Bringing in a New Audience

As TU leaders, we recognize the importance of diversity among our membership - not just in the sense of racial or gender identity (both are important, of course), but age, financial status, social, education, and ability as well.  Sometimes it can be difficult to find creative ways of bringing new folks in the door, but the Grand Valley Anglers Chapter of TU is determined to "think outside of the flybox".  Their story of engaging new audiences (including First Responders) is below: "Thinking Outside of the Flybox"

By: Ben Bloodworth, President, Grand Valley Angers TU

If you have been involved with Trout Unlimited for very long, then you have probably noticed that the faces around you don’t change very much - and they likely often bear a striking resemblance to your own. Nationwide, TU is struggling not only to increase and sustain membership, but to expand that membership to include a more diverse community (whether that means racial, social, gender, age, or financial diversity). So, we in Grand Valley Anglers (Grand Junction Chapter #319) have been trying some new ideas that have been paying off.

While fly fishing films like F3T and IF4 (if you don’t know those acronyms, I recommend looking them up and becoming familiar with them) are a great way to reach new and often younger audiences, we took it a step further. We worked with the local fly shop (Western Anglers) to initiate the West Slope’s first ever Iron Fly series.

If you are unfamiliar with Iron Fly, it is an event where tiers sign up to compete in various rounds of fly tying. They are all given the same set of “ingredients” and are challenged to tie the best fly possible in a certain amount of time. While the materials they are given are typically non-traditional and demanding of creative thought, there are also additional stumbling blocks thrown into the mix (like tying blindfolded, with one hand, or using another person’s vise) that demand the tiers’ utmost attention. All this happens with a lively audience, prizes and door-prizes between rounds, and the occasional adult beverage.

We have been having these events during the winter for a couple of years now and they have attracted as many as 80 folks in a night, and gotten our mission and information about other Chapter events/activities to an entirely new and engaged crowd. Of course blowing it up on social media (Instagram and Facebook in particular) also plays a huge part in drawing in the younger crew.

And from a completely different perspective, we started using our summer picnics as opportunities to reach a different group. At various times we invite certain target groups to our summer picnics to not only enjoy some tasty burgers (GVA provides) and potluck-style sides, but an opportunity to learn to cast a fly rod. We have used these opportunities for veterans and women, but last year worked with the local law enforcement community (starting months in advance) to give police officers and their families a chance to cast a rod and learn about who we are. At last summer’s event we had almost two-dozen police-affiliated attendees, and many more GVA members than usual, and had a great time casting into hula-hoops at a local State Park. We received great feedback after the event from both participating officers (one who was learning to cast in full uniform) and our Chapter members. We are planning to expand this concept in the future to fire departments, teachers, and hospital staff, taking the opportunity to not only get new folks involved in TU, but to let these dedicated members of our community know that we appreciate all they do for us on a daily basis.

This fall we are holding our first ever women’s fly fishing day at a local winery in Palisade, Colorado. This entirely women-led event will combine new ladies’ thirst for fly fishing knowledge and know-how with their thirst for some tasty Colorado wine. Carlson Vineyards (who also donates wine for our film events) is graciously hosting this event of wine tasting and learning about all things fly fishing, including TU. And, in an aim to not only help attendees but hopefully involve them more with TU moving forward, we are holding a separate casting-day for any attendees who wish to come out and work more with Chapter members. The only negative feedback we have gotten thus far is from men who want to get free wine while talking fly fishing!

Stay tuned to reports from Corinne Doctor (heading up the CTU Diversity Initiative) in the future to hear how this and other CTU diversification events around the state are going.

If you have any questions about the logistics involved in some of these ventures, or have something that your Chapter is doing that could benefit GVA members, please shoot me an email at grandvalleyanglers319@gmail.com.

Preventing Aquatic Nuisance Species

Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) pose a significant threat to Colorado’s waterways.  These species can cause considerable damage to water infrastructure, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. As anglers, it is important for us to recognize that the “Clean, Drain, and Dry” slogan doesn’t just apply to speedboats and Skidoos. We spend considerable time in and near bodies of water in this state, and that means we need to be very careful how we clean and dry our own equipment.  Fortunately, every time we head to the river or sit in the blind, we don’t have to wait in line to get cleared by a CPW inspector, or carry around white tags that confirm our wading boots are clean.  But with this freedom comes great responsibility.

