November 2011 President’s Line Elections are upon us! Bruce Garren has Volume 16 Issue 11 graciously agreed to be our election commit- Wichita, Kansas Last weekend, Steve Webb and I rode tee person. If you are interested in a position www.flatlandflyfishers.org north. We didn’t have an itinerary or a spe- with the board, or you are aware of someone cific destination in mind. That is to say, we who would be willing to serve as a board didn’t really even know where we were go- member (it would probably be a good idea if ing; we just figured we’d recognize it when INSIDE THIS ISSUE this wasn’t a surprise to the person nomi- we got there. Our meandering route took us nated), please contact Bruce and he will ac- over the dam at Kanopolis Reservoir. The knowledge your interest at the elections. So You Want north-bound lane of Hwy 141 going across The Winter Program is just around the the dam provides a decent view of the Seep corner – please mark February 18th on your To Be A Guide? Stream running parallel to the dam. The calendar and plan on coming to GPNC to see Page 2 & 3 view, such as it was, certainly wasn’t what a Dave Hughes – you will be glad you did! ———————————————— fisherman might hope for. There was more A couple of newsletters back, I think Fly Fishing Safety water in the stream than expected; but a there may have been a little rueful discourse Page 4 goodly portion of that water was a sickly over a fall trip to Colorado looking doubtful. ______green color from bank to bank – an algae Low and behold, a Colorado trip materialized Feathers in Fly Tying bloom out of control. Because of this water and it was (as always) very enjoyable. The quality issue, the Seep Stream will not be highlight for me was fishing RMNP; it was Page 5 stocked with trout until sometime in Novem- the peak of the rut for elk and they were eve- ______ber; if the cooler weather helps clear up the rywhere! In fact, they were even stopping Choosing the Best Fly algae problem. If it persists, stocking may be traffic in downtown Estes Park. The small Page 6 delayed until even later in the year. streams in the park are the epitome of the There are a number of waters that are nor- type of waters that I love to fish. If given the ______th mally stocked for the October 15 opening choice, I would Silent Auction day that will experience delayed stockings happily spend November Meeting until conditions improve. The list includes the rest of my Slough Creek in Sedgwick County Park, days plucking Facebook or Twitter Centennial Pond at KDWP Headquarters in Page 7 fish from the Pratt, the Seep Stream as mentioned above ______pockets, runs and at least a half a dozen other locations and riffles of Fly Fishing 101 Class scattered around the state. Make sure you these diminu- Club Information check the latest updates on the KDWP web- tive waters. Page 8 site before heading out to your favorite trout And it wasn’t only the elk in the mood for fishing spot; you may find the trout haven’t love, the brook trout were resplendent in arrived yet. their spawning colors and from what we wit- As you read this, the fall banquet will be nessed, eager for a little company as well – it Visit our website nothing but a pleasant memory (hopefully). I was a great time to be out amongst it all. We www. flatlandflyfishers.org/ want to take this opportunity to thank all who fished with Stephen Nance during our time in were involved in the planning, preparation the Rockies, and I must say, we should all be and execution of this proud of Stephen and how far he has pro- event – your efforts are greatly appreciated. I gressed. Stephen’s roots are in our club and would also like to apologize once again for he has become a very competent guide and Next Meeting the mix-up with the scheduling; I hope it did- fisherman, one who knows his home waters November 3, 2011 n’t prevent too many of you from participat- well. It was a pleasure spending time on the ing in the fun. water with him. Tight Lines, Gary 7:00 P.M. The date for the Flatland Fly Fishers Winter Program has been moved to Saturday, February 18, 2012 2 Flatland Fly Fishers

