Hannukah Menorah Fly
After spending most of the year dealing with the pandemic, I won’t be sorry to bid 2020 adieu. Our family, like many, celebrated a much smaller Thanksgiving than usual. Following the recommended Covid-19 guidelines, we limited our gathering to six people from two households and used separate tables to ensure distancing. Although it was not a “traditional” holiday, we still gave thanks for a roof over our heads, good food (and wine) at our table, and the prospect of lifesaving vaccines on the not so distant horizon.
As I write, the clear skies and chilly temperatures of early December are a welcome reminder that winter is coming, and with it, winter steelheading. I haven’t been on the water yet, but my 2021 calendar has five steelhead trips booked already and several more are pending. I hope you all have some trips to look forward to as well.
Our club continues to provide virtual meetings via Zoom videoconference. While it has taken some getting used to, I have really enjoyed the chance to see other members at least on a screen, and the presentations have been excellent. Last month’s speaker was Josh Linn from Royal Treatment, who provided an entertaining presentation on several local fisheries, including the Deschutes and the Grand Ronde. Josh is a wealth of information and a passionate angler and guide, and I am looking forward to fishing with him next month.
Our December presentation features Jack Hagan, the owner of Northwest Flyfishing Outfitters, who will discuss fly design, materials, and tradecraft techniques. He’ll also be tying some awesome steelhead and trout flies, so plan to have your vise at the ready. We’re also giving away some fun raffle prizes each month but you have to sign in to win. The presentation begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday December 8 and will finish by 7 p.m.; however, the “wet fly” portion of the meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. for member fellowship and storytelling (true or otherwise) Please register in advance for the meeting using this link.
In addition to the monthly video meetings, Mark Metzdorff and the rest of the Creel Committee is working hard on a special edition of the Creel commemorating our club’s 60th anniversary. Keep room on your bookshelf for what promises to be an outstanding issue!
Despite the strange times we find ourselves in, I want to extend my very best wishes to each of you for a wonderful holiday season and a much better year to follow.
Tight lines,
Jim
