Loveland Fishing Club Blog

Tightline Outdoors is again sponsoring several "Ice Addiction" fishing tournaments, including Boyd Lake on Saturday, Jan. 10, and Lake John/Cowdrey Lake on Jan. 11-12. There's a $2,500 cash first place prize for Boyd, and $1,000 at Lake John.  The entry fee is $35. No auguers or ice huts are allowed; they'll pre-drill the holes.  For more information, click here, Tightline Outdoors .  The event is organized by Nate Zielinksy's Tightline Outdoors, with sponsorship by Clam.

Temperatures are falling, and there's a tenuous ice cap on Boyd Lake's Marina Cove, though I for one wouldn't test that one for awhile.  Some club members have already tried the Cameron Pass lakes with some success, and Dowdy's supposed to be fishing pretty well.  Anyone want to go drill some holes next week? Stocky volunteers needed Your lame duck president got some new, Dave Harem-recommended ice picks for Chistmas, and would be willing to stand by in rescue mode while someone else tests the surface of questionable water.  I'm particularly wondering how close Douglas might be to fishing-ready, or maybe Dowdy or Lake John. If you're interested, lemme know.  Bill

My time as club president has nearly come and gone, with Lou Colton poised to take over the reins while I, uh, go ice fishing. For all my complaining about club members' veracity and occasional lapses in basic hygiene, I must admit I truly love hanging with you good folk.  We've had our occasions of sadness and disappointment this year, but we've also done very good things together, spectacularly well.  I can't wait to see what we do in 2015.  I'm looking forward to an extremely good year here in northern Colorado. Happy holidays, friends, Bill Prater

We all knew Bill had a rough time recovering from his heart attack suffered in September, but the full story of how his life was saved by woman's CPR is detailed in the Dec. 12 Reporter-Herald.  And it's another feel-good story involving our friends with Loveland Fire Rescue. Jackie Burgstahler, left, Bill Hamlin, his mom Frances and sister Sharon Lundt, right, stand with Loveland Fire Rescue Authority personnel as they applaud Burgstahler during a ceremony for her Thursday at Hillcrest Senior Living for helping to save Hamlin's life in September. ( Saja Hindi / Loveland Reporter-Herald ) A link to the full article can be found by clicking here .

The nominating committee is recommending Merle Boden as Loveland Fishing Club Vice President in 2015, in line to assume the job of president in 2016.  Current VP Lou Colton will become 2015 club President, effective after the annual dinner in January. Barb Ding is recommended to continue as Treasurer for another term, and Charlie Higgs as Secretary. "Merle is one of the club's most active anglers year-around, and a great leadership choice for the club," says outgoing President Bill Prater.  "And Barb and Charlie continue to do an outstanding job keeping our club running smoothly."    As immediate past president, Bill Prater will continue as a voting member of the board for one year and serve as Sergeant-at-Arms - the bouncer at monthly meetings.   These names will be formally presented to the club at the December holiday meeting, 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, and the club will be asked again if anyone else is interested in being considered for the posi...

Okay, fans of the "all-you-can-eat" Rocky Mountain Oysters.  Norm Englebrecht declares it time for the latest road trip to Bruce's Bar in Eaton.  Everyone, including spouses, needs to experience this legendary Severance, CO  eating establishment. The plan is to gather at the southeast corner of the King Sooper Parking Lot off Lincoln Avenue and 29th Street at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, and carpool to Bruce's, a half-hour or so northeast of Loveland.  It's a pretty big place, but we make up a pretty large crowd, so let Norm know whether you plan to join us. Directions (Harley riders call it the "Nut Run":   Because of road construction, it's probably best to just take Colorado 392 through Windsor to U.S. 85, then go north about 4 miles to first street in Severance.  To read about what you're getting into, click here .