So You Want To Be A Guide Steve Webb

I don’t remember exactly where I first heard about a Things moved quickly that spring as the pull of be- young local guy, Stephen Nance, who had set his sights coming a guide overpowered Stephen’s normal kind of on becoming a fishing guide, a fly fishing guide no less. life and he chucked everything and headed to the far It was probably at the local fly shop because during that west on the promise of an apprentice guide job in Yo- time period I remember a sort of casual meeting while semite National Park. What I knew of Stephen’s pro- hanging out at the shop. If I have it right he had gone to gression as a fly fishing guide was now mainly through a school, made a connection somewhere along the way, friendship that had developed between himself and and had landed a marketing job at the homegrown out- Rory, a sort of long distance bond that developed door icon, the one whose name starts with a C and through a common love of fly fishing. Nothing im- whose assembly lines have cranked out a few green lan- proves any developing skill like constant repetition and I terns over the years. But even then at that “barely there” think that was what the California job provided but the meeting I could tell that maybe he was starting to figure lure of fishing closer to home plus the confidence built out that the corporate world wasn’t all it was cracked up through long hours on the water prompted a move to to be. I also got the feeling that this guide stuff was Estes Park, Colorado at the entrance to Rocky Mountain fairly serious because he was going to the Federation of National Park. Over the last couple of years Stephen has Fly Fishers Southern Council Conclave in Mountain started to make the transition to professional guide and it Home, Arkansas that fall and planned to take the certi- shows when he has come back home for the occasional fied fly casting instructor test. I made my first and so far visit during the winter and we have fished together. For only trip down to that October conclave also, and I re- the past year there has been one constant in our fly fish- member seeing him wandering the grounds with his par- ing conversations; when are you guys coming out? This ents in tow and wearing a nervous but confident smile year has been the one for those conversations to move that he would be able to make the grade. from talk to reality. Young Mr. Nance and I met again a couple of months For most of the summer talk of a fall trip to Colorado later at the annual club Single Fly contest on New had floated around our little group, Kendal, Rory, Gary, Year’s Day and I have to admit that although I knew he and me. We had made the early spring trip to Salida to had passed the certified casting instructor exam, I wasn’t chase the Mother’s Day hatch together and were joined certain the rest of fly fishing guide skills were up to by Stephen, who drove down from Boulder. This five snuff. Some club members had brought tying materials some seemed to mesh fairly well so naturally all kinds of and equipment that day and planned knock out a couple plans were laid to meet up in autumn and let the “guide” of flies and then head to the Slough and give them a test. show us the hot spots in and out of Rocky Mountain Na- Stephen was eager to join in and grabbed the cardboard tional Park. As the last two weeks of September ap- box that his new waders had come in but now contained proached though, this trip looked set to jump the tracks his meager tying kit, a disassembled vise, a few tying and be derailed by the chaos of modern life that can tools, and a small stash of feathers, hooks, and yarn. As seemingly stop any number of people from getting to- he struggled with the assembly order of the loose vise gether and not doing practically anything. parts, I was somewhat reluctant to ask if he needed help. Finally though he just looked up at me with a little boy “I give up” expression and I quickly showed him how it went together, thinking to myself, we all have to start somewhere. Fast forward a few years, actually just a few weeks ago, Stephen is going to show us a few guide flies. Imagine my suppressed chuckle as he drags out that same worn cardboard box, with a bigger hair ball of fly tying junk inside. At least he didn’t need my help to put the vise together.

