High Country Angler | Fall 2020

Fall Fall 20 20

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Battles in Still Water

by Landon Mayer

Upper Arkansas River

by Brian LaRue

COLORADO TROUT UNLIMITED YEAR IN REVIEW

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FALL 2020 VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 4

MAGAZINE CONTENTS 08

BATTLES IN STILL WATER

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CELEBRATING A VICTORY FOR PUBLIC LANDS

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52

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58

62

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BY LANDON MAYER

BY MATT MOSKAL

UPPER ARKANSAS RIVER

BY BRIAN LARUE

Q&A WITH COLORADO’S U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES

BY COLORADO TU STAFF

COLORADO TU WELCOMES GEOFF ELLIOT

BY COLORADO TU STAFF

SIMMS FLYWEIGHT WADING BOOT REVIEW

BY BRIAN LARUE

COLORADO TU ANNUAL REPORT

BY COLORADO TU STAFF

COLORADO’S ENERGY FUTURE

BY BARBARA SHEEDLO, KARA ARMANO, AND ANNIE SMITH

A DAY ON THE CONEJOS

BY HAYDEN MELLSOP

YOU ARE WELCOME TO FISH WITH ME

BY PETER STITCHER

GREENBACK CUTTHROAT TROUT FIND REFUGE IN ROARING CREEK

BY COLORADO TU STAFF

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU CAN’T GO TO CAMP?

BY BARBARA LUNEAU, LARRY QUILLING, RICHARD SHINTON & JAMES WILLIAMS

FALL FLING

BY JOEL EVANS

THE LAST CAST

BY DR. JOHN NICKUM

High Country Angler • Fall 2020

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HCA Staff P U B LISHER S

J ac k Tallo n & Frank M ar tin

C O NTENT C ONSU LTANT L ando n M ayer

EDITO R IAL

Frank M ar t i n, M anagi ng Editor f rank@ hc am agaz ine.co m Landon Mayer, Editorial Consultant Ruthie Mar tin, Editor

ADV ER TISING

B r i an L a R ue, S ales & M a r keting b r ian@ hc am agaz i ne.co m D i rec t : ( 303) 502- 4019 M ar k Shulm an, Ad S ales Cell: ( 303) 668- 2591 m ar k@ hc am agaz i ne.co m

DESIG N

David M ar tin, Creative Direc tor & Graphic D esigner aisthetadesign.com

P HOTO G RAP HY

Frank Martin, Landon Mayer, Brian LaRue, Angus Drummond

STAF F WRITER S

Frank Martin, Landon Mayer, Brian LaRue, Joel Evans, David Nickum, John Nickum, Peter Stitcher

Copyright 2017, High Country Angler, a division of High Country Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reprinting of any content or photos without expressed written consent of publisher is prohibited. Published four (4) times per year.

To add your shop or business to our distribution list, contact Frank Martin at frank@hcamagazine.com.

D i str i buted by H i gh Countr y Publi cati ons, L LC 730 Popes Valley D r i ve Colorad o Spr i ngs, Colorad o 809 1 9 FA X 719-593-0040 Published in cooperation with Colorado Trout Unlimited 1536 Wynkoop Street, Suite 320 Denver, CO 80202 www.coloradotu.org

ON THE COVER: River Mayer shows his dad Landon how to land a trophy trout

TOC PHOTO: Brian LaRue www.HCAezine.com

Fall 2020 • High Country Angler

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Battles in

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High Country Angler • Fall 2020

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Still Water

by Landon Mayer

T

he definition of still water is, “A level section of a waterway where no current is discernible and the water is still.” For some anglers, when there is no “current” involved in a fishing situation, it can be easy to think the fight would less intense than when a current is pushing against the fish and your line. While the battles in moving water are intense, and can be challenging using any discipline, the hardest battles are always in fresh still water.

To start, trout in still waters are in search of food and rarely wait for it to be delivered. If these fish were human, they would be at the gym 8 hours a day, working out and consuming massive amounts of protein.

These trout are built for speed and endurance.

The other key in still water is that when a fish runs away from you at Mach speed, it does not have a current pushing it in another direction. It can easily run in any direction with the amazing speed and force.

No matter how large your reel, sometimes you simply can’t keep up. Then add arm-wrenching head shakes, and eye level jumps to the mix, and you are truly in a fight!

ion!

2nd EoduriCt opy Today!

Order Y

The Circle of Trust When I hear the term, “circle of trust,” I can’t help but laugh thinking of the classic movie “Meet the Fockers.” There is a connection to the circle of trust Robert Di Nero makes that will help you land more large trout in still waters.

Most presentations in lakes, reservoirs, and ponds require line management by stripping line and controlling it under a trigger finger. This helps you maintain connection to your fly, add movement to your imitations to look like the natural food supply, and control slack line from wind. The true challenge is preventing the line from jumping 10 feet in the air when the fish bolts after the hook up. This can easily result in the line wrapping around the rod, reel, and your head. It is a heart breaking moment, and one I learned to prevent Tarpon fishing in my twenties.

Using the “Circle of Trust” around the fly line when the fish takes off after the set, will allow line to move smoothly through the guides. But applying more tension to the circles is like brakes on a car. The smooth

DEO!ay!

I V W E N od r Copy T u

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High Country Angler • Fall 2020

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Fall 2020 • High Country Angler

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tightening will help prevent the line from jumping, the rod to a vertical angle. This lift will add tension to and allow you more chances of landing fast swim- over ten feet of line and save you from losing the trout ming trout. with too much slack in the line.

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Elbows Down

Learn to Strip

I will never forget the advice Lefty Kreh gave me in a personal casting lesson. “Imagine that you have your favorite bottle of Scotch below your armpit. If you raise your arm the bottle will drop.” He used this analogy because the best cast is made with your elbow to your side. The same can be said when fighting fish on the run. You can see the rod, reel, and hands in front of you, and manage reeling and stripping line while still having the fish and battle in your vision.

Another advantage is that if the fish runs away from you, you can point your rod at the fish and let the reel do its job. If that same fish bolts back toward you, lift

A majority of the time, I teach clients to keep tension on the reel, but it still water battles, that’s not always possible. Often a fish will run toward you so quickly you cannot reel fast enough. No matter how big your reel arbor is, you need to know “how to strip” the line. The best technique is to keep the reel in front of you, grab line from behind the trigger finger, and by lightly lifting the trigger, pull back the line with your non casting hand to your belt or hip position.

Then reapply the trigger finger pinch, let go of the line to strip, and repeat the process.

This gives you control of each strip and allows you

High Country Angler • Fall 2020

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a chance to practice the speed of the technique to the point where you can take in twice as much line compared to reeling. If the fish bolts again, go back to the “circle of trust tip” described above.

If you practice these tips when fighting trout in still water, you will open up more possibilities of catching

larger trout on the fly, because they are found in these location more often than rivers. Good luck this fall, and I hope you have a chance to meet your backing on more than one occasion during your “Battles in Still Water.”

About The Author Landon Mayer is a veteran Colorado guide and author of several books. His newest books, The Hunt for Giant Trout, and Sight Fishing for Trout (Second Edition) can be purchased on his website, at www.landonmayerflyfishing.com. His newest video, Master the Short Game,

by Headwater Media, can be purchased at www.mastertheshortgame.com. You can follow Landon on Instagram at @landonmayerflyfishing. www.HCAezine.com

Fall 2020 • High Country Angler

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FROM THE COLORADO TU PRESIDENT • MATT MOSKAL

Celebrating a Victory for Public Lands

C

olorado Trout Unlimited and its members stand for a variety of principles that are bigger than simple trout fishing. We stand for science. We stand for reason. We stand for unity. We stand for a pragmatic approach to conservation that doesn’t demonize industry and takes all stakeholders into account in pursuit of healthier watersheds. We also stand, in a stubbornly non-partisan fashion, for legislation that furthers our mission. That’s why the recent passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, and the full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) contained therein, was, in the eloquent words of certain folks in CTU leadership, “a Big Freaking Deal.” Why? I’ll give you three reasons.

First, it’s what the LWCF has done and will continue to do. It’s important to understand that we all have the LWCF to thank for the preservation of wild places not only in Colorado but across the nation. From the Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Yellowstone and Big Sur, funding from the LWCF has allowed for these places to remain wild, accessible and responsibly managed and maintained. Here in Colorado, LWCF funding played a critical role in flood recovery on the Big Thompson river and will allow us to continue to enjoy the magnificence of Rocky Mountain National Park. After its full and permanent funding (to the tune of roughly $900MM annually generated from offshore oil and gas production) the LWCF will uphold the institutions that we, as outdoor recreationists and conservationists, hold dear: the National Park Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, various National Wildlife Refuges and the management BLM lands. I know. It’s a lot to digest.

Second, it’s hard to overstate the years of time and energy that our members, partners, donors and supporters have dedicated to advocating for this legislation. It’s like crossing the finish line of a multiyear marathon and being greeted with a La-Z-Boy and a pitcher of ice-cold Upslope craft lager. We owe a most gracious “thank you” to the CTU Bull 16

High Country Angler • Fall 2020

Moose Committee (Policy Advocacy Committee), its Chairperson, Barb Sheedlo, and to all staff and members state-wide who helped this dream become a reality.

Third, and perhaps most emblematic of our CTU members that lean left, right, center, up, down and in between, the GAOA was passed in a bipartisan fashion. In our hyper-polarized political atmosphere this was a breath of fresh air for everyone involved.

We owe an especially big thanks to Senator Gardner who sponsored the Senate bill, Senator Bennet who supported it from concept through passage, and Representatives Crow, DeGette, Neguse, and Perlmutter who supported the bill as it passed through the House As outdoor recreationists, we are all united in our shared responsibility of the stewardship of America’s most treasured natural places. Through these last few weeks of warm weather, we hope you take a moment to reflect on the momentous legislation that will protect them.

To Learn More.

To learn more about this story and Colorado Trout Unlimited, visit coloradotu.org. www.HCAezine.com

Will your legacy include cold, clean, fishable waters?

A legacy gift to Colorado TU helps to secure our future and enables us to continue our work preserving and restoring Colorado’s watersheds. It allows us to reintroduce native cutthroats to their homewaters for years to come and to offer our River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp to more of Colorado’s youth. By making Colorado TU a beneficiary of your estate, you are making one of the most sincere and lasting commitments to our conservation mission. With that comes the knowledge that you are securing a better future for Colorado’s rivers and wild places!

If you are interested in learning more about making a planned gift, please contact Colorado TU at (303) 440-2937 www.HCAezine.com Fall 2020 • High Country Angler or skindle@tu.org.

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Upper Arkansas River Leadville To Granite

by Brian La Rue

A

ccess is everything. It allows us to get closer to a river and enjoy a full day of fishing without a major hike or a trespassing sign blocking a route. It also means we aren’t the only ones that may be on the water. But if you are willing to walk far from such access points, you can still enjoy a full day with plenty of elbow room and willing fish—even on a summer or fall Saturday.

Driving some 130 miles from home to a fishing spot is part of the appeal of a spot like the Upper Arkansas River. As you make your way West along I-70, you slowly see the cars peel off. Some turn off at Idaho Springs, some at Georgetown, while others take the exit at Silverthorne, or make the turn to go towards Breckenridge to fish the Blue near the shops. On the busy highway in summer, you hope that the rest of the cars on the road still traveling West with you are headed to Vail, Glenwood Springs or states far away

as you put on your signal and take the Leadville exit.

Maybe some of these cars are loaded with hikers or golfers that will stop right here.

So, many of the cars keep driving right along with you as you make your way to the gorgeous waters just outside Leadville. One more hope—maybe they are history buffs or antiques shoppers? Okay, so a few made it to the access points like Hayden Meadows, or to other spots like Kobe or Granite itself. Some of the key access points can be found on a map of the Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area, so open up Google Maps and find a favorite bend on the satellite view.

I’ve become found of the 6+ miles of water you find at Hayden Meadows. This is a popular spot, as it is one of the most-friendly, walk-and-wade stretches of the meadow. And the slower gradient slope of the river makes for many pools and undercut banks-- simply

a lot of productive water. I like to park at the access point, then high-tail it downriver a couple miles to get away from the crowds, then fish my way back upstream. On a crowded Saturday in July, my son and I were able to walk beyond the few pine trees in the river valley where we saw the last of the crowd disappear, and we enjoyed hours of action before running into the last angler we observed during the original walk.

There are many plunge pools, textbook riffles, drop-offs and deeper runs where you can find all kinds of action all seasons of the year. One major bonus of this stretch at Haydon Meadows is that while it is the first to get hit by runoff---for the most part by mid-June—it will be running less than 450 cfs and very fishable, while spots below Granite are still rushing to the point where fishing is a challenge.

I hit Hayden Meadows twice in the past couple months—once on Father’s Day and again a month later as mentioned. The first day the browns hit Umpqua’s Barr’s Flashback Emerger and a Sparkle Wing RS2, and as things heated up, I enjoyed a halfdozen grabs on the yellow Crystal, rubber-legged Stimulator thrown against the grassy banks, among the smaller, fish-holding boulders that were obvious hangouts for browns looking for early grasshopper. In July, the same tandem nymph rig did the trick, but

blustery wind and rain kept the surface bite at bay, until mayflies and a few caddis started showing in the late afternoon before another cloud opened up and killed that hatch too. The July outing never saw the surface bite get off the ground, but the nymph bite was amazing at times.

“Is that your third fish on your third cast in this pool?” My son Barrett asked, as I hooked into another 14- to 15-inch brown on the RS2.

“Yep, I wish the clouds and wind would let up so we can throw some hoppers, but this bite is a lot of fun right now,” I answered.

