October Meeting. President s Message. Bob Krumm and the Big Horn - A Tale of Two Rivers By Bob Zagar. October 2014

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1 October 2014 October Meeting THURSDAY, October 23rd Queeny Park Greensfelder Recreation Complex 550 Weidman Rd Ballwin, MO :00 PM Bob Krumm and the Big Horn - A Tale of Two Rivers By Bob Zagar Our speaker this month Bob Krumm has presented clinics and slide shows throughout the nation. He has been a fly fishing guide on the Bighorn River in Montana since Previous to moving to the Big Horn he guided in western Wyoming on the Snake, Green, and New Fork Rivers. Bob has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, from Albion College, Albion, Michigan and a Masters degree in zoology with wildlife management emphasis from the University of Wyoming. He is also a writer having published four books; The New England Berry Book, The Rocky Mountain Berry Book, The Great Lakes Berry Book, and The Pacific Northwest Berry Book. He has written over forty magazine articles for various magazines including Fly Fisherman, Fly Rod & Reel, In Fisherman, American Angler, Fly Fisher, Fly Tyer, Fly-fishing and Tying Journal and is the outdoor columnist for the Billings Gazette. He has been a fly casting instructor for twenty years and was a casting instructor with Dave Whitlock at the L.L. Bean Fly Fishing School in Freeport Maine. He has tied commercially since 1974 having tied for Orvis, Grand Teton Lodge Company, and various sporting goods stores and has taught fly tying courses since the late 1970s. He is an active member of the International Federation of Fly Fishers, Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants For Ever. Bob s talk is based on his fishing log notes dating back to Bob has kept track of weather conditions, flows, and the size and species of trout caught on his guide trips as well as the flies that the fish took. If nothing else, this talk will list the most popular Bighorn flies over the past 20 plus years. The Bighorn River has distinctly different characteristics depending on the annual flows that come from Yellowtail Dam; so much so that it is almost as though there is two different rivers. In years where there is ample to excessive runoff, the trout growth rate increases, there are hatches of yellow Sallies, and Trico s. In low water years, the growth rates decrease, fly hatches disappear, and siltation become a problem. Bob has arrived at some conclusion that might surprise the normal trout angler. Please join us on the 23rd. President s Message The end of the year is getting closer. The fall Chili Tie In will have happened by the time you get this and the Bennett Spring Winter Catch and Release Outing is just around the corner. Be sure and get your reservations in ASAP. I hope to see you there. The Nominating Committee is still looking to fill the Treasurer and Education positions on the board. As we move into next year, the plan is to reduce the size of the board to a more manageable number, as well as reduce the number of board meetings to 4-6 a year. So much of what is done at the board meetings could be handled by the more than capable committee chairs or done by or phone in between meetings. When Malcolm assumed the position 4 years ago, he reduced the meeting time to 2 hours, tops. During my term, meetings have also shortened, sometimes to as little as 1 1 ½ hours with much of that time filled with directors reports that could have been sent by . I mention this because if someone is hesitating serving on the board because of the time involved in meetings, I think that it will be drastically reduced as we move forward. Please volunteer to help our great club. Bill Leslie

