Colorado Trout Unlimited at the Denver Fly Fishing Show (Feb. 6–8, 2026)

Colorado Trout Unlimited is excited to return to the Denver Fly Fishing Show, happening February 6–8, 2026, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center.

The Fly Fishing Show is one of the best weekends of the year for anglers and conservation-minded communities. It brings together manufacturers, guides, educators, fly tyers, nonprofits, and thousands of passionate fly fishers, all under one roof.

This year, Colorado Trout Unlimited and our chapters will be hosting a shared space behind the Pond 2 casting area. Whether you’re already involved with TU or brand new to the organization, we’d love to connect.

Stop by to learn how we’re protecting clean water, restoring habitat, and ensuring a future for wild and native trout across Colorado.

What to expect at the Fly Fishing Show

The Fly Fishing Show offers a full weekend of gear, learning, and community.

Highlights include:

• Exhibits: Hundreds of vendors showcasing the newest fly fishing gear, equipment, and travel options

• Seminars: Free educational sessions covering techniques, strategy, and conservation topics

• Demos: Live fly tying and casting demonstrations throughout the show

• Learning Center: Hands-on instruction including knot tying, rigging tips, and fly selection

• Consumer Choice Awards: Vote for favorite products and explore what’s trending

• Traveling Rod Show: A special exhibit featuring rare fly rods and fly fishing history

Visit our shared space behind Pond 2

Colorado Trout Unlimited and our chapters will be stationed together throughout the weekend in a shared space.

Find us behind the Pond 2 casting area to:

• Meet volunteers and members from across Colorado

• Learn about current projects and local chapter work

• Explore ways to get involved in conservation and community events

• Talk about how to support Colorado’s rivers and coldwater fisheries

Call for volunteers

We’re looking for volunteers to help staff our shared space throughout the Fly Fishing Show.

Volunteer shifts are available each day:

• Morning shift

• Midday shift

• Afternoon shift

Each volunteer will receive:

• Free access to enjoy the Fly Fishing Show before or after their shift

• A chance to connect with other TU members and volunteers

• An opportunity to help share our mission with thousands of anglers

Clean, Drain, Dry

Clean, Drain, Dry: Tools and Resources for Colorado Anglers

Photo Courtesy Colorado Parks & Wildlife

If you fish in Colorado, you’ve probably heard “Clean, Drain, Dry.” It’s simple. It works. And it’s one of the easiest ways anglers can help prevent aquatic invasive species (AIS), including invasive mussels, from spreading into new waters.

Colorado Trout Unlimited has been coordinating with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) on AIS education and outreach. CPW has a strong set of angler-focused materials that are designed to be shared through fly shops, chapter meetings, events, and local outreach.

This post lays out what’s available, where to find Clean, Drain, Dry gear you can purchase, and where to find CPW resources for outreach and gear cleaning awareness.

Why Clean, Drain, Dry matters

AIS can spread when we unknowingly move plant material, mud, and standing water from one place to another, especially through boots, waders, nets, boats, and other equipment that comes into contact with rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The best defense is prevention, and anglers play a huge role in that.

Clean, Drain, Dry doesn’t take long. But it can save a lot of trouble down the road.

CPW outreach materials available for anglers

CPW has several outreach resources that are ideal for fly shops, chapters, and community events:

• Angler-targeted rack cards that walk through Clean, Drain, Dry in a clear, practical way

• A wide variety of stickers, including many sourced from the Invasive Species Action Network (ISAN) out of Montana, plus some sticker designs CPW created in-house

• Outreach signage posted at access points in areas of known risk or concern, including new needs along the Colorado River corridor as conditions evolve

If your chapter or shop wants educational materials to share locally, these are great tools.

CPW also has a publicly available ANS media package with outreach language and reference material specifically aimed at gear cleaning and awareness. This page is packed with information and is designed to be shared widely:

Fly shops: Clean, Drain, Dry pledge poster

CPW also has a pledge poster designed with fly shops in mind.

The idea is simple:

• anglers sign a Clean, Drain, Dry pledge

• if they sign, they can receive a custom sticker featuring Colorado river basins

• it’s a quick, low-effort way to encourage better habits and keep Clean, Drain, Dry visible in the shop

Photo Courtesy Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Want boot brushes or towels? Here are the best places to buy them

A lot of anglers ask about Clean, Drain, Dry gear, things like boot brushes and towels that can live in your rig, boat, or gear bag.

CPW isn’t able to sell CPW-branded merchandise directly, but they recommend these nonprofit organizations where you can buy similar Clean, Drain, Dry gear and support invasive species prevention work in the process:

Wildlife Forever (towels, boot brushes, and other prevention tools):
https://www.wildlifeforever.org/product-catalog#!/AIS-Prevention-Tools/c/149166476

NAISMA (North American Invasive Species Management Association) (handheld boot/shoe brushes, including hoof-pick style brushes identical to some CPW distributes):
https://shop.naisma.org/collections/hand-held-boot-shoe-brushes

ISAN (Invasive Species Action Network) (merch + stickers, we source many of our AIS stickers from them, and their products use the same branding as the stickers):
https://www.bonfire.com/store/invasive-species-action-network/

Request materials for your chapter, shop, or event

If you’re part of a Colorado TU chapter, a fly shop, or a local fishing group and want Clean, Drain, Dry outreach materials, the best place to start is CPW’s public ANS outreach package and gear cleaning resources here:

https://cpw.state.co.us/news/04282025/be-pain-ans-new-gear-and-watercraft-cleaning-stations-available-fight-against-aquatic

Thanks for helping protect Colorado waters, and for doing your part to keep Clean, Drain, Dry normal and expected everywhere we fish.

Tie-4-The Future: One Fly at a Time

Fly Tying at a STREAM Girls Program.

It’s time to dust off your vise, grab some materials, and tie flies for a cause that truly matters.

Colorado Trout Unlimited is excited to invite our members and chapters to participate in the Tie-4-The Future Challenge, a statewide effort to support TU’s education programs by doing what we love, tying flies. Every fly tied and donated helps connect youth to rivers, science, and conservation through hands-on learning experiences like Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp, STREAM Programs, and more.

What Is Tie-4-The Future?

Comparing a Tied Fly with a ‘Real Bug’ at Camp.

Tie-4-The Future is a friendly, chapter-based challenge that encourages TU members to tie flies that will be used in Colorado TU education programs. It’s simple, meaningful, and a great excuse to gather around a vise with friends—whether at home, at a brewery, virtually, or during a chapter meeting.

How it works is easy:

• Tie as many flies as you’d like (click here to see recommended fly patterns)

• Chapters collect flies from their members

• Mail all flies together by April 1, 2026

• Be sure to include your chapter name and number of flies

At the end of the challenge, the Colorado TU Chapter that ties the most flies will take home the Tie-4-The Future Trophy for a full year—along with some well-earned bragging rights 🏆.
The winner will be announced at the Colorado TU Spring Rendezvous in April.

Chapters: This Is Your Moment!

This first year of Tie-4-The Future is just getting off the ground. That means now is the time to jump in and make an impact.

Fly Tying at Walking Mountain Science Center

Many chapters are already hosting fly-tying nights or informal tying sessions—and if your chapter isn’t yet, this is a perfect reason to start! A Tie-4-The Future tying event can be:

• A chapter fly-tying night

• A pop-up event at a local shop or brewery

• A casual gathering for new and seasoned tiers alike

• A great way to welcome new members or reconnect with longtime ones

No pressure, no perfection—just flies tied with purpose.

Why It Matters

Fly Tying at River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp.

The flies you tie don’t just fill boxes—they help spark curiosity, build skills, and create lifelong connections between young people and our waters. Through our Colorado Education Programs these flies become tools for learning, inspiration, and conservation.

Ready to Get Involved?

Gather your materials, rally your chapter, and start tying! When you’re ready, mail your flies to:

Colorado Trout Unlimited
ATTN: Cyndy Scholz
1536 Wynkoop St, Suite 320
Denver, CO 80202

Questions? Reach out to cyndy.scholz@tu.org.

Year one is just getting started, so jump in, start tying, and help set the hook for a great new Colorado TU tradition.

The New Winter 2026 Issue of High Country Angler is Live!

Your new Winter 2026 issue of High Country Angler is here!

Check out the Winter 2026 issue of High Country Angler e-zine, including these stories:

• Landon Mayer with The Frozen Over Season;

• Brian LaRue with Casper’s North Platte;

• Hayden Mellsop with Little Blue Lines;

• Colorado TU Staff with Celebrating Colorado’s River Champions;

• Other columns by Barbara Luneau, Colorado TU Staff, and Joel Evans.

Save the Date: Troutfest Colorado 2026 Is Set for June 27

Mark your calendar. Troutfest Colorado returns on Saturday, June 27, 2026, and plans are already underway for another unforgettable day at Coors Field.

A day at the ballpark celebrating community, conservation, and education. That’s what Troutfest Colorado is all about. This free, family-friendly festival brings together anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, families, and partners from across the state for a hands-on celebration of Colorado’s rivers and the people who care for them.

In past years, thousands have joined us for casting clinics, fly tying, interactive conservation and education booths, youth activities, and opportunities to connect with organizations working to protect and restore coldwater fisheries across Colorado. Whether you’re deeply involved in conservation or just looking for a fun day outdoors, Troutfest Colorado has something for everyone.

Hosted by Colorado Trout Unlimited, Troutfest Colorado creates a welcoming space to learn, connect, and celebrate the rivers that make this state so special. More details about the venue, exhibitors, and programming will be shared in the months ahead.

For now, save the date and start spreading the word. We can’t wait to see you at Troutfest Colorado 2026.

Camper Applications Are Open for Colorado TU’s Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp

Camper applications are now open for this year’s Colorado Trout Unlimited Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp, and we are excited to welcome the next generation of river stewards. Now 20 years in, this incredible flagship youth program brings together conservation science, fly fishing, and community in a week-long, high-country camp experience unlike any other.

Since its founding in 2006, Colorado TU Camp has inspired more than 275 teens from across Colorado and beyond, providing a safe, fun, and welcoming space where campers learn to care for rivers and the outdoors. What began as a small group of campers in Parshall, Colorado has grown into a program that helps young people explore conservation, STEM learning, and future pathways connected to healthy waters and outdoor recreation.

Community Life at Camp

Image by Dave Papineau

Camp is held at AEI Base Camp in Almont, CO, located at 9,500 feet in a semi-remote, rustic setting. Campers sleep outdoors in tents, enjoy three homemade meals each day, and spend the week building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Through shared responsibilities, group activities, and mentorship from experienced counselors, campers form lasting friendships, strengthen their problem-solving abilities, and grow as members of a supportive outdoor community.

Conservation Learning—Hands On

At Colorado TU Camp, conservation isn’t something campers just hear about, it’s something they do. Throughout the week, campers engage in hands-on conservation assessments and restoration work that connects directly to the watersheds they fish. Activities include benthic macroinvertebrate surveys, water quality testing, stream reach assessments, and flow measurement, helping campers understand how hydrology, habitat, and water management influence trout and coldwater ecosystems.

Campers also dive into trout biology, native and invasive species, and coldwater conservation, participate in interactive lessons on water use and Colorado water law, and tour a Colorado Parks and Wildlife fish hatchery.

Image by Dave Papineau

Fly Fishing Skills That Grow With You

Fly fishing instruction is woven throughout the camp experience and tailored to all skill levels. Campers learn casting, knots and rigging, gear basics, wading safety, fly tying, stream entomology, reading water, and ethical angling practices. Whether it’s a first fish or refining advanced techniques, campers receive plenty of time on the water with guidance and encouragement from experienced counselors.

Spread the Word and Apply Today

Colorado TU’s Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp is where friendships are formed, confidence grows, and young people begin to see how their passion for fishing and the outdoors can connect to conservation, science, and future opportunities.

Camper spots are limited, and applications are now open.

We invite Colorado TU members to help spread the word and support a program that has shaped young conservation leaders for two decades—and counting. Your donations and camper scholarships make it possible for teens from all backgrounds to attend and experience a life-changing week of fly fishing, conservation, and community. To support camp or sponsor a camper, please contact Barbara Luneau, Camp Director, at barbara.luneau@coloradotu.org or click here to donate.

Colorado Steps Up to Protect Wetlands and Streams

On December 10, the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission took a major step forward in protecting important wetlands and streams across Colorado that were at risk from unregulated development after rollbacks under the federal Clean Water Act. 

The Commission approved rules that will guide a state dredge and fill permitting system and ensure that most Colorado waters, including wetlands, can’t be destroyed without going through an environmental review process.

The state rules were needed to ensure protection for wetlands and waters (including source streams that do not flow year-round) that were no longer subject to Clean Water Act protections under the Army Corps of Engineers permitting program for dredge and fill activities. 

The scope of streams covered by those federal protections was dramatically weakened by the 2023 Sackett decision by the US Supreme Court, the largest rollback of Clean Water Act protections since its adoption in the 1970s.

Colorado became the first state in the nation to develop a state permitting program in response to the Supreme Court’s decision limiting the scope of the Clean Water Act.

 The state rules are even more critical given efforts to continue narrowing federal protections. Just last month, the federal government proposed further limiting the Clean Water Act such that it would no longer protect 97% of Colorado’s remaining wetlands and 68% of the state’s stream miles – those that don’t flow year-round, but are the sources of the water on which our downstream rivers and communities depend. 

The rulemaking was directed by HB24-1379, which passed the General Assembly last year. We are deeply grateful to the bill sponsors whose vision for a comprehensive Colorado water protection program that was as strong or more than the pre-Sackett federal program has been the touchstone for this process throughout. Representatives McCluskie and McCormick and Senator Roberts have been true champions of Colorado’s rivers.

The rulemaking process itself was marked by multiple efforts from regulated interests to narrow the program’s scope and weaken the state program. The final outcome reflected some reasonable compromises among the competing interests, retention of key protections for Colorado waters, and a couple of disappointments - most notably around the “public interest” review.  Some of the key issues that were addressed and their outcomes:

• Scope of the program – earlier in the process there was a push to limit Colorado’s program and analysis to “non-Waters of the United States” regulated by the Corps, but given the legislature’s clear direction for a comprehensive program we successfully had that language removed.

• Exclusion for wetlands near ditches – the legislature excluded some specific wetlands from protection, including those adjacent to and supported by ditches (human-caused wetlands that exist only because of ditch seepage). The state proposed clear and appropriate definitions for “adjacent” and “supported by” but some polluter interests sought to remove those – leaving the rule ambiguous and opening the door for litigation and widespread loss of wetlands – as many as 500,000 acres that are within a half-mile of ditches. The Commission adopted a reasonable compromise that ensures this exclusion does not swallow the rule and leave vast areas of wetlands unprotected

• Compensatory mitigation – multiple recommendations from Colorado TU and coalition partners were approved, ensuring that mitigation for lost wetlands functions are more appropriately addressed in the rule and in future agency guidance that will be developed to direct applicants for state permits. Importantly, the Commission rejected proposed language that would have codified the idea that ephemeral streams have less ecological importance and need less mitigation. On the downside, our proposal for a more robust science-based definition of wetland functions (to help inform what mitigation is needed) was not adopted.

• Alternatives analysis – mirroring the federal Clean Water Act, the state law ensures that only the “least environmentally damaging, practicable alternative” can be approved for a project. Industry groups had sought to limit the range of alternatives that might be reviewed, but the Commission adopted language proposed by our conservation allies that ensures the defined purpose of a project cannot be so narrow as to prevent considering a reasonable range of alternatives. 

