PRESIDENT'S POST
JULY 2025
Vince's surf fishing trophy. A "helluva" halibut caught on the club outing to Rincon! Oh yea, our prez fishes!
Board of Directors getting it done!
The Board is making progress with more planning and action for the club. After a two-hour meeting we explored our 2026 fundraiser, formation of Save Santa Barbara Steelhead and began focused our efforts on Mission and Maria Ygnacio creeks, where members have recently seen Southern California Steelhead in pools below barriers, agreed to sponsor First Aid and CPR/AED training for members, set December 9 for our annual Holiday Party and more.
And still growing . . .
And our membership is growing with 6 new members in June for a total of 179!
Villa Majella
We are making a donation to Villa Majella of Santa Barbara's annual silent auction to be held at their Autumn BBQ on October 11. Villa Majella provides women who are pregnant with secure shelter and a wide range of support services. We will be donating a "Family Membership", rod and reel combo and a two spots in our October Basic Fly Fishing classes.
August 16 - Annual Club BBQ
Lindsay, Lou and I have formed the committee for this year's BBQ on August 16 at the Rancho Embarcadero Clubhouse in Goleta. We're upping our game this year from burgers and dogs to trip-tip and salmon. It's still and potluck and BYOB. Register NOW at our website. To register, you need to first sign-in, then go to calendar and find the event listing, click and register! Please note that if you do not sign-in first, you will not see the "register" button. Any problems? Please contact Vince or Larry. >> LINK to the event page
Santa Barbara Middle School update
Please recall that earlier this year a team of members provided basic fly-fishing classes to 16 Santa Barbara Middle Schoolers, to prepare them for a first time ever, week-long, fly fishing trip to the Lower Owens the first week of this past March.
I'm pleased to report that the school donated $300 to our Club. We are grateful to their generosity and support. We'll use this donation to further our mission of fly fishing, friendship, education and conservation.
Check your calendars
Keep an eye on the Club calendar at sbflyfishers.org for important dates this summer:
JULY EVENTS
- July 8 - General Meeting | Lino Jubilado
- July 9 - Conservation Committee meeting
- July 12 - Second Salt Saturday
- July 16 - Women's Group social gathering
- July 19 - Casting in the Park
- July 22 - Board of Directors Meeting
- July 24-27 - Troy Meadows Club Outing
AUGUST EVENTS
- August 6-11 Sierra Horse Packing (wait listed)
- August 9 - Channel Islands (wait listed)
- August 16 - Annual BBQ
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
- September 9 - General Meeting
- September 18-21 - Rock Creek (Mammoth)
LAST CAST
If you've read this post you can see that we've got a lot going on and will do a lot more in the future. This takes a great deal of effort by a relatively small group of people who volunteer their time and talent. The club growing and its leadership is dedicated to furthering its mission to fly fish, conserve, educate and grow friendships.
Please volunteer!
We need help at monthly meetings, trips, gatherings, conservation, fundraising and much more.
JUNE 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 JUly 2025
Author, Dr. Mark Rockwell, D.C.
As this summer moves forward we are getting greater clarity on how the new administration in Washington D.C. is thinking about managing the many agencies that make up our government.
Many of these agencies are key to protection & management of Public Lands - those places in America that are open to & owned by all U.S. citizens. Starting in January we began to find out about many lay-offs within the Public Lands agencies - Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Monuments, National Sea Shores, Wildlife Protected Areas & Refuges, and Marine Protected Areas to name several.
Why is this in a fly-fishing club’s newsletter?
Because many in the fly-fishing community visit public lands every year to fish, vacation, and take family trips. Annual visitations to public lands has grown annually. In 2024 National Parks were visited by 331.9 million visitors, BLM lands by 82 million, National Wildlife Refuges 67 million - 42 million to see birds & 8.7 million to go fishing.
- Dr. Mark Rockwell, D.C.
- Fly Fishers International Conservation
- Santa Barbara FF Conservation Chair
- mrockwell1945@gmail.com
- 530 559-5759 (cell)
next in person meeting is tuesday, July 8, 2025
Pizza for all who attend!
We are excited to have local LA legend, Lino Jubilado sharing his "Strippin' the Burbs" presentation.