 ... More on our ongoing effort to keep ourselves safe out there ... Thanks again to Dave Harem for Tuesday's excellent primer on getting ready for ice fishing.  I trust we'll see some new faces out there in the cold willing to risk a little frostbite.  And I, for one, for once, am hoping for an early ice cap.   Dave Harem and his ice fishing tools. Photo by George Kral . Here's the article I promised you at Tuesday's meeting, "Safety on the Ice, Lessons from a Survivor," by Fish Explorer Colorado Field Editor John Stevens.  It's got some sound advice on how to ensure a safe experience on ice, and a cautionary tale about what can happen if you don't.  Here's the link:  http://www.fishexplorer.com/co/articles.asp?action=det&aid=96 Bill

It's time to take advantage of one of the great bargains in all of angling:  the $25 annual dues to be a member in good standing of the Loveland Fishing Club for 2015. Treasurer Barbra Ding will be collecting dues at Friday breakfasts and the Tuesday, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16 general meetings, and if you pay up early you'll be helping her keep ahead of the game with budget planning.

In line with club by-laws, and keeping our club active and successful, it's time to decide the club's leadership for 2015.  If you're looking for ways to become active in the Loveland Fishing Club, now's a good time to step up.  We'll all be voting on who will be voting members of the board - who it turn will appoint other positions.   The club's current elected board members are Bill Prater, President; Lou Colton, Vice President; Barbra Ding, Treasurer; and Charlie Higgs, Secretary. By electing Lou vice president for 2014, you essentially named him our 2015 president. Bill will continue as a Past President and Parliamentarian, with continued board voting rights for one year. At the annual meeting in January you will be voting on a new vice president, secretary and treasurer.   We also need folks to serve as Raffle Chair, Program Chair (arranging speakers for our monthly meetings), and Webmaster/Editor.  If you're interested in one of the electe...

Warm, sunny weather drew thousands of youngsters to downtown Loveland for the annual Halloween Family Fun Festival and the club's "fishing" booth.  An unending line of costumed fairies, superheroes and witches waited for a chance to catch the candy and Colorado Parks & Wildlife badges and whistles dispensed by delighted club volunteers organized by Karol Stroschein.

The Loveland Fishing Club is donating $1,500 to the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority to help equip a newly certified rescue diver.  The award is in memory of club members Dale Owens, who drowned in a Sept. 3 accident while fishing on Blue Mesa Reservoir, and the late Dominick Scarillo, who was rescued by Loveland firemen in 2013 when his canoe capsized on Rist Benson Reservoir. The grant will defray costs to equipment a diver with the wetsuit, drysuit and other gear for lake rescue efforts.  "The club has limited financial resources, but this is something we felt would be an important enhancement to water safety in our community," said Club President Bill Prater.  "Since Dale's tragic death, we've been more concerned than ever over minimizing the risks involved in our sport.  And this seemed an excellent way to honor the memory of our two friends Dale and Dom."

Our friends at http://fishexplorer.com have added a page dedicated to fishing in the state directly to our north, a good source of information for anyone planning a trip.  Here's the link:  http://www.fishexplorer.com/wy/ . If you're unfamiliar with the site, take a look around and then sign up for membership.  Established in 2006, Fish Explorer has information on more than 1,100 lakes and rivers in Colorado, California, Florida, Texas and now Wyoming.  It also has regular articles by knowledgeable anglers.  

Using a fly and bubble, Dave hauled in trout all morning long at Flatiron Reservoir, including the four biggest totaling 43 1/4 inches to earn him the revolving annual trophy as the club's top angler. In the process, he knocked off the 2012 winner Norm Engelbrecht, who cooked the traditional tournament picnic for about two dozen anglers. One of Dave's four was also the largest fish caught on Thursday, at 13 1/4 inches.  He earned $50 for the biggest string, and $20 for largest single fish.  Mike Scheber was declared winner of the prize for the smallest fish hauled in for the day, a spunky 7 incher, earning him  a $20 cash prize. Jerry Reid's four-fish strnger was second in that category, 38 3/4 inches, and Arnie Stroschein's was third at 30 1/2 inches. Dave Boyle, center with trophy, is joined by Mike Schebeer, left,  Jerry Reid, Norm Engelbrecht and Arnie Stroscheim.

