The Super Bowl Weekend Outing has become one of the best-loved outings of the year. It is a very free form outing. Just come up to Bishop and fish the Lower Owens River. In addition, this year we have incorporated the Introduction to Fly Fishing (ITFF) Graduation Outing into this weekend. The ITFF Graduation Outing is designed to help students from the recent course to start fly fishing on our fine trout streams. Students will be matched up with volunteer instructors for on the water experience. We headquarter in Bishop and most participants drive up on Thursday so they’re ready to fish on Friday morning. Everyone is responsible for their own accommodations. A group dinner is planned for Saturday evening where the ITFF students will receive their diplomas. Then we’ll tell tall tales of great piscatorial feats and generally enjoy the company of fellow fly fishers.
We have three scheduled activities this year:
First: Friday Morning: Students, instructors and those just interested in fishing will meet at 8:30 AM in the parking lot behind BBQ Bill's (1/2 block south of Line St. on Main St.) to match up for the morning fishing. At that time we’ll pair up instructors and students. Those who are just interested in fishing can also join others for various destinations or just say “Hello”.
Second: Saturday morning: Another morning meet behind BBQ Bill's at 8:30 AM for those interested in pairing up. These morning meets are a great way to help our newer members get started on the Lower “O”.
Third: Saturday evening:We plan to have a group dinner at Astorga’s Restaurant (2206 N. Sierra Hwy (Route 395) Bishop, CA (Phone: 760-872-3849) starting at 6:30 PM. The cost of the Fajitas buffet dinner with entrees including beef and chicken, salad, beans, rice, chips and salsa and drinks (ice tea or lemonade) including tax and gratuity is $32.50 per person (Children 12 and under@ $25.50). Desert and other drinks are not included.
Since this is a group dinner, we have to provide the restaurant with a head count one week prior to the dinner. Payment is required at the time of registration. Credit cards and Pay-Pal are accepted.
Through the efforts of Steve Ebersold, a block of rooms has been reserved at the Bishop Village Motel, 286 West Elm St., Bishop, CA. Please contact Steve directly if you are interested in a room reservation.
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
As you begin the registration process, you must select a registration type. If you are an ITFF Student, select that type whether or not you are a SPFF member. If you are attending as a volunteer instructor, select Instructor. If you are an SPFF member going up to fish on your own but plan to join us for dinner, then select Member.
ITFF STUDENTS may register for Friday and/or Saturday fishing with instructors and also for the Saturday Dinner. Students may also register a companion for the dinner. Be sure to click the "Add Companion/Guest" button before clicking "Next". You may also reserve a loaner rod, reel, and line. While waders are not absolutely necessary, the weather may be cold, so they can be very helpful. You can also choose to stay out of the water, fishing from the shore. You may want to pick up a few "expendables" at a fly fishing store such as The Fishermen's Spot in Van Nuys, The Sierra Trout Magnet Fly Shop, or Reagan’s Sporting Goods in Bishop: a nylon tapered leader (9 ft., 5X), a spool of nylon 5X tippet, some split shot (BB and smaller), a small strike indicator, and a few flies (Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Zebra Midge Pupae, Adams and Elk Hair Caddis, all in size 18 and/or 16 and possibly a couple of Woolly Buggers in black or olive, size 8 or 10). Be sure to mash down the barbs on any flies that you buy – any instructor can help if you don’t know how to do this.
SPFF MEMBERS who are interested in serving as volunteer instructors should contact Steve Ebersold or Michael Peratis. If you are designated as an instructor, please register for Friday and/or Saturday instructor activities. You may also register a companion for the dinner by clicking the "Add Companion/Guest" button before clicking "Next".
SPFF members who are in Bishop for the weekend are all invited to come to the dinner. Please register yourselves and your guests. While registration for the fishing activities is not required, it is appreciated as it helps us be prepared for the crowds. However, you MUST register for the Saturday night dinner. As always, if you have difficulty registering, call or email Jim Fleisher