Tuesday 6:00 pm

DEQ to Hold Informational Public Meetings on Pipeline Permits  The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will be holding public meetings in Medford on January 26 and in North Bend on January 27. These meetings will give the public an opportunity to ask questions about Pacific Connector Pipeline's hydrostatic testing permit, a permit that allows testing of the pipeline with water to check for leaks. Join us by coming to the public meeting and asking questions about this permit. Help us show DEQ that this is an important issue to us. Meeting details are below.  Medford  Tuesday January 26, 2016 at 6 p.m. Medford City Council Chambers 411 West 8th St.  Medford, OR 97501 North Bend  Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 6 p.m.  North Bend Library 1800 Sherman Ave North Bend, OR 97459  DEQ will also be accepting written comments until 5 p.m. on February 5, 2016. These written comments should be addressed to:  Carrie Everett 4026 Fairview Industrial Way, SE Salem, OR, 97302  or by email to PacificConnectorWPCF@deq.state.or.us.

2016 NW Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Expo

The Northwest Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Expo is an annual event put on by the Oregon Council of the International Federation of Fly Fishers.  The 2016 Expo will be held March 11^th and 12^th at the Linn County Fair Grounds in Albany, Oregon.  The doors open each morning at 9:00am.  This is an event you will want to put on the calendar now. 

The main attraction is over 200 demonstration tyers that rotate every 2 ½ hours over the two days.  There are 70 tyers tying at individual tables with chairs provided to sit and watch the tyer.  All of the fly genres are covered including nymphs, dry, steelhead, classic salmon, streamers, and realistic flies.  If you are not sure who to watch, the best thing to do is to walk around the tyer tables and find an open seat.  Even if you are not interested in a specific type of fly, a lot can be learned by sitting down and watching a tyer demonstrate different techniques.  Tyers will have tips on material selection, tying tips, and sometimes fishing tips for the patterns.  They are also able to answer questions during the demonstration.  It is one of the best ways to learn and improve tying skills.

Classes are offered each day for fly tying, casting, and fly fishing.  Classes are limited in size, so it is a great opportunity to learn in a classroom environment.  There are some casting classes that are 1 on 1, which provide excellent opportunities to work on specific casting problems.  There are casting classes that cover both single and double handed casting.  The fly fishing classes will help prepare you to go to a specific location.  You can sign-up for classes on the Expo website – http://nwexpo.com, staring in January 2016.  The classes change each year, so make sure you check out what is being offered this year. 

Over 50 exhibitors attend the expo and offer great deals on everything from fly tying materials, fly rods and reels, fly fishing art, and boats.  The Expo presents an opportunity to see a wide variety of items in once place.   Exhibitors often offer special show discounts and will also have new items available for purchase.  There are many art items that are one of a kind and make special gifts. 

Throughout both days there are silent auctions and raffles.  Exhibitors and participants make wonderful donations that are used for these purposes.  The event concludes with a live auction and banquet Saturday evening.  The live auction offers one of a kind framed flies along fly rods and other special items.  During the banquet two college students that are majoring in fishery management are awarded scholarships.  The students give a short talk one what they are studying and it provides a look-in to the research that is being done on fisherman’s behalf. 

The Expo is put on by the Oregon Council to provide education to the general public on fly fishing and fly tying.  The revenues generated by the Expo are also used by the Oregon Council to provide educational programs on fly tying, casting, and fishing throughout the state of Oregon.  The Council also supports conservation projects with the proceeds. 

We hope to see you at the Expo in 2016!

nwexpo.com

The Oregon  Council of the IFFF has their Expo coming up March 11th and 12th.  They have just released their class schedule.  Many of these classes are a sellout and this can happen very quickly.  Many of the instructors are well known world class professionals.  If you fly fish, this is a must.   Use these links below.

nwexpo.com

http://nwexpo.com/friday_classes.php

http://nwexpo.com/saturday_classes.php

January 2015 Meeting Reminder

ROGUE FLYFISHER MEETING

Wednesday January 20, 2016

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Rogue Regency

2300 Biddle Road, Medford

Wet Fly 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.

