Across
the Stream – August 2007
A
Publication of Heart of America Fly Fishers
HOAFF August Meeting
Monday, August 20 -
7:00pm
Monet Drake
A Long time HOAFF member, Monet will share from his vast
store of experience “How to Take a Guide Trip”.
Monet’s talk will be accompanied with pictures from his May 2007 fishing
on the Bighorn River in Montana.
President’s Message
Auction just around the corner
by
Mark Borserine
A
reminder about the Annual Auction & Raffle is coming up in October: Please,
please, call or e-mail Jim Mattes if you’re able to help or you have an idea of
someone to approach for a donation; Jim’s e-mail and phone number are always in
the Club Officer listings in the newsletter.
I
was on the Quarterly Conference Call last night held by the Southern Council.
Pat Smith remarked that registrations were coming in very slowly and asked that
we get the word out again. The FFF Southern Council Conclave is considered if
not the best (as the Southern Council thinks), then certainly among the best,
gatherings of Fly Fishers in the Nation! If you’ve never attended a Conclave,
by all means do so; there is so much to be learned and so many experiences,
it’s hard to describe. I always come back from Conclave with new knowledge and
inspiration; so, whether you’re new to Fly Fishing or old (and think you know
everything), I guarantee if you go, you will come back pleased that you went.
Conclave
information and registration forms are available on the Southern Council’s
website: www.southerncouncilfff.org. Check it out and “get with the program!
”We
are going to have some great outings this fall with our picnic on September
17th which will feature a “cook-off”; Jim Jorgensen and I are both going to
smoke brisket and ribs, so we can have a contest of sorts! The Model T needs a
little “attention” just now but I expect to have it there for rides around the
park. Then there will be an outing to Taneycomo in
October; no more perfect place to be in the fall!
Help with Mill Creek Restoration
by Kevin Carril
We have an
opportunity to provide hands-on assistance with the restoration effort for the
1 1/4 mile of Mill Creek that was recently obtained by the Missouri Department
of Conservation (with financial assistance from many club members). On
Saturday, September 15th, there will be a Volunteer Day on Mill Creek for the
purpose of constructing structures for trout called skyhooks. Our club has been
invited to assist in this effort. It is estimated that the actual work will
take 4 to 6 hours. There will be more information at the August 20th meeting.
Fly Casting Instruction
by Mark Borserine
I have been
overwhelmed by the response to the “clinics” I’ve given before the last two
meetings. I make the offer to all members that might want a little help with a
particular aspect of their casting that I will be happy to help them one-on-one
anytime beginning at 6:30 before a meeting or anytime at all that is convenient
for both of us. I live right near Franklin Park which has excellent room for
casting, and just south of where I live (87th& Mission Rd.) there are any
number of ponds. If I possibly can I’ll make time for you at no charge: I want
our members to get the most out of their membership and any way I can make
their experience better, I will.
2007
Officers
President
Mark Borserine
913-381-0722 majborser@aol.com
Past President
David Andrews
816-741-8314 davidgandrews@kc.rr.com
Secretary
Jim Jorgenson
913-469-1950 jjorgensen@ci.lenexa.ks.us
Treasurer
Paul Bennetts
913-338-3837 pbennetts1@comcast.net
Newsletter
Tom James
816-718-0393 tom@blackdogsports.com
Programs
John Bell
785-843-1782 j.bell@kcc.state.ks.us
Cliff Cain
913-558-5069 cliffcain@hotmail.com
Education/Recognition
Bill Lindley
913-888-3177
Norm Crisp
913-645-1994 streamsideff@yahoo.com
Outings
Darren Watson dwatson@lawingfinancial.com
Ron Carruthers
816-741-7251 rcarruthers2@kc.rr.com
Membership
Travis Knight
816-246-4168 tdk883@yahoo.com
Frederick Clark
913-831-0305 fclarks@planetkc.com
Conservation Team
Kevin Carril
913-362-9379 rrac3@sbcglobal.net
John Bell
785-843-1782 j.bell@kcc.state.ks.us
Library
Doug McDonald
913-764-6678 mcdoug5148@sbcglobal.net
Web Master
Vicky Newton
816-943-8306 svnewton@sbcglobal.net
Raffle/Auction
Jim Mattes
913-268-6161 jimmattes@mattesappraisal.com
Spring Programs
Dick Martin
816-781-9557 rlm@mllfpc.com
Don Grundy
816-781-9019 dgrundy@sbcglobal.net
Historian/Event Coordinator
Bill Brant
816-941-9691 billandkathy@kc.rr.com
Southern Council Liaison
Hod McIntosh
913-722-3684 singingreels@kc.rr.com
Supernumerary
Ray Zook
816-941-2862 rzook@kc.rr.com
Fly Anglers OnLine Missouri
‘FISH-IN 2007’
Oct.