2 Outings By Malcolm Royce The Missouri Department of Conservation, with the support of the Ozark Fly Fishers, will be holding both Adult and Youth Fly Fishing classes. The programs will be held at the August A. Busch Conservation Area in Weldon Springs. All classes will have 1 hour of fly fishing instruction and 2 hours of fishing for trout in catch and release lakes. The instruction will include equipment, basic knots, rigging, and casting and the equipment will provided, however if you have a fly rod please bring it with you. The youth classes will be held on Lake #1, and the adult classes on Lake #21. There is a limit to 12 participants per class, and the classes are free to the public. Members are welcome to attend and sign up your kids or grandchildren. Everyone must sign-up for the program. To sign up for the program, call Adult Class Schedule: November 6, Thursday- 8:00 am 11:00 am- Lake #21 November 11, 2014 Tuesday- 8:00 am 11:00 am Lake #21 November 25, 2014 Tuesday 8:00 am 11:00 am Lake #21 Youth Class Schedule: November 8, 2014 Saturday 9:00 am 12:00 Lake #1 November 22, 2014 Saturday 9:00 am 12:00 - Lake #1 December 6, 2014 Saturday 9:00 am 12:00 Lake #1 I am also seeking volunteers to help with the instruction as a coach. This is an opportunity to share the sport you love with people who have an interest in fly fishing. To help with this program, call Malcolm Royse at or at doorman709@sbcglobal.net. The Fall Chili Tie-In at Marlin s clubhouse will be Saturday, October 18, starting around 9:00 a.m. The club house is located at 851 Country Stone Drive, Des Pere. Bring your vise, rod, or just come by, and also bring your favorite chili, snack, or finger food. Coffee, soda, and water will be provided. This is a great time to just hang out with other members. We will tie inside and the casting will be right out the doors, if weather permits. For you new members, this is a great time to meet some of the members and hear some of the stories we tell. (Some of them are actually true!) If you have any questions, call Malcolm Royse at [c] or [h]. Stream Team 31 by Scott Darrough CURRENT RIVER WATER QUALITY MONITORING NOVEMBER 1, AM TAN VAT ACCESS This will be a complete monitoring. Meeting for breakfast and or carpooling might be a possibility. As always a towel and a spare change of clothes are recommended, as an accidental dip in the river would make for an uncomfortable autumn day. If you plan to attend or have any questions, please contact Scott Darrough at: or swdarrough@yahoo.com. A REQUEST FROM THE OFF LIBRARIAN Ozark members, if you have checked out club videos whether they are formatted in DVD or VHS, and you have had them for an over-extended period of time, please consider returning at the next membership meeting. It is easy to forget that you may have an OFF selection from our library. This will allow our fellow club members a chance to view. Your cooperation will be appreciated by all. Questions, contact Scott Darrough at: or swdarrough@yahoo.com Scott Darrough Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc October 2014 Page 2

3 Ozark Fly Fishers Database Report October 2014 The membership total for the beginning of the 2014 membership year is 216. Last Reported Membership New Membership since Former Member rejoining Total Membership as of Membership a Year ago Annual Gain or (loss) 6 Annual Gain or (loss) Percent 2.6% New members since Aug 1 are as follows: Tom Clemmons 660clemonstl@gmail.com Defiance MO, Returning members since Aug 1 are as follows: Bill Croker whcrok@stlmsd.com Wildwood, MO Mark A. Harris Membership Committee (Database & Directory) DECEMBER MEETING - FLY TYING, FLY EXCHANCE, KNOTS, APPETIZERS QUEENY PARK December 11, :00 P.M. Please join us on Thursday December 11, for our Christmas fly exchange. The fly exchange has become a great Ozark Fly Fisher s tradition, in addition we will have a number of our best fly tiers demonstrating their favorite patterns, Steve Antonic will be back giving us pointers on knots, and last but not least enjoy appetizers with friends and fellow fly fisher s. For you newer members, (and I m happy to say we have quite a few) bring a dozen fly s wrapped in a gift box. Turn it in and receive a ticket. Ticket numbers will be called and each person bringing a box of flies will have an opportunity to choose a gift wrapped box of flies tied by someone else. Lastly, bring one of your favorite appetizers to share and enjoy. The Club will provide the beverages. Hope to see you for our last meeting of the year. It s been a great year! Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc October 2014 Page 3

4 " The Colossus: The Columbia River George Bohigian There are two great river watersheds in North America: The Columbia River basin that drains the western slope the Canadian Rockies and the eastern slope of the Rockies that drains into the Missouri- Mississippi. The Corp of Discovery headed by co-captains Lewis and Clark was an amazing historical feat spanning both watersheds. This was a two-year odyssey involving 40 people with "undaunted courage". I would recommend reading Stephen Ambrose's "Undaunted Courage". This journey was more perilous than sending a man to the moon. Only one life was lost, thought to be due to appendicitis. The astronauts were always in communication with earth and knew where they were headed. Lewis and Clark were in an unexplored world without communication to the outside world. William Clark is buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis. The Columbia River is one of the most spectacular and prolific fisheries in the world. Most fisher persons only think of steelhead fishing on the western coast of British Columbia, however there's a vast array of nearly untouched streams and lakes full of wild trout. For the past seven years I have enjoyed visiting family and friends in Nelson, British Columbia. A small town of 10,000 nestled in the Kootenay Mountains on the western slope of the Canadian Rockies. It is about a four hour drive north ofspokane Washington. Nelson reminds me of Aspen Colorado 50 years ago. ( Last year my daughter caught her first Rainbow on a dry fly. It was a 5 pound beauty. A reel screaming head shaking brute. We always go with master guide Rod Zavaduk who is the owner Castlegar Sports. ( ). He is a great guide and a teacher with over 25 years experience. This year my daughter out fished me! We used a Chironomid #20 fly with a strike indicator.the Columbia also has Bull, Steelhead, Browns, and Cut Throats.A total of six different species of Rainbows can be found. The river has intense caddis dry fly fishing more than you will ever likely experience. Nearby Kootenay Lake is home to the Gerrand Rainbow Trout, the world's largest land locked Rainbow trout. It is a great trip and adventure! Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc October 2014 Page 4

