Volume 10 • Issue 11• November 2005

Planting a Seed

"Do you mean that you’re going to teach over a hundred sixth graders how to tie a fly?" That was the reaction a month or so ago when our dynamo, Doc Harrison, mentioned that he had agreed to handle this endeavor in conjunction with the Kerrville ISD’s Nature Adventure Day held at the H.E.B Retreat at the headwaters of the Frio River. It did, in fact, seem to be an ambitious undertaking, but based on past history, there seems to be no limit on the good doctor’s goals and projects. I ask you, kind reader, do you have any doubts that, in the end, ten classes of a dozen or so of these youngsters apiece actually took away foam beetles from the vises as proof of their tying talents?

A number of other outdoor programs were part of the school district’s focus. The whole idea deserves applause at a time when so many young people spend too much time with video games and other sedentary pastimes. Doc and three HCFF volunteers, Ron Lowry, Danny Wheat, and your editor, would like to have observed some of the other groups in action–for instance, just across the field from us a Shawnee Indian playing a flute and apparently covering a host of Native American cultural arts, crafts, and use of nature–but our guys were too busy trying to plant seeds.

Yes, that’s right. We were planting seeds in the form of a brief exposure to a sport that will enable them, if they choose, a lifetime of outdoor pleasure, relaxation, adventure, and satisfaction. Whether the seeds will grow and thrive or not will be left to each young person who passed through our brief time together, and regardless of whether the foam beetle each tied was done perfectly or not, the seed for a skill and a sport that may accompany them through life has been planted.

The foam beetle represented the fly tying portion of our participation during which Doc Harrison skillfully used visual aids showing the types of fish that may be found in our part of the country along with the aquatic and terrestrial creatures that these fish eat in order to survive. He then passed around sets of flies tied to represent each of the food sources. Some were so realistic that a few of our young students thought that the dry flies were really dead insects and hesitated before accepting the artificial replicas to examine.

Next, we had a portion of the program devoted to casting and fishing with the small, light creatures of fur, feathers, foam, and other materials that fly anglers use. Your editor spent about twenty minutes with a fine 4 wt. fiberglass rod that Doc had on hand, pointing out the differences between a fly rod and other types of rods, first, calling upon the youngsters to share what they observed in a comparison. They were quick to note that the reel was on the bottom of the rod. A bit more slowly they came to notice that the fly rod was much more flexible; thus leading into an explanation of how that flexibility was necessary to load the rod and how the proper execution of movement and timing loaded and unleashed the energy to make a successful cast. Several different casting techniques showed how the rod could be used to cast in windy situations and from along a brush-covered bank. Time did not allow for our young listeners to practice any casting, but another seed was planted.

At this point, our tireless Doc and his helpers passed out materials for tying the beetle: a strip of black foam about an inch and a half long and fourth inch wide, some strands of rubber for legs, and head cement to use at crucial points. The tools were already on the table–bobbin with black thread, bodkin, and scissors.

Step by step, Doc led the young tyers through the tying process. They learned how to start the thread behind the eye of the hook and then wind it over the hook back to the bend, where they tied in the foam strip that had previously been cut to a point at one end to make this step easier. Next, they wound the thread to the mid-shank of the hook, at which point they tied in the rubber legs (This was probably the trickiest point in the whole procedure and may have varied a bit from one tyer to the next since we were pressed for time). Finally, the loose end of the foam strip was brought forward over the shank and tied in behind the eye of the hook and extended past the tie-in point so that about an eighth of an inch was left to shape the beetle’s head with the scissors. A dab of head cement at each tie-in point helped secure the fly. Yahoo! The beetle had been created.

During each session, several parents and a teacher or two were present to assist in tying the flies. They were extremely handy in helping get the flies tied within our time limitations. They picked up the necessary techniques quickly and may even have become interested in tying flies themselves and taking up the fascinating skill along with their children. With practically every group, there were questions by the grownups as to where they could purchase the necessary items for both fly tying and fly-fishing. The suggestion was by way of catalogs such as Cabela’s or Bass Pro, or through a local fly-fishing shop or sporting goods store. Wal-Mart, too, was mentioned as a possibility.

The ideal situation is for a parent, grandparent, or mentor to encourage and guide any young boys and girls into the wholesome sport and related activities of fly-fishing. Not to be ignored, however, are instances in which the youngster himself or herself has been inspired to take the initiative and find a way to make this wonderful sport a part of life’s enjoyment. Yes, we planted a few seeds during this project. At least, they will have been given the chance to take root and grow.

–M.A.

