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IAFFVWINTER 2012, HARD COPY EDITION

FLY LINESOfficial NewsletterInternational Association of Fly fishing Veterinarians

MISSION STATEMENT:“To provide high quality veterinary continuing education, while enjoying pristine fly fishing destinations.”

Dr. Don Sawyer, PresidentDr. Doug Andrews, Vice President, FLY LINES

EditorDr. Jack Quick, Secretary/Treasurer/

MembershipDr. Herb Brown, Member at Large

Dr. Richard Forfa, Member at LargeDr. Richard Burrows, Web Site Manager

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From the President

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from IAFFV. We are sending this newsletter both with electronics and hard copy with programs for 2012. The Bighorn is scheduled for April, and that trip is always exciting when midges and Blue Winged Olive’s (BWO) hit the water.

Alaska will be a little different going for trophy bows first week in August instead of silver salmon. These big trout hang behind spawning humpies and reds, and this is sight fishing with plastic eggs that will get you pumped. There will also be some dry fly fishing for Grayling. Total for the trip is 6 which is all the guides can take on the bush planes and fit in the rafts.

I have fished the Au Sable River system for more than 30 years and Gates Lodge has a long history. Anglers come from all over the world to for a chance to fish this river, so we are fortunate to have it on the list for 2012. Many miles of the system is designated as Wild and Scenic, so there are places where there are no cottages; just fish, anglers and

wildlife. There have been a number of requests for the San Juan River, so I will get it on the list if we can put it together for October 2012.

The 3 programs we had in 2011 were small but there was some spectacular fishing and CE for each one. Mexico had to be cancelled as this country is more dangerous than it used to be. With the improved economy, the El Pescador Lodge in Belize will likely be on the schedule for 2013. I am always looking for new places to put on the schedule, but it is essential that the organizer has been there. Please call or email with any ideas.

It was very sad to hear from Jerry Ford that his close friend, Dr. Mike Godin from Houston, Texas, died on December 22nd. His obituary provides many details of his life, but there were a number to things that made him a very special person. He was very passionate about being a veterinarian and his dedication to continuing education. This allowed him to practice at a high level in order to do the best he possibly could for his clients and patients. On his last trip to Alaska, we talked about what it was to be a Texas Aggie. I was very naive about what that meant, but Mike made sure we all came away from the trip better informed "about those Aggies". It turned out that 4 others in the group were also Aggies, which made him even feel a bit taller. Mike will be missed in a big way, but he left many stories that will be remembered for a long time. My deepest expressions of sympathy are extended to his wife Pam and his extended family.

The article on Tenkara fishing is very interesting. When I was in Japan about 20

years ago, my host asked if there was anything I would like to see while I was there. So I ended up at a sporting goods store that specialized in fishing gear. Looking for something special and unique from Japan, I ended up with this graphite fishing rod that extended to 5.4 meters, but all the sections collapsed to about 30 cm. It looks like a club, but extends to a very long rod with a lot of sections, light weight, no guides and no reel. The base is about 4 cm in diameter; the tip is 1mm. At least I could get it in my suitcase. Everything in the case was in Japanese, so I don’t know if it was even called a Tenkara. However, my host told me that this was a common way people fished their wide and shallow rivers. Not knowing what to do with it, it ended up in my fish room closet. Fast forward to an article I read in Rod and Reel magazine last spring. As I read the story, I realized I had a Tenkara!!! I got it rigged with a braided leader at the tip so I could add about 10 feet of leader material and took it with me to Five Rivers. Using a roll cast, I found it easy to dead drift and when I hooked an 18” brown, I had nothing to do-----the pole did all the work. I landed 3 trout just under 20” before I got hung up on a rock and broke the line---the Tenkara was ok. I will test it out on the Au Sable River this spring. Best wishes for a prosperous 2012.

Don

Date Trip Status Year April 14-19 Bighorn River Spring Meeting 1 slot left 2012

August 2 -9 Moraine Creek, Alaska Open 2012

September 16-21 Au Sable River, Michigan Open 2012

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

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Big Horn River Spring Meeting

April 14th-April 19th 2012Kingfisher Lodge, Fort

Smith, Montana5 NIGHTS LODGING, 4

DAYS FISHING14 hours CE, Radiology verses Internal MedicinePresented by Dr. Mike

Willard, Texas A&M and Dr. Eric Herggesell

$2950

The Bighorn River remains a storied river from the perspective of fishing, and boasts of a glorified history that transpired in that immediate area of southeastern Montana. This trip will be the 6th to this same location by the IAFFV with many great experiences having occurred on previous trips. Two of the trips have been in October and this will be the fourth one in the spring of the

year. The spring offers a better chance to fish for brown and rainbow trout on small dry flies. In 2010, all participants had days of 15-25+ fish landed on SIZE 18 dry flies. The Kingfisher Lodge, www.bighornkingfisher.com, will be our headquarters for this program, and our hosts Matt and Keri McMeans, will insure that we are fed right and sleep well. One special treat with the Kingfisher involves their gourmet cooking. Matt and Keri constantly strive to complement the fishing with a culinary

dining experience. Keith, the former chef, is no longer at the Kingfisher, but Matt assured me we will be in great shape with 2012 chef for our group.

