Across the Stream - April 2003

Across the Stream - April 2004

A Publication of Heart of America Fly Fishers

HOAFF April Meeting

Monday, April 19, 2004 - 7pm

Fox Statler

Fox Statler is an outfitter, guide, and author based in Salem, AR who has spent his entire life on the White and Norfork Rivers. Check out Fox’s article on tying minnow imitations in a recent issue of Fly Fisherman magazine.

Fox will also be our Featured Fly Tyer for April so come early to the meeting to see him tie. We will start the fly tying at 6:00pm before the member meeting.

President's Message

What's in it for me?

by Dave Andrews

WIIFM is an acronym for “What’s in it for me?” As a member of the HOAFF, have you ever sat down to answer that question? A similar question might be, “What do I want from my association with the HOAFF?” Your Board would like to know the answer as well.

At this time, we have slightly less than 100 paid members for 2004. Our membership seems to fluctuate between 90 and 150. Attendance at meetings has hovered around 50 for several years. Attendance at quarterly outings and projects peaked as high as 40 a couple of years ago, but has fallen back recently to about 10.

Cliff Newton has volunteered to electronically survey our members to find out what our members want. Further, Cliff will attempt to determine the causes of our fluctuating membership and participation. Cliff may even survey past members who have not renewed.

If you do not have e-mail, you can also participate by calling Cliff and answering a few questions. Bottom line, we have an obligation to make the club relevant to our members needs. We will let you know what we learn.

In the meantime, I hope to see you at Riley’s Station on the 16th. Arkansas is always beautiful this time of year.

Bob Clouser Spring Program

by Tom James

Once again, the Heart of America presented an outstanding Spring Program. Bob Clouser was the featured guest who shared his years of experience guiding and fly fishing around the world.

Bob presented a slide show detailing the various species of fish around the world who can be fooled by the fly. He also shared secrets about tying the Clouser Minnow and gave instruction on casting weighted flies.

Over the years, there have been numerous adaptations of the Clouser minnow and countless methods of tying the highly effective fly.

Once while Bob was tying at a demonstration, a man planted himself in front of the tying vise, intensely studying the fly.

Not knowing who he was watching, the man boldly stated, I don’t know who taught you how to tie a Clouser Minnow, but that ain’t it. The man stormed off disgusted. Later someone informed the man that it was actually Bob Clouser who was tying the Clouser Minnow.

It was a pleasure to learn the proper way to tie the fly, the tips and tricks that can place the materials on the hook so they imitate the minnow and eliminate the problems tyers have when tying the fly.

Unlike the man who was unwilling to learn from the man who designed the fly, we have the opportunity to watch and learn from his mistake.

Thanks to Bob Clouser for designing a very effective fly, and for sharing how to tie it with us.

Clouser Minnow

Divide the hook into thirds and build a thread bump one third behind the hook eye.

Place dumbbell eyes behind thread bump and make a series of cross wraps (not figure eight wraps) first making several wraps on one side and then making several wraps on the other side.

Use the top two thirds of the deer tail. Size the hair about 2 times hook length. With thread half way between hook eye and bead eyes, hold hair at an angle and touch the tips to the hook eye.

Make one wrap and lightly collect the hairs and then pull tight.

This will create a tapered head and eliminate the bulk. Wrap the thread to the bead eyes.

Hold the hair up and away from the hook and make a wrap behind the eyes letting the thread pull the hair to the hook. This will tie the hair on top instead of spinning it around the hook.

Spiral wrap to the two thirds spot which is the hook point. Again, spiral wrap back to the bead eyes.

Pull thread to hook eye and make one wrap. Do this instead of wrapping back to eye to eliminate a bulky head. This places the thread in position to tie crystal flash.

Turn fly upside down and tie in crystal flash. Fold crystal flash around the thread. When you pull the bobbin away, the crystal flash will slide down into position. Trim crystal flash a little longer than hair.

Select twice as much hair for the back than was used for the belly. Pull the hair straight up away from the hide and trim to make a tapered clump.

With the thread half way between the hook eye and bead eyes, again, hold the tips at an angle and touch the hook eye. Make a loose wrap to collect materials and taper them to the hook.

Create a clean tapered head and whip finish. Use head cement to secure thread, avoiding the hair. This will help protect the fly while still allowing the hair to move freely.

