A Message from Your President
Heath Tiefenauer
Hello Fly Fishers International,
Hello and welcome to our first issue of Streamline for the 2019-2020 season. I hope everyone had many opportunities to get on the water and make some fishing memories.
If not, maybe you are planning to enjoy some fall fishing in the coming months. I know we’re all looking forward to cooler weather than we had the last few weeks and that our home water, the Lower Illinois River, will rebound from the spring flooding and the high water temps we’re seeing lately. If there is a silver lining to our high-water conditions on the LIR, it’s the great time many of you likely had chasing the stripers in the LIR. We are fortunate to have an abundance of fly fishing opportunities so close to home. As the weather cools it will be nice to see the trout population in the LIR make a comeback as the Wildlife Department continues with the stocking program.
We’re lining up some great outings for the upcoming season. In tune with the feedback from our members we look forward to providing both warm and cold water outings this coming year. Our first outing of the year will be to the Lower Illinois River. But this isn’t just a run of mill day on the river, we’ve got a great format for this event. We hope you’ll join us on Sept. 14th for this outing and for the other outings we’ll be lining up this season. Our web master Frank Kohn does a great job with our web site, please visit it for more details on all of our upcoming events. www.tu420.com
Our meeting schedule for the coming year has a great line up of speakers and events. Pat Daly has done an excellent job again this year and we’re looking forward to some of the presentations our guests have lined up. We hope you’ll join us. Meetings are normally every 2nd Thursday at Hardesty Library. Doors open at 6PM, our meeting starts at 6:30. Please note, our first meeting of the year is September 10th. This is a Tuesday instead of the usual Thursday.
Our TIC program is growing again this year thanks to the hard work of our tank leaders and our program coordinator Scott Hood. This program has been very successful and it is a wonderful way for our group to provide an outdoor and environmental opportunity for local schools.
As we enter the new season, I’d like to take a moment to thank all of our Trout Unlimited members for their continued support and ask every recipient of this newsletter to consider becoming a TU member. Water quality and conservation are important issues. Without clean water we wouldn’t have opportunities to pursue this passion we share. Now more than ever we need a united voice to help protect the waters and species which feed our love of fly fishing. TU is one way you can get involved and help the cause. I’m reminded of a phrase from the Lorax, a children's book by Dr. Suess. A book we’ve likely all been exposed to, but the message has been forgotten over the years. “UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Such a simple message from a children’s book. Care a whole awful lot. Support your local TU chapter!
Tight Lines,
Heath Tiefenauer
President of Oklahoma Trout Unlimited & Tulsa Fly Fishers
2019-2020 Trout In the Classroom Program Is Growing Again
Trout Eggs Hatching in Hatch Basket
This fall we are working to add two new tanks to our current school locations across the Tulsa area. Adding Edison High School and Riverfield Country School. Thanks go to OKTU members Russell Vaughn and Joel Kantor for stepping up to be Tank Leaders for these two new schools and to new comer to the Tank Leader position at East Central HS, Patty Baldwin.
So that everyone will know where we have these TIC tanks, here is a complete list.
Beggs 6th Grade, Pryor 3rd Grade, Owasso HS, Broken Arrow HS, Jenks Freshman Academy, Catoosa HS (2), East Central HS, Wilson HS, Tulsa Street School and the Tulsa Boys Home.
We’ve placed our order for 5,000 Kamloop Rainbow trout from a trout hatchery in Washington and expect them on Oct. 31. On that day all our tank leaders will assemble in a single location, receive a share of the live trout eggs and quickly head out to their assigned school where the prepared tanks and the students will be waiting. Students will count their eggs and begin the watch party. Within 10 to 15 days the eggs will hatch. It will be the student’s responsibility to watch over the elvins as they grow, all the while working to maintain the water quality within the tanks. If all goes according to plans, next spring, each of the schools will head to the Lower Illinois River for a field trip where the fingerlings will be released.
Stray tuned for updates as the program continues this fall.
If you’d like to contribute financially to this program please send your check to:
Oklahoma Chapter of Trout Unlimited
P.O. Box 54108 Tulsa, OK 74155.
(Each tank costs @ $1,200 and annual upkeep around $250 each.) If you’d like to learn more about TIC … go to:
WWW.TROUTINTHECLASSROOM.ORG
You can also follow along on Facebook by joining the closed FB group TULSA AREA TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM.
