penticton_fly_fishers_club_Marapr_09

PENTICTON FLYFISHERS

JOURNAL

Mar / Apr 2009

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PENTICTON FLYFISHERS

Vol. 06

Number 02, 2009

Mar / Apr 2009, Edition

Penticton Flyfishers Box 354, 113-437 Martin St., Penticton, B.C., V2A 5L1 Editor Bruce Turnbull Home Ph:250-493-7386 Work Ph:250-487-2000 Fax 250-487-2049 Email: bturnbul@telus.net (or) bruce.turnbull@raymondjames.ca

President Angus Cameron 250-762-4719 haggisscot@shaw.ca Vice President Phil Rogers 250-493-8832 pjrogers@shaw.ca Treasurer Ken Baker kbbaker@telus.net Secretary Dennis Currie 496-5499 Membership Director Tom Knight twknight@telus.net

Contents

Page 3— Presidents Report Page 4, 5 & 6— Equipment Review Part3 Rod Building Page 7— Granby Provincial Park Slide Show Page 8— Phil Rowley Fly Tying Seminar Notice Page 9—Important Notices Page 10,11 & 12—Big White Water Diversion Page 13 –Fish Out dates Page 14– Pink Salmon Page 15— Photo Gallery Horsefly River Page 16— Classifieds and Calendar of Events Page 17—Tying and Fishing Techniques

Tom Dellamater—by Bruce Turnbull

The Penticton Flyfishers are members of BC Federation of Fly Fishers (BCFFF) BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) Federation of Fly Fishers (International FFF) Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance (OSCA)

Penticton Flyfishers New Website is

www.pentictonflyfishers.ca

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PENTICTON FLYFISHERS

Presidents Report

by Angus Cameron First, please let me correct the position that I left the Club members with in the last edition of the Newsletter for 2008. As you can clearly see, it was my intention not to let my name stand for nomination for a second term as your President. However, as all can see I was re-elected President of the PFF for 2009.

Without belabouring the issue, I was clearly convinced by the membership through their support, I should accept the nomination thus the membership saw to it that I should serve another year by voting for yours truly. For this great show of support, I clearly recognized and accepted the "gavel"

for one year. Thus, the tradition shall continue - Presidents shall serve for a period of two years. Before I sign off and for the record, I am backed up by the reelection of Phil Rogers a truly worthwhile VicePresident.

Contrary to previous newsletters, this edition will be kept to a short one and I reiterate that I look forward to serving the Club for another term keeping in mind that the support and patience I experienced in 2008 will continue to prevail for

THE 2009/10 PENTICTON

EXECUTIVE

2009.Again,please accept my sincerest thanks for the show of support for the next year. I'll continue to try and serve the Club and the members to the best of my ability.

Thank you,

ANGUS

FLYFISHERS

President—Angus Cameron Vice President—Phil Rogers Secretary—Dennis Currie Treasurer—Ken Baker

Membership—Tom Knight

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PENTICTON FLYFISHERS

Equipment Review- Rod Building by

Bruce Turnbull

Part 3

Wrapping the ferrules is accomplished in basically the same manner as a guide wrap--only with nothing to get in your way, it's a little easier! Your wraps should be a minimum of a 1/2" long over the female ferrule of tip-over, or sleeve type ferrule, and 1/2" on both sides of spigot ferrule.

Start the wrap by crossing the thread over itself. Continue capturing that section of thread until the wrap is approximately 1/8" long and trim the tag end. Continue wrapping the ferrule and stop within 1/8" (6-8 turns) of the end of the wrap.

Place a loop of thread over the wrapping area, with the loop extending forward, past the end of the ferrule, and the tag ends extending backward, past where you began your wrap.

Continue wrapping over the loop to the end of the ferrule.

Hold the wraps with your thumb or finger, release the thread tension, and cut the thread, and put the tag end through the loop. Pull the tag ends of the loop, drawing the wrapping thread under itself until the tag end comes free. Pull the tag end until the wraps are secure and trim with an X-acto knife.

TRIM WRAPS A small, elegant trim wrap adds no functionality to your rod, but provides the kind of personal touch that sets a custom rod apart from a factory rod. The wraps are completed in the same manner as guide and ferrule wraps, but since you don't want your trim to be more than 4-6 turns of thread, working space is more limited.

