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DESIGN
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PHOTOGRAPHY
Frank Martin, Landon Mayer, Brian LaRue, Angus Drummond
STAFF WRITERS
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.
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Q&A WITH
“MR.
“MR.
“MR.
LEECH” Q&A WITH
LEECH” Q&A WITH
LEECH”
AN
Q: Who gave you the nickname “Mr. Leach?”
A: My friend and editor of Fly Fisherman magazine, Ross Purnell. With the growing number of Leach Designs through Uncle Feather merchants, and finding success with the fly-together on the East and West Coasts, he officially gave me the nickname. I’m very proud of not only the flies but the nickname from Ross as well!
Q: What can fly tiers expect to see when they watch your new fly-tying video Fly Tiers Masterclass with Landon Mayer from Headwater Media Group?
A: I share detailed tying steps and fishing and rigging tips for nine of his signature flies for trout and bass. The video uses three camera angles, including a fly-tier perspective. I showcase nymphs, dry flies, and streamers that have proven to be effective around the world, and include:
Tube Midge
Titan Tube Midge
Mayer's Mini Leech
Mini Leech Jig
Mini Leech Jig Damsel
Mayer's Mysis
Tails Up Trick
Candy Shop Callibaetis
Chubby Damsel
CLICK/SCAN TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY
Q: How would you describe your relationship with fly tying?
A: I joke, but it is true. I have a love-hate relationship with fly tying--lol. I love tying flies, but I don't like that I can’t keep them in my box. It is a constant struggle to maintain numbers when you guide fulltime. However, this allows you to evolve to become an excellent fly tier and, most notably, a good fly designer.
Q: When did you start tying flies?
A: I was 13 years old and took a course at the Anglers Covey Fly Shop from a tying instructor, Gary Alameda. I will never forget that at the end of the class, everyone got a beer to celebrate, and I tasted a soda.
Q: How many flies do you guess you tie a year?
A: That’s a great question! I am a fan of tying a dozen flies the night before every guide trip, and I make an average of around 200 visits a year. In addition to tying another 20 to 30 days, I would guess around 3000 flies a year. The great thing about tying the night before each trip is that it keeps you focused and prepared for the journey, even before you hit the water. This is why fly design is more than just time to tie; it helps you mentally prepare and envision what the fish might eat, and what you think is the best approach, either matching the hat or delivering an imitation of their food supply.
Q: What do you look for when you design a fly?
A: I look for three things that make a successful design called Guide Flies:
1) Versatility- A fly that can imitate numerous food supplies and be delivered in numerous ways.
2) Realistic- A fly that matches a natural fly's size, profile, color, and movement.
3) Durability- Designs that are tested tough through elements, water flow, and the jaws of numerous trout.
Q: When did you first submit a fly to Umpqua Feather Merchants?
A: Believe it or not, it was 2007. I submitted three flies to Bruce Richard’s at Umpqua: the Mayers Mini Leech, Tube Midge, and Mayers Mysis. I will never forget receiving a call from Bruce on my way to the river for a guide trip, and he said, “I have a box full of shiny flies and fur, lol. We want to accept them all.” Some may not realize that it took almost 10 years to build a name and successful sales with these flies and other designs after anglers found confidence in them.
Q: What is your favorite fly you have designed?
A: I would have to say the Mini Leech Jig. I needed a guide fly that worked in all water conditions: high, low, dirty, and clear water. In addition, leeches, baitfish, and crayfish are found year-round in global waters. This fly can imitate all three, and be delivered using dry dropper, nymphing, and streamer techniques.
Q: What is a favorite tip you like to teach fly tiers?
A: When you capture materials like crystal flash
on the fan, bend it around the thread with the thread taut above the hook shank. Slide the material down to the hook shank, keeping attention to it while you tension wrap the thread backward twice to capture the material, and then wrap the thread forward towards the eye of the hook. This prevents the twisting of the crystal flash or material as you wrap it toward the eye of the hook.
Q: What is your favorite material to tie with?
A: I’m often asked this question, and it surprises anglers when I don’t say “Microdyne squirrel.” My first favorite material is Ostrich Herl. I love how versatile the material is and, most importantly, how it keeps its form below the water's surface when it’s wet. It stands up tall to represent a head of a fly, a collar on the fly, or legs on the net, for example—at the same time, allowing movement to appear as if it’s breathing or to attract the fish. It is very versatile and, therefore, is my favorite. My next is, for sure, a micro pine squirrel representing the Leach family of flies that I have with Umpqua Feather Merchants.
WATCH TRAILER
Q: What was the first fly that you ever tied?
A: My first fly was a Hare’s Ear size #16. This may seem like a simple design to tie, but what I didn’t know then, and do know now, is that the key was learning material control with dubbing and the length of the tail, in addition to the size and proportion of the body. Learning to taper thin to thick and not crowd the eye is more challenging when tying a nymph than tying a midge.
Q: Who influenced you the most in Fly Tying?
