Volume 10 • Issue 6 • June 2005

Near The Source of the Frio

From the highway roadside park, it looked enticing, a gently winding pathway of water that lay far below the bluffs where even the hint of what a fall would bring might cause one to take faint, shallow breaths. Yet finally pulling away from such a view could only plant a yearning to travel below someday perhaps to explore, to wade and to fish in the pristine setting over which eons surely passed as the stream emerged from pure springs to wear away limestone layers that even today rest far from the madding crowds.

I had viewed this scene several times over many years but only recently was most pleasantly surprised to seize an opportunity to actually travel a road beneath that high bluff. The call came wanting to know if I might be interested in teaching some of the basics of fly-fishing coupled with actual fishing on the upper reach of the Frio River. The voice was that of Paul Brouse, who, I would soon find, about as pleasant and helpful a chap anyone would want to know. The event was to occur at the H.E.B. Foundation facility off of Highway 83 a dozen or so miles north of Leakey. A group of men from the Kerrville Bible Church would be holding a retreat there during a mid-May weekend, and part of their recreational activities would include fly-fishing. What a rare stroke of good fortune! Aside from being in good company and sharing the rewards of my favorite pastime, I would be able to experience the beauty of what lay below my more distant vista from atop the roadside bluff.

I was to be at the assigned campsite by 11:00 A.M. to explore the area then decide on the best locations for my instruction and the most promising stretch of the Frio to fish. I left early enough to allow for any problems I might have in finding the proper campground. My instincts were correct in assuming that there would be a variety of places where groups and individuals might be lodged or camped. My new friend, Paul, had sent me a map of the facilities that proved very helpful as I made my way down the gravel road into the canyon on the winding way with several turns that asked for a honk on the horn before attempting the blind turn at a sharp bend. The countryside was captivating–a challenge in keeping my eyes on the road instead of the ever changing panorama. Probably the most interesting part came when I came to the stream itself. There, the road followed in the edge of the limestone riverbed about six inches deep in water for several hundred yards. I'm glad that I had allowed myself an extra half hour to keep my appointment. As luck would have it, I arrived just as Paul walked out the back door of the cafeteria to look for me.

We hit it off from the start as Paul chauffeured the way to several separate locations where casting and fishing offered the best possibilities. At each one, the water was clear enough to see some fish on the prowl. Only under the overhanging layers slightly above or below the water's surface offered shade and privacy to the bass, sunfish, and catfish so that they could not be seen unless they chose to cruise about the prevailing open water. Basically, the water had a slow current except immediately below small waterfalls here and there, and even there the flow was gentle. The bank varied from one location to the next. High bluffs were just across from our parking places, and on the river's edge there were some abrupt layers that would offer back cast problems, especially for beginners; other spots would not interfere with casting much, but the river was not particularly conducive to catching fish. I ended up with the water coming over a small falls and broadening to offer shots at sight casting for patrolling bass, some about15", or sunfish, with a large catfish or two thrown in. There was room for a sufficient back cast if it were made on a high plane going back and angled down on the forward cast. This is where we would fish. The decision being made, we headed back to the cafeteria area where lunch would soon be served as the men returned from their respective study areas. I set up my vise at one of the shaded picnic tables and began tying a simple fly that I had developed and had earlier tested some. I had already made up a batch for the dozen fellows who would be in the fly-fishing group

We had a fine picnic type meal of fully crammed sandwiches with different types of dressings and additional tidbits that might be added as we passed along the line. Soft drinks, tea, and coffee were available to wet our whistles. What impressed me was the ease with which my tying vise with a fly gripped in its jaws provided a ready introduction to a number of the friendly faces who chose to share the picnic table with me. The conversation was spontaneously spurred toward fly fishing and fly tying. The meal was just right and the fascination related to our sport was contagious.

Afterwards, the men in the fly-fishing group assembled a short distance away for a short course centered around how fly-fishing differed from other types of fishing; the reasons for fly rods and reels being assembled and constructed differently form typical spinning and casting outfits; some of the terminology used in fly-fishing; how a fly rod is loaded; the dynamics of making a cast in which the rod does the work; different types of casts–the roll cast, the overhead cast, the side-arm cast, the across the chest or over the head cast; different ways to cope with the wind, etc. All of the above combined lecturing, discussing, practicing, and coaching. After an hour and a half or so, we were ready to go fishing.

Piling into several vehicles, we headed for the select spot, where there was enough bank space to spread out our budding anglers so that they could have ample casting space and a fair shot at catching a fish. Several fellows had brought their own fly rods and some flies. I helped the others get rigged up and explained how to use my favorite Duncan Loop to tie on a fly; showed how to tie on tippet when needed; and helped solve inevitable problems that crop up when an angler is anxious to start casting but is delayed with a tangled tippet, a wind knot in the fly line, a line pinched by the reel's spool–such things happen. The reward for dealing with such annoyances is seeing a bunch of guys new to our sport having a fine time trying out what they have been taught. Did they catch any fish? Yes, indeedy! Not a whole lot, but some–one bass being about 15" or more. The important thing was that these chaps were now knowledgeable enough to go fly-fishing on their own and to perfect their skills during the rest of their lives.

