LEARN TO FLY FISH

Come to our "Introduction to Fly Fishing" program in February

Non-Members Welcome

In three (3) Saturday Mornings we will teach you:
Casting
Knot Tying
Fly Selection
Selecting Equipment
Reading Water Structure
Much More!


OPTIONAL GRADUATION TRIP! 

To the Owens River on a following weekend.
It's an on-the-water education with your instructors that
puts all the learnings together to catch beautiful trout.

Non-Member Adults: $50 (includes a 1-year membership)
Children under 18: Free
SPFF Members: Free

** Classroom materials and loaner Fly Rods provided

For more details and registration: CLICK HERE 

Chris Leonard

Wintertime Techniques and Tactics for

flyfishing the Lower Owens River in Bishop

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION

The Lower Owens is familiar to us as the closest native brown trout fishery near the town of Bishop in the Eastern Sierra. But familiarity does not mean consistent success on this picturesque stream often surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Pleasant Valley Reservoir supplies water to the river, and cautious anglers closely monitor the dam's flow rates, measured in cubic feet per second (cfs). 



These can range from slow (60 cfs) to torrential, above 600. It is a delight to fish the “Lower O” in the winter months but catching can be challenging. The multi fish days of Spring and Fall prompt us to wonder where those fish hide when there is snow on the banks. To answer these and other questions we welcome back a local guide and expert who will take us through technique, fly choice and other tips to brighten up those winter outings. Even seasoned Owens veterans will learn something new from this exciting and thorough presentation. 

SPFF’s 2026 ROD BUILDING CLASS

WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, January 3 & 4, 2026, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

WHAT: SATURDAY: Locate rod blank spine, assemble reel seat, wood

                  insert, cork handle, guides, hook keeper, tip top.

  SUNDAY: Thread wrapping & epoxy coating to complete your rod.

WHERE: Rick Russo’s Workshop

         10500 Boulder Ridge Terrace, Chatsworth, CA 91311

REGISTRATION: There is no on-line registration. 

               Contact mperatis@aol.com to sign up for the class.

CLASS FEE: $175, see below.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR: The class will be taught by Chiaki Harami, a member of Southern Sierra Fly Fishers, Pasadena Casting Club, Santa Clarita Casting Club and Deep Creek Fly Fishers. He’s a skilled and experienced rod building instructor who has taught classes for many Southern California clubs, including SPFF.

MESSAGE FROM CHIAKI:

STUDENTS NEED TO BRING: 

➤ A 10 ft. or longer tape measure.

➤ Reader Glasses

➤ Pen and paper for taking notes.

I will supply everything else: rod blank, reel seat, wood insert, cork handle, guides, hook keeper, tip top, thread, epoxy, masking tape and various small tools and supplies. You will be building on a 4 pc. 9 ft. 5 wt. Batson, Rainshadow blank. The purpose of the class is for you to learn how to build a rod and as a by-product, you will end up with a very usable fly rod. Everyone in this class will have access to my private “stash” of very special agate stripping guides. You will also have a choice of thread color.

The class fee is $175. Please bring cash, check or I can take Zelle or Venmo. The class fee includes payment for the wrapping jig and a drying motor that you'll use for this class and for your future rod building. If you feel you don't want to continue building rods, you can return these for a $50 refund. You can decide after you completed your rod. I’ll explain this in better detail in class.

Please let me know if you have any questions: Cell (818) 968-6872 

SPFF WILL PROVIDE: 

➤ Tables & Chairs

➤ Bottled Water

➤ Lunch

CASTING CLINIC LOCATION, RESEDA PARK (PDF map)

Google Maps > Reseda Park, CA

FLY TYING GROUP
IN-PERSON & ZOOM - WEDNESDAYS

• Dinner meeting time: 5:30pm
• Fly tying meeting start time: 7:00pm

• More info > click here

• Any questions or want to join in person or on zoom? Contact Michael Peratis at: fly.tying@spff.org

CASTING PRACTICE AT RESEDA PARK
FIRST & THIRD SATURDAYS OF EACH MONTH
* weather permitting
9:00AM to 11:00 AM

OPEN to all members & the general public

Casting Practice > more info, click here

MONTHLY MEETINGS
with GREAT SPEAKERS!

Meetings > more info, click here 

Sierra Pacific Flyfishers (SPFF)

Is dedicated to educating the public about fly fishing, conservation, and the restoration of habitat.
The organization provides classes on fly casting, fly tying, rod building, as well as conservation.
We offer social gatherings and fishing trips, too!
We support Project Healing Waters, and Casting for Recovery.