6th - Oct. 14th, 2007 • Bennett Springs, Missouri
What’s a Fish-In?
A Fish-In
is just a gathering of people who read Fly Anglers OnLine
(FAOL). There is one ‘main’ Fish-In each year, and several regional ones.
(Click on any of the Previous Fish-Ins listed on the Fish-In menu to see what
goes on.) The prime reason is to get together with others who enjoy FAOL and
fish. We try to hold them where there is a variety of accommodations including
campgrounds.
Some
events may be held, casting games, fly tying or perhaps a visit from a local
Fish and Game person or guide who can recommend good areas to fish.
Speakers:
Master
fly caster, Jim Rogers, will be giving a casting demonstration, after which he
will answer questions, or help anglers with their casting. He also offers more
one-on-one instruction for a small fee if anyone is interested. Call the park
for an appointment.
Jim has
also offered us the use of his fly tying classrooms after hours to tie flies
and socialize provided our schedule d oesn’t conflict
with his actual classes, which are open to sign-up for anyone interested.
Charlie
Reading, the world renouned rod builder, is also
going to be speaking on the subject of his choice. For anyone who’s visited his
shop and spent any time with him then you already know how passionate he is
about all aspects of fly fishing, so it should be a great evening. Charlie
offers rod building classes several times a year. If you’d be interested in
learning to build a rod from one of the best, then give him a call at
(417)588-4334 to see about dates and openings.
Cookouts:
Saturday
the 13th of October will be the official FAOL Fish-In cookout. It will be a
bring your own/cook your own event. Paper plates, silverware, cups, napkins,
and condiments will be provided. For those interested, I’m planning on cooking
out on a daily basis at the grill closest to the spring. I’ll be starting the
charcoal at about noon each day, so plan accordingly. It will be a bring your
own/cook your own cookout as well.
Events:
There is
a fishing derby to raise money for the American Cancer Foundation. It is free
to enter, but donations are appreciated. 1,500 trout will be tagged and then on
Sunday afternoon the prizes will be awarded for the fishermen who have turned
in a tag. While talking to Jim Rogers he said that they have several thousand
dollars worth of donated prizes that are given away each year at the derby. It
would be a worth cause to support, but you have to sign up BEFORE you catch a
fish with a tag.
If you do plan on making it to the Missouri
2007, drop us an email at publisher@flyanglersonline.com and we’ll put
your name on the I’m Going List! Please designate MIISSOURI Fish-In.
HOAFF Apparel is here
Hats $15 • T-Shirts $12
Now you can get a T-shirt or a
fishing hat with the new Heart of America Fly Fishers Logo.
Catfish on a Fly
by Bill Brant
As many
of you know, the Blue River in south Kansas City is my home water. It is such an incredible resource, running
all the way from south Olathe to the Missouri River near Front Street and
I-435.
I had an
unusual experience while fishing the other evening. It occurred while fishing downstream of
Martin City. The streambed in this area
consists of bedrock, flat and level bedrock.
This flat rock runs continuously for at least 200 feet. The water is maybe 4 inches deep and 30 feet
wide. During the day you can see schools
of minnows swimming back and forth in the shallow water. Occasionally a small bass or bluegill gets
near the minnows, scattering them in all directions.
