Across
the Stream – February 2006
A
Publication of Heart of America Fly Fishers
HOAFF February Meeting
Monday, February 20, 2006 - 7pm
Darrell Bowman, AGFC Trout Biologist
White
& Norfork Rivers
President's Message
by Mark Borserine
At
this point, registration for our upcoming Spring Seminar with A.K. Best on
March 11, 2006 is very low. This is a unique opportunity to experience not only
the nation’s best- known fly tyer but one of the nation’s best dry fly fisherman. A.K. is known mostly for his legendary skill as a
tyer, but his friends John Gierach and Ed Engle both attest to his prowess as a
fly fisher as well. A.K. will be advising on us his
fishing expertise as well as tying. This is a seminar not to be missed! Get registered and bring your friends as
well! Spread the Word!
The
proposed Seminar at the Discovery Center had to be canceled because of lack of
registration. Your Officers discussed this extensively and believe that there
is simply a lack of interest in beginner-level fly fishing education; or,
perhaps, there is already enough of that being done. We heard some good
suggestions and have decided to take a different direction in providing
education. We think there may be more interest in more intermediate and advance
level opportunities. We have already begun work on offering an on-the-water
opportunity at our upcoming Spring Outing on the White River April 22nd. We would like to hear what kind of
classes you would like to see offered; see the article in this newsletter on
Educational Opportunities for new members and contact myself or Jim Mattes with
your ideas. Education is the primary
purpose of the FFF, it is part of our mission as an
FFF-affiliate club. Please give us your feedback and the opportunity to make
your membership in HOAFF more fulfilling!
Speaking
of outings, our first this year at the White River (Arkansas) planned for April
22nd will include an on-the-water
educational opportunity (who, what TBA). I can assure you it will be a bargain,
not to be missed! Our second outing,
the traditional One-Fly, June 17th will be held at a 4,000 acre location covered with strip pits near
Amsterdam, MO (an hour South) belonging to Hunting Sports Plus. These pits are
the stuff of legend in the local area, I can promise
you will have access that day to some of the best WarmWater Fly Fishing you
will ever experience!
A.K. Best Spring Seminar 2006
Saturday, March 11,
2006 • 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
A professional fly tyer of international stature, A.K. Best
is one of the most well known fly tyers of our day. He has written numerous
books on fly tying and fly fishing. His fly fishing
adventures can often be found in the writings of John Gierach.
Club members: $40.00
Nonmembers: $50.00. Registration fee
includes a lunch catered by Alpine Catering.
Send checks made payable to HOAFF, to: Paul Bennetts, HOAFF, 13921 W.
114th Terr., Lenexa, KS 66208.
Missouri Department of Conservation Discovery Center 4750 Troost •
Kansas City, Missouri
2006 Officers
PRESIDENT
Mark Borserine
majborser@aol.com
(913) 381-0722
pAST
PRESIDENT/SECRETARY
David Andrews
davidgandrews@kc.rr.com
H (816) 741-8314
tREASURER
Paul Bennetts
pbennetts1@comcast.net
913-338-3837
NEWSLETTER
EDITOR
Tom
James
tom@blackdogsports.com
O (816)
718-0393
PROGRAMS
Cliff Cain John Bell
cliffcain@hotmail.com j.bell@kcc.state.ks.us
H (913) 780-3865 H (785) 843-1782
O (913) 433-5224 O (785) 271-3139
OUTINGS
Jim
Jorgensen Bill Lyon
jhjflyfisher@everestkc.net blyon51@yahoo.com
H (913) 469-1950 (816) 525-1243
O (913) 477-7701
MEMBERSHIP
Cliff Newton Fred Clark
ccnewton@sbcglobal.net fclarks@planetkc.com
H (816) 943-8306 H
(913) 831-0305
O (816) 426 3925 x260
CONSERVATION/BLUE
RIVER PROJECT
Open Position
LIBRARIAN
Doug McDonald
mcdoug5148@sbcglobal.net
(913) 669-5222
EDUCATION/RECOGNITION
Bill Lindley Jim Mattes
wlindleyjr@kc.rr.com jimmattes@mattesappraisal.com
(913) 888-3177 H
(913) 268-6161
SPRING
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Dick Martin Don Grundy
rlm@mllfpc.com dgrundy@sbcglobal.net
H (816) 781-9557 H (816)-781-9019
O (816) 221-1430
WEBMASTER
Vicky Newton
svnewton@sbcglobal.net
H (816) 943-8306
AUCTION/RAFFLE
Committee
Jim Mattes
jimmattes@mattesappraisal.com
H (913)
268-6161
HISTORIAN
Bill Brant
billandkathy@kc.rr.com
H (816) 941-9691 O (913) 458-6826
SOUTHERN
COUNCIL LIAISON
Hod McIntosh
singingreels@sbcglobal.net
Home: (913) 722-3684
BANQUET
CHAIR
John Richards
jreyedoc1@aol.com
H (816) 781-0545 O (816) 781-0500
Heart
of America Fly Fishers Meetings
Meetings
are held at 7pm on the 3rd Monday of each month
Community
of Christ Church
79th
& Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS
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
If
you are interested in being a featured fly tyer, contact Dave Andrews.
