PRESIDENT'S POST
august 2025
HOT AUGUST "SURF TIME"
We’re getting deep into summer, and our weather has been near perfect, especially if you like overcast mornings on the beach casting for corbina and perch. Although the overcast can affect visibility when your sight fishing for corbina, it reduces the shadows, which can spook these wary quarry. And the water temps are perfect for wet wading. I’ve been spending several mornings over the last week or so at La Conchita, Rincon and Santa Claus Lane. The perch and guitar fish are really grabby, but the corbina have eluded me so far.
I’ve been out with some members and most are catching perch, nice size ones, a few have landed some corbina. One of our newest members, Luke Manke caught a tank of a bean a couple weeks ago. Be sure to check out the Surf Report by Casey Cloud, club member and local fly-fishing guide.
We’re so fortunate to have the beach in our backyard. So easy to spend a few hours and get home to do whatever else your supposed to do.
Annual Club BBQ - August 16th
We’re organizing for our gathering later this month on the 16th for members, their guests and new members.
If you're not a member, think about joining the club and come to the BBQ party!
BBQ MENU: We’ve changed up the menu to include trip tip and chicken. Mark Stimson and Curtis Peebles will work the grill. These guys are good at it.
Club members, please bring an appetizer, side dish or desert and your favorite beverage.
Doc will preside over the casting contest and Chris will hold raffles and auctions for some cool stuff.
Special prizes include:
- A handmade long handled wooden landing net donated by TC Simmons and Sons
- A Santa Barbara Flyfishers signature Sage VPS 590-4 donated by Otto Schleich
- A Linekurv stripping basket donated by Lino Jubilado
- A Temple Fork Outfitters.
- AND . . . we’ll have more prizes for sure!
This is always a good time to get to know members, spouses, their kids and guests. Please volunteer to help if you can, but be there for sure. Register at our website.
I hope to see you on August 16!
Last cast…
Lots of fly fishing opportunities with the club coming in the next several months. The Sierra’s will be part of club outings this month and October on the Westside and in September and November on the Eastside.
Be sure to check out our website to register and ask members about club outings and how great they are!
I hope to see you on August 16!
AUGUST EVENTS
- August 6-11: Sierra Horsepack (FULL)
- August 9 - Channel Islands (FULL)
- August 9 - Second Salt Saturday
- August 12 - Last day to RSVP for Annual BBQ > click to register
- August 16 - Annual Club BBQ (noon-4pm) - click to register
- August 26 - Board Meeting
JULY REPORT 2025 - SB Flyfishers Board Meeting Highlights
* Member, please log-in to the website and then click the button below to view.
Larry Basham / SBF Secretary & Membership Director / DrBuzz2@aol.com
CONSERVATION REPORT AUGUST 2025
Watershed Alliance > Flood Control Projects
Below (click button) is a letter we signed onto to request consideration for steelhead in the county Creeks flood control project plan for 2025-6.
AUG MEETING DATE | to be determined.
Author, Dr. Mark Rockwell, D.C.
- Dr. Mark Rockwell, D.C.
- Fly Fishers International Conservation
- Santa Barbara FF Conservation Chair
- mrockwell1945@gmail.com
- 530 559-5759 (cell)
ANNUAL CLUB BBQ - SPECIAL EVENT!
Saturday August 16 at Rancho Embarcadero in Goleta
A SPECIAL EVENT FOR MEMBERS & THEIR GUESTS
In lieu of a regular meeting in August, the Santa Barbara Flyfishers will be holding their ANNUAL CLUB MEMBER'S BBQ.
An annual celebration of our club’s continued growth and the vibrant, engaged community that keeps it thriving. We’re proud to offer fly fishing education, memorable outings both near and far, leadership with a smile, and a calendar full of social events and special gatherings. It’s this dynamic spirit that fuels our club’s longevity— ENTICING NEW MEMBERS TO JOIN!
Besides great BBQ'd food, we will have a casting contest, auctions and raffles with GREAT PRIZES!
