Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters.?? Best fishes to all and welcome to the beginning of a great summer fly fishing season here in the Eastern High Sierra.?? June is upon us and the weather has turned very seasonable and pleasant in most areas. ??

I am extremely pleased to announce that we will be hosting the First Annual Sierra Drifters/ Crowley Lake Stillwater Classic on August 11th, 2007.?? This catch and release events primary objective is to provide donations for the fisheries enhancement of Crowley Lake.?? In addition, to determine who really excels at Stillwater fly fishing!?? The proceeds will be entirely directed towards improving the fisheries of Crowley Lake.?? This event will be like no other tourney ever organized in this area.?? The sponsors of this event are passionately committed to assist in providing the monies needed to insure that Crowley Lake remains the "Crown Jewel" of the Eastern Sierra.?? In addition we wish to spread the importance of proper catch and release fly fishing to insure a quality fishing experience for all who fish Crowley.?? This has been in the works for several years and is the brain child of Tom Loe owner of Sierra Drifters Guide Service and respected Crowley Lake manger Lane Garrett.?? There are many other sponsors who feel that Crowley needs a larger allotment of fish, with a continued diversity of trout species. Due to financial and political decisions the DFG has dropped the subsidizing of brown trout in the lake and other fisheries across the state and has a tenuous Lahontan Cutthroat program at best. The ever increasing seasonal pressure has also taken its toll on the overall population of catchable trout.?? Please take the time to check this event out; it will be a lot of fun with its rules insuring a minimal impact on the fishery and the funds generated guaranteed to enhance this fantastic still water.??

This competition will be based SOLELY on the number of fish brought to hand or net by a team or individual.?? The size of the fish is not important for this event, and we do NOT want fish to be taken out of the water at any time during the release process.?? No measuring of the catch is required.?? A 10 inch trout will score the same as a 24 inch trout.?? You will NOT be scored for a fish that is "dry docked" in any way, or improperly handled or released.?? This means no removing fish from the water in the net onto the boat to remove the hooks. No putting a fish on your tube apron for release.?? Participants witnessed by the judges doing so will not be credited with a point.?? Barbless hooks are mandatory and you must adhere to all DFG codes.?? Whistles and flags will be issued to contestants to bring attention to solid hook ups and landings.?? Soft nylon or rubber lined nets are mandatory.?? Monofilament nets are not allowed for the contest.?? Touching the leader or bringing a strike indicator within a rod length of the tip, will all score a point.?? Numerous judges with binoculars stationed on boats will be positioned in the contest areas to insure credible landings.?? These locations and boundaries will be designated just prior to the event to eliminate those who have time to prefish over those just coming up for the event and to insure you will have the best chances of getting into plenty of scores.?? We will have individual and team categories.?? You must specify during registration which category you are entered.?? All safe and legal floating platforms are eligible for the contest.?? Boats, tubes and pontoons, kayaks, etc?Ķ

The event will take place on Saturday, August 11th 2007. ??There will be an awards and dedication ceremony combined with a BBQ dinner for all who participate after the contest ends at the Crowley Lake Fish Camp.?? The event will be hosted by the friendly staff at the Crowley Lake Fish Camp and the guide team of Sierra Drifters.?? Each individual contestant will be required to pay $75.00. ??Each team member must pay this fee also.?? This fee will get you an entry number and necessary equipment for scoring, a BBQ dinner with beverage and a commemorative shirt for your contribution to the Crowley Lake fisheries enhancement program.??

The Crowley Lake Fish Camp will be discounting rental boats for contestants the entire weekend beginning on the Friday prior to the event and ending on Sunday after the contest.?? Sierra Drifters guides will do seminars on still water strategies for both boats and tubes.??

There will be CASH prizes for winners and runners up in both divisions.?? First place individual will receive $1500.00.?? First place team will get $2000.00.?? Runners up will get $500.00 individual and $1000.00 team.?? CASH!!!?? There will also be raffle prizes issued at the awards dinner with a Honda Outboard and other great prizes given away at that time.??

Licensed guides, employees of affiliated organizations and persons related in any way to the sponsorship or hosting of this event are NOT eligible for prizes.???? EVERYONE is welcome to participate in the Still Water Classic event by donating to this worthy and necessary cause whilst fly fishing alongside the Sierras best sticks.?? You will however, only receive bragging rights and a thank you at the awards ceremony. NO prizes.??

The Crowley Lake management will be handling all proceeds and donations. You may donate by check or credit card.??

You may register in person at the Crowley Lake Fish Camp or pick up a form at Kittredge Sports in Mammoth Lakes or print out the internet registration form and mail or fax the entry fee and information to the Crowley Lake Fish Camp.??

This will be a fun filled event that has been ideally slated for one of the optimum periods of Crowley's special regulation season.?? We hope you can join us this summer, thanks for your time.