CTU is excited to kick off the 2023 Streamside Chats on February 9th at 7pm MST with Chris Wisniewski and Trout Fish Tasmania.
This is a free Zoom event, and you can register by clicking below.
2023 River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp
2023 Camp applications are open for young women and men 14 to 18 years.
Are you an adventurous leader, passionate about conservation, curious, eager to learn, and seeking to discover others that share your interests? Then this camp is for you; apply online by April 10, 2023. We want you to share in this unique outdoor experience.
The camp was established in 2006 when 20 campers gathered in Parshall, Colorado to complete a week-long program of STEM-based conservation education and instruction in the art of fly fishing. The camp was the vision of CTU Board of Directors member, Sharon Lance, who envisioned a program designed such that participants can imagine multiple education and career paths that align with their personal passion for the outdoors. More than 250 teens have attended the camp representing all corners of the state of Colorado, and some states beyond. Campers complete a week-long program that balances STEM-based conservation education with building and improving fly fishing skills. They participate in hands-on conservation activities and receive one-on-one and group instruction in the art of fly fishing. Their experience is enriched as they make lifelong relationships, "finding their people" and bonding with peers of similar interests. The program exposes campers to the complexity of water management in the west and its nexus with recreation. The diversity of the conservation program is designed so that participants can envision multiple education and career paths that align with their personal passion for the outdoors.
“The opportunity to attend Trout Unlimited’s Fly Fishing Youth Camp came when I was at a crossroads in my life. I had been making poor choices as a young man and a very dear friend of mine took me fly fishing, presumably so the rivers might help straighten me out. As a result of his tutelage and kindness, I was gifted a spot in the upcoming Trout Unlimited Youth Camp. Being delighted to partake in the retreat, I soon learned many lessons that would stick with me through my years of fishing and adulthood alike. I have very fond memories of everything from learning different casting methods, tying basic fly patterns, and the joy that comes from showing off your catch! I will always be grateful for experiencing the fly fishing community through the Youth Camp the way I did. The biggest takeaway for me will always be learning how to take care of our rivers while they in turn, take care of us.”
- Sam Goldstein - 2010 Attendee
January 2023 Currents
This month’s issue of Currents features the CTU Annual Gala, Keep Colorado Wild Pass, New TIC Community Tank, and More!
CTU at the Denver Fly Fishing Show - Volunteer With Us
CTU staff and volunteers will be at this year’s Denver Fly Fishing Show February 17th - 19th at the Gaylord Rockies Event and Convention Center. Drop by and see us, or you can sign up to volunteer at our booth for a block of time and receive a parking reimbursement and admission to the show while you’re not at the booth. Sign up through the button below to see available times.
A note from Ben Furimsky , Director of The Fly Fishing Show:
You are cordially invited to the 21st Anniversary of the Denver Fly Fishing Show at the Gaylord Resort & Convention Center. For the 20th anniversary, the Denver Fly Fishing Show was the largest gathering of the fly fishing community in the world and it looks like we may top that this year! Plan to attend this exciting and all-inclusive event. Some highlights will be:
• The largest exhibit floor in the history of the Denver Fly Fishing Show
• New 2023 products from manufacturers.
• Programs and learning opportunities for youngsters and families.
• Women’s Fly Fishing Showcase with an exhibitor venue focused on the
woman angler.
• Fly Fishing Fashion Show
• Casting demos and instruction with Gary Borger, Simon Gawesworth,
Michael Mauri , Jeff Currier, Mac Brown and more!
• Fly tying with Landon Mayer, Ed Engle, Charlie Craven, Pat Dorsey,
Tim Cammisa and more!
• Classes with the Experts where you can get one-on-one time with the pros.
• The must-see International Fly Fishing Film Festival on Friday at 6:30
featuring award-winning fly-fishing films.
• The most extensive list of professional speakers you can find.
• Lodges, resorts, exotic vacation destinations offering the best fly fishing
trips on the planet.
• Live, on site podcasting
• Casting competitions for all
• Live and art demonstrations
• Live bamboo rod building demonstrations
• New rods, reels, lines, accessories, clothing, waders, boots, books, DVDs and
anything else you may want to purchase, plus our exclusive author’s booth.
• Conservation organizations and opportunities to volunteer for the sport you
cherish.
Every day of the Denver Fly Fishing Show offers something different. This is likely
the biggest fly fishing event in the world. Join this community gathering and let’s make it the biggest event in history! You can’t see it all in one day so plan on the weekend and bring your friends and family.