Start by crossing the thread over itself After only one turn, add your loop. Always remember to use your thumb or finger to maintain the wrap tension while

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PENTICTON FLYFISHERS

working with the loop.

Pass the trim thread through the loop after four turns of thread.

Pull the tag ends of the loop, drawing the trim thread under itself until the tag end comes free.

Unlike the other wraps, where you trimmed the first tag end and then continued wrapping, you should have two tag ends left over. Pull both these tag ends to tighten the wrap.

Trim the tag ends with an X-acto knife, and use the thread burnisher to push everything together snugly, leaving no gaps or bumps.

APPLYING THE ROD FINISH There are two kinds of rod finish; rod varnish, and two-part epoxy rod finish. Both are used to cover thread wraps and inscriptions, and give a rod that glossy, finished look, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.

In the days before graphite rods and epoxy finishes, rod makers used rod varnish to finish their wraps, and bamboo rod makers used rod varnish (typically an exterior gloss spar) over the entire rod section. Today, rod blank manufacturers use an epoxy exterior finish on their blanks, and there is no need to put any kind of finish on the blank itself. You only need to finish the wraps and cover any inscriptions you may want on the rod.

The advantage of using a good rod varnish is that it is more forgiving that epoxy. It soaks into the thread wraps quickly, and preserves a uniform tone. If used sparingly, the rod doesn't even have to be rotated while drying. The disadvantage of using just a varnish is that you have to apply 6-10 coats to get the same protection as epoxy finish.

Most rod manufacturers use only epoxy rod finish, as it is a relatively quick, two-step process. However, if you are not extremely careful when applying epoxy finish, you may end up with blotchy color due to an uneven distribution/saturation of epoxy.

To take advantage of the best qualities of both finishes, I use either Gudebrod Rod Varnish or spar varnish depending on the final color tone I want. The Gudebrod will lighten when dry, while the spar varnish will remain dark. But instead of adding another six or more coats of varnish, I add two thin coats of epoxy. These two finishes are perfectly compatible as long as the second coat is applied after the first has cured.

When using two-part epoxy rod finish, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and measure and mix the finish in approved mixing cups only. Unapproved mixing cups or sticks may introduce foreign chemicals and result in the fin-

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ish not curing properly.

The rod must be rotated for at least two hours after the epoxy application, or gravity will cause a buildup of finish on one side of the blank. I have a machine that turns my blanks constantly while they dry. You can achieve the same result by cutting notches in a cardboard box or a pair of wooden blocks, setting the blank in the grooves, and rotating the sections manually every few minutes. Allow 12-24 hours between coats.

Apply your varnish or epoxy with a good finishing brush 1/8" to 1/4" wide. Use a flowing motion to spread the finish, rotating the blank, and moving the brush in line with the grain of the thread. You want to achieve a smooth, even finish, so avoid side-to-side motions, and apply the finish sparingly. You can always add an extra coat if you use too little finish. Too much finish is a much harder problem to solve. Let the finish soak into the wraps--do not try scrubbing or working the finish into the thread as you will end up with air bubbles, and a messy, bumpy finished product.

A selection of rubber bands to use in holding the guides in place while wrapping works very well. Also masking tape can be used on one leg while wrapping the other into place.

Disposable plastic syringes are perfect for measuring out the quantities of epoxy that you require. Keep in mind that accuracy is important in this task as a little too much of one over the other results in a very slow curing finish

Also important is a rod turning device. Here a small electric motor keeps the rod rotating while the epoxy cures and gives a more even finish.

Marker pens can add a little extra to the finish as you can sign your name and then coat with epoxy in order to cover the name

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Phil Rowley Fly Tying Seminar

Saturday, March 21 Old CPR Station

Hastings St., Penticton

Time— 9 am to 4:30 pm Members are Free

Non Members $25.00

At the age of 6 Phil Rowley was introduced to coarse fishing in England and has been hooked ever since. For over 20 years Phil Rowley has been fly-fishing stillwaters almost exclusively. His love of stillwater fly fishing has taken him all over British Columbia and Washington in the pursuit of trout and char.

A former commercial fly tyer Phil has written for almost every major fly fishing publication in North America. His contributions also include books and numerous feature articles 2 regular columns on fly-fishing with particular attention towards stillwaters and stillwater fly patterns. Phil's book Fly Patterns for Stillwaters has become a best seller. As a compliment to Fly Patterns for Stillwaters Phil released Stillwater Solutions Recipes Volume 1, co authored with long time friend Brian Chan. Phil has a number of DVD's including DVD Tying Flies for Stillwaters and 2 recently released DVD's with Jack Dennis and Snake River Books.