A: Without question, John Barr. Over the years, John has become a great friend and, most importantly, a mentor on what it means to be a fly designer for productive days on the water. I do not remember many times, if any, that John would open up his fly box and grab a fly that was not designed by himself. He designed flies for trout, bass, and pike to tackle any challenging situation and be successful on the water. This led me to create the Mayers Mini Leech so that I would have a confidence pattern that could work year-round and attract fish. That continued into my other designs, and I can thank John for his influence on the days we fished in Colorado, Alaska, Texas, and beyond.
About Landon
Landon Mayer is a veteran Colorado guide and author of several books. His newest book, Guide Flies: Easy-to-Tie Patterns for Tough Trout, can be purchased on his website at www.landonmayerflyfishing.com. You can follow Landon on Instagram at @landonmayerflyfishing.
A JOURNEY FROM FRUSTRATION TO INNOVATION How Pescador on the Fly Got Started
Pescador on the Fly began with my lifelong love of fly fishing, passed down by my father and grandfather. Fly fishing became a way to stay grounded as my career took me across the country. Wherever I traveled, I found time to cast a line, whether for trout, bass, panfish, carp, or even saltwater fish. But traveling with a traditional fly rod was a constant hassle. Lugging around a 30+ inch rod tube wasn’t practical, especially in airports. I knew there had to be a better way.
When I finally found a seven-section rod, I thought it was the solution—until I used it. It was heavy, awkward, and felt like casting with a broomstick. Frustrated, I started designing my own packable fly rods, working through prototypes and refining the details until they performed on par with high-end gear. My goal was to create rods that met the demands of modern anglers without compromising on quality or convenience.
Our lineup now includes three main series: Econ 101, providing great entry-level gear; El Jefe, our mid-range series combining quality and affordability; and El Rey, our premium rods designed to compete with top brands at a fraction of the price. Whether you’re after a traditional 4-section rod or a super-compact 6-section option, we offer both—because the right rod depends on the trip. Some days call for a standard 4-section rod, but for travel, nothing beats the convenience of our packable designs.
With a full range of rods from 0 to 10 weight, we make sure every angler has the
right tool, whether for delicate trout streams or saltwater battles. By selling directly to anglers, we cut out the middleman, saving our customers 40-60% on premium gear.
For me, Pescador on the Fly is more than just gear; it’s a commitment to making fly fishing accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned angler, we have gear ready to go wherever your next adventure takes you.
Jeff
We are a huge supporter of Trout Unlimited, and proudly send around 10% of our sales to our partners at TU.
El Jefe Series Packable Fly Rods
Pescador on the Fly is a small, familyowned business. We keep our overhead low to pass on big savings to anglers all over the world. The El Jefe Series uses highperformance components, available from 0-10 weight and in 4- or 6-section rods.
“El Jefe is The Boss of Packable Fly Rods”. Fly Fisherman Magazine Gear Review
WINTER CAST & BLAST OPPORTUNITIES !
by
Brian La Rue
Okay, this might ruffle some feathers (pun intended), but when it comes to selecting a destination for this issue, I decided to throw a curveball with more of a trip idea than a destination. With only a few months left in the season, I must ask, have you ever tried a “Cast & Blast?”
Sure, there’s never enough time for our hobbies. In addition to fly fishing, I golf and still have two teenagers including a daughter that is on a travel dance team—so time is precious.
My son has been wanting to learn more about other outdoor opportunities. He likes to fly fish, particularly if we are drifting down a river, but really enjoys bass fishing and lately has gotten into duck hunting.
So of course, as a young tradesman, he’s making good money, lives at home, and is quickly adding all the gear for that adventure. So naturally, I wondered how I could combine fly fishing and duck hunting
during the cold months—that’s where the old Cast & Blast came to mind.
I know a couple fly fishing shops/lodges that offer Cast & Blast. My friend Justin at the Lodge at Palisades Creek on the South Fork of the Snake River offers these types of trips (https://tlapc.com/activities/hunting/) and our friend and president of West Denver Trout Unlimited, Dan Pass, offers trips out of Two Rivers Inn and Thermopolis Fly Shop in Wyoming (https://tworiversinnwy.com/guided-trips).
For Colorado options, simply do a quick Google search and you will see quite a few ranches and outfitters that handle these kinds of trips closer to home.
Cast & Blast trips are a lot of fun. Typically, duck hunting is an early morning deal whether you’re in the drift boat or wading, then setting up along the banks of a river. You set the decoys out well before the sun comes up, make calls and enjoy hunting until at least 10 am to 11 am—slowing down just in time
Thousands of anglers, guides, lodges, and shops served since 1999.
Colorado Family and Veteran owned and operated.
for the best time of the day for winter fly fishing as whatever heat for the day begins to warm the surface.
This gives you an ideal timeline to grab a little riverside breakfast, then switch gears, jump into the water and begin your search for rising trout mid-day. Of course, this kind of day will then call for a comfy bed, ‘cause not only did you probably get up at 3 or 4 AM, but you probably fished well into the afternoon. If you are in Thermopolis, hit the hot springs; you’ll thank me later. You will never sleep better than after a day like this and a big dinner.
