CFFU: Outing Report

Outing Reports

October 18-20, 2019: Upper Sac Outing Report
by Craig Williams
October 18-20 in Dunsmuir we enjoyed a beautiful weekend with fall colors and the start of the October Caddis emergence. It’s my suspicion that there were so many large Caddis coming to the surface that they were intercepted by hungry trout gorging themselves impairing their appetites. This said the catching in general was a bit off relative to past times.
We had a great group and it was a great opportunity for me to learn of the extraordinary knowledge of fly fishing John Daniels has as we shared the lodging at Cedar Lodge.What a great presentation Ken Davis shared demonstrating the various bugs found in the river Saturday morning in the Dunsmuir City Park. We shared flies that would mimic the real bugs.I made an attempt to share Short Line Nymphing and Euro Nymphing with the group but as it turned out I demonstrated how to snag the bottom with both techniques. Something I usually instruct how not to do. Also, next time I will make sure I turn my head to speak more directly to the audience rather than the river. Sorry for that.We then spread out through river helping folks wanting to learn the Short Line Nymphing technique.It was reported that John Daniels helped one new member for almost 2 hours expanding on all aspects of fishing the river and finally hooking up using the short Line Nymphing. I helped another novice fisherman until he got the hang of Short Line Nymphing. Mike Williams also helped others as he is always willing to do. A welcomed surprise appearance on the river ready to fish was my ole fishing partner and pioneer of the Short Line Nymphing, Ron Rabun. For all of us who knew and loved Ron’s all-time companion, Jack (his wonderful Labradoodle), we sympathize with Ron’s loss in Jack’s recent passing. As usual our favorite dining establishments were well attended by all and I appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm in attending because it can be a chore securing reservations especially when we ask for separate tickets.I think the “hot stick” of the group was Jim Cardoza catching some nice wild fish Short Line Nymphing and utilizing his great assortment hand tied flieI was lucky this year on my various excursions to land some great trophy type fish but I think the excitement shown when Laurie shared her photo of the small McCloud Red Band she caught in Trout Creek during this outing would surely be a trophy-great job Laurie!
Thanks all for making this a memorable trip.​

June 2-3, 2018: Yuba Outing Report
by Mike Wigginton
On Saturday, June 2nd and Sunday, June 3rd CFFU had the opportunity to use the UC Sierra Foothills Research Station to access the Yuba River below Englebright Dam. This was originally scheduled for early March but the week before heavy rains came raising the flows and muddying the water so we were forced to postpone. The week before the June 2nd trip, the flow was a little high but the water was clear. As the trip approached the flows began to drop about a 100 cfs per day and on Saturday the flows had reached around 2000 cfs and the river looked good. Saturday’s group of 27 members hooked close to 40 fish while landing around 30 on everything from streamers to dry flies. Almost everyone that attended Saturday at least got a hook up including Rico Quarles landing his first trout on a fly rod. Saturday was some of the best fishing I’ve seen on the Yuba River in a long time. Sunday turned more typical for the 8 of us with the fish turning picky. Some fish were caught on stonefly nymphs (the big fish of the trip) and Fox’s Poopah but most came from small dry flies that had to match the hatch as well as have a good presentation. Even though it was hot both days it appears that everyone had a good time and everyone ate well thanks to Jeff Stephens working the BBQ and all the great side dishes.


June 9, 2018: Fuller Lake Outing Report
by Rich Kendall
We had another outing to the Fuller Lake on June 9th. There were 21 hearty souls who made the trek up I-80 to this High Sierra lake sitting at about 5200' in elevation. Although the water level was a bit low, we all jumped in our gear and headed out onto the water. While asking around to our members to see what was working and who was catching, it became very clear a certain grandson of Ken Giesser’s was on the fish hard. I believe by 8:30 Matt already had 15 to the net. In talking with others by the end of the day most members seemed to have caught some fish while just about everyone had some bumps throughout the day. Rainbows and German Browns were the fish caught. The average size seemed to be a bit longer this year than in the past. The wind blew in the clouds and the cold as the day went on, so we all enjoyed a nice lunch and time to chat. There was a nice mix of new and old members. Stories were told, flies discussed and tacos eaten. Thank you to Craig McCulloch for putting on the float tube clinic and discussion. Thanks to those who trekked up to make this outing a fun experience for all.
Get out on the water this summer!​

