Page 1 FLY PAPER — March 2006

Looking Upstream

March 16General Meeting

March 18Lake Lenore

April 6Board Meeting

April 8-9Lake Lenice

April 20General Meeting

April 29-30Chopaka/Blue Lakes

Wet Fly with tying 6:00Dinner 7:00

Program 8:00

Dave Ames, Author and Fly Fisher

Dave Ames is a writer who has spent the last thirty yearstraveling the world as an itinerant fly fisherman. Fish have nearlykilled him, fish have saved his life, and Ames will be presenting“Dances with Sharks,” a slide show based on a life in thewilderness, at our March general meeting held at Morgan’s on theRiver.

Ames’ first two books, True Love and the Wooly Bugger, and Agood Life Wasted, or Twenty Years as a Fishing Guide, have beendescribed as cult classics, and “perversely informative looks at flyfishing in several of its most mutant forms.” First editions of TrueLove have become collectors’ items welling at ten times theiroriginal cost. Ames will be signing limited first edition copies ofhis new book, Dances with Sharks.

Ames’ slide show, like his books, is meant to entertain as well asinform. Fishing is supposed to be fun, and let’s face it, fishing ismore fun when you catch fish. There’s plenty of practical fish-catching information on everything from trout and bonefish topiranha and golden Dorado in this compilation of stories, slidesand music, and audiences agree this presentation appeals tofishermen and non-fishermen alike.

2006 OFFICERS AND BOARD

President —Bruce Campbell1422 John Street

Wenatchee, WA 98801(509) 663-1020

1st Vice President — Steve DeJong1006 Grenz St.

Wenatchee, WA 98801(509) 662-6194

2nd Vice President — OPEN

Secretary — Dick Nicklas23111 Saddle

Leavenworth, WA 98826(509) 763-4327

Treasurer — Gordi Northrup1212 Malaga Ave.

Wenatchee, WA 98801(509) 662-0769

Ghille — Fred Kunzmann2524 North Astor Court

East Wenatchee, WA 98802(509) 886- 1321

Program — Gary Anderson149 NE 26th

East Wenatchee, WA 98802(509) 884-6886

Newsletter Editor — NancyHoward

1509 Woodhaven PlaceWenatchee, WA 98801

(509) 663-1063

Outings — John Murio618 Daniels Street

East Wenatchee, WA 98802(509) 884-0204

Membership — Ralph Jordan225 Ninth Street NE

East Wenatchee, WA 98802(509) 884-4456

Conservation Chair — Joe Roy2410 First St. NE

E. Wenatchee, WA 98802(509) 884-2874

The “FLYPAPER” is published monthly by Wenatchee Valley Fly Fishers — P. O. Box 3687, Wenatchee, WA 98807-3687Telephone (509) 663-1063 ¥ email rlogan@nwi.net ¥ Editor Nancy Howard

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF MATERIAL IS THE FIRST OF THE MONTH OF PUBLICATION.

Wenatchee Valley Flyfishers

FLY PAPERAn Affiliate of the Federation of Fly Fishers

March 2006 Volume 19 No. 80

http://www.wvff.net

Page 2 FlyPaper March 2006WVFF Board Meeting Minutes,

Mar 2, 2006

Attendees: Bruce Campbell, Nancy Howard, Gary Anderson,Dick Nicklas, John Murio, Gordi Northrup, Steve DeJong,Ralph Jordan, and guest Bill Layman.

Bruce called the meeting to order at 7:07.

Guest Bill Layman described a 2006 Wenatchee ValleyMuseum exhibit and a series of supporting programsand lectures on the history of the Columbia River. Thisproject, entitled “River of Memory,” will include amodule on the fish of the Columbia Basin. A keyfeature of this module will be the art of Joseph Miller.Bill showed the Board several examples Mr. Miller’swork - amazingly realistic paintings of fish. Mr. Millerwill also appear as a lecturer. Bill asked if WVFF hadinterest in partially sponsoring Mr. Miller’s appearance.The Board voted to donate $250, which is about 1/3 ofMr. Miller’s travel and living expenses. We will receiverecognition of our sponsorship in the exhibit’sprogram.

