www.wyflycasters.org
Vol 40 No2
The Monthly Newsletter of the Wyoming Fly Casters
SPRING
EVENTS TIME FOR FLYS HEALING WATERS FISHING DaD with
February 2013
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February 2013
Presidents Letter
ell, the big debate is over. W The January general meeting
was held and members came out of the woodwork to attend. If memory serves me, we had 43 members present, some of whom I haven’t seen for a good long time. Many folks offered their thoughts on the prospect of retaining or concluding the club’s affiliation with Trout Unlimited. Two things became quite clear. First, is that the majority of the members present have no desire to become a fully chartered Trout Unlimited chapter. Secondly, the Wyoming Fly Casters are first and foremost a social club. (Though with the history of the club’s involvement in conservation and access projects you would have a hard time convincing this writer that that is truly the case.) I thought it interesting that a good number of WFC members are
current TU members and some have served TU at the state level. One of the messages I heard was that individually, members of WFC support TU and its mission and, the club wishes to retain its independence from any real or perceived control that TU might impose from the national level. At the end of the meeting members were asked to provide their input on the topic at hand and the response was overwhelmingly to un-charter WFC as an affiliate of TU. At the board meeting the topic was discussed and since it appears that nothing would really change that required a vote of the general membership a motion was made to ‘un-charter’ WFC as a TU affiliate/chapter. Scott Christy has begun the process and we will let you know more when Scott has some news for us. So it appears that the TU discussion is over and will consume no more of our time.
A few quick reminders of upcoming events over the next couple of months. Cabin Fever Clinic is in early March 2nd. We can always use lots of help so feel free to join us. We usually set up around noon at the Casper Recreation Center, in the gym. The clinic runs from 1-4 pm. The banquet will be April 6th. Tickets will go on sale at the February 13th general meeting. Do Matt a huge favor and get your tickets early this year!!! This months general meeting presentation will be Al Conder and Matt Hahn from Game and Fish. They always have good information to share with the club. A short column for a short month. Tight lines and cooperative fish,
Will
Wyoming Fly Casters
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What’s inside ... Will Waterbury, President Lee Tschettert, Vice President Casey Leary, Secretary Matt Stanton, Treasurer
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Fly Patterns
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PHWFF
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FISHING with Dad
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WFC Business
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terms expire in 2013: Joe Meyer, Scott Novotny, Alex Rose Terms expire in 2014: Jim Johnson, Chris AcAtee, Bob Fischer, Spenser Amend Terms expire in 2015: George Axlund, Brian Bayer, Jesse McGregor, Philip Smith 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. 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 marketingmavenaha@ gmail.com or call (708) 997-2071. 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. 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 marketingmavenaha@ gmail.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 sub- scribing electronically, you also save the club roughly $17.40 a year in printing and postage expenses.
10 A Bit of Heaven 12 Classifieds Joe Meyer in action!
Mission Statement:
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:
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. 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. Cover Shot submitted by Randy Stalker
Go to www.issuu.com and search for Wyoming Fly Casters. This site has the latest WFC issue and past issues from 2012 and subsequent years.
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Let’s have some fun!
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February 2013
Wyoming Fly Casters
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or the past several months WFC members have met at Casper’s Gas & Oil building to learn some new fly tying techniques. “Tyin’ & Lyin’” gives everyone a chance to share those whopper fish stories while perfeciting their fly tying abilities. January’s fly tying welcomed the expertise of Blake Jackson. Blake was happy to share some new techniques with those in attendance. Examples of what our members have been tying is presented on these pages. #1 Well if this doesn’t look like a real bug I don’t know what does. This was created by WFC’s own Joe Meyer. Jeepers Joe, I bet you just can’t wait to try out this baby! We’ll be expecting a followup on what kind of luck you’ll have with it. If you’d like to make this fly, you’ll have to check in with Joe Meyer at WFC’s next “Lyin’ & Tyin” meeting, February 16th 9:00 am, Oil and Gas Building. #2 Bead Head Prince Nymph. 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. The Prince is tied (and any other fly with a bead) with lead wire shoved into the bead to add weight, hold the bead in place and center it on the hook. 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, which are wider and hard to tie along the sides of the hook. Strung peacock
is fine as well as herls from the eyed quill as long as they are full fibered. Finally, for the white biot ‘horns’ at the head of the fly, use the wider biots at the base of the feather as in this instance their width helps to hold them in place as you tie them down and adds durability. #3 Buggers Conehead Streamer These flies are tied zonker style with a simi seal body and cone
head. These fast sinking flies are great to imitate sculpin and other baitfish in moving water. These are a favorite in many of the big trout rivers of the West. #4 Caddis Emerger A soft hackle fly that exhibits great movement. A terrific caddis emerger fly pattern on its own just under the film or as a dropper behind a dry. purple. Learn how to tie some of these patterns at WFC’s Cabin Fever, March 2nd, Casper Recreation Center. See you there!
