The
TROUT TALE
The official newsletter of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited Volume 3, Issue 1
Fall 2014
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Chapter and agency partnership pulls off first-ever ‘Women of the Fly Float’ event ......Page 9
Wyoming Wildlife Trust names Trout Unlimited 2014 Partner-of-the-Year
WYTU honored at national meeting for having TU’s best newsletter
n TU, partners have restored 1,000 miles of river and stream habitat in Wyoming By CORY TOYE Trout Unlimited Wyoming Water Project Director The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust (WWNRT) Board awarded Trout Unlimited (TU) its 2014 Partner-ofthe-Year during a recent reception in Jackson. The Partner-of-the-Year award is a special award given annually by WWNRT to an individual or organization that has carried out outstanding conservation work. This is the second time since 2011 that TU has won the award. “Picking this year’s Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust’s ‘Partner of the Year’ was a relatively easy choice,” said Kim Floyd, chairman of the WWNRT Board. “While we don’t take this selection lightly, the work that Trout Unlimited did this year was outstanding and they were, again, very deserving of this award.” Since 2007, the WWNRT has awarded over 60 grants to TU to complete river restoration and reconnect projects across the state. “We’re honored to receive this
See WWNRT AWARD page 3
For the second year in a row, the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited has been honored with another major award from Trout Unlimited during the conservation organization’s national meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico in September. Trout Unlimited Vice President for Government Affairs Steve Moyer, center, presented Trout Tale newsletter editor Mike Jensen, left, with the Bollinger Newsletter Award. Also pictured is WYTU National Leadership Council representative Jim Broderick. WYTU PHOTO/Colt Jensen
By MIKE JENSEN Trout Tale Editor For the second year in a row, Trout Unlimited has honored Wyoming Trout Unlimited with a national award at the conservation organization’s annual meeting. On Friday, September 5, during the award banquet held at the Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico, WYTU was presented with the Bollinger Award for Best Newsletter. WYTU Trout Tale newslet-
ter editor Mike Jensen was on hand to accept the award from Trout Unlimited’s Vice President for Government Affairs Steve Moyer. “What an incredible honor. Last year we received the State Council Award for Excellence in Madison, Wisconsin and, this year, we pick up the Bollinger Award for Best Newsletter in Santa Fe, New Mexico,” said Jensen. The two awards — won back-to-back — speak volumes about the incredible staff and vol-
See NEWSLETTER AWARD page 3
NOTES FROM THE CHAIRMAN Autumn is upon us...
B
oy, where has the summer gone? It seemed to fly by this year for some reason and now we are headed into fall — one of my favorite times for fishing. I used to be a passionate hunter as well, but as I’ve gotten older, my fishing passion has taken over in the fall. Hopefully many of you are getting out to enjoy the cooler brisk days on the water as well. We recently held our “early” fall Wyoming Trout Unlimited Council (WYTU) meeting at the Whiskey Basin Conservation Camp near Dubois in late August. What a great venue to host this meeting! I’ve been to Whiskey Basin in the winter to take sheep photos, but never in the summer. What a beautiful place – winter isn’t too bad either! If you get a chance to visit there, do so; it’s well worth it. Anyway, we had a good meeting up in the mountains over the weekend, with more emphasis on outdoor project visits, activities and less meeting time. We enjoyed site visits to projects near Dubois on the Wind River as well as projects along the East Fork and Bear Creek drainages. What great work is being done by our Trout Unlimited (TU) staff and the Dubois Anglers and Wildlife Group (DAWGS) on these river and stream projects. We all appreciate their passion and involvement in the fisheries in this part of the state. The weekend attendance was less than we had hoped for. Perhaps the late summer timeframe
It is all the volunteers and staff working together that makes us One WYTU
may not have worked out for many folks. We would love to hear feedback from you regarding this, as we look forward to planning the council’s meetings for 2015. One of the things the executive committee for the council will be working on this fall is updating the strategic plan for WYTU. It is time for this to be reviewed, as it was last done about five years ago. Because of all the great work that is done throughout Wyoming, many of the goals in that plan have been accomplished. This is a great testament to the dedication and work of many great folks within WYTU. So, if you have thoughts around our next five years and even beyond, we would love to hear from you. As we move into the fall and all the great fishing it has to offer, please remember to tread lightly when we are fishing this fall. Some fish that are spawning and building their redds on the river bottom need to have their space, so please be mindful of them when out wading and fishing – just a good reminder for all of us. And remember to look up and around you as well while you are out fishing. Some of the best scenery of the year is about to be upon us. As I wrap up my column, I am continually impressed with the passion and commitment of all of our WYTU folks from throughout the state. It is all the volunteers and staff working together that make us “One WYTU” and for that, I thank each and every one of you. Let’s all keep doing good things for our fishy friends in this great state of Wyoming! Calvin Hazlewood is the chair of WYTU and also serves as president of the Seedskadee Chapter in Rock Springs/Green River. He and his wife, Amy, along with their daughter Dayna and new pup Hatch, enjoy the outdoors — particularly fishing and floating in their drift boat. Calvin is also an accomplished photographer. E-mail Calvin at calvinandamy@q.com
The TROUT TALE is a quarterly newsletter of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited. The deadline for submission of information, photos and content for the Winter 2015 newsletter (January, February, March) will be December 1, 2014. Please send any and all contributions for the winter issue to newsletter editor Mike Jensen at: trouthut@gmail.com The TROUT TALE is available through e-mail and online on the council’s website at: wyomingtu.org
MISSION: Conserving and protecting Wyoming’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds
WYOMING COUNCIL OFFICERS: Calvin Hazlewood Chair Cole Sherard Vice Chair and Secretary Dave Sweet Treasurer Jim Broderick NLC Representative Mike Jensen Past Chair Scott Christy Wyoming Coordinator schristy@tu.org
WYOMING CHAPTERS: n Casper-Grey Reef n Curt Gowdy n East Yellowstone n Jackson Hole n Laramie Valley n Little Bighorn n Platte Valley n Popo Agie Anglers n Seedskadee n Upper Bear River n Upper Green River
OFFICE LOCATION: 250 North 1st Street Lander, Wyoming 82520 Phone: 307.332.6700 Fax: 307.332.9299
ONLINE: www.wyomingtu.org
© 2014 Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited
Mike Jensen, Newsletter Editor • Scott Christy, Wyoming Coordinator
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NEWSLETTER AWARD, continued from page 1 unteers we have in the Cowboy State.” The Bollinger Award for Best Newsletter is given in memory of Jean Bollinger, a long-time Trout Unlimited employee who recognized the value of communications through newsletters and helped them evolve into the publications that TU members enjoy today. The award acknowledges the critical value of good communications between a chapter or council and its members by recognizing the newsletter’s potential to further Trout Unlimited’s cause. The Trout Tale was judged and selected on the following criteria: n effective communication to current members n ability to motivate and encourage participation n potential to attract new members n creativity and innovation. “All of us within WYTU very much appreciate the award and realize that The Trout Tale helps us all keep abreast of what is going on within the state,” said Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited Chair Calvin Hazlewood.” The newsletter features stories and information from around the state from TU staff, council and chapter volunteers and others that help enlighten all of us about our projects and fish— JimBroderick, National Leadership eries here in Wyoming. We very much appreciate all the Council Representative for WYTU hard work and effort that goes into the newsletter and recognition with the Bollinger Award for Best Newsletter affirms that.” WYTU National Leadership Council Representative and past chairman Jim Broderick nominated the council’s newsletter for the award. Jensen noted that Jim’s nomination was incredible. “I have to give Jim serious kudos for the incredible nomination he submitted to Trout Unlimited,” Jensen said. “I believe Jim’s eloquent nomination played a key role in our council receiving this award. He obviously put a lot of time and thought into the nomination and I know I speak for everyone of us in WYTU when I offer a
“
“
...to have it recognized is truly special and rewarding
After the awards presentation, Jensen and Broderick joined Trout Unlimited President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Wood, left, for a photo opportunity. WYTU PHOTO/Colt Jensen heartfelt thanks to Jim.” Broderick, who also was present in Santa Fe during the award presentation, chimed in on the council’s second major award in as many years. “Winning awards is not the reason I joined TU or became active in WYTU. When you play a part in something that gains the recognition of your peers, however, it is extremely gratifying,” said Broderick. “I am just so pleased for all the folks who have contributed to the high quality of this newsletter — certainly all the contributors, but especially for our editor Mike Jensen and Scott Christy, the man behind all the stories. The work that these folks put into the newsletter, and all the work they do for WYTU.... to have it recognized is truly special and rewarding. It is something that makes me proud to be a member of such an outstanding organization.”
