George Abernathy, Founding Member
With just nine days into this year, six members from the Sun Lakes Fly Fishing Club spent a half day fishing for trout below and around the Blue Point Bridge on the Salt River. Fishing was slim for some of us, but Brad Smith caught three fat rainbow trout that he opted to keep so he could smoke them later. Typically, most trout are released unharmed, but occasionally a few are harvested for the taste of fresh wild trout. Located within an hour’s drive from Sun Lakes, this part of the river is known as a tail water fishery because it’s located immediately downstream from the Stewart Mountain Dam which backs up Saguaro Lake. Trout fishing is at its best from October through March, but during the warmer months, bass can be caught as well.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon, the SLFFC is hosting its annual One-Man Pontoon Boat Show. Historically, it’s been a success and very informative for those who are looking to buy a boat and/or boat accessories in the near future. It’s an excellent opportunity to check different boats and talk to experienced owners about the advantages and disadvantages. This boat show will be by the lake that’s on the corner of Riggs and Price (next to the softball field).
Multiple fly-fishing trips are on the 2020 calendar, including overnight trips to Lees Ferry, San Juan River in New Mexico, and multiple trips to the White Mountains for both still and moving water fishing. Even though it’s been years since I strapped on a backpack and hiked the Grand Canyon, I still enjoy camping out when it involves fishing. One of our camping trips this year will be to Carnero Lake which is at approximately 9000-foot elevation and is located 15 miles from Greer. Last year, it wasn’t uncommon for some fly fishers to land over 25 rainbow and tiger trout per day.
The Sun Lakes Fly Fishing Club is open to the public no matter what your fly-fishing expertise is. We have two goals that we always pursue: keep our lines wet and support the disabled veterans from Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. If you are interested in checking out our club, we typically have breakfast meetings at 8 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Stone & Barrel restaurant. For more information, you can contact our president, Randy Smith, at 480-371-8406 or [email protected]. You can also reach me at 480-521-1060 or [email protected].
Fish On! Fish On!