1 NEWSLETTER wmflyfishing.com Established 1996 P.O. Box 2187, Pinetop, AZ 85935 March 2014 WMFFC Mission Statement: The Mission Statement of the White Mountain Fly Fishing Club is: “To assist in the development and maintenance of fly fishing opportunities and to promote and participate in fly fishing in its many forms." We support the practice of “Catch and Release.” We support the use of barbless hooks and harmless netting-and-release practices. Fish should never be held out of water for longer than you can hold your breath. “Tight Lines” — President's Column Is Your Fly Rod Obsolete? The original fly rods were tree sprouts or saplings, those evolved over a long period of time into split bamboo. Then in the 1940’s fiberglass came along and its low cost and rugged strength appealed to the fishing community. In 1976 carbon fiber came on the market and soon graphite based rods dominated the fly rod industry, even if they were somewhat fragile and prone to breakage. Now days many fishermen think they require an expensive graphite rod for all their fishing needs. Fortunately, the price of graphite rods has dropped and some brand can be affordable to any fly fisherman. However, some flyrodders recognize the advantages of good fiberglass and it is experiencing a comeback. In addition to being durable it can have a good favorable delicate and moderate casting action, is very sensitive and can produce a respectable cast. And who needs a $700 graphite or boron rod to troll a wooly bugger behind a boat? You sometimes hear people talk about how that big fish broke their graphite rod, but how many times have you heard of someone having had a fiberglass rod broken by a trout? A lot fewer than I think. Some fly fishermen have reverted even farther back, to bamboo again. Good high-grade bamboo rods have those certain look, feel, and presentation qualities that many consider highly desirable and not available in other types of rods. However, the hefty price may be more than some want to lay out. Your garden variety bamboo fly rod won’t have those sweet performance criteria but they may be serviceable. Your old (vintage sounds better) glass rod may be just what you need or will suit the purpose just fine. If your option is to fish fiberglass or forgo fishing because you don’t have high end graphite or quality bamboo, definitely go glass. …. ….……………. Dennis Jones, President..................
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NEWSLETTER wmflyfishing.com
Established 1996 P.O. Box 2187, Pinetop, AZ 85935 March 2014
WMFFC Mission Statement:
The Mission Statement of the White Mountain Fly Fishing Club is: “To assist in the development and maintenance of fly fishing opportunities and to promote and participate in fly fishing in its many forms." We support the practice of “Catch and Release.” We support the use of barbless hooks and harmless netting-and-release practices. Fish should never be held out of water for longer than you can hold your breath.
“Tight Lines” — President's Column
Is Your Fly Rod Obsolete?
The original fly rods were tree sprouts or saplings, those evolved over a long period of time into split bamboo. Then in the 1940’s fiberglass came along and its low cost and rugged strength appealed to the fishing community. In 1976 carbon fiber came on the market and soon graphite based rods dominated the fly rod industry, even if they were somewhat fragile and prone to breakage. Now days many fishermen think they require an expensive graphite rod for all their fishing needs. Fortunately, the price of graphite rods has dropped and some brand can be affordable to any fly fisherman. However, some flyrodders recognize the advantages of good fiberglass and it is experiencing a comeback. In addition to being durable it can have a good favorable delicate and moderate casting action, is very sensitive and can produce a respectable cast. And who needs a $700 graphite or boron rod to troll a wooly bugger behind a boat? You sometimes hear people talk about how that big fish broke their graphite rod, but how many times have you heard of someone having had a fiberglass rod broken by a trout? A lot fewer than I think. Some fly fishermen have reverted even farther back, to bamboo again. Good high-grade bamboo rods have those certain look, feel, and presentation qualities that many consider highly desirable and not available in other types of rods. However, the hefty price may be more than some want to lay out. Your garden variety bamboo fly rod won’t have those sweet performance criteria but they may be serviceable. Your old (vintage sounds better) glass rod may be just what you need or will suit the purpose just fine. If your option is to fish fiberglass or forgo fishing because you don’t have high end graphite or quality bamboo, definitely go glass.
