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The Fourth Corner Fly Fishers (4CFF) club welcomes anyone interested in the sport of fly-fishing and who share in our commitment to preserve, enhance and conserve our natural resources.
Our club is registered as a non-profit corporation as defined under the laws of the State of Washington. We are governed by a Board of Directors and the Bylaws of the corporation. The Bylaws can be found on the club website under Links.
We are a club of varied individuals who enjoy fly fishing and each other's camaraderie. We are committed to preserving our natural resources that make our sport possible and to enhancing the skills and knowledge that are associated with fly fishing. Throughout the year we have fishing outings at local lakes and rivers, as well as Eastern Washington and in British Columbia. Some outings are for only a day and some are for a weekend or up to a week. During the year our club also has education and conservation programs, and fly tying sessions.
In general, we hold a monthly membership meeting that includes a social hour, an optional dinner, and a program related to fly fishing or conservation. Our meetings are presently held at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club every fourth Thursday beginning at 6 pm.
To become a member of the Fourth Corner Fly Fishers, there is a two step process.
Step 1: Apply for "Guest Status". (Link to Application for Guest Status) During your "Guest Status" period you will be required to participate in 11 club functions within a 24 month period.
Step 2: Upon completion of the membership requirements (11 club functions), complete the Application for Membership (Link to the Application for Membership) and submit to the Membership Committee.
Both the Application for Guest Status and the Application for Membership are available at the membership meetings each month as well.
If you have any questions about joining the Fourth Corner Fly Fishers, please contact one of the Membership Committee members listed below:
- Brian Faloon, Chair. bfaloon(at)hotmail.com
- Nathan Weston, Co-chair. npweston(at)msn.com
- Craig Carlile. ccarlile(at)comcast.net
- Ed Dahl. dahl(at)conveyordynamics.com
- Errol McWhirk. info(at)4thcornerfly.com
- Roy Wilson. olroy43(at)msn.com
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"There is a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot" (Steven Wright).
Being a novice, this quote captured my apprehension in joining the 4CFF and going on
my first fishing trip.
My motives for joining the club were, of course, to hopefully learn how to fly fish; but,
more broadly, to explore the natural beauty of the northwest and BC, achieve sanctuary from
our "online, real time" daily responsibilities, and enjoy the fellowship of "good braggers"...
oops, I mean fishermen.
My concerns melted way as members welcomed me, loaned me a rod, and helped me
select the proper flies in preparation for my first outing at Boulder Creek. I had not been to this
part of Washington before, so that was a new travel experience. When it came time to fish, Ed
Ruckey, an experienced fly fisherman, took me under his wing, showing me what flies to use
and how and where to cast. And, I caught trout!
Then, to cap off an already wonderful day, the club put together an amazing dinner of
lamb, cooked over an open campfire on a special spit welded by one of the members. Ed Dahl.
Frank Koterba, the main chef, put together a South American marinade, basting the lamb as it
cooked. Enjoyable banter accompanied the dinner, including one humorous comment that
"this is the cooking club that likes to fish!" After dinner, the club held a drawing for a valuable
box of flies tied by Ed Ruckey and for someone who rarely wins anything, I won this
extraordinary prize.
If you think all of the above is a fish tale, I assure you it all happened. I’m very
appreciative of all the members and especially, Ed Ruckey. It was memorable day!
I think I'm hooked on Fourth Corner Fly Fishers and wish to participate in not only
more fishing; but, fly tying, conservation, educational,
charitable, and club organizational activities.
I'm
looking forward to more fly fishing trips where:
"There he stands, draped in more equipment than
a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism
with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and
getting licked in the process (Paul O'Neil, 1965).
Thanks again members; but, don't forget...I still
have a lot to learn...all suggestions welcome!
Mike Reed, Guest-status member
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