March Offers a Fresh Outlook

No doubt about it, we've had our share of rainy days and gray skies during the winter months. That's not bad, really. We need that fresh water from the heavens, and our trout thrive in the accompanying coolness; nevertheless, the color gray seems to cast a gloom over one's outlook if it prevails over an extended period. As for the fishing, some of our anglers have been highly successful while others are still scratching their heads over what it takes to tie into an energetic rainbow.

In the course of our discussions during the monthly meeting, several tips have been offered by our friends who have been most successful in catching our trout. Largely due to Rick Wilson's sharing his expertise, using a full sinking line to get a fly down deep seems to be the one most productive bits of advice that leads to success at our two trout leases–especially at the Double B, where two of the three fishing areas offer mostly deep water. But even in shallower water, the fish hang close to the bottom in the holes that attract them most.

As far as the most successful flies are concerned, a look at the sign-out sheet offers an idea of what is working. One of the most productive is a fly created by a very popular fly-fisher from the Central Texas Fly Fishing Club in San Marcos who, even though he now has moved to Chicago, continues to stay in close touch with his friends in Texas. Matt Jennings is the gregarious chap who shared his creation with other San Marcos guys and gals. This unselfish act has resulted in many a successful catch. It is known simply as "Matt's Bug." This fly may become one of the better know flies in our part of the state, perhaps even the country, if its success continues. You can find a bit of its history along with its recipe and a series of clear photographs on how to tie it by getting on the Internet at www.ctff.org and clicking on "Flies and Fly Tying." Then click on "Matt's Bug." You may have to substitute a few materials, but if it looks close to what is pictured, it ought to work. At least it has for ye olde editor.

Another fly that has been dependable is a size #14 or #16 Pheasant Tail Nymph. This classic fly may be tied with a ribbing of copper wire and a continuation of the wire wound round and round to form bulk for a thorax covered over with palmered peacock herl, which is then topped by a small section of barbules from a wing section pheasant tail to form a wing case. The fly sinks naturally to lower levels due to the copper weighted ribbing and thorax.. It works well by itself, but when used as a dropper from one of Matt's Bugs, it furnishes a double duo that brings a lot of bumps and hookups.

Also, at the February meeting Danny Wheat explained in detail a way to tie on a dropper that is very useful in allowing an unweighted fly to float naturally above a weighted one below the water's surface. Danny used the chalk board to illustrate the technique. He showed how two segments of tippet material, one about 36" long and the other about 18", are held together and tied to the leader using a knot similar to a Duncan Loop. A dry fly is then tied to the longer tippet and a bead head fly tied to the shorter one. What happens is that the dry fly floats at a higher level in the water while the bead head naturally sinks to a lower level without dragging the dry fly with it. Sounds like this technique is really worth a try.

Now, let's consider some other things that March brings. In fact one may have already started. Remember, the white bass start their spawning trip up the Colorado River about now. In years past, some of our members have found that fishing out of Colorado Bend State Park or at one of the nearby campgrounds on the river can be exciting. If you hit it at the right time, you just might catch a gob of these strong fish. Two of the flies that have worked well with these fish are a Clouser Minnow with chartreuse or Columbia blue topside and white below; the other fly being a White Woolly Bugger. Surely, some of our members have had success with other flies, too.

Another new attraction this spring will be the initiation this month of a new and separate fly tying meeting apart from our regular monthly club meeting. The board of directors decided to initiate a different approach to an important element of fly-fishing for our fly tying enthusiasts. This month on Thursday, March 24^th, at 7:00 PM, any members who wish may bring their vises and materials to gather at our UGRA meeting room for a free-for-all fly tying and tall tale gathering session. Beginners will be able to pick up useful techniques, veteran tyers may display their skills and share them, new flies may be introduced, and fresh batches of flies may be prepared for that next trip to the river. This is a chance for our club to expand its offerings and also to add to the general camaraderie that makes fly-fishing so much fun. Other clubs have been highly successful in having such a tying program added to each month's features. There is no reason why this shouldn't work for our Hill Country Fly Fishers. Plan to help turn this initiative into reality. We'll put this information on our new web site to help remind you.

Looking ahead, we may also anticipate some interesting things taking place in April. Shaping up is an outing to Shonto Ranch, a beautiful private facility that stocks huge rainbows for its sporting clients to enjoy catching. HCFF President Dennis Glenewinkel has been working to pull the details together, and if all goes well, for the first time, our club members will have an opportunity to fish the scenic waters of Shonto Ranch. More details will soon be forthcoming.