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February 2013
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Brought to Casper
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hen veteran Derrick Dietz returned to Fort Eustis, Newport News, VA, from overseas duty, he was assigned to a warrior transition unit. During that time he saw many flyers asking for program participants. One particular organization caughts his eye, “Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc.” (PHWFF) PHWFF is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings. It offers services and programs to injured military service personnel and disabled veterans throughout the country. All veterans, with any kind of disability, are welcome... Army, Navy, AirForce, Marines... Viet Nam, Iraq, Iran, Afganistan, Parkistan. Identifying himself as one of the ‘broken,’ Derrick became interested in the program. With a little fishing experience behind him AND a big desire to have some fun, he thought this would be a great opportunity to do both. As any fisherman knows, fly fishing is simply the best stress reliever there out there. Some of the PHWFF participants explain what the experience has been like for them: ‘healing,’ ‘relaxing,’ ‘beautiful,’ and ‘an awesome experience,’ ‘just incredible.’ PHWFF has helped its participants break the mold on what they’d been doing in the past. It helps them adapt to doing new things. In Monty Python terms: ‘... and now for something completely different!’ __________________________________________
‘healing,’ ‘relaxing,’ ‘beautiful,’ ‘an awesome experience,’ ‘just incredible ___________________________ Wow, did it work! Derrick had never fly fished before and he loved it. The first rod building class he took renewed his love for creating things through wood working. He also started learning how to create his own flys. Shortly after fine tuning these new skills, he caught a 24” Speckled Trout on one of his own homemade flys and his own hand crafted fly fishing rod!
As a Wyoming native, Derrick began looking for a program back here after he was discharged in Virginia. The closest place to Wyoming that had a PHWFF program was Colorado Springs, CO. So with the help of the Colorado PHWFF coordinator, Derrick started a new chapter here in Casper back in July of last year. Guided by the coordinator, Derrick looked for a fly casters group to sponsor the members. He needed to find warm and friendly individuals who were willing to share some of their time and expertise in coaching veterans on the finer points of fly tying, rod building and fly fishing. Voila! the Wyoming Fly Casters! To date, there have been several outings with PHWFF participants and WFC members. All have said they had some great experiences. Well done WFC! Caspers’ PHWFF gets some terrific support from local fly fishing guides and retailers too. Ugly Bug Fly shop, Reef Fly Shop and the Platte River Fly Shop... just to name a few. Our local PHWFF participates in national programs as well. In the Rod Building Program there are 400 participants who received a rod kit from Hook & Hackle. The vets will build rods, get judged and the winners get an all expense paid fishing trip to Alaska!
Wyoming Fly Casters
Derrick said that he is currently managing a local funding drive that so far, has one family foundation making a generous donation and agreeing to create a matching funds program for PHWFF. Nationally, the organization is sponsored by The Wounded Warrior Project, The builford Foundation of Richmond, VA, Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation, First Cornerston Foundation and the Samuel J. & Connie M. Frankino Foundation. Additional national sponsors are: Disabled American Vets, The Sierra Club Founda-
tion, Dominion, Homewaters, Booz&Co, The Hook & Hackle Company, Orvis, Wasatch Angling, Wilderness North and many, many more. For more information, please visit: www.projecthealingwaters.org.
