Halloween Party at the Stroscheins!

 

Karol and Arnie Stroschein, the Loveland Fishing Club's resident party animals, are inviting all club members to a Halloween Party on the day after the holiday, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 at their place, 11040 Flatiron Mountain Road, Loveland.

Karol says they're dressing up, but guests can wear a costume or not. Arnie is responsible for the chili, and Karol is asking everyone else to bring a dish to share. Drinks will be furnished.

 

Cold, windy, fish weren't biting. Still a great day at Bass Pond with new friends from Bethesda Gardens.

After a hard rain and annoying cold front, the fish weren't too cooperative Monday. No one seemed to mind to much, as the Loveland Fishing Club hosted about 10 residents of Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living Center. 

The bite was slow but conversations were long and happy. Hoping we can get out there with them again soon. 

Photo by Pat Mikulak

Loveland Fishing Club annual Derby Championship is Thursday, Oct. 9!

 

Loveland Fishing Club's finest anglers (and even our worst) are girding their loins and sharpening their hooks for the 2025 Derby Championship at Flatiron Reservoir, being held at Flatiron Reservoir from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 9.

Arnie Stroschein will be defending his 2024 title while Rick Golz attempts to move from second place to ceremonial King or Queen of the club. The contest will be determined by measuring anglers' stringer of four, limited to four fish. 

The winner's name will be permanently added to the club's traveling trophy, which she or he can keep until next year's derby. She or he also earns bragging rights and $50; the runner up gets 25 bucks and the chance to help the winner cook the derby banquet after the 2026 Derby. Arnie, perhaps better known for his chili and jambalaya, will be the lead chef at this year's event.

Just a reminder, in case you're tempted for fish with an Alabama rig or bring your kayak, here are the rules: 

• One pole
• No wading or boating (not allowed on Flatiron anyway) 
• One hook or lure or fly
• The winner will have the biggest stringer of trout, up to the legal limit of four. You can keep what you catch or catch and release. Crawdads and suckers may be caught, even bragged about, but won't count toward your total.
• All kept or released fish meant to enter the derby must be officially measured and witnessed by another club member - who needs to legibly write the length of each fish on a card along with their initials. This is why you should bring along a tape measure. Note the time of your first catch: it may be needed in the unlikely event of a tie. 

Club shirts will be ready for distribution at the picnic

 

Pat Mikulak is reporting that the club's custom embroidered shirts will be ready in time to distribute at the club's annual picnic, 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21  at Railroad Park Pavilion.

The deadline for signing up for a shirt has passed. Participants should have placed an order for a shirt embroidered with the Loveland Fishing Club logo, in sizes small through XXX. Please come to the picnic with cash or a check so you can change into your new garb for the meal. Below are Pat and some of his clones modeling the available shirt types and colors. ​

Reminder to volunteers and attendees, don't forget the Harvest Bazaar is Saturday, Oct. 4

 

Whether you're planning to volunteer or just planning to have breakfast and check out the crafts, the Harvest Bazaar is a popular event for Loveland Fishing Club members. Here's the background:

Join us for this fundraising event for the Chilson Senior Advisory Committee where proceeds benefit the Senior Scholarship program. Browse craft tables for handmade gifts while enjoying games and delicious food & drinks. 

Lunch tickets :

• Lunch tickets purchased in advance - $10, (purchase here)
• Lunch tickets purchased at the door - $12.
• Children ages 12 & under $5

NEW! Bazaar Bingo - play five rounds of Bingo at the Harvest Bazaar for a chance to win a prize! 11A or 12P - $4 (Registration required) 

 

Calling all crafters! Want to be a vendor in the Harvest Bazaar? Applications are online and printed at the Senior Center beginning August 4, 2025  for those that are interested. You MUST apply to be considered.

Application link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2DPWYS9  or

Download Application

Another day on the dock for Dennis and friend

 Dennis Kelsey is still hauling in largemouth bass with his secret technique at Bass Pond. Here's the latest...