We have all heard that in Southern California you can ski and surf on the same day, but how about catching quality fresh and saltwater fish within the urban sprawl of Los Angeles? Listen up, destination anglers, as Lino Jubilado our July presenter will show us how to pull off what he calls “Strippin’ the Urbs.” Lino’s program will open the door to the many never thought of and often neglected local fisheries within easy driving distance, some of them close to downtown LA. We all know of carp in the LA River, now say hello to largemouth bass, tilapia and bluegill in lakes on your doorstep!
MEETING LOCATION:
"THE MACKENZIE CENTER" ,3111 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
The MacKenzie Park Center is located off of Las Positas Road, across from McCaw Road and the Municiple golf course.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT | jULY 2025
Joseph Narkevitz receives the "Fly Fisher of the Year Award"
Report submitted by SBF membership chair: Larry Basham
The June general meeting was a very busy one with three new members, introductions of ten members and the Henderson Springs Ranch outing report but the highlight was the presentation of awards, one which was overdue.
At our 30th Anniversary celebration in March we presented awards for service to the club (Terry Fernandez and Lew Riffle) and the Mike Clevenger Fly Fisher of the year award to President Vince Narez, but one recipient was on a trip and we waited until he returned to make the announcement and presentation.
The Awards Committee decided to present (2) two Fly Fisher of the Year Awards for 2024 since it had been a few years since the club presented the awards and Joseph has gone above and beyond service to the club and the community. In fact in March, he was in southeast Asia visiting locations where he served in hospitals during the Vietnam War caring for wounded soldiers.
Joseph was born in Quincy, CA. His father was an avid fly fisherman and as soon as he could hold a fly rod in hand, Joseph was fishing on the Feather River. He has a Master of Fine Arts degree and was a teacher and instructor in the arts. Later he received his second master's degree in counseling psychology. He was director of the local Vet Center, a Veterans Administration Counseling program for war veterans.
After joining the club, he brought the Project Healing Waters program to us, continuing to help those vets suffering from PTSD before it was even given a title. When that program became too difficult for the club to manage, he continued with the 2nd Salt Saturdays which has introduced many locals to fly fishing and brought people into the club.
Joseph has served on the Board of Directors and has been the newsletter editor for years. He is selfless with his time and eagerly shares his knowledge and stories with all. If you’re new to the club, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself.
His longtime friend and fishing buddy, Lou Ternullo, presented the award to Joseph. It was particularly meaningful as Joseph was close to Mike Clevenger and he and Lou took Mike fishing at Lake Cachuma in his last days.
Congratulations and thank you Joseph for all you have done, continue to do and the example you set for all of us!
* * *
Membership Report - continued
Member Recognition - Thank you!
Reported by Larry Basham
Other members were recognized for their contributions to this year’s Celebration of Fly Fishing at the Lobero Theater. Together they accounted for nearly $6000 in bids at the VIP auction!
Chuck & Mary Hunt donated their home in Craig, Montana near the Missouri River.
Steve Brown was also recognized for donating his cabin along the East Bitterroot River in Montana.
They each received a commemorative photo album of the 2025 event and a handmade custom wooden plaque to hang in their homes.
Note: By the way these homes are available for members to rent. See the “Lodging Rentals & Used Gear” square at the bottom of the website homepage - more info
The Blue Dot on a member's badge means they are new.
Of course, we can always use help with planning outings and club social events.
Call or email Vince Narez and tell him how would like to help the club prosper.
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:
CLUB MEMBER PHOTOS
FISHING, SCENIC, ACTION, RELAXING!
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Juvenile Steelhead in Sisar Creek
Short video submitted by Tim Carpenter!
"I have been watching these little guys growing up in Sisar creek on my walks."
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Owens River at benton crossing
SBF member ~ Brent Christensen
Couple of weekends ago Andy Stull and I went to the upper Owens (camped at Browns at Benton Crossing). Flows were fairly high and turbid with poor visibility into the water. Fishing was very inconsistent but weather was beautiful. Only thing that seemed to work was a bead head prince just off the bottom (either euro style or with an indicator or dry dropper) and we had a few takes on the surface with small parachute Adams patterns. We did absolutely SLAY the crawdads in a couple of traps I set overnight (probably 10 to 15 bs of crayfish each day). It is myself pictured while indicator nymphing just above the bridge.
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Salt & Freshwater Beauties
SBF member - Tyler Isaac
First image (below) is a corbina from Santa Claus Lane when all the stars aligned a few weeks back. Got it on a gray/pink merkin on my 6wt.
