Page 2 OFFICERS Alex Rose, President Melody Weinhandl, President-elect Vacant, Vice President Spencer Amend, Secretary Ed Rate, Treasurer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terms expire in 2010 Jamie Gibson Joe Meyer Gene Theriault Brent “Smokey” Weinhandl Terms expire in 2011 Bob Fischer Scott Novotny Bill Wichers Vacant Terms expire in 2012 Casey Leary Neil Ruebush Andrew Sauter Matt Stanton 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 lifetime family membership. Visit the club website at www.wyflycasters.org. The deadline for submission of information for each issue is the next to last day of the month. Make contributions to the next issue by e-mailing material to the Backcast editor at ChevPU57@aol.com, or call (307) 436-8774. 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 format available free of charge) documents. Generally, each issue is roughly 1 MB in size, some are larger. Your e-mail provider may have limits on the size of attachments. In order to be added to the e-mail list, send a request to ChevPU57@aol.com. 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 subscribing electronically, you also save the club roughly $17.40 a year in printing and postage expenses.
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
Drag-free Drif ts by Alex Rose, President, WFC alexrose@hotmail.com "In summary, a reading of the entire easement indicates that the ambiguity can be resolved by interpreting it to allow wading along the easement for fishing and migratory bird hunting. There is no evidence in the record to contest this conclusion." -- by Judge David Park, of the Seventh Judicial District Court in Natrona County, in his summary judgment regarding the Lusby access dispute. n what the Wyoming Wildlife Federation referred to as "a stunning success for sportsmen," on Oct. 12, Judge David Park issued a summary judgment on the Lusby Access dispute. Judge Park said that the Lusby easement, established in 1964, was ultimately created to "provide the public with access to one of the foremost fishing spots in Wyoming and also the opportunity to hunt migratory birds." Fly Casters Abe Knapp, Bill Mixer, and Arnie Sybrant deserve much credit for providing Park with information that was important in helping the judge reach his decision. Board member Bill Wichers is also recognized for keeping the club informed this last year as the case progressed. The result of the case was, indeed, a tremendous success for local anglers and hunters. A special thanks goes out to game and fish officials for working hard to ensure that sportsmen have access to our rivers and streams. An editorial in the Casper StarTribune applauded Park and his summary judgment: "Now, the landowners' 'no trespassing' signs must be permanently taken down. That's a welcome ending to this saga." • The state Trout Unlimited Council meeting will be meeting in Casper for Nov. 20 - 22. Since our club is an affiliate member of Trout Unlimited, Matt Stanton and myself will represent the club at the meeting. Traditionally, at state TU events, members of the local fly fishing club are
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invited to join state representatives for a Saturday evening meal. This year, on Nov. 21, a "no host" meal will be held at a Ramada Plaza Riverside hotel meeting room. If you are interested in attending this event, or participating in the TU council meetings, email Matt Stanton at stantonmatt@msn.com, or call him at 258-9915. • "Celebrate we will. Because life is short but sweet for certain." -- Dave Mathews Band Four Fly Casters participated in the club's annual night fishing outing at Grey Reef. The three anglers that wet their lines all caught fish: We landed six fish between 16 and 20 inches. There is an intense excitement, feeling the pull of a large fish in the dark. I was happy to net Gary Dart's 18-inch rainbow, caught on my patented pine squirrel leach with a propeller. (Matt Stanton named my fly pattern "the carnival ride.") The next day, Tom Grogan, Russ Newton and I awoke to blue skies, and we cooked breakfast over the campfire. Our breakfast burritos were stuffed with a pound of hickory-smoked bacon, a dozen scrambled eggs, melted sharp cheddar cheese, diced onions, and a dash of smoked chipotle Tabasco sauce. After breakfast, we drove to the Miracle Mile and fished in truly heinous conditions. Still, the cold and wind were our allies, because the river was virtually deserted. And in spite of periodic blasts of snow, we caught and released 10 fish, and Tom Grogan landed a very large, fat, hook-jawed brown on a San Juan worm. • Don't forget to purchase tickets to the club's annual Christmas banquet, to be held this year on Dec. 9, the final club event of the year. The banquet features camaraderie and good food, contests, and activities, along with Randy Stalker's outstanding slide show. Hope to see you there.
Alex
Cover shot: Matt Stanton ties on a new pattern on the middle branch of Tensleep Creek.
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
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BRAG BOARD From the membership Scott Novotny, his son Mick, and new WFC member Phil Gasko braved the cool weather on the North Platte River to land these fish on vanilla buggers. They measured from 18 to 23 inches. For more, see Scott’s report on page 12.
This sign, which was once posted at the entrance to the Lusby easement, has been removed as a result of a decision letter issued by a district judge, which ruled against the adjacent property owners’ lawsuit. The boat ramp will stay where it is and the public has access for fishing and waterfowl hunting from the middle of the river to 100 feet above the high water mark. The landowners argued that the recreation easement the state purchased in the 1960s for the Lusby Public Fishing Area entitled the public to access the river at only its highest flows. Park noted that the language of the recorded easement on the property indeed would limit the public to a strip of land starting at the river's high-water mark and extending 100 feet away from the river. Park wrote that it’s appropriate for judges to take notice of facts that “every … fool knows." In making the ruling, Judge David Park gave heavy weight to comments about the history and value of the fishing access and ramp from WFC members Bill Shipman, Arnie Sybrant, Abe Knapp and Bill Mixer.
