Across
the Stream – March 2008
A
Publication of Heart of America Fly Fishers
HOAFF March Meeting
Monday, March 18 - 7:00pm
John Berry – Arkansas
Fly Fishing Guide
President’s Message
My Dog ate my Flies
by Darren Watson
This past month I have been tying flies for a scheduled trip to
the Bahamas. I have a fly tying station
set up in my living room so I can watch TV and enjoy a favorite beverage while
working away building my fly collection.
My fly boxes are full so I bought 3 more C&F boxes and had them
laying out admiring my recent collection.
I came home from long day at work and found 5 fly boxes scattered
around my house with flies all over the place. It became clear that my dog Lexi had a great
time that day chewing up my new boxes and pulling the flies out of the
boxes. After being angry I realized
flies were missing. A fast trip to the
emergency Med Vet revealed a bunch of nymphs in Lexi’s belly. Lexi is fine but remember to keep your flies
away from your pets!
The Spring Program was a great success. We had a great turnout. Bob Jacklin made the day very
interesting. He was kind enough to
donate a fishing trip with him for our annual auction in November. We will also auction the flies he made.
Ron Carruthers and Jim Bebb have been working very hard to get the
outing schedule put together for this year.
We have some great trips scheduled.
Keep checking the website for the most up to date information.
HOAFF Logo Lapel Pins
Each current member
who renews in the first 90 days of 2008, by March 31st will receive an enameled
Lapel/Hat/Vest Pin with the HOAFF logo. Every new member who joins in 2008 will
also receive a pin. The pins will be available for sale for $5.00 each.
Blue River Clean-up
Saturday, April 5, 2008
By Kevin Carril
Come join your fellow fly fishers the morning of Saturday, April
5th, for this year’s annual Blue River Cleanup!
As in previous years, we will be coordinating our efforts with the
Lakeside Nature Center’s Project Blue River Rescue. This is the 18th year for this project. There have been significant and lasting
improvements along the river. For
example, the tonnage of trash collected in 2006 was less than 1/2 that
collected during the 2000 cleanup. Last
year we enjoyed wonderful weather and had a fun time while helping to make a
real impact on this watershed.
Our site this year will be an area north of the soccer fields that
are located at 99th and Blue River road. To get there, take I-435 to Holmes (2
miles east of State Line), go south on Holmes 1 mile, turn left (east) on Red
Bridge Road and go 1 mile, turn left (north) on Blue River Road. Go about 1 1/2
miles until you reach the soccer field parking lot.
We will be picking up trash and cutting Asiatic honeysuckle in an
area that borders the old river channel.
Wear your work clothes and we’ll provide the snacks, gloves, trash
bags and great company! You can sign up for this worthwhile event at the March
meeting or by contacting Kevin Carril at 913-362-9379. (You are welcomed to
attend even if you don’t sign-up ahead of time).
2008
Officers
President
Darren Watson
816-805-8761 dwatson@lawingfinancial.com
Past President
Mark Borserine
913-381-0722 majborser@aol.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
Newsletter Assistant
Mark Borserine
913-381-0722 majborser@aol.com
Programs
John Bell
785-843-1782 j.bell@kcc.state.ks.us
Cliff Cain
913-558-5069 cliffcain@hotmail.com
Education
Norm Crisp
913-645-1994 streamsideff@yahoo.com
Outings
Ron Carruthers
816-741-7251 rcarruthers2@kc.rr.com
Jim Bebb
913-721-3397 jbebb@communitynationalbank.net
Membership
Frederick Clark
913-831-0305 fclarks@planetkc.com
Dan Sulit
913-268-3848 kenaisu@aol.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
Bill Brant
816-941-9691 billandkathy@kc.rr.com
Raffle/Auction
Mark Borserine
913-381-0722 majborser@aol.com
Spring Programs
Dick Martin
816-781-9557 rlm@mllfpc.com
Don Grundy
816-781-9019 dgrundy@sbcglobal.net
Event Coordinator
Bill Brant
816-941-9691 billandkathy@kc.rr.com
Southern Council Liaison
Hod McIntosh
913-722-3684 singingreels@kc.rr.com
Supernumerary
David Andrews
816-741-8314 davidgandrews@kc.rr.com
Club Trip for Smallmouth Bass
by
Jim Bebb
Mark your calendars for a trip to the Eleven
Point River, May 2, 3, and 4. The club has reserved a house in Alton, MO. It
sleeps eight and rents for $100 a night. There is also a motel in town
(417-778-6208) that has good rates, $35 for a single and $50 for a double.