I had tried to tweak my approach for the better part of the morning, switching to a hopper or stimulator pattern when I had a brown attack my small indicator about an hour before. No luck, so after watching my son get into another couple fish, I decided enough is enough. Let me get back to basics and catch up to him.

Sure enough, the next two runs produced four fish between the two of us, and now we both were into the fish. One run was especially fun as we traded spots with each hookup. I would be unhooking my fish while he hooked another. The dance lasted for a total of five fish before we exhausted the pool. Fun day with my son as always. Overall, Hayden Meadows of-

fers roughly six miles of gorgeous water, so hike as far as your legs will carry you to score a couple miles to yourself.

Further down the road you can access the area at Kobe. As you keep driving down the 24, you will see numerous spots to pull off on side roads to access the river. The further you move downriver, the more water will be added to the system, and of course that means larger flows, more of what most people think of when you think of all the rafting and adventure options further down the line—places like Buena Vista and Salida. In addition to the higher flows, anglers will notice as you move downriver you will also start seeing more of your typical boulder-filled, pocket water that characterizes much of the Ark. At the Granite State Wildlife Area, anglers will find trout-filled pocket water lined with all sorts of rocks— big and small. The meadow-feel is now long gone, but the fish count is still high. Enjoy plunge pools, riffles and pocket water here as the insect life changes a bit with more opportunistic fish smashing big attractors, terrestrials and more. Faster water and slippery rocks also mean more of a task when it comes to boulder hopping and limiting how much you wade. Yes, brown

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High Country Angler • Fall 2020

trout will once again make up most of the population here as well.

That about covers the 18 miles or so from Leadville to Granite. The Ark around and above Leadville can produce smaller fish, and the many lakes in the area probably hold a bruiser that has enjoyed an easy life not having to battle river current! If you are in the area, check out the greenback cutthroat program at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery as well. It is cool to see the historic operation and the large greenbacks that are helping the native population make a comeback.

About The Author High Country Angler contributor Brian La Rue enjoys giving fly fishers ideas of where to go for an adventure. Feel free to reach out to Brian at Brian@hcamagazine. com if you want your lodge or guide service featured in an upcoming promotional marketing plan.

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Q&A

with Colorado’s U.S. Senate Candidates

SENATOR CORY GARDNER

FORMER GOVERNOR JOHN HICKENLOOPER

by HCA and Colorado TU Staff

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High Country Angler • Fall 2020

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H

igh Country Angler and Colorado Trout Unlimited had the chance to pose a series of questions to the major-party candidates for U.S. Senate – current Senator Cory Gardner, and former Governor John Hickenlooper. Both campaigns were given up to 250 words to answer each question; their answers appear exactly as submitted. We encourage you to read through their responses, to take time to get educated on the candidates and issues on this year’s ballot, and to vote by November 3!

HCA:

What do you see as the top 2-3 issues you would like to tackle over the next 6 years as Colorado’s US Senator?

GARDNER: As millions of Americans struggle with the public health and economic crisis occurring as a result of the coronavirus, we must continue to focus on the steps necessary to keep people safe and get Americans back to work. Prior to COVID-19, Colorado’s economy had seen record job growth, wage increases, and its lowest unemployment rate in history. Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy in particular, employed 229,000 workers and added $11 billion to the economy annually. As a result of the coronavirus, Colorado’s economy is suffering, leaving countless communities and families vulnerable in this time of need.

The CARES Act I helped craft and pass earlier this year provided hundreds of billions to keep small businesses open and their employees on payroll. It also expanded testing, bolstered the availability of critical PPE, and delivered resources for state and local

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governments. But more needs to be done.

Ensuring my Great American Outdoors Act is fully implemented remains critical.

This bipartisan bill fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, revitalizes our National Parks by addressing critical maintenance shortages, and creates 100,000 jobs at a time when millions are struggling. I also remain committed to passing the TEST Act, which I introduced with my colleague Senator Michael Bennet to ramp up testing and streamline detection for future infectious diseases. Together, these actions can help us defeat the coronavirus, giving Americans the certainty and confidence they need to return to work and the great outdoors Colorado is known for.

HICKENLOOPER: Health care, climate change, and the economy (and in Colorado, especially the outdoor economy).

Fall 2020 • High Country Angler

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HCA:

Defining what waters are or are not protected under the Clean Water Act has been a contentious issue, and a moving target, over recent years. What is your view on how best to define the scope of what waters are covered under the Act? HICKENLOOPER: Hickenlooper will follow the recommendation of scientists in determining which waters and wetlands have a clear connection to maintaining flow and quality of “navigable waters” - the standard used to justify regulation under the Clean Water Act. It is a high priority for Hickenlooper to keep pollutants out of our waters.

GARDNER: Every Coloradan knows how critical water is to life in the Centennial State. Former Colorado Congressman Wayne Aspinall once said, “When you touch water in the West, you touch everything.”

Whether we are addressing drought, wildfire, agriculture, streams, or clean drinking water, I believe that a critical balance of federal and state policy is a must.

As the only state where all of our water flows out rather than through, I have made it my mission to ensure that federal policy protects every corner of Colorado’s economy and constituency. That’s why I worked to get $28 million in federal funding for the Arkansas Valley Conduit, a project that will deliver clean drinking water to 50,000 Coloradans. And that’s why I was proud to help secure passage of the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan that will provide stable funding and laws to advance Colorado Water Policy for generations to come. I also secured passage of two critical endangered species laws, extending work on fish recovery in the South Platte and Colorado River.

HCA:

What is your proudest accomplishment as a public servant over the past 10 years?

GARDNER: The recent passage of my Great American Outdoors Act into law is a oncein-a-lifetime accomplishment that permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), fixes the crumbling infrastructure in our National Parks System, and will create 100,000 jobs in the process.

The LWCF is the crown jewel of conservation programs, using revenues from offshore oil and gas operations to fund critical public lands projects across the country, giving people from all walks of life more opportunity to fish, raft, recreate, and more.

The second piece of the bill is aimed at addressing the $12 billion funding shortfall for maintenance projects within our National Park system, $275 million in Colorado alone. Home to four National Parks and 24

High Country Angler • Fall 2020

eleven National Forests, Colorado welcomes millions of visitors each year to these historic and protected areas, providing much needed economic stability for the towns in the surrounding areas. For every $1 invested in National Parks, $10 is returned to the economy. The funding commitment we secured in the Great American Outdoors Act will help solve this crisis and ensure that future generations can enjoy our public lands.

HICKENLOOPER: As Governor, Hickenlooper expanded health care under the Affordable Care Act to half a million Coloradans and led Colorado out of the Great Recession by taking it from 40th in job creation to the number one economy in the country. www.HCAezine.com

HCA:

Colorado has extensive public lands – National Parks, National Forests, Wildlife Refuges, BLM Lands – that face increasing pressure from many competing uses as well as from factors such as wildfire risk. What do you see as the Federal role – including any needed legislation – in conserving those lands for future generations?

HICKENLOOPER: The Trump Administration continues to diminish the federal lands estate, shrinking national monuments and repealing sensible protections for fish and wildlife habitats in National Forests and Bureau of Land Management lands. As Senator, Hickenlooper will work to pass the CORE Act, which will protect over 400,000 acres of public lands and create new wilderness. He will fight any efforts to diminish the scope and quality of our land, water, and outdoor resources.

GARDNER: Defending and protecting Colorado’s public lands has been a priority of mine since day one. I believe the federal government’s role must include sufficient funding, innovation, and accountability in order to combat climate change and protect public lands for future generations.

99% of the approximately 250 million acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) resides West of the Mississippi River, which is why I spearheaded moving BLM’s headquarters to Grand Junc-

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tion, Colorado. This will give Western states more accountability and access to BLM because the decision makers will now live in the communities their policies impact.

For years I have been working on legislation to allow for the cleanup of orphan mine sites by Good Samaritans such as Trout Unlimited. Across Colorado and the West we have needed a permanent solution to the dangerous problem of abandoned mines.

The opportunity to clean up the environment around these sites is crucial and Good Samaritan programs will finally allow for the long overdue process to begin. I have also worked extensively on wildfire legislation that fixed fire borrowing and brought our first responders into the 21st century with innovative technology. Coloradans are all too familiar with wildfires and I was proud to champion efforts that have provided real solutions to these tragic natural disasters.

But much more has to be done. Commonsense regulations and policies must continue to ensure Coloradans’ access to clean, safe, and prosperous public lands is not hindered.

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HCA:

If elected, you may be working with a Senate majority and/ or a President from the other major party. How would you approach working across the aisle to serve Colorado’s interests?

GARDNER: I am ranked the third most bipartisan member of the US Senate. Bipartisanship is a duty I aspire to uphold and it's the only way to be truly effective for the entire state. Since being elected to the Senate, I have authored ten bills that have been signed into law; that’s more than the entire Colorado delegation combined. Of those bills, five were signed by President Obama, five were signed by President Trump, and many passed with unanimous support. I have and will continue to work with any member of Congress or President that is interested in moving this country forward and ensuring more prosperity for all Coloradans.

I look forward to continuing that work

and ensuring Colorado has a strong bipartisan voice in Washington, DC. HICKENLOOPER: As Mayor and Governor, Hickenlooper worked to bring people together to deliver change. As Mayor, Hickenlooper brought mayors from across the Denver metro area to build one of the nation’s most ambitious transit projects. As Governor, he expanded health care to half a million Coloradans on a bipartisan basis.

Hickenlooper has a proven record of bringing people together to get results, and that’s exactly what he’ll do in the Senate to solve our biggest challenges.

HCA:

Is there anything else you would like High Country Angler readers to know about you and how you would approach service in the U.S. Senate over the next six years?

HICKENLOOPER: Like most Coloradans, Hickenlooper enjoys the outdoors and highly values the quality of our environment – our air, water, wilderness, and other open spaces.

After four years of Donald Trump and the Republican Senate, Hickenlooper believes we have much work to recover from all the efforts to abandon federal responsibility for protecting these natural resources. He will actively seek opportunities to promote legislation that helps solve the pressing issues like climate change, improving water conservation and quality, designating new wilderness, and supporting the outdoor industry. Hickenlooper looks forward to working with partners such as Trout Unlimited.

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High Country Angler • Fall 2020

GARDNER: As a fifth-generation Coloradan born and raised in a rural community, I believe strongly that Colorado’s best is yet to come. We are a unique Western state and strongly independent. Here in Colorado, we work across party lines, we roll up our sleeves and get the tough job done. It’s a part of our history, our culture, our values.

The Pioneer spirit lives on in each and every one of us and it again falls on us to address the most gripping challenges of our time. Whether it involves coming together to support small businesses and protect our most vulnerable in the time of COVID-19, or finding common ground to protect our public lands, Coloradans will continue to lead the way.

www.HCAezine.com

RENDEZVOUS Registration for the full conference is FREE! Live sessions will be held on Zoom. Weeknight sessions will start at 7pm each evening with some sessions starting at 8pm. The weekend session will be held during the day. All live sessions will be recorded and available for viewing afterwards, so sign up to make sure you're able to access the live and recorded content. Session topics will include, but not limited to: Effective grassroots conservation advocacy Climate change and Colorado's trout Digital engagement and communications Restoring streams impacted by abandoned mines Native trout restoration in Colorado Youth Education through the Stream of Engagement Colorado Gold: Protecting and expanding Gold Medal Waters and more!

This conference is open to everyone, and we welcome anyone who is interested in learning about Colorado Trout Unlimited and the great work that is happening across the state to conserve, protect, and restore our coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.

Register here: coloradotu.org/rendezvous2020 www.HCAezine.com

Fall 2020 • High Country Angler

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Colorado TU Welcomes Geoff Elliot

by Colorado TU Staff

G

eoff Elliot is excited to join the Colorado Trout Unlimited as the Youth Education Coordinator. He comes to TU after spending seven years working with Rocky Mountain Conservancy developing, managing, and leading youth and young adult conservation-based service-learning programs in Rocky Mountain National Park and surrounding USFS areas. This included supervising AmeriCorps conservation corps crews, providing camp-based programming for local high school students, hosting single-day volunteer events for the public, and supporting multi-day experiences for youth organizations. Outside of his work, he spends his weekends rafting, camping, fly-fishing, and skiing with his wife Rachel, stepson Leo, and dog Henry.

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High Country Angler • Fall 2020

As the Youth Education Coordinator, Geoff is eager to support the existing educational programs and network of chapters and volunteers leading them. He is excited to explore ways to expand programmatic reach to new areas in Colorado, develop partnerships to reach new audiences, and identify opportunities to grow and learn from past successes in CTU's educational programs to continue providing high-quality learning experience to Colorado's youth.

Geoff joined the Colorado Trout Unlimited team on August 17th. He is working to adapt STREAM Girls programming to a virtual delivery amidst COVID-19 restrictions and support schools with Trout in Classroom programing. He is eager to meet the chapter, volunteers, and partners across the state!

www.HCAezine.com

grow.

Support Colorado TU on Gives Day 2020 – Tuesday, December 8th!

Schedule your donation starting November 1, 2020 and participate in the largest day of giving across the state: www.HCAezine.com

Fall 2020 • High Country Angler

29

Gear Review

by Brian La Rue

Simms Flyweight Wading Boot—Finally!

A

nybody who knows me knows I cover a lot of water and I am not getting any younger.

I have been fly fishing for over 34 years and have gone through a wide selection of boots. All of them had their faults, and many have stood the test of time, but I finally think I have met my “Sole” mate with the Simms Flyweight!