To reach the Kingfisher Lodge by air travel, we will fly into Billings, which serves many major airlines. Participants will need to rent a vehicle to travel to Fort Smith, as the lodge is in a fairly remote area about 90 miles from Billings. The lodge is located a few miles north of Fort Smith, while Harden is the closest town to the northeast. In past years, the group has co ordinated the rental vehicles for ride sharing.

C.E. ( 3.5 hours per day) begins for 2 hours with both speakers at 6:30 AM, breakfast and then rendezvous with the guides at 9:30 AM. After a great day on the water, we will return by 5:30 PM for another 1.5 hour outstanding CE session provided by Dr. Eric Herrgesell and Dr. Michael Willard. Dr. Herrgesell will cover radiology of the abdomen and thorax and will emphasize the total approach with regard to anatomy, physiology, and internal medicine. Eric completed his training at UC Davis and served on their faculty until 2005. Dr. Mike Willard, internist from Texas A & M University, will share all he knows about Small Animal Gastroenterology. This will be a dream team lecture with point-counterpoint discussion between Dr. Herggesell, Dr. Willard, and the IAFFV members that will have the privilege to participate in the discussion. We will fish from both drift boats and with waders, usually close to shore.

Guides associated with the lodge encourage catch and release. Scenery is spectacular and the water crystal clear. Snow melt will come later and high water levels are protected by the Yellow Tail coffer dam. Fish are abundant and certified fly fishing guides know this river very well. If you are a novice fly fisherman, this is a great place to learn and develop your fly casting skills. If you are an expert fly angler, this is a great place to ply your craft with both dry and wet flies. In addition, this year the guides will offer SPEY casting lessons and use of these techniques with the SPEY rods on the Bighorn. Rods and reels will be provided.

Registration fee includes 5 nights lodging (dbl. occ.), four days guided fishing (2 anglers per guide), all meals, proceedings materials and gratuities. When possible, we will share rides from Billings to the lodge. I will coordinate the contacts.

Maximum number for this program is 14.

Meeting fee due with registration.Registration fee includes meals,

refreshments, 5 nights lodging, dbl occupancy; 4 days guided fishing, gratuities and 14 hours of CE. Not

included is a Montana fishing license, obtained at the local Fly

Shops or online. Payment by check preferred made to IAFFV; Visa, or MC may be used.

Contact Dr. Douglas Andrews, Dandrew2@maine.rr.com ;

207-632-9300

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

http://www.bighornkingfisher.comhttp://www.bighornkingfisher.commailto:Dandrew2@maine.rr.commailto:Dandrew2@maine.rr.com

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IAFFV SUMMER MEETING Moraine Creek and King

Salmon, Alaska August 2 – 9, 2012

2 nights lodging, 5 nights camping, 6 days fishing

14 hours CE

For the Kuskokwim River program in August 2009, we did fly outs to Moraine Creek. This time, the plan is to camp and float the “Creek” to catch trophy size Rainbow Trout and Grayling. The plan is to have everyone arrive Anchorage Thursday, August 2nd, lodge overnight at the Embassy Suite, fly to King Salmon on the first PenAir flight Friday morning. We will lodge at the Bed and Breakfast with 8 hrs of CE there. The balance of 6 hours will be each afternoon in camp. Saturday, you will transfer your camping supplies and fishing gear to waterproof duffle bags and then fly in DeHavilland Beavers with floats to Crosswind Lake. We will leave the lake which rests just above Moraine Creek in the Katmai National Preserve. We will travel in Air rafts to the camp which will be set up and waiting on prime trophy trout water in the midst of nearly a million spawning salmon and an abundance of brown bears.

We will wade fish in the vicinity of the camp the first 2 days concentrating on sight fishing trout with some in excess of 30".

Trout on Moraine average 24" in length and weigh 6-7lb. Outfitter and head guide John Hohl of Alaska Fly Anglers is holding a nice fish from a trip last summer

On the third day of the trip, we'll float and fish roughly 6 miles through the shallow Moraine gorge, where we'll encounter rainbow trout and have ample opportunities for trophy sized grayling on dry flies. Our gear raft will precede our departure that morning and our guides will have camp ready upon our afternoon arrival at the high banks.The next day will encompass sight fishing to trout and rising grayling around the vicinity of our 2nd camp at the high banks where we will be for 2

nights. On the 5th day, we'll float and fish lower Moraine and camp above what is called the lake water. This part of the Creek in early August often holds some big trout coming out of Kukaklek Lake. On the 6th day of the float, we will continue downstream, fishing for trout and grayling.

Our shuttle back to King Salmon will arrive mid-afternoon in time for connection to the PenAir flight to Anchorage. One might choose to either fly the red eye to the lower 48 that night or lodge over for a morning flight. Each angler should set up with 2 rods: a 5 or 6 wt with floating line for dries and a 6 wt for going after those big bows. You are responsible for boots, waders, rain gear and various layers to keep warm as weather conditions can be variable. However, everything will be provided for camping, including tents, cots, sleeping bags, pillows, towels and great food by Cook Hohl assisted by brothers Levi and Jake. Go to www.iaffv.org for pictures from the 2011 trip and www.alaskaflyanglers.com. The speaker and details for the CE component is in the development process.

