Across
the Stream – June 2006
A
Publication of Heart of America Fly Fishers
HOAFF June Meeting
Monday, June 19, 2006 - 7pm
Norm
Crisp – Stream Side Adventures
Fly
Fishing Strategies
President's Message
Summer
Solstice is almost upon us
by Mark Borserine
The
Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year is very near; the weather and
waters are warming and it seems that our members are either coming back from or
heading off to fishing adventures all over the country! Wherever we go, we should enjoy our sport to
the utmost but do so safely. Remember to wade safely, wear PFDs
where required or appropriate, protect your skin and eyes from the sun. Don’t
“outrun your headlights” which is a wonderful expression for not exceeding your
capabilities: make sure you can see where you’re going! Come back home with great pictures and tales
to tell and “all your parts”!
The
fall comes quickly with Conclave in early October. This years will be basically
the same format as last year’s since many people complained about not getting
to do everything they wanted to. The FFFSOC is therefore, going to give them a
second opportunity. Registration will be $10 less this year, so there should be
no excuses of it being too expensive to get in, although I feel this complaint
comes mostly from “locals” than those of us who travel some distance. As
always, I encourage you strongly to attend Conclave and take advantage of the
opportunities to learn from and meet some of the very best in fly fishing! I always come away from Conclave with some
new friends and skills!
Remember
that we have moved our Auction up to October 16th to avoid having it during Thanksgiving
week. Last year we had a successful auction but about 30 less people which we
felt was due to it falling just before Thanksgiving. We will have a new
Conclave Chair this year in Jim Mattes who will be calling on many of you to
“gather in” the goods. When you are asked to do so, always be courteous and
patient with our donors, but help us out by being persistent. We were concerned
last year since a number of our past donors told us that they got the letter
but no one followed up personally. And, when you see them again sometime, thank
them profusely (and spend a little money with them). If you happen to see or
trade with some of our donors this summer, tell them our Auction is coming up a
month earlier and that we will be contacting them soon.
Have
a good and safe summer! Tight lines and
no Medical Claims!!
Spring Program – Mike Lawson
Renowned
fly fisherman, guide, fly tier, and founder of the Henry’s Fork Anglers fly
shop, Mike Lawson, is also the author of Fishing the Henry’s Fork and a
contributing editor of Fly Fisherman magazine. He has also been featured in
fly-fishing and fly-tying videos and often does presentations at clubs and
shops throughout the country. A former school teacher, Mike writes articles,
and his photography often appears in national magazines. Mike also enjoys
upland game and turkey hunting. He resides in St. Anthony, Idaho, with his
family.
His new book, Spring Creeks is packed with
solid information for fishing spring creeks from Mike Lawson’s years of
fly-fishing experience. Important chapters cover mayflies, caddis, midges,
terrestrials, and aquatic insects. Plus, practical and proven advice on
locating, stalking, playing, and landing trout and tactics for fishing dry
flies, streamers, wet flies, and nymphs, from one of the best fly fishermen in
the business.
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
Give Iowa a Try
September Outing
By Mark Borserine
Approximately
12-14 members have shown a genuine interest in this idea. Consider it a “GO”! Mark Borserine will
be putting the “package” together in the next couple of weeks and will contact
those who signed up about estimated costs, etc.
Photography
Contest
The
Southern Council will also hold a photo contest; the requirements will be the
same as the FFF as presented in the last issue of Fly Fisher magazine.
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
Plank Cooking Trout and Salmon
by Mark Borserine
We
support and practice Catch and Release and the fantastic positive effect it’s
had on our fisheries. But there are
those of us who enjoy fresh fish on the grill, whether taken legally and
ethically ( I enjoy stopping by Rockbridge on the way home from the White ) or
simply bought at the grocery store.
Plank cooking is a method usually associated with Salmon that developed
in the Pacific Northwest. It is a
remarkably simple yet effective method of getting the utmost flavor and
nutrition from fish.
Planks
are available at grocery, hardware (in the grilling section) and (the best
selection locally) at Smoke ‘N Fire on 151st St and 69
Hwy in Stanley. They are precut and come
in all sorts of woods and sizes, Cedar being the most common but including
alder, maple, oak, hickory and cherry.