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Membership Dues, Trout Fees, and Fishing Tips
Dominate October Meeting

Even before our October meeting was called to order, the process of taking care of dues and trout fishing fees was underway. Several of our "officials" were kept hopping in doing the necessary paper work, receiving the checks, and keeping the records straight–easier said than done. No doubt we’ll be busy following the same process during the November 17^th meeting, the deadline for a shot at the trout fishing slots and the anniversary month for annual memberships.

President Dennis Glenewinkel called the meeting to order and proceeded with our introduction ceremony, then called for our regular committee reports. Briefly put, here are the highlights of each.

Treasurer Dick Koon was not present but sent word that our bank balance was in fine shape with a balance of around $6,000 except for one recent $500 check to Stanley Rabke for the Crabapple lease.

Mike Andrews gave a membership committee report calling for any members who had changed addresses, either home or e-mail, to let him know. He also informed the club about progress toward our annual Christmas party meeting, which will be held at the Inn of the Hills this year with prospects of having a light-hearted program presented by one of our favorite speakers.

The cold water committee chairman, Rick Wilson, said that our trout had been ordered and might be increased a bit with the possibility of obtaining a small number of brown trout. Throughout or meeting, he made himself available to answer any questions about our trout fishing procedures and prospects.

Our salt water chairman, Roy Hickman, was not present, but Rick Wilson had been fishing at the coast recently and reported that fishing on the jetties was good but the footing very slippery. Danny Wheat added that the wind had been high on his last trip.

Doc Harrison, education committee chairman, gave an enthusiastic account of his recent trip to the Southern Council FFF Conclave in Mountain Home, Arkansas, commenting that it was most rewarding and that anyone who had a chance should definitely attend at least one conclave to fully appreciate all that the event offers. He said that there were sixty expert fly tyers at work with all sorts of techniques and tricks in tying. Also impressive was a top-notch caster who demonstrated a fifty foot roll cast and pointed out several uses of the cast often overlooked by anglers. These are just two examples of what our good doctor absorbed. This is the first time we have had a report from any of our club members who previously have attended a Southern Council Conclave.

Other items of interest in Doc’s report included news that prospects were looking good for a $3,500 donation to the Guadalupe Bass project to add to those already committed. He also called attention to the Kerrville Independent School District’s Nature Outdoor Day for sixth graders held at the H.E.B. Retreat near Leakey, Texas, on October 27^th and 28^th [See the account of this event in the lead article of this month’s newsletter]. There was still more news in Doc’s report–a TP&W instructional day in fly-fishing at Blanco State Park on November 12^th at which several of our members will be involved in giving presentations.

The Program

Rick Wilson was first to lead off in a line-up of members who were prepared to give some useful information in their fishing endeavors both near and far. He mentioned that the trout had been ordered and were expected to arrive about mid-December. The fish will be tanked to our three locations. The break-down may be something like 500 placed at Crabapple Creek, 400 at the Double B, and 300 at La Junta. There is a possibility for a small number of brown trout in addition.

As to fishing success for these trout, Rick suggested a full sink line with a 6' to 7' leader, 2x at the butt with 3x tippet at the end section. Matt’s Bug with a red tail of Flashabou on a #8 or #10 size hook worked best for him. With this set-up, he caught not only trout but also a few catfish. Materials for tying Matt’s Bug along with the fly itself may be purchased at Martin Pursch’s fly shop out of Fredericksburg. Rick continued by advising a method whereby he holds loops of fly line in his free hand but doesn’t strip. Instead, he makes short jerks on the line with his rod and then recasts with a roll cast, letting out any necessary line from the loops he is holding.

Lee Livingston reported on fishing at Beaver Bend State Park out of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, in the Ouachita National Forest. The weather was hot there but the potential for catching fine trout is good when conditions are right.

Mike Andrews told of how he fished almost exclusively last trout season at #1 area of Crabapple Creek. The fishing was convenient there and rewarding enough to go no further. Almost all of his rainbows were caught with a #14 or #16 Pheasant Tail Nymph used either by itself or as a dropper on some other fly.

Keith Masters also had fished out of Broken Bow in Oklahoma, where he found beautiful scenery with heavy dew at daybreak and water about seventy degrees. He was pleased with the fishing but cautioned that the game wardens there were quite serious about using barbless hooks. He said that if there was any dispute, they would test the hook on your shirt.

By the time all of the paperwork, dues collection, the business portion of the meeting with its committee reports, and the program of individual fishing morsels were completed, we were ready to draw the curtains until next time.

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A continuation of Danny Wheat’s. . .
Fishing Journal 2005

The Taylor River

On the Taylor river above Alma [Colorado], I resisted the urge to fish in the Gold Medal tailwaters below the dam, where the big trout hang out to feast on the Mysis shrimp. We drove up above the reservoir and parked our trailer right on the banks of the Taylor about three miles above the lake in a beautiful spot. There were three very nice campgrounds next to and above the lake, but we elected not to park in one of these because we wanted some space. I fished in the Taylor upstream and downstream from our campsite and did pretty well, catching about eight browns, the largest about 12 inches. I used a Prince Nymph as an attractor with a Pheasant Tail as a dropper.