HOAFF Apparel now available
Now you can get a T-shirt or a fishing hat with the
new Heart of America Fly Fishers Logo. Hats $15, T-shirts $12
An Educational Opportunity for New Members
We
realize that one of the main reasons for new members to join Heart of America
Fly Fishers is to learn more about fly fishing. We want to offer classes at no
cost to our new members; but we want to adjust those classes to your needs. If
you will contact either our Club President, Mark Borserine or, our Education
Chairman, Jim Mattes, we would like to hear what kind of classes you would like
to have and an idea of what scheduling would fit into your needs. These classes
will include books for you to add to your library. This offer extends as well
to those who are not yet members: the
$30 membership will include access to these classes and materials.
Mark
Borserine Jim
Mattes
(913)
381-0722 res 913-268-6161 res
(913-915-1002
cell/offc 913-248-1030
offc
913-642-9767
FAX
MAJBORSER@aol.com jimmattes@mattesappraisal.com e-mail
Cabela’s offers 5% Discount
Cabela’s
will give a 5% Discount to all HOAFF members on 3000-series SKU-numbered items:
Fly Fishing items if you will send them your e-mail. Log onto yahoo.com, click
on groups, search for the group “cabela”, go through the registration process
and you will receive special e-mails about discounts from Cabela’s Fly Shop in
Kansas City.
When
you present your HOAFF membership card at the register, you’ll receive a 5% discount on 3000-series SKU numbers.
Participation is purely voluntary.
Membership List
There
have been a number of requests on the part of members for membership lists. We
have held off for two reasons: we have
not published one for some time; and, we wanted to take time to check any legal
issues that might surround such action. The whole atmosphere surrounding issues
of privacy have changed in the last couple of years.
We
are going to publish a membership roster in hardcopy to be available at the April
member meeting or mail by request. The roster will only contain name, address
and phone number. To satisfy current legal requirements, anyone who wishes
their name not to be included in the roster should notify us of their wishes
before April or, at the time they take out their membership (for new members).
Notice can be given to Mark Borserine or Cliff Newton, whose information is
given in the Officer Section of the newsletter.
Doug’s Crayfish
by
Mark Borserine
This
lovely fly was taught to me by a true gentleman fly tyer; Doug Christian from
Florissant, MO at the FFF-SOC Conclave three years ago. I understand Doug has
sinced passed away so I dedicate this pattern to his memory and his generosity
in sharing it.
Materials
list in tying procedure to tan version (use orange materials for version in
photo)
1. Jig Hook:
1/64 oz tube jig painted acrylic tan, Eagle Claw 570 or 575, #6
2. Thread
Tan
3. Doubled Krystal Flash in black or rootbeer
4. Short tip section of natural deer body hair
5. ½ inch wide strip of ginger tan furry foam for
overlay
6. Light ginger dubbing for head of crayfish
7. Two rabbit tufts (natural brown) tied behind
and on each side of head for claws
8. Ginger Hackle (Chinese or Hen) tied in by the
tip for 3 turns palmered over body
9. Fine Copper Wire for ribbing over body
10. Light Ginger Tan dubbing
Tying Steps
A crayfish swims backwards. Tying on a jig hook
insures the fly to go to the bottom and ride with the hook up. Proportions in
thirds: 1/3 head of crayfish, 1/3 body with claws and legs, 1/3 tail section
(jig head).
Head of Crayfish:
1. Tie in a thread base from jig head to above barb.
Double a single strand of Krystal flash and tie at end of fly, cut to the length
of the hook (antennae).