Just before a recent conservation project, CTU was asked by a volunteer, “what is the best method is to ‘decontaminate’ my waders?” Surprisingly, the answer to the question wasn't straight forward because there are various techniques that can sometimes work better than others based on various conditions. So we at CTU decided to provide the most recent information we could find on the ANS threats in Colorado, where they exist, and the best methods to prevent their spread.

Aquatic Nuisance Species Threats to Colorado

Whirling Disease (WD)

A parasitic condition that affects the soft cartilage of young fish – eventually leading to deformity and possible death.  The parasite will reproduce in two stages: first, it will infect a host (usually a common bottom-dwelling tubifex worm); and second, it will release spores from the infected host (through the water or if a fish eats the worm) that will cling to susceptible fish.

Where it’s found:

WD was discovered in Colorado in the 1980s and now exists in 20 states around the country.  It has been found in 13 of the 15 major river drainages in Colorado, including the: Colorado, Gunnison, South Platte, Arkansas, and Rio Grande, as well as a number of state hatcheries.

How it spreads:

WD typically spreads through infected hosts (usually fish) that are introduced into new water.

Hatcheries in Colorado are beginning to successfully eliminate it from their operations and have strict stocking policies in place to prevent the spread of WD.

The tubifex worms and spores can be carried on equipment and debris that is transported from one body of water to another.

Zebra and Quagga mussels

Native to Eastern Europe, these mussels have no natural predators in the United States and can reproduce rapidly.  Heavy infestations can clog water infrastructure and displace native aquatic wildlife.

Where it’s found:

After being discovered in the Great Lakes in 1988, major initiatives have been put in place to keep these ANS from infecting major lakes and reservoirs in the West.

There are currently no waters in Colorado with confirmed populations of Quagga or Zebra Mussels.  That being said, there have been some occurrences where larvae was discovered at: Pueblo Reservoir State Park, Granby Reservoir, Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Willow Creek Reservoir, Tarryall Reservoir and Jumbo Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir, and (recently) Green Mountain Reservoir.

How it spreads:

These mussels are spread primarily by trailered watercraft, but can also be spread by boats, equipment, waders, boots, bait buckets, and live wells.

New Zealand Mud Snails

These snails are voracious eaters that can reproduce rapidly – negatively impacting insect larvae, native snails, and fish populations.

Where it’s found:

New Zealand Mudsnail was most recently discovered in Chatfield Reservoir in 2015.

2013 - Fountain Creek in Colorado Springs.

2012 - Spinney Mountain State Park (similar to the previous year's detection in neighboring Eleven Mile Reservoir State Park)

2011 - East Delaney Buttes State Wildlife Area and College Lake, CSU, Fort Collins.

2010 - South Delaney Buttes State Wildlife Area, and two sites within the City of Boulder along Dry Creek.

The invasive snail was first found in Colorado in 2004 in Boulder Creek, the South Platte River below Eleven Mile dam and the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument.

How it spreads:

This snail clings to waders, boots, boats, dogs, and any other gear that enters the water or can hold debris.  The Mudsnail can produce asexually, meaning that even one individual can start a whole infestation.

Other Invasive species prioritized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife are:

Waterflea and Eurasian Watermilfoil

Prevent the Spread!

Please do your part to help keep these harmful species out of Colorado’s waterways by keeping your gear clean and educating others.  Below are the best practices for preventing the spread of invasive species with input from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Orvis, and Simms.

General Principles to Prevent the Spread of ANS in Colorado:

INSPECT – be sure to visually inspect all of your equipment for mud and debris that can carry ANS.

CLEAN – be sure to scrub and remove all mud and debris from your equipment.

DRY – most ANS cannot survive extend periods of time out of the water, so make sure you dry all of your gear in-between trips.

Top Four Methods for Cleaning/Decontaminating Gear (ranked in order of effectiveness by CPW)

Hot Water Bath – after removing all debris from gear, place in hot water (140° F) for at least 10 minutes.

Chemicals and Detergents – submerge gear in a quaternary ammonia-based cleaner (6oz/gallon of water) for at least 20 minutes.

NOTE: Do NOT use bleach-based cleaners (i.e. 409) on your waders, as the chemicals will corrode the waterproof materials on your equipment.  Simms recommends using a mild powder detergent with as little added fragrances or fabric softeners as possible.

Freezing – most ANS cannot survive extremely cold temperatures, so freezing gear (in a bag) overnight can be effective.

Drying – All gear should be dried as much as possible before being used again, but from a decontamination standpoint, equipment will need to dry for at least 10 days (note: some snails can survive for longer periods of time out of water).

Photo Credits: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Additional Resources:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Brochure

Colorado Parks and Wildlife ANS

Clean Angler Information

Orvis Video on Proper Cleaning Techniques

Behind the Fin: Anna Drexler-Dreis

Join us "behind the fin" with TU volunteer Anna Dexler-Dreis from Grand County. How long have you been a TU member?

I've been a member for 4 years. I joined once I moved to Grand County and started learning about water issues on the western slope.

Why did you become a member and what chapter are you involved with?

I'm a member of the Colorado River Headwaters Chapter. My entire life has been shaped by water. I grew up running and hiking along the shores of Lake Michigan and Cape Cod. Every time I move or travel to a new place, I seek out the closest water body and get lost near it. Water is life. Once I moved to Grand County, I started becoming involved in the local land trust. Since the land trust works to protect vital water rights, I knew becoming a TU member would be a natural fit. Plus, the Chapter President, Kirk Klancke, is legend here in Grand County.

What made you want to become involved with TU?

There were a few reasons I wanted to become involved with TU. First, Learning by Doing was heating up in Grand County, and in the beginning there was a lot of confusion about why Grand County was collaborating with the east slope water diverters. I wanted to go straight to the source to better understand this new west-east slope partnership. Second, the land trust I work for was starting to get more active in using conservation easements to protect vital water rights. I knew becoming a TU board member would be an asset to the land trust. Plus, my love for water has been strong throughout my entire life. Post-undergrad, I wanted to remain involved in water conservation.

What is your favorite activity or project that you have done with TU?

This past spring, I organized the vegetation component of the Fraser Flats River Habitat Project. The goal was to re-vegetate a 0.9-mile stretch of the Fraser River with willows and cottonwoods. In partnership with private and public entities, Denver Water, Learning by Doing, TU, and other funders and supporters, the community successfully planted thousands of willow stems and 90 Kremmling cottonwoods on the banks of the Fraser River. My favorite part of this project was that 150 volunteers came out to help over three days. It was amazing to see such huge community support!

I know you won’t tell me your top spot, so what is your second favorite fishing spot or favorite fishing story?

I only started fly fishing 5 or 6 years ago. My true passion is backpacking, so I love fishing small streams and alpine lakes for cutthroat and brook trout. My favorite fishing story is probably the first time I caught a fish on a fly rod when I was backpacking in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. I got so excited when I hooked a tiny brook trout that I reeled the fish all the way up to the tip of the rod and pop! off it fell. Exhilarating!

What does being a part of TU mean to you?

It means being involved in a special community of people who share my passion to protect our rivers, streams, and lakes. It also means that I get to organize amazing projects like the Fraser Flats River Habitat Project. Not only do I love being on the local TU board, I love attending events TU puts on. We have great support for TU here in Grand County.

Beyond being an awesome angler, what else do you do in your spare time or for work?

Besides working at Colorado Headwaters Land Trust, I love to play outdoors. My favorite activities are backpacking and gardening. But, in the past few years I have started getting into rafting. I think my boyfriend only taught me how to row so he could fish all day while I moved us downriver. Some of my favorite rafting trips have been the Smith River in Montana and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho.

Parks & Wildlife Commission Approves Poudre Protections for NISP Plan

On September 7, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved the Fish and Wildlife Mitigation and Enhancement Plans for the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) in the Cache la Poudre (Poudre) basin. Colorado TU and the local Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter supported the final plans, which had been revised to address several key concerns raised by TU earlier in the public comment process. The plans now move to the Colorado Water Conservation Board for final approval. It is important to note that in supporting these plans, neither the Commission nor TU have endorsed the NISP project itself.  Rather, the state mitigation review process is designed to identify “reasonable” mitigation measures, as well as possible enhancements, that can help protect fish and wildlife resources should the project be constructed.  Federal permitting – still faced by NISP – is where the fundamental need for the project must be demonstrated and alternatives considered that may be less damaging to the environment. The state mitigation plans do not “authorize” a project, but they do help provide a recommended “floor” of protective measures that should be implemented if a water project is authorized by federal permits.