Scott Hood
Youth Education Coordinator for OKTU420
2019 Conservation Issues
Oklahoma Water Conservation Leaders to join Oklahoma Trout Unlimited in support of Minimum In Stream Flow requirements for the Lower Illinois River and the Scenic Rivers.
TU/TFF supports passage and enforcement of reasonable maximum nitrogen load levels in Scenic Rivers agreed upon nearly 20 years ago.
Exponential growth of mega chicken houses in Northeastern Oklahoma threaten stream water quality. Unlimited and unmetered new chicken water wells threaten aquifers and spring fed streams. An additional 50 tons per month of raw chicken feces forecast to be aerial sprayed on watersheds leading to our streams. Permits cannot, by law, be denied for any reason.
Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s planned large volume water transfers from Illinois river and other NE Oklahoma watersheds pose threat to instream flows and healthy fisheries. Reportedly, waters to be wholesaled to fracking companies and new OKC waterparks for profit. Scientific studies are not allowed to be used for viable fisheries, recreation needs or instream flow requirements to maintain healthy Oklahoma rivers and revenue generated.
Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell recognizes $800 million water based recreation and fisheries as major driver of tourism, taxes and resulting 15,000 jobs for Oklahoman’s. Matt Pinnell, who fly fishes, establishes first Oklahoma Fishing Trail to encourage fishing based tourism
TU/TFF to survey members to learn their top conservation and fisheries concerns.
Trout Unlimited National opposes harmful Federal Regulations.
Recently there has been a flurry of rulemaking activity by the administration that will affect regulations for agencies that oversee the conservation of natural resources. Currently, there are three rulemaking efforts TU is opposing and seeking comments from members.
Right now there are three rulemakings that each and every angler should be paying attention to: 1) the U.S. Forest Service’s revision to its NEPA regulations, 2) the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to implement Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, and 3) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service’s revisions to Endangered Species Act regulations. Learn full details and provide agencies with your input at www.TU420.com.
Pat Daly
Conservation Chair
Volunteers Wanted
Get Involved In TU420/FFI
TU420 has several volunteer positions that they would like your support in filling. Most of the positions have volunteers currently in the position who are willing to provide mentoring during a transition period. Volunteers would need to be an active member of Trout Unlimited and Fly Fishers International.
Secretary: Responsible for agenda and minutes for Board and General Meetings and assists TU420 officers and Board members.
Treasurer: Responsible for book keeping and financial reports to TU and FFI.
Board Member: Plans and organizes TU420 direction, events and activities.
Social Media Chair/Newsletter Editor: Edits and publishes monthly newsletter and administers Instagram, forum and facebook activity.
Membership Chair: Maintains membership statistics and promotes membership in both TU and FFI.
Outings Chair: Creates and organizes monthly outing events.
General Volunteers: From time to time we have a need for volunteers to help with fly tying, knot tying and casting instruction. If you would like to help on those occasions, please let one of the Board members know that you could be available and are willing to participate.
If you are interested in becoming involved and being part of TU and FFI, or know someone who would be interested, please consider volunteering for any of these positions. Currently these are temporary positions until formal elections in November. For more information and details on the positions and responsibilities, please contact one of the Board members.
Newsletter Notes
- We will be making an effort to increase our TU and FFI membership this year. Please encourage your fishing friends to join one or both of these organizations. We would like everyone to consider recruiting one new member in 2019-2020. If you are not a member you can find membership information by following the links to TU and FFI.
- If you have changed your email address or know someone that has, please let me (and TU) know so that we can update our membership list. Your newsletter will 'bounce' and you will only be able to read the newsletter by going to the TU420.com website.
Fly Tying Contest
Six Fly Progressive Fly Tying Contest
Fly of the Month – Terrestrials, on Size 6 – 14 hooks. Grasshoppers, Ants, Beetles, whatever your favorite pattern. Tie 12 and enter the Fly of the Month contest. You will receive a flybox with 6 flies for your effort, and you get to be the judge of what is the best pattern. Contact Kelly Brown for details on Facebook, or at kellyfishes@msn.com.
-Kelly
Author Kelly Brown will be directing this season’s fly tying contests. Some of your contest fly submittals will be used as fund raising items, raffle items, special contest prizes and other awards for Trout Unlimited and FFI projects like Trout in the Classroom, winter trout stocking of local ponds and youth education programs.