Also in April, Ann Miller of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is inviting those in our club who are involved with angler instruction and who wish to help train other area education instructors to attend a two-day training opportunity slated for April 2^nd and 3^rd at the Parrie Haynes Youth Ranch near Copperas Cove on the Lampasas River. Dr. Guy Harrison and Keith Masters attended last year's TP&W Area Chiefs' Meeting and are encouraging others to take advantage of this opportunity. All lodging and meals are free. Doc will be talking to interested persons when he returns from Baja California in mid-March. By the way, he has an article in TP&W's January issue of Reel Lines entitled "Simple Knots for Budding Fly Fishers." The article contains directions and illustrations for tying the Surgeon's Loop, Surgeon's Knot, Loop-to-Loop Connection, and Koch Knot. Congratulations to our Dynamo Doc.

May 15 th brings the ever popular Bud Priddy One Fly Contest in Camp Wood on the Nueces River. This is an event that never disappoints those who participate. The Nueces River is both delightfully clear and fascinatingly deceiving. Its clarity is so intense that it robs the angler of determining water depth. It may look two feet deep and actually be four feet deep. Colorful sunfish abound in its water along with bass of all sizes. What is really nice is that access is almost unlimited. There are numerous county roads leading to the river, and there has never been any complaint mentioned of bordering landowners objecting to entry into the water at these road crossings. It's an opportunity to meet fly-fishers from other places, to eat with them, and to come together at the end of the day for some dandy awards. Try this event once and you'll always want to return.

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The Hill Country Fly Fishers had a good 2004

The Hill Country Fly Fishers had a good 2004. We had excellent programs, continued to introduce young folks to fly fishing, established our own web site and introduced a new trout stocking location ( Double B Resort ) to name just a few successes. Let’s all get with the program and make 2005 an even more successful year.

I would like to extend some special thanks to some of our hard working members. Rick Wilson who was responsible in finding Crabapple also found the Double B for us. In addition, as chairman of the cold water committee, he was responsible for signing up everyone, keeping records, putting the signs in place and feeding the fish at Crabapple.

Thanks to Mike Andrews for continuing to produce a great newsletter each month and for getting our web site established.

Our youth programs are a passion of Guy Harrison. He continues to direct a great program at Camp La Junta and urges us all to get involved.

I have never been involved in a club that has such good accounting of our financial activities. Thanks go to Dick Koon for that.

Folks, all of these activities take time and effort. Please volunteer or agree to help if you are asked to participate.

I think we have the right ingredients to have an even better year in ’05. Our goals are:

• Introduce a third stocking location -- Camp La Junta
• Have several club sponsored outings -- partially underwriting by the club
• Increase the strength, participation in and effectiveness of our committees
• Complete the web site
• Increase member participation in the club

Have a great year of fishing!

- Dennis Glenewinkel

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February Meeting

Some of the items covered in the previous article overlap with other topics of discussion at the February meeting, and it would be redundant to repeat them. Nevertheless, mention should be made that our treasury is cruising along in healthy fashion. Dick Koon passed out the treasurer's report accounting for income and expenses with a balance left of around $ 6,000. Dick proposed that an additional amount be added to the January meeting contribution to the Casting for Recovery project explained at the January meeting by Mary Rohrer to finance sending women who are breast cancer survivors to a camp at Joshua Creek Ranch in Boerne. The added contribution would bring the total amount to $ 250 ( Editor's note: Your editor made a rather embarrassing mistake of stating in The Back Cast that our club had voted to contribute close to $ 900 for this cause. Sorry about that. The buck stops here.) Rick Wilson indicated that things are going fairly smoothly at our trout leases. There was some concern that not everyone was catching as many fish as expected. The secret, according to Rick is using a sinking line to haul in healthy numbers. President Dennis Glenewinkel spoke of an anticipated outing at Shonto Ranch and also announced that the new dam at Camp La Junta is now completed. It offers a strong possibility for our club to have a third stocking site for next year's trout season. Some discussion arose about possible monetary gifts toward stocking warm water fish in addition to those already explored by Doc Harrison and his efforts to stock Guadalupe bass along with cooperation of the UGRA's conservation and restoration goals. Mike Andrews mentioned Doc's request as education committee chairman to remind members of the TP&W's upcoming workshop on April 2^nd and 3^rd for those interested in the Area Chief's Meeting at Copperas Cove. Danny Wheat, salt water chairman, raised the question about whether enough of our members were interested in salt water fishing to sustain a committee. Following several viewpoints, most thought that there was enough support to continue efforts on salt water fishing and outings. Mike Andrews, membership chairman, spoke on how the new Internet site might publicize and attract new members.