One afternoon, Carolyn and I drove upstream some twelve miles. I fished where the river is much narrower and not as swift. As it winds its way through meadows, the river has many bends and deep spots that provide good trout habitat. I was completely by myself for about two hours, catching eight small rainbows, as I recall, before I was surprised by a rider on a motorized mountain bike who crossed the river some fifty feet from me. I neither saw nor heard him coming because of the chest high willows on each bank. As I was walking upstream in the water, he crossed the river ahead of me as he sped along on a trail, not seeing me because of the willows. He did not stop. In a few minutes here came three more riders who stopped and visited. They were very friendly and apologized for disturbing me.

Everyone seemed to be traveling on a fancy dirt bike or a four wheeler. We seemed to encounter bikers everywhere we went. Fortunately, they were all very courteous and friendly. Some were riding $7,000 bikes while wearing over $1,000 in body protection, including chest pads, elbow and knee pads, and brightly colored suits and helmets. Cycling has become a very popular sport in the Rocky Mountains. These riders would make one hundred mile trips over mountain trails and be covered with mud and dirt by the end of the day. They were from all over the U.S., communicating by e-mail as to where the next trip would be. Some of the riders were past middle age and looked to be near retirement.

The hottest sport around Taylor is riding a four wheeler. We saw these rovers almost everywhere we looked, either racing by on the roads or being hitched behind or inside pickup beds. This is the only place we visited where they were running on trails especially made for such outdoor vehicles. These paths were full of bumps looking like moguls on the ski slopes. At the other campgrounds where we stayed, the trails were restricted to hikers and horses only. Motorized vehicles, including bikes and four wheelers were restricted.

One day we drove up to the town of Tin Cup, an old mining town about ten miles from the Taylor Reservoir. During the mining days between 1880 and 1890, this was a thriving community of fifteen hundred people, even though it rests above a thousand feet in elevation and is bitterly cold in the winter. During the boom days, there were two hotels, one grocery and twenty-six saloons. Now the old miners’ shacks that are still standing have been purchased and remodeled as summer homes. I would estimate that there are at least fifty residences that have been restored. Now, there is a pretty good restaurant that was an old bar, an old building that used to be the community church, and a small grocery store.

Only two couples now remain in the town during the winter. The roads are closed then, and these few have to use snowmobiles to get down to Taylor Reservoir to the nearest byway that is kept open. There is a very rough jeep road that serves as the Tin Cup Pass over the Continental Divide to St. Elmo. It follows the same pathway over which supplies reached Tin Cup during the boom days in wagons pulled by mules.

How to get there: From Gunnison, take Colorado HW 135 north to Almont; turn right on FR 742, which follows the Taylor River through Taylor Canyon (spectacular scenery) to Taylor Reservoir. Continue on FR 742 upstream to the headwaters near the Continental Divide. FR 765 heads southeast from the reservoir to Tin Cup. (Continued next month with the Red River in Colorado)

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December Christmas Party

It’s time to make plans to attend our big Christmas Party in December. This year we are having it at the Inn of the Hills on our regular meeting date of the third Thursday, December 15^th. We will gather at 7:00 P.M. in the dining room and begin our meal at 7:30. Following the meal, we will have a brief time to take care of any pressing club business. Some awards and door prizes are next on the agenda. Then comes a nice treat–our own gifted "man for all seasons"–Jim Kuper, will bring our highlight of the evening. Our club knows Jim well as an expert fly-fishing authority who is able to combine wisdom with wit to entertain even the most challenging of audiences. Through the years, he has undoubtedly proven to be our favorite speaker. You do not want to miss this special occasion suited for the holiday season. Wives and friends are included in this opportunity to enjoy the evening together. Tickets are $20 per person. You may purchase tickets at our upcoming November meeting or mail a check made out to Hill Country Fly Fishers. Send to Mike Andrews, P.O. Box 2106, Kerrville, TX 78029. Please don’t wait until the last day to sign up. We have estimated forty persons to participate. This message will serve as the official announcement for our December meeting.

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Other Upcoming Events

• November12^th–TP&W Fly-Fishing Instruction at Blanco State Park, beginning at 9:00AM–Basic instruction in all aspects of our sport. Doc Harrison knows the details.
• November14^th–HCFF Board of Directors Meeting, 6:00 P.M.at Offices of Massey Itschner & Co. PC, 707 Hill Country Drive.