2. Cut a small section of deer body hair (stack if
needed) and cut butt end to extend from the 1/3 point on hook so that tips will
extend ¼ inch behind (hook end) fly. Bind the material on top of the hook
without spinning and bind to above hook barb. This step accomplishes three
important things: First, to ensure a
butt section to help flair the claws, Second, to add bulk to the head away from
the hook bend, and Third, to give the impression of mouth parts.
3. Cut a slight V in the furry foam and with the furry
side up, catch the tip under the butt ends of the deer and with
slight pressure wind the thread back to the tail point.
4. Cover this head section with dubbing ending at the
start of the middle (body) section.
Middle Body Section:
1. Cut a section of rabbit fur (moisten) and cut so
that it will fill the middle section and extend to end of mouth parts (deer
body hair). Secure one tuft on one side, then repeat with another tuft on the
opposite side.
2. Tie in the tip of the hackle at the back end of
middle part. Tie in the ribbing to end with the wire straight up at middle of
section.
3. Fill in the middle section with dubbing.
4. Wrap hackle three turns, the first at the front,
the second just behind the ribbing wire and the third at the end of the middle
section (just behind the jig head). Secure with at least three turns and
continue the wraps over the jig head to the eye of the hook.
Tail Section:
1. Turn the fly over in the vise. Pull furry foam
over the now top of the fly. Pull under tension and position so that hook eye
will penetrate through the foam and secure with a minimum of one thread wrap on
each side of hook eye. Cut remaining furry foam about ¼ inch in front of jig head.
2. Take ribbing wire (now below) and rib over the
middle body and the jig head. Secure with a whip finish just behind hook eye.
Give a good coating of head cement on the jig side.
3. Using permanent markers, make two black eyes,
darken middle with brown blotched, and make two narrow black bars. Mark hot
orange at the end of the furry foarm and the tips of the claws. Crayfish have
orange markings at their tail and the ends of the claws.
Doug’s tips for Fishing his pattern:
• For Active
Fish: In eddies and riffles, swing thru
• For
Semi-Active Fish: In wood structure,
drag thru, hopping in short distances
• For
In-Active Fish: In deep pools –
sanctuaries, fish under a float, deep enough to hit bottom
• Also, drop
the crayfish under a Bass Popper!
Tips for Improving your Nymphing Success
by Norm Crisp, Stream Side Adventures
Trout don’t move very far from their preferred
location when feeding on drifting nymphs. This means that if you want to be
successful, your nymph has to be “spot on “ the feeding lane, both from
side-to-side and right at the feeding depth. Nymph in the feeding lane, takes.
Nymph out of the feeding lane, try again.
Getting the right lateral or side-to-side drift of
your nymph through the feeding lane, while not always simple, is not terribly
hard. For one thing you know where that feeding lane is. Just follow the foam
line. And, you know where you want your nymph to be by watching the indicator.
If your indicator is not drifting the nymph where you
want it, a few subtle mends should position the indicator in the feeding lane.
Making sure your nymph is drifting at the right depth is another issue.
A basic understanding of how water flows in a stream
channel will help you understand what it takes to get your nymph down to the
trout’s level. The first thing you need to know and understand is that the
speed the water is moving, called the velocity, is not the same throughout the
stream. A generalized view shows that the velocity is greatest in the middle
and just below the surface. This variation is primarily due to the friction
from the sides and bottom of the stream channel on the water molecules flowing
by. This vertical velocity distribution is why a trout can live and grow in
water that looks like it is moving too fast. At the location where the trout is
holding, the velocity is near zero!
You also have to consider the sinking rate or
settling velocity of your nymph relative to the water velocity. There are two
important considerations in the sinking rate of your nymph. The first is the
drag or resistance of the leader and the nymph. The second is the weight and
density of your nymph. With this understanding of stream flow and sinking characteristics
you can take a few simple actions to improve our nymphing success.
1. DON’T USE A
TAPERED LEADER:
The first time most fly fishers here this suggestion
they think it is heresy. You need that tapered leader to get a smooth turn-over
and delicate presentation. How far do you cast when you are nymph fishing? Not very far. And, generally it is with a
weighted nymph. It is flipping or chucking, not artful casting. Since the most
successful locations for nymphing are riffles, pockets and shoals, a delicate
presentation isn’t needed. You have to get your nymph all the way down to the
trout’s holding position near the stream bottom. While it may not seem to be
important, the thickness of the upper portions of a tapered leader cause
significant drag and resistance to the sinking of your nymph. Since you don’t
need the tapered leader for presentation, why use one at all?