The water
travels at a relatively high velocity over the bedrock. At the downstream end of the rock is a deep pool. As the water approaches the pool, it slows
down, creating a transition zone. The
streambed in the transition zone still consists of bedrock, but the water slows
down and the depth increases.
This is
where I started to fish at dusk. I
walked in from the bank, just upstream of the transition. The fly of choice: a Jacomo
Special. It’s an incredibly productive panfish fly that was made popular by one of the club’s long
time members, Roger Omara. It’s tied with black chenille and white
rubber legs. As I took line off of the
reel I saw a very large catfish swimming in the transition zone 10 feet
downstream from me, stationary in the current.
I drifted the fly downstream within inches of its nose. The fish looked at the fly but did not open
its mouth. I tried a few more times and
got the same result.
I
stripped line off of the reel and fished the head of the pool for bluegill,
sunfish, or bass. I had several strikes,
but did not hook any fish. It was
getting darker. I looked back at the
catfish – now there were 2 catfish - then there were three of them – a minute
later there were 1/2 a dozen large catfish downstream from me. They were not stationary, they were swimming
in circles. They were not swimming in
orderly circles. They were moving in random
darting circles. I think they were
corralling and feeding on minnows.
I drifted the fly though the pod of fish. Nothing happened. I repeated.
This time the fly stopped. I
pulled back to set the hook and there was resistance - I hooked one. Instincts learned during steelhead fishing
applied here - reel up all of the extra slack line – apply side pressure. It made a run down to the deep pool and I
pulled it back. Once again it headed for
deep water and I pulled it back. A
couple of minutes later I landed it, a fat 24” catfish caught out of the
Blue. By then it was too dark to see if
the other fish were still in the area. I
took a couple of pictures and headed home.
HOAFF Annual Family Picnic
by Ron Carruthers
What:
HOAFF Annual Family Picnic
Where:
Shawnee Mission Park•Shelter # 4
When:
Monday September 17•Starting 6:30 pm
Mark your
calendars because September’s Monday night meeting will be replaced by the
HOAFF Family Picnic. Spouses, kids and grandkids are all welcome. We have had a
special advance notice from the National Weather Bureau that the current heat
wave will be gone by September 17.
Jim
Jorgensen and Mark Borserine have graciously volunteered to slow cook, I
promise you, the best ribs and brisket you will ever eat. Of course BBQ beans
will come with it. The club will also provide bread/buns, utensils, chips and
beverages. To make sure everyone leaves full please plan to bring a covered
dish or dessert to round out the meal.
Shawnee
Mission Park is on Renner Road near 87th Street and I 435. From I 435 and 87th
go west on 87th to Renner (1st street west of I 435). Turn north (right) to the
park entrance on the left about 1/2 mile at the top of the hill. Enter the park
and stay to the right. Go around the north side of the lake and look for
Shelter # 4. This is the same shelter as last year.
We plan
to start eating around 6:30 pm. To help wear off a few calories there will be a
casting contest so bring your favorite rod. For those of you that may forget...
no worries... the club’s Temple Fork rods will be available.
Don’t miss this one, see you there!!
Crane Creek
by Darren Watson
As a man who
has had a fly rod in his hands every available weekend for the past ten years,
I assumed that I was an above average caster. A recent, and rather humbling,
trip to Crane Creek taught me otherwise.
I had always
heard about the McCloud Rainbow trout that reside at Crane Creek; they seemed
to me a legendary fish. So I scheduled a
business trip to Crane, Missouri, packed my new 7’6” 3wt SAGE rod and headed
out. After a late breakfast appointment of biscuits with gravy and stout
coffee, I left Springfield with my worn out Missouri map in hand. It was not
long before I was lost. Damn shortcuts. I
was on roads that were not even on the map.
After driving about an hour longer than I had planned, I pulled in to
Crane. It was exactly what I expected.
