Across the Stream – November 2008
A Publication of Heart of America Fly Fishers
HOAFF October Meeting
Monday, October 20 - 7:00pm
Kirk Werner
St. Joseph River Idaho trip
President’s Message
Fall is on its way
by Darren Watson
Fall is on its way: The leaves are changing, the nights are growing longer, and the temperature is dropping. This month we have our Montauk/Current River outing to plan on. I look forward to driving through the Ozarks. I may even drive a little slower and enjoy the scenery.
It’s the time of year to start planning for 2009, and we need your help. We have close to 100 members, most of who are involved in different interests beyond just netting a fish. Our conservation programs are well attended, and we are always looking for more projects to support. We have many well-received educational-related activities throughout the year. It may be time for you to consider an officer’s position. We have several positions available and will be passing around a signup sheet at our next couple of meetings. We could use your participation.
Our annual auction nears. This will be my third auction. I have enjoyed the last two. I have two dozen flies I’ve tied for the auction: named my “Bennett Springs Special.” If everyone brought some of the flies they tied, it would help the club, not to mention that everyone could always use more flies. Be sure to let us know whether you have anything else you would like to donate.
Wyoming High Country
by Paul Bennetts
Jim Ohnemus and I have just returned from a trip to western Wyoming once again in search of fly fishing adventure on high country lakes. We took a similar trip three years ago and following the success of that outing were looking forward to this opportunity to renew our acquaintance with the cutthroat and golden trout of the Popo Agie Wilderness area near Lander, Wyoming.
We spent the night before our pack trip at the Allen Diamond 4 Ranch. Jim Allen, his family and ranch hands treated us with the same welcome hospitality we remembered from before. The latest news at the ranch was that a bear had decided to winter in one of the horse barns, leaving behind plenty of evidence of his presence. That evening, a moose cow and her calf paid a visit to the horse corral to enjoy a salt lick. Jim Ohnemus tried to get close enough to get a picture, but the mother moose would have none of it and hurried her calf away from stranger Jim.
The next morning we enjoyed a filling breakfast and prepared to mount up and hit the trail.
Access to the area around Grave Lake requires an 18 mile trip from Dickenson Park, which can either be made on horseback or by hiking in with a backpack. In spite of our “fond” recollections of what an 8 hour trip on horseback was like, we opted for yet another ride on these 4-legged “mountain taxis”. The Wyoming weather has been dry this summer and so the trail was dusty to say the least. The dust kicked up by the horses in front of us filled our eyes and nostrils and made the ride all the more challenging. At higher elevations, there was still snow pack present even though the July weather was comfortably warm. At one point we had to ride the horses over an approximate half mile area of glacial snowpack.
I want to mention here that the real highlight of the long hours on horseback are the enthusiastic company of the wranglers provided to ensure our safety and relative comfort while on the trail. We found on our last trip and this one as well, that these young men and women who spend their summers leading adventurous spirits like Jim and me to the remote camping and fishing spots we were in search of, come from varied backgrounds. Nevertheless, they share in common their love for the outdoors and horsemanship skills that are, at times, amazing.
Our wranglers for the trip to Grave Lake were Peter and Cally. Peter, a recent graduate of an Ivy League university, played Lacrosse and was a star on the school rowing team. He completed a degree in International Political Science, and by his own account, after four years of studying the insanity of international political relationships, came to Wyoming to work on the Diamond 4 Ranch and recover a sense of normalcy he finds with the horses and the outdoors. Cally is also a college grad, and has an adventurous spirit that has led to her backpack alone all over India and Nepal. She too finds that life seems to make more sense on the trails of western Wyoming.
Anyway, I digress. This article is about fishing. We arrived at Grave Lake and set up camp. Over the course of the next week, we either fished at Grave Lake or took day hikes to other nearby lakes. The first few days we were bothered by constant high winds over Grave Lake that made fishing difficult. Early in the mornings, high winds put a chop on the water and as the day progressed, waves on the lake got higher and often approached the status of “whitecaps” by day’s end. In spite of the conditions, Jim was able to catch one nice cutthroat in from the lake near our campsite. Our best success on these days was at the outlet cove of Grave Lake where some protection from the wind was available. Streams connecting nearby lakes were also sheltered from the winds and were quite fishable. In all of these locations, we found a modest supply of cutthroats in sizes ranging from 12 to 15 inches, willing to take a variety of dry flies. Jim had good success with a tan “Fat Albert” with one or two droppers suspended from it. These cutts also were willing to take a caddis as well as stimulator patterns, grasshoppers and a black bushy looking fly I bought at K & K but have forgotten the name of.