August 24-27
if you did not attend the 2017 Mammoth Outing, you missed a ton of fun and way better temps than we have in the Valley. (It was a real bummer to come back to 107°; after leaving 75 °).
Thursday most of the group arrived and a bunch of us fished Upper Twin Lake. The lake had been planted on the 20th.  Lots of conventional  fishers were doing ok , but the fishing was on the tougher side for us Bug Slingers.
  Friday we all met at the Crowley Fish Camp Gate at 6:45 to meet our guides. Most of the guides started fishing in the shallows of Mc Gee Bay. Lots of us had radios and the guides were texting each other. Fishing was not on fire, but we all caught some real nice fish. Some fishers did better than others (like always) & I believe Sam had the hottest rod at 17 nice Crowley Fish. After fishing, a big group of us met at the Village for food, music and even some dancing at Mammoth Rocks 2017; A Taste of the Sierra's .It was a Friday packed full of fun.
Even though the fishing was tough Thursday we figured we would try Twin Lakes again on Saturday.
We had a bunch of us on 2 of the 3 Twin Lakes trying our luck. I had seen a Spin Fisher catching a bunch on a 4 in. Red plastic worm so I pulled out my Squirmy Wormy ties (that I have never done much with). Well these things were getting grabs, but not always hooking fish and they eventually got torn apart. Mel and Sheila were having action until the worm tore off. We fished these under an indicator, with giving them movement.  Most of us got grabs but not a bunch of fish. Most of the fish were pretty small, although I did manage a 4+ lb.
  Dave, Laurie and Ken fished Rush Creek on Saturday and had a blast, although I forgot to ask how many were caught. Sam and Guy fished Crowley again and actually did better guiding themselves up the North Arm. Saturday  evening was our big potluck  at camp 46B .Everyone brought some great eats , with the main course being 41/2 lbs. of Tri-tip and Dads 6lbs. of Smoked Brisket , YUM !!
  THANK YOU BEV for organizing the Potluck AND Everyone for pitching in some GREAT STUFF!
Other places that were fished was Convict Lake, Mc Gee Creek, Rave Park Ponds (great park-like pond fishing & cheap too!)  & Gull Lake.Unfortunately  a trip to Devils Post Pile  got interrupted by truck problems for 2 of our members :(  Mike , I hope that all worked out !!
   I love Mammoth and all the great things around this area. While staying at the Bridges we saw some really Big Bucks and Shadow n Mom encountered a Big Black Bear on the way for a Shadow Potty Stop. : 0
  I know EVERYONE had a great trip!
    Thanks Again Everyone! Jeff
​
June 17: Fuller Lake
We had a tenacious group of about CFFUers that made the trek to Fuller. Upon arrival the reports were true the lake was down about 3 feet. It was a challenge to get into the water. What was different was there were lots of swirling and rising trout. The plant occurred on Thursday. The morning was a bit quiet with most if not all getting hits and or fish to hand. I know of one instance that saw Brandie best  a certain Rich Wilson for family bragging rights. Bob K. caught his first trout out of a float tube, I understand it was about 40" long and tipped the scales at 30lbs- 35lbs (tongue planted in cheek) as I understand it, Congrats Bob. Thank you to Loren for the dessert.  Lunch appeared to be successful with better success post meal. Many changes of flies and retrieve speed found a bit of good success. 
Thanks to all who came and participated. The mud was a tough barrier to get around. Thank you to Craig McCullough and Trevor G. for loaning gear. Thank you Jim Walker for all your help.
Rich Kendall - Fishmeister
​Remember- Nothing happens til someone throws a fly in the water!