This small town had seen better days. I
pulled into the park which Crane Creek flows through and took my dog for a
walk, zealous to check out the site of my newest fishing adventure.
The creek was
mostly three to four feet wide, with crystal clear water flowing four to six
inches above the gravel. After walking
for awhile I found a few pools, but no fish.
I slipped on my waders (way overkill, but habit) and ventured out. Not knowing which fly would be best to use, I
decided on my go-to: a size 18 apricot Ray Charles variation. I quickly realized after wading up the creek
that by the time I saw a place where trout might possibly be lodging, they had
already darted for protection in some cavernous region that NO fly was getting
to. Determined, I then started to crawl
up the creek on my knees, a little concerned about my expensive Simms Waders.
They could easily have been torn or worse, have gotten bit by a snake. Let me
say that my day would have been quickly over if I crawled on a snake.
Eventually, I
found a great place that had about four to five small trout. My first cast
didn’t even hit the water, but ended up a mess in the tree above my head. After re-rigging and tying on fly number two,
I saw some success. I worked the pool for about an hour, trying to get the
drift in the right location. It was very
hard to do considering you had to make a cast twenty to twenty-five feet into a
two feet section with overhanging trees on both sides. By the end of the day, I
had four strikes and landed one trout. I
lost eight flies, replaced two leaders, and can now tell you where a 14”
McCloud rainbow is hiding.
Fly Fishing in California
by Norm Crisp, StreamSide
Adventures
I recently had
the opportunity to get in a few days of fishing in California with my friend
Duane Brandt. When most people think of
California fishing they think of northern rivers like the Mc Cloud, the upper
Sacramento, or Hat Creek. Our trip started and ended in Los Angeles.
Duane picked
me up just after noon at LAX and in about 3 hours we were at our destination,
the Kern River valley. There were
several reasons for going there. The
least important of which was its nearness to Los Angeles. Our real motivation was the chance of adding
several new species to our life lists.
According to Dr. Robert Behnke, the authority
on North American trout, the Kern River Drainage is the home to four subspecies
of trout. Our hope was to catch one or
more of them. In mid-September, when we first started planning our adventure, I
did what I always do before going to a new area. I found out which national forest we would be
fishing in and called the fisheries biologist for that Ranger District. Tina, the fisheries biologist’s, insight and
knowledge made all the difference in the world.
She gave me a list of prime locations that I passed on to Duane. Duane made the sacrifice of driving up a
week-end in advance with his wife Connie to scout out some of the suggested
locations.
Duane’s recon
suggested that our first day, October 11th should be at the “Forks of the
Kern.” Duane’s logic for this was
twofold. The first was that we could
potential knock of two of the 4 species in one day. Good thinking. The second reason was more
important in the long run. Just to get
into the Golden Trout Wilderness where the Kern and the Little Kern meet you
have a 2 mile walk. In Wyoming we often
walk 4 miles up the Encampment to get to Purgatory. Two miles shouldn’t be much. Well, when it means a drop in elevation of
1,200 feet it does matter a lot – especially on the way out. The trail leads
straight to a crossing point on the Little Kern, about 100 yards upstream of
where it joins the Kern.
It looked so
good. We started fishing our way up
it. Every time I get on a new stream,
the same feeling come over me. It keeps
running through my head: “You think
you’re pretty good don’t you. Well what
if you can’t catch one?” If after a couple
of runs I still haven’t made the connection it gets louder and louder. Thankfully the sounds only rose to a dull
roar before I caught my first new addition to my life list, a Kern River
Rainbow.
The Little
Kern River is also home to the Little Kern River Golden trout. Since I had one down before 10:00 am, we
pushed on up the Little Kern. As we
moved higher up the river we got into an area of low falls.
