Below is our club calendar of events. This calendar changes often so check back frequently.
Should you want to add an event to the calendar, please submit your request on the Event Request Submission Form found here.
This is the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors for the Golden Gate Casting & Angling Club, for which the meeting room in the Anglers Lodge is reserved from 8:30 - 9:45am.
As always, GGACC members are welcome to attend. Please contact the club president (Libby Wolfensperger, elwolfensperger@me.com) if you have any new business to present to the board.
Contact Chris Saito with any questions at chris@csaito.com.
"Save the dates!"
Bring a blanket or folding chairs to sit on the lawn while you enjoy the beauty and spectacle of this amazing fly casting, or wander around the exhibitors' tables when you need a break.
The casting ponds are located in Golden Gate Park (across from the buffalo paddock) just off John F. Kennedy Drive. The event kicks off at 8 am and goes until midafternoon. The the detailed schedule is below.
If you are interested in registering, we will be posting that in the next two months. We look forward to seeing you.
The Golden Gate Angling and Casting club is pleased to invite competitors to the annual Jimmy Green Spey-O-Rama World Championship of Spey Casting held this year from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the world renowned casting ponds located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
The GGACC cordially invites competitors from around the world as well as in our backyard to register here for this Spey casting distance competition. For more information and a detailed schedule for this year's event, see the second (not yet published public) posting for this Jimmy Green Spey-O-Rama event on the club's calendar for April 11-13, 2025; or click on the "Spey-O-Rama" pull-down tab on the club homepage.
Meals (all breakfasts and lunches, and the Saturday dinner) are complimentary for each of the registered competitors.
There will be a $150 USD registration fee due at registration for each competitor. We will close registration Saturday April 5, 2025.
April 11: Exhibits, Registration, SoR New Participant Qualifying Round, Competition Casting Practice (and a possible Senior Qualifying Round) April 12: Exhibits, Competition Qualifying Round for the Men's Open Division, a presentation and dinner for the exhibitors, volunteers and competitors.
April 12: Exhibits; Spey Casting Competition Finals for all 3 Divisions, Awards Ceremony
You are required to register online. HOWEVER, if you DO plan on competing and cannot register on line, please email Libby and Steve IN ADVANCE to reserve your spot. Contact them for this and any other competitor questions at: speyorama.ggacc@gmail.com.
Looking forward to a great Spey-o-Rama 2025!!!
This is a non-GGACC event held by the Western Rivers Conservancy--using the ponds in Golden Gate Park
For Learn to Fly Fish Students
When: April 26th and/or April 27th, 2025
Location: Corning, California (about 170 miles north of San Francisco on Interstate 5)
What: Bigmouth bass taken on flies on the surface
Groups: group size of 8, two separate days, total 16 slots
Description:
Have you wondered about fly fishing beyond the world of trout? This is a great introduction. We’ll be pursuing largemouth bass using 7-8wt fly rods with bass flies that resemble frogs on Luk Lake, a private lake behind the Rolling Hills Casino in Corning, California. We’ll be fishing in pairs from rowboats. You’ll switch off who rows at mid-day, and both can fish except when moving about the lake.
Equipment you will need:
a 7wt or 8wt 9’ fly rod
a 7wt-8wt reel with a good drag and at least 100 yards of 30# backing
a bass taper fly line (Scientific Anglers Mastery Bass Bug is a good option, also Rio Elite Smallmouth Bass, or Cortland Bass – floating, not intermediate )
A personal floatation device (life vest, required by Luk Lake and state law)
Bass leaders - (we’ll tie our own: 4’ of 30lb, 3’ of 15lb, that’s it, bass are not leader-shy)
Bass flies (we will supply them to you)
Shoes you can get wet (launching your boat, etc.) - river sandals, etc.
A headlamp for taking down equipment if you come off the water late.
Optional: 6wt fly rod with intermediate fly line (trolling for trout with damselfly nymphs or bucktails for bass/trout at mid-day) or a 5wt with dry fly line in case the mayflies are coming off mid-day (bring parachute adams in sizes 14 and 15)..
Other Stuff:
Plenty of sunscreen and a broad brimmed hat
Polarized sunglasses
Lots of drinking water
A lunch to eat at the mid-day break
Snacks
A lawn chair is a “nice to have” for mid-day
Suitable clothing. It is usually quite hot at mid-day, and the sun can be oppressive.
Day of:
You’ll drive from your hotel to the lake with a planned arrival at the lake at 7am. Budget at least 15 minutes MORE than you think you will need, the dirt road out to the lake is slow going. We’ll have a brief clinic of about an hour and then get you on the water. The clinic will cover how to fish bass flies in the lilypad and hyacinth filled waters, what motion to use on the flies, how to prevent getting fouled. You will have previously learned the non-slip mono loop knot that we’ll be using to tie on our flies.
Bass will be busiest before 11am and after 4pm. We will fish until about 7pm. Mid-day will include a lunch break and then you’ll be either trolling damselfly nymphs or using streamers to try and tempt bass under the surface at the edge of the lily pads.
Cost:
$250 fish-out fee. Fish-out fee covers flies and water access. Meals, lodging, and travel are on your own.
Logistics:
Book your own hotel in/near Corning, CA (Friday night for Saturday group, Saturday night for Sunday group)
Dinner on Friday night for Saturday attendees - on your own
No-host dinner Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. for those coming off the water to meet with those arriving for Sunday, held at Rolling Hills Casino.
Pre-Fishout Clinic:
Held at GGACC about two weeks before, to learn the non-slip mono loop and get some experience casting a big bass fly as well as getting comfortable casting an 8wt rod, and confirming everyone has the right equipment.
Q&A:
Q: Why do I need an 8wt?
A: You can fish a 7wt or an 8wt for this outing. We size our rods/lines based on the size of the flies we are fishing and the size of the prey. In this case, the flies are big, really big. That requires a heavier rod and a specialized fly line that will carry those heavy flies. The fly line is heavy and very weight forward. You will also find that the moment a bass hits, you’ll be in a pretty good fight to keep the fish from burrowing in the weeds so you’ll need to muscle them out of the lily pads and towards your boat, which requires a heavier rod. You don’t have to worry about your leader breaking, we use heavy leaders since bass are not leader shy. When this fishout is over, you can use your 8wt rod to do streamer fishing for trout, or use it for steelhead in the fall.
Q: Why Bass?
A: While Luk Lake has populations of trout and bass, we’re specifically targeting bass to get you some experience with other species. Bass are ambush predators, they eat ducklings, snakes, frogs, lizards, and anything they can catch, including other bass. Catching bass is a very different experience than trout. The takes are aggressive and bass are strong fighters. Regular bass fishers describe the strikes as “making your heart race!”
Rondy: Feather River Steelhead
Dates: May 2, 2025
Leader: Ryan Stahl ryan.w.stahl@gmail.com
Number of anglers (including leader): 6
Description: Feather River steelhead didn’t get the memo and are still there in May. (The group leader went two for three on adult fish on May 15th last year. It was sunny and ninety-three-degrees.) Come spend a day floating in the Central Valley for these winter fish. We’ll mostly fish bobbers, but the guides can accommodate some folks swinging files as well depending on interest.
Anglers of all levels are invited to come. We’ll be using Confluence Outfitters as the guides, and they’ll provide a lunch and all terminal tackle.
This is a day trip and most people are likely to drive up and back on the day of the Rondy (roughly a 2.5-3 hour trip one way to/from the Bay Area). Carpooling can be an option. We’ll meet at the boat ramp at Riverbend Park in Oroville for a full-day float.
Website for the guide is https://www.confluenceoutfitters.com/
Suggested Gear: 6-8 weight bobber rods. Plenty of water and snacks. Bring your own flies if you’d like to fish them. If you want to swing flies, a 4-6 weight Spey rod would be appropriate. Depending on temperatures, wet wading may be an option if we get in the water.
Note: If you would like to swing flies, let me know and I can work on logistics.
Cost: The fee for this Rondy is $350
Other expenses: will be guide gratuities, transportation
Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds. In the event that a member is, for any reason, unable to attend, he may resell his slot (rod) to another GGACC member (by first pulling from the waitlist if one exists). It is the sole responsibility of the member to manage this transaction. This is not the responsibility of the leader or club.
THIS CLINIC WILL USE THE CENTER AND EAST PONDS FROM 9AM TO 12 Noon
This clinic is for 2025 registered students in the GGACC Learn To Fly Fish program.
Bring your rod and matched sinking line (not your weight forward floating line) to learn how to properly manage and cast a sinking line.
For more information, contact Alan Dye at ltff.ggacc@gmail.com
The Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club's (GGACC's) Monthly Free Fly Casting Lessons are open to both Club members and the General Public. These free fly casting lessons are generally held on the 2nd Saturday of each month year-round from 9:30 AM - 12 Noon at the Golden Gate casting ponds. Free loaner equipment is also available on a first come, first served basis, but please try to arrive by 8:45 AM to take advantage of this limited free equipment.