Entomology program slated On Nov. 11, Wayne Hubert, Ph.D. in zoology at the University of Wyoming, is to present a program on “Useful Invertebrates for Trout Fishermen in the North Platte River” during the regular meeting of the Wyoming Fly Casters. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Izaac Walton League clubhouse at Ft. Caspar. Hubert is the co-author of the book, “Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes,” published by the American Fisheries Society. According to Herb Waterman, Hubert is more than just a “zoologist;” he is the head of the head of the department. In addition to the talk on invertebrates, Herb hopes that Hubert may touch on fish sampling. • In December is the annual Christmas party. The dinner fare, as in previous years, will be catered and the
slated holiday programs include the Christmas fly contest, a white elephant exchange, the fly walk and a PowerPoint show reviewing the year in images and music. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m., on Dec. 9, an hour earlier than the usual meeting of 7:00 p.m. Be sure to purchase your ticket(s) by Dec. 2. The cost is $10 per person. Tickets are available at the November club meeting or at the two fly shops. • No outings have been scheduled, or at least formally announced, for November or December. The next slated outing would be the annual Polar Bear tradition at Alcova, Cardwell and Grey Reef on Jan. 1. At noon or thereabouts, the club usually gathers at the Sunset bar for chili and adult beverages and discuss the day’s fishing successes. The outing is to be held regardless of the inclemencies of the weather.
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Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
FLY
of the month
Tailing Loops by Randy Stalker, Backcast editor chevPU57@aol.com Contrary to common belief, it is not true that if you cut a worm fisherman in half, each half will grow into a complete fisherman. For which we should all be grateful.
PRINCE NYMPH Hook: TMC 5262 #4-18 Thread: 6/0 or 8/0 black Tails: Brown goose biots Rib: Small gold oval tinsel Body: Peacock herl Hackle: Mottled brown Tails: Brown goose biots Horns: White goose biots The Prince Nymph was developed by Doug Prince in the thirties and in the past fifteen years or so has become a “go-to” pattern for many anglers across the country. The addition of a brass or tungsten bead has made this fly even more popular and effective. The original fly was known as a Brown Forked Tail, but has morphed into what I show here and is commonly accepted as a Prince Nymph today. Material selection is very important when tying the Prince. Starting with the biot tails, select biots from nearer to the tip of the feather, as they tend to be a thinner and are easier to tie in than the biots at the base of the quill. Also look for biots that have a good degree of natural curve to them to assist in the split tail look. Straight biots can be tied in correctly and still not look right, so look for biots with some curve. I find that bushy, full peacock herl really lends itself well to this fly. Finally, for the white biot “horns” at the head of the fly, use the wider biots at the base of the feather. An fly fisher would be hard pressed to say exactly what the Prince imitates, but if I had to hazard a guess I would have to say a stonefly nymph. The biot tails are what lead me this way, but I've seen this fly work under so many different hatch conditions, from mayflies to caddis, that I think I would be safer to lump it into the attractor nymph category.
ark your calendars for Feb. 24. On that evening, a film is to be shown at Casper College chronicling the Wyoming Fly Casters. It is the product of Greg Omelchuck and includes interviews with Ed Rate, Lloyd Ferguson, Jim Dean, Jim Sparks, Herb Waterman and Abe Knapp. Stay tuned for additional information when it becomes available. Perhaps arrangments could be made to have to shown during the March club meeting. • A fall flush of the North Platte River has been cancelled due to the failure of specialized equipment needed by the Bureau of Reclamation to open the Gray Reef dam gates to allow 4000 cfs of flow downstream. The flushing flow, which is desired to clean the spawning gravels of sediment and remove the rampant moss and weed growth in the river, is being deferred until spring when the river ice has melted, according to Al Conder, regional fisheries supervisor of the G&F. The fluctuating flows were originally scheduled for Oct. 12 through 16. • Anyone who has joined the WFC for the weekend at Cottonwood Camp can appreciate the fishing opportunities and social cameraderie we share on the Bighorn River in Montana early each April. But to any veteran, the thin walls make attempts at uninterrupted sleeping a miserable experience. Some of the early birds cherry-pick the small rooms of the “condo,” while the late-comers must settle for the bunkhouse room where six of the narrow cot-like beds are nearly arranged. But no one wants to sleep in the large room because Luther snores so loudly. (Some names have been
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changed to protect the guilty.) In previous years, Chef Ptomaine, Kim, Lloyd, Ed, Spencer and I would straggle into the kitchen on Saturday and Sunday mornings, our eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep. The story was the same from each. “Luther snores so loud he rattles the roof. You can hear him from several rooms away. I just sat up and watched him all night.” But last year was a different story. Jethro, a new WFC member enjoying his maiden outing on the Bighorn, was determined to end the pattern. The next morning, he strutted into the kitchen, bright and alert and obviously well-rested. “Good morning,” he said with a cheery ring. Nobody could believe it. How could he sleep in the same room with Luther? Did he wear earmuffs? “What happened?” everyone wanted to know. “Well, when we got ready for bed after the roundtable of toasting with Bailey’s, I tucked Luther into bed, patted him on the butt and kissed him on the cheek. “He sat up and watched me all night.” •
The above fish was caught by Alex Rose during the second annual night outing at Gray Reef. He wanted it included in his column, but there wasn’t room, so I included it here instead.
Scoop
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
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Annual Christmas party being planned for December Enjoy a delicious meal and holiday cheer at the club's annual Christmas banquet on Dec. 9., at 6:00 p.m. For this year, the banquet is being catered by Wienrich's, and the menu is the following: grain fed smoked pork ribs, apple smoked chicken breast and BBQ beef brisket, choice of side dishes, choice of salad, fresh rolls and butter. This cost is $10 a person, and members are encouraged to bring guests. Tickets may be purchased at the Ugly Bug, Platte River Fly Shop, or at the general meeting on Nov. 11. Or, to reserve a ticket, call Ed Rate at 237-9667. The deadline for purchasing or reserving tickets is Dec. 2.