These falls
were not high enough to be barriers to Kern River Rainbows. But the further up we went the fewer trout
we caught that looked like Kern River Rainbows - they looked more and more like
little Kern River Goldens. I’ve compared the pictures
I took of the fish I caught with the pictures and description in Dr. Behnke’s book but I’m not 100% positive they are Goldens. I’m going
to add the Little Kern Golden to my list but with and asterisk. Thursday we
fished for Golden - also know as South Fork of the Kern Goldens. Once they were the only trout of the South
Fork Drainage, but they have been hybridized with non-native rainbows, and
out-competed by introduced browns. Now
most populations are restricted to small tributary streams with either natural
or artificial barriers. Fishing for them
is like fishing for Cut’s.
The hard part
is finding them. The help from fisheries biologist for the National Forest made
the quest a bit simpler! Tina suggested
two streams, Salmon Creek and Fish Creek.
The portions of both creeks that we fished were meadow streams and both
held Goldens. Later that afternoon we fished the main
stem of the South Fork of the Kern near Kennedy meadow campground. It is a
beautiful river but all we caught were a couple of 12 inch browns. According to the biologist, a four-mile walk
up the Pacific Rim Trail would put you above most of the browns.
Friday we woke
to a light but steady rain. After
breakfast in Kernville we decided to try Bull run Creek, a small mountain
tributary of the Kern. The description on this stream is small, brushy, “mega” boulders, and rattlesnakes. Oh yes, lot of small rainbows with a few big
fish just to keep you on your toes – as if rattlesnakes won’t keep you on your
toes. Everyone we talked to said the
best fishing was about 45 minutes up the trail.
We only went about 25 minutes up the trail before the sound of the creek
drew us to it. It is definitely a small,
brushy stream with large boulders, but with many small rainbows and, thank you
very much, no rattlesnakes. We were back
in Los Angeles in time for dinner.
Sunday we
drove about an hour and fished the closest trout stream to Los Angeles, the
West Fork of the San Gabrial River. The West Fork is
tail water from a drinking water reservoir.
Being so close to Los Angeles the West Fork gets a lot of use! In fact there is a 9 mile paved walking and
biking trail that runs beside the stream. The lower 1.5 miles are stocked. The
rest is Catch and Release for wild fish.
It is a
refreshing area to be so close to the city. We walked 4 miles up before we
started fishing to get away from as many anglers as we could. In about 2 hours of fishing we must have
caught 50 fish, almost all between 4 and 7 inches. We each ad a couple of 9 inchers and Duane measured an 11 incher. For Duane one of the side benefits was
meeting several other Los Angeles area fly fishers on the stream. Now he has some local fishing partners. Not a
bad four-days of fishing, two new species of trout for my life list, and a
third with an asterisk. There is
something to be said for being an apprentice trout bum!
Upcoming Events & Programs
Aug 20, 2007 Monet Drake - Bighorn Fly Fishing
Sept 13, 2007 Norm Crisp Nymphing
Class - Discovery Center
Sept 17, 2007 Annual Picnic - Shawnee Mission Park
Oct 4-6, 2007 Southern Council Conclave - Mountain Home, AR
Oct 15, 2007 Annual Auction & Raffle
Nov 2-4, 2007 Fall Outing - Lake Taneycomo,
Branson, Mo
Nov 19, 2007 Jeff Williams - Arkansas Trout
Dec 1-3, 2007 Annual Banquet - Bennett Spring
2008 Upcoming Events
Mar 6-8, 2008 White River
Lodge - Mountain Home, AR
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870-435-6166
Gartside’s Secret Stuff
www.jackgartside.com/tying_material.htm
Bennett
Spring State Park Concession Shop
26248 Hwy
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Lebanon,
MO 65536
417-532-4307
1-800-334-6946
Gaston’s
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417-532-9449
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1996 Hwy
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Highway
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870-435-2244
Bass Pro Shops
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2701 North Marshall
Chapman, KS 76431
785-922-6630
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(870) 435-6144
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136B Eden Way
Branson, MO 65616
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Reading’s Fly Shop
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Lebanon, MO
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Americanfishes.com
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Cabela’s
White River Trout Lodge
752
County Rd 703
Cotter,
AR 72626
877-84TROUT
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785-456-5654
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5631
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Branson,
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417-334-4965
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