You Can Help Kids Explore the Aquatic Life

Colorado TU's Stream Explorers initiative is a watershed learning program for young people in grades 5-10.

Now in development by Colorado TU’s Youth Education Task Force, Youth Education Coordinator Jake Lemon and TU volunteers like you, the Stream Explorers program is a series of hands-on, science based activities that help students understand aquatic organisms as well as – you guessed it – fly fishing techniques.

Would you like to be a Stream Explorers Trainer?

On Wednesday August 22, 2012 we will be holding a training/meeting in the Salida/Buena Vista area for people interested in helping Colorado TU host this program in their respective communities. During the day-long session we’ll “model” each activity and then talk about how we might improve and adapt them to various community settings.

This is a great opportunity. You won’t just be taking part, you’ll play a role in launching the program - and in its ongoing improvement.

Interested? Want to learn more? Click here to read more about the program, or contact Jake Lemon at jake.lemon@coloradotu.org

Session size is limited, so don't delay.

It's Why We Still Like Ike

On July 14th, a stretch of the Fraser River was dedicated as the Eisenhower Reach.

Named after President Dwight D. (I like Ike!) Eisenhower, a frequent visitor to the area and fishermen of the Fraser River, this dedication helps to keep the history of the Fraser alive.

However, the river's future continues to be in jeopardy. Colorado TU's David Nickum summed it up this way - "I would rather see a healthy Fraser Creek than a dead Fraser River."

Read more about the Fraser and TU's ongoing involvement in the Sky High Daily News.

Sign Up For Superfly by 8/7

Superfly is one of Colorado's premiere fly fishing competitions. It's a great opportunity to fish some great (often private) water, hang out with some of the state's best anglers and help raise money for both the Gunnison Angling Society and Colorado TU.

Low water conditions and higher temperatures have prompted some rules modifications, but Superfly is still on target for September 7 & 8 in Gunnison.

You must register your team - and submit your fee payment - by August 7th. Applications are available for download at our website at GunnisonTU.org

Please read the important information below regarding the new rules and contacts.

SCHEDULE

Friday, September 7: •    6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Register, meet guides, get shirts, etc., and enjoy snack buffet at The Almont Resort Saturday, September 8: •    6:30 AM: Breakfast buffet and register flies •    8:30 AM to 5 PM: Fishing •    5:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Social period, posting of scores •    6:30 PM: Dinner Buffet •    7:30 PM: Awards and prizes •    8:00 PM: Raffles and auctions

Please note: if the outflow at Taylor Dam is reduced to below 100 cfs during mid August, the event will be cancelled.

TEAMS

Teams will consist of two anglers. Professional guides may enter the contest, but no more than one guide will be allowed on a team. One monitor will be assigned to each team and will stay with the team for the duration of the contest.

CONTEST RULES

1.    Teams may fish anywhere they like and can work out locations with their monitor. Please take into consideration low water issues and any potential negative impact to fish. There will be no pre-assigned beats. 2.    Fishing will be between 8:30 AM and 5 PM. The first six fish caught by each contestant will be scored. Fishing for the contest will end at 5 PM or when six fish are caught by each contestant, whichever comes first. 3.    Kokanee salmon will not count in the contest. Only trout or char caught during the time allowed for the contest will be counted on the scorecard. 4.    No more than two flies may be used by each contestant during the contest. Only one fly may be used at a time (no droppers). All hooks will be barbless. 5.    All fish caught under the scoring rules must be fair hooked in the mouth (with the hook inside the mouth) and landed by the contestant, not the team partner or monitor. The team’s monitor will then measure the fish to the nearest 1/8 inch. After release, the fish will then be recorded on the individual’s scorecard. All fish caught must be released safely or they will not be counted in the contest. 6.    The individual scoring the most inches for the maximum six fish allowed will be declared “TOP ROD” and the team with the most inches, “TOP TEAM.” The contestant who catches the largest fish will also be presented an award, and the fly which caught the fish will be declared the “SUPERFLY.” 7.    In the event of a tie, whoever scored their first fish in the least amount of time will be the winner. 8.    The Superfly monitor for each team will be the final authority for resolving any dispute or interpretation of the rules while on the stream.

SCORING RULES

1.    The first six fish caught and landed by each contestant must be entered on the scorecard. A maximum of six fish can be scored by each angler. 2.    Once a fish has been entered on the scorecard it may not be removed. 3.    Scores must be reported in person no later than 6 PM. 4.    A 20% deduction will be applied to fish scored on private water.

