The Trout Tale - Summer 2014

The

TROUT TALE

The official newsletter of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited Volume 2, Issue 4

Summer 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: A group of WYTU staff and volunteers fly fish the Green through Seedskadee NWR.............Page 9

Fall council meeting to take on new approach

2nd Annual ‘Tie-One-On’ banquet nets big dollars for council and Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited

By MIKE JENSEN Trout Tale Editor Wyoming Trout Unlimited (WYTU) Conservation Chair Diana Miller and her conservation committee began talk of potentially changing the format of WYTU’s fall council meetings at the 2013 spring council meeting in Jackson Hole.

Thanks to Diana and her committee’s creative thinking, that proposed change will now become reality.

See FALL MEETING, page 6 An enthusiastic crowd was on hand during the live auction at the 2nd Annual Tie-One-On Fundraising Banquet held in Jackson Hole. The beautiful Hotel Terra in Teton Village once again hosted the sold-out event that featured great food, entertainment and a lively auction.

COURTESY PHOTO/Arthur Borantzes

By SCOTT CHRISTY Wyoming Coordinator Trout Unlimited

The beautiful Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp near Dubois will host the fall WYTU council meeting on August 22-24.

COURTESY PHOTO/Wyoming Game & Fish Department

I’m pleased to say that on May 10, Wyoming Trout Unlimited (WYTU) and Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited (JHTU) held the Second Annual TieOne-On Fundraising banquet in Jackson, and simply put, it was a terrific success.

All proceeds raised during the event will benefit coldwater fisheries conservation in Teton County and across Wyoming.

For the second year in a row, this premier event was held at the beautiful Hotel Terra in Teton Village and was sold out with over 250 conservation supporters in attendance.

Trout Unlimited Western Water Project Director Scott Yates served as master of cere-

monies for the evening. The event also featured a live auction graciously hosted by Jeff Dougherty and local Jackson band “PTO” kept those in attendance in good spirits by playing live bluegrass throughout night.

Four lucky winners were also drawn for the 2014 Tie-One-On-Super Raffle featuring destination sporting trips to Argentina, Belize, Mexico and the Bahamas. Amazingly two of the winners who were present donated their trips back to the event and they were auctioned off during the live auction to further benefit fisheries conservation efforts.

We’d like to thank all of the donors and sponsors who graciously supported the event and made the evening possible. In addition, I personally

See BANQUET page 3

NOTES FROM THE CHAIRMAN Volunteers are the core...

I

hope this finds everyone well and enjoying our Wyoming summer weather. As I write this, the Green River below Fontenelle is cranking up to 8,000 cfs from the peak runoff this year, and that will definitely help our fish and their habitats here in this part of the state. More water in our rivers and reservoirs is always a good thing.

We enjoyed a successful and fun Spring Wyoming Trout Unlimited Council meeting here in Green River in mid-May. First and foremost, I would like to thank all the Trout Unlimited (TU) staff, chapter volunteers and guests who took the time to share the weekend with us. I know how hard it is to try to fit everything into busy schedules and your support and involvement is what makes these meetings so successful. Secondly, I want to thank all the Seedskadee chapter folks who helped to make the weekend a success — especially those who helped with the Saturday night fish fry. From what I saw, a good time was had by all and many of us were able to have our first taste of Burbot. Hopefully now, some of you will come back and catch all that you can.

The Sunday get-together at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge was both educational and fun, and it was nice to get outside for this part of the meeting. Everyone’s help is much appreciated and these slight changes to the traditional meeting format were enjoyable and educational at the same time. We hope to continue trying to make positive changes to the council meetings to make them more meaningful and impactful for all of us, including a fair amount of fun as well. I’m looking forward to the fall meeting, set for August 22-24, at the Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp near Dubois. Our conservation committee proposed this new venue as a way for us to all get together and spend more time outdoors at the fall meeting. I realize this meeting is a little earlier than normal, but hopefully this will work into many of your schedules.

I would like to take this opportunity to complement all of the chapters and members throughout the state for all of the great work that you all do

for the fish and fisheries in your areas. It takes a solid commitment to make a difference, and each and every one of you are making a difference within your chapters. Volunteers are the core to TU’s success, and your dedication and commitment are very much appreciated. We have a unique situation here in Wyoming — one where our TU staff and council/chapter volunteers all work together to make us “One TU” in Wyoming. All of us working together definitely increases our effectiveness and ensures we make a more significant impact on our fisheries here in the Cowboy state.

Thanks again for all you do.

We all support TU in one way or the other for lots of different reasons, and that is what makes us all unique and drives us to do the things we do. I received an email from a young man this spring that many of us in our Seedskadee chapter had the pleasure of getting to know.

Brok was going to college in Rock Springs and came to some of our meetings and outings.

He has graduated and moved forward in his life’s journey and shared some of his thoughts with us.

“I just wanted to say thank you for how helpful and kind you were to me while I was in Rock Springs. You helped me become a fly fisher. I honestly do miss the meetings and learning so much from all of you. You are a great group of guys (and gals!) and really helped me turn my love for fishing into a love for fly fishing. I don’t know if I would be fly fishing right now if it hadn’t been for you guys. I am so grateful and thought you should all know the impact you made on my life.”

His kind words were not only touching to me and others in our chapter, but they show just how much of an impact we can all make on a young person, whether we know it directly or not.

So get out, enjoy the summer, catch a fish or two and continue making a difference.

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 Fall 2014 newsletter (October, November, December) will be September 1, 2014. Please send any and all contributions for the Fall 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

Page 2

SUMMER 2014

BANQUET, continued from page 1 LEFT: Trout Unlimited Western Water Project Director Scott Yates and event Co-Chair Barb Allen are all smiles during the 2nd Annual Tie-One-On Fundraising Banquet. Barb also serves as vice chair of the Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited Chapter and as a Teton County Commissioner.

COURTESY PHOTOS/Arthur Borantzes

would like to thank Barbara Allen of JHTU for her vision and outstanding work as the event co-chair.

A special thanks to members of the JHTU Board (Darren Kleiman, Tyler Halquist, Tote Turner, Cornelius Kinsey, Marley Vaughn, Jay Buchner, Rick Will, Leslie Steen and Kathleen Belk) andÊthe Executive Council of Wyoming Trout Unlimited (Calvin Hazelwood, Mike Jensen, Jim Broderick, Dave Sweet and Cole Sherard)Êfor their help putting this wonderful evening together.

Thanks, too, to those in attendance. We very much appreciate your generosity and support of coldwater conservation in the Cowboy State.

All of us who were involved in the Second Annual Tie-On-One Fundraising Banquet were ecstatic to see so many people coming together to share a good time and support Wyoming coldwater fisheries.

We had a great evening and, judging from the feedback we’ve received, so did everyone else.Ê

SUMMER 2014

LEFT: Teton County Commissioner Paul Vogelheim spots during the live auction at the banquet.

WYTU and JHTU Second Annual

TIE-ONE-ON BANQUET Teton Village • Jackson Hole, Wyoming

ABOVE: Jackson Hole’s very own “PTO” bluegrass band performed at the banquet held at Hotel Terra in Teton Village.

Page 3

The water’s white, the fish bite...

By TOMMY THOMPSON Trout Unlimited Bighorn Basin Project Manager

O

f all the things I love about rivers, I think my favorite is that good whitewater makes good trout habitat. The streams I feel most connected to have both of these things and I recently found a way to help my community see this relationship.

The idea for the Cody Wild West River Fest (CWWRF) was born in my kitchen one night after my wife Katherine and I had put the kids to bed. We were unwinding from the stresses of the day and while I was washing dishes I started daydreaming. I began to describe to her my experiences on the Swan River in Bigfork, Montana. I tried to remember all the bears I saw crossing this undeveloped gorge to access the mountains on either side.

I told her about the westslope cutthroat trout that would run up the river from Flathead Lake in the low water of early spring and the kokanee that I caught every Halloween. During those times of year, it’s classic pocket water fishing among huge boulders that provide a tranquil experience.

