Southeast Idaho Fly Fishers, 257 North Main, Pocatello, Idaho 83204, Google SEIFF. President s Message

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1 Club Chronicle Since 1972, promoting the sport of fly fishing February 2015 Southeast Idaho Fly Fishers, 257 North Main, Pocatello, Idaho 83204, Google SEIFF I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E President s Message February Club Meeting Fly of the Month Calendar of Events January Board Meeting Club Offices Proposed Policy Winter Fishing Fly Fishing Expo Taylor s Hot Spot Oneida Narrows Increased precipitation and snow here and in the high country the month President s Message Dear Members, Friends and All Interested Parties, Isn t it great, we are slowly moving thru those cold, dark winter days into more daylight and more moderating temperatures? A definite preview of coming attractions. I am still not seeing any hint of daylight as I head south from Idaho Falls yet, but it is only a matter of time. The days ARE getting longer. Increased precipitation and snow here and in the high country the past month has made a significant positive impact on most of the various drainages throughout the Southeast region-to the point of snow pack levels being anywhere from 100% to120% of normal. We still have a good bit of winter to go. Total water levels in the upper Snake River drainage are already at 67% and American Falls is filling as we speak and is currently at 73% of capacity. Ok, let s get back to more interesting things!!!! As the weather warms, don t leave that fly rod in the tube (if you don t have a case for that expensive rod, you had better get one) for much longer, as late winter fly fishing can be superb. Pick those days that are at or above freezing if you can, and have at it. Beadheads, midges and soon to be the beginning of hatching Blue Winged Olive mayflies are the fish s food fare for this time of year. Some of my finest dry fly fishing days have been through January, February and March. There is nothing like getting out on a nice late winter/spring day after being inside for a while to raise your spirits and improve your dreary countenance. That, my friends, is arguably the best medicine us fishers can have!!! An important side note to the fishing and club news is really about the impact the SEIFF is having on the community, fisheries and habitat. The Sportsmen Against Hunger Campaign will have its 8th annual fundraiser on Saturday, January 31 st The event will again be held at and sponsored by the Cal Ranch Store here in Pocatello. The campaign will run from 10:00Am until 4:00PM. Please remember that Cal Ranch has moved to its new location in the Pine Ridge Mall. SEIFF members will man a booth along with the IDFG and many other sportsmen s groups to promote a fund raiser and provide some fun for an outstanding cause. A total of $1, was raised last year through donations, games and raffles of various types. Idaho Caterpillar Company matched the raised amount and increased the total donation to the Idaho Food Bank to $2, With this donation, the Idaho Food Bank can purchase approximately $15, worth of food to help those in need in our community. As I have said in the past, true stewardship of anything that we hold dear to us can be measured in a BIG way through our giving back and volunteer efforts. Stop by and see us on Saturday January 31st, 2015 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. There will be some exceptional prizes offered. If nothing else come and tell us some of your best fishing stories and lies. Very Sincerely, Tom Banyas, President-SEIFF Clicking on this icon will connect you to the SEIFF website for more information about this topic.

