Spokane Fly Fishers www.spokaneflyfishers.com February, 2018

FEBRUARY 14, 2018 Ed Engle

“Catching Difficult Trout” Our February program promises to be a memorable one! Renowned fly fishing guide, author and presenter, Ed Engle, of Colorado Springs, comes to the Spokane Fly Fishers Club to present “Catching Difficult Trout”. If you’ve ever stood on the bank of a river or lake while trout were rising furiously all around you but you couldn’t get them to take your fly offering, then this is the program to attend.

Ed Engle has published a number of well-regarded books on fly fishing including; Trout Lessons (2010), Fishing Small Flies (2004), Tying Small Flies (2003) and Fly Fishing Tailwaters (1991). He regularly guides and fishes the South Platte and other rivers in Colorado including the Frying Pan. Though Ed is especially known for his penchant for small flies and tailwaters, his presentation will include tactics and techniques to fool difficult trout on freestone streams as well such as we have in the immediate Spokane area. “Catching Difficult Trout” will dispel some myths about ‘educated’ trout (a convenient but flimsy excuse) as well as special considerations regarding approaching the water, planning for an effective presentation, locating feeding and holding lies in a variety of water conditions and other secrets to success on those difficult days on the water. Our program, as always, will include ample time for questions and answers from our presenter. We’re finalizing efforts to have copies of Ed’s books available on our meeting night for sale and author signing so bring your checkbook, cash or credit card. Plan now to attend on February 14th and bring a friend interested in expanding their knowledge of fly fishing from a world-class presenter. Meeting night is the evening of Valentine’s Day. Plan your escape to the meeting now or bring your “special someone” along…but DON’T MISS THIS ONE!

OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS

President Doug Keene Vice President Al Odenthal Treasurer Rick Diffley Secretary Connie Tedrow Board Position 1 Randy Ishihara Board Position 2 David Marshall Board Position 3 Devon Greyerbiehl Past President Claude Kistler Sgt. At Arms Rick Newman

Contact us at: P. O. Box 4141

Spokane, WA 99220 Or

sffishers@comcast.net

AROUND THE BEND

Feb. 14: SFF General Meeting 7:00 PM Feb. 21: SFF Board Meeting 6:30 PM Mar. 14: SFF General Meeting

RAFFLE 7:00 PM

Mar. 21: SFF Board Meeting 6:30 PM

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Programs: Al Odenthal Barbless Flyer Editor: Linda Howe Conservation: Claude Kistler Outings: John Hudson Education: Kurt Tempel Membership: Mark Gardner Fly Fishing School: Claude Kistler Rick Newman Librarian: Larry Ray PHW Contact: George Foster FFI Liaison: Rick Newman Beg. Fly Tying: Mary Kovatch Int. Fly Tying: Rick Newman Casting for Recovery: Mary Kovatch A/V Coordinator: David Marshall

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PREZ SEZ By: Doug Keene

As the President of the club, a lot of my time is devoted to work that the Spokane Fly Fishers Board of Directors is doing for the club. Most of you never get to see them at work, but these amazing, seemingly tireless folks, all volunteers, put many hours into the work of keeping our club running properly. They are devoted to making your experience in the club more enjoyable. The current Board is a very good mix of experience and skills that they have been willing to apply to the many tasks that it takes to keep a club of 200+ members healthy and supportive of its membership. The majority of the Board this year are new to the work and are bringing some new ideas and visions into play as we plan our activities, as we create an outreach to our new and seasoned members, and as we guide the many educational activities of the club. As an example, the Board members have each adopted a committee to support. This means that they stay in touch with the various chairpersons to assure that they have all the resources they need to help them deal with budget issues and to represent them on matters before the board. The three Directors-at-Large are making an effort to get to know the members at the meetings that they have never met before, to listen to them about what their wishes are related to the club, and to be their representative on the board. One team has developed a new member's packet of information to introduce them to the many different classes and to help them know what volunteer activities may be available for them to participate in. The total focus is on the membership and it will, hopefully, make a difference. Speaking of volunteers, the club cannot work without the participation of its members as volunteers for our many interesting projects. Some are currently working on the planning for the 2018 Fly School curriculum while others are assisting in the Fly Tying Classes. Another group is working with the Outings Committee to make sure that this year's outings are interesting and that there is a good balance between still water and river events. There are some working on our Educational Program for the year, as well. Those who volunteer on the Conservation Committee work will find that there are some very interesting projects that will get them outside and contributing to the betterment of the fish populations and the bodies of water that support them. All of these are fun and interesting. And, they all need volunteers. Our volunteers are folks just like you and they are the most valuable asset of our club. If you are not volunteering, you are missing out on the best parts of the club. If you have had trouble getting to know other members, volunteer and your problem will be solved. Contact me or any of the other folks you see up around the podium at meetings and we will help you get involved.