Flatland Fly Fishers 3

With just a few days notice Gary was able to carve climbed Trail Ridge Road the sun was just setting on the out three days off so I reserved the usual cabin on the open tundra above tree line and the soft alpenglow light usual river for a couple of nights and we headed west at reflecting off Longs Peak to the southeast was truly spec- six p.m. on a Friday evening. Luckily Stephen’s sched- tacular. Tuesday was to be our last fishing day and it was a ule was a little more flexible and he promised to try to meet us at the cabin, one I had purposely chosen for the nice counterpoint to the previous two days. We had fished three beds inside. Gary and I completed the trek to the a medium sized freestone river with more pocket water river the next day without any undue stress, did a little than could be fished in a month, a wide valley river known late afternoon acclimatization on the water and then re- for its big fish, and finally a tumbling mountain creek tired to the cabin to wait for the third man to hopefully show. Just about the time we expected Stephen to show, he rolled into a spot next to the cabin. We yakked on for several hours touching on all manner of plans for the next few days before finally crashing, no doubt leaving young Mr. Nance an earful of synchronized snoring. The next three days passed quickly, the way they always do. The plan was to do my river on Sunday, one that Stephen had not yet fished, and then head over to the west slope on Monday, fish big water, and then drive back to Estes Park that evening, and finish the trip by fishing a small stream in Rocky Mountain Park. Every- thing went pretty much to plan; on Sunday Stephen and Gary fished a productive stretch of river that I directed them to and although I fished water further downstream and did not witness it first hand, I heard from a reliable where the possibility of completing the trout slam was eas- source that there were a bunch of Browns and Rainbows ily within reach. Stephen and I shared a rod as we worked with sore lips after Mr. Nance passed through. Monday upstream switching places after one of us caught a fish. It we hiked into a semi secret big water spot in search of a was perfect because when I wasn’t fishing I was able to few big trout. The visual record is somewhere in this work with my camera, something I enjoy almost as much article. Our timing for the drive back was perfect. As we as handling a fly rod. Gary lagged behind us methodically probing all the water in search of that slam and he was to finish it off with the Brown that he was missing. All he needed was a savvy guide to point him towards an out of the way spot. The rest was easy. Flatland Fly Fishers 4 Fly Fishing Safety

Whether you are an experienced fly fisherman or brand They are also intended to help guard against hypothermia new to the sport you must always keep safety in mind (your which can be a real issue in many rivers and streams at cer- own and others'). Most of the fly fishing safety issues are a tain times of the year. However, waders should never be matter of using good common sense, but sometimes there are worn when fishing from a boat. If for any reason you should elements that may not have occurred to you. fall overboard they can fill and drag you down.

For example most modern fly fishing rods are made of It is a good idea to wear a life jacket whether fishing from carbon fibre which happens to be a good conductor of elec- a boat, in fact some fisheries will insist on this. It is best too, tricity. This could pose a serious threat if you happen to be if fishing from a boat to have a friend with you. Young chil- near power lines or are caught out in a storm. Take the time dren must wear a life jacket at all times when fishing. It is to check out your surroundings and note where the power very easy for them to slip, fall, and be carried off by the cur- lines are located relative to the water. If caught in a storm, it rent and find themselves in an untenable situation. is best to lay the rod down on the ground, but be careful not to step on it! Prior to entering any body of water it is imperative to scan it for possible drop offs or holes. A stout wading staff can be Often people enjoy going fish- very useful for the avid fly fisherman and can be used to ing with other enthusiasts so it is probe the river bed. important to make sure no one is standing behind or too close when casting. Fly fishing hooks are very sharp and travel at surprisingly high speeds, for this reason you should always wear eye protec- tion. Polaroid sun glasses are a Safe Wading Cautious Wading Find Another Crossing good choice, as well as protecting In rivers, wading should always be done upstream even your eyes, they cut out the glare though it is more physically demanding. You should only from the water and give a clearer wade downstream when you are very familiar with the river- vision of what is under the surface. bed because often the current can carry you into deeper wa- ter than you are prepared for. Fly fishing safety should also include taking the time to protect your skin. You are going to be either standing in wa- Fly fishing safety should be a constant presence in your ter or out in the open casting from a boat for long periods of mind and will help guarantee your fishing expedition is both time and thus will be exposed to the sun. There are all kinds fruitful and enjoyable while keeping you safe. of waterproof sunscreen available. Be sure to add some to your kit prior to heading out. A hat will also help provide additional protection. Some hats even have a small cape to further shield the back of your neck from harmful UV rays.

Fly fishing safety is not limited to protection against the sun...let us not forget those annoying biting flies, ticks and other insects which inhabit those river edges. Bug repelling creams and even clothing should be a standard part of your fly fishing gear. A final but important non When fly fishing in the water you safety aspect is one should should always wear waders to help protect your legs and check and know the local lower torso from any debris floating in the water. Waders fishing codes and policies. also prevent the microscopic organisms from penetrating your skin and causing serious illness or infection. Flatland Fly Fishers 5

Feathers

Traditionally, when people think of fly tying, they think feathers. Many of the more recognizable artificial fly patterns prominently boast the unmistakable look of feathers, and it’s no mistake to think the feather is the heart of the fly.