A few points to consider –
Classes target four different skill levels (the classes are held concurrently):
Please pre-register for these casting lessons in order to help determine the number of needed instructors . To register, simply click on the large "Register" button to the left of this event description (or above it if using your smartphone).
Finally, if you are interested in joining the casting instructor group or training for Fly Fishers International (FFI) "Casting Instructor" (CI) certification, please contact Willy George.
Dates: May 16, 2025
Leader: Steve Swett mailto:Steve@libertypainting.biz
Number of anglers (including leader): 4
Description: The Delta is a wonderful fishery for both Black and Striped Bass. It is a truly amazing area, and just 1-1/2 hours from San Francisco. Striped Bass are "hot" fish meaning that they provide a very noteworthy strike and resulting fight. We will be 4 experienced anglers for a one-day guided boat trip. The guides we are using are great their website is https://www.confluenceoutfitters.com
Suggested Gear: 8-9 wt single handed fly rods, with a variety of lines. Note: The guides will supply the gear if needed, which typically includes 9 ft. long 8 or 9 wt fly rods with a variety of lines including floating, intermediate, and T-14 sinking lines. They will also supply the terminal tackle and flies. Lunch and water is provided by the guides.
Cost: The fee for this Rondy is $$375.00
Guides: Confluence Outfitters / Toby Uppinghouse
Other Expenses: guide gratuities and transportation.
Rondy: Manzanita Lake "The Armando Memorial"
Dates: May 16 - 19, 2025. Leader: Patrick Cousens pdcousens@gmail.com
Description: In honor of the late, longtime GGACC member Armando Bernasconi. Manzanita Lake was his favorite place to fish. So we are declaring this Rondy the "The Armando Memorial". Come see why he loved the place: Big picky rainbows and browns in perhaps the most beautiful setting in California. These dates will be soon after "ice out" when the fish will be very hungry after a winter under the ice. For this trip, float tubes or other crafts are required (not a wading trip) as well as Personal Floatation Devices which is club policy for safety reasons.
We will be camping at the Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen National Park. Camping spots have been reserved already. More info to follow.
Suggested Gear: 4-6wt single hand rods. Floating and intermediate lines. A float tube or other craft is required, as well as PFD's. Fish take dry flies, nymphs and streamers.
Cost: The fee for this Rondy is $38 which includes camping fees.
Other Expenses: National park entrance ($30 per car but FREE with various National Parks passes), your transportation and food.
Rondy: Upper Sacramento River Walk & Wade #1
Dates: May 28-29, 2025
Leader: Mike Downing mailto:mdowning1567@aol.com
Number of anglers (including leader): 9
Description: The Upper "Sac" is everything a freestone trout stream should be: It has riffles, pocket water, long runs, and deep pools. It is a wonderful "walk and wade" river that flows 37 miles from Lake Siskiyou to Shasta Lake. Rondy leader Mike Downing will lead 8 club anglers to show them good places to enter and fish the river. We will meet the first day at 7:00AM at the Ted Fay Fly Shop, located in downtown Dunsmuir. We will make a short drive to the river.
Suggested Gear: 4-5 wt single handed fly rods, with floating lines for dry flies and nymphing, 4X-6X leaders, 5X-7X tippet (Mono or Fluorocarbon), split-shot, indicators, and flies. Full wading attire and staff. Weather is always changeable - Be prepared.
Cost: The fee for this Rondy is $25
Other expenses will include travel, lodging (there are several motels and campgrounds in the area - more information will be forthcoming), meals, and perhaps, the purchase of a few flies while in the fly shop (to help support the grateful owner Bob who personally ties most of his flies).
Rondy: East Walker River Walk & Wade
Dates: May 29 - June 1, 2025
Leader: Paul Kromhout mailto:pkromhout@comcast.net
Number of anglers (including leader): 8
Description: The Eastern Sierra Walk & Wade is a Fishing & Camping Rondy, based near Bridgeport, CA. We will fish the East Walker River in both California and Nevada, with the opportunity to also fish the Upper Owens River and Hot Creek.
This Rondy is for experienced fly fishers who are comfortable wading, hiking, CAMPING and, because of the distance from the Bay Area, driving. The base for the camping is approximately 15 miles from Bridgeport, CA and necessitates not only high clearance vehicles, but willingness and ability to camp away from town.
What’s required? Appropriate wading gear (boots, waders, belt, staff), camping gear, food & water, fishing licenses (CA & NV). First aid gear recommended.
We will fish without guides, but will have a primer/review of local techniques each morning/evening as demanded. Ability to wade safely on rocky river bottoms, negotiate roll and lob casts in tight quarters and capability of rigging flies and tippet are required. As such, this trip is NOT for novice fly fishers. You need to be able to fish unsupervised.
This trip will be limited to eight participants. We will be camping. If you do not wish to camp, please do not sign up for this Rondy. The cost for the Rondy is $25. Additional costs include, but are not limited to: fishing licenses, travel, food, gear.
The East Walker River flows east from Bridgeport Reservoir toward Nevada where it turns south. The tail water from the reservoir is a bug-rich environment that holds a healthy population of browns and rainbows. Dry, dry-dropper and nymph fishing are successful methods on the East Walker.
Further south, the Upper Owens River and Hot Creek run through not only different terrain, but offer marked contrasts in fishing styles.
Suggested Gear: 5wt 9ft fly rod. A 10ft nymphing rod rigged for straight line indicator fishing is especially effective. Either floating or DT line for nymphs and dries and a sink-tip line for streamers. Waders, boots, wading staff, hat and glasses are a must. Camping gear as required. Our camping may take place on roads requiring reasonably high ground clearance. Please plan to coordinate your drive with someone owning an appropriate vehicle. If the weather is wet, 4wd will be your friend.
Supplies: While we will certainly attempt to coordinate efforts, participants should plan to bring an independent supply of water, food and personal items. The town of Bridgeport has a few stores, restaurants and motels and is a short drive from our fishing area. Bridgeport is a 5 hour drive from San Francisco, depending on traffic and route. Ken's Sporting Goods in Bridgeport is a go-to spot for everything, including Nevada fishing licenses ($19 for 1-day, approx. $7 each extra day; $81 for 365-day non-resident; pricing subject to change).
Cost: The fee for this Rondy is $25.00.
Other Expenses: expenses will include transportation, camping fees, meals/food, fishing licenses.
Rondy: Upper Sacramento River Walk & Wade #2 The Dick Swanson Memorial
Dates: May 31 - June 1, 2025
Description: This Rondy is a memorial for Dick, to acknowledge the truly kind human being he was, for the time and energy he gave so freely to the club, and the way he touched people with his gentle grace and soul. When you fish this river, stop and listen, and take in the beauty that’s around you; you’ll know more about Dick than any words can tell.
The Upper "Sac" is everything a freestone trout stream should be: It has riffles, pocket water, long runs, and deep pools. It is a wonderful "walk and wade" river that flows 37 miles from Lake Siskiyou to Shasta Lake. Rondy leader Mike Downing will lead 8 club anglers to show them good places to enter and fish the river. We will meet the first day at 7:00AM at the Ted Fay Fly Shop, located in downtown Dunsmuir. We will make a short drive to the river.
Suggested Gear: 4-5 wt single handed fly rods, with floating lines for dry flies and nymphing, 4X-6X leaders, 5X-7X tippet (Mono or Flourocarbon), split-shot, indicators, and flies. Full wading attire and staff. Weather is always changeable - Be prepared.
We will be hosting a hooking and landing fish, which will run concurrent with wading safety at the ponds. If you have questions, please contact Alan Dye at alandye@gmail.com.
Rondy: Truckee River Clinic #1
Dates: June 7, 2025
Leader: Andrea Bishop andrealsbishop@gmail.com
Number of Anglers: 6
Description: This is a one day clinic led by Peter Stantley who's been guiding the Truckee area since 2006, followed by a day of fishing on your own with the knowledge gained. This informational day will be a combination of a brief tour of popular access points on the Truckee and Little Truckee River, tackle suggestions, productive rigs, hatches, flies and strategies.
Suggested Gear: Bring your fly rod (say 5-6wt rod, 9 ft. or longer) with a floating fly line, in addition to your usual fly fishing gear. Be sure to bring waders (with at least one belt!), wading boots, wading staff, sunglasses (polarized!), and sun protection. Also be sure to pack a lunch for yourself, as well as drinking water needed for the days.
Guide: Peter Stantley psantley@gmail.com
Meeting Time & Place: TBD
Lodging: Lodging and food available in Reno for those wishing to fish the second day as well as campgrounds in the area.
Cost: $135.00 for clinic day.
Other Expenses: gratuities, transportation and lodging
LTFF Hat Creek Fishout – Level 2 Students - June 13-15
Hat Creek! In the shadow of Mt. Lassen, this is both a beautiful and challenging fly fishing venue for LTFF Level 2 anglers. You will learn techniques to be on your game to catch trout in this great location!
