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PRESIDENT'S POST
SANTA BARBARA FLYFISHERS - MAY 2026
getting ready
I don’t know about you, but when I’m getting ready for an extended fishing trip, I start prepping a couple weeks out. I start sorting out gear, check my fly boxes, clean fly lines, replenish, check the weather and even fishing reports, but mainly I start to get excited. I’m getting ready for one now to southern Utah to fish in some lakes for fat rainbows. I’ll be bringing a float tube with me this time. Need to make sure I have enough leech patterns and various sinking lines, including intermediate, types 3 and 6. I’ll be sure to have a floating line for hanging chironomids. Nevertheless I always bring too much stuff. Float tubing is a great way for me to fish lakes. Lakes seem to hold fatter rainbows that can pull you around, dig deep and then shoot up from the depths like a missile. So exciting and satisfying when you bring it to the net, then watch it swim away. I was recently talking to a prospective member about places to fish in the Eastern Sierra that were far from crowds. They’re tough to find unless you trek up the mountain. But I find a certain amount of solitude floating the lake.
The Club Is Also Getting Ready
Next up is a local outing to the Santa Ynez River. This is the closest river to us, just 20–30 minutes over the 154 to Paradise Road and full of bass, panfish, carp and catfish. This is a fantastic opportunity for new members and those new to the sport to meet others and get some time on the river. Our bi‑annual outing to the Fall River in the North, east of Redding, is coming fast in a little over a month. This one is filled and wait listed. Fly fishing outings are an important benefit to membership. They provide the opportunity to get on the water, learn or sharpen skills and build relationships with like‑minded friends. Check out the Outings page at our website to learn more about the schedule, details and registration.
Live Auction Results
If you missed our April 7 meeting, you missed a party and the most successful live auction in club history. Over 80 members and guests attended and the bidding was fast and furious, generating over $20,000 for club initiatives and operations. Thanks to the winners for your generous support and to donors including:
- John McLean
- Boundary Expeditions
- Rivenrock Lodge
- Steve Brown (cabin on the Bitteroot)
- And club members Sam Sosa, Russ Redmond and Mike Pugh (vintage fly fishing gear).
Please learn more about our generous donors at the web links included.
last cast
A group of us recently met via Zoom with the leadership of the Diablo Valley Fly Fishing Club. The purpose was to learn how the club has dealt with a significant growth in membership, which, for them, now nearly 450.
They willingly shared invaluable insight into their journey, their organization and leadership development, but more, on their mission to provide value to members. Our club has experienced explosive growth since the end of the pandemic, when we were about 25, to today where we stand at 250, including 40 new members in the last month! Whodathunk? With this growth comes challenges and opportunities for us . . . and YOU! Please contact me or any other board member to learn more about the club, especially how we operate. We are seeking members to help with the growth and serving our mission of conservation, education, friendship and fly fishing. Lastly, please follow @santabarbaraflyfishers on Facebook and Instagram. Please come to the Club meeting on May 12 and bring a friend.
UPCOMING LOCAL OUTINGS
MONTHLY EVENTS
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community event highlights in pictures
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Our Annual Club Gear Sale is almost here. And "yeee-ha" it's going to be epic!
Join us on Saturday, May 16 at 8AM at the annual Harbor Swap Meet (at the SB Harbor's main parking lot on Harbor Way).
Here's how you can get in on the action: 1) Donate stuff. If you have rods, reels, flies or any other gear that you don't use anymore, please donate it. We've got lots of new members who can put it to good use. Call/text/email Mike to schedule a pickup/dropoff or bring it all to the next club meeting on Tuesday, May 12. 2) Sell stuff. Help folks find the right gear for their needs. Haggle a bit. Have some fun teaching the next generation of anglers about gear. Please get there around 7AM if you want to help set up and sell. 3) Buy stuff. This is a great way to round out your gear or try something different. And if you are (or know) a fly tier or rod builder, you (they) gotta be there ... we have more materials than you'll ever believe. Have a question? Contact Mike Pugh at 805-698-8280 or mikepugh@gmail.com.
sb women on the fly - Special event!
