OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POTOMAC VALLEY FLY FISHERS
Streamlines
Volume 12, No.5 May 2003
1
UPCOMING EVENTS:
May13 Niles Primrose, Aquatic Entomology, Maryland School for the Deaf
7 p.m.
May 17 Workday and stocking at Trout Pen, 7:30-10:00 a.m.
May 17 Fly Tying Demo, Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center, Thurmont 10 – 2pm
May 20 Fly Tyer’s Roundtable
Hobbytown, Frederick, MD
7 p.m.
May 25 PVFF Outing, Piney Run Park, Carroll County, 1 p.m.
May 27 Board of Directors, Mt. Airy Library, Mt. Airy, MD 7p.m.
June 10 Joe Bruce, Maryland School for the Deaf
7 p.m.
May Program by Ted Bruszewski
Our program this month is Niles Primrose from the Maryland DNR. Niles is a benthic ecologist with DNR since 1985. A benthic what? A benthic ecologist studies the ecology of the stream bottom, also known as the benthos. A part of that skill is being an aquatic entomologist using aquatic insects and other aquatic invertebrates like scuds as indicators of water quality. Ron Graunke met Niles at the Little Pipe Creek Park dedication in Union Bridge last fall where Niles put on an aquatic entomology display as part of the park’s dedication proceedings.
Niles is also a fly fisherman. He admits to his first fly rod experience in 1975, first bass on a fly 1976, first trout on a fly 1986, first bonefish on a fly 1988, and first dolphin on a fly 2000.
Niles will be talking about aquatic entomology and identifying various aquatic insect and other aquatic life that trout and other fish use for food. So, if you want to sharpen your aquatic insect identification skills we have the speaker for you.
April Program by Ted Bruszewski
Steve Sedler of Bel Air Maryland
presented a talk on salmon and steelhead fishing across North America. Steve shared his adventures with us from fishing for steelhead in New York, Michigan and the West Coast to Alaska and back again salmon fishing from Alaska, back to the West Coast, through the Great Lakes and up to the Canadian Maritimes for Atlantic Salmon. His program was fun and informative. He shared his favorite patterns and tactics with us as well. Steve is a long time member of Maryland Fly Anglers and a former member of PVFF. Again, Steve thanks for a great program.
We also thank Al O’Keefe for his tying demonstration. Good job Al, we appreciate it.
Service Opportunities for Members
Mark May 17 on your calendars to help the club out. There are two things happening that weekend. First, Catoctin Mountain Park asks us annually to come demonstrate fly tying during the Brotherhood of the Junglecock Weekend activities in the Park. Tommy Marks chairs this event and needs volunteers to help tie. If you can help him tie flies for a few hours call him at 301-829-2059. It is fun and you get to meet many interesting people.
Randy Inmon (301-662-4616) needs help at the trout pen beginning at 7:30 a.m. He will be releasing trout into Carroll Creek then working on the pens. Please call him and let him know of your interest.
Piney Run Outing by Eric Thesing
The Potomac Valley Fly Fishers first fishing outing is at Piney Run Reservoir scheduled for Sunday, May 25th. Members should meet at the parks snack shack right next to the boat ramp at 1pm.
Piney Run Reservoir is a 300-acre lake located in Southern Carroll County’s picturesque horse country. The lake offers rental boats and a ramp to launch your own. If you have an electric trolling motor bring it so you can turn a rental rowboat into your own personal bass boat. The park also offers hiking trails, play grounds and picnic areas. The club will sponsor a picnic area for wayward club members looking for snacks and soda in between catching fish. Check the following website for information park information: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/fwhotpineyrunpk.html.
The reservoir has a diverse selection of fish including Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Muskie, Catfish, Perch and even Stripers. Club member, Eric Thesing will be available as a guide to point out all his favorite spots. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy fishing at one of the most beautiful and underutilized local fishing destinations. Members are encouraged to bring their families along. The Park charges a nominal entrance fee.
Directions to Piney Run:
From Baltimore: From 695 take Exit 18 West (Rt. 26). Continue on Rt. 26 past Rt. 32. Take left onto White Rock Road. Take left onto Martz Road to park entrance.
