River that is called “Over the River.” It is a project proposed by Christo and Jeanne-Claude to suspend 5.9 miles of luminous fabric panels (cheesecloth?) over the Arkansas River between Salida and Cañon City, Colorado.

This display will be up for two weeks in August 2014, but construction is estimated to extend for nearly two years.”

Quite frankly it seems to me that this “art

project” could be detrimental to the environment both during construction and after the cloth is in place. Another question that comes to my mind, Will access to the river for the angling public during the construction process be impacted? We’re told it will not, but time will tell.

I could rant on for several pages, but that’s not my purpose here. I just want all of you to be aware of the situation. For more information about the project, visit www.roarcolorado.org/involved.html.

Use the information there as you see fit.

Information here is from the ROAR website and American Angler magazine.

Choices on the Redfish Flats

B

Story and photos by Verne Lehmberg

eginners to flats fishing along the Texas coast have many choices to make as to where to fish, which fly to use and how to fish those flies.

Great fishing spots abound along the Texas coast from Louisiana to Mexico. One good choice, where the water is often clear, the redfish plentiful and prey species also abundant is Texas’ Redfish Bay. It is prime redfish habitat, a shallow estuary flat well known to local fly fishers.

Knowing the common organisms in Redfish Bay and the other Texas estuaries helps in choosing flies. Books are always a good place to start learning redfish flats fishing, but nothing beats the recommendations and personal anecdotes from experienced fly fishers. Exactly which fly to choose varies considerably from person to person, but the experts agree on the basic fly characteristics.

Color, size and shape are all important when choosing a fly. Some researchers indicate that very few fish see in the deep orange to red range of the spectrum, so the color red shows up as grey to and silversides are best them. All those pink flies look conimitated with longer siderably different to a redfish than to thin silvery Clousers, or the fisher. Redfish see greens, blues and Mylar minnows. Even violets most easily. Many fish, including longer and thinner are redfish, can also see the longer ultraviolet the shrimp eels, largely wavelengths. Chartreuse Deceiver wings unknown to most fly may reflect in wavelengths not apparent fishers. Nocturnal, Sheepshead minnows are a common redfish forto fishers. Choice of materials is often a these strange fish burage fish. The male becomes a flashy blue-violet crapshoot when dealing with an animal row in the soft bottom during breeding season. that does not see colors as you see them. during the day. Even Brown is a natural shrimp color, but experienced fishers rarely see them. Redfish brighter and flashier colors work better when the visibility is do find them and root them out of the botlimited. tom. Choose dark skinny long flies to imitate Baitfish sometimes change color as breeding season apshrimp eels, including very thin rabbit strip proaches. Sheepshead minnows are a common redfish forage flies. Plastic worms used in freshwater bass fish. The male changes to a dark, flashy blue-violet when lakes will also catch redfish, but breeding. are hard to cast with a fly rod.

Shape is important. Spot croaker and little Gulf menThe fly’s eye is a predominant haden have a thicker body and very redfish-attracting feature. If the silvery sides. Thin shaped shape is right, a simple baitfish such as anchovies fly such as a thinly tied Lefty’s

Flies clockwise from left, Sugar cone shrimp tied

by Bill Murdich, Tampa, Florida; Krystal shrimp, Mike Racca Calhoun, Louisiana; Flanagan’s Puglisi style blue baitfish; Silvery spot croaker imitation; Poxy shrimp by Terry Edelmann; Shrimp

by Tom Berry.

Above, Judy Lehmberg fishes the Redfish Flats.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[27]

Redfish seek out the naked goby which hides in oyster reefs.

Flies clockwise from lower left, Strip Slider, Bill Trussell, Houston; Gerry Gimber’s Black Clouser, Lake Jackson, Texas; Snapping shrimp; Billy Munn’s crab, Bridgeport, Texas; Mike Sharpe’s crab, Biloxi, Mississippi; Mark Hollier’s crab, Houston; Sandy Moret Cracked Crab, Islamorada, Florida; Stanek Flying Mantis Shrimp, Cotter, Arkansas; Bill Trussell’s Sand Witch, Houston.

Deceiver will look like a menhaden.

Color, size, shape and the prey organism’s motion are what a fisher needs to mimic with their flies. How the fly moves is as important as how realistic it looks.

Floridians Chico Fernandez and Bob Stearns popularized the snapping shrimp patterns that have been used for bonefish for years. They really represent any little shrimp scooting along the bottom. They have the snapping shrimp color; with a dot of orange as do the real shrimp. If they are fished around snapping shrimp habitat, like oyster reefs, then the redfish will take them as snapping shrimp. Small, one-inch line strips will be enough to animate the flies. Carl Richard’s Banded Snapping Shrimp or Dave Whitlock’s Near ’Nuff Snapping Shrimp patterns are realistic imitations.

The right motion is needed to fool the fish. The Stanek Flying Mantis Shrimp has action built in. The slightest line jiggle or even an undulating water current will send the fly’s articulated head fly in motion, attracting the reds.

Fishers often overlook the tiny blennies and gobies that redfish eat. Many goby species are in the bays. The dark

Conversations with anglers from the Texas FlyFishers, an FFF club Jim Daily, biologist, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, does trawl and seine net studies on redfish – Palacios, Texas

On what are the redfish feeding in the early spring?

Organisms like Penaeus aztecus (brown shrimp), Penaeus setiferus (white shrimp) and other smaller fish are primary food.

You can take a big oyster cluster and shake it out and get all the gobies and snapping shrimp you want. The primary food for red drum is small crustaceans.

Juvenile fish feed on copepods and amphipods. Crabs, they eat a lot of crabs … Callinectes (blue crabs) and Pagurus (hermit crabs), they eat the hell out of them.

They eat what is available at the time, bottom line. It is a little early for spot croaker.

Right now they are feeding on the larger mullet and mud minnows, and Ophichthus gomesii (worm or shrimp eels) when they can get them. They eat a lot of worm eels; there are a lot of worm eels in the bay, but we just don’t ever see them. Sometimes, this time of year, redfish will just completely fill up on worm eels. Like I say, you just don’t catch eels in a trawl because they go through it and you don’t catch them in a seine because it goes over them. A week and a half ago I cleaned a redfish that was chock-full of them.

Primarily, year-round, small crustaceans, small mud minnows, Crypridon, that’s red drum fodder right there. Cyprinodon

[28]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

variegatus, the sheepshead minnow, can live in zero salinity or 65. It can live in freezing water; it can live in 100-degree water. If it was very big you could not get in the water; it is the toughest fish we’ve got. Cockleburs are tough but those are tougher.

What fly do you use to catch redfish?

shrimp or a minnow or even a crab. Possibly a size 4 or even a 6, 8, maybe a 10.

As the year progresses, from July heading into October; now you can throw bigger things because all these newborn creatures of the sea are going to get bigger, throughout the months, so you can start to throw bigger sizes.

Over the years I really don’t have to change flies. In the kayak I have two The No. 1 fly that I like is the spoon. The 8-weight rods rigged up, a sinking fly on second fly I use the most is the Clouser one and a topwater on the other, and Minnow. I’ll tie it in a squirrel tail, or I’ll rarely am I going to change. I’ll have a use a regular chartreuse and white. It reppopper on one of the rods, and I’ll probresents a small baitfish. I don’t throw crab ably throw that way too much, as the day patterns much, although I know people progresses. I’d rather have the visual. For use them; I don’t use shrimp patterns, me, fly fishing for redfish is so visible, although I know people catch not only spotting the fish but with them. The Borski efty Ray Chapa L , t a H Red (also) throwing at it. Redfish Slider is another have an inferior mouth; good one for their mouth is at the red drum. If bottom of their face, besomething is cause they are created up and movfor grubbing. To come ing around, up and hit a topwater, he’ll take it. their mouths have to come up Lefty Ray Chapa, guide, photographer, six inches. Their head actually has to come writer – San Antonio, Texas out of the water. It is very thrilling, very What size flies do you like to use? exciting. If you set the hook way too soon, you’re not going to hook the fish. You’ve The thing about shrimp, or I guess you got to wait on the take; you’ve got to wait could extend it to mullet or anything else, for a lot of things. You literally have to at the beginning of spring they are very have nerves of steel while all that’s going small. Typically the first mistake is throwon because it is so visible. ing something that is way too big. So the first thing is to scale back, whether it is a

If you’ve got a redfish nosed in, burrow-

naked goby (Gobiosoma bosc) is usually less than 2 inches long. It lives around oyster reefs, hiding in the shells. The simple Gimber’s Black Clouser, fished with short, quick strips at the edge of reefs or in the Spartina clumps will imitate this goby’s flitting about. Bill Trussell’s Sand Witch is another dark fly that works well because it stands out against a light sand bottom.

Fly size is an important choice to consider when fishing the flats. White shrimp are what redfish eat, especially in the fall, but not the monster size that spawn in the Gulf.

Likewise, blue crabs are usually small in the spring, and mud crabs are small all the time. Choosing a crab fly that is too big is a common mistake that fishers new to the flats make.

Crab patterns should be tied relatively small. Redfish do eat larger crabs by attacking the crab and then swallowing the pieces, but a small fly is better to use. One small enough so a redfish can easily get it in its mouth is a more logical size to throw at them.

On the Texas coast, redfish are quite similar to Caribbean bonefish as to which flies they take. While redfishing, Cactus

Shr

im

ke

p, Jo e D ing, burrowing, ef burrowor ing,

Joe Deforke, flytier, redfish fly fisher – Missouri City, Texas

How do you fish your Cactus Shrimp pattern?