Later in the afternoon, clouds gathered and in the distance thunder rumbled. We were too mesmerized with the fishing to be turned away at first, but the storm was moving closer. Good judgement prevailed. We collected the fishing outfits and called it a day. I stayed for about an hour back at the cafeteria tying flies and visiting with a few who chose to watch, talk, and ask a few questions. The whole experience with this group of really likable and receptive men was quite rewarding. I encouraged those who might be interested to attend one of our HCFF meetings and to check out our website. Any of these men would make fine additions to our club.

As I retraced my way along the Frio in the deep canyon and up the steep hillsides, I knew that I had been treated to seeing another special place that I would probably never have visited had not fly-fishing furnished my way. I cannot testify as to whether this river at its source is sure to lead to a lot of fishing action, but no one could make the journey to its banks without feeling rewarded by having been enveloped in its awesome surroundings. Some who read this account may have had the opportunity to visit or stay at the H.E.B. Foundation facility and could elaborate more than I about its offerings and uses. Angling with the long rod would fit quite nicely into winding Frio below the big bluffs, especially since our sport blends gracefully into the beauty of nature and into the profound thoughts of how we humans fit into the whole scheme of a greater picture.

–M.A.

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From the FFF ClubWire . . .

Tying Corner
Foam Hi-Vis Beetle
by Eric Schubert of the North Idaho Fly Fishers

Our fly pattern for the Foam Beetle comes to us from a Montana fly fisher who prefers his

anonymity, wanting only to be identified as the Yellowstone Fly Tier. His particular version of this beetle fly pattern has gained acceptance throughout the pacific Northwest and is considered as a "must have" fly in your fly box.

Fly fisher and author Alfred Ronald's first reported in his book: The Fly Fisher's Entomology, published in 1836, that beetles, both aquatic and land, are eagerly taken by trout. Considering the sheer weight of numbers of their species (approximately 30,000 in North America alone), the beetles are the kings of the terrestrial domain. They are one of the earliest of all terrestrials to appear in the spring and one of the last to disappear, as the weather grows colder. They occupy all sorts of different habitats; come in all shapes, sizes and colors; and probably (along with the ant) are found in the confirmed fly fisher's fly box. Mike Lawson, fly fisher extraordinaire, has this to say about the lowly beetle: "If I had to pick one dry fly to use on spring creek waters, without hesitation I would choose a black beetle. Even though I have seldom encountered situations where I knew trout were actually feeding on beetles, I have probably caught more fish on beetle imitations than any other fly." Lawson's opinions echo my own–I have yet to see a fish rise to a beetle, but the Foam Beetle pattern is a significant producer of tout and occupies a favorite place in my fly box.

It's probably safe to say that most fly fishers can recognize a beetle. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of this order of insects is their outer wing cases. These outer wings are hard and serve, in part, to protect the inner wings. The life cycle of a beetle is one in which a complete metamorphosis takes place. There can be as many as four generations produced in one year for some groups of beetles; in others a period of several years may be required for a single generation.

With the large numbers of beetles and the effectiveness of beetle fly patterns, we find it puzzling that most fly fishers do not carry them in their fly boxes. The author of the Foam Beetle pattern conducted his own survey of approximately 500 anglers. He found that less than eight percent carried any beetle imitations. One of the reasons that anglers did not carry beetle patterns was because they were difficult to see in the water. The Hi-Vis Foam Beetle solves that problem with the addition of a highly visible piece of foam tied to the top of the fly.

Before fishing a beetle pattern, observe the insects in flight. Beetles are for the most part far from graceful in flight, resembling lumbering transport planes rather than jet fighters. As a result, a flying beetle hits the water with all the grace of an overweight opera diva doing a belly flop in her swimming pool. Any self respecting trout will certainly key in on this telegraphic message.

When fishing beetle patterns, concentrate on the banks. If you don't hang a fly in the streamside vegetation every now and then, you aren't fishing close enough to the bank. Also, don't be afraid to set a beetle down with authority; delicate presentations aren't necessary.

Flies that represent beetles are highly effective. When all other flies just aren't working, the Foam Beetle may keep you from getting "skunked."

A Potpourri for May

Your editor went on a visit to the Panhandle last month and consequently missed out on some of the things scheduled while I was gone. As a result, the following patchwork account will leave plenty of gaps but will at least make reference to as many items as come to mind and worth placing in the records.

First, I understand that a fair showing–somewhere between fifteen to twenty members–attended our monthly meeting and that our speaker, James Shuler of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, presented an informative program on fishing in the Palacios area on the Gulf Coast, where he works as a technician and as a fishing guide. Since our club has a group of six or seven members who seem especially interested in salt water fishing, and since Texas is best known in the fly-fishing world for its offerings in fishing for redfish, this topic and speaker must have been a hit.

