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Entomology Workshop Friday, Saturday May 20 - 21, 2005 |
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Aquatic biologist, Ken Davis will again teach the Sagehen Aquatic Invertebrate Workshop on Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21, at the University of California Sagehen Research Center near Truckee, CA. The GBF Conservation Committee is sponsoring this workshop. Ken will also briefly address Granite Bay Flycasters at our General Meeting on April 14, 2005. Master Fly-tier and Licensed Angling Guide Bill Carnazzo will be co-teaching with Ken. Bill has tied his custom fly patterns that are perfect imitations of the macro invertebrates of Sagehen Creek and the surrounding region.
Raised on the banks of the Sacramento River near Chico, Ken has spent his life wading the streams of California in search of invertebrates and the trout that depend upon them for sustenance. That odyssey and a career in science started in 1955 on the banks of Hat Creek when he asked his father if trout prefer caddis flies or hellgrammites. “I don’t know, I’ve never been a trout,” his dad responded. That answer, typical of his father’s responses, encouraged more questions and fostered a lifetime of observation. Today, fifty years later, Ken is still observing and documenting the occurrence and behavior of aquatic invertebrates in waterways along the West Coast and in the Rocky Mountains. To share the beauty of macro world, he developed equipment that allows the sustained photography of aquatic invertebrates in conditions that mimic their natural environment. A parallel development of digital technology by Nikon in 2003 allowed the initial release of Ken’s live nymph images in the January 2004 issue of American Angler. The AA editor referred to those photographs as “Amazing new images of aquatic nymphs.” Since the article, he frequently receives requests from across the nation to teach invertebrate classes for fly fishers. Frequently waiting hours to get the right angle or behavioral response, he has documented predatory responses, cryptic behavior, and other nymph actions that can greatly improve fly fishing endeavors. Ken has worked for more than thirty years with invasive species and is considered an expert on several invaders, including the New Zealand Mud Snail. He has led the monitoring and research project in Putah Creek to learn more about the invading snails and their potential impacts on the trout population. In conjunction with that project, he is developing a photo-inventory of the invertebrate community in the Putah Creek drainage. The Sagehen Class will convene with a PowerPoint Presentation on Friday night following dinner showing the common invertebrates in Sagehen and Prosser creeks and the Little Truckee River. Images of the live nymphs will be directly compared side-by-side to slides of the corresponding artificial flies that mimic the naturals. Ken and Bill Carnazzo will offer observations on the behavior of the nymphs and how their natural actions might assist with fishing the flies. Ken will also offer his thoughts on the importance of a healthy invertebrate population as it relates to maintaining trout populations. The class will continue on Saturday with Ken showing where to find and how to collect invertebrates in Sagehen Creek. After a quick discussion about decontaminating wading equipment, the group will proceed to the Little Truckee River for more nymph observations and a fishout led by Bill Carnazzo. The GBF Conservation Committee is hosting this workshop. On Sunday May 22nd, those who wish may join us to fish the Truckee. One of the unique features of the Sagehen Creek Field Station is a large viewing chamber located under the creek water level that will allow us to see fish and macro-invertebrates on the creek bottom. (SEE PHOTOS BELOW) This viewing area was built and donated to the field station by the Golden Gate Casting and Angling Club. If you were to take a similar entomology class through UC Davis, you would pay $300.00. However, the cost for this workshop is only $40, which includes two nights lodging in the cabins, plus dinner on Friday and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. GBF Master Chef Mike Howes will again be coordinating the meal preparation. The cabins are "rustic" but comfortable, with bathrooms and showers nearby. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow, beverages and whatever food you want for Sunday. Be prepared for whatever weather we will have in May at 6,380 feet elevation. Check a current weather report before going. GBF will also have duty sign-up sheets to assist in meal preparation and cleanup - and everyone must leave their cabin space clean. (Remember: Your Mom Does Not Live Here! No "spooge" should be left behind! ;-) For more information on the facility, go to http://sagehen.ucnrs.org/ and select the PDFs to download an information sheet to see photos of the facility and a map. And Double-click Mike's photos below. A sign-up sheet will be available at the April general club meeting. Space is limited so sign-ups for this event will be first-come/first-served, unless you attended last year’s workshop. [Priority will be given to those who are attending for the first time.] Only GBF members are eligible to sign-up. - Please provide payment at the time of sign-up. Those who attended the workshop last year may sign a waiting list, and attend if there is space available. Attendees will also receive necessary gate access information at the meeting. BE SURE TO BRING THIS AND THE MAP WITH DIRECTIONS FROM TRUCKEE ON HWY-89!! On Sunday, May 22, following the Aquatic Ecology Workshop, we will have a GBF fishout, probably on the Little Truckee River. A separate sign-up sheet for the fish out will be available at the April meeting. It is not necessary to attend the Workshop in order to join us at the fishout. For more information contact John Carroz at jwcarroz@surewest.net or telephone (916) 783-0802 Double click a thumbnail photo below to see a larger, more detailed blow-up...courtesy of Mike Brune, GBF |
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