AE 1610 by West Denver Trout Unlimited

ANGLERS’ EDGE CONSERVING, PROTECTING AND ENHANCING COLORADO’S COLDWATER FISHERIES THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Bi-Monthly Newsletter

West Denver Chapter of Trout Unlimited

October 2016, Volume 22, No.5

www.westdenvertu.org October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited

West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

West Denver Chapter Trout Unlimited Organization And Officers: 2016 President: Vice President: Past President: Secretary: Treasurer: Assistant Treasurer: Education: Membership: Conservation:

Jackie Edwards Ed Calmus Tim Toohey Dan Sullivan Matt Rivera Chuck Lehman Ric Tarr Linda Miyamoto Rick Dornfeld

303-278-2282 303-744-2940 303-423-8636 303-423-5616 303-425-9351 303-238-1929 303-233-9391 303-423-5616 303-882-0423

Other Directors: Advertising Mgr: Anglers’ Edge Editor: Assistant Editor: Chapter Counsel: Communications: Database Manager: Fly Tying Clinic: Women’s Fly Fishing River Watch: Programs: Joseph’s Journey: Public Relations: Fly Tying Corner: Raffles: Fantasy Raffle & Sports Shows: Webmaster: Assistant Webmaster: Directors at Large:

WHAT’S INSIDE? FEATURES FROM OUR MEMBERS A New Home for The Greenback Cutthroat | 1 Trout A Hike in Fishing License Fees? | 9

Jon Weimer David Amalong Jon Weimer Bruce Ducker Jackie Edwards Dan Sullivan Bruce Beck Geri Reffel Dennis Wiles Tim Toohey Bob Untener Brian La Rue Tim Toohey Tim Toohey

303-830-1609 303-669-0334 303-830-1609 303-861-2828 303-278-2282 303-423-5616 303-667-3887 303-902-6998 720-404-7821 303-423-8636 303-517-0892 303-835-8003 303-423-8636 303-423-8636

Randy Cordova Ed Calmus Dan Sullivan Glen Edwards Cal Noguchi Jon Weimer

303-619-1585 303-744-2940 303-423-5616 303-278-2282 303-452-1030 303-830-1609

Anglers’ Edge

West Denver TU Calendar | 32

Published 6 Times per Year by the West Denver Chapter of Trout Unlimited 385 Flora Way, Golden, CO 80401. Editor: Assistant Editor: Photography: Circulation:

David Amalong Jon Weimer Dr. John Pern Jackie Edwards Linda Miyamoto

303-669-0334 303-830-1609 303-278-2282 303-423-5616

We want your contributions such as guest editorials, letters-tothe-editor, photographs, big fish photos, trip reports, etc. Send them to the Editor by e-mail to davidamalong@comcast.net

On the Cover: Ann Chase lands a nice rainbow on the Williams Fork Photo: Jim Chase October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited

WDTU volunteers Keith Greenwell and John Pern watch as the fry move into cover 4

West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

A NEW HOME FOR THE GREENBACK CUTTHROAT TROUT Photos and story by Rick Dornfeld October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited

our thousand greenback cutthroat trout fry swam in their new Herman Gulch home last week, on September 13, 2016. Fourteen volunteers and a large group of agency folks helped CPW Biologist Boyd Wright make it happen. I asked Boyd to describe where these little trout came from. Here is his response. “The eggs came from two different spawning operations that occurred in June and July of 2016. All eggs were immediately delivered to the Salida Isolation Unit at Mt. Shavano Fish Hatchery, where they were hatched and spent approximately 1 month post hatch and swim-up, before being delivered to us at Herman Gulch. A small portion of the fish were the result of wild milt (sperm) collected from males in Bear Creek mixed with eggs from female brood-fish held at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery. However, the vast majority of the fish were the result of a “wild” spawn operation at Zimmerman Lake, at the head of the Cache La Poudre watershed.

Greenbacks were reintroduced there in 2014 and it is intended to be managed as a brood lake; 2016 was the first year we were able to take spawn there.” CPW technicians told us the trout fry would likely hold all winter in this one place where they were released. Survival could be in the range of one to ten percent. Looking ahead to future volunteer opportunities in Herman Gulch, Boyd Wright said there are plans for a second Herman Gulch stocking in 2017. We will also be following the status of “our” greenbacks in the Newsletter with frequent updates and stories. Stay Tuned! With that as background, here is the chronology, in captioned photos, of our volunteer stocking work on Herman Gulch.