During spring runoff however, the little Swan transforms into a raging, eddy-free monster. It’s nearly impossible to access in most places, let alone try to fish. To float it is like riding a liquid bull. This is the time of year when it earns its nickname “The Wild Mile.” I told her how that short stretch of river is mostly hidden from view but is always on the minds of everyone in the community. Only a few of us locals kayaked it in those days, but everyone in town benefitted financially during our annual whitewater festival. Some of the best kayakers in the world would descend on us during the third weekend in May. They brought money, excitement and exposure for the town that none of us “mortal” paddlers ever could.

From the deafening roar of the rapids to the scary swims and rescues, the races were spectacular. They were a huge regional draw for spectators.

The size of the town doubled.

Everyone wanted in on the fun.

Whether you were in a boat sharing “your” water with the pros or watching from a rocky perch above the river, it was always a great show.

The festival spawned a love for the river in that community that far outweighed the entertainment and economic benefits, however. It helped to build the momentum needed to permanently protect this important wildlife migratory corridor from development and to secure public access through a beautiful network of trails. It made the townspeople care about their most valuable resource.

It was this last point that we made the primary goal of the CWWRF. As a fellow biologist and program director for The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Katherine was interested enough to hear my stories through to the

Page 4

“

“

To float it is like riding a liquid bull

end that night, even though she’d heard them many times before. This time the conversation ended differently though. We began talking about ways to start a festival of our own here in Cody. We realized that TNC and TU would be natural partners for such an endeavor. We made a list of other potential partners, discussed the ways in which we could incorporate conservation and education into the festivities and laid out a plan.

After a year, many meetings, and much discussion, the CWWRF steering committee hosted our inaugural festival in 2013. We attracted folks from all over Wyoming as well as three adjacent states. You can check out a short documentary film at: http://www.mywyoming.org/video qotxy76oe9.

We tried to cater to just about everyone. For fly fishers, we kickedoff the weekend with a Friday evening showing of the F3T Fly Fishing Film Tour and a flycasting competition.

The next morning brought the launch of our highly successful On the Fly fishing tournament — a noanchors, no wading, single-fly (with a twist!) event in which The Thompson ladies — Lucy, Sydney teams are paired with and brilliant Katherine — enjoy a day of experienced guides. rafting on the Shoshone River in Cody, The whitewater races home of the annual Cody Wild West River were also very Fest.

WYTU PHOTO/TOMMY THOMPSON popular. We held two aptly named competitions — the Stinking Water Sprint and the Stinking Water Slalom (a nod to the Shoshone Tribes original name for this hot springs-infused stretch of water). Finally, and very importantly, we laid-out a river walk filled with conservation activities geared toward families and youth. Kids got to sample insects from the river, identify them and learn their life histories. They learned about the wildlife that are so dependent on the river corridor and examined the bat boxes and birdhouses that we’d erected.

They also, of course, learned about trout and the importance of cold, clean water.

Many of them made their first casts with a fly rod.

The weekend culminated with an awards ceremony and a party in City Park. We served food, entertained each other in the beer garden and hosted a free concert.

We also incorporated some related projects throughout the year. We developed an issue of Stream Explorers Magazine, made improvements to the primary river access in town and hired a Wyoming Conservation Corps crew to upgrade our trail

See CODY RIVER FEST, page 5 SUMMER 2014

CODY RIVER FEST, continued from page 3 system.

The festival was such a huge success that we’ve expanded the schedule for 2014. We’re taking advantage of our momentum from last year and are expecting a much larger turnout from participants in the competitions as well as the family-friendly conservation activities.

This year our special projects will include Russian Olive tree removal, native plant revegetation and ongoing biological surveys of plants, wildlife, and insects to document the effort. Additionally, we’re hosting a VIP tour for politicians and key funders to educate them about our current and future work.

We’ve forged many partnerships in order to host an event of this size and are adding more all the time. Please check them out at: http:// codyriverfest.com/sponsors/. We couldn’t do this without them.

We’d love to have a strong representation from WYTU at this year’s event.

If you’d like to participate or volunteer, please contact me. And check out the festival’s website at: http://codyriverfest.com.

Combining his professional background as a biologist with his younger years spent working on his family’s alfalfa farm, Tommy has the ability to bridge cuttingedge conservation and traditional agriculture. He puts his skills to work for Trout Unlimited in Cody, and fiercely defends his claim that he has the best job in the best town in Wyoming. He is a Rocky Mountain native, a graduate of the University of Montana, an ardent hunter and has rafted and kayaked thousands of river miles in search of trout, salmon and whitewater. When he’s not rowing, paddling, casting, or shooting, he can be found enjoying time with his brilliant wife and two small children. E-mail Tommy at: Tommy.Thompson@tu.org.

12

go figure:

Number of TU national staff who live, work and play in Wyoming!

11

Number of Trout Unlimited chapters in the Cowboy State!

1,788

Number of Trout Unlimited members in the state of Wyoming!

36

$

50

Cost of a Wyoming resident fishing license and conservation stamp for one year. A bargain indeed!!

Always catch the big one!

Stay up-to-date on WYTU happenings by visiting our website: wyomingtu.org SUMMER 2014

CALENDAR WYTU JULY 12, 2014 The WYTU Conservation Committee will host a conservation tour of North Platte River water projects on Saturday, July 12. The day will be spent touring and learning about TU’s habitat improvement projects along the Encampment River, then enjoying the benefits of those restoration efforts as a fishing outing is planned for that afternoon/evening.

That evening, a barbecue is planned along the river on TU North Platte Water Project Director Jeff Streeter’s property.

Space is limited to only 20 individuals. For more infor- WYTU PHOTO/Charlie Card mation, contact WYTU Conservation Chair Diana Miller at (307) 699-3311 or you can e-mail her at diana.miller13@gmail.com.

AUGUST 22-24, 2014 Mark your calendars now as WYTU is excited to announce a different approach to the council’s annual fall meeting planned for this year. The meeting will be held August 22-24, 2014 at the beautiful Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp outside of Dubois.

As has been discussed at previous meetings, this council meeting will take on a new format and be less formal than previous council meetings. Plans include more tours and sightseeing opportunities.

Details are being worked out and according to Wyoming Coordinator Scott Christy, more information will be made available to members at the earliest possible timeframe. Watch your e-mail on how to register for the event.

AUGUST 22-24, 2014 Second Annual Cody Wildwest River Fest in Cody, Wyoming.

For more information contact Tommy Thompson via e-mail at: tommy.thompson@tu.org or go to: codyriverfest.com.

SEPTEMBER 3-7, 2014 The Trout Unlimited Annual meeting will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

SEPTEMBER 18-19, 2014 The Utah Single Fly event will take place on the famous Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam. This is a fundraiser for Trout Unlimited to support Utah’s coldwater fisheries.

The event will be limited to 15 teams of four anglers per team and each angler will only have one fly to fish the entire day.

For more information, contact Nancy Bradley by e-mailing her at: nbradley@tu.org or go to: http://www.tu.org/getinvolved/national-events/2014-utah-single-fly-event for complete details.

Page 5

FALL MEETING continued from page 1 This year’s Wyoming Trout Unlimited (WYTU) fall council meeting will be held much earlier than in previous years and will take place on August 22-24.

The event will take place at the scenic Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp near Dubois. The camp, owned and operated by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, will serve as base camp for those in attendance at the fall meeting.

According to WYTU Council Chair Calvin Hazlewood, the fall meeting, which has normally taken place around the first of November each year, has been moved up so that the meeting could be held at the conservation camp.

WYTU WHISKEY MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION CAMP DUBOIS, WYOMING • AUGUST 22-24, 2014

FALL MEETING

“We also wanted to stay away from hunting seasons so our members could attend this meeting and gettogether,” Hazlewood said.

Plans are currently underway to finalize details of the fall meeting. There will be less formal business conducted so that tours, sightseeing and fishing opportunities will be available. Informal discussions and ideas will also be conducted around the campfire — a great place to share ideas and plans for chapters and the council.

Watch for more information and how to register for the event as it becomes available. Wyoming Coordinator Scott Christy will e-mail that information, as well as post it on the council’s website and facebook page.

“We hope to see everyone there in August,” said Hazlewood.

WYOMING coordinator REPORT Busy, busy, busy...