Armed with a Vibram Sole complete with recently added studs, I found these boots to be more than capable of taking on all kinds of water. So far, I’ve hit Hayden Meadows, Clear Creek, Wind River, Bighorn River and the slick, backcountry waters of the Greybull River; and felt confident rock hopping or crossing the polished boulder fields on some of the smaller waters noted above.

What are my favorite features of these boots?

First, the lacing design allows for two things: a quick lace up, and one that stays tight. My previous boot, to remain nameless, constantly gave me issues when cinching down the top hiker-boot-hook style clips.

You would get one side around the hook, then begin your knot only to have the other side pull free. That is not a problem with the Flyweight as the top hooks not only “glue” the laces in while you tie, but with a stout pull, the entire boot reacts and hugs your foot.

Secondly, with the unmatched, lace tightening system, every component works to give you a snug fit and ankle support. I am reminded of my old high 30

High Country Angler • Fall 2020

school basketball days when I wanted the lightest basketball shoe with the best ankle support. These new boots from Simms are super light, provide total support, and bring back memories when I could dunk.

These days I avoid dunking as that would mean a fall in the river.

Not only do these boots feel like a high-performance gym shoe with total support and a lightweight feel, but Simms adds a high-cushion, dual-density EVA midsole for extra comfort. Other features like a welded TPU film in the high abrasion zones also adds to the boot’s durability, making it an ideal candidate for years to come.

If you are like me and like to take advantage of every technology that helps you stay upright short of a wading staff, I also recommend the available cleats as an add on. As for sizing, Simms says they run a little large and I agree. I wear a size 11 shoe but took a size 12 for stocking foot comfort, as well as a little wider toe box for width.

Overall, you do not need cover five miles a day on the river to appreciate the comfort, support, and grip of the Simms Flyweight. No matter how hard you charge it, or how far your adventures carry you, I am certain you will love this boot from the first day out of the box. Focus on fishing, not the aches and pains with your current boot and try the Simms Flyweight today. www.HCAezine.com

FY20 YEAR IN REVIEW

TROUT UNLIMITED in COLORADO

Chapters

Co l o CTU’s Impact

rado

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Alpine Anglers Boulder Flycasters Cherry Creek Anglers Collegiate Peaks Colorado River Headwaters Cutthroat Denver Trout Unlimited Dolores River Anglers Eagle Valley Evergreen Ferdinand Hayden Five Rivers Gore Range Anglers Grand Valley Anglers Gunnison Angling Society Gunnison Gorge Anglers Pikes Peak Purgatoire River Anglers Rocky Mountain Flycasters San Luis Valley Southern Colorado Greenback St. Vrain Anglers West Denver Yampa Valley Fly Fishers

Oct 2018 - Mar 2020

65,392

Total Volunteer Hours

36

Veterans Programs

132

Education Programs

76

Conservation Projects

50 Years Protecting Colorado Rivers – and We’re Just Getting Started!

T

hroughout 2019, Colorado TU celebrated our 50th anniversary with a range of commemorations and events.

At our annual River Stewardship Gala, we honored former EPA Administrator Bill Reilly (pictured right) for his landmark veto of Two Forks Dam, an issue on which CTU advocated throughout the 1980s. We then co-hosted a special educational forum with Reilly and others involved during the Two Forks battle to share the stories behind that momentous decision.

CTU leaders and supporters convened in August to fish the waters of the Eagle River and to toast the dedicated volunteers who first gathered to establish Colorado

2

TU in Vail back in August 1969.

Greenbacks volunteers George Bryant and Emma Brown hit the road in summer 2019 to tell the story in film of some of the amazing volunteers behind Colorado TU’s efforts, touching on issues from river protection to native trout restoration to youth education. The film, Decades, can be seen online (coloradotu.org/decades).

And in October, we culminated the year with a celebration at Denver’s Avanti Food & Beverage where the film was premiered and with CTU Presidents on hand from 1969’s founding chair (Chris Crosby) to our then-current president (Cam Chandler). Gov. Jared Polis paid us a visit as well to announce a

proclamation declaring October 15, 2019 as “Colorado Trout Unlimited Day”.

All of us at Colorado TU thank those whose efforts over the past 50 years have made our past successes possible – and to all of our current and future volunteers and leaders who will ensure that the best is yet to come! t

A Note from Matt Moskal, CTU President If you ever find yourself wandering the banks of the upper Roaring Fork near the town of Aspen you might eventually bump into a boulder bearing this inscription: “water is H2O, hydrogen two parts, oxygen one, but there is also a third thing that makes it water and nobody knows what that is” I found this rock myself not too long ago. In the microcosm of a freestone trout stream in the state that I love, that third thing was, at least in that brief moment, abundantly clear to me. The missing piece is comprised of the stewards of a watershed, the folks that ensure that their local stream remains healthy for both the wildlife that depend on it and for future generations of Coloradoans to enjoy. It’s made of mass, bones and sinew. In short, it’s made up of folks like you and me.

As you peruse these pages, I hope you feel a great sense of pride in what you’ve helped to accomplish. It’s the work that your donations helped to facilitate, the projects that were completed with your own hands, and the successes that have come to fruition after relentless chapter, donor and partner dedication. Whether you donate dollars, jars full of elbow grease, or subject matter expertise, each carries tremendous value. These pieces, joined together in extraordinary symbiosis, make us One TU. To our conservation mission we bring collaboration, teamwork, and a desire to protect something bigger than ourselves.

Clean water is our common denominator.

So if you stand for a pragmatic, non-partisan, science-based approach to cleaner, colder, healthier Colorado watersheds, we’re honored to have you beside us. Come one, come all. No matter which home waters run through your veins, you are part of our united community of stewards of our Colorado streams. From all of us, thank you for being a part of our Colorado TU family.

Sincerely,

13,348

Grassroots members

24

active Chapters

$1.93

26

professional Staff

MILLION

Volunteers’ time value* *based on Independent Sector’s study estimating Colorado’s 2019 volunteer value of $29.50 per hour.

CTU prepared a 50th celebration video sharing some amazing stories that have defined the organization for the past five decades. Watch now: VIDEO

coloradotu.org/decades

3

Colorado Voters Say “Yes” to Water Plan Funding

F

inalized in 2015, the Colorado Water Plan is backed by rural and urban water providers, agricultural producers, conservationists and recreationists, and those on both sides of the political aisle.

Intended as a road map for wise use and development of Colorado’s water resources – including an emphasis on healthy rivers – the Plan sets measurable objectives, goals and actions for tracking the state’s progress on water.

Implementation of the plan – from securing water for growing cities to adopting Stream Management Plans for healthy streams and watersheds – is estimated to cost at least $50 million per year.

A Victory for Instream Flows

I

n an important win for rivers and fish, the Colorado General Assembly passed, and Governor Polis signed legislation to extend and expand the program for short-term loans of water for instream flow protection. HB 1157, “Loaned Water for Instream Flows to Improve Environment,” extends and expands a successful program through which the Colorado Water Conservation Board can enter into short-term loans to maintain instream flows during critical low-flow periods. In the past, the program was limited to being used up to three years in a tenyear period, and once such an agreement was exercised it could not be renewed.

The new law expands the program to allow loans in up to five years of ten (though not more than three consecutive), and for 10-year agreements to be renewed up to two additional times.

While the details of Colorado water law can be complex, the idea behind this legislation is simple: in critical droughts, we need flexible tools to allow voluntary flow-protection efforts that can help rivers and the fish that inhabit them to survive. TU and valued partners like the Colorado Water Trust have used the loan program successfully on rivers including Tomichi Creek and the Yampa River.

The Yampa was a particularly notable example, as the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District has loaned water three times to sustain the river’s outstanding wild trout fishery during critical low-flow, high-temperature periods.

Without the new law, extending that agreement for future droughts would have been prohibited. t

As a first step toward meeting that need, Colorado TU supported Proposition DD on the Colorado ballot in November 2019. Establishing a tax on sports betting, the measure may ultimately generate up to $29 million per year to support Water Plan implementation. The measure was modeled after the successful Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) program for lottery proceeds to be invested in parks, wildlife and open space.

In a close vote, Colorado voters approved Proposition DD. Colorado TU now hopes that it will stimulate environmental and water conservation programs, much as GOCO generated extensive public and private sector partnerships around land conservation. t

“Colorado is in urgent need of more funding to implement its water plan because its population is expected to double by 2060, and current water supplies cannot keep up with demand in the future. Investment in our water system must be a priority to meet our water needs while preserving Colorado water values for healthy rivers and thriving farms.”

David Nickum, CTU Executive Director 4

“

As a lifelong fly fisher and TU member since I was gifted a membership by my grandfather as a child; selecting CTU as a charitable partner here in Colorado was an easy decision.

After a series of co-hosted events, we couldn’t be happier with our partnership and hope to continue working with the CTU team for years to come.”

Patrick O’Neill Owner, Avanti Food & Beverage

Investing in our Great Outdoors

S

ince 1965, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has been one of America’s most successful conservation and recreation programs, investing a total of $16 billion into local communities in every state, including more than $278 million for Colorado. From crown jewels like the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Great Sand Dunes, to local parks and trails in communities statewide, LWCF has been a major driver for Colorado’s public lands and outdoor recreation economy.

For years, conservationists have worked to ensure this successful program remained authorized by Congress. After letting LWCF lapse in September 2018, Congress passed a bill permanently re-authorizing the fund as part of the package of bills later dubbed the “John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act,” signed by the President in March 2019. It was a key victory built on years of advocacy by TU and other partners.

“Without full funding, the LWCF is like a sportscar with an empty tank of gas,” said TU’s Corey Fisher. “Permanent funding will provide the certainty needed for LWCF to be successful.” Of the funds earmarked for LWCF, more than $22 billion have been diverted over the years. Permanent, dedicated funding will ensure that future dollars earmarked to LWCF actually go to their intended purpose.

Colorado lawmakers including Senators Gardner and Bennet and Representatives DeGette and Neguse helped lead the charge and on August 4, 2020 the President signed GAOA into law. The most significant national conservation legislation passed in a generation, GAOA permanently secures funding for public lands and outdoor recreation under LWCF as well as providing nearly $10 billion in much needed funding to address the maintenance backlog on our National Parks and other public lands. t

While LWCF was finally authorized, Trout Unlimited continued to pursue full and permanent funding of the program through a bi-partisan bill, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), which made its way through both the House and Senate.

$278 Million

Went to Pubilc Lands and Outdoor Recreation in Colorado Through LWCF

5

Restoring Colorado’s Native Trout

T

rout Unlimited continued to help lead the way in restoring Colorado’s native cutthroat trout in 2019. Collaborations with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the US Forest Service (USFS), the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and many other non-profit and TU partners have resulted in some big wins this year!

Photo courtesy of CPW.

THE FINAL BARRIER AT ROCK CREEK

FLOW PROTECTION IN THE SAN JUAN

The USFS and CPW worked closely with TU and private landowners on Rock Creek, a tributary of Tarryall River, to complete construction on a permanent fish barrier below the recovery site. The barrier will prevent invasion by non-native trout and secure eight miles of streams for Greenback reintroduction. The project will enable cutthroats to move freely throughout three connected drainages with a complexity of habitat – providing for a “metapopulation” of Greenback Cutthroats that can withstand changes in climate and wildfire risk.

TU and the Five Rivers Chapter joined in supporting the USFS and CPW in their request of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) for an important instream flow water right to protect San Juan Cutthroat Trout habitat in Himes Creek.

Because of the stream’s critical importance as one of only a handful of remaining habitats for this unique lineage of cutthroat, and its physical step-pool nature which did not allow for the usual riffle-based instream flow quantification tool to be used, CWCB staff joined CPW and USFS to advance a unique instream flow recommendation calling for protection of “all unappropriated flow” in the stream reach.

Now that the barrier is complete, recovery partners will work to remove brook trout and eradicate whirling disease from the reach and begin to reintroduce Greenbacks in coming years.

6

The CWCB appropriated the instream flow water right with a 2019 priority date – a vital step in protecting habitat for native trout, while still respecting and preserving the rights of downstream water diverters.

“

The collaboration and coordination that is currently occurring among the agencies and partners for the recovery of the Greenback Cutthroat trout and other cutthroat trout in Colorado is quite amazing and is producing solid steps towards recovery of the species.”

Leslie Ellwood, Fish and Wildlife Biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service

Photo courtesy of K. Ross

GREENBACK CUTTHROAT TROUT

RESTORING FLOWS FOR ABRAMS CREEK’S RARE NATIVES

The Greenback Cutthroat Trout, endemic to the South Platte and the Front Range, is finally returning home after years of work by TU and recovery partners. In 2019, CPW was able to complete its third and final year of reintroduction into Herman Gulch and Dry Gulch with the help of over 200 TU volunteers and agency staff.

TU and CPW partnered with the Buckhorn Valley Metropolitan District No. 1 to complete an ambitious restoration project on Abrams Creek to preserve a rare population of indigenous Colorado River Cutthroat trout threatened in part by reduced flows during irrigation season. TU’s Mely Whiting worked with the district to pipe their irrigation ditch, reducing leakage by 40 percent – with the saved water going back into the creek to keep the fish healthy.

Over 65,000 native Greenbacks were stocked in these two creeks roughly 55 miles west of Denver – helping establish two important self-sustaining populations of fishable cutthroat trout back in their native range.

65,000 200

native greenbacks Released in Colorado

Native Trout Volunteers

Among other benefits, increased flows are expected to: • Increase physical/wetted habitat and riparian cover along approximately 3.5 miles of stream.

• Improve in-stream habitat connectivity and quality, allowing trout to more easily move to the best habitat and holding areas.

• Enhance sediment transport, which helps keep river cobble and spawning habitat clean and healthy.