• Public Interest review – in addition to its water quality and alternatives review, the Army Corps when issuing Clean Water Act Section 404 permits conducts a “public interest review” looking more broadly at a project’s impacts on the environment and communities and ensuring that approved projects are in the public interest. The Public Interest review helps provide a final safeguard against damaging projects that might nonetheless clear the bar of water quality reviews. Unfortunately, the Commission removed this public interest review from the state program; the state permitting review focus will more narrowly on water quality and aquatic resources.

While the rules adopted by the Commission are not everything we sought, they are an important first step for Colorado’s environment and economy. Because of the hard work of the state legislature, the Colorado Water Quality Control Division, and the Commission, Colorado’s waters are better protected.  

Colorado Trout Unlimited participated in the rulemaking hearing as part of the Healthy Rivers Coalition, alongside our partners with Audubon, American Rivers, Blue River Watershed Group, Boulder Watershed Collective, Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed, Coalition for the Upper South Platte, Eagle River Coalition, Friends of the Yampa, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, High Country Conservation Advocates, Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, and Western Slope Conservation Center. 

The coalition was represented with great effectiveness and commitment through the generous pro-bono support of Sarah Matsumoto and the University of Colorado’s Getches-Green Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law Clinic. Our work also benefited from technical experts Ashley Giles and Jackie Corday, and the communications expertise of Mark Eddy. 

We are deeply grateful to the many TU members and supporters who testified or signed the citizen petition urging strong protections for Colorado’s waters and wetlands. Your voices as river champions helped make a real difference in protecting Colorado waters.

Thank You for Standing Up for Colorado’s Rivers

Colorado Gives Day was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people come together around clean water and healthy rivers. Because of your generosity, Colorado Trout Unlimited raised more than 50,000 dollars to support education, restoration, and advocacy across the state. Thank you to everyone who gave, shared our message, or helped spread the word.

Your support allows us to keep protecting clean, cold water across Colorado. It strengthens hands-on education programs that help students understand where their water comes from and why healthy rivers matter. It fuels restoration projects that reconnect streams, improve habitat, and bring damaged rivers back to life. It also supports advocacy that protects rivers for the long term.

We are especially grateful to Barbara Luneau and Mark Rayman, Mac Cunningham, and Doug Camp for their leadership and generosity in helping build a 10,000 dollar match for our education programs. Their support amplified the impact of every gift and helped more students connect with rivers in meaningful ways.

This Colorado Gives Day also reminded us that stewardship is personal. One young supporter, inspired by time spent on Colorado rivers with his grandfather, rallied family and friends to give back in his honor. His story is a powerful example of how a love for rivers can be passed down and turned into action.

Read the article and watch the short video below to see how one family’s connection to Colorado’s rivers inspired support for education and conservation through Colorado Trout Unlimited.

While we are grateful for the strong response on Colorado Gives Day, we are still short of our goal for the Education campaign. If you were unable to give on Colorado Gives Day, or if you would like to help us close that gap, donations are still being accepted. Your continued support helps bring river education into classrooms and communities across Colorado.

Every river needs a champion. Thank you for being one, and for helping ensure the next generation understands the value of clean water and healthy rivers.

Colorado Advances Shoshone Water Rights for the Future of the Colorado River

Photo courtesy of Colorado River District

Colorado reached a meaningful milestone for the future of the Colorado River this week. On November 19, the Colorado Water Conservation Board voted to advance the acquisition of the Shoshone water rights tied to the century-old Shoshone Power Plant near Glenwood Canyon. This vote moves the project into the next phase, including review in water court, and brings Colorado closer to securing these historic rights for long-term instream flow protection.

For generations, the Shoshone call has been one of the most influential elements shaping flows on the Colorado River. The two decreed rights, one dating to 1905 and the other to 1940, help maintain year-round water in the river. These flows support coldwater habitat, community water supplies, working lands, recreation, and healthy riparian ecosystems.

Protecting this call into the future has been a shared goal across the West Slope for many years. Wednesday’s vote represents significant progress toward that vision and reflects the work of many partners, agencies, and community members who care deeply about the river.

A Moment Years in the Making

Interest in permanently securing the Shoshone rights grew as the power plant aged and questions arose about long-term operations. By transitioning the rights into Colorado’s Instream Flow Program, the state aims to preserve the existing pattern of flows that benefit both people and the environment.

