Upcoming Fishing Outings

February Surf Fishout
Fishmaster: Sam Bishop

Rio Del Mar State Beach is the place to be at 7 AM on Saturday, February 6. Some of you have not been fishing at all this year, so it is time to limber up a rod, any rod, we don't care. It is always fun and the fresh air will cure a Friday night hangover quite quickly.
High tide is about 4 AM and low tide (+0.5) is 10:20 AM. There's just a sliver of moon that night, so unless the swells are too big, the conditions should be perfect for a February morning. For those who plan on going to Pyramid in March, just bring the same setup. I'll have spare stripping baskets. More info to prepare is on our website, just look for it.

This fishout is booked up, and if you haven't yet booked your lodging and still intend to come, you must make your own arrangements either by bringing your own RV (Crosby's Lodge has hook-ups and sells permits to park on the any of the beaches along the lake) or staying in Reno. Reno is 45 minutes away. Call Crosby's lodge to inquire about last minute cancellations as well (775) 476-0400. There is also a stand-by list to fill last minute club cancellations or gaps in the week. Call Harry to get your name placed on the list.
First come first served, unless you snore then you will have to pass a decibel test. If your trailer has gaps or cancellations, call Harry so he can find you members to fill the empty beds. The General Store in Sutcliff offers meals on selected nights only to those who call in before 2:00 PM. Check at the General Store for details.
If you have any questions about equipment or how to get there, check the "Gearing up" columns in the March 2007-2009 archives on our great club website www.santacruzflyfishermen.org, or call Harry Petrakis at 831-419-4245.

NOTE: Just a reminder; if you are interested in fishing Pyramid lake in 2011: Pyramid Lake 2011 dates are Sunday, March 13th to Saturday, March 19th. Crosby's Lodge(775 476-0400) is now or will soon be taking reservations for 2011 so give them a call to get the details and to book your spot for 2011.

Pyramid Lake is a unique trout fishery with its own traditions and rules of etiquette. Some of these "rules" are common sense and are seen in other fisheries; however, some are unique to Pyramid Lake. Should you break these laws of etiquette you will find yourself being nicely educated by one of the veterans of Pyramid Lake. Should you ignore this instruction and continue to violate etiquette, you will attract the ire of fishermen around you and create ill will. Should you fish friendly and respect others, you will find people helpful in sharing new techniques and maybe even a secret fly.

Ladders are used for shore fishing and they rule the day. These ladders are placed in about 3 feet of water and are used as platforms to cast. They also designate a particular location as that individual's spot. Ladders are usually spaced in a line parallel to the bank about 25 feet apart. A ladder's fishing area will extend out into the lake just beyond casting distance. If a person is spin casting, this distance will be further than a person who is flyfishing.
* It is considered a breach of etiquette to squeeze your ladder between two ladders that are already properly spaced. People get up early to get their chosen spot and do not appreciate late-comers squeezing in.
* Placing your ladder farther out than the rest of the line is frowned upon. The entire line will decide to move in or out as conditions dictate. Placing a ladder farther out will generally tend to push the fish farther out. These fish are traveling parallel to the bank and when they see a ladder, person or float tube they will veer to deeper water.
* A float tuber may need to go between two ladders in order to get out into the lake to fish. This is okay if not abused. A float tuber may go out and come back between ladders in order to go out fishing and come back when finished. It is not okay to go back and forth between ladders while fishing their area, even if the ladder fishermen are taking a break on shore. It is also not appreciated when a float tuber stations themselves at the end of line and farther out than the ladder line. This is essentially just like putting your ladder farther out then everyone else's, except you are doing it with a float tube and not a ladder. It still impacts the movement of the fish which will have a negative effect of the fishing success of those fishing near you.
* A float tuber should also not fish a ladders area when the ladder person is on shore taking a break, no more than another person would place their ladder two feet from another ladder just because that person is taking a break.
* A float tuber should fish out beyond the casting range of those on the ladders. One of the worst breaches of etiquette is for a float tuber to troll parallel to the ladders inside their casting range. The ladder person may say "I can cast that far", throw a tennis ball, cast across your line, cast at you or just give you a solemn stare down with a hint of "stink eye". These are all indications that you are in serious violation.
* A float tuber should also refrain from casting into the area within the casting range of a ladder.
* If you put a ladder out into the water then fish from it. Do not drive away or start fishing from your float tube. Short breaks on shore are fine; everyone does this.
* When a trophy fish is hooked, a 10 plus-pounder, that person gets special consideration. Others will bring in their lines so as to not interfere with the lucky person's ability to bring in the fish of a lifetime. Watching a 10 pound trout being successfully landed and released is one of the best aspects of fishing at Pyramid Lake.