• Increase aquatic insect productivity, improving cutthroat food resources.

• Create deeper pools for trout refuge.

• Maintain cooler water temperatures in lower Abrams Creek. t

TU prepared a video telling the Abrams Creek Cutthroat Project story and the important flow restoration partnership that made it happen.

VIDEO

https://vimeo.com/305797136 Picture by Tyler Kanaval, volunteer.

7

STREAM Girls: Inspiring the next generation

S

TREAM Girls is an outdoor watershed experience that employs STEM-education (science, technology, engineering, math) plus Recreation and Arts to help girls explore a local stream. Colorado Trout Unlimited has partnered with Girl Scouts of Colorado to bring this program to scouts in multiple Colorado communities. By visiting a local stream and having the opportunity to observe it as scientists, anglers, and artists, girls will get the complete picture of what their stream could mean to them. Over the course of multiple activities, Girl Scouts observe a stream, collect flow data, sample macroinvertebrates (aka aquatic bugs), tie flies, and learn fly casting.

In 2019, Colorado TU was pleased to partner with Occidental (formerly Anadarko) to pilot the first STREAM Girls events in Colorado. CTU piloted four STREAM Girls events on the Front Range from Longmont to Colorado Springs, and one event on the Western Slope in Montrose. We were able to host these events in partnership with three of our chapters, the Pikes Peak Chapter, the Gunnison Gorge Anglers, and the St. Vrain Anglers. In 2019, the STREAM Girls events reached a total of 120 Girl Scouts, ranging from ages 9-14.

In partnership with the Colorado Women Flyfishers, the Women in Oil and Gas Association, Able Women Flyfishers and our Trout Unlimited chapters, CTU was able to establish a pool of 60 STREAM Girls'

8

volunteers that are interested in continuing to engage with the program in the years to come. The volunteers were trained by a National Trout Unlimited staffer, who helps councils and chapters get started with STREAM Girls in their states. Much of our volunteer pool consists of women who have experience in STEM industries, fly fishing, the Girl Scouts, conservation, or in the outdoor industry. All of our volunteers have a passion for mentoring younger generations, particularly young girls. t

The Impact

Youth Outreach

6

Stream Girls events across Colorado

9

Chapters engaged in the Trout in the Classroom program

19

Youth, Ages 14-18, attended Camp

21

Trout in the Classroom

T

his year, CTU and local chapters provided Trout in the Classroom (TIC) programming in 21 different classrooms across Colorado. TIC is a conservationoriented, environmental education program for elementary, middle and high school students.

Throughout the school year, students: raise trout from eggs to fry; monitor tank water quality; engage in stream habitat study; learn to appreciate water resources; begin to foster a conservation ethic; and grow to understand ecosystems. Pictured left are students dissecting trout that had to undergo disease testing to meet release requirements of their tanks' population. t

Schools part of the Trout In the Classroom Program

60

ffffssdf

STREAM Girls volunteers in 2019

120

Girl Scouts Completed the STREAM Girls Program

River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp

T

he 2019 River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp attendees spent a whole week in Almont, CO learning and growing into conservationists while improving their fly fishing skills. This camp marked the 14th year of existence and included 19 campers representing 14 Colorado chapters and one Washington chapter. The campers participated in activities designed to expose them to a broad range of conservationrelated topics and potential career paths. t

300+

trout released by students

500

Students participated in Trout in the Classroom 9

Stream Management Planning

I

ncluded as a core part of the Colorado Water Plan, Stream Management Plans (SMPs) lay the framework for water users and community stakeholders to identify and address critical issues in their basins. With a strong focus on environmental and recreational needs, these watershed plans also engage agricultural producers, water providers, and local governments to assess the health and resiliency of nearby streams and generate multi-beneficiary projects.

The Colorado Water Plan set a goal for 80% of locally-prioritized streams across the state to be included in an SMP by 2030. By advocating for the long-term environmental and recreational health of our waterways, Trout Unlimited and its partners are making a lasting impact on the future of water in Colorado. t

Trout Unlimited and local chapters are heavily engaged in SMPs across the state – including the South Platte River Drainage, Blue River, Eagle River, Middle Colorado, Upper Gunnison River, San Miguel, Rio Grande, South Boulder Creek, and the St. Vrain.

You can learn more about all the stream management efforts in Colorado by visiting:

www.coloradosmp.org

South Boulder Creek

Upper Gunnison

Rio Grande

Blue River

Partners:

Partners:

Partners:

•

Boulder Flycasters TU

•

Partners:

•

City of Boulder

•

City of Lafayette

•

Denver Water

•

Colorado School of Mines

Goal: improve river health on South Boulder Creek below Eldorado Springs, including designing needed infrastructure improvements for fish passage and for passing through minimum winter flow releases from the Gross Reservoir environmental pool.

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Goal: assess agricultural infrastructure needs, recreation issues, and environmental health for the Upper Gunnison, Taylor, Cebolla, and Tomichi drainages, and identify potential collaborative projects to improve these interrelated values.

Goal: assess needs and develop collaborative projects and programs to address irrigation infrastructure improvements, recreation flow needs, and environmental goals including trout fishery health on the Conejos, Rio Grande and Saguache Creek.

Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District

•

Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project

•

Gunnison Angling Society TU

•

San Luis Valley Chapter TU

•

High Country Conservation Advocates

•

Lake Fork Valley Conservancy

•

American Whitewater

2030 goal to have 80% of locallyprioritized colorado streams to be part of a stream management plan.

Goal: determine and correct causes of declining (formerly Gold Medal) fishery, enhance irrigation infrastructure on working lands, and develop a lasting watershed coalition to address future challenges.

•

Blue River Watershed Group

•

Gore Range TU

•

Blue Valley Ranch

•

Summit County

•

Town of Silverthorne (among additional municipalities)

•

Water providers (Denver Water, Colorado Springs Utilities)

Improving Fish Passage in the Middle Colorado River

E

manating from the southern rim of the Flat Tops mountain range, a series of important freestone creeks run south into the Colorado River mainstem. Creeks such as Grizzly and No-Name Creek have high water quality and sufficient flow to offer very productive spawning and juvenile habitat for cold water fish. Trout, suckers, whitefish and sculpin all move into these creeks to spawn, with most large fish returning to the Colorado River mainstem. Their progeny, however, remain in the protective environment of the creek for their first years of life, moving eventually to the mainstem as their size increases. The Colorado River benefits from this steady new recruitment to the mainstem population.

Hinds Ditch Company partnered to construct a fish bypass around the ditch company’s irrigation diversion structure. This project has allowed thousands of spawning fish into Elk Creek over the past 2 years. TU is now looking to build on that success by retrofitting a culvert to open up 12 miles of Canyon Creek to spawning fish, and then will look at further partnerships with agricultural users to open additional upstream habitat on Elk Creek.

Projects like these can help our agricultural partners, our wild fish stocks, and the local economy. t

Unfortunately, some of these creeks are not accessible to spawning fish from the Colorado River due to blockages of fish passage. In Spring 2018, the lower 3.5 miles of Elk Creek was opened to spawning fish for the first time in 80 years. Trout Unlimited (TU), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Ware and

Chapter Spotlight - Rocky Mountain Flycasters and Alpine Anglers

Accessible Fishing on the Big Thompson Two northern Colorado TU chapters collaborated to install an accessible fishing pier and path on the Big Thompson River in 2019, helping provide fishing opportunities for anglers with limited mobility.

The reconstruction was necessitated when the 2013 flood ripped out a fishing pier that had been constructed by multiple partners including the two Chapters in the 1980s. In addition to TU, project partners on the new pier included the Big Thompson Watershed Coalition, US Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Department of Transportation, Kiewit Construction and employees from Cargill, Inc. Educational signage at the site was developed with an Embrace-a-Stream Grant from TU. t

Restoring the Elkhead Basin: top to bottom Before

After

T

U and its partners have been working to protect, reconnect, and restore Elkhead Creek and its major tributaries for approximately a decade. Past work included reconnecting 6.5 miles of native Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (CRCT) habitat by replacing culverts in Torso and Armstrong Creeks (2009-10), installing a protective exclosure for a halfmile of upper Elkhead Creek (2012), and restoring three miles of in-stream habitat along Armstrong Creek (2012-16).

In 2020, the US Forest Service and TU will lead the next major phase of the upper basin project by restoring almost a mile of habitat along First Creek, the largest of Elkhead Creek’s headwater tributaries.

The work should decrease stream temperature and fine sediment, benefiting native fish including CRCT, Mottled Sculpin, and Mountain Sucker.

Rocky Mountain Flycaster volunteers after a long day’s work.

Meanwhile, TU and the Natural Resources Conservation Service are working with a group of private landowners to restore riparian and instream habitat on a nine-mile section of lower Elkhead Creek between Elkhead Reservoir and the Yampa River. For years, landowners along lower Elkhead Creek have struggled with excessive bank erosion and a fragmented riparian corridor, and the resulting impacts on adjacent agricultural lands.

Starting in 2020, TU and NRCS will work with 11 agricultural producers to restore five miles of lower Elkhead Creek. The project will reduce bank erosion and sediment-loading into the stream, with resulting improvements in riparian and instream habitat for fish and other wildlife. t

Volunteers from Cargill, Inc. start on the path to the pier.

11

Chapter Spotlight - Eagle Valley

“Restore the Gore” Partnership and Habitat Restoration Eagle Valley TU volunteers took part in the “Restore the Gore” workdays in partnership with Oskar Blues’ Can’d Aid Foundation.

325 MILES

Restore the Gore Accomplishments:

of Gold Medal trout streams (and three lakes) in Colorado

•

More than 10,000 native plants introduced in the riparian area

•

3.5 miles of riparian buffer restored

•

Town of Vail has dedicated $8.5 million over 5 years to water quality improvement

•

Town of Vail has completely eliminated the use of foliar applied pesticides on town property

•

All these efforts have resulted in a steady, if modest, upward trend in macroinvertebrate populations since 2016.

Pictured: The South Platte River has 37 miles of Gold Medal trout designation.

Gold Medal Streams in Colorado

R

ight now, there are only about 325 miles of Gold Medal trout streams (and three lakes) in Colorado. These are the cream of the crop, premier fisheries managed

by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to provide the densest accessible concentrations of “quality” (a.k.a. big) trout in the state. But our foremost fisheries don’t always receive the recognition and respect they deserve.

Already we’ve witnessed negative impacts to several of Colorado’s Gold Medal fisheries, including de-listing of formerly prime trout waters that have suffered the repercussions of neglect, and the associated setbacks to the surrounding angling economy. Trout Unlimited is working to remedy that.

Our efforts over the past year have been focused on habitat improvements and restoration of Colorado’s once preeminent trout fisheries — places like the Animas

River, Blue River and Gore Creek. Working with state agencies, municipal partners, TU members and the outdoor recreation industry, we’ve already begun to witness upward trends in aquatic health of rivers that once set the bar as Colorado’s “highest quality cold-water habitats.” But there’s plenty more to be done.

In 2020, TU will ramp up efforts on our “Colorado Gold” campaign, building awareness of the importance of our state’s high-quality fisheries and the watersheds on which they depend. Over time we intend to increase the number of miles in the Gold Medal system, expand protections for their surrounding watersheds, and showcase the conservation values required to maintain Colorado’s status as a premier trout fishing destination in the west. t

THANK YOU TO COLORADO TU’S RIVER CHAMPION P R OT E C T O U R R I V E R S CO R P O R AT E PA R T N E R S !

These business partners provide critical support for native trout reintroduction, habitat restoration, youth education, and so much more.

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The CORE Act —tailor-made for Colorado sportsmen and women

F

rom the rugged and roadless Thompson Divide to the pristine headwaters of the snowcapped San Juans, and the patriotic legacy of our mountaineering pioneers exploring the Continental Divide at Camp Hale in between, the comprehensive package of public lands protection called the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act, sponsored by Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet, aims to conserve and protect some 400,000 acres of trout and wildlife habitat across some of the state’s signature landscapes. Protections range from permanent mineral withdrawals along the water- and wildlife-rich Thompson Divide to a mosaic of federal Wilderness designations and special management areas in the San Juan Mountains and the Continental Divide overlooking Camp Hale. But arguably none of the four components of the CORE Act speaks to Colorado Trout Unlimited members and anglers quite so much as the little-known Curecanti Boundary Establishment Act. Dating back to the creation of the Aspinall Unit of the Colorado Storage Project in 1965, the Curecanti NRA created through inundation of the surrounding river valley still suffers from a series of administrative snafus that leave its boundaries and

administration in question. More relevant to anglers, the lack of administrative oversight has allowed the Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation to forego its mitigation obligation to restore some 26 miles of public fishing access as compensation for the habitat lost to inundation. Records indicate that the Bureau has provided just a little more than 14 miles to date. Trout Unlimited has taken the lead on efforts to ensure that Colorado eventually receives the rest. The CORE Act includes a clause calling for the Interior Department to meet that obligation – promising to increase public fishing access in the upper Gunnison drainage by nearly a dozen miles.

