Congrats to Our Summer Raffle Winner

Marty Jones was the winner of our Summer Raffle featuring three great fishing trips for two anglers- a float trip on the Arkansas, a float down the Colorado, and a walk/wade trip on the Upper Gunnison. A very big thank you goes to everyone who purchased tickets and to the outfitters who donated these great trips! We appreciate your continued support!

Arkansas River float trip:  a full day float for two on one of Colorado's newest Gold Medal waters, the Arkansas River.  This trip with Dvorak Expeditions will take you through one of Colorado's most-loved brown trout fisheries, and includes lunch and beverage.  Dvorak was Colorado's first licensed outfitter and is well known for his outstanding fishing and rafting trips on the Arkansas, Gunnison, Colorado and other regional rivers.  Learn more at the Dvorak Expeditions website.

Colorado River float trip:  a full day float trip for two on the "lower Upper" Colorado River, above Dotsero.  This float trip is with Jack Bombardier and Confluence Casting, who lives alongside the river and loves to share his "home waters" with new and returning visitors. Jack will take you on the Colorado River as it flows through one of the most colorful and beautiful canyons anywhere. On a typical float you might see bighorn sheep, eagles, dinosaur tracks, waterfalls and course lots of feisty trout. Best of all, since this section sees very little river traffic,there a good chance you 'll have it to yourselves!  Learn more at the Confluence Casting website.

Upper Gunnison River walk/wade trip:  a full day walk/wade trip for two on public water in the upper Gunnison basin, operating from Three Rivers Resort in Almont with Willowfly Anglers, in the heart of one of Colorado's great fishing meccas picking up world-class angling options with the Gunnison, East, and Taylor Rivers.  Operating for over 30 years, Willowfly offers experienced fly fishing guides, excellent private water options (available for an additional fee), as well as a full service fly fishing shop. Willowfly Anglers is the only Orvis Endorsed Outfitter in the Almont area and was recently named one of the top five Orvis Endorsed Outfitters in North America.  Learn more at the Three Rivers Resort website.

Upcoming Boulder Creek Bash

By: Ameen Hosain

RepYourWater is an apparel company based out of Colorado, centered on a love for fishing and the outdoors.  With conservation as one of its main cornerstones, the company paired with Colorado Trout Unlimited early on in order to aid in the conservation of Colorado’s beautiful waters.

This year for the company's fifth anniversary RepYourWater is hosting an event called the Bash for Boulder Creek. This event is meant to celebrate the company’s fifth year, as well as raise money to help the Boulder Flycasters restore an adopted section of Boulder creek; an urban fishery that sees much destruction and pressure.

The event will take place on Saturday, June 19^th , from 4:30pm to sundown, at RepYourWater’s hangar on the edge of the Erie Municipal Airport Tarmac. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children, with the option to pay an additional $20 for a limited edition hat from the event, with all proceeds going directly to the Boulder Flycasters and their conservation project.

Great beer and food will be offered, as well as live music and a silent auction with tons of RepYourWater gear being sold.  Do not miss out on a great opportunity to connect with other conservation stewards and have some fun! Get your tickets now!

Congrats to James Harrison- the 2016 Spring Raffle Winner

Congrats to the 2016 Statewide Raffle Winner, James Harrison. James is the winner of a two-day, one-night float trip through the Gold Medal waters of the Gunnison Gorge for two with Black Canyon Anglers. The trip also includes one night's lodging and dinner for two at Gunnison River Farms the night prior to the launch.

The Gunnison Gorge is home to some of the state's Gold Medal Waters and is a world-class fishery for large rainbow and brown trout. And is one of the best fishing trips in the lower 48 states.

Black Canyon Anglers have been guiding on the Gunny for over a decade and have knowledge about the fishing, geology, and wildlife in the area. Along with the excellent fishing, there is beautiful scenery and the occasional encounters with big horn sheep, mule deer, river otters, and eagles.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the raffle, helping Colorado TU raise over $6,000 that will go towards on-the-ground projects to help protect and restore Colorado's fisheries and watersheds.

