http://www.rogue-steelheaders.org/

MIDDLE ROGUE

STEELHEADERS

Jennifer Clark -1

Greg Clarke -1

Judy Lollich -1

Keith Miller -1

Dave Bailey -2

Shirlee Chesmore -2

John Blackledge -2

Jeff Eddings -2

Jim Gollob -3

Bill Lorch -3

Valentina Scibilia -3

Mike Simmons -3

Newsletter Editor

Monica Loop

Webmaster

Linda Chilton

Club Photographer

Ken Lollich

Inside this edition:

President’s Message 1

Not Standing Still 2

Penninger Water 3

Tips and Tails 4

Mercy Flights 5 & 6

Club Activites 7

Bragging Rights 8

Sponsors 9 –11

Membership 12

Volume 31: Issue 6 June 2020

President’s Message:

It’s been 10 weeks now of self-isolation and social distancing, and so far, so good. The virus appears to be at a manageable state, and on May 15th we entered into Phase I of the Oregon Governor’s re-opening plan. Sit-down restau-rants and bars, other retail outlets, some outdoor recreation and public spaces, guide services, barber shops, gyms & fitness places, and local gatherings of up to 25 people, all with appropriate social distancing requirements were permitted to resume operations. This has allowed us to start doing the scheduled lake fishing trips. However, we’re still unable to hold our general meetings, and we’ve had to go to Zoom meetings for the Board of Directors.

I began the self-isolation determined to make the best of the opportunity to catch up with some things that have been left undone for a while. I started the AARP Take Control of Your Brain Health/Stay Sharp Program. I don’t know if it’s working, but it has opened the door to a number of pretty-good games. One of the activities related to improving memory has resulted in signs being posted at strategic locations around the house; a Close Gate sign near the bike rack, a Wash Hands sign on the door coming in from the garage, and an Unzip First sign in the bathroom. I don’t know why I’m supposed to unzip before I wash my hands, but now I’ve got to put another sign on the way out that says Zip Up. By the way, I’ve noticed that since I’ve stopped shaving and combing my hair, and if I wear some old work clothes while I’m out and about, I’m not having much trouble with the social distancing. I also started a long overdue fix-up and paint project on the house. I’ve bought all the stuff I need, set-up a scaffold, scattered some tools around and left the ladder up, but not very much else has been done. I’ll get around to it.

What is going to happen next with re-opening is still not clear at all. If we don’t have a relapse in the number of new cases, the state plans to open for Phase II on about June 5th. If they decide that’s it’s OK to increase the current restriction of 25 on group size to a larger number, which they’ve hinted might be as many as 100 to a group, then we could start having our general meetings again. However, that’s going to depend on what AllCare decides to do with the Community meeting room. I expect them to be very cautious about opening that room back up for public use. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if when they do re-open the Community room, there will be a restriction on the number that can be in there, and that the number will be too low to accommodate the 60-75 people members that we usually get for a general meeting. So, I’m going to be looking for other options (including meeting out-of-door) for our general meetings. Hopefully, we’ll be able to have one in June. Stay tuned.

Doyle Nelson, President

WE’RE NOT STANDING STILL

By Jean Gaskill, First Vice President

The Covid-19 “shutdown” has changed things for all of us. It has slammed the brakes on our ability to go out and about and engage in our normal daily routines. Right now, the most we can hope for is that things start reopening little by little and that we don’t get careless and impatient.

It has certainly put a cramp in the Steelheaders’ way of life. The meetings, gatherings, fishing trips, public service projects, picnics and such that are the things that keeps the Club functioning have necessarily been put on hold. It will all come back, but when? No one knows or can predict. In the meantime the watchwords are be safe and be patient.

However, the Board of Directors hasn’t stopped working. It’s sort of like watching a goose or a duck gliding upstream on the Rogue. It looks graceful and serene, but, just below the surface, the webbed feet are paddling a mile a minute to make progress. That’s the Board these days.

The hiatus in day-to-day activities during the shutdown has had one positive effect. It has given us a chance to drag back to the forefront some of the back burner items that have been languishing in the shadows and catch up a bit. If you’ve been following the reports in the Board meeting minutes for the last two months you’ll have noticed:

We initiated the Member Assistance Program (MAP) as a response to the needs of any Club members who are in need of a helping hand during the shutdown. Some very dedicated volunteers stand ready to do such things as grocery pickups and deliveries, placing or picking up prescription orders, help with placing online orders. They deserve a real pat on the back for agreeing to take on such duties.