I

would say I’ve been busy, but what I’d really mean is we’ve been busy. As the Wyoming Coordinator for Trout Unlimited I have the pleasure of working closely with volunteers from around Wyoming on a myriad of projects and our volunteers are the soul of our organization. Nearly everything we do is infused with their time, effort, expertise or passion to accomplish great things for fisheries and people.

A few examples of places I’ve collaborated with volunteers in the past few months include: n A major fundraising banquet in Jackson in May jointly hosted by Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited and Wyoming Trout Unlimited. As you’ll read elsewhere in this issue of The Trout Tale, we were again impressed at the success of this event and tickets sold out for the second year in a row. n Another successful Annual Spring Council Meeting. We were again quite happy with attendance at the meeting with more than 35 individuals in attendance. These meetings bring volunteers and staff from around the state together and we’re very excited to see the chapters gain insight and tactics for success. As I, and the Executive Council, like to say “The Council is the Chapters, and the Chapters are the Council.” n Our five 2013/2014 Adopt-A-Trout Programs have wrapped up for the school year. As I write this column in mid-June, we concluded our program in Jackson with 200 7th graders from Jackson Hole Middle School participating in a field day that included a conservation project on the Snake River. As always, each of these programs is supported by local chapter members. In the office we’re currently nailing down next year’s studies and partner schools. n The reinvigoration of the Casper Grey-Reef Chapter has moved forward substantively with the election of new officers. We’re glad to welcome Don Claunch as president,ÊWerner Studer as vice president, Mick Novotny as treasurer, andÊScott Novotny as secretary. We’re looking forward to great things from this group! If you’re in the Casper area and want to get involved, contact Don at dlclaunch@gmail.com.

If you’re looking to get more involved, or simply have questions for someone at Trout Unlimited, please contact me at (307) 332-7700, ex. 12 or email me at: schristy@tu.org.

Thanks again for all you do for fisheries conservation and I hope this summer finds you spending a lot of time out fishing!

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.

HOLES IN MY WADERS Back home again...

T

oday’s a good day. Check that. Today’s a great day. It’s Father’s Day as I write this column on a hot, windy day in eastern New Mexico. I’m sitting on a picnic table outside my “mobile hacienda on wheels” (5th wheel) putting words to paper. Or computer screen.

I truly am a blessed man. I’m fortunate to have my beautiful wife, three terrific kids, an amazing daughter-in-law and a very, very special granddaughter. Oh yeah... and an incredible employment opportunity that will bring me home to Wyoming about the time you are reading this newsletter. My family and I will call Cheyenne home and needless to say, we’re looking forward to planting roots. Deep roots.

One of my favorite songs is Back Home Again by John Denver. I love that song and always find the chorus to be very appropriate as I approach home. I can assure that I will turn up the volume and play that song as Jodi and I approach the Wyoming state line from Colorado. Sing along with the family, won’t you?

“Hey it’s good to be back home again. Sometimes this old farm feels like a long lost friend. Yes, and hey, it’s good to be back home again.”

A long lost friend, indeed. See you soon.

Mike Jensen currently serves as the editor of the council’s “The Trout Tale” newsletter. He and his wife, Jodi, have three terrific kids, a beautiful granddaughter, and a couple of hunting and fishing labs. Mike recently has returned to Wyoming after working in New Mexico since the first of the year.

Mike and Jodi are looking forward to calling the Cheyenne area home. 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

WYTU Newsletter Editor Mike Jensen, pictured here during a fly fishing outing on the Pecos River in northern New Mexico in early June, gives a big thumbs up for his opportunity to return to his beloved Wyoming.

WYTU PHOTO/Tom Cross

Page 6

SUMMER 2014

Father and son go back to school

By JIM HISSONG Upper Bear River Trout Unlimited Chapter Treasurer

that guides, and those of us who spend hours on the river, are able to discuss local projects to conserve, protect, restore, and reconnect the rivers.

BUSINESS END OF GUIDING: The fly fishing industry has grown exponentially since “The Movie” twenty years ago. Descriptions of flyfishing destinations worldwide gave me insight into places I will put on my bucket list.

Bonefishing in Belize. Taimen in Mongolia. Sea-run brown trout in Chile. I am y youngest son, Geoffrey, is affectionately known to his brother, stoked.

Nathan, and me as “The Fish Whisperer.” He consistently hooks up to trout on the ENTOMOLOGY: Bugs. Bugs that make fish grow big when they eat them. river while we look on in awe. A little over a year ago, Geoffrey announced that, Bugs that we sit down to the vise and try to imitate. I spent four fascinating hours in “All I want to do is be a fly fishing guide.” I told him, “Great, but first you need to the classroom, watching a PowerPoint presentation, created by a guide with a Ph.D. finish your degree at the University of Wyoming. Then I will send you to guide in entomology, on how to identify food available to the trout on any given day. I school as a graduation present.” Geoffrey kept his end of the bargain and graduated can confidently identify — and could care less about their Latin monikers — maythis spring with a B.A. in History. I started shopping for guide schools. fly clingers, free caddis, cased caddis, duns, spinners, stoneflies, midges, cranefly There are many guide schools out there. I happen to have picked World Cast larva, terrestrials, etc. Having identified what bugs are available to the salmonids, I Anglers’ (WCA) Western Rivers Guide School in Victor, Idaho, for its reputation can match their size. We went out to the stream behind the lodge and kicked up the and long-standing presence in the fly fishing “industry.” After Geoffrey filled out streambed into a seine. First thing Geoffrey did when he got home was make an the application, I wondered, “Why insect seine using instructions found on should he have all the fun?” So I TU.org “Stream Explorers.” signed up for eight days of guide I also learned that an important weapon school myself. At age 59, I have no in my arsenal is a thermometer. No intention of changing careers and sense in throwing dry flies if the water rowing clients on the river five days temp is below 52 degrees. Time to huck a week. However, I knew that World streamers or rig up nymphs.

Cast could make me a better fly By the way, our instructors told us the angler and I could foment great “Top Five” flies they would not leave memories with Geoffrey. the put in on a Rocky Mountain river On the first night, WCA unless they were in their quiver: Pat’s instructors asked each of the ten stuRubber Legs, aka “Turd;” Quigley’s dents what they wanted to get out of Cripple; Elk Hair/CDC Caddis dry fly; guide school. I told them, “I want to Mercer’s Poxyback Golden Stone and learn how to make my boat a fishing Splitback PMD. tool.” Many of the instructors smiled ROWING PROGRESSION: Of with understanding. The following is course, the highlight of Western Rivers a synopsis of what I learned in guide Guide School was getting on the sticks. school. Perhaps the knowledge I thought I was an accomplished oarsimparted to me will whet your appeman. However, I have been feathering It’s not always learnin’ and rowin’ in guide school. Here, Geoffrey tite and you will also consider the oars on the Green, North Platte and Hissong is tight to a South Fork cutty. Or, is it Mr. Whitey?

WYTU PHOTO/Jim Hissong attending a guide school.

New Fork that rarely flow more than KNOTS AND SETUP: Can 2,000 cfs during the summer after runyou tie a nail knot using a length of off. The field of instruction for WCA’s thick mono as the “nail?” I can. More importantly, can you quickly tie a blood, perguide school is the South Fork of the Snake River below Palisades Dam. On May fection loop, non-slip loop, surgeon’s, clinch and Davy knot to re-rig your client’s 24, the first day of rowing duties, the South Fork was pushing water at 10,500 cfs. trout hooking weapon? I spent many hours learning the fine nuances of knot tying Five days later it had been bumped up to 12,500 cfs. Big water that pushes you and rigging terminal tackle. around and spins your boat if you don’t have an oar in the water. Big water that you YOUR BOAT ON THE WATER: Hopefully, I never have to use the water had better respect when you leave an eddy, side channel, or when you anchor on the rescue and first-aid skills I practiced — but these are certainly abilities I am glad I bank. I was humbled. now possess. When I have friends and family on my boat, their safety is top priThe South Fork of the Snake taught me how to: ority. I also learned proper boat etiquette and how to share fishy water with others.

• properly load my boat to achieve a weight-forward, centered distribution of FLY CASTING: Ever have a friend on your boat who does not know the first contents and occupants. thing about casting a fly? Well, there are proven ways, practiced by guides for dec• identify the laminar flow, helical flow, confused water, soft water, eddy lines, ades, to get your buddy to successfully put line on the water with a quick lesson. downstream v, standing waves, obstacles/strainers/holes to avoid, etc., makPatience and roll-casting. Graduate to a simple overhead cast when they can feel the ing the river journey safe and enjoyable. rod load. Backcast with a controlled, tight loop . . . forward cast . . . stop the rod . . .

• use my big muscles, ergonomically, in the back stroke to slow the boat down let the fly present itself to the fish. Upstream mend. Keep the fly in the water, fish and give both my anglers an equal chance at a good dead drift and/or target don’t live in the air. I will get you a nice, long drift. From a boat, all your buddy the bank with streamers. Remember what I said about using my boat as a needs to do is cast 15 feet to be successful. Sometimes, we all forget that casting a fishing tool? fly line can be a simple, enjoyable process. It does not need to be mysterious.

• push the oars to achieve the same dead drift for my anglers.

CONSERVATION: As a lifetime member of Trout Unlimited, I was gratified • scissor stroke to regain control of my boat or make quick maneuvers to avoid to listen to WCA instructors discuss the importance of protecting the riparian habiobstacles. tat. Guides make their living on the water. The ability to identify flora and fauna to See GUIDE SCHOOL, page 8 clients is a bonus for an enjoyable day in addition to the fishing. It is imperative

M

SUMMER 2014

Page 7

Turning the corner

By DAVE SWEET Yellowstone Lake Special Project Manager for Wyoming Trout Unlimited

T

he 20-year decline of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake has finally reversed course and the efforts to restore this iconic population has “turned the corner!” That is the consensus and the words of the Science Review Panel and the Yellowstone National Park administration and fisheries team after a two- day review of all of the latest information gathered on the efforts to restore the system to pre-lake trout days. Every indicator of cutthroat recovery has turned positive. The total cutthroat numbers counted in distribution netting, fall assessment netting, spawning stream assessments, by-catch, and angler harvest have all increased for two years in a row. These data are now considered strong evidence of a rebound. In addition and perhaps more importantly, significantly more juvenile and mid-aged cutthroats are being counted which indicates that a greater number are avoiding lake trout predation and will soon be the spawning classes that will rebuild the population even further. ÊÊÊ Meanwhile, the lake trout numbers are in decline. Population estimates indicate that the number have declined by 15-28 percent from 2012 to 2013 depending on the measurement technique. A similar or even larger drop is anticipated in 2014. Lake trout netting CPUE (catch per unit of netting effort) has declined for the past two years, also indicating fewer lake trout in the system. The amount of netting being deployed by the Park Service and their contractor exceeded the targeted amount by almost 50 percent last year and was aided by telemetry data on lake trout locations and movement patterns. ÊÊÊ The efforts to develop alternative suppression technology based on lake trout eggs and fry are also moving forward. Six new potential spawning beds are now outlined and will be investigated as soon as COURTESY PHOTO/Dave Showalter the ice melts by both human divers and an underwater ROV (remote operated vehicle). Fry collection traps have been built to set on those beds which will help determine the spawning activity and hatching success. Electroshocking gear is now developed and successfully tested. Its efficacy will be confirmed next fall. ÊÊÊ All of this great news led Trout Unlimited national, along with the National Park Service, to coordinate a phone press conference with more than 20 members of the nationwide press corps to listen in and ask questions.

As a result, more than 200 stories were published in newspapers and broadcast on radio — all of which presented the same positive message. ÊÊÊ From humble beginnings in 2008 with the East Yellowstone Chapter in Cody, the “Save the Yellowstone Cutthroat” campaign has been a major contributor to the progress that has been observed. Trout Unlimited throughout Wyoming, and all over the TU sphere, can be proud of their contributions and role in this major effort. Although we aren’t at the ultimate goal yet, we finally are making major progress and have “turned the corner!”

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.

Page 8

GUIDE SCHOOL continued from page 7 • achieve efficient ferry angles when rowing to opposite bank.

• “pat my head and rub my belly at the same time.” I learned how to scull my oars and fine-tune lateral movement to keep my boat in position for my clients.

• safely approach the bank and anchor for needed rest and rehydration.

CONCLUSION: Initially, you may experience sticker shock when you research guide schools. However, consider all that you learn that I have tried to convey above. Most guide schools, like WCA, provide lodging and food.

When you are not on the sticks, you are fishing.

We had an overnight stay in the canyon section of The South Fork with a great dinner and campfire. I made new friends among my instructors and fellow students. I created memories with Geoffrey we will talk about for years. And you will, like I did, learn to use your boat as a fishing tool.

Because Geoffrey could put on his resume that he completed WCA’s guide school, he will be head of fly fishing operations at Brooks Lake Lodge near Dubois in June. He is young and single. He can pursue his dream as a professional flyfishing guide. Godspeed, son.

Jim Hissong is a lifetime member of Trout Unlimited and is treasurer of the Upper Bear River Trout Unlimited Chapter in southwest Wyoming.

He lives in Mountain View with his wife, Susan, and Bo, their golden retriever.

He dreams of his beloved Cubbies in a World Series someday.

We really want you to like us... on Facebook that is!

Join the conversation and keep up-to-date on what’s new and exciting at Wyoming Trout Unlimited!

SUMMER 2014

NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Understanding the role of the NLC...

H

as this ever happened to you? You finally splurge for new waders and keep them “fresh” in the box, actually more of a vault to keep them safe, until your first trip with them. You arrive at your top secret, Holy-Grail-of-a-fishing location and carefully open the vault. As you do so, you can almost hear the angels singing and see the heavenly glow emanating from your newest, secret fishing weapon. There is absolutely no doubt in your mind these babies will give you the significant advantage you need to catch the wily trout you know are in this little stream. Remember when you could run faster and jump higher in every pair You arrive at your top of new sneakers you got as a kid?

New waders are like that, too. In fact, secret, Holy-Grail-of-ayou feel kind of invincible in them. fishing location and Hey, these babies are top-of-the-line carefully open the vault... and bombproof! It’s about this time that you get the bright idea you actually could squeeze through that four-strand barbed wire fence rather than walk one-quarter mile to the gate you should use. My, I mean your only saving grace in all this is that those with pictures of you stuck on that blasted fence, hanging upside down, with a brand new trap door in your waders exposing your paisley-print skivvies to the world shook hands over an ironclad confidentiality agreement. I mean, who would utter the phrase, “Hold my beer and watch this,” without knowing an epic fiasco is soon to follow? Yeah, that never happened to me either.

(Editor’s Note: This newsletter is family-friendly so we won’t print certain pictures here. For the right donation to WYTU, however, that ironclad handshake won’t be so ironclad).

Unlike epic fiascos that may or may not have happened, I am aware of one that has — I have not done a very good job explaining what my role is in WYTU. How do I know this? There are two questions I continue to be asked. First, “What is the National Leadership Council (NLC) of Trout Unlimited (TU)?” My response is usually greeted with a quizzical, some might say skeptical look, followed by the question, “Okay, so as Wyoming’s NLC Representative what exactly do you do?” Let me tell you as well as elaborate on previous explanations.

I have previously used the analogy that the Wyoming council chair is akin to the Wyoming governor while the NLC representative is similar to a senator. Generally speaking, the chair makes things happen within Wyoming while the NLC makes things happen outside, but in the interest of, the state… sort of or at least mostly. That’s clear as spring runoff, isn’t it? Let me break that down a little further so that it’s closer to a gin-clear spring creek. I know it is spelled out in a TU document somewhere but I will spare you the formal, APA citation and explicitly say it here: as the Wyoming NLC my boss is the Wyoming council chair.

That means I have the privilege of serving at the behest of the esteemed Calvin Hazlewood. He runs the show here in Wyoming and I do everything I can to support and assist him in those efforts. It is my opinion, as has been the opinion of my predecessors, that Wyoming’s coldwater fisheries are an integral part of who we are and, as such, merit a certain level of involvement here at home. Plus, my predecessors and I have also held the position of chair at some point in the past which means we are acutely aware of the vast quantity of time and effort that job requires. We have previously helped with the great fisheries conservation work here at home, and will continue to do so, as much as our NLC job responsibilities allow.