When I’m sight casting, I’ll put the Cactus Shrimp in front of the fish or off to the side, within his peripheral vision. I let it sink down to his level and make one little short

twitch, perhaps 3 inches, enough to get his be throwing a Clouser, either lead eyes or bead chain, something that sinks faster. attention. Most of the time, if they are aggressive enough, they will strike it on the Steve Flanagan, flytier – Schertz, Texas first or second twitch. Try to get it in front of the fish, no more than a foot away from What flies do you favor and the fish’s head, his eyes basically, give it how do you fish them? a short twitch and see what they do. I like I fish a lot of spoon flies, and I like to a little bitty Clouser or Snapping Shrimp throw them to redfish in water a foot deep or Cactus Shrimp, chartreuse in murky or less, a lot of times it is 6 inches deep, waters. Farther south in clear water, use a and they have their backs sticking out of more neutral color, like white or whitethe water, tails sticking out of the water. brown. Orange works good in Galveston I’m throwing at a target usually within a and in Port O’Connor. Always give dinner plate area size, on the nose of the fly a short little twitch. If Spoon fly, S the redfish, trying to hit right in t eve you watch a shrimp while Fla front of him, and getting him n ag it’s in the water, when it to see the fly spinning. I a kicks its tail, it only moves usually make the strips 8 a few inches at most, so to 12 inches long. If you that is the motion that I try keep the fly moving, and to emulate when I’m throwdesign the fly with a cup ing shrimp flies. or a little bit of a curve, it n

you can come up and literally grab its tail – it is so concentrating on burrowing and finding something. Those are hard to catch. You have to literally get the fly in front of its face. If you can, concentrate throwing on their head, make a micro strip for a fraction-of-an-inch strip, hoping that will get their attention. The other extreme: They are out there, they are cruising around, and you can throw way in front of them, kind of lead them.

You can overthrow, and as they get closer, if they change their direction you can alter where your fly is … reposition your fly into their path. Then, you can do just a twitch and hopefully get a hookup. Now, sometimes just doing that twitch might spook them, so you’ve got to be really careful as to how far you make that strip.

sometimes sheepshead drum (Archosargus probatocephalus) are seen tailing like redfish, but they are as hard to entice to a fly as a permit. All the experienced fishers emphasize small flies for these fish, casting the crab fly in front of cruising or tailing redfish, letting the fly sit on the bottom until the red can see the fly, then making an inch or so strip to get its attention.

Choosing correctly when to cast and when to watch for flats fish is something successful fly fishers learn. Quietly wading the flats or poling a flats boat in the shallows while looking for redfish is more akin to hunting than fishing. The experienced fly fishers do not cast until they see the fish and can figure out what it is feeding upon. They can sometimes guess the prey by the redfish’s actions and body positions. If the fish swims into view and then stops with its head down and its tail breaking the surface, it is likely doing what it does best, finding food buried in the bottom mud. Fish that are tailing in one spot for an extended time are probably rooting

Do you use crab flies much?

Very little; basically you let those suckers hit, go to the bottom, and you kind of drag them real slow, a real slow strip along the bottom. You can take a Clouser, and fish it like a baitfish with long slow pauses or a shrimp with little short jerks. I use 50/50 Clousers and shrimp. If I’m fishing in shallow water, a foot and a half or so, I’ll use the Cactus Shrimp. It has a good neutral buoyancy to it, especially the small ones, like size 6s or 8s. If you put enough squirrel tail on them, they won’t spin in the water. Any deeper than that and I’ll

will still spin slightly, just fast enough to flash, and the fish can see it. The reason I started doing this dates back to when I grew up fishing on the coast of Texas at Rockport. We used one-eighth-ounce weedless spoons while we drifted the flats with spinning reels. I always thought if I could make a spoon almost float, not quite float, but slowly sink suspended in the water column longer, you have a longer chance for a fish to see it and hit it. When using a spoon on a spinning rod, when you stop reeling it goes straight to the bottom. When I started fly fishing, I created

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[29]

a fly rod spoon. If you don’t make these spoon flies too heavy, they stay in the water column a little bit longer; they stay in the strike zone a few seconds longer.

That’s really how I fish it and why I fish it the way I do.

Cory Rich, flytier and redfish flats fisher – Houston, Texas

How do you fish your Big Eyed Lefty’s Deceiver?

Photo courtesy of Joe Deforke

out blue crabs or mud crabs. Tailing fish seem to move a bit faster when they are unearthing shrimp since an exposed shrimp will flip its tail and scoot backwards faster than a crab can swim.

Polychaete worms also take a bit of time to pull from their burrows. The snapping shrimp, mantis shrimp and ghost shrimp all live in burrows that require excavation. If the tide is very high, the redfish may be after fiddler crabs. They take considerable digging to unearth.

One of the most exciting times for fly fishers hunting the flats is when redfish are after small mullet, Gulf menhaden or other shallow water fish. Redfish erupt under them, scatter-

ing the schools and grabbing whatever moves. This is the time to throw a surface popper, Dalberg Diver or a slider like Trussell’s Strip-Slider a little ahead of the fish.

Choose the proper action; give the fly just enough motion to get the attention of the fish without scaring it. The redfish’s inferior mouth makes taking surface flies difficult, but nothing beats watching a redfish stick its nose out of the water as it takes your fly. Choose topwater flies for unadulterated excitement.

Fly Box Editor Verne Lehmberg is from Dayton, Texas, where he has recently joined the ranks of the retired.

Spoon flies, I think, are swell when the fish won’t eat anything else. I try to get it near the fish and then give it just a little bit of something to get it to move around. In the winter we fish a little black fly, or a little black Clouser. I have no idea why they work so well on white sand, but they do.

That is our go-to fly in the winter.

How big of a redfish, or any fish, have you caught on a fly rod?

The painted eye Big Eyed Le Christmas Island, I caught a 60-pound fty’s on this fly stands De giant trevally on a fly, beat me like ceiver , Cor out in off-color a redheaded stepchild. About yR ic h water. I like to fish 45 to 50 minutes into the the brown-colored fight, I was just hoping fly when the redfish the rod would break, or are chasing minnows the reel would seize up. in shallow water I’ve never been whipped by a cordgrass patches. fish like that, it was incredible. It When redfish are grumpy and not eating, took an hour and a quarter throw something brown at them. For some to get him in. I’d built the reason they respond to brown when they rod; I’d built the leader and ignore everything else. tied the fly; I’d built everything and (thought) Why did Where do you fish in the saltwaI build it so well, why didn’t ter flats? something break? How can Typically we are fishing in knee-deep to I save my honor and get out ankle-deep water and really need to have of this mess? I had to whip it a fly with a weed guard. How you fish it is into submission. based entirely on what the fly is; a shrimp will move a little bit about the bottom, scooting around, and you give it more motion than a crab pattern. A crab pattern, you get it in front of the fish, you wait for the fish to come over to it and then give it a tiny, one-inch twitch to get the fishes attention, and then leave it to sit there.

[30]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

Joe Deforke used his Cactus Shrimp to catch this nice redfish. Read his tips on fishing with the Cactus Shrimp in the interview, page 29.

Cary Marcus, flytier, fisher, sporting goods sales – La Porte, Texas

Among your many fishing accomplishments, among Texas

redfish fishers you are famous for your mud minnow, which everyone says is an excellent fly?

That mud minnow is a retailer’s dream, because after catching a fish with one, you need to tie on another one. It is tied with Crystal Flash in the head and then pulled back to make the body shape. Fish’s teeth tear it up.

Do you have one I can photograph?

Not here, but I’ll tie you one for $50.

Do you often fish for redfish in St. Charles Bay?

Yes, the reds are great in that bay, but you really need to watch out for the alligators.

I know they say that alligators don’t like salt water, but there are a bunch of honest 12-footers up those creeks that drain into St. Charles Bay.

BIOLOGY OF THE REDFISH FLATS Story and photos by Verne Lehmberg

A

s the tides inch into the shallow sand and mud flats in Texas’ Redfish Bay, the marine life changes gears. Their routine is to find food, extract oxygen from their surroundings, avoid predators and reproduce. This is not too different from what people do, but marine life is tied to the salt water’s ebb and flow.

Predatory fish move into the flats when the incoming tides allow them to hunt in the shallows. Many organisms live in the benthic mud and around the oyster reefs and are food for the redfish. Only rarely are fishers cognizant of them, but all are part of the predatory redfish’s daily routine. Many lesser-known benthic (bottom) inhabitants burrow into the mud, including dozens of worm species.

Polychaete worms are detritus feeders, filtering out the organic material drifting down through the water column. Pumping water and food through their U-shaped tubes, the worms provide oxygen to the surrounding mud flat burrowers, including other worms,

tiny mud crabs, shrimp and mollusks.

All of these are fodder for the redfish, which can root like a pig for these normally hidden preys, snapping up whatever organism is squirming around the muddy bottom.

As the redfish move across the flats with the incoming tides, they will eat anything handy, and that varies throughout the year. Redfish hunt the near-shore, shallow-water habitat that serves as nurseries for juvenile shrimp, crab and fish. Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists do extensive redfish stomach content studies. Their work showed that white shrimp predominate in redfish diets during the fall months and Gulf menhaden during the spring.

Blue crabs figure heavily as prey throughout the year. When other prey is limited, a surprising redfish food source is the echinoderms – sand dollars and sea cucumbers – food items not likely to be imitated by fly fishers.

More than 20 shrimp species inhabit the Gulf of Mexico and its estuaries. The most abundant commercial shrimp are the white, pink and brown

The diversity of life in the redfish flats is found both on the surface, as pictured in the Spartina grass flat at top, and below the surface, as seen in the above photo of Polychaete worms, false angel mollusks and other benthic life. Polychaete worms provide oxygen to benthic inhabitants.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[31]

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

Biology on the Fly

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

Biology on the Fly Clockwise from top left, tiny grass shrimp are about one inch long.