The 2014 Loveland Fishing Club Senior Derby, our third, was a rousing success - splendid weather and great companionship with residents of seven assisted living centers and other elderly guests recruited with the aid of Chilson Senior Center.  Mike Scheber, who cleaned trout for takehome meals, reports more than 50 trout headed home for the frying pan. More photos to come.  Great job, everyone. Derby organizer Ray Park, center, sits by campfire with new friends. Left, prize winner for biggest fish, with Norm. Oldest female angler was Hope Mantano, left, shown with Sugar Valley friends.

NEWCOMERS NOTE:  Be there!  This is one of our biggest social events of the year, the only official competition between club members. Okay, last year's annual club tournament was a washout, a victim of the September floods.  So Norm Engelbrecht has kept the revolving Grand Champion Trophy for two years, after catching the biggest stringer of four trout at the 2012 competition at Flatiron Reservoir.  You can rip it right out of his hands, by catching the four biggest trout at the annual competition, that runs from noon to 8 a.m. Thursday.  Norm will do the cooking this year, at the free picnic that follows the competition.

Unique fishing derby for elderly Loveland residents set for Sept. 17 On Wednesday, Sept. 17, one year and a day after cancelling its third annual Loveland Fishing Club Senior Fishing Derby for elderly anglers, the club will host residents of seven of the city’s assisted living centers along with other seniors signed up through the Chilson Senior Center. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Flatiron Reservoir, the Larimer County Parks and Open Lands reservoir west of Loveland on County Road 18E. About 100 guests are expected for the day of fishing, followed by a cookout.  The derby is co-sponsored by the Chilson Senior Center, and Colorado Parks & Recreation is helping ensure a great event with the stocking of catchable-size rainbow trout from the Watson state hatchery at LaPorte. Ray Park with "Fishing Guide" badges created by Mike Scheber. The Loveland Fishing Club wants to express a very special  Thank You  to Colorado Parks & Wildlif...

To view the pdf file of the obituary that will be published by Dale's family, click on the link below .

A reception is planned for Saturday, Sept. 20, for the late Dale Owens, who passed away in a tragic boating accident while fishing at Blue Mesa.  Dale’s body was cremated in accordance with his wishes, and no formal services are planned.  His wife Mallorie says the “family will greet and share memories with friends” from 2 to 4 p.m. at the family home, 2749 Abarr Drive.  No memorial has been chosen for donations, but people are “free to donate to the charity of their choice” in his name. Dale at last January's annual dinner “We are still trying to process what has happened and take care of the myriad details I now face,” Mallorie told club Vice President Lou Colton.  “I will need a lot of time to process this.  He was a wonderful person and the very best husband and partner I could have had.” Dale was fishing with a friend at Blue Mesa on Sept. 3 when a sudden squall hit and swamped his boat.  As Mallorie noted, he was a wonderful pers...

The lure of fancy dining and gullible fish led about 30 club members to Swift Ponds Tuesday for a great day on the water.  Most everyone caught at least something, and Lou got in some great practice.  Thanks again to Brad Wright and Colorado Youth Outdoors for making the day possible. Several good size fish came to the bank to be released unharmed, with Mike Scheber taking top honors with an 18 1/2" largemouth bass, a likely Colorado Master Angler qualifier.

Note corrected dates for senior and club d events. Okay team, the September fishing starts with a bang on Tuesday, Sept. 2, with an outing to Swift Ponds just north of Windsor.  Our friends with Colorado Youth Outdoors is making the facility available for our exclusive use; gather about 8 a.m. and fish where the passion leads you. This will be another Hot Dog Outing - bring along whatever else you'd like to make a picnic of it. We also have: The board meeting at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept 8, followed by a club trip to Lake John Sept. 9-12 and the monthly meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Sept. 16.  Wait!  There's more: The annual LFC Senior Fish ing Derby at Flatiron Reservoir will be on Wednesday, Sept. 17, and everyone'd help will be needed.  And we'll follow that with the annual club tournament on Thursday, Sept. 18 at Flatiron.  This free event includes a picnic lunch. Details to come!

