Carson River near Genoa | Photography & with permission by: Linda Calkins
TIME TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S DECISION: VOLUNTARY DUES FOR 2021!
Dear Members,
We know it's been a tough year for many of us. Even though we will still have operating costs, we have decided to make membership dues voluntary this year. If you feel inclined drop us a check for regular membership fee of $50 or above, we will more than appreciate it! If you cannot make that happen we understand and will waive your membership fees for 2021. And as always, we wish you and your family the absolute best.
- Conejo Valley Fly Fishers Board of Directors
"VIEW, CHEW AND BREWS"
CONEJO VALLEY FLY FISHER'S "TGIF" MEETINGS online every other friday.
This month: Fridays, February 12 & 26, 2021
- VIEW SHORT FLY FISHING VIDEOS
- CHEW THE FAT AND BRING YOUR FAVORITE . . .
- BREW * does not have to be an "adult" beverage
GUESTS CAN ATTEND BY SIGNING UP ON EVENTBRITE AT: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conejo-valley-fly-fishers-tgif-view-chew-brews-tickets-140871431243
CHECK YOUR EMAILS ON FRIDAY MORNINGS FOR THE ZOOM LINK or SIGN-UP for reminders on the Google Calendar emails sent to all members which has the zoom link. : D
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE | february 2021
Dear club members, at this time Gary Scott will be taking a short break for personal reasons. In the meantime, former president Charley Beals will step up as president pro tempore.
fly patterns and how to properly play and land a big fish
I tend to escape into my head on long drives. What was a 5-hour trek to Mammoth has become a restful therapeutic exercise with just enough movement to keep my thoughts in a single lane.
On my last outing I found myself volleying between names of fly patterns and how to properly play and land a big fish on a small piece of water, loaded with snags like our beloved lower Owens.
Let’s set the definition of a “Big” trout first – this is a fish that’s initially dictating the direction and scope of the tug of war you are experiencing. There is no “Horsing” this pig. They tend to stay deep in the run for the first 2/3rds of the fight, headshakes with long runs and short rests in heavily oxygenated water are the norm.
Knowing how much you can pull is more of a familiarity with your rod and tippet, knot strength and hook size.
A large fish will respond to your input –
If the fish is downstream try laying the rod upstream and low to the water’s surface. You will find that the response will most likely be a deep run upstream, when the fish is above you, you have established control – do what you can to keep the rod tip low.
If the fish is green you can lay the tip low and downstream to bring the fish back, then lay the tip low upstream – this prep it for the net. I know this is contrary to what we’ve been taught and told, “Keep that rod tip high” and conditions should dictate your course of action.
What you will find is that, with a low rod angle you are allowing the current to pull on any belly created in the line thus keeping the pressure on.
Try it on a smaller fish – fight the fish with the rod tip high – you’ll find that the lack of leverage let’s that fish control the situation.
A jumping fish is very exciting but that creates a disadvantage with slack that can lead to disappointment.
If the fish comes up immediately lay that rod tip down and upstream.
As your private carnival comes to a close and your fish is upstream get into a position where you have a shallower spot to net the fish – they have less purchase in thin water – with the fish upstream, position yourself directly downstream, lift the rod tip keeping pressure on the fish, with its head up it, if its ready the current will bring it right to your net.
Congratulations!
If you are able, get the hook out with the fish while in your net and fish are underwater, have your camera buddy with their back to the sun, one, two three… quickly lift the fish. Snap the picture and quick back in the water in the net. If you need another shot repeat. If you are alone try leaving the fish’s head in the water with the tail fanned out in your palm. It makes a nice shot and you’ve saying thank you to the big fish of the day.
Point the fish upstream and gently cradle it until it swims away on its own. Then pat yourself on the back, give thanks to mother earth and go get another one!
This has worked very well for me, I hope it helps you too!
Charley Beals | Conejo Valley Fly Fishers President Pro-Tem
membership renewal is now open for 2021!
Despite the lack of meetings and events, we hope our members will renew their membership once again looking at the long term value of the club while waiting for social distancing to be discontinued.
