The Trout Tale WYOMING COUNCIL OF TROUT UNLIMITED
SPRING 2022
PERSPECTIVE
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Walt Gasson
Home Place
he home place is the center of my family’s spiritual universe. Honestly, it isn’t much to look at. Put kindly, it is “rustic.” Put more precisely, it’s “primitive.” But it has been our retreat for four generations. It has provided a place where we could stop for a day or a weekend or a week and look at ourselves as individuals and as a family. It has offered us peace and quiet and some distance from our neighbors. But more important, it has offered us both the freedom of the wilderness and the comforting blanket of family traditions. It has been the site of a few honeymoons, the best birthday parties, a lot of back-breaking labor, countless fishing trips and elk hunts, and some of the most memorable moments of our lives. When I look back on the important life lessons I’ve learned, most of them happened at the home place. Let me offer an example. For many years, we have used Labor Day weekend as just that – the whole clan converges on the home place to labor on whatever big project needed to be done at the time. New front porch, new back porch, metal roof — all were Labor Day DIY projects. Moms, dads, kids, dogs — we all pitch in and get it done. At the conclusion of one of these big weekends, Kim and I were loading up the pickup when we noticed two fellas on four-wheelers parked out at the end of the driveway. They were eyeballing the place for long enough that it became a
little uncomfortable, so I walked out to see what was going on. It was the first weekend of archery season for deer and elk, and they were all camoed up. Both were big fellas, each with a lip-full of Cope tucked beneath their beards – just regular Sweetwater County guys. We talked about hunting and we talked about their jobs in the gas patch. Finally, one of them mentioned that he had seen our place before somewhere. I responded that I had written an article about it in Wyoming Wildlife magazine and that maybe he saw a photo of it there. I’ll never forget his response... “You wrote that? I remember that story. It made me cry.” To which his buddy responded, “Yeah. Me too.” I thought a lot about that in the years that followed. Both guys were touched by something that we held in common. We each loved their families and the wild country of our shared home country and home water. Where we worked didn’t matter. Neither did our political views. Our meta-values — those things that we held dearer than any of the hot button things that Americans fight about — were the same. We were united on the things that we taught our kids and our grandkids. That’s one of the things I love about doing conservation work in a hard place like Wyoming. If you can cut through all the crap — all the partisan posturing and culture war bickering about insignificant minutiae — you can still have a real conversation with real people about the things that really matter. For us, as advocates for clean water and good fishing, that’s an important thing to bear in mind. And something we can be thankful for every day.
Put kindly, it is “rustic.” Put more precisely, it’s “primitive.”
THE TROUT TALE
Walt Gasson is the Director of Trout Unlimited’s Endorsed Business program. He is a fourth-generation Wyoming native and has worked in conservation for over 40 years in government, nonprofits and the private sector. Walt currently resides in Laramie with his beautiful wife, Kim. E-mail Walt at walt.gasson@tu.org.
WYTU GEAR: GET SOME! Supplies are very limited! Click here to get yours today at wyomingtu.org!
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SPRING 2022
The official newsletter of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The Trout Tale
Spring Time
Spring 2022 • Volume 7, Issue 4
The Trout Tale is a quarterly newsletter of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited. The deadline for submission of articles, information, photos and content for the Summer 2022 newsletter (July, August, September) will be June 1, 2022. Send all contributions for the summer issue to Wyoming Coordinator Mike Jensen at mike.jensen@tu.org The Trout Tale is available online at the council’s website: wyomingtu.org © 2022 Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited
• Mike Jensen, Newsletter Editor • Cole Sherard, Chair
Proud recipient of the 2014 Trout Unlimited “Bollinger Award For Best Newsletter”
Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited P.O. Box 22182 Cheyenne, WY 82009 e-mail: mike.jensen@tu.org Phone: 307.421.3188 www.wyomingtu.org
ON THE COVER: We hope you had the opportunity to spend some serious vise time over the winter and were able to re-stock your fly boxes with your favorite spring, summer and fall patterns.
