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.

Rocky Mountain Flycasters Youth Day Camp

By: Dennis Cook, Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter of TU, and Dan Omasta, Colorado TU Many youngsters want - but often lack - opportunities for recreation and fun in the natural outdoors. In 2010, the Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter (RMFC-TU) launched a Youth Day Camp designed to provide this opportunity. The first camp encompassed six full days of fishing, conservation, and classroom sessions in the Fort Collins area, and has been a huge hit every year since. Fifteen high school boys & girls (ages 14 through 17) from the Northern Colorado region are selected based upon their application and a brief essay describing their interests, background, and expectations from attending camp. Most campers typically have zero to very elementary fly fishing knowledge.

Basic fly fishing skills are taught by experienced RMFC members and St. Peters Fly Shop guides, but the camp isn't just about bringing kids outside and helping them catch fish. It provides information and activities that inspire the campers to become more aware of the need to protect and conserve our natural outdoors. Specialized content (such as trout anatomy) is provided by professionals from Colorado Parks & Wildlife, the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Colorado State University.

A capstone activity encompasses a half-day restoration project on a local stream, designed and supervised by the Wildlands Restoration Volunteers organization. As campers better understand the relationship of trout as an indicator of water quality, they gain appreciation for the need to protect our coldwater streams - while also discovering that fly fishing can become an enjoyable, lifelong pastime.

"My son has gained confidence in his fishing abilities and has taken away a sense of responsibility for our precious river and water resources," said one parent of a recent camper. "I really feel like he has a better understanding that we need to keep our rivers clean and take care of them for generations to come. He’s not taking them as much for granted anymore."

Beyond a nominal $30.00 acceptance fee, funding for camp is provided by generous corporate and individual chapter member support. Additionally, all fishing attire and equipment is provided by RMFC-TU.  Camp activities occur on the Poudre River, Big Thompson River headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park, private ponds and Fort Collins Parks. Indoor classes are held in corporate and community conference rooms.

The RMF Youth Fly Fishing Day camp does a great job of teaching kids to fish and how to become successful anglers.  But the six-day event is more than just a fishing clinic - it is a collaborative effort to prepare and inspire the next generation of stewards.

For more information, please visit the Rocky Mountain Flycasters' Youth Camp page.