- Annual dues are $50 per family living at the same address.
- Membership is per calendar year.
- New members joining in the last quarter have their membership extended through the following year.
- There is a one-time additional $10 fee for each name badge.
- Please indicate if you would like additional name badges for family members and include $10 for each.
- Student (under 18) dues are $10.
- Please mail your check to:
- Conejo Valley Fly Fishers, 2970 Diana Court, Newbury Park, CA, 91320-3115
- LINKS for Paypal & Venmo below.
NEW MEMBERS / please fill out both forms & send check.
scott olson | MISSIVE
"chomping at the bit"
After a two month or so hiatus from fishing it’s time to start looking forward to the season to come.
Sure you can still fish parts of the eastern Sierra in the winter, but I tend to focus on family and friends between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day.
After that all bets are off and it is time to get back in the water.
I have been fishing the lower Owens for years in late February and at times it can be epic. The blue wing olive hatch is usually reliable around midday and although unfortunately short lived it provides for some welcome dry fly fishing.
Nymphing is the name of the game here anyway and small caddis and mayfly patterns will usually produce fish in good numbers. Euro (or tight line) nymphing is an especially effective way to fish the lower O and has been the go to technique for me over the last few years. The section between the dam and the campground bridge is very amenable to this type of fishing.
Camping at Pleasant Valley Campground for several days we enjoy lazy breakfasts, late starts and early cocktail hours finishing up around a roaring campfire. No s’mores, but possibly a glass of port, or two, rounds out the day.
I hope you have the opportunity to fish this little gem during the winter and early spring and if you can, shoot for a midweek trip as the weekends can get a little crowded.
Tight lines and fighting fish to all!
Scott Olson | CVFF Former President
THE CONEJO VALLEY FLY FISHER'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE NOW IN THE PROCESS OF ORGANIZING OUTINGS FOR THE SUMMER, EXPECTING POSITIVE CHANGES AND THE LIFING OF SOCIAL GATHERING RESTRICTIONS.
IN THE MEANTIME, FLY TYING AT STEVE ANDERSON'S HOME (OUTDOORS) ONCE A MONTH WILL BE OUR "GO TO" GATHER FOR SOCIAL GATHERING ABIDING BY RESTRICTION RULES.
FLY TYING & CASUAL HANGOUT WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING | 3rd tuesday of the month
Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Steve Anderson's Home | 6:00 PM
Following C19 guidelines: Attend only if you are well. Bring a mask and/or hand sanatizer. Bring a camping chair for social distancing and your own snacks & beverages. Bring your best BS fishing story and get ready to have a good time!! Oh yea -- and maybe tie a fly or two! MUST RSVP TO ATTEND: smasma@earthlink.net
- SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES IN EFFECT
- Bring a snack & your beverage of choice.
- Folding chair, camping chair.
- Mask.
- If you’re tying a fly, bring your stuff. Otherwise it’s a casual hang.
- Only attend if you are feeling well.
- Requesting those with underlying heath issues take a pass until we can be together in person again.
- This meeting has always been in an open garage and has basically always been “outdoors” – so we’re good to go.
- Bring a jacket incase during our colder autumn/winter evenings.
- According to CA rules WE CAN have a small gathering and rules are “recommended” according to 1st amendment rights.
- If you want to confirm fly tying for date indicated email: conejovalleyflyfishers@gmail.com
To find out more, visit our fly tying meeting page on our website | LINK
CONEJO VALLEY FLY FISHER'S | OUTINGS 2021
february 2021 | CLUB MEMBER EVENT ONLY: CASUAL CAMPING & FLY FISHING IN BISHOP
For anyone wanting to venture out, some of us are camping & fishing at the Pleasant Valley Campground in Bishop, CA. Most of us are RV-ing because it'll probably still be RIPPIN' COLD!!! But I know there are some brave souls who will and join us in tents.
The PRIVATE INFO was emailed to all club members. If you did not get the message, email Cece at: conejovalleyflyfishers@gmail.com OR go to our outings page for more of the same information.
- Make your own reservation.