The estuarine snapping shrimp’s oversized claw is used to stun prey.

Long antennae easily distinguish white shrimp.

The shrimplike crustacean, Mantis shrimp with its legs cocked.

shrimp. All are most active at night.

During the day, brown and pink shrimp have a tendency to burrow into the muddy bottom, while white shrimp rest on the bottom. These white shrimp grow to adult size during the summer.

They leave the shallow estuary for deeper water along the Gulf shores during the fall and spawn over the fall and winter. Redfish concentrate their feeding on white shrimp during the fall months. The post-larval shrimp enter the bay and remain there until maturity, then move offshore to spawn, completing the cycle. At any particular time, different sized shrimp will be in the flats, prime prey for redfish.

Of the other Gulf shrimp species, two are particularly interesting. The family Squillidae, or mantis shrimp, are not really shrimp but shrimp-like crustaceans. Tropical species live in sediments near coral reefs. Some mantis species are also in the more saline shallow bays, in less than a meter of water. Mantis shrimp build burrows, and exit them to hunt shrimp, other invertebrates and fish. They even crush mollusk shells with their powerful mantis-like legs. They are called “thumb busters” for good reason.

Mantis shrimp have the most complex eyes in all of nature. They possess visible, ultraviolet, infrared and polarized light receptors, enabling them to see their sometimes-semitransparent prey, avoid predators, judge striking distance, judge tidal volume, and perceive sexual receptiveness of mates.

Some mantis species are monogamous,

[32]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

keeping the same mate up to 20 years, more faithful than most people. The front claws move with tremendous acceleration to either grab or smash their prey, from zero to 45 miles per hour in a fraction of a second. The shrimp’s front claw can deliver over 200 pounds of force. Half a millisecond later, a cavitation bubble forms that helps kill or stun the prey. As the bubble bursts, it even produces sonoluminescence for a short time, visible with specialized instruments. Don’t believe it? See Sheila Patek’s research, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHT TIg7HY80.

The estuarine snapping shrimp is another common shrimp with an unusual hunting adaptation. Like mantis shrimp, many snapping shrimp species are common in coral reefs and tropical waters, but the estuarine snapping shrimp also frequent shallow water oyster reefs. Snapping shrimp hunt by snapping one of their claws, producing a cavitation bubble. The bubble collapses, yielding a prey-stunning shock wave similar to the one made by the mantis shrimp.

The snapping shrimp probes with its antenna extended. When it notes a small fish such as a goby approaching, the large claw is cocked like a pistol.

As the claw snaps shut, a shock wave bubble accelerates out at 60 miles per hour with the sound over 200 decibels for one thousandth of a second. This shock wave stuns or kills the fish. The snapping shrimp retreats to its burrow in the oyster reef crevices with its prey.

The snap produces a short “shrimpoluminescence” light similar to the flash produced by the mantis shrimp.

Fishers will not see the light and usually don’t see the shrimp, but may hear them clicking as they cast near oyster reefs, the estuarine snapping shrimp’s preferred habitat. Snapping shrimp colonies produce a background noise in shallow oceans so loud that it disrupts submarine sonar operations.

Mantis shrimp and snapping shrimp are minor but important prey for redfish, along with grass shrimp and freshwater river shrimp.

Crabs are the other crustaceans that redfish love. More than 30 species live in the Gulf and its estuaries, but the blue crab is ubiquitous. In Texas, the females will spawn two to nine months after mating, predominantly during the spring and summer, migrating to deeper and saltier water to spawn. Producing 2 million eggs, she fertilizes them with sperm that she can store up to one year. After two weeks incubation the eggs hatch into tiny 0.25 mm zoeae, plankton that drift with the currents back into the estuary, and develop into the 1 mm crab megalops.

Blue crabs take up to a year to mature in the low to moderate saline waters in the shallow estuaries. During the winter months, the crabs are usually small in Texas’ Redfish Bay, but a mature male can be 9 inches. Redfish take blue crabs and tiny mud crabs year-round. Tiny mud crabs are

Clockwise from top, Silversides minnows and sheepshead minnows; adult Gulf menhaden; Mud minnow, a killifish; juvenile mullet.

shine and flash in the shallows when the water is clear and the sun is out, like little silver streamer flies.

Mud minnows are an Order Cyprinodontiformes killifish species well adapted to salinity, oxygen and temperature variations. They have evolved to gulp air when oxygen conditions are low in the hot summer months.

The toughest fish in the marsh are the sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus). They can live in freshwater

In the spring 80 percent of the redfish diet is fish. or water far beyond Gulf salinity. They can survive in oxygen levels less than 0.5 parts per million by gulping air.

They can tolerate rapidly changing temperatures. Sheepshead minnows and the mud minnows don’t die in conditions that will kill most fish. They are always available when high tides bring the hunting redfish to the Spartina grass flats.

Two additional fish make good models for fly fishers to imitate. Dark fish stand out when they get washed across a sand flat or oyster reef during high tidal flows. Redfish will hunt near a reef or hard sand flat during a fast falling tide, since the hard surfaces offer little chance for shrimp or crabs to escape by burrowing. Oyster reef residents include the naked goby, usually a dark little fish that darts from

spot to spot in the oyster matrix. If a strong tide moves these fish across the reef, the redfish will get them.

Likewise, a little-known but abundant group of benthic fish includes the shrimp eels and worm eels. Some months, particularly during the winter, redfish specialize in extracting them from the benthic mud. Long skinny fish, shrimp eels use their hard, auger-like tails to literally bore into the bay bottom, hiding in the daytime with their nose out. They will ambush shrimp and small fish that drift close to their burrows. These thin fish show up in the redfish’s stomach analysis as a common food item. More strangely, after being eaten, some of these eels have been known to use their tails to bore through the fish’s stomach and end up dead in the abdominal cavity.

Usually nocturnal, they are visible to redfish during the day if a strong tide sweeps the dark shrimp eel across a hard, light sand bottom.

Redfish eat whatever is handy, and Redfish Bay’s species diversity is so great that many of its inhabitants match saltwater fly patterns’ actions and color. Skinny or fat, dark or light, a fly that is worked properly will probably remind the redfish of something that lives in Redfish Bay.

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

grubbed up from their benthic burrows.

The small, shallow-water crab species are usually a muddy olive color to match their background, but fiddler crab males are brightly colored.

Fiddlers can change from dark during the day to light at night. The males have a bright blue carapace. At the edge of their burrows, they wave a big white claw to attract females. The females are a speckled camouflage color to match the mud. The burrows are normally situated in mud or soft sand at the salt marsh edge, unavailable to redfish until a high tide inundates the Spartina grass flats. The crabs plug their burrows when high tide covers them. At the highest tides, redfish can seem to wallow across the newly flooded flats, grubbing for fiddler crabs.

Thin-striped hermit crabs protect themselves in old gastropod shells, sometimes transferring sea anemones to their shells for added protection and camouflage. Large redfish can overcome these defenses, making hermit crabs a favored food.

In the spring 80 percent of the redfish diet is fish, predominantly Gulf menhaden. Many small fish including menhaden, anchovies and mud minnows hide in the shallow water, around Spartina (cordgrass) patches.

The juvenile fish of larger species, like small mullet, frequent the flats for the same reason, to hide and escape where the large predators cannot swim. Mullet and silverside minnows

Verne Lehmberg from Dayton,Texas, is a longtime Federation member. His many talents have been put to use in Flyfisher with contributions ranging from authoring Fly Box, Biology on the Fly and feature stories to cover photography.

Left, fiddler crab males have a bright blue carapace.

Female fiddler crabs, above, match the muddy sand shoreline.

NOAA fisheres collection, Brandi Noble

Blue crabs (seen with penny) and mud crabs, at left, are year-round benthic inhabitants. Above, a blue crab megalops.

Shrimp eel (Ophichthus gomesii) is a common redfish food. And the thin-striped hermit crab, top right, is a favorite food for large redfish.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[33]

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

Fly Box Photo essay by Verne Lehmberg

S

altwater fly fishing and flies have their origin in bass and salmon flies. Joe Brooks is credited with popularizing the sport in the 1950s, and growing experimentation since that time has produced flies that now are as varied as the prey species they represent.

The Homer Rhodes’ Streamer, renamed the SeaDucer, originally was used by Rhodes to imitate frogs while fishing for snook. It has been a reliable pattern since Rhodes tied it in the 1940s. Fred Duprey’s version features a jig hook and weighted head to make it nearly weedless.

Lefty’s Deceiver, the most imitated saltwater fly around, had its start in the late 1950s. A fly that is lighter and easier to cast than it looks is the Conehead fly by Scott Sanchez.

The cone is made from a light Mylar plastic sheet, and the wing is tied so that the fly is weedless. Both Chris Somers’ and Sanchez’s flies are tied with a chartreuse wing, which is a popular fly color. No one knows how predator fish see chartreuse, but it is a proven attractive color for marine fish.

Many saltwater flies have the colors and movement to attract fish, including Trussel’s Showgirl, Flanagan’s Flat Fly, Captain Rector’s Prince of Tides and the Everglow fly by Scott Peters. The Everglow can be fished in freshwater streams as Alaskan salmon run to their spawning beds. Tied on saltwater hooks, it does well in the bays. Similarly, Jim Kaye used his Smelt to catch Atlantic salmon in freshwater, but tied on a stainless hook, it makes a great shrimp-eel imitation in the Texas redfish flats.

Realistic flies depend on their shape and reflectivity to look like a baitfish. The fishy imitations tied by Dean Campbell, Ronald Wynn and John Peterie have the flash to get the fishes’ attention.