Chopped Fly 2016: Denver vs. Boulder

By: Danielle Adams

The hit song by Survivor, "Burning Heart" sums up perfectly what the Chopped Fly event is all about-

"Two worlds collide, rival nations, it's a primitive clash, venting years of frustrations. Bravely we hope, against all hope. There is so much at stake, seems our freedom's up against the ropes. Does the crowd understand? Is it East versus West? Or man against man? Can any nation stand alone?"

Alright, well maybe it's not that intense. After all it's not nation vs nation and ones freedom is on the line, but the Chopped fly event this Sunday, May 1st will still be pretty fun!

Hosted by Call to Arms Brewing Company at 4526 Tennyson St in Denver, The Boulder Fly Casters Chapter of TU will face the West Denver Chapter of TU in an Iron Chef style fly tying competition.

And although, ultimately one chapter will be victorious, the rivers and trout are the true winners this weekend. All proceeds will be split between West Denver TU's efforts to reintroduce the greenback cutthroat trout in native drainage and the Boulder Flycasters Flatirons Park Project - restoring over a mile of stream on Middle Boulder Creek.

The cost is $20 entry for in the Iron Chef style tying competition and the chapters ask that anyone who wants to tie, brings their own vice. All tying levels are welcomed and there will be great prizes available for everyone!

RSVP to ColoradoChoppedFly@gmail.com or show up day of with your vise and tools - materials and secret ingredients to be provided.

2016 Caddis Festival Banquet

By: Danielle Adams Collegiate Peaks’ annual fundraiser is coming May 7th, 2016, at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds.

The Collegiate Peaks Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its 31st annual Caddis Festival Banquet and Auction on Saturday, May 7th at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds in Poncha Springs.

Early May is the traditional time of the year that the caddis hatch reaches the Salida area of the Arkansas River. Anglers from far and wide descend upon the river to test their skills at fooling trout with a caddis fly imitation. The Caddis Festival Banquet is a great way to top off a day on the river.

Doors and cash bar open at 5 PM, followed by a catered buffet dinner at 6:45. Tickets are $25 in advance ($30 at the door) and youth tickets are $15. This is the chapter’s primary conservation fundraising event of the year with the proceeds going to a wide variety of activities including habitat improvement projects, stream restoration, youth & adult education, college scholarships, trail maintenance and the ever-popular kid's fishing derbies.

Chapter members will be receiving a letter with a registration form. Please send it in with your reservations as soon as possible. Non-members are also encouraged to attend. There will be lots of fun for everyone, including silent and live auction items and special bucket raffles!

It’s a great time, and very important for the support of CPA activities, including the Kids Fishing Derbies, college scholarships, and support for our environmental projects.

For more information about reservations, tickets, and more, contact Barbara Plake, Caddis Festival Planning Committee Chair.

719-395-0478

bplake@inu.edu

Colorado TU honors Denver Water with River Stewardship Award

At it's annual River Stewardship Gala last night, Colorado Trout Unlimited honored Denver Water with the 2016 River Stewardship Award for their work in urban conservation and collaborative efforts in water stewardship. 25 years after the Two Forks Dam battle- a plan that would've constructed a 615' tall dam along the South Platte, Denver Water has now engaged their former adversaries as partners in an effort to conserve our state's watersheds.

“That’s a remarkable and encouraging sign of progress in protecting the rivers that help sustain Colorado’s wildlife, communities and recreation economy," said David Nickum, Colorado TU Executive Director. "In the years since the Two Forks veto, Denver Water has truly changed its culture.... Colorado TU is pleased to recognize Denver Water for its leadership in promoting partnerships that not only supply water to Denver citizens, but also promote stewardship of Colorado’s rivers as well.”

“Part of what makes Colorado an amazing state are our great cities, variety of recreational opportunities and beautiful natural environment. Denver Water is committed to continuing to collaboratively work together with partners from all sectors to keep our rivers healthy,” said Jim Lochhead, Denver Water CEO/manager. “We’re honored to receive the 2016 River Stewardship Award from Trout Unlimited and look forward to continuing our work with them in the future.”

As part of working with conservation organizations like TU, Denver Water has incorporated "Learning by Doing," a monitoring and adaptive management program to maintain and restore or enhance the aquatic environment. Under the LBD project, Denver Water has agreed to be flexible in delivering flows of water as well as invest in habitat and water quality restoration and conservation efforts.

The Learning by Doing initiative also incorporates the South Platte Protection Plan- an alternative to designating parts of the South Platte as a Wild and Scenic River after the Two Forks Dam veto. The South Platte Plan promoted collaboration among water suppliers, local governments, recreationists and conservationists. These groups worked together on managing flows, support investment in river-related values, and partnerships for water quality and watershed health. The Plan also inspired the creation of the Coalition for the Upper South Platte- a group that has helped direct millions of dollars into watershed restoration efforts.

Denver Water currently provides water supply to about 25 percent of Colorado's population with less than 2 percent of all the water used in the state. They have worked with customers to reduce water use by more than 20 percent over the past 10 years, despite a 10 percent increase in population.

Rendezvous Registration is Filling Up!

Register now to save your seat for the premier event for protecting Colorado's rivers and fish!! With an impressive line up of guest speakers and a full weekend planned for women, there is something for everyone at Colorado Trout Unlimited's Annual Rendezvous. This year we will be holding most of the weekend at the historic Hotel Colorado.

The theme for Rendezvous 2016 is Sportsmen; The Original Conservationist and for the first time we will be holding this event at the historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. To most sportsmen and women the sport of fishing or hunting is so much more than the hunt. It is the connection to the wild places that protect the game and the rivers that allow the fish to swim that makes the person coming back time after time. As sportsmen we have an obligation to protect these wild places and be stewards to the environment that surrounds us. This year at Rendezvous we will explore what it means to bring out the conservationist in all of us and learn how each individual can do their part in passing on our beautiful state to future generations.

Click the link below to see the agenda, the schedule for Women's Weekend, and to register.

https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/7023/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=80676

For questions please contact Stephanie Scott at sscott@tu.org or 720-354-2647

Flyathlon looks to add more events in 2016

By: Danielle Adams Three simple words.

Run. Fish. Beer.

Each might resonate individually to different folks, but there's a special breed out there who can see the true beauty in pursuing all three in the same day- and in unique circumstances- possibly all at once. 

As a seasoned runner himself, EPA fish biologist, Andrew Todd conceptualized and brought to life what has he considers the best triathlon ever. If a triathlon is defined as an athletic contest consisting of three different events, then the Rocky Mountain Flyathlon fits the bill- well if you count beer drinking as an athletic event.

By way of a course commencing with a scenic run in, followed by trail accessed fly fishing, ending in craft beer indulgence, Todd was able to combine several hobbies into one uniquely exciting event.

The rules remain very uncomplicated, yet yield the best outcomes to those who are the most avid strategists. Complete the prescribed trail run, catch a fish at any point during the run, take a picture of said fish on your race bib, and do it all as quickly as possible. The bigger the fish, the more time is taken off at the end of your run- with a special double bonus for catching a native cutthroat trout.

As a biologist and sportsman, Todd has made the imperative connection between conservation and the art of angling. He notes that restoration and conservation of trout habitat goes hand-in-hand with promoting fly fishing as sport. Through this event he has offered an alternative way for  fishermen and women to access especially rare trout watersheds- including native cutthroat waters.

Last year the Flyathlon sold-out with around 50 athletes who participated. The cap on the number of athletes is no accident. With education at the forefront, the conservation of the small stream fisheries that flyathletes will come in contact with, is kept in mind when assembling the cohort. Due to his background, Todd was able to recognized the potential danger in overwhelming these fish populations. The safety of the trout, habitat, and overall trail maintenance are fundamental to the Flyathlon mission, and overall goal of the event.

According to Todd, "relying on a crowdfunding model with our 501c3 partner Colorado Trout Unlimited, this past year, our flyathletes raised an incredible $22,200.  At least 50% of this money will be re-invested into projects to maintain and enhance the trails, creeks and fisheries within the range of the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, ensuring that our activity is sustainable into the future."

Todd has three events planned for 2016, including two events in Colorado, and one in northern Idaho, see below for more details about each event.

If you feel like you have what it takes to be a flyathlete, please visit the website at www.flyathlon.com to get on the email list. If your organization would like to partner with or sponsor the Rocky Mountain Flyathlon in order to increase their impact, please contact Andrew Todd directly at cutthroat@gmail.com.

2016 Flyathlon Events:

Flyathlon: Saguache (permit pending) Fishing Difficulty: EASY Running Difficulty: MODERATE When: August 12th-14th, 2016 Where: Saguache, CO Number of Participants:  60

Flyathlon: Gunnison (permit pending) Fishing Difficulty: MODERATE Running Difficulty: EASY When: Late September, 2016 (hold the 23rd-25th for now) Where: Gunnison, CO Number of Participants:  60

Flyathlon: Idaho (permit pending) Fishing Difficulty: TBD Running Difficulty: TBD When: Late July, 2016 Where: Northern Idaho Number of Participants:  30-50

Antiquities Act Report

The new Antiquities Act report features Colorado's newest National Monument: Browns Canyon! The full report highlights five new national monuments. Browns Canyon in Colorado, Rio Grande Del Norte and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks in New Mexico, Berryessa Snow Mountain in California, and Upper Missouri River Breaks in Montana.

Check out the full report here!

The report focuses on the great work that sportsmen and women did to help these places become protected from land development under the Antiquities Act of 1906. These newest monuments will be protected due to their historic or scientific interest. All of these area protect the habitat and populations of wild animals, have easy public access, and the management of fish and wildlife populations will be retained by state fish and wildlife agencies.

Coloradans worked for over 40 years to get the 21,586 acres of Browns Canyon protected. On February 19, 2015 President Obama backed up the work of hunters, anglers, and other recreation enthusiasts by designated Browns Canyon as a National Monument. the monument consists of 9,750 acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management and 11,836 acres of the San Isabel National Forest.

Along with sportsmen, Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennett and former Senator Mark Udall helped push for the newest National Monument in Washington.

The area is home to Gold Medal waters of the Arkansas as well as home to big game animals like bighorn sheep, elk. mule deer, and mountain lion. For non-sportsmen, the canyon contains world-class rafting and hiking trails.

2016 River Stewardship Gala

Join us for the 2016 River Stewardship Gala on March 10th at Mile High Station, in Denver. CTU members, supporters, and partners gather together to celebrate rivers and trout. Registration for the event is $100 a ticket and includes a reception with complimentary beer and wine, hors d'oeuvres, and a buffet dinner. The evening will include a silent auction for a chance to win great fishing packages, flies and gear and for the non-anglers, there are great cultural packages for nights out on-the-town.

Continue reading for a description of some of the great packages offered! More packages and prizes will continue to be added so please keep checking back.

Click here to register for the event!

This year we also proud to recognize our 2016 honoree, Denver Water, for their advances in water conservation and watershed stewardship their leadership in advancing water efficiency. They have also worked with conservation groups to improve conditions on the Colorado River through the "Learning by Doing" partnership. Twenty five years after the Two Forks veto, Denver Water is now working with former adversaries as partners on river stewardship.

Featured Trip: Kenai River Trip

Thanks to Tightlines Alaska and owner/guide Collin Papuga - an alumni of CTU's Youth River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp - up to four anglers will have the chance to enjoy a guided full day float trip to fish the Upper or Middle Kenai River. The package includes guide, rods and reels if needed, flies, and transportation to the launch site. The Upper Kenai River runs 17 miles long and is limited to drift boats as it flows through the Kenai National Widlife Refuge. The fishing pressure is minimal on this stretch of water and anglers for fish for rainbows, dolly varden, silver salmon, and sockeye salmon. The Middle Kenai River has more fishing pressure, however it's known for monster trout and dolly varden and is an anglers best shot at hooking a 30" trout! The package is valued at $1,000 and bidding will open at $600 at the Gala!

