The Backcast - April 2014

www.wyflycasters.org

Vol 41 No 4

The Monthly Newsletter of the Wyoming Fly Casters

April 2014

Cabin Fever Fly Fishing Film Tour & More!

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April 2014

What’s inside Bob Homer, President Derrick Dietz, Vice President Cheryl Alexander, Secretary Lee Tschetter, Treasurer

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Cabin Fever

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Fly fishing film tour

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WFC memorial access

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Game and Fish Reg.

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FLYCASTER OF THE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terms expire in 2015: George Axlund, Joe Meyer Terms expire in 2016: Lee Wilson Terms expire in 2017: Bob Fischer, John Yost, Spencer Amend The Backcast is the monthly newsletter of the Wyoming Fly Casters, an affiliate club of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy and the Federation of Fly Fishers.

Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the views of the officers, board or members of the Wyoming Fly Casters.

Annual dues are $20 for an individual, $30 for a family, or $250 for a lifetime individual membership or $450 for a life- time family membership. Visit the club website at www. wyflycasters.org. To pay dues or contact the club, write to P.O. Box 2881, Casper, WY 82602.

MONTH 11 CLASSIFIEDS CALENDAR Front Cover Image and Back Cover: Photo by Wyoming Fly Fishing Guide Service

NEW MEMBERS!

If you haven’t already, call Joe Meyer at 307-235-1316. He’ll give you pointers and advice to make sure you catch The big one!

The deadline for submission of information for each issue is a week before the end of the month. Make contributions to the next issue by e-mailing material to the Backcast editor at secretary@wyflycasters.org or call (307) 2671903.

Mission Statement:

The Backcast is available either in electronic format or through USPS snail mail. To receive each newsletter through a monthly e-mail, you must be able to open .pdf (Adobe Acrobat, a software program available free of charge) documents. Usually, each issue is roughly 1 MB in size, some are larger.

The Wyoming Fly Casters club was formed in 1974. The membership currently consists of approximately 160 members. The WFC was organized by a group of dedicated fly fishermen and since the club’s inception the Wyoming Fly Casters have strived to further the sport of fly fishing through conservation and education.

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Conservation of our water resources is one of our primary goals and in cooperation with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department we have and will continue to carry out worthwhile projects for the benefit of Wyoming fisheries. In addition to conserving Wyoming’s water resources we encourage conserving the fish themselves. A fish safely released today will live to give sport to others.

In order to be added to the e-mail list, send a request to secretary@wyflycasters.org. In addition to receiving each issue of the newsletter earlier than your hard copy peers, e-mail subscribers are able to print each copy in vibrant color -- an added plus if the issue is rich in color photographs.

By sub- scribing electronically, you also save the club roughly $17.40 a year in printing and postage expenses.

The mission of the Wyoming Fly Casters is to promote and enhance the sport of fly fishing and the conservation of fish and their habitat.

Description:

For easy access to digital version of newsletter go to: www.wyomingflycasters.org

Wyoming Fly Casters

President’s letter

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As you know we have new leadership in the Wyoming Flycasters’ Club. First and foremost, I want to extend a big “Thank you” and pat on the back to Kelly and the others who helped serve for a job well done. I truly hope I can do as good a job and keep the ball rolling.

The Cabin Fever event was a high success and well attended. We have over thirty potential members as a result of it. The event was handled by Joe Meyer and “the crew”. Thank you to all.

Also, some of the members helped Derrick Dietz with the Healing Water fund-raiser. This event was also very successful. Their efforts exceeded the goals of that organization for that day. Good job, Derrick and gang.

With summer time approaching and maybe some warmer weather, we have some exciting upcoming events to look forward to. First, we have our Annual WFC Banquet and Fundraiser. This event will take place Saturday, April 5th at the Ramada. Social hour starts at 6:00 with a no host cash bar followed by dinner at 7:00 pm. Hope to see you there. Anytime you see any of the donors, please thank them for supporting WFC. Other events upcoming in the club include clean-up projects, Yesness Park kids’ fishing, and the Tensleep outing in August as well as others. Watch for the dates and time in future letters and publications. As always, Joe Meyer is always willing and able to take anyone fishing at most any time. Give him a call at 235-1316 or contact him at one of the meetings.

As a reminder, our regular April meeting will not be held because of the Fly Fishing Film Tour showing at the Iris Theater April 9th. Doors open at 6:00 pm and show time is at 7:15. Come and enjoy some good fishing films.

As your newly elected President, I want to thank you for your faith in the new leadership. We plan to make every effort to do the job justice. I know an organization of this caliber requires good leadership along with good support. We look forward to serving you..

I encourage you to become active and I look forward to another good year.

Keep a tight line,

Bob Homer

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April 2014

Cabin Fever Clinic The Annual Cabin Fever Clinic on March 15th was a success! The club got great publicity and we gained several new members. Experienced fishermen (and women) alike showed up to watch fly tying demonstrations and get some casting lessons, tips and tricks. Thank you to every member who helped us out and made the day great!