When he is not tying flies or on the water Phil travels western North America performing at outdoor shows, teaching a variety of seminars, speaking to fly clubs and conducting weekend fly-fishing schools. In addition to Phil's shows and seminars he has had the good fortune to appear on such T.V. shows as Sport Fishing B.C., Fishing Alberta, The New Fly Fisher and Fishing with Shelly and Courtney. Recently Phil became one of the co-hosts of the New Fly Fisher, a television production dedicated to fly fisher education.

Phil's website, www.FlyCraftAngling.com is dedicated to fly-fishing and fly tying education. Featuring tips, techniques and streaming video this comprehensive site is constantly changing to meet the needs of its members. In early 2004 Phil along with good friend Brian Chan released a signature line of fly tying materials christened Stillwater Solutions in partnership with Super Fly. Phil is currently the Director of Marketing and Communications and co-host for the New Fly Fisher T.V. show.

When he is not focused upon fly-fishing Phil spends time will his wife Patsy and their two active sons, Brandon and Sean. The entire family enjoys the outdoors and fly-fishing in particular. It is common for Phil's travels to include his family on his speaking engagements and fishing trips.

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PENTICTON

FLYFISHERS

Annual Dinner, Awards and Auction ELKS Hall

on Martin St

Saturday, March 14 5:30 Wet Bar, Dinner 6:30 Tickets are $20.00 per person Tickets available from Tom Dellamater or the Executive Must be purchased in Advance Everyone is Welcome

Ministry of the Environment Central Okanagan Club Meeting Tuesday, March 10, 2008 - 6:30 pm to 9:45 pm Holiday Inn, Westbank Club Members are Encouraged to Attend

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BIG WHITE— KETTLE RIVER WATER DIVERSION

Members, the Big White Water Diversion issue continues to play out with the various Ministries appearing to be in favour of this destruction of the Kettle watershed in order to accommodate a tourist facility. Below is an email I received from Fred Marshall who was responsible for bringing this issue to my attention some months ago. He continues to play a very important part in fighting this move. The government continues to insist that the amount of water to be diverted represents less than .2% of the total flow of the Kettle during spring freshet as measured at Midway but fails to tell us what it means to the three feeder streams they wish to drain. Of interest is the provincial government has no measuring devices on the entire Kettle system so it’s a wonder how they can come up with this number. More pressure needs to be placed on this issue and I ask that you send your letters of protest in to the various Ministers and your own MLA. Friends:

Feb 16/09

As per the attached letter from the Ministry of Environment in response to our letter of objection/concern re Big White's water application, the MOF is bent on approving this application. There is little else we can do to stop this application from going ahead and being approved by the MOE at least relative to appealing to the MOE; they have their minds made up and obviously have the Liberal government's support to approve Big White's expansion. This is evidenced by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture's letter to the Ski Hills encouraging them to apply for the water in the first place. (As per attached letters from Psyche Brown).

This is especially true if our Regional District is in favour of Big White's expansion; such a stance by our local Government puts them in a position of direct opposition to ours and in conflict (a hypocritical view) with what they say themselves---i.e. that they oppose approval of Big White's water application. Do they really; or is the lure of more tax revenues more important to them?

Obviously, if the Regional District approves of Big White's revised OCP to double their existing capacity from ~ 16,000 bed nights to ~ 32,000 bed nights accompanied by increased snow making capacity and the development of a golf course then they will inherently be approving Big White's water application and putting economic growth (the Interests of Big Business) before the interests of their main constituents and the environmental values involved. From what I understand, the RDKB is proceeding along an inevitable path of approving Big White's revised OCP! Perhaps we should deal with our Regional District via voicing our objections to this huge expansion in the upper reaches of our watershed, the environmental impacts of which will be virtually irreversible. To date, the people of the Boundary have given tacit approval to whatever Big White wanted to do in our watershed. The time and stage of development of Big White's mountain complex has been reached when----- Enough is Enough! Bigger and more is not in the best interests of either our watershed or environment nor therefore in the best interests of the people of the Boundary.

The support of all the local communities in the lower Boundary also needs to be encouraged. The future well being of everyone who lives in the Boundary is at stake.

