Opportunities for anglers at club meetings

This club meets on the second Thursday of each month, with meetings held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla. Even for someone quite familiar with Mat-Su Valley fisheries, there is always something new to learn and enjoyable people to talk with.

Fishing reports

After a brief introduction, the meeting kicks into gear with each attendant encouraged to give his or her own fishing report of what has been happening in the Mat-Su Valley. Since the club is made up of a diverse group of angling types who fish for different species at many locations throughout the borough, I’ve learned quite a bit from listening to the fishing reports. Participants may also ask questions and learn even more. Finally, the reports are not limited to coming from just club members, as there are often visitors attending who may have entirely different items they mention.

Club news

Following the fishing reports, there is a short section of club news, which may feature upcoming events. Club events and events that may be put on by other organizations may be discussed. Examples of some of these events have been fishing derbies for different species of fish and at different locations throughout the Valley, one-day kids casting clinics put on by club member volunteers, and something new on the first weekend in August — a kids fishing weekend. Marking the opening of Fish Creek near Knik-Goose Bay Road, participants younger than 16 will have an excellent opportunity for learning salmon catching techniques at a time when silver salmon in particular should be available in abundance. Loaner fishing rods, reels and tackle will be available for this event as well, and some club members have already mentioned wanting to provide an opportunity to mentor kids whose parents may want help introducing them to productive fishing techniques while gaining an appreciation for the outdoors and respect for Alaska’s bountiful salmon resource.

Regulatory process participation

The new kids fishing weekend opportunity was established with the club’s first regulation proposal adopted by the Alaska Board of Fisheries at the 2011 Winter Upper Cook Inlet meeting. The beauty of this proposal system is that any member of the public can submit a proposal, although it can sometimes be a work-intensive process getting a proposal adopted by the board. Through this process, involved club members have learned more about the state of Alaska fisheries regulation process and should find it easier to participate in the process in the future.

Guest speaker(s)

The club likes to schedule at least one guest speaker per meeting to provide an in-depth perspective on a particular fishery, fishing technique, or tackle-building or fly-tying tip session. In the past, biologists from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game have made some of these presentations, along with magazine authors, fishing guides, seminar speakers and regular club members. For the May 12 meeting, Mike Malone will present “Fly Fishing Mat-Su Valley Lakes.” Here’s an opportunity for club members and those in the public who can’t wait to get out on the water and would like to participate in one of the Valley’s earliest open water opportunities. It should also be noted that some Mat-Su Valley lakes provide excellent open water fishing opportunities from May all the way through October — dependent only upon how early the ice starts to form in the fall.

Participate: Share fishing stories and information

Club meetings are partly a social event and opportunity to meet new people, some of whom fish a bit differently than others. It is a time to share and learn different angling methods or different fishing locations. Those who would like to see what the Mat-Su Angler’s Club is all about or what the club has to offer are encouraged to attend a meeting as a visitor. Feel welcome to participate fully, as that is how you and others will learn the most and have a more enjoyable experience. You are welcome to attend the next meeting, May 12. For those interested in becoming club members, an individual membership costs $35 and a family membership costs $50. For more information about the club, visit the Mat-Su Anglers website at matsuanglers.org or call club president Julie Busch at 892-7543.

Last week I mentioned this column would be an interview with Mat-Su Angler’s Club President Julie Busch, and that interview is where I got this information. For those anglers who have not met Julie or her husband, Greg, I encourage you to do so. They have both invest considerable time and effort in making the club what it is.

Check back next week for new information about greatly expanding open water fishing opportunities in the Mat-Su Valley.

Andy Couch owns and operates Fishtale River Guides (fish4salmon.com), is a Mat-Su Anglers Club member (matsuanglers.org) and member of the Mat-Su Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Sportsmen’s Committee. Email this column at sports@frontiersman.com if you have Mat-Su fishing questions or information readers may find useful.