Small Streams Clinic and Outing

791 McLeod Road,Bellingham WA 98226

13 August, 2022

Description

Hugh Lewis and Steve Kopp will be leading a class in small stream fishing tactics and equipment. We will then have dates (to be arranged) to take small teams of 2 or 3 people out to explore and fish some of the small streams we have in the area. Class size is limited to 12 people. The Small Stream Clinic is open to a maximum of 12 people who are interested in becoming more proficient in pursuing trout in a more intimate environment. It's being team taught by Hugh Lewis, and Steve Kopp with additional input from some of the usual suspects. The Clinic will initially consist of a couple of hours of "classroom" instruction in Dean Bates' front yard, so that participants can become familiar with the types of equipment and strategies required for fishing in small streams. Discussion topics will include choices for rods, reels, lines, leaders, flies and casting techniques unique to the small stream environment. Participants should bring the shortest, lightest rods they own. Some short bamboo and fiberglass rods will be made available for comparison. Dean will have folding tables and chairs and a couple of coolers with refreshments available. Dean lives at 791 E. McLeod Rd., Bellingham, off of James Street Rd. somewhat northwest of the K-Mart pond. Head north on James Street from the Sunset Mall area. Turn left [east] off James Street onto E. McLeod Street, and Dean's home will be about a quarter mile on the left. If you're coming from the north county, get off I-5 at the Meridian exit and, on the east side of I-5 take a right on Telegraph; take Telegraph to James Street and turn right. Turn right again on E. McLeod and take it to Dean's place. Do NOT follow the Google Maps directions; they don't take into account the complete blockage of McLeod Street a block north of his house. Dean's number is 360-296-8057. Following the classroom session, anglers will participate in a field trip designed to put classroom knowledge into useful practice. Small streams are just that: small. There's no room for crowds. In the field trips, participants will fish together in groups of two or three anglers: a "buddy system" that is designed to maximize retention of the information and techniques that will be presented in the Clinic. The field trips will also offer an opportunity for "reading the water" in a small stream setting, to learn where fish lie and how a fly should be presented in order to hook, land and safely release wild, small-stream trout. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: Basic fly-fishing gear: fishing license, waders, boots, vest, rain jacket, hat, wading staff, sunglasses, sun-screen, bug repellant, lunch, snacks and lots of drinking water. Specialty fishing gear: short, light fly rod designed for a very light line, a smaller reel with appropriate line, several light leaders, tippet material and some basic barbless trout flies in smaller sizes. Recommendation: Go short and light. A long cast in a small stream is 20 feet, and even a 5 wt. line makes a big splash in a small pool. Anything longer than 7 ½ feet may be too much rod, and even 7 is sometimes pushing it.