2 SEIFF Club Chronicle February 2015 Page 2 Upcoming Club Program Casting for Warriors The February 12 th 2015 SEIFF club meeting will combine some great information concerning both the club s support of the Casting for Warriors program and Southeast Idaho s Watershed Guardians. Caryn and Scott Elliott will be here to provide a slide presentation on this past September s Casting for Warriors first annual outing at Camp Perkins in the Idaho Sawtooth Mountains. Grace Lutheran Church and other local contributors, including the SEIFF, support Casting for Warriors. This organization provides an outreach to wounded American military servicemen and women that need help relating to re-entry into the normalcy of peaceful society. Casting for Warriors does this through all aspects of fly-fishing and the love for all of the great outdoors that we have around us. Volunteers provide lessons in casting, knot tying, fly tying, entomology and fishing. All of this was combined into a great weekend of fellowship and fly-fishing at the beautiful Camp Perkins. Caryn and Scott will recap this past September s event with the slide presentation and give us feedback for future Casting for Warriors outings. This organization provides an outreach to wounded American military servicemen The Watershed Guardians is headed up by Pocatello Resident Mike Settell. The Watershed Guardians have been actively involved in beaver reintroduction and habitat restoration of area waters where beaver had been traditionally present. Mr. Settell will speak about the Mink Creek area and what beavers naturally do for increased ground water, more and bigger fish and overall improved habitat for all fish/animals involved. The meeting is Thursday February 12 th, at the Portneuf River Outfitters Fly Fishing Store on 157 North Main St. in Old Town Pocatello. The program will begin with Casting For Warriors presentation around 7:00PM then will be followed at 7:30PM by Mike Settell and the Watershed Guardians. All SEIFF club events are free and open to anyone interested in attending. I look forward to seeing you all there for the February 12 th, 2015 club meeting. Sincerely, Tom Banyas, programs guy for SEIFF

3 SEIFF Club Chronicle February 2015 Page 3 Fly of the Month The Zebra Midge This is the season for midges. One of the favorite local patterns is the Zebra Midge. I fish it on rivers and streams year round. This pattern is black with a Nickel bead. I tie it in brown, red, green and purple, usually with a tungsten bead. Since it is a subsurface pattern, I like to get it down quickly so I prefer the tungsten bead. My flying tips are set out below. But, I think one of the secrets to this fly is the thread, but frankly I am not sure it really makes much difference. Hook: Scud or buzzer, #14-22 Weight: Nickel bead Tom Dial Contributor Thread: Gudebrod 8/0, black Body: Tying thread or floss, black Rib: Silver wire, fine The tips for tying this fly are (1) slide on the bead, then tie in the thread behind the bead, then wrap back to the half way on the curve of the hook, tie in the wire, then wrap back up to the bead (2) divide the hook into 1/3rds, then (3) use your tying thread and wrap the lst third of the hook to the bead, then back to the beginning of the 2 nd 1/3 rd mark, then tie the 2 nd 1/3 rd and wrap back up to the bead, then back down to the beginning of the last 1/3 rd mark, then wrap back up to the back of the bead. On the last wrap back up the hook to the bead, keep the thread flat by turning it counter clockwise until it stops spinning, which flattens the thread; wrap the ribbing up the fly and tie off. Dates to Remember -Upcoming Events General Membership Meeting, For Program details see: this Newsletter Board of Directors Meeting, Portneuf River Outfitters, 207 N. Main, Pocatello, Idaho General Membership Meeting program to be announced Board of Directors Meeting, Portneuf River Outfitters, 207 N. Main, Pocatello, Idaho General Membership Meeting program to be announced Board of Directors Meeting, Portneuf River Outfitters, 207 N. Main, Pocatello, Idaho : Idaho Falls Fly Fishing Expo, Shilo Inn Federation of Flyfishers, International Fair, Bend Oregon, for more information see: These are my personal thoughts: note the author of this pattern uses Gudebrod thread because, a characteristic of Gudebrod thread, is that it ties flat and is easy to flatten. Trying to buy it is difficult, because Gudebrod quit making it. There are new threads on the market that work nicely Montana Thread is one. Check with your pro shop for some suggestions. I am not sure that it makes any difference to the fish if the thread is flat, but I think the flat body looks more natural. Hence, if it is more natural looking it should fish better. Zebra Midge