Contact John Bocchino (john@riffleandrise - 970-641-4828) for questions or further information. Gunnison Angling Society The Gunnison Chapter of Trout Unlimited www.GunnisonTU.org PO Box 365 Almont, CO 81210

Golden Milestones

In May 2009, West Denver Trout Unlimited dedicated its Golden Mile project---a $300,000 value-added improvement of a stretch of Clear Creek running through the city of Golden that greatly enhanced cold-water fishing for anglers living in the immediate area. It was lauded at the time by leaders of the City, Jefferson County, the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an exemplary public-private partnership.

The Clear Creek Comeback

Since the completion of the project, angler use and success is up markedly for the Golden Mile stretch, and is drawing national attention as an important urban fishery.

The Chapter believed that while it was extremely important to improve trout habitat on a section of the stream that runs through the city of Golden, a corresponding value of the Golden Mile project was to increase public awareness of Clear Creek's potential as a recreational resource, and to serve as a catalyst for new partnerships and future improvements.

WDTU also - correctly - envisioned successful completion of the Golden Mile as a means for angler conservation interests to secure a place at the table when future decisions were made that might impact Clear Creek.

Success Spawns Success

There has been a remarkable increase in trout habitat improvements on Clear Creek since the dedication of the Golden Mile, including a “Fishing is Fun” project just upstream of Idaho Springs, another habitat remediation project in downtown Idaho Springs, and plans for a large habitat enhancement effort as part of the CDOT's Highway 119 improvements below the town of Black Hawk. Although it may be a stretch to attribute these subsequent endeavors to the success of the Golden Mile, the chapter  is encouraged by the levels of commitment and cooperation among private and public entities.

Extending Their Reach

The success of the Golden Mile project encouraged WDTU to plan and execute a second, major Clear Creek restoration effort—the Canyon Reach project—west of Golden. This project, completed in September and dedicated in October, 2011, breaks new ground in its special attention to people with restricted ability to access and appreciate what the river has to offer.

The restoration was done in three sections, chosen especially to provide safe access to and from both the highway and river for young families and marginally mobile anglers. The downstream section is located at Mayhem Gulch, near the Highway 6 Mile Marker 262; the middle section is upstream at a large unpaved parking area near Mile Marker 261; and, the upper section is at a paved parking area further upstream near Mile Marker 260 (the top of the project is a short distance below the junction of Highways 6 and 119).

Classic structures like cross vanes, J hooks, and boulder clusters provide winter habitat, bank stabilization, feeding lanes, and improved access.

Two innovative toe-wood structures provide large organic masses to encourage riparian growth in extremely rocky terrain.

Major contributors to the Canyon Reach project include Jefferson County, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s “Fishing is Fun” program, the Alfred Frei and Sons quarry, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Henderson Mine, the Trask Family Foundation, and a Colorado Trout Unlimited Gomo Grant (named for former Colorado TU staffer Leo Gomolchak). Capital outlay to date is approximately $300,000, exclusive of both past and future volunteer hours and planned signage.

The reality is that Clear Creek is becoming a respectable urban fishery. In this economic climate, with high gas prices, high unemployment and people who may be working extra hours or holding down two jobs to make ends meet, many people simply don’t have the time or the wherewithal to travel long distances to fish. They’re looking for fishing opportunities in close proximity to where they live. And, if they live along the northern Front Range, those opportunities may reside in Clear Creek.

West Denver believes there’s value in providing an improved, accessible fishery to a very large urban demographic group. And, the Chapter is hopeful that the success of the Canyon Reach project serves as a rallying point for community pride as well as a testament to Clear Creek's potential that inspires further efforts on the river.

Steamboat's 11th Golf/Trout Tourney

The Yampa Valley Stream Improvement Charitable Trust in cooperation with the Yampa Valley Fly Fishers chapter of Trout Unlimited invite you to beautiful Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley to join in the 11th annual Golf/Trout Tournament, a fun, two-day fund raising event. COME JOIN US FOR A FUN WEEKEND IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO SEPT 7-9

Proceeds go toward the preservation and improvement of coldwater fisheries in the Yampa Valley and Northwest Colorado.

THE EVENT

It all begins with a Friday evening kick-off (location TBA) featuring refreshments and a buffet dinner. The evening also features a live auction for some very special water, after which teams will be paired with their guide to assess equipment needs and determine winning strategies.

Saturday consists of a fully guided fly fishing adventure on some of Steamboat Springs’ finest private trout water along with one or more public water options where teams of four and a guide will compete for top honors in the fishing category. After fishing, teams meet for a festive evening that includes food, fun, beverages and a silent auction at the Three Peaks Grill in Steamboat Springs.