More than one hundred community members, water leaders, and conservation partners participated in the meeting that led to the unanimous vote. The level of engagement reflects both the history of these rights and the shared understanding of how important the Colorado River is to Colorado’s identity, economy, and way of life.

This decision follows months of collaboration between the Colorado River District, the CWCB, and water providers across the state. It also builds on years of leadership from local governments, agricultural communities, the conservation community, and Colorado residents who recognized the rare opportunity presented by these senior rights.

Next Steps in the Process

The Board’s vote allows the state to begin preparing its water court filing, which will request approval to formally change the rights to include instream flow use. This step ensures the change is completed in a way that honors Colorado water law and protects existing decreed water rights.

The acquisition is supported by a broad coalition of partners and significant financial commitments. Colorado’s State Projects Bill included a $20 million contribution earlier this year, and the Colorado River District continues to lead regional fundraising and partnership work toward the overall $99 million purchase agreement with Xcel Energy.

A Future With More Certainty for the River

Once finalized, this acquisition will help protect a vital stretch of the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs and benefit an important 15-mile reach of Colorado River habitat downstream near Grand Junction. It will also ensure that flows continue supporting communities, riparian habitat, trout populations, agriculture, and recreation far into the future.

For Colorado TU and our partners, this progress represents more than a legal milestone. It reflects Colorado’s shared commitment to healthy rivers, thriving fish populations, and long-term water security. The Colorado River is part of who we are. By moving forward together, we are helping ensure that future generations can experience the same connection.

Colorado Trout Unlimited celebrates this step and extends gratitude to the many individuals, organizations, agencies, and community partners whose leadership, collaboration, and stewardship helped bring the state to this moment.

This is meaningful progress for the river, and for everyone who relies on it.

Celebrating Colorado’s River Champions

Celebrating Colorado’s River Champions

At the Fall Rendezvous in Glenwood Springs, Colorado Trout Unlimited gathered to recognize the people and chapters who are helping protect and recover Colorado’s rivers. Nearly 100 members joined the celebration to honor volunteers, partners, and leaders whose dedication continues to strengthen the future of wild and native trout.

Silver Trout Award

Joel Evans

The Silver Trout award recognizes lifetime contributions toward trout conservation in Colorado, and recipients are nominated and selected by vote of past Silver Trout award winners. In 2025, Joel Evans of Montrose was selected for the award, recognizing his longstanding leadership with the Gunnison Gorge Anglers chapter and the Colorado Council. Joel helped champion conservation efforts for the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge including the National Conservation Area designation; habitat restoration on the Uncompahgre in Montrose; and partnerships for restoring the San Miguel near Telluride. Joel also served as a Regional Vice President and twice as Treasurer of Colorado TU.

River Champion Conservation Leadership

Chris Kennedy
For decades, retired US Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Chris Kennedy has been a leader in restoring Colorado’s state fish, the greenback cutthroat trout. Chris has spearheaded research and conservation projects in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, often leading volunteers deep into the backcountry on meaningful project work. He has also been a key figure in researching historic stocking and shaping modern genetic broodstock management to support native trout recovery.

River Champion Industry Partner

Telluride Outside and John Duncan
Telluride Outside and John Duncan have been long-time supporters of the Gunnison Gorge Anglers and champions for the San Miguel River. Their mission, “Protect what we love,” resonates throughout their conservation work. Their leadership with Troutapalooza has supported local conservation and education efforts including the Telluride Valley Floor project, donating more than 100,000 dollars in goods and services over the past 15 years. They also host Camp Caddis to engage and inspire young people in fly fishing and conservation.

River Champion Landowner

Brent Mefford
When the Forest Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife began planning greenback cutthroat trout restoration in Rock Creek and Black Canyon, they found the ideal landowner partner in Brent Mefford. In a fortunate alignment, Brent previously worked as a fish passage specialist with the Bureau of Reclamation. He not only welcomed restoration efforts on his family’s ranch and helped secure landowner grants, but also designed the temporary and permanent fish barriers that made the project possible and set the stage for future reintroduction efforts.

