INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING CLASS - DON'T MISS OUT ...

Here's some of my students heading to Matilija Creek streamside to learn some casting techniques and look at some insects that inhabit the river.                    PHOTO BY: Randy Weir

My fly fishing class I teach each spring with seasoned fly fisher, Earl Arnold is in it's registration phase through Ventura College Community Education. The class begins in mid March, meets on three Saturdays. We cover the basics; equipment, accessories, fly patterns, rods, fly lines, leaders, how to read a stream, knots, insects and fly casting. It's a great class and a great way to learn how to fly fish. (See links for the college's web address - for dates & cost)  

PIRU CREEK ... AND IT'S STRUGGLES ...

I used to love and fish this creek, it's A tail water fishery that had some nice hatches and picky trout.  It was match the hatch on this creek. It has been manage in such a way it has destroyed the fishery ... but maybe there's some hope!    READ BELOW ...

Friends of the River Goes To Court To Protect Piru Creek

January/February 2009 - Friends of the River and California Trout filed suit in state court last week to protect a popular trout fishing stream in southern California stream that also provides critical habitat for several endangered species. At stake is Piru Creek in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. It is one of only three catch and release cold-water trout streams in southern California and a proposed Wild and Scenic River.

The lawsuit was filed against the California Water Resources Board, which issued a Clean Water Act permit allowing the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to virtually dewater Piru Creek downstream of Pyramid Dam (a component of the State Water Project). DWR's proposed flow reduction is intended to limit non-native species such as bullfrogs that feed on the endangered arroyo toad.

GO FLY FISHING ...

It's a great feeling when you have a nice fish on the end of your fly rod. Here's my fishing buddy, Tim with a tight line in the Eastern Sierra.               PHOTO BY:  Randy Weir 

* If you don't get out and go fly fishing this year ...you'll just be another year older next year! We all need to get away from the troubles of everyday life ... so get off your butt and go catch a fish. The exercise will do you good and time on the water is a great place to commune with God and his creation. Time passes way too fast to keep putting a trip to the stream off.

BECOME A BETTER FLY FISHER ...

* Feel like you want to become a better fly fisherman but lack the knowledge it takes.  Maybe you should think about attending a fly fishing program put on by the Sespe Fly Fishers in Ventura. They have some great speakers who address a lot of issues that will make you a better fisherman.  (see links for their website)

WE NEED RAIN AND MORE RAIN ...

Trout need water to spawn and survive. In southern California we can experience many years of drought that can kill a lot of fish and damage the fishery for years.  The year of 2007 was one of the driest on record for us.  Many trout died.  I noticed a big decline in the amount of trout I caught on the Sepse and other creeks in the area, but thanks to the large amount of rain we received in the previous years, it wasn't too devastating. The fish were back in 2008 but not in the great numbers as years past. Let's hope and pray we get lots of much needed rain!

Nick's Soft Hackle Caddis Emerger - FROM www.blueribbonflies.com 

This looks like a great fly to use when you face emerging caddis on the stream. It's easy to tie! Visit the link to BLUE RIBBON FLIES in Yellowstone.

Craig Matthews says, "This productive soft hackle has earned a permanent pace in our fly boxes. Tied by our senior guide Nick Nicklas, this English styled pattern incorporates a collar of natural partridge and flash with a natural fur body, creating the perfect classic caddis emerger."