Trout came to us “pre-packed” from the Mt. Shavano hatchery. A pickup truck carried 16 insulated sacks, each containing 250 trout and a gallon of water. 6

West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

The bagged trout were loaded into individual backpacks. Each pack carrier selected a numbered stream reach as his destination, and signed up for that reach on a clipboard sheet. CPW technicians had previously hiked up the trail and placed correspondingly numbered stakes for reference. Volunteers hiked up, found their numbered stake, and met up with a CPW technician.

The first half mile of the hike switch-backed past the Herman Gulch cataract. The cataract forms an important natural barrier that prevents all those other trout from getting to the greenbacks new home. October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited

The trout were gently released into specific pools selected on the spot by CPW technicians.

Once at the release site, the bagged trout were introduced to the 41 degree water slowly in three stages. First, the insulated bag was placed in the water for a prescribed length of time. Second, the closed plastic bag containing the trout was placed in the water. Third, some stream water was added to the opened plastic bag. 8

West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

A hike in fishing license fees?

By Jon Weimer

his past summer, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) conducted a series of 18 public meetings, entitled “Funding the Future” in which they outlined their budget shortfalls and sought input from anglers and hunters on how best to alleviate this situation. CPW claims that unless they increase revenues, it will have to cut staff and core services, which could include reductions to wildlife and property management, biological research, access for hunting and fishing, as well as the closure of some reservoirs and fish hatcheries. One possible venue for increasing revenue would be to increase the fees charged for both angling and hunting licenses. CPW employs what is referred to as a user-paid,

user-benefited funding model, which means that many of CPW’s operations are funded by hunters, anglers and park visitors through sales of hunting and fishing licenses, habitat stamps, and park passes. In fact, 66 percent of the revenue for wildlife management comes from license fees. It’s important to note that CPW does not receive general fund revenue (from taxes), and the prospect of receiving funding from this source is problematic. At this juncture, no specific price increments in angling license fees have been determined, although one scenario is to increase the license fee for an adult (16 to 64 years of age) from $26 to $50, and to start charging seniors (65 years and older) a fee for a license.

Other alternative ways of alleviating CPW’s budget shortfalls have been suggested at these public meetings—e.g., implement further cost-cutting measures, impose a fee on “non-consumptive” users of public land, such as hikers, birdwatchers, snowmobilers, etc. We’ll have to wait and see but, if I were a betting man, I would think an increase 66% of the revenue for wildlife management comes from license fees. in our fishing license fees will be in order---after all, the last hike in fishing license fees was in 2005. If you wish to express your opinion on this matter, drop an email to CPW at cpw.state.co.us

October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited

t sounded like my type of event…Run. Fish. Beer…a triathlon of sorts. It only took a second for me to jump onto the Flyathlon website to register for the inaugural event located south west of Gunnison on the Lake Fork. The Flyathlon website describes this new multi-sport event as “an integration of three activities that are currently surging in popularity in the Western U.S.; trail running, fly fishing, and craft beer. While many enjoy these activities independently, putting them together is even more enjoyable. Simply put, many of the best and most beautiful places to fish are way back in the woods, and the quickest way to get back to these remote places to maximize fishing time is to trail run. And once you have run back from that mountain lake or stream, all of that effort is rewarded with high quality, local craft beer.” But that’s not even the cool part. Flyathlon is an event that raises money for local conservation projects. The money 10 West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

raised is used to protect the very streams where the events are held. In partnership with Colorado Trout Unlimited and The Western Native Trout Initiative the 2014 Rocky Mountain Flyathlon campaign raised more than $35,000 for native cutthroat projects! Run. Fish. Beer. I am a fly fisherman. I am a craft beer connoisseur. What I am not, is a runner. But no worries, I had a plan. Knowing that in about three months I would be competing in this amazing event I started training the day after I registered. I began by heading to upper Clear Creek to catch some cutthroats. When I arrived back in Denver, I moved on to the next discipline and cracked open a fine west coast style IPA. As I lounged in the back yard enjoying my beer, I realized that since I probably wouldn’t be running 10 miles in my waders and boots. I might want to invest in a pair of

RUN. FISH. BEER.