These saltwater flies were tied by FFF flytiers demonstrating their skills at national and regional conclaves. Thanks to all for your generosity.

Verne Lehmberg from Dayton, Texas, is a longtime Federation member and an excellent photographer. His contribution to Flyfisher is always appreciated.

Lefty’s Deceiver Chris Somers Houston, Texas

Seaducer Fred DuPré Dallas, Texas

Conehead the Barbarian Scott Sanchez Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Everglow Scott Peters Fairbanks, Alaska

Prince of Tides Captain Michael Rector Sabine Lake, Louisiana

[34]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

Showgirl Bill Trussell Houston, Texas

Dean’s Real Thing Dean Campbell Knoxville, Tennessee

Circle Hook Baitfish Ronald R. Winn Denver, Colorado

Mylar Minnow John Peterie Dallas, Texas

Smelt Jim Kaye Boston, Massachusetts

Dr. Ed’s Redfish Special Ed Rizzolo Houston, Texas Flats Fly Steve Flanagan Shertz, Texas

Pink Cactus Charlie Kyle Moppert Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Redfish Treat Rusty Dunn Lafayette, Louisiana

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[35]

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

At the Vise MATRIX SPOON

By Kyle Moppert

H

eretics” is what we’re called by traditionalists, but in an age when Mylar, epoxy, plastic eyes, dumbbell-eyed jigflies, cone and fish head-shaped weights, or even patterns tied without thread, I’m still amazed when those who fly fish with spoon flies derive such scorn. Yet, while scorned by some, a good spoon fly can be extremely effective for redfish.

Florida Federator and well-known fly fisher Jon Cave started the spoon fly craze in 1989 when he developed the Cave’s Wobbler based on the use of woven Mylar for the body. Not long thereafter Gulf Coast Captains Kirk Dietrich, Bubby Rodriguez and Mark Brockhoeft simplified the pattern, and the woven Mylar spoon fly became the standard, go-to pattern in the Gulf Coast marshes.

Later, area Captain Danny Ayo discovered that in order to produce maximum flash, a great spoon fly doesn’t “wobble,” but rather it rapidly pitches from side to side as it’s moved short distances in the water column. Ayo calls this side-to-side motion “flutter.” The good news for all of us is that it is a pattern movement that redfish just cannot resist. Ayo also discovered a spoon fly must employ certain properties in order for it to have the correct motion in the water. Those properties include a bend-back shape with minimum cupping, no appendages like wings, eyes or tails, have razor-thin spoon sides, and it must be rear weighted in design. Over time he also found that smaller spoon sizes, such as Nos. 4 or 6, had better action than larger patterns. In my opinion Ayo spoons are the gold standard by which all others are judged. His website has a wealth of information for those interested in checking it out at www.flyfishlouisiana.com/flies_knots_leaders.htm.

Even though his patterns were quite effective, like many other tiers I found tying the loose ends of Mylar to the hook shank to be a tedious and difficult task. So I set out to find an alternative path to an easier-to-tie “fluttering” spoon fly. It has taken me some time, but several years of experimental tying and fishing eventually produced the fly you see here today. It is a simple “arts and crafts” pattern that incorporates all of Ayo’s principles.

Before we tie this pattern, I think it’s important to note that spoon flies too often are constructed with stabilizing “keels” of thick wings or bodies, dumbbell or bead-chain eyes, and assorted tailing materials. I understand these materials look good on the hook, but they can restrict the spoon fly’s ability to flutter as it moves through the water. The Mylar bodies should be so thin that the hook shank profile is quite visible.

When fishing this fly, it’s important to note that redfish can see into the ultraviolet spectrum and utilize that ability when feeding. I think the addition of a slight amount of ultrafine violet or blue/violet glitter adds a bit more flash, perhaps even into the ultraviolet spectrum, thus making the fly more attractive. Five trail years in the Louisiana marshes have proven its effectiveness as a killer redfish pattern. It has become the favorite of virtually all who have tried it including a few fly fishers who used to call me a heretic! Enjoy!

“

Kyle Moppert is an entomologist for the state of Louisiana and makes his home in Baton Rouge. He has developed a fun series of flies using items from a craft store and one of them is included in this issue of Flyfisher.

[36]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

MATERIAL S Hook: Size 4 or 6, standard saltwater Thread: Monofilament Body: Copper Mesh Screen (American Art Clay Co.’s “Wire Mesh”) Inner Body Epoxy: JB Weld Body Flash Coating: ArtMinds Gold or Copper Leaf (often found at Michael’s Craft Stores) Outer Body Coating: 30-minute, two-part epoxy Glitter: Ultrafine violet polyester glitter (Polly Flake, Disco VWT by Glitterex Corporation OR Blue/Violet, No. GX23U, Stampendous Crystal Glitter).

1

Step

Using pliers slightly bend back the hook to about 30 degrees. Tie in mono, wrap to bend of hook and back to the starting point just behind the eye.

2

Step

Tie in three turns of 0.35 lead wire near the hook bend, wrap back over the application several turns, then advance the thread to eye.

3

Step

Trim a rectangle of copper mesh that is slightly longer than twice the length of the hook shank. Fold the mesh in half and then trim the corners of the open ends.

Reopen the fold and insert the hook a distance of one to two hook shank diameters ahead of the fold line.

5

Step

6

Step

7

Step

C. Boyd Pfeiffer AVAILABLE FOR SHOWS & CLUB EVENTS

Slide shows Seminars Workshops Banquets

For information: 410-527-0717 • cbpfeiffer@msn.com

Remove hook from vise and use your fingernails to “push in” the body sides slightly towards the shaft, while forcing/working the screen to mold to the top shank.

Repeat the process to the bottom of the fly.

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

4

Step

One at a time, tie the tabs to the hook shank just behind the eye, tie off the thread and trim it from the hook.

8

Step

Cover fly with gold or copper leaf. After covering, I place small pieces of the orange tissue paper sheets (used to separate the sheets of leaf) over the fly and use my fingers to work the leaf into the still-wet JB Weld. Allow this part of the fly to dry before continuing.

9

Step

Trim copper (or gold) leaf to the desired shape.

Note: I prefer a rectangle with rounded corners.

Mix JB Weld and using fingers, work it into the copper mesh. Note: Use rubbing alcohol to clean fingers.

Mix 30-minute epoxy along with tiny bits of glitter. Apply a thin coat of epoxy to the fly, then place it on a rotating wheel to dry.

BT’S ROTARY TYING STATION The Station includes the vise, pedestal/tool base, and seven brass tools.

BT’s Fly Fishing Products 11965 W. Reutzel Dr. • Boise, ID 83709-4414

888-243-3597 (toll free phone & fax) www.btsflyfishing.com albeatty2@aol.com Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[37]

BEGINNER’S BLUES

By Carol Oglesby

F

“

ish on!” If I heard that shout one more time, I just wanted to grab my fly rod and crack it over my knee! I couldn’t buy or bribe a fish. My day was all about tangles and wind knots. As a beginning fly fisher, I remember being totally exhilarated and at the same time frustrated with the experience.

Today I still feel the same Zen magic when standing in a stream with the water rushing past my legs. When I was first learning to fly fish, that magic was intermittent and fleeting. It was often interrupted when my fly was wildly flung into a tree branch, on a fence, wrapped around the only twig or rock visible in the river, intertwined in the reeds on the bank, wound tightly around my leg and solidly lodged in my boot lace, wrapped around my shoulders and hooked deeply in the net hanging on the back of my vest (making it impossible to see

been hilarious. To me – the novice – it was heart-wrenching and embarrassing.

My husband, Pat, was a great help to me when he was in earshot, but I wanted to try to be self-sufficient and independent on the water; and true to the norm for spouses, it was not always in our best interest for him to be my instructor. Because this was a number of years ago, it never occurred to me to search for an instructor, and certainly back then, there were none in the area in which we lived. Had it not been for my love of the outdoors and wanting to spend time with my husband, I might have given up. We persevered and grew together in our angling experiences and misadventures, but sometimes the waters were rough.

If I were to offer advice to a beginner, the obvious first tip would be to get instruction, either one-on-one or in a class. The Federation of Fly Fishers is a great resource (on a local, A great way to learn fly casting is in a women’s group setting.

Photo by Pat Oglesby

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

Woman’s Outlook

or reach), buried in my hair, ear, neck, finger, etc., etc., etc.

Honestly, the fly spent less time in the water than it did dangling from whatever. When it did land in the water, I might see it perched on the top of my strike indicator, bobbing gaily in the current as though waving and bellowing, “Bon voyage, see ya downstream!”

To the onlooker, it must have

[38]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

regional or national basis) to find instruction in the area where you live or visit. Classes are offered from basic fly fishing to advanced casting instruction and are often in a workshop setting where a part of a day of fishing may be included. Costs vary and are usually more reasonable when associated with an exposition, sports show or during the Federation’s Fly Fishing Fair scheduled this year during the

week prior to and over the Labor Day holiday in West Yellowstone, Montana. The workshop setting is ideal as the agenda will most likely include knot tying, equipment and clothing, bug/fly identification, a smattering of etiquette and safety, as well as casting. If attending a class is not an option, there are other resources such as books, videos, libraries, the Internet and people you know.

The goal for many beginners is independence on the water. I believe that goal is predicated on three simple basics identified in the last paragraph.

They include knowing the proper gear and equipment for the conditions (summer, winter, size, water type, etc.); understanding casting basics; and knowing how to tie a couple of simple but important knots (improved clinch and the double surgeon knots for starters). Where you gain this knowledge is up to you, but I think an FFF class is one great way to get started.