We have a great group of LTFF alumni with experience on this river to guide you and teach you strategies and skills for this water.
Unless announced otherwise, this mentored Hat Creek fish-out is only being offered to a limited number of this year's enrolled Level 2 students in the club's "Learn to Fly Fish" (LTFF) Program. Do not register for this event if you are NOT in this class, or risk losing your registration fee.
We have structured this outing for two groups of 8 students, with 1 ½ days of mentored fishing. Group 1 will fish Friday evening & Saturday. Group 2 will fish Sat evening and Sunday. The two group will overlap for the Sat evening sessions. After a morning fishing session, we will take afternoon breaks while the fishing slows down. You may choose to rest or explore the area during the afternoon, and then return in the evening hopefully for a nice hatch and more great fishing! This arrangement of fishing the morning and evening is generally not available with guides since they need to make it home to their families.
The schedule then allows for a Sunday or Monday departure for the roughly 5 hour return drive to the Bay Area. We will have enough camping spots for everyone to attend for the full weekend.
John Chung will be your fishout leader, taking charge of the logistics. We will have at least three other club mentors providing a ~2:1 student to mentor ratio for great expert coaching!
Hat Creek is one of California’s most renowned trout streams and a favorite dry fly water for many of the state’s best fly anglers — especially on the Wild River section and other famous stretches of this special river that we expect to fish. And since this is a spring-fed stream, it should have a good water level regardless of run-off.
Campground:
We will be camping at PG&E's public Cassel Campground (off Hwy 299 east of Burney). Campsite reservations won't open until later in April. We will detail the specific campsites in our pre-fishout zoom call. Camping with the group is highly encouraged for both proximity to fishing, as well as getting the most out of this great fishing venue.
In past years, we've been able to pitch 2-3 tents per campsite at Cassel without objection (the area mgr. actually suggested these particular "back loop" sites for us to do so). There are no group camp sites in either this or any other nearby campgrounds, but this arrangement should work to allow most of the students to camp together in adjacent campsites rather than being spread out throughout the campground. We have paid extra for up to 2 vehicles per campsite. Any more than that and we may have to park some vehicles at the gate to the campground (after unloading) -- or pay an extra $5/night for additional vehicles if there is space to park them off the loop road -- but the area mgr. may decide that when he sees how many vehicles we have (another good reason to carpool, if possible).
Should you prefer to reserve a campsite of your own though to perhaps stay longer, then go to pge.com and under the "Find A Park" tab, search for Cassel Campground and book your own site very soon. (Another, but much smaller, PG&E campground in that area is North Shore Campground, if you can’t find any more open spots in Cassel.) Reservations for PG&E campgrounds usually open around Mid April.
Motels: For those who prefer not to camp, the motels in nearby Burney include:
Charm Motel (ph 530-335-3300, www.charm.burneylodging.com)
Green Gables (ph. 530-335-3300, www.greengables.burneylodging.com)
Shasta Pines Motel & Suites (ph. 530-335-2201, www.shastapinesmotel.com)
Meeting Place:
Everyone will need to meet at John or Charles' campsite in Cassel Campground at 7:00AM each fishing morning to figure out who is going with which mentor, to make up your lunches, to get your flies, instructions, etc. This early start is intended to get everyone on the water as soon as possible each morning — so please don’t be late.
We also will meet at the same location in the evening around 4pm and prepare for an evening fishing session. We will adjust as conditions require, but evening fishing on Hat Creek can be very good.
Driving Directions:
Google "Cassel Campground”: the shortest route is to follow I-5N to Redding, from there take CA-299E to Cassel Road — about 5 hours total drive time without traffic (from Redding it is about 1 hr. 15 min. without traffic)
If you need them, follow these directions: Take Exit #680 off of I-5 for CA-299/Lake Blvd., keep right at the fork and follow signs for Burney/Alturas/CA-299E, follow CA-299E for 50 miles to Burney, continue east of Burney on CA Hwy 299E for 7 more miles (to 2 miles past the junction with Hwy. 89), turn south (right) onto Cassel Road, drive 3.6 miles and turn left at paved access road into the campground (just before the bridge and across from Cassel Post Office).
Camping Equipment:
It is suggested that you have your own tent (with tent stakes, footprint/plastic tarp, and rainfly) or an agreement to share a tent with someone. Also be sure to bring: sleeping bag; sleeping pad (or air mattress, or cot); headlight or flashlight; cooking stove; water container; cooking pots / cooking utensils; camp dishes / eating utensils; wash basin; biodegradable soap; butane lighter or matches; paper or cloth towels; garbage bags; and a cooler with ice for perishables. All dry goods should be stored in the supplied camp boxes to keep away from rodents and jays. Optional equipment might include: lantern; camp chair; firewood; hand axe; coffee pot; small folding table; table cloth for picnic table; etc.
Meals:
There will be NO hosted group dinners for anyone on this fish-out. You can cook dinners in camp, or there are at least two possible restaurants on Main St. in Burney that smaller groups may decide to use: Rex Club (ph. 530-335-4184, they also have cabins) Art’s Outpost (Steak House & Italian, ph. 530-335-2835)
There are also other diners, a Subway for sandwiches, pizza joints, and other fast food options in Burney: (www.reddingcentral.com/Dine/dine-Burney.htm)
We will be providing groceries for making your own sandwiches for sack lunches on each fishing day only. Lunches will most likely be held in camp with a chance to rest from the heat of the day and to reorganize mentors' groupings if requested.
NOTE: Other than the two sack lunches on your Group's fishing days, you are on your own to bring (and prepare) your own food, or buy dinners or other meals out.
Fishing Gear:
We recommend bringing a 3-5wt fly rod with floating line (6wt rod max!). For dry flies, bring 9’ tapered leaders to 4X or 5X, with mono (nylon) tippet spools in 4X-6X (these fish can be picky!) Also be sure that you bring both a liquid (or gel) dry fly floatant and a dry shake floatant (dessicant-type) for treating your dry flies. For indicator nymphing, bring indicators, split shot, one spool of say 0X to 3X mono tippet material (to use 5-7' of this for indicator/ depth adjustment), and spools of both 4X & 5X fluoro tippet for connections to nymphs. Bring foam hoppers or Chubby Chernobyl pattern flies for hopper (dry) / dropper rigging if you prefer this rather than indicator nymphing, or simply tight-line nymph instead (although Hat Creek has very little pocket water where tight-lining works best). "Swinging" of soft-hackled flies is another very good choice.
Flies:
We will be providing at least a dozen flies to each student -- some dries, a couple buggers, and a few nymph patterns. These flies will likely only be packaged in sandwich bags for distributing to you, so you will need to put them in your own fly box along with your other flies -- and be sure to pinch the barbs! We will not be doing this for you. Also, bring your own flies, especially any that you picked up for (or tied for) this particular trip on a fly shop's or someone else's recommendation.
If you still need more of your own flies, or forgot some other gear after you leave town, there is "The Fly Shop" on your way up there (located just south of Redding on east side of I-5 backed up to the frwy.: take the Churn Creek Road exit, then head north about a 1/2 mile or so on the frontage road to see the shop on your left). There's also the "Shasta Angler" in Fall River Mills, which is 5-10 miles past the Hat Creek area on CA-299 (for good local knowledge from owner Matt).
In addition to forceps, nippers, vest or pack for fly boxes and other gear, sunhat, sunscreen, bug repellent, waders, boots, belts, water bottle (or other means to carry, or filter, drinking water), don’t forget your wading staff! A small net is always optional for trout, but it really helps in landing them with minimal stress and keeping them in the water while unhooking—both of which are extremely important for the fish’s survival. Camping gear should include headlamps or flashlights —the former is especially good for tying on flies during late evening fishing.
Wading:
As a spring creek, Hat Creek can be pretty cold, but you may decide when you get there and test the water that you might prefer to wet-wade instead of wearing waders. If so, just be sure that you have sturdy closed-toe wading sandals or, better yet, use neoprene guard socks (or other neoprene socks) plus polypo liner socks to help fill-out your wading boots. Lightweight (i.e., nylon) long pants are recommended (in lieu of wearing shorts) for wet-wading to better protect your shins from scrapes on rocks, scratchy brush, poison oak, etc. For evening fishing, you will want waders and a headlamp.
Registration Fee:
The registration fee is $125 per student. This fee is needed to hopefully cover the cost of all the campground fees, the purchase of flies, groceries for lunches, etc. It does not include the cost of transportation, lodging, meals (other than 2 lunches), or any other expenses.
Communications:
John Chung will lead this fishout and coordinate accordingly. (415)-577-5585 jschung1@gmail.com
Note: There is only spotty to very poor cell phone service in the Hat Creek area -- try texting up there instead, which is also hit-or-miss.
