Across
the Stream – May 2007
A
Publication of Heart of America Fly Fishers
HOAFF May Meeting
Monday, May 21, 2007 - 7pm
Norm Crisp
Stream Side Adventures, Traveling & Trout Fishing
President's Message
by Mark Borserine
It
has been brought to my attention that our FFF Membership has slipped in recent
months. I’m referring to the number of
Club Members that are also FFF Members.
In our club, membership in FFF is separate from club membership but our
club is an affiliate club of the FFF.
The FFF is therefore, our “parent” organization from which we receive a
lot of support and good information.
Our
club motto “Education – Conservation – Restoration” is the FFF motto;
the FFF does a lot of good work in all three areas, but especially in the area
of Education. The FFF is the only
organization dedicated to the Education of the Fly Fisher and an enormous
amount of work is done through numerous programs not only to increase the
knowledge and skills of those who already fly fish but to bring newcomers into
the sport. The very future of our sport
and the waters we treasure is in the hands of organizations like the FFF!
I
ask you to renew your membership to the FFF if it has lapsed and I ask you to
join if you have not yet done so. The small
amount you spend will go to do enormous good work and you will receive rewards
in the form of discounts at Conclaves the Federation’s wonderful magazine “FlyFisher” and access to the members
area of the website which is full of valuable information about our sport!
We
do have membership forms available at the meetings,
also you can sign up on line.
Trout Habitat Improvements on Mill Creek
by Nick Girondo, Fisheries
Management Biologist, Rolla
The
wild rainbow trout population of Mill Creek in Phelps County is about to get a
home makeover. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), with help from
many private funding sources, recently purchased a 432 acre tract of land
containing 1 ¼ miles of stream frontage on Mill Creek. This new property is
called the “Bohigian Conservation Area”, in honor of
Dr. Bohigian who made a significant contribution of
this property. This area is located just outside of Rolla. With this
acquisition, the public has access to fish the upper 2/3 of this coldwater
stream within MDC and U.S. Forest Service ownership.
Starting
in the summer of 2007, structures will be placed in the stream to create new
habitat that will help adult trout survive.
This small, clear, spring-fed stream is very shallow with extensive
amounts of gravel and watercress vegetation. This type of habitat is great for
young-of-year and one year old trout; however, older fish have a hard time
surviving without deep pools and overhead cover that are currently lacking in
the stream. The new structures are designed to create these habitats within the
stream. These structures include skyhooks, boulders, anchored root-wads, half
logs, hard points and some other innovative techniques.
Skyhooks
will be the main structures installed on the Bohigian
CA portion of Mill Creek. Skyhooks are structures designed to increase the
amount of overhead bank cover for trout. They are assembled out of rough cut
green oak on the stream site and then set into the bank. Large rock is then
installed to armor the structures and stabilize the bank. This creates a
22-inch overhang submerged just below the waterline, an ideal hiding place for
trout. When placed at the tail of the riffle, skyhooks provide a protected home
close to a food source. These structures have been successfully installed in
Barren Fork in Shannon Co, a stream similar to Mill Creek, and are being used
by adult trout there.
Heavy
equipment will be used to put these structures in place. Although construction
will create some unavoidable disturbance, precautions will be taken to ensure
that no long-term damage occurs. Recovery from disturbance has been rapid and
complete at enhanced sites on Barren Fork and careful use of equipment will
ensure a similar quick recovery of the streamside vegetation on Mill Creek.
Many
factors play a role in the size of a trout population, including habitat
availability, food sources and water quality. By increasing the availability of
adult trout habitat on Mill Creek, MDC is taking steps to provide anglers with
a unique trout fishing opportunity in mid-Missouri.
One Fly Tournament
June 9th, 2007 • 9:00am - 2:00pm
Lake of the Forest is a private lake, known for great bass and
crappie fishing. Bring your float tube /
drift boat. We will have a contest with
prizes for the total length and the number of fish caught using just 1 fly.