The Lake Fork Flyathlon Photos and story by David Amalong

running shoes. Day #1…training complete. Throughout the dog days of summer I continued my training, pretty much following the routine of my first day. Since Flyathlon would be my first time fishing Lake Fork I made it a point to fish new sections of creeks and rivers. I practiced the discovery new beers with my friends. I was feeling pretty confident; mostly. It was the third leg of the event, the trail running, that kept nagging me. On several occasions I ran alongside my daughter in my new running shoes as she biked to piano lessons. I did a trail run and fishing expedition on South Boulder Creek below Gross Reservoir. As my training progressed I began to formulate my winning strategy. It was pure genius. Based on my understanding the Flyathlon rules are pretty simple: It is basically a race, so the fastest time wins. The twist is that for each inch of fish caught and photographed there is time deducted from

the run. There is also a major penalty of added time for not catching a fish at all. So it was pretty obvious to me that I would need to build an excel spreadsheet. I don’t remember the exact details but the equations where telling me that if I totaled 120 inches of fish I could walk the 10 miles at a brisk pace, fish a lot and still end up with a respectable time. I even figured out what it would take for me to completely zero out my time, but I dismissed this idea pretty quickly since it would have meant that I’d have to move pretty fast. So, with that strategy under my belt, I trained some more, did some on-line research on Lake Fork fish, water and bugs and really started to get psyched for the 24th of September! The week finally arrived. It was a hectic week and in between a few business trips I assembled my gear and was ready for the big day. One morning that week the FlyathOctober 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited 11

letes were greeted by an email from the organization. It contained the rules, directions, waivers and all of the usual official stuff...including the beer sponsors. It was during the reading of the rules that my entire win strategy came crashing down. My strategy assumed that I would catch 120 inches worth of fish in a six hour period. What I had just learned is that Flyathlon rules only give you credit for a single fish! Not one to be easily discouraged, I scrapped any notion of competing in the timed portion of the event and began to think about the prize for The Biggest Fish. When the weekend finally arrived I loaded up the car with all of my camping, fishing, and “running” gear. I also filled

encountered at least three other Flyathletes that had calculated their victory just as I had, only to be thwarted by the rules of the event. The next morning everyone gathered at the start line shortly after 8:30 AM. For most of us this was our first trip to the Lake Fork and the water looked amazing! Deep pools, pocket water and long runs and riffles paralleled the gravel road that we would run. It looked very fishy. Fly rods were required to be “broken down” at the start and Flyathletes stretched their legs and checked their gear. I pretended to stretch and ran back to the car for my midge box and some sink putty. The sacrifice of a non-craft beer with a well-

Each competitor was issued an official and extremely high tech Flyathlon Fish Measuring Device. my cooler with my favorite craft beers to share with all of the new friends I was going to make. It was a glorious drive. The leaves were at peak color, I drove through snow showers on Monarch Pass and I rolled into the campsite just west of Gunnison with about an hour of sunlight left. There were tents everywhere, people busying themselves setting up, swapping fish stories and sharing beers. I settled into a night of great beer, warm campfires and stimulating conversation. I met people from all across Colorado and all walks of life. There was even a guy that had flown in from Nashville just to take part in the Flyathlon! During the evening I

placed shot from a BB rifle signalized the start of the race. We were off! Some sprinted from the line, others moved out slowly and others began at a brisk walk downstream. I set out at a pretty good pace with the intent of running a while, fishing a while, but making sure that I made it to the halfway point before the time cutoff. I could see flashes in the water as I ran but resisted the urge to fish. As I warmed up and started to feel the burn in my legs, I came to realize that this event wasn’t about the competition. It was about the opporContinued on Page 30

12 West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

A Changing of the Guard By Jon Weimer

im Toohey has served as our Chapter’s President for 3 years. His term expires on September 30, and then Jackie Edwards takes over the reins. When I was asked to be President 6 years ago, my decision was contingent on whether or not I could get Tim to be my Vice-President. I had worked with Tim on a couple of projects (e.g., the Fantasy Raffle and the Fly Tying Clinic) and had gone fishing with him a number of times. I knew him to be a conscientious, hard-working guy. I know it’s a cliché, but I thought of Tim as being able to “think outside the box”. I was relieved when he agreed to be my sidekick, and during my 3-year tenure as President, Tim provided me with invaluable, insightful advice and feedback. I knew he would do well as my successor. As President, Tim started making some changes almost immediately. He found a new site for our Chapter meetings---from the Jefferson County Fairgrounds building (which had a gymnasium tenor about it) to the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, which affords a more intimate setting. He also took over setting up speakers for our meetings—coming up with a variety of great presenters. His coup occurred last November when he had Landon Mayer, Pat Dorsey, and Kerry Caraghar appear as speakers on the same night and Charlie Craven as our fly tier! During my tenure, I had initiated a working relationship with the U.S. Forest Service and made a decision to upgrade our website, but my term ended before I could get very far with either enterprise. Tim picked up on both efforts and followed them to fruition. We now have a great website, and Tim, along with Conservation Director, Rick Dornfeld, have negotiated a unique working (and paying) agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. Tim has pushed for getting more women involved in our Chapter activities (he appointed member Gerri Reffel