GETTING STARTED
My son did a lot of research and teamed up with a hunting buddy of mine, since I don’t hunt—just take photos on numerous hunts for various magazines. He’s come a long way from blasting clay pigeons at Colorado Clays to scoring a couple ducks on his first outing. He basically invested in a camo Browning Maxus II, Sitka gear, but he is still rocking Orvis waders and Simms boots until he is forced to get insulated waders for his next purchase.
Teaming up with an experienced hunter or fly fisher is of course a smart way to get into it. A Cast & Blast guide will not only know a hunting area for you, but will take care of everything until you have your own decoys etc., and are ready to go alone.
With fly fishing you must know open or closed seasons, public or private land, and barbless or not. If you catch and release with barbless flies, you pretty much just need to watch dates and land permissions. With duck hunting, you must have hunter safety and all the required state and federal stamps. Then you must know species by sight in the air and on the move. Access points are more critical. All firearm rules pertaining to houses, roads, etc., limits, seasons, dates, land…etc. There’s a lot more to study to make sure you are legal and safe.
DUCKS AND INCREASING THE ODDS OF SUCCESS
My hunting buddy says the keys to success on a Cast & Blast for the hunting portion once you have picked a spot, is to have your decoys pointed into the wind. Set up 6 to 12 decoys, as well as a few motorized versions with flapping wings. If you are also hoping for geese, have another six geese decoys set about 60 yards down river since ducks and geese really don’t like to hang out together.
The ducks will fly by, see the decoys and begin to circle. That’s when a good call comes in hand. You can do a basic quack to attract them to come closer, do a feeding type of quack to pique interest, and when they seem like they are losing interest, my buddy suggests a louder demanding call if you will.
If interested, the ducks will circle a few times and even land in the decoy spread sometimes, but most hunters will take their shots as the ducks circle and descend overhead. Most ducks are taken at about 2040 yards right in front/above your cover/blind, with decoys about 50-70 yards away to the opposite side
vs. the geese decoy location. The other key is to be completely dressed in camo (matching surroundings) and to hold still. Don’t wear sunglasses that might reflect the low sun and don’t turn your head to look up. My buddy says if they see the whites of your eyes, they could get spooked. One person should be the spotter and quietly give directions to the others. Using peripheral vision or simply having a couple different views is key to not having to move to follow the birds.
CASTING TIME
If you’ve made it this far in my story today, I think we all know it’s going to be a midge and BWO kind of message for the casting portion of this feature. Carry dries and emerger patterns to get trout this time of year, no matter which Rocky Mountains river you fish. Fish an indicator rig until you see plenty of heads coming up
for dries. And of course, think smaller-sized flies in the #20 to #24 range.
DUCK FOR DINNER
Okay I haven’t kept trout in over 20 years, but it’s kind of hard to catch and release ducks. With that said, to avoid any questions with the duck or goose meat, my friend likes to freeze it at least one day, and then cook it to at least an 135-140 internal temp. Like any wild game or even fish— just cook it enough because it will dry out if overcooked. FYI, greenheads taste very much like filet mignon. And don’t forget you just got a ton of fly-tying material! Well, there you have it. Now to decide if I’m going to join the hunting portion. I wonder what percentage of fly fishermen, hunt? Do you? Share your fish/ duck combo photos of a recent trip, and we’ll share them on social. Send them to Brian@HCAMagazine.com.
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.
From Eggs to Fry: A FAll JournEy in ColorAdo's trout in thE Cl Assroom tAnks
by Reyna Schedler, Western Colorado TIC Coordinator
Fall is here and will soon be on its way out, but Colorado TU’s Trout in the Classroom tanks are growing and thriving. In 67 bubbling tanks around Colorado, our trout are now swimming their way through their life cycle. Since receiving eggs in mid- October and raising the trout through the alevin stage, most of our classroom tanks are at or approaching the small fry stage.
The alevin stage is a critical phase in the trout life cycle, where the newly hatched trout larvae remain attached to their yolk sacs which provide nutrients for growth and development. Once the alevin have
absorbed most of their yolk sac and had the time to develop vital organs, they start swimming up to the surface of the water in search of food. The “swim-up” phase marks the transition from the alevin stage to the fry stage. This significant transition indicates the trout’s readiness to feed independently and interact more actively with their environment. It also marks a transition in the tanks as the young trout begin to explore, establish territories, and engage with the other trout in a more dynamic ecosystem.
The increased activity levels can lead to changes in water quality parameters such as ammonia and ni-
CTU River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp
June 8 - 14, 2025 at AEI Base Camp in Almont, CO
Discover how you can protect our rivers, explore the outdoors, and fly fish together at our CTU Camp! This fun and inclusive camp shows how caring for nature and enjoying it go hand in hand.