Upcoming National Events February 1 - 3 Sierra Club Training Point Pleasant Farm Bozman, MT February 8 - 9 Tennessee Boat & Fishing Expo February 9 - 10 Winston-Salme Fly Fishing Show
Program Lead, Derrick Dietz
If you’d like to make a contribution please contact Derrick Dietz. ddietz48@yahoo.com
Sean shows dad, Mike Flaherty new moves These are from a float trip my son, Sean, and I made on the N Platte on October 21st. He caught all the fish in the pix and caught a total of 4 fish the size of the bigger ones in the pictures as well as several smaller ones. The first, small fish was just the first catch of the day which is why we photographed it. He had a 5th big fish on the line but it got away. By then he was having a good time and was able to “laugh it off”.
Pictures and notes submitted by Mike Flaherty
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February 2013
Secretary’s Report January 16, 2013
Members Present: Will Waterbury (presiding) Lee Tschetter, Matt Stanton, Casey Leary, George Axlund, Spencer Amend, Joe Meyer, Brian Bayer, Scott Novotny, Alex Rose, Chris McAtee and Jim Johnson. Members Absent: Bob Fischer (excused) Jesse McGregor and Philip Smith (unexcused) Guests: Alan Gettings (WGFD), Lars Alsager (WGFD), Gene Theriault, Dick DePaemelere, Andrew Sauter and John Dolan. Call To Order: 7:00 PM Secretary’s Report: Will Waterbury made a motion to approve the Secretary’s Report. Motion Carried Treasurer’s Report: Matt Stanton provided the board with his Treasurer’s Report. Casey Leary made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. Motion carried. Conservation Report: Al Gettings and Lars Alsager of the WGFD presented information regarding the “Speas-Flycasters Pond and Access-Area Development.” Essentially WGFD is trying to have a family type fishery in the pond, handicap accessible, other fishing opportunities such as clinics, flycaster pathway along the North Platte River, improve grounds around the pond and river, improve erosion control in the area, improved facilities and parking area, community partnership area and an enhanced wildlife viewing area. Mr. Gettings reported he hopes to secure the funds from other sources and would like to invite the Flycasters to assist in helping with the labor. An Eagle Scout is trying to complete his project in the area and might come visit the Flycasters seeking the labor assistance. Joe Meyer will contact the Cub Scouts for possible inclusion as they have asked Joe about possible projects. WFC will discuss further and get back with Mr. Gettings and Alsager. Old Business: Discussion was held regarding whether the WFC should adopt by-laws that would allow the WFC to become a TU chapter club. John Dolan reported the WCF was never a chapter yet a document provided by TU indicated WFC became a chapter in 1991. It was mentioned that the volunteers for the WFC are dwindling and that becoming a chapter might increase membership that would include more volunteers. Spencer Amend made a motion the WFC needs to notify TU we will not become a full-fledged chapter and ask them to remove WFC from the chapter status. Motion approved. Matt Stanton reported the banquet committee is progressing. The WFC banquet will be held at the Ramada on April 6, 2013. Ticket prices have not been set and the committee will set the price of the tickets. Alex Rose will be promoting the Cabin Fever Clinic, set for March 2, 2013, from 1 to 4 PM at the Casper Recreation Center. Casey Leary will be seeking volunteers to assist in fly tying, fly casting and knot tying. If you would like to help, please contact Casey Leary at 473-2441. This will be a good opportunity to use the WFC vests. Brian Bayer reported he continues working on the club sign stand. New Business: Dick DePaemelere reported that the Wyoming Legislature is discussing some bills that concern sportsmen and sportswomen. He mentions House Bills 78, 136 and 137. He suggested members contact their legislator regarding these issues. HB 78 essentially allows the legislature managing the budget of the WGFD, according to Mr. DePaemelere. Casey Leary will get some information in the Backcast regarding these issues. Adjourned: 8:10 PM
Wyoming Fly Casters
WFC Treasurer's report ending December, 2012 Date Income 12/18/12 12/18/12 12/31/12 Total Expenses 12/7/12 12/7/12 12/12/12 12/12/12 12/12/12 12/17/12 12/17/12 12/17/12 12/17/12 12/18/12 Total
Vendor/Item Deposit - Xmas tickets Deposit - Memberships Deposit - Interest
$525.00 $60.00 $0.39 $585.39
#4213 PRFS - Xmas party gift cards #4214 Ugly Bug - Xmas party gift cards #4215 Staples - Xmas copies #4216 Ugly Bug - Xmas party door prizes #4217 Sutherlands - Xmas party dĂŠcor
$130.00 $130.00 $32.41 $90.51 $22.60
#4218 Herbadashery - Xmas party catering #4219 AMBI - Nov Backcast #4220 Joe Meyer - Lyin/tyin supplies #4221 IWLA - Nov/Dec/Jan rent #4222 AMBI - Dec Backcast
Watch for Upcoming WFC Events WYOMING FLY CASTERS
Learn to tie fly’s & fly fish free!