WYTU photo by Mike Jensen
SPRING 2022
Cole Sherard
It is that time of year when fishing really starts to consume our thinking. Beautiful days in the mountains, sun-soaked river trips are being planned and trying to find time to tie-up those final golden stones. I put in for five different lottery floats and was denied this year. I hope other folks had better luck. I am also rooting for any lucky adventurers who have or will be able to escape the cold and wind for some beaches, piña coladas and salt-water action this spring. This is also the time of year that I am regularly checking the snowpack data across the state. At the time of writing this column, the state-wide average is somewhere between 80-85 percent. Now is the time to break out any helpful superstitions you may have to make a push for some late season It’s that time of year moisture. when fishing really It seems like forever, but we will finally be meeting in person for our starts to consume spring council meeting on April 29 – our thinking May 1, in Green River. It would be amazing to see a large attendance for this event. It feels like a chance to re-boot and take this organization to the next level. Most importantly a chance to re-connect with old and new friends that we have been disconnected from over the last two years. This is a very important meeting as we will be holding elections for the executive committee members and board positions. Mike has sent out an email with all the information you will need to register. I remember the last spring meeting in Green River consisted of a late-night parking lot beer drinking session with Cory and Rick, and where most of the world’s problems were solved. The only wild card for the meeting is the ever-changing Wyoming weather. I want to take this opportunity to thank our awesome coordinator, Mike Jensen, for all he has done for Trout Unlimited across the state. This year, Wyoming Trout Unlimited was fortunate enough to obtain a commissioner’s tag from Commissioner Mark Jolovich in Torrington. We can’t thank Commissioner Jolovich enough! Mike turned around and sold the tag for a whopping $32,000. Add to this a very successful year-end-appeal campaign and the council was able to raise over $43,000 to help meet our conservation and education goals. This influx of income is due in large part to Mike’s diligent efforts. The council is in good financial shape heading into this year. I wish everyone the best as we start inching closer to my favorite time of the year in our great state, and I look forward to seeing everyone in Green River.
Cole Sherard is the chairman for Wyoming Trout Unlimited and calls Laramie home. Cole is an attorney and his passions include spending time with his daughters, storm chasing and fly fishing every opportunity he gets. E-mail Cole at csherard@penceandmac.com.
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SUSTAIN
Time for some ‘real’ facetime at Green River Council Meeting
By MIKE JENSEN Wyoming Council Coordinator for Trout Unlimited
and drinks. After dinner, the group will move a short distance to the new Trout Unlimited office located at 520 Wilkes Drive, Suite 3A for more engaging conversation and frosty beverages SATURDAY, APRIL 30 The annual Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited Spring Council meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will take place at the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters and Visitor’s Center. The headquarters is located approximately 37 miles from the Hampton Inn north of Green River. (Take I-80 West from hotel and take exit 83. Turn right on Hwy. 372. Watch for signs on the right-hand side of the road after you pass the Farson Bridge.) The official address for the refuge is 246 Seedskadee Road for those who like to use navigation. Everyone will be responsible for their own breakfast if they choose. However, the Seedskadee Chapter will provide coffee, water, soda, donuts and muffins to be available at the meeting. Lunch will also be provided by the Seedskadee Chapter for everyone in attendance at noon. The meeting will feature a full agenda of items to get through including council officer and at-large board position elections. If anyone is interested in being nominated, or if you would like to nominate someone, please contact Mike Jensen at mike.jensen@tu.org. The meeting should wrap up around 4:30 p.m. Saturday night’s social and dinner will take place at the Hitching Post Restaurant & Saloon located at 580 East Flaming Gorge Way in Green River. The council will provide dinner for everyone at no charge; however, you will need to pay for your own alcoholic beverages at the bar. Don’t forget to bring your cash or checkbook for a great raffle that will help to cover the cost of the council meeting. If you would like to help by donating a great item(s) for the raffle, please contact Mike Jensen at mike.jensen@tu.org.
