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.