Dates: June 14, 2025
Leader: TBD
Rondy: Truckee/Little Truckee Walk & Wade
Dates: June 20 - 22, 2025
Leader: Matt Didden matthew.didden@gmail.com
Description: This Tahoe Rondy is a non-guided trip to fly fish the Truckee and/or Little Truckee Rivers. The Truckee River is the only outlet for Lake Tahoe. It leaves the lake near Tahoe City and continues along Hwy 89 to the town of Truckee. From there it follows I-80 northward towards Reno. The Little Truckee River is a tailwater that starts from the outflow of Webber Lake and fills two reservoirs, Boca and Stampede, prior to emptying in the Truckee River.
We will meet late morning on June 20 at Trout Creek Outfitters in Truckee for an initial meet up and fish the afternoon. There will be campsites reserved at Boyington Mill Campground located along the Little Truckee River. Participants can choose to stay at the campground or find their own accommodation. Morning of June 21 and 22 we will meet at the campground to discuss fishing locations, tactics, and break into groups. The Truckee and Little Truckee both have heavy usage and smaller groups will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
There will be a virtual pre-meeting to discuss fishing locations, logistics, carpool, gear, fly selection, shared supplies, etc. The date for this pre-meeting will be in May at a date to be set later.
Suggested Gear: 4-6 wt single handed fly rods, 3-4 wt trout spey
Cost: The fee for this Rondy is $25. Other expenses will include your transportation and food/supplies.
LTFF Upper Sacramento River Fish-outs -- Level 2 Students only
These two Upper Sac River Fish-outs on June 21-22 (Group 1, fishing with mentors on June 21 and Group 2, fishing with mentors on June 22) are exclusively intended for currently registered Level 2 students in the GGACC's "Learn to Fly Fish" (LTFF) program. Registration for these fish-outs is limited and based on a lottery system. There will be 10 openings for each group.
The Upper Sacramento River is one of Northern California's best known fly fishing rivers for rainbow and brown trout due to all the wadable riffles and pocket water, especially in its upper stretches, which are relatively easy to access from both Interstate 5 and the railroad tracks that parallel much of the river from Lamoine at the south end up to the Cantara railroad bridge that's just north of the historic town of Dunsmuir. Unlike the Lower Sacramento River, a big tailwater river, that flows out of Lake Shasta, this upper river follows a much more picturesque landscape of forested mountain sides and canyons, including the stunning mountain crags in Castle Crags State Park that borders this river. Most of the I-5 exits along the interstate here lead to some sort of access to the river.
We will fish from Castle Crags State Park Picnic Area. This is a fee area, so if you have a state park pass, bring it.
We are introducing a special opportunity this year, courtesy of two of our FFI certified casting instructors---Steve Morikawa and Jeff Hogan. Steve and Jeff will be leading a "tight line" clinic for each day--with instruction on novel techniques you may have not seen. Students will receive on-the-water training and coaching on tight line techniques on the Upper Sac...a perfect place to introduce and hone these skills. We will have additional club mentors, allowing for a ~2:1 student to mentor ratio.
It should be noted that the Upper Sac features excellent pocket water lending itself well to tight line techniques. However, various locations can present challenging wading conditions. You should be prepared accordingly.
Registration fees include ingredients for you to make your own lunch at the campground prior to morning departure. You are expected to arrive at the meeting spot, wader up and be ready to listen/learn. The fish-out leader will distribute flies to you and assign you to your guide for the day.
Gear Needed: Other than any camping gear that you may decide to bring, your fishing and other gear should include: a 4 or 5 wt fly rod with floating line, at least 2-3 9ft. 4X leaders, mono tippet spools in 3X-5X, fluoro tippet in 4X-5X, a few medium sized indicators of your choice, split-shot in at least AB & BB sizes, forceps, nippers, gel (or liquid) silicone fly floatant, dry-shake desiccant floatant, and a small or medium sized fly box (preferably watertight). Flies will be provided as part of the registration fees. Entomology and fly imitations will be discussed in prep meetings prior to the fish-out to help you purchase some extra flies to bring along or tie your own before the trip. While not necessary, if you have a euro-nymphing style rod setup (eg...10-11ft, 3-4wt with soft tip)--bring it!
Bring a pack of some sort, or a fishing vest with a large back pocket, suitable to carry your fishing gear, lunch, and at least one liter of drinking water, plus a packable rain jacket or water resistant shell if there is any chance of rain or cool weather. You must have a wading staff with a lanyard, a hat with brim or bill, polarized sunglasses, and at least one wading belt for your waders.
Bring waders and wading boots (felt-soled or studded rubber-soled) and, if you think that you might prefer to wet-wade if it's really hot, a pair of neoprene guard socks (to wear over cotton wading socks to both fill your wading boots and help keep sand out of your socks). This river may be running pretty high still due to snow-melt and running pretty cold, so be sure you bring waders along in your vehicle no matter what you decide to do there.
Don't forget your CA fishing license (it's a long drive back to get a duplicate copy), also sunscreen, and bug repellent. Optional gear includes sungloves, a buff, a landing net on a stretchy lanyard, a marine safety whistle, tiny first aid kit, small toilet paper or kleenex pack, and a little notebook & pencil and maybe a stream thermometer if you are really getting into it.
Camping or Lodging Options: We have reserved group campsites at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, which is a short distance first to the west and then south of the I-5 exit near the town of Mt. Shasta. (Use Google or other map apps to get interstate exit and street directions to the resort.) Travel time from the City is about 4-1/2 hours -- without accounting for traffic, so be sure to leave early enough to not be making others unhappy by setting up your camp after most others have gone to sleep.
We have reserved group camp sites at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort. Fees for these campsites are included in the registration fees. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort will have restroom facilities available for campers. You must bring your own camping and cooking gear and food/drink for your stay at Lake Siskiyou.
Camping is strongly encouraged to get better acquainted with your fellow students. However, if you need a motel instead, there are motel accommodations possible in the nearby towns of Mt. Shasta, Dunsmuir, and McCloud.
Registration fee of $130.00 is non-refundable and covers , DIY lunch, flies, and campground fees. It does not cover your travel costs, motels (if you decide not to camp), food (except lunch), or guide gratuities.
For questions, contact: Charles Marsh (senor.charles@gmail.com)
Our Deer Creek fishing destination is located south of Mt. Lassen in northeastern California, approximately a four hour drive from San Francisco. You will be fishing on Deer Creek, a small to medium size Sierra stream that provides an excellent venue to hone your new fly fishing and wading skills.
We will organize 4 groups of 10 registered, Learn To Fly Fish Level 1 student anglers (Saturday June 21, Sunday June 22, Saturday June 28, Sunday June 29) to enjoy a day long fly fishing outing with LTFF club mentors. The groups will camp at campgrounds to be confimed about a 30 minute drive from our fishout venue.
This is a great outing to gain more experience and confidence in your fly fishing game. A 5wt rod will be adequate. You will also want waders or wet wading equipment, depending on the weather. Of course, you always need to bring along your 2024 California fishing license. We will go into greater detail during the zoom call before the fish out.
Your registration fee of $130 covers campground fees, and a DIY lunch for the day. You will be responsible for breakfast, dinner, snacks and your transportation.
We will have four groups of 10 anglers each. The first group will fish arrive on Friday evening and fish on Saturday. The second group of 10 will arrive on Saturday evening and fish on Sunday. We will have about 5 GGACC club mentors, offering ~2:1 student to mentor ratio.
Camping Equipment: You will need your own tent (with tent stakes, footprint/plastic tarp, and rainfly) Also be sure to bring: sleeping bag; sleeping pad (or air mattress, or cot); headlight or flashlight; cooking stove; water container; cooking pots / cooking utensils; camp dishes / eating utensils; wash basin; biodegradable soap; butane lighter or matches; paper or cloth towels; garbage bags; and a cooler with ice for perishables. All dry goods should be stored in the supplied camp boxes to keep away from rodents and jays. Optional equipment might include: lantern; camp chair; firewood; hand axe; coffee pot; small folding table; table cloth for picnic table; etc.
Meals: We would like to organize a group meal Saturday evening. More information on this during the pre-fish out meeting.
We will be providing groceries for making your own sandwiches for sack lunches on each fishing day only.
NOTE: Other than the sack lunch on your Group's fishing days, you are on your own to bring (and prepare) your own food, or buy dinners or other meals out.
Fishing Gear: We recommend bringing a 5wt fly rod with floating line (6wt rod max!). For dry flies, bring 9’ tapered leaders to 4X or 5X, with mono (nylon) tippet spools in 4X-6X. Also be sure that you bring both a liquid (or gel) dry fly floatant and a dry shake floatant (dessicant-type) for treating your dry flies. For indicator nymphing, bring indicators, split shot, one spool of say 0X to 3X mono tippet material (to use 5-7' of this for indicator/ depth adjustment), and spools of both 4X & 5X fluoro tippet for connections to nymphs.
Flies: We will provide a set of flies. It is recommended that you bring a small fly box to organize and have these flies handy and ready to use with barbs crushed. Bringing additional flies is also a good idea. We will discuss what flies to bring in the meeting.
