PRESIDENT'S POST
SANTA BARBARA FLYFISHERS - FEBRUARY 2026
jet lag . . .
I love journeying to different places to fly fish. It seems as though every time I travel—especially to South America—I spend a lot of time in airports and on planes and usually end up in different time zones. Just yesterday I returned from my first adventure to Brazil to chase Peacock Bass, so as I write this, I’m jet‑lagging. I was part of a group of mostly Southern California anglers led by this month’s guest speaker, Glenn Ueda. Ten of us ventured to Manaus in northern Brazil on the banks of the Rio Negro, a major tributary of the Amazon River. From there we hopped on a small plane northwest to Barcelos, where we boarded a mothership operated by Nomadic Waters, an Orvis‑endorsed outfitter specializing in the vast waters of this region. We headed upriver with bass boats in tow and, for the next six days, threw streamers and poppers tied to 60‑pound fluoro into heavy structure, grassy banks, points, and sandbars. The water level was up, as the drought of the previous couple of seasons was finally history. High water makes fishing more challenging, but the group still managed to land hundreds of peacocks and several other exotic species. What made the fishing more challenging for me were the dolphins—pink ones—near the top of the river’s food chain. I assume the caiman and jaguar are technically at the top, but they’re not fast enough to be as effective at eating fish. The dolphins seemed ever‑present, like they could hear the boats and home in on us. And they knew when I had one on the line.
"I hooked a real big one. Rarely do they get into the backing, but this one did."
It took off, then suddenly stopped. I regained control and retrieved half of a bass. During the fight, a dolphin had caught the fish and swum off with the other half. My guide estimated the original fish at 75 cm and well over 10 pounds.
I’m amazed at the places we go to fly fish. Whether it’s a stream or lake in the mountains, ocean flats and beaches, blue water, or the jungle in South America, the beauty and wonder of nature abound. I plan to return to the Amazon in October 2027.
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
MARCH 31, 2026
Tickets are selling well for our screening. VIP tickets are limited, so buy them now and get a chance to meet our distinguished panel of speakers, who will discuss this epic film’s effect on fly fishing, the industry, and conservation. The reception will start at 5:00, the panel begins at 6:15, and the movie at 7:30. Get your tickets at Lobero.org. We are seeking sponsor support for this community event—our third annual. We have set three levels of sponsorship. Please contact me directly if you have suggestions for potential sponsors at: sbff.president@gmail.com
last cast . . .
Next stop: the Olympic Peninsula for steelhead. Later this month, four of us—all Santa Barbara Flyfishers—will venture to northwest Washington to swing for steelhead with Lael Johnson, our speaker this past November. I hope to see you at the club meeting on Tuesday February 10 with Glenn Ueda.
MONTHLY EVENTS
sbf CONSERVATION
MARK ROCKWELL
February 2026 report
The Santa Barbara County Fish & Wildlife Commission Report (click here) - recommendations on the proposed Marine Protected Areas (MPA) for our region - you will see that the Commission does not support the contested new MPA for the Carpinteria Reef.
Some in our club have discussed this and recommended we not support this new MPA.
I would suggest we send a letter supporting the decision by the S.B. Fish & Wildlife Commission's "DO NOT SUPPORT" decision on Petition 2023-29 MPA-MA, Carpinteria Reef. Send me a note via email if you support a club letter as suggested: mrockwell1945@gmail.com
Dr. Mark Rockwell, D.C. Fly Fishers International Conservation Santa Barbara FF Conservation Chair mrockwell1945@gmail.com 530‑559‑5759 (cell)
INTRO for PDF information: The Santa Barbara Fish and Wildlife Commission is a county commission consisting of nine members appointed by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. The commission, among other things, aids the county board on active fish and wildlife related matters with our combined hundreds of years of local fish and wildlife experience between our fellow commissioners. This comment letter serves to provide our input regarding the current MPA petitions requesting changes be made to the MPA network specifically around the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands. | Learn More > PDF
MONTHLY MEETING february 10, 2026
5:30-9:00pm
MINI-CLASS: Accessory Gear & Rigging for Nymph Fishing
glenn ueda
Chrome Spots and Fangs (Exotics)
In February, we welcome back local personality, guide, and crowd favorite Glenn Ueda with an exciting new program sure to inspire the more adventurous among us. His presentation follows a tireless search for the most powerful cold‑water fly‑rod species found only in remote, fly‑in destinations.
Your journey begins in Southeast Alaska on the intimate ten‑mile Katalla River, home to an annual run of ten‑thousand chrome‑bright Silver Salmon. Arguably the most sporting of all salmon, Coho are acrobatic, aggressive, and famously fond of topwater flies—whether they’re holding in brackish tidal pools, grass‑lined beaver ponds, or cobbled upstream riffles. From there, you’ll fly deep into the Yukon’s pristine Toobally Lakes to stalk shallow reefs and points for big, powerful Lake Trout and hard‑charging Northern Pike.