Who needs that many fly rods? Why is a fly rod a piece of art? What is art?
Fly rods are tools for fishing that much is clear. A jack and tire iron are tools for changing tires, by many, an inconvenience at best. Tools critical when needed but otherwise best buried in dusty recesses and cubby holes. What makes a fly rod any different? It doesn’t have to be, I owned some of those rods.
(Continued in Column 2)
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September General Meeting Features Dustin Doss
Our Fall Monthly Meetings Begin TUESDAY September 10th.
September 10th - Guest Speaker and guide Dustin Doss, Breckenridge Outfitters, presents “Fly Fishing Breckenridge’s Best Streams and High Mountain Lakes”.
Dustin will cover the best times of the year to fish, fly selection, how to fish the Upper Colorado River and the best tributaries; the Williams Fork River, Muddy Creek, Reeder Creek and The Blue River and how to catch those big fall run fish.
Dustin hails from Oklahoma, but has happily been in the mountains for a few years. In his past life he was a professor, so you can bet the education you gain is nothing short of extensive. Dustin has a true passion for guiding, fishing, and tying flies. When Dustin isn’t guiding, you will find him hunting large trout or predator fish.
http://www.breckenridgeoutfitters.com
PLEASE REMEMBER that this month's meeting will be on TUESDAY Sept.10th.
Trout Unlimited Chapter 420 and Tulsa Fly Fishers meet at Hardesty Public Library, 8316 E 93rd St Tulsa on the east side of Memorial Dr. and one block north of the Creek Turnpike. Doors open at 6 pm (open discussion and questions) and admission is free. Raffle and door prizes are presented at the end of the meeting.
Raffle Prize For September
The raffle prize for September’s General Meeting will be a Vedavoo Sling Pack. Not too big, or too small, the one sling every angler should own to carry flies, water, tools, and other gear on the water. Made in the USA. A $149 value.
https://vedavoo.com/product/seam-sling-classic/
Give yourself a better chance of winning this prize by buying extra tickets at the door.
Outings
September 14th - Hard Luck Fly Fishing Contest
Loc: Lower Illinois River - Watts WMU
Time: 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Entry Fee: $5.00 per fly
Agenda: Meet at Watts parking lot when flies will be distributed/purchased .
The Hard Luck Fly Tournament will be conducted on Saturday, September 14th at the Watts Area on the Lower Illinois River. We will meet in the Parking Lot between 8:00am and 8:30am. The
Tournament will begin at 9:00am and will end at
12:00 Noon. Lunch will be provided around 12:30.
There will be five categories of competition: most
fish caught, longest fish caught, shortest fish caught, for the person who provided the fly that caught the longest fish and best hard luck story.. Certificates and prizes will be awarded to the winners.
The Rules are as follows:
1. All participants will arrive at Watts WMU between 8:00 and 8:30 and donate at least 2 flies to the contest. No restrictions apply to the type of flies to be donated.
2. Additional flies can be purchased from the remaining flies after all participants have their two flies.
3. If you have a favorite fly you may want to bring several to contribute. Flies may be commercially purchased or hand made.
4. Anglers will be paired by most experienced with least experienced to make a team of two.
5. Each participant will purchase at least 2 flies (at $5.00 per fly) to use during the tournament. Team members may consult in making their fly selection. Only tournament purchased flies can be used.
6. Tournament will officially begin at 9:00 and end at 12:00.
7. Awards will be presented for 1) shortest fish, 2) longest fish, 3) most fish, 4) the person who provided the fly that caught the largest fish and 5) best hard luck story
8. String will be provided to participants to record their catches or a photograph with a scale can be used as a record.
9. Lunch will be provided at noon after which Tournament results will be announced.
10. Contestants can fish for any species
11. The venue will be limited to the LIR area from Tenkiller dam to the Watts cable
Date: September 24th - Orvis 50/50 Film
Loc: Heirloom Rustic Ales - 3113 E Admiral Blvd
Time:
Info: From women-specific gear development, to education & adventure experiences, to nonprofit partnerships and women-centric storytelling, "50/50 On the Water" is here to inspire and celebrate women in the sport we all love.
Date: October 19th - Spavinaw Fishing Event
Loc: The park/camping area at Lake Spavinaw below the dam
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Info: Fish until noon then join the Chapter members for lunch.