From Frederick: From I-70E take MD Rt. 97 North toward Westminster. Continue north on Rt. 97 to Rt. 26. Take Rt. 26 East towards Eldersburg. Take right onto White Rock Road. Take left onto Martz Road to park entrance.
Electronic Copies of the PVFF
Newsletter by Chuck Dinkel
Beginning with the May Streamlines, we will electronically mail to all those have given PVFF their e-mail address plus it will also be available on the PVFF website. For those who do not have e-mail you will continue receiving a hard copy like you always have.
All e-mail addresses those members provided were made into one e-mail list. If you provided an e-mail address and did not get it electronically then contact Pete Cook @301-865-3510 because experience has taught that some addresses may be incorrect for whatever reason. A call to Pete with your correct e-mail address will probably take care of the majority of problems.
Quotes from the FFF Club Wire
Give a man a fish and he will have dinner. Teach a man to fish and he will be late for dinner.
The fisherman has a harmless, preoccupied look; he is a kind of vagrant that nothing fears. He blends himself with the trees and the shadows. All his approaches are gentle and indirect. He times himself to the meandering, soliloquizing stream; he addresses himself to it as a lover to his mistress; he woos it and stays with it till he knows its hidden secrets. Where it deepens his purpose deepens; where it is shallow he is indifferent. He knows how to interpret its every glance and dimple; its beauty haunts him for days.
- John Burroughs, 1886
Fly-Fishing helps you understand just how unimportant your big real life problems really aren't.
- Keith Myers
Fly Tyer’s Roundtable by Pete Cook and Terry Alexander
Fly Tyer’s Roundtable will resume 20 at Hobbytown in Frederick beginning at 7 p.m. Terry Alexander will lead us in tying the Letort Cricket and foam beetle.
We are featuring the instructions for the Letort Cricket as our fly of the month. Below are the materials needed to tie a Letort Cricket in the Fly of the Month Column. There will be extra materials if you do not have these materials.
Here is the remaining schedule for 2003.
May 20 Letort Cricket/Foam Beetle
June 24 Weighted nymphs
Please sign up at the May 13 meeting or call Pete Cook @ 301-865-3510 or Terry Alexander @301-695-6034 if you wish to participate.
FLY OF THE MONTH
(photo from E. Hille Angler’s Supply House Website)
Shenk’s Letort Cricket
Hook: Size 10 -18
Thread: 6/0 Black
Body: Black fur-dubbing
Wing: Black dyed goose quill
Head: Spun black deer hair
Tying Crickets:
Prepare the wing. Trim the goose quill in a broad V and coat with Fleximent. Wrap the first half of the hook with thread. Dub the fur body and attach the wing. Spin deer hair to form the head. Whip finish and shape the head. Secure the thread with cement.
Fishing Crickets
Larger terrestrials usually hit the water with a splash. So, cast your cricket so that it “splats”. Fish crickets near overhanging grass, undercut banks, and under overhanging trees and shrubs.
Strikes can be hard and sudden. A 9- to 12-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X will work well with smaller flies. A 3X tippet prevents break-off during the strike with larger, size 10 & 12, crickets.
Tying instructions and article from Newscaster Vol. 3 No. 8 August 1998 , -Overmountain Chapter Trout Unlimited
2003 International Conclave and Show - from FFF Club Wire
Seldom does the opportunity arise to combine a truly unique fly fishing experience with a great family vacation, yet that is exactly what the 2003 Federation of Fly Fishers Conclave and Show represents. It will be held at the Shilo Inn in Idaho Falls, Idaho, from August 4-9, 2003, on the banks of the beautiful Snake River only two hours from both Yellowstone Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and there's something for every member of the family.
