October Program

CABIN FEVER CURED BY LOCAL FLYFISHERS!

COF Meeting Date and Location

The Central Oregon Flyfishers meet on the third Wednesday of the month at The Central Oregon Association of Realtors, 2112 N.E. 4th Street, Bend,Oregon.

The Monthly gatherings start at 6:30 PM and the program begins at 7:00PM.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Invite a neighbor or friend to join us at the next meeting.

Upstream Events

October

October 8 and 9, Tuesday and Wednesday

South Fork Crooked River surveys, contact Gene McMullen H 312-8939, email moongm37@aol.com

October 15, Tuesday, Metolius Bull Trout surveys.

Contact: Ted Wise, ODFW 388-6363 or Mike Riehle, Sisters RD, 549- 7700, meet at Sisters RD office at 9 AM

October16, Wednesday

COF Meeting, 7 PM at Central Oregon Association of the Board of Realtors, 2112 N E 4th Street, Bend, OR Program: “Cabin Fever Cured by Local Fishers”

November

November 20, Wednesday

COF Meeting, 7 PM At Central Oregon Association of the Board of Realtors, 2112 N E 4th Street, Bend, OR. Elections, and Program by Don Ratliff, PGE Fisheries biologist.

Random Casts

We are at that point folks, and help is needed. For the past couple of meetings and outings several have stepped forward with some great suggestions for the Club. Your ideas and suggestions are looked for, and gladly accepted by all of the Board members, but we need some help. YOUR help.

This is an opportunity for YOU to step forward and volunteer your time and services to the Club, and help it continue to grow and improve. You just might prove to be the person that all of the members have been looking for. Call Dan Driskill to find out more of what you may be called on to do, and to get your name on the Nominations list. Believe me, it is definitely worth the time and effort you give.

One of the suggestions I recently received was the idea of doing the December monthly meeting with the entire program is dedicated to fly tying by 6-8 members. Not only would each one tie their favorite fly, but they would also pass on where they use it, how they present it and what it works best on. Sounds like a real good idea to me, but I’m not the Program Chairperson. Call, or email, Dick & Jeanene Stentz and let them know what you think, and if you’d be willing to step forward as one of the tiers. Here’s a great chance for you to take part in what this Club was formed for: sharing information with others that have the same interests as you.

Finally, for those of you that haven’t been there yet and can do it, stop by the website and check it out. (www.coflyfishers.org) I’ve received lots of compliments for it, and always refer to Gordon and his great job, but the latest compliment really made my day. Because of the quality of the website I’ve been invited to another state to talk about Central Oregon, and all it has to offer, by another Club that found the site by accident. (Don’t worry, I’ll tell them the fishing is terrible and all of the waters are dead.)

Have fun and see you at the next meeting!

Phil @ COF

EPA and Fly Fishing. Compatible?

I am delighted to be here tonight among sportsmen and sportswomen who share my joy in America's great outdoors.

Like you, I do a little fly fishing from time to time. I know firsthand the tremendous thrill of the catch. But I'm equally familiar with the quiet serenity of nature's incredible beauty. In other words, sometimes I get lucky, and sometimes I get skunked.

"In my family, there was no clear division between religion and fly fishing." Now, that's a memorable line from a memorable movie.

I am delighted to be here tonight among sportsmen and sportswomen who share my joy in America's great outdoors.

Like you, I do a little fly fishing from time to time. I know firsthand the tremendous thrill of the catch. But I'm equally familiar with the quiet serenity of nature's incredible beauty. In other words, sometimes I get lucky, and sometimes I get skunked.

"In my family, there was no clear division between religion and fly fishing." Now, that's a memorable line from a memorable movie.

But as someone else once said, "There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot." I like to think that I'm with all of you on the correct side of that line. I also like knowing that we stand together for the preservation and protection of America's waterways.

"United by a Common Thread," the men and women of the Federation of Fly Fishers and its member organizations boast a profound appreciation for the rivers, streams, creeks, and channels that carry the lifeblood of this nation. And I know you're working to protect them.

From Spring Creek in Washington to Winkley Shoals in Arkansas to Beaver Creek in Maryland, the Federation has been a dynamic partner in safeguarding our natural heritage. I salute you and everyone who supports the Federation's efforts. I applaud your commitment to ensure that our children and grandchildren not only have clean water to drink but also have the chance to find their own favorite fishing hole. Filling your shoes - or stepping into your waders - they can then discover for themselves what the Federation and its International Fly Fishing Center celebrate so wonderfully.