Your comments would be appreciated.

Fred Fred Marshall

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Send your emails to the following, Ministry of the Environment Minister Barry Penner Email to: Barry.Penner@gov.bc.ca Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Minister Ron Cantelon Email to: Larry.Pederson@gov.bc.ca Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Bill Bennett Email to: TSA.Minister@gov.bc.ca Premier Campbell Email to: Premier@gov.bc.ca

PENTICTON FLYFISHERS

This article appeared in the Kelowna Daily Courier on Feb 14/09 Editors Note: The government says that .2% of the flow would not have an impact, yet their own Ministry staff are warning of water shortages for this year and this before Big White has started to store water. Who is right??

LOCAL Below-normal snowpack still has time to recover before spring

By Staff Saturday, February 14, 2009

Unusual weather patterns continued in January, which means the snowpack in the Southern Interior remains significantly below normal at 60-75 per cent.

After early snowfalls from November to mid-December, a Pineapple Express brought the first significant snowfall to the Okanagan, Similkameen, Kettle and Kootenay valleys in December and early January, said Allan Chapman, head of the Environment Ministry‘s river forecast centre in Victoria.

Since then, the weather in the southern half of the province has remained cold and dry.

If low snowpacks persist in the Okanagan, Kettle, Similkameen, Nicola and Kootenay basins for the remainder of the winter, these areas might experience below-normal stream flow and water supply during the summer, he warned.

Intense and variable weather patterns across the province during the past three months have affected snow conditions in all locations.

While early winter storms brought heavy snow to the north, the southern parts of the province remained generally dry until mid-December, when further storms resulted in substantial snow accumulation in the Interior valleys.

On average, close to two-thirds of the winter‘s snowpack accumulates by Feb. 1.

However, Environment Minister Barry Penner notes that with two more winter months to go, snow conditions could still change before the spring melt.

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2009 FISHOUTS

Link Lake May 22,23 & 24

Salmon Lake Sept 11 to 14

Idelback Lake June 19 & 20

Darke Lake May 30

Put Your Lake Here Let the Exec Know What Lakes You Want To Go To This Year.

We need more fish out lakes for this summer.

We need more fish out lakes for this summer.

Give us some ideas.

Kettle River July every weekend

Leighton Lake and Tunkwa Lake Aug 8,9 & 10

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Pink SALMON Wild pink salmon is the most abundant of all Pacific salmon species. In North America, pinks are found as far south as Puget Sound and as far north as the Mackenzie River. In Asia, they are found as far north as the Lena River in Siberia and as far south as southern Japan. Pinks are also plentiful in the Sea of Okhotsk which is fished by China, Russia, Japan and other nations. Pink salmon live only two years and have a relatively simple life cycle.

Of all salmon, except chums, pinks spend the least time in fresh water, drifting downstream to the sea as soon as they emerge from the gravel.

They are also the smallest and shortest lived of all Pacific species with a life span of just two years. As a result, their migration pattern is the least wide-ranging, keeping them close to shore for the two years they spend in the ocean. Adults leave the ocean in the late summer and fall and usually spawn in streams not fed by lakes, a short distance from the sea.

Males on the spawning grounds develop an extremely humped back (giving all pinks the market name of "humpback") and both sexes change colour from bright silver to pale gray on the back with a white to yellow-

ish belly.

Small volumes of pink salmon are caught by trollers; these fish are usually bled on board and held in refrigerated sea water or sometimes even glazed and frozen at sea making them the premium end of the catch. Because of the swiftness of the season and the fragility of the flesh, the majority of pinks (about 75 per cent) are caught by seine vessels and most of that catch is canned. While it is possible to farm pink salmon, their low value and abundance in the wild have made farming impractical to date.

Pink salmon are the smallest of the five wild species, usually running between two and six pounds, so they are easily identified. They have very small scales and are more

rounded in shape than other species.

They also have large spots on the back and tail; often the spots on the tail are oval in shape. The flesh colour of pink salmon is, as might be expected, pink. The colour is paler than the meat of most other salmon and lacks the distinctive orange tint characteristic of other salmon species. The meat is also softer than that of other species.