See you there,
Ben Furimsky and The Fly Fishing Show Family
New TIC Community Tank at the CSU Spur Hydro Building
Attending the National Western Stock Show in Denver this month? Then you can come see our new Trout In The Classroom (TIC) Community Tank at the CSU Spur Hydro building. Located at 4817 National Western Dr, Denver, CO 80216, the Hydro building is the newest addition to the CSU Spur campus.
Our Community Tank, with the help of the Denver Trout Unlimited Chapter, currently holds three-month old trout who are actively feeding, swimming, and growing. Come learn more about Trout In The Classroom and the other amazing programs and opportunities the CSU Spur has to offer!
CTU will have a table next to the tank on Saturday, January 14th for CSU Spur Day at the Stock Show and Monday, January 16th for Martin Luther King Day.
Keep Colorado Wild Pass Begins This Year
Charlie Myers State Wildlife Area - Colorado Parks & Wildlife
With the new year, the Keep Colorado Wild Pass goes into effect. Colorado residents will see a $29 charge to their vehicle registration fees, which enables them to visit all state parks. To find more information on the KEEP COLORADO WILD PASS, please click the button below.
additionally, don’t forget you can still get your Protect Our Rivers CTU license plate!
The New Winter 2023 Issue of High Country Angler is Live!
Check out the Winter 2023 issue of High Country Angler e-zine, including these stories:
Landon Mayer on how winter angling can be great with Snowy Season Success;
Brian LaRue on fishing hard-to-access tailwater with Fish Yampa's 'Wonderland' with Unique Snowmobile Access;
Dick Shinton with Colorado Trout Unlimited Youth River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp;
Kyle Perkins celebrates TU volunteers with Reintroced Greenback Cutthroats are Reproducing;
Remembering Dave Whitlock by Kirk Deeter;
Peter Stitcher with Old Timer Fly Fishing Wisdom That Will Help You Catch More Fish;
Columns by Hayden Mellsop, Joel Evans, and the Old Professor!
Distant Waters Special - And a Donation to CTU
Is a fly fishing adventure in New Zealand on your bucket list – or have you already been and are eager to return? Then as a TU member and supporter, you may have the chance to give yourself a little holiday gift thanks to our partners at Distant Waters
Below is a unique opportunity to fish New Zealand if you have the means and availability. With a recently deferred trip with Distant Waters Angling Adventures in New Zealand, they have offered bookings for February 14th through the 22nd 2023 at a special discounted rate of $5,999 - $2,000 off the original price – including airfare from the west coast to New Zealand. This is a prime fishing time in the heart of New Zealand’s summer. Additionally, Distant Waters will donate a portion of each booking directly to CTU. There are only four spots available, so act quickly! If you have questions or would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Kevin Wigfield with Distant Waters at 303-550-2990. You can learn more about their trip offerings – including helicopter access to remote backcountry fishing! – at their website www.distantwaters-nz.com.
Thank you for your support, and happy holidays to you and yours.
December 2022 Currents
This month’s issue of Currents features information on 2022 End of Year Premium Gifts, CTU December Social, Youth Programs Update, and More! Read the entire issue here!
CTU Youth Programs Update
First off, thank you to everyone who donated and supported CTU Youth during our Colorado Gives Day campaign! We accomplished our goal and then some, for a grand total of $7,675! Thank also to Barbara Luneau and Mark Rayman for offering a matching incentive and helping to double our donor’s donations by $2,500.
2023 is looking bright for CTU’s Headwaters Programs. We are beginning to plan out our 2023 STREAM
Girls and STREAM Keepers schedule. If you are interested in offering a STREAM Girls or STREAM Keepers program in 2023 fill out the forms below.
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is looking forward to 2023, as well. We will be installing a new TIC Community Tank at the CSU Spur Hydro Building in late December or early January. We hope to have the tank working and fish swimming by the time The National Western Stock Show is running. If you are going to the Stock Show be sure to visit the new CSU Spur Hydro Building and TIC Community Tank on the second floor.
We are excited to announce our 2023 River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp will be June 11 - 17, 2023. Registration is now open for Camper applications and Camp Counselor applications. Visit our Camp website for more information.
Want to help CTU’s 2023 River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp? Below are some great ways to show your support.
Help us spread the word!
Sponsor a Camper!
Camp Registration is $600 per camper. If you would like to sponsor a camper please email Barbara Luneau or Natalie Flowers.
Volunteer!
Camp Counselor applications are now open. Click here to apply to be a CTU Camp Counselor.
Thank you for all the support in 2022. We can’t wait to continue fostering the next generation of conservations and anglers in 2023!
If you would like to increase your impact, please contact Natalie Flowers and/or visit our Supporting CTU Youth page to see our greatest needs, sponsorship opportunities, and more.