CONSERVATION CORNER by Matt Stanton, chairman The most recent Conservation Committee meeting was well attended and some helpful ideas were discussed. Herb Waterman showed his smiling face and gave the committee his spin on some of the topics gathered from the August guide forum. The committee is still soliciting feedback from those unable to attend the forum and hopes to move ahead with this endeavor in the coming months. As Alex pointed out in the president’s letter, the Wyoming State Trout Unlimited fall meeting will be held in Casper the weekend of Nov. 20-22. As an affiliate of TU the Wyoming Fly Casters have been invited to participate in the weekends events. Joe Degraw and I attended the spring TU meeting in Lander and I believe I can speak for Joe when I say that we found it educational to say the least. The meeting is a great opportunity for the WFC to network and cultivate relationships with like-minded folks throughout Wyoming. The weekend starts Friday afternoon with an outing to Cardwell guided by Joe Meyer and continues through Sunday. Any members interested in either the Conservation Committee or the TU fall meeting can contact Matt Stanton at 258-9915 for details.
M Y F LY B OX . . . J OE M E Y E R
One trout is hooked on two separate flies by Bill Mixer In all the time I've fly fished, nothing quite like this has happened. It was a rather windy day in the Wind River Range and the trout were feeding in the troughs of the waves on a lake Clarke Turner and I were fishing. There were only a few trout actively feeding and I guess Clarke and I spotted the same fish. We both cast to it and we both saw the take. What happened next was great. The fish somehow took both patterns at the same time and we both set up and caught the fish. It was pretty funny as we both thought we had caught the fish and quickly realized that we had the same fish on. I tossed Clarke my rod so I could take a photo. Here is a close up of the fish with both flies and one of Clarke trying to land it. Now that was the real comedy !
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Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
The original rattle-trap A friend that fishes the waters of South Texas and the Gulf sent this story and photos. Enjoy! Pete Palone Greetings to everyone from River Run Guide Service. In 20 years of fishing the Middle/Upper Brazos River, I can honestly say that I have never encountered a venomous snake (pit viper) within the riverbed. However, as I tell my clients, go outside the riverbed and that can be a very different story. Obviously, just because I have never come accross a venomous snake in the river, does not in any way mean they are not there. In fact, I always remain vigilant and on the lookout knowing that I'm simply overdue for my first encounter. The way I look at it, Texas, venomous snakes and the outdoors will always go hand in hand. So, I wasn't too suprised when I observed a juvenile rattlesnake headed accross the river while I was in my kayak flipping a jig for bass. I continue fishing. However, I can't help to notice the rattler has changed its course and is headed straight for my kayak. At this point, I've pretty much quit fishing and have my attention focused on the intentions of this potentially pesky pit viper. While tracking the rattler's movement, I couldn't help but think, from a fish's point of view, how enticing the serpentine motion of this snake looked while in the water. Suddenly, I am jolted back to reality by the fact the rattler is now alongside my kayak and is lifting its head is out of the water in an apparent attempt to come aboard. No way I'm having this ill intentioned reptilian hitchhiker nosing around the kayak. So, with a couple whacks of the paddle, it's now docile as can be. Now my mind begins to wonder... Hmmmm. This rattler looks like mighty good big bass bait! I put him in one of the footwells on the kayak and paddle over to a series of submerged river laydowns so I can begin to put my plan into action. Put me in, coach!
New to the club? Need advice? Call these guys Most people join our club to learn where to fish and to improve their fishing technique. If we are to keep members active, experienced members of the club need to be available to give lessons on technique or fishing location information. To that end, Joe Meyer and Daren Bulow would like you to know that they are available to help and they are encouraging other members to add their names to this list so that new members can call someone for help, offer ideas on fishing spots, or maybe even take them fishing. Call Joe at 235-1316 or Daren at 247-2578.
Digital reminders are available for WFC activities I now cautiously rig the snake by hooking it through the bottom of the jaw and through the top of the head onto a weedless black 3/4 oz. jig. On my sixth cast into the snag infested laydown my jig ‘n snake combo gets destroyed on the fall as indicated by a telltale "thump" that reverberates all the way down my rod blank. I set the hook hard and immediately feel stiff resistance on the other end from what I know is a solid fish. What happens next is something I'll likely never forget as I watch my bass come cartwheeling out of the water with the rattler hanging out of it's mouth! The LMB gave a really good account of itself and I eventually get her alongside the kayak. I cautiously lip the opposite side of the cavernous mouth where the fish is hooked. I now take a moment to pose with my oversize snake eating river bass before returning her back into the river depths. I admit, my curiosity might have gotten the best of me on this one. However, I just couldn't help it. In the end... t was just another Kayak Fishing Adventure on the Brazos River, TX.
Do you have trouble remembering when there are WFC functions? Have you ever forgotten a function and then remembered about it when it was over? Scott Novotny is undertaking a reminder program for club activities, etc. He requests that members send him an email so that he can have your e-mail address and then he will send out a timely reminder by e-mail of any activities. He promised that your e-mail address would only be used for the purpose of sending the reminder. Send your e-mail to Scott Novotny at gscottn@gmail.com.