June 10: North-North Fork of the American
Thanks to all for a great time on the North-North Fork. We had a large turnout for this small stream but, we quickly spread out and fun was had by all. The group was mixed with Tenkara and Light Western gear. Most everyone enjoyed catching these lively fish. Though fishing was slow, being that the water temperature was low, most caught between 1-5 fish. Thank you to Ken for the Entomology Lesson. We were all very impressed with the size and variety of bugs found in stream. Thanks to all that came and shared a fun day on the stream.
Trevor Segelke​-​Fishmeister

​April 22-23, 2017: Pyramid Lake 
The Pyramid Lake trip was a success this year with most people catching a fish and only one big splash (Thank you Jake!). Doug Ouellette’s clinic Friday night helped tremendously. We could all tie and rig our lines before the end and know how to actually catch a fish in Pyramid Lake. The chair/ladders were very nice and comfy. Doug's assistants were phenomenal according to most fishers and the crew of food preparers were on top of things. With the fair weather we really didn't expect anything but still pulled through and caught our share. As usual Val Adams, Mike Wigginton, Ken Davis and Jeff Howard caught the most.  If I missed someone with a higher catch, sorry. The T-shirts marking the occasion were a nice touch Doug!  Dinners on Friday and Saturday set the mood and I’m sorry Bill and Jake for the missed communication about the restaurant.  All in all, fun was had by all, and we will have to do it again next year.  I've signed half of you up already. Thanks to Shelia Cavanagh, Julie Kaye, Mike Mcbride, Toni Granico and Jeff Howard for all your help! 
​Meloney Welborn- fishmeister                                                                 

April 9-11, 2017: Lower Sacramento
We all know California needed water this year. Mother Nature came through with more than enough. I planned this trip a little earlier this year to get into a good March Brown and PMD hatch. I set the dates last October; I could only hope everything would work out. The Lower Sac was flowing at 10,000 cfs (which is about 4,000 higher than we would like). The water was very cloudy, but at least it was more green than brown. The cloudy conditions forced guides to use egg patterns instead of nymphs for better visibility.  I did try a Dark Lord and a Black Doomsday below the egg and all it produced was a salmon smolt.
We had 30 members floating over a three day period: four boats on Sunday, five boats on Monday and six boats on Tuesday. We had good weather Sunday and Monday, but the largest group on Tuesday fished in the rain all day. The average number of fish to net was 10-12 for each fly fisher (with many LDR's and misses).So in a perfect world we all had a chance at 20 or more, which was amazing, considering the water conditions. Some very nice 20 to 22 inch fish were caught. The group was spread out in five different hotels in Redding and Anderson. A large group of us met for a great dinner, fish stories and spirits both Sunday and Monday night. That was fun! I'm pretty sure that everyone had a better float trip than they expected. I'm glad we are NOT going this weekend, as the flows just bumped up from 10,000 cfs to 20,000. OUCH!
Tight Lines., Jeff Howard
 March 31-April1, 2017: Pyramid Lake, NV
Pyramid is often a lake of extremes.  Extreme weather, extreme fishing, and often extreme confusion.  At the end of March, a hapless band of misfits, decide to test their mettle against this fount of frustration, and oddly enough were rewarded for their efforts.  The cast of characters this time around included the usual suspects, in no particular order (apologies if I miss someone):  Jake ‘catches fish in his sleep’ Mater, Robert ‘counting the days until retirement’ Rountree, Ken ‘dawn patrol’ Giesser, Trevor ‘the noob’ Segelke, Phil ‘the quiet man’ Shipley, Paul ‘the bugger’ Wooley, Jeff ‘where’s Ernie’ Howard, Bill ‘never again’ Ozawa, Paul ‘dawn patrol wingman’ Wisheropp, and the author.  This motley collection of characters were ready for whatever Pyramid could throw at them, and with exceptional guile, fortitude, and a bit of luck, they managed to pool their collected experience and find fish.

The advanced party arrived Thursday to not uncommon conditions -- 25 mph winds with 45 mph gusts, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow and sleet.  The fishing as you might expect was pretty good that first day but as the conditions improved, the fishing started to wane.  Friday the wind abated a bit and a nice overcast sky kept the fish in close and everyone did pretty well with an average of 4-5 fish per rod.  No really big fish were caught, but both Trevor and his friend Mike managed to get their first fish at Pyramid, and they will both undoubtedly be back for more.  Saturday the skies cleared, the wind died down, and the fishing died with it.  Fish were landed but it was a lot of work for very few to hand, and some only landed non-target species (Sacramento Perch).  The action slowed to the point that Jake decided to rest his eyes, only to be rudely awakened by yells of ‘set, set, set’.  Jake managed to land his fish with a casual aplomb that made it seem like he did this everyday...and for all we know, we may have stumbled upon his magical technique for catching fish.  Sunday was a carbon copy of Saturday, although Jeff managed to find the fish, a LOT of fish.  In fact, he caught so many, he wore out his arm landing them, and accordingly quit early for the long drive home.

