Event Description:
This single day Saturday trip is designed for both new members to the TVFF Club, as well as those that are novices and wish to refresh their knowledge with basic fly fishing techniques.
The full day session primarily focuses intently on learning the skills to be successful in three different fly fishing disciplines. While not primarily focused on actually catching fish this particular day, we are hopeful that in the course of the training we may find a few willing examples. Thus, the session may not be appropriate for those simply looking to get out for a day of fishing. Maximum class size is limited to the first nine registrants.
The session will be held on the North Fork of the Stanislaus river above Dorrington and Arnold at the Sourgrass Day Use area approximately 3 miles down a paved road into the canyon off Highway #4 (no 4WD required). The June 29, 2019 date is predicated upon estimated safe and sane flows in the river at that time, and the trip may be postponed if water flows don't permit. The trip to our meeting area at the Day Use Area is approximately 2.5 hours from Livermore which will make for a full day.
The class will be taught by several experienced TVFF members with three separate sessions designed to equip novices with the knowledge and skills to fish effectively with dry flies, nymphing under indicators, and with large streamers. Students will be required to bring their own rods, reels, waders, tackle, lunch, and flies; however there will be club owned rods and reels available to those that need equipment. A full list of what is necessary to bring will be forwarded to each student two weeks prior to the session.
The class will be broken into three simultaneous groups (maximum of 3 per group) for approximately two hour rotating sessions with the following curricula:
Dry fly curriculum:
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How to set up a dry fly rig (leader & tippet) for both dry flies and dry dropper approaches.
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How to read the water for potential fish holding and feeding locations
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Selecting the right fly for both prospecting and hatch situations
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How to wade into position correctly and safely, and landing fish
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How to determine the proper dry fly presentation and how to execute correctly
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Using line mending and presentation techniques to reduce drag
Nymphing curriculum:
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How to set up and determine the right leader, tippet, and weight for nymphing
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How to read the water for potential fish holding and feeding locations for nymphing
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When and why you might use an indicator and advantages of each type of indicator
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Selecting the right nymph(s) with single and multiple nymph offerings
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Proper nymphing strike hooksets and line mending to reduce drag
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How to determine the proper nymph presentation and how to execute correctly
Streamer curriculum:
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Setting up a streamer specific leader and tippet, and why
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Determining when to use a streamer and reading the water
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Types of streamers and selecting the right offering
- How to get the streamer down to the fish and streamer fishing objectives
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Casting and presenting a streamer and stripping options
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Using the right streamer hook set (lift and strip set)
Cost:
A minimal cost of $40 per student will be assessed. Guests that are not currently TVFF club members can participate with paying the class fee plus a $45 TVFF Club membership fee. Guests however must be approved by the Fishmeister and existing Club members will have priority for open enrollment.
Fishmeister: Kent McCammon, (925)216-1776; reeltrout1@att.net
Accommodations and Food:
Both camping at Sourgrass Crossing (Wakalu Hep Yo (Wild River)) Campground as well as hotel accommodations are available in Arnold and Murphy's for those that wish to make this an overnight trip, and possibly fish the river the following day.
Students should bring their own lunch to have on the river during the lunch break as there are no nearby facilities. For those that are interested there will be a voluntary post class dinner at Snowshoe Brewing Company in Arnold after departure from the river. Those wishing to depart for the trip home after the class are free to do so based upon their individual schedules and requirements.
Gear, Tackle, and Pre-Requisites:
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4 or 5 weight rod and reel with similar fly line and backing installed
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Waders and boots, or wet wading in cold water (although not recommended)
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Basic casting proficiency (Gary Turri can assist if you need to improve your casting)
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Basic three knot proficiency (Clinch, Perfection loop, Surgeons knots)
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Selection of leaders, tippet, split shot weights, and flies (list to follow)
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Pre-rigging at home prior to your first assigned session (directions to follow)
