The Fight Isn’t Over: Tell the Senate to Protect Public Lands

In May, the House of Representatives passed their reconciliation bill. Thanks to many of you who spoke up, an amendment to sell half a million acres of public lands in Nevada and Utah was removed from the bill before passage. Unfortunately, the bill passed with other harmful provisions including efforts to do away with commonsense oil and gas reforms, greatly expand drilling on public land, eliminate critical agency funding and roll back protections for the Boundary Waters in Minnesota.  

Now, the Senate is drafting their own reconciliation budget bill, and we have a new need and opportunity to advocate to the Senate to drop these provisions and to ensure that public land sales are kept OUT of this and future legislation. 

With the lack of public process and transparency, budget reconciliation is not the right place to make consequential decisions about our public lands and watersheds. Please join Trout Unlimited in telling your Senators to stand up for public lands and coldwater resources. We've provided a draft message for your Senators, but please feel free to add or create your own personalized narrative.  

A Decade of Multi-Species Madness: The 10th Annual Mile High 25 on the Fly

This June marks the 10th Annual Mile High 25 on the Fly. What began as a wild idea in a Littleton fly shop has grown into one of Colorado’s most creative and unpredictable fly fishing events.

The idea was simple. Celebrate the species diversity of the Front Range and challenge anglers to go beyond trout. The result is two days of fast-paced, strategy-heavy, and often chaotic fishing that rewards creativity as much as skill.

How It Works

Teams of two anglers fish public waters on June 21 and 22. The goal is to catch and release as many different fish species as possible using only flies. There are 25 target species on the master list, each with a different point value. You get points for your first catch of each species. Catching duplicates does not help your score.

Fish must be documented and submitted through the tournament scoring app. You can fish from shore or boat, as long as you follow Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations. You will need to adapt, think on your feet, and be ready for anything. Some teams have fished through snow, rain, and even tornado warnings.

Tips from Past Participants

• Scout your spots before the weekend. Know what species live where and make sure the access is solid.

• Don’t waste time chasing multiple species from one location. Catch what you can, then move.

• Bring a versatile fly box. Include streamers, poppers, and panfish patterns, not just trout flies.

• Use the right gear. A 5- or 6-weight rod works for most species, but it helps to bring a heavier option.

• Plan your route and manage your time carefully. Have backups for your backups.

• Stay organized and stay safe. Fishing is more fun when your gear is in order and your team is clicking.

Why It Matters

The Mile High 25 has always been about more than just points. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the waters we love. This year, a portion of every registration supports Denver Trout Unlimited and their work on the South Platte River.

If you’ve ever wanted to test your skills, meet great people, and support conservation all at once, this is your chance.

Join us June 21 and 22, 2025
Learn more and register at milehigh25.com

Join the River Champions Circle and Receive an Exclusive River Quiver from Riversmith

If you love rivers, wild trout, and unforgettable days on the water, this is for you.

Colorado Trout Unlimited is proud to partner with Riversmith to offer a special appreciation gift for our most generous supporters: a custom Trout Unlimited River Quiver. Available exclusively to donors who contribute $3,000 or more, this limited-edition River Quiver is a way to show your commitment to Colorado’s rivers every time you hit the road.

When you join the River Champions Circle, you’ll have the option to receive a Silver or Black branded 2-Banger or 4-Banger River Quiver (standard mount). Shipping is included, and the gift comes directly to you.

But the River Quiver is just the beginning.

As a River Champions Circle member, you’ll gain access to unforgettable experiences on some of Colorado’s most iconic and hard-to-reach waters. You’ll join other members for weekend tours that connect you directly with the conservation work your support makes possible. These tours are available at cost and offer a rare chance to explore legendary stretches of river alongside fellow anglers and CTU staff.

You’ll also receive:

• Membership in your local TU chapter, with access to stream restoration projects, Fish-With-A-Member outings, and local meetings.

• One-on-one conversations with CTU Executive Director David Nickum.

• In-depth updates on our top strategies for coldwater conservation in Colorado.

• An invitation to our January 2026 project briefing reception.

• Access to CTU’s monthly Currents e-newsletter and TU’s national Community Forum Digest.

• A one-year subscription to TROUT magazine.