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….……………. Dennis Jones, President..................
………… Fly Fishing Quote of the Month ……………. "There are no such things as wind knots, just bad casting knots." ~ Scott Sweebe, Guide, Cody Wyoming.
2013-2014 WMFFC Board Members
President: Dennis Jones (928) 367-6124
Past-President: Bob Bowers (928) 367-5579
Vice President: Richard Dreyer (928) 368-3562
Secretary: Ellen Hofmann (602) 320-6388
Treasurer: Sparky Snyder (928)-521-0929
Board Member #1: Steve Hofmann (623) 262-7491
Board Member #2: Gary Miller (602) 439-3262
Board Member #3: Jaime DeZubeldia (928) 242-4386 Membership Chairman: Dick Davis (480)-220-4501 & Steve Hofmann backup (623) 262-7491 Conservation Chairman: Gary Miller (602) 439-3262
Newsletter Chairman: Steve Hofmann (623) 262-7491
Outings Chairman: John Stoner (928) 242-0325
General Monthly Meeting Minutes for February 15th, 2014……Submitted by Ellen Hofmann Meeting was held at the Lakeside Fire Station on February 19.
The meeting started at 6:35 pm with the Pledge of the Allegiance.
Dennis Jones welcomed all members and guest. (24 members were present)
Membership: Steve Hofmann introduced guest Jim Sweitzer and new members Phil Robinson and Jesse Clark. At this time there are 105 members.
General Meeting Minutes January: Bob Bowers made a motion to accept the general meeting minutes from January as published in the newsletter. Motion seconded by Nick Cuilty and all in favor.
Treasurer: Sparky Snyder gave a report of the current bank account balance.
Newsletter: Anything you want in the newsletter contact Steve Hofmann. He can always use pictures from the outings.
Outings Report: The Outing in February was at Fool’s Hollow Lake. Only two members showed up: Steve Hofmann and Mike Styvaert and a Webelow Boy Scout, guest of Steve Hofmann. Mike Styvaert was the only person who caught a fish …… and a small one at that.
Conservation: No news from the Conservation Chair Gary Miller
Library: Gail Allgood not present. Dennis explained to the new members where they could get the videos and books
Fly Tying: At the meeting there were requests for a fly tying coordinator and in the mean time Bud Huth has offered to be that person. Fly tying will start Tuesday March 11 and will continue for 6 weeks every Tuesday at 6 pm at the Lakeside Fire Station. The new vises are in and everyone is exited to try them out.
General news: Dennis Jones introduced the speaker of the night, Emmitt Doane from Circle Valley Anglers in Circleville, Utah
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“Captain” Bill Harris is not going to have his bone marrow transplant at this time. If his cardiac and pulmonary status improves he might be put on the transplant list again.
Bill Langdon had his knee replaced the on 2-18-2014 and is doing well.
Bob Bowers talked about the upcoming fishing trip to Lees Ferry. This is an official club outing. The trip is planned for April 14-17 with guided fishing on April 15 and 16. At this time 8 members have signed up. There is going to be a pre-trip meeting about a week before the scheduled trip to get an idea about what to take.
On February the 10th there was a Board Meeting and the following items were discussed:
- Gary Miller is going to be the coordinator for the annual banquet. He needs volunteers!!
- The fishing competition on the day of the banquet is going to be at Silver Creek.
- The entertainment at the banquet at Torreon is going to be Jack Wagner, “the” one man band.
- Steve Hofmann is going to update our website on a regular basis.
- Sparky will do the annual tax report to the IRS
- Board is going to get D & O insurance
- The Club is going to contact the Farmington Fly Casters and see if they will help us manage the club float boat “Float for the Fallen”.
- Richard Dryer gave update of stocking Brown Trout in Becker Lake
- Club Survey results will be e-mailed to all members for more comments and then a decision will be made by the Board accordingly.
- Bob Bowers, Gary Miller and Steve Hofmann will get together and will start a rod-building class. More info to follow
- There will be Pike Netting at Rainbow Lake the week of February 17-31. Volunteers were needed for Friday February 21. Dennis Jones had the contact information for volunteering.