No Static Electric Residential and Commercial Wiring Neal Hibschweiler 307-251-4872
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
A fish story (and this one apparently is true) Submitted by Bill Mixer A guy who lives at Lake Conroe, TX (50 miles north of Houston) saw a ball bouncing around kind of strange in the lake and went to investigate. It turned out to be a flathead catfish that had apparently tried to swallow a basketball which became stuck in its mouth! The fish was totally exhausted from trying to dive, but unable to, because the ball would always bring him back up to the surface. The guy tried numerous times to get the ball out, but was unsuccessful. He finally had his wife cut the ball in order to deflate it and release the hungry catfish. You probably wouldn't have believed this, if you hadn't seen the pictures:
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STREAMSIDE CHEF by Daren Bulow
Grilled trout in grape leaves A little background before we get to the recipe. I was watching “Primal Grill with Steven Raichlen” on PBS and I saw this recipe, not too many times does a recipe excite me, but I just had go fishing and catch me some trout. I didn’t have a lot of time, so I went to the white water park in Casper and caught some nice rainbows and one brown trout. I had to call a lot a people find fresh grape leaves and had to go pick them in their backyards. It was definitely worth it. This recipe is to die for. I will be taking grape leaves with me next summer camping in the Big Horns and wrapping fresh caught cutthroats. You can find this recipes and others like it at www.primalgrill.org Ingredients 16 to 24 grape leaves packed in brine 4 whole trout (12 to 16 oz. each), cleaned Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 cup shelled walnuts 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, or 1 tbsp dried dill 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, or more to taste 4 paper-thin slices of lemon You will also need fish grilling basket and butchers Preparation Rinse the grape leaves thoroughly under cold running water, then place them in a bowl with cold water to cover and let soak for 30 minutes, changing the water once or twice. Drain the grape leaves and blot dry with paper towels. Rinse the trout inside and out under cold running water, and dry (inside and out) with paper towels. Season (inside and out) with salt and pepper, then set aside. Combine the walnuts, garlic, dill, cilantro, and lemon juice in a food processor and process to a very coarse paste. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste and more lemon juice as necessary; the mixture should be highly seasoned. Spoon the stuffing into the cavities of the trout, dividing it evenly among them. Working with one trout at a time, arrange 2 or 3 grape leaves, overlapping them slightly on a work surface to form a rectangle. Lay a trout on the grape leaves, and wrap up, tucking the ends under, leaving the head and tail exposed, but enclosing the stuffing. (NOTE: If you like, secure the bundles by tying them at intervals with butcher’s string.) Make a campfire and let the flames go out till you only have coals. Brush and generously oil the grilling basket. Place the wrapped fish in the grilling basket. Place grilling basket above the coals and grill the fish until the grape leaves are nicely browned and the fish is cooked through, 3 to 6 minutes per side, testing for doneness by inserting a thin metal skewer into the thickest part of the fish; if it comes out very hot to the touch after 20 seconds, the fish is cooked. Using a thin spatula, transfer the fish to serving plates or a platter. Garnish with the lemon slices, and serve at once. (Unwrap the trout and discard the grape leaves before eating.)
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Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
A wildlife encounter in Yellowstone.
by Alex Rose President, WFC rin and I were excited about our first trip to Yellowstone National Park, and we were well prepared for an extended camping and fishing trip. We packed plenty of firewood, beer, fishing gear, and other essentials, such as a tent and sleeping bags. But we were not prepared for the crowds of people, especially at the tail end of September. Yellowstone reminded me of a shopping mall parking lot the day after Thanksgiving, but with a few trees and wildlife. But the "wild" animals in the park didn't act, well, very wild. Elk are not supposed to linger outside of a hotel. Driving through the Lamar Valley, where the buffalo stand very near to the road, fearless of traffic, reminded me of a drive-through zoo. I believe Yellowstone's visitors get a distorted view of wildlife.
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After mingling with the teaming masses along the South Rim of Yellowstone's Grand Canyon, I was eager for solitude and fishing on the Lamar River. But when reaching Lamar Valley, I found anglers lined up along the banks. So, I opted for a deserted, rugged section of Lamar Canyon. I tied on a familiar rock worm, egg pattern combo and sunk my rig to the bottom of a deep hole. On my first cast, I caught a small cut on an egg. Now, years ago, when I initially fantasized about fly fishing in Yellowstone, I thought I would look more like Brad Pitt from "A River Runs Through it," and less like a fly fishing version of Attila the Hun. I submit that using egg patterns when angling may not be the most elegant and graceful way to catch trout in Yellowstone National Park. But I'm no purist. I'm a pragmatist. Later, I switched to a small parachute Adams with a size-18 copper John dropper. The trout ignored my dry fly yet drilled the nymph. I ended up catching several small cuts in Lamar Canyon. The next day, my favorite, single moment in Yellowstone
A 19-inch cuttbow, caught on a tiny copper John dropper, at Trout Lake, in Yellowstone National Park.
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter occurred at Trout Lake, where I was sight casting to very large cruising cutthroat and cuttbows, using a grasshopper pattern with a tiny copper John dropper. I watched a very large trout ignore my hopper but promptly eat my little nymph. After a lengthy battle, I caught and released a hybrid cutthroat-rainbow trout that measured a solid 19 inches. A few days later, we made our dutiful pilgrimage to see Old Faithful, and then traveled south, into the Tetons. The Tetons were absolutely breath taking, and the aspens were really showing off, with their gold and yellow leaves shuddering in the breeze. In the evening, while listening to a crackling campfire, we could hear elk bugling in the distance. I thoroughly enjoyed fishing the Snake River below Jackson Dam. I spent three days fishing the same riffle, where the small cuts eagerly ate my dry flies. During the third day, Erin had to practically pull me out of the water. I plead with my wife: "But honey, the trout are rising." However, I might as well have spoken Chinese. Explaining dry fly fishing to a nonangler is like trying to describe sex to a virgin. Although Erin and I loved the Tetons, we were a little disappointed with Yellowstone. Perhaps this is due to us experiencing more spectacular scenery in the Wind River Range, and the Bighorns, but without the crowds. I know that I've just barely scratched the surface of what Yellowstone's fisheries have to offer, and I shouldn't be too quick to judge the entire park after just one vacation. But I left Yellowstone with an even greater appreciation of the fishing opportunities near Casper. Instead of fishing the Lamar Canyon, I can enjoy exceptional fishing opportunities, and enjoy virtual solitude, at Fremont Canyon and the Wind River Canyon. And I can fish the North Platte throughout the year. I can't imagine any stream in Yellowstone offering better dry fly fishing than the Middle Fork of the Powder River, where an angler can realistically catch and release 30 to 40 wild trout in a single day, with many of the fish in the 14-to-15-inch range. And for pristine fly fishing opportunities for cuts, browns and rainbows in a wilderness setting, I'll take the Cloud Peak Wilderness of the Bighorns and the Popo Agie Wilderness of the Wind River Range, and leave Yellowstone to the tourists.