As of last October, we’re effectively halfway there. Thanks to the leadership of freshman Rep. Neguse, the now year-old CORE Act bill took a major step forward by passing in the U.S. House of Representatives last fall. Having helped the CORE Act pass through the House, TU and our allies are building on that momentum as focus shifts to the Senate, encouraging the upper chamber to take up the measure and expanding awareness of the Bureau of Reclamation’s obligation to make good on its commitment to Colorado anglers. t

THE CORE ACT IMPACT

400,000 acres

of trout and wildlife habitat protected under the CORE act

200,000 acres

protected on the Western Slope between the Roaring Fork and North Fork valleys from the impacts of new oil and gas leasing

31,000+ acres

of expanded wilderness designations

3 new wilderness areas in the Tenmile Range, Hoosier Ridge, and Williams Fork Mountains

12 miles

of high-quality public fishing access secured

Freestone Aquatics and the other companies in the Freestone Group have been Colorado TU business partners and a key donor for more than a decade. Colorado TU’s work conserving, protecting, and restoring Colorado’s watersheds aligns well with Freestone’s work in aquatic habitat restoration and fisheries management. We appreciate Colorado TU ’s science-based, non-partisan approach to conservation and look forward to many more years of partnering with the organization. We have seen the staff and volunteers of Colorado TU leverage long standing relationships for top tier results. More specifically, Colorado TU has the knowledge, relationships, integrity, and experience to get the tough tasks done when it matters. They effectively mobilize and are persuasive when working toward their mission. These reasons and several meaningful others are why we support Colorado TU as volunteers and donors.”

Clint Packo, Owner of Freestone Aquatics

13 13

Community Science Advances Conservation on the Front Range

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trong science and accurate data are what drive successful conservation on the landscape. Unfortunately, many agency departments and fisheries managers often lack the capacity and budget to collect large quantities of information in the field – a factor that can significantly reduce the number of critical projects implemented over time.

TU chapters across Colorado have stepped up to meet this need for more science. Several chapters on the Front Range have partnered with the US Forest Service (USFS), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), and River Watch to get volunteers on the ground (and in the river) to collect important data that will drive critical conservation initiatives into the future.

Greenback Recovery

The Evergreen TU Chapter and Rocky Mountain Flycasters have partnered with USFS and CPW biologists to generate better understanding of tributary conditions in headwater areas that could be home to future populations of threatened Greenback Cutthroat Trout.

Before land managers can begin reclaiming streams for cutthroat reintroduction, they first need to know if the water temperature and annual thermal conditions can support healthy feeding and recruitment of trout over time. Additionally, creeks with large natural barriers that prevent upstream migration of non-native fish can greatly lower the cost and expedite the timing of native trout recovery projects by eliminating the need for agencies to design and install permanent fish barriers.

Since 2018, the Evergreen TU chapter has deployed over ten stream temperature loggers into potential Greenback habitat in the Bear Creek Drainage. In 2019 and 2020, chapter volunteers will hike over a hundred miles of small drainages to identify natural barriers and help sample for non-native brook trout. These efforts will help the USFS and CPW to advance restoration of Greenback Cutthroat Trout in the drainage by providing strong science on suitable habitat, natural barriers, and thermal conditions.

The Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter based in Fort Collins, CO, has also been a part of the stream temperature monitoring project since 2018. Working with the USFS in the Cache la Poudre watershed, fourteen TU volunteers have helped install and maintain 22 temperature loggers in potential Greenback reintroduction areas – with another 16 sites identified by the US Forest Service for survey in 2020.

Initial funding for the stream temperature monitoring projects was provided by the Western Native Trout Initiative and the USFS, but chapters like Evergreen TU and Rocky Mountain Flycasters continue to invest more time and resources into the effort each year. The results are paying off as the USFS identifies the next field of Greenback Cutthroat reclamation areas.

14

The River Watch program depends on volunteer community scientists that collect samples and data from certain stretches of their local waters.

Water Quality Water quality is also a primary concern for TU chapters in basins impacted by hard rock mining. The West Denver TU chapter has partnered with River Watch, a cooperative program between the Colorado Watershed Assembly and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to monitor for macroinvertebrates and heavy metals in the Clear Creek Drainage. This initiative has produced hundreds of samples over the years and continues to make the case for critical reclamation projects at various abandoned mine sites throughout the watershed.

From stream health to habitat surveys, TU chapters on the Front Range are making a significant impact on the science behind conservation – building a strong foundation for the future of watershed health and native cutthroat in Colorado. t Rocky Mountain Flycasters electrofishing for invasive species in the Poudre Headwaters, the future site of the largest native Greenback reintroduction project in the state.

Learn more at: www.coloradotu.org/poudreproject

Chapter Spotlight – Dolores River Anglers

Science Drives Conservation on the Dolores

Dolores River Anglers volunteers check on the stream temperature sensor that was placed in the main stem of the Dolores River.

Corporate Sponsors Step-up for the Animas River

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rout Unlimited’s efforts to recover the upper Animas River watershed have intensified dramatically over the nearly five years since the Gold King Mine spill. So too have TU’s funding needs. With the listing of 48 mines near Silverton as Superfund sites, TU’s leadership has never been more vital. Thankfully for this fabled trout river in southwest Colorado, two big-time names have stepped-up to help TU recover the fishery in the Animas headwaters.

Ross Reels in Montrose, CO makes some of the finest fly-fishing reels on the market.

In 2019 Ross committed to producing a specially-colored version of their wellknown ‘Animas’ reel in a partnership with TU in Durango. Proceeds from the sale of this special reel go directly to TU’s Animas River recovery work and will be an ongoing effort into the future. The TU/Ross Animas partnership reel is being produced in limited numbers and sold only at Ross retailers who elected to participate in the fundraising and river recovery effort.

Patagonia’s commitment to funding non-profit organizations addressing

environmental issues is well known. In 2019 Patagonia launched a new funding program directed at fishery issues, and specifically, those affecting a Patagonia fly fishing retailer. With the assistance and endorsement of Patagonia retailer and longtime Trout Unlimited endorsed business member Duranglers Flies and Supplies in Durango, TU secured a $25,000 grant for the Animas River recovery work.

In January 2017, after three years of focused volunteer and professional effort, Dolores River Anglers (DRA) released its assessment of the likely effects of climate change in the Upper Dolores Watershed through a Coldwaterfisheries Adaptive Management Framework.

Over the past three years, this report has quietly become a working framework for integrated conservation efforts undertaken in the upper watershed through an emerging partnership with key management staff from the San Juan National Forest, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Dolores Water Conservancy District and Trout Unlimited.

This partnership is exploring ways to integrate and leverage both in-stream work and data gathering/research efforts; such efforts are increasingly coordinated and focused around emerging common priorities. Over the last three years:

•

All four partners have joined in forming and actively supporting an Upper Dolores Stream Protection Working Group. The Group’s purpose is to link a list of known trout streams with relevant protection tools, applying a long-term, landscape perspective. Linking is based on individual stream characteristics and vulnerabilities.

•

A list of eight streams as candidates for Outstanding Waters designation is moving forward as the Group continues to work. DRA will be leading the water sampling.

•

Stream temperature sensors have been distributed, read and analyzed in the main stem of the Dolores and in 12 tributaries at multiple different elevations. Analysis is giving answers to two key questions: 1) what is the summer temperature profile of the main stem, and 2) are temperature patterns the same in adjacent tributaries or do they materially differ? (Answers: we have serious temperature exceedances in the bottom one-third of the main stem; tributaries are materially cooler in our lowest contributing tributaries. Can we manage these as off-ramps for trout during heat stress?)

•

Cutthroat populations in four more streams have been sampled for DNA analysis, helping to establish a clear pattern of sub-species distribution in the Upper Dolores. t

Corporate sponsors are fundamental to TU’s success, and in the Animas River valley, that’s never been more profound. Trout Unlimited could not be more grateful for these generous partners. t

15

Monarch Gravel Mine Reclamation

I

n 2019, TU staff secured grant funds from the Colorado Water Conservation Board and National Forest Foundation Ski Conservation Fund for reclamation at an old gravel mine on Monarch Pass. Conditions at the site prior to work resembled a barren landscape of highly erosive granitic soil that was being mobilized to the headwaters of the South Arkansas River during rainfall and runoff events.

“

Abandoned mine cleanups appeal to us for a multitude of reasons, especially knowing that TU can often triple each dollar we donate towards cleanup work with funding from government and private grants. These cleanups have the twofold benefit of helping our own local fisheries and improving water quality for all users downstream. Water is one of our world’s most precious resources and it is critical to protect what water we do have for generations to come.

Fixing the messes others have left behind doesn’t carry a lot of glamour or instant gratification, so we wanted to serve as champions for this cause and encourage others to participate.

We are very excited about the work TU is doing to tackle this complicated problem and would welcome the chance to speak with any other members who are interested in learning more about the effort.”

Through this project, TU was able to reduce sediment sources to the upper South Arkansas River watershed by revegetating 2.0 acres of the site while installing over 30 check dams and erosion control structures.

These structures were placed in conveyance channels throughout the site that were previous avenues for sediment across the highway.

The first step of the project consisted of staging of amendments (Trees, compost, 3-6-3 Soilworks fertilizer, Lot 125 product, woodstraw, and agricultural straw) and general site grading with a D5 bulldozer.

Once stable slopes were attained, conveyance channels running through the site were graded and stabilized with a mixture of check dams, log falls, and log sills to

attenuate surface flows associated with rainfall and snowmelt. Once all structures were efficiently placed, amendments were ripped into site soils at depths of 1 foot and then hummocked with an excavator bucket to create undulations in the reclaimed surfaces. Revegetating these stabilized areas, combined with the 30 conveyance channel structures, will ultimately reduce the amount of sediment leaving the site and entering the headwaters of the South Arkansas River. TU will also work with the US Forest Service to plant native pines at the site during the 2020 season.

Project partners whose support made this work possible include Colorado Water Conservation Board, National Forest Foundation, Monarch Ski Area, Freeport McMoRan, Newmont Mining and the Collegiate Peaks Anglers Chapter. Completion of this project will hopefully encourage similar projects in the Monarch Pass area.

Reduction of sediment sources will improve downstream water quality while also stabilizing steep slopes that are prone to erosion, which will have an overall benefit on water quality and quantity. t

Before showing eroded conditions of conveyance channel running through the site area. A series of two unstable headcuts is visible in the photo above with eroded sections of over three feet in depth.

Kur t and Liz Soderberg

After 16

showing a check dam leading into a large log fall structure in formerly eroded conveyance channel. The check dam will help attenuate flows prior to entering the log fall that will step water down without eroding the channel bottom. Over 30 check dams were installed across the site during construction due to the additional help of TU staff.

Monarch Gravel Mine

Photo showing re-graded site being amended with Lot 125 and fertilizer products using 1,000 gallon hydroseeder. The Lot 125 product was utilized to uptake fertilizer to the soil more efficiently while also retaining soil moisture during dry conditions.

Mt. Emmons Mine

Photo shows PUF pouring process. A bell shaped PUF was finished to bite into the three-foot lip on the edge of the shaft to resist sliding in on itself. After curing, approximately 4 feet of cover material was placed to fully ensure closure.

1000 cubic yards

2.0 acres

of clean fill, and revegetation along a former waste rock pile.

of revegetation

900+ feet

30 check dams

of drainage channels were constructed to help direct runoff in ways to reduce contamination from mine waste

and erosion control structures installed

Mt. Emmons Mine Site Reclamation

Before

waste pile.

showing grading and reclamation of 2000 level mine

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U again partnered with Freeport McMoRan at the Mt. Emmons mine site outside of Crested Butte to tackle environmental cleanup in 2019. This was the second year in a row TU AML staff assisted with revegetation of former mine wastes and construction of several conveyance channels to help with snowmelt and clean surface water diversions. Major efforts in one major portion of the site (the “2000 Area”) included closure and sealing of a dual ore shaft; and grading, amendment with limestone, placement of 1000 cubic yards of clean fill, and revegetation along a former waste rock pile.

Once a majority of grading and revegetation was complete, over 900 feet of drainage channels were constructed to help direct runoff in ways to reduce contamination from mine waste. Activities in a second portion of the site (“2160 Area”) included realigning the mine road to promote drainage toward the roadside ditch, along with enhancements of that ditch to facilitate proper drainage and use of

After

showing network of ditches and revegetated slope.

limestone in the refinished road for additional water quality buffering; excavation of a second ditch; and construction of a drainage fan at the bottom of the two ditches – with revegetation throughout the disturbed areas.

The ultimate goals of this project are treatment and revegetation of historic mine wastes, as well as installation of conveyance channels to manage clean surface water flows caused from rainfall and snowmelt events. By keeping clean water clean, and routing this water off-site, partners ultimately seek to reduce the load on the existing water treatment plant while improving downstream water quality in Coal Creek and for the town of Crested Butte. t

17 17

Financial Summary

O

ver the period of October 2018-March 2020 (as TU shifted its fiscal year to start April 1), Trout Unlimited in Colorado invested nearly $7.76 million toward its conservation and education programs, on-the-ground projects, and chapter support. These funds included the work of the Colorado Council and its 24 local chapters—from legislative advocacy at the General Assembly to youth education projects to native trout restoration projects; as well as Colorado-based National Trout Unlimited programs and staff working on initiatives for river conservation, agriculture partnerships, public land protection, and abandoned mine reclamation.