$1,039.50 $72.89 $23.32 $225.00 $67.52 $1,833.75
Wyoming Legislative Bills
March 2 1- 4 pm
CASPER REC CENTER 1801 East 4th Street Casper, WY 82601
The Wyoming Legislature is currently discussing bills that have a possible impact on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. One essentially discusses how the legislature would oversee the budget of the WGFD and the other is regarding license fees. We encourage anyone to contact their legislators regarding these bills. You can go to this website to obtain their e-mail address: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/LSOWEB/ LegInfo.aspx House Bill 78 : AN ACT relating to administration of government; providing that the department of transportation and the game and fish department shall submit proposed budgets to the budget division of the department of administration and information as specified; amending conflicting statutes; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date. House Bill 136: AN ACT relating to game and fish; amending hunting, fishing, watercraft and other license and application fees as specified; eliminating resident daily game bird/small game licenses; providing for separate bull and cow/calf wild bison licenses; providing for the adjustment of license, application, entry, stamp and permit fees annually; requiring reports; authorizing rulemaking; and providing for an effective date. House Bill 137: AN ACT relating to game and fish; providing for the adjustment of license, application, entry, stamp and permit fees annually; requiring reports; authorizing rulemaking; and providing for an effective date.
These events are great opportunities for our local communities to enjoy some free instruction on fly tying and fly fishing, March 2, 2013. Our annual Spring Banquest is just around the corner. Member tickets go on sale February 13th. Tickets to general public go on sale starting during Cabin Fever, March 2nd. MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR!
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February 2013
Original Fly Fishing Art by AD Maddox Excerpted from the AD Maddox Website
A.D.
Maddox was born in Nashville, Tennessee. She was raised in an artistic environment and has been painting for as long as she can remember. After traveling extensively in her 20′s she settled in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where she began her professional career painting trout. “Trout are chameleonlike, constantly changing color in and out of water – they represent an intriguing color palette and artistic challenge.” Maddox, self-taught, paints in oil mainly on Belgian linen and develops each piece with her signature layering technique.
roaming, fly fishing girl born in Tennessee... and she’s the world’s most wellknown and respected Fly Fishing Artist. A.D. has been featured in many issues of Gray’s Sporting Journal, American Angler, Big Sky Journal, The Contemporary Sportsman, Wild on the Fly and has done work for major outdoor companies such as Patagonia and many other online publications. In the words of Fly Fishing Central’s Paul Schmur, “Take a very creative lady, some
“I feel I was put here to fish and paint” oil on canvas, and a high speed Ducati and what do you get? You get AD Maddox, and a very colorful and innovative form of art.”
Fascinated by bright colors, Maddox is constantly challenged by each piece. “Each painting has a crux where I have to tweak, harmonize and fine tune the colors for the image to pop. This is the neverending bull-bait as an artist!” Her style is always changing as portrayed in her works through the years. Maddox currently resides in Nashville where she balances her studio time with fly fishing trips and of course … Motorcycling! She’s a Ducati riding, Wyoming
Fly fishing art enthusiasts world-wide have more than likely seen or own her work in their home. A.D.’s original fly fishing art is available now online. Originals, prints, paper and canvas giclées are all available through her new online store. A.D.’s mixed-medium art captures the life and color of fly fishing in a way that grabs the attention of any passer-by, whether they are a fly fisher or not. Why is this? A.D., an avid fly fisher herself says, “I love to build something that moves me. I’m challenged by the simplicity of one subject as my main focus and trout is my most recent passion.