Sunday the same groups of four and their guide will meet at the world-class Tom Weiskoph championship Catamount Ranch and Club course. There will be a shotgun start using the “best ball format” with all the traditional opportunities to make or lose money along the way – remember, this is for a good cause. Following the golf tournament, the final awards and prizes will be presented. (more schedule details below)

THE COST

Registration for the entire weekend is $700 per participant or $2800 for a team of four. Groups of four can register at a reduced rate of $2600 if paid in full by June 30TH. For registration information, please contact Jim Zuccone at 970 846-8677 or email jjzuccone@yahoo.com

SPONSORSHIPS

There are several sponsorship opportunities available. For more information, please call or email Bruce Carta at (970) 819-3633 or logovudu@gmail.com. Click here for a sponsorship form.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, September 7th  

Arrive early and fish the Yampa River Thursday evening or Friday morning to tune up. The three local sponsoring fly shops can help you with current fishing conditions and fly selections. The fly shops are: Bucking Rainbow Outfitters (970) 879-8747, Straightline Outdoor Sports, (970) 879-7568 and Steamboat FlyFisher, (970) 879-6552 and don’t forget to mention the tournament when calling.

Official check-in and registration is from 5-7 p.m. at a yet to be determined location. Refreshments and buffet dinner will be served. Members of the YVSICT and TU will be on hand along with the guides to assist participants with any questions and to welcome teams to this great event.

Saturday, September 8th.

Each team will meet their guide at 8:00 a.m. at a location mutually agreed upon. Fishing officially starts at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 5:00 p.m. The guides will be the official judge and scorekeeper. Scores will be turned in to the tournament directors by 6:30 p.m. After everyone is assembled at dinner at Three Peaks Grill, Steamboat Springs and liquid refreshments will be served. As in years past everyone will have a chance to purchase raffle tickets for a fabulous array of fine fishing, and golf equipment, outdoor gear, clothing; gift certificates for great dining, lodging and other fishing opportunities.

During dinner, the days winning teams for the fishing portion of the tournament will be announced.

Sunday, September 9th.

The day begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Catamount Ranch and Club where donuts and coffee will be served. During coffee teams will be able to hit some practice balls and to purchase “Mulligans” that may come in handy in the final scoring. At 9:30 AM we will tee off with a “shotgun” start using a best-ball format. On the course, opportunities exist to compete for the longest drive and closest to the pin and other fun events. Lunch consisting of hamburgers and brats will be served on the course at two locations on the course.

Following the golf competition the final awards for the golf tournament and the overall Golf/Trout winner will be named.

Sending Young Trout to School

Seven Colorado schools are taking part in Trout Unlimited's Trout in the Classroom program this year. While raising trout from eggs to fingerlings in a tank right in their classroom, students learn about water quality monitoring, stream habitat and water resources. TIC also provides lesson plans and web-based resources for teachers.

It's a great experience for students, as the following letter from a Thompson Valley High School student clearly shows.

Trout in the Classroom - By “JC”

Various questions I get throughout the day are, “Hey, How are the fish doing”, or “Are all of these fish still okay?”

This has been a product of Mr. Hewson teaching students about the life-cycle of the trout as well as the chemical balance in the tank. Most kids aren’t really interested from a chemical standpoint but that plays a big part. That’s where I come in, so the fish can survive and stay healthy. I do a 5-15 gallon water-change daily to make sure the nitrites and ammonium don’t build up in the tank and kill the fish.

I need to do what I do so that, come next spring, we can transport our fish to the Big Thompson River happy and healthy. But last year, for fear of the fish not being big enough to survive against the river’s larger and more aggressive brown trout, we decided to hold them at a nearby water-treatment plant where they have two 55-gallon tanks with a constant flow of Big Thompson River water moving through them. So the fish get an extra year to grow and learn to eat river insects before having to make it on their own in a harsh river.

I have learned that, yes, we are doing it to help restock the “Big T” with rainbow trout and, yes, to help Mr. Hewson teach. But kids have lots of interests and they just need to find the right one; if the option isn’t there how can they figure that out by themselves?

When kids walk in to Mr. Hewson’s room, sometimes they stop at the door to talk to me about how the fish are doing, or just sit there and watch them swim around. It’s a great feeling for me to actually help them get interested in the fish. It helps me carry on in doing my work so that they can enjoy the fish being healthy and the water is as clean as I can get it. Sometimes they’ll see me changing the water and ask, ”Why are you doing all this?” and I’ll respond, “So we can learn about fish and chemical cycles.”  And before you know it they are taking a mini-lesson from me, and Mr. Hewson, if he’s there.