2018 is going to be a great year. Lets all join in to make this a fun time among friends.

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CONSERVATION CORNER By: Claude Kistler, Chairman

As we stress the importance of the Conservation and Education Raffle coming up in March, it’s important that you are aware of some of our Conservation Committee projects and activities. In January, several members partnered with the Spokane River Keepers organization, Trout Unlimited and the Inland Empire Fly Fishing Club to undergo member training in order to participate in monitoring water clarity (turbidity) in the Spokane River and Hangman Creek. The data will be used to determine the intensity and duration of degraded water quality in Hangman Creek and its effect on the Spokane River and ultimately the impact on the Spokane River Redband Trout.

Your Conservation Committee continues to work with stakeholders in the Browns Lake fishery in support of an improved fishery. We’re working with stakeholders in support of improved culverts for the flow of Browns Creek into the lake, improved spawning so that Browns Lake may become more of a natural wild sustained fishery, improved habitat, creel data, improved signage and perhaps additional study of the lake and river system.

We are seeking to partner with the IEEFC on some of their local projects such as channel spawning at Bayley Lake, various fin clipping needs at the fish hatchery and signage needs at Amber Lake and Coffee Pot Lake.

These projects will all help improve local fisheries and protect and preserve these important local resources.

Please join us in our work and please participate in the Raffle to help fund this critical work of your club.

CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION RAFFLE By: Claude Kistler and Miguel Ferrera

The annual raffle to support conservation and education activities will be held at our March 14th meeting. While we are in contact with local and regional fly fishing shops, it’s critical that our members donate new or gently used items and or services to be raffled off for this great cause. We’re working on obtaining starter rod/reel kits, books, flies,

fly tying material, vests, boots, waders and many other fly fishing items. We also hope to have at least one pontoon boat to offer. If you might be able to donate a pontoon boat, fly rod, etc. please let us know immediately as this will help us plan to acquire a few major items that help round out our great raffle.

We will be accepting items at our February meeting. Those who get their items in by March 5th, will be eligible for a drawing to receive a $50 gift certificate.

If you need your items picked up, please contact either Miguel at 263-2534 or Claude at 747-2268.

At the raffle, you must put your number on the back of each ticket purchased. To avoid this tedious chore, you may pre-purchase your tickets and the club will put your number on all your tickets and have them available for you to pick up on the night of the raffle. You may pre-purchase your tickets at the February 14th meeting.

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BY-LAWS, OFFICER AND AWARD NOMINATIONS By: Claude Kistler

The recommended By-Law changes were approved by member voting at our January meeting and the new policies will be implemented immediately as we now move forward to elect officers, board and club award winners for next year.

While President Doug is appointing various nominating committees, the major impact of the By-Law changes is the opportunity for club members to be more involved in also nominating candidates.

Please look for forms to nominate Officers /Board position at the February club meeting or print a form from the club’s website. These forms must be received by March 1st and will be vetted along with candidates identified by the nominating committee. A slate of Officer/Board recommendations will be announced at the March meeting with election taking place at the April meeting.