Because of the Labor Day holiday, we're moving the board meeting out from Sept. 1 to the following Monday.  If you have anything you'd like discussed at the board meeting, let me know.  Bill

More than a hundred club members and guests turned out at Railroad Park Tuesday for the club's 11th annual picnic, catching up with old friends and enjoying a great meal.  Thanks to the many club members and spouses who made this another great event. After grilling steaks, chicken and a few hot dogs for more than a hundred picnickers, lead chef John Gwinnup, right, and Chris Wenrick head for well-deserved steak dinners of their own. Ron and LuAnn Halverson couldn't make this year's picnic, so friends joined to wish him a speedy recovery.

We have 135 club members and spouses expected to attend.  If you decide not to attend, or your spouse can't make it after all, please notify George Kral as soon as possible. The picnic will again be at the covered picnic area at Old Fairground Park on Railroad Ave.  Steak, chicken and a few hot dogs will be served, along with Tom and Sheila Miller's home-grown corn and other good  things.  Serving begins at  5:30  p.m.,  but you're welcome to come from  3:30  on. Bring your own knife and fork -- and your favorite dessert, hot dish or salad, enough to serve five people. If you're last name begins with;                                 A-G, please bring a hot dish;                              ...

Club members and their spouses shared some great times Sunday at Karol and Arnie Stroschein's place overlooking Flatiron Reservoir. Many thanks to the pair for hosting the event, which featured good food, great conversation and a decidedly mixed exhibition of skeet shooting skills on the hillside south of the house.  Nearly everyone was on good behavior, hoping we'll do it again. Tom Miller, left with gun, and Lou Colton double up on a clay pigeon, which escaped unscathed.

The 2014 schedule of Loveland Fishing club outings with area children wrapped up Tuesday with the Chilson Day Camp outing to Swift Ponds, with a pretty spectacular day of fishing success. Nearly every one of the five dozen or so Chilson campers scored at least one fish, some with as many as seven including some bluegill, crappie, yellow perch and largemouth bass. A couple weeks earlier, the club hosted Loveland area Girl Scouts at Lon Hagler. The last big community event of the season will be the Wednesday, Sept. 17 Senior Derby for residents of Loveland assisted living centers.  CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS

If you've not signed up but would still like to attend, just let Karol know as soon as possible.  The party begins at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Stroschein homestead, 11040 Flatiron Mountain Road, near Flatiron Resevoir.   Basic picnic food will be provided, but feel free to bring something to share.  Spouses are  welcome .   Karol says we can just hang out, shoot skeet, do some "Rhino riding," play horseshoes or try your luck before or after the party at nearby Flatiron Reservoir. RSVP:  979-776-6041; or  send an e-mail .  

Fishing with  Chilson Center Day Camp at Swift Ponds, postponed from last week due to heavy rain, is set for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, August. 5 .  The club will take 55 to 60 youngsters fishing, in three waves running from 9:30 until about 1 p.m. Please join us if you can.  We'll meet up about 8:30 to set up camp.  Bill Swift Ponds is located a couple miles north of the I-25/Windsor exit.  From I-25, take Colorado 392 to the stoplight at County Road 5.  Go north about two miles and turn left on the first road to the left; the entrance is a few hundred yards west.  