The NISP project, proposed by Northern Water, consists of two off-channel reservoirs: Glade Reservoir, northwest of Fort Collins, and Galeton Reservoir northeast of Greeley. It uses in-basin water, including the Grey Mountain project water rights that were once proposed for a mainstem reservoir in the Poudre Canyon. Galeton Reservoir facilitates down-river water exchanges, while Glade is focused on capturing peak and shoulder season flows – meaning that key impacts of concern include the loss of periodic flushing flows and overbank flows that help sustain riparian communities.

Key provisions of the Mitigation & Enhancement Plans that will benefit fishery resources on the Poudre River include:

• Base flows. A “conveyance refinement” plan to improve base flow conditions on the Poudre through most of Ft Collins, by delivering storage releases from Glade Reservoir through the river (rather than through pipelines) for about 12 river miles, to the ultimate point of diversion for delivery to the end-use cities. Under this plan, 18 cfs (winter) and 25 cfs (summer) would be delivered through the river and shepherded through diversions that currently divert 100% of the river’s flow – creating dry up points on the river during winter.  The plan will use NISP deliveries to sustain base flows year-round and eliminate those dry up points.
• Fish passage. Retrofit of four cross-channel diversions on the Poudre that currently do not allow fish passage or sediment transport. The fish/sediment passage improvements will reconnect river habitat, as well as facilitating the base flow bypasses for the “conveyance refinement” plan.
• Habitat improvement.  Northern Water has committed to completing 2.4 miles of river channel and habitat improvements along the Poudre.  In addition, they will place another $5 million in escrow for use on other river improvement projects that are identified under a to-be-developed collaborative habitat improvement plan for the river. Another $1 million is allocated to support that planning and design process.
• Peak flows & ramping rates. CPW and Northern developed a decision-tree approach to peak flows under which different levels of peak flows will bypass the NISP diversion into Glade Reservoir depending on reservoir storage levels and snowpack conditions, as well as how recently the river has received a flushing flow.  The plan helps ensure that some flush is provided even in multi-year droughts, while including a bypass of the river’s full peak flow - however high it may be - for three days during wetter periods. Increasing releases to the peak flow, and decreasing them on the tail end of it, will be implemented with a gradual “ramping rate” to avoid harmful effects to fish (such as stranding of fish out of the baseflow channel if those areas are dried up by rapidly dropping flows).  TU had recommended changes to the original draft plans to incorporate ramping rates and to address flushing flows during multi-year dry periods; the final plan incorporated changes addressing both concerns.
• Adaptive management. Many elements of the plan (ramping rates, flushing flow program, habitat improvements) will be guided by a multi-stakeholder adaptive management process that will monitor conditions and help make adjustments where needed to ensure the effectiveness of the mitigation and enhancement measures. Similar to the “Learning by Doing” efforts in the Upper Colorado, this adaptive management program will ensure that efforts are informed by monitoring results and adjusted where needed. TU had recommended this program be maintained in perpetuity; the final plan calls for the program to continue for 20 years following full NISP operations (likely 25-30 years from original completion of the project) after which coordination would shift to a broader watershed coalition process that would incorporate partners and projects beyond just NISP.

“This is only the first step of several reviews that NISP must address and there are too many unanswered questions for us to yet support or oppose the project itself,” said CTU Executive Director David Nickum, “But we do support these plans and are pleased that they will assure a minimum base of protection for the Poudre’s fisheries should the project be constructed. We thank Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff for their diligence and Northern Water for their responsiveness to our and CPW’s recommendations.”

The low-flow measures are of particular importance for the Poudre’s trout fisheries from the canyon mouth through Fort Collins. “The conveyance flow program is significant to the fishery and aquatic life because it keeps water in the river on a year round basis,” said CPW biologist Ken Kehmeier.  Base flows of at least 20 cfs were recommended at Lincoln Street in Ft Collins under a River Health Assessment Framework developed for the Poudre. Under current baseline conditions (without NISP), that flow is met 52% of the time. With the proposed mitigation plan, that baseflow target will be met 97% of the time. “The conveyance flow will significantly benefit the aquatic life in the river during the low flow times of the year,” Kehmeier said.