Lunch will be provided if you RSVP by e-mail to dwatson@lawingfinancial.com before June 6th.
Directions
– Exit going west on Kansas 32 from 435. (Bonner Springs exit). Go 2.2 miles.
The entrance is on the right side of the road. The entrance is easy to miss, so look
closely. Follow the signs.
Hogback Cabin Special Raffle
by Mark Borserine
Norm
Crisp’s friend, Duane Brandt won the Hogback Cabin Lottery. Duane has the cabin
on the nights of August 27th, 28th, and 29th of this year. This is a restored
homesteader’s cabin on world famous Rock Creek near Missoula, Montana. The
cabin sleeps eight. Duane is offering HOAFF three spaces in the cabin. All one
has to do is get to Missoula. We will even do airport pick up. Meals are on
Duane and Norm.
Duane
Brandt has asked that the Hogback Cabin Auction be changed to a Raffle.
The three spots available will be by Raffle at the May 21st meeting. In order that everyone
have an opportunity to participate even if they can’t be at the meeting, I will
pre-sell tickets if you will send me a check or get me cash prior to the event.
I will fill out your name on the tickets and guarantee that they will get in
the drawing.
Tickets
are $5 each or five for $20.
My
Address/Phone:
Mark
Borserine
4001
W. 87th
Prairie
Village, KS 66207-1907
(913)
915-1002 cell
Duane
has asked that all proceeds from the auction go toward the Mill Creek Purchase
so make checks to: Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation with Mill Creek
Purchase on the Memo line.
I can’t take credit cards, only entries received by
afternoon of the 21st will be entered and no IOUs, please.
2007 Officers
President
Mark Borserine
913-381-0722 majborser@aol.com
Past President
David Andrews
816-741-8314 davidgandrews@kc.rr.com
Secretary
Jim Jorgenson
913-469-1950 jjorgensen@ci.lenexa.ks.us
Treasurer
Paul Bennetts
913-338-3837 pbennetts1@comcast.net
Newsletter
Tom James
816-718-0393 tom@blackdogsports.com
Programs
John Bell
785-843-1782 j.bell@kcc.state.ks.us
Cliff Cain
913-558-5069 cliffcain@hotmail.com
Education/Recognition
Bill Lindley
913-888-3177
Norm Crisp
913-645-1994 streamsideff@yahoo.com
Outings
Darren
Watson dwatson@lawingfinancial.com
Ron Carruthers
816-741-7251 rcarruthers2@kc.rr.com
Membership
Travis Knight
816-246-4168 tdk883@yahoo.com
Frederick Clark
913-831-0305 fclarks@planetkc.com
Conservation Team
Kevin Carril
913-362-9379 rrac3@sbcglobal.net
John Bell
785-843-1782 j.bell@kcc.state.ks.us
Library
Doug McDonald
913-764-6678 mcdoug5148@sbcglobal.net
Web Master
Vicky Newton
816-943-8306 svnewton@sbcglobal.net
Raffle/Auction
Jim Mattes
913-268-6161 jimmattes@mattesappraisal.com
Spring Programs
Dick Martin
816-781-9557 rlm@mllfpc.com
Don Grundy
816-781-9019 dgrundy@sbcglobal.net
Historian
Bill Brant
816-941-9691 billandkathy@kc.rr.com
Southern Council
Liaison
Hod McIntosh
913-722-3684 singingreels@kc.rr.com
Supernumerary
Ray Zook
816-941-2862 rzook@kc.rr.com
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
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
Scandinavian honors
Mike George’s Freedom Fly
by Mike George
I am
taking this opportunity to share with you that I have won the “Open
Division” of the Mustad Scandinavian Open Fly
Tying Competition for the fourth consecutive year. The MSO is considered to be
the most prestigious fly tying competition in the world. The 2007 entry was a
red white and blue deer hair bug entitled “FREEDOM”.
To see the winners in all of the categories including “FREEDOM”,
Google or search http://www.skogmus. for
the 2007 winners.