Try just using 8 to 10 feet of whatever sized
terminal tippet material you would use as your leader. Drag and resistance will
be greatly reduced and your sink rate increased.
2. REDUCE THE
SURFACE TENSION OF YOU LEADER:
One of the primary reasons that a leader floats is
because it of the water’s surface tension. That is the force that keeps it from
sinking. A major contributor to the surface tension is body oils from handling
the leader. You can buy products designed to reduce surface tension and help
your leader sink, or you can use the isopropyl alcohol pads they sell for
cleaning your eyeglasses. Simply pull your leader through the pad and let it
dry for a few seconds. If you don’t have any alcohol pads, find a backwater
area and grab a bit of fine silt and organic material. Run your leader through
it. It’s not as good as the pads but it does help.
3. START WITH THE
INDICATOR 1.5X THE WATER DEPTH:
Unless you are fishing an extremely heavily weighted
nymph in shallow water, it is not very likely that you nymph will hang straight
below your indicator. Almost always there will be a bow in the leader. The
faster and deeper the water, the greater the bow will be. Placing your
indicator on the leader at 1.5 X the water depth is a good place to start, but
make adjustments to the distance between the indicator and the nymph until the
fly is at the depth you need. It is better to have more distance than needed
between the indicator and the nymph than not enough distance between the
indicator and the nymph.
4. CAST UPSTREAM OF
WHERE THE TROUT WILL BE:
Even with a heavily weighted nymph and a straight
leader, it will take some time for the nymph to sink down to the trout’s depth.
Cast far enough upstream to make sure that your nymph has plenty of time to
sink and gets down to where the trout is holding. It is far better to have your
nymph bouncing along the bottom upstream
of the fish, than to have your nymph float by over his head!
5. MAKE AN IMMEDIATE
UPSTREAM MEND OF THE INDICATOR:
This can’t be stressed enough! Remember that the water velocity or speed is
so much greater on the top than it is on the bottom. Without getting the
indicator upstream of the nymph, the indicator, floating in that high velocity
water at the surface, will pull the nymph along and not give it an opportunity
to sink. As soon as the indicator hits the water make a quick mend to move the
indicator upstream of where the nymph landed in the water. This gives the nymph
a few seconds to start to sink before being pulled along by the indicator. As
the indicator starts to overtake the nymph, make a second upstream mend of the
indicator. Make additional upstream mends as necessary.
You will find that just this basic understanding of how
stream flow effects the movement and location of your nymph will have a
significant impact on your nymph fishing success. The more trout that see your
nymph in their feeding lane, the more trout you can catch.
Used
with permission. Copyright © 2006 STREAM SIDE ADVENTURES. No portions may be
used or reprinted with expressed permission.
Norm
Crisp is owner and head guide for STREAM SIDE ADVENTURES
(www.StreamSideAdventures.com). STREAM SIDE ADVENTURES offers guided fly
fishing trips in Missouri and Wyoming. STREAM SIDE ADVENTURES is permitted by
the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the Medicine Bow National Forest and the
Rawlins, Wyoming District of the Bureau
of Land Management. STREAM SIDE ADVENTURES is an equal opportunity provider.
Destinations
Troutdale Farm
By Mark Borserine
Troutdale
is immediately West of Gravois Mills, MO; it’s been there for many, many years.
Three years ago it was bought as a retirement dream by Dennis & Merritt Van Landuyt; who are making extensive
renovations. I remember going to Troutdale as a small boy and it’s very nice to
see an Ozark tradition “resurrecting”.
Dennis
is a graduate of the University of
Wyoming and Auburn with degrees in Chemistry. He points out, however that his
experience is in Resins, not water, so his new “venture” is a new learning
experience.
Troutdale
is a Private Trout Farm. The Sunday afternoon that I visited, I literally “had the
place to myself”. Dennis & Merritt gave me an extensive tour of the
facility, which was my first opportunity to see a Trout Hatchery in operation.
Troutdale
is fed by Collins Spring, 60% of the water used by the facility comes directly
from the spring. The Ozark Plateau is in its 8th year of low
rainfall and the Spring is only producing 40% of its normal 23 million gallons
per day. Nonetheless Troutdale is thriving. Dennis said that the Ozark Plateau
needs at least a year of normal to above average rainfall to “recharge”. The
“drought” is affecting everyone and every Spring in the Ozark Plateau.