Reports are the Tribe is already spawning fish, so the spring run is pretty much on schedule and the fishing should only improve in the coming weeks.  My suspicion is the fishing will continue to be good well into late-May, so those of you who missed this outing still have plenty of chances to experience for yourself the extremes of Pyramid. By John E. Daniels- Fishmeister
​

October 7-8, 2016: Fall River, CA
The Fall River is one of the prettiest and most peaceful places to fish. Our group stayed at the Circle 7 Ranch in four beautiful houses and had catered dinners on one of the decks overlooking the river. For those of you who missed the last dinner, it was delicious and an actual feast. The group consisted of Bob Roth, Greg Shaffer and friends Wes and Steve, Erik Bihovde, Robert Rountree, Nancy Yee, Val & Ron Adams, Bob Bettati, Andy Penn, George Lazor, Jim Kelley and son Ryan, Lorna and Armand  Carriveau,  friends Les and Signa, and Steve Rodda ...for a brief appearance. (Poor Steve had a flat on the way up so arrived late and had to leave early to get it fixed so no fishing for him.)  This is one of those places where one should bring everything they have to fish trout. The group as a whole probably threw at least 500 or more different flies to these finicky fish. Some of us did well and others were frustrated by the feeding fish all around them. If you were fortunate enough to land fish, they were big (many 20+ inches)! Definitely had to have the right fly and the right line depth at the right time.  Normally this is a great time to fish and the weather was perfect for our stay.  Everyone in attendance had a good time and agreed that we would go back to this beautiful place. In short, fishing is still fishing. -- Val Adams Outing Details (PDF)>
October 16, 2016: President's Outing
Special outing to thank those CFFU members who have earned their President’s Pin by participating in two or more community service, conservation, or leadership events. If you are unsure of your status, please contact Laurie at (916) 709-1309
Where: Lake Solano County Park, 8685 Pleasant Valley Road, Winters
Private Picnic Areas A&B (next to the boat ramp)
When: Sunday, October 16
  • 8:15-9:15 a.m.: Coffee and Donuts
Clinic by Mike Copithorne and Jordan Romney
“How to Maximize Your Lake Solano/ Putah Creek Fishing Experience”
  • 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Fishing in Lake Solano or Putah Creek. Jordan Romney will take any interested people to Putah Creek for a technique demonstration.
  • 12:30-1:30 p.m.: Lunch catered by the Buckhorn Steakhouse: barbequed chicken and beef ribs, potato salad, garden salad, baked beans, cornbread and ice tea (and I’ll bring brownies).
  • 1:30 p.m.: Continue fishing or socializing (park closes at 4:30 p.m.)