Forms for award nominees can also be picked up at the February meeting and they will be due at the March membership meeting. Nominees for awards will be presented to the various award nominating committees who will make recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board will make the final selection of award winners and those awards will be presented at the annual awards barbeque and picnic on the second Saturday of May.

FLY FISHING SCHOOL By: Rick Newman and Claude Kistler

Hopefully you are seeing some newspaper ads in the newspaper about our fly fishing school. If interested, there is still space.

Classes begin on Thursday, February 15th and will run for seven weeks. This is a great learning opportunity for those new to fly fishing or a chance to improve skills if you already fish.

There will also be three Saturday morning casting sessions. At $125 for non-members and $75 for members, this is a great bargain. Please give Claude a call at (509) 747-2268 or email at fs@spokaneflyfishers.com to register or let me know if you have any questions.

MEMBERS: Your help is need for the knot tying class on February 15th and the casting classes in March. Contact Rick or Claude at fs@spokaneflyfishers.com to volunteer.

CHRISTMAS PARTY REPORT

By: Carla Ferguson Another wonderful party!

So many participated in making the event run smoothly. Everyone joined

together to make this an evening to remember. I want to thank you all.

A very special thank you to Linda Howe. Over the last ten or so years, she's been my right-hand man. We've had a lot of good and crazy times working together. I know that I couldn't have done it without her. David Marshall was my “go to" guy — I hope with no regrets. LOL. Rick Newman and Dan White are the best turkey strippers ever! Carey Smith, a new member, rolled up her sleeves and pitched in wherever needed. And, George Davis (Santa) did a great job welcoming members.

We can always count on Cheryl Allen's quartet "SnapShot" to put us in the Holiday spirit.

With so many people stepping in to help with set-up and clean-up, I can’t possibly mention them all. Thank you, everyone, for my final year of chairing this successful event.

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2018 OUTINGS SCHEDULE

DATE LOCATION HOST RATING/EXPLANATION April 7 Coffeepot Lake 1- Usually cold and windy April 21 Amber Lake 1- Can be cold/windy May 5 Clear Lake/ Volunteers Needed

Kids Fishing Day

May 12 Clear Lake-Picnic 1- Can be cool/windy

May 23 Williams Lake 1 – Late afternoon float

May 26 Badger/ 1 Fly Contest

June 8-10 Rock Creek, MT 2-Wade-/3-Float; fast water

June 23 Browns Lake 1- Float

June 30 Lower Selway 3- Wade – , access

July 7 North Fork-CDA 2-Wading

July 20-22 St. Joe River 1-3 Depending on location

August 3-5 Kelly Creek/NF Clearwater 3- Wade Access/ slick

August 24-26 Kootenai River 2-3 Float: Rapids

Sept 8-9 Chopaka Lake 1-Float

Sept 20-24 A-Missouri/B-Yellowstone 2-Float: Bridge Abutments /Obstacles

Sept 29 Williams/Amber 1 – Float

Oct 6 Dry Falls Lake/Lake Lenore 1- Float

Oct 20 Clark Fork 2-Float: Abutments small rapids

NOTE: Due to weather, run-off and conditions dates or locations may be changed and members notified.

Contact our Outings Committee Chairman, John Hudson at jhcutbow@comcast.net or call him at

(509 413-7482, if you have any questions or would be willing to host an outing.

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LEVEL TYPE RATINGS DESCRIPTION 1 Water: Still water, easy access, may have windy conditions Operator: Rookie to expert, First time pontoon/drift boat owners should start here. Float Tubes okay here only. 2 Water: Still water: Limited access/River. Comfortable current, some obstacles and small rapids, easy wade. Operator: Level 1 accomplished, First river outing with experienced mentor. 3 Water: Still Water: Difficult access. River: Float, faster water, obstacles, rapids, sweepers. Wade: Difficult access, fast, slick rocks. Operator: Level 2 accomplished and mastered. Good boat handling skills, can read water and react. 4 Water: River: Faster water, changing conditions, heavy rapids, obstacles, braids, strong hydraulics, sweepers. Operator: Level 3 accomplished and mastered. Excellent boat hand- ling skills, can read river quickly and respond. 5 Water: River: Complex water, changing hydraulics and river path. Complex rapids, falls, scouting recommended. Operator: Expert boat handler with a lot of experience in complex hydraulic situations. Must be able to read and react immediately and correctly.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Each time a boat operator enters a new level for the first time it is recommended they go with an experienced mentor at that level.