During my hours fishing, time disappears. I am experiencing a bit of heaven. I love living those moments and want to put them in my art. The WFC Spring Banquet, April 6th, will have two A.D. Maddox paintings on which to bid. This is a great opportunity to own some truly inspiring pieces created by an accomplished artist who really knows and understands her subjects! Don’t miss it!
Wyoming Fly Casters
Sweetwater Preserve Fishing Trip Written by Matt Stanton
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has donated a 2-day, 2-night fishing trip (up to 4 people) on their Sweetwater Preserve for WFC’s Spring Banquet. This would make a great family outing. Although similar trips (including both fishing and use of the cabins) can be arranged by anyone, the Lander Office of TNC promises a special welcome to our successful bidders. And in this case, most of the arrangements have been made for you. And although this is not a guided trip, the Office Manager in Lander will put the winner in contact with people who know this stretch of the Sweetwater well and can offer valuable suggestions sure to make your trip as productive as possible. Wyoming Flycasters is affiliated with TNC, and they want to make this a good experience for our successful bidders. Fishing will be on an approximately 2.75-mile stretch of the Sweetwater (see photos and map), and possibly on stretches of a couple of smaller streams, depending on the timing. Lodging will be in two rustic cabins (see photo). No heat or water facilities are available, but one cabin has a cook stove. An outhouse is also available. Bring your own food and bedding. The successful bidder will need to contact the folks listed below soon to schedule their time and gain access to local fishing knowledge. A permission slip needs to be signed [can be done by mail or fax]. Pat Platt, Bob Wesley Office Manager Southern Wyoming Stewardship Coordinator 307-335-2120; 307-332-3388 pplatt@tnc.org
Get Hooked on Catch-a-Fish Month Catch a fish every month in Wyoming, take a picture or have your fishing buddy sign your Catch-a-fish-a-month sheet or swear you really did catch the fish. You may count a fish caught outside of Wyoming, if you are willing to give a 2 minute presentation at a regular club meeting. Official CAFAM forms can be obtained at the February’s monthly meeting. See Lee for details. For your accomplishment you will be recognized at the annual banquet and in the newsletter. So what are you waiting for get out and start fishing.
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Classifieds
Member Notes
Classifieds
Let’s Tie some Flys! March 1st is the Final deadline for fly plates. It would be great to get 2 fly’s from each McTavish recipient, 1 from anyone else AND any member can tie onedozen for door prizes! Contact Joe Meyer at: bjoem@bresnan.net
Remembrances Our members are very special to us and we want to remember them in times of adversity. If you know of a member or their spouse who is ill or is recently deceased, please contact Donna Diesburg at (307) 234-4278 or e-mail her at faith10@bresnan.net.
WFC Spring Banquet Tickets ON SALE February 13
Classifieds Member Notes Classifieds Member Notes
February 2013
Member Notes Large selection of framed, signed and numbered Vivi Crandall and Terry Redlin prints (contact me for names/prices) and
Men’s Chaco Z/1 Sandal. Size 13. “Matrix color” New in box $45 OBO Matt Stanton 307-258-9915
INDOOR DRIFT BOAT STORAGE on the river $50/month or $500/year. Outdoor storage $40/month. Call Clarke 307-262-3306
Scott Novotny gscottn@gmail.com 307-315-3534
All Patagonia 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
http://www.roadslesstraveled. us.Popup.html
Scott Novotny 307-315-3534
COLMAN FLEETWOOD COLONIAL POPUP CAMPER
Wyoming Fly Casters
PIER PROFESSIONALS
Cliff Outdoors www.cliffoutdoors.com
Platte River Fly Shop www.wyomingflyfishing.com
Healing Waters www.projecthealingwaters.org
Sportsman’s Warehouse www.sportsmanswarehouse.com
North Platte Lodge www.northplattelodge.com
Ugly Bug Fly Shops www.crazyrainbow.com
North Platte Walleye’s Unlimited www.npwalleyes.com
Wyoming Anglers www.wyominganglers.com
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February 2013
The Backcast Newsletter www.flycasters.org
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General Meeting Izaak Walton Lodge 7 pm Member Banquet Ticket sales General Meeting Fly Tying 9 am
WFC Board Meeting