2004 Officers

PRESIDENT

David Andrews

davidgandrews@kc.rr.com

Home: (816) 741-8314

PAST PRESIDENT

John Richards

jreyedoc1@aol.com

Home: (816) 781-0545

Office: (816) 781-0500

SECRETARY

Mark Borserine

majborser@aol.com

(913) 381-0722

TREASURER

Doug McDonald

mcdoug5148@aol.com

(913) 669-5222

Paul Bennetts

pbennetts1@comcast.net

913-338-3837

NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Tom James

tom@blackdogsports.com

Office: 816-213-7815

PROGRAMS

Cliff Cain

cliffcain@hotmail.com

Home: (913) 780-3865

Office: (913) 433-5224

John Bell

j.bell@kcc.state.ks.us

Home: (785) 843-1782

Office: (785) 271-3139

OUTINGS

Jim Ohnemus

johnemus@kcp.com

Home: (816) 322-1381

MEMBERSHIP

Cliff Newton

ccnewton@sbcglobal.net

Home: (816) 348 7626

Office: (816) 426 3925 x260

Fred Clark

fclarks@planetkc.com

Home: (913) 831-0305

CONSERVATION

BLUE RIVER PROJECT

LIBRARY

Raymond Zook

rzook@kc.rr.com

Home: (816) 941-2862

EDUCATION

Dick Martin

rlm@mllfpc.com

Home: (816) 781-9557

Office: (816) 221-1430

Don Grundy

dlgrundy@msn.com

Home 816-781-9019

WEBMASTER

Vicky Newton

svnewton@sbcglobal.net

Home: (816) 348 7626

RAFFLE/AUCTION

Dan Zimmerman

dzmmrmn@aol.com

(913) 829-4768

HISTORIAN

Bill Brant

flyfish@sky.net

Home: (816) 941-9691

Office: (913) 458-6826

SOUTHERN COUNCIL LIASON

Hod McIntosh

singingreels@worldnet.att.net

Home: (913) 722-3684

Blue River Cleanup

by Tom James & Bill Brant

Despite a smaller turnout than previous years, the Heart of America Fly Fishers joined the efforts of the Lakeside Nature Center’s Project Blue River Rescue to help clean the riparian zone of the Blue River.

In past years, we cleaned an area just north of I-435, west of the Grandview Triangle. After several years of focus on the area, it is starting to look pretty good.

This year, we concentrated on a spot just south of Martin City that was a dump site, which contained several decades worth of trash.

We had wonderful weather and a fun time, and made a real impact on the River and its watershed by gathering and hauling away tons of trash, broken glass, rusted metal and tires.

With the assistance of the Jackson County Parks and Recreation’s Gator, we were able to go deep into the park’s meadows to collect larger items like a water heater, stove and dryer that were dumped along the rivers banks.

By doing our part to clean urban waters, like the Blue River, not only are we improving the habitat of a fishable river, but we are also helping to show the community that by respecting the environment, we all have a better place to live.

Thanks to all who turned out to help make this event a success.

Heart of America Fly Fishers Meetings

Meetings are held at 7pm - 3rd Monday of each month

Johnson County Courthouse Extension, 6000 Lamar, Shawnee Mission, Kansas-Room C)

Hatch of the Month

Bring a fly or a couple of flies to add to the Match of the Month collection. During each meeting names are drawn and the winner receives the collection of flies. This is a great way to learn new fly patterns and share some of your favorite flies with the rest of the club. Members can also donate a dollar to enter for the drawing.

Featured Fly Tyer

Fox Statler will be tying flies at 6pm before of the April member meeting. Fox has written articles for Fly Fisherman magazine so it should be an exciting tying session.

If you are interested in being a featured fly tyer, contact John Richards.

Kid's Free Fishing

Bennett Spring Hatchery is having a Kid’s Free Fishing event on Saturday, May 15, 2004. Fishing hours for that day are 6:30am to 8:15pm.

Kids 15 years and younger can fish for free by obtaining a special tag from the hatchery. The hatchery will provide a goodie bag with every tag up to 1000 tags. Every child will be given a ticket for a drawing.

Educational programs such as fly tying & fly casting, a casting contest, stream team displays and nature center touch tank will be from 10am until 2pm. Lunch will be provided from 11am until 1pm with a drawing at Noon. Prizes will be given away and winners must be present to win.

Parents come and share the joy of fishing with your children.