Fish Tales: Fish Tales were told.
Raffle: Jaime had many items that were raffled off.
Business meeting adjourned at 7:10 pm followed by the presentation of our guest speaker Emmitt Doane from Circle Valley Anglers in Circleville Utah. Mr. Doane gave an informative overview of the fishing opportunities in that area.
Meeting was adjourned at ~ 8:15 Pm
March 19th Monthly Meeting – at 6:30PM – Lakeside Firehouse
Agenda: - Social Hour – (5:30PM) (Buy your Raffle Tickets!!!) - Call to Order -- (6:30PM) - Pledge of Allegiance - Introduction of Guests and New Members - Committee Reports - Business & Raffle - Fish Tales - Speaker
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The March 19th Speaker will be Steve Hofmann, from the WMFFC. He will talk about Fly Fishing the Cody area of
Wyoming for Native Yellowstone Cuts, Rainbows, Cut-Bows, and Browns. The Cody area is East of Yellowstone NP and has many diverse fishing opportunities.
Upcoming Programs:
April 15: Doug Benford, a club member and local resident, will talk about on fishing the Eastern White Mountains and
the Luna Lake area. (I.e. it covers the creek below Nelson Res., Nelson Res. Hulsey Lake, down to Aker Lake. It also includes Luna Lake, San Francisco River below Luna Lake and the Blue River.)
May: Phil Rowley of Fly Craft Angling in BC Canada will speak. Phil is a noted author, guide, instructor, seminar leader. To Check out Phil’s credentials, go to his website at: www.flycraftangling.com/. More on what exactly he will talk about will be coming later.
The Outings Schedule for 2014
Month Outing 2014 Alternative Lake
January Show Low Lake Silver Creek
February Fool’s Hollow Lake Becker Lake
March Horseshoe Cienega River Reservoir
April Hawley Lake Earl Park
May Becker Lake the 17
th;
Christmas Tree 23rd
& 24th
17th, Becker Best
June (Banquet) Becker Lake X Diamond
July Big Lake Reservation Lake
August Crescent Lake Reservation Lake
September Reservation Lake Big lake
October
San Juan River/Troops 1st
Oct. 14th - 17th Club Outing
Oct 14th-17th
November Sunrise Lake Horseshoe Lake
December Christmas Party NA
Weather and Forest Service Conditions permitting!
WMFFC Club Planned Activities for 2014 Month Dates Activity
March 11 Fly Tying Class-1st in a series of 6
March 18 Rod Building Class - 1st in a series 4
March 18 Fly Tying Class
March 19 Monthly General meeting
March 22 Monthly Fishing Outing
March 25 Fly Tying Class
April 1 Fly Tying Class
April 5 Rod Building Class
April 8 Fly Tying Class
April 12 Rod Building Class
April 15 Fly Tying Class – last in the series
April 14 - 17 Lees Ferry Fishing Trip
April 16 Monthly General meeting
April 19 Rod Building Class
April 19 Monthly Fishing Outing
May 16 Monthly Meeting - Phil Rowley Special Presentation
……February Outing Report …… submitted by Steve Hofmann This month’s outing was to be at Fool’s Hollow Lake. At the meeting only 2 members showed interest in fishing that Saturday. Two Members and a guest showed up to fish. They were: Steve Hofmann and Mike Styvaert. The guest was Logan Kilber, a neighbor of Steve (who also happens to be a Boy Scout). It was a beautiful spring like day, even though it was February. Fishing was slow. Fish were on the fish finders at 8 to 12 feet. But they just weren’t hitting. At this time of year the lake should have had about a foot ice and 2-3 feet of snow around the shoreline. No such thing this year!
Notice: Fly Tying Classes are starting again! Bud Huth and Jerry Duval are the coordinators. Thank you for volunteering. Classes start March 11th at the Lakeside Firehouse at 7:00 to 8:30 PM. The classes will continue for 6 weeks and meet every Tuesday at the same time and place. Equipment will be provided in you don’t have your own fly tying fear. For beginners the first class is a must.