By the end of this year, our fish will be more than fifteen inches long. We plan to release them into the tanks at the water plant right after we release last year’s fish into the Big Thompson.

Visit the ColoradoTU Trout in the Classroom page.

Learn more about National Trout Unlimited's Trout in the Classroom program.

Meet Our Award Winners!

Colorado TU honors those whose contributions to resource protection make them deserving of statewide acclaim. Congratultions to our 2012 award winners!

Trout Communications Award - Kirk Deeter

Kirk Deeter, newly appointed editor of Trout Unlimited's TROUT magazine and long-time outdoor writer for Field and Stream and other publications, was recognized for his focus on Colorado's Best Wild Places and for his ongoing support of TU in Colorado.

Trout Conservation Award - Grand County

Grand County Commissioner Nancy Stuart accepts the Colorado TU Trout Conservation Award for the county's ongoing efforts to ensure that the upper Colorado River system is protected and restored for future generations.

Exemplary Guide & Outfitter - Kerry Caraghar

The fishing manager for Orvis-Cherry Creek, Kerry is a respected guide and leader in the regional fly fishing industry. He was instrumental in establishing the "Orvis 101" program to introduce new anglers to fly fishing, and is now a regular fly tyer and speaker with regional TU chapters. Kerry also and helped secure corporate grant funding for the Golden Mile habitat restoration project on his "home waters" of Clear Creek.

Chapter Communications Award - The Denver Chapter

Denver TU was recognized for modernizing its email system with improved tracking, developing a high-quality online newsletter (“The Drift”), maintaining an attractive & useful website, and developing the "Spill or Kill Reporting Card" to engage anglers as eyes and ears on their home waters.

Youth Education Award - Collegiate Peaks Anglers

When Salida schools adopted a 4-day class schedule, Collegiate Peaks saw opportunity. Working with the school district, the chapter established "Stream Explorers" to introduce students to aquatic life and fishing. Using an “inquiry-based” approach, the program focuses on hands-on learning and experimentation rather than lectures.

Youth Education Award - Evergreen Chapter

ETU’s youth education efforts include: teaching entomology, conservation, fly tying and fishing to 6th graders at JeffCo Schools Outdoor Lab; an annual day-long “fish camp” with entomology, fly tying, and fishing for 30 kids; a July 4th fishing derby for 250 kids; and partnership with Camp Comfort, which hosts children who have lost loved ones; and regularly assisting with youth fishing clinics

Outstanding Chapter Project - West Denver

West Denver’s $300,000 Canyon Reach effort builds on its earlier "Golden Mile" in the city of Golden. The project includes 3 sections below the intersection of U.S. 6 and CO 116 and focuses on both public access and aquatic habitat. J-hooks, cross vanes, boulder clusters and toe-wood islands improved habitat, while pathways and safe-wading areas were created for young families and limited-mobility anglers.

Most Improved Chapter - Rocky Mountain Flycasters

Rocky Mountain Flycasters have strengthened their chapter significantly in recent years and just completed a banner year with successful membership recruitment, an improved email newsletter and website, doubled average meeting attendance, and an increased commitment to education and conservation which has led to an 85% increase in the chapter budget. RMF has also contributed more than 5,000 volunteer hours to a slate of youth education and stream conservation projects.

Exemplary Chapter - Cheyenne Mountain

Cheyenne Mountain TU celebrated its 25th anniversary by hitting on all cylinders - strong chapter communications, growing attendance at events, strong revenue from fundraising, and the completion of important conservation projects on Fountain Creek and the South Platte. CMCTU has expanded its youth education programs and boosted conservation awareness by working with a local brewery to introduce a "Bear Creek Porter" to support conservation of a local cutthroat trout stream.

Outstanding Volunteer - Glen Edwards, West Denver

Glen has been a long-time chapter volunteer leader with the West Denver Chapter and was honored for his tireless efforts on the successful Golden Mile and Canyon Reach restoration projects, as well as for his conservation leadership within West Denver.

Outstanding Volunteer - George Osborn, Gunnison Gorge Anglers

After BLM completed a study on modifying the Relief Ditch diversion to reduce impacts on stream habitat while helping irrigators, the concept seemed doomed to languish - until George stepped up to provide steady, dedicated leadership. Construction will begin this year. George personally helped raise more than $200K in cash and in-kind donations.

Outstanding Volunteer - John Ellis, Evergreen Chapter

John has served ETU as president 5 times and Youth and  Education Chair for 18 years. He helped develop the Mt Evans Outdoor Lab Program in partnership with Jeffco Schools, worked with Evergreen Parks & Rec to establish a 4th of July fishing clinic that attracts 250 kids each year, was a leader in the O’Fallon Park/Bear Creek restoration project and helped build key partnerships with Audubon, Denver Mountain Parks, and the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife.