🎣 SB Women on the Fly — Event Details 🗓 Dates & Schedule Pre-event Evening • Friday, May 29
- Meet-up at a local brewery (social kickoff gathering)
Saturday, May 30
- Morning yoga
- Fly‑fishing classes
- Campfire gathering in the evening
Sunday, May 31
- Hands‑on fishing at the Santa Ynez River
- BBQ lunch
🌟 Event Purpose A weekend designed specifically for women who:
- Want to learn the basics of fly fishing
- Want to refresh or improve their skills
- Want a supportive, women-led learning environment
🎓 Instruction & Activities
- Fly‑fishing classes taught by accomplished women fly fishers from Southern California
- A full “hands‑on” fishing day at the Santa Ynez River
- Opportunity to borrow, buy, or bring your own gear
🤝 Community & Experience
- Build new friendships
- Learn a new outdoor skill
- Enjoy a unique, women-centered fishing weekend
- Potential to spark a lifelong passion for fly fishing
Become a member and the $60 cost is included!
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SBF CONSERVATION FEATURE / NEWS
CONSERVATION REPORT
Save Santa Barbara Steelhead - A Campaign to Save Our Local Fish
Mark Rockwell, on Behalf of Santa Barbara Fly Fishers, April 30, 2026
As Santa Barbara grew from a Tribal/settler community in the 1600s into a sizable, multi-dimensional living location of 100,000 residents, little attention was given to a unique fsh that also called this place home - Southern California Steelhead. This fsh has been here much longer than humans and has been part of the history of Santa Barbara starting with the Chumash Tribe more than 10,000 years ago. Today, they need our help to survive. The Santa Barbara Flyfishers are dedicating our time, energy, and money to stabilize their living conditions, and improve their habitat - the places they live. Specifically, we will be improving their access from the ocean, where they grow to adults, to the high elevation streams where they are born and begin their life. It’s clear, they must have access to all of these places to survive, and in the past 75-100 years humans have reduced their ability to access the streams and high-altitude locations they need to reproduce (spawn) and grow. Our Campaign - Save Santa Barbara Steelhead - is focused today on Mission Creek, which runs through the center of our city, past the historic Mission, and into the mountains. Specifically, we want all barriers to migration from the ocean to the headwaters, and back again to be free and open to the fish. This will allow them to complete their life cycle, as they have done for thousands of years. Our Conservation Committee is focused on removing barriers - 6 total - on Mission Creek, opening Mission to full migration and access to spawning & rearing habitat for the first time in 100+ years. | Read more
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)
MONTHLY MEETING may 12, 2026
5:30-9:00pm
MINI-CLASS: TBD
Fly-Fishing with Leonardo Da Vinci by David Ladensohn
Leonardo da Vinci was obsessed with water and David Ladensohn, who has been fly-fishing for forty years, knew that the artist would have made the perfect fishing guide. This book will inform and entertain anyone interested in Leonardo or fly-fishing and their unlikely intersection.
About David Ladensohn
David Ladensohn is the author of Fly-Fishing with Leonardo da Vinci and is also a mediator, retired executive, and entrepreneur. He was recently a Next Horizons Scholar at Oxford University. He lives in San Antonio, Texas, and outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
THE MACKENZIE CENTER
3111 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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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 Randy Ward at: sbf.secretary@gmail.com
WEBSITE QUICK LINKS:
- CALENDAR
- CASTING CLINICS
- CONSERVATION
- MEETINGS
- NEWSLETTERS
- OUTINGS
- SAVE SANTA BARBARA STEELHEAD
- SECOND SALT SATURDAYS
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LAKE CACHUMA
MONTHLY FISHING REPORT
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"LEW'S SCHOOL"
"Our protracted spring yanks us along as we look forward to summer a more summer like mode hopefully with some hot fishing as well"
The lake has kinda flopped into a spooling mode with water temps holding around 65 after flirting with 70’s just a month ago. That will change as summer swings in this most vital time of year.