Other Stuff: In addition to forceps, nippers, vest or pack for fly boxes and other gear, sunhat, sunscreen, bug repellent, waders, boots, belts, water bottle (or other means to carry, or filter, drinking water), don’t forget your wading staff! A small net is always optional for trout, but it really helps in landing them with minimal stress and keeping them in the water while unhooking—both of which are extremely important for the fish’s survival. Camping gear should include headlamps or flashlights —the former is especially good for tying on flies during late evening fishing.
Registration Fee: The registration fee is $130 per student. This fee will cover the cost of all the campground fees, groceries for lunches, etc. It does not include the cost of transportation, lodging, meals (other than lunch), or any other expenses.
Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds. In the event that a student is, for any reason, unable to attend, he/she may resell his slot (rod) to another LTFF member (by first pulling from the waitlist if one exists). It is the sole responsibility of the student to manage this transaction.
For questions, contact Charles Marsh at senor.charles@gmail.com
This outing is exclusively intended for currently registered Level 1 students in the GGACC Learn To Fly Fish (LTFF) program.
Cost: $130/ person
Overview
The upper parts of the West Fork of the Carson are south of Lake Tahoe in Hope Valley, about 3-4 hours from San Francisco. We will be fishing above 7,000ft in several locations near the Hope Valley Campground in Alpine County, California’s least populated county. We will primarily use dry fly and dry-dropper techniques.
We will organize 4 groups of 10 registered, Learn To Fly Fish Level 1 student anglers (Saturday July 12, Sunday July 13, Saturday July 19, and Sunday July 20) to enjoy a day long fly fishing outing with LTFF club mentors. The groups will camp at a campground to be determined.
This is a great outing to gain more experience and confidence in your fly fishing game. A 5wt rod will be adequate. You will also want waders or wet wading equipment, depending on the weather. Of course, you always need to bring along your 2025 California fishing license. We will go into greater detail during the zoom call before the fish out.
Your registration fee of $130 covers campground fees and a DIY lunch for the day. You will be responsible for breakfast, dinner, snacks, and transportation. Due to the smaller size of the prospective campgrounds, carpooling is highly encouraged.
We will have four groups of 10 anglers each. The first group will arrive on Friday evening with the option for early fishing and fish all day Saturday. The second group of 10 will arrive on Saturday and fish on Sunday. We will have about 5 GGACC club mentors, offering ~2:1 student to mentor ratio.
Camping Equipment
You will need your own tent (with tent stakes, footprint/plastic tarp, and rainfly). Also be sure to bring: sleeping bag; sleeping pad (or air mattress, or cot); headlight or flashlight; cooking stove; water container; cooking pots / cooking utensils; camp dishes / eating utensils; wash basin; biodegradable soap; butane lighter or matches; paper or cloth towels; garbage bags; and a cooler with ice for perishables. All dry goods should be stored in the supplied camp boxes to keep away from rodents and jays. Optional equipment might include: lantern; camp chair; firewood; hand axe; coffee pot; small folding table; tablecloth for picnic table; etc.
Meals
We would like to organize a group meal Saturday evening. More information on this during the pre-fish out meeting.
We will be providing groceries for DIY sack lunches on each fishing day only.
Fishing Gear
We recommend bringing a 5wt fly rod with floating line (6wt rod max! 4wt could work too). For dry flies, bring 9’ tapered leaders to 4X or 5X, with mono (nylon) tippet spools in 4X-6X. Also be sure that you bring bothaliquid (or gel)dry fly floatant and a dry shake floatant (dessicant-type) for treating your dry flies. If you want to try indicator nymphing, bring indicators, split shot, one spool of say 0X to 3X mono tippet material (to use 5-7' of this for indicator/ depth adjustment), and spools of both 4X & 5X fluoro tippet for connections to nymphs. We will primarily focus on dry fly and dry dropper techniques.
Flies
We will provide a set of flies. It is recommended that you bring a small fly box to organize and have these flies handy and ready to use with barbs crushed. Bringing additional flies is also a good idea. We will discuss what flies to bring in the meeting.
Other Stuff
Registration Fee
The registration fee is $130 per student. This fee will cover the cost of all the campground fees, groceries for lunches, flies, etc. It does not include the cost of transportation, meals (other than lunch), or any other expenses.
Cancellation Policy
There are no refunds. In the event that a student is, for any reason, unable to attend, he/she may resell his slot (rod) to another LTFF member (by first pulling from the waitlist if one exists). It is the sole responsibility of the student to manage this transaction.
Rondy: North Fork Stanislaus River Backpack
Dates: August 1-3, 2025
Location: North Fork of the Stanislaus River - 3.5 hour drive East of the Bay Area
Leader: John Anderson mailto:jca35otl@gmail.com
Number of anglers (including leader): 7
Description: The goal of this trip is for anglers to backpack into a majestic river canyon and fish for wild trout in an area that gets very little fishing pressure. This two-night backpacking trip starts Friday at 12 noon with a 4 mile drive down a steep 4X4 dirt road to a trailhead and then a 5 mile hike down into the North Fork of the Stanislaus River Canyon. There are no maintained hiking trails in this area, so anglers will have to do some bushwacking (long pants and walking/wading staff recommended). The camp site is located on the river and overlooks a 100 yard pool that holds some nice trout. There is a surplus of firewood, so we can have a camp fire unless there are fire restrictions. We will camp at the same site for two days.
Skills Needed: This rondy involves a challenging hike down a steep river canyon so participants should be experienced backpackers and fly fishers and fit enough to climb in and out of a 1000' canyon with backpacking and fishing gear. The hike should take about 3 hours each way. Participants will need backpacking and fly fishing gear and be prepared to camp for a weekend. There will be a pre-trip meeting to discuss the needed gear and other logistics (date tbd).
Suggested Gear: 2-5 wt single handed fly rods, with floating lines.
Other expenses will include your own transportation and food/supplies.
Hello all.
Please keep in mind the lodge and Ponds are not accessible because of the Outsidelands festival.
Yosemite High Country - LTFF Level 1 Fish-out
Four Groups of 10 Anglers.
This outing is exclusively intended for currently registered Level 1 students in the GGACC's "Learn to Fly Fish" (LTFF) program. There will be four sessions of 10 openings for a total of 40 fishing spots.
Cost: $250 / person
This trip offers fly fishing for several trout species in two pristine high alpine settings. Each day includes up to 2-5 miles of day-hiking at 9,000 - 10,000 feet. Please contact the fishout leader, Charles Marsh, if you have questions or concerns about your physical ability and this trip. (senor.charles@gmail.com).
This year we have a guide, Steve Slater, to lead both the mentors and students on to certain stretches of small alpine streams. We have a great group of LTFF alumni and club members with experience on this watershed to help you and show you strategies and skills for this water. Between the the club mentors and Steve there will be a wealth of Yosemite knowledge at your disposal.
Students will use overhead casts in meadow sections and practice roll casts in areas with trees. We'll use mostly small dry fly patterns with thin mono tippet (4x - 6x), but you may want to nymph the deeper holes.
Those wanting to fish on days where they are not scheduled with mentors, are encouraged to stay in a neighboring campground on other days, but are asked to not fish the same locations that the mentored students will fish. In the pre-fishout meeting, we will suggest alternative local fishing spots.
Lyell Fork
At 9,000 feet, this stream starts at Lyell Glacier and only drops 500 feet in 10 miles. This provides a gentle stream that meanders through meadows and granite pools for a truly unique experience.
The stream is waist deep and wide, offering dry fly fishing to Brown, Rainbow and Brook trout. It's a great place to spot fish in clear water and practice gentle overhead casting. Most of these wild trout are in the 6-9 inch range, but a handful of fish are caught each year in the 18 inch range. Larger fish require more stealth and finesse, while the less spooky smaller trout will attack dry flies readily, often with acrobatic displays.
Dana Fork
Similar to the Lyell Fork, the Dana Fork is a small mountain stream that meanders through meadows at 9,500 ft. elevation. This stream follows along Hwy 120, meaning slightly less hiking and easier access. There are many fish to be caught on a fly along this 2-mile long stream since each hole seems to have an endless supply of wild trout.
Registration fee includes:
Guide fee
Sack lunches each mentored day
1-2 dozen selected flies
Other Student costs:
Yosemite National Park entrance fee, carpooling helps save on this cost.
Guide gratuity
Possible additional campground fees, depending on whether we are successful in finding an open campsite in any of the nearby campgrounds.
Lodging costs for motels, condos, or other vacation rentals available in the area, should you not wish to camp with the group.
Accommodations:
We will be camping at a campground to be determined, most likely the Aspen campground. There are a number of campgrounds near Lee Vining that are not reservable, so we will have an advance party head up a day earlier to secure the campground and send out a note for the location.
There are hotels and RV parks, but they are reserved very early.