WWNRT AWARD, continued from page 1 award,” said Cory Toye, director of TU’s Wyoming Water Project. “Our brand of conservation work really is all about partnerships—it depends on strong working relationships with agriculture, municipalities, resource managers and the recreation community.” “Trout Unlimited is an invaluable partner for the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust,” said Christine Adams, deputy director of WWNRT. “The men and women at Wyoming Trout Unlimited are continually involved in community activities, work tirelessly to build strong relationships and most importantly are dedicated to conservation in the State of Wyoming.Their reputation for completing water projects and determination to strengthen our fisheries has certainly made them deserving of this year’s Partner of the Year award.” A typical TU restoration
project involves partnering with private landowners to install new irrigation infrastructure, improve efficiencies, replace road crossings and restore healthy stream functions to reconnect trout migration patterns from lower elevations of the drainage—typically in stream reaches under private ownership—to headwater reaches on public land. “Private landowners provide important habitat for trout on their land and maintain critical migratory corridors for trout and other fish moving through watersheds in Wyoming,” said Toye. “They’re helping us get conservation work done where it counts — on the ground.” Large, connected watersheds lead to resilient and healthy trout populations— and more angling opportunities for Wyoming anglers. “In tackling watershed-scale restoration, the problems are often complex, and partnerships are critical to finding resources and expertise,” said Toye. “Without the WWNRT support, only a small fraction of our projects could take place.Ê The project success we have enjoyed in the last eight years is a direct result of strong partnerships with the WWNRT and all of our project partners throughout the years.” Since 2007, TU, the WWNRT and its partners have invested more than $10 million around the state to reconnect and restore over 1,000 miles of river and stream habitat in Wyoming. In recent years, TU and partners have also been working to restore populations of native cutthroat trout to Yellowstone Lake that have been decimated by nonnative lake trout. TU’s lake trout suppression efforts— supported by WWNRT funds—are paying off with a resurgence of native cutthroat populations.
LEFT: For the second time since 2011, Trout Unlimited was awarded the 2014 Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust (WWNRT)”Partner-of-the-Year” award. Here, Kim Floyd, Chairman of the WWNRT Board and Cory Toye, Director Wyoming Water Project, chat it up after the award presentation. COURTESY PHOTO/Luke Lynch
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WYOMING coordinator REPORT A time to grow
A
s we turn over to fall brown trout fishing and the end of the Trout Unlimited (TU) fiscal year, I’ve been reflecting on all that Wyoming Trout Unlimited has accomplished in the past year. We’ve done some incredibly great things such as accomplish lots of great on-the-ground conservation
work, educate youth about our fisheries, become more financially stable, win an award for our Trout Tale newsletter, help bring new life to our Casper-Grey Reef chapter and much more. Thinking back also makes clear to me as the Wyoming coordinator for Trout Unlimited where we need to head next to benefit our coldwater fisheries
conservation mission. For a myriad of reasons, we need to grow in membership! I know there are many more passionate anglers who care about healthy trout waters in Wyoming than are currently members of TU and we need them involved. A bigger membership means more people to accomplish our mission of leaving our trout waters as good or better than we found them. More members means a more effective voice in conserving our fisheries. More members means more education about what we’re all doing to help our fisheries. More members means more folks that care enough to make a difference for trout. At the time of this writing, Wyoming Trout Unlimited has approximately 1525 members. At our high point, we reached nearly 1,800 members in the Cowboy State, however, over the past three months, many memberships have expired. If you’re reading this, you’re likely already a Wyoming Trout Unlimited member, but I’d like to challenge you — our membership — to help us grow! Sign up your fishing friends! Reach out to folks in your local community and get them involved! Have a chapter membership chair who keeps track of folks who are due to renew and contact them! Renew yourself! How can you sign your first-time friends up with ease? Go to: www.tu.org/intro. Fifteen dollars of their $17.50 first time membership fee will come directly back to your chapter if they indicate the chapter they want to be a part of. How can you renew or get others to stay aboard as members? Go to: https://gifts.tumembership.org/member/renew. There are lots of other great memberships out there such as family memberships and life memberships which you can find on the TU website under the “Join” button. Anyway you look at it, the more of us there are the more we can accomplish. Please help us move forward!
Scott Christy is the Wyoming Coordinator for Trout Unlimited. Originally from Iowa, Scott has an incredible passion for the outdoors — camping, hunting, fishing and whitewater rafting. Scott lives in Lander in order to foolishly chase golden trout in the high country of the Wind River Range all summer. He also pretends to bow hunt for big game in Wyoming, but really only brings home the occasional grouse. E-mail Scott at: schristy@tu.org.
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Significant progress By DAVE SWEET Yellowstone Lake Special Project Manager for Wyoming Trout Unlimited
T
he work on Yellowstone Lake continues to show significant progress toward the goal of restoring this iconic population of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT). Distribution netting performed every August to get a measure of the cutthroat population has now been completed and again the numbers are up. For the third year in a row, we are not only seeing more cutthroats (this year there are three times the total number seen in 2010) but even more importantly, the number of surviving juvenile and mid-age classes of fish are way up (as many as 10 times what were surviving in 2010). This is great news for the future of this fishery. The increase in cutthroats is due to increased lake trout netting, which is partially guided by our telemetry study. Meanwhile, the population of lake trout continues its decline and the age structure has shifted to more small lake trout. The telemetry study is also pinpointing the spawning areas around the Lake where the lake trout congregate in the fall for their annual ritual. This fall, the National Park Service will use this information to experiment with two technologies (based on vacuum and electro-shocking) to kill lake trout eggs on those known spawning beds. We also now know how long lake trout fry stay on those spawning beds (as late as the following July) which will allow these same techniques to be used to suppress lake trout fry in the spring. A Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust grant awarded this winter for approximately 3/4 million dollars has A remote operated vehicle (the enabled this work to proceed. It is Nimble Dance) on Carrington Island extremely gratifying to know that the spawning bed sampling for lake trout major state conservation funding board fry. Note in the background a recognizes the importance of this fishery convention fry trap also collecting lake and the ecosystem that it supports and has trout fry. stepped up to aid in the funding. Everyone COURTESY PHOTO/Dr. Ellen Marsden, in Wyoming Trout Unlimited can be University of Vermont proud that they have played a part in this turnaround. We aren’t done yet and there is much more to do; but we’re headed in the right direction. Those anglers who have ventured to Yellowstone this summer know firsthand that the system is recovering. Those that haven’t should make it a point to spend a few days fishing for these iconic fish. You won’t be disappointed. The cutthroats are coming back!
As you travel around the great state of Wyoming, we hope you’ll get to know the natives...
update
Dave Sweet has been a member of Trout Unlimited since the mid-70s. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Trout Unlimited as well as former chairman of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited. He currently is serving as the treasurer of the council and is a former president and current board member of the East Yellowstone Chapter in Cody. Dave and his wife, Cathy, are the parents of two daughters — Cindy, an attorney in Casper, and Diana, a fisheries biologist for the Wyoming Game & Fish Department in Jackson — and they live in Cody. Dave loves to fish for any species; hunt for whatever crawls, flies or walks; and ride his horses. E-mail Dave at: davidps@tritel.net.
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Bonneville Cutthroat Trout: Oncorhynchus clarki utah
Snake River Cutthroat Trout: Oncorhynchus clarki behnkei
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout: Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri
Colorado Cutthroat Trout: Oncorhynchus clarki pleuriticus Conserving and protecting Wyoming’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds... That’s what we do. Join us. 250 North 1st Street Lander, WY 82520 Phone: 307.332.7700 www.wyomingtu.org
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Connection... Story and Photos By STEVEN BRUTGER Wyoming Energy Coordinator
“H
ow are the fish doing?” a small voice piped up from the back seat. “Huh?” I replied. “You know…how are their homes doing?” “Oh…you mean where we helped on that project last summer?” “Uh huh.” Seven months had passed, but it is remarkable what sticks in a five-yearold’s mind. My daughter and I had camped along a tiny trout stream tucked in the high desert of Wyoming. We were working with the Seedskadee Trout Unlimited chapter and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on a habitat improvement project. Together we spent the day anchoring juniper branches along the banks to prevent erosion and provide cover for native Colorado River cutts.ÊI told my daughter we were making homes for trout. The idea stuck. At the time I didn’t think much of our trip. We fish a lot, we camp often and doing conservation work for a living, it was a day at the office for me. But for my daughter the trip, and the habitat project in particular, made an impact. The idea of making “homes” for fish resonated with her; now she’s invested in that place and those fish. In retrospect it’s not surprising. That’s how it works for most of us. Seeing something firsthand is where a connection begins.ÊBut seeing it happen, for the first time, in a five-year-old girl, is special. The story of my connection is similar. An 800-foot descent that is more like a free fallÊleads to a stream narrower than my desk. It might get fished a handful of times per year. Nearby, the Green River sees more traffic in a day than this creek might see in a decade. But its position is what makes it special. In every bend resides a Colorado River cutthroat enjoying his native home, just as he has for centuries. Eager to take a fly and bursting with color, the fish are healthy and plentiful. My three weight is in heaven.