Stream Ecology
Electroshocking/Population Census
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
Water Testing/Sampling
Trout Biology
Trout Habitat and Behavior
Native Species
Stewardship Project & Restoration Work
Local Watershed Education
Western Water Use
Colorado Water Law
Knots and Rigging
Fly Casting Fly Tying
Fishing
Keep Fish Wet
Leave No Trace
Reading the Water
Water Safety
Games
Team building
Leadership skills
Creative projects
Eligibility: Youth 14 - 18 years old
Cost: $700 (tuition), plus $50 registration fee
Deadline: April 1, 2025
trate levels, necessitating more vigilant monitoring as well as adjustments in feeding schedules. Regular monitoring ensures that water quality parameters, such as temperature, pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels remain within safe ranges. This prevents stress and disease for the trout and creates a more conducive environment for their growth. Consistent checks can help identify and address potential issues early, reducing the risk of mass mortalities and ensuring the success of the program. By prioritizing tank health, educators can provide a stable habitat that supports both the trout lifespan as well as the student’s educational experiences.
One of the tools that educators and their students are using to track their classroom’s tank health is a global citizen science platform called CitSci. It allows participants to record observations and measurements of their tank’s environmental parameters, providing the opportunity to engage in meaningful scientific work. Educators and students observe the water clarity, fish size, and fish counts, record the frequency of water changes, and take measurements of a variety of environmental parameters, including temperature, Ammonia, pH, Iron, Copper, Nitrates, Nitrite, and Chlorine. With all of these observations and data in one place, participants, employees, and volunteers of the Trout in the Classroom program can analyze the data throughout the year—and over multiple years—to gain insight into patterns in tank and fish health, and better understand how to raise our trout successfully. This platform provides hands-on learning experiences for students, foster-
ing a deeper understanding of aquatic ecosystems and the importance of environmental stewardship. Click here to see our awesome data and results.
A portion of the classrooms participating in TIC are using Seneye and WYZE technology as tools for monitoring water quality in their tanks. These technologies have different features and benefits, and when used in conjunction with regular observation, help educators, students, and community members gather information about the wellbeing of their trout and tank environment. Seneye telemetry offers multi-parameter monitoring, while WYZE cams mounted on the tank can send video updates and can even be connected to live streams so that friends, family, and community members can check in on the trout.
These two technologies can aid in the success of our tanks, especially during school breaks when the most die-offs happen due to lack of everyday observations. While they are helpful tools, the most important tool for success is human participation and observation. Through vigilant tank monitoring and community-driven efforts, educators can create a supportive habitat that fosters the growth and development of trout, also enhancing the educational experience for students. These direct contributions allow us all a deeper understanding of aquatic ecosystems, and inspire us to continue participating in environmental stewardship.
To learn more
To learn more about this and other stories, visit coloradotu.org .
A CELEBRATION OF FISH STORIES JAMES WHITE’S GILGAMESH TO GIERACH
by Colorado TU Staff
Anglers
know well the art of telling fish stories – we all have heard (or told) of “the one that got away,” or of the trophy fish that magically keeps growing longer with each retelling. But while the tall tales shared by anglers are a familiar trope, many of us may be less familiar with the major role fish and fishing have played in the broader realm of storytelling over the course of human history. With his newest book, James White sets out to change that.
An anthology spanning four millennia, Gilgamesh to Gierach collects pieces from stories about fishing, fish, and water, and makes it clear how significant a hold those subjects have held on the human imagination over the generations. As the title suggests, these collected stories run from the tale of Gilgamesh - who seeks the plant of eternal youth in the deepest part of the sea – to the modern essays of John Gierach, whose fishing adventures and good humor made him one of our most beloved Colorado authors. Gierach’s recent passing gives his inclusion in this collection special poignancy.
The stories aren’t presented chronologically, but rather by various themes that reflect the collected tales. Each chapter explores one of those themes and those include fables, fishing humor, poems, angling adventure essays, and biblical and saintly stories (White is an ordained minister and brings his scriptural insight to that section). There is even a chapter highlighting some of the song lyrics that feature fishing from Bing Crosby and Woody Guthrie, to Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.
The younger set is not forgotten, as White also includes a full chapter dedicated to nursery rhymes and children’s stories, including excerpts from Dr. Seuss’s One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, to Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows.
White only includes short portions from each of the many dozens of stories referenced in this collection, ranging from brief characterizations of some stories in his own words, to short excerpts taken directly from the source. As a result, the book really only whets the reader’s appetite for these stories, rather than sating it. But I believe that was White’s intent with this collection: to highlight the way fishing and water have been so central to the human imagination, by giving brief introductions to the vast array of fish tales that have been woven into human storytelling over the millennia – and thereby to inspire readers to seek out those complete stories and explore them more fully. Gilgamesh to Gierach is sure to give you plenty of leads on which you’ll be eager to follow up after reading this anthology.
PIce Rises
our yourself a cocktail, or any other ice-cold beverage on the rocks, and you unconsciously observe a natural phenomenon that goes a long way to explaining how fish, and other creatures that inhabit streams and rivers, can survive through the long, cold winters. In its frozen state, the density of water is less than when in its liquid state. This in turn means that ice, and colder layers of water, rise to the surface while warmer water is found toward the riverbed.
