The Buffer
The Newsletter of Buckeye United Fly Fishers, Inc., Cincinnati, OH

 

Volume 23, Issue 7                        Web site: http://www.buckeyeflyfisher                         July, 2000

 

IMPORTANT 
INFORMATION!!

New B.U.F.F. Meeting Location
Deerfield Twp. Park
5847 Irwin-Simpson Rd.
(Warren County)

We’re moving our monthly B.U.F.F. dinner meetings that were normally scheduled to be held at the Izaak Walton Lodge to the newly opened Deerfield Township Park.  The July 12th Meeting will be our first at this location.  Come see the new facility!  Our inaugural dinner will include baked barbecue chicken, farm fresh corn-on-the-cob, and potato salad.

 

President’s Corner
     Jim LeBlond

It is with a slight tear of sadness that we bid a found farewell to the Isaac Walton Lodge.  The IWL has been a gracious host to Buff for the last twenty to twenty-five years.  We’ve had a lot of great meetings there, and a lot of great friendships were first formed within those cinder block walls.  I think to a certain extent we will all miss it.  But, as our membership grew over the years, it has become more and more apparent that we’ve outgrown our old surroundings.    With this in mind, our board set out to find a new spot that might be more centrally located for our membership, yet still near the expressway, a place that would have adequate meeting room, a first class kitchen, ample parking, a real family atmosphere, with perhaps even a pond in the back for casting instruction.  The board looked long and hard and came up with a list of alternatives.  Finally, Don Prince suggested what we believe to be the best alternative -- a newly formed park in Deerfield Township.  The park is located at the corner of Irwin-Simpson and Snider Roads in Mason, Ohio.  I would encourage everyone to drop by and take a look at the grounds in the daytime.  It has a park-like setting, complete with a playground for the kids, picnic area, ample parking, and a stocked catch and release pond.  The main house while not yet ideal, has immense possibilities.  There are several large rooms, conducive to multiple classes, and speakers.  And, perhaps best of all we’ve got access to a first class kitchen.

This move is not without cost, in fact we’ll need to grow our membership and all perhaps work a little harder at each meeting.  We need to be certain that every current, prospective, and former member knows that we’ve moved to this new location.  We’ll need to work harder to be good hosts.  We’re now all responsible for both the set up and take down of the tables and chairs at all our meetings.   We’ll need to be certain to leave the grounds as good or better than we found them. As a non-profit organization, we’ve managed to negotiate a very competitive weeknight rate for such plush surroundings.  The rate is very much conditional upon our commitment and the strength of our membership to deliver on our promises.

Be sure to come to the July meeting and check out the new place.  I’m sure you’ll be pleased.  On behalf of B.U.F.F., I want to thank Don Prince for his time and effort locating and ultimately negotiating this deal.  Next time you see him, be sure to thank him yourself.  The new place is great, with endless possibilities, only time and our membership will tell us how to best utilize this opportunity to grow our club.

 

One Fit For A King
     Joe Guenther  

Hear ye' Hear ye!  It is very important that you read this article in full and consider this year’s fall salmon trip.   This trip takes place September 26, 27, and 28 at Barothy Lodge in Walhalla, Michigan.  Truly the crown jewel of accommodations on the Pere Marquette River.  This is a beautiful private resort that we have been lucky enough to reserve for our outing.  

I have two brand new lodges (log cabins) reserved.  These cabins altogether have a total of eighteen separate beds.  They are furnished and equipped with modern kitchens, pool table, Jacuzzis, fine furniture and antiques.  Absolutely the nicest accommodations to be found, and the lodging is only the tip of the sword.  The main arrow of the quiver is directed at the king (king salmon).  

This competitor that we will be engaging in battle is not always elusive and many times abundant, but you had better be prepared and well armed.  These kings are ferocious fighters with acrobaticl jumps, drag smoking runs, and they just do not give up!  This can be an experience of a lifetime that you will never forget.  I don't know if there was a better run of salmon in the world that could of matched last year’s action.  There were literally thousands of fish.  I hope the action remains on pace again this year.  On top of the good fishing there will be time to spend with your fellow fly fishers.