Carpooling
There is extremely limited parking available at the campground. This impacts not only "where" (or if you can) park, but also limits the ability to sleep in your car. Students will be required to carpool and tent camp (or stay elsewhere on your own) to ensure we are not over our limit. Please plan accordingly
Yosemite Entrance
Yosemite has been enacting an entrance ticketing process over the past few years. The exact process for this year is not yet announced, but when it is, it will likely require everyone driving to obtain a pass that allows them to enter the park. Once the program is announced, we will communicate further on this topic.
Wading
Waders are generally not useful on this fish out. We will be wet wading. We recommend a wet wading system of neoprene guard socks and wading boots. Lightweight (i.e., nylon) long pants are recommended for wet-wading over wearing shorts to better protect your shins from scrapes on rocks, scratchy brush.
Gear Not a complete packing list
Don't forget your CA fishing license
Bring (or plan to buy) your own breakfast, dinner, coffee, and snacks for each day.
Camping equipment (e.g., tent, sleeping bag and pad, cooking equipment, etc)
Headlamp and extra batteries, especially useful at night in camp
Small backpack, large sling pack, or vest with a large back pocket to carry lunch, water, packable rain jacket, etc.
Water bottle(s) or water bladder large enough to carry a full day of water (1.5 - 3 liters); or a filter system to replenish a smaller water bottle.
Fly fishing gear (3-5 wt rod, a couple 4X or 5X mono leaders, 5X - 6X mono tippet, nippers, forceps, fly box with additional flies, net optional). No split shot or indicators will be needed.
Dry fly floatants - flies need to be floating high on the water surface all day. It's virtually imperative to have BOTH the liquid (gel) silicone and desiccant "dry shake" versions.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, neck buff)
Wet wading shoes like Chacos or Tevas. Or wading boots with neoprene guard socks. Unless you just prefer to, there's very likely no need for wearing waders on this trip, which will be a little more difficult to hike in.
Mandatory items: wading staff (or hiking sticks), polarized sunglasses.
Eating
We strongly encourage a group dinners for the evening following your first of the two guided days. Getting to know your fellow students and everyone on the trip is part of the experience. We will discuss this over email and in the pre-outing zoom call.
In Lee Vining options are available at Woah Nellie Deli (in the Mobil Gas Mart), right at the junction of Hwys.120 and 395, should you end up camping in the area and would rather not cook your own dinners. For a gas station mart, this is remarkably good food. The deli is open 7am - 9pm.
Other dining options are available in the Mono Lake area (Lee Vining) and further south in the Mammoth Lakes area; however they're sure to be more expensive.
Registration fee of $250.00 is non-refundable. It does not cover your travel costs, motels (if you decide not to camp), food (except lunch), or other sundries.
Rondy: Desolation Wilderness Backpacking
Dates: August 14 - 17, 2025
Leader: Matt Didden - matthew.didden@gmail.com
Description: This Sierra Tahoe Rondy is a 3-night backpacking trip to fly fish the headwaters of the American River watershed located west of Lake Tahoe. This Rondy is limited to 5 experienced backpackers (6 including the leader).
The plan is to thru-hike from Eagle Falls trailhead to Pyramid Creek trailhead, an approximately 20 mile hike with 4,200 feet of elevation gain. Each day we will hike 5-7 miles to a new campsite. Likely camp locations will be Middle Velma Lake, Susie Lake, and Lake of the Woods. There will be opportunities to fish these and more than a dozen other lakes. The elevation ranges from ~6,500’ to ~9,000’, with one pass to cross (Dick’s Pass, 9,400 feet).
We will meet at Pyramid Creek trailhead off Highway 50 mid-morning of August 14 and shuttle to Eagle Falls trailhead (~30 minute drive). There will be a virtual pre-meeting to discuss logistics, carpool, gear, fly selection, shared supplies, etc. The date for this pre-meeting will be in May at a date to be set later.
You must be an experienced backpacker and have the ability to hike with your pack up to 7 miles a day on rough trails. The leader is an experienced backpacker. However, the expectation is that all participants in this Rondy will be self-sufficient. You will need all the normal backpacking gear to take care of yourself on the trail. We may share some gear such as stoves, water filters, etc. Temperatures can vary with warm days and cool, sometimes very windy, nights. Pack accordingly for all conditions!
Suggested Gear: 4-6 wt single handed fly rods
May be cancelled due to Outsidelands, please confirm with Chris.
Rondy: 20 Lakes Basin Backpack
Dates: August 29 - Sept 1, 2025
Leader: Scott Martin waltersmartin@gmail.com
Number of anglers (including leader): 5
Description: This Eastern Sierra Rondy is a 4-night backpacking trip to fly fish a small watershed located on the Northeast border of Yosemite. This Rondy is limited to 4 experienced backpackers (5 including the leader). We will fish mostly lakes along with the flows between the lakes. The loop trail is about 10 miles with several lakes along the route. The fishing will be mostly casting from the lake shores with some “wet” wading.
The plan is to meet at the trailhead at Saddlebag Lake off Highway 120 late morning of August 28, and hike into Cascade Lake and make camp. We may move our camp for 1 or more nights. Sept.1 we will hike out. The elevation is about 10,000’ the whole way with small areas of elevation gains and loss. Acclimating to the elevation will be the biggest challenge. Pack light! At this time of year, it gets cold at night so pack accordingly!
You will need all the normal backpacking gear to take care of yourself on the trail. We may share some gear such as stoves, water filters, etc. Bring your favorite fly rod for fishing deep-shored lakes and small rushing creeks. There will be opportunities to fish with dries, nymphs, and streamers.
You must also be an experienced backpacker and have the ability to hike with your pack up to 6 miles a day on rough trails. The leader is an experienced backpacker. However, the expectation is that all participants in this Rondy will be self-sufficient. There will be a pre-meeting to discuss logistics, gear, shared food, etc. The date for this pre-meeting is tbd.
Other expenses: will include your transportation and food/supplies.
This outing is exclusively intended for currently registered Level 2 and 3 students in the GGACC Learn To Fly Fish (LTFF) program.
Cost: $150/ person
The Stanislaus River is an excellent rainbow and brown trout fishery. We will be fishing the North Fork of the Stanislaus River in the Sourgrass Rec Area just above the Big Tree State Park. This Rec Area is located off State Hwy. 4 way down below the little town of Dorrington (north of Arnold, CA) in a picturesque canyon.
There will be two days of fishing for 10 students. Steve Slater (guide) will lead the instruction on this fish out, along with several other experienced club member mentors. Registrants will get two solid days of guided/mentored fishing on the North Fork Stanislaus.
Saturday
After making and packing lunches, we will carpool about 30 minute drive from camp to near the Big Meadows campground. Then drive for 10 minutes on a very rugged road. After parking, hike another hour into a canyon led by John Anderson. The hiker is rewarded with some larger native trout and a bit more seclusion. This part of the trip is based on a regularly-run rondy from John Anderson. The terrain in the canyon is rough with few, if any, paths. Leave the river around 5pm as a group, hike about an hour to the cars.
If you have concerns regarding this part of the trip and your physical condition, please reach out to Charles Marsh at senor.charles@gmail.com.
Saturday evening
Rather than the traditional group meal at camp, we will reward ourselves after the full day of hiking and fishing with dinner at the Dorrington Hotel bar (Lube Room). They usually have live music when we are there.
Sunday
We will fish the stretch of the NF Stanislaus by our campground. There's about 3 miles of fishable water and can always find some seclusion once we leave the immediate area of the campground. Most people tend to head back home Sunday afternoon, but we will have a campsite for those who wish to stay until Monday.
Logistics / Pre-fishout Meeting
Other logistics and recommended gear will be covered in a pre-fishout meeting to be held roughly two weeks before the fishout. Registrants will be notified of this Zoom call meeting. This will be an opportunity to ask questions, meet others in your group, arrange carpooling, decide on whether to tackle group dinners, etc.
As always, your registration fees are non-refundable. If you realize you have to cancel, finding a replacement is not guaranteed, and will be done on a best-effort basis.
Campground
We will camp at the Stanislaus National Forest Service Wakalu Hep Yo (Wild River) Campground. This campground is super-convenient, but not reserveable in advance (available on a first-come basis only). As we have done successfully in the past, we hope that by scheduling this fish-out after Labor Day again that this allows us to find sufficient camp space upon our arrival.
There is no group camp site in this campground, but we generally can secure 3-4 campsites near each other.
There may still be a camp host on site then to collect the campground fee per night. If not, there will be a drop box for this daily camp fee. Camp fees are included in the registration fee for four sites. If you are bringing family or friends, you should plan to get your own site near the group, which should be easily done.
Motels/Hotels
There is the old Dorrington Hotel in Dorrington, CA about 4 miles above the campground, and a few motel or hotel options farther back down Highway 4 in Arnold and Murphys for those not into either tent camping or possibly sleeping in their vehicle. There is also the Bear Valley Lodge and the even more rustic Tamarack Lodge about 20 miles farther up Highway 4. Finding alternate lodging is your responsibility, but be sure to book it early!