If there was ever any question about the size of fish in newly opened Rivers Edge Natural Area ponds, Tom Garland answered it by hauling in a whopping 19 1/2" largemouth bass. The big fish is more than 108 percent of the minimum requirement to earn Tom a Colorado Master Angler's Award (MAA). (See here for details on the MAA program)

They say lots of water is good for fish, but it can wreak havoc on a fishing trip with kids. Wednesday's Chilson Center Day Camp at Swift Ponds was scrubbed due to a downpour, and reset for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, August. 5 .  The club will take 55 to 60 youngsters fishing, in three waves running from 9:30 until about 1 p.m. Please join us if you can. Swift Ponds is located a couple miles north of the I-25/Windsor exit.  From I-25, take Colorado 392 to the stoplight at County Road 5.  Go north about two miles and turn left on the first road to the left; the entrance is a few hundred yards west.  

The Chilson Center Day Camp kids will be there about 9:30, and we'll fish in three waves until 1 p.m., weather permitting. Please join us if you can.  I'll bring the worms and pick up the fishing poles. Swift Ponds is located a couple miles north of the I-25/Windsor exit.  From I-25, take Colorado 392 to the stoplight at County Road 5.  Go north about two miles and turn left on the first road to the left; the entrance is a few hundred yards west.  

Lou and I are plotting a float tube expedition to the park, though we're a bit uncertain about the best and closest-in lake to try.  Want to join us? We'll leave the K-Mart parking lot about 8 a.m. If you're interested, give one of us a call or e-mail, or just be there before 8.  Bill

As in years past, we'll be taking day camp kids fishing from about 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 30.  Please join us if you can.  I'll bring the worms and pick up the fishing poles. We'll meet around 8:30 a.m. to set things up.  We should have three groups of kids, 15-18 in a group.  Jim Roode will also be setting up a bb gun firing range as part of the day's activities. This is the last kids fishing event of the season, a chance to help our Chilson teammates, and always a fun time.   Call (970-988-9173) or e-mail me with any questions.  Bill Swift Ponds is located a couple miles north of the I-25/Windsor exit.  From I-25, take Colorado 392 to the stoplight at County Road 5.  Go north about two miles and turn left on the first road to the left; the entrance is a few hundred yards west.  

We have what looks like the beginning of a Loveland Fishing Club tradition:  a party at Arnie and Karol Stroschein's, at 1 p.m. Aug. 7.   Basic picnic food will be provided, but feel free to bring something to share.  Spouses are welcome .   Karol says we can just hang out, shoot skeet, do some "Rhino riding," play horseshoes or try your luck before or after the party at nearby Flatiron Reservoir. RSVP:  979-776-6041; or  send an e-mail .  

Last year several club members helped out at the Larimer County Fair fishing pond, and had a great time keeping bait on kids’ poles and taking fish off hooks. If you’re interested in volunteering this year, you can sign up at the “Volunteer Spot” on the Larimer County Fair website.  Here’s the link .  Volunteer coordinator Leslie Snow says people are needed for the following shifts: Date                     Time                      Number of People 8/3                         10am - 12pm          4 8/4                          4pm - 8pm              3 8/5                          4pm - 8pm       ...

As part of his ongoing survey of area lakes, Tom Miller files this update on Carter Lake.  He and Arnie Stroschein found a clearly defined thermocline about 20 feet down, and suggest you start your fishing there and below.  To see the temperature readings, click here. 

Sorry, my original posting a different date in the headline.  It's Aug. 12.  Bill

Annual club picnic is Tuesday, August 12 Okay food lovers, it's time to start thinking about one of the Loveland Fishing Club's favorite social events - the annual club picnic. This year's picnic will be at the covered picnic area at Old Fairground Park on Tuesday, August 12.  The event is free for club members and spouse or significant other.  There'll be a charge, yet to be determined, for additional guests.  Steak, chicken, some of Tom and Sheila Miller's home-grown corn and other good  things will be served beginning at  5:30  p.m.,  but you're welcome to come from  3:30  on. Bring your own knife and fork -- and your favorite dessert, hot dish or salad, enough to serve five people. If you're last name begins with;                                 A-G, please bring a hot dish;     ...