About midweek, Jim and I hiked to two small lakes above the tree line, a mile or so from where we were camped. In our previous trip to this area, we had great success catching golden trout in these waters and were hoping for a repeat performance. Jim was first to get a line on the water and immediately caught a nice golden on a dry fly. This immediate strike lifted our expectations and we settled in for what we were sure would be an afternoon of great fishing. To our disappointment, the next two hours went by without another fish. We speculated that perhaps warm water conditions or some other phenomenon had sent the fish into the depths of the lake, and so I grudgingly removed the dry fly from my tippet and tied on an olive wooly booger for a bit of “chuck and duck”. Amazingly, my first cast with the wooly booger was met with a strike and I landed my first golden of the trip. It was a healthy14 inch fish with the usual beautiful gold and red color that make these fish breathtaking to set eyes on. Again, our excitement rose and we continued casting with renewed enthusiasm. Sadly, it was to be out last fish of the day. We were never certain why the fishing in these lakes did not match the success of three years before, but were happy that we at least had each caught one.
We continued to fish Grave Lake daily, and I always had success at the outlet cove, usually one or two nice sized cutthroats taken on dry flies. The first day that the wind finally calmed down, I hiked to the west end of the lake where we had caught Lake Trout in the past. Jim was feeling a bit under the weather on this day and so opted to fish nearer to camp. I started by fishing an inlet where I knew a few cutthroats were likely to be feeding and was able to sight cast to one. In the bright sunlight my cast spooked the fish and so I moved on. Fishing with a grasshopper and a Prince Nymph dropper, I caught some good sized Lake Trout over an area where the lake transitions from a flat wadable area into much deeper water. I took three nice sized fish site casting to them, (all around 20 inches or so). All of them hit my nymph dropper. After a couple break-offs (these fish have sharp teeth!) I put on a heavier leader (2X) and fished wooly boogers which resulted in several more good sized lake trout as well as a cutthroat of about 16 inches. With the heavy tippet, I was able to “horse” these fish into my net quickly (reminded me of my bass fishing days with 10 lb test)!
I brought two of the lake trout back to camp and Jim cooked them up for us in a meal that could not be beat. With the calm weather that had now descended on us, and given my success on the west end of the lake, Jim and I determined to return to the area on the next day. On our arrival, my heart nearly stopped as I peered into the water and immediately saw a good sized cutthroat cruising the shoreline. I slipped into the water and on my second cast to the fish was rewarded with a vicious strike on my dry fly. A few minutes later and my best cutthroat of the trip was in hand for a few quick pictures before I released him. I also caught a couple more lake trout that day, all on wooly boogers.
Jim took the award for the biggest cutthroat of the trip after a period of determined fishing with his Fat Albert fly near the shoreline. I watched his rod bend as he battled a nice cutt of 18 ¼ inches into the net. Jim also caught lake trout that day. The successes of our final two days of fishing had made the hard work of getting to Grave Lake worthwhile and probably saved the trip for us.
There were a couple other highlights from our trip. Jim and I were sitting in camp one afternoon when a mule deer (doe) walked right through camp seemingly unconcerned with our presence. A few minutes later she returned for another visit. I might also mention one bit of excitement we had during our trip. When a group of wranglers brought in some more campers mid-week, they informed us that they had spotted a small forest fire about ¼ of a mile north of our camp. The high winds were feeding the fire and causing it to spread, and there were concerns about the number of people camping around Grave Lake in close proximity to the fire. Jim and I moved our tents away from the trees and closer to the water, in case the winds suddenly shifted and forced the fire closer to our camp.
Fortunately, I had brought a satellite phone with me on this trip and we were able to call the Forestry Service. The following day, we saw Forestry Service planes flying overhead to stage the fire and that afternoon a helicopter dropped in a Fire Team and then returned with a large bucket suspended underneath which they used to gather water from the lake and drop on the fire. Jim and I estimated that they made over 60 runs from the lake to the fire to drop water. It was quite a show!
Finally, our week of fishing was over and it was time to return to the real world. Our trusty horses (Jim’s was named “Widowmaker” or something equally dire) and wranglers delivered us safely back to the Allen Ranch where we thanked everyone and set out for our return to civilization.
It was quite a week. The fishing was not quite all we had hoped for but the success of our last two days did a lot toward making us feel good about the trip. At the very least, we had the opportunity to revisit some beautiful areas and appreciate the wonders of the outdoors.