Total number is limited to 6. $1000 is due with registration, preferably by check made out to IAFFV and

mailed to organizer. Fee includes meals, 2 nts lodging, 6 days

guided fishing, 5 nights camping, gratuities, 14 hours of CE

approved by RACE AAVSB and possibly some fresh Red Salmon.

Not included: Alaska fishing license, air fare and personal

libations. Contact Dr. Don Sawyer

Sawyerdon30@gmail.com; Until end April, 520/572-6790 MT;

Thereafter, 517/349-0454 EST Trip insurance is highly

recommended.

Trout on Moraine average 24" in length and weigh 6-7lb. Outfitter and head guide John Hohl of Alaska Fly Anglers is holding a nice 32”,15 lb fish from a trip on the Creek last summer

http://www.http://www.http://www.alaskaflyanglers.comhttp://www.alaskaflyanglers.commailto:Sawyerdon30@gmail.commailto:Sawyerdon30@gmail.com

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IAFFV Au Sable River Fall Meeting

September 16 - 21, 2012Gates Au Sable Lodge,

Grayling, MIModern Management of

Cardiovascular Diseases in Dogs and Cats presented by

Bari Olivier, DVM, PhD, DACVIM

5 nights lodging (dbl occ), 4 days fishing

$2375

Situated in the Northeastern quadrant of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the Au Sable River watershed has nearly 180 miles of blue-ribbon trout water, making this river one of the ten best trout streams in the US. The Au Sable is a major tributary to Lake Huron. The river flows from its origin south to Grayling, where it turns east to form the Mainstream. Further downstream, it is joined by the North Branch, South Branch and many creeks, seepages, and springs. On the Au Sable, one can expect a healthy dose of small to medium-sized rainbows, browns, and brook trout with the chance of tying into a football-sized brown.

Several miles downriver from Grayling marks the beginning of what is considered the Au Sable’s Holy Waters.

This 9-mile stretch was given that name for its traits as an ideal fly-fishing stream. It was designated in 1988 to be regulated as a year-round fly-fishing river, catch-and-release. Barbless hooks are recommended. Where the Stephan Bridge crosses about half way through the Holy Waters is Gates Au Sable Lodge. Josh Greenberg will be our host and outfitter for this program. The Lodge has 17 guest rooms all with a private bath, Mary’s Hungry Fisherman Dining Room and a fully stocked Pro Orvis Shop.

   

This river system is easily waded but we will spend about 90% of the time fishing out of the famous Au Sable River Boat. Drift Boats are used when conditions warrant. The first written account of this river boat appeared in the 1879. Some locals claim it was influenced by dugout canoes made by local Indians. Others contend it was brought to the river during the lumbering boom years between 1867 and 1883 when more than a billion feet of logs rolled out on the Au Sable River. These boats are made from marine plywood, weigh 130-150 pounds, are about 25’ long, 11” high with a flat bottom. Polling is used to guide the boat downriver. Nine ft, 3, 4, or 5 wt rods are used. Good attractor fishing is expected, and this is a great time for terrestrial’s.

The schedule is to arrive Gates Lodge Sunday afternoon 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. with a welcome provided by Josh and me, with time for relaxation from travel before dinner. The next 4 days will begin with 2 hours of CE with breakfast in-between. We will depart the Lodge by 9:30 for travel and float with lunch on the river. Return to the Lodge by 5:30 followed by an hour of CE before dinner at 7:30. We have the Brown Trout Suite for libation and fish stories after dinner and the CE will be held in the Board Room. Departure is Friday morning. Dr. Oliver is Professor of Internal Medicine in the veterinary college at Michigan State University and specializes in thoracic diseases. He did his residency at MSU, completed his PhD in Physiology and is an outstanding clinician and teacher. You will be impressed by his knowledge and talent. And he likes to fish the Au Sable. Lodging, all meals, gratuities, and tax are included. Fishing license is not included. 14 hours of CE approved by RACE, AAVSB.

Total number for this program is limited to 12.

A $500 deposit is due by April 1st preferably by check made out to IAFFV mailed to organizer. Fee

includes all meals, 5 nights lodging (dbl occ), 4 days guided

fishing, gratuities and 14 hours of CE. Not included: Michigan

Fishing License and RT travel to Gates Lodge.

For further information, contact Dr. Don Sawyer

(Sawyerdon30@gmail.com) 520/572-6790 (AZ) until end April;

517/349-0454 (MI) Trip insurance recommended

A 19” brown on a crippled Robert’s Yellow Drake pattern on the North

Au Sable River Boat

mailto:Sawyerdon30@gmail.commailto:Sawyerdon30@gmail.com

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IAFFV ALASKA SUMMER MEETING:

TROPHY RAINBOWS AND ARCTIC CHAR

Anchorage, King Salmon and American Creek

Small Animal Gastroenterology

Presented byDr. Mike Willard

June 30 - July 7, 2011

The Bristol Bay region in Southwest Alaska is one of the most outstanding destinations for trophy Rainbow Trout in the World. These fish are protected not only by seasonal fishing, but also by restriction of catch and release. Fishing bows in Alaska is strictly no kill catch and release.