Tom Miller has again probed the depths of Boyd Lake - and found a thermocline developing at about 20 feet down, a potentiallly good place to look for fish as summer temperatures continue to rise. He also reports graphing fish at that depth on his depthfinder, and caught one 14" trout at that level.  Thank you Mr. Miller.  You'll find a graph of his temperature readings on the club website; just click here.

The three ponds of River's Edge Natural Area will be open for what is described as "temporary public access" beginning July 4th.  The new natural area adjacent to Jayhawker Ponds was set for opening last fall but was heavily damaged Big Thompson River flooding. This should be a great spot for club outings, and we'll get something on the calendar for July.  We won't have any scheduled events in the first full week of July.  Here's the news release we received from Brian Hayes, Loveland Natural Areas Resource Coordinator.  Bill  City of Loveland, Colorado MEDIA RELEASE Public Information Office:   Lisa Schwartz, 962-2556, lisa.schwartz@cityofloveland.org Media Contact: Brian Hayes, Natural Areas Resource Coordinator    brian.hayes@cityofloveland.org | 970-962-2726 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   June 27, 2014 River’s Edge Natural Area ...

Dixon's on our calendar for June 17, and the bluegills are bedded up and biting.  The weeds are really thick this year, making it tough but not impossible to navigate. I'll be out about 6 a.m. with my float tube; it you want to fish from the bank, I'd say okay, but you'll have more luck if you at least wore waders.  Dry flies, rubber spiders or popping bugs will do the trick.  Dixon is on the west side of Horsetooth, just south of the CSU football stadium.  Bill

Dave Boyle caught a true "Colorado Master Angler Award" candidate Sunday, a 17 1/4" smallmouth at Horsetooth Reservoir that locks down both first and second place for Dave in the club's "biggest fish of the year" contest. His catch is a 1/4" more than needed for the "Colorado Master Angler Award" for the species.

About 100 little Girl Scouts are coming to Swift Ponds for their annual day camp adventures, and they all want us to take them fishing. We have a huge new fishing dock and covered pavilion ready for us.  It should be great fun, beginning around 9:30 wrapping up by about 12:30.    We know it's just a few days after the Loveland kids derby, but that's the way the schedule worked this year. Let's be there by 8:30, to set things up. DIRECTIONS: Parents will be dropping off their kids about 8:30 a.m., so it will be congested around then.  Rather than go through the main entrance, we should be able to enter a back gate.  Swift Ponds is located a couple miles north of the I-25/Windsor exit.  From I-25, take Colorado 392 to the stoplight at County Road 5.  Go north 1.5 miles and look for an unmarked drive to the left.  We'll be set up on the west side of the pond you pass as you enter.

By any measure, including the size of the winning trout, the 2014 Loveland Police Fishing Derby was a huge success.  We'll post some more photos later, but here's 5-year-old Damien Gagnon with his mother and club Fishing Derby Co-Chair Keith Gentry and his prizes for the day's biggest catch.  T'was a 16 1/2-inch rainbow that was the talk of the tournament - a full 4 inches larger than the next biggest fish taken. Keith Gentry, left, with 5-year-old Damien Shemel and his mother Heather. Attendance was great, fishing was terrific, and the club outdid itself in helping make this a memorable day for young anglers and their families.  Thanks to all who worked under Keith and Larry Carlson's leadership for a spectacular day on the duck pond.

Impressed by the way our Colorado Youth Outdoors partners clean all those trout at the Loveland Police Fishing Derby, while hordes of hungry kids wait and watch?  Tom Miller will be helping the crew this year, and here he describes the technique he and other CYO volunteers will be using Saturday:

The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife made its promised fish drop on Thursday, paving the way for Saturday's Loveland Police Fishing Derby.  Larry Carlson, left, and Ron Schaft, far right, watch the hatchery trout make their way into the dark waters of the North Lake Duck Pond.  See you Saturday. Photo by George Kral

We've got a huge new fishing dock and covered pavilion ready for us at Swift Ponds, and we're going to try something very ambitious and different with the Girl Scouts this year! It should be great fun, beginning around 9:30 wrapping up by about 12:30.  We know it's just a few days after the Loveland kids derby, but that's the way the schedule worked this year. Let's be there by 8:30, to set things up.