A side trip for beautifully adorned Arctic Grayling will put a deep bend in your 4‑weight as you skate Elk Hair Caddis across the surface. The adventure concludes with a 250‑mile flight through the rugged, snow‑covered Alaska Range to the mighty Holitna River—one of the few places on earth where you can pursue exotic, tarpon‑like sheefish. As a bonus, Glenn’s presentation includes generous giveaways from his sponsors, Orvis and Scientific Anglers.
THE MACKENZIE CENTER
3111 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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:
january 2026 -meeting report
Article by: Larry Basham
January Meeting Report The first meeting of 2026 got off to a TYING start with over 70 members coming to tie flies or watch others.
Our “in‑house” guide, Casey Cloud, demonstrated tying saltwater and bass flies.
Doc Ceder tied a purple egg‑sucking leech pattern.
Mike Pugh helped others tie a Caddis green rock worm. Both are great winter patterns for the Lower Owens.
Trey Pinner tied the Sam Soga “Pink Lady,” which is a killer in the Eastern Sierra.
Randy Ward inducted seven new members into the club, bringing our total to 221. An amazing 107 members joined in 2025!
Our speaker, Chris Leonard, kept our attention with a very interesting program on fishing one of our most popular destinations, the Lower Owens River.
2026 promises to be another great year with an exciting film event in March, more outings, classes, and social events. Stay tuned and take advantage of all we offer. We can always use your help and suggestions to keep moving forward.
LAKE CACHUMA
MONTHLY FISHING REPORT
Lew's School - on Cachuma!
lew's feb 2026 report
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Lew Riffle, past president
"The Doc's In"
doc's feb report
Not much going on at the lake with all the rain.
Flyfishing will be mostly float and fly technique for the next couple of months, will be the way to get the fly to the level of the fish.
Mid March will start the fish moving toward the shores in shallower water. Peak bass fishing goes from Mid March thru May.
The lake is beautiful now, full to the brim.
Ted "Doc" Ceder - Casting Director & more!
🎣 CASTAWAY 2026 — Fly Rod Demo Day
🗓 Date: Saturday, March 15, 2026 🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Location: PCC Casting Pond 🌐 Directions: pasadenacastingclub.org
What to Expect:
- Try out rods and fly lines from top manufacturers
- Compare gear side-by-side in a hands-on casting environment
- Win gift certificates from Fishermen’s Spot
- Enjoy a BBQ lunch with fellow anglers
🛠 Featured Brands: Sage • Orvis • Echo • Scott Fly Rods • R.L. Winston • R.K. Bolt • Scientific Anglers • G. Loomis • Redington • Rio Products Hosted by: The Fisherman's Spot and the Pasadena Casting Club
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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ONE FISH, TWO FISH, THREE FISH, REDFISH!
SBF Member - Tom Mullin
I am on a January Redfish trip to Port Aransas, TX. I have been fishing with Ken Jones of Kenjofly.com. My first day out produced more than a dozen quality hook ups.
Port Aransas is seeing temps in the mid 60’s and the wind has not been too bad. Clear water, muddy bottoms, and hooking up in 8-16 inches of water is common.
I did break an 8wt rod, but it was my fault for letting the fish run under the boat. Rods are cheap compared to the experience of being outside and enjoying the passion of fly fishing. Good manufacturer warranties make for loyal customers. All sight casting. Multiple fish in the 30in plus size. It’s worth a visit!
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TWO ACES IN THE HAND OR BOAT!
SBF Member - Jean Sedar
Was it trouble or luck—two past presidents of Santa Barbara Flyfishers in the same boat?
Actually, Lew Riffle has brought me luck on two of my personal bests. The most recent was this smallmouth bass, caught while in Lew’s boat during our club outing at Cachuma Lake on May 3, 2025. It’s the largest I’ve ever caught in over 65 years of fishing our local lake.
Not even half a century fishing it with “The Mayor of Cachuma” (my dad, Bill Sedar) ever put me onto a smallmouth bass that gave me a tug like this smallie. And what fun to hook into it on my trusty 6wt Sage fly rod!
And then there was that memorable day back in 2007 when past SBF member Jeff Peariso took me out for my first time on Lake Casitas. Locals may recall the Zaca Fire had been burning for over a month by the time we launched his boat on August 17th, and between casts I was sneezing, blowing my nose, and all stuffed up from allergies caused by whatever was burning across our whole backcountry.
Over Ojai’s mountains, dark clouds of smoke were so thick that the early morning sun was barely visible behind a murky veil of orange, black, and gray. Lew showed up on his own craft and paddled over to get the lowdown. Jeff had already caught an early‑morning lunker bass that went 9#, and Lew picked up a 4‑lb’er shortly after sliding his kayak about 50 yards from our spot.