It’s been a while since the Wyoming Council, chapter leadership, staff and conservation partners have been able to meet in person. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last time we met as a group at a council meeting was in Pinedale in early November 2019. It’s hard to believe, but that was over 2-1/2 years ago. Without question, there are many people in our statewide organization that are looking forward to our spring council meeting in Green River where we’ll be able to re-engage with friends and colleagues — face to face. The weekend council meeting will be held in Green River, Wyoming on April 29, 30 and May 1, and will be hosted by the Seedskadee Chapter. FRIDAY, APRIL 29 Friday will kickoff the three-day event by offering some excellent opportunities to fish the famed Green River below Fontenelle Dam and through the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you’re wade fishing or floating the river, you’ll have options to spend a great day or afternoon on one of Wyoming’s premier trout fisheries. The Hampton Inn in Green River, located at 1055 Wild Horse Canyon Road, will be offering a special discounted room rate of $99 per night to Wyoming Trout Unlimited members. To take advantage of this discounted rate, you must make your reservations no later than April 15. Here’s how to book your room online:
SUNDAY, MAY 1 Nick Walrath, Green River Project Manager for Trout Unlimited, will lead a field trip to view an upcoming urban project in Green River. This project will utilize massive pine trees that were blown over during a huge storm that hit Green River in September of 2020. The project will be a win-win for both the City of Green River and Trout Unlimited. The tour will last about an hour. Everyone is asked to meet at the TU office located at 520 Wilkes Drive, Suite 3A, at 8:30 a.m. to go view the project. Upon completion of the tour, the council meeting is officially concluded for attendees to travel home or go fishing.
Booking link: https://group.hamptoninn.com/57hvx8 Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Green River Group Name: WYTU Spring Council Meeting
Arrival Date: 2022-04-29 Departure Date: 2022-05-01
Please note the entire URL address must be copied and pasted in your web browser for your reservation to work. The Friday night social and dinner will begin at 5:30 to 6 p.m. at Don Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant located at 520 Wilkes Drive in Green River. As a reminder, each person will pay for their own meal THE TROUT TALE
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Chapter revitalization
OUR MISSION: Conserving, protecting and restoring Wyoming’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds
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WYOMING COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Cole Sherard Laramie...................................................Chair Kathy Buchner Jackson..........................................Vice Chair Sadie St. Clair-Valdez Rock Springs....................................Secretary Jim Hissong Mountain View.................................Treasurer Werner Studer Casper............................NLC Representative Dave Sweet Cody...................................At Large Member John Madia Sheridan.............................At Large Member Mike Jensen Cheyenne...................Council Coordinator
WYOMING CHAPTERS AND AEGs: n Grey Reef/Casper Area (Casper) n Curt Gowdy (Cheyenne) n East Yellowstone (Cody) n Jackson Hole (Jackson) n Laramie Valley (Laramie) n Little Bighorn (Sheridan) n Platte Valley (Saratoga) n Popo Agie Anglers (Lander) n Seedskadee (Rock Springs/Green River) n Upper Bear River (Evanston) n Upper Green River (Pinedale) n Star Valley (Star Valley Area)) n Adiposse (AEG) (Cody) (Alternative Engagement Group)
To join Trout Unlimited today, go to tu.org and click on the “Become a member” link.
SPRING 2022
There’s no doubt that the last two years of COVID has put a serious strain on how we have, or haven’t, been able to operate as a council and chapters within the council. With guidelines set forth from the federal government, state and local government, and Trout Unlimited, those guidelines seemed to hamper our ability to “conduct business as usual.” And rightly so. Oh sure, there were councils and chapters in Trout Unlimited, including a few here in Wyoming, that were able to embrace the world of “Zoom” and made attempts to try and keep the good work moving forward as much as possible. Some had success. Others not so much. Staying engaged with one another became difficult outside of staring at a computer screen and trying to have a productive and meaningful conversation. I suppose it was better than nothing, but it wasn’t like being in a room, or on the river with friends, colleagues, or other chapter members face to face. — Robert Redford In some ways, it seemed like COVID became a convenient and easy excuse not to do something for many. Myself included. Especially when my wife, Jodi, asked me to do something, or go to the store and get something. Wyoming currently has 12 chapters and one alternative engagement group around the state. All have been affected in one way or another over the past twoyears. But perhaps the proverbial light at the end might be showing a bit. One of my favorite quotes is from actor Robert Redford who said, “Problems can become opportunities when the right people come together.” Now is the time to gather such people from around the council, chapters and communities and make a pledge to do what we need to do to revitalize those chapters that need help to get back on track to do the good work that Trout Unlimited is known and respected for. Now is the time to put COVID behind us and seek out passionate, dedicated volunteers who want to be involved and lead the way in their communities and region to help “conserve, protect and restore Wyoming’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.” The Wyoming Council executive committee has just recently pledged to support, assist and partner with those chapters who need revitalizing with financial support to get back up and running, and return to being leaders in fisheries conservation around Wyoming. Let’s continue this discussion at the spring council meeting in Green River. What do you say?