Rocky Mountain Flycasters Youth Day Camp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Standing Strong: Clean Water for Colorado Rally

Coloradans turned out in force (and in full voice) for a Clean Water for Colorado rally in downtown Denver on Tuesday, August 22.  The event was put together by TU and other conservation groups, as well as local outdoor businesses such as RepYourWater, Confluence Kayaks and Down River Equipment. The rally—right across the street from the regional EPA building—sent a clear, loud message to the EPA and elected officials back in D.C.: Coloradans care about clean water. The rally in Denver was in response to the EPA's proposal to repeal the 2015 Clean Water Rule that clarified that smaller seasonal and headwater streams and wetlands are protected under the original Clean Water Act. While the 2015 Rule has been somewhat controversial in certain water circles, the need to maintain clear, logical protections for our headwater streams and wetlands is straightforward. To protect water quality downstream, you need to start from the source upstream.

The message from this week's rally was not to simply support the 2015 rule, but to remind politicians and EPA administrators that a significant percentage of Colorado's economy relies on healthy river ecosystems. As such, there is a clear line that can be drawn between clean water and economic benefits.

Among the speakers was Corinne Doctor of RepYourWater. Her remarks to the crowd echoed the importance of maintaining healthy streams in order to support the economy on which her business relies.

“The Clean Water Rule is essential. We cannot risk having the EPA roll it back," exclaimed Doctor. "That action would result in leaving the majority of the streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands in the lower 48 without protection. We, in the outdoor, and more specifically fishing industry, know that without clean water, we have no business. The sports and hobbies on which our business depends rely on the water to be clean and hospitable habitat for fish and wildlife. For this multi-billion dollar industry, our economy can’t risk that."

Even beyond the outdoor industry, this action could take away slated protections for 60 percent of all U.S. streams, 20 million acres of wetlands and waters that contribute to the drinking water for 1 in 3 Americans.

“We in Colorado need to be sure our voices are heard," said Doctor. "As a seventh generation native of this great state, I can take the outdoor playground that it provides for granted. But we can’t deny that the booming housing market and incredible job market are due in great part to the outdoor accessibility here."

Another iconic Colorado business - craft brewing - lent their support as well. A coalition of Brewers for Clean Water have spoken out for clean water (including Colorado-based breweries Upslope, Odell, Horse & Dragon, Avery, and New Belgium) - submitting formal comments from "Brewers for Clean Water" to the EPA.  "Beer is mostly water, so the quality of our source water affects our finished product," they said. "Even small chemical disruptions in our water supply can alter the taste of a brew or influence factors like shelf life and foam pattern ... Protecting clean water is central to our long-term business success."

The rally outside EPA was picked up by a number of news agencies this week - including national outlets such as the Public News Service. The large turnout and media coverage shows that Colorado's outdoor industry and local businesses have a strong voice when it comes to environmental issues that affect us at home.

"Be sure to make your voice heard, for today and for future generations," exclaimed Doctor. "We care about clean water!"

To take a stand for clean water, go to TU's Action Center and raise your voice!

Eight rivers. Two days. One Rodeo.

By David Nickum. In the final weekend of July, I teamed up with Dustin McCory against 29 other teams, all focused on a simple - but surprisingly difficult - challenge: each team member had to catch a fish from out of eight different rivers over two days. Of the 30 teams competing, only 12 completed that challenge. Dustin and I were among the majority that came up short, but we had a great time experiencing some of the best rivers Colorado has to offer.

The "8 River Rodeo" was started by Joe Wilson 10 years ago. Its origins came from Joe's experiences fishing with his buddies - one of whom could never seem to drive past a promising-looking section of water without asking them to stop and fish. After several such stops, another friend told him that "fishing with you is like fishing in a rodeo!"  And the idea of the 8 River Rodeo was born. Joe offered to organize the event, but only if it was done as a charity fundraiser. Over the years, proceeds from the Rodeo have gone to support Colorado Trout Unlimited and Project Healing Waters.

Now organized by Clint Crookshanks, the Rodeo is held over the final weekend of July. Participants gather on Thursday night in Glenwood Springs to meet up and get their measuring troughs (to document the size of each of the up to 16 fish scored). On Friday, the teams spread out - fishing on public water only - to tackle the first four rivers: the Fryingpan, Roaring Fork, Crystal, and Colorado. On Saturday, action moves to the Gunnison basin with teams fishing the East, Gunnison, and Taylor Rivers as well as Spring Creek. If an angler misses one of the Friday rivers, they can make it up with the Slate as a fifth Saturday river.

