Loveland Fishing Club Blog

Well, if the ponds just won't freeze it's time to break out the belly boats. Photo on top: Bill Prater, left; 2026 Vice President Kurt Henkenius and last year's President and now Parliamentarian Darrell Knight get ready to launch at St. Vrain State Park on New Year's Eve morning. Bottom photo: Kurt displays one of the last catches of 2026. Nothing hauled to net was likely to challenge for big fish of 2025, but hey, they were fish. So who's getting their worms wet on this freakishly warm start to a new year? Send us proof of the First Fish of 2026! Especially interested and skeptical of anything caught through some ice. Photo by Wayne Baranczyk, first on the water 

  You voted them in; here they are: the Loveland Fishing Club's Board was elected at the December meeting for a year-long term are new President Dave Johnson; new Vice President Kurt Henkenius; Government Affairs liaison Jim Roode; Treasurer Ken Kesterke; new Secretary Wayne Baranczyk. Immediate Past President President Darrell Knight is now Parliamentarian.

I know, we've talked about this before, but we're a forgetful bunch. There's no agenda for the 2 p.m. meeting Tuesday at Chilson, beyond voting for next year's officers and diving in on Christmas cookies and such.  Below, wishing you a happy holiday, are, top left, outgoing President Darrell Knight; Secretary Kathleen Barker, Member at Large John Gwinnup; lower left Dave Johnson; Treasurer Ken Kesterke and Government Affairs Jim Roode. John has been nominated by the board to be the 2026 Vice President. If you want to participate in the gift exchange, wrap a new gift of around 10 bucks and don't sign your name. See you Tuesday. (Note on photo below: Darrell wanted to be sure he was holding the biggest fish)

  Over the course of 78 years I’ve learned an invaluable thing: you don’t really choose your best friends; you kind of choose one another. Tom Miller was best known to many as founding father and first President of the Loveland Fishing Club, and before that a senior manager in the California Park system. But to me, he was just a best buddy. In truth, though I’d never tell him that, he was the Dad I needed since my own died too early in life. Tom himself passed away Friday, Dec. 12, at age 90, at home with Sheila, his wife of 67 years. When I joined the club two decades ago, Tom told me: “the usual minimum requirement for membership is at least one cardiac bypass. But you’re such a fine fellow, we’ll make an exception in your case.” I’ve been trying to live up to that description ever since. LFC's first club outing, 2001 at Lon Hagler. That's Tom at far right, with the belly boat. Like many of you, I have a litany of favorite Tom Miller memories. One was the day, not long after ...

Tom Miller, 90, the club's first president and the fellow who conceived of the club in the first place back in 2001, died Friday, Dec. 12, after a fall in his home. He'd been in poor health for some time, though he remained active in the club til the very end. He was also the first member to serve a second term as club president, in 2023, when we needed him to outlast the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic. Before relocating to Loveland from Southern California, he was a senior manager for the California Park System. He was a tremendous fisherman, and even better friend. This is hard to write; I love that old man.   He is survived by his wife Sheila, son Jon of Fort Collins and a daughter Kim living in California. Some of you know Tom made arrangements years ago with the Neptune Society, which is handling cremation services and related issues for the family. 

 As incoming President Dave Johnson always says, "Never sniff a gift fish," but you should give some thought to what you wrap up for the club's gift exchange. If you don't want to participate, you can still have coffee and cookies. But otherwise you'll want to thoughtfully decide on a gift of about 10 bucks. Wrap it up but don't put your name on it. The club will provide cookies, but if you want to add something else to the pile, I like most kinds of cookies and fudge. The club will also be voting on next year's board.

  We've just learned of the Oct. 20 passing of past Loveland Fishing Club member William J. (Bill) Hamlin, 82. ​ Bill grew up with a deep appreciation for nature and a sense of adventure that carried through his whole life. After graduating from Colorado State University in 1967 with a degree in Biological Sciences, he proudly served his country as a medic in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. A role that reflected his lifelong compassion and sense of service. Throughout his career Bill brought dedication and heart to his work in the California Fish and Wildlife Department, Roseburg Lumber Company in California and Porter Industries in Colorado. Bill’s life was filled with friendships, adventures and joy. In 2019, he was deeply honored to take part in the Honor Flight to visit the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. – a trip that held great meaning for him.  He was a member of the Loveland Fishing Club and VFW Post 15.  Allnut Funeral Services is handling...