Date: November, TBD - LIR Outing
Loc: Watts parking lot
Time: 9:00 am
Info: See upcoming newsletter issues
Date: December 12 - Holiday Party
Loc: McNellie's Restaurant, 409 E 1st St
Time: Doors open at 6:30
Tickets: Purchased at the door for $25/person by bankcard, cash or check
Details will be provided in the December issue of Streamline.
Contact:
Heath Tiefenauer at TU420outings@gmail.com
Youth And Adult Education
Upcoming Classes
Jenks Community Education - Learn to Fly Fish Oklahoma
- Date: October 26th
- Time: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Location: Jenks Aquatic Center
- Fee: $25
Want to Learn to Fly Fish or know someone that does and you don’t want to be the teacher?
Offered by members of OKTU this Jenks Community Ed clinic is taught in a classroom setting and on the water. Indoors rain or shine. Participants will learn about fly fishing gear, the terminology of fly fishing, how to “read water”, where and why fish like to live in certain areas of a stream or pond, fish identification, and more. There will be hands-on knot tying, hands on fly casting and fly tying demonstrations offered as part of the clinic. No equipment is needed to participate in any portion of the clinic. All proceeds go to Trout Unlimited Oklahoma Chapter. You do NOT have to live in Jenks, OK to take the clinic.
Seating is limited. 15 years of age or older please. Sign-up on the Jenks Community Education: https://www.jenkscommunityed.com/class-calendar&a=view&class_id=365 or call 918-298-0340 to register.
Backwoods at The Farm - Fly Tying Lessons
- Date: September 17th
- Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
- Location: The Farm at 51st & Sheridan Rd
- Cost: Free
Fall 2019 General Meeting Schedule
Pat Daly has lined up an excellent series of presenters this fall at the General Meeting
September 10th - Well known guide Dustin Doss presents - "Fly Fishing The Rockies", Breckenridge Outfitters
October 10th - Kit Brown "Everything You Need To Know About Fly Fishing The Lower Mountain Fork River", Beaversbend flyshop.com
November 14th - Fred Kirk - "Rocky Mountain Road Trip; A 3,000 Mile Fly Fishing Adventure"
December 12th - TU420 Holiday Party at McNellie's Downtown
FFI's Online Learning Center
Have you been on a streak capturing your favorite fish when another angler walks through the middle of your ‘honey hole’? Have you watched an angler disturb a Redd? How much should you tip your guide and what are the potential dangers that exist at your fishing location? Understanding fly fishing Safety and Etiquette are addressed at the FFI website. FFI Learning Center has put together two documents ”Fly Fishing Safety” and “Fly Fishing Etiquette” that may answer your questions and concerns. These downloadable documents are valuable resources for beginners and experienced anglers alike. If you are interested in safety and etiquette this could be the resources you are looking for.
While you are there, check out FFI's other educational programs on fly fishing, fly tying, fly casting and conservation. The Learning Center focuses on educational and instructional programs for all fly fishers at all skill levels.
If you are not familiar with FFI, visit their website: flyfishersinternational.org and see how you can become involved in this fly fishing organization whose focus is on conservation, education and sense of community.
Who needs that many fly rods? (Continued from Column 1)
Fly fishing has many faces, but commonly is agreed as the art of using a long flexing poles with guile and grace to fool a fish, preferably in a place of great natural beauty. A fly rod can be crafted to solve a problem, provide pleasurable casting and also be a beautiful object, so why should it not be? On that topic, there are as many opinions as onions. I build fiberglass rods to solve the fly-fishing problems because they cast beautifully. That’s my onion.
When I started building, unique glass rods were only available at a price I could not afford to break. Regular fishing provides a built-in demand for a couple of rods a season on the basis of my stumbles, falls and trips. I started building them with colors and decorations that clearly say “not made in a factory” and found I prefer the not quite perfect threads, epoxy coatings and alignments. Rods that are built better than required by function, but visibly less perfect than automata. What can be a flaw from one perspective can also be beauty from another.
So how many fly rods do you need? How much art do you need? Just enough to momentarily appease the sublime desire for grace. Even better if that desire finds you with your feet in clean water, a fly rod in your hand in pursuit of a fish of liquid perfection.
This is getting dangerously close to a discussion of what counts as art, and I am grateful to have two brothers to share opinions as plentiful as onions on this topic.
Kelly Brown
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