February 2023
Happy Groundhog’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and President’s Day. Welcome to the February Zane Grey newsletter.
February is a unique month. It’s the shortest month, it has two president’s birthdays – Lincoln & Washington, and we celebrate Black History month.
Joining us this month as a guest columnist is Arthur Greenway, Zane Grey Chapter board member and education chair. Arthur joined the Zane Grey board last year, engaging quickly in educational efforts. Arthur is also a member of the Film Festival leadership team. Be sure and check out Arthur’s article and. insights on Black history month and fly-fishing.
Our activities are picking up. Among the upcoming activities are:
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Salt River Saturday, February 4 with Arizona Flycasters Club. AFC is also offering casting instruction. Signup HERE! Or with AZGFD here!
- Salt River Saturday, February 18, with Desert Fly Casters Club. DFC will have some specialized instruction on Salt River fishing techniques.
- Camo at the Captiol - February 20
- AZ Fly Shop Spring Fling March 18
- BSA Sun City Grand Merit Badge Clinic March 18
- AZGFD Outdoor Expo – March 25-26
- Native and Wild Trout Conference, AZGFD, 9-4, April 6, 2023
- Fly Fishing Film Festival, Virginia G. Piper Theater, Scottsdale, April 6, 2023
- Girl Scout Jamboree, Payson, April 29
- R-C Pipeline & Spring Box replacement Winter, Spring 2023 TBD
We hope you can join us, or better yet volunteer to help with these many and varied activities.
Arizona Council News:
Save the Date: Thursday April 6, is the 13th Annual Native and Wild Trout Conference, and our 1st Fly-Fishing Film Festival. (See a film clip here)
Watch for upcoming conservation, youth opportunities, and community outreach announcements with the specific times and dates.
Looking for a new rod? Here's a comparison look at several rods.
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And guess what – we’ve entered the 21st Century . . . we can now text you with important updates, reminders, and other information. We promise we won’t SPAM your phone, the most we’ll send is three-messages a month. But you’ll need to ‘opt-in’ to get our text messages. You can opt-in here
We thank you for your help and support!
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Board Meeting - We’ve gone virtual!!!!
Please join us for our monthly board teleconferences
the first Thursday of each month @ 7:00 – 8:45 PM
Until then,
Tight Lines.
Alan Davis
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Help Wanted Needed!
Consider volunteering for a position with your chapter. We are currently looking for a number of volunteers. Scroll down to the Volunteer Section for more information. Or, contact any board member, or me.
Can you write in complete sentences, and spell most words correctly? Then we may have a job for you. Our newsletter editor is looking for an assistant editor. If interested, contact Wayne Miiller for more information.
Here are some of the articles in this month's Newsletter.
- Your Zane Grey Chapter of TU has a great Instagram! Follow us here!
- Arizona TU (@trout_unlimited_arizona)
- Conservation & Fishing
- Salt River Saturdays - 2 Dates in February!
- Public Policy
- Legislative Update
- Rural Groundwater Working Group
- Upcoming Events: Meeting Thursday February 9th @ 7PM
- Diversity - Black History Month
- TIMES, THEY ARE A’ CHANGIN’
- Volunteer Opportunities and Updates:
- See above in the President's Message and below
- Other Angling organizations
- ZGTU and affiliates calendar
- Follow ZGTU on Social Media
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Partnering with Desert Fly Casters Club and Arizona Flycasters Club, we plan a series of Salt River Saturdays. Arizona Game and Fish Department has listed all Salt River Saturdays on their Arizona FishAZ Network.
Come out for coffee, conservation, camaraderie, and an opportunity to fish the Salt River. Oh, and of course we'll have donuts!
We'll hold these events more or less fortnightly beginning in November, and generally follow this schedule: Click Here for Schedule
Saturday, March 4th with AZGFD
Saturday, March 18th with AZGFD
Saturday, April 1st with AZGFD
Saturday, April 15th with AZGFD
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TIMES, THEY ARE A’ CHANGIN’ |
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Fly-fishing transcends just being an absolutely awesome sport. I could not agree more with Herb Miller, senior lecturer at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas and avid fly fisher, who states, “The complexity is what draws me to the sport. Fly fishing is an intellectual pursuit: it requires patience and meticulous analysis in addition to physicality. But the steep learning curve can be a barrier to access on its own, planning a trip, matching the hatch, technique-keep line tight or slack, how to keep your shadow out of sight, where the fish like to hide within the natural landscape and how to best position yourself and your line.” To get started, it does require some technical abilities and knowledge of surroundings, knots, casting, flies and equipment to be in a position to catch fish. But isn’t that the fuel for our passion and expertise that we constantly practice improving upon?
As a young African American boy growing up in urban Detroit, MI in the 50’s, I was introduced to fishing by my father at about 9 years of age. Due to my parents divorcing when I was young, my experiences with him were limited, but did increase significantly during my adulthood. It proved to be a huge connector between the two of us. I do remember the fire it lit inside of me for fishing and the outdoors that has stayed with me for the past sixty years. He was also the one who introduced me to fly fishing some thirty years ago which has been my exclusive way to fish since. In my adult years, till his passing, we spent many days on the water.
I remember my father telling me once on a trip to Lee’s Ferry with Skip Dixon, that, “the student has become the master.” I have never forgotten those words. It meant so much to me on multiple levels. Over the years with him and others, I have been on numerous trips including fishing with my dad on his beloved home waters near his home in Michigan, the AuSable River. I have met amazing people from all walks of life and seen some truly incredible places of beauty in this state and on this planet. I have recently become involved with proactive organizations and people who want to do great things for our streams, rivers, forests and youth education. I am evolving from just being a fly-fisherman to committed conservationist and educator.
With that being said, historically, the realm of angling and conservation contributions accessible to minorities in the past have been exclusionary at worst and limited or skewed at best. While available for all, barriers of accessibility to fishable areas, equipment, transportation, sport awareness and socio-economics have impacted a number of people of color, youth and other marginalized populations from fully participating in and enjoying the sport of fly fishing. One of the unintentional consequences surrounding fly fishing is not just the mysticism of elitism that has been generated, but the further exclusion of disenfranchised folks who would otherwise have had an opportunity to experience the sport. I am encouraged to say that deficiency is now being addressed on both the local and national levels.
The “face” of fly fishing is evolving, and it is evident nationally through authentic outreach from major brand companies like Orvis, who support the Brown Folks Fishing organization and The Anglers for All pledge. Magazines like Fly Fisherman featuring ads with guides of color promoting fly fishing gear from major manufacturers such as Simms and Orvis. There is also an increase in articles that tell the stories of women, black, brown and indigenous peoples in the fly-fishing communities in our country. In addition, many on-line platforms (you tube, Rio, Scientific Angler, Orvis, and many others) welcome and teach beginners through videos. These positive increments provide momentum and resources committed to further promoting inclusiveness and diversity, demystifying and acknowledging the sport we are passionate about becoming more accessible to all.
I am especially proud of the developing and ongoing efforts by our local fly fishing shops, clubs and organizations including Trout Unlimited, specifically the Zane Grey chapter in Arizona. These organizations, small businesses, and individuals have realized the importance of and the need for maximizing their resources to help enable partnerships to provide accessibility and expose all generations, with a special focus on today’s youth (Gen Alpha) of all colors and genders to the great outdoors. A profound example of this is evidenced by way of the annual summer TU Fish Camp in Payson in conjunction with the Grand Canyon Council-BSA, in June of this year. The Trout in the Classroom program is flourishing statewide and specific outdoor curriculums designed for the Stream Girls initiative and middle school age children in the Phoenix metropolitan area are in development and will be enacted soon.
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Fishing is a sport for everyone who is interested. Including those who don’t know it yet. |
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Fishing is a sport for everyone who is interested. Including those who don’t know it yet. Fly fishing is a passion for me and adds an extra dimension to my life. That lane is one that I am thrilled to be in with others who feel the same and are dedicated to providing awareness, knowledge, inclusion and mentorship to all. |
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I am truly excited to be part of this next evolution of our endeavor. Just like the trout we seek on the fly; things are looking up. May all who cast a fly eventually experience the unmitigated rush of a tight line, landing a beautiful fish and experiencing the true beauty and appreciation of our natural wonders.
We can all be a catalyst for change,
Arthur Greenway
Education Chairman
ZGTU
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January Meeting Summary
The AZTU-PPC meeting had two speakers make presentations at its January 2023 meeting. Erin Jordan from ADEQ described how ADEQ protect's water quality, it's regulatory authority, the distinction of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) v. Non-WOTUS, and the AZ Aquifer Protection Program. She stated that the new rules concerning the Surface Water Protection Program are being released on January 13, 2023. Michael Cravens, Policy Director for AWF, discussed the inevitability of the Grand Canyon National Monument and the need for conservation groups like TU to get a seat at the table to ensure that the regulations adopted don't prohibit fishing and hunting in the area designated as the National Monument. He said there are discussions occurring whether the National Monument area will ultimately be 1.1 or 1.8 million acres, and the National Monument could be adopted by Executive Order as soon as March 2023.
Legislative Update
The AZTU staff are actively working down at the State Capitol. We are monitoring a few bills of interest, but none of them have been placed on a committee agenda. More to come as this legislative session is off to a fast start. Secondly, AZTU is partnering with the Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF) and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) in this year's annual Camo at the Capital. Join us this President's Day on February 20th, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, at the State Capitol's Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza (S 17th Ave. & W Jefferson St.) for fly casting, wild game tasting, and meet our state's decision makers as well as some of our state's most passionate and hardworking conservationists. This is your opportunity to show our legislature that sportsmen and sportswomen stand united for our wildlife, our public lands, and our heritage of angling and hunting!
Rural Groundwater Working Group
The Rural Groundwater Working Group is working on a strategy to get the Arizona Legislature to pass legislation to allow counties to manage their groundwater. AZTU is an active member of this group. We recognize that surface water and groundwater are inextricably connected. {Continue reading here}
SB1306 Proposes Local Groundwater Stewardship Areas
A milestone was reached on January 27th when SB1306 was proposed in the Senate by Sen. Sonny Borelli. The companion bill is expected to be proposed in the House by Rep Leo Biasiucci this week. {Continue reading here}
4FRI Stakeholder Group
4FRI, the Four Forests Restoration Initiative, has moved from the Planning Phase into the Implementation Phase! This is a major step forward, facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act. {Continue reading here}
Upcoming Events
The February 2023 AZTU-PPC Meeting: Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 PM. This meeting will be devoted to our annual Strategy and Action Plan for 2023.
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The AZTU Public Policy Committee (PPC) hosts a virtual meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 until 8:00 PM. If you are interested, please contact Ron Stearns at PublicPolicyChair@az-tu.org .
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We have a number of Volunteer Opportunities! |
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Camo at the Capitol – February 20, 2023 |
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AZTU is partnering with the Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF) and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) in this year's annual Camo at the Capital. Join us this President's Day on February 20th, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, at the State Capitol's Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza (S 17th Ave. & W Jefferson St.) for fly casting, wild game tasting, and meet our state's decision makers as well as some of our state's most passionate and hardworking conservationists. - Nate Rees or Alan Davis
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AZTU and ZGTU are hosting a table, signing up new members and generally spreading the word about Zane Grey Chapter and Arizona Council. We need help staffing the table. Contact Alan Davis
Can’t volunteer for the entire day? There are opportunities to work half-day shifts.
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Sun City Grand Fishing Club BSA Merit Badge Clinic - 9-2 PM, March 18, 2023 |
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Sun City Grand Fishing Club and Zane Grey Chapter are hosting the 4th annual Fishing and Fly-Fishing merit badge clinic with the Grand Canyon Council BSA. More information is available here.
We need instructors to help with casting, fly tying, and other activities. Contact Alan Davis Can’t volunteer for the entire day? There are opportunities to work half-day shifts.
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AZGFD Outdoor Expo – March 25-26, Saturday and Sunday 9-4 |
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We need casting instructors and general volunteers hosting a table, signing up new members and generally spreading the word about Zane Grey Chapter and Arizona Council. We need help staffing the table. Contact Alan Davis
Again, this year, we've invited Desert Fly Casters, Arizona Flycasters Club, and AZ Fly Shop to join with us at our Casting instruction hoops. Last year we had hundreds of people trying their best to win a hat or other prize. Come on out, join the fun, we need your help. Can’t volunteer for the entire day? There are opportunities to work half-day shifts.
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14th Annual Native and Wild Trout Conference -
AZGFD HQ 9-3, April 6, 2023
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We're back live for the 14th Annual Native and Wild Trout Conference. We'll need volunteers to help with the event, plus this gives one an opportunity to hear the latest from the field on native and wild trout restoration work in Arizona and New Mexico. Contact Nate Rees or Jim Walker
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Arizon Fly Fishing Film Festival
Virginia G. Piper Theatre, Scottsdale 6-10PM April 6
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We have lots of opportunities for volunteers, both on event day and in preparation. Come help and earn a free ticket to the show. the event includes raffle, door prizes, casting games and corn hole for prizes and much, much more! Contact Tom Goodwin, Arthur Greenway, or Alan Davis
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Casting and fly tying instructors needed!
Join The Jamboree!
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Saturday, April 29 is your opportunity to introduce Girl Scouts to the joys (and frustrations) of fly fishing. The Arizona Cactus-Pine Council of Girl Scouts will be hosting their Jamboree at Shadow Rim Camp in Payson from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM. (Don’t worry! Lunch is provided for volunteers!)
Casting Clinic: We are looking for some casting instructors to help girls aged 9-17 learn the art of fly fishing. Casting will take place at the camp’s lake with a challenge for each girl to test her new skill in a very abbreviated version of the Danish Casting Games.
Fly Tying 101: Volunteers are needed to help Girl Scouts understand the art of fly tying and help them tie a woolly bugger of their very own. We will be explaining how various flies imitate various bugs/food that fish eat.
This is a great opportunity to instill a love of nature and impart some much needed outdoor education for these scouts. The Jamboree is designed to help Girl Scouts build outdoor confidence, self-betterment and learn new skills.
It’s fun! But we need you to volunteer and make it BETTER! All supplies will be provided, you just have to show up.
Can’t volunteer for the entire day? There are opportunities to work half-day shifts.
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Alan Davis receives Silver Beaver Award from Grand Canyon Council, BSA |
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The Grand Canyon Council, BSA is awarding Alan Davis, ZGTU chapter president and Arizona Council Chair the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his service and impact he has had on youth throughout Arizona and the Grand Canyon Council.
Beginning in 2020, during Covid, Davis led the planning, organizing, development, and implementation of Arizona Council Trout Unlimited (AZTU) – Grand Canyon Council (GCC) Fish Camp. Now in its fourth year, the 2023 AZTU-GCC Fish Camp will serve nearly 40-teenagers teaching and leading fishing, fly casting, and conservation activities.
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The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Upon nomination by their local Scout council and with the approval of the National Court of Honor, recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. It is given to those who do not seek it.
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The AZTU-GCC Fish Camp is a guided, high-end angling program offered by the Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited and the Grand Canyon Council, BSA. This is not your grandfather’s cane pole fishing experience— boys and girls 13 and older learn the skills necessary to select proper fly or lure, understand where to cast a lure, or fly; and master the art of provoking fish to attack your offering. If you would like to learn more about fish camp or to register your teen, click here, and see our volunteer opportunities later in the newsletter. |
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REMEMBER:
Your Conservation License Plate Supports Our Programs
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The Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC) license plate fund is derived from the sale of wildlife conservation license plates and member organizations as well as non-member organizations are eligible to apply for those funds.
The Arizona TU Council and Chapters have received funds over the past seven years in support of the Annual Native and Wild Trout Conferences, Fish Camp, Trout in the Classroom programs and conservation projects.
The next time your registration comes up for renewal, choose the conservation license plate option at registration to show your support for conservation and our projects.
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Arizona Game and Fish Department, Desert Fly Casters, Arizona Flycasters and Zane Grey Chapter are co-sponsoring Salt River Saturday Conservation and Fishing events.
There are 2 dates in February!
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Social Media:
Check out the Instagram page for
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Looking for a Fishing Opportunity? |
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Below is a list of fishing organizations in Arizona. Feel free to join, explore, visit their websites or attend a meeting to find out more information: |
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Arizona Flycasters Club
@ The Arizona American Italian Club
7509 N 12th St
Phoenix, AZ 85020
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Fly-Fishing Social Event night - 2nd Tuesday of each month. Great speaker and awesome raffle. Donations support our Community outreach partners from Veterans to Youth activities.
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Desert Fly Casters Club
@ Chandler Elks Club
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General meeting 2nd Wednesday of each month. Social Event 6-7 Meeting @ 7PM Great speakers; check website for details.
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AZFISHBOOK offers a variety of social activities. Listed below are some of the activities available.
Check out the AZFISHBOOK Groups at:
Looking for buddy to fish with?
Signup for AZFishBook Newsletter:
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Join Trout Unlimited Today!
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Committed to
Protecting, Connecting and Restoring Arizona's watersheds and fisheries.
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Combined Calendar
AZ Trout Unlimited & Chapters, Arizona Flycasters Club and several other area fishing and conservation calendars
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You may access our calendar here.
Zane Grey Trout Unlimited
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Protect. Reconnect. Restore. Sustain. Conserving coldwater habitat in the desert southwest. |
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