MENTORS………

When signing up for outings note the rating assigned to the waters. If you have any questions about the waters and the rating, contact the host of the outing or the Outings

Committee Chairman (John Hudson at jhcutbow@comcast.net or call him at (509 413-7482).

A mentor can be provided to aid in negotiating new waters and help to make your outing experience enjoyable.

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ESTAZ WILLOW BUGGER By: Mike Melmoth

Materials: Hook - TMC 300-8 Thread – 3/0 or 6/0 black Folded clevis – 5 mm Willow leaf – 1 inch Loon Hard Head paint Estaz – opal black Marabou – slate gray Hackle – black wooly bugger

The most time-consuming part of tying these flies is the painting and dry time of the willow leaf spinners. I paint all ahead of time, dry with a hair dryer the day after painting and store until needed. Do not paint entire front of spinner (pool in the center of convex side) allowing a thin rim of silver or gold around the spinner. I use two or three coats to get the depth of color desired. I also use three different colors: green,yellow and red. Your choice of colors, or combination of colors for all materials, can be anything you want to try.

As always crush the barb (clevis will not fit hook if you don’t). Slide clevis through spinner and onto hook. Leave three eye widths of space behind eye for free floating clevis. Start thread and wrap back to bend of hook. Coat with head cement or Zap-A-Gap. Tie in marabou tail the length of the hook shank, wrapping over entire hook shank to build body bulk desired. Wrap thread back to tie in point. Tie in hackle and Estaz. Wrap Estaz to within one eye width of thread wrap (this will be for tying a head). Palmer hackle forward and tie off at end of Estaz. Tie a tapered head, whip finish and cut thread. Coat head with head cement.

Troll or fish with as fast a strip as you can to made willow leaf spin. This fly works well for large and smallmouth bass, pike and, occasionally, trout.

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BOOK OF THE MONTH BY: Larry Ray

What’s in a Name? During the 19th and early 20th centuries it was common for notable outdoor and fishing authors to adopt a pen name with a topical theme. Most of this occurred in England, but there were a few in the USA as well. For example, Robert Blakely, a prolific British fishing writer from the period, wrote under the name Palmer Hackle. The man many consider the “father of American fly fishing”, Theodore Gordon, sometimes utilized the

name Badger Hackle. Sparse Grey Hackle was the pseudonym adopted by Alfred W. Miller when he wrote the beloved Fishless Days and Angling Nights (which is, by the way, available in our SFF library!).

Of particular interest to those who pursue steelhead in area rivers with the fly is a work by another such author. Greased Line Fishing for Salmon was written by Donald G. Ferris Rudd in 1935 under the pen name Jock Scott (taken from the traditional salmon fly of that name) from a compilation of salmon fishing notes and materials by A.H.E. Wood. A noted British salmon fisherman, Wood was credited with originating the greased line method to swing traditional salmon flies. “Greased line” was so named for the line treatment necessary to get the silk lines of the period to float consistently and came to be known as the method of swinging flies drag-free, both surface and sub-surface, through runs that had slow, uniform currents from bank to bank (usually in low water conditions). The volume we hold in our library, Greased Line Fishing for Salmon (and Steelhead), was published in 1982 to connect Wood’s technique to northwest steelheading methods using the swung fly. Apart from the differences between modern gear and the rods and lines of Wood’s day, the methods appear to be much alike. (It should be noted here that Wood’s greased lining does not involve “riffling” or “waking”, which employ drag applied to a fly swinging through the surface current to create a wake that can attract a strike.)