If you're not a member, now's the time to join and to explore all the wonderful options a club member receives with membership besides our "open to the public" surf fishing & casting classes. What's exclusive to "membership" is our outings, rod building classes and special events like this one!
For membership information, please email Larry Basham at: drbuzz2@aol.com
MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE reminder emails and more information on location and updates to this special event! Hope you will make it!
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OPEN INVITATION TO JOIN OUR CLUB!
Our invitation to join is “open” all year long. No need to know a member to be invited into the club. No membership drives. Just email, call or sign-up online and become a member today!
WE EDUCATE AND LOVE NEWBIES TO THE SPORT!
Learn almost everything you need for fly fishing - for just the cost of membership.
OUTINGS ALL YEAR LONG!
The outings have been one of the many "jewels in the crown" for this club. We continue education on the water and the comradery, food and friendship is what this club is built on!
GOT GEAR? . . . NO? — NO WORRIES!
We have gear for you to learn from. Just let the leaders know in advance whether you're coming to the 2nd Salt Saturday - or on a camping/fishing trip. AND when you're ready to purchase fly fishing gear we are here to help -- and/or check out our auctions or club garage sales! Lots of great gear to be had at amazing prices!
Any questions about membership?
Email Larry Basham at: DrBuzz2@aol.com
WEBSITE QUICK LINKS:
THE SESPE FLY FISHERS is hosting the
International Fly Fishing Film Festival
"IF4™" 2025
- Ventura College Auditorium | October 4, 2025
- Doors open at 3:00 pm
- Panel Discussion 3:00-4:00 pm
- Film begins at 4:00 pm
- Post-film activities* at 6:00 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION SPEAKERS/PRESENTATIONS:
- Debbie Sharpton on the Malibu Creek Restoration
- Bernard Yin and Rebbecca Ramirez for Piru Creek
- Martin Schenk of Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
- Candice Meneghin of Friends of the Santa Clara River
- CCA on White Sea Bass
- Others dealing with Estuary Improvements at Ventura River.
The final hour will have a Raffle of Swag, food and beverages, and a "Meet and Greet" with about 5 fly fishing guides, mostly of the Eastern Sierra.
- Students: $15.00
- General Admission: $25.00
- VIP: $45.00
SSFF Club's 2025 CELINE’S FLY GAL WEEKEND
Sept 13 & 14, 2025
We are super excited to bring back our EIGHTH Annual Women's Fly-Fishing Clinic!
Southern Sierra Fly Fishers is a huge supporter of women on the water and would like welcome all the ladies with interest in fly fishing. In honor of the creator of this event, Celine Bayla, we have created Celine’s Fly Gals Weekend to achieve just that.
CFGW is a place for women club members to meet other women who fly fish or are interested in learning. Don’t miss out on a fun and interactive time with the best club in California! The event is guaranteed to be FUN so bring a friend and tell all your friends about it.
TROY MEADOWS OUTING REPORT & IMAGES
By Dr. Larry Basham, DDS
There were plenty of fish, food and laughs at Camp Peeples in Troy Meadow Campground July 24-27 th . Thirteen members joined together to share fishing on Fish Creek for little Golden Trout and gathered for dinner on Friday night to share salad, tri-tip, tamale pie, chocolate chip cookies and Varni’s homemade apricot bars. As usual Curtis and Katrina set-up the cooking area and brought the tri-tip which Curtis cooked to perfection on the camp grill.
After dinner, it was time to gather ‘round the campfire and enjoy hearing about the day’s fishing adventures and where people were going the next day to fish. There were fish tales and Russ and Larry chipped in with stories about some McGees (Bart & Sam – no relation).
The meadow was beautiful but the stream showed the effects of a lighter snowpack last winter as the water was skinny and slow flowing. The Goldens were hungry and willing to be caught and there were plenty of them in the 3-4 inch size with an occasional 6 incher. But it was fun just the same and many were caught on Sam Soga’s flies he tied for the trip. On Saturday some people headed home while others went up Sherman Pass Rd. or down to Kennedy Meadows in search of bigger fish.