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Native Fish Species of Wyoming Contributed by Herb Waterman, from the G&F website COMMON NAME GAME/NONGAME Arctic grayling Game Bigmouth shiner Nongame Black bullhead Game Bluehead sucker Nongame Brassy minnow Nongame Burbot Game Central stoneroller Nongame Channel catfish Game Common shiner Nongame Creek chub Nongame Cutthroat trout Game Fathead minnow Nongame Finescale dace Nongame Flannelmouth sucker Nongame Flathead chub Nongame Goldeye Nongame Hornyhead chub Nongame Iowa darter Nongame Johnny darter Nongame Lake chub Nongame Leatherside chub Nongame Longnose dace Nongame Longnose sucker Nongame Mottled sculpin Nongame Mountain sucker Nongame Mountain whitefish Game Orangethroat darter Nongame Paiute sculpin Nongame Pearl dace Nongame Plains killifish Nongame Plains minnow Nongame Plains topminnow Nongame Quillback Nongame Red shiner Nongame Redside shiner Nongame River carpsucker Nongame Roundtail chub Nongame Sand shiner Nongame Sauger Game Shorthead redhorse Nongame Shovelnose sturgeon Game Speckled dace Nongame Stonecat Game Sturgeon chub Nongame Suckermouth minnow Nongame Utah chub Nongame Utah sucker Nongame Western silvery minnow Nongame White sucker Nongame
SCIENTIFIC NAME Thymallus arcticus Notropis dorsalis Ameiurus melas Catostomus discobolus Hybognathus hankinsoni Lota lota Campostoma anomalum Ictalurus punctatus Luxilus cornutus Semotilus atromaculatus Oncorhynchus clarki Pimephales promelas Phoxinus neogaeus Catostomus latipinnis Platygobio gracilis Hiodon alosoides Nocomis biguttatus Etheostoma exile Etheostoma nigrum Couesius plumbeus Gila copei Rhinichthys cataractae Catostomus catostomus Cottus bairdi Catostomus platyrhynchus Prosopium williamsoni Etheostoma spectabile Cottus beldingi Margariscus margarita Fundulus zebrinus Hybognathus placitus Fundulus sciadicus Carpiodes cyprinus Cyprinella lutrensis Richardsonius balteatus Carpiodes carpio Gila robusta Notropis stramineus Stizostedion canadense Moxostoma macrolepidotum Scaphirhynchus platorynchus Rhinichthys osculus Noturus flavus Macrhybopsis gelida Phenacobius mirabilis Gila atraria Catostomus ardens Hybognathus argyritis Catostomus commersoni
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Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
Drift boat fishing 101 Chapter 11: Environments and Habitats (Part 1) stream can be divided into two general environments, namely, a lotic, or moving water environment, and a lentic, or lake- or pond-like environment. Admittedly, the difference between lotic and lentic environments is clouded and arbitrary at best. Nonetheless, those generalized definitions serve several practical purposes. For example, lotic environments are more sterile. Nutrients dissolved or suspended in the water continuously are flushed away by currents. Moving water does not allow nutrients time enough to settle, be consumed by living creatures, and be incorporated into the biological system. Species of organisms in lotic environments are few, with each species being adapted to either swimming constantly, or living on or amongst gravel and debris of the bottom. Vegetation usually is sparse or totally lacking. In short, organisms of moving-water environments must either swim constantly, thereby expending large amounts of energy to maintain position, or they must have morphological adaptations which permit them to maintain position without expending unnecessary energy. Lentic environments are more fertile. Nutrients dissolved or suspended in
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the water have time to settle to the bottom, be absorbed, and/or be incorporated into biological systems. Species are many and adapted to live freely anywhere in the water column, burrow in the bottom, or lurk among vegetation and debris, as well as feed on suspended plankters, vegetation, larger invertebrate organisms, and fishes. Plants of moving water are deep rooted or lacking altogether, depending on stability of the bottom. Insects of moving waters generally are flattened and live under rocks and debris, thereby avoiding the possibility of being swept away. Fishes exhibit specializations that reduce friction or actively capitalize on hydraulic pressures of flowing water to maintain position without expending excessive energy swimming. A sculpin, for example, is a small, specialized fish adapted to fast-flowing water. It lives on the bottom of riffles because it lacks a swim bladder. That makes the sculpin denser than water. The sculpin also is equipped with enlarged pectoral fins, which, when tilted into the current, cause the rushing water to exert a downward force pressing and holding the fish against the bottom. In other fishes the swim bladder is present and used for buoyancy. Fins are used for stabilizing
The following article is an excerpt from the electronic book, Hunt - Don’t Pray - for Fish, Techniques and Strategies for Fly Fishing from a Drift Boat, written by Harley W. Reno, Ph.D., a friend of the Wyoming Fly Casters and occasional program presentor. The entire content is copyrighted by the author, and is used here with his permission. The CD is available for purchase through the Federation of Fly Fishers, and 80 percent of the $25 cost of each CD is being donated by the author back to the federation for its conservation and education funds. In the coming months, other chapters of Dr. Reno’s book are to be featured in the Backcast.