This feature is critical to the survival of aquatic species—were the river to freeze from the bottom up, habitat features such as boulders and submerged root balls, not to mention the nooks and crannies along the cobbled riverbed where smaller fish and aquatic invertebrates reside, feed, and hide, would quickly become uninhabitable.
Seeping ground and spring water, often unseen as to when and where it enters the stream, also plays a
vital role in creating and maintaining this survival layer. This water source is generally warmer than that found in the river or stream itself, providing pockets where temperatures are often considerably more ambient than those on the surface or elsewhere in the water course. Just as they do in summertime, when fish will seek out such places to escape the heat, so too do they in winter, in order to find it.
Standing on a riverbank on a frigid January morning, watching a lethargic flow congested with ice and slush, or snowshoeing past a high mountain stream, its surface frozen solid bank-to-bank, it is easy to imagine a world bereft of life and activity beneath this cold exterior. But thanks to water’s properties, all is not as it appears.
In places of extreme, extended cold, for example in high mountain streams, fish can sometimes in effect shut down their metabolism, not eating or excreting but continuing to take in oxygen. On larger, more open bodies of water, like my home waters on the Arkansas River, life continues in more measurable ways.
For example, certain species of stonefly remain active during the winter months, providing a vital source of protein for resident fish. While some nymphs burrow into the stream bed in colder times in order to survive until spring, these stoneflies do the opposite, burrowing during the summer and emerging wintertime to molt, migrate, hatch, and mate along snowcovered stream banks. Midges are the other insect species that stay active in winter
months, often emerging to hatch on calm, ambient days.
This is of course, great news for cabin-crazed anglers dreaming of spring, not to mention their spouses, partners and significant others looking for peace and quiet of their own. The key is choosing your time and place to fish. Days when the temperatures are cold enough to send slushy ice floes floating down the river will likely lead only to frozen extremities and frustration. On warmer days when the river runs free of ice, find a slow, deeper pool with some steady current and preferably some sun, both on the water and on your back. Select a couple of nymph patterns --perhaps a stonefly and a smaller midge or brassie, and drift the depths of the pool. Be extra sensitive with your hook sets—lethargic winter fish do not eat as aggressively as they do in summer, so the takes tend to be a lot slower and more subtle. Pay attention, react to any unusual indicator behavior, but do so gently.
If the day is calm and, particularly, overcast, keep an eye out on the surface of these pools for gentle rise forms - this likely means a midge hatch, and the chance for one of fly fishing’s Holy Grails - taking a fish on a dry fly in the middle of winter.
And upon your return, seated by the warmth of your hearth,
contemplate the ice as it rises to the top of your whiskey glass and salute Nature’s perfection. For everything that exists, there is a reason.
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 semi-retired fly fishing guide, he juggles helping his wife raise two teenage daughters, along with a career in real estate.
Hayden Mellsop
Fly fishing guide. Real Estate guide.
Recreation, residential, retirement, investment.
Performance SP
A Snapshot of Colorado Trout Unlimited’s
A Report to Colorado
2024
has been a notable year for Trout Unlimited in Colorado—organizationally, and in tackling our mission. Our state-based National TU staff underwent a major restructuring that will improve coordination and effectiveness. Colorado TU’s board completed a five-year operating plan to guide our efforts and growth in the years ahead. With our allies, we secured some critical advocacy victories, and we’ve scaled up our field-based work to even greater levels with projects statewide that will help make our watersheds more resilient and our fishing better.
We’ve also been faced with mounting challenges facing our fisheries and watersheds, with growing fishing pressure and demands on water resources, impacts from a changing climate, and the looming threat of wildfire. In the face of these challenges, the hopeful work of conservation is more important than ever. Through our collaborative efforts, we make a difference in ensuring that future generations can enjoy wild and native trout fisheries in their home waters.
We approach this work with a 360-degree perspective – engaging in advocacy to protect vital
water resources, conducting on-the-ground projects to restore habitat and reconnect stream systems, and engaging our communities—especially our youth—to encourage the next generation of stewards. In each of those areas of activity, we bring a collaborative spirit, leveraging the power of partnerships to accomplish far more than we could achieve alone. And our efforts benefit from a “one TU” combination of skilled state and national staff, dedicated volunteer leaders, and the local know-how and commitment of 22 chapters across Colorado. The foundation on which all of this is built is our members' and donors' participation and generous support. Thank you for making possible our work for conservation and education throughout Colorado.
IN-THE-FIELD WORK TO IMPROVE HABITAT
Improving habitat, reconnecting rivers for fish passage, and restoring native trout have long been at the heart of TU efforts in Colorado. With growing state investments in watershed health under the Colorado Water Plan, coupled with once-in-a-generation federal funding for infrastructure – including natural infrastructure that supports fisheries and provides vital ecological services for people, TU is building
strong partnerships and seizing the opportunity to tackle restoration in Colorado at larger scales than ever before.
