We have summed up all of your likes, tags, and follows and below are your favorite Colorado Trout Unlimited Instagram Posts of 2017. If you would like to be featured on our Instagram with your favorite Fishing story or picture, be sure to tag us @colorado_trout_unlimited or use the hashtag #cotroutstories We are looking forward to more fishing inspiration in the year 2018.
We have summed up all of your likes, tags, and follows and below are your favorite Colorado Trout Unlimited Instagram Posts of 2017. If you would like to be featured on our Instagram with your favorite Fishing story or picture, be sure to tag us @colorado_trout_unlimited or use the hashtag #cotroutstories We are looking forward to more fishing inspiration in the year 2018.
Collaboration is key when it comes to making positive steps towards conservation. Trout Unlimited's Colorado Water Project is one of those collaborative initiatives working with agricultural leaders and organizations to conserve, protect, and restore our limited water resources around the state. Cary Denison, TU Project Coordinator, Gunnison Basin, was featured in the first segment of "This American Land" and talks about the ways that conservation can work with western water laws in providing the stakeholders with what they need and how Trout Unlimited is part of that conversation.
Water is a limited resource in the west and is one of the major talking points for Coloradoans when discussing conservation. The state experiences very little rainfall in summer, fall, and spring but the mountains collect feet upon feet of snow-pack. Snow-pack is like Colorado's natural water storage that slowly melts as the warmer seasons approach, filling our streams, creeks, and rivers with the water needed to last until next winter. With the decreasing amount of precipitation, that snow-pack is becoming a resource that we cannot solely count on. That's where water conservation comes in.
Water conservation is key in using this limited resource wisely and free up more water for other uses including nature. Not to mention more water for our trout to flourish in.
Check out the episode below!
Interested in the story or project?
Contact Cary Denison, Project Coordinator, Gunnison Basin, cdenison@tu.org
Collaboration is key when it comes to making positive steps towards conservation. Trout Unlimited's Colorado Water Project is one of those collaborative initiatives working with agricultural leaders and organizations to conserve, protect, and restore our limited water resources around the state. Cary Denison, TU Project Coordinator, Gunnison Basin, was featured in the first segment of "This American Land" and talks about the ways that conservation can work with western water laws in providing the stakeholders with what they need and how Trout Unlimited is part of that conversation.
Water is a limited resource in the west and is one of the major talking points for Coloradoans when discussing conservation. The state experiences very little rainfall in summer, fall, and spring but the mountains collect feet upon feet of snow-pack. Snow-pack is like Colorado's natural water storage that slowly melts as the warmer seasons approach, filling our streams, creeks, and rivers with the water needed to last until next winter. With the decreasing amount of precipitation, that snow-pack is becoming a resource that we cannot solely count on. That's where water conservation comes in.
Water conservation is key in using this limited resource wisely and free up more water for other uses including nature. Not to mention more water for our trout to flourish in.
Check out the episode below!
Interested in the story or project?
Contact Cary Denison, Project Coordinator, Gunnison Basin, cdenison@tu.org
Over the last decade many cultures, which at one time were very different from ours, have become increasingly homogeneous. This is especially evident to those of us that travel for either work or pleasure. Unfortunately, one of the negative side effects of this “sameness” is that it is becoming harder and harder to find true adventure. Many of us conclude trips feeling as though the adventure we dreamed about and envisioned somehow eluded us or never materialized. If you have ever experienced these feelings or are just looking for some adventure - then head to Argentina’s Northern Patagonia. Here you will find a culture that is rich in tradition set against a landscape of natural beauty. More importantly, this is home to some of the best trout fishing on the planet. Discover this unique environment and experience firsthand its crystal clear rivers, pristine mountain lakes, numerous streams and unique spring creeks.
One way to fulfill your quest for adventure is to combine fly-fishing with camping as your lodging option. This will provide you with the opportunity to fully immerse yourself into the Patagonia wilderness without skimping on the creature comforts. Imagine a day where you fish the river, stream or lake of your dreams and then conclude the evening gazing into the star filled southern sky. You will be experiencing a side of Argentina that most people will never know.
Andes Drifters, located in San Martin de los Andes, has perfected the art of deluxe camping. After multiple years of offering this unique lodging option they have literally equipped themselves to provide for all your needs. From sleeping bags and cots to solar showers and fine wines, it’s all included. They have thought of everything and your dedicated camp staff will pamper you so that you never have to lift a finger!
Another advantage to camping is the ability to fish water that may otherwise be inaccessible. Many rivers, streams and lakes in Patagonia are remote or have limited 
access. Camping becomes a practical lodging solution for those looking to fish on these waters less traveled. Equally important, camping allows you to maximize your time on the water, gives you a chance to fish the evening hatch and minimizes your time spent traveling.
If you are planning a trout-fishing trip to Argentina, give the deluxe camping option some consideration. You can choose this as a one-night option or consecutive nights on an extended float trip. Either way, this is a wonderful way to enjoy Patagonia.