You
will get two options Norsk Skogmusem and MSO resultatlister.
If you chose Norsk Skogmusem
you will have to then select the Mustad Scandinavian
Open Icon, then choose the result list. FREEDOM is 1st in category 9. If you choose MSO
resultatlister it will take you directly to the
result lists.
The
previous years winners can be “Googled” with Mustad Scandinavian Open Fly Tying Competition.
One
of the more gratifying aspects of the 2007 MSO is the promotional flyers that
were distributed at the two biggest fly shops in Norway that have a picture of
Mike’s Bass. In Norway I am a “fluebinder”.
There
are three web sites that have a selection of my flies, and I appreciate the
opportunity to display on each since I don’t seem to have the time or
opportunity or expertise to do my own.
1.) FlyfishersforChrist Just look for Pictures.
2,) Theflyfishingbug Here you will have to go to the
Central USA and select my business card.
3.) Warmwaterflytyer Go to
Featured Tyers. Ward Bean did a nice write up that is really
appreciated.
“FREEDOM”
is not just hair on
a hook. This is the document that accompanies each “FREEDOM” fly.
FREEDOM
In
the Air Force I spent my overseas tour of duty in Korat
and Tahkli Thailand. I loaded weapons on the F105 Thunderchief. The 105 flew more missions over North Vietnam
than any other American plane, and suffered more losses. The F105 was nick
named, by the pilots, the “THUD” for the sound it made when it hit the ground.
108 Thunderchief pilots died flying missions over the
North., most of the POW pilots were 105 drivers.
FREEDOM
is a Salute to those who flew the gauntlet for 100 missions to earn their
ticket home.
FREEDOM
is a THANK-YOU to the 108 who lost the deadly game of tag with the SAMs.
FREEDOM
is finally a THANK-YOU to all of the Veterans who never received a THANK-YOU
for their sacrifice!
I do
thank-you for taking the opportunity to read the e-mail. I hope you will also
look at the web sites to see my work.
Medicine Bow Grand Slam
by Paul Bennetts
At
the time of this writing, I am sitting at my desk gazing out at the layer of
ice and sleet that shrouds my front yard, and it does not take long for my
thoughts to drift off to the friendlier (and warmer) days of summer. An icicle
hangs from the thermometer on my front porch, which now reads a bone-chilling 4
degrees. How can it be this cold? Where is the global warming when I really
need it? Why haven’t I moved to Texas already?
Why is even San Antonio getting snow today (really!)? I have lots of questions but no answers.
Maybe
it is time to begin planning a fishing trip in anticipation of warmer times to
come. Summer is around the corner and it will soon be time to dust off the fly
fishing equipment and head outdoors. As you think about the possibilities for
your own fishing trips this summer, let me offer this account of the highlight
of my 2006 fishing season.
Local
fishing guide and club member Norm Crisp (who does business as Stream Side
Adventures) had been inviting me to come to fly fish with him near Encampment
Wyoming for the past two summers. My vacation schedule was flexible enough last
summer to go, so I asked Norm to see if he could find a fishing partner for me
to split the guide fee, and he was able to pair me up with club member Travis
Knight. Travis had fished with Norm at Encampment before and highly recommended
the trip to me.
The
Encampment River traverses the Encampment River Wilderness area of the Medicine
Bow National Forest in south central Wyoming and is easily reachable in a one
day drive from Kansas City. Travis and I drove separately and met up at a
campground on the banks of the Encampment River just outside the small town of
Encampment. We chose a campsite and made ourselves comfortable for the evening
ahead. I remember that first night how good it felt to be away from the stress
and strain of work and the daily demands of grinding out a living.
We
prowled around the grounds until we found Norm’s campsite, where he was
comfortably settled in for the month or so that he spends every summer in this
beautiful setting. After a short discussion, we determined that we would set
out the next day to fish at Big Creek.