After drenching rainfall Tuesday, a perfect morning for the Loveland Senior Fishing Day

Anglers fishing from the new dock on Bass Pond watched Pat Bosek patiently trying to lure a very large largemouth cruising close to the dock. Then wily club member Dennis Kelsey showed her his secret weapon: use a freshly caught bluegill as bait. The result:  the biggest catch of the day at Wednesday's Loveland Senior Fishing Day at River's Edge. Despite Tuesday's frog-strangling downpour that probably kept away some anglers, the collaboration between the Loveland Fishing Club and Loveland Open Space and Trails was a great success, says President Darrell Knight. Half a dozen guests are expected to join the club as a result of their experiences.

The event was open to all anglers 55 and older - and that included one fisherman who'll pass the century mark in November.​

Pat Bocek and her 18 1/2-inch lunker.

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The Bass Pond fishing dock,
completed last fall, proved perfect
or hosting senior anglers.​

Fishing Club shirts still available. Act fast

 Pat Mikulak is still taking signups for members wanting to showcase their club membership with their very own custom Loveland Fishing Club shirt.

If you didn't sign up at the Sept. 16 meeting, you have until Tuesday, Sept. 23 to contact Pat by text message, 303-775-1927 or e-mail redvett77@aol.com. You can also place your order by replying to this note or texting or e-mailing Darrell Knight, 678-232-2040; comnetga@bellsouth.net

Shirts with an embroidered club logo are available in sizes small through XXXL as short- and long-sleeve T-shirts, hooded pullover or zippered hoodie. Colors are red, blue, gray and black. Prices range from $16 to $39 based on type and size.

You can also have your name placed on the shirt by the supplier, on your own for $5. .

 You can pay for your order when you pick them up.

Busy week for LFC

 

A lot's going on next week, and a good bit of it culminates at the general meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16. Here are highlights:

  - Our guest speakers are Kyle Battige, Colorado Parks and Wildlife senior aquatic biologist for northern Colorado; and Ben Swigle, our long-time aquatic biologist for the Loveland/Longmont area. They'll be updating us on the fisheries in this part of the state.

 - Chance to win a unique fly rod. All members attending Tuesday's meeting will be given a free raffle ticket for the chance to win a Kast King fly rod donated by Al Noraker, retired president of Kast King, last month's club speaker and one of our newest members. It's a high tech, quality descendant of the old collapsible rods you may have owned as a kid. This one comes complete with an 8-weight graphic rod, reel and line, that all break down into a tiny packable case.​

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 - Pat Mikulak will be taking names for folks who want to look the part of a legendary member of the Loveland Fishing Club: He's arranged with a local embroidery shop to make us classy sweatshirts and T-shirts emblazoned with the club's logo. Ranging in price from 

$16-20 for a colored short-sleeve T-shirt 

$20-24 for a long-sleeve T-shirt

$28 to 32 for a hooded pullover

$35 to 39 for a Zippered hoodie 

Sign up at the meeting and reimburse the club when the shirts are ready. You can also arrange to afterwards have your name put on the shirt for $5. 

Here's Pat modeling the zippered hoodie (your editor's personal favorite)

And on Thursday 8 a.m. to noon is the September Boat Day at Boyd Lake. Vacancies may still exist but you need to get with Danny Barker as soon as possible.970-302-8965, or e-mail him at DanBarker2337@gmail.com. Anglers meet at the boat ramp at 7:30 a.m., fish until about noon and then join the potluck picnic. Water and meat will be provided; the rest depends on what participants bring to the party.

A little help needed Friday after breakfast

 Pat Mikulak will be getting the club's fishing gear ready for the Senior Fishing Day, and needs help stringing up poles.

If you can help, just meet after breakfast Friday at the club's storage shed at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife facility east of Lon Hagler Reservoir. Pat can be reached by text or calling 303-775-1927. He'll also be looking for volunteers at Tuesday's club meeting at 2 p.m. next Tuesday at the Chilson Center.

Senior Fishing Day will be Wednesday, Sept. 24 at River's Edge Natural Area.