 Lodging:     

Barothy Lodge, Walhalla, MI. There are 18 separate beds available.  The cost for lodging is $140 for the three-night stay.  This rate is based on a full sign up.  We need your participation to make it happen.  The lodge requires that we pre-pay in full by July 20.   This is non-refundable, so if you end up unable to make the trip simply find a replacement.

Meals:  

There will be three meals served for dinner nightly for a charge of $30 total ($10 per night), The rest of the meals are on your own.  There are restaurants in the area for breakfast and lunch.  There is also a refrigerator in the lodge and stores nearby.  8 ½’ to 9 ½’ rods, 8-10 weight, reels should have disc drags, and be spooled up with amnesia line, we'll be using the chuck and duck method, polarized glasses. a must, This is sight fishing and they are going to be your best friend.  Tippit-maxima ultra green 8-10 lb. test.  Ball swivels, round shot 5's & 7's.

Equipment:  

8-1/2’ to 9-1/2’, 8-10 wt. rods.  Reels should have disc drags and be spooled with amnesia line.  We’ll be using the chuck-and-duck method.  Polarized sunglasses are a  must, this is sight fishing.  Recommended tippet is UltraGreen 8-10 test.  You’ll also need ball swivels and round shot (5’s & 7’s).

There will be a more detailed meeting for participants on equipment prior to the trip to cover all bases, so you will be prepared.   I will call you about the time and place.

Flies: 

Egg patterns, black stones, caddis larva, spay flies, all flies must be tied on heavy-duty hooks, and this will be covered at the pre-trip meeting.

Clothing gear:

The weather is usually in the 70's during the day and in the 40's at night, so be sure to pack clothing to fit the weather to ensure better comfort.  It would be a good idea to bring along a rain jacket. Gortex waders are first choice, something breathable but neoprenes are fine.  Felt bottom wading shoes will work just fine.

Guide Service: 

We are very fortunate this year to have our very own guide service available exclusively for us.  Mike Mench (BUFF member) has a long list of credentials including being the youngest fly tier ever to be invited to the FFF Fly Fishing Expo in Livingston, Montana.  He is also a graduate from the Hyde Guide School in Idaho.  He has fished all over the country and has fished the Michigan rivers since he was a very young man.  He has a newer drift boat that is very nice and has guided the rivers many times.  We are fortunate that he is going to be available.  

Space is limited, so let me know if a float trip would be something you would like to do.  Mike has agreed to give us a discount for this trip.  His cost is $200.00 per outing for two people ($100.00 per person).  You are responsible for your own lunch and you must pay for his lodging for that night. If this is something that you are interested in, you must figure his lodging ($25.00 per person extra) in your total prepaid reservation cost and remember this is due in advance by July 20.  Mike will be a great asset to this trip!

In closing the fall salmon trip has always been one of the most popular trips that we offer.  We are trying to make this trip even bigger and better than ever.  This trip will not be possible at the price listed above without the needed club participation.  This is truly world class fishing at its best with excellent accommodations.  Any member interested in going on this trip will not be turned away.  We are trying to set this trip up so everyone that wants to attend can.  But this trip will not be possible without your support.  So please sign up now and come and join the experience of a lifetime.  Think seriously and quickly and see me at the July meeting.  It's best to call in advance to get your name on the list.  If you have any questions please feel free to call me, Joe Guenther, at 724-6343 or have a check ready at the July meeting for a total of $170.00. 

 

Free Rod & Reel Offer
    Mike Bryant

Okay, it’s not really free, but it’s the next best thing to the lucky winner of the next Conservation Raffle.  We have a great prize to offer – a Lamiglass graphite fly rod and Ross fly reel outfit.  The Lamiglass fly rod is a 9 ft., 4 wt., 4 piece (Copper River Series) that is advertised to be 15% lighter than comparable rods.  It has a limited lifetime warranty and comes with a Cordura rod case.  The catalogue classifies the rod action as fast, but I found it gave a very light and delicate presentation.  A perfect rod for casting dry flies and small nymphs.

The Ross fly reel is a #2 Cimarron.  A handsome reel with a black, high gloss finish and a very smooth disk drag.  In addition, the B.U.F.F. logo has been laser engraved on the backside making this reel a unique collectors item.  This is the perfect outfit for on-the-go trout fishing.  We guarantee that you’ll look good fishing with it as well, the envy of all other Buffer’s!!