5 " Join us Saturday, November 8 th as the Troutbusters throw their second annual City Slicker Bust at Feather-Craft. Manufacturer reps will be in the house to show off the latest and greatest fall products just in time for the winter catch and release season. The day will feature: Silent Auctions: Great items will be up for bid with proceeds going to the Troutbusters. The silent auction will wrap up at 2pm. FREE fly line cleaning/dressing: Bring in a reel or two and we will clean and dress your fly line, so you are ready for the winter season. Casting Yard: Reps will be out on the casting yard with the newest from Sage, Winston, Scott, Thomas & Thomas, Redington, Echo and more! Fly Tying Demos: All day fly tying demos of our secret winter trout patterns Sidewalk Sale: Awesome deals on Simms, Patagonia, Fishpond and more, with prices 30-50% off retail! BBQ: The Troutbuster s will be on the grill and providing a great lunch for just a $5 donation. Live band: We will have some live music outside weather permitting. Upgradefly.com: Andy will be on hand telling you about our new program where you can upgrade your unused equipment instantly for store credit This event will be a great opportunity to support an organization that does amazing work with many charities. Feather- Craft will be donating 10% of retail sales on November 8 th, to the Troutbusters so they can help even more people. For more information on the organizations that the Troutbusters support, visit Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc October 2014 Page 5

6 Casting Tip October 2014 By Bill Armon CCI Do you hate to cast split shot with one or more heavily weighted flies? If the answer is yes it is probably because this often leads to tangled, twisted leaders and flies. Why? A quick change of direction that causes slack with a jerk is the problem. Remember the casters mantra no slack ; be smooth. This is important in almost all casts but especially true when casting weight and or heavy, large flies. This is another situation where the caster does not want a tight loop. Start with a slower backcast and attempt to throw a wide loop. The idea is to have the fly or flies travel around a corner and therefore not make a sudden change of direction. Constant tension is kept on the leader and flies. A side arm approach to the back cast can help form the rounded curve of the back cast. There is a continuous motion between the back and the forecast. The forward cast may be started before the backcast has completely unrolled. This is a slow smooth cast, including the power stop on the forward cast. Once the forward cast is started a normal casting stoke is used that will form a wider loop that unrolls to the target. Slowly, smoothly and without any slack must be kept in mind to make a constant tension cast that will not tangle. Other tips for a weighted multi fly strike indicator set up; no or almost no false casting; use the weight of the split shot and flies to help propel the forward cast; use the water tension to slowly load the rod for a pickup. Fly of the Month October 2014 By Mike Ott When in Rome One of the things I really love about fly fishing is that it is a constant learning experience. Over the past forty years this sport has evolved so much it becomes overwhelming at times advances in rod and line technology, advances in entomology, fly tying materials, and techniques, advances in communication and educational exchanges, etc. Yet somehow, the traditions remain. It all boils down to fly, fish, water, and presentation. Sometimes it takes a return to the basics to remind us it is still just fishing. On a recent trip to south Missouri, we were reminded of just that. One of us fished real flies while the other fished a baitfish imitation. One of us hammered fish all day including a truly impressive Ozark smallmouth, while the other caught a respectable number of fish while fishing the way he wanted. Needless to say, the baitfish imitation won this battle of wills. I did eventually relent and change over to a baitfish imitation just to catch up. That miraculous baitfish imitation was a marabou jig. A good old fashioned jig is a very effective imitator of a minnow, a crawfish, or whatever. At the guide s suggestion, I have gladly fished Purple Haze dry flies, Bighorn Pink scuds, Pink Squirrel nymphs, and bright pink hoppers all with great success so why not a marabou jig. I will gladly take the ridicule as long as it comes with catching fish. Lesson number one listen to your guide. You are paying for an education not just a boat ride. Lesson number two don t forget the basics. Keep it simple. Lesson number three don t argue with success. The fish is always right. When tying jigs, remember to choose quality jig heads. There are a lot of cheap jig heads with cheap hooks out there. The heat process of making jig heads tends to compromise the hook, so spend the money on good hooks. Jig heads come in a wide range of sizes from 1/100 th up to saltwater sizes. Also choose nice fluffy marabou with good true colors. Remember, too, that when tying layered colors, the lighter color goes on the back because the jig rides hook up. Keep your thread wraps tight and compact for neater looking jigs. Try white and gray, white and ginger, and white and olive. Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc October 2014 Page 6