Through the leveraging power of partnerships and grassroots contributions, TU helps make your donor dollars go farther for our conservation mission. Individual donations of $571 thousand were leveraged by $7.19 million in funds from corporate and foundation grants, events, and other matching funds. TU cash funds in Colorado were

complemented by an additional $1.93 million in “sweat equity”—the value of more than 65,000 volunteer hours contributed through our grassroots volunteers. In total, nearly $16 of conservation value was generated from each $1 of individual support to Trout Unlimited in Colorado – and that doesn’t even include the substantial in-kind partnership support of collaborating agencies like Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The vast majority of TU funds go directly into programs for conservation, education, and grassroots engagement. For fiscal year 2019-20 84% of TU in Colorado funds were directed toward program services, 12% for general administration, and 4% for fundraising.t

18

Fishpond Freeport McMoRan Freestone Aquatics Freestone Strategies Gates Family Foundation Grand County (Open Lands, Rivers, and Trails Fund) Greenway Foundation Gunnison Basin Roundtable Gunnison County Horse and Dragon Brewing Co. Intel Corporation Jack Dennis Fly Fishing Jones Family Foundation Madison Valley Ranch Maris Group Mayfly Outdoors Metro Basin Roundtable Middle Fork Adventures Mile High Flood Control District Molson Coors National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Natural Resources Conservation Service Newmont Mining North Fork Ranch Northern Water Northwest Council of Governments (through Summit Co. Water Quality Committee) Occasions Catering Occidental Petroleum RareWaters Rep Your Water Revesco Properties Rio Grande Basin Roundtable Ripple Creek Lodge

Oct 2018 - Mar 2020 12%

4%

84%

84% Programs 1 2% General Admin 4% Fundraising

Major Corporate, Agency, and Foundation Supporters 8 Rivers Rodeo African Eyes Travel Allen Kube Bamboo Rods Andes Drifters Anglers All Anonymous Aurora Water Avanti Food & Beverage Blue Quill Angler Blue Valley Ranch Bonneville Environmental Foundation Bureau of Land Management Butler Rents Can’d Aid (Oscar Blues Brewing) Carlson Vineyards Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Citywide Banks Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water & Power Authority Colorado Parks and Wildlife Colorado River Basin Roundtable Colorado River Water Conservation District Colorado Rodmakers Reunion Colorado State Conservation Bd. Colorado Water Conservation Bd. Confluence Land Co. ConocoPhillips Conscience Bay Company Cutthroat Anglers D.A. Davidson Denver Water Distant Waters New Zealand El Pescador Eleven Experience Factor Design Build

Distribution of Funds

River Bear American Meats River Restoration For Tomorrow RNB Lending Group Running Rivers San Luis Valley Conservation and Connection Initiative SaraBella Fishing Sawyer Oars Silver Trout Foundation South Platte Basin Roundtable Summit County, Colorado Suncor Energy The Broadmoor Fly Fishing Camp The Industrial Company (TIC) The Precourt Foundation The Wiegers Family Foundation Tiffany & Co. Foundation Town of Gypsum Town of Silverthorne Trouts Fly Fishing U.S. Bureau of Reclamation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Forest Service Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District Upslope Brewing Company Walton Family Foundation Wayne Swanson Charitable Fund Western Native Trout Iniative Williams

Leveraging Your Giving Oct 2018 - Mar 2020

$7.76

MILLION

invested by TU

$1.93

MILLION

“Sweat Equity” Value of Volunteer labor

$571,000

Individual Donations

each dollar of individual giving was leveraged nearly 16 times over

Protect Our Rivers Partnership Program

Protect Our Rivers Partnership donors are corporate partners who care about healthy rivers and fisheries and contribute annually in support of Colorado TU’s work to protect and restore our state’s watersheds and wild places. Our business partner program connects businesses and Colorado TU members and supporters who share an interest in protecting and sustaining Colorado’s rivers and fisheries.

Griffith Circle/River Stewardship Council Donors John Aaron John Agnoletti Bruce Allbright Ravel Ammerman Mary & Dan Armour Jerry Arnold Joe Baggett Steven Baker Paul Benedetti Rebecca Bilodeau Peter Bjork James Boak Stephen Brant Thomas Bray Michael Brueggemann James Buckler Graham Buggs Travis Campbell Joe Cannon Scott Carpenter Jodi & Mike Carrillo Ann & Scott Carver Cam Chandler Adam Cherry LuLu Colby Steven Coleman Gary Collins Robert Collins Steve & Tracy Craig Gordy & Dona Crawford Howard Cribbs Erin Crider Clint & Kristen Crookshanks Mac Cunningham Terrence Deaton Norm DeCastro Kirk & Sarah Deeter Michael & Jean Delaney Mark & Katy Dickson David & Michelle DiGiacomo Lee Dines, Jr. Jack Dionigi Sam Doyle Glen & Jackie Edwards Roe Emery Dennis Erenberger Eric Eves Bob Fanch Darryl Farrington Justin Felderhoff Eli Feldman Richard & Cathey Finlon

Jason Forrester John & Denise Frontczak Timothy Gablehouse Terry Gallagher, Jr. Kate & Sam Gary, Jr. Caleb Gates Jr. Zachary George Robert Gerbig Ken Gillis Staunton Golding Harry Grabarz Stan Graff Michael Greene Antonio Gurule Randy Halfpop Charles Hamlin Lisa & Scott Hampton Gary Hansen Louis Hegedus Thomas Helmer John Hermon Robert Hesse Kent Heyborne Brian Holaway Craig Holmes Robert Holton Greg Houck Larry Howe Ken Hunter Trevor Ibsen James Impara Bud Isaacs Jim & Ann Jackson Ralph Jacobson Ken James Sam & Barbara Jampolis Michael Jefferson Bruce Johnson Pitch & Cathie Johnson Ronald Johnson William Jones Jayn Karl Abran Kean Robert Kendig Randy Keogh Maria King Ken Kinsman Timothy Klco Joseph Kneib Keith Krebs John Kundts Jennie Kurtz Sharon & Mark Lance Brandon Lane

Chris Lang Dan Lang Betsy & L Larson Allan Larson Robert Leavitt Samuel LeeDuMez James Licko Tommy Lorden Randall Lortscher Cargill MacMillan, III John Marlow Joe Marr M.J. Mastalir Lee Mather, Jr. Rick Matsumoto Chris Maughan Doug McCallum Jeremy McCullough Mike McCurdie Tom McDermott C. David McDermott Douglas McDonald Michael McGoldrick Clif McIntosh Fred Miller David Miller Jim Mills Thomas & Elene Mooney Gerald Moore Michael Moore Gregory Moran Randy Morgan Matt Moskal Brian Murphy Raymond Nagashima Sarah Nazeri John Neal Seth Nehrke Rick Newsome Rich Newton Nick Noesen Carol Oglesby George Orbanek Clint & Kallie Packo Tony Park Kim Parsons Scott Patten Stephen Pemberton Joel & Karen Piassick Keith Pitman Jay & Molly Precourt Dave Rackoski William Rapson

Barbara Luneau & Mark Rayman Robert Rich David Rootes Ronald Rudy Paul Rullkoetter Jerry Ryan Ray Samuelson Andy Schwaller Doug Schwartz Zachary Schwasman Elizabeth Searle Michael Simpson Dale Smith Mark Smith Kurt & Liz Soderberg Brian Spear Tim Sprinkle Christopher Sprowl George Stark Rick Stephens John Stermole Blane Stone Tanya Argo & Christopher Striebich Celia Sheneman & Nick Sweeney Walter Swift Steve Tait Stephen Thompson Daniel Vail Brian Van Sickle Steven Vandiver Rich & Kellie Ward Bob Weaver Dave Wenman Carl Westphal Jim Whiteley David Wickersham Alex Wiegers Greg Wiggins Ryan Willett Jim Williams David Wilson Michael Witt Chris Wood Alex Woodruff Joe Zell Carl Zietz, Jr.

Stream Guardian Society Charles & Debra Andres Ronald Baker Doug Bennett Chan Bergen Thomas Borstad Baird Brown Brian Brown Larry Bussey

Stanley Hayes Louis Hegedus David Herm Kent Heyborne Joy Hilliard Dick Isenberger Allen Adinoff & Mary Klinnert Sharon Lance

Steve Lundy William Mach Richard Morris Robert Morris Thomas Schultz J. Daniel Sedillo John Williams Harold Wilson

Donor Levels Stream Guardian Society:

The Stream Guardian Society (SGS) is a group of committed Trout Unlimited supporters who have made one of the most sincere and lasting commitments to TU’s conservation mission by naming the organization as a beneficiary of their estate or making a life income gift. A legacy gift is one that provides for future programmatic and organizational security and can help to balance a donor’s financial and philanthropic goals. Members of SGS are securing a better future for Colorado’s rivers and wild places, and for that, we thank you!

River Stewardship Council and Griffith Circle Donor Programs: River Stewardship Council (RSC) donors provide core support for Colorado Trout Unlimited’s work on habitat conservation, native trout restoration, watershed education for Colorado youth, engagement with our 24 chapters, and more. This community of donors is committed to conserving, protecting, and restoring Colorado’s rivers and wild places. As members of our flagship donor society, RSC donors contribute $1000 or more annually and enjoy exclusive trip invitations and an annual donor dinner.

The Griffith Circle honors the

legacy of the Trout Unlimited foundation in 1959 when George Griffith brought together a group of anglers at his home on the banks of the Au Sable River in Michigan. The Griffith Circle honors the legacy of these founding members while raising essential resources to continue the march toward their vision. Griffith Circle members make annual contributions of $1,000 or more and support the full range of nationwide Trout Unlimited projects.

Silver Trout Foundation:

Silver Trout Foundation was established through a generous bequest from former CTU president Steve Lundy and funds are managed by past recipients of the prestigious Silver Trout Award.

The Foundation manages endowment funds for the long-term benefit of CTU and provides donors interested in making endowment gifts a vehicle for leaving their own legacy of coldwater conservation.

If you are interested in learning more about our different support levels and opportunities, please contact Shannon Kindle, Colorado TU Development Director at shannon.kindle@tu.org.

19

Colorado TU State Council Officers Matt Moskal, President Greg Hardy, Vice President Larry Howe, Secretary Tom McDermott, Treasurer Marshall Pendergrass, National Leadership Council Representative Buck Skillen, SW Regional Vice President Barbara Luneau, NE Regional Vice President John Aaron, Metro Regional Vice President Terry Deaton, SE Regional Vice President Ben Bloodworth, NW Regional Vice President

Colorado TU State Council Staff & Contractors David Nickum, Executive Director, dnickum@tu.org Shannon Kindle, Development Director, skindle@tu.org Daniel Omasta, Grassroots Coordinator, domasta@tu.org Andrea Smith, Communications & Membership Coordinator, andrea.smith@tu.org Geoff Elliott, Youth Education Coordinator, geoff.elliot@tu.org Jen Boulton, Legislative Liasion, jenboulton1@aol.com Anthony Ortiz, Advocacy Intern & Office Assistant, anthony.ortiz@tu.org Ashley Rust, Water Quality Technical Consultant, ashleyrust@gmail.com

TU Western Water & Habitat Program Staff

Denver

1536 Wynkoop St Suite 320 Denver, CO 80202

Durango

1309 E. 3rd Ave Suite 109 Durango, CO 81301

Grand Junction

115 North Fifth St Suite 409 Grand Junction, CO 81201

Salida

128 East 1st St Suite 203 Salida, CO 81201

Drew Peternell, Colorado Director, dpeternell@tu.org Brian Hodge, Yampa/White River Basin Project Coordinator, bhodge@tu.org Cary Denison, Gunnison River Basin Project Coordinator, cdenison@tu.org Mely Whiting, Colorado Water Project Legal Counsel, mwhiting@tu.org David Stillwell, Program Coordinator, dstillwell@tu.org Jesse Kruthaupt, Upper Gunnison Project Specialist, jkruthaupt@tu.org Richard Van Gytenbeek, Colorado River Organizer, r.vangytenbeek@tu.org Kevin Terry, Rio Grande Basin Project Manager, kterry@tu.org Lauren Duncan, Abandoned Mine Restoration Project Manager, lduncan@tu.org Jason Willis, Colorado Abandoned Mine Program Manager, jwillis@tu.org Tanner Banks, Mine Restoration Project Manager, tanner.banks@tu.org Sara Porterfield, Water Policy Associate, sara.porterfield@tu.org Lydia Bleifuss, Regional Farm Bill Associate, lydia.bleifuss@tu.org Kaitlyn Vaux, Yampa-White River Basin Project Coordinator, kvaux@tu.org Ian Wilson, White River Project Manager, ian.wilson@tu.org

TU Communications Staff

Kirk Deeter, Vice President of Trout Media, kirk.deeter@tu.org Joshua Duplechian, Senior Producer, jduplechian@tu.org Kara Armano, Southwest Region Communications Director, kara.armano@tu.org

TU Angler Conservation Program Staff

Stephen Kandell, Angler Conservation Project Director, skandell@tu.org Ty Churchwell, San Juan Mountains Coordinator, tchurchwell@tu.org Scott Willoughby, Northern Colorado Field Organizer, scott.willoughby@tu.org

www.coloradotu.org | www.tu.org

20

Content and Stories By: CTU & TU staff and volunteers Additional Images By: Joshua Duplechian/TU, Scott Willoughby & Andrea Smith/CTU Cover Pictures: Fraser River, tributary of the Colorado River in Grand County Report Designed By: Andrea Smith/CTU

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Fall 2020 • High Country Angler

51

Colorado’s Energy Future:

by Colorado TU Staff

I

n October 2020, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) – the state board that approves drilling permits and regulates the oil and gas industry – will amend its rules for permitting oil and gas sites in Colorado. This rulemaking is required by Senate Bill 19-181, which Governor Polis signed into law on April 16, 2019.

Among other major reforms, SB 181 changed the agency’s mission by directing the COGCC to safeguard wildlife and its habitat against the potential negative impacts of oil and gas development and clarifying that the COGCC may deny a permit application if its approval would not protect wildlife, the environment, or public health, safety, or welfare.

In June 2020, the COGCC released Draft Rules to amend its 1200 Series (the section that covers wildlife protections) as part of its Mission Change rulemaking. Those Draft Rules are a vast improvement over the 52

High Country Angler • Fall 2020

COGCC’s current wildlife rules and will result in better permitting decisions, protection of more species, and long-term protection of habitat but there is more they can do.