River Champion Chapter

Grand Valley Anglers
The Grand Valley Anglers exemplify what it means to be an outstanding chapter. Their work includes thoughtful youth education, inclusive community events, and ongoing support for trout conservation throughout the region. Their efforts extend from the Gunnison River to the Grand Mesa lakes to the Roan Plateau, demonstrating a strong commitment to stewardship and community connection.

River Champion Education

Gunnison Gorge Anglers and Ed Kehoe
Cottonwood Days is a longstanding collaboration among Gunnison Gorge Anglers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and other local organizations. Since 2008, sixth graders from the North Fork Valley, Delta, Olathe, and Montrose schools have taken part in this field-based experience at Cottonwood Campground. For 17 years, Ed Kehoe and GGA volunteers have taught fly tying, entomology, and fly fishing basics to an estimated 5,600 students, planting the seeds of river stewardship for the next generation.

River Champion Project

Denver TU Carp Slam XIX
The 2025 Carp Slam set a new record, raising more than 70,000 dollars to support restoration, water quality monitoring, education, and river cleanups along the Denver South Platte. Beyond fundraising, the Carp Slam has helped reshape how Denver views its urban river. Over 19 years, the event has engaged local anglers and partners and encouraged wider community investment in a healthier South Platte.

John Connolly Chapter Communications Award

Collegiate Peaks Chapter
The Collegiate Peaks Chapter was recognized for strong chapter communication, including an active website, social media presence, and a consistent and informative newsletter. Serving a region that spans more than 80 miles of the Arkansas River presents unique challenges, yet the chapter continues to keep members and partners engaged and informed.

River Champion Distinguished Service

Martin Harris
As the lead volunteer for Trout in the Classroom in Colorado, Martin has played a key role in growing the program to nearly 90 tanks statewide. He also helped build meaningful partnerships in the metro area, including a community tank at CSU Spur. His commitment and creativity continue to strengthen hands-on water education for students across Colorado.

President’s Award

2025 Youth Camp Staff
Colorado Trout Unlimited President Barbara Luneau presented a special award to the volunteer staff of the 2025 Youth Camp for their leadership during an unexpected wildfire evacuation. On the very first day of camp, the staff guided campers through an evacuation drill, then hours later put those procedures into action when a fire ignited on the property. The staff handled the situation with calm professionalism, ensured the safety of every camper, and later helped restore the full camp experience in fishing, conservation, and community building.

River Champion Volunteer Recognition

Colorado Trout Unlimited also recognized the following volunteers for outstanding service:

• Bob Clark, West Denver
  Bob has been a dedicated volunteer and one of the chapter’s most visible leaders through public events, Clear Creek cleanups, volunteer coordination, and raffle fundraising.

• Tony Eason, Colorado River Headwaters
  Tony is a dependable volunteer across the headwaters region and has helped lead a 33 percent increase in chapter membership over the past two years.

• Ashley Giles, West Denver
  Ashley has brought technical expertise to citizen science efforts, Stream Management Plan work, and advocacy for wetland and water protections across Colorado.

• Rick Kahn, Rocky Mountain Flycasters
  Rick’s decades of experience with CPW, the Forest Service, and the National Park Service helped strengthen collaboration on the Poudre Headwaters Project, Colorado’s largest native trout recovery effort.

• Patrick Mapes, Denver
  Patrick has championed conservation of the South Platte and led the Denver Carp Slam through rebranding and continued fundraising success.

• Kevin Milder, San Luis Valley
  Kevin has supported many chapter efforts and brought special leadership to youth engagement with Trout in the Classroom, the first TU student chapter, and a Watershed Ambassadors program at Monte Vista High School.

These river champions show what is possible when people care deeply about their home waters. Their leadership, creativity, and persistence strengthen conservation across Colorado. To every volunteer, partner, supporter, and chapter member, thank you. Every river needs a champion, and this community continues to live that belief.

All award photos