· We found in one of our lockers 134 N95 facemasks that we had acquired for use during one of the heavy wildfire smoke seasons. This was at a time when such masks were in short supply. The Board decided to donate 100 of them and have them delivered to a public health entity, which was very glad to get them. Adding to the effort, our member Madonna Turner sewed a supply of masks and Cole Tidwell furnished some fabric and distributed Madonna’s masks.

· We got a start in planning the 2020 Salmon Derby, recognizing that the usual model was going to have to be changed to accommodate the “new normal” on account the Covid-19 uncertainties. The Derby has always been a major program, so it’s good that we got a head start on the planning how it will go forward. It remains a work in progress, with more to come.

· A very important thing we have to deal with is how we are to convene and conduct meetings during the shutdown. Obviously, we’re prevented from meeting in person. The only alternative, if we’re to keep doing business is to meet electronically. Our By-laws and Standing Rules don’t really give us a lot of leeway in that regard. So, it’s been a major undertaking to draft and debate revisions to those governing documents, which the general membership will have the opportunity to weigh in on.

· The April and May meetings were conducted electronically within the strictures of our existing rules. First, it was all done via email over a period of more than five days to allow for the voting period set forth in the Standing Rules. It worked, but it was cumbersome. The last session was done by video conference (Zoom), which was the equivalent of a face-to-face meeting – everyone could see everyone else and speak as if we were in the same room. This worked well. The Board approved a significant amendment to the Standing Rules to accommodate the changing times and sent it out to the membership for ratification.

· Past efforts to get all members on the same fiscal year-end dues paying schedule have, over time, gotten a bit out of whack because of new members joining mid-year. Now the Board has approved a plan for the Treasurer to bring everyone in line with a January to December dues schedule.

· Continued on page 3

Volume 31: Issue 6 Page 2

WE’RE NOT STANDING STILL CONTINUED:

One of the major things hanging over us is the By-law and Standing Rules overhaul project that got started more than two years ago. The ad hoc committee charged with the task of revising and updating those governing documents is bearing down and will soon have some significant modifications to recommend for approval by the membership.

So you see, the Board has been doing what the members elected them to do, even at times like these. Keep safe and stay patient. This too will pass.

—————————————————————————————————————————————

PENNINGER BURN WATERING SCHEDULE

Last fall, the Penninger Burn scar was replanted in Central Point across from the truck stop. Now with summer and hotter temperatures coming, the plants will need watering. We will need three people per day on the following schedule:

June 10th, Wednesday June 25th, Thursday July 23rd, Thursday August 20th, Thursday September 17th, Thursday We will meet at 9 am in the parking lot located on East Pine, (Exit 33 off I-5) and Penninger Road (towards Expo). Left at light, dust parking lot immediately on right. We should be done around noon. Please RSVP to both Keith and Ken as to which day or days you can help with the watering of the Penninger Burn scar. Text or email your response to: 1) Keith Miller, desrat32@gmail.com, 541-858-8090

2) Ken Lollich, lakefishr@gmail.com, 541-295-7550

There will probably be other watering opportunities this summer for Salt Creek and Sugar Pine as well. Thank you for volunteering your time and supporting conservation and restoration needs.

Volume 31: Issue 6 Page 3

Please send Articles and Pictures to Monica Loop

mloop62@hotmail.com 541-450-4289

June 2020

THINGS TO DO DURING YOUR STAY AT HOME

Here are some ideas for things to do during the quarantine shelter in place time period:

1. Go through ALL your plugs or lures and clean and polish them. Soak in warm soapy water and use WD-40 to clean away built up gunk and to put a bright light reflecting polish on them.

2. After cleaning your plugs or lures check your hooks. Replace any rusty hooks and sharpen the hooks that you don’t replace.

3. Pull out all your coolers, small and large and give them a nice cleaning. Most stains can be removed using a scratchless cleaner like COMET with Bleach. This product will clean old mildew stains, sanitize and deodorize your coolers for future use.

4. Empty out your tackle box and clean it with the comet used on the coolers. Lube hinges.

5. Replace or sharpen knives, scissors and line clippers. Clean your fishing tools like needle nose pliers, stringers, files & worm threaders. Use WD-40 to clean, remove and prevent future rust.

6. Check your supply of hooks, weights, swivels, clips, bobbers and leader. Make sure they are not a rusty mess and that you have a good supply of all sizes you might need.

7. Put fresh line on your reels using monofilament and fill a spare spool if you have one. With an extra spool you’ll have a replacement if you get spooled. Remember Mono line should be less than 2 years old.

8. If your using braided line you can “reverse” the line to extend the life. Although braided line is more expensive it can easily last 3 times as long as monofilament line.

9. Clean your rods. When cleaning rods be sure to include handles, guides and the rod itself. The part that’s overlooked the most are the guides. Gunk builds up on the guides very quickly. Use a Q-tip and dawn dish detergent to clean guides. To clean the handle, use a rubbing alcohol soaked (clean) rag. Wrap the handle with the wet rag and let it soak for a few minutes and rub hard, everything will come off and your handle will look like new. Be sure to clean the reel mount well. The rod itself can be cleaned using Pledge furniture polish. Pledge will repel water and let you wipe off the gunk that builds up during the year.

10. Clean and lubricate your reels if you know how. If not get a pro to do it for you. The cost for servicing is a good investment to make your reels last a lot longer.

11. Check your life jacket, especially if it’s inflatable. Check the condition of the belts and straps make sure they are not torn or rotten.

Chuck Closterman

Volume 31: Issue 6 Page 4

Volume 31 Issue 6 Page 5

This year Mercy Flights is making some big changes that impact our group membership for Air and Ground Transportation which expires June 30, 2020. New rules starting this year: For Members in Grants Pass including Merlin – Mercy Flights will only provide Air Emergency services and will no longer provide ground emergency service to your area. You must switch over to “Air Only” at $42 per year and if you would like to be covered for Ground Ambulance you need to contact American Medical Response (AMR) 541-474-6303. Again, your Group Membership with Mercy Flights will not cover ground ambulance for members in Grants Pass, Merlin and Rogue River. You do not need to fill out a new application to get “Air only” unless you have an address changes, family changes etc. then you must fill out a new application. If you need an application, send me an email and I will email you an application. I have a limited number of applica-tions so I can mail if necessary. For Members in Rogue River – Mercy Flights will only provide Air Emergency services and will no longer provide ground emergency service to your area. You must switch over to “Air Only” at $42.00 per year and if you would like to be covered for Ground Ambulance you need to contact Rogue River Firemed at 541-582-4411. Again, your Group Membership with Mercy Flights will not cover ground ambulance for members in Grants Pass, Merlin and Rogue River. You do not need to fill out a new application to get “Air only” unless you have an address change, family changes etc. then you must fill out a new application. If you need an application, send me an email and I will email you an application. I have a limited number of applications so I can mail if necessary. Members in Medford, Central Point, Eagle Point and Gold Hill the cost is $68 per year. You do not need to fill out a new application unless you have address change, family changes etc. then you must fill out a new application. If you need an application, send me an email and I will send you an application. I have a limited number of applications so I can mail if necessary. All Membership dues MUST BE RECEIVED BY ME BY JUNE 6TH because I must turn it as a group by June 10th. NO EXCEPTIONS. Mercy Flights will not accept mail-in applications, credit card charges on the phone, or cash. Since we are not having meetings the Mercy Flight fee can be paid by a check made out to “Mercy Flights” or credit card (AS A LAST RESORT). Please cut out the form from the following page and mail it to me. In my opinion, the group membership has been a very good thing for many members because it gives many of us the peace of mind in case we need emergency services. So if you should need emergency transportation here are the costs they will charge if you do not have a membership:

Volume 31 Issue 6 Page 6

Member Name________________________________________ Member No.________________

Check No. ____________________ Amount _________________

MasterCard or Visa Card No, ______ ______ ______ ________________________

Exp. Date _____________________ V-Code on back _______________ Signature_________________________________________

CONTINUED

Ground Ambulance $1,162 plus $16.57 per mile, Fixed Wing $14,517.36 Plus $78.84 per mile, Helicopter $21,782 plus $105 per mile, and Response & Assessment $355— $429 one free per member then 50% off. I am not sure how much Medicare or other insurance would cover Note: Mercy Flights fees are tax deductible if you do not use the service that year. Please send me an email if you have any questions not covered above. No phone call please.

Art Uecker Big George with his catch of the day

Watering at the Peninger Fire re-planting started on May 28th.

Lake Fishing, June 1st-2nd at Klamath Lake.

The Board of Directors will meet outdoors on June 4th.

Lake Fishing June 17th -18th will only be Lemolo Lake.

The June General Meeting may be held outdoors on June 17th, if Phase II guidelines from the state will permit it.

Please check back often on the MRS Website to check for updates.

Volume 31: Issue 6 Page 7

Status of Club Activities With the Corona virus shutdown starting to open, some of the activities of

Middle Rogue Steelheaders will begin to re-start on June 1st.

Lakers update

On June 1st and 2nd our club had our first Lakers derby of the year at Klamath Lake. I will have the results in our

next month’s newsletter. We had 21 members sign up for this two-day derby. The largest fish caught each day

qualified for the cash prize but will not be included in the big fish award for the year because this lake gives you

the opportunity to catch fish over thirty inches.

Our next Laker’s derby will be June 17th and 18th at Lemolo Lake. This is a two-day derby. I will provide a BBQ on

the 17th. KOA has campsites and cabins available. Please email me @ pozo02@msn.com if you would like to

fish. I will need to know if you have a boat and how many seats are available and or you need to fish in a boat.

Everyone is considered in the derby unless you tell me otherwise. The BBQ will be served to everyone.

The club has come out with guidelines concerning the Corona virus. Please follow this to the best of your ability.

I will have face mask available at the derby’s along with hand sanitizer. Please use social distancing and respect

each other’s space.

Hope you are all staying safe,

Tight Lines

Cole Tidwell

Lakers Chairman

Volume 31 Issue 6 Page 8

Chuck fishing on the Chetco Carl Cole with a bass from Hyatt Lake

Don Sullivan with 19” trout at Hyatt Lake Jerry Frazee fishing with Guide Shane Blair on the Sixes

Randy Holbrook caught this nice Springer fishing with Guide Shane

Blair on the Upper Rogue Art Uecker with 17” trout from Galesville

M a t t J u d k i ns

Guided salmon &

steelhead shing

trips on the

Rogue, Chetco,

Umpqua, Co-

quille, Elk and

Sixes rivers

(541) 761-4116

Did you know the Middle Rog d

have a Facebook page

Just search for Facebook-Middle Rogue Steelheaders

https://ca1268.wixsite.com/secretsguideservice

Volume 31 Issue 6 Page 9

The Middle Rogue Steelheaders wish to thank the guides and businesses listed in our Newsletter for their

generous Guides listed on these 3 pages register annually with the state of Oregon to certify that

they carry the minimum insurance required by law, they have current First Aid and CPR training and

if required have a US Coast (USCG) Operator License and/or Surety

Volume 31 Issue 6 Page 10

http://morrisonslodge. com/

"Good fences make good neighbors" At Caveman Fence we make "Good Neighbors" everyday!

MIDDLE ROGUE STEELHEADERS P.O. BOX 962 GRANTS PASS, OR

2020 MEMBERSHIP

OFFICE USE ONLY Date Paid:

Amt Paid:

Cash: Ck # :

You will:

Learn how to catch more fish! Learn where and when to go!

Participate in conservation and enhancement projects!

1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP

Individual Rate $ 36.00 per year

Family Rate $ 58.00 per year Corporate Rate $100.00 per year

____________________________________ ________

________________________________________________________________________________

__ __ __ _____ ____ SEND APPLICATION AND PAYMENT TO: MIDDLE ROGUE STEELHEADERS MEMBERSHIP Telephone: ___________________ PO Box 962, Grants Pass OR. 97528

____

Payments may be by personal check, bank draft or money order made payable to Middle Rogue Steelheaders. Do not mail cash. Credit cards pay-

ments are not accepted however, you can sign up via PayPal on our website:

New Member _Renewal ___ Change_______

How did you find us?______________________________

Carl Cole caught this salmon fishing with Harold Hanson

Volume 31 Issue 6 Page 12