A collar that gives back

Colorado Trout Unlimited has partnered with Dublin Dog to create a limited-edition cutthroat trout dog collar that raises awareness and funds for native trout recovery in Colorado. This one-of-a kind collar is only being sold by CTU and is available by select chapters and business partners across the state.

The design is waterproof & odor proof and features a non-metal clasp for easy release and to keep your furry friend from uncomfortable rubbing.  The collar is only available in XL size (18-24”) and is easily adjustable.

Why Dog Collars?

For many, our dogs accompany us everywhere we go, including out on the water! We figured that with all of the great gear we bring on the river for ourselves, it was about time we offered an opportunity for our best fishing buddies to join in on the fun. Now your dog can be right beside you supporting river conservation and native trout.

Collar Specs:

• Waterproof

• Odor-proof

• Quick Release clip closure

• UV inhibitors help prevent yellowing and fading

• Makes great gifts & stocking stuffers

• Made exclusively with Dublin Dog, and Outward Hound brand

• All collars come in Large/X-Large (18-26’’) and are easily adjustable within that range

If you would like to support native trout projects across Colorado while also providing your best fishing buddy a stylish look - follow the button below to get your very own. These make great gifts!

Learn more about what the collar proceeds support here.

The native trout thank you!

Pictured: Native Greenback Cutthroat trout being prepped for a release at Herman Gulch, 2018 by Neal Bullock.

July Currents - Newsletter

Trout in the Classroom tank .

Rare Hayden Cutthroats have a new home!

Editor’s Note:

Rick Helmick, Director on the Collegiate Peaks TU Chapter Board, brings us a story about 4,500 rare Cutthroat offspring being released into their new home, Cottonwood Creek, after their original home was destroyed by the Hayden Pass wildfire, which burned more than 16,000 acres in the Sangre de Cristo Range three summers ago.  July 1, 2019 the offspring were released into the wild by officials of Colorado Parks and Wildlife accompanied by 40 staff and volunteers from the U.S. Forest Service and Trout Unlimited.

Rare Hayden Cutthroats have a new home!

by Rick Helmick, Director on the Collegiate Peaks TU Chapter Board

It was a dark, ominous, and rainy day ahead of the forty of us, and two mules, as we gathered at the base of the Sangre de Cristo’s, west of Westcliffe, at the Venable Trailhead. All we had to do was carry the offspring of the 158 rare Cutthroats, saved out of Hayden Creek, right in the middle of that 2016 Wildfire that eventually burned 17,000 acres, and destroyed the Cutts that lived there.

When USFS Fisheries Biologist Janelle Valladares called for CPC-TU’s help, we put out the word and had incredible response from volunteers - even as far away as Missouri, and a member from the Southern Colorado Greenbacks Chapter in Pueblo, CO.

“What an incredible experience. We are forever grateful for having this experience, Thank you!”

— Amber, Volunteer from Missouri

It was a hard and long trip up this mountain, which did everything but snow on us July 1st (although it did sleet), as the volunteers carried 20 pound bags of 70-80 fingerlings each, and the heavy lifting done by mules carrying panniers all the way to the top. 4,500 of these rare Cutthroats only found in Hayden Creek, now have a new home in Cottonwood Creek!

It was a huge, and combined effort, of CPW, USFS, TU, Trails for All, and some great public volunteers! CPW plans on several more stockings of additional Hayden Creek Cutthroats, in various other high mountain streams. Thanks to the Collegiate Peaks Chapter for responding to CPW’s call for assistance! We all sincerely hope for the survival of these genetically rare Cutthroat, in their new home.

In the News

https://theknow.denverpost.com/2019/07/08/cutthroat-fingerlings-hayden-pass-wildfire-cottonwood-creek/218721/

https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/four-legged-workers-help-colorado-parks-and-wildlife-restore-rare-trout-to-hayden-creek

https://gazette.com/news/rare-indigenous-trout-species-reintroduced-to-colorado/article_84bb75fc-a1c5-11e9-96fc-ab1a52c749a0.html

http://www.cpr.org/2017/07/20/spared-the-wrath-of-wildfire-colorados-hayden-creek-trout-are-on-the-comeback/

From CTU: Thank you Rick for the great recap of the day - what an amazing project!