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Problems can become opportunities when the right people come together
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ATTENTION CHAPTER PRESIDENTS AND TREASURERS Here’s a reminder to all chapter presidents and treasurers that the current fiscal year has ended as of March 3, 2022. As a result, the Annual Activity Reports for the past year will be due to TU by May 15, 2022. It is extremely important that all of our chapters, and council, get this done accurately and on time. If you need assistance, please contact Mike Jensen at mike.jensen@tu.org. Mike Jensen currently serves as the Wyoming Council Coordinator for Trout Unlimited, and he and his wife, Jodi, call the Cheyenne area home. When he’s not at his desk, puttering around the “Lazy J” with the dog or tying a few flies, you’ll find him driving his drift boat in search of big Wyoming trout. E-mail Mike at mike.jensen@tu.org.
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Conversations: With Bob Reece — Full-time life coach, fishing guide, signature fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants, author, ambassador for Renzetti fly tying vises and Rep Your Water, as well as a Trout Unlimited Business member, to name a few. EDITOR’S NOTE: Each quarter, we’ll seek out and sit down with a Trout Unlimited member, volunteer, staff member, conservation partner or friend to have a casual conversation about them and the outdoors. For our Spring “Trout Tale” newsletter, we’re extremely excited to talk with a truly talented angler, flytier, guide and passionate outdoor enthusiast — Bob Reece from Cheyenne. Below, you’ll find questions from Wyoming Trout Unlimited (WYTU) and Bob’s responses following his initials “BR.” — Mike Jensen
the fish that he could. After watching his movements, I would wade back into the water and make my best attempt at imitating him. Eventually, it paid off. When it came to fly tying, my dad was a wonderful teacher. He would set out materials for one pattern. Then he would walk me through it and leave me a Randall Kaufman book for reference. He would keep setting out tying materials but wouldn’t let me move on to a new pattern until I had mastered that one. I believe that this practice has had more of an impact on the quality of my fly tying than anything else I’ve done since.
WYTU: Bob, tell us a little bit about yourself and the influence your family had on you growing up. BR: The role that my family played in my development was massive. I could not have asked for a better childhood. I grew up in the countryside of Nebraska. There was a farm pond with bluegill and bass a half-mile from my house. As soon as I finished my chores, I would head there on my bike. My mom was wonderfully nurturing of these adventures and my creativity. She was an art teacher who has always supported my crazy dreams. My dad worked a busy schedule when I was younger, but he always took a few weeks off during the summer. During that time, we would backpack and fly fish the North Platte River drainage. I spent countless hours watching him fly fish. I would sit in the willows, crying out of frustration that I couldn’t catch
THE TROUT TALE
Q&A
WYTU: You recently made a career change from junior high school science teacher to full-time life coach. Can you tell us about that? See CONVERSATIONS on page 7
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CONVERSATIONS from page 6 BR: One of the wonderful things about life is the different seasons that we get to move through. I spent 15 years teaching junior high. It was wonderful to be able to work with many of the kids that I taught and coached. In recent years, my passion for what I want to teach has changed. With my life coaching business, Thin Air Coaching, I get to connect with people and help facilitate their growth toward a more fulfilling life. It’s rewarding to watch people gain control over their emotions, strengthen their relationships, and move forward to chase down what they’ve been dreaming of. In addition to my coaching, I’m also working on a master’s in clinical counseling that will allow me to help a broader spectrum of people in the future.
on costs, lodging and contact information if they have questions. Additionally, for all the fly tiers out there, my website offers an extensive video library of tying videos. Check it out at thinairangler.com WYTU: I see you have volunteered and work with Platte Rivers Veterans Fly Fishing. Can you tell us about that experience and how rewarding it is to work with that group? BR: Platte Rivers Veterans Fly Fishing has positively impacted the lives of so many people since it was started. It’s been a gift to be able to work with them. Duane Cook, one of the best humans I’ve ever known, started the group several years ago in Cheyenne. They offer fly tying and rod building classes for active and retired military. They also bring groups out to fish on Horse Creek Ranch twice a month from spring until the fall. There are many wonderful volunteers that make what they do possible. Thanks to Duane and their efforts, numerous lives have been saved and permanently pointed in a positive direction. WYTU: Bob, can you tell us a little bit about your family and why you love living in Wyoming? BR: I love my family and Wyoming! My wife Stephanie is the general manager at Black Tooth Brewing Company here in Cheyenne. She is a phenomenal person in all aspects and my teammate in everything that I do. My daughter has graduated from the University of Wyoming. She lives here in Cheyenne. My son is a freshman at Central High School this year. Every time I get to say that I live in Wyoming, I get excited! I remember when I first moved here from Nebraska. I was so thankful to be closer to the mountains. Wyoming truly is a special place to live. It offers adventure and exclusion that can’t be found in most of the United States. The quality of water that we can fish in our state is as good or better than anything you find out there in the world.
WYTU: I understand when you were teaching, you started and supervised a fly-fishing club for seventh and eighth grade students at your school. How rewarding was that for you? BR: Seeing a kid catch their first fish on a fly rod is always an enjoyable experience. My time spent running that fly fishing club was extremely rewarding. It made me a believer in the fact that while a lot of kids do like electronics, they also love to fish. For many of the kids that I worked with, they had never tied a fly or cast a fly rod. By the end of the school year, they were tying their own bugs and casting proficiently. It was beautiful to see that growth. Every year I hear from or run into former club members. I have yet to talk to one that isn’t still fly fishing. WYTU: You are involved in a lot of different activities, including guiding on the famed private waters of the Horse Creek Ranch in southeast Wyoming. Can you tell us about your operation and how that opportunity came to be? BR: I started my guide operation on the ranch five years ago. I was lucky enough to meet the ranch owner Dave Berry when he let me bring my fly-fishing club kids out to fish. After talking things over, he agreed to let me guide on his land. Dave is an extremely kind and generous person. My time spent with him and on his ranch has enriched my life. WYTU: Where can anglers learn more about fishing with Thin Air Anglers on the Horse Creek Ranch? BR: I have a full portion of my website dedicated to the flyfishing opportunities on Horse Creek Ranch. Anglers that are interested can find photos and videos that provide a taste of what that angling experience has to offer. There are also details
WYTU: You are obviously a very creative person. Especially when it comes to tying flies. Can you tell us about how you became a signature fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants? BR: I appreciate the kind words. I think there’s a genuine See CONVERSATIONS on page 8
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CONVERSATIONS from page 7 fulfillment that comes from creating. A few years ago, I was highly focused on creating new fly patterns. I contacted the fly guys at Umpqua and invited them up to Wyoming to fish. We spent the day on some of my favorite moving water, fishing my flies. It turned out to be a great day. They felt that my patterns filled some voids in the lineup. As a result, they picked up several of my bugs. I still love to tie and create flies. It fills up many of my winter hours. At this time though, my focus has shifted away from commercial efforts and toward my other professional adventures.