Accommodations are limited so early registration is important. The first eight
paid reservations of $25 will get the house. After the house is full you will
need to make your own reservations.
The Eleven Point Canoe Rental (417-778-6497)
will take your reservations and provide drop off and pickup services for those
who want to float the river. I believe you can also make arrangements with them
if you wish to “float your own boat” and just want shuttle service. There are
access points at Thomasville, Cane Bluff, and Greer Crossing which are all an
easy drive from Alton.
The recent member survey completed by the
Outing Committee indicated the Eleven Point River would be one of the most
popular trips of the year. There will be both wading and floating opportunities
for everyone. Unfortunately, the size of the river does not accommodate a large
number of fishermen in the same place all at the same time. Your patience,
flexibility, and cooperation will make this a great trip for everyone.
HOAFF Apparel is here
Hats $15 • T-Shirts $12
Now
you can get a T-shirt or a fishing hat with the new Heart of America Fly
Fishers Logo.
Spring Outing
- WindRush Farms Trout Stream
April 18 - 19,
2008
By Ron Carruthers
I don’t know about you but after attending Bob Jacklin’s seminar
February 23rd my cabin fever has elevated at least 2 notches. For those of you
that can make it to the club’s first 2008 outing at the White River we may find
some relief but winter may still be lingering that first weekend in March.
The WindRush Farms Trout Stream outing in mid April promises to be
a celebration of spring. I don’t think HOAFF has ever had an outing there but
several members have told me it is a special place. It may be a little hard to
get to and a little hard to find but worth the effort.
WindRush Farms is a privately owned, family oriented trout resort
located just south of the St. James exit off I44. The approximately two mile
stream is a spring fed branch of the upper Meramec River. There are a wide
variety of pools, runs and riffles and one to two pound trout are stocked
daily. There are also wild trout up and down the stream and the bottom end of
the stream is catch and release only to protect some of those wild fish.
You can keep what you catch at WindRush and pay by the pound but
HOAFF has been offered a reduced rod fee of $45 per day for catch and release.
You can only fish the stream if you are staying at WindRush so you will not see
the kind of crowds you may find at the trout parks that time of year.
Speaking of lodging you have two choices. The Cabins are two
restored 1840’s log cabins. Each cabin contains 4 rooms. Each room has two
double beds, kitchen and private bath. The nightly rental is $110. For those of
you that like to get together, a second choice is called Solitude. It is a
private cabin sitting in mature oak woods with a large deck overlooking a
stocked 2 acre lake. Yes, you will be able to fish the lake. Solitude has a
dining room, kitchen, living room with fireplace and 2 separate bedrooms and
will sleep 6 comfortably. The website indicates the 2007 rate was $175 per
night but the 2008 rate might be a little higher.
For anyone that wants to spend a little more time in the area
there is a lot more fishing available. Meramec Springs Trout Park is only 15
minutes away. Several famous float trip Missouri Rivers are nearby including
the Meramec, Current, Gasconade, Courtois, and the Huzzah. For those of you
that love streams, Mill Creek, Little Piney or Spring Creek are close by.
For spouses that don’t like to fish there are hiking trails that
follow the stream and ridges all over the property. There are plenty of antique
stores in St. James, Steelville and Salem, even a golf course in St. James.
Well I am not on commission so that is about enough. There is one
twist to this outing and that is you will have to make you own reservations.
Important numbers are listed at the end of this piece. Please note that
WindRush Farms has a Reservation Policy that requires a prepayment to secure
you reservation. And they don’t accept credit cards, so you will need to get a
check in the mail as soon as possible. I know the dates are filling up fast so
don’t procrastinate too long. For more information and some great pictures
check out the website.
See you on the stream!!
Website: www.windrushfarms.com
Email: wndrush@misn.com
Phone: 573-743-655
Special Membership Meeting in March
by Bill Brant
A special meeting of voting members will be held at the club
meeting March 17th, 2008. The purpose of the meeting will be to vote on club directors
and to conduct any other club business that is of interest to the members.