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With the sun dipping to the west, I squint into itÊand ponderÊthe climb out. The hikeÊback to the truckÊaccentuates how out of shape I am, but the workout makes the ice cold beer in the cooler taste that much better.ÊThe tough terrain, rarely visited by humans, reminds me why these trout are doing so well and why it is worth protecting. Certain places have a way of getting their claws into you. I didn’t know what to expect the first time I pointed my truck south from Rock Springs on Highway 191. ÊRumors abounded of big deer, pure Colorado cutts, and stories of bottomless draws where outlaws like Butch and Sundance disappeared from the law. The rumors are all true. For the past five yearsÊI have had the privilege of working with many others, to protect the Little Mountain area and ensure that the sporting opportunities it affords will be there for future generations. Along the way it’s become personal. My daughter and I have camped along the banks of Red Creek, watchingÊthe sun set over the Uintas. For a week last fall, my dad and I exhausted ourselves, valiantly looking for the type of buck Jack O’Connor used to write about.ÊMy truck bears the scars of the rough terrain and the people who grewÊup there have left an indelible mark on my psyche. From our volunteers to our staff, we all work incredibly hard to further the Trout Unlimited mission. Sometimes we get caught up in the details. It’s worth stepping back and reminding ourselves why we do what we do. Steven Brutger serves as the Wyoming Energy Coordinator for Trout Unlimited. He and his wife, Sarah, have two children and two black labs and live in Lander. Steven enjoys hunting and fishing in Wyoming’s great outdoors every chance he gets. E-mail Steven at: sbrutger@tu.org
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NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL More on the role of the NLC... Author’s Hint: You are going to want to read this entire column! Why? At the end of it, as a reward for reading my previous drivel, I’m going to tell you the location where I get biiiigggg fish. I mean, really big ‘uns! But, only if you read the entire column.
I
n the last installment of this column, I tried to correct a previous oversight of mine: failing to adequately inform you just what the heck it is I do for Wyoming Trout Unlimited (WYTU). The enthralling theoretical prose I wrote analyzed the differences between a council chair and a National Leadership Council (NLC) representative. Presented dissertationstyle in a tone more suited to the defense of a doctoral degree, I have little doubt that article either helped you get one of the best night’s sleep you’ve had in years or easily understand my role in WYTU. Despite being brash enough to equate myself with a senator (yes, I actually did that!), I suspect that theoretical treatise did more to help you sleep than understand my role. That’s okay. I empathize with you. Theory is dry, clinical in nature and often not the most interesting topic in the world regardless of the subject matter. Let’s forego the theory and, instead, examine my role in practice. As luck would have it, I just returned from the 2014 Annual Meeting of Trout Unlimited, held this year in Santa Fe, New Mexico. What A great example to show you practical examples of how I perform as your “senator.” Can someone please dim the lights? I’d like to show you my slides. Wait, scratch that. It would probably put you to sleep again, something I implied I would stop doing. Let’s talk about what I did for WYTU, for you, at the annual meeting. As with any well-run meeting worth attending it all starts with a welcome dinner. Mind you, this isn’t just any dinner. It is a carefully orchestraTed occasion that allows the 36 NLC representatives from across the country to catch up with folks we haven’t seen face-to-face since last year’s meeting. Sure, there are the familiar questions asked when any two anglers gather together. “Been fishing?” “Where?” and, “How are you?” — usually in that order. More importantly, however, this time affords us the opportunity to get the small talk out of the way so that the more astute folks (a group to which I’ve had to beg, plead, and yes, even pay to be added) can begin to advocate for solutions to the issues and challenges we each face in our respective states. AlThough I’ve never been in the halls of Congress or any of those dimly lit eateries with dark wood paneling and expensive steak dinners purportedly frequented by senators and congressmen, I can only imagine the intended effect is the same: when you share a meal with someone you create the basis for common ground even though you may completely disagree on a matter. The end result is that we are able to make decisions and get things done. “What things” you ask? First and foremost, the NLC representatives fulfilled an obligation of the bylaws in setting the National Conservation Agenda (NCA). Although there was discussion regarding sligHtly nuanced language changes to adequately reflect current successes and challenges this agenda, as approved on September 5, and broken down into components that are probably familiar to even the most casual TU-er, is as follows: n Protect: • Native trout and salmon watersheds; • Stream habitat and riparian
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zones; • Wild trout and other salmonids; • Outstanding trout waters in public and private lands; • Coldwater aquifers/groundwater; • From the impacts of climate change; • From pollution from energy development, mining, agricultural run-off, acid dEposition, and other sources; • Against invasive species including inappropriate stocking of hatchery salmonids; • Against transbasin diversions n Reconnect: • Headwater tributaries to mainstreams; • Removal of dams, culverts and obstructions that impede salmonid migrations; • Water diversions n Restore: • Atlantic and Pacific salmon; • Native and wild trout; • Riparian habitat, instream flows and water quality n Sustain: • Trout and salmon fisheries through land conservancy; • Education and membership development Part two of the mission of the NLC, as discussed in the previous column, is to facilitate implementation of the National Conservation Agenda. This is accomplished primarily through the work of specific NLC work groupS (e.g., Western Native Trout, Responsible Energy Development, etc.) but also, when issues come up that are time-sensitive, through action on items that are included in the list of Critical Focus Areas (CFA). This list includes: • Pebble Mine; • Yellowstone National Park native fish conservation; • Gas and oil development; • Clean Water Act protections; • Ensuring state and federal natural resource funding; • Fixing Good Samaritan via legislation of administrative action; • Hard rock mining issues; • One TU Climate Change Urgent Awareness Campaign. This last CFA was added this year to take the place of one addressing instream flows in the Upper Colorado Basin. I’m happy to reporT that our TU compatriots in Colorado were successful in reaching two agreements with water companies to provide adequate flows to ensure stream health as well as a mitigation fund for stream restoration projects that will ameliorate the impacts of diversions. In other words, much like the work on Yellowstone Lake by WYTU, the Upper Colorado’s inclusion as a Critical Focus Area addressed a timesensitive issue such that TU is able to have a positive impact in the outcome. Pretty cool, isn’t it? The last practical example of my time at the annual meeting in the role as the Wyoming NLC is a mandate to increase organizatiOnal capacity. How do I accomplish this? For starters, one can never stop learning. Yes, apparently you can teach an old dog new tricks. In this case, I look forward to conveying to chapter leaders throughout the Cowboy State some of the techniques I learned at seminars and workshops entitled, “Planning, Running, and Promoting Successful Events and Activities” and “Sharing the Best Practices of Effective Chapter/Council Leaders.” Just when I think I’ve got it all figured out (where’s that sarcasm font again?), I learn a better way; to communicate, engage members, fund a project, and so on and so on. I can’t say that I’m an expeRt in anything — I’m certain I’m not — but I do know how to deal with and overcome a wide array of challenges that
See NLC ROLE page 8 Page 7
NLC ROLE, continued from page 7 all of us within WYTU face. You might say that my role as NLC Representative in Wyoming, in theory and in practice, could be summarized as internal communications. It is my job to ensure that the issues we find important in Wyoming are adequately conveyed to the national organization and vice versa. Conservation, community, and fishing are what I covEr. By the way, you might hear that tag line in the coming months. Conservation, community, and fishing: it’s what we are and what we do. It’s what I do as Wyoming’s NLC representative. I hope that over the past few columns in this space you have gained a clearer understanding both of what the National Leadership Council does and how I fulfill its role within Wyoming. Now about that fishing location where I get the big fish? Rather than tell you outright, let’s make a game of it. Throughout this column there are specific letters in bold; I even capitalized them and colored them red for your convenience — no, they weren’t the mistake of our editor. Would an award-winning editor make such mistakes? Heck no! That’s why he played a major part in this newsletter winning the Bollinger Award for Best TU Newsletter. Congratulations to The Trout Tale! You can read about that in other parts of this newsletter but, let me say, I’m just happy I didn’t bring the quality of this thing down too much. OK, so those bold letters? Write them down, in order, and you’ll have the location of the big fish. I hope you get out and enjoy some fall fishing! P.S. My apologies for the joke. I never was very good at telling them… much less a bad one. Jim Broderick serves as the National Leadership Council representative for the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited. He and his wife, Becky, along with their two dogs, Bear and Cooper, and a pond full of Snake River cutthroat trout live in Jackson. Jim is the owner of Rocky Mountain Ranch Management and in his free time, he enjoys driving drift boats in search of epic fly fishing. E-mail Jim at: jim@rmrm.biz.