Meeting Place
Everyone will need to meet at the campground at 7:00AM each fishing morning to pair up with mentors, make your lunches, get your flies, instructions, etc. This early start is intended to get everyone on the water as soon as possible each morning — so please don’t be late.
Note: There is only very spotty to non-existent cell phone service in this area -- try texting up there instead, but this is also extremely hit-or-miss.
Driving Directions
Use Google Maps for Wakaluu Hepyoo Campground Amphitheater, or enter GPS coordinates Lat. 38.322063, Long. -120.218558
The shortest route from the Bay Area is to follow I-580 E to I-205 E, to I-5 N to connect to CA-99 S at Stockton, and exit onto CA-4 E. Follow CA-4 (about 75 miles of winding 2-lane hwy) to Boards Crossing Road in Dorrington, CA. (This road, marked with a street sign, is on your right, directly across from the Dorrington Hotel.) Follow Boards Crossing Road, taking only left forks to reach NF Road 05N02 (Beardsley Rd) and follow that road down the canyon to the campground on the river (just before you cross the new concrete bridge on NF-05N02, and not the old Boards Crossing steel trestle bridge). The drive to this campground is at least a 3 hour total drive time without counting stops or traffic getting out of the Bay Area (plan for perhaps 4 hours).
Unless you have a vehicle that you plan to sleep in, it is suggested that you have your own tent (with tent stakes, footprint/plastic tarp, and rainfly) or have an agreement to share a tent with someone.
Also be sure to bring: sleeping bag; sleeping pad (or air mattress and/or cot); a headlamp or flashlight with good batteries (wise to bring spares too); cooking stove; water container; cooking pots/cooking utensils; camp dishes / eating utensils; wash basin; biodegradable soap; butane lighter or matches; paper or cloth towels; garbage bags; and a cooler with ice for perishables. All food and dry goods should be stored in the campground-supplied camp boxes to keep away from rodents and jays, and the potential bear. Optional equipment could include: lantern; camp chair; firewood; hand axe; coffee pot; small folding table; table cloth for picnic table; etc.
You can cook dinners in camp (either together as a group, if those in the group choose to organize this themselves, or individually), or there are restaurants along highway 4.
We will be providing groceries for making your own sandwiches for sack lunches on days you are fishing Saturday and Sunday.
NOTE: Other than the two DIY lunches provided by your fish-out leader, you are on your own to bring (and prepare) your own food for all breakfasts, other lunches, and all dinners (or for group dinners), or buy your own meals out.
Fishing License. Don’t leave home without this.
We recommend bringing a 3-6wt fly rod with floating line. For dry flies, bring 9’ tapered leaders to 4X or 5X, with mono tippet spools in 4X-6X. Also be sure that you bring both a liquid (or gel) dry fly floatant and a dry shake floatant (dessicant-type) for treating your dry flies. For indicator nymphing, bring indicators, split shot, one spool of say 0X to 3X mono tippet material, and spools of both 4X and 5X fluoro tippet for connections to nymphs.
Bring foam hoppers or Chubby Chernobyl pattern flies for hopper (dry) / dropper rigging if you prefer this rather than indicator nymphing), or you might try tight-line nymphing instead (although the Stan has more pools than actual pocket water where tight-lining works best). We will have opportunities for multiple styles of fly fishing, so come prepared.
We will be providing a dozen flies to each student: 2 each of some dry fly and nymph patterns, as recommended by Steve Slater. You will most likely need to bring supplemental flies. Be sure to pinch the barbs! We will not be doing this for you.
Also, bring your own flies, especially any that you have picked up (or tied) for this particular trip.
In addition to forceps, nippers, vest or pack for fly boxes and other gear, sunhat, sunscreen, bug repellent, waders, boots, belts, water bottle (or other means to carry, or filter, drinking water), don’t forget your wading staff! A small net is always optional for trout, but it really helps in landing them with minimal stress and keeping them in the water while unhooking—both of which are extremely important for the fish’s survival. Camping gear should include headlamps or flashlights —the former is especially good for tying on flies during late evening fishing or cooking / setting up camp in the dark. Bring spare batteries too.
As a tailwater, the Stan can still be pretty cold this high up, but you may decide when you get there and test the water that you might prefer to wet-wade instead of wearing waders. If so, just be sure that you have sturdy closed-toe wading sandals or, better yet, use neoprene guard socks (or other neoprene socks) plus wool or polypo liner socks to fill-out your wading boots. Lightweight (i.e., nylon) long pants are recommended for wet-wading over wearing shorts to better protect your shins from scrapes on rocks, scratchy brush, poison oak, etc.
The registration fee covers guide fees, flies, camp fees, and groceries for lunches. Not included in the registration fee is guide tips, the cost of travel, lodging other than the camp site, and meals other than the provided lunches.
For further information, contact: Fish-out Leader, Charles Marsh (senor.charles@gmail.com), 415-902-0489.
This LTFF Truckee River Fish-out on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th, 2025 or SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st, 2025 is offered to ONLY registered 2025 LTFF 2 (2024 Cohort) students. This fish-out will be limited to a total of 16 different students, 8 each day.
Description: This fish-out will be led by Matt Heron, who has a very successful Fly Fishing School in the Truckee area. You will have a day-long guided session with Matt’s team, with a 2:1 student to guide ratio. You will fish either the Little Truckee or the Truckee depending on the best fishing conditions that day. Your guide will help you understand this popular fly fishing destination, including access points along the river, as well as various fishing techniques most effective for these waters.
Cost: The registration fee will be $385 per person for the full day to cover guide fees and costs for supplied flies, and lunch. See below for the plan for accommodations.
Required Gear: Your standard 5 wt, floating line setup, along with boots/waders, wading staff, sunscreen, hat, water, and sunglasses will work fine. Studded boots help if you prefer.
Specifically:
4-6 wt rod/reel, and floating line. 9 ft rods are fine, 9 ½ ft and longer help on these waters
Bring a selection of 9 ft leaders across 3x , 4x and 5x
Tippet: 3x-6x….flouro helps
Flies will be supplied and selected based on recent success on the river by your guides.
Meeting Time & Place: We will meet at 7:30 AM (time subject to change earlier, or later based on conditions) at the Truckee River RV Park. The day will end in mid-afternoon, around 3:30pm.
Accommodations: We will plan to camp at a nearby campground for the weekend. If you prefer not to camp, you should make plans at your choice of lodging in the Truckee area (motel, Air BnB, etc.).
Registration Fee: $385 per student. Covers the cost of the guide/clinic fees, groceries for lunches, our group campsite reservation, and supplied flies.
It does not include the cost of transportation, lodging (non-camping), meals (other than lunch), guide tip, or any other expenses.
For more info: Mike Nelson, micnel@protonmail.com
The SubCommittee - Mare Island Chapter annual West Coast Fall Fun Run is a gathering of R/C submarines to be held in the West Pond on the weekend of September 20th and 21st. Fully functional scale model submarines both historical & military, scientific and fantasy boats from the local chapter members and other associated chapters will be on display and running in the water. The event is open to the public, come and join in the fun.
Rondy: Delta Stripers #2
Dates: October 7, 2025
Leader: Steve Swett mailto:steve@libertypainting.biz
Cost: The fee for this Rondy is $375.00
Other Expenses: guide gratuities, transportation.
Fun and friendly casting competition held in conjunction with the Oakland Casting Club and San Jose Flycasters, but open to any registered person who would like to participate to test their skill against others or to just take part in the training to be offered as part of these casting games this year -- all are welcome, including beginning casters!
The casting games at the GGACC casting ponds have been scheduled to be typically held on the third Sunday of each month from 9:30am to about 12:30pm. But be sure to check the calendar each month for the actual date for this event. Once the Lodge has been re-opened, these events will have priority use of the Lodge locker room and the center and east casting ponds during these hours.
There is a $1 entry fee required for each casting event that you choose to compete in -- to be paid to the event host. Registration is by appointment via the contact person below.
All GGACC Casting Games will be conducted under ACA rules and will be ACA "registered" events (UON).
To REGISTER, or for further information or rules explanation, please contact: Alice Gillibert alicegillibert@comcast.net
Rondy: Deschutes River
Dates: October 19-21, 2025
Leader: Libby Wolfensperger mailto:elwolfensperger@me.com
Description: This Rondy is a 3-day guided float and wade fishing adventure on the lower Deschutes River in central Oregon, where we will fish for native summer Steelhead and "Red side" Rainbow Trout. Guides will take us through miles of gorgeous, remote canyon. Periodically we'll take out to wade-fish nymphs or swing flies (no fishing from the drift boats). Each evening we'll and stop and camp (it's really glamping - glamour camping) at amazing sites, where we'll enjoy top notch food served in a dedicated dining tent.