One Fly at Guy B. Park Conservation Area

by Roger O'Mara

This year our annual One Fly Tournament will be at Guy B. Parks. Known to some as “Tobacco Hill.” Saturday, May, 22nd, early, with lunch at noon.

If you need directions here they are:

• I-29 N to Exit 20

• Turn left over I-29

• Turn right at 371 Highway

• 2.8 Miles to Bee Creek Boulevard

• Turn left

• 100 yards

• Turn right

That’s it you’re there.

Jake Alman, MDC’s fish biologist, said he will be there too. Jake say’s “ the fishing should be good, lots of bluegill, 8” or bigger and plenty of bass,” he said, “MDC, will make certain the invader plant, Curly Leaf Pond Weed, will not be a problem”.

Fish from the boat dock area. Walk the shore line. Use a kick boat or float tube. Doug McDonald will use his canoe (if he can figure out how to get it there). If you have something with an electric trolling motor now is the time to use it.

Lunch is provided by the club at noon. If you want to bring someone...good we’ll feed um for ya.

Kids seem to like this lake. It’s easy to keep an eye on them and again, the chances of catchin’ fish is high.

The rules are simple, catch as many fish as you can on One Fly — so match the hatch carefully. The prize is pride and recognition from your peers. If you have any questions contact Jim Ohnemus at buzzyflyohn@msn.com or (816) 322-1381.

Struggling on the San Juan

Low flows make for tough times on the San Juan

by John Bell

I spent two days on the San Juan March 23 & 24. The weather was beautiful. The lows were in the 40’s, highs in 60’s. The wind was not a factor. Bluebird days. And, oh yes, two fish in two days. So, what happened?

The short story is the lake was “turning over” and water release was 250 cfs. These two factors combined to limit me to two fish in two days. The lake turns over every year about this time.

However, this year it was spewing out green milky water that was ladened with vegetation. Every cast picked up some kind of crap on your fly. Visibility was less than one foot. So sight fishing was impossible. That was really the killer.

Previous winter water releases were in the 500 cfs range. In my view even that is a bit low, but 250 really limits the side channel action and concentrates both fish and fishermen on the main channel.

I got my first fish almost immediately the first day. Upon entering the river at a side channel I spotted three fish in less than one foot of water. After about a dozen casts I finally hooked one. I should have spent more time savoring the fight as it was the only one I caught that day.

Day two I walk the entire four miles of the quality water looking for clear water. None to be found. I finally figure out to be successful I must find fish that are in less than one foot of water. So, back to the Beaver Flats where I finally find a pod of fish in thin water. I hook a couple and land one more.

Stayed at Abe’s where I discover that his $40 rooms are worth every penny and not one more!

Oh well, a bad day fishing is better than a good day at...

The South Fork Tuck-And-Reach Cast

by Rick Williams from FFF Clubwire

Over the last few years of fishing from a drift boat on an increasingly busy western Idaho river, I’ve discovered a cast that is useful for overcoming upstream winds and presenting small flies on light tippets to selective trout. Our mid-summer fishing conditions are typical of many western rivers—substantial angler pressure, large rainbows, and prolific mayfly and caddis hatches that demand 5X and 6X tippets. Fish congregate along near-shore feeding lanes, where the current is slower than the mid-channel currents near the boat. Strong upstream winds are the rule during the midday and evening.

I’ve dubbed the cast the South Fork Tuck-and-Reach because of its two primary elements, the tuck cast followed by a rolling reach mend. It allows the angler to use lighter rods such as five or six-weights, rather than moving up to a seven-weight in order to handle the wind. In addition to its fishing effectiveness, the cast is also a wonderful teaching exercise for intermediate to advanced anglers. It combines a number of casting skills into a single, smoothly executed cast.

The cast has five distinct components. These should be introduced and practiced separately. Advanced anglers will quickly integrate the components.

1) Casting direction - The cast works best angled 30 degrees toward shore from the long axis of the boat, assuming the boat is parallel to shore. Most anglers tend to fish too much toward the bank (e.g., 45 - 90 degrees off axis), where the boat can spook fish and the angler’s line is susceptible to additional drag from varying currents.

2) Casting plane - Tilt the casting plane forward to give a higher back cast and lower forward cast. This straightens the forward cast just above the water, reducing the amount of time the straightened, static line is subject to the force of the wind.

