Hugh Lewis and Steve Kopp will be leading a class in small stream fishing tactics and equipment on Thursday August 3rd. We will then have subsequent days to take small teams of 2 or 3 people out to explore and fish some of the small streams we have in the area over the following weekend (August 5 or 6th and additional date if needed).

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 casting instruction from Marion Hiller and Steve Kopp.

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. We 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 Sunset 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 (dates following the class to be arranged with groups of 2 or 3 and an instructor) 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, polarized sunglasses, sun-screen, bug repellant, lunch, snacks and lots of drinking water. *A wading staff is also highly recommended.*

Specialty fishing gear: short, light fly rod designed for a very light line (1-4 wt)on a smaller reel, 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. Also, you must be physically prepared to do some hiking and boulder hopping when heading out on the stream.

*If you have questions contact the event organizer Kevin McClurg at 360-224-8342 or email at kpmcclurg@gmail.com

*For anyone attending who is not yet a member and have not signed the Hold Harmless waiver, please click on the link below which will bring up the PDF document. Please print and sign the waiver. Then scan and send to me via email at kpmcclurg@gmail.com or bring with you to the outing. Thank you.

Hold Harmless Agreement.

Small Streams Class