The forward by Bill McMillan, noted northwest steelhead angler and author, is key as he does a masterful job of relating Wood’s methods to modern techniques. There are interesting comparisons between equipment, especially rods, of Wood’s time and our own. McMillan also provides a concise history of steelheading in northwest waters, comparing both wet and dry methods and noting the early success of the few anglers, including Roderick Haig-Brown, who broke from the dictum that steelhead won’t rise to take surface flies. His reference to Haig-Brown’s pioneering role in taking steelhead with swung dry flies is especially informative. But, one will want to read the entire text by Scott as well, to fully appreciate the greased line method as well as the differences and similarities between then and now in both gear and technique. Not to mention his enjoyable, yet very instructional, writing style.

One interesting observation: Wood evidently did not like the long rods of that day that were the forerunners of the current Spey rods now in vogue, and instead preferred one-handed rods for swinging his flies (though these “one-handed” cane rods were twelve feet long and weighed 11 – 13 ounces!).

Detailed sketches are provided throughout to illustrate the principles involved in the greased line method. Photos of Wood fishing his beloved Cairnton runs, displaying proper demeanor while dressed in the appropriate tweeds and tie, provide a feel for that period when this method was developed. There are grainy, instructional photographs. One shows Wood employing the proper “power stroke” in his forward cast. Another shows him landing a salmon while employing the correct “side strain”. A close-up of a Cairnton salmon shows how it was properly hooked in the maxillary, the result of a well-presented fly. Meanwhile, there are nice color plates showing modern steelhead patterns, including bomber and other riffling types, for use in all water condi-tions. This volume, available in our SFF Library, should be read by anyone who wishes to swing flies through steelhead runs in area rivers such as the Clearwater and Grande Ronde.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR - MARCH 14, 2018 SFF CONSERVATION/EDUCATION RAFFLE

This is a marvelous moneymaker for the club. It provides the funds for our conservation projects and education programs and makes for a wonderfully fun meeting. The odds for this raffle are good. Bring family and friends and place your tickets on the items that you would like to win.

ADVANCE CONSERVATION RAFFLE TICKETS AVAILABLE

Advance Conservation Raffle Tickets will be sold at the February meeting (to avoid the long lines at the March meeting). The cost for tickets will be the same as last year ($1 for one, $5 for seven, and $10 for 15). The advance purchase will record your raffle number and will allow you to quickly pick up your prepaid, and pre-numbered raffle tickets at the March meeting. You'll then be ready to place your raffle tickets for the items of your choice.

Visa, MasterCard and Amex will be accepted for presales and at the March meeting.

SFF LOGO SHIRTS By: Claude Kistler

The deadline for ordering club logo shirts is at our February 14th club meeting. Payment must also be received at that time. Shirt examples and ordering information will be available at that time.

You recently received an email blast displaying shirt types, and colors and costs. If you did not receive it, please contact me at clkistler@comcast.net and I will send you a pdf file with this information. Shirt prices range from approximately $52 to $63. Club logo hats can also be ordered at $15 each.

As an added feature, I can also accept your personal shirt for logo embroidering at a cost of $10 per shirt. Please bring your shirt to me at the February 14th meeting with payment and I can include that in our order.

Let me know if you have any questions.

THE BARBLESS FLYER Spokane Fly Fishers P. O. Box 4141 Spokane, WA 99220

NEXT MEETING

FEBRUARY 14, 2018

ED ENGEL

“CATCHING DIFFICULT TROUT”

7:00 PM

ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL 1104 W. HEROY

“THE MISSION OF THE SPOKANE FLY FISHERS IS TO PROVIDE A FAMILY FRIENDLY ORGANIZATION FOR PROMOTING THE SPORT OF FLY FISHING THROUGH

EDUCATION, APPLICATION, AND CONSERVATION.”

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR NAME TAGS TO THE MEETING

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED —