Golden Trout Program Category Outline

Download Golden Trout Requirement Checklist

Literature (One Only)

1. Read one fly fishing book and write a short, one-page report to be kept on file for reference and for possible publication in the Windknots.
2. Write a short (500 words or less), where-to-how-to article or personal fishing experience article to be published in the Windknots.

Conservation (One Only)

1. Attend a meeting of a recognized conservation group, (other than DVFF or other fly fishing club), such as Cal Trout, NCCFFF, CSPA, etc. and submit a brief report to the chairperson.
2. Write three (3) letters to government officials regarding three separate fishery-related conservation issues or pending legislation. CC: Golden Trout Chairperson.
3. Participate in a board-approved conservation project such as a river litter clean up, construction project, etc.

Entomology

1. Capture and submit labeled specimens of three major insect foods, such as mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, etc.. Specimens may be submitted in any clear plastic or glass jar. The label should include the common name of the insect, (mayfly stonefly, etc.), and the location and date of collection. BE SURE TO CHECK AREA REGULATIONS PRIOR TO COLLECTING ANY AQUATIC INSECTS!

Club Outing

• Attend and participate in a planned DVFF Club fishing outing.

Club Event (One Only)

1. Assist with one major club event such as the annual installation dinner (crab feed), club auction, etc.
2. Attend one club-sponsored event, such as the NCCFFF Conclave at Lake Tahoe, or the Fort Mason Hall of Fame Dinner/Trade Show, etc.

Casting

1. Requirement #1 – Demonstrate a Roll Cast to 35 feet
2. Requirement #2 – Demonstrate False Casting at 35 feet
3. Requirement #3 – Demonstrate Double Hauling at 40 feet
4. Requirement #4 – Demonstrate a Distance Cast to a minimum of 70 feet

General standards for every requirement:

• 5 attempts allowed
• Loops can be any size
• Leader must land relatively straight
• Only a few tailing loops are allowed
• All distances are measured from feet to fly
• All casting must be done using a floating fly line and a yarn fly. No flies with hooks are allowed.
• No flies with hooks cut off are allowed. Only yarn flies can be used.
• Floating fly lines must be 5 through 8 weight. No Sinking Lines or Shooting Heads are allowed. Be sure to clean your fly line before you arrive.
• Leaders must to be 7 to 9 feet long and 0X-3X in tip diameter.

Knots

• Demonstrate proficiency in tying the following fishing knots: Improved Clinch, blood knot, nail knot, surgeons knot and perfection loop.

Fly Tying

Tie one fly from each of the following seven categories (flies must be previously published, widely recognized patterns):

• Dry Fly (Royal Wulff, Adams, BWO, etc.)
• Wet Fly (Montana Nymph, AP Nymph, PT, etc.)
• Streamer (Grey Ghost, Supervisor, etc.)
• Terrestrial (Joe's Hopper, Letort Cricket, etc.)
• Steelhead (Skunk, Brindlebug, Silver Hilton, etc.)
• Saltwater (Lefty's deceiver, Salt Shrimp, etc.)
• Bass Bug (Dahlberg Diver, Umpqua Swimming Frog, etc.)

Rod Building

Completely build a fly rod from a blank of your choice. Progress checks will be made at various stages of completion as follows:

1. When all the parts have been gathered.
2. After the hand grip has been installed/turned.
3. After the guides have been placed and wrapped.
4. Upon completion.

Enrollees completing this activity will receive credit for two activities. Partial credit may be given at the discretion of the chairperson if the project is not solely completed by the enrollee.

Membership Drive

• Recruit two new members into the club during the term of your program. Assist them in becoming oriented with the club and it's activities. Introduce them to friends. Encourage them to participate in club activities such as the Golden Trout Program and outings and make yourself available to answer questions and offer help.