picked it up and gave it good look. I’m a believer in focusing on what the trout sees when designing dry flies. With that in mind, I created a beetle pattern with an underside that showed a more natural segmentation. It also sports a reflective sheen that is seen in many beetle species. Hoppers get a lot of love in the terrestrial world. However, that also means that trout see a plethora of hopper imitations. A good beetle pattern can be a great curve ball to throw at trout late in the summer to early fall. WYTU: What’s next for Bob Reece? What are your goals moving forward? BR: I’ve never been more enthusiastic about my future. With my coaching and counseling, I’ll be able to continue to help people in person and virtually. My goal over the next few years is to have a new home base in Wyoming that is closer to the mountains. We’d like to live there for the spring through fall. When things turn cold, our plan is to have a place south of the equator to call home. During that time of year, I’ll coach and counsel people virtually. I’ll also be running a few internationalhosted trips to different parts of the globe. Steph and I are headed to Argentina this month to meet with a group that I’ll be collaborating with. I’m excited to have the flexibility of a schedule that allows me help people and explore God’s creation.
WYTU: Okay, I’ve got to put you on the spot. What’s your favorite fly that you have designed and tied thus far? What was your inspiration for that fly? BR: I’ve got a few favorites but on the top of my list is the Beefcake Beetle. It was the first pattern that I created and holds a sentimental place in my heart. It’s also extremely fishy. I’m a science nerd at heart and have always loved looking at bugs. Several years ago, I was walking down a dusty two-track next to a meadow stream. Every time a beetle ran across the road, I
Photos courtesy of Bob Reece, Thin Air Angler
WYTU NEWS NOTES will satisfy all filing requirements because TU national is paying to have an outside tax firm file all IRS Form 990Ns. The reports will be due to Trout Unlimited national no later than May 15. If you have questions or need any help on this very important matter, please contact WYTU council treasurer Jim Hissong at wyohiss@gmail.com or by clicking on the orange box to the left.
Action item: Attention chapter presidents and treasurers As a reminder to all chapter presidents and treasurers in Wyoming, the WYTU executive committee needs each chapter to be aware that Trout Unlimited’s fiscal year has ended effective March 31. In addition, each chapter and the council will be required to file their respective Annual Activity Report to track and account for the financial and volunteer activity during the past fiscal year from April 1, 2001, through March 31, 2022. For chapters/councils that average less than $50,000 in gross receipts, Click here to learn more about filing an annual these Annual Activity Reports financial report
Annual Activity Reports
THE TROUT TALE
North Platte River flushing flow to run for nine days CASPER — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) cautions anglers to be aware of sizeable increases in water flows in the North Platte River for nine days beginning March 31 as part of a flushing flow project which will end April 8. The WGFD has requested the flushing flow to improve fish spawning habitats and increase the production of invertebrates that fish depend on for food. Flushing flows are typically requested to run in See NEWS NOTES on page 9
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WYTU NEWS NOTES
Continued from page 8 Fisheries biologists first discovered yellow perch in Saratoga Lake during routine sampling in 2021. Saratoga Lake is managed as a trout fishery and the department does not stock any cool- or warm-water fish there, including yellow perch. “This species was not present anywhere within the North Platte River upstream of Glendo Reservoir, so we know it didn’t arrive in Saratoga Lake by happenstance,” said Laramie Region Fisheries Biologist Chance Kirkeeng. “The nearest neighboring populations are in the Upper Laramie River drainage, including Lake Hattie, or in the South Platte drainage, including Crystal and Granite Reservoirs. Someone put these fish in Saratoga Lake — and that has a serious impact on the fishery.” A high abundance of stunted yellow perch can result in slower growth rates for managed sportfish in the same water body due to increased Time and resources spent on competition for food. illegal fish introductions could be Game and better spent on managing other Fish recently fisheries in the region abandoned trout management — Alan Osterland, chief of fisheries for the at Black Hills Wyoming Game and Fish Department Power and Light Reservoir near Newcastle following an illegal introduction of yellow perch due to the number of small yellow perch that took over the water. Game and Fish is currently assessing the response at Saratoga Lake. The department has cut off the fresh water flow to the lake to prevent yellow perch from moving into the North Platte drainage. “Time and resources spent on illegal fish introductions could be better spent on managing other fisheries in the region,” Osterland said. “This is a frustrating and disappointing discovery for anglers and anyone who enjoys recreating at Saratoga Lake.” Anglers can help the Game and Fish by harvesting as many yellow perch from Saratoga Lake as they are legally allowed, including fish that are smaller than they might normally choose to keep. The statewide regulation of 50 yellow perch in the creel and possession is currently in place. “We’re calling on the public to submit tips and any information about this illegal stocking at Saratoga Lake to Game and Fish,” Osterland said. “This is a public resource that has been seriously impacted.” To submit information contact the Stop Poaching Hotline at (1-877-WGFD-TIP). A reward is available and your identity will remain confidential. Illegal fish stockings are a high misdemeanor punishable with up to one year in jail and fines up to $10,000.