Featured Nonfishing Trip: Classical Music River Journey

Merging the arts with adventure, Bill Dvorak - Colorado's first rafting outfitter and a fifth-generation cousin of the famed composer - takes river enthuiasts with an "ear" on a once-in-a-lifetime journey down the Green River's spectacular Desolation and Gray canyons. The winning bidder will enjoy an eight day float (July 23-30) along with four to five members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic as they embrace the take in the majesty of the canyons and works of Bach, Beethoven, and many more. During the course of the float, guests will be able to listen to concerts performed in the slickrock canyons and open air nestled along Pondersoda pine and Douglas fir. The trip is a perfect chance to take in Utah's spectacular canyon scenery, read, relax, view wildlife, and listen to impromptu musical performances. The package includes rafting equipment, airfare from Grand Junction to the launch and van shuttle back from the takeout, and gourmet meals provided each day. "The trip is pampered, if not the most memorable sophisticated adventure you ever take," said Dvorak.  The price per person is $2,410; we will be offering passage for one guest with the bidding opening at just $1200.

Featured Trip: Madison Valley Ranch

The winner of the Madison Valley Ranch fishing package will enjoy a two night stay (including gourmet meals) at the ranch near Ennis, Montana, and two days of guided fishing - one day with MVR's guides on the Madison, and the second guided by Dave Kumlien (former owner of Montana Troutfitters) on the Madison or Yellowstone River. The package is for two anglers who will enjoy world-class fishing for rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and even native Montana whitefish. The lodge was endorsed as the 2015 Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year by Orvis and has luxury accommodations and amenities including a hot tub, satellite TV, and gourmet cuisine. The ranch is also home to a stocked pond where anglers can hone in their skills and fish for Kamloop Rainbows. The package retails for over $3000, and we will open bidding at the Gala at $1500.

Featured Gear: Fishpond Oxbow Chest/Backpack

New to to Fishpond's 2016 line, the Oxbow Chest/Backpack features a backpack with removable Savage Creek chest pack. The Oxbow combo item has padded and contoured back support to carry heavier loads and back air mesh to keep you cool while hiking or on the water. The pack includes two zip, out rod tube holders, D-ring attachment for a net and a compartment for a water bladder. The item is retailed at $190 but will be available at our silent auction starting at $100.

Featured Trip: Labrador Brook Trout Adventure

Enjoy a week-long fishing trip to Labrador, Canada for two anglers courtesy of Three Rivers Lodge. The package includes world-class fishing in the pristine Labrador Wilderness Area as well as accomodations in a private cabin and all meals. This wilderness adventure will take you into boreal forest, tundra and seemingly endless waters - all pure and unsullied. The Woods River system features over 100 miles of outstanding fishing opportunites for trophy Brook Trout, Northern Pike, and Lake Trout. The vast area is also home to black bears, bald eagles, and osprey. The package includes six fishing days and seven nights the Three Rivers Lodge's main camp fishing the Eagle River, Rick's Run and Victoria River upstream and the main Woods River downstream.  The package also includes two fly-outs on the river system for each angler.  This package is valued at nearly $12,000; the bidding will open at $7,000.

Featured Trip: the Spectacular Gunnison Gorge

Thanks to the folks at RIGS Adventure Company, we are featuring one of Colorado's signature fishing experiences: a Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Float for two anglers. With this package, you and a guest will experience a 3-day, 2-night guided float down the Gunnison River through the Black Canyon- a stretch of water that is featured in Chris Santella's 50 Places to Fish Before You Die and one of Colorado's true don't-miss Gold Medal fly fishing desintations. Along with the world class fishing, the winner of this item will enjoy spectacular views, wildlife encounters, and a first-rate guide to help you make the most of your experience.  You'll start with a moderately strenuous hike into the Gorge then enjoy three days floating through a spectacular, unspoiled canyon wilderness fishing for large, feisty trout.  The package includes meals, group camping equipment and cot, and transportation to and from the river, and is valid for dates in May or September 2016. The package is worth over $5,500; at the Gala, the starting bid will be $3,500.