The organization of the club is governed by bylaws that were
adopted in 2005, and then amended at later dates. The bylaws define the rights
and responsibilities of those involved in the club. Following are some of the
highlights:
• Members of the club have the right to elect Directors and also
have the right to remove Directors.
• The Directors elect the Club Officers and watch over the affairs
of the club.
• The Officers run the day-to-day affairs of the club, the
Officers include the positions you would recognize, such as the President, the
Treasurer, and the numerous chairs.
The current Directors are John Bell, Bill Brant, Cliff Cain, Tom
James, and Jim Jorgensen. Bill Brant is retiring, which opens up 1 board
position. Mark Borserine has agreed to fill that position.
At the special membership meeting, members will be free to
nominate individuals for the open Director position. Following nominations, the
members will then have the opportunity to vote.
The new board of Directors will vote to elect this year’s
officers. The proposed slate of officers is listed at the end of this article.
When you look over the list of Officers, you will notice 2 new
names this year: Jim Bebb and Dan Sulit. Be sure and thank them at the next
meeting for helping out. You will also notice that there are a few empty
positions. If you are interested, we would be glad to have your help.
If you want to provide any input on the running of the club, feel
free to contact any of the Directors before the March meeting or attend the
March meeting and speak your mind.
Slate of Officers and Directors
Directors 2008
Director John Bell
Director Mark Borserine
Director Cliff Cain
Director Tom James
Director Jim Jorgensen
Officers 2008
President
Darren Watson
Vice-President
Open Position
Past President
Mark Borserine
Secretary
Jim Jorgensen
Treasurer
Paul Bennetts
Newsletter
Tom James
Newsletter Assistant
Mark Borserine
Programs
John Bell
Cliff Cain
Education
Norm Crisp
Outings
Ron Carruthers
Jim Bebb
Membership
Dan Sulit
Frederick Clark
Conservation Chair
Kevin Carril
Missouri Open Position
Arkansas John Bell
Metro
KC Open Position
Library
Doug McDonald
Web Master
Bill Brant
Raffle/Auction
Mark Borserine
Spring Programs
Dick Martin
Don Grundy
Event Coordinator
Bill Brant
Liaison SC
Hod McIntosh
Supernumerary
David
Andrews
HOAFF Spring Program - Bob
Jacklin
by Mark Borserine
Members of HOAFF had the honor to host Bob Jacklin as our 2008
Spring Seminar Presenter on Saturday February 23rd. Bob will certainly go down as one of our
favorites. He is a true expert who is
self-effacing and more than willing to openly share his “secrets” with
anyone! I quote from the Bozeman Daily
Chronicle:
“Jacklin considers himself a student of fly fishing rather than an
expert”
Bob gave us a wonderful slide show and commentary on the general
Yellowstone area, then demonstrated several of his signature flies. The best part, to me, because of my interest
in casting was the teaching he gave us on Casting Technique; especially the
“Fishing” casts as Ed Engle refers to them in his book “Fishing Small
Flies”. Bob stressed the need to become
proficient in the casts you use to get the fly exactly where you want it to go
vs. how far you can throw it; Ed Engle and Dave Hughes to name two well-known
Fly Fishing Authors would heartily agree with Bob! I also just finished Dave Hughes’ book
“Taking Trout: Good, Solid, Practical Advice for Fly Fishing Streams and Still
Waters”. Dave emphasizes proficiency in
these same “Fishing” casts as the foundation of success in “Taking Trout”.
I never could master the Parachute and Bounce casts until I saw
Bob do them and got his help! I was
doing a “parody” of the two casts but I was actually trying too hard to do
them; like everything he does, Bob simplified it. I realized that Bob is a man who is
successful because he makes everything simple!
A “life lesson” for us all.
We are grateful to Bob for the time he spent with us and his
generosity sharing his knowledge with us.
We are also grateful to John Bell for bringing Bob to us.