The venue for this program was American Creek located in Katmai National Park. The creek begins as the outlet for Headley Lake about 2500 ft above sea level. American Creek is a white water river that starts above the tree line and drops 1600 ft as it moves through the 55 miles to the bottom where we were greeted by 2 float planes 6 days later to fly us back to King Salmon. The only way to fish this water is either by rafting down the river as our group elected, or by walking downriver from Headley Lake. When the creek levels out at the bottom, jet boats are used to transport anglers upriver after they are flown in with floatplanes from the various lodges down-river.

We have been fortunate to engage Alaska Fly Anglers for our programs the past 6 years, headed by Outfitter and Captain John Hohl. His two brothers, Levi and Jake, assisted him. Three Air inflatable rafts were used: one as a cargo boat, the other 2 rafts for angler transport and fishing. Jake, the youngest brother, would head down the river each morning with all the gear, and by the time we arrived, tents were up,

duffels were out and libations on the table.

There were five very adventurous anglers on this trip: Doug Andrews from Portland, ME; Rich Burrows of Kingman, AZ; Michael Dunn from Johnsburg, IL; Mike Willard of College Station, TX; and Don Sawyer, Okemos, MI. We all arrived at Anchorage by Thursday, June 30th and lodged 2 nights at the Executive Suite Hotel. On Friday, in cooperation with Veterinary Specialists of Alaska (VSOA), we attended an 8-hour CE program presented by Dr. Mike Willard on Small Animal Gastroenterology. VSOA schedules most of their sponsored CE for the year in Anchorage. Utilizing this partnered approach with VSOA of Anchorage sponsoring the IAFFV 8 CEU lectures was a big help to both groups. Our IAFFV GROUP and 25 Alaskan veterinarians from Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks attended this seminar. The outstanding quality of Mike Willard’s program was greatly appreciated by all attendees. Saturday morning, we left on the first PenAir fight out of Anchorage to King Salmon, about an 80-minute flight. John Hohl met us in King Salmon.

From there, we flew on a De Havilland Beaver and a 206 on floats to Headley Lake. Levi and Jake were waiting for us

with the boats loaded with all the gear and provisions ready to go for the 6-day trip. Everything is provided including camping gear, sleeping bags, pillow, towel, flies, food and beverages. We found John to be not only an outstanding Outfitter and guide, but discovered that he is an excellent cook as well. We held our CE sessions an hour before dinner at the various campsites, thus completing the remaining four hours of the total of

TRIP REPORTS

Beginning of headwater of American Creek, with the 2 dots in river Mike Dunn and Rich Burrows

A bald eagle checks on our progress down the river

Michael Dunn and Rich Burrows with guide Levi

Preparing to disembark from the American Creek headwater, Headley Lake

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12 hours for our program. Mike Willard is incredibly adaptable to any and all obstacles when speaking, even with the mosquitoes trying to feed and swarm during his outdoor lectures. He performed admirably, not only in Anchorage but on the creek as well. It was as good as it could get. American Creek is a unique destination providing great fishing for large Rainbow Trout and Arctic Char, also

called Dolly Varden. They are in the same family as Brook Trout and have a very similar appearance. Doug Andrews referred to these fish as nuclear plant derived brook trout. Artic Char are great fighters as well. Sockeye Salmon also make their natal spawning run to this river from Bristol Bay, a distance of about 500 miles. Salmon do not arrive until about mid July, leaving only rainbows and char in the river 1 month before the Salmon run in mid July. The Char feed on other sources of food until eggs become the major part of their diet

during the Salmon run. We enjoyed Char appetizer everyday prepared by John Hohl. After the Char begin to feed on Salmon eggs, the meat is too fishy for eating, so we hit it right.With the first 3 days on the American, we traveled though white water rapids, while fishing pockets and shore banks using an olive and white eel pattern on 6wt sinking line. Guides would also stop at various places along the way where water is quieter, and we would sight fish with 12 – 14 size caddis flies, nymphs and even at

times, mouse patterns presented along floating woody debris. All of the rainbows in the first 4 days were over 20” and the biggest landed by our group was just less than 28”. We had chances to cast to some really big fish, and an angler in the group before us landed a bow that was almost 30”. We landed some good size char as well. Char (Dolly Varden) are in the 8 lb category, really powerful and air born big time. The leader line was rigged with 10 lb test tippets, and yet we still lost fish. Out of total of 6 days, half of which

were 100 fish per day, and probably had a total over 500 fish for the trip: about 1/3 bows, 2/3rd char. More than anything, the objective was the quality of the fishing, not quantity, so hunting for fish was a significant part of the experience. John and Levi were always looking for places with a probable hatch in progress and when it happened, it was phenomenal. Doug Andrews, Mike Willard, and Michael Dunn experienced a hatch the last day that landed over 60 large Artic Char on size 14-16 dry flies within a 90-minute period.

