Fly fishing show in Bay Area is one not to be missed

Column by Bruce Ajari
Special to the Bonanza
February 4, 2005

Print Email

The fourth annual Fly Fishing Show is being held in San Rafael on Friday, Feb. 18 through Sunday, Feb. 20 at the Marin County Civic Center. This is one of seven such shows around the country and is totally dedicated to the sport of fly fishing. Fly fishermen will appreciate both the level of talent and the exhibitors that make up the show. There is truly something for everybody.

The show covers all facets of the sport. Whether you are interested in techniques that will make you a better fly fisher, a fly tier, fly caster or just interested in other locations to fish, this show has it all.

Some of the best in the sport are at this show conducting seminars, giving demonstrations or showcasing there respective areas. Whether you are a beginning fly fisher or a seasoned veteran, you will find something of interest for you at this show.

Our area is a prime destination for many Bay Area and Sacramento Valley anglers. A good number of our area anglers will be in attendance conducting programs, or as exhibitors. Andy Burk and Rob Anderson of Truckee River Outfitters and the Reno Fly Shop, local guides Frank Pisciotta, John Roberts and Brian Slusser ( The Truckee Guide Network) and Richard Anderson of California Flyfisher Magazine will all be participating in this show.

An example of what some of our local anglers will be doing is as follows, Burk will be doing a program on his favorite fly patterns, Rob Anderson will be talking about Pyramid Lake, and The Truckee Guide Network guides will be talking about Fly Fishing Opportunities in the Tahoe-Truckee Area. They all do an excellent job of promoting our local area.

National fly fishing celebrities include Barry and Cathy Beck, A.K. Best, Ken Hanley, Joe Humphreys, Bob Jacklin, Pudge Kleinhauf, Maggie Merriman, Jay Murakoshi, Steve Rajeff and Mark Sedotti.

Many are authors and will be available for book signing. Many will be scheduled at the Western Sports Shop Booth, K-10, for book signing. Check the schedule when you get to the show.

The feedback that I have received from this show is that this is certainly the best show around for fly fishers, because of the focused effort and all of the hands on instruction. According to most that I have had feedback from, the casting classes are great.

Casting is the foundation of the sport, and learning from some of the best fly casters in the world can only help. Beginning casters learn the proper techniques necessary to make the basic casting and advanced casters can learn how to get extra distance from the likes of Steve Rajeff, many time world champion distance fly caster.

It's a great show. The show will runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Cost for the show is $12 per day for an adult and $2 per day for children under 12.

A two day pass is available for $20 and a three day for $28.00. For more information and directions you can check online at www.flyfishingshow.com.



Fishing Report

Ice fishing should be available at Boca and Prosser. If you want to ice fish be sure to check in at the local shops such as Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee to check on the conditions.

Donner Lake remains a good option for those needing a local fishing experience. The lake has had ice forming on a good part of the lake. The fishing has been fair for shore fishermen accessing the open water. Most fish caught are small rainbows and the occasional mackinaw. Lake Tahoe is also a good option for the local angler. Shore fishing has been fair and fishing from a boat has been fair to good.

A local guide is highly recommended for your first experiences in this lake.

In other waters, Pyramid Lake on the Paiute Indian Reservation northeast Reno remains one of the best bets this time of year.

Fishing typically slows down when we get into January and February. Recent fishing has been fair for shore anglers. On a recent outing four of us landed a total of 15 fish.

Fly fishermen have been doing best on dark colored woolly worms or buggers and beetles. Boaters are also doing fair. You will need a day use permit for fishing that can be purchased on the Reservation.