to create more fly fishing classes for women). And, he has got our Chapter involved in reintroducing greenback trout to the Clear Creek basin. As a reflection of the Chapter’s achievements under Tim, it won the John Connolly Outstanding Chapter Communication Award, the Exemplary Youth Education Program Award, and the Exemplary Chapter Award. During Tim’s reign, we lost some valuable Board members, e.g., our Treasurer, our River Watch Director, and our Webmaster. However, Tim filled these positions with some outstanding personnel—specifically, Matt Rivera, Dennis Wiles, and Ed Calmus, respectively. In addition to his “Presidential duties”, Tim continues to impress with his ability to come up with items for our numerous raffles, auctions, and door prize events. He’s actively involved in all of our education, conservation, and humanitarian efforts, and heads up our Bass Pro fund-raising effort. Jackie Edwards has stepped forward to fill the void left by Tim. It will be a formidable job, as Jackie freely admits. However, Jackie’s long tenure with the Chapter (almost 26 years) should serve her (and the Chapter) admirably. She joined the Chapter in 1990, and immediately volunteered to head the membership committee and do the mailings for the newsletter. She informs Chapter members of important events (by maintaining an up-to-date calendar) and she is instrumental in organizing the various functions of the Chapter, be they social events or business meetings. She became Vice-President 3 years ago. Because of her long-time status as a Chapter member, she has become an institutional memory for our organization. She will be ably assisted by Ed Calmus, who not only serves as our Webmaster, but will serve as Jackie’s Vice-President. If Jackie can receive the support that Tim and I did, the Chapter should continue to thrive. October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited 13

Cannonball Bridge 14 West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

Peaks to Plains Trail The first Clear Creek Canyon segment Story and photos by David Amalong

October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited 15

he first segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail through Clear Creek Canyon opened to the public on July 28, 2016. This initial 3-mile segment of trail along Clear Creek and US Highway 6 in Clear Creek Canyon is just one piece of a much broader vision. The Peaks to Plains Trail is envisioned to be a 65mile off-highway trail that will allow travel from the Continental Divide at the Eisenhower Tunnel to the confluence of Clear Creek and the South Platte River in Adams County. The recently completed segment is the result of a partnership between Jeffco Open Space and Clear Creek County Open Space. The trail includes not only 3 miles of a paved multiuse trail, but features 3 bridges, 6 new formal river access points and multiple overlooks and boulder seating areas. Other improvements include two new parking lots and an expanded parking lot and restroom at Mayhem Gulch. The parking lots are a key compo-

nent to bringing a new types of visitor to Clear Creek Canyon; cyclists, hikers and walkers. The majority of the trail meanders along â&#x20AC;&#x153;quieter sideâ&#x20AC;? of the Creek, opposite of Highway 6. In doing so, the trail travels through a variety of landscapes, from open meadows, rocky overlooks, and riparian sections close to the Creek. It also gains some elevation in areas offering some great views down into the Creek. Areas that were disturbed by construction have been re-vegetated with native grasses, shrubs and trees. On several occasions, I have had the opportunity to experience the trail as a fisherman. However; on a recent crisp Saturday morning, I put away my fly rod walked most of the trail to take in all aspects of the trail. It was encouraging to see extended families walking the trail, leaning over the guardrail at an overlook

The Peaks to Plains Trail (Illustrated in yellow) is a critical connection in the vision for a State-wide trail system.

16 West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

pointing to trout rising behind a large boulder. Joggers pushing strollers paused at the overlooks on the bridges to catch their breath. Cyclists were numerous and one group took advantage of the informal boulder seating areas to stop for a picnic lunch. There were crowds of climbers at all of the popular areas, and fisherman were ducking in and out of the willows along the banks.

positive. The materials used through compliment the character of the Canyon. The improved parking areas provide additional spaces and greatly improve visitor safety and the new signage is clear and concise. The biggest improvement; however, is the trail. It allows visitors to disconnect from Highway 6 and truly immerse themselves in the Creek, the Canyon, and the Landscape.