Most of all, you’ll know that you’ve made a powerful commitment to the places you love to fish - and to the next generation of river stewards.

To learn more, contact Cheyenne Johnson, CTU Director of Philanthropy, at cheyenne.johnson@tu.org or call 720-383-4373.

Special thanks to Riversmith for their generous support and for making this appreciation gift possible.

Give Where It Grows: Support Youth Outdoor Learning with Colorado Trout Unlimited

This June, Colorado Trout Unlimited is proud to join more than 30 organizations across Colorado for Give Outdoor Learning, a month-long fundraising campaign during National Get Outdoors Month.

Give Outdoor Learning highlights the power of environmental education by supporting programs that connect young people with nature. These experiences grow curiosity, confidence, and connection. They also improve mental health, strengthen communities, and prepare the next generation to lead.

At CTU, our Youth Programs focus on just that. Through Trout in the Classroom, students raise trout while learning about watershed health. Our River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp brings teens together for a week of scientific exploration, leadership training, and hands-on conservation. Our STREAM curriculum takes students into the field to study real-world water science and develop skills in stewardship and problem-solving.

With the rising demand for high-quality environmental education and continued funding challenges, your support is more important than ever.

The Give Outdoor Learning campaign runs June 1 to June 30, 2025.

Help us grow these experiences for more students across Colorado.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife sees positive signs of aquatic life in the Colorado River Connectivity Channel

GRANBY, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) saw an increase in the native fish population numbers more quickly than anticipated in the recently completed Colorado River Connectivity Channel (CRCC) project at Windy Gap Reservoir, located near Granby, Colo.

In early May, CPW Aquatic biologists completed the first-ever raft electrofishing survey to estimate the trout population in the CRCC. Biologists estimated that approximately 848 brown trout and 221 rainbow trout over 6" in length live within a one-mile reach of the newly constructed river channel. 

"It was very exciting to see a healthy number of adult trout occupying all of this new habitat," said Jon Ewert, CPW Hot Sulphur Springs Area Aquatic Biologist. "Especially considering that we have not stocked a single fish into the channel.” 

As a result of the improved habitat, trout from connected river sections both upstream and downstream have been able to re-establish in the newly reconnected section of the Colorado River. CPW biologists also observed extensive brown trout spawning activity in the channel last fall and moderate rainbow trout spawning activity this spring. 

“Seeing such positive results with water flowing through this new river section for just over a year, we anticipate that this fish population will continue to grow,” said Ewert.

Click to watch: Videos from this year's Colorado River Connectivity Channel fish survey

This is the second time CPW has documented positive signs of native fish repopulating the CRCC earlier than anticipated. In the fall of 2024, CPW's aquatic research team found evidence of native sculpin returning to the upper Colorado River and the CRCC after several decades of absence in nearly 30 miles of their former habitat. Sculpin found in the CRCC and downstream in the Colorado River included fish that were spawned and hatched in 2024.

During the survey, researchers documented one adult and 11 juvenile sculpin within the CRCC and a single juvenile sculpin in the Colorado River below the channel. Based on these sampling results, aquatic biologists and researchers from CPW believe that young sculpin are now able to take advantage of the new habitat and are dispersing downstream from healthy populations located upstream of the CRCC.

“The rapid colonization of the CRCC by this unique native fish species and its return to the Colorado River below Windy Gap is an important conservation milestone and a good indication that the channel is starting to improve the ecological health of the river," said Dan Kowalski, CPW Aquatic Research Scientist.

While the beneficial effects of the CRCC may take years to be fully realized, the results from the fish surveys conducted in May 2025 and fall 2024 represent significant milestones in the efforts to enhance habitat conditions in the upper Colorado River. These findings suggest that the health of the river may be improving more quickly than expected.

Completed in the fall of 2023, the Colorado River Connectivity Project is one of the largest aquatic habitat improvement initiatives ever undertaken in Colorado. This project reconnects aquatic habitats that were fragmented by the construction of the Windy Gap Reservoir in 1985. Currently, the new river section is closed to public fishing access. It is expected to open after the area has had sufficient time to fully revegetate, which will take a couple more growing seasons. To learn more about the Colorado River Connectivity Channel Project, visit the project's page on Northern Water’s website.

A New Look, a Unified Vision: Colorado Trout Unlimited’s Rebrand Begins

Aligning with Trout Unlimited, our national organization, CTU introduces a modernized identity to support river champions across Colorado.

Colorado Trout Unlimited is proud to introduce our updated brand — a fresh look that reflects our values, unifies our voice with Trout Unlimited, our national organization, and helps us better engage communities across the state.

We haven’t changed who we are. We remain dedicated to protecting cold, clean water, restoring rivers, and inspiring the next generation of stewards. What’s changed is how we show up — with a clearer, more consistent identity that connects our statewide efforts to the broader conservation movement led by Trout Unlimited.

What’s new:

·         A revitalized logo with clean lines and a bold, modern trout

·         A new tagline: Every River Needs a Champion

·         A more cohesive identity across platforms, materials, and chapters

What’s not changing:

·         Our focus on healthy rivers, wild and native trout, and public lands

·         Our grassroots leadership and on-the-ground work through local chapters

·         Our belief that conservation is stronger when we do it together

“Our updated look is more than a new logo—it’s a reflection of who we are and where we’re going,” said David Nickum, Colorado Trout Unlimited’s Executive Director. “We’ve modernized our identity to better connect with today’s communities and to more clearly communicate the passion and impact of our work. Every river needs a champion, and this brand helps us show up as one.”

The rebrand officially rolls out at Troutfest Colorado on May 31st at Coors Field. You’ll begin seeing the new look across our website, social media, events, and publications. Over the coming months, we’ll continue updating assets and tools for chapters and supporters to use in their own conservation outreach.

CTU STREAM Girls Camp with Girl Scouts of Colorado

What is STREAM Girls?
STREAM Girls is Trout Unlimited’s youth education program that builds on STEM learning by adding recreation and art—turning STEM into “STREAM.” The program helps young people explore their local watersheds by investigating streams, studying aquatic insects and fish, and developing a deeper awareness of river conservation. Through hands-on experiences as scientists, artists, and anglers, participants build a personal connection to their home waters.

Outdoor Adventure Weekend at Sky High Ranch
From April 11–13, 2025, Colorado Trout Unlimited’s Headwaters Youth staff—Natalie Flowers (Director of Education) and Cyndy Scholz (Colorado STREAM Programs Coordinator)—teamed up with the Girl Scouts of Colorado to bring the STREAM Girls experience to their Outdoor Adventure Camp at Sky High Ranch in Woodland Park.

The weekend began with a STREAM Girls training for about a dozen adult volunteers, including Girl Scout troop leaders and members of the Pikes Peak Chapter of Trout Unlimited (PPCTU). Volunteers practiced sampling macroinvertebrates, created insect replicas in a “Build-a-Bug” craft, and learned games like the Trout Survival Game—activities they can now take back to their troops.

When the Girl Scouts arrived Friday evening, they kicked things off with icebreakers and a creative cookie-decorating session—designing and naming their own fish-shaped treats.

On Saturday, everyone hiked to a small stream on the property to collect and observe aquatic insects. Back at the lodge, the Girl Scouts learned to tie a caddis fly, a staple in any angler’s fly box.

In the afternoon, the group headed to nearby Manitou Lake for casting practice and fly fishing—and several girls caught their first trout!

It was a joy to watch the Girl Scouts and CTU volunteers fully engaged in each activity, learning together, asking questions, and gaining confidence in both science and the outdoors.

CTU is excited to host more STREAM Girls and youth-focused events across Colorado in 2025 and beyond. We’re expanding to reach youth of all ages—and we’d love for you to join us in inspiring the next generation of river stewards.

Take Action: Say “No” to Sell-Off of Public Lands

Public lands are core to who we are as Americans, and are especially critical in western states like Colorado where so much of our land base and watersheds are largely on Federal public lands. These are the places we hunt, fish, and recreate with our friends and families, provide vital habitat for fish and wildlife, and help drive our outdoor economy:

·       70% of remaining habitat for native trout in the Rockies is found on public land

·       72% of hunters in the West rely on public lands for hunting

·       $1.2 trillion in economic activity supported by outdoor recreation in the US

·       5 million jobs supported by outdoor recreation in 2023

In a late-night move during the May 6 House Natural Resources Committee markup on the budget reconciliation package, Reps. Mark Amodei (NV) and Celeste Maloy (UT) introduced an amendment to sell off hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands in Nevada and Utah. The committee voted to advance the reconciliation bill to the House floor. Among Colorado’s delegation, Representatives Hurd (3rd CD) and Neguse (2nd CD) opposed the amendment, while Representative Boebert (4th CD) supported it.

