|
Trip Director's Report.
Charlie Horn, Gary Blubaugh, Joe Cunningham invited Gary Frey and Scott Doolittle to join them in their condo. Charlie was gracious enough to accommodate as they had never been to the Green. I am sure the talk was of flies, a few lies as well as helpful information on what they should use to get into those fabulous trout available on the Green. Scott Ciluffo and me enjoyed the ride up with Fred Portillo, our Chapter president who loves Blues Music. Gil Hassenger was lined up to be with us but an old Casting injury put him on the shorelines and so, Traveling with us was past president Glen Edwards in huis place.
Dan Sullivan and Linda Miyamoto made it up Saturday evening and we planned to fish together on Sunday.
We arrived at the dam Sunday where we ran across Dave Brady and Dale Robson who came up with Jim Arnold who together camped up the road a piece. The plan was to fish till we could fish no longer. Either age or darkness was to be the only reason to retire from our pursuit of taking advantage of all Mother Nature had to offer. I knew when we arrived the fish were looking forward to a good time and I know for a fact fish have as much fun as we do..Why else would they jump so much?
Fred floated every day on his pontoon boat. He picked it up before the trip and was wore out after each incredible ride. I had the opportunity to float the canyon 1 day with Fred on Jims pontoon and would do it again any time. Fred was great company and guided me well thru the canyon, the rapids and he also guided me to the fish. Which seemed so much better from the privacy of my own pontoon. I now see why so many do this float.
Glen took a Guided float trip with Charlie Horn. I know they had fun. I hear the stories Charlie had going in the boat had the fish laughing so much that catching them was a cinch and the Guide was well entertained. At no cover charge. Poor guide, he may be spoiled for future clients but that's the price you pay for a good trip with Charlie.
Scott Ciluffo waded along with Scott Doolittle and they tag teamed up thru the upper Canyon along with Gary Frey. Seen them with bent rods and I was reminded of Huck Finn when I walked up and saw Doolittle parked on a rock leaning back setting up for another attempt to get a hog on. He did and I watched. Called out an "Atta'boy!" Sarcastically. Jealous it was not me mostly. I did witness him land a beaute whilst I was watching. He told of one big brown that made a spectacle of itself in his air born fight to free himself. Unfortunately he did just that. Scott did well his first Green trip. Scott Ciluffo sight fished all thru the canyon with great success. He was on with beetles and ants of all things. He ties a great floater midge that turned them on the last evening. He'd not fished the upper section and told me he was glad he did. Sight fishing there is always so much fun. It was nice to hear him reminisce when he came in from deep in the canyon.
Jim, who now has fish "fearing his name" at the sound, got everyone into using a Cicada pattern as he was into big fish with a big fly. That works? Cicada season is a month away but with the great weather the fish were fooled that it was time to look up and see big flies. The hit on a cicada is enormous and it took no time to be convinced Jim was on to something. It worked for Dale at the dam and he was quite satisfied with what he landed. 3 Big Browns equal 20 little guys any day. Way to go Dale.
Gary Blubaugh, slamming woolly boogers and streamers up and down the canyon told of doing O.K. I hear he did quite well. O.K. maybe one came in backwards but it counts don't it? He gives no information of his secrets but this only makes his aura of a good fly guy that much more in tune to what I expect of him. Charlie Horn and Joe Cunningham were busy wise cracking with me that I plain forgot to ask Joe what he was into but I am sure he will tell if asked. Pictures of more than a dozen chapter members at the restaurant dinner table should be available thru Joe as he made sure to document this event. Hope we tipped that waitress more than enough.
Linda, on her fourth cast Sunday was well into a nice brown trout and that should tell you of her days events. Need I say more? I am sure Dan helped in landing a few. A shake of the head "Yes" I take as a confirmed nod that Dan did well also when I asked him.
Dave Brady as always gives those fish everything he has in his arsenal and leaves nothing to chance. I know of a few he brought in but Dave does not share his prowess with many and I respect that. Dave brought along a stew for the last nites meal to go with brats from Dan and Linda. As always we eat well. I hear the restaurant was calling asking them for some fixins. Sorry to them we had none left over. Dinners were alway of fish talk and being entertained by all the stories that accompany these trips. Some of them Real too but always a hoot.
To quote a phrase I learned from Glen, "This trip was the Cat's Meow!! "
** I do have one word of caution to all members who attend chapter trips. We will “Not" be tolerating any form of contraband on these outings as there are some very impressionable youths and new fly fishers who attend our trips. Story goes that there was a "Mepps Spinner” found on the counter of one of the condos. There was almost an uprising to confront ones we might have considered bringing such an illicit item along. The fast acting condo heads discussed the line of action and decided that the only answer was that it was a mistake and the culprit realized the "Eveil" of his ways and discreetly turned it in. There were no questions asked. No further action will be taken. **
Bob Untener For more about the trip and pictures continue
on here. |