Turkey Waterfowl Turkey feathers are frequently utilized in both Typical waterfowl species used in fly tying are: dry fly and nymph patterns. The most desirable of mallard, teal, and CDC. Feathers from these species these feathers are quills, flats, and biots. Turkey will be useful for a wide range of fly tying applica- feathers can be used for a range of fly tying applica- tions. Mallard feathers are barred and often used tions including wings, wingcases, abdomens, tails, when tying wings in dry flies. Fly tying mallard is and legs. Some Atlantic salmon fly patterns will even commonly available in both natural and dyed colors with a popular require turkey quills for married wings. Tail feathers are commonly dyed variety "woodduck" leading the pack. Mallard feathers are used in bodies and wing casings, while biot quills are excellent for V probably the most commonly utilized waterfowl feathers in fly -shaped tails and body construction. Turkey flats (or body feathers) tying. are most useful when tying mayfly patterns.

Marabou Pheasant Marabou feathers have long, flexible barbs and The most commonly used pheasant feathers are wispy barbules. This classic fly tying material is taken from the ringneck pheasant, but some fly necessary for tying a wide range of flies, and is espe- recipes call for Amherst or Golden pheasant neck cially useful for fly tyers interested in mastering feathers. Tail feathers from the pheasant can typi- nymph patterns and big saltwater streamers. Marabou cally be tyed to imitate legs, tails, wingcases, and was originally taken from the Marabou stork, a giant bodies. Pheasant body feathers can be used in the wading species native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is now illegal to har- construction of extremely convincing abdomens – don’t discard vest the feathers from the species and modern Marabou can be taken these filoplumes! In fact, the ringneck pheasant's cape is so versa- from the analogous feathers of species of turkeys and chickens. tile, a good fly tyer could probably get away with constructing an entire fly from its selection of feathers. Partridge Skins The partridge is an Old World species and mem- ber of the pheasant family. These birds offer hunt- Ostrich Plumes ers great sport, but also yield some of the best soft The ostrich is the world's largest species of bird hackle feathers on the planet. The lifelike animation and is native to Africa. These birds are farmed these feathers generate is commonly used to imitate across the world and they produce excellent fly ty- bodies, legs, and tails of aquatic insects. Partridge ing feathers. The large quills harvested from the skins have a diverse range of feather types and can also be used to tie ostrich are often take the backseat to peacock herl excellent spinner patterns, caddis wings, and parachute-style dry because of their less colorful nature, but they should not be over- flies. looked. They will produce fine legs, heads, and tails in a wide range of fly recipes. Peacock Peacock herl is known and loved by tyers for its iri- descent quality and color. This iridescence is pro- duced by a type of optical interference called Bragg CDC reflection. In the effect, the nanostructures that com- What exactly is “CDC” … ? This is a common pose the barbules of the feathers display different colors question from green fly tyers – and one even a vet- based on their individual and differing lengths. eran on the tying bench shouldn’t be embarrassed to These kaleidoscopic feathers are used to create bodies that are full of ask. There’s no secret, or conspiracy in place to keep life and movement when they hit the water. The best herl can usually the meaning hidden, but it’s not obvious unless you be found closer to the elegantly colored and prominent eye of the know a little something about fly tying. feather, and these herls can be cut and tied to the hook shank to form excellent tails on many artifical fly patterns. CDC is an acronym for the French, and somewhat esoteric fly ty- ing term “cul de canard.” CDC feathers have been popular in Hackle Europe for years and are now finding their way into the North Technically, hackle refers to another group of American market. CDC feathers are found near the oil gland of a feather, but for the fly tyer, hackle truly encom- bird, and accordingly they are also known by more standard termi- passes a world of its own. Hackle is taken from nology as simply “oil gland feathers.” These feathers provide a dry both roosters and hens and these feathers are found fly with superior flotation properties; during the bird’s lifetime, on two different parts of the bird. “Saddle” hackle is these feathers are constantly impregnated with rich oils and be- found on the backside of the bird, while a hackle come highly resistant to water, ultimately keeping your surface fly “cape” consists of the neck and shoulders of the bird. where it should be: on top! 6 Flatland Fly Fishers