3) Tuck Cast - Apply extra power to the final forward power snap, causing the fly to land on the water before the fly line. If the line lands first, the wind will sweep the leader and fly upstream, creating a belly and quickly causing drag.

4) Reach Mend - After the power snap, make a strong reach mend toward the bank. Instead of moving the rod directly (horizontally) toward the bank, move the rod tip in a small arc that goes up, then down, like following the shape of a rainbow. The wrist makes a rolling motion up and over, similar to that made during a stack mend.

5) Shoot line - During the reach mend, shoot some line. Shooting line allows the reach mend to extend over toward the bank and places the fly line directly in the feeding lane without pulling the fly and leader back upstream (as would happen with the reach mend alone). The upstream wind will catch the line just a little bit, straightening the line clear down to the leader and fly. The resulting cast places the line directly in the feeding lane, with the fly drifting down to the feeding trout well ahead of the fly line.

It works best to practice this cast on the river. Anchor the boat or wade to a position about 10 feet from a near-shore feeding lane so the angler has a specific target. Initially, practice the cast in two separate stages. Stage one involves mastering the casting direction (more downstream), the casting plane (tilted forward), and the tuck cast (adding power to the finish of the forward cast). Once you are comfortable with these, add stage two—the reach mend and shooting line. Despite the power from the tuck cast, the line will land softly on the water because of the reach mend and the billowing effect of the upstream wind.

This cast is fun to learn, fun to teach, and even more fun to fish! For most anglers with intermediate or better casting skills, fifteen minutes of instruction and practice is usually sufficient to master the tuck-and-reach cast. Once mastered, it provides an easy and deadly way to present small flies to selective fish under challenging conditions.

Rick Williams is a Master Casting Instructor and is co-owner of the Idaho Angler in Boise Idaho. In his other life, Rick is a geneticist who works on Pacific salmon recovery and native trout conservation.

Campers to avoid using portable propane products inside

You’ve spent months in the house. Now that the air is warmer and the days are longer, you’re ready to get rid of cabin fever with a good dose of spring hiking, fishing, or even camping. But remember: nights can be chilly.

Keeping warm while temperatures drop is simple. A safely constructed campfire is still one of the best outdoor heat sources. Eat a good meal — especially one rich in protein, carbohydrates and fat — to get your inner furnace going.

Portable propane heaters are a good additional heat source to take the chill out of a spring night outdoors, in addition to a campfire, around a picnic area or under a tent fly. Propane cook stoves are also handy for heating soups and hot beverages.

But as you enjoy a cool spring evening, remember: never use any outdoor-only propane product inside a cabin, tent, truck, camper, RV, or other enclosure. These products burn and consume oxygen for combustion, and give off carbon monoxide. Campers run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if these products are used inside, especially overnight while sleeping.

There are certain heaters approved for indoor use as a temporary heat source. These heaters feature an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) to shut off the heater if oxygen levels drop below a safe point. Even so, do not use any portable propane product overnight while sleeping. Remember to read all product packaging, operating instructions and safety guidelines carefully before operating.

No matter how cold, don’t be tempted to take a portable propane product inside an enclosure. Stick with the basics:

• Wear layers of clothing to bed. Keep your head covered to avoid loss of body heat.

• Use a foam mat or cot to eliminate ground chill and moisture.

• Use a sleeping bag designed for cold weather camping.

For a free safety brochure about portable propane product safety, contact the Coalition for Portable Propane Product Safety at 888-226-7487; visit www.propaneproducts.org or write to P.O. Box 45002, Cleveland, OH 44145.

The Coalition for Portable Propane Product Safety is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public about the safe use of portable propane products, helping people avoid potentially dangerous situations. Members include BP Products/Paulin, The Coleman Company, and Mr. Heater Corporation.

Upcoming Progams & Events

April 16 - 18, 2004 Annual White River Trip

April 19, 2004 Fox Statler - Fly Tying at 6pm

May 22, 2004 One Fly - Guy B. Parks Lake

Thanks to Spence Turner for the outstanding program on Missouri’s cold water trout streams. Remember that Fox Statler will start his fly tying demonstration at 6:00 pm before the regular member meeting.