Reconnecting the Colorado. Working with Northern Water, and a broad coalition including Grand County, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Upper Colorado River Alliance, TU helped advance the most significant river reconnection project in Colorado’s history. For nearly 40 years, the mighty Colorado River had been dammed by Windy Gap, creating a large shallow reservoir and severing the river for fish passage and the natural processes that sustain quality habitat. Now, a smaller reservoir exists off-channel while a connectivity channel is in place, providing fish habitat, enabling aquatic life to move freely, and restoring the habitat-forming river processes that will help river health for the Colorado River—not only at Windy Gap, but for many miles downstream. In the years ahead, the channel will be opened up for angling as well, ultimately providing nearly two miles of new publicly accessible water.
Greenback Restoration in the Poudre. Two major steps have been completed in Colorado’s largest-ever native trout restoration effort, helping secure recovery habitat in the upper Poudre watershed. The Poudre Headwaters Project is a collaboration among TU and the US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and will ultimately restore some 37 miles of connected habitat and 106 acres of lake for Colorado’s state fish, the Greenback cutthroat trout. A permanent barrier has been completed to isolate recovery waters from the west-slope Grand Ditch, while a unique combination fish passage/ temporary barrier project has secured six miles of habitat on Corral Creek for native trout. These projects help set the stage for upcoming reclamation of habitat for Greenback reintroduction, as part of a decade-long plan to
eventually create a connected “meta-population” of native trout.
Abandoned Mine Reclamation. TU is unique among national non-profits in tackling the thorny problem of abandoned mines and their harmful impacts on water quality. With generous support from a Colorado Gives Day matching challenge grant from our partners at Anglers All, TU has advanced key mine restoration projects in both Clear Creek and the South Platte headwaters. At the Grizzly Mine in the headwaters of Clear Creek, TU and its partners helped move waste rock that intersected and contaminated clean water sources, restored vegetation, and rerouted a forest road to collectively improve habitat and water quality. At the Orphan Boy mine in the upper Middle Fork South Platte watershed, TU’s work is containing flowing mine waters, controlling seepage and erosion, and revegetating exposed mine wastes, while preserving the historic legacy of the site. The end result of both projects is to improve water quality and help reverse the legacy of water pollution from Colorado’s historic mine sites.
Chapter Home Waters. Local TU chapters advanced notable on-the-ground projects as well. When intense local rains washed huge amounts of sediment into Cheesman Canyon and damaged key sections of the Gill Trail, volunteers with the Cutthroat Chapter sprang into action to help the Forest Service restore and stabilize damaged sections along approximately 3.5 miles of the highly-used trail accessing one of Colorado’s most treasured fisheries. And in Steamboat Springs, the Yampa Valley Fly Fishers collaborated with their partners at the Yampa Valley Stream Improvement Charitable Trust, to restore degraded habitat along local Butcherknife Creek – directly adjacent to two schools, providing both an improved fishery and a living classroom for outdoor education.
Looking ahead to 2025, TU and local chapters will continue to advance work in Cheesman Canyon and with the Poudre Headwaters, as well as advancing restoration initiatives benefiting at-risk Gold Medal waters like the Blue River and Gore Creek. They’ll
collaborate with water users to improve connectivity and flow on key tributaries to the middle Colorado River near Glenwood Springs and on South Boulder Creek, as well as develop new projects and designs for restoration and reconnection on watersheds from the Arkansas River basin to the Uncompahgre. Through collaborations with federal agencies like the Forest Service, BLM, and Bureau of Reclamation, and state partners at Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado Water Conservation Board, we will leverage our donors’ support through public funding opportunities to extend our impact.
SPEAKING UP FOR TROUT AND WATERSHEDS
The hard work of TU staff and volunteers to restore and reconnect habitat could easily be undone by an anti-conservation law or a harmful administrative policy. That makes advocacy on behalf of Colorado’s trout and their habitats a vital part of TU’s programs. In 2024, that work included securing the passage of landmark water protection legislation, advancing
protections on rail safety to help address the risks of waxy crude or other hazardous materials transported across the state, and working toward bipartisan adoption of “Good Sam” legislation to empower abandoned mine cleanups.
Clean Water Act protections. In 2023, when the Supreme Court issued its decision in Sackett v EPA, many wetlands and streams – including the ephemeral and intermittent streams that represent a majority of Colorado’s stream miles and shape the health of downstream rivers, lost their federal Clean Water Act protections. In 2024, after a strong advocacy campaign by TU and conservation allies, Colorado became the first state to pass legislation restoring protection under state law to those waters and wetlands.
Rail safety. Water quality on the Colorado and Fraser Rivers and Boulder Creek are also at risk from rail transport of waxy crude oil from Utah, with new development planned in Utah expected to lead to a doubling or more of oil shipments and the associated risk of a spill in the event of a “whennot-if” railway accident. TU joined with other conservationists and railway workers to promote the passage of a bill shoring up rail safety requirements in Colorado, and setting the stage for improved safety inspections and preparations for emergency response.