As hard as I tried to be a “pedestrian” and just simply walk the trail, I couldn’t stop myself from making mental notes of all of the new fishing access points to the Creek. With much of the trail being on the opposite side of the Creek from the road, there is a LOT of new creek access. I will honor the tradition of not divulging secret fishing spots, but I have discovered that this trail offers access to great new water that was either difficult or impossible to access in the past.

The next evolution in Clear Creek Canyon will be the design and construction of the Mouth of Clear Creek Canyon. It will extend the existing multi-use trail associated with the Golden Mile through Downtown Golden upstream to Tunnel 1. The concept features two new pedestrian bridges as well as the proposed Welch Ditch Tail which will improve climbing access and connect the Peaks to Plains trail to Chimney Gulch Trail. Parking areas will be upgraded in two locations to accommodate the large demand in this stretch.

My overall impression of the trail was extremely

The next project is called The Mouth of the Canyon, and is immediately upstream from WDTU’’s project, The Golden Mile restoration project which was completed in 2009.

October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited 17

Cyclists, joggers, walkers, climbers and fisherman were all using the new trail. With these added â&#x20AC;&#x153;eyes on the creekâ&#x20AC;?, we will need to be on our best behavior...and so will everyone else!

This section of water, called the Oxbow is located at tunnel 5. It is a great stretch of pocket water with some long deep pools. If you are looking to find some quiet and solitude away from the hustle and bustle of Highway 6, this is the place. 18 West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

This parking area at the Oxbow is the current â&#x20AC;&#x153;upstreamâ&#x20AC;? terminus of the trail. It includes about 12 parking spaces, trash receptacles and signage.

Multiple new stream access points have been constructed in addition to the existing locations that we have enjoyed in the past. Here, large boulders lead to the water from an informal seating area above the high water line. October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited 19

Much of the trail is on the opposite side of the Creek from Highway 6. This location offers a very pleasant environment and opens up access to several different landscape types along the Creek not previously accessible.

New signage located at trail heads orient visitors to the Creek and trail. In an effort to further protect the Creek, WDTU is currently working with JeffCo to add new signage that will identify stream and habitat improvements within and along the banks of the Creek. 20 West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

A Special Award for Gil Hassinger By Jon Weimer Photo by Jon Pern

This Spring, the Board of Directors decided to honor a special member of our Chapter--Gil Hassinger. Gil is a long-time member of our Chapter, having served as our President, being the initiator and leader of our Fishing Buddy Program, and leading our Chapter’s River Watch Program. And, Gil was a Regional Vice-President for Colorado Trout Unlimited (CTU). Several years ago, Gil was selected as CTU’s Outstanding Volunteer. Unofficially, Gil has also been a mentor for many of our Directors, providing them with sage advice and consultation. So, at the Chapter’s September 7th meeting, this award was presented to Gil—the Gil Hassinger Award. The inscription reads as follows: “Presented to a West Denver Trout Unlimited member who has demon-

strated unusual dedication, ingenuity, and enthusiasm while implementing a variety of Chapter programs and projects over a sustained period of time”. Gil, obviously, is the inaugural recipient, but the intent is to present this award to honor subsequent Chapter members who have displayed unusual dedication and effectiveness in helping the Chapter to protect and enhance Colorado’s coldwater fisheries. Gil’s wife, Sharon, apparently was able to keep a secret as Gil was caught completely off guard by the award and the presence of his family. Member Cal Noguchi, a creative genius, made a special plaque for the occasion. Congratulations, Gil! October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited 21

CONSERVATION Volunteer Opportunities for 2016 Here are three projects for us to take part this summer and fall. Project details are still being worked out. In other words, there are no firm dates yet. The write-up below is presented to pique your interest. In addition to these projects, River Watch is a good opportunity to do some productive work for trout. Trout Salvage in Dry Gulch: This will be a one-day effort to catch trout on flies and move them alive to Clear Creek. See the Anglers’ Edge newsletter article titled “Herman Gulch Trout Salvage Project for details on what this is all about. This article is also posted on www.westdenvertu.org.