This list of dos and don'ts is being published as a reminder to those who fish Pyramid Lake, because our club has a good reputation with the locals and we'd like to keep it that way, so on future fishouts, we will be welcome there. If you have any questions, you can call the fishmaster Harry Petrakis, at 419-4245, he will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

If you are considering a trip to Utah in May to join us on this fishout, you really need to begin planning for it now. This river is a tailwater of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir Dam, situated in the northeast corner of Utah. It carves its way through a spectacular red rock canyon, and is the home of a healthy number of large brown and rainbow trout. It is rare to catch one under 16 inches, and not uncommon to catch several over 20 inches. You can walk a well-maintained trail along the river and bank fish, and/or book a guide to drift the river. The Trout Creek Flies guides are all very competent, excellent teachers, and provide all your terminal tackle, plus a delicious riverside lunch.
The Santa Cruz Fly Fishermen group will be staying at Trout Creek Flies Lodge, which can house up to 16 people, with four people sharing each of their four rooms, but if you call later and cannot book a room with Trout Creek, there are other options in the area, such as Flaming Gorge Lodge, (435) 889-3773, and Red Canyon Lodge, (435) 889-3759. There are also several campgrounds in the area, if you are driving an RV and wish to camp.
If you are planning to take the AmTrak train, call Elaine Cook at 688-1561. If you plan to drive, (it's a day and a half's drive) call John Steele, at 476-0648. If you are going to fly from San Jose to Salt Lake City, then rent a vehicle, you should shop online for the best deal, as soon as possible, or consult your travel agent. Likewise, if you need more details, or want to sign up for this fishout, call John. A sign up sheet will be available at the ConFab and next club meeting.

Fishing Opportunities: Fish for trout in tailwater river, several streams and a reservoir. Also bass in ponds (limited and dependent on how warm this spring is). For this year, Hot Creek and the Upper Owens will also be open. A big winter can affect access.
Climate: Sunny and warm to snowy. Strong winds are commonly encountered.
Lodging: Camping at Pleasant Valley Campground, elevation 4000 ft. RV or trailer recommended due to the possibility of extended periods of cold and wind. Camping fee about $12 - $15 per night. Reservations not needed. Motels in Bishop: Cost is $60 per night and up. Reservations are recommended.

General Plan: Fishmasters will stay at campground which is very basic, with picnic tables, fire pits and outhouses. We intend to go to town for breakfast, groceries, newspapers, showers and fly shops, which are in Bishop, a ten minute drive from the campground. Fishing is from mid-morning on; the fish don't wake up till then at this time of year. We will have a potluck barbecue dinner each evening at the campground.
Bring: Box of wood for campfire, small bag of charcoal briquets for barbecues, food and beverages, camping chair, your own tableware (cups, dishes, flatware). Camp stove, cutting board, basic cooking utensils, grill and dishpan will be provided. Bring a camera to take pictures to share at next year's picture show in January.
Fishing Gear: Rods: 2-6 weight.
Lines: Floating and sinking, sink tip type IX
Flies: Standard trout dry flies, including: blue winged olive, 16-18, Mr. Bill (Western Coachman), 14-16, elk hair caddis, 16-18, Griffith's Gnat, 14-18, standard trout sinking flies, including: tiger midge, 16-20, pheasant tail nymph 14-18, Hornberg or Loehberg, 12-14, Prince nymph, 16, Scintilla bubble nymph, 20, dark lord, 12-16, Bass and bluegill poppers, small and medium.
Waders: Neoprene with fleece underlayers for float tubing, breathable waders over fleece for river and stream fishing. Float tube and accessories: Gloves, warm cap to cover ears, hat, rain gear, warm coat, insect repellent (rarely needed), sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, 2010 fishing license.
Driving Directions: Sierra passes will be closed. Southern route to Hwy 395 via Bakersfield is recommended. I-80 to Reno then south on 395 is another option, but check weather and road conditions. Allow 8-9 hours' driving time. Refer to map.
Sign Ups: Not needed, but the fishmasters would like to know that you are coming, and approximately when you will arrive. Look for the club banner at the campground.

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