Tuesday, June 3 is the club's annual cleanup at Lon Hagler State Wildlife Area.  We'll gather about 9 a.m. in the boat launch area on the north side, pick up the accumulated litter for a half hour or so, then fish by boat, float or bank.

Helping introduce young campers to fishing at Boyd Lake on May 24 were Tom Garland, left, Bill Prater, Tom Miller and Dennis Kelsey.  A few fish, some high muddy water, and kids who really like to fish, who will hopefully join us at the Saturday, June 7 Loveland Police Fishing Derby.

Under Dottie's careful watch, Tom Boesch measures the winning catch. This year's annual trip to Blue Mesa "turned out to be a lot of fun for all," reports trip organizer Ray Park.     "The weather was perfect with very little wind. The sun was on us most of the time and the fish were biting," with all anglers limiting out on trout.   Winner of the pot for biggest fish (shown above):  Dottie Bechtel, with a 20 1/4" lake trout, but Ray says Barbra Ding, Dennis Kelsey, Mike Schember and Dave Boyle all came within half an inch of the prize (sadly, the story of some of their fishing careers). "A great trip with a great group," Ray says, "and looking forward to next year when it comes time to head for the Big Blue again." The team practiced catch and release - right into the grease.   

Okay, we need to come up with a name for this:  Lou Colton calls it "Group Day," I keep calling it Hot Dog.  But the point is, the club's willing to lure you to the water together with the occasional promise of a free dog and soft drink, and it appears to work.  More than a dozen club members, many bringing along their float tubes, ventured to Lon Hagler Tuesday for a day of fishing and socializing. Some caught fish; some didn't, but t'was a great day on the water.  Where should we hold the next one?  Let's decide at the June meeting.

Heavy rains have caused the temporary closure of the Pineridge Natural Area in Fort Collins, including Dixon lake.  So the club outing planned for Thursday, May 29 will be rescheduled. However, Lon Hagler got through with a lot less excess water than your president's basement - so we'll be there in force Tuesday morning, May 27.   This is our first-ever "Hot Dog Day" with free hot dogs and soft drinks after a day of fishing from boat or bank.  If you have a float tube or pontoon boat, bring it; if you want to try one out, just ask a club member for a little help and encouragement. Some of us will gather at the north shore boat launch area from about 8 a.m. on; lunch will be in a nearby picnic area.  Let's get out and fish!

Hi folks.  New club member Jim Merriott is writing a book on trout fishing that he'll be completing soon, and he needs some  really good  fish photos - any variety as long as it involves a trout.  So if you have a photo of one you'd like to see in print, or recall someone else's prize catch, no promises, but contact Jim at 970-692-3535; or email him at jimmerriott@gmail.com.  Tell him Bill sent you.  

Once again a new leader emerges in the race to become LFC Fisherman of the Year. On May 20th, on the club trip to Jumbo Reservoir north of Sterling, Jim Roode caught a 25" walleye -with catch and measurement verified by Norm Englebert, past president and normally a trustworthy sort. The 25" Walleye represent a little over 96% of the Colorado Master Angler Award (MMA) criteria for the species.   Currently in second place in the club contest for biggest fish of the year, with a 22" rainbow at almost 92% of MAA, is Jim Clune.  In third place with a 17 3/4" rainbow, nearly 74% MAA, is Tom Boesh. It's starting to get interesting.  