Of course, before your first trip to the water, you’ll need a few flies and I suggest you keep it simple. Even today I feel that I can’t go wrong with a box of attractor patterns (the flies that don’t imitate any certain insect, but offer a sort of smorgasbord to the fish). Those flies include but are not limited to: for dries, the Adams, the Humpy, the Royal Coachman, the Trude and Royal Wulff; and for nymphs, the Copper John, Hares Ear, Prince Nymph and Pheasant Tail. Ask your local fly shop for patterns and size suggestions. You will eventually learn to develop a list of “go-to” flies to always have in your box that seem to work for you. As you gain experience you might find it fun to ask other people what their top five go-to flies are. You’ll hear some similarities and lots of differing opinions. Finding out why they make the choices they do can provide a lifetime of conversations with new and old friends.

As a beginner, you should not go alone on your first excursions. Be practical and safe! Practice safe wading techniques, basically meaning to not wade deeper than your comfort zone.

If you feel unsteady in the water, use a

Photo by Pat Oglesby

Simple Redfish Spoon Flies Tip and photo by C. Boyd Pfeiffer our local general store can fix you up with some simple spoon flies for redfish. Buy a pack of plastic fingernails. You will also need epoxy glue, fly tying thread, tail material, hooks and chenille.

Y

Try different size fingernails to make different size spoon flies. Use an emery board to file and round the fingernail edges.

Master Casting Instructor Sheila Hassan, right, offers casting advice to a fly fishing fair attendee.

wading staff – as simple as a stout stick picked up along the water’s edge.

Knowing the fishing regulations for the area you are fishing is very important, even if you practice catchand-release. The regulations on some waters may require barbless hooks or that all fish be released. Sometimes areas are closed to protect certain spawning species. All this information is available in the state fishing regulations available where you buy your fishing license.

Observe good fishing etiquette.

Do not encroach on the water someone else is fishing. Keep a safe and adequate distance between the water you’re fishing and the water occupied by other anglers; your hook in another person’s face is not usually a good way to start a friendship.

If an FFF class is not an option, then another way to learn is to hire a guide. Ask around, do some research to find the right guide. When the day begins, tell your guide that you are a beginner and you want to learn as much as possible during the day; make catching a fish a bonus rather than a priority. You’ll use the guide’s lessons for the rest of your fishing days.

When you get frustrated, take a deep breath and go back to the basics.

I remember when my husband helped

me learn to dry-fly fish. He took me to the middle of a brushy stream and showed me the roll cast. I spent all day walking up the stream, making short roll casts, and catching (and missing) a lot of fish. Sure I got hung up in the trees, but the stream was easy to wade and I could manage the tangles. I still love to fish that stream, and I’ll always remember it as a positive experience.

Above all else, make fishing an experience you can enjoy by carrying water and snacks. For many activities it is important to stay hydrated and have energy for the day, and fishing is not different. If you get tired rest, slow down and breathe. If the fish aren’t biting, study the entomology by taking the time to lift up rocks to see what bugs are on them or in the water nearby. Study the stream or lake.

Imagine where the fish live and dine; be quiet and observe what’s happening around you. It’s amazing what you will see and learn, and you’ll be a better angler for it. Take photographs, study plants and animals, take a hike, and just enjoy the fresh air and the sounds of nature. Fishing is about more than catching fish!

Carol Oglesby from Grand Junction, Colorado, is a regular contributor to Flyfisher on female fly fishers’ interests. She may be contacted at pcoglesby@bresnan.net.

Pick an appropriate size hook for the fingernail. Use pliers to slightly bend the hook shank to match the bend of the fake fingernail. Place the hook in a vice, tie down thread and then wrap standard or cactus chenille. This will add color and provide a base for a better glue bond to the hook shank.

If desired, tie in a tail of natural or synthetic materials.

Tie off and then mix and add a puddle of five-minute epoxy glue to the concave side of the spoon/fake fingernail.

Place the wrapped hook into the spoon fly glue puddle and set aside to cure. Check while curing to make sure that the hook stays in proper alignment. Paint or add glitter to the spoon fly and you are ready to fish. Simple and fun!

C. Boyd Pfeiffer is an internationally known sportsman and award-winning photojournalist on fishing, hunting and the outdoors. His 27 books include many on fly fishing and fly tying.

Examples of spoon flies with and without tails and with and without glitter sprayed onto the spoon part. Simple spoon flies like these are ideal for redfish and a lot of other saltwater and freshwater species.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[39]

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

FLY TIPS

OVERCOMING A SALTY BREEZE Story and photos by Tom Tripi

M

y first foray into the salty deep didn’t occur until my return to Louisiana in 1983 from upstate New York. Until then my fly-fishing experience involved mostly ponds, bayous and, of course, the beloved small streams of the Adirondacks. However none of those experiences prepared me for the rigors of an October cold front and resulting wind that created casting challenges along the beaches of Grand Isle in the Gulf of Mexico.

It all started with my wife, Cheryl, wanting to take a ride to the “ocean” shortly after we moved back to Louisiana. After hearing her request I started clandestinely keeping track of tides and where the reds and specks were running. Then I wholeheartedly agreed by suggesting a run to Grand Isle. Of course, I brought along a few shrimp flies and a rod. Then the rude awakening came where headwinds ruled the day. I could only watch as the local population pursued the running speck with hardware, software, live stuff and a few dead things. I ended up standing there with a tangled mess of fly line wrapped around my arm and head while my wife tried to hold back her smirk. Anyway, I quickly realized I needed a tune-up in the art of saltwater fly casting.

There are a myriad of topics to cover when discussing saltwater casting, but I’m heading in the direction of a few favorite techniques that will hopefully improve one’s ability to punch a line into the wind and lay down a line effectively. One thing I discuss with students pursuing their “saltwater degree” is to determine if they like to cast into the wind or with the wind. Both have distinct advantages as well as disadvantages. If casting into the wind, the backcast sails behind the caster like a kite. All you need do is pick the direction of the backcast and wait for the resulting “almost automatic” straightening of the line. When casting with the wind, of course the forward cast sails, straightening out almost every time.

So, how do you become a better caster in the windy conditions often

[40]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

associated with saltwater environments?

First and foremost, the greatest effectiveness a fly fisher can achieve, wind or no wind, comes from practicing the basics.

You must be proficient in making tight, wind-penetrating loops on both the forward and backcasts. Practice adding distance to your false casts; it helps create better overall timing in all aspects of the cast. Becoming very familiar with and learning how to control sidearm and

and possibly part of the fly line onto the surface of the water at the end of the backcast. In this situation surface tension from the water increases the load on the fly rod for the forward cast. Sometimes, I carry this technique to an extreme by actually allowing the backcast to completely fall on the water while searching for targets before completing the forward cast.

My water hauling technique has a

Casting into the surf on the front beach in Biloxi, Mississippi; loop height is approximately 12 inches at rod tip. The author’s hat is flying off at bottom right.

various over-the-shoulder casts frequently used on trout streams will also help overcome head and tailwinds.

Another technique once only used for big stream and river fly fishing is Spey casting. The Spey rod with its longer length has been adapted by many anglers for saltwater use, me included.

Aside from adding line control and power to the cast, the extra length of the rod keeps the line off riprap, grass and other obstructions found along a typical saltwater shoreline.

A few other techniques I use to overcome a salty breeze include: water hauling, the “thrust” cast, triple hauling and circular casting.

Water hauling is a technique that allows the caster to drop the leader

few caveats however. It is best suited for shallow water casting on open flats.

It requires a clean, slick fly line with a backcast of about 45 to 50 feet and smaller surface or in-the-film subsurface flies. I merely allow my backcast to fall onto the water, then quietly wade forward while dragging the line behind me until I find potential prey.

Since the rod is pointing back directly at the line and fly behind me, I simply complete a single haul while placing the rod in motion for the forward cast.

Think of this method as a singlehaul pickup cast, only in reverse. The extra tension gained from water is great for achieving additional power/speed for stabbing the forward cast into the wind. If my forward cast

Photo by Ken Fanning

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

Casting

and then let them go. is into a very strong headwind, I usually bend my knees, duck down a little and really increase rod speed by emphasizing the forward “stop” using a definitive stabbing motion. I’m effectively ducking the rod, line and myself “under the wind.” By increasing line speed I’m able to drive a tightly looped cast into the wind, hopefully parallel to and near the water’s surface. This cast can be completed sidearmed or tilted at a 45-degree angle. Completing the forward cast at 45 degrees or lower has additional advantages by keeping the rod and line lower, making them less visible to wary bonefish and spooky reds. You might be surprised at how much flash a shiny graphite fly rod gives off. And, the lower the fly line is to the water during the forward cast, the less time the wind has to work its “magic.”

The triple haul isn’t really a cast but more of an added technique at the completion of a double haul. Early on in my saltwater adventures, I “discovered” this technique only to later discover that others have been using similar techniques. Basically it works like this; you’ve just completed a forward cast using a basic double-haul. The still-in-the-air line is shooting out at lightning speed while a back wind is accelerating and lengthening the cast more than necessary, or it’s pushing the fly off its target. You need to terminate the cast and fast; you do so by applying a sharp pull (short single haul) on the fly line. This action causes the line to abruptly stop, quickly straighten and fall onto the water, hopefully near your target.

Another application of this technique is to apply that extra pull when casting oversized flies to them from falling or tailing back on the line. The “splat” caused by my big popper slapping the water is likely to attract the interest of a large predator; just be certain to leave the fly motionless for a short time before applying the slightest twitch, then hang on!

The last technique includes use of various circular or perpetual motion casts executed sidearmed, ending with an over-the-shoulder presentation. I

almost always use it when dealing with heavy crosswinds. Picking up line in a brisk wind coming from over the left shoulder simply requires the caster to complete a sidearm pickup, sweeping the right arm low and to the rear in a continuous, semi-circular motion. Then swing the extended casting arm in a semi-circle from behind you into either a slightly overhead or 45-degree forward cast. Keep the entire line in motion but slow the progress of the cast somewhat to allow the wind to effectively complete your “backcast.”