Speak Up for South Park, the South Platte and the Arkansas Rivers

The Bureau of Land Management’s Royal Gorge Field Office is currently revising the plan that will determine the future management of 658,000 acres of public lands in the Arkansas and South Platte river drainages in eastern Colorado, and local sportsmen and women are encouraged to take part. These public lands offer world-class trout fishing, crucial habitat for Colorado’s most iconic wildlife, and some of the best backcountry hunting opportunities in close proximity to the Front Range.

Please attend a local public meeting (schedule below) in the next few weeks to share your perspective as a public land user and ensure that anglers have a say about the places where we love to fish. These events will offer updates on the planning process, allow the public to share their ideas and opinions on the draft plan, and suggest ways for citizens to stay involved.

This is your opportunity to voice concerns and make recommendations on how our public lands are managed. The 90-day comment period on the BLM’s Draft Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan & Environmental Impact Statement closes Sept. 20, 2019.

Where and When:

• Canon City - The Abbey Event Center, Benedict Room, 2951 East Hwy. 50, Canon City, CO 81212 - July 9 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• Fairplay - Foss Smith Multipurpose Room, 640 Hathaway Street, Fairplay, CO 80440 - July 11 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• Walsenburg - Washington School, Auditorium, 201 E. Fifth Street, Walsenburg, CO 81089 - July 15 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• Denver - Denver Marriott West, Monart Room, 1717 Denver West Blvd., Golden, CO 80401 - July 18 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• Colorado Springs - Westside Community Center, 1628 W. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 - July 22 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• Greeley - Greeley Recreation Center, Room 101 ABC, 651 10th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631 - July 23 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.

You can read the Draft Plan here.

Online COMMENTS:

Can’t make a public meeting? Comments are being accepted online here.

Just click the “Comment on Document” button.

Suggested Talking Points:

Arkansas River.

• Protection of aquatic wildlife, stream health and Gold Medal fisheries: We are asking that the BLM establish and maintain strict stipulations for surface occupancy for oil and gas development surrounding bodies of water containing or designated for introduction of native cutthroat trout (400 meter buffer) and those designated as Gold Medal Trout Waters (805 meter buffer) along the South Platte and Arkansas river drainages. The current draft includes these stipulations but they need to be maintained through the final plan.

• Conservation of unfragmented, functional habitats: We ask that the BLM safeguard our best hunting and fishing areas by adopting the Backcountry Conservation Area (BCA) management tool designed to conserve important big game habitat, prioritize active habitat restoration and enhancement, and support important public access for hunting, angling and other forms of recreation.

• Conservation of big game migration corridors and seasonal habitat: We’d like to see the BLM take steps to ensure the conservation of identified big game migration corridors and winter range. This should not only include corridors that have already been mapped and analyzed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, but also ensure that the RMP is flexible enough to conserve migration corridors that will be mapped in the future.

• Public access: Public access is necessary for outdoor recreation and we encourage the BLM to identify opportunities to increase access to public lands that are landlocked or difficult to access because there are few or no access points across private land that allow the public to reach BLM lands.

• Community-driven planning: We support conservation measures to maintain the scenic, wildlife, and recreational values of the South Park valley, and the management direction for this iconic Colorado landscape should align closely with the community recommendations developed by local stakeholder groups along with Park County.

New High Country Angler is out!

June Currents Newsletter

Over 300 trout released in this year's Trout in the Classroom Release!

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is a conservation-oriented, environmental education program for elementary, middle and high school students. Throughout the school year students raise their trout from egg to fry, monitor tank water quality, engage in stream habitat study, learn to appreciate water resources, grow to understand ecosystems and begin to foster a conservation ethic. At the end of each school year, TIC classrooms release their trout into a state approved stream.