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Whiskey Mountain serves as perfect backdrop for fall council meeting
The beautiful Whiskey Mountain area served as a perfect location as the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited held its annual fall meeting at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Whiskey Mountain Wildlife Conservation Camp near Dubois. Despite an earlier than normal time frame and lower attendance, the meeting was a huge success. WYTU PHOTO/Mike Jensen
By MIKE JENSEN Trout Tale Editor Despite a different time of year, cooler temperatures, a dusting of snow on the peaks and fewer participants, the annual Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited Fall Council Meeting was a big success. Attendees included members of the WYTU executive committee, chapter representatives from the Casper Grey-Reef chapter, Jackson Hole chapter, East Yellowstone chapter, Seedskadee chapter, Upper Bear River chapter, Curt Gowdy chapter, Popo Agie Anglers chapter and Trout Unlimited staffers from around the Cowboy State. Over a year ago, informal discussions began regarding trying a different type of council meeting that was more casual in nature and less business-oriented. And this meeting was an attempt to do just that. “We were hoping for a better turnout; however, it was a great meeting,” said WYTU Chair
Calvin Hazlewood. “In addition to conducting some council business and receiving updates, we had an incredible opportunity to view local projects by the Dubois Anglers and Wildlife Group (D.A.W.G.s) and TU’s Wyoming Water Project.” Fall meetings are typically held in early November, but this meeting was held two months earlier to be able to meet at the Whiskey Mountain Wildlife Conservation Camp before it closed down for the season. Friday’s weather was wet and rainy as participants arrived at the camp; however, that didn’t stop the group from holding a great barbecue dinner and fire hosted by the executive committee. Later, WYTU chair Calvin Hazlewood introduced the group to a dice game called “Left, Center, Right.” Saturday morning’s business session covered approving the spring council meeting minutes, hearing the council’s treasurer report and
See COUNCIL MEETING page 9 A rustic setting served the council’s Saturday morning business meeting well. Here, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Fisheries Supervisor and Curt Gowdy Chapter board member Mark Fowden updates the council on the department’s legislative directives and continued funding challenges. . WYTU PHOTO/Mark Tesoro
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COUNCIL MEETING, continued from page 8 getting an update from Mark Fowden, Fisheries input to the executive committee and Christy noted he Supervisor for the Wyoming Game and Fish is planning to send out a questionnaire to chapter presiDepartment. Wyoming Coordinator Scott Christy dents seeking their input. discussed with the group the upcoming deadlines After lunch, Wyoming Water Project Director Cory for Trout Unlimited Embrace-A-Stream grants, Toye gave an excellent presentation on the Adopt-Aannual financial reports, tax returns and commisTrout program that has taken place for three years in sioner tag requests. (See WYTU news notes for the Dubois area. specific deadline dates) The council also discussed the potential location for The group also discussed the upcoming WYTU’s Spring Council Meeting in April. As of press Trout Unlimited Western Regional Meeting that time, it looks like the meeting will be held in Casper — will be held in Jackson Hole on May 2, 2015. TU home of the newly revitalized Casper Grey-Reef chapvolunteers and staffers from the western United ter. States will gather in Jackson for two days of That afternoon, the group met up with represenWyoming Water Project Director for Trout tatives of the Dubois Anglers and Wildlife Group training and meetings. Unlimited Cory Toye, discusses fisheries pro- (D.A.W.G.s) to tour several of their fisheries projects “We’re proud to be able to host the western ject work on the famous former Double along the Wind River in the Dubois area. regional meeting next spring in Jackson,” said Diamond Ranch on the East Fork of the Wind Hazlewood. “We’re looking forward to showing Sunday morning’s session included an informative River. WYTU PHOTO/Mike Jensen off Wyoming to our friends in Trout Unlimited.” briefing by TU’s Science and Technical Advisor Cathy Christy also discussed that on that same day, Purves on TU’s involvement in the Shoshone Forest the joint Jackson Hole Chapter and Wyoming Trout Unlimited annual banplan. She outlined many of the successes, challenges and accomplishments quet will be held at Hotel Terra in Teton Village. specific to the land use planning process in that area. The council’s strategic plan update is set to take place on November 1, Afterward, the meeting participants were led on a tour of Wyoming when the council’s executive committee will meet in Lander to set out new Water Project work on the East Fork of the Wind River. Cory Toye led the goals and plans for the next five years. Chapters are encouraged to provide tour and outlined the process to complete each project and the resulting bene-
Encampment River conservation tour informative, fun By MIKE JENSEN Trout Tale Editor On Saturday, July 12, Conservation Committee Chair Diana Sweet and Trout Unlimited North Platte Water Project Manager Jeff Streeter hosted the Encampment River Conservation Tour for Trout Unlimited members and volunteers, staffers, conservation partners and dignitaries. Participants included Wyoming Coordinator Scott Christy; TU Science and Technical Advisor Cathy Purves, and her husband, Chris Luyckx; WYTU Chair Calvin Hazlewood and his wife, Amy; WYTU Treasurer Dave Sweet; WYTU Past Chair and Newsletter Editor Mike Jensen; Jackson Hole chapter and conservation committee members Jay and Kathy Buchner; Seedskadee chapter and conservation committee member Pat Newell; Aquatic Habitat Biologist Christina Barrineau with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department; Joe Parsons with the SaratogaEncampment-Rawlins Conservation District; Wyoming House Dist. 47 Representative Jerry Paxton and Sandy Streeter. The group enjoyed a very informative and educational day touring three different projects on the Encampment and East Fork of the Encampment Rivers.
Later in the day, there was an opportunity to fish the East Fork of the Encampment River near the Wyoming-Colorado border. That evening, the Streeters hosted a barbecue for the group and the WYTU executive committee wish to thank the Streeters for their incredible hospitality. The following is a summary of each of the three projects visited during the tour and is expertly provided by Trout Unlimited North Platte Water Project Manager Jeff Streeter. Grand Valley Ditch Diversion Project: The Grand Valley Ditch provides much needed irrigation water to local Encampment River Valley producers. Prior to the Project, water users relied on a pushup dam which had to be constructed each summer. A pushup dam is constructed by using a frontend loader or backhoe to push up river cobbles creating a dam. The dam forces water down the irrigation ditch. Construction of this type of dam can also over-widen the river channel, creating channel instability and encouraging bank erosion; introduce invasive plant species; create a hazard for watercraft; and make it more difficult for fish to move upstream. A pushup dam also represents an annual expense for water users. The Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District served as Project lead with help from numerous funding sources including the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative, and the Platte Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited. The Project created a more permanent diversion structure providing water users a more reliable flow of water while providing fish passage and much additional trout habitat. Water users are happy, adjacent landowners are relieved their riverbanks will not erode, rafters can more easily negotiate the diversion, and the trout are smiling. Encampment River Channel Restoration: The Encampment River below Riverside was highly unstable with areas of bank erosion, extensive mid-channel bar, and transverse bar development, channel
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CONSERVATION TOUR, continued from page 9 degradation and aggradation. Causes of the instability may include: historic tie drives, mining, land use activities, channel dredging, water diversions, and the Cheyenne Stage II basin diversion. The channel instability was degrading riparian habitat and causing agricultural land loss. Additionally, the channel degradation was lowering the water table and leading to a decrease in deep-rooted native riparian vegetation. The unstable channel and stream banks degraded riverine habitat for aquatic species, and riparian habitat for both amphibious and terrestrial species. The project focused on decreasing river channel width/depth ratios, improving bank stability and channel pattern, and enhancing aquatic and riparian habitats. Treatments included grade control boulder structures, toewood, channel shaping, pool depth enhancement, development of bankfull benches, riparian plantings. These treatments decreased near-bank shear stress, created stable width/depth ratios and aided sediment transport capacity. Channel narrowing and bankfull benches allowed flood flows to access the floodplain. Woody vegetation in riparian habitats will increase due to bank stabilization and a higher water table. The decrease in sediment depositions along a narrower, deeper channel will improve trout habitat and fish passage, especially during low flows. Partners of the project included the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District, The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming, Brush Creek Ranch (landowner), The US Forest Service, Platte Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and the Encampment Elementary School. The East Fork of the Encampment River Hydrology Weir Removal: The weir was part of a study on the effects of sub-basin timber harvest and water yields. The weir prevented adult fish passage during low water flows and juvenile fish passage during all flows; and was an eyesore in an otherwise pristine, roadless setting. The Project reconnected eight miles of the East Fork with the Encampment River for the first time in 40 years, providing additional trout spawning, and juvenile rearing areas. Material from the weir, comprised of concrete and rebar, was trucked to the Saratoga landfill, over 50 miles distant. Erosion mats and native plant species helped newly constructed river banks from eroding. Temporary access to the project site was decommissioned after weir removal assuring the area’s roadless qualities. Just a few years ago, there existed nine barriers on the mainstem Encampment and the East Fork. Trout Unlimited has helped remove four. Two more barrier removals are slated for 2015. Initial talks with water users on removing two additional irrigation dams are positive and ongoing. Project partners include; The Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource Trust, Wyoming Governors’ Big Game License Coalition, the U.S. Forest Service, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and the Platte Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
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WYTU CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 2, 2014 Daylight Savings Time ends. Turn your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. NOVEMBER 12, 2014 Trout Unlimited will be accepting Embrace-A-Stream (EAS) grant applications for eligible coldwater conservation projects through December 9. However, make sure you contact your EAS committee representative by November 12, to discuss your project. For more information, go to: www.tu.org/eas. or contact Scott Christy in Lander at (307) 332-6700 ext. 12 NOVEMBER 15, 2014 All Wyoming Trout Unlimited chapters and council will need to have their respective Annual Financial Reports (AFR) filed with TU national by November 15. If you need assistance with your chapter’s AFR, there will be an online training on October 7 at 8 p.m. eastern time to help council and chapter treasurers with their AFR and IRS forms. For more information or to register for the online training, contact Wyoming Coordinator Scott Christy at (307) 332-6700 ext. 12. FEBRUARY 15, 2015 The Wyoming Council and WYTU PHOTO/Calvin all chapters must have their Hazlewood respective tax returns filed no later than February 15, 2015. For questions or assistance, please contact Wyoming Coordinator Scott Christy at (307) 332-6700 ext. 12. APRIL 2015 -TBA The annual Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited Spring Business Meeting will be held in Casper. Keep in mind great fishing this time of year on the Platte River. Watch for more details as they become available. MAY 1-2, 2015 Western Regional Trout Unlimited meeting will be held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at the Snow King Resort near downtown. Mark your calendars now and watch for more exciting details from Wyoming Trout Unlimited as they become available. MAY 2, 2015 The Third Annual Tie-One-On Jackson Hole Chapter and Wyoming Trout Unlimited Banquet will take place at Hotel Terra in Teton Village. This incredible fundraising event benefits both the Jackson Hole chapter and WYTU. Watch for more details on how to purchase tickets as they become available. SEPTEMBER 16-20, 2015 Annual Trout Unlimited meeting in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
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New addition to Team Walrath brings joy to parents — and WYTU Congratulations to Hillary and Nick Walrath of Green River on the birth of their first child, Aven Lochsa Walrath. She was born on July 8, 2014, and weighed 7 lbs., 8 ounces. She measured 19 inches long. Both mom and dad are employees of Trout Unlimited. Nick serves as the Green River Project Manager while Hillary serves as Salinity Control Project Coordinator for the Henry’s Fork of the Green River. Both are also very active with the Seedskadee chapter and Wyoming Trout Unlimited. According to mom, everyone is doing very well and little Aven has already attended a few Trout Unlimited events, including the fall council meeting in Dubois. Everyone at Wyoming Trout Unlimited congratulates the Walrath family and wishes them nothing but the very best with their new addition at home. Nicely done, team Walrath! Nicely done, indeed!