and maneuvering the fish as it swims throughout the water column. In short, the steeper the gradient of a stream, the less productive the stream. The less productive a stream is, the less the biological diversity inhabiting the stream. As a result, organisms are fewer in terms of numbers of species and numbers of individuals per species. As a general rule, the organisms are mostly small-
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
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Surface view of a typical shearing plane commonly found in eddies and larger countercurrents showing orientation of fish.
er and adapted to live under and between rocks, debris, and other obstructions. Conversely, the lower the gradient of the stream, the more the stream becomes lake-like or has lake-like environments, and, logically, the more productive the stream is. The more productive the stream is, the more diverse the biological community. Organisms are generally more numerous in terms of species, greater in terms of numbers of individuals per species, and larger in terms of sizes of individuals in a population of a species. Obviously, most stream organisms are not well adapted to living in streams. Fishes generally are adapted to lake-like environments, with most frequenting lotic environments only when there are more foodstuffs available for consumption than energy used in maintaining position or spawning. Lotic and lentic environments are divisible into multiple habitats. The astute fly fisherman learns to recognize habitats in a stream, divide a stream into a repeating series of habitats, and, with growing experience, concentrate on fishing some habitats more thoroughly than others at various times of the year. The astute fly fisherman also learns to recognize habitats in lake-like environments. Yes, water is always moving in a lake or lake-like environment, being driven by the passage of nearby stream currents, solar heating of water, and constant stirring by breezes and winds. The fly fisherman focuses on casting and thoroughly fishing each habitat, because a habitat has something, or is the result of something, that redirects, lessens, or eliminates movement of water, and because each habitat, regardless of size or physical dimension, either does or will hold fish sooner or later. Some habi-
tats can be huge, being as big as a lake environment (e.g., deep pool or backwater). But, most habitats are small, being a few square feet on the surface and one or two cubic feet in volume (e.g., upturned root mass of a tree or upstream face of a boulder). Recognizing specific habitats in a stream environment is the difficult part of fishing from a drift boat. The most common types of habitats in a stream are rocks, gravel bars, trees, brush piles, driftwood, vegetation, and, sadly, debris tossed in or dredged up by man. Generally, each habitat is discernible, although detection might be limited to observing a subtle change in surface texture, color, or flow of water over, around, or under obstacles. However, distinctions between habitats are blurred and, at best, arbitrary. For example, what one person might call a "gravel bar," could be a "riffle" or "run" to someone else. A "run" to one fisherman may be parts of a "riffle," "pool," or "steep bank" to another. Obviously, the definition of each is not what is important. Rather, recognizing where fishes live in any habitat, knowing when and under what circumstances they shift positions in habitats, and understanding how they are distributed in habitats are the real basics to successful fly fishing. The reader is advised to visit Chapters 10 and 13 for additional information. In the following discussion, habitats are presented as a series of generic examples which, in various combinations, can be found while floating any stream or river. The keys to recognition of habitats are (1) spotting shearing planes and currentless tongues, (2) anticipating changes in environments, (3) anticipating changes in habitats in a particular environment, (4) identifying specific
habitats, (5) realizing that two or more habitats can share a limited amount of space, and, most important of all, (6) understanding that some habitats functionally concentrate fishes. Shearing Planes and Currentless Tongues A shearing plane is any place where two currents move in opposite directions past or occasionally at right angles to each other. In an eddy, the shearing plane is a vertical wall of quiet water, extending from the bottom to the surface (see above). In a backwater, the shearing plane is the vertical wall of quiet water separating the backwater from the main current. It usually is flexed at right angles to the main current along the downstream side of the backwater. Downstream of a gravel bar, the shearing plane is a horizontal plate of quiet water just under the surface and extending the length of the gravel bar. Fish position themselves in the shearing plane because they can maintain position without unnecessary expenditure of energy. Food drifts along either side of, or above and below the shearing plane, depending on whether the shearing plane is vertical or horizontal. A currentless tongue is a narrow zone of quieter water downstream of any obstruction. When a current encounters a rock or tree, it divides, sweeping around the sides of the obstruction. The divided current eventually rejoins downstream of the obstruction. Between the two parallel components is the currentless tongue. Fish hold in the currentless tongue because they have easy access to drifting food streaming by on either side.