At this point the caster can employ a hauling technique to add additional line speed. The advantage of using this technique when casting heavy flies is obvious because the continuous motion produces no line stops that can tangle line/leader or multiple flies.

Speaking of multiple flies in the salt, try using a rather large realistic minnow imitation (4 to 5 inches long) and a very small shrimp fly as a dropper (or two shrimp if you dare). Using a continuous-motion circular cast is just the ticket to present a tangle-free line with this setup. I’ve found that many a fat predator has come up to sniff the large offering, only to fall back and instead nip at the tiny shrimp as a quick snack.

The list of techniques and applications, as well as the many variations of basic casts employed to achieve particular goals in the wind is endless. All have merit when employed correctly.

Remember the most important thought to take with you: All techniques require that you master the simple basics of fly casting. Pick up the line smartly, complete a backcast capable of loading the rod correctly, and complete the forward cast with a nice, tight loop. Do that and everything else is much easier. I’ve placed a bibliography of favorite fly-casting links and references for further reading at www.virtualflycasting.com/terms.htm or www.tomtripi.com.

Master Casting Instructor Tom Tripi is from Folsom, Louisiana, where he uses a fly rod and canoe to pursue his favorite fish, teaches casting to students of all ages, and studies astronomy in his spare time.

Here’s what Joan Wulff has to say about the Federation of Fly Fishers: “The FFF has been an important part of my life since 1967. I’m pleased to see its role become more defined – that of educating men, women and children to further both the enjoyment and conservation aspects of this wonderful sport.”

Make the FFF a part of your life, too.

the

F EDERATION OF

F LY F ISHERS P.O. Box 1688, Livingston, MT 59047

406-222-9369

www.FedFlyFishers.org Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[41]

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

We hold the future ...

A FRIEND TO ALL FLY FISHERS AND ROD BUILDERS

By Buck Goodrich

I

n one’s life you meet many wonderful people. Out of all those people, a few stick out as being extra special; Ralph Moon was one of those people.

Ralph always gave credit to his father for nurturing his love of fly fishing. Fly fishing memories for him started at the ripe old age of 8 when his father took him on a trip to the Henry’s Fork River and gave him a bamboo rod and old, oversized waders and then patiently led him into the water. Shortly thereafter he fell in and was sent back to shore to dry out.

While there he spotted a 6-inch trout and proceeded to catch it with his bare hands. This was his first trout and the start of his romance with fly fishing.

Ralph’s first rod was a three-piece bamboo that created a fascination with the wild grass. One summer shortly after his return from World War II, he purchased a newfangled Shakespeare Wonder Rod while working in

Photos courtesy of the Moon family

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

Fly Rod Corner Yellowstone National Park for the summer. It was not to be, and he soon discovered he preferred his reliable old bamboo rod. He said that all the newfangled rod did for him was make commercial flytiers rich because he kept breaking off fly after fly. He was hooked on bamboo and stayed with it for many years. Years later when graphite rods were introduced to the fly fishing public, he tried one but soon returned to his beloved bamboo.

His first bamboo rods were built with non-adjustable planing forms sold

by Herter’s. Years later when he taught me to build rods, the new forms on the market were adjustable, but he still had the old Herter’s. His teaching skills were exceptional; he had a mild mannerism that students loved. Winters were the time for students to come to his house and learn the skills of making bamboo rods. As his teaching skills were recognized, classes developed and he would travel

around the West teaching rod building to one and all. Enthusiasm and patience were his gift to students. He made you feel that you weren’t just building a fly rod, you were building something special, something that was a part of you.

Going to gatherings of rod builders such as the function in Corbett Lake, British Columbia, Canada, always excited him. Ralph couldn’t talk enough about bamboo rods, so exchanging information with fellow enthusiasts was always fun for him. As the Internet became popular, Ralph wrote for various websites and was frequently in bamboo chat rooms dispensing advice or challenging other people’s opinions, but always in a nice way.

He joined the Federation in the early ’80s and almost immediately began his love affair with the organization. His journey with the FFF wasn’t always a bed of roses, but it wasn’t all bad either. His dedication to the

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

organization is best summarized in his own written words: “My commitment to the Federation finds its foundation in the alignment of FFF objectives with those in my own life. I consider it an honor to be able to help cultivate and advance the sport of fly fishing and to broaden the understanding of its spirit by the vast brotherhood of fellow anglers.” His service to the Federation started in the Western Rocky Mountain Council as a director, then the newsletter editor and finally as president of the council.

I first met Ralph through the Federation. He was never the type of person that impressed you right off; that was how I first felt about him but that changed over time. A few years after our first meeting, he moved to Chester, Idaho, which was not far from my home. Longtime FFF member Dennis Bitton and I would visit him at his home on the Henry’s Fork River and, of course, test the water out his back door. Of course, we would always end up discussing something about the Federation and its relationship to fly fishing. He became my flyfishing history mentor and would astound me with the depth of his knowledge on the subject.

When I became chairman of the FFF International Fly Fishing Center in West Yellowstone, I needed a curator and knew my fly-fishing history mentor would be perfect for the job. Ralph graciously accepted the position and proceeded to work harder than any paid employee ever would have. Every artifact, regardless of its monetary value, was exciting to him. His organizational skills got the center off to a good start. Often the two of us would make trips to various places to pick up donations. His kindness and thoughtfulness to the donors always made me proud of him and the center he represented so well.

When Bill Manlove started Henry’s Fork Foundation, he asked Ralph and me to help. We were called members with a capital “M.” After a few years on the board, I retired but Ralph continued to be a board member for many years.

Ralph Moon puts the finishing touches on one of the many bamboo rods he built over the years. He was a true bamboo craftsman.

For a number of years, those of us who knew him believed “he would pass away soon” due to his poor health but he proved us wrong on many occasions. As an example, one year in the recent past fellow FFF members Bill Blackstone and Dave Mosley visited us in Idaho from their homes in California. Their purpose was to fish with me in Yellowstone Park. After some encouragement, Ralph agreed to join us so I chose an easy, one-mile hike into the Falls River because I knew that Bill was recovering from a heart attack and the trip wouldn’t be too hard on Ralph. On the hike back to the car from the river, Ralph started having problems breathing, and we were afraid he wouldn’t

make it. Bill gave him one of his nitroglycerine pills, which did the job and Ralph managed to finish the hike.

Physical problems continued to plague him for the last 25 years of his life, but he recovered time and time again for which I was most thankful.

He once wrote, “I believe it is my duty to preserve for myself and future generations the standards of honor and integrity that are incumbent on the ideals of fly fishing, and to help preserve that environment which contributes to those objectives.”

That was Ralph Moon the man, a friend to us all.

Buck Goodrich is a longtime Federation member, former officer, fly fisher and flytier from Shelley, Idaho.

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

[43]

Conserving, Restoring and Educating Through Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Heritage A DEBT TO A MENTOR AND FRIEND

By Jon Lyman

R

[44]

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

Ralph caught that fish and waddled home, the waders sloshing about him as he ran, clutching his prize.

He and I also spoke about the origins of catch and release, remarking on early references each of us had seen in literature. Our discussion helped form the idea in me that this supposedly new practice has long been part of our sport. About catch and release Ralph said: “I don’t recall the exact instance, but I do recall the feeling. I caught a big fish. And my friend and I were holding him and I thought, I don’t want to kill this fish. That fish sliding across my hands gave me such a thrill, it made me a catch-and-release trout fisherman. I don’t object to someone taking a trout to eat, but for me that hard-fought battle between a good fish and myself is poorly served by bonking it on the head.”

I am indebted to Ralph for teaching me the craft of rod building that week, and I can still hear his request for no more than a thousandth of an inch of tolerance when I am final planing my strips. But in many ways I owe a far larger debt to him for the lessons in generosity of self and willingness to share; traits that characterize the best in most members of the FFF. I also owe him, and the FFF, for sparking my interest in why we fly anglers continue to believe that letting a fish go invokes our highest art.

Editor’s note: A friend to many in the Federation of Fly Fishers, Ralph Moon passed away at his home on the banks of the Henry’s Fork River on January 26, 2011. We all will miss the man with the big smile.

Jon Lyman from Juneau, Alaska, describes himself as just a trout bum on the lam in ski country with a writing habit.

“For me that hard-fought battle between a good fish and myself is poorly served by bonking it on the head.”

Photo by BT’s Photography

alph Moon taught me to build bamboo rods in his basement one March when the snow stood waist deep along the Henry’s Fork. He and his wife, Pat, invited me in and put up with my questions for three days while I planed the strips for my first rod. Ralph sat behind the desk in his basement shop, measuring my strips as we talked, muttering over his glasses, “Plus one-thousandth … plus one-thousandth,” then almost an explicative, “Plus two-thousandths!

Better do that again.” He expected and got perfection.

That week while building my first bamboo rod, as the snow piled ever deeper at the door, Ralph and I spent off hours in his library, down narrow stairs from the living room, just off the shop. It was a fly-man’s room, filled with all things fly fishing. Besides the fly plates, old reels and silk lines, Ralph had a collection of rods stacked in the corner and hanging from pegs.

And mixed with all that history were shelves of old fly-fishing books. During long pauses in the rod building, we sat and talked about our sport. Often Ralph would emphasize a point by rising from his chair to pull a classic down from the bookcase and thumb to a favorite passage.