Sight fishing was also awesome, and with crystal clear water, these fish were not difficult to spot-----once John or Levi showed us where they were. The trick was to cast the fly dead drift, and most of the time, right down their line of sight. Sometimes, the fish were willing to move, other times not so. This was a phenomenal trip and everyone had a great time. It was also a bit of a nail biter, as the organizer became a member of his own special group the first day, the Brown Trout Club. One joins this club when an angler becomes part of the river system and tries to behave differently from the fish that live there. As one who has “been there, done that”, I advise that one should never float an unpredictable river without wearing a life preserver. Other than every piece of clothing being wet and the 44-degree water, thanks to the life jacket and my wader belt, it all

led to a good recovery after a short float downriver in the raft to dry land. For the first day of the trip, we totaled 4 broken rods: 3 that were in one raft as it moved through a tough stretch of rapids, and 1 rod that was in the raft with the wet and cold guy, yours truly. John, Levi and Jake made this a very special experience and I can’t say enough about Mike Willard. He is an outstanding speaker, has incredible knowledge about his specialty and he is becoming a good fly angler as well. All and all, I would have to put this trip in the top five of the programs we have planned. We will do American Creek again but next year, Moraine Creek for big bows and post Moraine for silvers is scheduled for the first week in August. Don Sawyer, Organizer

Rich Burrows with yet another large Bow

C.E begins for 1 hour each night on arrival at camp

Mike Willard with a male Rainbow

The river section that swallowed the rods and the organizer

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Trip ReportIAFFV FALL MEETING

Five Rivers Lodge, Dillon, MTSeptember 16 – 22, 2011

Painful DecisionsPresented by

Steven M. Fox, MS, DVM, MBA, PhD

Albuquerque, NM

The Beaverhead Valley of southwest Montana is a 1.5 to 2 hour ride from the Bozeman airport and is one of the best trout fly fishing destinations in the lower 48. The Five Rivers Lodge is within a 1 hour drive to 5 of the most outstanding Blue Ribbon Trout Rivers anywhere: Beaverhead, Big Hole, Jefferson, Madison and Ruby. In planning for this program, I traveled there the year before and knew it would be difficult to get everyone back to the lodge for CE programs before dinner. For most 14 hour CE programs, the IAFFV schedules a 5 night, 4 day fishing schedule. Since that schedule would not work well at Five Rivers, an extra day was added at the beginning, with arrival Thursday, 6 hours CE Friday, and then 2 hours CE each day before leaving for the fishing destinations. Attendees really liked the format and recommended we do this for programs in the future.

The water levels in the rivers of Montana in 2011 were not normal. There was large snow pack, a late snow melt and higher than expected rain fall in the spring which all made many of the trout streams east of Bozeman un-fishable until mid to late summer. The Beaverhead Valley was not impacted like the rest of Montana, but the flows were turned up about 10 days before our arrival to drop the reservoir levels in preparation to hold the expected large snow pack and rain for 2012. Therefore, the rivers available for fishing were the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Ruby. Add in factors of low morning temperatures for waters that feed the Big Hole and moss stirring up because of high river flows, most of our fishing was on the Beaverhead. The Ruby was fished one day and we each fished the Big Hole one

day; all the rest were on the BH, which wasn’t all bad. We fished very small nymphs as a dropper and for dries, a Thing a Ma Bobber or large dry strike indicator. Five wt, 9 ft fly rods were the norm. Throwing lead takes a little time to get used to and nobody gets any style points with this type of casting.

For this trip, Dr. Steve Fox provided an outstanding CE program. Dr. Laurie Howarth with her husband Bill Chapman made the trip from Waldoboro, Maine. Dr. Michael Mulvany joined us from San Diego, CA and Dr. Scott Mays came from Frisco, TX.

Five Rivers Lodge is a 38,000 square foot facility, but it does not seem that big when you are there. The lodge began as a house in the 70’s, and Jay and Mary just kept adding on and renovating. They have a library which suited our needs perfectly. They set up a table where we could have breakfast while Steve had us captured for all the sessions. I brought the LCD projector that plugged into Steve’s computer and the lodge provided the screen. After two hours each morning, we were good to go to the fishing beats by 9:00 a.m. We were treated to one of the most incredible presentations on pain management for small animals that I have ever encountered. Steve had prepared 9 pain modules and this is what we were given for this program----outstanding!! All that and Steve became a fairly good fly angler, at least with the chuck and duck technique we had to use most of the time. Steve also caught his first trout on a dry.

Even with the challenges, we hooked a lot of fish and a lot of big fish; browns and rainbows. Most of the fish we landed were in the 17” to 19” range, and these fish really have an attitude. The land to hook ratio for the BH can be as low as 3 out of 10 and the high fast water did not help. Some did better than that, but when fishing with size 22 nymph hooks on size 5 or 6 tippets, either the hook doesn’t stick or the fish gets airborne in a hurry and breaks off. One must bow on these fish, or the guide gets busy putting together another rig. Despite those challenges, each of us

This Char sure looked like a Brook Trout to Doug Andrews

Repacking our gear into waterproof duffle bags at King Salmon before loading into the Beaver De Havilland

The De Havilland ready to leave

Finally, the Rainbow Dr. Sawyer landed after a 30 minute fight

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hooked some really big trout that never got to the net. That’s just the way it is on the Beav. The guides were great and were super patient under these conditions of fast current. The weather was cool and clear in the morning and warmed up in the afternoon with no rain.