Therein lies the crux of the confusion: Are there other NLC responsibilities? Yes, there certainly are. At its most basic level, the Bylaws of Trout Unlimited lay out three main purposes for the NLC: 1) establish the National Conservation Agenda, 2) facilitate implementation of the National Conservation Agenda, and 3) build the organizational capacity of TU. The NLC accomplishes these three tasks by being a conduit between the state councils and TU National. NLC Representatives bring issues and concerns from their states to the national level and then bring decisions and initiatives from the national level back to their state councils. They also serve on workgroups that focus on specific

SUMMER 2014

conservation or organizational issues that span more than two states. That’s pretty much it in a nutshell and should be at least as clear as the spring run-off recession limb on a hydrograph. Huh? Since I have no doubt you are enthralled with this explanation, or are almost asleep, let’s delve a little deeper. What is the National Conservation Agenda? This document is an expression of TU’s Strategic Plan that outlines our highest conservation priorities in terms of our Protect, Reconnect, Restore, and Sustain strategy. Not only does it include long-term priorities (e.g. climate change), but also more immediate conservation action items (e.g. Yellowstone Lake) called Critical Focus Areas, as well as the means and methods by which these things will be accomplished. In other words, it is the road map that guides us in both “what” and “how” to do all the great work we do.

And, yes, it is reviewed yearly by the New Initiatives Work Group to ensure TU stays on the straight and narrow while also being able to respond to urgent needs and situations that may arise.

Now that I’ve mentioned work groups you might be wondering about their role.

Imagine this scenario: there are 37 NLC representatives plus the NLC chair and secretary (this is how many of us there are in the NLC) sitting in a room or, worse, on a conference call. With that many voices and opinions, each advocating, as I do, for their own state, how efficiently do you think we would work? That level of chaos makes me shudder. Instead, the bulk of the nitty-gritty work of the NLC is delegated to 15 work groups — nine conservation-oriented and six organizational. For example, the aforementioned New Initiatives Work Group manages the review of the National Conservation Agenda, including Critical Focus Areas, by conducting yearly reviews while also preparing recommendations on those items that may need to be amended, added or deleted. Since it is the full body of the NLC that votes on approval of the agenda, the members of the NLC entrust that the New Initiatives Work Group will perform adequate due diligence, often quite extensively so, to make informed recommendations that are in the best interest of TU and its mission. Similarly, the Fundraising Work Group recognized that many chapters and councils put a great deal of time and effort into inventing and implementing new fundraising efforts, yet, little did those chapters or councils know that another chapter or council had already perfected the exact same idea. Think of how much more efficient and effective we could be if we shared that information. Voila! The Fundraising Work Group gathered virtually every fundraising idea in use by TU chapters and councils across the country and put them in one place.

Need an idea to raise some funds for a project? Take your pick from more than 60 of them! That’s how you increase organization capacity: act efficiently and effectively in your current endeavors so that we have the time and energy to do even greater coldwater fisheries conservation work! And, these are just two examples from the fifteen work groups. Each of them can offer similar examples of the way they make substantial contributions to effectively achieving the TU mission.

By this point, I hope your understanding of what the NLC is and does is as clear as the water of that perfect, iconic spring creek you see in your dreams. Or, maybe you’re already asleep and dreaming about fishing it.

Either way, let’s briefly review. The NLC helps their own state council, establishes and implements the National Conservation Agenda and works to increase organizational capacity. And, most of this work happens within the work groups. It’s as simple as that!

Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to shout and wake you up. Since you are awake, did I mention that you don’t have to be an NLC representative to join a work group? Anyone is welcome. Send me an e-mail and we can discuss to which group I can add you. Sweet dreams.

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.

Page 9

WYTU NEWS NOTES

WYTU conservation committee to host tour of North Platte River water projects

WYTU supporter wins drift boat at annual UBRTU banquet One of the highlights of the 7th Annual Upper Bear River Trout Unlimited Chapter Fundraising and Conservation Banquet was the big drawing for a 2013 Hyde Contender — ready to fish — drift boat.

The highly successful event was held on April 19 at the Machine Shop in Evanston and over 260 people were in attendance, including WYTU supporter and Wyoming Game & Fish Department Fisheries Supervisor for the Green River Region Robb Keith and his wife, Lorraine.

The evening’s festivities concluded when funny man and “Your Fly Fishing Guide” Hank Patterson drew Keith’s winning ticket for the drift boat.

“For several years, I’ve been attending the Upper Bear River Trout Unlimited chapter banquets and have always had a great time. The chapter always puts on a great show,” Keith said. “This year’s banquet will be especially memorable every time family and friends float with me in my new drift

“

Page 10

Robb Keith, center, is all smiles as he holds the winning ticket drawn at the 7th Annual UBRTU Fundraising and Conservation Banquet on April 19. Keith won a “ready-to-fish” 2013 Hyde Contender drift boat valued at $5,995. Pictured with Keith, from left to right, are: Wyoming Coordinator for Trout Unlimited Scott Christy, Upper Bear River Trout Unlimited Chapter President Rick Slagowski, Lorraine Keith and “Your Fly Fishing Guide” and funny man, Hank Patterson.

WYTU PHOTO/Mark Tesoro boat. What an exciting moment when Rick Slagowski called my name. Thanks so much to the Upper Bear River Trout Unlimited Chapter for the great, new drift boat!”

Keith has been a huge supporter, member and advocate of the Seedskadee and Upper Bear River chapters in southwest Wyoming, as well as Wyoming Trout Unlimited — both from a personal and professional standpoint.

Congratulations to Robb on the big win!

WYTU youth chair featured in Trout Unlimited and Greater Little Mountain Coalition video WYTU Youth Chair and teen phenom Haley Powell of Rock Springs has been featured recently in a top-quality video production entitled “Little Mountain — the Story of Southwest Wyoming’s Hidden Gem.” The video features outstanding videography of the Little Mountain region which includes Trout Creek, while Haley offers her personal thoughts and insight on the area she has grown quite fond of.

As many outdoor enthusiasts Haley Powell — Wyoming Trout know, the Little Mountain region feaUnlimited Youth Chair tures some of the best intact habitat in the state of Wyoming and is known for its trophy game and healthy fish. And, like many landscapes in the west, it is also the subject of oil and gas leasing. The Greater Little Mountain Coalition and Trout Unlimited believe that while much of the leased area can be developed in a responsible way, there is a portion of Little Mountain that should be

See NEWS NOTES, page 11

“

Join Wyoming Trout Unlimited and the conservation committee for a tour of North Platte River water projects on Saturday, July 12.

The plan is to meet at 10 a.m. at the Encampment Museum at 807 Barnett Avenue in Encampment. From there, the tour will include discussions and viewing water project work around the area. Be advised that there will be a one-half mile hike to tour one of the projects.

The tour will conclude at a beautiful fishing spot along the Encampment River with plenty of daylight left in the day to wet a line. That evening, a barbecue is planned along the river on TU North Platte Water Project Director Jeff Streeter’s property.

Participants are invited to spend the night camping at a local campground or at one of the many motels in Saratoga.

On Sunday, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy additional fishing opportunities on the North Platte or Encampment rivers, or take a scenic wildJeff Streeter life drive around the area before heading North Platte Water home.

Project Director For those interested in having lunch provided on Saturday, please contribute $10 and deli sandwich fixings, chips, drinks and cookies will be available. The barbecue on Saturday evening will be $10 per person.

Space is limited, so if you are interested in attending this great event, please call WYTU Conservation Chair Diana Miller at (307) 699-3311 or email her at diana.miller13@gmail.com to see if any spots are available. The tour will be limited to 20 individuals.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been lost in the moment and suddenly have to urinate which totally screws up the moment I’m lost in. Then I gotta wade to the edge of the water, shimmy out of my waders and pee. And 65.7 percent of the time, I end up peeing, just a little, inside my waders. Moment ruined.

— Hank Patterson: Your Fly Fishing Guide (www.hankpatterson.com)

SUMMER 2014

NEWS NOTES, continued from page 10 incredible state, and awesome TU staff and volunteers to those individuals who attend the two-day event.

Mark your calendars for a great experience next spring. Watch for more details and firm dates for the meeting in future WYTU newsletters or as they become available.

protected.