 Retail value for both the rod and reel is over $450!!   But it can be yours only if you win the Conservation Raffle, and the only way to win is if you purchase a Conservation Raffle ticket.  Tickets are only $5.00 each.  The more tickets you purchase the better your odds.  And remember, all the proceeds are used as donations in B.U.F.F.’s ongoing Conservation Program. 

We will bring the outfit to the July dinner meeting, so plan on attending.  ­

 

A Little Help Please!  Buffer’s Needed  at Camp Freelander
     Ed Jones

We still need a few BUFFers to help the local Boy Scouts Council July 13 or July 25 at Camp Freelander in Milford.  We will provide fly fishing activities including casting and fly tying instruction as part of the overall camp fishing program.  The boys will have a chance to fish their flies on one of the camp lakes. 

The main purpose of the month-long project is to interest some of Cincinnati’s youth in meaningful, wholesome, constructive activities with the Boy Scouts.  Could there be a more worthwhile endeavor?  We need to arrive and get set up by about 8:30 AM.  We will have one group of 8-10 boys with which to work every hour or so until about 4:30 PM.  BUFF volunteers may sign up for an entire day or half-a-day.  One or two more are needed for July 13, and two or three more for July 25.  You may volunteer for this very rewarding experience all day or half-a-day.  Call or E-mail if you can help 513/523-6523, FlyfisherEd@bigfoot.com .  You will make some new young friends and feel great about your participation! 

 

Thanks Paul!
   Jorge Villares

I have read many thanks to folks in the club that have organized or participated in activities.  There is a person that has gone unnoticed.  He is Paul Feldman.  This winter, just like many other winters past, Paul took the time to show me how to built a landing net.  With Paul’s tutoring, I was able to make a work of art.  It is the most beautiful thing I've made with my hands.  Folks, my wife likes it so much that she won't let me take with me fishing.  Instead, she has it hanging on the living room wall.  Thanks again Paul and please, if you are teaching the class again, save me a place because I need a net to take with me to the river.

Elkhorn Trip Report
    Randy Clark

On June 2, 3 & 4 twenty-two Buffers along with some families and friends lead by trip coordinator Joe Guenther went to Elkhorn Creek (near Frankfort Kentucky) for a weekend of fishing and fun. We stayed at Elkhorn Campground at the forks of the creek. We had campers and tents all in the same area for fellowship. The campground was in a beautiful setting; the facilities were clean, as well as 1st Class. The people at the campground were accommodating and cordial. We arrived right after a brief down pour as a front was coming through on Friday. The weather turned cool and comfortable that evening with low humidity and partly cloudy skies – it was perfect on Saturday and Sunday.

I was chosen as your trip correspondent because my name was drawn from the hat. I am a new member and this was my first trip. I particularly enjoyed the trip (for the same reasons I joined the club) because communication is excellent and the members are friendly and helpful. 

We had a short gathering Friday night at the campfire to discuss what each person expected from the trip and what each person wanted to do. Some people wanted to canoe, some wanted to know where to fish and how to get there and some wanted help on reading the stream. On Saturday morning we gathered at 7:00 AM. Small groups went in several directions. It seemed that the areas most fished were back behind the camp ground, near the dam and a 1.5-mile stretch behind the golf course. There was a small group that used a livery service to canoe and fish. The report from that group was that it was a good way to not only see the creek but to easily move from hole to hole. The only incident was that a canoe did tip over so those two members could enjoy some unplanned swimming. Thank God the rods were saved.

Bob Ireton probably caught the most fish at about 32. There were several 12-16 inch fish caught. I personally caught one at 16”, the largest smallmouth of my life (photos available at request or shown without request). A lot of small fish were caught as well. Wooly Buggers and Sneaky Petes seemed to work well. White seemed to be the color of choice. Every body caught fish.

Saturday Evening, after a wonderful day on the water, we had a cookout at the Camp Ground pavilion. We had hamburgers with all the fixings and ice cream for desert. We would all like to thank Joe AND the Guenther family for making the dinner GREAT. An adult beverage (or two) contributed to a very relaxing evening. Much time at dinner and in the glow of the Campfire that night was devoted to telling the fishing stories of the day and fishing stories of the past.

No one boosted of their large numbers of fish or the size of their fish or their great casting ability or their stream reading talents, because that was not important. What was important is that we all learned more about the art that we try to improve. And we all met new people and made friendships. We stood in a pretty stream an enjoyed the beauty around. We had fun and the bonus was - we all caught fish.

