Riffles, Runs & Lies FEBRUARY 2005

President’s Message………………….

 It’s February, though you couldn’t tell it from the weather. Although most people are waiting anxiously for Punxsutawney Phil to declare spring has arrived, I for one wouldn’t mind a bit more snow. Beyond my need as a downhill skier to actually have snow on the ground, that snow base is a big help for spawners and smolt running to the ocean. The warm sunny days have allowed many to take advantage of steelhead and trout fishing to be had in the area. According to the Idaho Fish and Game rules, winter fishing is in full swing and will be open until March 31. Much of the Clearwater is open, as is the Lochsa to Wilderness Gateway. All fishing is catch-and-release except for brookies and whitefish. So read up on those rules and get yourself a fishing fix!

The annual Lie-and-Tie is February 12^th at the Clarkston Heights Grange hall. The doors will open around 9am, and we’ll probably try to close out by around 4pm. There will be a serve-yourself spaghetti feed with garlic bread and tossed salad. Tying will be downstairs, with some videos upstairs. Several of the members will be bringing extra poles for casting demonstrations. This is also a great opportunity to bring someone that’s interested in the club to a function - so bring a buddy.

Don't forget to get your 2004 dues paid. That is what gets your name in for the incentive drawing - only members who have their dues paid qualify for the drawing. We will draw the winner at the March 10^th meeting. Don't miss out on this.

Bill Lillibridge – President

February is a great month to have all of your fishing plans in place! It seems the winter was not as bad as the predictions....means the fish had more to eat...The next two months should be good steelhead fishing for all of us in the surrounding rivers. Although, I hear a few lucky ones had a GREAT year already! I have fished a few times this month, but have not been as fortunate. I am waiting to take my new rod out and get a record! J

Reports on the Grande Ronde say high and muddy. The fishing people I know there, said it was a little off colored to be in the fishing mode. I talked with a guy last week that four wheeled it down the Shoemaker grade, said his buddy caught 2. Word to the wise though, that grade can be nasty this time of year! I am sure several of you have been fishing there, but, when you have to chain all four tires up to get in and out....I think it is a bit much!

We sure need rain and snow, no matter what the driving conditions could be. I have been tying my favorite flies to use on some of my planned outings this year. Tom and I are planning a trip somewhere? Dave and I are going to make a trip to the Salmon early this spring. Both should be great fun.....hope to catch a fish or two. Make your plans to attend the spaghetti feed/lie and tie! We had such a good time last year and great food that we’re all looking forward to Gloria's sauce!! Same place, Clarkston Grange Hall

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I thought for those of you who have not attended a Tie ‘N  Lie that a better
explanation is warranted.  It is a get together of fly club members and their families.  We
also will welcome your invited guests.  It will be held at the Clarkston Grange Hall
beginning at 9:30 to approximately 3:00 P.M.  Come at any time convenient for you. 

Directions to Clarkston Heights Grange Hall:
    If you are coming from Lewiston, go across the Southway Bridge and remain on
Fleishman Way to the second exit to 13th St. and follow the directions below.
    If you are in Clarkston, see directions below.
Proceed South on 13th St. in Clarkston to Peaslee. Turn right on Peaslee to Rankin Hill
Rd. Left on Rankin Hill Rd. This becomes 6th Ave. Stay on 6th Ave. You will pass 2
trailer courts on your left, Sonary Crest and then Sunset Heights). Continue on 6th Ave to
Reservoir Dr. The Grange Hall is on the Southwest corner of 6th Ave and Reservoir Dr.
It is a one story bluish gray building.

    Several members will tie flies and demonstrate various techniques we use to
create different types of flies from small dries to streamers to spun deer hair bass and
steelhead flies. We have some very talented tiers and I am sure all will learn some useful
"secrets". Others will demonstrate various knots we use when fly fishing and others will
discuss rod building techniques.

    At about 1 pm we will serve a spaghetti dinner with tossed salad and garlic bread.
It is free to all attendees but we will gladly accept donations to help cover the costs of the
event. We will continue to serve until around 2:30 or until all have been served. In order
to serve all comers we would appreciate it if not all sat down at 1pm. We can serve
around 15-20 at a time.
   
    This is a fun get together and a great place to learn more about our beloved sport.
It is a great way for us to kick off another fishing season. SEE YA THERE!! Dave and Gloria Clark.

Dwight’s show will be on fly fishing South America for non sea going Rainbow and Brown Trout.  This is the land popularized by angling legends such as Joe Brooks and Ernest Schweibert, who wrote countless tales of Argentina’s fishing wonders.  Dwight promises to give us a good introduction to the Collon Cura River, its geography and resident wildlife.  This river is a large freestone river that collects many of the famous trout waters of Patagonia.  It starts to fish well in January with large grasshoppers, or by twitching large dry flies, however streamer fishing is the typical stand-by.   

Please post this calendar where it will remind you of club activities. When and if changes occur you will be notified in the newsletter. Mark your personal calendar so you can attend our club functions. Having a good time is what this is all about. If you have an addition or change you would like made, please notify a director or your president, and we will certainly consider it.

Riffles, Runs & Lies is edited by Zach Funkhouser on behalf of the Kelly Creek Flycasters. All club members are welcome to submit articles for inclusion into the club newsletter by contacting Zach at Zach-Bach84@cableone.net or by phone at (208) 743-0435.

Roland Pertwee

Club member Ginny Foote playing her first steelhead!