Colorado Parks & Wildlife needs a couple volunteers to help introduce kids to fishing at Boyd Lake on several weekends this summer.  The first is Sunday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interested?  Give Bill Prater a call at 970-988-9174.  We'll meet at the visitor center about 8:30 a.m. Here's the article on the Boyd Lake State Park website: Youth Fishing Clinic Sunday, May 25: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Colorado Parks & Wildlife representatives and Loveland Fishing Club volunteers will be on site to teach youth about fishing. Come learn about fishing regulations, tips, and learn about the fish that live in Boyd Lake!  Fishing poles will be awarded to 1st/2nd/3rd place for individuals that catch the most fish.  We will meet in Heinricy parking lot.  Loaner poles and bait will be provided.  Bring water and snack along.

Denny Breen landed and released this scary sized northern on a recent trip to Nebrask's Lake McConaughy. At an even 36 inches length and 11 pounds, the fish would qualify for a Master Angler award if taken from Colorado waters.  Denny says the fish "made five to six runs.  What a thrill!  He had me on edge."

Moms, Dads, Grandparents, mark this on your calendar:  this year’s version of Loveland’s perennial kids fishing derby will be held on Saturday, June 1 at the North Lake Park Duck Pond.  Three or four generations of Loveland area anglers have gotten their introduction to our sport at this free annual event, sponsored by Loveland Police and run by an informal coalition of anglers and other fans of kids and the outdoors. If you've not had the chance to help with the derby before, this is one event you don't want to miss:  our fingerprints are everywhere on this one - gathering donations, arranging for the fish drop, handling registrations and the raffle, and walking around helping out wherever needed. Larry Carlson and Keith Gentry are again co-chairing the club's work on the derby, with help coming from many hands. 

Following a drastic cold front, snow and high winds, the club's planned trip to Jumbo has been pushed back a week.  Plans are now for an overnight trip to the lake north of Sterling on May 21-22. Details at breakfast Friday; see Norm Englebrecht.

Okay, folks, this is the clinic we've been talking about:  a free three-hour workshop on techniques that will make us even better at teaching our grandkids and other youngsters how to get started on a life-long love of fishing.   Event details:  Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, Chilson Senior Center.  (It's on Sunday, so you'll need to enter through the rec center) 

Unless we have a few more unexpected snow storms, plan on a busy fishing calendar for the club in May: Two out of town trips, twice-a-week local outings and a first-ever "Group Day" at Lon Hagler, with a free picnic-after-the fishing! The much-anticipated walleye trip to Jumbo reservoir is May 13-16; there's camping at the lake and motels in Sterling.  See Norm Engelbrecht for details.  For those staying local, there's a boat and float tube trip to Boyd on Tuesday, Mayt 13, and bank fishing at Flatiron on Thursday, May 15. The annual Blue Mesa trip is Monday-Friday, May 19-23; see Ray Park. Also that week is the monthly club meeting, 2 p.m. at Chilson on Tuesday, May 20.  There's also an outing to Lonetree in the morning, and on Thursday, May 22, there's a bank fishing expedition to Boedecker. Continuing the ongoing effort to encourage and even bribe everyone to fish together more often, we're having a hotdog, chips and soft drink picnic following ...

We have a new leader in the clubhouse. Jim Clune caught a 22" Rainbow from Lon Hagler Tuesday morning, measured and witnessed by Jim Roode. Jim's rainbow is almost 92% of the Master Angler Award, the criteria used by the club to determine the winner of our year-long big-fish contest.   Currently in 2nd place is Tom Boesh with a 17 3/4" rainbow at nearly 74% of the Master Angler Award. Keep em comin.

Let's all thank the many club members who pitched in at this year's Pancake Breakfast and Plant Sale at Chilson Senior Center.  Together we sold plants, bused tables, cooked and cleaned up afterward. The breakfast is an annual fund-raising event that supports senior activities and helps the club meet our obligations to the senior center for our use of Chilson facilities. Tom Miller, left, Karol Stroschein, Barbra Ding and Jim Clune do warm-up exercises before the arrival of customers Dottie Bechtel, left, and Barbra Ding at the plant sale. Harry Chase and cutlery duty.