Big
Creek is more of a river than a creek, and the next day when we arrived we
found it quite swollen with the runoff from recent heavy rainfall. After
attempting for a short while to wade in the “torrent” and finding it difficult
to both fish and maintain our balance at the same time, Norm suggested we head
back to camp and give the water time to recede a bit. Travis and I fished the
Encampment River for awhile that afternoon, but it also was running high and
fishing was a challenge there too. We crossed our fingers that conditions would
be better the next day.
On
the second day, Norm offered us the opportunity to have our names etched into
the wall of fly fishing history (well, almost) and suggested we take the
challenge to catch four different species of trout in one day on one fly. I had
heard of fly-fishing “grand slams” before but never actually fished for one. In
this case, the Medicine Bow Slam (my name for it) is accomplished by catching a
Rainbow, a Brown, a Brookie and a Colorado Cutthroat
all in the same day, on the same fly pattern. We knew in our hearts we would be
held in high esteem, as veritable “men among men”, by our envious fly fishing
buddies back in Kansas if we were to accomplish this Herculean feat of fly
fishing skill. OK, I may be exaggerating a bit, but it still sounded pretty
cool the way Norm described it.
Travis
and I mustered our courage, accepted the challenge and the deal was sealed. The
choice of a fly for the day was easy. These fish all like dry flies that look
like a haystack with a hook in it, so a 12 or 14 elk haired caddis in tan or
olive was the recommendation from Norm. With fly rods in hand, the brims of our
hats pulled low and a determined look in our eyes, we set off for the first leg
of the challenge.
A
drive into a beautiful forested area brought us to a gorgeous pocket mountain
stream, the North Fork of the Encampment. A short period of fishing the pools
of this steam yielded both Brookies and more
difficult to find wild Rainbows. Once Travis and I each had our fish, we were
hastily off to the second stop in the marathon. A drive across the Continental
Divide and a lengthy hike down a Forest Service access brought us to a secluded
stream, the South Fork of the Little Snake River, filled with curious Colorado
Cutthroat trout. The third species fell victim to our
dry flies. At some point here I got careless and had a nasty encounter with a
tree branch and suffered a gash in my right shin. I was able to patch it up
enough to keep fishing and later had to put in a few stitches when we got back
to camp. Anything to save a trip to the E.R. and a ruined fishing trip!
The
hike back up from this stream was tiring and I was glad when we got to the
truck. I suggested to Norm at this point that he might want to market his guide
service as a weight loss and fitness program. I felt I was getting both on this
day! A drive to the next destination, a
meadow stream, Hog Park Creek, gave us the opportunity to complete the slam
with a Brown. Norm’s knowledge of the prime lies made catching this final
species a relatively easy task.
Back
at camp, our day ended with a fine supper, and swapping tales of the day over a
glass or two of wine, graciously provided by our guide Norm. It had been a
workout, mostly in gaining access to three streams in one day, but a very
satisfying accomplishment having our names added to an elite group of fly
fishers.
One
of the remaining two days of our fishing with Norm was spent on the East Fork
of the Encampment, an absolutely beautiful meadow style stream filled with lots
of Brown and Brook trout. This place has scenery I have heretofore only dreamed
about or seen in pictures. The aesthetic beauty of the location made it
difficult to keep my mind on fishing. As Norm says, “It may not be paradise,
but you can sure see it from here.”
Choice of a fly here was no more difficult than the day before. Elk hair
caddis or a yellow stimulator tied to a 5X tippet was all that was needed to
get the attention of the local aquatic residents. The fishing was good, limited
only by my frequent inability to properly set the hook into the mouths of the
larger fish. One highlight of this day was our discovery of the fresh tracks of
a mountain lion during our hike to the stream, a reminder that nature, while
often beautiful, is not without the occasional bit of danger to ensure that our
eyes were kept wide open.