Gordi reported that the Club has about $800 inchecking and $13.9K in savings with all bills paid.There was considerable discussion of the budget, andGordi will incorporate a few changes and clarificationsfor issue at the next Board meeting.

Gary reviewed the program schedule: Dave Amesfrom Montana in March, Craig Jordan from OkanoganCounty in April, Ed Engle from Colorado in May, andformer Wenatchee resident Bill Marts in June. Garyalso mentioned that the Club has purchased a 7’x7’projection screen.

Ralph said that the Club now has 91 members.

John reported good fishing at the Rocky Ford outinglast weekend. The next outing will be at Dusty Lakeon March 4.

There was considerable discussion of means to fundthe Club’s conservation activities. The Board approvedthe first reading of the following motion:n A conservation account will be established separate

from the general budget account.n All proceeds from each year’s annual fly fishing

class will go to the conservation account.n Ten percent of the net proceeds from each Annual

Banquet raffle and auction will go to conservation.n Cash and equipment endowments for conservation

may be deposited in this account.n Funding of the account will be retroactive to

1/1/06.n The details of a conservation grant program have

not yet been finalized. However, the approvedmotion specified that the program be named theBill Barnett Conservation Fund.

A motion was made and passed to donate $200 to Castingfor Recovery.

Steve will chair the next Board Meeting in Bruce’s absence.The meeting will be held at Nancy’s (1509-Woodhaven).

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40.

Respectfully submitted, Dick Nicklas, Secretary.

WVFF General Meeting Minutes,Feb 16, 2006

The meeting was called to order by President BruceCampbell at 7:00.

One new member and four guests were introduced.

Fishing reports:n Methow River fair for steelhead.n Rocky Ford good with some large fish being landed.n Some action for very large triploids at Rufus Woods.

Gordi Northrup said there were 102 attendees at lastmonth’s banquet. Proceeds from the raffle and auctionswere about $6800.

Ralph Jordan reported that the Club now has 89 members.

John Murio stated that there will be Club outings at RockyFord on 2/25 and at Dusty Lake on 3/4. Meet at BJ’s forbreakfast at 8:00.

Fred Kunzmann announced that Tom Whiteside willdemonstrate tying his ostrich fly pattern at the 2/23 flytying session at Fred’s.

Joe Roy said that a proposal for a Club sponsoredconservation grant program will be discussed at the nextBoard meeting and presented to members at the nextgeneral meeting.

Bruce announced that the Club has purchased a computerand projection equipment.

The evening’s program included WDFW biologists JoeMiller, Jeff Korth, and Bob Jateff, discussing fishingprospects for the upcoming season. Maps and stockingreports were handed out, and potential hot spots (and notso hot spots) identified. Much of the lake management inthe region is and will continue to be dependent onstocking, particularly triploids, with very little rehabilitationgoing on. Thanks to Joe, Jeff, and Bob for a veryinformative program.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50.

Respectfully submitted, Dick Nicklas, Secretary

Page 3 FlyPaper March 2006

WVFF OUTING LAKE LENORE, March 18, 2006

DIRECTIONS: From Wenatchee take Hiway 28 to Quincy then Ephrata and on thru to the Hiway 17turnoff at Soap Lake. Turn left (north) on Hiway 17 and proceed about 6 miles toLake Lenore. A good place to start is at the public launch about half way up thelake where a restroom can be seen from the highway. Fishing has been best at thefar north end of the lake but it gets quite crowded on the weekends. There is aparking lot there also with a restroom. If you want breakfast, good company, orjust want to follow someone to the lake meet at BJ’s in Rock Island at 8 AM.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR FISHING AT LAKE LENOREYou can use any form of water craft on the lake or none at all. You can wade out and fish theshallows or paddle out and do the same. It does get windy on the lake so be prepared byhaving an anchor that will hold you in place. Access is good so you will have companywherever the fish are congregating. Bring a net for landing your fish if you want to save flies,tippet, and your rod.

SETTING UP YOUR ROD FOR SUCCESSChironomids are normally the subsurface choice at this lake so be armed with your selection tofish under an indicator. Some prefer nymphs and streamers that can be trolled or retrieved. Mostuse floating line as this lake is not very deep. There may be some surface activity but theseLahontan Cutthroat do not usually feast on top. These fish range up to 30+ inches and 10+pounds so make sure you have enough tippet strength to handle them, 4X is a good start.