Moments later my streamer was forcibly stopped cold, and a heavy weight took my line slowly deeper and sideways. Jeff was rather nonchalant about it all and kept casting and stripping, even though I was excited and claiming I had a “toad” on my line. After all, we had not fished together before, and he probably assumed any decent fish would seem large to me.
Huh! That all changed quickly when I eventually called, “Color!” and he saw the behemoth roll over and show off his greens and a big, fat white belly. It had been a good fight, but the bass was tired, so I was able to lip him and lift high with a grunt while Jeff speedily weighed, whistled exuberantly, and clicked off a quick photo before I eased my prize back down, reversed my hook, and let swim away one of the best birthday gifts ever—all 9.75 lbs of beautiful bass! (right >>)
My dad always said he’d rather be lucky than good, and I’m not too proud to accept some myself. But it’s best to be fishing with friends and get lucky, so it was a bonus to share these experiences with Lew, who has been a friend since we were toddlers. Jean Sedar
HAMILTON . . .NO NOT THE MUSICAL
SBF Member - Claudia Staffel
Hamilton, Montana in 2025
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FLYFISHING SB & BC!
SBF Member - Daniel Wilson
THE TREASURES OF THE SANTA YNEZ RIVER
WILD RIDE, WILD TROUT!
Mid-August I had one day of fly fishing coastal British Columbia just outside of Vancouver. I caught several trout one of them of unknown species using dry flies. I didn't get a good picture of the fish as I was freezing my (fill-in-the-blanks) off in this River and doing my best to not wipe out. Lots of fun!
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EURO-NYMPHING FOR SUCCESS!
SB Member -- Jeff Mikeska
I was recently up at the North fork of Kern. Water temperatures were 40°. Trout are kind of sluggish at that temperature but I managed to get a nice one Euro nymphing.
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terry's treasure trove of trout and more!
SBF Member - Terry Fernandez
ITEMS FOR SALE BY CLUB MEMBERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO LEIGH ANN SWANSON!
FFI Women’s Community Development Award
About Leigh Ann Swanson - - -
Leigh Ann Swanson Altadena, California Serving her 2nd term as President of SWCFFI, Leigh Ann is a past President of Pasadena Casting Club. As a CCI, she was PCC casting director for 6 years. She's hosted multiple free casting clinics, including many for women. (CCI is a Certified Casting Instructor by FFI). She is an award-winning leader who has been exceptionally generous with her time and helped bring many women info the fly fishing community.
wc's upcoming event(s)
COMING IN FEBRUARY Building Your Own Fly Rod Presented by: Linda Vance In addition to fly tying, anglers can build their own fly rod using readily available components. This program will guide participants through the rod-building process, from selecting blanks and components to assembly and finishing techniques. The speaker will also share practical advice on sourcing materials and tools. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session, making this an interactive and informative introduction to custom fly rod building. Click here to register and join us! *** This registration link also includes our upcoming scheduled programs through June FFI Women Connect Future – Monthly Programs When: 4th Tuesday of each month Time: 5:00 PM PT | 6:00 PM MT | 7:00 PM CT | 8:00 PM ET (US & Canada) Location: Online via Zoom (Registration Required) Join us for a series of engaging monthly programs designed to educate, inspire, and connect women in fly fishing. Our expert presenters will share their knowledge on a wide range of fly fishing topics tailored specifically for women. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or a seasoned angler, each session offers valuable insights and opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Mark your calendars and spread the word—we look forward to seeing you there!
Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/ffiwomenconnect Private Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/ffiwomenconnect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ffiwomenconnect Website: https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/FFI-Women-Connect
SWC'S Juniors Bug Sling Off, Youth Clinic
We’ll be teaching kids ages 10 to 18 the basics of fly fishing in a round-robin clinic on Saturday morning, February 7, 2026.
- Flyfishing Equipment and Basic Knots
- Casting a Fly Rod
- Entomology (Bugs) and Matching Flies
- Fly Tying
After the clinic, the young anglers will head to a local stream to test their new skills and knowledge while fishing for local trout! We’ll be coaching the young slingers streamside. Afterwards, there will be recognition and awards, including prizes for First Fish, Biggest Fish, and Most Fish. The awards will be a set of trout flies and a fly box. Registration: Please contact Carl Crawford at youth@swcffi.org Entry Fee $10:00 *Registration is limited to 15 youth anglers
CALIFORNIA LUNAR CALENDAR & TIDE TABLES
Credits:
Created with images by Sapiens - "Hand of a person use a vote into the ballot box in elections.,With orange background" • didesign - "Espresso and coffee cups with coffee beans in background" • 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"