Dinner and raffle at 6:45 PM

Dinner Tickets $22

Dinner Special:

Dinner and 4 Tickets for $25.00

Dinner and 12 Tickets for $30.00

Attendance only $5.00

The Speaker will be:

Craig Nielsen

Craig Nielsen is the owner and operator of Shasta Trout. A Northern California native, he has been chasing trout with a fly rod for over 50 years and guiding professionally since 1992. Having fished all across the west, B.C. and Alaska he especially appreciates the angling diversity Mt. Shasta offers. From presenting tiny dries to selective Fall River Rainbows, swinging streamers with switchrods for the Klamath’s fabled steelhead, dry fly fishing on the McCloud, or nymphing the Upper and Lower Sac for trophy ‘bows, Craig enjoys it all. Everyone appreciates his patience, angling versatility and local knowledge. A certified casting instructor, he has taught at Mel Krieger’s school and was one of the first authors on switchrods. Craig has been a featured guide for Flywater Travel, The Ashland Flyshop, Leland, Ted Fay, Fish First, The Clearwater House and The Flyshop. He holds a Teaching Credential and a Master’s degree from Chico State where he worked as an Instructor, Administrator and Counselor prior to following his passion to guide full time. Craig will be speaking about the many Fly Fishing opportunities in the Mount Shasta area!

January 2016 Newsletter

The newsletter is available on the website.  Just click on newsletter.

Don't forget to renew your membership.

MESSAGE FOR GOVERNOR BROWN

Last night Governor Brown came to Medford for a fundraiser.  She was greeted by a crowd of citizens opposed to the LNG pipeline.  This was an enthusiastic crowd who applauded the 
governor as she exited the vehicle.  The message was for the Governor to oppose the pipeline.  We are still waiting for a definitive message of opposition to the pipeline.  Lets all take a few minutes to send a message of encouragement to the Governor.

These folks greeted the Governor last night.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE LANDS

Last night DSL held a public hearing at the Rogue Regency.  The purpose was to take testimony from the public about the LNG Pipeline.  Just prior to the hearing people gathered along Crater Lake Highway to hold up signs and show opposition to the pipeline.  Many motorist honked and waved their support.  Estimates of the crowd was more than 200-300 people.

The meeting room inside was way too small.  This has happened every time there has been a meeting about the pipeline.  If there is a next meeting, don't just get a room, get a bigger room.

This photo was taken before the bulk of the crowd arrived.  Later the entire sidewalk was covered with people.  Every television news channel was there covering the event.

Governor Brown, this Friday

This is copy from a Rogue Riverkeeper e-mail.

Tell Gov. Brown to Stand Up for Oregon and Say No to LNG this Friday in Medford!

Governor Brown is coming to town this Friday, January 8th to speak at a fundraiser for the Jackson County Democrats and we need her to know that southern Oregon expects her to do everything in her power to stop LNG! Our governor has the power to stand up for Oregon by challenging the federal government's likely approval of the LNG project and ensure that state agencies are holding the proposal to Oregon’s highest environmental standards. So far Kate Brown hasn’t taken a stance so we need to ask for her help and convince her to take action.That’s why we are having a positive and respectful rally on the sidewalk outside of the event.

Tell Governor Brown to Stand Up for Oregon! Friday, January 8th at 5:45pm Outside of the Imperial Event Center 40 N Front Street in downtown Medford Bring Your LNG Signs and wear red!

See you there!

P.S. If you cannot make the meeting, you can still submit comments to the Department of State Lands before the January 8th deadline by clicking here. Thank you. 

HOLY WATER

New Years Day is the traditional Holy Water Chili Feed.  This is a joint outing with the RFF and the SOFF.  Seven offerings of chili were on hand as well as several other dishes along with several choices of corn bread.  Dave and Tanya Haight brought everything to compliment a great outing and especially the coffee which was much appreciated.  Everyone voted for their choice of the best chili.  Despite heavy lobbying by Harry Foster, Tanya was the big winner with Harry coming in second.  Better luck next year to Harry.

Several people actually did try to fish but most of them soon came back to the fire.  It there is a fish story, please submit it and we can amend this posting.

The cold weather created an almost captive audience.