He also regaled me with stories from the birth of the FFF and also from his personal journey with the sport. I especially enjoyed his recounting when he was 8 years old and deemed old enough to fly fish with his father. Details stood out clearly in Ralph’s memory. He spoke of the weight and roughness of the canvas waders, of the bailing twine used to tie them up, great rolls of canvas hiding his feet in boots too large for him to lift. But his eyes still shone with the joy of that first fly fishing with his father.

Then gloom curtained Ralph’s face as he spoke of being sent back to camp after falling in the water, his far-toolarge waders rolled all the way down, the boots still filled with water. As he stumbled in shame along the bank of the Henry’s Fork, returning to his mother in disgrace, he spotted a beautiful fish holding next to the bank.

New! Multi-position vise

BT’s Mag Vise

Magnetic ball joint, located where the vise arm joins the vise stem, allows positioning of the vise and hook in any direction.

Bamboo pedestal base.

Brass-handled tools.

Prices ( Visa, MasterCard, American Express) Mag Vise Tying Station (vise, pedestal, and 7 brass-handled tools) - $125.00 Vise only - $99.95

Tool kit (7 brass-handled tools) - $36.95

888-243-3597 +208-362-2663 (outside the USA) AlBeatty2@aol.com www.btsflyfishing.com

FFF ANNUAL DONOR REPORT Each year the Federation of Fly Fisher’s general revenues depend on the generous support of individuals and organizations to sustain our programs. The board of directors would like to express their sincere appreciation to the contributors noted below who provided that support in 2010.

Special Recognition $5,000+ Trout Unlimited Inc. YOT Full Circle Foundation Employee Matching Gifts Programs Chevron EasyMatch Community Shares of Minnesota Grainger Matching Contribution Gift Program John Hancock JP Morgan Chase Merrill Lynch Co. Foundation Standard Insurance Company Thomas Reuters FFF Evergreen Hand Project McCann, Dennis President’s Club Pledges of $5,000+ Platinum Moseley, Paul Gold Long, Bob Schramm, Jim and Dorothy Silver Bishop, Don Breslin, John Brown, Richard and Mary Cordes, Ron Diamond, Richard Great Lakes Council FFF Grant, Gary Jindra, Tom and Debra Stroh, Bill Trishman, Fred Van Gytenbeek, Peter Bronze Evans, Lew and Tilda Frasca, Bud Gibbs, Larry Greenlee, Philip Groty, Keith James, David Johnson, Carl Kettler, Herb Knight, Ron and Sheryl Kyle, Michael Lewis, Dean Lovell, Doug Maler, Roger and Tracie Miller, Roger and Sandy Northern California Council FFF Sadler, Tom Schmitz, Fred Scientific Anglers, Dell Kauss Stewart, Michael Winn, Ron Steele, Sherry Malpass, Howard Patron $1,001 - $4,999 Chouinard, Yvon Bania, Joseph Gibbs, Larry Grant, Gary Great Lakes Council FFF, Members

[46]

Hyde Drift Boats, President/CEO Jindra, Tom and Debra Keokee Publishing, President/CEO Looper, Terry Madison River Foundation, Director Schramm, Dorothy and Jim Zarelli, Carl Benefactor $501 - $1,000 Bob Marriott’s Fly fishing Store, Robert J. Marriott Scholarship Danile, Marc Gimbel, Donald Groty, Keith Heide, Ralph Herritt, John Hoffman, Henry Hubbard, James Jensen, Steve Johnson, Carl Maler, Roger and Tracie Miller, Roger and Sandra Morgan, Moyne Sadler, Tom Stewart, Michael Tritsch, Robert Walter, Jonathan Washington Fly Fishing Club Winn, Ron Advocate $251 - $500 Arvanites, Dokson Beatty, Al Beatty, Danny Bolling, Timothy Boswell, Harold Canfield, Alan Diamond, Richard Dunn, Bill Evans, Lew and Tilda Ferguson, Bruce Fisheries Conservation Foundation, Director Frasca, Bud Gille, Judith Harpole, Jim Hill, Gordon Klingberg, Daniel Knight, Beverly Knight, Ron and Sheryl Lewis, Dean Malone, Michael Newmeyer, Chuck Perry, Stephen Potter, Tad RBC Foundation - USA, Director Reed, Keith Reed, Nathaniel Rettig, Earl Sales, Robert San Pedro Fly Casters Club, President and members Schmitz, Fred Steamboaters, President and members Urbani Fisheries, LLC, Joseph Urbani Weitz, Paul Western Rocky Mountain Council FFF Wolniakowski, Krystyna

Flyfisher Spring - Summer 2011

Supporter $101 - $250 Albertson, Peter Alpine FlyFishers Bargsten, Dale Billings, William Black, Jean Broomhall, Peter Brown, Rodger Cargill, Dr. A.S. Cargill Cederwall, Mark Chase, Philip Cordes, Herman Croft, Larry Davis, John Dow, Willard Emrick, Bill Flad, Deborah Frencer, Dick Frost, John Fullerton, Clement Greenlee, Phil Head, Tom Holloway, Maurice Horner Family Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Ira Hanan Hosfield, Skip Hult, Dennis and Marcia Inglis, William Johnson, Robert Loos, Paul Malencik, Dean McRoberts, James Moore, David Moricoli, J.C. Morris, Barry Nelson, Izzy Nevins, Bill Osborne, Brown Panasci, Tony Phoenix, James Pope, Rick Rathborne, Robert Reap, James River Traditions, David Humphries Rogue Flyfishers Rohrer, Barbara Rose, John Ross, John Rowland, Patrick Serniak, Elizabeth Southern Oregon Fly Fishers Spence, Andrew Spottke, Albert Sternberg, Terry Sunshine Fly Anglers Tryon, Chuck Vynalek, Jim Wilkens, Rich Williams, Rick Williams, Stephen Woodard Family Foundation Yepko, H.J. Zahn, Michael Contributor Up to $100 Aced, David Alaska Wildland Adventures, Kirk Hoessle Allen, Randy Amendt, Alan Anderson, Dennis Andrew, Josh Ansite, Jim Antilla, Rodney Archer, Jon Armstrong, James

Arnold, Rowland Asher, Stephen Bailey, Nancy and Gary Baker, Bruce Bakke, Bill Ballard, Locke Barbaro, Louis and Wanda Barclay, Chris Barnhart, James Barnhart, Teddy Baron, Richard Bartol, Jon Barttelbort, Larry Batcha, George Bates, Bob Beauchamp, Joseph Bebow, John Beckstead, Jay Beeby, Eric Beemer, Howard Behnke, Robert Bell, Stephen Bennet, Pat Bennett, Linda Benson, Gary Bergen, Chandler Berglund, Lawrence Berkey, Lloyd Berman, Jeff Berry, Lloyd Best, Brad Bethke, Mark Bettzig, Robert Bird, Eric Bischof, Lou Bischoff, Brad Blakeslee, Ernest Blank, Greg Bleakley, Mark Blessinger, Lisa Bodine, William Boettger, Kurt Bolstad, Donald Bonebreak, James Borkowski, Robert Borowski, William Bourgeois, Jim Bowes, Bob Bozek, Frank Bozman, J.R. Bradfield, Grant Branham, Troy Branigan, Matt Branson, Tim Braud, Ronald Brindlen, Hanes Brooks, Chris Brown, Barbara Brown, Edward Brown, Jason Brown, Russel and Leila Brunvand, Jan Bruschaber, Mark Bullington, John Burchette, James Burge, Richard and Mary Burk, John and Sue Bursel, Joseph Burton, Herb Busby, Dan Bush, John Byrd, John Byrnes, Gerald Cain, Jim Carl, Michael Carlson, Arthur Carnazzo, Bill Carril, Kevin Chervenak, Louis Chevalier, Arthur

Chipman, Thomas Clancy, Mike Clark, Fred Clark, Hugh Clark, Robert Clay, Phillip Clayton, Raymond Cleaves, David Cleckley, William Cochrane, John Colaw, Breton Kip Cole, Jonnie and Vivian Community Shares of Minnesota, Director Conner, Allan Conner, Irwin Connolly, Greg Cook, Chris Cook, Pete Cooper, Joseph Corbin, Alan Cornelisen, Robert Cornue, David Cox, Clair Cracraft, Mike Crawford, Michael Crisera, Richard Criss, Jerry Cucco, Robert Culp, Wayne Cummings, Terrence Cutforth, Letitia Cyr, Gene Daane, Roderick Dale, Bryan David, Frederick Davis, Dan Davis, Don Davis, Rodney De Julien, Lorenz Dean, Jeffrey Demeo, Joseph Dempsey, Thomas Denevan, Francis Dennis, Ben Dennis, Dale Denton, M. Rodney DePierre, Robert Depoe, Kenneth Deveney, Gina Diener, Terry Dillon, Boyd Doddy, Frederick Dokovna, Aran Domonoske, Scott Domoto, Paul Donaldson, Broderick Double T River Ranch, Manager/Owner Dow, Ken Drake, David Drasch, Gary Duffield, Curtis Dugan, John Duncan, Louis Dzik, Jay East Union Middle School, Principal and students Egli, Arnie Ehren, Grant Ehrman, Gordon Eisenkramer, Eric Elwell, Russell Erb, Donald Erhart, Mary Erickson, Richard Esparza, Vincente Ester, Leslie Evenson, William Everest, Clark