Choosing the Best Fly Pattern Dave Hughes

When you peel all the 2. Select a Fly peripheral layers of the Now that you know the fly type to try, the critical decision problem out of your way, looms: Which particular fly to try? Most often fly selection is trout fly selection reduces easy, because you’ve already acquired enout hints to tell you itself to a simple set of what to use. three steps. Separate these, If a hatch is occurring, collect a specimen in your hand or focus on them in the cor- hat. Don’t worry about its Latin name, Just observe its size, rect order, and each leads form, color and match it as closely as you can. Common errors to the solution of the next. here include going to a size too large, when it’s better to be just You’ll end up with the best fly for the situation. Initiate right or even a size too small, and matching the color of the your trout fly selection only after you’ve stepped to stream- insect’s back instead of its belly, which is nearly always a side and looked around. Don’t park your rig, tug on waders, lighter color and is what trout see when they tip up to take it. and decide without sight of the water what fly you’re going If conditions predict success with a dry fly, but you see no to fish. hatch to match, notice if any insect is dominant even if it’s not on the water. Choose a dry fly close to it. 1. Observe and Interpret If insects are out but none are dominant, choose a dry fly The fist step at streamside is to observe conditions, No- that fits the crowd. If you have nothing else to go on, use a tice the wind and weather, air and water temperatures, drab Adams, fished close, on somewhat smooth water; a buoy- whether the water is high and muddy, low and clear, or ant Elk Hair Caddis, fished at medium range, on water that is somewhere in between. It’s not necessary to measure any- bouncy;; or a bright Royal Wulff, fished at close to medium thing. Just take time to gather a rough idea of how things range, on boisterous water. look and feel to you, and thereby assess how active or inac- If conditions looke likely for a nymph, hoist a few rocks off tive trout might be in the water. the botrtom and examine what might be clinging to them. Look for trout. If you see them rising, cruising, winking Match the dominant species as nearly as you can. If nothing along the bottom you’ll know what type of fly will reach stands out, try a nymph in common size and color. My favor- them at the depth they’re feeding. In the absence of visible ites are the Fox Squirrel and Olive Bead Head in size 14 or 16. trout, look for insects, even if they are few and not on the I often use a weighted Brook’s Stone or Olive Scud in a larger water. size and then tie the smaller fly as the point. This offers trout a When insects are flying over water that is not so deep that choice, always a good way to find out fast which fly will fool trout won’t rise to the top (usually 2 to 4 feet) or not so dirty them. thay they can’t see to the top, it’s probably a dry-fly day. A If you choose a wet fly or streamer, pick a pattern that hackled searching dry will likely draw trout up. matches an active food form. If nore are evident, use what you If you see insects on the water of the same some what wich. Most of the time you’ll use these swimming flies to ex- shallow depth, but you see no fish rising, try fishing a tradi- plore water, fishing downstream, probing everywhere, trying to tional wet fly, or a brace of them, on the swing in the mid entice scattered trout. depths. Wets work best when it seems trout should be feed- ing on top but they’re not. 3. Adjust When Necessary If the air is cold, the water is cool and looks lifeless, and The final step is called for only when your chosen fly fails to so insects are out and about, your choices dip down to the fool trout. Put the brakes on your fishing: check to see if your bottom. You might try a streamer fished deep in pools or original observations and interpretations still seem right. If swept across tailouts. In shallow riffles and deeper runs, tie they do, try a different pattern in the same category. Switch on a nymph, adding split shot to get it down and a strike in- from a bright dry to a drab one, from a small nymph to a large dicator to relay news about takes. one, from one wet or streamer to another. Make just one or two I’ll give you a bold summation about fly type here: The changes of flies within a type: then switch from one fly type to most successful trout fisherman I know go directly to a another. If you try two or three dries of different sizes, shapes nymph, split shot, and strike indicator setup unless specific and colors and not draw strikes, go to nymphs or some other observations, such as visible rising trout, dictate a different below-surface style. If trout refuse, try swinging a set fly or method. streamer. Most often, if you observe what’s happening on the stream Flatland Fly Fishers Club Winter Program Saturday, February 18, 2012 and interpret it correctly, you’ll choose the right fly in the first Great Plains Nature Center place. But keep in mind that conditions change and as condi- 6232 E. 29th St. N tions change your choice of flies may have to change also. Wichita, KS Flatland Fly Fishers 7