Jackson Hole set to host TU western regional meeting in May of 2015 The Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited continues to make preparations for the upcoming Trout Unlimited western regional meeting that will be held in Jackson Hole on May 1 and 2, 2015. The event will take place at the Snow King Hotel Resort near downtown. The annual meeting is a great opportunity for TU volunteers and staffers alike from the western United States to meet and commit to building effective TU chapters and councils. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to develop governance skills and practices, find solutions to leadership challenges and increase understanding and knowledge of key trends and coldwater conservation issues impacting the west. Mark your calendars now and watch for more details as they become available from WYTU.
Several important dates fast approaching for Wyoming chapters Most importantly as Trout Unlimited’s (TU) fiscal year ends on Sept. 31, the portal to fill chapter Annual Financial Reports opens on Oct. 1 and will stay open until Nov. 15. These reports are important to TU as they allow the organization to get a picture of the overall health of TU and represent all of the incredible work chapters do locally in our nonprofit reporting. If your chapter has any questions on filing your AFR or compiling data for your AFR, please contact Wyoming Coordinator Scott Christy at (307) 332-7700, ext. 12, or email him at:
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East Yellowstone chapter member and volunteer nominated for ‘Field & Stream’ conservation award Young Tanner Rosenbaum of Cody embodies the spirit of volunteerism. That’s according to East Yellowstone chapter members Bob Capron and Dave Sweet. That’s why he’s been nominated for Field & Stream’s Heroes of Conservation Youth Award. For the past six years, tanner has volunteered with the East Yellowstone Chapter of Trout Unlimited to retrieve and relocate Shoshone River trout that are stranded in irrigation canals as the waters recede each fall. The project, where Rosenbaum worked alongside Heroes of Conservation finalists David Sweet and Bob Capron, was the subject of a Field & Stream Hero for a Day video. “My dad and I volunteered together one day after he read about the project in the paper, and now I’m out there almost every day of the four-week process,” said Tanner, who is home schooled. “I net and identify fish, sometimes big ones, and get to see them swim on.” Tanner was featured in the Sept. 2014 Field & Stream issue. WYTU salutes Tanner for his dedication and volunteer spirit and wishes him the very best.
Team ‘Bucking Fish’ finishes third at Utah One Fly competition For the second year in a row, Wyoming Trout Unlimited finished in third place at the Sixth Annual Utah Single-Fly fundraiser on the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam. WYTU Chair Calvin Hazlewood once again organized a team — the WYTU Bucking Fish — to participate in the annual event, which is a fundraiser for Trout Unlimited to benefit the Green River drainage. Joining Hazlewood on this year’s team were WYTU past chair Mike Jensen, WYTU Vice Chair and Secretary Cole Sherard, and Upper Bear River Trout Unlimited chapter treasurer Jim Hissong. During the event, each participant uses only one fly for the entire day of catch and release fishing. Hazlewood won the biggest fish award — his second in three years — for his 20-inch brown caught on a streamer. Hazlewood and Jensen fished the B section with guide Brad Lovejoy of Western Rivers Flyfisher while Sherard and Hissong fished the A section with guide Jordan Gillespie of Spinner Fall Guide Service. Jensen broke his rod three times and ended up fishing half-the-day with the tip section of the rod.
The finest gift you can give to any fisherman is to put a good fish back, and who knows if the fish that you caught isn’t someone else’s gift to you? — Lee Wulff
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WYTU NEWS NOTES
schristy@tu.org. In addition, the cycle of Embrace-a-Stream grants from Trout Unlimited is coming quickly. These grants are available to chapters to help complete projects to restore stream habitat, improve fish passage and protect water quality. For Wyoming grant applicants, they will be required to contact Embrace-a-Stream Committee Representative Rick Stowell by calling (541) 408-9328,Êor emailing him at: stowell@bendbroadband.com, by November, 12. Final Embrace-a-Stream applications are due no later than December 9.Ê On October 15, TU’s Communication Manager of Volunteer Operations Jeff Yates will be running an online training to educate TU members on how chapters can create successful EAS grant applications. For more information on the Embracea-Stream program go to:Êhttp://www.tu.org/conservation/watershed-restorationhome-rivers-initiative/embrace-a-stream. Also, chapters need to make sure that their respective tax returns are filed no later than February 15, 2015.
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WYTU CHAPTER CHATTER CASPER AREA GREY REEF CHAPTER
Information Provided By DON CLAUNCH Chapter President It’s absolutely wonderful to see that the folks at the Grey Reef Chapter are working extremely hard to get things up and running. This is very short as we are trying to get this chapter revitalized and running again. The chapter conducted elections for officers at their June meeting and the new officers include: • President Don Claunch • Vice President Werner Studer • Treasurer Mick Novotny • Secretary Scott Novotny The chapter meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Pronghorn Room of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department office in Casper. Over the summer, the chapter had presentations which included Al Conder of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) discussing trout numbers in the North Platte; Jennifer Volz of the WGFD gave a presentation on aquatic invasive species; and Jolene Martinez from the City of Casper discussed the Platte River Restoration Project. The chapter also participated in the annual Kids’ Free Fishing Day hosted by the WGFD.
Grey Reef Chapter Secretary Scott Novotny is pictured removing trash prior to Kids’ Free Fishing Day event. COURTESY PHOTO The chapter will be focusing the remainder of this year on building the chapter and membership as well as increasing its exposure in the community. The chapter is active on social media and they invite you to check them out today at: www.facebook.com/GreyReefWYTU. They are also on Twitter at https://twitter.com/greyreeftu. The chapter’s Twitter handle is @greyreefTU.