Good Sam Mine Restoration. At the federal level, TU has been a driving force in promoting common-sense legislation to empower “Good Samaritans” to help with mine land restoration. Under current law, a third party
that conducted work to improve water quality at a draining abandoned mine could become perpetually liable for the pre-existing contamination that they had no role in creating. Bipartisan legislation establishing a pilot “Good Sam” permitting program to authorize carefully vetted restoration projects without project sponsors incurring that liability has now passed the Senate on unanimous consent, and we hope may pass the House during the “lame duck” session and reach the President’s desk for signature – opening the door for TU, state agencies, and other Good Sam project sponsors to help improve streams suffering from historic mine pollution.
In 2025, we will continue to work at the Colorado legislature to promote fish-friendly measures, while engaging in agency rulemaking that will shape final implementation of the wetland and water protection bill passed this year. We will work with National TU’s government affairs team to help pursue bills providing additional protection to treasured public lands in basins from the Yampa to the Gunnison to the Dolores.
ENGAGING YOUTH AND COMMUNITIES
Troutfest Colorado. Sustaining our work on behalf of wild and trout fisheries into the future depends on building a growing and lasting constituency for conservation. To help broaden our reach with new audiences, TU has been working to grow a new annual community event at Coors Field – Troutfest Colorado. The event includes exhibits from the fishing industry and conservation partners, a special section for youth and family activities, fly tying and casting
demonstrations, and conservation stories shown on the Coors Field big screen. Troutfest Colorado helped connect our mission with more than 4,000 attendees, a more than 33 percent increase from 2023. Many families took part, and most attendees were not current TU members – helping bring our message and our partners to new people and future allies.
Trout in the Classroom. Engaging and preparing the next generation of watershed stewards is also a key part of TU’s mission. Trout in the Classroom (TIC) connects students and educators to their local watershed through a hands-on learning process of raising trout from egg to fry in their classrooms. The students take care of the trout and learn about water, trout, and habitat conservation throughout the school year. In the 2023/24 TIC year, we had over 15,500 students, educators, and community members engaged in the Trout in the Classroom program. We have 67 TIC tanks enrolled in the 2024/25 TIC program, and plan to release over 3,000 fish into local Colorado waters. To sustain the program’s growth, we have brought on two part-time TIC Regional Coordinators to support our amazing TIC educators and students, and expand the reach of the TIC program sustainably.
Youth Conservation Camp. While our youth camp reaches a smaller group of about 30 campers and youth counselors, it has a life-changing impact on its participants. Past campers have gone on to roles from fishing guides to biologic researchers and TU staff– and all leave with a greater understanding of and appreciation for fisheries, watersheds, and
stewardship. Perhaps most importantly, campers find a community in which they can feel at home with other young people who share their passion for fishing and rivers--getting the chance to engage together in a hands-on conservation project to ‘give back’ to the resource. Many participants value their camp experience so much that they return as youth and later as adult counselors to help ‘pass it on’ to future students.
STREAM Education Programs. TU connects local kids, families, and community members with their local watershed, using creative outdoor education modules founded on STEM-based learning, along with Recreation and Arts - “STREAM” programs. We work with program partners, local chapters, and other nonprofit organizations to deliver these programs. So far in 2024, TU engaged over 323 kids, families, and community members through STREAM programs, including gear libraries to support local activities. In 2025 we are eager to expand our STREAM Gear Library program and train more partners, expand the footprint and impact of the TIC program, recruit new
diverse campers for our Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp, and support our TU Chapters’ youth programs. These efforts will help expand our impact and foster the next generation of conservation-minded anglers.
With our 360-degree approach to conservation, TU is making a difference for Colorado’s watersheds and improving fishing for all of us who value Colorado’s trout. With your generous support, we will continue to grow our reach and impact in 2025. Thank you for helping make our work possible by lending your time and talent, your voice, and your contributions to our mission.
To learn more
To learn more about this and other stories, visit coloradotu.org
2561 Frying Pan Road, Basalt
Many years ago, there was a young teenager neighbor boy who had expressed interest in fishing. He would see me in the driveway while loading up the truck for a fishing trip. We would chat and eventually I worked it out with his parents to take him fly fishing.
Fishing trips of course lead to fly pattern conversations, which lead to fly tying conversations, which lead to him wanting to try fly tying. So on a late winter weekend with no school and the spring fishing season around the corner, he came over to my house and to my fly tying room. We started with a quick tour of the various materials stashed around the room, discussing natural vs. synthetic, threads, wires, and of particular interest were the beautiful genetic chicken capes and saddles.
At the vise, not wanting to be the know-it-all who talks too long, I quickly explained how the vise works and picked up only the essential hand tools and noted their purpose. Having never seen a fly being tied, I sat down first, picking up a random hook left over from a recent tying session and began the process. Seeing someone else tie first, even just a non-descript whatever pattern, makes it so much easier for the new tier to be successful quickly.
So with no particular pattern in mind, I mounted the hook, captured the thread, wrapped some scrap chenille, finishing with a half-hitch knot. The fly itself was not much, but I noted to him that fish aren’t the smartest, and who knows, maybe that particular no-name tie would indeed catch a fish.
