Simple Conservation Tips for Any Angler

By: Ameen Hosain As stewards of passion for the outdoors and as people who experience nature to the fullest, anglers should have a great appreciation for what the sport of fly fishing has to offer.

The environments that fishermen rely on offer much beauty and are fragile ecosystems that have been around for many years before our time.  These ecosystems are all valuable, and though most anglers treat them with respect, humans often have a large impacts on rivers and their surrounding wildlife areas- a lot of times the impact is unknown.

Conservation takes time and effort and can be done if a variety of ways.  As anglers it is our duty to help maintain wildlife and habitat as much as possible, and there are many things we can do both on and off the river to ensure the health of our waters.

For example, some waters contain what are called Aquatic Nuisance species, or invasive species that can have a negative impact on waters they are found in. These species are not native to Colorado Waters and have no natural competitors or predators that can stop their migrations That's why it's up to humans to maintain these species and keep them from spreading to waters all over.

Something that contributes to the spread of these unwanted species is the large number of wading boots with felt soles. These boots help aid in traction on the slippery surfaces found in rivers.  Felt is very absorbent and dries rather slowly, and can thus absorb and carry invasive species from river to river with the angler.  It's recommended not to and in some states illegal to use felt bottomed wading boots, because of the possibility of spreading Aquatic Nuisance species to new healthy waters.  On the contrary rubber soled boots reduce the impact anglers have on waters because they do not absorb water or hold invasive species.

To help keep waters invasive species free, it is always a good idea to spray down waders and let them dry completely in order to remove anything that may have stuck to them while wading. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has an Angler Cleaning card that offers suggestions on how to safely clean wading gear.

While fishing, anglers can do their part to protect the fish they so often seek by using barbless hooks, taking home any discarded tippet material,and properly releasing caught fish.

Barbed flies often wreak havoc on the inside of a fish’s mouth, and even when removed properly can cause lasting damage that alters a fish’s ability to eat and breath. Barbless hooks offer almost harmless removal and are a better choice in any circumstance. If barbless flies are not available, barbs on hooks can be crimped down using a pair of small pliers- a simple yet effective way to make sure fish experience less harm when hooked.

Tippet material is made of either monofilament or fluorocarbon, both of which are plastic materials and both of which take a very long time to decompose.  Much like any other plastics, this material can be considered litter and any pieces no matter how small may have a negative impact on the environment. As an angler, one should carry a small bag to discard any leftover material, in order to reduce the amount of litter and unwanted plastics that get into water systems.

The most important part of ensuring a fish’s survival after being caught is the way in which it is released.  Many anglers like to take photos as a way of documenting a day’s catch, however more often than not this requires a fish to be lifted out of the water for an extended period of time.  Fish are exhausted after fighting an angler, and if left out of the water for even a short period following a fight, can have their chances of survival severely reduced.  Thus it is best to keep a fish in the water as much as possible, with a photo being taken swiftly- holding the fish only a few inches above the water.

It is also essential that a fish be revived completely before allowing it to swim away.  Face a fish upstream and hold it still, allowing water to flow through the gills of the fish.  It is often assumed that moving a fish back and forth in the water allows it to breathe better.  The opposite is actually true, as a fish is only able to breathe while moving forward, not backwards.  A proper release is highly important in a fish’s ability to survive.

Recognizing Redds Can Help Sustain Healthy Trout Populations

By: Ameen Hosain As an angler it is often easy to forget the true value of the fish one is trying to catch.  In streams and rivers, trout must go through a long, and daunting process in order to sustain populations.  Naturally reproducing fish endure tiring days, where males endlessly compete with each other for territory and where females work extremely hard to create and protect the right environment for eggs to be laid and fertilized.

During spawning seasons, especially in waters with naturally reproducing fish, one of the most important and often unnoticed ways that anglers have an effect on trout populations is by disturbing trout on spawning redds.

When anglers have a lack of knowledge regarding what redds look like, as well as the purpose they serve, it increases the chance of disturbing the redds and ultimately harming the stream's trout population.

Locating trout redds can often be a difficult task, however there are a few things to look for before stepping into the water, or when observing fish.  The first and most telling sign of redd is a section of bright, clean gravel in shallow water (seen right).  Female fish will turn over gravel to create hospitable areas to lay their eggs. This process in itself consumes much of a fish’s energy and by stepping on or disturbing these gravel beds, a fish’s energy goes to waste.

Another telltale sign indicating a redd is a pair of fish swimming very close together- almost always on top of a recently created gravel bed.  These fish are a pair, one male and one female, with the female protecting her laid eggs, and the male attempting to fertilize them.  This male can often be observed voraciously defending his position, frequently chasing off other fish who are attempting to take his hard earned place at the female’s side.