In the state of Colorado, there are 12 schools that take part in this program with a total of 17 tanks. Each program is led by educators dedicated to growing the next generation of environmental stewards.

On May 28th, Vanessa Grenader, a 5th grade teacher from Blackhawk, brought her students to Mayhem Gulch to release their 170 pet rainbow trout. Vanessa was accompanied by volunteers from the West Denver Chapter who talked with the students about water quality. Read more here.

On May 24th, Mike Sanchez’s high school class was joined by Bianca McGrath-Martinez of Colorado Trout Unlimited and Emma Brown of the Greenbacks for a release field trip at the Carson Nature Center in Littleton. The students were able to stock the South Platte with their trout, explore native plant species, and go on a nature walk.

On May 23rd, Todd Johnson set out on his first release field trip accompanied by the Denver Trout Unlimited chapter. Todd’s 3rd graders were able to release 60 trout — most of which have names.

That "bucket list" trip to Argentina is now yours

A group of 8 lucky anglers will spend a week chasing Golden Dorado and enjoying fine food and wine in Argentina. Guests will join the wonderful crew at Andes Drifters and Parana on the Fly April 4-11, 2020 for 7 nights of accommodations and 6 full days of world-class fishing.
 
During the first half of this combination trip, anglers will pursue Dorado for 3 days in the world-renowned Iberá Wetlands (Esteros del Iberá), the second largest wetlands in South America. In 2018 the Argentine Government granted Andes Drifters sole outfitter fishing access to a large portion of the marsh. Anglers will have the opportunity to chase Dorado in this vast, unspoiled environment. This mecca, which just recently became available to anglers, is sure to produce a lifetime supply of memories and fish stories.
 
From there, anglers will enjoy 3 full days fishing for large Dorado on the upper Parana River. Deluxe lodging and top flight meals will be provided by Parana on the Fly Lodge. The lodge is located just 30 yards from a private dock where a fleet of modern motorized skiffs will be waiting to whisk anglers away to chase their quarry!
 
This deluxe package includes lodging, guides, boats, tackle (if desired), all meals, wine and beverages. Anglers should expect to land a variety of different sized Dorado during this trip. Fish ranging in size from 4 to 12 pounds are quite common and each season several trophy fish above 40 pounds are landed. 

Andes Drifters will donate 15% of the cost of each trip back to Colorado TU to support river and fisheries conservation work around the state! In addition to being a great supporter of Colorado TU, Andes Drifters goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable and stress-free experience for its guests. Anglers on the 2019 Colorado TU trip to Argentina had a blast! Space is limited--reserve your spot before its gone!

YOU can fish with the legends!

Fish with five legends of fly fishing!

September 16-22, 2019

Join Randall Kaufmann, Scott Sanchez, Jeff Currier, and Mike Stidham, on six days of fishing with Jack Dennis as your guide.

This truly is a trip of a lifetime for any fly fisher! The trip is hosted by Jack Dennis, who will be the guide rowing you on legendary fishing spots in Wyoming. The package also includes lodging and dinners with each legend. You’ll meet and fish with:

• Scott Sanchez, famed fly tying and author of many fly tying books including Introduction to Salt water Fly Tying and The Never Ending Stream as well as having managed with famed Yellowstone/Jackson area shops Jack Dennis Sports, Dan Bailey’s, and currently JD High Country Outfitters.

• Randall Kaufmann, a leading authority on flies, fly tying and fly fishing for over 40 years and author of several books including Bonefishing!, Fly Tying Made Easy for Beginners, Tying Nymphs and Tying Dry Flies.

• Jeff Currier, worldwide traveler artist and fly shop manager for Jack Dennis for over 27 years. As a member of Team USA Fly Fishing, Jeff earned an individual bronze medal in 2003’s World Championships making him the first ever American to medal in the competition.

• Mike Stidham, an incredible and master artist who has illustrated books for Jack Dennis, Randall Kaufmann, and is considered one of the finest saltwater artist of all time.