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JACKSON HOLE CHAPTER By LESLIE STEEN Chapter Board Member Hello from the Jackson Hole Chapter! Since joining the board last winter I’ve had a chance to learn about and get involved in the chapter’s projects, events, and initiatives. Summers in Jackson are always a whirlwind – I know we are all looking forward to more time on the water now that it’s fall. Here are some of the projects that we’ve been working on: Our Annual “Tie-One-On” Banquet was a great success, as many of you read in the last issue of the Trout Tale. I would just like to add that it was wonderful to see the dedication and involvement from our JHTU board members and the great support in the Jackson Hole community for this event that supports TU’s efforts across Wyoming. We are already starting to plan for next year’s event! We continue to partner with our local WGFD staff on several fish habitat projects. We’re excited for the second year of work on the successful Flat Creek Habitat Enhancement Project this October – a multi-year, multi-partner project to enhance habitat on the National Elk Refuge stretch of Flat Creek. Several JHTU board members joined the partner tour in late July. We were thrilled to see a very healthy looking stream reach and to hear that there are already more spawning fish using it. We are also in the beginning stages of involvement with WGFD on a new habitat project on Edmiston Creek, a tributary of Fish Creek that flows through the town of Wilson. We are glad to provide funding support for USGS biologist Robert Al-Chokachy’s continued mark-recapture study on fish movement in the Spread Creek drainage since the Wyoming Water Project’s removal of the dam. JHTU board members and volunteers helped get the next generation hooked on fly fishing at two events this spring and summer – Kid’s Fishing Day at the National Fish Hatchery and the Snake River Days in partnership with the Snake River Fund. Board members also volunteered at an outreach event at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in early August to celebrate the Flat Creek fishery. Jay Buchner led a fly-tying art activity, Tyler Hallquist led a fly casting demo, and we all enjoyed the views overlooking the Flat Creek Project as well as seeing TU and WGFD friends. In other fundraising news, this spring the Jackson-based Fine Dining Restaurant Group featured us as nonprofit beneficiary, donating $2 for every 2-for-1 entrée over the course of a week. We were also honored to once again participate in Old Bill’s Fun Run this September, a community-wide fundraising event that generates an annual boost of funding (with a
matching component) for many valley nonprofits including JHTU. We continue to make strides in our online communications efforts, including increased engagement on our Facebook page. We are in the middle of transitioning and upgrading our website to the tu.org portal at jacksonhole.tu.org. This fall we look forward to planning our quarterly events for the upcoming year, including an event in partnership with our local Orvis store, the Fly Fishing Film Tour, a women’s fly fishing clinic, and other presentations. I was fortunate to represent the Jackson Hole Chapter at the Fall Council Meeting in late August at the Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp. I enjoyed meeting Chapter representatives and WYTU staff from all over the state, and touring several Dubois-area fisheries projects. UPPER BEAR RIVER CHAPTER Information Provided By RICK SLAGOWSKI Chapter President The Upper Bear River Trout Unlimited Chapter resumed holding monthly chapter meetings in September. Unless otherwise specified, chapter meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at the Best Western Dunmar Inn in Evanston. Meetings get underway at 6:30 p.m. The chapter conducted its first-ever fish rescue project on Sept. 20. The chapter partnered
Part of the crew work hard as they shock fish in the Booth Ditch south of Evanston on Sept. 20 WYOMING GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT PHOTO/Anna Senecal with Green River Project Manager for Trout Unlimited Nick Walrath and members of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to conduct a Booth Ditch entrainment study and fish salvage south of Evanston. In addition to Walrath and three members of the WGFD, eight volunteers turned out to help with the project on a
See CHAPTER CHATTER page 13 FALL 2014
CHAPTER CHATTER, continued from page 12
A nice Bonneville Cutthroat trout was rescued and documented before being returned to the Bear River. WYTU PHOTO/Rick Slagowski
volunteers who came out and helped for the day. There were 10 stations along the river for kids and adults to visit and learn about the river and everything that supports both the river and its riparian habitat. There were many partners involved in sharing different aspects of the system and helping those who walked from station to station to learn more about the river. Our chapter supported the first station where there were aquatic critters kick screened from the river right around Expedition Island that morning. The kids especially enjoyed looking at and learning about all the different things that inhabit the river bottom. All in all, it was a great day, and we look forward to next year’s event!
beautiful autumn day. The chapter is still in the process of building our Mono Recycling Stations in conjunction with the Seedskadee Chapter and are hoping to have the project completed by the end of September. Mark your calendar now for the chapter’s well-known annual fundraising banquet, set for Saturday, May 9, 2015. The outstanding annual event will be held in the Roundhouse in Evanston. SEEDSKADEE CHAPTER By CALVIN HAZLEWOOD Chapter President It’s been a busy summer for southwest Wyoming’s Seedskadee Chapter and as we head into fall, we have much more to look forward to that will help our fisheries here in the region. Even though we don’t hold chapter meetings in the summer, we still figure out ways to stay busy and engaged with our chapter. Plus, there’s plenty of fishing to be had, and even more on the horizon for the fall. Once again, we held our Take A Kid Fishing Day on Father’s Day weekend in June. Our attendance was down this year due to the weather and other activities going on that day, but those kids that did come had a great time and caught a bunch of fish. Thanks again to all those who help to make this annual event a success for the kids. We held a chapter barbecue in August just for the fun of it and had a good turnout from folks that evening. It was held as a get-together to talk about fishing and enjoy the evening and those in attendance had a good time and made some new friends as well. Nick Walrath and Amy Hazlewood worked together with the Green River Chamber this summer and put together the first-ever River Walk during the River Festival held in August. What a huge success! We had many Chapter
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The Seedskadee Chapter sponsored a very successful booth during the River Walk along the Green River in August. WYTU PHOTO/Pat Newell Chapter member, new mom and Trout Unlimited employee Hillary Walrath organized the first-ever ladies fishing day on the Green River through Seedskadee and the event was held on Sept. 13. The event kicked off with a fly casting clinic on Sept. 10, and then 19 women gathered to fish and float the river on Saturday with volunteer “guides” who assisted them throughout the day. At the end of the day, everyone gathered for a barbecue at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge headquarters in the evening. The event was a huge success and a lot of fun. Hopefully the outing got some more ladies fired up about fly fishing and TU. Our Hamp II Ditch Screen project is set to get underway this fall. We are planning to shock the ditch again on October 25, and hopefully work can begin on the screen in November. We are looking forward to the good this screen will do for keeping fish out of the ditch and in the river system. Our chapter meetings are set to resume on October 2, and as we move into the fall months, we hope to see you there! As always, thanks so much for all of the volunteers that help to make our chapter great. We are looking forward to the fall season and all the outdoor hunting and fishing opportunities it offers. For more info about the Seedskadee Chapter, check out our Facebook page or send
us an e-mail at: Seedskadeetu@gmail.com. You can also check out our new and evolving web page at: http://www.seedskadee.tu.org. Until next time, get out and make some memories! POPO AGIE ANGLERS CHAPTER Information Provided By CATHY PURVES Chapter Secretary Check out the Anglers’ new quarterly newsletter — The Popo Agie Hackle Slinger — put together by Garhart Stephenson. You can read the latest edition by going to the chapter’s facebook page at: www.facebook.com/pages/ Popo-Agie-Anglers/158427187552528. It’s a great newsletter and features all the latest happenings of the Anglers. The Anglers have enjoyed some great meetings and activities over the Summer including a terrific presentation about George Hunker’ s adventures in New Zealand and a gettogether in Sinks Canyon. The Kid’ s Fishing Day held in early June was a huge success. This joint partnership event put a lot of smiles on kids’ faces. The Challenge for Charities endeavor was successful and a special thanks goes out to those volunteers who were available to help. The chapter also participated in the RiverFest at City Park and thanks goes to those volunteers who helped out. On Sept. 9, Steven Brutger gave an excellent presentation on his steelhead fishing adventure to the Dean River in British Columbia. New chapter hats and T-shirts are now available with the new PPA logo designed by Zach Even. You can purchase yours for only $20 each. Jeff also created the chapter’s new brochure. A special thanks to Jeff for his incredible work. To get your hat or shirt, contact chapter president Jeff Judkins or chapter secretary Cathy Purves at (307) 332-6700 ext. 10. Editor’s Note: Help spread the word on your chapter’s great work, accomplishments and activities! If your chapter would like to be included in the WYTU “Chapter Chatter” section, please send your brief information and photos to Mike Jensen at: trouthut@gmail.com. The deadline for the Winter 2015 edition (January, February, March) will be December 1, 2014.
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‘Women of the Fly’ float the Green By HILLARY WALRATH Trout Unlimited Salinity Control Coordinator Henry’s Fork of the Green River
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t was a beautiful September Saturday. 75 degrees, sunny and no wind. The Green River was running steady and mostly clear. Ten boats floated around the gorgeous Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. Although this might sound like a typical autumn day on the Green, the kicker was that each of these boats was filled with fly fishing women! That’s right, the women outnumbered the men that day on the water. This anomaly was made possible thanks to the Seedskadee, Upper Bear River, Popo Agie Anglers Chapters of Trout Unlimited and the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge combining forces and hosting the firstever Women of the Fly Float on the Green River. It all started with a casting clinic at a park in Green River the Wednesday before the float. Sixteen women showed up to have small group casting lessons from chapter volunteers. It was a windy evening, but all of the ladies left with some basic knowledge of how to fly fish. Ladies traveled from Evanston, Afton, Lander, Casper, Green River, Dubois and even Vernal, Utah, to make it to the float on Saturday! They met up with their guides at the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge headquarters bright and early and took their new skills to the water. Ten gracious guides volunteered their time, boats and gear to float a total of nineteen women down several sections of the Green. The day was filled with sun, fish, laughter and fun. The goal of the event was to boost female participation with the sport of fly fishing and local TU chapters. When all of the ladies gathered back at the headquarters for a barbecue dinner, the huge smiles on everyone’s faces made it very clear that we met that goal. Most of the women had caught their
WYTU CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT
very first fish on a fly rod that day. According to Jen Kendall, “Today I became a believer. Best day I’ve had in a long time.” It was a sentiment shared by all that day and hopefully will stick with those ladies for the rest of their lives. A big “THANK YOU” to all of the volunteers who made this event possible, including the TU chapter members, guides, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Wind River Outdoor Company and the awesome folks who helped shuttle and get food ready. They include Tom and Shelley Koerner, Calvin and Amy Hazlewood, Nick Walrath, Pat Newell, Pete Hallberg, Mike Brown, Ron Hansen, Gary Collins, Joe Skorupski, Robb Keith, Jeff Judkins, Jim Hissong, Rick Slagowski, Charlie Card, Clint Kendall, Clark Johnson, and Jay Westre. Fly fishing can be an intimidating sport to get into, but thanks to the efforts of all of our volunteers, these ladies are now “hooked.”