I fished in my first Rodeo last year and - beginner's luck - actually completed all eight rivers (albeit by using the Slate on Saturday to make up for missing out on the Fryingpan on Friday). I came in with Dustin this year with a gameplan - which actually matters given the combination of fishing and windshield time (driving between rivers) that you need to manage. We were going to tackle the Fryingpan first thing - head to the "toilet bowl" at dawn - and then work our way down to the Roaring Fork, then the Colorado, and finish on the Crystal as we headed toward Kebler Pass in the evening to be ready for the Gunnison basin on Saturday.

We stayed in Basalt and made it to the dam before sunrise. Only to find a line of folks already in place waiting to cast into the pool immediately below the dam. We went a bit downstream, crossed to the opposite side, and fished the far bank. Dustin landed his fish first - not a trophy, but a nice 15" brown trout. We relocated below the bridge where I landed a 12"er and was thus able to record my first Rodeo trout on the Fryingpan.  One river down - and not even 9 am.  We were flying high!

But flyfishing has a way of humbling you, and that was the story of the rest of our Friday. We dropped onto the Roaring Fork just below Basalt. Before too long, I landed an 8" brown trout - I kept fishing in the hopes of picking up something larger, while Dustin continued pursuing his first Roaring Fork fish. To no avail. We headed down to the confluence with the Colorado, where I could cast onto the Colorado while Dustin continued to hit the Roaring Fork - but close enough where we could both get to the other with the measuring trough if we landed something. We struck out there. Crossing the bridge and dropping to the opposite bank, Dustin caught our best fish of the weekend - an 18" whitefish. I continued to get nothing.

We moved downriver to West Glenwood where I proceeded to hook and then lose two fish before I could get them to net. Taking a deep breath I patiently tied on another two nymph rig, said a small prayer to the river gods, and tossed my flies into the stream to drift downcurrent and give me tension for making my first cast. WHAM! A 12" rainbow hits the bottom fly before I even have a chance to make that first roll cast. Sometimes luck serves better than skill!

With the Colorado behind us, we zipped back up to Carbondale to return to the Roaring Fork - by this time rain was setting in and it was close to 6 pm. We needed to refuel the car, so I offered to grab sandwiches and gas while Dustin kept fishing. Luck was with us as he caught a small but score-able brown trout. We headed up the Crystal towards Redstone, hoping to catch our final fish before darkness fell. But between already high water, further exacerbated by the rain, and rapidly dimming light conditions we gave up on the Crystal and started the drive across Kebler Pass in the darkness, the main excitement coming from avoiding a boulder that had fallen on the road from the rain-softened slopes.

Saturday started with high hopes to get fish from five rivers and still complete our rodeo. But the luck that had been with me on the Colorado left me on the Gunnison. Fishing below the town of Gunnison in the morning, I hooked - and lost - a series of three fish. Dustin was also having no luck, so we decided a change of scenery was in order. We headed up to the Taylor River where we found a beautiful pool - complete with a break in the riverside trees to allow for a clear backcast - and both hooked into rising browns to score our Taylor River fish. Four rivers down - four to go.

Sadly for me, that was as far as I got - four rivers completed. We went on to Spring Creek, where we fished the first meadow with dry flies. The fish seemed to be taunting us, rising near our flies but never hitting even as we kept trying new patterns and sizes in the hopes of getting the right bug in the right place at the right time. It was not to be, and as afternoon was already rolling along - and rain resuming - we concluded that we wouldn't be completing 8 rivers but we might as well at least FISH them all.  So we headed over to the Roaring Judy Hatchery to fish the public reach of the East River there. Fishing around a tree with branches hanging over the river by where the hatchery springs flow out into the East, Dustin landed another brown trout. We swapped rigs, figuring that his set up would give me the best chance to land one as well. Of course, Dustin proceeded to hook another fish on my rod and fly ... another lesson in humility for me.

We finished the evening fishing the Gunnison at its source - the confluence of the East and Taylor Rivers - as a light rain continued to fall. While we hadn't succeeded - indeed, hadn't even come particularly close - it had been a great experience to fish together at so many different, beautiful spots in such a short time. We called it a day and headed over to the Almont Resort for dinner.