7 A Thought from an aging Dry Fly Fisherman Why it is call an Indicator and not a Bobber by Mike Swederska I was fishing the other day with a couple of people that had me explaining to them how and when to set the hook. As I was explaining to them what indication to look for from the indicator all they heard was when the bobber goes down pull hard and the fish will be there. So now while fishing with the second person at a different time of day I found myself saying all the same things to them about how to set the hook via how to watch the indicator. While I was explaining to them what indications from the indicator to watch I suddenly realize why fly fisherman call it an indicator and why the other kind of fisherman call it a bobber. Fly fisherman don t call it an indicator just to be different from the bobber fisherman. An indicator indicates the slightest touch of a fish on the fly A bobber goes up and down to show that a fish is eating the bait. An indicator does not go up and down on a regular basis but may twitch or just stop moving to indicate that a fish has the fly in its mouth. Bobbers are used to suspend bait and when the fish take the bait the bobber will go up and down i.e. bobbing. The indicator is just that, to indicate a very subtle touch of a fish with the fly in its mouth. I have always known what an indicator was and why we use it. But explaining it to a non fly fisherman opened my eyes to the real differences of the bobber and indicator. Mike Swederska LAST CALL FOR NOVEMBER BENNETT SPRING OUTING It looks like another crowd of OFFers so far planning to attend our 23rd annual opening of the winter catch and release season at Bennett Spring Nov As this is written early October, we still have all types rooms available (only 1 with 1 bed) By the time you receive this newsletter I will probably have turned the reservations in to Sand Spring for room assignments, so if you decide to join us at the last minute, please call me first to see if we can still get a room. We have been able to in the past. Details in previous newsletters. If an extra person stays in your room at the last minute, please use the honor system and settle up at the office. Remember, Sand Spring does give us a break by charging us the off-season weekday rate instead of the week-end rate. Room assignments should be mailed late October or early November. TAKE NOTE: Bennett Spring and Montauk are open for catch and release on MONDAY also! If this appeals to you, call Sand Spring when you get your room assignment and see if you can get a room for Sun. night also. Their number is Also the restaurant will be open for the week-end starting Friday morning. Due to logistic considerations we are canceling our organized pre buffet social hour. Those who wish to gather for story telling can get together under the tent at Sand Spring or go early to Ollie's, but as this is a new venue we don t know if there will be room. Take your choice.ollie will not start serving until the announced time of 7 PM. Car pooling may be advisable as the restaurant will have regular clients as well as our large group. The conference room at the pool will be available as usual for a fly tying fest after the buffet! *Remember, you ll need a $7.00 Trout Permit available everywhere Mo. hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Questions? or last minute room call Russ No need to press 1 for English. Reservation forms can be downloaded from previous 2 newsletters. Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc October 2014 Page 7