Scrappy fighters, the pink salmon can be successfully pursued with rods in the 6 to 8 weight class. When using the lighter gear, a reel with a good drag is a must. A weight forward floating line is usually the best choice. Pinks readily bite on a large variety of flies, including top water offerings. Tried and true producers such as the Humpy Hooker, Lead Eyed Egg Sucking Leech, and the Pink Starlite Leech should be in every pink angler's arsenal.

Pinks are available from JulyAugust along the Vancouver ocean beaches, Squamish River valley and then during September and early October in the Fraser river valley.

Source: Internet Bruce Turnbull

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Picture Gallery

PENTICTON FLYFISHERS

Horsefly River

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CLASSIFIEDS For sale– Extended side mirrors for a Ford pick-up. Last on a 2002 F150. They extend your view out so if hauling a trailer you can see better. They can be put on and taken off in seconds. Very easy and they work very well. Contact Bruce at 493-7386 if interested.

For Sale—Antique fly rod made by Shakespere, Cane, three pieces, 1930 vintage, in reasonably good shape. Asking $2,000.00 O.B.O. Please call Chuck in Westbank, 250 -769-4193.

Wanted—Pictures, locations and descriptions of damage to the wilderness caused by off road vehicles. See Bruce.

Lost—A good fishing story went missing and we would like the members to search long and hard to see if they have one in themselves that they would like to share. Send your story and pics if you have them to the Editor. He would appreciate the help with upcoming newsletters.

CALENDAR of EVENTS March 05—General meeting and further discussion on this years fish outs. Look for a presentation by Gary McLaughlin on the Granby Provincial Park. See notice on Page 7 for more details.

March 12—Fly tying night. Time 7 pm bring your tying gear or come to watch and learn. Location is the usual meeting spot.

March 14 - Annual Dinner, Awards & Auction. ELKS Hall on Ellis St. Time 5:30 wet bar, 7 pm dinner followed by the awards presentations and then the fundraiser auction.

March 19—Executive meeting at Phil Rogers home. Time 7 pm.

Mar 21—Phil Rowley Fly tying seminar. See notice in this newsletter.

April 02—General meeting time 7 pm at the Old CPR Station on Hastings St. April 9—Fly tying night or perhaps something completely different. Its up to the members to tell the exec what they would like to see or have at these gatherings.

www.bcfff.bc.ca

April 16—Executive meeting at Phil Rogers house. Time 7 pm.

May 7—General meeting. Time 7 pm.

www.bcwf.bc.ca

Tying and Fishing Techniques

SCUDS Hook: TMC 2457 14-8 Thread: 6/0 to match dubbing colour Body: Shades of olive, yellow, lime or tan dubbing Shellback: Scudback color to match body or clear.

Rib: Silver or copper wire.

Legs: Dubbing from body well picked out.

• • • • •

Tie in shellback, and ribbing.

Make a dubbing loop and wrap dubbing along shank of hook.

Pull shellback forward over dubbing and tie it down with thread, and trim..

Wrap silver ribbing over shellback and ribbing.

Tie off the silver ribbing,

•

trim, whip finish and head cement.

Using a bodkin pull out dubbing on the underside of the fly. Make sure not to pull on the silver ribbing.

Scuds are shrimp-like, freshwater crustaceans. They can occur in huge numbers in lakes and in slackwater sections of rivers. When present, they offer trout a delicious morsel that's hard to resist.

Scuds favour weedy areas, but can be found in other places as well.

Because they are sensitive to light, the best times to fish an imitation are on overcast days and near dawn and dusk. A healthy scud population results in large trout with deep bellies.

Scuds swim in spurts. Each spurt is 6 -12 inches, and there is a pause between each. So on a stillwater lake, use a sinking or intermediate line and retrieve the fly with short strips, pausing between each strip.

Bruce Turnbull Bruce Turnbull

The Penticton Flyfishers meet the first Thursday of every month except July and August when we meet at nearby fishouts. Club meetings begin at 7 pm at the “OLD CPR” Train Station on Hastings St., and everyone is welcome. Membership costs $40 per year (Junior membership is free) and includes membership in the B.C. Federation of Fly Fishers, the B.C. Wildlife Federation, The Federation of Fly Fishers (International), and the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance (OSCA).

The club is registered as a society and its function is to promote the sport of fly fishing, to educate, and to conserve and protect the environment.

The club is actively involved in conservation projects throughout the Okanagan and surrounding areas. If you would like more information about the club, its membership, projects and programs, please call any member of the Executive (see inside front cover).