Those making the trip: The Peeples, Varni Learned & grandson Jackson Morin, Lori Lee Collins, Chris Hortinela, Eric Kramer and son Mark, Jim Deacon, Russ Redmond, Tyler Isaac, Judd Burman (dropped in for a night on his way to Jackson Hole), and yours truly.
The best part of these camping trips are getting to know one another and making new fishing friends. If you couldn’t make this one, please consider coming to Rock Creek in September. If you don’t camp, you can get lodging at nearby Tom’s Place and still join in the evening get togethers and daily fishing.
troy meadows | club outing july 2025
Images submitted by Larry Basham
MORE TROY MEADOWS IMAGES!
SURF FISHING REPORT
Casey Cloud puts East Coast Fly Fisher on Corbina
SURF GUIDING REPORT | CASEY CLOUD
“I was able to connect with Keith and we got out for our first session. Perch fishing was excellent and he caught a bunch of them.
Last part of the day I put him on some tailing Corbina and he got to experience some sight fishing, even lined one up and got to see one eat his fly before it came unbuttoned. Really good outing, nice guy, good times.”
Keith’s Report:
“Thanks for connecting me with Casey. We fished twice this week, and it was a good time. Very knowledgeable and friendly on the water. Had one Corbina bite on Sunday but got off.
Learned a bunch about surf perch on Sunday and was able to get after some on my own on Monday with success. Along with a few rays. Today was a great day.
Got a good-sized shovel nose on my 6wt rod. (image left). We were not sure it was a shovel nose or something else as it was acting like an anchor etc. Turns out that it was tail hooked. But getting it into shore on the 6wt was a chore.
Also, got my first Corbina on the fly today. We found a spot with the right water for just a short period of time and they were active and got one to bite and stay on. Was awesome. Not many east coast fly fisherman have caught a Corbina on the fly from what I can tell. Casey was a great coach on how to read the water to find them and then also how to fish for them.
I would like to come back and fish some more with Casey for Corbina. Reminds me a bit of my bonefishing trips.” -- Keith
Casey Cloud is a club member and local surf guide and at Lake Cachuma. His flies are available at Hook, Line & Sinker. Contact him at www.cloudfly.com - Dr. Larry Basham, DDS
CLUB MEMBER PHOTOS
FISHING, SCENIC, ACTION, RELAXING!
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grand-kiddos catching sun and sun fish!
Images submitted by club member, Debbie Sharpton.
Uncle Lew has been working on getting these guys on to some bluegill at Cachuma. Got to love smiles and success. We had a deluxe session on a nice new rented pontoon. These are Debbie's grandsons 5 and 7 and are into bright-colored clothes. A few days later up at Pine Mountain club at Fern Lake they landed several olive sun fish all on their own!
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out and about on the bitterroot
SBF member ~ Scott DeVore
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lower sac is giving up some hefty-hefties!
SBF Members Mark & Liam Stimson
Rainbow Warrior strikes again. Liam Stimson lands another hefty Lower Sacramento Rainbow on a late June float.
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fly fishing ~ italian style
SBF member ~ Daniel Ochoa
"I fished the Italian Dolomites this last week. All photos are from the Noce River in Italy near Bolzano in the Dolomites."
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eastern sierra fly fishing
"Never disappoints in fishing and it's beauty"
SBF member ~ Katrina Peeples
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cachuma catch
SBF member ~ John Riparetti
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skills & "score" on the missouri
SBF member ~ Steve Brown
Steve's Fishing Report | " This is me holding a nice rainbow caught on the Missouri R in the middle of June this year. I floated w/ Bitterroot River Guides, Jed Fitzpatrick who always seems to find fish. We were fishing small (18) dry mayflies and either drifting the fly into pods of rising fish, casting to rising fish or just drifting the fly in search of fish. Weather was clear this day with some wind which always makes casting fun. Beautiful water and even saw some base jumpers who parachuted off some local cliffs."
