Redemption at a lake up high

 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 ... 

Reminder: Annual Club Picnic is Tuesday

 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.

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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. 

So, who won the Loveland Fishing Club's Derby Thursday?

 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 the rotating Derby Champion Trophy.

Ah, despite the lack of angling prowess, we had a great time, we really did. Didn't have to listen to anyone rub it in, while Wayne Baranczyk and Danny Barker swear they almost caught a fish. And in the raffle, Danny secured a very nice KastKing bait caster reel to go with the rod won by wife Katherine. Also, by unanimous informal vote of attending members, we decided Arnie and Rick would have to cook at next year's Derby. 

Stakes just got higher for Thursday's Club Championship!

 

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 Sunglasses, hat and wool fingerless gloves.

So show up ready to fish. Here are the rules:

• One pole at a time
• 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. 
• 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. Also, Note the time of your first catch: it may be needed in the unlikely event of a tie.

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.

Merle Gordon has passed away

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 wonderful years together at the time of Jan's passing in 2024. 

Merle was blessed with two sons, Dave and Tom. He was a great father, both loving and kind. He supported his boys in all that they did and found so much joy in being present in their lives. He taught them the value of working with their hands and taking pride in their work, sharing with them the many skills he had acquired throughout his life. He loved watching them grow to be men, then husbands, and then fathers with families of their own. Merle was so very proud of his boys and the men they became. 

He is also survived by two sisters, Ardis (Boden) Wentz and husband Ken of Sterling, NE, and Mary (Boden) Waddington of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law Jackie Boden of Sterling, NE; brother-in-law Ben Schole of Hooper, NE; and by his first wife and mother of his boys, Kaye R. (Jacobson) Boden of Loveland, CO; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family. 

Resthaven Memory Gardens Funeral & Cremation in Fort Collins handled services. You can read Merle's full obituary here. 

Mark your calendar: Senior Fishing Day will be Wednesday, Sept. 24th at River's Edge

 

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 northern 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 year 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 like other attendees, register in advance.  

Below is information from the flyer created by Chilson Senior Center to promote attendance. The club is teaming with the Senior Center, Loveland Parks and Recreation and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. If you'd like to volunteer, you need to register with the city as a volunteer and then sign up for the event itself. Follow this link:  http://offero.CityofLoveland.org  

 The club will be providing snacks, drinks and loaner poles. Volunteers will be needed to help with the event, but members are also free to fish. 

A current fishing license is required, and both volunteers and anglers are required to register in advance. If you've not registered with the city for an activity you'll need to fill out an online form, again, http://offero@CityofLoveland.org 

Here's the language being used to promote the event.  

Wednesday, 24 September 2025 @ 08:30 AM to 12:00 PM 

Outdoor Skills  -  Seniors 

Join us for a fun day of fishing for anglers 55+, with loaner equipment and assistance provided by Loveland Fishing Club members. This is a free event open to the Loveland community, to enjoy the great outdoors with fellow seniors, learn to fish, and get to know River's Edge Natural Area. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE OR PURCHASE A VALID 2025 COLORADO FISHING LICENSE PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE EVENT. Fishing license may be purchased online at: https://cpw.state.co.us/fishing/licenses-and-dates. Some local sporting goods stores also sell fishing licenses; call before visiting to confirm. PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED IN ADVANCE, so we're sure to have enough equipment and snacks for all. Registration deadline is September 23. Trails are wheelchair friendly and several accessible fishing docks are available. Meet at the picnic shelters just east of the main River's Edge parking lot to sign in, pick up gear, and meet Fishing Club volunteers. Sturdy shoes and sun protection are recommended. LFC volunteers, please use the Volunteer sign-up link. 

Questions? Call or text Darrell Knight, 679-232-2040; comnetga@bellsouth.net

It's too danged hot! Boat Day postponed a week

 With a forecast high near the century mark, Boat Day Captain Danny Barker has postponed the monthly Loveland Fishing Club Boat Day from Thursday, Aug. 21 until Aug. 28.

Basic plans are unchanged: 8 a.m. to noon at Boyd Lake boat ramp. To sign up, call Danny Barker as soon as possible at 930-302-8965, 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.

 

Our guest speaker for Tuesday's general meeting will be Al Noraker, president of KastKing fishing, which offers a full line of fishing tackle, clothing and related products. Al will speak on still water fly fishing. Kastking's website is http://kastking.com. 

The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. at Chilson Center; (Don't forget the club's annual picnic has been moved to October.)

Also on the agenda will be discussion of plans for this year's modified Senior Fishing Derby, to be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Sept. 24 at Rivers Edge Natural Area.

The August Boat Day will be this Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon at Boyd Lake. To sign up, call Danny Barker as soon as possible at 930-302-8965, 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.

And Doug swears these weren't even as big as the one he almost caught...

 Don't let this get around, but Doug Money hauled in a couple "sizable" rainbow trout and a decent walleye on recent outings at Horsetooth Reservoir with fellow club member/guide Bill Rottman.

Doug didn't get a measurement on the trout, but I'd say they would have put him in the running for Angler of the Year. But, as Doug says, "hey, the 'one that got away' story is even better."

Finally, some catfish!

 It is safe to say that the Loveland Fishing Club's catfish outings in 2025 have been enthusiastic but a bit nonproductive. Until Tuesday that is, when Bob Dierkes and Wayne Baranczky's twin giant channel cats shattered everyone else's modest expectations.

All the lads would say is that both were fishing in the same style, from their float tubes, using similar baits on the same St. Vrain State Park pond. "Same bait, same lake," Wayne says. 

Wayne, whom Bob insists "tells the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth," estimates his admittedly impressive catch at 27 inches. You be the judge. whose is bigger.

Bob's channel cat. Photo by Wayne Baranczyk

Below: Wayne (honest, that's him behind the Invisible Man getup) 

and his cat. Photo by Bob Dierkes​

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Published on

7/22/25 7:23 PM

George Wist tries his luck in a belly boat

 So some of the club's Float Fishing Group talked George Wist into investing in a belly boat, and on Friday took him for a maiden voyage on a pond near Fort Collins. To show his gratitude, George promptly outfished the entire crew, landing not one but two Colorado Master Angler largemouth. 

He didn't get an exact measure, but estimates one of prize catches at 18 inches, the other about 21.​ George didn't say what he used for bait, but that sure looks like a big old plastic worm in one of the fishes' mouth.

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LFC July meeting is Tuesday, July 15; Boat Day is the 17th

 

Danny Barker reminds us that the Loveland Fishing Club's July Boat Day on Boyd Lake is coming up fast, and he's looking for more boat captains and potential riders. "Let's make a strong showing," he says.

To sign up, call Danny as soon as possible at 930-302-8965, 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.

You can get tuned up for the day's fishing by listening to our guest speaker, walleye pro Steve Shelton, at Tuesday's 2 p.m. meeting at the Chilson Center. 

Loveland walleye pro speaking to club Tuesday, July 15th

Loveland resident and Cabela's walleye pro will be the Loveland Fishing Club's guest speaker at the 2 p.m. meeting at Chilson Senior Center. He'll talk on fishing Boyd Lake and other area waters. 

In advance of this month's meeting, the LFC Board will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 14th. All members are welcome.