And then there was the Bud Priddy One-Fly Memorial that was on tap for May 14^th. Keith Masters had put a lot of effort in publicizing this popular event by keeping us informed of preparations, renting a cabin, and planning a barbecue for any arriving the day before on Friday.

As this newsletter is being prepared, I have one revealing comment which, perhaps, reflects something of the action that took place over that weekend. Bob Miller e-mailed me the following note: "Mike, you missed a fun time at the Bud Priddy One Fly–Jim Kuper and I walked about 3,000 miles downstream from some road crossing and found some beautiful water that had some nice holes in it and we had a great time. Did not catch anything noteworthy but had a good time and rehashed some old stories that got even better the 3^rd or 4^th time we heard them." Knowing the way these two guys act when fishing, your editor can imagine a lot of commotion going on with Bob probably stepping off into a deep hole and shouting exclamations with Jim downstream double hauling eighty foot casts toward some tantalizing spot along a far bank. Perhaps some others who made the trip will make posts on our web site message board telling of their experiences.

Danny Wheat reports that the prospective outing to the coast with "Lefty" Ray Chapa didn't have enough people to take advantage of this offering. Danny has since suggested that just setting a date for interested members to show up on their own to fish at a certain time and place without a guide would work. Surely, we can develop a way to get together and have fun fishing in somewhat the same manner we practice during trout season outings to Crabapple Creek and the Double B.

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In addition to being editor of our newsletter, I am chairman of the membership committee. If I had been able to attend the May meeting, I was prepared to present the following goals for the committee to consider putting into action beginning in September when our role at La Junta is completed and members who have been traveling during the summer have returned. Our president, Dennis Glenewinkel, has asked that I state these goals in the current issue of The Back Cast for committee members and others to be considering beforehand.

Membership Committee Goals
Initiate in September 2005

1. Put paid ads in The Kerrville Daily Times–Weekend Issue throughout the year stating our meeting date, time, and location along with some of our featured activities. This will assure weekly reminders and exposure to new residents along with any others who are interested in fly-fishing. Although free announcements are available, they have to be turned in each month (an easy thing to forget). Also, we can design the paid ad to have some artwork to dress it up. It should not be expensive–well within our club's budget.

2. Talk to Schreiner University's administration about putting up posters on bulletin boards around the campus inviting students to attend a club meeting and to consider membership. Also, we can volunteer to give presentations to various campus groups who are interested in the sport. This effort could possibly bring some fresh new energy and youth to our organization.

3. Consider some incentives to encourage those members who sign up for our trout lease fishing to also participate in our club by attending meetings and joining in other activities and projects. We have some who enjoy fishing for trout but rarely join in on the club's other aspects, including attending our monthly meetings. We might consider requiring all anglers on the trout lease list to attend a certain number of meetings in order for them to maintain their lease status for the following year.

4. Have special incentives for those members who introduce persons to our club who then become members. Some fairly modest yet appreciated reward could be extended to any current member who brings a new angler into our club. Also, have designated persons on the membership committee call guests before the next meeting to invite them back.

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An Updated List of the Club Committees and their Chairmen

Salt Water Committee–Roy Hickman, chairman : Mike Baumann, Dick Koon, Jim Kuper, Don and Barbara Marinos, Glenn McCullough, Walter Saunders, Ed Stach, Ervin Gross, Rodney Peveto,

Warm Water Committee–Keith Masters, chairman: Bill and Janey Crum, Clay Dahlberg, Coco Davenport, Gary Davidson, John Freeman, Reg Gardner, Bill Gensler, Bill Emshoff, and Bill Wyatt

Cold Water Committee–Rick Wilson, chairman: Fred Grimes, Bob Harris, Guy Harrison, Bob Henke, Vance Justet, Diane Williams, Bill Elgin, Mary Rohrer, Jerry Inman, and Mike Link

Membership Committee–Mike Andrews, chairman: Greg and Nelda Craig, Lee Livingston, Larry Love, Ron Lowry, Keith Masters, Frank Whitten, Gene Smith, James Partin, and Lowell Tinsley

Education Committee–Guy Harrison, chairman: Martin Pursch, John Raspberry, Bill Saunders, Ed Stach, George Stratham, Mike Thayer, Frank Tull, Robert and JoAnn Spencer; and Al Inmon

The above listings reflect an effort to include new members, eliminate members who have dropped out of the club, evenly distribute our Fredericksburg members, and to balance the committees in numbers of participants. Everyone in the club has been placed on one of the committees to encourage a variety of input and to offer each an opportunity to play a role in the activities that we undertake. The makeup of each committee has been done largely in an arbitrary manner to allow committee chairmen to have a list of persons to call upon for advice or assistance on committee projects and duties. It is not exclusive and any club member may help any committee at any time if so desired. This list will be revised from time to time as new individuals join and others leave our club.

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On Thursday, June 2^nd the board of directors had a meeting and made certain decisions that will be discussed at our upcoming monthly meetings.

Make a special effort to meet with us at Camp La Junta during June and July.