• And Jack Dennis will be your guide throughout. Jack is among the west’s most famous guides and tyers, authoring the definitive Western Trout Fly Tying Manual and establishing Jack Dennis Sports in Jackson, WY and founding the Jackson Hole One Fly, which has raised millions of dollars for habitat improvement projects.

Due to scheduling each of the experts will take part in different days, based on schedule and availability. One lucky buyer will fish in the boat with one of the experts on all of the days. This is a real chance to get super autographs and photos with some of the legends of our sport! The trip is for one person and is only available for the specified dates in September 2019 - and just possibly may be Jack’s last fundraising trip. At 72 he considers every year a blessing for him to take anglers!

Your trip Itinerary:

Arrival Sept 15: You’ll arrive in Thermopolis, Wyoming and stay the night that evening as you prepare to hit the Big Horn the next morning.

Day One Sept 16 : Big Horn River in Thermopolis Wyoming, fishing the trico hatch in the morning and the Blue Wing Olives later in the day to evening. You’ll be small dry fly fishing to large spooky rainbows, browns and the occasional Yellowstone cutthroats on an amazing river with rising trout. Lodging provided in Thermopolis that evening.

Day Two Sept 17 :A journey to world-famous Monster Lake chasing some trophy trout in one of the world's most famous private still water fisheries In the evening we’ll go back to Thermopolis.

Day Three Sept 18 Visit the Buffalo Bill historic museum complex in Cody, with true master of fly fishing art Mike Shidham. The complex hosts one of the great tributes to the American Indian, Western , and the world-famous Whitney, the largest Western art collection. In total there are five museums, including the American Firearms Museum administered by the Smithsonian, and the artifact collection of Buffalo Bill Cody. You’ll enjoy late afternoon to evening fishing on a local private stream, and again have lodging in Thermopolis.

Day Four Sept 19: A morning fishing adventure to catch the trico hatch fishing on the Big Horn River in Thermopolis. After fishing to mid afternoon, you will drive to Jackson Hole to prepare for an upcoming float on the Snake River. Lodging provided in Jackson Hole.

Day Five Sept 20: A journey to Jackson Hole where we will drift on the Snake through the Teton mountain range with beautiful fall colors and rising native cutthroat trout. This is Jack Dennis’ home river that he has fished since boyhood. After the fishing trip, you will journey to Pinedale, Wyoming and stay the night there.

Day Six Sept 21 : You’ll fish the Green River or New Fork River in Pinedale, Wyoming for fall fishing for rainbows and browns on a choice (based on conditions at the time) between two of Wyoming's finest rivers. Autumn is a prime time to fish here, as waters drop and the fishing pressure subsides. You’ll enjoy some first rate dry fly and streamer fishing, and again spend the night back in Pinedale, Wyoming.

Departure Sept 22 After breakfast, depart for home!

Trip is for one angler and includes lodging for 7 days. Breakfast and lunch during trips included; does not include license or liquor. Travel between destinations can be with Jack, or guests can follow and personal vehicle. This trip is only for the specified dates in September 2019.

Native Trout Need Your Help

Young Greenback Cutthroat Native Trout.

Photo by: Neal Bullock/2018

After an epic snow year, Spring has finally settled in Colorado - which means great fishing and that Greenback recovery projects are just around the corner!

The Greenback Cutthroat Trout, once declared extinct, is making a comeback in Colorado – thanks in large part to agency partners and the hundreds of volunteers that have helped spawn, stock, and restore habitat over the past few years.  2019 is poised to be the biggest year yet for Greenback recovery projects and we need your help!  Follow the linked opportunities below to see how you can make a difference for this threatened species and be a part of this historic recovery effort!

Colorado TU works closely with our agency partners to support recovery projects with funding and volunteers.  Your help with spawning, stocking, habitat restoration, and citizen science goes a long way.

Thank you for helping to recover this critical trout species and we look forward to seeing you out there!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Click any opportunity below to learn more and sign up.