Snow
Water and Predicting When to Take Your Trip
by
Norm Crisp, Stream Side Adventures
If you are getting excited about your summer
fishing trip out west you might want to take a little time and do some checking
on the snow water. The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources
Conservation Services (NRCS) manages a program, know as Snotel, that keeps
track of snow water at selected locations around the West. This data monitoring
system in conjunction with the U. S. Geological Survey’s stream flow monitoring
network is invaluable to STREAM SIDE ADVENTURES in planning our summer guiding
schedule. Our 20 years of experience of evaluating these data sources has given
us great insight and understanding of the Upper North Platte River Basis’s
runoff cycle.
Don’t rush to conclusions when you hear about
snow water from the weather reports. A blizzard on the front range near Denver
may or may not have any bearing on how many people are “bellied up to the bar”
waiting out the storm at Encampment, Wyoming’s Pine Lodge. Snow water can be
very different from one location to another. You may have heard of a “rain
shadow”, well there is a “snow shadow” as well.
Using Wyoming as an example, here is a little
bit about how to evaluate snow water. For the most part snow water over much of
the Wyoming has been very good so far this year. Even for the Upper Green River
Basin, which is the furthest behind the long term averages, a review of the
individual Snotel station for the basin indicates that the that a major culprit
in the basins overall average is the East Rim Divide station which is only 67
percent of average. What is the most important is where that station is in
relationship to the other Snotel stations in the basin and where you might be
planning to fish.
STREAM SIDE ADVENTURES’ primary basin of
interest is the Upper North Platte River. There are 11 Snotel monitoring sites
in the Upper North Platte River Basin. Six are located in Wyoming and the other
five are in Colorado. Two of the Wyoming sites, Divide Peak and Sage Creek are
located well downstream of the area we fish so have no bearing on predicting
runoff levels. Four of the sites; Columbine, Old Battle, Tower, and Webber
Springs monitor snow water within the Encampment River sub-basin. One site,
North French Creek, monitors levels in the French Creek sub-basin and the
remaining sites monitor levels in the North Platte River sub-basin above North
Gate.
Looking at just the Encampment River
sub-basin, the average snow water in the basin is 103 percent or just above the
long term average. So what does that mean about the start of this summers
fishing? Based on our 20 years of experience we know that the optimum flow
levels for fishing the Encampment Rivers start at about 200 CFS and continue
until the river falls below about 60 CFS. In years when the snow water levels
are at or near the long term average, the river has fallen to the 200 CFS level
during the second week in July. In years when the snow water are below the long
term average, the Encampment falls to that 200 CFS level much earlier in the
year.
Conditions in 2007 are an excellent example.
Snow water at Webber Springs, a Snotel station in the Upper Encampment River
Drainage, was well below the long term average. The 200 CFS level was reached
about two weeks soon than normal. Based on the year to date snow water level at
Webber Springs, the 200 CFS level will likely be reached a few days later than
for a normal year.
Of course nothing is as simple as it seems. A
decrease in snow depth due to temperature variations effects the equation. If
the temperatures warm for a few days, some of the snow will melt and fill the
spaces within the snow pack. Later, often overnight, when temperatures fall
below freezing, the melted snow water will re-freeze and compress. A block of
ice melts slower than crushed ice and a compressed snow pack melts slower than
an uncompressed snow pack. And of course, you have to have some idea of what
water level the runoff has fallen to a fishable level.
Ask a local fly shop about optimum water
levels and then start poking around these two sites for the information you
need:
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/ for snow data
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt for stream
flow data
Reprinted with permission from
www.streamsideadventures.com.
My Fish of a
Lifetime
by Ron
Carruthers
It was an auspicious beginning. On Monday I succumbed to the
dreaded “bug” rampaging across the country. Tuesday was totally lost and
Wednesday ended without much improvement. The White River Outing loomed on
Friday and I was determined to make it even if they had to tie me into the
boat. To add insult on to injury, Thursday evening the local weatherman warned
of a major winter storm heading across northern Arkansas. The prediction of 12
inches of snow and travel advisories caused a little concern but front wheel
drive and a set of snow tires can make you a little over confident.
Friday broke clear and cold in Kansas City. I picked up Kevin
Carril and we were on our way. It was just outside of Springfield that we
realized there was no snow. It finally showed up in Harrison, Arkansas but by
then the roads were clear and dry all the way to Mountain Home. They were
running seven generators on Friday and the word was it would continue all
weekend. A sleepless night but I thought it was just the congestion.