Trout
should always be prepared in the form of a boneless filet with the skin left
on, otherwise it will come apart during cooking. Salmon will generally stay intact with or
without skin. The fish should always be
put on the plank skin down. I simply oil
the fish (with olive or grapeseed oil – grapeseed oil is preferred since it has a higher “igniting”
temperature) and then put on a “rub” of choice.
My wife and I prefer a Potlatch seasoning we get from Williams-Sonoma
but this is a matter of personal taste.
Soak
the plank for at least an hour up to 24 hours (more being better). The fire can come from either a gas or
charcoal grill, but to be really effective you need to create a hot and cool
zone so you can cook indirectly. With
gas grills, turn on only one burner; with the charcoal grill, bank the fire to
one side. Drain the plank for a few
minutes and then put it over the “hot” side of the fire and cover the grill
(with vents open). When the plank begins
to crackle, turn it over immediately (still on the hot side), brush or spray
oil (Olive or Grapeseed, preferred because of it’s
resistance to flame-up) on the plank and put the fish on, skin side down.
Cover
the grill and when the plank crackles again, move it to the non-heated side,
close the cover and move (or open) the top vent to the side where the fish is
so the heat goes up and over the fish before it vents from the grill. Cook about another 15 minutes.
Once
the fish is on the plank, do not turn it, or switch sides of the plank, just
move it to the “cool” side of the grill once the plank crackles. By using indirect heat vs. direct heat, your
planks will last for many “cookings” and your fish
will have a much more delicate flavor.
The plank provides “perfume” and the wood prevents the natural fats of
the fish from dripping down into the fire.
“Rest”
the fish on the plank for at least five minutes before serving and the juices
will absorb back into the meat. You will
have the moistest and best-tasting fish you’ve ever had; and the most
nutritional – fish oil builds up our HDL – the good cholestrol!
Bluegill’s Appeal
From MDC website, Bluegill Fishing in Missouri
Do
you remember your first fishing trip or maybe your child’s first fishing trip?
Chances are these early experiences involved the bluegill. This scrappy, highly
cooperative, member of the sunfish Family is an important part of many
childhood fishing memories. Although the bluegill is an ideal fish for young
anglers, their popularity does not end there. The readily available bluegill is
sought by anglers of all ages and abilities.
Although
many enjoy flyfishing for trout, it is also one of
the most effective, exciting ways to catch bluegill. Because small insects are
a major part of the bluegill’s diet, an artificial fly resembling these insects
is usually irresistible. Bluegill are not as picky as some trout, so most fly
patterns will work. The best flies are typically small and black.
Using
the proper tackle and technique is critical in catching bluegill but if you’re
not in the right spot you’ll spend more time bird watching than bringing in
bluegill. It is important to know where to find bluegill in a lake depending on
the season. Because bluegill use different habitats at different times of the
year, the best locations in spring probably won’t be as good in late summer or
winter.
Spring and early summer
Bluegill
spawn in spring and early summer and this is a good time to catch them. When
water temperatures exceed 70 degrees F begin looking for spawning bluegill in
shallow water. The tell-tale “elephant tracks” will give away their location.
Once a spawning colony is found, take care not to spook the bluegill as you are
fishing. Cast beyond the nests and retrieve your bait through the colony. Male
bluegill will guard nests against intruders and will aggressively take small lures.
Late summer
Bluegill
can be readily caught after the spawning season, you just need to look in a
different location. Although bluegill can be found in very shallow water in
spring and early summer, they move into deeper water as summer progresses. In
summer, bluegill can be found along the edges of weed beds, around brush piles,
stake-beds, and flooded timber, especially if deeper water is nearby. Bluegill
are commonly found in water over 10 feet deep in summer and typically locate just
above the thermocline (the depth where water
temperature changes dramatically and below which oxygen levels are usually
low). Best fishing is usually in the morning and evening when the fish are most
active.
Fall
In
fall, bluegill are usually found in similar locations as late summer. As the
water begins to cool in early fall, bluegill will often move into shallower
water more often. Look for bluegill in the same locations as late summer and
also fish shallower water near weed beds, brush, or other types of cover. While
morning and evening are the best times to fish during summer, mid-day fishing
success often improves as water cools in the fall.
Winter
In
winter, bluegill are usually found in deeper water, usually 12 to 20 feet deep.
They school near underwater structure, usually near the bottom. Bluegill do not
feed as actively in winter so the use of small baits and slow presentations is
of utmost importance. Using light tackle and line is also essential because
bluegill bite very lightly in winter and these bites would go undetected with
less sensitive tackle.