Book Collection Silent Auction

The Book Collection Steve Webb

A few years ago Flatland Fly Fishers was the recipient of Club Elections a fairly large fly fishing book collection that belonged to former member Roy Beckemeyer. The club board at that November Meeting time wanted to “spread the wealth” and find a way for all members to share in this store of knowledge. Most of the books have been distributed through the membership by monthly raffles and as prizes at our yearly banquet/picnic. About twenty titles remain and authors include Marinaro, Facebook or Twitter Caucci/Nastasi, Arbona,Gaidy, and LaFontaine, anglers who Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter formed the backbone of fly fishing writing thirty years ago.

The club board has decided that the remaining books will be Flatland Fly Fishers have new Facebook and Twitter pages. auctioned and/or raffled before the end of the year with the Like us to receive all the posts made on Flatland Fly Fishers intention of directing the money raised towards an undecided Facebook page. Club members can go to our wall page and project but one that will benefit the club as a whole. These post articles or make comments on articles already posted. books will be available for inspection at the Fall picnic and Club members may post fishing reports, stories, announce up- November and December meetings. The “silent auction” for coming outings, and ask people to join on fishing trips. As each title, which began at the September meeting, will end club members, you can also post pictures, videos, and favorite when final bids are taken at the December holiday meeting. links on our wall. Several of these books are fairly rare and quite desirable as collector’s items. Make sure to attend an upcoming meeting To post articles and comments on our Facebook page, you and check out these books. must also have your own Facebook account. The club Face- book page is open to public including minors. Please limit your articles and comments to fly fishing related topics.

In an effort to enhance communication with club members be- tween newsletters, a new twitter page was created. When you follow us on Twitter, you will receive up to date information Catch and Release on club events. You must have your own Twitter account to what’s that? receive these updates automatically. Currently we are also fol- lowing Federation of Fly Fishers, and the the national organi- zation’s tweets will be posted on our page as well.

Both Facebook and Twitter page links are available on lower right corner of Flatland Fly Fishers home page.

Not that we are keeping score but this makes 20 and ... Flatland Fly Fishers P.O. Box 49164 Wichita, KS 67201

Flatland Flyfishers meet monthly at the Great Plains Nature Center, located at 6232 E. 29th St. N, Wichita, KS

Fly Fishing 101 Classes Ark River Anglers is presenting a free introduction to fly Ark River Anglers Fly Tying Class fishing class on November 5, Saturday, 9 AM to 11 AM at the store, 1617 S. Longfellow St., Wichita, KS 67207. This class is designed with the novice fly fisherman in mind. This class is composed of an hour of classroom in- struction and an hour of outdoor application (weather per- mitting). The first hour will include a discussion of fly fishing equipment, including terminology, and how to put it all to- gether. We will also cover basic knots and help you choose Intermediate Fly Tying November 9 & 16 Wednesday 7pm and identify flies to make your fly fishing experience effec- Into Fly Tying Class December 14 & 21 Wednesday 7 pm tive. Please Call 316-682-8006 for additional information The second hour will be spent outdoors learning the ba- Fly Fishing 101 Seminar November 5 sics of fly casting. We will also discuss various ways to achieve line control including retrieving, mending, and set- ting the hook. Flatland Fly Fishing Club Monthly Programs This class is free of charge to all Flatland Fly Fishers members. Preregistration is required. For more information, November Club Elections please contact Ark River Anglers at 316-682-8006. December Bring a snack and watch a film

Flatland Fly Fishers Winter Program Flatland Fly Fishers “Bonehead” shirts and has been moved to Saturday, February 18, 2012 patches are now on sale. See Dwan Welty for ordering.