FLY SELECTIONCHIRONOMIDS—The standard fare size 10-18, black, olive, ice cream cone.NYMPHS—Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Damsel size 12-18BIG BUGS—Muddlers, Leeches, Woolly Worms/Buggers, etc. size 6-12DRY FLIES—Chironomid emergers, midges, baetis size 14-18Most of our lakes have the same insect activity so the same flies work on all of them.You all have a favorite fly that you have confidence in and can catch fish anywhere, use it.

STRATEGYMost of the fishing is done close to a shore and in shallower water. The fish tend to staytogether in the area they choose so you won’t have to move much after you find them. If youcan see some vegetation under the water put your chironomid rig on the edge of it and hangon. As the day wears on the fish feed higher so adjust your strike indicator accordingly. Thekey is to locate the fish and then go for it.

CENTRAL FLYFISHING

The ONLY place to go, 5th and Western behind Western Market.1720 Fifth St. Suite “F” 509 630-0460

Page 4 FlyPaper March 2006

WVFF OUTING to LENICE, NUNNALLY, MERRY, AND BOBBIEApril 8-9, 2006

DIRECTIONS: From Wenatchee area take Hiway 28 toward Quincy and Proceed to I-90 at George. Turnwest toward Seattle and drive about 13 miles and exit at the Othello-Richland off ramp. Proceed aboutone mile to a right turn onto hiway 243 to Richland. In approximately 6.5 miles turn left at the town ofBeverly, Crab Creek Road and proceed about 5 miles to parking lot for Lake Lenice on the left. Many willbe camping and there is plenty of space for all, tent, trailer, or motor home. We plan to have a wet fly onSaturday night so bring your best stories and anything else you want to share with us.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR ENJOYING THE FISHING ON THESE QUALITY LAKESWe always hope for ideal conditions, warm, calm, overcast with fish rising to your favorite hatch.Last year we had great fishing and then were treated to some spectacular thunder and lightningstorms at night accompanied by a downpour. Come prepared to face the elements, WIND, rain,and cold. So bring warm clothing, good waders, and strong legs to take you to the big ones. Bevery careful as there are rattlesnakes in the area and they like to scare the daylights out of you.

SETTING UP YOUR RODThere are Rainbow, Browns, and Tiger trout in these lakes. Fish average 16”-18” with reports of upto 30” (triploids). The fish tend to be hot and can take you into your backing. It is advisable tobring a net for use in landing the bigger fish so you don’t donate your hard earned flies. Use 4-6weight rods with floating line and longer leaders of 10-15 feet for fishing chironomids or drys. Fullsinking lines with shorter leaders are used for trolling or stripping. Tippets are a matter of choicebut usually are in the 4X to 6X range depending on your method of fishing.

FLY SELECTION:CHIRONOMIDS—the preferred method; olive, brown, black, white, or Jim Beam sizes 12-18

Dropper or Trailer—attaching a second fly to the hook of the first fly can be effective.The top fly can be a dry or a wet. The bottom fly can be a chironomid, pheasant tail,scud, or other small nymph trailed 6” to 2’ below

WOOLY BUGGERS OR LEECHES –A weighted red butt olive with no hackle or brown,Black or other favorite. size 6-12,weighted skinny leech olive, brown or black, size 8-12or a weighted Bunny leech black or white, size 6-10.

.SOFT HACKLES—olive, olive brown, gray size 12-18 or your favorite water boatman,

backswimmer pattern.

DRY FLIES—Calibaetis, midge, and chironomid hatches are all possible Ugly Duckling size 14-18 Parachute Adams or Blue Wing Olive size 14-18 Your favorite emerger pattern 12-18

THE LAKES ARE SHALLOW, less than 25’, SO LOCATION AND DEPTH IS THE KEYChironomids fishing is the way to be successful on these lakes. Look for a ledge or other likely spotand measure the depth of the water with your line and a weight. Set your indicator at the desireddepth, usually just off the bottom, and back off to comfortable casting distance to begin.It is important to have a good anchor to stay put if you fish chironomids under an indicator.

SIGHT FISHING IS EXCITING ON THE LAKES.You will see many fish swimming below you in the clear water as you paddle around the lakes. Asthe weather warms, hatches will bring fish to the surface so that you can have some good dry flyfishing.