About Andes Drifters
Andes Drifters is located in San Martin de los Andes, Argentina. Our northern Patagonia headquarters is home to some of the best trout fishing in the world. Our seasoned guide team would love to show you this angler’s paradise! If you would like more information please contact: Kevin Landon from Andes Drifters. kevinlandon@me.com or www.andesdrifters.com
Andes Drifters is a proud supporter of Colorado Trout Unlimited.
Argentina Dream Stream - Andes Drifters from Andes Drifters on Vimeo.
Fishing doesn't have to end when the winter season rolls in. Many anglers find icefishing to be a fun way to enjoy to enjoy being outside on a brisk day with the fish swimming below the ice surface. In Colorado, there are many locations where ice fishing is allowed and with reliable reporting on ice thickness for safety. You can check out the Colorado interactive parks map here. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife also has some quick tips before you start walking out onto the ice that you can read here.
Or if you don't want to bust out all the winter gear, then you can always head down to Pueblo and fish the Arkansas River tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir, one of Colorado's best winter fly fishing destinations. You can check out the local TU chapter, The Southern Colorado Greenbacks Trout Unlimited Chapter, if you want to know some of their best Arkansas River fishing tactics and locations.
Additional Resources:
Beginning Ice Fishing 2017 (Denver Post)
8 Ice Fishing Lakes in Colorado
Colorado Statewide Current Fishing Conditions
Ugly fish. Trash fish. Suckers. Chubs. A lot of native fish in our rivers don’t get no respect. Many anglers consider them good for nothing, except for throwing back—way back onto the bank.
But we anglers and sportsmen who care about rivers and cutthroats need to adjust our attitude a bit and quit looking down our noses at some of the “other” native fish.
Turns out “trash” fish like Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, humpbacked chub, bonytail and other native species are critically important to river and trout habitat conservation efforts here in the Colorado River Basin and other watersheds in the West.
And trout and other angler-favored species are riding their fintails to a better life.
The pikeminnow has been around for millions of years in the Colorado Basin and can grow up to 6 feet long and live for decades. Pioneers used pitchforks at times, it’s said, to haul them out of the river, they were so abundant. The fish provided food (albeit a bit bony) for the settlers.
But with growing water diversions, drought, invasive species and other factors pressuring the river in the last half century, the numbers of these native fish plummeted, and they were listed under the Endangered Species Act. In 1988, the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program was launched to bring them and the chubs and suckers back to sustainable numbers.
For three decades, the program has fostered cooperation, rather than conflict, among water users and directed federal and state funds to infrastructure projects that have benefited multiple users, from ranchers and farmers to municipalities.
Trout Unlimited and other conservation groups have supported those efforts, because the water projects, improved infrastructure and enhanced river flows needed to recover pikeminnows, suckers and chubs also benefit upstream coldwater species like trout.
For instance, TU helped upgrade the Relief Ditch and Hartland irrigation diversions on the Gunnison River a few years ago—a project that improved habitat and flows for trout.
The project would not have been possible without funds directly tied to native fish recovery.
Cary Denison, TU’s project coordinator in the Gunnison area, says that many anglers don’t realize that much of the West’s native trout have been removed from their historical ranges, and the remaining “natives” are those fish that many consider to be trash fish.
“If we aim to improve these rivers, we need to leverage the importance of these species to improve trout habitat as well.”
They are some of the original members of that river community, and they belong there. We need all of the pieces of a river ecosystem intact to keep it healthy.
So take a second look at that “trash” fish and give it some serious props for helping improve and restore our rivers for the other fish species we love.
Randy Scholfield is TU’s communications director for the Southwest.
Photo credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service
In 2013, devastating floods ripped through canyons near Estes Park, Colorado - wiping out vegetation, roads, and of course the common signs we are used to seeing as anglers. While the Colorado Department of Transportation continues to rebuild the infrastructure and river channel, local organizations have partnered to support the effort in their own way - restoring "Catch and Release" signs to the Big Thompson. In 2017, the Alpine Anglers chapter raised funds during monthly meetings and events over the summer to purchase the signs, posts and hardware, as well as, worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to procure the proper signage. Kirk Bien, who owns and operates the Kirk's Fly Shop and Guide Service, was eager to get the signs replaced by the flood as he and the shop's guides have noticed an increasing number of bait users and fishermen taking fish from this fragile nine mile stretch of water.
Working together, the two groups helped to build the signs and Kirk's guides put them out in the Fall. As the ecosystem slowly begins to rebuild itself, it is critical that anglers respect the fragile nature of these fish populations. Thank you to Kirk's Fly Shop, the guides, and our members in the Alpine Anglers Chapter for helping to protect this recovering stretch of river!
More about Kirk's:
Kirks Fly Shop is located in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado, the Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. They are a family owned and operated, full pro-line fly shop, offering the top of the line fly fishing equipment, as well as backpacking and camping gear. Fly Fishing, hiking, backpacking and climbing in the great outdoors and Rocky Mountains are their passions, and they want to share our passion with you and make sure you have the most enjoyable and memorable Rocky Mountain National Park experience.