Choosing whether or not to fish to spawning trout is an issue that sees much debate, however with conservation in mind, it is highly recommended to leave these fish alone.  In the act of spawning, fish expend large amounts of energy and are exhausted.  Hooking into these trout will often leave them much too tired, with mortality rates highly escalated even after a safe release.

In waters where trout rely on the spawning process to survive, harming fish can have a profound effect on populations, resulting in lowered fish counts, and less productive fisheries.  Anglers fishing in wild waters should pay close attention to spawning seasons, and steer clear of fish attempting to spawn.  Doing so will aid in maintaining healthy fish populations, as well as ensure that there are wild fish to catch far into the future.

Current Water Levels in Colorado

By: Ameen Hosain In the past years Colorado has experienced large fluctuations in water levels and rainfall, and thus has caused officials to encourage people who use large amounts of water to be conscious and responsible in monitoring water usage.

The above average snowfall levels in the state this past winter in combination with efficient water usage have had great effects on water levels in reservoirs across the state.  According to Denver Water, the reservoirs in the Denver area are close to 91 percent full as of May 24, a percentage that is 6 percent higher than the average levels at this time of year in the past.

This increased water level is expected to continue well into the summer months, with snow melt flows just beginning to make their way into local waters. Reservoirs are predicted to be at or past 100 percent capacity in the coming days, something that will have nothing but positive effects for both wildlife, and people using waters for recreation. Denver water thus encourages those who use water to continue being responsible with usage in order to maintain healthy water levels for the remainder of the year.

This responsible water usage has resulted in changed regulations regarding the collection of rainwater, with laws now allowing Colorado residents to collect up to 110 gallons for use in watering lawns and gardens.  If not one who collects rainwater, another way to assist in the maintenance of healthy water levels is to pay close attention to sprinkler systems; making sure to turn off systems when it rains, and ensuring that they are only used a maximum of three times a week.  These things are easy to do and are highly recommended by Denver Water in order to keep Colorado’s reservoirs in good shape.

Catch a Pike, Save Native Fish

Colorado Parks and Wildlife along with Colorado Water Conservation Board have given anglers an opportunity to catch pike, make money and save native fish. Several years ago, Green Mountain Reservoir was illegally stocked with Northern Pike- a predatory fish that feeds on trout among other species. State biologists are now concerned that the Pike will move out of Green Mountain Reservoir and into the Blue River that confluences with The Colorado River.

The reach of the Colorado River that concerns biologists and conservationists is federally listed as critical habitat that is home to the state's endangered native fishes - the Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, razorback sucker and bonytail.

"Northern pike are aggressive predators with big appetites and if their population continues to grow in Green Mountain Reservoir, that will have profound impact on the fish we have stocked there, as well as potential impacts to the endangered native fish we are currently trying to recover," said CPW's Jon Ewert, aquatic biologist from Hot Sulphur Springs.

In order to combat the Northern Pike potentially moving downstream, CPW  created the Green Mountain Reservoir Angler Harvest Incentive Package. Beginning Thursday, May 26, the program will give anglers the opportunity to earn $20 for every northern pike caught in the reservoir and delivered to Heeney Marina.

To participate, anglers must bring their northern pike to the Heeney Marina along with their driver’s license and fishing license. CPW will keep fish heads for analysis, returning the body of the fish to the anglers. Anglers not wishing to keep northern pike can donate their catch to the Marina for later distribution.

For more information, contact CPW's Hot Sulphur Springs office at 970-725-6200.

CTU Youth Camp

By: Ameen Hosain Engaging the next generation of anglers and conservationists is a top priority for Colorado TU’s mission and purpose. CTU does this by using the sport of fly fishing to show the importance of conserving and sustaining natural and healthy rivers.

For the past 10 years, Colorado Trout Unlimited has been the proud host of the River Conservation and Fly fishing youth camp, a five day wilderness camp targeting promising youth, who have interest in the sport of fly fishing, as well as interest in the conservation goals and values of Trout Unlimited.

At the Youth Camp, participants are presented with the opportunity to learn from many experts in the various fields of conservation and fly fishing. This information will one day allow and inspire these kids to become the next generation of fishermen and stewards who care for the environment that anglers and other recreationists get to experience every day.  

With a heavy importance placed upon the conservation and protection of Colorado’s great waters and wildlife areas, the students will learn the basics of conservation from various, well recognized, and respected organizations. Partners like, the US Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, all help teach various lessons.  Classes and seminars with these organizations often include intensive, hands-on learning in fields such as stream ecology, entomology, and hydrology.  Campers then get to put what they have learned into action, participating in a real-world conservation project.  In previous years, this project has involved stream restoration on a stretch of the Purgatoire River running through Trinidad, Colorado.