To view this outstanding video, go to: http://vimeo.com/92034367 and check it out.

To learn more and to lend your voice to support the Little Mountain area, go to: www.greaterlittlemountain.com

WYTU ‘Trout Tale’ newsletter nominated for national award Wyoming National Leadership Council representative Jim Broderick is pleased to announce that he has proudly nominated WYTU’s quarterly newsletter, “The Trout Tale,” for Trout Unlimited’s prestigious Bollinger Award for Best Newsletter.

“Needless to say, we’re extremely proud of Wyoming Trout Unlimited’s newsletter,” said Broderick “It’s a great way for our 1,700-plus members in the Cowboy State to keep informed on the great conservation and habitat work being done around Wyoming.”

Broderick was quiack to point out that the newsletter is also a great example of how Trout Unlimited staff and volunteers in Wyoming collaborate to publish a high quality, informative and useful communication tool four times a year.

“We also use the newsletter to help in our fundraising efforts and to help strengthen our excellent relationships with our many conservation partners,” said Broderick.

The Bollinger Award for Best Newsletter is presented annually during Trout Unlimited’s national meeting and honors the memory of Jean Bollinger, a longtime TU employee who recognized the value of communications through newsletters and helped them evolve into publications that TU members enjoy today.

“I know I speak for the entire executive committee of WYTU when I offer a sincere thanks to Jim for the nomination,” said Trout Tale Editor Mike Jensen. “Jim’s nomination speaks volumes and certainly acknowledges the hard work of the many, many volunteers and staffers who contribute to the success of this publication. It’s an honor to be nominated.”

The award will be presented at TU’s national meeting that will be held September 3-7, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Wyoming to host TU western regional meeting in spring of 2015 Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited Chairman Calvin Hazlewood recently announced that Trout Unlimited (TU) will be holding its western regional meeting in Jackson Hole sometime in late April or May of 2015.

Typically held during the spring, the annual meeting is a great opportunity for TU volunteers and staffers alike 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.

“We’re absolutely excited to host TU members from across the west in Jackson next spring,” said WYTU Chairman Calvin Hazlewood. “This a great opportunity for our members around the Cowboy State to take advantage of a top-quality learning experience in our own backyard as well as to showoff our

SUMMER 2014

Wyoming Trout Unlimited to field team for Utah Single-Fly event For the third year in a row, Wyoming Trout Unlimited will be wellrepresented at the Sixth Annual Utah Single-Fly fundraiser on the famous Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam. WYTU Chair Calvin Hazlewood has once again organized a team — the WYTU Bucking Fish — to participate in the annual event, which is a fundraiser for Trout Unlimited. Proceeds from the twoday event will directly fund TU’s partnerships to improve habitat in the Green River drainage and Utah’s coldwater fisheries.

Joining Hazlewood on this year’s team are WYTU Vice Chair and Secretary Cole Sherard and WYTU Newsletter Editor Mike Jensen. The fourth team member had not been officially WYTU vice chair and announced as of presstime. All four secretary Cole Sherard is anglers are passionate volunteers for pictured with an incredible Wyoming Trout Unlimited.

Green River brown trout that During the event, each participant he caught during last year’s uses only one fly for the entire day of Utah One-Fly event.

WYTU PHOTO/Mike Jensen catch and release fishing. The event will be held September 18 and 19.

Last year the team represented by finishing in a tie for third place and they are looking forward to another great outing and supporting the habitat improvement in the incredible Green River drainage.

Baby girl Walrath due any day Trout Unlimited’s first couple in Wyoming — Hillary and Nick Walrath — are expecting their first child any day now. According to the couple, the due date is July 11. When Nick was asked about the sex of the baby, he proudly responded, “It’s going to be a girl!”

Hillary serves as Trout Unlimited Salinity Control Project Coordinator for the Henry’s Fork of the Green River as well as women’s committee chairman for WYTU. Nick serves as Trout Unlimited Green River Project Manager.

Best wishes to both Hillary and Nick on their new family arrival!

Do you have an item for “WYTU News Notes?”

NEWS NOTES WYTU

Send your information via e-mail to Scott Christy at: schristy@tu.org or Mike Jensen at: trouthut@gmail.com

Page 11

Fly fishing 101 for the ladies...

By BOB MASON Curt Gowdy Chapter President

O

WYTU CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT

Page 12

led by Mike Hayes and Chico Pistono.

Casting lessons continued in the multipurpose gym with Jeff.

I was amazed at how the women took to the afternoon classes — particularly the fly tying and knot tying. At the end of the day, long after the class was over, there were still ladies tying knots and flies and hanging around discussing the day’s events.

Jeff provided two take-home messages to the ladies present at the clinic.

“Never allow someone to define your good time” and “Instead of counting fish, remember a day’s single awe-inspiring, magical and personal moment. Keep that image; it is the only true trophy.

The clinic was a huge success and I want to thank all those who made it happen — Jeff. Bob, Mike and Chico for teaching the classes and a big thanks to all the ladies for the interest and enthusiasm they showed throughout the day.

“

Instead of counting fish, remember a day’s single awe-inspiring, magical and personal moment. Keep that image; it is the only true trophy — Jeff Streeter, casting instructor

“

n April 26, the Curt Gowdy Chapter held our Annual Women’s Fly Fishing Clinic at Laramie County Community College. We had great response to this year’s clinic and had to limit the class to 24 students and we had a waiting list of 10 additional women.

As usual, the clinic was free to students and included juice, coffee and breakfast items for the morning session and two five-foot subs with chips, drinks, etc. for lunch. In addition, and for the first time, we provided all of the ladies with a copy of the Orvis Guide to Beginning Fly Fishing, courtesy of Orvis.

Of the 24 women signed up to attend, 23 started the day. Typically we have a no-show rate of 25 to 33 percent. We were once again grateful that Trout Unlimited North Platte Project Manager Jeff Streeter agreed to be the primary instructor for our clinic for the third time. Jeff puts on a great class and really connects well and is extremely patient with the ladies.

After some opening introductions and remarks about the Curt Gowdy Chapter, Trout Unlimited and the format for the day, the class was handed over to Jeff for the morning classroom session which covered the basics of equipment, general fly fishing topics and casting, and ended with a breezy casting session outside.

It was evident from the start that the class was going to be a success. The ladies were completely engaged and continually asking good questions and when it came time to break for lunch after the morning casting session, they just kept casting.

During the lunch break there was a raffle for an Orvis Practicaster rod and through donations and the sale of raffle tickets, $142 dollars was raised to help cover the cost of the class for the chapter. Also during the break, the ladies were offered the opportunity to sign up for free, first-time Trout Unlimited memberships. When it was all said and done, the chapter added 17 new members.

After losing only one student during lunch (traditionally another period of attrition), we started the afternoon by dividing the students into three groups for a round robin of fly tying taught by Bob Burdett, and knot tying

Curt Gowdy Chapter photos by Bob Mason and Bob Burdett

SUMMER 2014

WYTU CHAPTER CHATTER SEEDSKADEE CHAPTER

By CALVIN HAZLEWOOD Chapter President Greetings from the members of the Seedskadee Chapter. Hope this finds everyone well and getting into the swing of summer. The weather is warming up and we are in the midst of late spring runoff here on the Green. As I write this article in early June, predictions are for Fontenelle Reservoir releases to increase to 8,000 cfs. And that should help flush some of that silt from last September’s heavy rains. With the higher flows, we may have to fish somewhere other than the river for a while.

Our chapter has been busy with many chapter functions — some completed and some coming up during the summer months.

Here are some of the highlights: • Many thanks to all those chapter members whohelped make the Spring WYTU Council Meeting a success. The meeting was held here in Green River in midMay, and your help was very much appreciated.

• Also, thanks to those chapter members who were able to help with the many school kids and support Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) with their school trip programs during May. These field trips offered the kids a variety of opportunities for insight into the great outdoors and to what is available out their own back door.

• We had the opportunity to help with willow pole cutting on Seedskadee NWR to help for the re-planting of areas that need new or additional willow growth.

More will be planned for next spring as well.

• The Fly Fishing Film Tour was hosted in Rock Springs and sponsored by the Rock Springs Urban Renewal Authority. We were able to have a chapter booth at the event and signed up 15 new members. A good time was had by all!