Westerly winds have turned over the shallower sections of the lake and water visibility, with another algae bloom, have made things a little challenging working fish like we were a year ago.
The spawns are over and the bass and bluegill are taking up feeding haunts as the spring hits full pace. It’s just a matter watching the weather and being prepared to get on the water. For now searching with a sinking line and shad imitation will find the occasional bass.
Large mouth seem to be everywhere under 20 feet, as are the smallies who seem more eager if a fly is put in front of them. Some top water action is available early hours especially for the smallmouth over cobbly rocky bottoms. Some smaller bass are taking interest in poppers as well, but it is all over as the sun comes out and they stop looking up because of the brightness.
Trolling for trout is still going on with the last plant being snuck in before the Trout Derby last month.
Lew Riffle, past president
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"THE DOC'S IN"
"The bass fishing at the lake has gone off to a slower start this spring . . .
The shallow water has not attracted the numbers like we have hoped, and the bass have been staying out in 6 to 8 feet of water. You may get some top water action real early, but the best fishing has been using sinking lines and working the flies out from the shallow to deep with strip pauses. White or Chartruse colors seem to work best. The crappie and sunfish bite has been slow too. You need to move around some, but there are fish to be had.
Ted "Doc" Ceder - Casting Director & more!
Crowley Fish Foundation Announces Inaugural Trout Stocking
Bishop, CA — April 22, 2026 The Crowley Fish Foundation (CFF) is proud to announce its inaugural trout stocking event, scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 8:00–9:00 AM at Hilton Bay, Crowley Lake. A stocking truck will release approximately 1,600 pounds of trout, ranging from one to three pounds each. These high‑quality fish are raised at Desert Springs Trout Farm in Summer Lake, Oregon, and funded entirely through donations from CFF’s generous supporters.
A Milestone for the Foundation
“The Foundation is thrilled to have finally raised enough funds from our selfless supporters to put fish in the lake… It’s awesome to see that we are moving the needle,” — Chris Leonard, CFF Board Secretary
This event marks the first of several planned stockings in 2026, dependent on continued community support.
Tagged Trophy Trout Challenge
Among the released fish will be ten specially tagged trophy trout, each weighing roughly five pounds. Anglers who catch a tagged trout can redeem it for special prizes, including guided trips and gift cards to local establishments. Full rules and details will be available on the CFF website. Tags may be safely removed for catch‑and‑release anglers.
About the Crowley Fish Foundation
Founded in May 2024, CFF has grown rapidly under the leadership of its all‑volunteer Board of Directors and Board of Advisors. The Foundation partners with public and private organizations to ensure future generations can enjoy world‑class trout fishing in Southern Mono County. CFF’s mission includes:
- Teaching kids how to fish
- Taking veterans fishing
- Supporting scientific research at Crowley Lake and its tributaries
- Hosting free community fly‑tying clinics
- Partnering with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife
Through conservation, sustainability, education, and community engagement, CFF is committed to preserving the Eastern Sierra’s fishing legacy.
Join Us
Everyone is invited to celebrate this special event with the CFF team. Learn more or make a donation at www.crowleyfishfoundation.org.
Contact
Chris Leonard Board Director & Secretary, Crowley Fish Foundation Email: cleonard@crowleyfishfoundation.org Phone: 442‑436‑2666
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FEATURING MEMBERS | PHOTOS, REPORTS, ETC . . .
CLUB MEMBER PHOTOS
FISHING, SCENIC, ACTION, RELAXING BY THE CAMPSITE - ETC!
*** CLICK ON IMAGES TO SEE THEM IN "FULL SIZE" MODE
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AUCTION-BID-WIN-BBQ/EAT & repeat!