4 SEIFF Club Chronicle February 2015 Page 4 January Board Meeting By Tom Banyas, President Attendance: Tom Banyas, Jennifer Jackson, Denny Jones, Clyde Lowther, Bud Smalley, John Taylor, and Roger Thompson Minutes: The minutes from the last meeting were read and accepted as read. Financial Report: Clyde Lowther reported that the current balance in the SEIFF account is $22, A check for $1,500 was sent to SEIFF from the Snake River Cutthroats for use as the SEIFF sees fit anything from: Conservation/Restoration, Resource, Research, Education, Access and Organizational support. The check has been deposited. A check for $ has been sent to TU for additional Liability coverage in the amount of $50,000 dollars. Programs: The February 12 th program will include Caryn Elliot and her husband giving a presentation on the Casting For Warriors program and Mr. Mike Setell will give a presentation on the positive role that beavers are playing in the Mink Creek drainage right here in our own backyard. Both programs should total about 1 hour or slightly longer. The Dave Johnson memorial fund contribution date will be extended to the end of January for anyone that is still interested in donating. Sportsmen Against Hunger will again be presented and sponsored by Cal Ranch this year. SEIFF will continue to support and be part of this event. This is the 8 year of the event. The date is Saturday January 31 st, Just a reminder that Cal Ranch has moved from its old location in the Westwood Mall to the Pine Ridge Mall. Trout in the Classroom. Jennifer Jackson asked SEIFF for some monetary support for the Trout in the Classroom program. Jennifer will provide the club information on what items need purchased. Items such as aquarium chillers need to be repaired at far less cost than purchasing new chillers. We cannot donate the money directly to IDFG, as that money will no longer be earmarked specifically for the TIC program and could be utilized for other programs. A revised SEIFF Policy Statement was handed out at the board meeting regarding membership and especially selection of club officers. This revision looks excellent, but was determined that it might be a good idea to pass out the revisions at the January 15 th, 2015 club meeting and allow members to look at it. It was suggested to NOT discuss the revisions at this meeting. Board Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM Club Officers The Board of Directors is reviewing a policy to clarify election of SEIFF officers, SEIFF dues ambiguities. The proposed policy is set out below for membership review and comment. Please review the proposed policy and if you have any comments, please let the Board know your thoughts. Your comments can be submitted either orally or in writing to (1) a club director [names are attached to this newsletter, addresses and contact information is located at the SEIFF website]; (2) leaving written information with Roger at Portneuf River Outfitters; (3) contacting the editor of the newsletter (Tom Dial, dialtg@cableone.net); (3) attending the next board of directors meeting on Thursday, 2.19, 7 PM at Portneuf River Outfitters. There are openings on the Board of Directors for those of you who would like to serve. Let the above know if you are interested. SEIFF Policy Statement (Current Revision January 2015) Preamble: The SEIFF by-laws provide the existence and operating foundation of SEIFF as Chapter 720 of Trout Unlimited National. This policy statement is intended to provide implementing guidance and interpretation of the club s by-laws for the club s accurate operating use. Policy: Reference SEIFF by-laws Article II, Membership. Membership in SEIFF can only be accomplished with making a contribution to Trout Unlimited National (TU). Becoming a member of TU automatically makes the contributor a member of SEIFF and the privilege of personally receiving the club newsletter. Members or non-members of TU can also voluntarily make contributions to the chapter. Making a chapter donation is encouraged on an annual basis each October. Selection of Club Officers Purpose: In keeping with the club by-laws, Article V, Officers and Duties, every two years a review of the existing club officers will be conducted for continuation or replacement. Process: At the beginning of the calendar year, the club President will appoint a nomination committee of at least three and not more than five members from the board. This committee will contact the existing officers as to their intentions of repeating in their current position for another two years or stepping down from their office. Once the vacancies has been established the committee will survey the board and club members for interested replacement candidates. The new candidates will be voted upon and confirmed by the board prior to the board recessing for the summer. During the summer off season the new officers will be indoctrinated as to their responsibilities by the existing officers, as outlined in the club by-laws and tribal knowledge. When the board reconvenes in the fall, the new officers will attend the board meetings and take over their new positions in October, coinciding with Trout Unlimited National s fiscal operating year. Timing: The schedule above allows for new officers to be identified, receive an orientation as to their responsibilities and become active in their new positions at the beginning of the fiscal year with TU National.

