I’m typing this report on a windy, rainy Sunday morning and feeling thankful we had such a nice day yesterday for the Fish-A-Long at McIver Park.
We had a great turnout. Thanks to everyone for coming. A special thanks to Paul Brewer for the hot coffee and good food and Dave Kilhefner for spey casting instruction.
The water conditions were perfect for winter steelhead fly fishing. We fished every nook and cranny within sight but it has been a slow year and no fish were caught. Andrew reported seeing a fish jumping upstream but could not get it to take.
It was fun to help some of the clubs beginning spey casters with their casting and we made good progress! The theme of the day was to work on getting the anchor set. Once this is done the rest of the cast becomes much easier, but it takes a little time and practice to get used to the feel of a spey rod. Keep at it!
Besides the CFF library books and DVDs, we all use the many internet resources. Regular email newsletters from our sponsors are valuable and we should sign up. The newsletters include new products and fishing/tying techniques, fishing reports, and upcoming events. For example, Mark Bachmann in his fly fishing shop weekly newsletter recently had an article describing the geological history of the Sandy River, along with present fishing potential (the subject for our February meeting).
Other weekly emails worth signing up for are Gink and Gasoline, and MidCurrent. A blog site that I’ve found valuable, with fresh techniques and perspectives, is Troutbitten.com. Finally, don’t forget Westfly.
Do you have an interest in fly tying but you don’t know where to start and the terms whip finisher, dubbing loop, bobbin, and hair stacker make your head spin because they sound like part of a foreign language? Or have you attended a previous fly tying night and went away discouraged as you came to the quick realization that you were in way over your head?
It has been over two years since we have offered a night of fly tying specifically aimed at folks that are really novices, including those that have never tied a single fly. So we will be going back to the basics in February, covering the standard tools and techniques that you will need to get started on a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Fly fishing is a great pastime and there are few things in the sport as satisfying as landing a fish on a fly that was created by your own hands.
It turns out that February is an oddity this year, regarding Fly Tying Night. Normally we meet on the Wednesday one week after our general meeting. But there is no Wednesday in February the week after our meeting, so join us for an evening of beginning level fly tying on Wednesday, March 1st. We’ll be meeting at The Royal Treatment Fly Shop in West Linn at 6:00 p.m. Bring your own fly tying tools if you have them. If you don’t have any equipment come anyway. Our friends at The Royal Treatment will loan you everything you need. Hope to see you there!
Wow, what a year we are having with all the snow and ice, which has really made getting around a challenge not to mention fishing. There have been some areas that have produced opportunities such as the coastal rivers. Still getting there can be a challenge.
Even with the poor weather we were able to reschedule our January meeting and our speaker Joel La Follette, Royal Treatment Fly Shop, was able to join us the next week. Many of you made the adjustment and enjoyed is program on the Trout Trail. He had many great pictures and some very interesting information on his ancestry. His parting words was to get out and explore new places and new fishing opportunities.
This month we will be welcoming Mark Bachmann, The Fly Fishing Shop, located in Welches Oregon. Mark is our longest and one of strongest supporters of our club as he continues to demonstrate each year. As in the past he will be donating a guided fishing trip for two members on the Sandy River. In addition he has donated a two day trip for four members in his Steelhead camp on the Deschutes River. What an incredible value for the club. Thank you Mark!!!!
You saw a brief recap of the Sandy fish-a-long hosted by Dave Kilhefner. Although no Steelhead were caught, the ten members who attended had a great time and gained some techniques they can utilize later. This month we will again try for Steelhead on the Clackamas river. More information to follow.
Please, welcome to the board Paul Brewer as our new Fish-a-Long Director. If you have suggestions or ideas about our fish-a-longs please let Paul know. Give Paul a thank you for stepping forward to assume this role.
He is replacing Lane Hoffman who has had that role for a number of years not to mention the other roles he has served including President. We all owe Lane a resounding word of Thanks for all the contributions he has made to the club.
Remember our sponsors by visiting their shops when you are in their area. Stop in and purchase something, book a trip, or just say hello and thank them for their support.
This month’s Fish-A-Long will be held Saturday, February 25th on the Clackamas River. The location is yet to be determined but will likely be at McIver Park at the lower boat ramp. The wading here is easy and fish have been caught.
What- Winter Steelhead
Where- Clackamas River
When- 8am until lunchtime, Saturday, February 25th
Equipment-
Spey or Switch Rod
Skagit Line & sink tip(s)
15lb tippet material
flies, bright patterns and dark patterns
waders & wading staff
rain gear
warm, layered clothing
Directions- go to McIver Park. Take the 1st left and drive down the hill. There will be a few turn outs—just keep to the left until you reach the lower boat ramp area.
We will have coffee, donuts and lunch. This fish a long will focus on spey casting and swung fly presentations. Questions; email or call Paul Brewer or Dave Kilhefner. Hope to see you there!
Our February auction is for a seat on a full day Sandy River Steelhead float trip with Mark Bachmann of The Fly Fishing Shop in Welches. Nobody knows the Sandy like Mark and he will put you on prime waters!
The auction winner will be joined by the winner of the raffle to be held at the Feb. 21 club meeting. The 2 of you will then get to negotiate dates with Mark.
The Fly Fishing Shop 