The show and tell portion of the meeting was successful. Techniques for catching fish, new devices to hold flies while on stream using magnates, and newly designed boxes, flies both old and new, but all remarkable in some fashion, were passed around. In short, those present came through with enough interesting contributions to make the show and tell a success.

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From FFF ClubWire. . .

ADOPT-A-STREAM PROGRAM

Our home waters offers us a place of comfort and familiarity. They are the local places we go to fish and unwind from life's hectic pace. They are also places we feel attached to and protective of. In the FFF's ongoing efforts to preserve our angling heritage and protect fish habitat, the FFF has launched the Adopt-A-Stream program. In accordance with the 2003 FFF Clean Water Resolution, the Adopt-A-Stream program provides a way for FFF clubs to watch over their local waters. By adopting a local stream of water, clubs can foster a sense of ownership amongst their members by holding regular stream clean-ups, conducting water quality monitoring or bio-monitoring. With the sense of ownership created through these activities comes a sense of pride and stewardship over our home waters.

In recognition of these efforts, the FFF will fund a portion of the cost ($100.00) of an approved professional sign to be erected at the adoption site naming the adopting club and stating "We respect these waters." Club efforts must be sustained and ongoing to maintain a presence at their adopted site ( Due to the efforts of Dr. Guy Harrison, our club has been awarded such a sign, which will be placed on the river at Camp La Junta. He will be able to elaborate upon his return from Baja.)

AN FFF Book Review

Our Fragile Coastal Fisheries
by Don Phillips
Published by Trafford Publishing, 2004, Vancouver BC
245 pages, softbound, illustrated B & W
Suggested price $ 24.95
Reviewed by R.P. Van Gytenbeek

In a departure from his earlier books (The Technology of Fly Rods and Saltwater Fly Fishing from Maine to Texas), FFF member Don Phillips' new book, Our Fragile Coastal Fisheries, examines in detail the changes that are taking place in the coastal environments of America, and how these changes are damaging the health of our marine fish populations. The book describes the impact of species diversity losses, water pollution, habitat destruction, climate changes and over harvesting, and it contains literally hundreds of charts and tables to emphasize the need for action to save our fisheries for future generations

Phillips also devotes a full chapter to some of the strategies needed to mitigate the negative effects of our relentless growth and development. Water quality monitoring, pollution abatement, habitat inventorying and reconstruction, marine protected areas, aquaculture, stock enhancement, watershed zoning, harvest regulations and fisheries management are discussed in this regard. He also emphasizes the need for collaborative action by historically divided factions (commercial vs. recreational fishermen, for example) to define new solutions with a broader base of support.

Because of its level of detail, this book is not a quick read. Nevertheless, its clear writing and compelling content should be a very useful reference source for individuals and organizations that are concerned about the health of our marine fish species and that need information that will help them in their conservation efforts. Our Fragile Coastal Fisheries occupies an important place in my book collection. Those wishing to obtain a copy may do so by contacting a major bookstore, the publisher's website (www.trafford.com) or Don Phillips (phone: 239-732-6667 or e-mail: tropanglers@cyberisle.com.

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A New Pizzazz in Emerging State at FFF

I'm looking at an impressive cover on the most recent copy of FFF's Flyfisher magazine. It features a drawing and some handwriting that I have seen before. It's a picture drawn by Meriwether Lewis of a White Salmon Trout, otherwise known as a coho, covering a third of a page–the other two thirds in handsome script recording the fish in minute detail–just a sampling of Lewis' copious journal recording all manner of observations on his and William Clark's remarkable trail of discovery over the uncharted territory between St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean. In all, Lewis and Clark were the first to document 122 species of animals, including 12 species of fish, that they encountered along the trail.

How fitting it is that FFF's Flyfisherwould use Lewis and Clark's discoveries as a springboard into what seems to be a new frontier in the undertakings of the Federation. To those who have some interest in the national organization's recent history, following a brief period of seeming confusion, a new enthusiasm accompanied by bold new organizational initiatives seems to be taking place under the new leadership of R.P. "Van" Gytenbeek, Chief Executive Officer/President of the Federation of Fly Fishers.It only takes a brief perusing of this winter issue of the magazine to perceive the magnitude progress taking place.

First, is the Flyfisher itself. It has an appearance that invites one into its pages. The make-up and organization are both clear and captivating. That's for starters. What follows is content that is full of meat regarding FFF's activities both for the present and for the future. Combined with that are articles that reflect the interests of all dedicated fly-fishers yet also in some way tied in with FFF's goals and purposes. Just take a look at some of the article headings: "Communication–or the Lack Thereof," by the head honcho himself, CEO "Van" Gytenbeek; "Home Waters–FFF Headquarters Moves to Livingston"; "President's Club Established," "FFF Leads the Alliance for Fly Fishing Education," "National Fly Fishing Week Carries on the Tradition," "Membership, the Guarantee for Future of Fly Fishing," "Previewing the 2005 Conclave." All of the above involve the organization's activities.