This amendment sets a dangerous precedent for the future of America’s public lands. Budget reconciliation isn’t the place to make decisions about public land sales—especially without transparency or public input. Existing laws, regulations, and processes in place already exist to facilitate the disposal of suitable parcels of public land when it is in the public’s interest. This amendment short-circuits those transparent and careful processes that ensure any sale of public lands is indeed in the public interest.

Additionally, under current law, most proceeds from BLM land sales go into the Federal Land Disposal Account where they can be used to purchase high-priority conservation lands, enter into access easements, and for other purposes benefiting public lands to reduce fragmentation and support access to those lands. The amendment instead directs proceeds from these sales to the general treasury.

Colorado Trout Unlimited strongly opposes efforts like this to sell off public lands, especially when those efforts lack transparency, disregard public process, and fail to reinvest in our treasured public lands heritage. While this amendment passed committee, the fight to stop the sale of public lands is far from over.
 
We need you now more than ever. You can help speak out for public lands now in two key ways:

You can take action here, contacting your US Representative and urging them to oppose the sell-off of public lands under the budget reconciliation bill.

Those close to Denver can join us and other conservation partners including The Wilderness Society at a rally for public lands this Saturday, May 17th, starting at 10 am on the west steps of the State Capitol.  You can see more details and RSVP here, and bring your signs supporting public lands in public hands, and join us on Colorado Public Lands Day to speak out for protecting our public lands!

Be a pain in the ANS

Be a pain in the ANS; New gear and watercraft cleaning stations available as the fight against aquatic nuisance species continues

CPW continues fight against aquatic nuisance species in Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs; provides ANS media kit

DENVER — The fight continues for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) as Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) staff work to keep invasive species from spreading in the state’s lakes and reservoirs. This year, CPW announces new gear and watercraft cleaning stations available in key locations across the state. 

“As the challenge of protecting the state’s waters and infrastructure from aquatic nuisance species continues to grow, CPW is leading the charge against these destructive species,” said Robert Walters, CPW’s ANS program manager. “As the spring season approaches, we ask for help from both the boating and water-based recreation communities to combat invasive species in the state.”

Colorado’s ANS inspectors were busy in 2024 with staff conducting 463,710 inspections and decontaminating 32,584 boats suspected of carrying mussels, other aquatic invasive species or standing water. 

In 2024, CPW intercepted 110 boats carrying invasive mussels. Mussels are destructive to aquatic habitat, can seriously damage reservoir infrastructure and cause problems on boats.

Contaminated boats usually come into Colorado from neighboring states, especially Utah and Arizona because of our proximity to Lake Powell, which has been mussel-infested for years. Other neighboring states with mussel infestations include Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and South Dakota. Most Midwestern and East Coast states also have infested waters.

Boats aren’t the only source of ANS entering the state. Equipment that gets wet, such as waders and boots, can also transport aquatic species. To make the fight against ANS easier, CPW has been adding new gear and watercraft cleaning stations in key locations around the state. The public is encouraged to use these stations to decontaminate their gear and protect Colorado’s waters. 

About the ANS Program
The Colorado ANS Program was authorized by the Colorado Legislature in 2008 utilizing severance tax funds and in 2018 the Colorado General Assembly provided funding to the program through SB17-259, funding the program through boating registration fees from residents and nonresidents. 

Since CPW’s ANS inspection program started in 2008, 7.4 million boats have been inspected and 265,882 boats have been decontaminated. The agency is aided in the program by Colorado counties, municipalities, water districts, federal agencies and private companies that also conduct inspections. CPW also works proactively, looking for aquatic nuisance species by sampling waters throughout the state. In 2024, CPW crews sampled 209 standing waters and 26 flowing waters; these intense sampling efforts resulted in the early detection of zebra mussel veligers in the Colorado River and emphasize the importance of this program.

CPW has also been instrumental in establishing the Water Inspection and Decontamination (WID) protocols, which are now used by states nationwide. Agency staff are also active with the Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Committee.