We found out that while we had struggled, the other Colorado TU team - Heather Sees and Niki Cousins from The Greenbacks - had completed all eight rivers (both using the Slate to replace the Crystal, which they like us had missed on Friday). Those well-earned smiles on their faces come with one year's worth of bragging rights - at least until the 2018 Rodeo. Overall, 12 of the 30 teams completed all 8 rivers. For the 10th anniversary year, there was also the option to complete 10 rivers (adding Brush Creek and Cement Creek on Friday and Saturday respectively). Three teams actually completed all 10 rivers - including the overall winners, the Triple Haulin' Nymphers (Dan Lundahl and Earl Hecker), who scored 257.3 inches on the 8 rivers (that's an average fish length of 16 inches!) plus another 51.8 inches on the two bonus rivers.

As the evening wound down, Joe Wilson asked if he and his teammate - another Joe - could join us at our cabin if we still had an extra room; they had been camping and with the rain continuing were looking for a warm bed and hot shower. Only when they arrived did I realize that the "other Joe" was none other than author and big-fish guru Joe Butler. We got to enjoy an evening with some great fishing tales from Joe's adventures pursuing big trout in the Great Lakes region - as well as some of his run-ins with the old dry fly purists who did not approve of his use of nymph rigs in such hallowed waters as Montana's Madison River. He also talked about his newest book - "Dangers in the Outdoors" - written after he read about a young couple from the east killed in an above treeline lightning strike in Colorado, and realized that many people could benefit from a little more knowledge about how to enjoy the great outdoors safely. He noted that disease-spreading mosquitoes are the #1 threat and recommended a simple alternative to DEET-laced bug sprays: Bounce dryer sheets. Tucked into your pockets, he said, they work as a great mosquito repellent.

The Rodeo wrapped up Sunday morning with all the teams gathering to swap stories, collect awards and raffle prizes, and enjoy a barbeque at the Three Rivers Resort smokehouse. Between registrations for the event and raffle proceeds, Crookshanks expects the 2017 participants to have generated about $4000 to support Project Healing Waters and Colorado Trout Unlimited. What a great weekend, and one we won't soon forget.

Want to try your hand at the 2018 Rodeo? You can email Clint Crookshanks at shanks@8riverrodeo.com to be added to his mailing list - registration opens in January.

The Rivers Need People Like You!

by Randy Scholfield With grim news of changing climate—scientists say the impacts are visible everywhere now—and an administration with its head resolutely in the sand, things can look pretty discouraging for people who care about rivers.

It’s easy to get discouraged and wonder, What can one person do? As it turns out, one committed person—and especially one person working with other committed people—can do a whole lot.

That’s the strength of Trout Unlimited.

Former Colorado Trout Unlimited President Rick Matsumoto told a story at this year’s Colorado TU Rendezvous that is hopeful and bears repeating. He had just received the Silver Trout Award, given each year to an individual whose conservation work for Colorado Rivers has made a significant and lasting impact.

Instead of focusing on his long record of achievements, Rick told this story about his first day volunteering with Trout Unlimited:

“That volunteer day, at Buffalo Peaks Ranch in 2008, was my very first volunteer experience with Colorado TU. Sinjin Eberle had enlisted my help to cook lunch. Honestly, I wasn’t a TU member or even a river conservationist at the time. I was simply helping a friend out.

“The last person I flipped a burger for happened to be the late Charlie Meyers, legendary outdoors columnist of the Denver Post. I shut down the grill and joined him for lunch. I tried to thank him for the media coverage of the event, but he cut me off and thanked me for helping to restore the river.

“We talked about a lot of things and I don’t recall the details anymore, but I do remember how it ended. He grabbed my arm to make sure he had my attention, looked me in the eye and said, ‘You know, the rivers need people like you.’

“He didn’t sound like Morgan Freeman, but I felt like Morgan Freeman had just given me my marching orders. Later that day, I told Sinjin I wanted to get more involved in Colorado TU and the rest is history.

“So I was a volunteer, but I didn’t really become an engaged volunteer until Charlie gave me the push I needed. We all know someone like this, someone who just needs a push to get involved. I want to encourage all of you to push that person – you might be creating a future Silver Trout Award winner.”

How can one engaged volunteer make a difference? I think of another person who inspires me: Kirk Klancke of CTU’s Colorado Headwaters chapter, who has worked for years to help heal the Fraser River, degraded by years of water diversions to the Front Range.

Through dogged persistence and passion for his home waters, Kirk has made a huge impact on the future health of the Fraser and Upper Colorado rivers.

