Although the calendar has only turned to February, and high winter water levels have washed out several scheduled steelhead fishing trips, the thermometer hit 60 degrees in my neighborhood last Friday afternoon. That unseasonal warmth offered a brief reminder that the earth’s axis has begun tilting toward summer. In that spirit, I confirmed the dates for two of my favorite late spring Oregon trout fishing trips: searching for trophy rainbows at Grindstone Lakes, and floating the Grand Ronde during stonefly season. I hope that you have put a few trips on your own calendars too.
Back to the present, it’s time for our annual election for the board of directors seats for the Flyfishers’ Club and the Fly Fisher Foundation. Thank you in advance to all returning and new board members for agreeing to volunteer. We appreciate your willingness to serve the club and the foundation.
Another special mention involves the Flyfishers’ Club of Oregon Meritorious Service Award. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge exceptional contributions by a member of the Flyfishers’ Club of Oregon. A meritorious service contribution may be a single event or activity of extraordinary measure, or may be for remarkable service throughout a period of years.
The FCO Board of Directors voted unanimously to present the award to longtime member Mike Collins for his numerous contributions to the club and the foundation. Mike has served as president and treasurer of the club and the foundation, and also served as the auction chair for six years, helping the foundation raise money to fund worthy conservation organization. In addition, Mike is well known for his excellent streamside and lakeside barbeque lunches. I look forward to recognizing Mike and presenting him with the award at our February meeting.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the February dinner. I know we have several guests and prospective new members signed up to attend, so please help make them feel welcome. This month, we’re lucky to have George Krumm as a returning speaker, this time on fishing for large fall rainbows on the Naknek River in Alaska. George is the editor of Fish Alaska and Hunt Alaska, and who writes the Stillwater Fly Fishing column in Fish Alaska, He presented to the club last February on how to plan a DIY trip for Alaska’s trophy still water fishing. We are pleased to welcome George back for a rundown on fishing for big trout in moving water.
Programs like this provide a huge benefit to club membership, and we have been very lucky to have our program director Ross Beatty putting together quality presentations month after month. As you know, Ross is stepping down after several years so we will need a worthy successor to carry on his legacy. If you have connections in the fishing and/or conservation worlds and would like to help ensure ongoing quality programs for our dinner meetings, please let me know. We’d love to have your help.
Tight lines,
Jim