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
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
Conditions on the White River
by Mark Borserine
Went fishing on the White today, October 6, 2008 with Clint Wilkinson. Fishing wasn’t outrageously good but I caught a dozen or so fish and enjoyed myself thoroughly. The “rig” was San Juan worm in natural worm brown color as point fly, an orange glow ball above that and a heavy split shot about a foot up from the glow ball. A large (crappie float) strike indicator; “Standard” high water rig; they were still running, if not all, nearly all, generators. I included photos of my two best fish, not because they are so large, but to show just how phenomenally healthy the fish are! The Brown was 16” or so and the Rainbow 18”. I have never seen the fish look so healthy and fight so hard. I have never seen the fish here with such thick bodies and deep coloring. Clint thought the Brown was at least a five-pounder by the fight it put up!
Clint said the flooding has “cleansed” both the White and Norfork; Didymo is gone, utterly gone; silt is virtually eliminated and the low water fishing is already transitioning from midges back to scuds and sowbugs (the predominant food source years ago). The river bottoms are clean, and the vegetation deep green and healthy. The water was pretty high but when I could see bottom it looked like the bottom of a brand new aquarium!
Annual Auction – November 17, 2008
by Mark Borserine, Auction Chair
Mark the date! Monday November 17th when HOAFF will hold its Annual Auction. Not everything that is being donated is in but we have some great items already. The picture accompanying this article is only a “visual sampling”!
Pictured in a clockwise direction are:
• From Weavers’ tackle A Frog Togs packable rain jacket – comes with its own little bag!
• Orvis T3 9’ 8wt four-piece rod – brand new with warranty card – this rod has a value of $495!
• Jim Rogers signature rod 6’6” 2/3 wt. two-piece, value of $250. Jim also donated a 7’6” 3/4 wt. two-piece, same value. These are really “sweet sticks”!
• From Kevin of K&K Flyfishers: Ross Worldwide Rod, Reel, Line outfit by Mel Krieger with an instructional DVD by Mel. This rod is four-piece with case, 8’6” 3/4 wt. this set has a value of $250. Kevin donated another Ross Essence outfit in 7/8 wt. 9ft. With these two outfits you could fish anywhere, anytime, for anything!
• Jim Ohnemus donated a fishpond vest – really deluxe and only lightly used by a true master!
• The box of flies were all tied and donated by Monet Drake, titled “40 flies that work!” I’d better bid on this one myself since mine don’t work!
You’re all aware of the canoe and the hoard of items that Bob Jacklin left us in February. The “rarest” item in the auction is most probably the day of fishing with Bob Jacklin himself valued at $500: this is an opportunity for a personally guided day with one the true giants of our sport!
There will be lots of guided trips and lodging available also, many of which you’ve come to expect. The auctioneer will be my cousin’s husband, Marty Read from Mound City, KS; Marty noticed how your generosity had improved last year – let’s really get Marty excited this year.
Be sure to bring a friend and, bidding by proxy is absolutely perfectly legal but the money needs to exchange hands that night – no IOU’s. I look forward to seeing everyone and having a great time!
HOAFF Logo Lapel Pins
We now have enameled Lapel/Hat/Vest Pins with the HOAFF logo. Every new member who joins in 2008 will receive a pin. The pins will be available for sale for $5.00 each.
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.
Revenge of the Trout Zombies
Bruce Cochran’s new book, “Revenge Of The Trout Zombies”, published by Willow Creek Press, is a humorous look at trout fishing.
It’s paperback, retails for $9.95, and is available at book stores. If they don’t have it on the shelf, they can order it. It’s also available on Amazon.com and of course personalized copies are available from me.
Upcoming Events & Programs
Nov 17 Annual Auction & Raffle
Dec 5-7 Annual Banquet Bennett Spring
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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
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• Fishing Trips: Alaska • Canada • Montana • Bahamas
87th & Grant, Overland Park, KS 66212
www.kkflyfishers.com • 913-341-8118
Yager’s Flies
2311 Wakarusa Drive, Suite B
Lawrence, KS 66047
(866) 359-7467
www.yagersflies.com
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)
· Mountain River Fly Shop
· 1177 West Main
· Cotter, AR 72626
· 870-435-6166
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
White Sands Motel & Restaurant
Highway 62B - Next to Cotter's Rainbow Arch Bridge
870-435-2244
Rim Shoals Lodge & Fly Shop
River Front Lodging
Guided FIshing Trips
Boat/Motor Rental
Full Service Fly Shop
Gary & Paula Flippin
(870) 435-6144
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
Tightline Guide Service
Americanfishes.com
More color illustrations of freshwater fish than anyplace on earth
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
Hunting Sports Plus
Private land access for Hunting • Fishing • Camping
Wapsi
Smoke N’ Fire
8030 W. 151st Street
Overland Park, KS 66223
913-685-1111