Submitted by SBF member - Larry Basham
The auction/BBQ brought out over 80 members to eat, cast, visit and bid on wonderful items. I made a photo album on the website if you can link to it. Here are just a few pics.
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DEVORE'S VORACIOUS APPETITE FOR FLY FISHIN'
SBF member ~ Scott DeVore
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KATRINA'S EVENT PHOTO BOOK
SBF member ~ Katrina Peeples
Thank you to Katrina for snapping all these wonderful images!
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Andros Island, Bahamas
SBF member ~ Bill Leahy
"En route back to Santa Barbara from Andros Island, Bahamas - attaching a few photos - of one of the Bonefish I connected with. Note SBF hat!!! Was with a group that included an old childhood friend - we attended camp together, who invited me along!
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fun with tarpon
SBF Member ~ David Smukowski
These are juvenile tarpon pics from Campeche Mexico. 8 wt rods. 40lb tippet. 20 lb leaders Mostly hunting in and around mangroves. Most fun I’ve had fishing for a while!
We lost a lot of fish because one sets by pulling and stripping. Trout and salmon guys beware. They launch like a missile and when they do that you “ bow to the king” let your tip down or they’ll snap the line. They’ll run too. Around mangrove roots which have barnacles. Not line friendly.
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Fly Fishing on the lower-o with friends
SBF Member - Russ Redmond
Joseph Narkewitz, John Dusell (a friend who is new to fly fishing) and I traveled to Bishop for spring fly fishing, April 7-10th. Although the flows on the Lower Owens were too high, we fished various spots along the middle & south forks of Bishop Creek and had a great time! Fishing wasn't 'red-hot', but we all managed to hook & net several beautiful, wild trout. It's been a very dry winter in the Sierra, so the snow level was above 9,000 ft., near South Lake.
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the carpenters
"we've only just begun . . . to fish . . ."
SBF members Tim & Teresa Carpenter
Teresa and I fished the San Juan River in New Mexico on the Sespe Flyfishers club trip. Fishing was fantastic, lots of big Browns and plenty of huge Rainbows. Teresa got our biggest, with a 23” Rainbow and mine was a 22” Brown. We got lots of fish between 18 and 21 for the 3 days of drifting with the Fishheads guides. Great trip, highly recommended for next year. - Tim Carpenter
SWEET GEORGIA FLY FISHIN'
SBF member - Tom Mullen
Tom recently had the opportunity to spend time in North Georgia fishing for a variety of species. He hooked up with Shoal Bass on the Flint River in LaGrange, Hybrid White Bass/Stripers, and Carp on the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier near Atlanta.
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march on the san juan
SBF member - Eric Kramer
I spent the last week of March on the San Juan River with FFCOC and Sespe Flyfishers. The two clubs caught and released over 1600 trout, both Rainbows and Browns. The largest fish was caught by Roy Fukishma, a 26", 8lb. Bow. He also caught a 24" Brown. My largest was a 23" Rainbow. Karen and Tom Hall had the best day numberswise with 120 to the boat. SBFF members in attendance were Steve Schalla, The Carpenters and the Woods. Every angler from both clubs caught at least one over 20". Next year SBFF will also have a trip, but it is already sold out. If you want to get on the waiting list, let me know.
Karen and Tom Hall had the best day numbers wise with 120 to the boat. SBFF members in attendance were Steve Schalla, The Carpenters and the Woods.