Notice: A Fly Rod Building Class is being offered again! Bob Bowers is graciously offering his time to offer a fly rod building class beginning Tuesday, March 18. The class will come in groups of 4 lessons (sessions). You need to be able to attend the first class on March 18 at 1:00 pm at Bob’s house because that’s when rod components will be discussed and ordered. If you want to attend the first set of classes (4 lessons) give Bob a call at 928-367-5579. You should have received an e-mail with other details and session dates. If interest is high, other rod building classes will be offered in late spring or summer.
Notice: April Lees Ferry fishing trip. The final installment of $265 is due is at the March 19th meeting. The total of $530 is for fishing guide service for 2 days and a double occupancy room for 3 nights. This cost is a steal considering the normal in-season prices.
Notice: From the Club Banquet Committee The Banquet committee is sending out letters to vendors at this time requesting donations for the club annual fundraiser. The committee is also requesting club members who have items to donate for the banquet to contact Gary Miller (602) 439-3262 or Bob Bowers (928) 367-5579. The annual banquet is being held June 7th. The banquet is the main fund raiser for all the charitable activities the club supports throughout out the year.
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Notice: Upcoming Event on May17 at Becker Lake! See page 7 for the Information Bulletin on “Becker Best Days”!
………The March Fly Fishing Question of the Month: What causes those so called “Wind knots” in leaders and tippets?
Fly fishermen are masters of euphemism when it comes to tangled leaders. “Oh, look. I’ve got a wind knot,” an angler will say on the even the most flat-calm day. Sorry, my friend, but the wind had nothing to do with that knot, which was surely caused by a flaw in your casting motion. Such knots are usually caused by tailing loops (an easy-to-fix problem) or an overly violent acceleration or stop at one end of the casting motion. If you’re fishing a tandem rig, these flaws are compounded by the two flies’ tendency to spin around each other if given half a chance. But once you’ve made a mess of your leader, what do you do?
When it comes to tangled leaders, I’ve always divided anglers into two camps: cutters and untanglers. Cutters believe that anything but the simplest tangle isn’t worth bothering with, so instead they simply cut above the knot and retie the leader. If you’re good with leader knots and have an endless supply of monofilament or fluorocarbon, this might be a good strategy.
Untanglers—the group to which I belong—see every knot as a challenge to be met head-on. The exception to this rule is that rising fish demand a speedy solution, even if it means cutting a tangle you could undo if you had the time. Rising fish wait for no man.
That said; here are some strategies for detangling your leader.
1. If you are fishing a tandem rig, immediately cut off the bottom fly at the hook bend of the top fly. If you don’t, you’ll find that the dropper fly keeps wrapping itself around stuff while you’re working on another part of the tangle.
2. If you are fishing a bushy dry fly or a big streamer, you may want to cut that off, as well. Such a fly is hard to thread through small loops, which is frustrating. For most tangles, I prefer to leave smaller flies attached because they give you a visual reminder of where the end of the line is when you’re working farther up. Plus, the fly gives you some weight to work with when you’re trying to unspin parts of the tangle.
3. The key thing to remember is this: Things wrap around other things. The vast majority of tangles aren’t really knots, in which the end of the line is actually interwoven with the standing line. What looks like a convoluted mess will become clearer when you start to look for how parts of the tangle are wrapping around each other. If you can unwrap them in the reverse order, you’re golden.
4. Never pull on the ends of the tangle, even if you think you’re almost done solving it. This may serve to create a smaller, tighter tangle that’s even harder to undo.
5. Many nippers have a small pick for poking the glue out of hook eyes. Use this to gently pull apart tight parts of the tangle or “wind knots.” If your nipper doesn’t offer this feature, attach a safety pin to your vest for easy access.
All of these strategies aside, the best way to deal with tangles is to try not to create them in the first place. That means you must work on becoming a better, smoother caster. Written by: Phil Monahan, Midcurrent.