In
Missouri, bluegill are widespread, abundant, and easy to catch. If you’re
looking for some great fly fishing close to home give the bluegill a try.
Yager’s Fly Shop
Tim
and Deb Yager have a new “bricks and mortar” location
at 2311 Wakarusa Dr., Suite B in Lawrence.
They are open from 6pm – 9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10am –
4pm on Saturdays. Phone: (785) 842-1239. They have a great online store at
www.yagersflies.com.
FFF SOC Embroidered Shirts
Michael
Ames of the FFF SOC has light blue embroidered shirts with the FFF SOC logo
available for $38. He will be listed on
the SOC website: www.southerncouncilfff.org
or they will be available (if supplies last) at the Conclave.
Summer Reading
Great
article on fishing for Large Browns with Mouse Patterns and two easy fly
patterns on p. 50 of the SUMMER 2006 issue of AMERICAN ANGLER. The author is using these techniques in
Michigan but I thought they would surely apply as well to the White and Norfork Tailwaters and the
Current River. This involves night
fishing. Everything in the article makes
sense and would seem to be a good technique on our area. If you’re interested in hunting trophy
Browns, get a copy of this article: www.americanangler.com.
The
May 2006 issue of FLY FISH AMERICA, a free magazine paid for by advertisers
which you can pick up at most fly shops contains an article on p. 22, “Two for
One” by Gene Trump. This is one of the
best articles I’ve ever seen on fishing multi-fly rigs. Definitely worth getting a copy of! www.FlyFishAmerica.com.
Southern Council Conclave
Mountain
Home, AR - Baxter County Fairgrounds
October
6,7& 8
Registration
will be reduced $10 “across the board”
Featured
Presenters:
Charles Jardine – UK
Ian Colin
James – BC CANADA
Lori Ann
Murphy – “Reel Women” USA
For
details; look for the upcoming June issue of Long Casts or, see the FFFSOC
website: www.southerncouncilfff.org.
Fly Tying Contest
The
Southern Council will hold a Fly Tying contest. The fly to be tied is the Gray
Ghost as originally tied by Carrie Stevens of Maine in the 1920s. Two examples of the fly are due by Sept. 1st.
The
Gray Ghost is the classic streamer represented on the Southern Council
logo. Recipes are available on the
internet by searching “Gray Ghost Tying Instructions”.
Complete
tying instructions are available in the book: “Tying Classic Freshwater
Streamers”, by David Klausmeyer: Mark Borserine has a copy.
Mid-South Fly Fishers Expo’06
Featuring Lefty
Kreh & Cindy Garrison
Germantown
Performing Arts Center
1801 Exeter Road
Germantown, TN
Friday; July 7, 3pm-6pm
Saturday; July 8, 9am-5pm
Sunday, July 9, 10am-4pm
For Information: 901-606-9419
901-351-8614
www.msff.org
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.
Upcoming Events & Programs
June 19, 2006 Norm Crisp - Fly Fishing Strategies
July 17, 2006 Ron & Sheryl Knight - Spinnerbait Flies
August 21, 2006 Craig Fuller - Niangua
River
Sept 18, 2006 Annual Picnic - Shawnee Mission Park
October 18, 2006 Annual Raffle & Auction
Decebmer 2, 2006 Annual Club Banquet - Bennett Spring
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
Full Service Fly Shop
Gary & Paula Flippin
(870) 435-6144
Anglers
and Achery Outfitters
136B Eden Way
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 335-4655
Parkview
Lodge
1-888-727-5883
5477
Hwy 165
Branson,
MO
Reading’s Fly Shop
Fly Rods • Reels
Nets • Waders
Tying Materials
Over 1200 Book Titles
11937 Highway 64A
Lebanon, MO 65536
417-588-4334
Two Ocean Pass Outfitting
Tightline Guide Service
Vogels Homestead Resort
Bennett Spring State
Park - Niangua River
Lodging • Canoe &
Raft Rental • RV Park
11451 Hwy 64
Lebanon, MO 65536
417-532-4097
Americanfishes.com
More
color illustrations of freshwater fish than anyplace on earth
Cabela’s
White River Trout Lodge
752
County Rd 703
Cotter,
AR 72626
877-84TROUT