As you may know, Congress declared 2002 "The Year of Clean Water." On October 18 - the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act - you can join EPA, America's Clean Water Foundation, and scores of other agencies and groups as participants in National Water Monitoring Day.

We will be taking a snapshot look at streams, lakes, and coastal waters throughout the country. Volunteer monitors will help federal, state, tribal, and local monitoring programs determine where we are in terms of water quality on a site-specific basis. They will test for four key water-quality factors - temperature, pH, clarity, and dissolved oxygen.

I'm pleased to say that the Federation is among the 3,500 groups listed in the online database for EPA's "Adopt Your Watershed Program." We will be looking to these groups to help us focus greater public attention on the condition of America's watersheds and make National Water Monitoring Day a huge success.

We already know that our waterways are cleaner than they were 30 years ago. You can now fish in many lakes and rivers where once garbage was the only catch-of-the-day - everyday.

In the news just this week, you may have read a story about incredible swarms of mayflies. Because of cleaner waters in the Mississippi River and elsewhere, the mayflies have been swarming, mating, and dying in numbers that haven't been equaled in 50 years.

In some places, the swarms of mayflies have been so big and thick, they've been showing up on radar. Dying after only a day, the flies have been causing quite a slippery mess on town streets and sidewalks.

As for fly fishing, you can just forget about trying to convince a trout that your fly is any tastier than the ten of thousands of other flies suddenly now on the menu.

But for those who know about the health of our waterways, the news is good. The clouds of mayflies are a clear indication that efforts to rid area lakes and streams of pollution are making a big difference.

Not only are waterways across the country cleaner but more than 168,000 water systems deliver clean, safe drinking water to millions of Americans daily. Clearly, however, there's lot of work still to be done. In fact, I strongly believe water-quality and water-quantity issues will pose the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st century. I also believe that the public - not government - will have to play the pivotal role in meeting these challenges.

Nonpoint source pollution - pollution that is created miles away from where it ends up - poses the biggest threat to America's water quality today. Down the streams you fish - and into our drinking water infrastructure - can flow a variety of pollutants that originate in the runoff from city streets, rural farms, and suburban lawns.

That is why we can't simply look at the end of a particular pipe. We must examine practices in entire watersheds and see how they affect water quality throughout those watersheds. We must take a holistic approach to managing our water use through efficient strategies, conservation and reuse, and better coordination with local planning.

In addition, we must continue to enforce our clean water laws so that those who obey the law and meet their obligations to the environment are not, in effect penalized, for doing the right thing. This Administration is committed to using all the tools available to it to make America's water purer.

That's why the President's FY 2003 budget proposal for the state drinking water and clean water revolving funds is the largest combined request in history - $2.1 billion. And that's on top of the $1 billion requested for other EPA water-quality programs.

But money from Washington is not enough. We must harness the power of the public.

Educating Americans about their individual and collective impacts on water quality remains essential. We all live downstream from someone. All of us must recognize that even small actions - like changing our oil in the driveway without cleaning up - can add up to big environmental consequences. In fact, most oil pollution in our coastal waters comes from nonpoint sources. Every eight months, these sources discharge as much oil into American waters as did the Exxon Valdez spill.

I'm glad to say that we enjoy President Bush's strong support for a watershed initiative that will build partnerships among government, industry, and the public. Modeled on the "Clean Charles 2005 Initiative" in the Boston area, the initiative will focus on 20 of America's most important watersheds. And our success in identifying solutions for each watershed based on its unique needs will depend in large part on participation by informed, involved citizens.

I hope that the Federation's member organizations across the country will look for opportunities to support our watershed initiative. And I hope each of you will work in your communities to promote greater public awareness about the importance of pollution prevention and water conservation.

The protection of our environment is everyone's job. A connection with nature can be everyone's joy. It may not be a religion, but those who love fly fishing are surely blessed with a special appreciation for nature and its wonders. Let's work together to safeguard our watersheds and ensure that, when we find our own little piece of heaven on earth, a clean river runs through it.

Thank you.

Conservation

Conservation Efforts in 2002

Surveys were done on Deep Creek (a tributary of the North Fork Crooked River) in the Spring and trout populations seemed to be very low. However, Summer surveys by the ODFW showed healthy populations present. It is a mystery where these fish are early in the year. ODFW will try to implant red bands this Fall to see where they are next Spring.