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Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
Streamers, big trout and bull elk are an exciting combination by Scott Novotny
S
aturday Oct. 24 started out like many a float trip on the North Platte River. The fall weather was cool and there was a slight breeze on the water that would change like the whims of women in our lives. The float was going to be a short one this gorgeous day with one goal in mind: to catch big browns on streamers and only streamers -- not nymph fishing like the guide and his clients who slid into the water ahead of us who had a fish on within eight strokes of his oars. Silently, not wanting to ask each other if we should switch our tactics, we wondered if we should stay the course and toss streamers in pursuit of the hungry fall browns or go the way of the guide with his clients. Our minds were made up. Tossing streamers in pursuit of the hogs of fall would be our quest for this float on the Platte. We were third in line to put in at Bessemer Bend. The moss that comes with warm summer days had made the upper float from Grey Reef a trying effort at best and the guides had moved down river where their clients could hook up something other than moss. Our party moved out of the slow water that winds downstream from the Bessemer Bridge and we proceeded to cast our streamers against the shore looking for our first
brown. Jumbo size 2 vanilla buggers were the streamers of choice this day and we would stay with them for a majority of the float. “Fish on!” was the cry from the rear of the boat with Matt Lewallen hooking up with the first fish of the day. Matt guides in Alaska and besides being outstanding behind the oars he was getting pretty good at learning the streamer game. Matt knew he had a good fish on and as it leapt out of its watery domain we caught a glance of color that is illumi-
nated in the sky after a summer’s rain sprinkled with sunshine. Rainbow not Salmo Trutta. That would be the rule of the river this October day. Mick Novotny, Phil Gasko, Matt Lewallen and I caught many more fish that day on the river and most of them by the boys or should I say men who were half my age. Half my age, but together they have more combined hours on the river than I will be lucky to share with our river and friends in my life. Along with sharing a great day on the river with my son and his friends a remarkable truly amazing event occurred just a few miles down river from Bessemer Bridge. Fish were caught so it was my turn to daydream and be one with the beauty of the river and my surroundings. Caught in a daydream a movement off to my left awakened me. Two animals were working their way toward the river at a slow deliberate trot. The closer they approached the larger they grew. There really aren’t elk only a few minutes downriver from Bessemer Bridge, are there? I needed verification so I asked my fishing partners to hold up tossing streamers and take a look. “Mick, look to your left. What do you see?” Phil, Matt same question. NO WAY. I don’t believe it. Unbelievable. How cool. ELK DON’T COME DOWN THIS FAR AND SO
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter CLOSE. Those are elk and both bulls and five points. As the elk continued to get closer to the river and we floated further away the elk grew smaller. Into the river they waded like flyfishermen, but their intent wasn’t to land a “big brown” but live. Their mission was to get to the other side of the river and head to the backside of Casper Mountain or further south to Muddy Mountain and safety. The elk didn’t cross the river immediately. They seemed to take pleasure in taking their time wading upriver like a fisherman enjoying the force of the water pushing against his legs and the coolness of the water on his skin. I think the elk knew that once they reached the river they were safe from the hunters bullets and could relax just as a fly fisherman relaxes from the pressures of society when he fishes waters. For me this day was one I never will forget. Being on the water with my son and his friends away from the challenges of daily living, feeling damn lucky to be in Wyoming and seeing two five point bull elk wading in our river feeling safe and unafraid of the hunters’ pursuit.
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Bring your camera along on your next fishing trip, and use it to document your catch and release fish. Then send the digital image to the WFC newsletter editor for consideration of inclusion in the next issue. Contributions are always welcome. Who knows ... maybe your photo will be the next month’s cover.
Lyin’ and Tyin’ clinics return The next one is Nov. 14 at 9 a.m.
The Lyin' and Tyin' clinics will be held this year at the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. The initial session for this season is Nov. 14. The clinics will be held between 9:00 to noon. Other dates include: Dec. 12, Jan. 16, Feb. 13 and Mar. 13. For new members not familiar with these clinics, they provide an excellent opportunity for tiers of all skill levels to socialize while tying flies. The sessions are also a great opportunity for beginning fly tiers to learn from the experienced tiers, and to get one-on-one tips and instruction regarding the art of tying. New members or beginning tiers simply show up with a vice and materials, and the pros will show, step-by-step, how to tie bugs.
LIBRARY CORNER by Spencer Amend Secretary, WFC Some members may not be aware of the WFC DVD/video library. Through the efforts of board members Bill Wichers and Bob Fischer, with a bit of help from yours truly, members have available a host of DVD titles sure to expand your knowledge and skills. OK; these videos might not immediately make you able to fish a dry fly like Bill Mixer, catch fish anywhere like Joe Meyer, cast into the wind like Marty Robinson, or sniff out the big ones like Alex Rose, but I’m betting they will add enjoyment to your fishing and put more fish on your lines. Partly as a reminder, and partly to try and stimulate your use of the library, for the next several months I’ll be reviewing a “video of the month.” I hope it will encourage you to take up systematic pursuit of additional knowledge; I know it will be beneficial for me. Tight Lines! Fly Fishing Trout Streams with Maggie Merriman of West Yellowstone, Montana. The only date I could find associated with the video was 2004. According to the video box, Maggie is one of the “Legends of Fly Fishing.” This “fly fishing lady of the West” presents a useful, 60 minute lesson on catching trout in moving waters. She covers both dry fly and wet fly (soft hackles, nymphs, and streamers) tactics. It is targeted at the beginning angler, but contains information and reminders of use to all levels. She does a fine job of demonstrating a lot of different casts, explaining which is needed for different sit-
uations. The video, overall, is heavy on casting. It demonstrates straight line casts, reach casts, wiggle or slack line casts, high-low casts, roll casts, donut casts, side arm casts, and what she calls the slam dunk cast (Charlie Shedd and Joe Meyer would call that an oval cast). The tactics sections include how to approach the water, stream sampling, indicator casting, and nymphing. Her presentations include straight upstream, upstream to across, across to downstream, and straight downstream. She provides instruction on which type of cast to use for which presentation. Fish nymphs with three quarters upstream to straight across presentations. Her narrative includes frequent repetition of basic admonitions such as “keep the rod tip low,” “mend gently,” “point & follow,” “turn your body, don’t move your feet,” “limit false casts,” and other bits of fly-fishing wisdom. When you approach the water, don’t just plunge right in; step back and look for three things: rises, bugs, and likely places for fish to be hanging out. Practice your casts at home until you own them (along with your knots). Practice with a rod and a half length of line. When you are on the water, think about and concentrate on your fishing, not your casting. Change flies every 20-30 minutes if what you’re trying isn’t working. Grid the water: fish the closest parts first. Take little steps when wading. It’s all about the drag free float! My assessment: this one is worth a look for anyone wanting to get better and more successful at fishing flowing water.