can work on their own time in their own vehicle. A jeep, ATV, or trail bike may be needed. An article on a specific road closure job appeared in an earlier Anglers’ Edge issue, but more information will be forthcoming in both the newsletter and on the website as details for this long termproject become available. Rick Dornfeld, WDTU Conservation Director

Volunteers Needed for River Watch

Culvert Surveys: This will be a multi-day job for a small group of volunteers. We will be assisting the U.S. Forest Service take field measurements at a few stream crossing sites where culverts are to be replaced to enable fish passage upstream. See the Anglers’ Edge newsletter article

The River Watch program, under the auspices of Colorado Park and Wildlife, is designed to monitor the water quality of various watersheds. West Denver participates in this program on a stretch of Clear Creek in the Golden area. Dennis Wiles (720-404-7821) leads the Chapter’s effort,

entitled “Culverts” for more information on the subject of culverts and fish passage. The article is also posted on www. westdenvertu.org.

which generally occurs on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Give Dennis a call if you’re interested. Participation in this program affords you not only an interesting, but an educational experience.

Road Closure Field Checks: This is a continuation of work started in 2015 to visit all 60 road closures in the Clear Creek Ranger District of the Arapaho National Forest. Volunteers 22 West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

COMMUNITY Volunteers needed for Windy Peak

Want a Fishing Buddy?

The Outdoor Education Laboratory Program (OELS) at Windy Peak (south of Bailey) is under the auspices of the Jefferson County Public School System. The mission of the OELS is to provide 6th grade students the opportunity for hands-on, experiential learning in an outdoor setting. West Denver has been an integral part of this program for close to 20 years—helping to construct a fishing pond and ancillary structures (e.g., fishing platforms and docks) and teaching interested students the rudiments of fly tying.

If you want find a fishing buddy or volunteer to be one if asked, contact either Jim Chase JEchase1000@gmail.com or Ann Chase A.Chase1000@gmail.com.

In addition to teaching students how to tie flies (simple patterns like Wooly Buggers and San Juan Worms), West Denver members help impart a conservation ethic in hopes of encouraging these students to be stewards of the environment later in life. Typically, after teaching students to tie a couple of flies, they’re taken down to the nearby fishing pond in hopes that they can catch something with their own creations. The fly tying classes usually begin in

April and may continue through October. There is no rhyme or reason to the number of classes that may be taught, but usually only one or two classes a month is requested. If you think you may be interested in helping out and/or want more information, please contact our Education Director Ric Tarr at 303-233-9391

Donations Some WDTU members have inquired whether or not they can submit unsolicited donations to the Chapter. The answer is “Yes’’. If you wish to donate money, checks should be made payable to West Denver Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and then either mailed to our Treasurer Matt Rivera (8189 Webster St., Arvada, CO 80003), or presented to him at a Chapter meeting. If you wish to donate fishing-related merchandise (for example, rods, reels, flies, etc.), contact Tim Toohey at (303) 423-8636 or Tim2e@comcast.net. Our Chapter is tax exempt under code 501(c)3. Therefore, all contributions are deductible on your Federal tax returns. If you so desire, you can designate your monetary donation

be applied to a specific project or purpose, as well as setting up a matching donation program. If you want additional information about WDTU’s projects and/or want to discuss your intent for a donation, please contact Jon Weimer at either 303-830-1609 or weimerj@earthlink.net. Continued on Page 24 October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited 23

Continued from Page 23

WDTU Shirt Logo Jackie Edwards has made arrangements with a vendor to have an official WDTU logo imprinted on your shirt for just $5. This program was initiated several years ago and has gained popularity. You simply need to bring your shirt to the next Chapter meeting, and give it to Jackie. She will take care of the rest.

WANTED: New Members! We are always looking for new members to join West Denver Trout Unlimited. To join our Chapter, simply follow this link for more information on Chapter and National TU membership. Make sure you specify Chapter # 130 when registering. With your membership in West Denver TU, you will receive the bi-monthly newsletter, invitations to all of our Chapter meetings, and opportunities to participate in all of our conservation and volunteer activities.

Chapter Meeting at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, Colorado

24 West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

A Note About Email Address Changes Please notify at least one of us whenever you change your email address, snail mail address and/or telephone number so we can communicate with you quickly and efficiently.