- No itinerary. We’ll just wing it.
- People can fish on their own or in groups (bubbles) but we’ll have a nightly campfire to enjoy.
- Will follow social distancing and state rules.
Not a member? Join us today! CLICK HERE
JUNE 2021 - THE Bollinger’s Mammoth trip!
CAMPING & FLY FISHING | JUNE 24 TO JULY 1, 2021
Come for a few days, come for the whole thing!
We will send out emails for any last minute outings.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
ARE WE MISSING A PHOTO OF YOU? IF SO, PLEASE SEND ONE IN! WE'D LOVE TO ADD YOUR PHOTO TO OUR NEWSLETTER AND ARCHIVES!
for those who don't know - we now have a facebook "group" with the added "so-cal".
swcffi's 2021 TROUT RODEO COMPETITION in bishop, california "CANCELED"
rescheduled to 2022
FLY TYING WITH LIKE-MINDED CLUBS ONLINE
OPEN TO ALL PERSONS!
SIERRA PACIFIC FLY FISHERS > Every Wednesday at 7:00pm. Email Michael at: education2@spff.org
LONG BEACH CASTING CLUB > Every Tuesday at 7:00pm. Email Shirley at: sakagusc@gmail.com
VINTAGE NEWSLETTERS! GREAT MEMORIES!
REDINGTON FLY RODS AND REELS / affordable and lifetime warranties
G O T - P H O T O S ?
Please submit photos to: conejovalleyflyfishers@gmail.com
JAMES GARRETTSON / Article
Jan 28, 2021 - Fly Fishing in the Winter: Where the trout at?
AboutTrout | 7.09K subscribers
Winter + Water = Winter Water. If you don't ski or shred pow with your snow boarding bros on the back side and love to fly fish, you're probably doing it this winter. By it, I mean fly fly fishing. Specifically for trout. During the winter you can find trout in very specific water types. Mostly deep and slow. Its all relative though. Hopefully this video helps you hand out some extra lip piercings to trout before the snow is gone.
FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUIDE FLIES: "JUSTIN ZEEBER" JIG ZEBRA MIDGE VARIATION
The Justin Zeeber comes from the mind of Tom Sawyer at Los Pinos fly shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Materials for the fly can be purchased their or at your local fly shop. This fly has become an top producer for me on the San Juan wether fished euro or under an indicator. If you're new to fly tying this is a great place to start.
If you're in Northern New Mexico and looking for a guide check out www.abouttrout.com
Los Pinos Fly Shop (505) 884-7501
- Materials List:
- Hook: Fullingmill Jig Force or Jig short #18
- Bead: Fullinmill Tungsten Slotted 2mm
- Thread: Semper Fli nano silk black, 18/0 https://amzn.to/3tuUUij
- Rib: UTC Ultra Wire , Small, Silver
- Tag: Globrite floss , White (Shade 16)
- Collar: Hands Spectra Shade 46 or sub ice dub peacock black or black.
EASTERN SIERRA FISHING ALL YEAR LONG
http://www.theothersideofcalifornia.com/activities/fishing/
CALIFORNIA LUNAR CALENDAR & TIDE TABLES
COURTESY LISTINGS worth the mention
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- President: Gary Scott
- President Pro Tem: Charley Beals
- Vice President: OPEN
- Secretary: Bob Kieling
- Treasurer / Membership: Kit Korf
- Trout in the Classroom: Rich & Judy Bollinger
- Member at Large: Scott Olson & Charley Beals
- Club Outings, Facebook, Videographer & Marketing: Rick Ferrante
- Fly Tying Director: Gary Scott
- Fundraising Chairman: Peter Sumner & Scott Olson
- Contributing writers: Scott Olson, Mike Weigand, Charley Beals
- Newsletter/ Website / Program Coordinator: Cece Rubin
- info@conejovalleyflyfishers.com
Credits:
Created with images by Luca Bravo - "untitled image" • Taylor Grote - "Fly Fisherman" • Kalen Emsley - "Wet mountain valley" • kazuend - "Rushing Stream" • Jeremy Bishop - "untitled image"