Page 5 FlyPaper March 2006The Rocky Ford Outing

Page 6 FlyPaper March 2006

Fly of the Month, courtesy of FFFhttp://www.fedflyfishers.org/ClubWireArchives/CWArchiveMain.htm

Fly Tyingduring WetFly is back!

COMEWATCH

Page 7 FlyPaper March 2006

MONTH DESTINATION HOST EQUIPMENT COMMENTSMarch 18 Lake Lenore Gary Bates Float

tube/boat/wade, beprepared for cold

Easy to get to and usually goodfishing.

April 8-9 Lake Lenice FedKunzmann

Float Tube/ pontoon We will fish the entire chain but willcamp at Lenice.

April 29-30 Chopaka BlueLakes

Gordy West Float Tube or boat Opening Day. Some of us plan to campin the area for the week.

2006 Northwest Youth Conservation& Flyfishing Academy

Applications are now being accepted from youths, ages14 to 17, for the third annual Northwest YouthConservation and Fly Fishing Academy. The Academyis located on Hicks Lake at the Gwinwood ConferenceCenter in Lacey, Washington and will be held fromSunday, June 18 to Saturday, June 24, 2006. Itspurpose is to educate youth about the importance ofconservation and natural resource stewardship. TheAcademy is sponsored by the Trout Unlimited Chaptersof Washington and is hosted by the Olympia Chapterand the South Sound Fly Fishers.

The Academy is coeducational and is limited to 24youths. Applicants must not have reached their 18thbirthday by April 15, 2006. Youths having an interestin the outdoors, conservation, and fly fishing areencouraged to apply. Acceptance to the Academy isbased upon a written essay indicating an applicant’sdesire to attend and what she/he hopes to learn fromit. Candidates need not be experienced anglers. Alimited number of scholarships are available throughTrout Unlimited chapters. Applicants desiringscholarship information are encouraged to contact achapter president within their locale.

The Academy’s curriculum is designed to providestudents with a background in fundamental scienceand includes classes on ecology, hydrology, aquaticentomology, invasive species, watersheds, wildlifeenforcement, and trout behavior. Each day alsoincludes instruction for developing or improving thestudents’ fly fishing skills including fly casting, flytying, fly selection, streamside ethics and etiquette,knot tying, reading water, and water safety. Facultyand staff include wildlife resource professionals, notednorthwest fly fishing and fly tying professionals andenthusiasts, and Trout Unlimited volunteers.

Applications must be received by April 15, 2006. Cost,including meals and lodging, is $275. Fly fishing rods,reels, and fly tying equipment will be made available.For application or further information, contact Dick Nyeat (360) 491-9227 or email2006academy@comcast.net

Rocky Ford OutingYes, the fish are still there !

Outings Calendar Spring 2006Stay tuned to this space. John Murio will be providing tantalizing descriptions of the outings to come.

CENTRAL FLYFISHING

Come see Jeremy

The ONLY place to go, 5th and Westernbehind Western Market.

1720 Fifth St. Suite “F”

509 630-0460

Your EditorLet Nancy know what sorts of stories you’d like to see.

Call Nancy Howard at 663-1063 or email her atrlogan@nwi.net.

Page 8 FlyPaper March 2006

FRED’SGARAGE

P.O. Box 3687Wenatchee, WA 98807-3687An FFF Affiliated Club

“RELEASE ‘EM ALIVE”

Fly Paper Catch and Release Fly Tying Sessions

Please join us for our twice monthlyfly tying sessions at Fred Kunzmann’s.

We meet every second and fourthThursday evening in

Fred’s garage.

Come any time after 6:00-ish.

This year we plan to “matchthe outing.” Check John

Murio’s great outing sheetsfor the month and comeready to tie what you’ll

need for the next outing.

2524 North Astor CourtEast Wenatchee, WA 98802

(509) 886-1321

Trade or Sell

Chuck Moser has a 13’ Alaskan (SmokerCraft) he is finished using.

He is looking for a fly-fishing drift boat.

He is open to a deal. Sell the Alaskan.Trade for a drift boat. Buy a drift boat.Some combination of these.

Please call him at:

Chuck Moser509.860.5166