The hospitality at FRL was outstanding and everyone raved about the food----gourmet all the way. We all had a great time and will very likely go there again, perhaps in 2013.

Don Sawyer, Organizer

L to R: Mike Mulvany, Laurie Howarth, Bill Chapman.Steve Fox, Scott Mays and Don Sawyer

Fine brown on the Beaverhead ready for the release.

Not a bad bow for Steve with guide on the Big Hole.

Laurie on the Beaverhead with a nice Brown. Getting ready for the release.

Trip Report

IAFFV Arizona Fall Equine Meeting

October 1-6, 2011Colorado River at Marble Canyon,

Arizona 14 hrs CE Equine Lameness and

SurgeryDr. Nat White

The Lee's Ferry Equine Fall meeting at Marble Canyon Arizona on the Colorado River was a grand success based on the response of the small group of attendees. The group included featured speaker Dr.Nat White from Leesburg ,Virginia, the Dr. Bill and Kay Shumaker from Las Cruces, New Mexico, Dr. Maury Brown also from Las Cruces, New Mexico, Dr. Mark and Maryanne Green from Charlotte,N.C. and myself. Dr. White's small group lectures were enjoyed by all.

The Colorado River this trip ran much higher and faster than previous years’ trips, so more caution was taken in our wading attempts. Also, the wind played much more of an issue with the guides selection of fishing spots. However, by midday the temperatures would climb to the 60’s to 70’s, unless a late afternoon storm was moving in.

The 3 guides we engaged all used slightly different tactics to catch fish .We rotated guides each day, allowing all in the group to learn a wide variety of techniques from each guide.

Guide Skip preferred to fish and wade in very shallow bar areas with a large dry fly attractors with a 7x tippet and

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a dropper using size 20-24 nymph patterns or egg patterns . Many large Rainbows in the 16 to 20 in attacked these dry flies.The second guide, Jeff, enjoyed fishing in slightly deeper water either wading or drifting from the boat . His custom fly setup included either a nymph or san juan worm with an attractor fly, or a strike indicator.

Our third guide, Terry, anchored up on sand bars, some quite deep, and directed us to cast and strip with green wooly buggers. His method allowed us to catch the larger Rainbows in the river. These Colorado River Rainbows all consistently hit like an electric shock, and they take off on long runs to the river. None of these fish taken with this technique were under 16 inches. We hooked up 20 fish or so a day each, and lost at least that many. There were very many small and medium size fish present, which according to the guides,

bodes well for the future of the fishery. The hatch in 2011 was excellent and should help create the future generations of 20 inch plus Rainbows.

As usual the accommodations and food were superb. The daily trip from the canyons to the river were as pretty as ever with lots of wildlife seen. We had a special treat on two afternoons, watching a group of desert Bighorn sheep scrambling along the canyon wall. Dr. Nat White was lucky enough to capture a photo of two rams battling over leadership of the group of sheep, truly a National Geographic moment.

At dinner on the night before our departure, we discussed what future IAFFV trips we would like to attend, and how we would remember our Lee’s Ferry 2011 trip. We all hoped to return in the future and repeat another equine program once again in this unforgettable setting.

Rich Forfa, DVM, organizer

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IAFFV Arizona’s Lee’s Ferry Fall Equine Meeting, a

second perspective: What’s an IAFFV trip like? A new

member’s perspective!

I am your basic 1982 Tennessee grad that started in mixed practice…now all small. I do own a horse. I like to fish. I will fish in anything larger than a boot print and with whatever type of tackle the locals recommend. I am not picky. As to fly fishing, I would consider myself middle of the pack. I own a couple of rods, just bought some new waders and have fished with enough guides to know that I am not a good enough fisherman to prompt a career change. I actually found the IAFFV group by talking to an Alaska fishing guide. While looking into an Alaskan bucket list trip, I mentioned I was a vet and the guide said look up IAFFV.org. The web site led me to upcoming trips and hence Lee’s Ferry Arizona and Cliff Dwellers Lodge, named for its location at the base of the Vermillion Cliffs, not for Indian cliff dwellers.