On
my last day of fishing, Norm took Travis and me back to Big Creek for another
shot at fishing there. The water levels were much more manageable for wading
and we benefited from another picture perfect day of weather. Access to fishing
at Big Creek requires four wheel drive and a vehicle with pretty good ground
clearance. I was glad Norm was doing the driving and not me.
Big
Creek was a bit more challenging for me to fish because there were more tree
branches to contend with, and because I still had not quite found my best
casting technique for fishing in this larger water. Fly selection was easy
though, more big bushy drys. The fish are apparently
not too picky as long as what is presented to them looks like a meal. Norm
patiently guided us along Big Creek, giving us time to retrieve the occasional
errant cast from a tree branch and graciously not being too critical of my lack
of fly fishing talent (I am not a “natural” at this sport, but determined to
learn nonetheless). Actually by the end of the day my casting was getting
better as it usually does at the end of a fishing trip.
Driving
back to Kansas gave me plenty of opportunity to think about my fishing
adventure in the Medicine Bow National Forest with my fishing partner Travis
and our worthy guide Norm Crisp. The fishing was truly awesome as I expected it
would be and I knew I had learned much more about this pastime I love but do
not get to do often enough. Norm is a great teacher as well as guide, and part
of the excitement of fly fishing is the opportunity to get better at it.
Exposure to so many different kinds of water in the space of just a few days is
but one of the real benefits of a visit to the Encampment area. The Wyoming
scenery had been nothing short of spectacular, doing for my soul all the things
that beautiful places like this always do, reinforcing my amazement at how
diverse and interesting a place this world can be.
Fishing
with Norm and his associates at Stream Side Adventures, I have never found that
I have simply entered into the contractual status that exists between customer
and guide, but I feel totally welcomed into Norm’s Stream Side Adventures
world, a world where relationships matter and the experience doesn’t end just
because nightfall forces us to stow the fly rods. My time with Norm always
evokes a sense of the goodness which is still to be found in the world,
expressed through the special fellowship waiting to be discovered around
evening campfires, in beautiful places where fishermen tell their tales and
raise tin cups in a toast to the good life.
Upcoming Events &
Programs
May
21, 2007 Norm Crisp: Traveling
& Trout Fishing
June
9, 2007 One Fly Tournament,
Lake of the Forest, Bonner Springs, KS
June
19, 2007 Mike Kruse - Missouri
Trout
July
16, 2007 Jeff Williams -
Arkansas Trout
Aug
20, 2007 Dennis Dunderdale - Arkansas Fly Fishing Guide
Sept
13, 2007 Norm Crisp Nymphing Class - Discovery Center
Sept
17, 2007 Annual Picnic - Shawnee
Mission Park
Oct
4-6, 2007 Southern Council
Conclave - Mountain Home, AR
Oct
15, 2007 Annual Auction &
Raffle
Nov
2-4, 2007 Fall Outing - Lake Taneycomo, Branson, Mo
Visit
our Advertisers:
Black
Dog Sports
The
Fishing Hole
Ray & Jonell Fincke
(913)
642-5554
3731
W. 95th • Overland Park, KS 66206
Rainbow
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4706-D
Shrank Drive
Independence,
MO 64055
816-373-2283
9-5
Tuesday - Saturday
K&K
Flyfishers’
Everything for Todays Flyfisherman
• Total Equipment Selection
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• Fishing Trips: Alaska • Canada • Montana • Bahamas
87th & Grant, Overland Park, KS 66212
www.kkflyfishers.com • 913-341-8118
Diane
Cristopher-Fulks
Watercolor
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Designs
by Diane
(816)
578-4615
Yager’s Flies
2311 Wakarusa Drive, Suite B
Lawrence, KS 66047
(866) 359-7467
www.yagersflies.com
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
Flats Lander Guide Service
Spring
and Fall in Kansas,
Summer
in the Florida Keys
Capt.
Paul “Sodie” Sodamann
785-456-5654
Table Rock Inn & Restaurant
5631
State Hwy. 165
Branson,
MO 65616
417-334-4965
/ 800-234-5890