5 SEIFF Club Chronicle February 2015 Page 5 Winter Fishing January is traditionally a month when anglers hibernate and tie flies for the upcoming season. For those non-hibernators, the fishing reports are pretty much the same wherever you go. In the winter, midges make up a majority of a trout s diet. Already some decent numbers of adult midges are clustering on the surface in some areas and fish are feeding. Be sure to take plenty of midge dries in addition to the usual subsurface midge patterns for winter angling. For dries, have a selection of trailing shuck midge, Griffiths Gnats, and high vis parachute midge patterns in size For nymphs, try Rubber Leg Stones, King Prince Nymphs, Zebra Midge, Bishop s Dynamite, Egan s Frenchy, the Red Dart, or the Iron Lotus. When selecting an access, note the rivers may be infiltrated with ice. If the days warm up a bit, more water will be open and become ice free. With the ice build up along the river, be sure to wade with caution. I recommend you a wading staff. And always fish with a partner. Having a change of clothes in the car is advisable. Fly Fishing Expo The Southeast Idaho Cutthroats Fly Fishing Expo will be held this year from 17 April to 18 April in Idaho Falls at the Shilo Inn. SEIFF has been a supporter of this event every year by volunteering help at the Expo and by providing boxes of flies tied by our SEIFF members for auction or raffle at the Expo. If you want to participate, the Expo fly boxes are available at Portneuf River Outfitters for you to put your hand tied flies in. They come in 3 different sizes. So, if you want to tie a dozen flies, there are the smaller boxes, medium boxes for 2 dozen or more and the larger boxes for more dry flies, streamers, terrestrials or a combination of the foregoing. Our tiers are some of the best in Southeastern Idaho. This is a chance to showcase our talent and support a great project. If you have not attended this show before, then I would make arrangements to go, take a kid, grandkid, son or daughter, because they have a great kid s program, fly tying, casting, etc. The workshops are great and some of the best tiers in the United States, including Buzak award winners, come to this show and demonstrate their ability. Many of the tiers from our club also tie and demonstrate as well. Although the workshops cost, admission to the Expo is free. Taylor s Hot Spot Mctucker Creek John Taylor, Newsletter Contributor Mctucker creek area is a good winter spot for cold weather fishing. There is pretty good access for most of it's length. A lot of it is sheltered from most of the elements. The top part is good for nymphing and sometimes midges and bwo's! The middle portion is good for streamers. The mouth of the creek is good nymphing and on top. There are mostly smaller rainbows but you will find some nice trout inches on occasion. It is less than an hour away with decent roads. Use: leeches, streamers and buggers in sizes 4-12, b.h.nymphs sizes and small drys sizes Dress warm, wade carefully and good luck and good fishing! Oneida Narrows The Oneida Narrows project resurfaced again when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accepted a final license application from Twin Lakes Canal Company to construct a 109 hydroelectric dam on the Bear Rive at the base of the Oneida Narrow s Canyon. Many of you may recall that the proposed dam will flood all the way to the existing Oneida Dam, wiping out the Red Point Campground and a fishing/hiking/ camping/ floating destination for many who recreate their, including residents, tourists and non residents. The FREC is accepting comments, protests and motions to intervene. One of the interveners will be the Oneida Narrows Organization. If you want to help prevent construction of this destructive dam, then file your comments and protests electronically against Project No , Bear River Narrows Hydroelectric Project. The Bear River Watershed council has asked that we alert our membership to this perplexing problem. To file a comment they advise: Submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters and without prior registration by using the ecomment system. If you have questions, there are instructions at thecommision s website. Or for assistance you can contact FREC Online Support, or toll free at The Commission prefers electronic filing, by hard copies or documents maybe paper filed by mail with an original and 5 copies to : Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St. NE, Washington, DC If you want to keep this river free flowing, then it is important that you make your objections heard. We have won many of the substantial fights against this project but need to continue the opposition.

6 South East Idaho Fly Fishers (SEIFF) 257 North Main Pocatello, ID A PUBLICATION OF Google SEIFF or go to: SEIFF Board Officers Tom Banyas, President TBD, Vice-President Clyde Lowther, Treasurer TBD, Secretary Tom Dial, Newsletter Editor Darrell Brown, Webmaster/Newsletter Layout SEIFF Board Meetings Club members are welcome to attend the meetings on the third Thursday of each month, at 7:00 pm in the Portneuf River Outfitters fly shop at 257 North Main in downtown Pocatello. Website: Google SEIFF or html