WYTU photos by Calvin Hazlewood, Aline Phillips and Gary Collins CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: 1) Amber Edwards holds a terrific brown trout caught during the float while her mom, Aline Phillips, is all smiles. The ladies’ volunteer guide was Gary Collins. 2) Stephanie Runia and volunteer guide Calvin Hazlewood show off one of Stephanie’s nice rainbows. 3) A great group of gals were on hand while Nick Walrath teaches proper casting techniques during the casting clinic. 4) Amber Edwards, guide Gary Collins and Aline Phillips (left drift boat) take a break and chat it up with Jennifer Kendall, guide Ron Hansen and Michele Irwin (right drift boat).
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W Y O M I N G
B U S I N E S S
S P O T L I G H T
These guys know fishing... These guys know anglers... And these guys care By WALT GASSON Director of Trout Unlimited Endorsed Businesses
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hey say that Wyoming is a small town with really long streets. In fact, that’s one of the things I love most about our state. Last year, en route to Alaska, we ran into some folks from Saratoga. We didn’t know them from Adam’s cat, so we began the timehonored ritual that Wyoming people do when they meet unexpectedly someone from back home. “Oh, you’re from Saratoga? You must know Jeff Streeter!” “You bet we know Streeter. Man, that guy can fish!” All of a sudden, you’re not strangers anymore, you’re new friends. That’s how I felt when I first met Ron Hansen. How did I manage to live 60 years in this state and not meet this guy before? He’s from Lander. He’s a diehard hunter, angler and a family guy – you’d think we would have crossed paths just by accident. What’s more, he’s a hardcore Trout Unlimited supporter, a guy who’s been a tremendous ally for us on issues that affect all of us. He’s flown to Washington to lobby for us. And he owns the coolest new outdoors store in the Cowboy State — Wind River Outdoor Company in Lander. From fly fishing to hunting, from tying materials to clothing, they have it! I get to Lander a lot. It’s on the way to our home water, and I love the place. So when Ron opened his shop in 2010, I made a point of stopping in. Before long, WROC was a TU Business member. That made me stop in even more, since I believe in buying stuff from the good folks who ride for our brand. Here’s what I’ve learned: n These guys know fishing. They know what catches fish. One of Ron’s staff put me on to a stimulator pattern that absolutely knocked ‘em dead in three different drainages no matter what time of the day I fished them. n These guys know anglers. Real anglers, because they’re real anglers themselves. No foo-foo stuff here. This is real outdoor gear for real outdoor people, sold by real outdoor people. Poseurs need not apply. n These guys care. They know about the importance of cold, clean fishable water for families, communities and for all
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of us. They support Trout Unlimited every day, and they represent us every time someone comes in the shop. And the shop – oh, the shop! No more crowded little shop tucked in next to the fuel stop and convenience store. Nothing against the fuel stop and convenience store – I’ve bought oceans of diesel and lakes of Coke Zero there. But this summer WROC opened their new store, and what a place it is! More room, more gear and more bang for your buck. But with the same small-town, friendly service. If you haven’t fished the Wind River country in a while, you should. It’s big, it’s wild and it’s my favorite part of Wyoming. Do it now. And on your way, stop in at Wind River Outdoor Company or if you’re interested in a guided fly fishing trip, book a trip on the Big Horn or the highly acclaimed Green River on the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge with them. Their guide service is top notch and they are the only Wyoming-based operation permitted to operate on the Green through Seedskadee. The guys at Wind River Outdoor Company are our kind of people, so give them a look on the web, Facebook or the next time you’re in Lander. You will not be disappointed!
WHERE TO FIND THEM: Wind River Outdoor Company — Ron Hansen 8114 WY Hwy. 789 • Lander, Wyoming 82520 Phone: 307.332.7864 www.windriveroutdoorcompany.com www.facebook.com/windriveroutdoorcompany Page 15
HOLES IN MY WADERS Improvise, adapt and overcome...
D
oes the headline above ring any bells? I borrowed it from Clint Eastwood’s movie Heartbreak Ridge. It’s a favorite saying of mine and I find it to be very apropos here. Allow me to set the stage for you. It’s my third year in a row participating in the Trout Unlimited Utah One Fly fundraising competition on the Green River below Flaming Gorge. I’m on the “Bucking Fish” team representing Wyoming Trout Unlimited and my teammates this year are Calvin Hazlewood, Cole Sherard and Jim Hissong. Aside from myself, a formidable group of anglers. Calvin and I are set to fish the B section with Western Rivers Flyfisher guide Brad Lovejoy, and Cole and Jim are paired with Jordan Gillespie of Spinner Fall Guide Service and their assignment is the A section. As the name implies, you get one fly to fish with the entire day. Once it’s gone, you’re done, unless you’ve purchased a Mulligan to use just in case. We did. Calvin was keyed in and geared up to chuck and duck a large streamer for the day. Me, a smallish, foam dry fly. We pulled away from ramp number two at Little Hole and it was game on. Mike in the front of Brad’s Clackacraft drift boat. Calvin in back. What a day. A bizarre day. A lousy day. A great day. A day that ran the entire gamut of emotions for me, and I’m sure the other two fellas in the boat. An adventure to say the least. A day seared into my memory bank forever... “Take a deep breath. You’ve got to calm down and let the fish eat the fly.” “You missed another fish,” Brad said to me with disgust as Calvin hooked into another solid fish on his streamer. “Thank the good Lord for Calvin. He’s got his two measured fish and both were big fish, including a 20-inch brown. He’s putting points on the board. I have no points. When did I start fly fishing? Brad must think I just started today. I wonder what’s for dinner tonight? “Have another beer,” Brad said as he released Calvin’s solid Brown Trout. “Maybe two.” The morning passed by quickly with Calvin catching fish, catching big fish and catching fish at a pretty consistent pace. I was not. I had missed a few fish, okay I missed a lot of fish. I was frustrated to say the least. So was my guide. And my teammate. Brad had us sit down as he picked his way through Red Creek Rapid. As he maneuvered the boat toward river right, he instructed Calvin to bomb the bank with his streamer. I watched Calvin expertly place his big streamer on the bank and then I watched Calvin expertly place his big streamer in the branch of huge ponderosa pine. Wow Calvin. I may have missed a bunch of fish takes this morning, but at least I didn’t do that? Frankly, I can’t believe I haven’t lost my fly yet? Calvin muttered a couple choice adjectives and we implemented the Mulligan play. The new fly was tied on and Brad positioned the boat down river in a “secret spot” as I began casting. Nothing. And then.... it happened. Out of the corner of my eye I saw this shadow move from channel left to channel right. “Is that a carp?” Brad asked with urgency. It all happened so quickly. I was on the verge of sweating purple Twinkies as the “shadow” posted up about 15 to 20 yards in front of the boat. It looked like a log. But it was a trout. A huge trout. A 30-inch brown trout and Brad concurred. Great. More pressure. I began my cast to hopefully place the fly in just the right spot. Calvin in the back of the boat could not see the huge fish. Don’t screw this up and be a dipstick. Focus. You can make amends for all the missed fish this morning. Why’s my mouth so dry? Concentrate. Place the fly. Nice. Oh my hell, it’s coming. Patience. Focus. Breath. More sweat. Cotton mouth. The cast was good. The drift perfect. The huge fish lumbered toward the service and as it opened its mouth to take my small offering, it looked as if his mouth was as big as a five-gallon bucket. I began to shake.