This recent video shows how Kirk’s dedication has inspired scores of others (more than 150 people signed up for this spring’s willow planting) and promises a healthier and brighter future for the Fraser:

[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1_BYlskWyA[/embed]

As Charlie Meyers wisely said, the rivers need people like Rick and Kirk, and you and me.

Sticking bare willow stakes in the ground might not look like much, but over time, those collective actions will take root and change the future.

Randy Scholfield is TU’s director of communications for the Southwest.

We Are the Animas - Anniversary of Gold King Mine Spill

Written By: Ty Churchwell This week marks a rather unsavory anniversary for the people of the Animas River Valley in southwest Colorado.  Two years ago, on August 5^th, EPA contractors doing some investigative work at the Gold King mine accidentally released over 3 million gallons of heavy metal-laden mine water into the headwaters of the Animas River near Silverton.  The plume of mustard yellow water was a visual reminder of the many draining mines in the upper watershed and made international news.  One of Colorado’s finest trout fisheries was deemed a toxic mess by the media, and Durango was seen as an unhealthy (a community with tourism as a foundation of its local economy).  This characterization probably sold lots of newspapers, but is far from the truth.

As the plume of dirty, yellow water approached Durango – eight hours down river from the source - biologists from Colorado Parks & Wildlife placed a wire cage in the Animas full of fingerling trout as indicators of toxicity.  Not a single trout in the cage died, and local anglers did not report any dead trout in the river in the days and weeks following the spill.  It appeared the Animas’ Gold Medal trout water had dodged a bullet.  We now know this to be true.

For those of us who live here and are intimately aware of the issues with mine-related water quality in the headwaters, we know the reality.  The dozens of draining mines near Silverton discharge the equivalent load of metals as one Gold King spill every 5-7 days, and have been doing so for decades.  The natural loading of metals alone has been occurring since the beginning of time.  While there are acute impacts to the fishery way up top, the fishery in Durango remains a vibrant and notable brown trout destination for anglers.

We do not wish to minimize the Gold King spill. But, this was just an event and does not define our community or river.  Looking on the bright side, there have been a number of silver linings to this unfortunate incident.

1)  The issue and threats of acid mine drainage (AMD) in the west has been brought to the attention of other communities where legacy mining exists in their headwaters.  EPA estimates that 40% of western headwater streams are impacted by AMD.

2)  Lawmakers in D.C. are finally paying attention to the problem of AMD in the west.  This may prompt regulatory changes, such as enactment of Good Samaritan legislation and/or reform of the General Mining Act of 1872.

3)  The elected leaders of Silverton, recognizing something must finally be done, made the decision to seek a Superfund cleanup of the many mines impacting water quality.  In September of last year, the upper Animas River was formally placed on EPA’s Superfund national priorities list.  Crews are already in town and the multi-year cleanup process is underway.

With the Gold King spill in our rear view mirror, TU and local anglers are looking forward to helping craft programs that mitigate the impact of mine drainage in our headwater streams.  In the meantime, the Animas River in Durango remains one of the finest trout fisheries in Colorado.  One need not travel to Chile’ to net a 27” meat-eating brown trout.  We here in Durango know those monsters reside in the Animas right now.  With cleanup efforts underway, this amazing fishery can only get better. Follow along with the progress at www.WeAreTheAnimas.com.

This article was written by Ty Churchwell, San Juan Mountains Coordinator for TU’s Sportsmen’s Conservation Project located in Durango, CO.

TU, partners move forward on Fraser River restoration

In this 5 1/2 minute video, Kirk Klancke, Anna Drexler-Dreis and other leaders with the Colorado River Headwaters Chapter share the story of how collaboration among TU, Grand County, Denver Water, and other stakeholders is creating opportunities to restore healthier habitat for the Fraser River and its riparian corridor.

Unveiled at the Colorado Headwaters Chapter's annual banquet in July, the video was part of that evening's theme of recognizing how "conservation starts with conversation", recognizing key leaders including Denver Water board member Tom Gougeon and former Grand County Commissioner James Newberry for their leadership in opening the door for greater dialogue and cooperation among former adversaries in addressing  shared interests in the health of the Fraser River watershed.

To learn more about the work of the Colorado River Headwaters Chapter with the Fraser and Upper Colorado  Rivers, you can visit the chapter website here.