Members were involved with fin clipping of Cranebow red bands at Fall River Hatchery. These fin clipped trout will be used to stock Crane Prairie in the future. This will aid ODFW in determining the success of these planted fish.

Surveys on the South Fork John Day River unfortunately were cancelled due to very low and very warm water. Hopefully this can be accomplished this coming year.

Members helped rebuild the fence on Trout Creek ( a tributary of the Deschutes) in May. This fence hopefully will keep cattle off the banks of Trout Creek near its mouth. Members also were involved with cutting willows at Wickiup Reservoir for planting along the Deschutes River immediately below Wickiup. Tom Walker of the USFS says that other than beaver damage these willows have done very well.

Angling surveys were also done on the Crooked River just above Prineville. Fish were caught and transmitters were implanted to determine if the fish move or can move past irrigation dams. Information retrieved showed that they mostly stayed in one area, but definitely do not get over irrigation dam structures.

Hopefully, 2003 may offer us more opportunity. The state of Oregon budget cuts and federal priorities may limit these opportunities. Hopefully this is not the case.

Gene McMullen
COF Conservation Chairman

Metolius Redd Counts

Volunteers are also needed for Metolius Redband Redd Counts, which are scheduled to begin this December and run through May or June. The actual dates will be scheduled and made available to COF members later this year. Redband redd counts present an opportunity to view a good portion of the Metolius headwaters, much of which is located on private property. Surveys run approximately two miles from the headwaters down to near Camp Sherman and help fish management agencies keep abreast of trends in the native redband population. The contact for redband redd surveys is myself, Scott Cotter (USFS) at (541) 549-7725.

From students in the Ryan Shaffer class:

“Three years to live…I don’t want to be a salmon!” Michael A.

“I liked the Incredible Journey because we got to see a real fish up close! The only thing I didn’t like was slipping and falling in the water.” Bailey S.

“You have a cool job, and maybe I’ll have the same job!” Connor J.

“I thought this was a good field trip, it was educating and FUN. Thank you. (I thought I was the best log.) Christian K.

“I liked being a Predator in the Comforts of Home.” Katelyn B.

From the Max Robertson class:

“I liked the huge fish I had never seen before.” Eric

“The only part I liked best was being there today.” Damon

“My favorite thing was the game at the Incredible Journey station.” Jacqueline

“I liked the part when we looked at the fish thru the fish tubes.” (Aqua scope) Colton

To All: Guys, fishing and getting into the woods is my life when I’m not working. It’s a spiritual thing. I grew up doing it solo and still spend a lot of my time doing it the same way. We have to turn these kids on to the marvels and joys of what it allows us to do and be. Their comments throughout the day obviously reflect that they won’t forget your efforts. Thanks for being there for them. Sincerely, Max Robertson

“What I liked about the field trip was feeding the fish, and the Native American, and looking at the fish, and watching them show us how to fertilize the eggs and also seeing what Milt looked like.” (Milt is the airlift fry planter device. Ed.)

“I thought the Incredible Journey was awesome because I saw four fish digging redds and I like the survival game. I won three times then got eaten by a Herron.”

“I had a blast! I loved it! All the people were kind, even the people that worked there. I had a great time.”

“At the Nature’s Restaurant, they showed what they eat and the predators they have to battle with.”

“I learned that scrapers, (a bug), scrapes food off rocks. We saw a bald eagle.”

“The Kokanee Field trip was the best field trip yet!”

“Mrs. Renz’s class had a super time and each one of the children had so many wonderful things to say about all of the staff that taught the sessions. There was so much enthusiasm by the Central Oregon Fly Fishers Volunteers. We want to offer them a huge Thank You!” Becki M. Parent Volunteer.

Bob Griffin	4 days
Kurt Boettger	4 days
Andy Sandwick	4 days
Dave Dunahay	4 days
Phil Hager	4 days
Ron Anderson	3 days
John Champion	2 days
Gene McMullen	2 days
John Anderson	2 days
Art McEldowney	2 days
Dennis McMahon	2 days
Mark Reisinger	2 days (plus helped on tour)
Don Morales	2 days
Scott Cotter	1 day
Earl Rettig	1 day

We also had several from the USFS that were there for a day or two. Tom Walker, Nate, and a couple of others that forgot to sign in.