Given these significant changes to the law and new focus on wildlife habitat, this a historic chance for strong wildlife and fish protection in Colorado.

Here are the main concerns relating to water and fisheries: 1. The current draft of the 1200 series – with a single buffer zone of 300’ from streams- does not provide sufficient protection for riparian zones, stream waters and associated fisheries and aquatic life.

COGCC should expand the no ground disturbance buffers around valuable streams from 300’ to 1320’ (¼ mile) to protect surface waters and high-priority fisheries - such as Gold Medal streams www.HCAezine.com

and native cutthroat waters - from erosion, sedimentation and potential spills.

Colorado's rivers are a vital part of our state's $62+ billion outdoor recreation economy and making sure oil and gas development buffer zones are sufficient for their protection is critical.

Colorado TU does not oppose oil and gas development, but we do support protections that ensure it is conducted in a responsible fashion that protects our state’s fish and wildlife resources. With this rulemaking, we have a chance to put those protections in place to conserve habitat for years to come. You can help by lending your voice as the COGCC 2. The COGCC should also require ad- accepts public comment on the rulemaking, ditional measures to safeguard sur- with a deadline of September 18, 2020. You face waters when drilling within 1500’ can learn more and submit your comments of streams such as lining berms, using by visiting www.coloradotu.org/actionfortanks instead of pits, collecting baseline wildlife. water quality samples, and keeping spill response equipment on site. These best o Learn More. practices help reduce the risks of spills reaching waterways where they could To learn more about this story harm aquatic life. and Colorado Trout Unlimited, visit coloradotu.org.

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Fall 2020 • High Country Angler PHOTOS BY JOSH DUPLECHIAN, TROUT UNLIMITED

www.HCAezine.com

53

A GUIDE’S LIFE

•

BY HAYDEN MELLSOP

A Day on the Conejos

I

ce formed along the riverbank where the water slowpooled amongst the rocks in places where even at the height of the day the sun didn’t reach, and wouldn’t again for the next several months.

I picked my way carefully upriver, looking for a place to break for lunch. What little flat ground there was about me was rendered almost impassable by a tangle of aspen - tumbled deadfall, some bigger than a bear-hug around, mixed with upright living.

Belly-down on all fours, then scrambling up and over, grunting with exertion against the double confines of waders and age, threading my rod carefully through the gaps between the trunks, I came upon a place where a large tree had fallen against another, creating a seat of sorts. I unbuckled my

pack, took out a sandwich and a beer, then sat and contemplated the river.

I guessed the shadows as early afternoon. Since midmorning, when the sun had first warmed my camp on the rim of the gorge, I’d fished hard, working every nook and nuance of the river, with no tangible reward. Single dry, double dry, dry and dropper, double nymph rig bouncing along the bottom in the hope of encountering a fish halfasleep with its mouth open - I’d tried everything, to no avail.

Leaves lay at my feet like a rust-colored carpet. Across the river the walls of the gorge rose steeply, thick-forested, trees hanging out at crazy angles.

Directly overhead, a narrow ribbon of sky, breathless blue like only a late October day can produce, mirrored the course Helping You Keep Your Eyes on the Big Ones

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High Country Angler • Fall 2020

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of the river beneath. I scanned earth, water and air for signs of life - a dimple on the surface of the river, the wisp of a tail below it, a hovering mayfly or busy caddis above, perhaps a bird foraging in the undergrowth, but nothing stirred.

I wondered if I should turn back, draw a line under the day and try again tomorrow, elsewhere, somewhere more temperate and aligned to my intent. In a few weeks, this part of the river would be iced over, the fish hunkered down, engaged in a visceral struggle where the chance of surviving until spring melt-off would be in direct proportion to the amount of calories they could consume in the coming days.

Who was I to complain if their schedule was not in sync with mine? Humoring me played no part in their own concerns.

At that moment my eyes fixed upon a fluttering aspen leaf, like a flake of gold against the blue overhead, shimmering on an invisible breeze. It spiraled gently downward, settling on the water without a hint of displacement, before floating downstream at the beck of the current, pirouetting gently until it was lost in the glare and gone from sight.

Sometimes the days you learn most about the art, as well as the nuts and bolts, of www.HCAezine.com

fly fishing are the days the fish don’t interfere with your focus. I stared after the leaf for a couple of minutes, marveling at its ability to move innocuously through the world around it - softly, naturally, with a minimum of trace or disruption. With what remained of the day, I resolved to devote myself to making my dry fly float through the air and settle on the water with all the subtlety of the leaf. If that wasn't good enough to fool a fish, so be it.

I drained the last of the beer, crumpled the can then attended to my rig, cutting off the weighted dropper and selecting a fresh dry fly.

I slid down the bank, leaving behind the aspens, and set foot carefully into the river again.

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About The Author Hayden Mellsop is an expat New Zealander living in the mountain town of Salida, Colorado, on the banks of the Arkansas River. As well as being a semiretired fly fishing guide, he juggles helping his wife raise two teenage daughters, along with a career in real estate.

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Fall 2020 • High Country Angler

55

You Are Welcome to Fish With Me

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here is an anticipation that has always kept me awake the night before a fishing trip. It has been this way since the since my first trip to a Smoky Mountain stream at the age of 4, and even now - after 30 years and thousands of days logged on the river - my heart still beats fast through the night as I stare at the ceiling and images of trout past and future swim before my eyes. In my youth, these trips to the river or miles hiked off trail in search of a secluded mountain lake were about conquest. Each new species of fish caught was notched into my belt, and every water waded was claimed with the resolve of Buzz Aldrin driving his flag into the surface of the moon.

Even if you have been fly fishing for only a short time, you have likely come up against walls erected by other anglers. The waters where the fishing is hottest, the names of fly patterns that are catching fish, and the coordinates of a large trout seen mounted to the walls of our Facebook pages are guarded like state secrets. Anglers jockey for position on the water, glaring at each other through polarized lenses as if they were a couple of bulls forced to share a small pasture.

Fishermen pace the bank of their small kingdoms, mixing casts with backwards glances to guard against other anglers who may wish to trespass on "their" water. We give ourselves rights to this water because our boots were the first wet, because we have been fishing this river for more years than the next guy, or because as a "native" of the state, access to the best holes in the river have been bequeathed as a birthright.

High Country Angler • Fall 2020

PHOTO CREDIT: BRITTANY COMER

Conquest is born from a spirit of competition.

There is the pervading thought, a nagging apprehension, that if someone else wades the same river bank, our time on the water has somehow been diminished.

Rooted in the core belief that we can only have if others do not, this fear has permeated our ranks, and I believe that - if left unchallenged - this falsehood and the walls that we have erected will choke the life from the sport we all love.

I can't put my finger on when the shift began for me. Like a seed that was planted in my youth, watered over a hundred river miles, and cultivated by time, my relationship with the water began to change. As I would approach the water at dawn of a new day, I would inevitably bring with me the worries of life.

With the stress of the week knotted in my shoulders, I would shoot off my first series of casts like a firing squad, eager to catch fish and mindful that as each minute passed, the responsibilities of home and work crept closer. It was the constant embrace of the river against my legs that started the transformation.

As the river flowed over my feet, and hugged my waders to my calves, I begin to relax. Like waking from a coma, the power of the river and the world that it lent life to came into focus. My fly line transformed from a tool to catch fish into an umbilical cord, connecting me to the waters that make up 60% of my being. The rocks amongst which my feet were planted shared the same minerals that formed my bones, and I knew that the river was never something that we can

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possess. it was instead returning to the place that we all belonged.

The rivers that we share have followed their familiar paths for millions of years. Snaking their way back and forth across the land, their waters have given life to thirsty bison, were fished by native tribes for millennia, offer solace to today’s fly fisherman, and will continue to flow on long after we are gone. The need to own, to conquer, and control is uniquely European.

Bred into us with tales of Manifest Destiny, we have been taught from birth that we must possess if we are to truly enjoy something. The thought that we could own the river is laughable when held up to the least amount of scrutiny. Try to hold back the flow of the Colorado River with your arms, or collect the salm-

About The Author Peter Stitcher is an Aquatic Biologist and owner of Ascent Fly Fishing. Originator of the Biologist Crafted Fly Selection, Peter and his team build their clients’ fly selections specific to the bugs in the waters they fish, when they fish them.

You can contact Peter or restock your fly box at: www.ascentflyfishing.com.

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on of the Columbia River in your hands. You cannot contain the power of the river, nor halt the drive of the spawning cutthroat that has been written into its genes by ten thousand generations. Like a generation of mayflies, we are to the river but visitors, here for a short season, and then gone. As anglers, we are but supporting actors in a play whose star is the boundless river - generous, life giving, powerful, and mysterious. It is an honor to get to share in the bounty and beauty of the river with all of those who have come before and those who will come after. The river belongs to the river. It is a place that no one can possess, but is certainly a place where everyone can belong.

So, if you see me on the river, I invite you come and stand beside me. Let’s walk the banks together and I will share with you what I see, as you share with me. I will gladly tell you which flies are working, and maybe together we can catch that large rainbow rising along the far bank. I still have a hard time sleeping the night before I go fishing, but it is no longer from anticipation of conquest. I’m looking forward to being in the river, to returning to the elements from which we have all been born, to becoming a line in the river’s long narrative, and hopefully sharing that experience with fellow fly fishers such as yourself.

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PHOTOS BY CORY NOBEL, COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE www.HCAezine.com

High Country Angler • Fall 2020

Greenback Cutthroat Trout Find Refuge in Roaring Creek

by Colorado TU Staff

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he Greenback Cutthroat Trout, twice thought to be extinct, found refuge in a new tributary in the headwaters of the Poudre River watershed this past summer. With the hard work and dedication of over 40 Trout Unlimited volunteers and 12 agency staff, the native fish were stocked into the remote East Fork of Roaring Creek.

This project represents the fifth conservation population on the landscape to date.

As wildfires rage across the state and Colorado’s watersheds experience dramatic impacts of climate change, it is critical to get these threatened species into as many water bodies as possible in order to protect them from extinction as a result of catastrophic events.

“We are trying to replicate and perpetuate this resource across the landscape, by getting greenbacks into more water bodies within the South Platte River basin,” explains Kyle Battige, Aquatic Biologist with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

On July 28, 2020, 711 native Greenback Cutthroats were released into the East Fork www.HCAezine.com

of Roaring Creek, representing the first population restored in a Poudre Canyon tributary since the Greenback species was rediscovered in 2012.

The effort looked a little different than previous stocking projects over the years

PLAY VIDEO

due to mandatory social distancing requirements. 43 volunteers and 12 agency staff (CPW & USFS) managed a series of staggered start times, social distancing, groups of less than 10 people each, and a much more strenuous trek to complete the 1st stocking of Greenbacks into new habitat on an important Poudre River tributary. Thanks to all of the volunteers and agency partners, the effort was a huge success!

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The U.S. Forest Service located the fishless stream in the Poudre River Basin a couple of years ago with the assistance of the local TU Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter. Aquatic biologists conducted stream sampling with backpack electrofishing units and took eDNA samples to confirm that the area was fishless. Habitat suitability work also took place to ensure the fish would survive once stocked. A 20-foot waterfall below the creek will serve as an important barrier to ensure that non-native fish do not make their way upstream and outcompete the native cutthroat.

“We’re excited and proud to be partnering with CPW on this important effort rein-

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troducing greenback cutthroat trout and restoring part of Colorado’s natural heritage,” says Christopher Carrol, Fisheries Biologist and Watershed Crew Lead with the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. “We especially want to thank Colorado Trout Unlimited and Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter of Trout Unlimited for organizing so many passionate volunteers and helping collect data that informed our decision for making the reintroduction. Shared stewardship and working together pays dividends for native trout.”

Colorado Trout Unlimited and several local chapters are proud partners on the Greenback Cutthroat Recovery Team. This

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stocking project is another great example of how anglers and local communities can work together to save a threatened species.

We had over 40 volunteers that traveled from as far away as Eagle, Colorado Springs, and Wyoming to carry fish nine miles into rugged backcountry on a rainy afternoon.

The passion and dedication of our community is what drives an optimistic future for the greenback cutthroat trout.

This project is adjacent to a much larger effort called the Poudre Headwaters Projects (PHP) that is planned to be the largest Greenback Cutthroat recovery project in the history of Colorado. The goal is to restore these native fish back into a part of their his-

toric range on the upper Poudre - including 40 miles of small streams and Long Draw Reservoir. The PHP will create a “metapopulation” of Greenback Cutthroats that will be able to survive future impacts of climate change and catastrophic events.

A big thank you goes out to the volunteers who took time out of their week to help these fish return home!

To Learn More.

For more information on native trout restoration and to help support these important efforts, visit coloradotu.org.

@shyanneorvis

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210.336.2613 thedallenbachranch.com thedallenbachranch@gmail.com Fall 2020 • High Country Angler

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EVAN BEASELY SHOWS OFF A HUGE SMILE AND A NICE BROWN TROUT www.HCAezine.com THAT HE CAUGHT USING HIS NEW ORVIS ENCOUNTER ROD PACKAGE.

High Country Angler • Fall 2020

What Do You Do When You Can’t Go to Camp?

by Barbara Luneau, Larry Quilling, Richard Shinton & James Williams

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he excitement is palpable for the volunteer staff; we’ve spent months preparing. Now the daily schedule is set, the equipment is set up, we know the magic that happens through the course of the week. Teen campers slowly start to arrive, they tend to keep to themselves as they set up their tents and feel out the situation. They don’t know each other and make tentative gestures to reach out. They don’t realize that within 24 hours they will have become a cohesive group, some of them lifelong friends.