Though conservation is the overall theme of the camp, Trout Unlimited is an organization that revolves around the sport of fly fishing, and thus the camp also includes numerous opportunities for campers to both learn and participate in every aspect of the sport from fly tying to fish handling.  Campers of all skill levels are invited to create a friendly and fun learning environment where many fish are caught on rivers, small streams and stillwaters  Students are given a plethora of fishing opportunities and are offered fly tying materials, as well as instructions on tying, casting, and all that fly fishing entails from the highly experienced volunteer staff consisting of fly fishing guides and enthusiasts.

The staff at TU and the volunteers involved with the Youth Camp all do their best to find a location that all campers will feel comfortable in and that campers will enjoy to the fullest.  For the past three years, and for the upcoming 2016 camp, this location is the Bar N I ranch, located just south of Weston Colorado.  

Embedded in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this ranch offers campers a beautiful location to learn and fish in.  With ponds stocked with healthy trout scattered across the property, it is the perfect place for beginners of the sport to catch their first or hundredth fish.  The ranch also offers numerous high mountain lakes that campers are invited to utilize, as well as a healthy high mountain stream that holds populations of wild fish.  The welcoming staff and volunteers combined with this beautiful location create a memorable experience for all involved, and offer campers the opportunity of a lifetime.

For over a decade, the camp has helped create a body of youthful and environmentally minded individuals capable of carrying the views and objectives of Trout Unlimited far into the future. Camp alumni have gone on to work in the outdoor industry as guides, environmentalists and educators that utilize the lessons they learned from the CTU River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp.

Legislation for Thompson Divide Brings Needed Attention

Congressman Scott Tipton released a draft bill in April addressing the ongoing lease conflicts in the Thompson Divide. The bill would allow companies with oil and gas leases in the divide to trade their holdings for similar plots elsewhere in Colorado. The bill is a good start, but does not provide permanent protection for the Divide. . “Permanent protection of the Thompson Divide is the most critical issue for sportsmen and anglers that use the area,” said Tyler Baskfield, Colorado Sportsman Coordinator for Trout Unlimited. “While we are open to a legislative solution to the lease conflicts, we cannot support a proposal that would lead to impacts in other valuable habitat and leave the Thompson Divide susceptible to being leased again in 15 years.”

Thompson Divide is a wildlife haven for big game habitat and is home to designated “outstanding waters” that contain healthy populations of native cutthroat trout. While some of the acreage being proposed for new leases is in areas with relatively low fish and wildlife values compared to the Thompson Divide, other acreage contains important big game hunting habitat and cutthroat trout streams. The draft bill does not address potential protections for this habitat.

“Ultimately, we might be able to support an exchange into the proposed areas so long as sportsmen and anglers are comfortable with protections on the new leases and the areas outside the leases that would be permanently protected. We have not yet had the opportunity to weigh in on the draft bill but are hopeful that Congressmen Tipton will be receptive to our concerns," said Baskfield.

Although the bill doesn't address protection for the Divide, TU and Back Country Hunters and Anglers appreciate the attention for the Thompson Divide and the momentum created by the draft.

“While Congressman Tipton's draft legislation is not yet a viable solution, we appreciate his attention to the Thompson Divide area and look forward to working with him and other stakeholders to include language that will prioritize the important fish and wildlife values of the Thompson Divide and address other conservation opportunities that sportsmen and women have been advocating for with local leaders to promote balance and secure meaningful, lasting safeguards,” said Tim Brass, State Policy Manager for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

The legislation will be discussed at a special meeting of the Garfield County Board of Commissioners Wednesday, April 13 at 2 p.m. The meeting will take place at 108 8th Street, Suite 100, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.

What's in a name?

We've all heard of them- the Animas, Cache La Poudre, Cimarron, Yampa, Purgatoire, Uncompahgre. All of these Colorado rivers are household names throughout the state. We all say them, most of know where they are located, but what's up with the names? Most rivers are named after a town or a physical location (Colorado River, Gunnison River). Other's are named after the individuals who first recorded their discovery of the river or the leader who sent them on their exploration.

But some rivers have unusual names with unusual histories. Stories that have been told for centuries still resonate through their unique names.

The Animas River near Durango, Colorado got it's name from in 1765 from Spanish explorer Juan Maria de Rivera. When Maria De Rivera went in search of gold from Sante Fe, his group was haunted by the empty ruins of pueblo dwellings. Thus, they decided to name the river, "Rio de las Animas Perdidas" meaning River of Lost Souls. The Animas also runs through other Aztec, Ute and Navajo lands that have sense been "lost".

Cache La Poudre River has it's headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park and flows east from the Continental Divide. The river has supplied mining and railroad camps, cities, towns and agriculture throughout northern Colorado for centuries. But what does Cache La Poudre mean? In the 1820's French explorers were caught in a tremendous snow storm along the headwaters of the river. In order to lighten their load, they had to bury substantial amounts of gun powder along the river banks. The burying of the powder gave the water it's name, Cache La Poudre or "Hide the Powder."

The Cimarron River get it's name from early Spanish Explorers who named the water "Río de los Carneros Cimarrón" translating to "River of the Wild Sheep." Given for the large amounts of big horn sheep that explorers found along the river. Early American Explorers called the same river, "The Red Fork of the Arkansas" due it's color from the red clay banks.

The Yampa River is a tributary of the Green River which then flows into the Colorado River. The name Yampa was coined by John C Freemont who noticed the large amounts of Perideridia plants along the banks of the River.

While some rivers have names from their explorers, others have interesting stories behind their name. The name could come from an event along the water, like the Purgatoire River- meaning purgatory, named by French explorers after they saw Spanish Explorers killed by a native tribe. Or it could come from the sightings explorers noticed, like the Umcompahgre- which means "Dirty Water" in Ute because of the off color of the water.

All of these river names are known to Coloradans and anglers alike, but the history behind the naming of their favorite river is known to few.

Keep Fish Cool

The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) is considering a state policy change that would increase the "standard" temperature for trout streams throughout the state. Proposed changes brought forth by the Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) would put many trout fisheries at risk including spawning periods. In order for trout to function properly, they need the water temperature to be between the ranges of 40-65 degrees. Some species- primarily the ones found in higher elevations like the cutthroat trout- are more sensitive to temperature changes and have a chronic limit of 60 degrees. When the water temperature falls within the trouts preferred range, the trout can no longer feed, grow or move properly.

As the water becomes warmer, there becomes less dissolved oxygen available. Conversely, when the water cools, more oxygen is available and the fish can feed and move comfortably. Trout species require 4-5 times more dissolved oxygen when the water temperature is out of their preferred range than when the water is close to 40 degrees.

The changes proposed by the WQCD will increase the "standard" temperature in trout streams, causing their stress levels to increase and ultimately cause issues in their feeding, growing and movement.

These potential changes would allow higher elevation streams to reach 63 degrees- 3 degrees over the chronic limit for sensitive coldwater species. For middle elevation streams (the most common streams), the limit will be raised to 65 degrees, just about the chronic limit for most trout species in Colorado.

The potentially higher temperature standards would be allowed during the months of April to November- during the months of Rainbow and Brown spawning seasons when the fish are more sensitive and susceptible to changes in their environment. For more information regarding these changes, check out the report: Fish in Hot Water? by Mindi May and Ashley Rust.

Changes being proposed are potential, but the fish need our help. Trout Unlimited is conducting a Citizen Science for anglers throughout the state to record stream temperature, species, presence of redds (if possible) and photos to present to the WQCD. To conduct the Citizen Science form, visit the Google Doc created by Ashley Rust or submit findings to AshleyRust@gmail.com

The hearing will be on June 13 at 9:30 at the Department of Public Health. Along with our Citizen Science data, we want Trout Unlimited members, supporters and anglers to be there showing their support for our trout and the cold water they call home.

Defending Colorado's Water Quality

A trout’s most fundamental need is cold, clean water. Protecting that resource is a key part of Colorado Trout Unlimited’s mission and it has led us to engage in rulemaking efforts before the Water Quality Control Commission. This June, the Commission will be revising its “basic standards” for statewide water quality protection. One of the key standards for protecting trout is water temperature. Unfortunately, the staff of the Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) has proposed changes in the temperature standards that could put many fisheries at risk. They are looking to weaken temperature standards both in terms of transition periods between summer and winter, and based on elevation as a transition from high to lower quality trout waters. The seasonal shift could leave streams with no meaningful temperature standards during four months of the year which happen to be trout spawning and egg incubation periods - the most sensitive life stages. While the elevation-based approach could weaken standards for rivers at elevations seen on great trout rivers like the Colorado at State Bridge, the South Platte at Deckers, and the Poudre Canyon.

In partnership with other conservation groups, Trout Unlimited has brought on water quality expert Ashley Rust as a consultant to provide technical support. Her work has already demonstrated flaws in the data selection and analysis used for the WQCD’s proposal. We are working closely with scientists at Colorado Parks and Wildlife as well, who share TU’s concerns.

The concept of addressing transitional points both seasonally and on streams moving from colder to warmer natural conditions make sense – but whereas Colorado’s original temperature standards were the product of a multi-year collaborative process and rigorous data analysis, this proposal has been rushed by the WQCD at the 11th hour, and that has led to a proposal that is not based on strong science and which will not protect trout. TU will continue to fight this effort throughout the hearing process.

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.