 

Neshannock Creek, PA Fishing Repot
    Steve Groome

Last week after a short business trip to West Virginia, I had the chance to head up to the little Amish town of Volant, PA to fish the Neshannock for fat Rainbows and Browns! Neshannock is a beautiful freestone stream in far west PA just over the border of Ohio from Youngstown near Mercer, PA. It has a delayed harvest area that is just loaded with nice fish (and anglers) that runs 2.7 miles from the low dam in the town of Volant down to the historic covered bridge on Covered Bridge Road. It is artificial only and open year round! The only harvesting permitted is between June 15th and Labor Day. There is also a nice fly shop in town right on the stream just below the dam and a big walking path that lets anglers cover just about the entire regulated section! (Can also double for “spousal nature walks”!)

This is the third time I’ve been up there and I would say that March (sometimes cold however) or April is probably the best time to go before the crowds hit and the fish get hammered. Although last week I did get a fair amount of fish but not as big as I did earlier in the year last year! There are a lot of good hatches that start in April and run through the end of August. One of the most notable is their Brown Drake Hatch (#14). It is usually late evening from mid May to mid June. Last week I saw Sulphurs, March Browns, Light Cahills, and Slate Drakes when I was there and caught about a third of my fish on dry flies. A #12 or #14 Adams seemed to work well for me when there were multiple hatches going on and not one predominate hatch! The rest of the time I used small nymphs like Caddis Pupa and Baetis under an indicator with 6X Fluorocarbon and did well. Water was low and clear!

As far as the town goes, there are plenty of shops around for spouses and friends to frequent when they get tired of fishing. And plenty of places to get a quick lunch and drink that are “wader friendly”. There is also a nice B & B in town to stay in. (Only lodging in town however!) But there is plenty of other lodging nearby. But I would recommend staying at the B & B in town where you can get an early breakfast and which is walking distance to the stream and shops. It is called the Candleford Inn. Since this Amish town closes up early, I would recommend 2 roadhouses or “pub style” inns for dinner about 10 minutes north of town. One is Rachael’s Roadhouse and the other is the Iron Bridge Inn. Both are good! And both are “hatch friendly” since they serve till 10:00!

If you go, try to go early in the year and on weekdays if possible to avoid crowds to get into a lot of nice fish!

 

On the Way to Hiwassee
   Sue Jones


(Hiwassee Adventure Part I)

On May 18 a group of 12 BUFFers left Cincinnati for the Hiwassee River Outfitters Camp in Tennessee.  This is the first part of the story:

On the trip to Hiwassee the Jones' started a little late
We picked up Joe Panfalone, he thought we had missed the date

We went to Montgomery to meet up with Mike Suo
Our van, his jeep and Uckotters’ SUV too
The Uckotters, the Joneses, Joe and two Bobs
Bob Curry, Bob Simmons, and Mike made up our fly fishing mob.

We started out first in a convoy of three cars
It lasted two miles, if even that far.
Ed in the middle drove much too slow
Dave and Jayne couldn't stand it, so away they’d go

To catch up with Mike who was way far ahead,
I knew we would always be way at the end.

Everything went well until we hit Knoxville,
There we chose the wrong exit, which one we’ll not tell.
It went nowhere I tell you, nowhere at all,
But soon we turned around; it was a very close call!

The next exit had gas and what a surprise
There was Mike pumping gas right in front of our eyes.
They had stopped right beside us you know
Even though we were so very slow.

We left the station and drove on and on
Talking and laughing: fly fishers are gone
We talked and we talked until we came to a crew
Making repairs and slowing traffic as they often do.

Ed asked "How much farther to Highway 30, Do you know?"
I didn't but said, "thirty miles or so."
He said we had gone more than forty by then
I wondered where we were, were we lost again?

 

But fate on our side, we found a good route
To take us to Hiwassee with our fishing loot.
We drove down the road in our big brown van,
When it shook and it shuttered and the trouble began.

Joe jumped out of his side and Ed out of his
When they touched the hot wheel I heard them say this:
"The brakes are too hot and we have to stop."
So we stopped for a while in a nice shady spot

Then started out again, but again the van rocked.
This time in the sun, no shade was in sight,
I wondered if we would get to the cabin that night.