ABOUT TU West Denver Trout Unlimited

David Amalong Jackie Edwards Linda Miyamoto

davidamalong@comcast.net jaxedw@gmail.com sullimoto@gmail.com

The West Denver Chapter, Trout Unlimited (WDTU, TU chapter #130) is a member-driven 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is conserving, protecting, and enhancing Colorado’s coldwater fisheries through volunteerism, education, and outreach. WDTU was founded in Colorado in 1974, and now has over 900 members across western metro Denver, including Lakewood, Golden, Morrison, Englewood, Littleton, Wheatridge, and Arvada. Our conservation and community outreach projects include the restoration and water quality monitoring of Clear Creek, Jefferson County school programs, and Joseph’s Journey. The chapter’s membership meets regularly at the monthly chapter meeting (except July). These meetings are free and open to the public. WDTU’s governance also relies directly upon its members, who generously volunteer their time and effort to achieve the chapter’s mission. The WDTU Bylaws provide details on the chapter’s governance. The chapter’s Board of Directors has a board meeting every month (separate from the chapter meeting). Members are welcome to attend board meetings and are encouraged to volunteer to be an Officer or Director.

Trout Unlimited “Founded in 1959, TU is the leading conservation organization dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring, North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. Our 100,000 members are organized into 450 local chapters nationwide. These volunteer chapters are the “watchdogs’’ of their local rivers and streams. They conduct stream restoration projects, monitor legislation, and fight for “fish friendly’’ policies with state and local officials. Through its Washington DC-based national headquarters, TU conducts valuable scientific and economic research to foster more enlightened trout and salmon management practices, lobbies to strengthen environmental legislation like the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act, and provides a voice for its 100,000 members.’’ October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited 25

Fly Fishing Rods Events Accessories

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October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited 27

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For sale: Over 150 books on fly fishing/fly tying. Authors include, but not limited to, Brooks, Schweibert, Traver, Kreh, Bergman, Flick, R.H. Brown, Combs, Swisher Richards, etc. Call Terry for titles and prices 303-274-8367 or 303-551-4872.

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Over 1200 readers per issue! Email David Amalong davidamalong@comcast.net for more information.

October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited 29

Continued from Page 12 tunity to fish a beautiful river with a bunch of great people and raise money in the process to protect the resources that we value! After about 3 or 4 miles, I gave in, rigged up my rod and settled into a section of pocket water. I had decided early on that I would start out with my confidence rig, a double nymph rig that I sometimes tie on even before I look at the water. With determination, I worked my way downstream toward the halfway point, jumping back to the road to then work a section of river upstream. I was not having any luck! I kept at it, adjusting my weight, changing up my bottom fly. I have discovered that I tend to get pretty focused when I’m trying to figure out a river, and even though this was a race, I quickly fell into my routine: I was going to use all of the time that I had to catch that big fish. Suddenly, I missed a fish in some fast moving water and thought that I finally might be on to something. I looked at my watch. Trouble! I was at mile 4.35 and I had about 4 minutes to make it to the halfway point! I scrambled up the bank, stumbled onto the road and proceeded to bury both of my flies in my shirt. I cut them loose, and began to sprint down the road. I ran into a guy heading upstream. “You better hurry up, but it’s not too far” I looked at my watch. 12:00 and I couldn’t see the turn-around. I had missed the cut off! I almost stopped running but the end of the road finally came into view. I pushed a little bit harder and reached the checkpoint at 12:01. As my race number was being checked off, I mumbled something to the guys about not even making it halfway. “No, dude, we started late, you have until about 12.15!” Cool! I had another 3 hours of fishing within official race time! Just upstream from the turnaround I bumped into a couple that I had talked with for quite a while the night before. We decided that we were all going to get the most out of this river so we slowly started to work our way upstream alternating all the good looking spots. I immediately started to get into fish. There were some decent sized fish but I played them too long and carefully in the heavy water and couldn’t land one. Finally, I landed my first fish. It was a beautiful 13 inch rainbow that was painted with amazing purples and pinks. I unrolled my official fish measuring device, an 11x17 paper with a printed scale, and snapped a photo. I kept having success in this lower section of the river, landing several more in the 9-12 inch range. I landed another measuring 14.5 inches so I photographed this one, thinking that it was a good size, but pretty sure that the largest fish 30 West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

overall would measure in the 18-20 inch range. I worked my way back toward the start line fishing good looking water, keeping an eye on my watch and feeling pretty good about the fish that I had caught. As I got closer, I began to run into other competitors still working the water trying to catch their first fish. We exchanged stories, passed some advice and flies and everyone was just psyched to be out on this amazing day. My thoughts turned to the cold beer at the finish line and the catered barbecue back at the campsite. About 60 Flyathletes competed in the Lake Fork Flyathlon raising $10,980 for conservation projects. The winner of the Women’s division, and overall crowd favorite was an enthusiastic 13 year old with a winning time of 1:50:01 and a 14 inch rainbow trout! She also took the Grand Prize with a

Top fund-raisers Dan Wall and Bryan Wells with overall fund-raiser Dan Groth (center).