Every angler from both clubs caught at least one over 20". Next year SBF will also have a trip, but it is already sold out. If you want to get on the waiting list, let me know via email: 2greatteachers@gmail.com
eldore and victor on the san juan
SBF Members ~ Eldore and Victor Wood
sespe-ians on the san juan
Sespe president Steve Schalla and his daughter, Petra Patton. Along with Tom & Karen Hall
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henderson springs with friends
Report & images submitted by SBF Member: Jorge Fulco
Club members Joseph Narkevitz, Jorge Fulco, Mike Pugh and Mark Rockwell were joined by Mark’s good friends Rich Rubin and Mike McGannon for four days of camaraderie, feasting and fishing at Henderson’s Springs, near Redding, CA. The weather was wet and windy but the fish were feisty, hungry and beautiful. A fine time was had by all bobbing in belly boats soaking leeches, Woolly Buggers, chironomids, midges and Boobies. When the bugs made a move, fish readily took Purple Hazes, Adams, and Griffith’s Gnats on the surface…and they were big! The group divided up dinner tasks and all ate very well. Joseph brought some of his home grown (wine) and the conversation flowed. After Rich and Mike M went on home, the four of us were guided for a day on the Lower Sacramento River by Matt Mitchell. While not as large as the rainbows at Henderson’s, a satisfying number came to the nets! A big "Thank You" to Mark for planning the Henderson's logistics and to Joseph for setting up the river floats!
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COURTESTY POSTINGS / OUTINGS
WIND RIVEr, WYOMING HORSEPACK TRIP
Hi everyone, We’re excited to offer a truly unforgettable backcountry adventure this summer — 4 days and 5 nights in the Wind River Range, targeting trophy goldens, brookies, browns, and rainbows in pristine high‑country water.
📅 Trip Dates
August 25–29
🐎 Getting There
Travel by horseback with mules packing your gear. It’s a 6‑hour ride each way into the high country — a true wilderness experience.
🌄 The Wind Rivers
You’ll explore:
- Miles of clear mountain streams
- Meadow stretches
- Pocket water
- Alpine lakes at 10,000 feet
🧭 What’s Included
Provided by Sweetwater Fishing Expeditions:
- All meals
- Camp cooking & cleaning
- Transportation
- Full guide support
🎒 What You’ll Need to Bring
- Fishing gear
- Sleeping bag & personal gear
- Transportation to Lander, WY
- Wyoming fishing license
💰 Cost
$5,200 (includes gratuity) Does not include transportation or lodging before/after the trip.
🎣 Space Is Limited
This is a true Bucket List trip with very limited spots available.
📬 Interested?
Contact Jorge Fulco JDfulcosb@gmail.com
ITEMS FOR SALE BY CLUB MEMBERS
- - - MISC FLY FISHING GEAR & ARTWORK - - -
- - - FLOAT TUBE | EXCELLENT CONDITION - - -
OUTCAST "PROWLER" FLOAT TUBE FOR SALE
$400 / GREAT SHAPE!
Lists for up to $700 new (ebay ad)
The Outcast Prowler Float Tube is a high-quality fishing accessory designed for use in float tube fishing. As part of the Outcast brand, this float tube is durable and reliable for a day out on the water. With its sturdy construction and comfortable design, it allows anglers to easily drift along the water while fishing, making it a valuable addition to any fishing enthusiast's gear collection | Email Cece at: sbff.webmaster@gmail.com
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fly fishers international &
ffi women connect
FFI’s FlyFest 2026 Registration - Is Officially Open!
Redding Civic Auditorium Redding, CA September 24-26, 2026
For decades, FFI gatherings, from the Conclave to FlyFest, have brought the fly fishing community together to learn, connect, and carry the sport forward. And FlyFest 2026 will continue on that tradition by offering fly fishers from across North America and beyond:
- World-class casting instruction
- Educational seminars and panels
- Fly tying demonstrations
- Conservation conversations
- A consumer trade show
- Community dinner and fundraising auction
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Southwest Council FFI
The Riptide Rendezvous event, originally scheduled for May 2nd has been rescheduled. Stay tuned! A new date will be announced soon.
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CALIFORNIA LUNAR CALENDAR & TIDE TABLES
Credits:
Created with images by Sandra Cunningham - "Fly fishing equipment on deck with view of a lake and mountains" • Tan Kian Khoon - "classified ads" • sbthegreenman - "mayfly and ripple on still water" • Jeremy Bishop - "untitled image"