The trip will both begin and end in Bend, Oregon, at the Confluence Fly Shop, where we will meet our guides, get licenses, boat passes, pick up some flies, and park our cars (guides will shuttle us from the shop and back). We will put in near Madras (about an hour north of Bend) and then take out 3 days later near Maupin. Our guides will be http://www.deepcanyonoutfitters.com/
Bend, OR, is about an 8-1/2 hour drive from San Francisco. There is an airport in nearby Redmond for those who prefer to fly. We should plan on arriving a day early and staying over the night after the Rondy.
There will be a pre-meeting to discuss more logistics, gear, carpools, etc. (date tbd).
Suggested Gear: 5-7 wt single-handed rods with floating lines or 6-7 wt two-handed rods, studded boots, and wading staff. Anglers must also supply their own sleeping bags, pillow, personal items, liquor (if desired), and Oregon fishing license and boater's pass. Guides will supply very nice standing room tents, with cots and sleeping pads. Note that wading on the Deschutes can be tricky due to the large angular basalt rocks, and that there is no fishing from the boats. You must be prepared to wade confidently.
There will be a dedicated gear boat that will haul our gear, set up camp, and cook great meals. Personal items that are only needed in camp can be packed in a large dry bag to be supplied by the guides and transported in the gear boat. Bring your own small dry bag (or waterproof pack) with a change of clothes, rain jacket, fleece, and any small personal items that you may want to keep handy during the day in your boat.
This is an amazing multi day float at a great price. It is open to both single hand and two hand casters. Most anglers enjoy a little of both on this trip.
Cost: The fee for this Rondy is $1,878.00 which includes Boat Pass and Fly Package
Other expenses: will be guide gratuities, transportation to and from Bend, and lodging the nights before and after the trip.
Rondy: Lower Sacramento Trout Spey
Dates: October 24, 2025
Leader: John DiCerbo mailto:johndicerbo@gmail.com
Description: This is a one day jet boat trip to the lower sac for trout/micro spey. The guides from Confluence Outfitters will jet boat us to the best bars where we will swing for trout and the occasional Steelhead mixed in. We will be 2 boats, with 3 anglers per boat and the fee is based on those numbers. Here is a link to their description http://www.confluenceoutfitters.com/lower-sac-spey.aspx
Suggested Gear: 3-5 wt two handed fly rods. Note that the guides will supply these micro spey rods if needed.
Cost: The fee for this Rondy is $291.67
Other expenses: guide gratuities, travel and lodging if needed.
Rondy: 2 Day, 2 River Trout/Steelhead Drifts
Dates: October 24-25, 2025
Leader: Brad Bradford bradford@realpropserv.com
Description: We're going to be there, why not fish 2 days?? Why not fish 2 rivers?? This Rondy will start on the Trinity River for the first day and then move to the Lower Sac for the second day. We'll target steelhead on the Trinity and large rainbow (steelhead) on the Lower Sac. We'll meet the guides early on the 24th near Weaverville, fish for the day and then move to Redding to prepare to meet the guides on the Lower Sac early on the 25th. This will likely require you stay in the Weaverville area on the night of the 23th and in the Redding area the night of the 24th (maybe we'll meet for dinner in Redding). At the end of the drift on the 25th you are free to drive home or stay on the road.
Guides will be from Forrest Brizendine of NorCal Fishing Guides; norcalfishingguides.com
Suggested Gear: 5-6 wt single handed fly rods, with floating lines. Guides can provide gear if you prefer.
Cost: $675.00 per angler
Other Expenses: guide gratuities, transportation, food and lodging.
Rondy: Trinity River Steelhead Walk & Wade #2
Dates: October 29-30, 2025
Leader: Bill Corkery billcorkery@att.net
Description: This rondy is an excellent opportunity for Walk-and Wade fly fishing for Steelhead on the Trinity River near Junction City, CA. Bill Corkery, a GGACC Member, will take up to 4 anglers on this two-day fishing trip. The opportunity exists to catch both adult and smaller (i.e. "1/2 pound") steelhead.
There are several options for how to fly fishing for steelhead on this wading trip: 1) Indicator nymph fishing with a 5-7wt single hand rod with floating line and Fluoro tippet (1X-4X) and split-shot below an indicator; 2) Swinging steelhead flies with a 6-8wt single hand rod and floating or intermediate head line and sink tips with short 8-12# mono tippet; or 3) Swinging flies with a 5-7wt Spey rod with floating or intermediate fly line & sink tips with short 8-12# mono tippet.
Suggested Gear: 5-7 wt single handed fly rods for nymhing; 6-8 wt single handed rods for swinging; 5-7 wt Spey rods for swinging. Note that the weather can be very cold, bring multi-layers and good rain gear.
Other Expenses: will include travel, food, lodging (motels in Weaverville).
Please contact Alan Dye if you have more questions at alandye@gmail.com
Rondy: Trinity River Steelhead Drift #1
Dates: November 7, 2025
Leader: Patrick Cousens mailto:pdcousens@gmail.com
Description: The Trinity is a gorgeous river this time of year. We will be floating the river from a drift boat or raft - both with hard bottoms. We will mostly fish with nymphs and/or egg patterns under indicators with, maybe, some swinging using 2 handed rods. The guides will provide rods, flies, beverages, snacks and lunch. Anglers will need waders and boots (no studs please) along with weather appropriate clothing. You MUST have a current fishing license and STEELHEAD card.
Fish range from half pounders to 30 or more inches. 10+ pound steelhead are caught every year so be prepared.
The nearest town is Weaverville which is conveniently located within 30 mins of the river. There are several lodging and dining options to make for an enjoyable two-night trip if you so desire.
The trinity is a beautiful place with a fish of a lifetime waiting for your fly!
The guide service we use is great. They are:
Forrest Brizendine forrest@norcalfishingguides.com
Suggested Gear: 6-8 wt single handed fly rods for nymphing and swinging; 5-7 wt Spey rods for swinging. Note that the weather can be very cold, bring multi-layers and good rain gear.
Other expenses will be guide gratuities, transportation, lodging and meals besides lunch on the boat.
LTFF Level 3 Fish-out - Trinity River for Steelhead, 11/8 & 11/9
Have you ever caught a steelhead? This fish-out is your chance!
Join us for guided fishing with the experts at Confluence Outfitters www.confluenceoutfitters.com. The Learn to Fly Fish (LTFF) Trinity River Fish-out is offered initially to students enrolled in their 3rd year of the LTFF Program. When registration opens, each student can only sign up for one day of fishing (Group 1 on Sat., 11/8, or Group 2 on Sun., 11/9); however, you may be able to join us for both days if the fish-out doesn't fill up right away. We will send an announcement to the group if and when we need to open this event further.
Registration Fee: $440 each day, which includes the guide fee and the shuttle service cost but DOES NOT INCLUDE guide gratuity, lodging, meals (other than lunch), or travel costs. The suggested guide gratuity is $60-80 for each person each day.
Trinity River Lodging Recommendations: Due to the travel distance to this river, everyone should find their lodging in the Weaverville / Douglas City area for at least the night before. The past few years the group has stayed together in a large Airbnb conveniently located very close to our morning meet-up point with the guides. This Airbnb cost is not included in the registration fee above and payment will be facilitated by the fish-out leader once the fish-out is filled. The Airbnb that is reserved can be found at: Trinity Airbnb
We will plan a casual no-host dinner for Saturday evening. We will provide details in the pre-fish-out Zoom meeting.
Trinity River Fishing License Requirements: You must have a regular freshwater fishing license (a daily license or a season license) AND a Steelhead Catch Report Card.
Steelhead Card: You must have the original Steelhead Card on your person while fishing. Many Steelhead anglers purchase the Steelhead Card with their annual fishing license at the beginning of each year (if that's you, nice work!); but, if you do not already have a Steelhead Card in your possession, please do not order it online, as it might not be delivered in time for the trip! You will need to pick up your Steelhead card at a local retail shop such as Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Fishing Gear: Our guides will provide single-hand fly rods rigged for indicator nymph fishing. If you prefer to bring your own rod, plan on a 7 wt or 8 wt at least 9'. The guides will also provide lunch. This trip is NOT a two-handed fly rod trip, as this gear is not required to fish this river effectively.
Gear list (other than fishing gear): Check the weather before leaving home and pack accordingly, including rain gear (always) and proper layering to adjust for temp changes during the day. Some of the recommended gear includes:
I look forward to this trip and hope you can join us.
Fish-out leader: Mike Nelson, micnel@protonmail.com
Rondy: Trinity River Steelhead Drift #2
Dates: November 8, 2025
Questions? Please direct your inquiries to the appropriate mail box:
General Information: club.ggacc@gmail.com
Membership: membership.ggacc@gmail.com
Social Media: ggaccsocial@gmail.com
Rondy Program: rondyprogramggacc@gmail.com
Events: events.ggacc@gmail.com
Learn To Fly Fish Program: ltff.ggacc@gmail.com
Our Mailing Address: Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club · P.O. Box 591476 · San Francisco, CA 94159
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