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grace's gorgeous catch on the green
SBF member & Marketing/Public Relations Chair ~ John K. Grace
Green River, A Section. Dutch John, Utah. Caught on elk hair caddis - July 8.
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fishin' the yakima
SBF member David Smukowski.
Stuart Mork on the Yakima River, Eastern Washington State with SBF member David Smukowski.
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mono county/yosemite summer fly fishing
SBF member Cece Rubin
BACKPACKING WITH SPFF IN YOSEMITE
CAMPING & FISHING IN LEE VINING / MONO COUNTY
SBF members Matt & Cece Rubin
LAKE CACHUMA
MONTHLY FISHING REPORT
Lew's School - on Cachuma!
Fished last Tuesday, July 22nd -- there were some shad finally showing with the birds and bass blowing up on them! Also took Debbie S' grandkids out on a rented pontoon and had a great time!
Lew Riffle, past president
"The Doc's In"
Doc hasn't been on the lake much this last month, but we'll check in with him for a Cachuma report next month!
Ted "Doc" Ceder - Casting Director & more!
CAL-TROUT "SHARE" . . .
FOLAR RIVERFEST, AUGUST 3RD
Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) is hosting the fourth annual RiverFest – a FREE open-air environmental arts and community festival celebrating the culture, history, and people that shape the LA River. Come celebrate this special urban waterway and its interconnections with art, nature, health, water, and climate change in LA. water, and climate change in LA!
The fourth annual RiverFest will feature a variety of local artists with thrilling live performances, a stunning visual art gallery and a bustling marketplace. They’ll also have some new interactive eco-activities for the whole family and delicious food from some of L.A.’s best food trucks. Be sure to stop by the MCERP table as we join in the celebration of the LA River and its interconnections with art, nature, health,
So grab your favorite Angelenos and come visit us at this FUN & FREE community event, all ages welcome. More info here!
- Event Details:
- When: Sunday, August 3, 2025, 2:00pm-8:00pm
- Where: LA State Historic Park, 1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
CAL-TROUT PHOTO CONTEST 2025
3RD ANNUAL FFI WOMEN'S FLY FISHING PHOTO CONTEST SPONSORED BY MISS MAYFLY
Photos must be submitted during the contest entry period: June 1 – August 31, 2025
FFI Women Connect and participating FFI regional councils are hosting a flyfishing photo contest to celebrate women anglers for June, FFI Women Connect Fly Fishing month.
- CATEGORIES
- Freshwater fish
- Saltwater fish
- Water, bugs, and their “Match the Hatch” flies,
- Buddy teaching or fishing moments. Buddies may include pets
- Group moments
Everyone wins! Prizes offered by Miss Mayfly and more! Join an online Fly Fishing Photography Seminar with renowned fly fishing photographer Brian O’Keefe, who is also serving as one of our judges. He will offer a FLY Fishing Photography seminar to all entrants.
Judging will be done from September 1 – 8th. All Winners will be contacted by Sept 9th. There will be an online Zoom Award Announcement in September/October and all photos will be featured in “The Fall Issue of “The Connection” the FFIWC Newsletter. Date TBD.
CALIFORNIA LUNAR CALENDAR & TIDE TABLES
club officers
- President: Vince Narez
- Secretary / Membership: Larry Basham
- Past President: Lew Riffle
- Treasurer: Mike Pugh
- Conservation: Dr. Mark Rockwell
board of DIRECTORS
- Brett Greenwood
- John Grace
- Chris Hortinela
- Lindsay McTavish
- Lou Ternullo
- Randy Ward
Credits:
Created with images by Uladzislau - "Torn paper with text BOARD OF DIRECTORS, business concept." • KCULP - "Beach with light blue water and white sand" • sbthegreenman - "mayfly and ripple on still water" • Jeremy Bishop - "untitled image"