We sweltered, we sweated, and I began to wonder
Why we hadn’t used the air conditioner, what a blunder!

Why didn't someone think that the air conditioner could go?
And why didn't Ed and Joe both know
That the brakes and the air do not need each other?
While we roasted and toasted for nothing-oh brother!!

We called the outfitters to let them know
We would be late with car trouble, you know.

The next time we started on down the hill,
We had no more trouble, the stop fit the bill.
We pulled into Hiwassee, hungry, tired but ready for fishing
And found out we weren't too late at ll as others were also missing.

Where were the Goldsberrys, Bob and Lou?
Out in Georgia, for the third time or two!
They came in later, but in time to eat
They need a compass in their front seat

By the Shores of Hiwassee     (Hiwassee Adventure Part II)

We stayed in cabins, brand new and built with care
Our roommates, the Kalblis, were a lively, likeable pair.
We met all together whenever we could
We had the best of company, of outfitters and food.

Most of the experience was very, very fine
Something a fly fisher would do anytime.
Now I am not complaining about anything we planned to do,
But I will let you in on the unplanned event, let’s call it, Graceful Sue. 

When you wade the Hiwassee, you wade on old, old rocks
That are slanted, slippery and covered with green moss
When the mountains formed, we waders would learn
They buckled and stayed at a forty-five degree turn.

The river is there, sometimes high, sometimes low
Dammed upstream with a system to let the water go
Most of the time you can go across rocks, not hard to see
But when the water is let out of the dam, it rises quickly. 

The fishing is good when the water is high
The fish find lots of good things to eat floating by.
So it is hard to quit when you see the fish rise
But you better get out or the water might reach to your eyes.
But you know how it is when the fishing is good,
No one wants to leave not even when they should.

Ed and I were fishing with Tic Smith,
A really good guide who knows all the tricks.
He says his name is Tic because when he was small
He chewed on his shirt collar like a tic on a hound dog.  

He found a great spot for us to fish
And was helping me get the knack of his tricks.
I hadn’t been fishing for quite a while
And my casting skill left a great deal to be desired.

I tried and I tried but the fish got away
So we went to a new place just a big rock away.
I slipped and I slid and I hit my knee
But got up and tried again to fish gracefully.

I didn’t catch much but had a great time
But my knee was throbbing and twice the right size.
I didn’t say anything; the fish were beginning to bite
Who can complain when the catching is right?

But I noticed to water beginning to get deeper
But a fish was close by-I thought I would catch that sleeper.
I didn’t, of course, it wasn’t my day
While Ed caught his fish and kept fishing away.

Tic and Ed finally noticed the depth, it was over Ed’s waist,
And came to get me and help me get out of that place.

Now Tic isn’t very much taller than me
And the water was deep, it was easy to see.

We scrambled over rocks using my wading stick
I grabbed and I pulled and almost drowned Tic.
Just as I thought I was safe from all harm
I fell in the rushing water, thought I would drown.

I remembered you are supposed to turn over to float
And keep your head up and float like a boat.
I didn’t do either but fell on my face
I wondered if I would get out of that place.

The water was fine, not very cold but deep
And very wet and scary I wanted to scream.
But someone grabbed me and sat me up right
On a rock that was big and not out of sight.

Tic may be small but he is strong and mighty
I ‘m glad he was close or this poem wouldn’t be.
Now I am soaking wet from my head to my feet
Do you know you can have water in your waders and not sink?

We walked back to the campground quite a ways down the road
I thought I would sneak in, dry off and change my clothes.
And no one would know, no one at all
But there they all were, the short and the tall

And asking me the question “Did you fall in?
What could I say but tell the whole tale
Of fishing with Graceful Sue who fell in again.

I’ve fallen in Montana, and in the Yellowstone
I’ve fallen on fast water and even in slow
I’ve fallen in farm ponds and in the Boulder
I guess I’ll continue to fall as I get older.

But fishing is fun, I think it is great
Maybe I’ll get lucky and soon learn to wade.
If not I’ll change my ways and learn to float
With a guide and a rod in a nice drift boat.

 

Roger Wolfangle presenting his world famous Cicada Fly to Bob Clouser at the Yr. 2000 Cabin Fever Relief Banquet

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