The
Hatchery or “Nursery” area (shown in photos) was fascinating. The Trout eggs
are incubated for 3 weeks in 56 degree water. After hatching, the tiny fry are
put in one of the troughs where they lay on the bottom for 2 weeks and then all
at once, they begin to “swim up” and feed on 52-54% protein mix of vegetable
& fish meal.
As
they grow they are moved to different troughs during their growth phases. The work
of feeding and transferring is done by hand.
The
fry have to be fed six times a day when very small and four times a day when
larger. Owning a Trout Farm is indeed a “labor of love”. Dennis is proud to
have the only Brook Trout (from Minnesota) in the State of Missouri; they are
not yet in the fishery.
Troutdale
is, of course, a “put and take” fishery. Trout are cleaned and packaged at
$4.25 per pound (there is a $10 registration fee which covers the first 2.3 lbs
of Trout). Catch and Release is available for $25 half-day, $40 full day.
Fishing is done in two ponds, wading is not allowed since the pond banks would
prove too steep.
Dennis’
dream is to create a stream below the dam of the lowest pond someday. Troutdale
is a wonderful place to relax and while away some time if you’re visiting Lake
of the Ozarks area or, as a place to stop on your way back from some Catch and
Release to take a few trout “for the pan”. The fish are large and exceptional
fighters! Dennis & Merritt are
wonderful hosts, you can genuinely sense their love of their “farm”; relax,
enjoy yourself and definitely experience Troutdale.
Call
Troutdale at 573-372-1900 or check their website at: www.troutdalefarm.com
Upcoming Events & Programs
February 20, 2006 Darrell
Bowman - Arkansas Trout
March 3, 2006 Phil
Lilley - Lake Taneycomo Midge Fishing
March 11, 2006 A.K. Best Spring Seminar -
Discovery Center
April 1, 2006 Blue
River Cleanup
April 17, 2006 Eric Pietz - Fly Fishing Utah
and Colorado
April 22, 2006 White River Outing
May 6, 2006 Fly Tying 101 - Red Bridge Library - 2pm
May 15, 2006 Craig Fuller - Niangua River/Bennett Spring
June 17, 2006 One Fly Outing
June 19, 2006 Norm Crisp - Fly Fishing Strategies
Visit
our Advertisers:
Black
Dog Sports
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’
Everything for Todays Flyfisherman
• Total Equipment Selection
• Great ”How To” Schools
• Pro Staff for Your Questions
• Fishing Trips: Alaska • Canada • Montana • Bahamas
87th & Grant, Overland Park, KS 66212
www.kkflyfishers.com • 913-341-8118
Diane
Cristopher-Fulks
Watercolor
Wildlife
Designs
by Diane
(816)
578-4615
Pomeroy
Auction
James “J.P.” Rozine
Auctioneer
Kansas City, Kansas
(913) 334-2153
Lilleys'
Landing
1-800-LILLEYS
367
River Lane
Branson,
MO 65616
Wilkinson
Outdoor Adventures
Clint
Wilkinson
272
Wild Cat Shoals Road
Gassville,
AR 72635
870-404-2942
Saltery
Lake Lodge
1516
Larch Street
Kodiak,
AK 99615
1-800-770-5037
Fax
(907) 486-3188
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
2626 Hwy
165
Branson,
MO 65616
417-332-0460
877-699-3474
(toll free)
Branson
Lodge
2456 State Highway 165
Branson, MO 65616
1-800-334-3104
Eleven
Point Canoe Rental
Fishing
Outfitter
Canoe
Rental
Guide
Service
Camping
417-778-6497
Fishing
Pole Guiding
Bow
River
Crownsnest
River
Southern
Alberta
Float
Fishing
Walk
& Wade
Mountain River Fly Shop
1177 West Main
Cotter, AR 72626
870-435-6166
Gartside’s Secret Stuff
www.jackgartside.com/tying_material.htm
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
Brass
Door Motel
Hwy 62W
Gassville,
AR 72635
Motel
Phone
(870)
435-2988
Restaurant
Phone
(870)
435-2288
(877)
272-7736
White
Sands Motel & Restaurant
Highway
62B - Next to Cotter's Rainbow Arch Bridge
870-435-2244
Bass Pro Shops
Chapman Creek Fly & Tackle
2701 North Marshall
Chapman, KS 76431
785-922-6630
Rim Shoals Lodge & Fly Shop
River Front Lodging
Guided FIshing Trips
Boat/Motor Rental