The theme for this year's Conclave is The Legends of Fly Fishing, those individuals who have dedicated themselves to the sport and made significant contributions over the years. The individuals who will be honored include Leon Chandler, formerly of the Cortland Line Company; Mel Krieger of fly casting instruction fame; Steve Rajeff, the Tiger Woods of fly casting, and Mel's greatest pupil; Bud Lilly, the famed proprietor of the Bud Lilly Fly Shop in West Yellowstone, Montana; Joan Wulff, the first woman of fly fishing; Mark Sosin; Henry Hoffman; Joe Humphreys; Mike Lawson; Jack Dennis; Bob Jacklin; Craig Mathews; Maggie Merriman; and Charles Jardine. It's a rare event when so many of the individuals who have been instrumental in making the sport what it is today actually gather in one place.
In addition to numerous programs and approximately 60 workshops, other unique facets of this event include the Women's Program, created by and directed by women for women, and the Youth Conclave. There will also be a Bamboo Rod Building Symposium featuring many of the top rod builders in North America; and, a New Products Symposium featuring manufacturer presentations on today's best new fly fishing equipment.
With $100,000 in advertising, this Conclave is likely to be the most heavily attended in recent years.
Go to the new FFF Conclave web site at http://www.fffconclave.org to get more information on the Programs and Workshops, the lodging in the area, and other key insights into what should be the finest FFF Conclave and Show in recent history.
Knowledge
Fly Fishing Quiz
1. In general floating lines designed for saltwater use are:
a. Greater in diameter than freshwater lines
b. Smaller in diameter than freshwater lines
c. More dense than freshwater lines
d. Both b and c
2. A ______is a change of direction cast, which is an alternative to the double spey cast and is useful with a left hand obstruction.
a. Single spey
b. Reverse loop
c. Double haul
d. Snake roll
3. When changing from a stiff rod to a soft rod, you would make the following adjustments in your cast:
a. Lengthen the casting stroke
b. Shorten the casting stroke
c. Decrease the drift time
d. No change is necessary
4. You typically cast a weight forward line, but find yourself at a great fishing spot with only a level line in your arsenal. How might you change your cast to lessen the turn over effect or 'kick' of a level line?
a. Speed up the casting tempo
b. Form a narrower loop
c. Form a wider loop
d. Both a and b
Answers:
1. (d); 2. (d); 3. (a); 4.(c)
(by Liz Watson of Northwest Women Flyfishers and International Women Flyfishers)
Wyoming Adventure by Pete Cook
The last two years I have been fishing Western Wyoming doing the Wyoming Cutt-Slam and FFF Cutt-Catch. I am planning on returning to Wyoming this August to fish for cutthroat trout once again. However, I hope to interest some members in joining me this year. Because in addition to being able to put you on four different subspecies of cutthroat trout, I would also like to take a day to assist the Wyoming Game and Fish people on their LaBarge Creek Project where they are seeking to restore a meta-population of Colorado cutthroat trout. If you are interested in going to Wyoming doing the Cutt-Slam and Cutt-Catch and wish to donate a day to conservation of the Colorado Cutthroat Trout, please contact Pete Cook @ 301-865-3510.
5
POTOMAC VALLEY FLY FISHERS
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
The purpose of the Potomac Valley Fly Fishers is (1) to promote fly fishing as the most sportsman-like and enjoyable way of fishing, and the most consistent with the preservation and wise use of our resources; (2) to provide advice, suggestions and assistance to club members; (3) to publicize the best practices and techniques of fly fishing, fly tying, fly casting and other related subjects; and (4) to maintain liaison with other organizations of sportsmen and conservationists. Membership Dues: $10.00, Family Dues: $15.00
The undersigned being in agreement with the above purpose does hereby apply for membership in the Potomac Valley Fly Fishers.
Applicant’s Name: ______Date: ______
(Last) (First) (Middle Initial)
Home Address: ______
(Street) (City) (State) (ZIP)
Home phone: ______Business phone: ______
E-mail address: ______
Applicant’s signature: ______
Are you now a member of the Federation of Fly Fishers? Yes______No______
Send membership applications and renewals to: Potomac Valley Fly Fishers
P. O. Box 3001
Frederick, MD 21705
-TEAR OFF AND RETURN-
POTOMAC VALLEY
FLY FISHERS
P. O. BOX 3001
FREDERICK, MD21705
www.pvflyfish.com
6