Congratulations to EJ Harvey, who was the winner of the rod and reel set donated by Casey Leary.

He is 13 years old and very excited to learn to fly fish so look for him at upcoming club outings and events!

Photos by Lee Wilson

Wyoming Fly Casters

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The fly fishing film tour is coming back to Casper! The film tour will be in Casper on April 9th. This will take the place of the general meeting. You won’t want to miss it! It will be held at the Iris Theater, downtown Casper at 230 West Yellowstone Highway.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for social hour. The show starts at 7:00. Come support local vendors and see us at the Wyoming Flycasters booth. Anyone who would like to volunteer to hang out at the booth in shifts would be greatly appreciated, so that all of us can have a chance to enjoy the show.

Tickets are $15 if you get them ahead of time. They are available at the Ugly Bug Fly Shop. Tickets will be $20 at the door. If you’d like a preview of what will be shown, just visit: http://www.flyfilmtour.com/watch-trailers/ You won’t want to miss it!

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April 2014

Wyoming Fly Casters Memorial Access and Interpretive Trail Game & Fish Representatives: Lars Alsager, Mark Fowden Brief Description The Wyoming Fly Caster’s Memorial Access is located approximately 1.5 miles upstream of the Bessemer Bend Bridge bordering North Platte River outside of Casper encompassed within deeded department land. This property presently allows angler access to 0.5 miles of river to anglers on a year around basis. Currently there is a trail that runs approximately Ÿ mile of the river for access. This project would extend this trail to the entire shore of the river as well as tie in to the trail system adjacent to Jessica’s Pond (also part of the access). This project would enhance this trail system by also providing educational and interpretive value to all that visit the access. With interpretive and educational displays along the trail, visitors of the access would gain knowledge of the importance of various habitats and information on native species as well as the importance of cottonwood tree ecosystems.

This may be the premier community fishery in the state of Wyoming, achieving angling rates of 9001000/month. The facilities and catch rates are first class, drawing anglers to it with great frequency. The Flycaster Memorial Access Area has been a draw for big river anglers for over 10 years, now the area offers superb fishing facilities and catch rates for the disabled, senior and able-bodied angler alike. Because it is a 12 mile drive from Casper it draws families of all sizes that are looking to spend the afternoon or morning. The trail would complement the two fishing opportunities and draw many to our conservation messages. Many educators visit the Speas facility; the interpretive trail will give them an opportunity for a more complete conservation education moment. We believe this has the potential to be a well frequented destination for anglers, educators, students, families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Trail systems such as this have been used to enhance the public understanding of how important the various habitats are to all wildlife and a healthy ecosystem.

This is a great tool to educate the public by providing up to date information on the importance of habitat and the wildlife that utilizes each habitat type. This project would fund the development of an interpretive trail and associated displays in which the public would learn about the importance of habitat diversity as well as the diverse wildlife Wyoming has to offer. This property is home to all kinds of wildlife from deer to beaver, bald eagles to bats, reptiles and all aquatic organisms. This area is just the place for everyone to come and enjoy Wildlife Worth Watching.

Wyoming Fly Casters

GOVERNOR MATTHEW H. MEAD

WYOMING GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT 5400 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82006 Phone: (307) 777-4600 Fax: (307) 777-4699 wgfd.wyo.gov

DIRECTOR SCOTT TALBOTT COMMISSIONERS MIKE HEALY – President RICHARD KLOUDA – Vice President MARK ANSELMI AARON CLARK KEITH CULVER T. CARRIE LITTLE CHARLES PRICE

March 11, 2014

Attention Anglers

The use of trout beads, a plastic bead resembling a trout egg, is becoming a popular fishing technique around Casper. How the beads are used, determines the legality of the technique. Using the bead as a lure, (fixed on a leader with a trailing bare hook) is one method to rig the bead. When using this technique, the fish takes the bead in its mouth, not the hook, and when the angler tightens the line, the hook is set outside the mouth, which according to existing state law is snagging and illegal.

It is unlawful to snag fish in Wyoming. Wyoming State Statute 23-3-201(e) defines “snag” as “attempting to take a fish in such a manner that the fish does not take the hook voluntarily in its mouth.”

If a trailing bare hook is being used with a bead, the fish does not take the hook in its mouth voluntarily.

Therefore, by definition, this bead fishing practice is snagging and is an illegal method.

Due to growing interest in this fishing method, Game and Fish biologists will be collecting data and asking for public input to help determine if statutory/regulatory changes are warranted in order to clarify the snagging law and how it pertains to bead fishing. Based on data collected and public input, the Game and Fish Department will determine if using a bead as a lure (fixed on a leader with a trailing bare hook) should be legal or illegal, and in either case, will attempt to clarify the snagging law.

A trout bead used as an attractor for a fly is legal to use. When used as an attractor the bead should be fixed on the leader two (2) inches or less above the fly to minimize injury to the fish.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Game and Fish Casper Region Office at (307) 473-3400 or 473-3405 with any additional questions and on our web site at wgfd.wyo.gov.