Thus starts youth camp for the past 15 years.

Along rolls 2020, and for the first time since its inception in 2006, CTU’s River Conservation and Fly Fishing camp for teens was cancelled due to the pandemic situation. For the volunteer staff, it was a disappointment to cancel the annual camp. As it turned out, the state health department did not allow camps in June, and the decision ended up being out of our hands. If it was a disappointment for the volunteer staff, it was a greater disappointment for the youth who were looking forward to being outside, exploring river conservation, and of course, fishing. We are really proud to be part of a volunteer team that, faced with this situation, started to think outside the boundaries of what our camp has traditionally been.

With a few brainstorming sessions, we envisioned a whole new delivery method using virtual meetings, multimedia technology,

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self-guided Do-It-Yourself activities, and broad participation. That is how Colorado TU Teens LIVE was born.

Our driving mission in designing this program was to create an outreach that 1) kept our 2020 camp applicants excited about attending camp in 2021, and 2) connected youth to their local TU chapters. The program delivered 5 sessions, 1 per week over a 5-week period. The format allowed us to more deeply explore conservation topics related to the traditional in-person camp program. The sessions included an introduction to the TU Teens LIVE, exploring watersheds, native cutthroat species conservation, aquatic macroinvertebrates and fly selection, and exploring conservation and fly fishing related careers. Campers participated in the session via ZOOM, and each session blended discussion and presentation. Sessions were also livestreamed to YouTube and Facebook for more passive participation.

The virtual format allowed broad-ranging participation from campers and volunteers. A total of 22 youth between 14 and 18 registered for the program which exceeded our initial cap for interactive participation.

These youth represented 9 Colorado TU chapters, plus 2 campers from New Mexico, and one from Pennsylvania. A number of past camp alumni were able to engage as On Stream Reporters and deliver reports from a number of our state’s basins. Cameo ap-

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pearances by guest speakers at each session exposed the campers to a broad range of water and fly fishing viewpoints. The campers were able to virtually meet legends and future legends such as author Craig Matthews, and film makers/guides Paul Nicoletti, Hank Patterson, and RA Beattie. Just like when we meet in person, our volunteer staff learned so much from the campers participation.

Their insight and inquisitive nature demonstrates the quality of youth that will be our next generation of river stewards.

To guide the virtual camp program, a private website was developed using Google Suite to provide instruction, documentation, and a space for posts. We used interactive activities like a template short autobiography to get to know each other better.

We are still using the results of this to create additional interaction with the participants.

Campers and volunteers could post their submissions to the website to share within our group. Each session offered 3-4 activities that the campers could do on their own or with their families between sessions. Care was taken to assemble a blend of activities that would appeal to the active, artistic and intellectual aspects of the camper’s personalities.

For the past 16 years, one of the goals of the in-person camp has been to allow the campers to picture potential career paths aligned with their love of the environment and fly fishing. The virtual format lent itself to doing this in a way that we were never able to achieve at camp. In our fifth session, Exploring Conservation and Fly Fishing Related Careers, we assembled 3 panels: Fly Fishing Industry, Fisheries, and Conversation. Nine experts from TU National and CTU staff, fly shops, guides, engineering companies, and government agencies shared their backgrounds, their path to their career, and what they do on a daily basis. Campers were able to ask questions and explore deeper into potential career paths.

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High Country Angler • Fall 2020

When asked what participating in the program meant to them, we received a lot of responses that are similar to those from the live camp. This is a pretty gratifying result when piloting a new program. Campers were inspired by the career panels to look deeper into a wider range of options than they had previously. Many said that they gained better knowledge about the balance between conservation and fly fishing. They also believed they were better connected to stream conservation concepts than they had been before participating. At its most basic level, the program gave them something to look forward to. Just like the live camp, campers were excited to meet new people, and some were already meeting on rivers and fishing together before the sessions completed. To quote one of the campers, “this program showed me there is more to rivers than just fishing.”

Camp doesn’t happen without the support of Colorado’s Trout Unlimited chapters.

This year was no exception. Year after year, chapters provided scholarships for campers. To maximize participation, we did not have a fee to participate in TU Teens LIVE. The generosity of Boulder Flycasters, Five Rivers, Gunnison Angling Society, Rocky Mountain Flycasters, St. Vrain Anglers, and West Denver chapters allowed us to meet our basic costs and incentivize the program.

Each camper that attended all sessions and completed at least one Do-It-Yourself activity received an Orvis Encounter rod/reel combo package at the end of the program.

We are truly grateful for the support of Orvis and Front Range Anglers in Boulder for making the rod/reel combo possible. In addition, campers earned a lanyard and tools for each additional activity they completed.

This was made possible with the support of Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop in Longmont.

The volunteer counselors also thank Fish Ski Provisions and Greener Pastures Consulting LLC for their financial support.

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A poem by Kate T. – Westcliffe, CO Submitted as a TU Teens LIVE DIY Activity Walking down the riverbend Cool grass grazing the ground I think of things with no end Of how in nature you can be both lost and found

How birds chirping in aspen trees Can seem so serene While fish flying fast begian to flee Beneath pure waters, perfect and clean

How every cave on the mountainside Holds secrets, dark and lost How humans can idly chide Without considering the brutal costs

How worlds of creatures go unheard, Beneath an ever burning sky How we can stay alone and assured, Nature held by chains of reality, unable to stand up and fly

Taking that step, becoming a leap Toward progresses great and small Look around at the world so we may keep This love for the earth that protects us all. www.HCAezine.com

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FIT TO BE TIED

•

BY JOEL EVANS

Fall Fling

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all. As in winter, spring, summer, fall. Where you mark the end of summer and beginning of fall is different for each of us. Officially, according to the calendar, based upon the movement of the earth and sun, September 22, 2020 is the first day of fall.

But depending upon other factors, fall can come earlier or later.

Where you live in the country is a big factor, with the northern latitudes experiencing a weather change sooner than the southern latitudes. Coast or inland has its differences. Even personal situations such as work or back-toschool affect our mental attitude

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about when one season ends and another begins regardless of the calendar or weather.

From the perspective of fishing and specifically fly tying, fall is marked by reduced river flows, shorter daylight hours, and fewer insect hatches. River volumes are typically lower in fall due to either waning snowpack melt in the mountain states or diminished rainfall in the plains states. Beginning with the summer solstice in June, days shorten with the change being more noticeable the further north one lives.

And then there are the bugs, the loveable subject of our days at the vise.

Summer typically sees the most insect activity with an abundance of activity, including some of the spring hatches lingering into early summer and some of the fall hatches off to an early start in late summer. But by September, fall is upon us and attention to hatches seems to me more important than other times of year for several reasons.

One, fish have hopefully fed well during the summer and are less inclined to eat just anything, so I think fish become selective Not because they are picky eaters, but they just are fat and full. Two, with reduced river flows, the water is clear and fish are wary, so stealth and careful casting rise on the technique scale as fish have more time to examine a fly, both dry and nymph. And three, most of the enticingly larger and meatier insects of summer such as big stones, grasshoppers, and cicadas have come and gone, leaving smaller insects and matching smaller flies to be of greater importance.

But there are exceptions. One being the October caddis.

The October caddis is a relatively large river insect as caddis go.

There is both an eastern U.S. and a western U.S species, but practically speaking they are very similar. You can look up online the biological aspect of this insect. Dry versions are often tied on a size 12 hook and larger. For this fly tying column, I am focusing on the nymph version. There are many patterns out there, so this is nothing new, just my attempt at my favorite version of the nymph, the Mercer October Caddis. www.HCAezine.com

OCTOBER CADDIS HOOK: 8-14 NYMPH, INCLUDING 2X LONG THREAD: BROWN 6/0 BEAD: GOLD BRASS OR BLACK TUNGSTEN UNDERBODY WIRE: LEAD FREE 0.020 RIB: GOLD OR COPPER WIRE, MEDIUM ABDOMEN: ORANGE NYMPH DUBBING ABDOMEN BACK: PHEASANT TAIL OR BROWN TURKEY OR MARABOU ABDOMEN SIDE WING: SWISS STRAW – MEDIUM BROWN ANTENNAE: PHEASANT TAIL HACKLE: HEN SOFT HACKLE COLLAR: ORANGE NYMPH DUBBING HEAD: OSTRICH BROWN OR BLACK

WATCH FLY TYING VIDEO

About The Author Joel Evans is a fly fishing writer, photographer, and long-time member of Trout Unlimited from Montrose, CO. You can contact him via the HCA editor at frank@hcamagazine.com.

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THE LAST CAST

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JOHN NICKUM

Managing “Novel” Ecosystems

Humans have modified most of Earth’s ecosystems in their desire to grow more food, avoid floods, add recreational opportunities, produce lumber, obtain mineral resources, make space for human homes, increase fuel supplies… the list goes on, and on, and on. Do the same guidelines and ecological rules for managing “natural ecosystems” apply for these modified, “novel” ecosystems?

Q

I love this question. Years ago, when I was teaching an introductory course called Environmental Conservation, I designed the course around ecological principles that apply to all ecosystems, plus a little slogan about the relationship between Mother Nature and humans: Humans are a part of nature; we are not apart from nature.

All ecosystems share an array of certain basic requirements and processes. A source, or sources, of energy is/are required. Our primary source of energy is the sun which drives the process of photosynthesis. No matter how much we modify natural ecosystems, they remain our basic source of food and even more importantly, oxygen. Millions of years ago, before simple “plants” developed photosynthesis, Earth was a rocky, barren chunk of rock whirling around a minor star; our sun. Simple “life forms” came first, followed by photosynthetic bacteria and algae. Those photosynthetic organisms provided the foundation for life as we know it. Ultimately, just like other life forms, we are still dependent on photosynthesis for our food and the air we breathe. We are a part

A

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High Country Angler • Fall 2020

of nature, we are not apart from nature.

Early humans had few effects on natural ecosystems. They used whatever nature provided. The natural functions of ecosystems depend on sunlight; water; and minerals, such as phosphorous, nitrogen, calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. Other minerals are needed, but in lesser quantities. The processes of photosynthesis provide energy and nutrition for herbivores, who, in turn provide nutrition and energy for omnivores and carnivores.

Finally, decomposers start the recycling processes for all of these life forms. Ecosystems vary in the specific plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and viruses that compose them, but the basic functional processes are the same.

Once humans learned to control fire, they were able to move into ecosystems that were previously unavailable to them. The role of humans as the ultimate modifier of ecosystem began slowly, then accelerated as agriculture based on domesticated plants and animals provided reliable food supplies and animals capable of doing hard work. Once humans learned to use fossil fuels, industrialization further increased human’s abilities to modify ecosystem.

“Novel” ecosystems designed to supply human needs and desires were developed with little or no thought beyond the immediate, short term benefits to humans. Exploitation of soils, forests, grasslands, wetlands, lakes and rivers proceeded with ever greater changes (damages?) to the natural systems. Sustainability of ecosystems and thinking of them in terms of the ecological services they provide, other than products for human enjoyment, were concepts that weren’t considered.

I was born and spent my early years on a farm – a novel ecosystem – where new management practices, such as contours, strip cropping, crop rotation, and stream protecwww.HCAezine.com

tion were implemented. Neighbors who insisted on traditional practices that facilitated erosion refused to accept the methods my father had implemented until his crops increased in yields, flourished even under drought conditions, and our creek ran clean the year around. Novel management for novel ecosystems actually worked for the benefit of both humans and the ecosystems.

On a broader scale, massive modification of aquatic habitats have created many novel ecosystems. In the United States, the 20th Century prior to 1970s was marked by major water projects, such as huge dams, wetland drainage, and stream channelization. These years were also a time of essentially uncontrolled pollution from myriad sources. A focus on “progress” meant that plans for mitigating the effects of development on natural ecosystems and initiating programs for managing the novel ecosystems created by the water projects were of lower priority.

Building and operating a fish hatchery in conjunction with dam construction was as close as these projects came to managing the modified ecosystems. Water projects developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the Bureau of Reclamation typically included a fish hatchery designed to stock fish (often exotic species) in the waters above and below the dams.

Things changed rapidly particularly through

the 1970s. Reservoir Research Centers were established in conjunction with the big dams in the Midwest and South. The Tennessee Valley Authority conducted research on the network of dams in Tennessee, Alabama, and across the South. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established and conducted research on the waters of the Ohio River system, the Great Lakes, and the Columbia River system.

Universities and the Cooperative Fishery Research Units of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received funding from an array of federal sources to study the effects of water projects, pollution, and flow changes on our nation’s water resources. Some of these projects included development and testing of management plans designed specifically for the novel ecosystems produced by the human activities.

Unfortunately, things have changed over the last 40 years. Reservoir Research Centers have closed; EPA centers have not been adequately funded; the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Centers have been removed from the Fish and Wildlife Centers. The focus of recent federal administrations has been on economic matters; however, the alteration of natural ecosystems has continued and the need for effective management of novel ecosystems to ensure sustainability is greater than ever.

About The Author John Nickum, is a retired PhD. fishery biologist whose career has included positions as professor at research universities including Iowa State and Cornell University, director of the Fish and Wildlife Service’s fisheries research facility in Bozeman, MT, and science officer for the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Mountain-Prairie Region. He was inducted into the National Fish Culture Hall of Fame in 2008.

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No rod has ever silenced all the variables.

No engineer has ever found a way to transfer back cast energy directly into forward accuracy.

No angler has ever erased all the doubt from his or her mind.

FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING.

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Explore your retail fl y-fishing career at orvis.com/careers High Country Angler • Fall 2020

70 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE www.HCAezine.com ORVIS.COM/STORES