BB rifle shootout with the men’s winner. The men’s winner clocked in at 1:31:56 with a 10 inch rainbow trout. Prizes for the largest fish, a 17 inch rainbow trout and the smallest a 9-inch rainbow trout were awarded. Top fund-raisers were also honored with a special award and prizes. The Flyathlon is an event for everyone. It’s not about the running, or the fishing or the beer. It is about the people, the camaraderie and mostly the experience. It’s about a group of hard working people coming together to protect and enhance the precious resources that make Colorado a great state. For me, this is now an annual event.

www.flyathlon.com

FROM THE EDITOR H

ello WDTU. I hope that you are enjoying the new format for the Newsletter. You have probably noticed that we have been experimenting with a variety of delivery formats with the past two issues. We are narrowing the options and feel that the web-based version that you are currently reading may be the answer. Our goal is to reach not only each and every one of our chapter members but also a broader audience. By linking the newsletter directly to our website, we are driving more traffic to the site and thereby spreading our message more consistently. By using issuu as our newsletter platform, our reach is exponential. It has a “likeability” component much like facebook and our newsletter will be “out there” alongside all of the other great fly fishing and conservation e-magazines. As always, please feel free to forward to me ideas for stories and photographs. Also, please feel free to provide any feedback on the Newsletter. David

AROUND THE WEB... Please visit the WDTU Facebook page and the WDTU Website.

The Complete Angler : James Prosek

October 2016 | West Denver Trout Unlimited 31

WDTU CALENDAR NEXT CHAPTER MEETINGOCTOBER 5, 2016

October 2016

Guest Speaker- Janine Young

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Annual Planning Retreat BECPOS, 5610 Ward Road, Arvada Chapter Meeting Fly Tying Party-Grand Lake Tap Room, Arvada (Tim-720-475-0762) CTU Fall Board MeetingDurango (Glen-303-278-2282)

Janine Young grew up in Kentucky and started fishing as a young girl on her Aunt’s farm pond. Her grandmother taught her how to put a worm on a hook…needless to say she’s enjoyed fishing ever since. She started fly fishing when her husband and two boys moved to Colorado. Their favorite trip was to Yellowstone for fall break. It’s been 20+ years now and their family still enjoys fishing together.

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Reminder: “Fall your Clocks back” Special Fund Raiser Event-Pizza and Salad dinner- AMC Speaker: John Fielder Board Meeting 7PM Fly Tying Party-Grand Lake Tap Room, Arvada (Tim-720-475-0762) NTU Accountability Report due

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Annual Chili Supper- Elks Lodge 1455 Newland St, Lakewood (Map) (Jackie-303-278-2282) Speakers: CaragherDorsey-Meyer Board Meeting 7PM

American Mountaineering Center 6:30 - 7:00 PM: Welcoming-Fly Tying Demo 7:00 - 7:30 PM: Chapter Business 7:30 - 8:45 PM: Speaker

Introducing, encouraging, teaching the women you know in fly fishing.

Janine enjoys sharing her love for fly fishing especially with other women and beginners sharing her passion for nature, the beauty of a mountain stream and catching something wild in a wild place. Helping to watch a fly hit the water and see a trout take the fly transports you to another place, away from the cares of normal life.

Guest Fly Tier- Jim Chase

In a twist on our normal program, our guest fly tier will be replaced by a knot tying demonstration by Jim Chase. Jim is Co-Director of our Fishing Buddy program and long time fly fisherman. Drop by early and learn the correct way to tie the commonly-used fishing knots.

www.tu.org 32 West Denver Trout Unlimited | October 2016

November 2016

December 2016

Note!

Our Chapter Meetings are held at the American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th Street, Golden Colorado 80401

Our Board Meetings are held at the Old Capitol Grill, 1122 Washington Ave.,Golden Colorado 80401