Now his turn. It took a few tries, but he replicated the simple no-name pattern I had just made up. We focused more on tool usage and hand motion skills more than the materials or the pattern. Then having “mastered” that hasty pattern, the natural progression was to try a larger hook and a
HOOK: MUSTAD 37160 SHRIMP 10
THREAD : OLIVE 6/0
BODY: OLIVE OR ROOT BEER UV ESTAZ CHENILLE
(ANY FUZZY/FLASHY CHENILLE)
HEAD: OLIVE PEACOCK ICE DUB
different material, with the goal of tying a pattern that actually had fish-catching purpose.
Contemplating what that might be – simple for his beginner skill level, but effective for actual fishing, what came to mind was a pattern I had previously tied but fished sparingly. The idea of the pattern is to be a quick and simple tie, large in size for a trout pattern, a bent shank for some small measure of realism, visually attention grabbing with flash, and with or without weight to sink and be used as a dead drifted meal in a deep hole.
He tied a few of the pattern and recipe you see here. Fast forward to spring and we went fishing, He caught a trout on the actual fly he had tied. From that day years ago to still now, I tie this pattern for myself and regularly use it with great success. The boy’s name was Nicholus, we called him Nik, and so I named the pattern the “NIKO”.
About The Author
Joel Evans is president of the Gunnison Gorge Anglers chapter and the current Southwest Regional Vice President of Colorado Trout Unlimited.
Last Cast
Dear Friends,
Among the many things we have been focused on during the last months, Colorado TU just completed hosting the annual Fall Rendezvous, and I would like to share this event with you.
This year, we welcomed nearly 100 TU staff, chapter leaders, and volunteers. This is our largest in-person event for interaction, collaboration and sharing. Originally designed as an event for chapter leaders and TU staff to meet in person and build stronger relationships, Fall Rendezvous has grown to a much bigger, collaborative event with both a day-long conservation-based technical program, and chapter leadership workshops. The Rendezvous program engages partners, friends, and members to share new ideas and accomplishments in the restoration field, discuss future threats to Colorado’s water quality, and explore engagement models and resources that focus on TU’s mission to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover our rivers and streams.
You don’t have to be a chapter leader to participate in Fall Rendezvous; the technical program has something for everyone. If you are interested in TU’s on-the-ground work in Colorado, put Fall Rendezvous on your radar. It’s an energizing event and remarkable experience.
The program was organized into 2 tracks: conservation and engagement. Some notable presentations included an overview of Priority Waters restoration activities presented by Drew Peternell, TU’s Colorado Director. A guest panel hosted by Ashley Giles, CTU Director at Large, provided discussion of several specific threats to our water quality and aquatic life, including road salts, increasing metal concentrations arising from climate accelerated natural erosion, chemical erosion and run-off from tire wear, and impacts of landscape-scale chemical runoff on mountain streams. These discussions will surely inform our future advocacy and mitigation efforts.
One of the more riveting panel discussions was hosted by Natalie Flowers, CTU’s Youth Education Coordinator, and focused on engagement opportunities for teens and young adults. The teen and young adult panelists represented youth volunteers in Costa Five Rivers college clubs, CTU’s teen summer camp, and teen volunteers from TU Teens who eloquently communicated their readiness to engage with conservation organizations like TU and the communication channels that need to be opened to enable greater engagement. This is only a snapshot, but overall, TU staff and chapter leaders took away
key points to guide their future activities on all fronts.
One of our 3 annual board meetings occurs at Fall Rendezvous, and it offered an opportunity to look back on program progress since approving our 5-year operations plan last spring by beginning to establish metrics and measures of progress. Our strong programs in restoration, advocacy, communications, and community engagement continue to demonstrate a positive impact toward our mission and goals. Colorado TU membership, similar to National TU trends, declined in the past two fiscal years. This is a concerning trend to be addressed. While our outreach efforts demonstrate increasing engagement, this hasn’t translated into increased TU membership.
It is too early in the annual giving cycle to report on growth of unrestricted giving. Due to an awkward alignment of TU’s fiscal year and our major giving events, we receive most of our unrestricted donations in the last 70% of our fiscal year. The timing of this column does give me the opportunity to humbly request your support. There are significant giving opportunities through our year end giving campaign, Colorado Gives Day (December 10), and the CTU Gala (March 13). Supporters like you are at the heart of Trout Unlimited’s work. You inspire our staff and motivate volunteers to invest thousands of hours into the mission every year.
Looking forward, I wish you peace, joy, and good health this holiday season. I truly hope that you are able to enjoy all the things that make it special to you. We’ll refresh ourselves and jump into the New Year to face new challenges to our watersheds with fresh enthusiasm, partnership, and hopefulness that Trout Unlimited has brought to the table for 75 years.
Warmly, Barbara Luneau
About The Author
Barbara Luneau is Colorado Trout Unlimited’s President, a retired geologist, avid angler, and long-time TU volunteer at both local chapter and statewide levels. She has a deep commitment to youth programming, including serving as the volunteer director of the annual CTU River Conservation and Fly Fishing youth camp.