Outstanding Volunteer - Dave Piske

As conservation chair for the Rocky Mountain Flycasters, Dave has brought a thorough knowledge of advocacy processes and strategy to the cause of coldwater conservatin, drawing from his corporate career experience.  He has represented TU in collaborative negotiations on the Halligan-Seaman Reservoir expansion, on Long Draw Reservoir reauthorization, and has helped establish partnerships with agencies from the National Parks Service to Larimer County Open Space.

Outstanding Volunteer - Fred Portillo, West Denver Fred was cited as a “Renaissance Man” (and all-around great guy) who has always been willing to step up to fill a need. He served the West Denver Chapter as president (2 yrs), Vice-President (2 yrs), Programs Director (2 yrs), Youth Education Programs Coordinator (1 yr), Fundraising Raffle Chair (2 yrs) and Chapter Picnic Coordinator (2 yrs).  Wherever he was needed, time and again, Fred was there.

Kerber Creek Gets 50K Grant

Trout Unlimited's Kerber Creek restoration project received a $50,000 grant from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation to help fund the next phase of restoration work on Kerber Creek, near the town of Salida in southwest Colorado.

Trout Unlimited has worked for six years to restore Kerber Creek from the impacts associated with the effects of mining. In the last three years, Trout Unlimited has spent $1.3 million to improve the stream.

"This grant will allow us to take the next critical step in a project that holds vital importance to the area," said Elizabeth Russell, Trout Unlimited's mine restoration project manager.

The Kerber Creek Restoration Project is a joint partnership between Trout Unlimited, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety (DRMS), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Bonanza Stakeholders Group (BSG), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), local landowners and other partners.

Historic mine tailings from mining that occurred decades ago have washed down through Kerber Creek and are contributing metals and acid drainage into the waterway. The project will work to treat the mine tailings and will install fish habitat and stream bank stabilization structures. (The Collegiate Peaks Chapter has been a key player in the Kerber Creek restoration. Read an October 2011 article by Salida Mountain Mail's Joe Stone on the Kerber cleanup.)

Trout Unlimited and its partners are working to increase understanding of the environmental issues associated with legacy mining and public awareness of restoration projects.

03/09/2012 Contact: Erin Mooney, Trout Unlimited, (215) 557-2845, emooney@tu.org

Trout Unlimited is a non-profit organization with more than 147,000 members dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America's trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. Follow TU on Facebook on Twitter via @TroutUnlimited.

Purgatoire River Anglers Celebrate

Purgatoire River Anglers is inviting the community and fans of the Purgatoire to help kickoff the first stage of the Purgatoire River Demonstration Project this Tuesday (March 6) afternoon in Trinidad.

The initial stage includes the stretch of river from in front of Safeway to the Commercial Street bridge. The river will be stocked with trout in the spring and summer months allowing for fishing in the heart of Trinidad. Project partners include the City of Trinidad, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Purgatoire River Water Conservancy District, Pioneer Natural Resources, Colorado Trout Unlimited, San Isabel Electric Association, Trinidad Community Foundation, COMCAST CARES DAY and the Trinidad & Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce.

“Coming this May folks will be able to fish for trout on the Purgatoire and see a professional baseball game in Trinidad all in one day,” says Howard Lackey, Purgatoire River Anglers (PRA) Past President, while current president Jim Muzzulin adds, “This project is important for tourism and the economy of Trinidad, and couldn’t have happened without the support of our members and the community as a whole.”

Event Time:    12:15pm Location:     The riverbank in front of Safeway and next to the Steam Train. Date:        Tuesday, March 6

Contact: Kim Schultz Kimschultz1@comcast.net

About the Purgatoire River Chapter:

The PRA Chapter 100 was started in September of 2009, and since its inception has worked to enhance and return the Purgatoire River below Trinidad Lake Dam to a healthy aquatic habitat.

Black Canyon Fishing Show Saturday

It won't cost you a dime to drop in at the Black Canyon Fly Fishing show this Saturday, March 3 at the Montrose County Fairgrounds.

The Black Canyon Fly Fishing Show is sponsored by Gunnison Gorge Anglers and features:

• 40+ Fly tiers
• Youth events including fly tying, casting and contests
• Hourly fishing programs
• Local fly shops and vendors
• A fantastic raffle package & door prize of an HDTV
• Evening banquet and auction - $25

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - show is one-day only, March 3

Location: Friendship Hall at Montrose County Fairgrounds.

Visit the Gunnison Gorge Anglers website