8 23rd ANNUAL CATCH AND RELEASE OPENING WEEKEND AT BENNETT SPRING NOV Name Phone:Day Night Address City/Zip Accommodations to be shared with E mail_please IMPORTANT: THE CLUB IS CHARGED THE SAME AMOUNT WHETHER THERE ARE 1 OR 2 OCCUPANTS IN THE DOUBLE BED ROOMS. IF YOUR BUDDY CANCELS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED THE LISTED FULL PRICE, MINUS COST OF 1 DINNER. THE 2 OF YOU WILL HAVE TO DECIDE HOW TO APPORTION THE COST. Packages: All packages include the buffet dinner. Singles Package: One bed, one person Saturday, Nov Friday and Saturday, Nov Thursday, Friday, Saturday Nov Couples Package: One double bed, two people Saturday, Nov. 15 (per couple) Friday and Saturday Nov (per couple) Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Nov (per couple) Deluxe Couples Package: Two double beds, two people Saturday, Nov. 15 (per couple) Friday and Saturday, Nov 14-15(per couple) Thursday, Friday, Saturday Nov (per couple) Housekeeping Package: Two double beds, two people, kitchen Friday, Saturday, Nov (per couple) Thursday, Friday, Saturday Nov (per couple) Triple Package: Three double beds, Three people Friday, Saturday, Nov Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Nov Third Person Package: Two double beds/3 rd twin, Three people Friday, Saturday, Nov Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Nov Buffet Dinner only (no lodging) ADDITIONAL PERSONS AND PETS EXTRA Pets: $15/ night Rollaway Bed: $10/night WILL PARTAKE/DONATE TO POT LUCK ON Thursday Cancellations: If you cancel before Oct. 30, you will receive a refund; thereafter refunds will be made only if we can sell your room.. Buffet Dinner: AT OLLIES RESTAURANT HWY 64 7 PM. It will be a traditional Ozark buffet.. First in line?---please leave a few ribs for those at the end! Consider CAR POOLING as parking could be a problem with our crowd plus regular clients. Also a DESIGNATED DRIVER if indicated. Mail this form with your check payable to Ozark Fly Fishers to Russ Hill, 46 Witmer Dr., Chesterfield, Mo Accommodations will be booked only when received with a check for the full amount of the package selected. I will confirm receipt of your check by phone, or post card. Call me if you don t get confirmation of your check in a reasonable time. Call for special needs, questions, etc. Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc October 2014 Page 8

9 Meeting Program schedule for 2014 October 23 November December 11 Bob Krumm Blue Quill Fly Company, Big Horn River Thanksgiving - no general membership meeting Holiday fly tying and fly exchange Programs are held on the 4 th Thursday of each month, starting at 7:00 P.M. *Saturday ** 6:00 P.M. start time Ozark Fly Fishers Yahoo Group One of the benefits of being a member of the Ozark Fly Fishers is the Ozark Fly Fishers Yahoo group. The Yahoo Group is a direct line of communication with all who choose to join. Like any other club function, the more members participating the better. The OFF Yahoo group is reserved for Members Only to keep spam and other issues that go hand and hand with the internet under control. The Yahoo group is a great avenue to receive or post fishing reports, big and little fish pictures or thoughts and ideas on club functions as well as to seek advice from a vast wealth of knowledge on just about anything fly fishing. To become an Ozark Fly Fishers Yahoo member is easy. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Mike Swederska Cell: (314) Office: (314) shur-way@sbcglobal.net Ozark Fly Fishers Calendar of Events 2014 Coming soon! October 21st 25 th Michigan Salmon Outing - $ October 23rd - General Membership Meeting - GRC Queeny Park 7:00 PM November 1st - Current River WQM - Tan Vat Access 10:00 AM November 3rd - Board Meeting November 13th - 16th Bennett Springs Outing December 11th - General Membership Meeting - Fly Exchange - GRC Queeny Park 6:00 PM January 24th - Annual Banquet Auction and Fund Raiser bidding begins at 6:00 PM $ February 21st - All Day Meeting with Landon Mayer - TBD Stay tuned $ - Cost associated Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc October 2014 Page 9

10 Board of Directors Officers Directors Chairman President: Bill Leslie Communications: John L Tymony Casting: Brian Ellis Vice President: Bob Zagar Conservation: Wallis Warren Fly Tying: Mike Ott Treasurer: Lou Juranas Education: Al Bourisaw Stream Team Coordinator: Scott Darrough Secretary: Mark Thahlhammer Membership: Mike Ott Past President: Mike Swederska Outings: Malcolm Royce Ways & Means: Brad Kohlbrecher Stream Team 31 Coordinator / Current River Blue Springs Creek Mill Creek Scott Darrough Glen Bish Bill Leslie Ozark Fly Fishers Objectives Founded 1971 To promote fly fishing as the most sportsmanlike and enjoyable way of fishing and the method most consistent with the preservation and wise use of our game fish. To practice conservation of natural resources and to support efforts for environmental quality and pollution control. To provide advice, education, and assistance to promote the art of fly fishing. To demonstrate applied techniques in fly fishing, tying, casting and related subjects Ozark Fly Fishers meet at 7:00 PM on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Queeny Park Rec Center (Unless noted differently see Calendar) Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc October 2014 Page 10

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