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Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
WYOMING FLY CASTERS BOARD MEETING MINUTES -- DRAFT Oct. 21, 2009 The meeting was called to order by President Alex Rose at 7:00 pm. All board members were present except for Neal Ruebush [unexcused absence] and Matt Stanton [excused absence]. Guides Trent Tatum and Eric Aune attended part of the meeting. Secretary’s note: At the board’s request, I include a list of absent members in each month’s report. A list of board members can be found in each month’s Backcast. Unless otherwise noted, all board decisions – being done according to proper procedure – are by unanimous vote. Any positive suggestions for improvement in subsequent meeting reports will be carefully considered. The first topic of discussion was the
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cancellation of the fall flush on the river. Sentiments ran high as the two guides and several board members expressed their concerns for the lack of fishable water on the upper river. Several of those commenting indicated that the moss conditions on the upper river are the worst in 10 years. Alex read a letter from Al Condor detailing the rationale and circumstances. Al also addressed the difficulties associated with the last two previous flushes. Economics, bridge building and difficulties at Dave Johnson Power Plant were mentioned. Basically the current flush was cancelled due to equipment problems at Gray Reef dam that would not allow 4000 cfs through that facility. Apparently these difficulties were only discovered at the last minute. Several of those present criticized BuRec for not checking their equipment earlier. Al’s letter also contained the reminder that fish and fishing are not technically/legally on the radar screen of water managers at BuRec. Their required interests are irrigation and hydropower. Flushes have been provided in the past when requested by Game & Fish, but only as a courtesy measure. The letter also pointed out that there are biological benefits to fish populations from canceling the flush [improved habitat for young fish]. This topic concluded with Alex asking Bill Wichers to contact BuRec and Game & Fish to see whether it might still be possible to arrange a flush this fall. [As of this writing, Bill has been able to put the flush back on their radar screens, but with continuing uncertainty.] Alex indicated that Tony Martin had paid for a WFC membership for Trent Tatum. After exhausting, for the moment, the topic of the fall flush, Alex moved the group on to more or less routine business. Minutes from the last meeting were approved. [Thanks, Casey, for doing a good job on these while I was fishing in Idaho.] The treasurer’s report and quarterly income/expense report were approved. Ed will investigate getting a better rate of return on our bank balance. It was reported that Tom Grogan is interested in re-activating PRE [youth arm of WFC]. It was reported that Boy Scout executives may be interested in helping, as well. Melody reiterated plans for November and December as previously reported.
Old Business: Alex brought up the topic of officer succession, which had not been discussed at previous meetings. All agreed that the current bylaws are ambiguous on who succeeds a president who is unable to complete his or her term. Most felt that this needs to be clarified. After considerable discussion, the board voted [9 to 2] on a succession order that runs from the president to the president-elect to the vice president. Exact wording will be made available to the membership prior to a general membership vote amending the bylaws. New Business: Tickets for the Christmas party [regularly scheduled December meeting; Dec. 9] will cost members $10.00. The club will pay the balance. Tickets are available at the Ugly Bug, the Platte River fly shop and Weinhandl’s dental clinic. A spring banquet committee cochaired by Bob Fisher and Joe Meyer will include Scott Novotny and Casey Leary, and will attempt to recruit assistance from Marty Robinson and probably others. Lyin’ & Tyin’ dates have been set as follows: Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 16, Feb. 13, and Mar. 13. Mark your calendars to get personalized instruction from our own expert fly tiers. We especially encourage new members to join these fun times. Sessions will be held at the Oil & Gas Conservation Commission building. On Saturday, Nov. 21, during the Trout Unlimited annual meeting in Casper, TU has invited WFC members to join them for a no host evening at the Ramada Riverside. Contact Alex for more details if you are interested. Scott pointed out to the board that WFC has gotten some good publicity in the Pronghorn – the newsletter of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation [we need to inform WWF of our change in presidents, and get our own newsletter updated to show us affiliated with WWF]. Alex will contact Bill Mixer about reviving the Cabin Fever Clinic in February and we need to explore more/better ways to publicize this event. Casey reported that nine people attended the outing this past weekend at the Mile. A good time was had by all! The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm. Respectfully Submitted: Spencer Amend, Secretary, 10-23-09
Wyoming Fly Casters Monthly Newsletter
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TREASURER'S REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDING 9/30/09 INCOME Date Sept-3 Sept 18
EXPENSES Sept- 4 Sept 18 Sept 18 Sept 18 Sept 24 Sept 24 Sept 30
Vendor/Item Deposit - Sale - Leftovers - Cleanup BBQ Deposit - Dues
Amount $560.00 $50.00
TOTAL
$610.00
#4001 - Izaak Walton Rent Sept 09 #4002 - Spencer Amend - Reimburse Float Trip Exchange #4003 - E. Rate Reimburse Motel Float trip Exchange #4004 - Master Card (E. Rate Personal)- Cleanup BBQ Food See deposit 9/3/09 offsetting some costs #4005 Bob Fischer Reimbursement - Picnic Food #3996 Marty Robinson - Kid's Treats WY Game & Fish Expo Bank Service Charge TOTAL
$75.00 $89.49 $123.12 $903.68 $219.44 $39.32 $3.00 $1,453.05
NOVEMBER SUNDAY
MONDAY
1 Mountain Standard Time returns
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WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY
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Full moon
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Thanksgiving
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Deadline for Backcast info
Wyoming Fly Casters P.O. Box 2881 Casper, WY 82602
www.wyflycasters.org
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.