My traveling partner/business partner/wife and I left Charlotte, NC a day before the scheduled trip. Neither of us had ever seen the Grand Canyon, and as Lee’s Ferry is just down the street from the Grand Canyon, we decided to check out the big hole in the ground. From Charlotte, it was an easy flight to Las Vegas. We chose Vegas as we also added a day in adult Disney World, aka Las Vegas, on the return. Budget five hours from Las Vegas to Cliff Dwellers Lodge. Cliff Dwellers Lodge is owned by Wendy and Terry Gunn. Terry has been fishing and guiding in the area

since 1983 and they have owned Cliff Dwellers and Lee’s Ferry Anglers for several years. The lodge location is an old trading post site from the 1920’s and sits on the only paved road in 2.8 million acres. The location is isolated with the closest full service grocery being 60 miles away in Paige, Arizona. The guest house is a modern home with ample meeting space, multiple bedrooms and baths, and a full kitchen. It sits about 1000 yards from the main lodge, shop and restaurant. The lodge section is basic, but sufficient. The original property dates back a few years. The newer section is a little more polished. The service is good, the rooms clean and the showers hot. The dining is a highlight of Cliff Dwellers. Our IAFFV package included 3 meals a day. Breakfast and dinner was from the menu and featured great fajitas, specialty salads and their famous ribs. Lunches were in the boats and were large and tasty and included homemade fried chicken and turkey wraps. You will not go hungry.

The fishing was great, the scenery spectacular. The Colorado River spills out of Glen Canyon dam at a constant temperature of 50 degrees and is crystal clear making it a prime rainbow trout area. It is managed for trout, as we frequently saw Arizona wildlife officers on the river doing safety checks and fish counts. I fished with four different guides and saw four different techniques. The stand by method is dropping a double rig nymph ( 18-22s) under a Thing-a-ma Bobber indicator. Some guides switched out the indicator ball to a large dry attractor fly. This change produced some amazing top water dry fly strikes. Other methods

included using a sinking tip line loaded with a large bead head Wooly Bugger and swinging it into a deep current. The Bugger is allowed to sink and swing before short strips are started. Supposedly, the fish follow the swing and attack as you start swimming the bait back up stream. You will not miss the strike. Buggers accounted for several 18 to 20 inchers. Guide “ Skip” made a lot of friends using a dry fly set up in skinny water. With Skip, a long cast is 20 feet. He had us casting large

dries alone or with a size 20 zebra midge or an egg pattern on 7x tippet into tiny seams. The quantity and size fish he found was amazing. The fishing was all done from comfortable jet boats. We either fished from the boats or used the boats to get us up river to wading locations. As to level of expertise needed, the only skill needed is the willingness to listen and learn. The guides can provide all the equipment and instruction needed, or will gladly help you set up your own rig and give you some breathing space. My daily fish count was 18-25 landed with at least

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that many missed. My best were a couple of 19 inchers, one on a Wooly and one on an egg pattern dropped below an indicator.

So what was the group like? We were all cut from the same mold. We were all business owners, all still in active practice, all like to fish and we all seem to face the same challenges just in different parts of the country. The CE was presented in 3 hour plus blocks after a day’s fishing and before dinner. Dr. Nat White of Virginia Tech presented Power Point lectures covering Equine Lameness. If you have never participated in small group CE, I suggest you give it a try. Dr. White’s presentations were more like round table discussions than lectures, an ideal forum for learning and exchanging ideas.

As to side trips at Lee’s Ferry, we were about 60 miles from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. My wife and I made a day trip out of that including a picnic

lunch of left over ribs. Mary Ann did not fish this trip but did do two days as a “ride along” in the boats. She was welcomed by the guides, there was plenty of room, and she took some great pictures of the scenery and of us fishing.

What to bring if you go next year as I hear it may be a repeated trip? You could get by with nothing more than your clothes. Lee’s Ferry can provide all fishing gear if needed. I took a 5 wt with a floating line and my only sinking tip rig, an 8wt. Both worked well. Leaders were usually 5 or 6x with 6 or 7 x tippet. You need to bring some leaders or buy at the shop. The shop prices were reasonable, especially when you consider the nearest Walmart is over an hour away. Let the guides bring the flies unless you just have something you want to try. Think small nymphs or midges (18-22) and large dries such as Caddis patterns or terrestrials. I used breathable waders with fleece pants or my running dry wick long johns and was fine. You will need a good rain jacket, a hat, and a fleece or a good sweat shirt. Temps ranged from am 50’s to 80’s in the afternoon.

Would I do another IAFFV trip? I have already paid my deposit for the future 2012 Big Horn trip. See you on the river.

Mark Green

OBITUARY- A SAD PASSING

JAMES MICHAEL GODIN, DVM

J. Michael “Mike” Godin was born on May 22, 1945 in Sterling, Kansas to James Banks and Joy Aileen McMillan Godin. He was raised in Borger, Texas. He graduated with a BS in Animal Science in 1967 and his DVM in 1970 from Texas A&M University. He died in his home in Richmond, Tx on December 22, 2011 from cancer.