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Focus. Quit shaking. Focus. Don’t blow this. Let him take it.... Brad will kill me if I miss this fish. Oh you dumb- ass, you missed him! “You dumb-ass! You missed him!” Brad yelled and dropped the oars and buried his face in his hands in total disgust. “A fish of a lifetime! A fish of a lifetime!” he muttered. I felt two inches tall. No confidence. None at all. I had to choke back a tear while I made sure my fly had a hook point on it. You know. Just in case Don’t cry. You never cry. Okay, only during “Old Yeller.” What was that comedian’s name who yelled “Shoot me! Shoot me in the head!?” Perhaps I should quit fly fishing and take up a new hobby? Stamp collecting? Hmmmm. And “Rudy.” I cried during that movie, too. Awkward silence. I know Calvin never really got to see the enormous brown trout, but I’m pretty sure Brad wanted to hit me over the head with a rock and throw me overboard. I was sick to my stomach. Brad was upset. I caught a glimpse of the vein in his neck and it wasn’t good. It frightened me. He handed me another cold beverage and we moved on. The sun was beating down on my neck as I cast to the left bank as we moved down river. My rod came apart. As I retrieved the top two sections of the rod, Brad asked if it was broke? I looked at the rod with disbelief. Oh great. This is just perfect. I’ve missed a ton of fish, I’ve missed a golden opportunity to catch a fish of a lifetime and now this. A broken rod. And not just any broken rod. This was a Sage One, 6 wt. built and handcrafted by Layne Capozza from Rock Springs and a big supporter of Trout Unlimited. I won the rod in a raffle sponsored by the Seedskadee Chapter and it was beautiful. Don’t cry. Clear your throat. Did I bring an extra rod? Of course I didn’t. That would be too easy. Do you think the other guys have an extra rod in the boat? No extra rods in the boat. Lesson learned. What was I thinking? What were we thinking? How many beverages are left in the cooler? I’m such a dumb-ass. “Any duct tape? Gorilla tape?” I quietly asked. “Nope,” Brad said. “How about electrical tape?” Calvin quizzed. “Yup,” Brad said while looking at me as if he wanted to drop me off at the next possible spot on the bank. Sam Kinneson. Yeah, Sam Kinneson. That was the name of the comedian. He would love this. We pulled over and dropped anchor as Brad proceeded to tightly wrap the rod between the second and third rod sections on the ferrule with black electrical tape. Impressive. Looked good. Felt good. Let’s fish. Only a few minutes passed when I successfully set the hook. Yahtzee! Finally. For the love of Pete, it’s about time. Okay, I need this rod to stay together and land this fish. Easy. Don’t horse him. Nice fish. Easy. Solid fish. The rod held. Brad netted the fish and it measured 19-inches. Mike on the board with some points. The mood shifted. Especially when I hooked up again shortly thereafter. A smaller brown, but worth a point. A little confidence was sneaking back into my psyche. Brad’s vein in his neck seemed to be gone and I surely didn’t want it to come back.
See IMPROVISE page 17 FALL 2014
IMPROVISE, continued from page 16 Ever. “Fish on!” I yelled. “It’s a good one, too!” Then the rod snapped in two. However, the fish was still on. It was like a Chinese fire drill in the drift boat as all three of us did what we could to land the fish. As I retrieved line by hand, the rod tip section was working its way toward the fly in the mouth of the fish. I was horrified as I envisioned the tip sliding down and “popping” the fly out. Kind of like one of those “dewormer” tools we used as kids. We lucked out and Brad scooped the solid fish into the net. Another 19inch fish and the pressure was off. My rod broke for the second time in a different place, but I had my two measured fish on the board. Brad oared to shore as we formulated a plan to cut some willows and try to splint the rod together for a second time. This would be the last repair as the electrical tape was now gone. Despite the repair looking like a battery pack on the rod, it looked good. Looked strong. Time to fish. We worked down river as Calvin continued to put fish in the boat. Not a lot of time had passed when on one of my backcasts, the rod snapped. Again. That was it. My fishing had come to an abrupt stop. Or did it? To hell with it. I’ll fish with the rod tip portion of the rod. Like that video I saw back in the 80s when Lefty Kreh used his tip section to cast 90 feet of fly line. No problem. So that’s what I did. I used the “less than” four foot tip section of the rod to fish out the remainder of the day. And it worked. I managed to catch a few more fish and put a few more points on the board for team Bucking Fish. I ended up putting my reel in my pocket and I continued to strip out more and more line as I became more comfortable double-hauling and getting out some serious fly line. Not bad. Not bad at all. Brad and Calvin were impressed. “You’re casting better than you were earlier in the day,” Brad mentioned. “By the way, I wasn’t going to say anything to you, but since you’re finally catching fish — you did miss 17 fish before you finally hooked up.” Oh great. Thanks Brad. I’m such a dumb-ass. We probably would be in first place if I would have landed half of those fish. Like I said. What a day. A bizarre day. A lousy day. A great day. A day that ran the entire gamut of emotions for me, and I’m sure the other two guys in the boat. An adventure to say the least. A day seared into my memory bank forever... Our team ended up taking third place which was awesome. And, at the awards dinner that night, my raffle ticket was selected for the big prize package valued at $1,200. It included a new rod, too. However, I can’t replace the handcrafted rod that TU friend and supporter Layne Capozza built. You see, Layne passed away a couple of years ago. I might just have to frame the pieces of that rod and hang it on the wall.
As you know, this newsletter was selected as the best newsletter in Trout Unlimited for the past year and we received the prestigious “Bollinger Newsletter Award” at the Trout Unlimited annual meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico in September. Needless to say, I’m very proud of WYTU and this award. It means a lot to me personally. With that said, I have to offer my sincere thanks to a very dear friend of mine who copy edits and proofreads this publication. Kudos to Kae Ellis in Evanston, Wyoming. She makes me look good as editor of this newsletter and she’s a big reason we won this award. Thanks so much, Kae. You’re the very best. Mike Jensen currently serves as the editor of the council’s “The Trout Tale” newsletter and past chair. He and his wife, Jodi, have three terrific kids, a beautiful granddaughter, and a couple of hunting and fishing labs. Mike and his family call the Cheyenne area home and he’s looking forward to driving his drift boat and creating more Wyoming fly fishing adventures and memories with family and good friends. E-mail Mike at trouthut@gmail.com
FALL 2014
Our very best holiday wishes to you...
...for a wonderful holiday season spent with family, good friends and fish! From Your 2014 WYTU Council Leadership Team: Chair Calvin Hazlewood, Vice Chair/Secretary Cole Sherard, Treasurer Dave Sweet, NLC Representative Jim Broderick, Past Chair Mike Jensen, Conservation Chair Diana Miller, Women’s Committee Chair Hillary Walrath, Youth Chair Haley Capozza and Wyoming Coordinator Scott Christy
250 North 1st Street • Lander, Wyoming 82520 Phone: 307.332.6700 • Fax: 307.332.9299
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WYTUclassifieds TU BUSINESS MEMBER
MISCELLANEOUS
BECOME A TROUT UNLIMITED BUSINESS PARTNER! TU Endorsed Businesses are partners with TU in helping anglers experience the passion of fishing and the peace of being out on the water. As the professionals of the fishing industry, their influence is unmatched in sustaining a community for anglers to share and learn more about fish and fishing. Perhaps most importantly, these businesses actively share TU’s commitment to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds for future generations. TU offers two types of business memberships: The TU Endorsed Business membership for outfitters, lodges, fly shops and other fishing-related businesses and the TU Endorsed Guide membership for independent guides. To learn more about this program or for more information, call Director of Endorsed Business Walt Gasson in Cheyenne, Wyoming at (307) 630-7398.
GREAT LOOKING WYOMING TROUT UNLIMITED HATS. Everybody is talking about them and everybody wants one! Get your WYTU ball cap today for only $20. Order yours by calling Scott Christy in Lander at (307) 332-6700 or by e-mailing him at: schristy@tu.org. WYTU CAN KOOZIE. Get your great looking brown and gold can koozie with the WYTU logo on it! Only $5 while supplies last! Call Scott Christy in Lander at (307) 332-6700 or email him today at: schristy@tu.org. You can reach over 1,750 members of Wyoming Trout Unlimited with your classified ad in this quarterly newsletter! For only $20, you can have your ad placed in the Winter 2015 newsletter that will be published on January 1! To place your ad, contact Wyoming Coordinator Scott Christy at (307) 332-6700 ext. 12 or email him at schristy@tu.org.
Thanks a lot! WYTU is proud to give kudos, props and a shout out to our conservation partner UPSLOPE BREWING COMPANY!
1 % of revenues from sales of Upslope Craft Lager will be donated to WYTU in an effort to help protect watersheds statewide!
upslopebrewing.com
n WYTU honored with two prestigious awards from Trout Unlimited and the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource Trust Board n Volunteers gather from three chapters and Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge to stage first-ever “Women of the Fly” event on the Green River n Progress continues on Yellowstone Lake Project n Summer conservation tour and fall council meeting a big success n Wyoming to host Trout Unlimited 2015 Annual Spring Meeting in Jackson n News from chapters around the Cowboy State n Much, much more!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 250 North 1st Street Lander, Wyoming 82520
WYOMING TROUT UNLIMITED