Now, take a look at some of the offerings that take the reader along for both fly-fishing adventure and information: "Fishing the Journals of Lewis and Clark," "Hookin' Up–Setting the Hook Right for Saltwater Fishing," "Arthropods in a Warmwater World," "Preservation–Protecting Resident Native Trout: A Case for a National Refuge System," "Starting Out in the World of Two-Handed Casting," "The Man from British Columbia" (about a touching episode involving the famous angler, Roderick Haig-Brown),"Cast upon the Water" (about the Casting for Recovery retreats for women recovering from cancer), "Women's Outlook," "Instructors: Casters or Coaches?" "At the Vise–Bird Shot Wobbler," plus a number of shorter articles.

Footprints in progress mark the turning of these pages. How does this sentence grab you? "We have developed an excellent national reputation, but we don't communicate worth a darn." That's from the new CEO/President "Van" Gytenbeek. He then points out specific ways to communicate more effectively. You'll have to read it to appreciate this man's keeninsight. He, by the way, is a past president of Trout Unlimited in addition to other prestigious credentials.

FFF headquarters, moving to Livingston from Bozeman joins the headquarters with the Fly Fishing Discover Center. Now isn't this a practical and efficient move in the consolidation both operations. I think of it as positive progress.

A newly designed web site, fedflyfishers.org, offers a cornucopia of information and provides for posting messages at both the council and club level. At the same time ClubWire continues to provide the latest news from FFF to newsletter editors and also presents articles and stories contributed by various club members that may be used in club newsletters.

FFF is assuming a major role in rejuvenating an Alliance for Fly Fishing Educators. Bob Wiltshire, FFF's chief operating officer, will chair the new organization. Following a recent meeting in Minneapolis that set goals for the new AFFE, Wiltshire commented, "This is great news for anyone interested in fly-fishing education. By coming together as a working, cooperating group, we can build on the good works being done across the country and provide a multiplier effect for further fly-fishing education. AFFE brings together successful programs and provides a clear opportunity for us all to accomplish even more by joining together to leverage our efforts."

Are you fascinated with tempting items that display your love for fly-fishing? The FFF has a number of handsome items displayed in its Flyfisher magazine from caps to coffee cups (FFF even sells its own coffee now), framed displays of painted fish and hand tied flies to T-shirts. Take a look.

Yes, it seems that the Federation of Fly Fishers is on the move, exploring new territory under a strong new leader. Looking back through the article on Lewis and Clark's journey to the Pacific and back, my eyes settled on a paragraph or two that describe how Lewis found one of his men to be the best fisherman of his brave explorers, a chap named Silas Goodrich. One day Lewis spied Silas fishing and saw him pull in "‘several douzen fish of two different species. . . . They bite at meat or grasshoppers.' Lewis wrote on June 11, 1805," as Seonald Campbell writes in the article. A bit further on, Lewis observed Goodrich catch "‘half a douzen very fine trout. . . from sixteen to twenty three inches in length. . . .' They had just discovered the west slope cutthroat. . . ."

I was impressed by the freshness and the content of the much improved quarterly magazine that reaches beyond just FFF news. It's now what I would call a slick publication. I'll try to remember to bring a copy to our monthly meeting. Anyway, the Lewis and Clark story is what prompted me to close out this month's newsletter by complimenting the improvements being made in FFF and to encourage a new look into the workings of this important organization.

Our club holds membership in the FFF, which qualifies us for certain privileges and connections with the national organization, the Southern Council, and other member clubs. Being in a club that is a member is not the same as being an individual member. Our Hill Country Fly Fishers have perhaps a dozen individual members who receive the FFF magazine and other privileges. Quite candidly, I personally feel that the organization has had its shortcomings, but I truly believe that some significant changes are taking place and that both club membership and individual memberships will be to our advantage. I sense a new excitement within the FFF. As membership chairman for the Hill Country Fly Fishers, I encourage you to visit the FFF website mentioned above and to consider joining the only national fly fishing organization that covers all waters that we anglers of the long rod fish, whether it be warm, salt, or cold. See you at the meeting.

 

The Back Cast
Newsletter of the Hill Country Fly Fishers
Editor: Mike Andrews
P.O. Box 2106
Kerrville, Texas 78029