Visit our Advertisers:

Black Dog Sports

www.blackdogsports.com

The Fishing Hole

Ray & Jonell Fincke

(913) 642-5554

3731 W. 95th • Overland Park, KS 66206

Rainbow Fly Shop

4706-D Shrank Drive

Independence, MO 64055

816-373-2283

9-5 Tuesday - Saturday

K&K Flyfishers’

Sidewalk Sale

40% to 70% OFF Special Items

Friday, April 30th • 9:00am - 7:00pm

Saturday, May 1st • 9:00am - 4:00pm

87th & Grant, Overland Park, KS 66212

www.kkflyfishers.com • 913-341-8118

Fishing River Custom Rods

Bill Kreitz

13715 Nation Rd.

Kearney, MO 64060

E-mail: b.kreitz@att.net

816-628-5071

Cell: 816-392-6720

River Run Outfitters

212 South Commercial

Branson, MO 65616

417-332-0460

877-699-3474 (toll free)

www.riverrunoutfitters.com

Branson Lodge

2456 State Highway 165

Branson, MO 65616

1-800-334-3104

www.bransonlodge.com

Sawdust Clay Art

Handmade wood sculptures of your favorite fish.

PO Box 575 • Liberty, MO 64068

(816) 792-4603 • lylesw@mdc.state.mo.us

Loon Outdoors

www.loonoutdoors.com

Pomeroy Auction

James “J.P.” Rozine

Auctioneer

Kansas City, Kansas

(913) 334-2153

Blue Ribbon Flies

West Yellowstone, Montana

www.blueribbonflies.com

Lilleys' Landing

1-800-LILLEYS

367 River Lane

Branson, MO 65616

www.lilleyslanding.com

Dr. Slick Co.

www.drslick.com

Weaver's Tackle Store

www.missouritrout.com/weavers

11388 Highway 64

Lebanon, MO 65536

417-532-4618

Vogels Homestead Resort

11451 Hwy 64

Lebanon, MO 65536

417-532-4097

Rio Products

5050 S. Yellowstone Hwy, Idaho Falls, Idaho

83402 USA • Tel. 208-524-7760

Fax 208-524-7763

e-mail: rio@rioproducts.com

website: www.rioproducts.com

Spring View Fly Shop

Ed & Kay

417-588-2116

11726 Highway 64

Lebanon, MO 65536

Andy’s Catch

Phone: 417 - 532-0755

Fax: 417-532-1101

16161 Highway 64

Lebanon, MO 65536

www.AndysCatch.com

Reading’s Fly Shop

11937 Highway 64A

Lebanon, MO 65536

417-588-4334

Bennett Spring State Park Concession Shop

26248 Hwy 64 A

Lebanon, MO 65536

417-532-4307

1-800-334-6946

Gaston’s Tackle

Bennett Springs State Park

11798 Highway 64 - Lot 63

Lebanon, MO 65536

417-532-9449

Sand Springs Resort

1996 Hwy 64

Lebanon, MO 65536

417-532-5857

417-588-3110 fax

www.sandspringsresort.com

Larry’s Sporting Goods

25976 State Highway 64A

Lebanon, MO 65536

877-456-7243 or 417-532-8678

e-mail: larrys@bennettspring.com

www.bennettspring.com

Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures

Clint Wilkinson

272 Wild Cat Shoals Road

Gassville, AR 72635

870-404-2942

CGFlyfish@excite.com

Riley’s Station

Miles & Michelle Riley

129 CR 640

Buffalo, AR 72653

whiteriver.net/rileys/

888-533-2151

870-425-4221

Dale Fulton’s Blue Ribbon Flies

1343 Hwy. 5 South

Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653

(870) 425-0447

Fax (870) 425-6954

http://www.mtnhome.net/fultons/

http://www.mtnhome.net/brf/

E-mail: bluflyar@mtnhome.com

Two Rivers Fly Shop

13718 Hwy 5 South • Norfork, AR 72658

870 499-3060 • Fax 870 499-5951

www.tworiversflyshop.com

Wapsi

Ask for Wapsi at Better Fly Shops Everywhere!

Mountain Home, AR 72653

Brass Door Motel

Hwy 62W

Gassville, AR 72635

Motel Phone

(870) 435-2988

Restaurant Phone

(870) 435-2288

(877) 272-7736

The Red Fern Restaurant

203 N. College St.

(1/2 Block off Hwy 62B)

Mountain Home, AR

870-508-6693

White Sands Motel & Restaurant

Highway 62B - Next to Cotter's Rainbow Arch Bridge

870-435-2244

whitesands@mtnhome.com