• Our annual Take-A-Kid Fishing Day was held on June 14, and as always, was a fun time spent with the kids. Thank you to our co-sponsors who help make this event possible — the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Seedskadee NWR, Cowboy Bass Association, and the many others who donate to the event to help make it a success.

We held our monthly chapter meeting on June 5 that featured a special program presented by Angie Pitts with Wyoming’s Casting for Recovery Program. It was a great presentation by Angie and those in attendance were reminded what a great program it is.

• In August we plan to participate with the Green River Chamber of Commerce to help support the River Festival by having a Trout Unlimited presence at the event, as well as some river focused learning and fun opportunities for folks as well! We want to help put the river back into the festival.

SUMMER 2014

• Work continues on our Hamp II Ditch screen project. Dollars are being raised, plans being made, project timing established, and hopefully work will begin late this fall. We’re all looking forward to the contributions this project will bring to the fishery on the Green River.

• And finally, work continues toward getting an Adopt-A-Trout/Track-A-Burbot program established here on the Green River. This program will provide the opportunity for valuable information to be gathered that will help manage the fishery and assist the kids involved to learn about our local fisheries as well.

We won’t be having formal chapter meetings July through September, but we’ll resume our monthly meetings in October. Of course, we will keep folks posted regarding what is happening as summer progresses.

There is still much going on, and the only way this is able to happen is with all the work of our local TU staff and many volunteers. Once again, thanks to everyone for all the work that you do to help our fish and fishy habitat here in this part of the state.

If you want to get involved in all this action, check out our Seedskadee Chapter Facebook page.

Or, if you prefer, send us an email at Seedskadeetu@gmail.com or look us up on our new and evolving web page at www.seedskadee.tu.org.

Have a great summer and go fishing!

CURT GOWDY CHAPTER

By BOB MASON Chapter President It’s been a great year for Curt Gowdy Trout Unlimited thus far. We had some great presentations throughout the spring that include those by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on the potentials of the Crow Creek Project; Dave Sweet gave an update on Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake; Wyoming Chapter Director of Back Country Hunters and Anglers Jerry Egge discussed the organization and what they are doing nationally and in Wyoming; Matt Ley from the Laramie County Conservation District talked about potential conservation project ideas around the area for the chapter; Wendy Estes-Zumph from the University of Wyoming presented on amphibian survey opportunities in the Pole Mountain area between Cheyenne and Laramie; and finally, Daniel Galhardo, the founder of Tenkara USA, came to Cheyenne in April and gave a hands-on presentation on Tenkara.

On April 26, our chapter hosted our annual Women’s Fly Fishing Clinic at Laramie County Community College. It was hugely successful.

Read all about it in the “WYTU Chapter Spotlight” on page 12.

One week later, our chapter held our annual Crow

Creek Cleanup. My expectation for attendance was exceeded and we completed the cleanup in record time. A fried chicken lunch was provided afterward and Wendy Estes-Zumph, who did a presentation on the amphibian study opportunities in the area earlier in the year, was on hand to participate in the cleanup and conduct a training seminar for those interested in participating in the amphibian surveys. A huge thanks goes to all who participated in the cleanup and training.

Here’s our chapter calendar for upcoming events: Mid-July: The second amphibian survey is to be completed.

August 2: Pole Mountain riparian area fencing project with the Wyoming Chapter of Back County Hunters and Anglers. Pole Mountain is highly utilized recreational area between Laramie and Cheyenne which suffers its fair share of damage due to vehicle use off of designated roads and trails. Riparian areas aand vital wildlife habitat are being affected.

August 16-17: Informal chapter overnight fishing outing on the Upper North Platte scheduled to take place at the Six Mile access.

September 25, November 20 and January 29, 2015: Chapter meetings/presentations. Presenters TBD. March 2015: Fly Fishing Film Tour in Cheyenne. This event will serve as an annual fundraising event for the chapter. Date and location TBD. April 2015: Women’s Fly Fishing Clinic May 2015: Crow Creek Cleanup and Annual Planning Meeting.

UPPER BEAR RIVER CHAPTER

By RICK SLAGOWSKI Chapter President Summer has arrived and has found our chapter beginning summer break. Our chapter meetings will resume in September when we hold our annual elections of officers and board positions.

The one exception during summer is our annual Kids’ Fishing Day that was held on Saturday, June 14 at the Evanston Ice Ponds. Despite cool, windy weather, over 310 kids attended this event which has become one of the premier kids’ fishing day events held in Wyoming.

Of course we couldn’t host such a great event without the support of our sponsors and donors. A special thanks to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Cowboy Bass Federation and the Uinta County Chapter of Sportsman for Fish & Wildlife, Tim Gorman, Wyoming Newspapers, Inc. and many, many more.

We continue to plan for our project of building and installing monofilament recycling stations in 13 locations. The funds for this project come from our chapter’s Embrace-A-Stream grant from 2013. The plan is to install three stations each at the Bear River State Park and the Evanston Ice Ponds, five stations at various public access sites on the Bear River and two stations at Sulphur Creek Reservoir.

We are coordinating this project with the Seedskadee Chapter which will be placing 32 stations in the Green River and Flaming Gorge areas.

Page 13

Public lands work happening around the Cowboy state

By DAVE GLENN Trout Unlimited Sportsmen’s Conservation Project Intermountain Director

W

hen it comes to public land issues in Wyoming... it’s happening.

While some of these U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) planning processes are time consuming, can be wonky and take a lot of time, they’re one of the best ways to make sure quality fish habitat and fishing opportunities continue into the future. We’re currently working on several of these processes in Wyoming.

Shoshone National Forest Trout Unlimited (TU) has participated in this planning process since 2005.

Last year, in conjunction with the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited (WYTU) and four chapters, we wrote and submitted comments.

We were fairly pleased with the craft plan when it was released in July 2012.ÊEspecially of interest was the reduced list of Management Indicator Species from 18 to four. Of the four, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout remained in the coldwater fish component.

In January 2014, the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and draft Record of Decision was released and it contained a new and unexpected alternative that was not in the draft documents.

This alternative increased motorized travel access and acreage into premier back country areas such as the Franks Peak and Wood River Inventoried Roadless Areas.ÊThe water project does a lot of great work in these drainages and we want to make sure the headwaters continue to produce cool, clear, fishable water downstream.

In conjunction with the council and four chapters, we decided to object to the Final Environmental Impact Statement and draft Record of Decision and submitted our objection letter on March 24.

In April, we received a USFS response from Washington, D.C., informing us our objection has been “assigned” a number, is being processed and explained how the rest of the process would be implemented, including potential meetings with us. Objections are currently being reviewed. There were 64 verified objections.

There is a 90-day objection resolution period which ended June 24. At that time, we should receive a written response on our objections.

update

Little Mountain This past winter, Azalia Oil Company submitted a application for permit to drill on Diamond Mountain and we used the opportunity to re-educate and engage the community, decision makers and media about our work to support responsible development in the Little Mountain area while protecting coldwater fisheries.

A new BLM field director was recently hired and the BLM will restart

Page 14

work on their Resource Management Plan revision this winter. It’s going to be a long haul but we are headed in the right direction and will continue to work with our partners, industry, grazing permittees and elected officials to secure long-term protection for the area through the planning process.

If you haven’t seen the new video on Little Mountain, please take a look on the WYTU website at: wyomingtu.org. It stars TU’s own Haley Powell from Rock Springs. In the near future we look forward to working with the council and the local Seedskadee chapter on putting together a plan on how to share and show the video to the local community as a whole.

Wyoming Range The USFS has initiated what we hope will be the final level of analysis beforeÊreleasingÊa decision on the fate of 44,000 acres of oil and gas leases in the Wyoming Range. These leases are what started TU’s efforts in the Wyoming Range and we look to close the final chapter on protecting the area’s incredible fisheries. In June we met with a dozen sporting groups to create a strategy moving forward. We’ll be reaching out to the council and local chapters for input on how to strategize and define this effort.