Kevin and I had booked Davy Wooten for our Saturday guide trip. I
didn’t know Davy but he came highly recommended. Saturday morning was clear and
cold and the river was still out of its banks. Davy let us know the lower part
of the river was blown out and our best chance for fish was at the dam. If they
shut off the flow it would be the first place to be affected and just possibly
a shad kill could make our day. The infamous Shad Kill ranked high on my “Doubt
it List” right along with things like Big Foot, Unicorns and UFO’s. I had been
on the White River trip last year and a shad kill never materialized, in fact
it seemed to me to possess too many mythical qualities to be taken seriously.
I had never seen the upper part of the White River. It proved not
much different but I finally got to see the White Hole, Stetson’s, and, of
course, Gaston’s Resort. Finally after a bone chilling one hour boat ride we
arrived at the Bull Shoals Dam. An imposing structure made a little more so
with seven generators putting out a strong flow. Davy started Kevin with a San
Juan worm and a white shad fly for me. Kevin caught the first rainbow.
I was the first to notice the sea gulls going crazy up near the
dam. At least I thought I was first, Davy had the boat already headed in that
direction. By the time we arrived it looked like someone had tossed two million
silver dollars into the river. Silver flashes were visible from the top to the
bottom of the water column. For the wily trout it must have seemed like
Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner all wrapped up together. Shad flies for
everyone and the floats began.
Disappointingly, about five
to ten minutes into the kill and all visible signs were gone. The current was
so strong our infamous shad kill had floated well down the river. Did it make
any sense that the fishing was actually getting hotter? It struck me, what would
happen if someone took my Thanksgiving feast away before I had a chance to get
full? Pity the next plate of turkey that just happened by. Kevin and I were
staying pretty even on the catch rate but he had the edge on big fish. Davy
claimed a 22 inch rainbow Kevin caught was the biggest he had seen this season.
It seemed that Kevin had just cast again when his rod doubled over with what
turned out to be a 19 inch 5 pound Cutthroat. Davy could not contain his
excitement. He called it the rarest fish in the river, headed for shore and
pictures all around. It was already a red letter day.
Following a quick shore lunch we headed back to the dam for some
more of the same. A few floats later I had a strike just above the boat ramp.
At first I thought I had snagged the bottom but there was just a little too
much life at the end of the line. I quickly realized I had hooked a good fish and turned to let
Davy know. His eyes met mine and he said “I already know, just take your time.”
Kevin tells me Davy did a masterful job of keeping the boat off the rocks and
in position. I was busy so I don’t remember a lot of that. I do recall several
boats coming close to see what was going on and several people were watching
the struggle from the boat ramp. My adversary continued to dig for the bottom.
The current was too strong for a long run but he knew that better than I. I could get the strike indicator about a foot
out of the water but the fish would immediately dive for the bottom. How that
5x tippet held together is a miracle. On one pass the fish dived under Kevin.
He turned to Davy and said, “Oh my God Davy your net is not big enough.” I
needed to hear that!
Of course the net was big enough. After a fight of about 20
minutes the big brown had had enough. High fives all around, a big sigh of
relief from me, and it was on to shore. He measured 25 inches with a girth of
15 inches. Davy estimated his weight at 12 pounds. He was by far the biggest
brown trout I have ever caught or will probably ever catch again. He was obviously
an old timer, a few scars and a hooked jaw you could hang your vest on. After
pictures he rested calmly in the shallows for about 15 minutes and when he was
ready slowly turned and effortlessly glided into the depths beside the boat
ramp. He had been a noble adversary and had provided me with my fish of a
lifetime. I am satisfied to know that he is there now, no doubt hungry, with
only a distant memory of what happened. I have to believe that because I am
already making plans to go back.
Oh, I almost
forgot, the White River Shad Kill is certainly not a myth. There are too many
HOAFF witnesses.
Upcoming
Events & Programs
Mar
17 John Berry – Arkansas Fly
Fishing Guide
Apr
5 Blue River Clean-up Project
Apr
18 - 19 WindRush Farms Trout Stream,
Cook Station MO.
May
2 - 4 Eleven Point River Smallmouth
Bass Trip, Alton, MO
June One Fly Tounament
Sept
15 Annual Picnic Shawnee Mission
Park
Oct Fall Outing