The other is a wild rainbow from the Upper Kern above Johnsondale Bridge this week. Water levels are still high, but I was able to nymph the deep slower water along the edges in some spots where it was safe to land a fish. Definitely required some scrambling down the canyon, not an easy fish! Caught three this size, they all took a size 18 Kern emerger trailing behind a size 16 perdigon/pearl jam thing.
* * *
gettin' happy on the lower Sac
SBF member ~ Chiaki Harami
Chiaki caught what he called a "decent" sized bow in Redding on the "lower Sac" near the Sun Dial Bridge. Reporting it being cool and breezy, yet 80 degrees. Nice day, nice catch!
Two healthy, gorgeous catches on the "Green River". Keep 'em wet, keep 'em slimy!
* * *
First catch on a Tenkara!
SBF member ~ Alan Prichard
“I caught it just outside my home on the upper Santa Ynez River, on private property managed by the Montecito Water District—about 100 yards downstream from Juncal Dam.”
Editor's note: I did not know what fish this was (image below), so asking AI - this is what I learned: "That beauty (Alan) is holding is a Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus). It’s a freshwater native across much of North America and is known for its bold personality and vibrant coloring—especially those iridescent blue streaks on the gill covers and fins. They’re often found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, especially where there’s plenty of cover like rocks or submerged logs. They’re small but scrappy, and anglers often catch them while targeting other species.
Then Ai surprises me and asks, "Did you reel this one in locally? It looks like a classic catch from a warm, weedy shoreline." -- I must say, how conversational!
* * *
Pam Goes Fishing!
SBF member ~ Pam Cary
"What an amazing day fishing on the Middle Fork Feather River with my son, George, and the wonderful, talented, brilliant and enthusiastic guide Mario Guel of Taco Fly Company. Biggest catch of the day!" ~ Pam Cary
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Upper Provo River in Utah
SBF member ~ Geoffrey Wyatt
Geof & Laura Wyatt each with a beautiful Brown Trout caught on a dry fly on the Upper Provo River in Utah during the Green Drake hatch June 19, 2025.
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roosters on the fly in baja!
SBF member ~ Trey Pinner
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SEEING DOUBLE IN BAJA!
SBF member ~ Jong Yang
Hanna Yang with sister, Sarah, and a pair of Roosters in Baja (thank you Mary @ The Fish Ranch!)
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Prez Vince - a real Fish Magnet
Vince's beaut on a local club outing on the Santa Ynez River.
LAKE CACHUMA
MONTHLY FISHING REPORT
Monthly reports by "Doc" Ceder - and/or Lew Riffle
Lew's School - on Cachuma!
The lake is 80% full.
- There has not been a lot of shad around, but I think the bass are after the bluegill and carp minnows especially back in brushy bottoms of coves.
- The morning top water bite is attracting some good laker bass as well as the more recent hatchers from the past few years. You got to get out there before the sun gets too high and the wind gets up.
WHAT TO USE - What's working?
White has been working. Gurglers are a good bet but poppers of most any type will get hits when the fish are looking up.
The water has just got into the70’s. Switching to subsurface later you can use an intermediate line for back in the coves and a full sink tip out on the points and drop offs in the main body of the lake.
Unweighted minnow streamers like the Kinky Muddler or Eddick Minnows seem to be the trusty standbys for below the surface. White with a dark back or chartreuse and yellow.
OVERVIEW & OBSERVATION
The water in the lake is still clear and hungry bass will move to your presentation up or down if they are in a biting mood.
The small mouth have been active the past few weeks and are less picky than the large mouth and full of tussle.
"The summer holds a lot of promise."
Just remember that the wind is persistent in the afternoons and not nearly as magic as a foggy morning burning off into a sunny day.
Lew Riffle, past president
"The Doc's In"
The good ol' summertime!
Lake Catchuma fishing has entered the summer mode, with top water bass fishing early morning and late evening. The marine layer will extend the bite some.
After the sun hits the water, sinking lines with minnow flys stripped with fast retrieves and pauses will generate strikes.
There are a lot of smaller fish in the system from the successful spawn a couple of years ago,so lighter weight rods,will make the fishing more pleasurable.
Bluegills are found at the shallow area in the back of the coves.
Ted "Doc" Ceder - Casting Director & more!
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." • Marcelo Dufflocq - "Trout" • sablin - "trout fisherman in action on a small river" • sbthegreenman - "mayfly and ripple on still water" • Jeremy Bishop - "untitled image"