Wilderness Study Areas There are 42 Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) encompassing 577,000 acres in Wyoming. These areas are mandated to be managed as wilderness until Congress decides to do something with them. This could be either incorporating as wilderness, releasing to multiple use, or something in between. Over the last two years, TU national staff have worked with several organizations and the Governor’s office to help set up a process to determine the outcome of these WSAs. While there are not a lot of WSAs with fish and fishable water, there are several that are very important to us. And, while this process is moving slow, it is moving. In the next few months I’ll be reaching out to all of you, via Scott Christy, and asking for input on strategy as we plan for what level and how we’re going to play in this.

We look forward to working with you all on all of these projects and more.

If you have any public land policy questions or issues, feel free to contact me anytime at: dglenn@tu.org or by calling (307) 3491158.

Dave Glenn is an avid outdoorsman and the Intermountain Director for Trout Unlimited’s Sportsmen’s Conservation Project. He has been with Trout Unlimited since 2008, and is based in Lander, Wyoming where he lives with his three horses, two gun dogs, 11 chickens and a stray cat. E-mail Dave at: dglenn@tu.org

SUMMER 2014

W Y O M I N G

B U S I N E S S

S P O T L I G H T

Taking you to a place where you forget about everything but the water and the fish...

By WALT GASSON Director of Trout Unlimited Endorsed Businesses

S

ome Wyoming stream names are as common as they can be. There are literally dozens of Horse Creeks, so many in fact that you can catch your Cutt-Slam on creeks separated by hundreds of miles but all called Horse Creek. You could probably do the same on Cottonwood Creeks. But to fly fishermen, there’s only one North Fork. And only a pilgrim would ask, “The North Fork of what?”

The North Fork of the Shoshone River — “The North Fork” to anyone who’s lived here longer than 25 minutes — is in a class by itself. If you set out to design a trout stream, you’d build one like this: n A stream that was both wild and accessible, a trout stream where 16 inch fish are considered average. n A 50-mile trout stream along a major highway that’s almost never crowded. n A trout stream where you could catch Yellowstone cutthroats, rainbows, cuttbows and brown trout until your arms were tired and your face hurt from grinning.

The North Fork is one of a kind.

And so is its namesake fly shop — North Fork Anglers in Cody.

This is a real fly shop. You want a cigar bar and a guide with bad attitude? Go somewhere else. This is a fly fisherman’s fly shop. You want to learn something about fishing?

This is your kind of place. Tim Wade has forgotten more about fishing the North and South forks of the Shoshone (and all their tributaries) than I’ll

SUMMER 2014

ever know. What’s more, Tim is one of us. North Fork Anglers is a longtime Trout Unlimited Business member, and a proud supporter of the East Yellowstone Chapter.

You know this is the real deal before you ever walk in the door. It’s on the main drag in Cody — you can’t miss it. Just look for the leaping fish over the door. And when you do walk in, it smells like a fly shop should smell. It feels like a fly shop should feel. Not all hoity-toity, just real. No sterling silver flasks or tweedy gentlemen with pipes. For these guys, it’s all about the fish and the Tim Wade North Fork Anglers fishing — not the image. No poseurs here. These guys know fish, they know bugs, they know stream dynamics — and they know it because they love it.

Gear? They’ve got it. From a cutthroat cover for your iPad to a new rod to any fly you’re ever likely to need anywhere near here, they got it.

And they’ll make sure it works for you, and make it right if it doesn’t. Try getting that from a big box store someplace.

But what they sell best here is fishing. Tim and his staff will not only take you fishing, they’ll take you someplace you’ve never been before.

They’ll take you to a place where you forget everything but the water and the fish and the simple act of allowing gravity and mountain water to transport you to where you need to be.

WHERE TO FIND THEM: North Fork Anglers — Tim Wade 1107 Sheridan Ave. • Cody, Wyoming 82414 Phone: 307.527.7274 • e-mail: flyfish@wavecom.net www.northforkanglers.com Page 15

WYTU gathers for Annual Spring Meeting in Green River

The WYTU Annual Spring Meeting was held in Green River in mid-May and was another huge success for the council.

The Seedskadee Chapter hosted the event for the first time and did a fantastic job.

WYTU PHOTO/Barb Allen

As you travel around the great state of Wyoming, we hope you’ll get to know the natives...

Bonneville Cutthroat Trout: Oncorhynchus clarki utah

By SCOTT CHRISTY Wyoming Coordinator Trout Unlimited The Annual Spring Meeting of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited (WYTU) was held in Green River May 16 through 18 and drew over 35 folks from across Wyoming. Representatives of nine Chapters were on hand to discuss coldwater fisheries conservation in Wyoming and conduct the business of WYTU. The three-day event began with a fishing excursion on the Green River in town followed by attendees gathering for the evening social dinner on Friday night.

Official business meetings commenced on Saturday morning including election of officers.

The current slate of acting interim officers was approved including Calvin Hazlewood as chair, Cole Sherard as vice chair, Mike Jensen moving into the role of past-chair and the election of Jim Broderick as National Leadership Council Representative for a second year.

Dave Sweet remains WYTU’s treasurer and Cole Sherard will continue to perform secretary duties for the council.

Throughout the meeting, reports were heard from Wyoming Game and Fish Department Fish Division Chief Mark Fowden; WYTU’s Youth Chair Haley Powell; Women’s Chair Hillary Walrath; TU staff in Wyoming including Wyoming Coordinator Scott Christy and Conservation Committee member Jim States.

Following a full-day of productive meetings, Seedskadee chapter members dazzled those in attendance with a fish fry at Expedition Island Park in Green River. Tasty burbot, perch, bass and halibut that had been caught previously by chapter members were served to the satisfaction of all.

On Sunday attendees enjoyed a site visit to Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge where an excellent presentation and tour of fisheries improvements were presented by Refuge Manager Tom Koerner.

Many folks stayed to fish the Green River and refuge that afternoon.

ABOVE RIGHT: The Seedskadee Chapter presents the “Bucking Fish Award” to the Platte Valley Chapter for their outstanding chapter work. Pictured left to right are: Jim States, Jeff Streeter, Calvin Hazlewood, Scott Neff and Hillary Walrath. WYTU PHOTO/Pat Newell. ABOVE LEFT: Green River Project Manager Nick Walrath has everyone’s attention during a tour of the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge on Sunday morning.WYTU PHOTO/Steven Brutger. ABOVE RIGHT: A drift boat full of TU staffers — Hillary Walrath, Jeff Streeter at the oars and Nick Walrath spend some quality time fishing the Green River Sunday afternoon. WYTU PHOTO/Steven Brutger.

Page 16

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

SUMMER 2014

Spring on the

Seedskadee...

FRIENDS

Family, good friends and a day on one of Wyoming’s fabled trout waters.... the Green River that flows through Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge...

FISH

Blue skies, drift boats, cold water, articulated streamers, hard strikes and big fish.

Chuck and duck fly fishing at its best...

WYTU

What a great place and a great way for WYTU staffers and volunteers alike to get together and have a lot of fun and talk a little Wyoming Trout Unlimited...

MEMORIES A whole lot of laughs, a few frosty beverages, great scenery, big healthy fish and great memories burned into everyone’s mind at the end of a great day...

Photography by Steven Brutger, Charlie Card and Mike Jensen

SUMMER 2014

Page 17

WYTUclassifieds Thanks 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.

a lot!

WYTU is proud to give kudos, props and a shout out to our conservation partner REPYOURWATER! 1 % of sales of all REPYOURWATER merchandise that displays a Wyoming themed design goes to Wyoming Trout Unlimited for coldwater conservation efforts!

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.

Check out all their great merchandise on their website!

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 Fall 2014 newsletter that will be published on October 1!

To place your ad, contact Wyoming Coordinator Scott Christy at (307) 332-6700 ext. 12 or e-mail him at schristy@tu.org.

www.repyourwater.com

n WYTU Spring Council meeting in Green River a success n 2nd Annual Tie-One-On Banquet in Jackson very successful in raising money for WYTU and Jackson Hole TU Chapter n What exactly does the National Leadership Council do?

Wyoming Rep Jim Broderick tells all n Spring Fly Fishing on the Green River through Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge n Wyoming public lands work happening around Cowboy state n Wyoming Business Spotlight: Tim Wade’s North Fork Anglers n Much, much more!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 250 North 1st Street Lander, Wyoming 82520

WYOMING TROUT UNLIMITED