Evett, Douglas Fano, Tony Farminton River Anglers Fasone, Rocco Faulkner, Larry Faulkner, Marty Fearn, Brian Feimer, Rudolf Felsens, Oscar Ferguson, Patrick Finesilver, Alan and Cindy Finney, Lowell Fitzer, James Fletcher, Shane Flying Fisherman Fore, Neil Fowler, David Fox, Robert Fox, William Fraunfelder, Judy and Bob Frediani, Robin Frye, Lawrence Gaines, Kenneth Gallagher, James Garland, Richard Garrett, R.B. Gay, John Genereux, Marc Gerace, Joseph Gerety, William Gibson, John Giffin, Larry Gifford, Grant Giuliano, Michael Gleiter, Howard Glemba, Roman Godfrey, Will Goin, Jon Gollehon, Noel Good, Larry Goodwin, Paul Gordon, Greg Goss, John Gough, Fran Greb, Scott Grebe, Walter Green, Kevin Greenwald, William Greenwood, Lorne Greiner, Terry Gretz, Albert Griego, Andrew Grieve, James Grundy, Donald Guay, Norman Guggenheim, Daniel Gwin, John Haan, Brian Hagen, Scott Hall, George Hall, William Hamill, Kennedy Hammer, Robert Hammerstad, Charles Hansell, Robert Hanson, Richard Hapstack, Richard Harang, Bruce Hart, Doug Hartgrave, Roger Hartman, Thomas Haskell, Stephen Havens, Daniel Hawke, James Hawkins, R.H. Hawks, Bill Haynes, Louis Heald, Darrell Hegstrom, Steve Helmbrecht, H L

Henderson, Thomas Hendrick, Ralph and Mary Henry, Bill Heppell, Gerald Herbert, Joe Herdt, Patricia Hermenau, Edward Herndon, Verlon Hess, Donald Hibbard, Mike Highley, James Hill, Carl Hill, Lawrence Hill, Mark Hill, Steven Hinden, Donald Hoberg, Max Hodge, Donald Hoeflich, Bret Hoffberg, Neal Hoffman, Carl Hofmeister, Ronald Holder, James Holding, Peter Holmaas, Andrew Holmes, Chuck Holmes, Philip Holt, Leon Homeyer, Mark Hopkins, Nate Horne, Kimberly Hoschouer, Jim Hosley, Richard Howard, Gary Howell, Jim Hoyt, Dick Hoyt, John Hubert, Jeffery Humphreys, Joseph Hunter, David Huntley, Hubert Ingino, Joseph Ives, J. Michael Jacklin, Bob Jacot, Kenneth Jantz, Elmer Jauquet, Joseph Jobson, Tom Johnson, Dwight Johnson, Howard Johnson, Richard Johnson, Warren Johnston, William Johnstone, Donald Jones, Dundee Jones, Jay Jones, John Jones, Nancy Joseph, Michael Kalivas, Risty Karpovich, Serge Keck, Stuart Keener, Kip Kellogg, Dick and Sue Kelly, Cosette Kelly, Duane Kelly, Joseph Kendrick Jr, Saxton Kennon, Richard Kerr, Michael Kim, Kathy King, Bill King, William Kingsley, John Klein, George Kleinhofs, Andris Kobin, Walter Koch, Robert Kolesar, Stephen Korf, Kit Kozuki, Mits Kratochvil, Randy Kressly, Thomas Krumm, Leonard Krupiczewicz, Wesley

Kulis, Leroy Kustin, George Kyle, Michael LaBouy, Helen and Bob LaBranche, Leo Lafley, James Lambert, David Landblom, Jack Larson, Dick Laski, Carl Lawson, David Lawson, Tim Leasure, Robert Lee, Don Levit, Peter Lewis, George Lewis, Herb Leydecker, Byron Linder, John Lipuma, Joseph Lommasson, Evan Loud, James Lovell, Eunice Lubbers, Norbert Lukens, James Lum, William Lund, Jon Lupatkin, William Lurie, Robert Luzum, Gerald Lyon, Cecil Machida, Kenji Mack, David MacMullan, David Magee, Thomas Magno, Guy Magnuson, Lance Mahn, Gene Mahony, Jerry Malalan, Silvano Malek, John Malpass, Howard Marion, Greg Markey, Karen Marks, L R Marquez, Candido Marshall, Ed Marvin Elementary School, Principal and students Marx, William Matney, Ron Matthaei, Richard Matthews, Eric McDonough, Chris McDougal, William McGarrell, Ed McGlenn, John and Veronica Melvoin Foundation, Director Myers, Joepaul Milanowski, Richard Milius, Hank Miller, Reed Miller, Richard Mills, James Mitchell, Charles Mitchell, William Mittleman, John Mogk, Patricia Monroe, Dick and Valerie Montag, Jeff Morrison, Brian, Ganaraska Region Conserv. Authority Moser, Robert Moss, Frank Murphy, Shawn Muzzana, Dennis and Kathleen Myers, Charles Nanney, Ronald Neelley, Robert Nelson, Bill Nelson, David Nelson, Gerald Nelson, Keith Nelson, Lillian Neuman, Richard

Nguyen, John Nicholson, Ed Nicol, Mark Niemann, Thomas Norcal Guide Service, Manager Nummikoski, Gary O Donnell, Edward Oaks, Stan Oberhelman, William Oblinger, Dick Ochsner, Peter Oechler, Herbert Ogburn, Terrell Olson, Christopher Olson, John and Marilyn Olson, Richard O’Neill, Cheryl Oppenlander, John Osborn, Gretchen Osprey Fly Fishers of B.C., President and Members Oswald, Gene Ottlein, Capt. Rob Ottlein Ozog, Mark Page, Dan Page, Thomas Palmer, Lloyd Paoluccio, Joseph Parr, Grant Parsons, William Patten, Ross Payne, Kenneth Peacor, Don Peakes, Bill Pearcy, Bill Peck, David Peel, Maxwell Peipon, John Perkins, Frank Peterson, Clarence Pettine, Ann and Eric Phalen, Richard Piekarski, Timothy Pierce, Jerry Pigott, William Pijacki, Paul Piper, Harry Plumley, Rhey Pobst, Dick Ports, Norman Potter, Frank Potter, George Prescott, Robert Preston, Ronald Quan, Rich Radtke, Philip and Lori Rahija, Rick Ramsdell, Lew Randolph, Tad Rasmussen, Thomas Recchia, Richard and June Redmond, Dennis Reese, Chuck Reinhardt, George Rendon, Rick Rich, Chris Richardson, Gaylord Richardson, Lynn Richman, Eric Rickards, Denny Riley, Bill Risk, Tom Ritchie, Clyde Robbins, Tom Robins, William Robinson, Stephen Robinson, Walter Rocchio, John Rog, Joseph and Joan Rogers, Michael

Rogge, James Rose, Richard Ross, Henry Rossachacj, Robert Rueger, Otto Ruhl, Donald Ruland, William Sacks, Yale Sanborn, Charles Sauer, Frederick Sawyer, Donald Saxon, Richard Sayer, Fred Schlatter, Herbert Schmidt, Donald Schneider, Ronald Schomburg, Dell Schwartz, Joseph Schwarz, Ronald Sebetich, Michael Sedlock, Evan Seldon, Marty Sellner, William Semenik, Molly Serunian, John Shaw, John Shearer, David Shelton, Donald Shepeluk, Joseph Sherick, Flynn Sherriffs, Ronald Shoemaker, Fred Shuman, Leigh Siebe, James Simonson, Don Simpson, Jeff Simpson, Jim Sixberry, James Skehan, Michael Smith, Douglas Smith, Ed Smith, Ira Smith, Richard Smith, Ryan Smith, Steve Snow, Lynn Snyder, James and Gay Sorrells, Colby South Providence School, Principal and students Spalding, Kenneth Spencer, Nelson Spencer, Steven Spieske, Doug Sprung, Douglas Stahl, Fay Stanley, Robert Stanton, Jim Starkin, Don Starr, Michael Steiner, Robert Stevens, Phil Stewart, Richard Stilwell, Joseph Stjern, Chris Stoecker, Matt Suess, Gordon Supina, James Sussman, Maurrie, Sisters on the Fly Sutthoff, Andy Sutton, Barbara Sutton, Carolyn Sweeney, Michael Sweningsen, Charles Tanimura, Katsumi Taplin, Stephen Tatum, Jack Taverna, Charles Tetzel, Kenneth Thompson, Sam

Thompson, Tim Three Rivers Fly Fishers, President and members Tichay, Eric Tideswell, Robert Timberlake, Gregory Toji, Robert Tolhurst, David Toone, Bill Townsend, Clint Trainor, Scott Trammell, John Transue, Frank Tresher, Rick Tripi, Tom Trotter, Patrick Trussell, William Turner, William Tyler, John Vacon, Donald Vanalstyne III, Durl Vettori, James Vitale, Marilyn Wadsworth, Douglas Wagner, Colton Wagner, Richard Wales, Harold Walker, David Walkinshaw, Walt and Jean Walling, Terry Walthour, George Wanamaker, John Warren, L. H. Buzz Waterman, Herbert Watkins, Lory Watling, Jim Wattman, Kenneth Webb, Steve Weddington Middle School, Principal and students Weiner, Andrew Welty, Dwan Werlich, Edwin Weseloh, Thomas Wesley, David Wessels, Bob Wever, Michael Whelan, Mark Whetstone, Daniel Whetzel, Julie White, Garold White, Phillip Whitlatch, Stephen Wilhelm, James Williams, Donald Williams, Michael Williams, Roger and Joanna Williamson, Edward Willis, Norman Wills, William Wilson, James Winkler, Mike Winter, Dick Winters, Sherman Wintzer, Charles Witte, Eldon Wofford, Billy Wood, Francis Wooldridge, Thomas Worden, Gerald Wright, Sam Wroble, Kim Yanta, Robert Yotsuuye, Gene Young, James Young, Stan Zimmerman, Daniel Zinky, Dorothy Zuck, Leslie

Thank You!

Federation of Fly Fishers 5237 U.S. Highway 89 South, Ste. 11 Livingston, MT 59047-9176

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID Post Falls, ID Permit No. 32