Walters said that CPW will always remain vigilant in the fight against mussels.

“Mussels aren’t going away. However, by continuing our preventative watercraft inspection program Colorado can continue to set an example in the West and keep our waters clear of highly destructive invasive species.”

Roadside Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Stations (WIDs)
In 2021, Colorado Legislature passed House Bill 21-1226, which authorized CPW to implement a pilot roadside watercraft inspection and decontamination program. This pilot program was highly successful and in 2024 CPW began the long-term implementation of this program at the Loma and Trinidad Ports of Entry.

In year one of this program, 41 watercraft were intercepted at these two Port of Entry locations. With the success of this program, CPW is expanding this program in 2025 to include longer operational hours and two new stations at the west bound Ft. Morgan and Limon Ports of Entry.

Boaters are reminded that if they are traveling with a motorized or trailered watercraft and encounter one of these check stations, they will be required to stop for an inspection.

What can boaters do to help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species?
Boat owners should “clean, drain and dry” boats after every use and utilize the green-seal program when entering and leaving a body of water. Boaters should also inspect their trailers and look in hard-to-reach spots on boats and engines for evidence of mussels. Anyone who has used a boat in waters outside of Colorado is obligated to tell boat inspectors. Boat owners can also call any state park or wildlife office if they have questions, concerns or would like information on scheduling an off-water inspection/decontamination.

All ballast boats, inboard and inboard/outboard engines, must have a green seal between launches or decontamination may take place prior to launching. Boaters are encouraged to inspect their boat between every use and make sure it is clean, drained and dry.

The State of Colorado requires boats to be professionally inspected if:

• A boat has been in any body of water that is positive, or suspected for ANS

• A boat has been in any body of water outside of Colorado

• A boat will be entering any water body where inspections are required

• A boat encounters an aquatic nuisance species check station

Tips for a speedy inspection
Boaters must stop for an inspection when entering and exiting most bodies of water in Colorado. Stricter inspection requirements exist when taking a vessel from one body of water to another. To encourage a speedy inspection process, boaters are encouraged to:

• Keep your green exit seal attached to your vessel and trailer. This seal tells inspectors what body of water the vessel was in last.

• Have your paper exit slip (blue or white) readily available. This slip tells inspectors details from your previous exit inspection that can speed up the process. 

• Open/drain all compartment hatches like: live/bait wells, bilge areas, anchor compartments, equipment compartments and any other compartments that hold items that could have come into contact with water. Have the anchor and ropes out of their compartments for inspection.

• If you know the next body of water you are going to will require a decontamination procedure, request a decontamination during the exit inspection so you can get onto your next boating adventure more quickly. 

Visit our website for more information about aquatic nuisance species and CPW’s ANS program and the boat inspection process. 

Be a Pain in the ANS: Clean, Drain and Dry your vessels and fishing gear
Everyone has a part to play in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species in Colorado, even those who recreate on Colorado’s waters with non-motorized watercraft. Simple actions — like cleaning, draining and drying paddleboards and kayaks — can significantly protect Colorado's waters. 

Anglers are also encouraged to keep their angling gear free of mud and plants between each and every use. By cleaning, draining and drying your angling gear, you can prevent unknowingly moving a species from one body of water to another, even within different stretches of the same river, causing a domino effect of invasion with irreversible ecological damage.

Learn more about how to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species and tips to properly clean, drain and dry your boating and fishing gear by visiting our website. Tips for anglers and a map of CPW’s new gear and watercraft cleaning stations is available here.

Media Kit
Use CPW’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Media Kit to find helpful resources for preparing social media posts, newsletter content, stories and educating the public about keeping harmful ANS invaders from spreading across Colorado. The Media Kit contains the following information:

• “Be a Pain in the ANS” creative campaign materials to share.

• How to be a pain in the ANS - start here for links to this year’s campaign materials

• A variety of ANS photos and video including check stations, inspection and decontamination processes and invasive species

• ANS Fact Sheets

• ANS green seal program 

• State of Colorado Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan

• A variety of public information materials provided to boaters

April Currents Newsletter

This month’s issue includes Troutfest Colorado, Trout in the Classroom, New Opportunity for Mine Waste Removal, and More!