August, 2016: Mammoth Trip

All can say is; Mammoth has so much to offer that a long weekend is too short. The four of us arrived on Sunday 8/21. We tested water a couple times at our favorite spots for the girls to relax and the guys to fish a little. This became a run for the truck in early afternoon withdown pours. The T-Storms quit Wednesday, just in time for our relaxing day at Gull Lake and our Patio Boat Excursion. The fishing was hardly serious, although we managed a few. Thursday the group started rolling in and it was time to get serious about fishing. With the weather early in the week, it was tougher fishing than we would have liked and I missed my 2 grabs on Upper Twin Lake. Friday all members had about 10 options or ideas to fish with 3 spots to meet if they were not fishing the Crowley Guided Trip. The Crowley Trip was great for most of the boats. I counted grabs and my total was 13 and only landed 7. Sheila and Russ did well with 12 and 28, Meloney had a bent rod the whole time it seemed like ( while we were close ) I think Meloney and Laurie got 12-15 to the boat, each. Sam and Guy did really well, with 40 to the boat. Mike and Craig got 35 or so. Joe and Andy did not get a ton of fish, although I was told Joe got a #5 and #6.Betty and Keith hooked around 18 and unfortunately only 10 made to the net. Luckily the fishing had started to turn back on after the weather had shut it down for more than a few days. Most of the Fish caught were Rainbows, Browns and Cutthroats. After Fishing; a BIG Group of 14 Members and Spouse's met at the Mammoth Rocks, a Taste of the Sierra's Event. We had a Great time listening to a Johnny Cash cover Band. Enjoying great food and Drink. At 8pm; In The Led came out and the Volume Cranked. I missed a great shot of Meloney covering her ears.) Needless to say, it was too loud for Shadow and the rest of us. Saturday 9 of us fished Twin Lakes for the 2 Fly Event. The Fish had been planted on Friday afternoon Russ told us. Many convetional guys were doing well. These were super healthy fish and grabbed super hard. Russ Heckley took the Pot of Cash, landing 7of those feisty fish. Prior to the Potluck Saturday a bunch of Natural Tied Flies were created. The flies created were Awesome; with the 3 judges choosing the fly Tied by Keith And Betty Pfeifer as the Natural Tie Winner.Great Job you 2! Ernie Gulley blessed us with his presents and even offered to help numerous times. Ernie is the Guide I called to arrange the other 5 Guides needed. I had to apologize to him for being a little busy; although many of the group had lots of questions for him. Everyone brought a ton of Great Creations for Consumption and we all had a Ball. Saturday Am some members went to fish creeks. Betty and Keith went to Devils Post Pile and then fished the beautiful headwaters of the San Joaquin River with their 3 Wts. This is a Beautiful Stretch and if your ever there; you must see Rainbow Falls. Laurie and Ken went to the June Lake area to fish Rush Creek and explore. I believe they captured a few little ones on there hike. Craig and Brenda seen Hot Creek and also visited June Lake Brewery. I'm hoping I'm not forgetting anyone. I was waiting awhile for more reports; at leased I know some of the group got to see a small amount of the Reason's We Annually go to Mammoth. Thank You Everyone for the great food and your help. Thank You Mike Williams ( Asst. Fishmeister ) for organizing the Potluck

May 15-17, 2016: 5 Dot Reservoir, CA

Fishing and overnight campout with guide, Doug Ouellette, Cal-Vada Flyfishing.
  • Contact: Tim Au-Young, Fishmeister
  • Who: Any CFFU member, minimum of 10 people.
  • Where: 5 DOT Reservoir, 15 miles NE of Susanville, CA, off Highway 139.
  • When: Arrive Sunday, May 15,  fish on Monday and Tuesday, May 16 and 17.
  • Meals: Potluck
  • Cost: Normal price for the fishing is $495, including a clinic; that includes 2-3 full days and his presence all day as his clinic. I have negotiated a half price deal, $250 which includes the 3 days of fishing and his clinic.
  • Fishing: This is a working cattle ranch with the lake being well over 400 acres. I have fished it three times, and would strongly suggest that you have a motorized vessel, like a trolling motor, or bring your boat. The fish are part steelhead in genetics with standard size fish starting in the 18” range, that do come up and out of the water.
    I prefer swinging nymphs, but indicator fishing is highly successful. Doug’s clinic there on the water will educate you to his way of indicator nymph fishing, which is very unique, successful, and something worthwhile to learn, specific for 5 DOT. The lake has weed beds that if you can read water, is a highly likely place to start fishing. Standard 5-6 wt rods with floating lines, intermediate and s3-s6 lines work very well, with some people throwing full sink lines to get to the bottom. There is grass growing below so dredging the bottom will end up with lots of de-weeding.
NOTES:
  1. Having a vessel with a motor is a very high priority, either a boat with motor, or a trolling motor. The reservoir is 428 acres, too much to row.
  2. Recommended hotel - Diamond Mountain Casino, 900 Skyline Road, Susanville, CA 96130.
  3. Camping at the location is bringing your RV, or tent camping.
  4. No running water.
  5. Outhouse only, no showers.
  6. Camping in the shade is very nice and maybe a half mile from where most people launch their vessels. Some people leave their boats in the launch area overnight if they are staying for a couple of days or so. Most people merely trailer their boats back to their camping area.
  7. NO CAMPFIRES on the Ranch!
Contact: Dave Tevlin
REPORTS ON THIS PAGE
August: 2017 Mammoth
​June 17: Fuller Lake
June10: North-North Fork
​April 22-23: Pyramid Lake
April 9-11: Lower Sacramento
March 31-4/1: Pyramid Lake
October 7-8: Fall River, CA
October 16: President's Outing
​August:, 2016 Mammoth
May 15-17: 5 Dot Reservoir, CA