 The Loveland Fishing Club was represented in the Loveland Veteran's Day Parade this year with President-elect and Marine Dave Johnson and Army veteran Larry Kawa aboard a boat float driven by Al Noraker.​ Click below to check out our float in this Google Photos Album...  https://photos.app.goo.gl/D32kcH3GW5KFeGxW7

  Pat Mikulak reports having six remaining short sleeve shirts and one crew neck shirt available for purchase. He'll bring them to the club's November meeting, 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Chilson Senior Center. Bring some cash or a check; no Bitcoins. Here's what you could look like for your admrers:

  Shortly after leading the club to an historic shutout performance at the 2025 Club Derby, you can see the relief in President Darryl Knight's face Wednesday as he shows off this handsome cutbow. He caught and released the beast from a private lake in Red Feather, so it won't be admissible for the club Angler of the Year competition. But still ... 

 Club President Darrell Knight advises us to be at the Railroad Park Pavilion by about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, with the picnic to begin at 2. The club will be providing pulled pork barbecue, fried chicken, drinks and tableware; attendees are asked to provide a side dish or dessert of their choice. Just think of something I would like; no coconut please. ​ ​ LFC shirts will be ready Tuesday! If you placed an order for a shirt, you can pick it up at the picnic. Pat Mikulak says to have cash or a check ready. No credit cards; no bitcoin, no credit cards, no Venmo or that kind of stuff. The shirts are embroidered with the club logo. Pat says you can arrange to have Colorado Cotton Mine, http://coloradocottonmine.com  add your first name for $5. 

  Two dozen of the Loveland Fishing Club's most determined anglers took to the shores of Flatiron Reservoir Thursday, leaving the 2025 Derby Champion, um, kinda undetermined. In what is believed to be a first in the annals of the annual contest, not a single angler caught a single fish. We were, quite frankly, skunked. "They say they haven't stocked Flatiron since before Father's Day," explained Club President Darrell Knight, who fished as hard and unsuccessfully as everyone else Thursday. So the club did what the club does best: enjoyed a top-notch picnic, with bratwursts cooked by Arnie Stroschein and Rick Golz, last year's Derby first- and second-place winners. Al Roraker had presented the club with some terrific prizes for this year's First, Second and Third Place Finishers. They were distributed among the fishless contestants by way of raffle, and the cash prizes of $50 and $25 were saved for another year. So was a spot for the winner's name on th...

  You really don't want to miss Thursday morning's Loveland Fishing Club annual club derby. In addition to traditional prizes for first and second place, new member Al Roraker has donated terrific additional prizes for First, Second and Third! Fishing runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Flatiron Reservoir. Note the club has arranged for members to fish the lake without the usual daily entry fee . So here's the deal:  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.  In addition, Al has donated the following terrific prizes: 1st Place - Two KastKing Fishing rods! One is a 6’6” MH casting rod and the other is a 7’ MH spinning rod.  2nd Place - KastKing Royal Legend GT casting reel, 7.2:1 gear ratio, 5+1 bb, 17.6 lbs drag 3rd place - KastKing...

  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'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 po...

  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. ​

  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:...

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

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

 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.

  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.​ ​  - Pat Mikulak will be taking names for folks who want to look the part of a legendary memb...

  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.

A Celebration of Life for Merle will be held Sunday, Sept. 28th at 2 p.m. at Merle's home, 2311 N. Garfield, Loveland.   Merle, who was our club's president in 2016, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 16th.   Born in Sterling, Nebraska on July 10th, 1940, he was the son of Trientje "Tena" (Kelle) and Walter Boden. He grew up on the farm just outside of Sterling, with his six brothers and sisters, and graduated from Sterling High School in 1958. Merle attended classes for a time at Peru State College then went on to complete a program at a specialty electronics school in Omaha. He worked for AT&T for over 25 years, retiring as a supervisor.   Merle met Janice Lee (Van Omen) Cale and fell in love. They were married on June 7, 1998 and settled in Loveland in 2001. Together they enjoyed life's simple pleasures, each other's company, and doting on their many grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were truly a pair. They had celebrated more than 26 wo...

  It's official. This year's amended day of fishing for seniors will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon at River's Edge Natural Area, 960 W. 1st Street.   It looked as though we wouldn’t be able to hold the  senior derby this year; an annual event for nort hern Colorado’s senior community since 2011. The reason was complicated, but basically the derby was just getting too much for us. Club President Darrell Knight says that, rather than trying to manage the event on our own, the Loveland Fishing Club would team this ye ar with a great coalition that includes the Chilson Senior Center, Loveland Parks and Recreation, and the City of Loveland’s Open Lands and Trails. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will also be involved, using the event to help publicize the quality of fishing available in River’s Edge ponds.   We won’t be focusing as much on Loveland’s assisted living centers as in years past, Darrell says. They’ll still be welcome, but need to provide their own license and ...