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April 2014

Flycaster of the Month Name: Derrick Dietz Where are you originally from?

Wheatland, Wyoming What is your occupation?

Fish bum Why did you join the Wyoming Flycasters?

In coordination with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing What is your favorite fishing experience?

Salmon fishing in Kodiak, AK What is your favorite rod to use?

So far the TFO BVK series.

What advice could you give new members to the club?

Get involved! :-) Are there any outings/events with the club you are looking forward to?

The summer outings.

If you could fly fish anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Back salmon fishing in AK Besides fly fishing, what are some of your other hobbies?

Elk hunting and supporting my children’s hobbies.

Wyoming Fly Casters

Letter from the Editor

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Flycasters, Spring is (maybe?) here! We have had a lot of snow this winter, and all that got me through it was the prospect of a really great summer. I want to encourage everyone to attend the Spring banquet on April 5th. We are planning a fun evening, and all proceeds from the banquet will go to fund the Blue Downey Park project, as well as other conservation work that we take part in. Tickets are available at the Ugly Bug, or you can call me at 267-1903.

Tickets will be available until April 1st. If you would like to reserve tickets and pay at the door, please call me ASAP. We need to get a head count to the Ramada by the 1st.

We will not be having a regular meeting in April. Instead the fly fishing film tour is coming to Casper on April 9th!

There is information about the film tour on page 5 of this newsletter.

I want to say a big thank you to Kelly for being an awesome president for us the last year. You did a great job and we are lucky to have you as a member of the club. Now I want

to welcome Bob Homer as the new President. We are very glad you were willing to step up to be the new President and we look forward to a great year!

I also want to thank Matt for being our treasurer for the last few years. Matt, you have done more for the club than anyone knows and you really know how to keep it going. You did a great job and we all truly appreciate it. Everyone welcome Lee Tschetter as the new club treasurer!

Joe is looking for volunteers for a new member committee. We need a few people to help Joe make phone calls and reach out to new members. If you are interested in helping Joe out with this, give him a call! 235-1316 I have also been asked to write up a description for what a stream-keeper is for the club. A stream-keeper is a person who plans and organizes an outing for the club. This person is in charge of making reservations and arrangements, answering questions for club members, planning meals (when appropriate), and generally taking responsibility for the outing. If you have any questions, just ask any board member.

There has also been a request to inform members of the requirements of the Fish-a-Month club. You have to catch (at least) one fish every month of the year. You must catch the fish in Wyoming, on a fly rod, with a fly.

There must be another club member present when you catch the fish. If you are out of the state and all of the other requirement are met, you have to tell the club about the fishing adventure at a general meeting.

Cheryl

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April 2014

Board Meeting March 19, 2014 Call to order at 7:00 p.m.

Previous meeting minutes from January were approved. Lee motioned, Matt Seconded. All in favor The Treasurer’s report was reviewed. It was clarified that there was money deposited the day of the meeting from the December raffle. There have been 36 members renew their membership this year, with another 30 that have not renewed. If you would like to renew, please contact Matt or Lee Tschetter.

We also discussed the new bead regulation with the Game and Fish Department. A copy of this regulation regarding snagging is included in this issue of the Backcast.

We clarified that anyone that joins the club in October, November, or December will not need to pay for another year starting in January.

The Game and Fish Department will be hosting a grand opening/open house in June for the project at Bolton Creek, which was a project that the WFC donated to in previous years.

Lee Tschetter requested that anyone who was successful in the Fish-a-Month challenge receive a special plaque at the Spring banquet. Cheryl and Lee designed the plaque and will be ready for this year’s banquet. Spencer motioned for this to be approved. Cheryl seconded. All in favor.

Joe required that a membership committee be formed to help him with contacting new members. This will be discussed further at the next club meeting and next board meeting.

The youth fishing day will be coming up on June 7th. We will contact Janet and the Walleye Club to make sure we are involved.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m.

Cheryl

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Let’s tie some flies!

Flies needed for the Spring Banquet!!

It would be great to get tie one dozen from each member for door prizes! Contact Joe Meyer at: bjoem@bresnan.net 235-1316

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Treadmill for sale.

Contact Joe Meyer for details!

235-1316

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SST Jacket XXL $300.00 2011 model NIB; SST Jacket women’s older style XL $125.00 NIB SST Jacket Small; older style used $50.00

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Calendar

April 2014

SPRING BANQUET 6:00 P.M.

FISHING AT JESSICA’S POND 8:00 A.M.

FLYFISHING FILM TOUR 6:00 P.M. IRIS STADIUM

BOARD MEETING 7:00 P.M.

A look ahead: The Youth Fishing day will be held on June 7th.

The annual Ten Sleep Outing will be held the first weekend in August.

Wyoming Fly Casters P.O. Box 2881 Casper, WY 82602

APRIL 2014