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.
