This is just my second missive to our club.  So I reread some of Kim’s articles.  I know I can never be as eloquent as he is, and I had no clear and obvious subject to write about as last month.

But I did find several topics of interest.  So I will write briefly about each.  Yuba Fest 2024 is coming up soon on October 5th.  This is a festive and educational fair run by FFI for the benefit of N Ca. Clubs. It gives us an opportunity to let fly fishers from all over learn about our club. Good fun and lots of learning, food and the scenic river.

Also at the end of September FFI sponsors a casting clinic.  Besides the standard Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, there will be Train the Trainers sessions. There is a BBQ pulled pork sandwich lunch, and casting lessons that are free.

I’ve spoken with a number of new members recently.  They all ask what does the club offer. Besides the obvious and typical outings and speakers, our club has a wealth of learning experiences. One of the Fly Fishing Specialties speakers related the story of his discussion with an out of town member. The out of town guy was so proud of his club offering a class for only $70. Our speaker said, “ Wow, and here is GBF with that same class and many others available for free.“  I wanted to butt in and say, no, it’s an annual dues of $45.  Plus you get other classes, numerous outings, picnic and Christmas pot luck, and one of the best newsletters around.

When I accepted the President role, I knew I had a wealth of talent to back me up. That was a precondition of my acceptance. Since then the injury bug hit us hard, to use a sports phrase.  But we have a deep bench.  At the August meeting I got a volunteer to fill the open Director position.  Thank you Diana. And three people stepped up for the VP Conservation.  Just one more indication of how strong our club is.

With the weather still warm, I suggest education endeavors and mid-elevation lakes.  Check out our classes by seeing either the website or The Leader.  Other classes are available online; videos, blogs, fly shops, You Tube.  The mid elevation lakes offer smallmouth and trout. As the weather starts cooling near the end of Sept, all the fish start to chow down in preparation of winter. Jenkinson, Rollins, Collins, Scott Flat, and Englebright are fine choices.  Not too far a drive and 5-10 degrees cooler temps.

Let’s meet on the water.

Mike McKinley, GBF President