More about Alpine Anglers:
Alpine Anglers supports the native cutthroat trout recovery program in Rocky Mountain National Park. With our friends and fellow TU members, we provide more than 1200 hours of volunteer effort each year. In 2008, the Mountain-Prairie Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presented Alpine Anglers a Regional Director's Award for conservation in recognition of our support of the greenback cutthroat recovery program.
We also hold learn-to-fly fish days for young people in Estes Park. We clean up the Big Thompson River. We assist with post-flood restoration efforts. We meet and learn about new places and new ways to fish. We get together to socialize and have fun. And we occasionally travel and fish together. Check out our activity calendar to see what we're doing this year.
Contacts:
President: Lynn Myers
Membership: Danny Meade
Communications: Dwight Strandberg
You can reach us through our chapter email: AlpineAnglers.TU@gmail.com or on Facebook at Trout Unlimited - Alpine Anglers Chapter #453
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has launched CPW Fishing, the agency’s official mobile fishing app. For anglers seeking information on new fishing locations or needing to check for updated regulations while on the water, CPW Fishing is an easy way to keep angling details close at hand. “We’re excited to bring this free, portable resource to the anglers that enjoy Colorado’s abundant waters,” said Bob Broscheid, director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “This app was truly designed with the angler in mind. We’ve included offline modes that don’t require a connection, putting fishing conditions for thousands of locations right at your fingertips wherever you are. We've also included current regulations for responsible angling and the ability to record catches right where they happen.”
CPW Fishing allows anglers to explore Colorado’s waters, whether searching for a new destination or checking weather conditions at a long-favorite location. The app allows discovery of over 2,000 fishing locations, and provides information on the type of fishing at each location, stream gauges, species availability, accessibility, family-friendliness and more.
The app includes journaling features which allow anglers to record their successes, map catch locations, and share photos and information. Social badges can be earned with your reports, and anglers can even become official CPW Master Anglers using the app to submit their qualifying catch.
Educational features such as up-to-date fishing regulations, fish identification guides and news alerts for key information anglers need to be aware of on the water are also available.
The CPW Fishing app is available on both the App Store and Google Play. CPW Fishing was made possible with financial support from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the Colorado State Internet Portal Authority.
Ronnie Crawford first discovered the urban fishery of the South Platte by accident around 15 years ago. He was taking a couple of kids fishing with bait on the river near his house off Evans. Much to his surprise, they started catching trout. That was the simple beginning of a long-term love for fishing the “Denver South Platte,” and for introducing others to all it has to offer. For more than a decade, the Denver Trout Unlimited chapter (DTU), of which Ronnie is a board member, has been working to improve the health of the Denver South Platte – the section of the river starting below Chatfield Reservoir and then flowing through the southern suburbs and downtown Denver. Eleven years ago, the chapter held its first “Carp Slam” fishing tournament, to build awareness of the Denver South Platte and its fishery potential, and to raise funds for river restoration efforts. This year's Carp Slam takes place September 23, with Denver's most awesome after-party taking place atop the DaVita building in LoDo on Saturday evening (purchase your tickets here).
As the name suggests, the Carp Slam’s fishing focus is carp—but the goal is to improve habitat in the South Platte for a variety of fish. And many anglers in the Carp Slam routinely catch impressive trout, suggesting the potential for a much more robust urban trout fishery.
Restoration work started with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District in 2012, working to enhance the reach of the South Platte by Carson Nature Center to better support native fish, recreational fishing, and riparian habitat. DTU contributed to the District’s effort with $10,000 raised through the Carp Slam and another $80,000 leveraged through a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing is Fun grant.
The restoration effort and partnerships have grown exponentially since then. DTU has worked with the City and County of Denver and the Greenway Foundation on a South Platte Restoration plan that lays out a restoration vision for the river and corridor all along the Denver South Platte. Millions of dollars are flowing toward efforts to improve several miles of river and to create economic benefits from a healthy South Platte as a new recreational centerpiece of the Denver metro area.
While appreciating the broader efforts to improve the entire greenway corridor, DTU has helped keep a strong focus on the river habitat itself. “We’re the ones focused on what’s happening below the waterline,” explains DTU member John Davenport.
Part of focusing below the waterline has been to pay attention to water quality, including stream temperature. To better document water temperatures and understand the river's fishery potential, DTU purchased and placed in-stream loggers starting in February 2016, collecting hourly water temperature data at six sites along the Denver South Platte. Results to date, Davenport says, look very similar to those for the Arkansas River in Pueblo – a river supporting a popular trout fishery.
While finding a future for trout fishing in downtown Denver is definitely part of DTU’s vision, a healthy river and fishery is the key goal – not just trout. “I call this a potluck stream,” explained Crawford. “You never know what you’re going to get. I’ve hooked carp, brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth – all on the same fly and some on the same day.”
For Crawford and DTU, it is all about making the most of a resource that has been hiding in plain sight. “It’s right under everybody’s nose, but they don’t think about it,” he said. “They don’t know the grand array of fish that can be caught here.”