Two more that deserve a special thank you are Len and Betty Swanzy. Betty did the shopping needed for lunches for everybody that volunteered and Len took the time to bring out the food, set everything up for a quick lunch and clean everything up when the volunteers finished.

One quick story on why the volunteers do this. After taking part in the Incredible Journey 3 girls were seen walking down the wash boarded road, feet rotated 90 degrees to the outside, stepping in only the grooves and avoiding the high spots. When, jokingly, told that they really walked weird, they immediately responded by saying: “We aren’t walking weird, we’re just making sure we don’t step on any of the redds!” That comment made it real easy to accept the time spent as being worthwhile.

Note From Editor

Tommie Speik, COF Newsletter Editor

• Marilyn Forestell
• Robert and Diana Jacobson

New Members please remember to pick up your copy of “Harry Teal’s No Nonsense Guide to Fly Fishing Central and Southeastern Oregon” from Bill Lundy at the Welcome Table at he next Meeting on Wednesday October 16, 2002.

Eastern Oregon STEP Page is

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/odfwhtml/eostep/projects/

From Susan Halblom, FFF VP of Education

webcom.com/ernies/links.html - a website with lots of links

YourRiver - Educational and up to date information

YourRiver.com

Waterworkswonders - A Fish Species Reference of 188 fish gives information and drawings of each type. It includes descriptions and life cycles, where they live, what they eat and much more on each type of fish.

Waterworkswonders.com

Scott Cotter, a member of COF

www.geocities.com/scott_cotter/fishprojects.htm

COF Links:

WEBSITE is:
www.coflyfishers.org

BULLETIN BOARD is:
http://members2.boardhost.com/coflyfishers

E-MAIL is:
coflyfishers@hotmail.com

BEND:

• Deschutes River Outfitters, 61115 S. Hwy 97, 388-8191
• The Fly Box, 1293 NE 3rd St., 388-3330
• The Patient Angler, 55 NW Wall St., 389-6208
• Fly & Field Outfitters, 143 SW Century Dr, Suite A, 318-1616
• G.I. Joe’s, 63455 N. Hwy 97, 388-3773

CAMP SHERMAN:

• Camp Sherman Store, Camp Sherman, 595-6711

REDMOND:

• Cent Wise Sporting Goods, 498 SW 6th Street, 548-4422
• Central Oregon Outdoors, 1502 SW Odem, 504-0372

SISTERS:

• The Fly Fisher’s Place, 151 W. Main, 549-3474

SUNRIVER:

• The Hook Fly Shop, Sunriver Village Mall, Bldg. 21, 593-2358
• Sunriver Fly Shop, 56805 Venture Lane, 593-8814

MADRAS:

• Numb-Butt Fly Co., 380 N. Hwy 26, Madras, OR 97741, 325-5515

2002 COF Officers & Board Members

Officers

PRESIDENT - Phil Hager
VICE PRESIDENT - Dan Driskill
TREASURER - Viki Ramming
SECRETARY - Harry Harbin

Board Members

Art McEldowney
Ron Anderson
Bill Lundy
Gene McMullen
Tom Philiben
Harry Harbin
Dan Driskill
Vicki Ramming
Earl Rettig
Phil Hager
Hank Sailor
Mark Reisinger

COF Committees

AMBASSADORS - Doyle Goolsby
ANNUAL PICNIC - Bob Griffin
AWARDS - Rex Harrison, Don Johnston
BANQUET - Tom Philiben, Dennis McMahon
CONSERVATION - Tommie Speik
ENTOMOLOGY - John Anderson
FLY TYING EXPO - Bill Lundy, Dan Driskill
HISTORIAN - Rex Harrison
INSTRUCTION - Gordon Chandler
KOKANEE KARNIVAL YOUTH ED - Art McEldowney
LEGISLATIVE ACTIION - John Anderson
LIBRARIAN - Gordon Chandler
MEMBERSHIP - Phil Hager
NATIONAL FISHING DAY - T. Philiben, P. Hager
NEWSLETTER EDITOR - Tommie Speik
NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER - Tommie Speik
OREGON COUNCIL FFF - Dick Mayer
OUTINGS - Hank Sailor
PROGRAMS - Dave McNall, Gene McMullen
PUBLIC RELATIONS - Phil Hager, Harry Harbin
RAFFLES - Ken Stringer
WEBSITE - Gordon Chandler
WELCOME - Hank Sailor