Dr. Godin opened his first veterinary clinic in 1974 and his current practice, Braescroft Animal Clinic, in 1990. He was a member of the AVMA, TVMA, and Harris County Veterinary Association, where he served on the board of directors for over 20 years and as President in 1991-92. Dr. Godin was a charter member of the Animal Emergency Clinic Beechnut-610 and later the current Animal Emergency Clinic on 610 and San Felipe, where he served repeatedly on the board of directors, as well as Chairman and President. His hobbies included woodworking, fly fishing for trout and salmon, and breeding, raising, training, hunting and field trialing Brittanies. He was an active member of the Texas Coastal Brittany Club and the Fort Bend Kennel Club.Dr. Godin is proceeded in death by his son, Brian Michael Godin, in 1981. He is survived by his spouse of 43 years, Pamela Ann Mayo Godin; his daughter, Peggy Elizabeth Godin Byars; his son-in-law, Matthew John Byars; 3 grandchildren Deborah, Mikayla, and Luke Byars; his brother, J. Patrick Godin; and numerous nephews and niece and their children.A memorial service will be held at Faith United Methodist Church, 4600 FM 359 in Richmond, Texas on Friday, December 30 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Texas A&M Vet School Brian Michael Godin Memorial Scholar fund at the following email address: http://vetmed.tamu.edu/giving/ways-to-give

http://vetmed.tamu.edu/giving/ways-to-givehttp://vetmed.tamu.edu/giving/ways-to-givehttp://vetmed.tamu.edu/giving/ways-to-givehttp://vetmed.tamu.edu/giving/ways-to-give

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Reprinted with permission from “Anglers of Au Sable Newsletter”

Tenkara is a Japanese fly-fishing style, which differs radically from our fly fishing tradition. It was developed about 400 years ago. It was used for a variety of fresh water stream born fish but was fully developed for commercial fishing for trout. Professional fishermen used this technique to supply inns along the mountain post roads with trout. It is a powerful method, no fish, no income attests to that. It fell into disuse but now has been revived. It arrived in the US about three years ago and has a loyal almost cult following. Similar techniques developed in Spain and Italy, in both cases in sharply localized areas.

The tackle consists of a long rod, usually 13 feet but shorter rods are used on smaller streams, a fixed line, usually slightly longer than the rod but lines up to twice the rod length are used, and no reel. The original rods were bamboo, hollow, not split solid rods. The modern rods are carbon fiber and collapse into a 20-inch package. The fixed line can be furled leader material but simple single strand monofilament fluorocarbon is used as well. The original lines were horsehair. The Japanese flies are usually tied with a reverse hackle. Interestingly the Italian flies also used the reverse hackle. They are fished dry, wet or as streamers. Colors and size vary but on the whole there are far fewer patterns. The reverse hackle pulses when the fly is tugged, an effect thought to be important for its fish taking power.

The casting technique is uncomplicated. It closely resembles the old steeple cast. Timing is simple and easily learned. It casts sidearm as well as overhead, and the bow and arrow cast is remarkably effective. It is possible to lay a fly beneath an overhang that would defeat attempts with our traditional tackle. Stealth is fundamental since you usually must get within 25 feet of the trout, often closer. Wading and fishing upstream is the rule. The tackle adapts to

the Czech nymphing method as though it was designed for that style.

What about cost? Adding another set of tackle at a time when a new rod, reel and line costs more than my first car causes one to pause. Actually Tenkara equipment causes tackle manufacturers and dealers a pause. Good rods cost about $65. Better rods in the $175 range. There are some very high-end Japanese rods at $300+ but in fact if you are careful, selecting the action even the cheapest work just fine. A variety of actions are available and the Japanese have produced a sensible method of describing the action. The rods are made up of multiple sections and a two digit description is used. A 6/3 rod has six lower stiff sections and three soft sections at the top. Actions available are 7/3, 6/4, and 5/5. Lengths range from 11 to 15 feet. The consensus seems to be that a 13 foot rod with a 5/5 action meets most needs.

There is no reel. Line can be

furled monofilament at about $10 to $13, or if you use plain monofilament, a quick trip to a tackle shop will get you a spool of fluorocarbon for under $10 with a lifetime supply. The only thing that is the same for Tenkara or conventional fly is tippet. Japanese style flies are not a requirement. Use what you have. If you wish to try the Japanese style they abound on ebay.

The benefits are a proven fish taking system that is easy to use. There is excellent video casting instruction online. To date I have found only one book devoted to Tenkara, “Tenkara”, by Kevin C. Kelleher, MD and Misako Ishimura, Lyons Press published in 2011. Tenkara is an older fisher’s friend. Light rod used one handed. This leaves one hand free for a wading staff. The tackle is simple which lightens a vest. The downsides are few. The rods are delicate much like bamboo. One maker now offers a rod with both glass and carbon fiber mixed, which I suspect adds to strength. Tippet in 5X or lighter

is a must to protect the rod tip in a system where you cannot yield line. Big fish have been taken but it takes real skill. Remember Walton and Cotton used long rods with fixed furled horsehair lines. They had to put up with wooden rods so heavy that two-hands were a must, still big fish were taken. Stealth is essential or there will be no fish. It works easiest on small freestone streams, but with care it will work on spring creeks and bigger rivers as well.

It is not a method for everyone. The substantial change in fishing style that is required will put some fishers off. It is just one of many fly rod techniques, and few of us practice them all. In rivers that abound with naïve young trout the fixed line, the stealth approach and 6X tippets puts skill back into the fishing equation.

-WM A SODEMAN, JR, MD, JD, MEMBER

TENKARA

Dr. Sawyer’s first Brown on a Tenkara rod

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