mid-March; however, due to scheduled Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) maintenance activities on Grey Reef Dam, the start date was pushed forward two weeks in 2022. The BOR will release additional water from Gray Reef Reservoir in the early morning hours beginning Thursday, March 31. Flows will increase from approximately 450 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 4,000 cfs and will gradually decrease back to 450 cfs each day, with the maximum flow occurring between 3 -7 a.m. Flows from Gray Reef Dam will return to 450 cfs at 10 a.m. each day. The schedule will be repeated through April 8. The flows below Gray Reef Dam will then be stabilized at approximately 450 cfs following completion of the nine-day cycle. This schedule may be modified due to unforeseen circumstances regarding the maintenance activities. “Data show these flows are critically important to trout spawning and the sustainability of wild trout populations in the river,” said Matt Hahn, Game and Fish fisheries supervisor for the Casper region. “In the past, the trout populations would often fall to less than 400 trout per mile and could only be maintained through stocking several hundred thousand fingerling trout annually. Annual flushing flows began in 1995, and now the trout population averages 3,500 per mile.” The WGFD advises anglers and other recreationists to be aware of the potential dangers related to flushing flows. Because the flush will span the weekend, there is potential for more people to be wading or floating the river. Those using the river during the flushing flow should consider the fluctuating water levels and be aware that areas that can be waded effectively at 450 cfs are not safe at 4,000 cfs.
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Yellow perch illegally stocked in Saratoga Lake SARATOGA — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) says the presence of yellow perch in Saratoga Lake is the result of illegal fish stocking and wants to find the person responsible. Yellow perch are not native to the upper North Platte River watershed. “Illegal fish introductions are a serious problem throughout the country,” said Alan Osterland, chief of fisheries for the department. “This particular introduction is concerning given its location and the potential for the species to spread throughout the North Platte River drainage. Game and Fish takes illegal introductions seriously because of the potentially detrimental impacts to Wyoming’s natural resources.” Game and Fish is concerned about yellow perch escaping Saratoga Lake into the upper reaches of the North Platte River drainage. They are likely to disperse downstream to other waters in the watershed — including Seminoe, Pathfinder, Alcova, and Gray Reef reservoirs, and the Sweetwater and Medicine Bow rivers — where they could do irreparable damage to the sport fisheries and native fish species.
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WYTU
Follow the conversation Find us on Facebook at: Wyoming Trout Unlimited
See NEWS NOTES on page 13
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RECONNECT
Photos courtesy of Cory Toye
Wrestling calves, reconnecting rivers TU’s Cory Toye works to bring people, industry, and agencies together to protect the streams and native fish that run through the Bighorn Basin.
pitching stream restoration and irrigation improvements. Years ago, when he started at TU, he put in the time to open doors that might have traditionally been closed to collaborative conservation efforts. He showed up to lend a hand at local ranches: Cory aided cattle brandings, stacked hay, moved irrigation pipes, and fixed fences. This had nothing and everything to do with his day job. He was committed to playing a genuine role in the community—even if it meant wrestling calves in the mud. Toye’s connection to Wyoming runs deep: He and his wife are raising their children in the same streams they grew up fishing. Now he works to bring people, industry, and agencies together to protect the streams that run through these beautiful places. “If you make the right partnerships,” he says, “there’s a chance to reconnect entire swaths of rivers that have been disconnected for 50 or 60 years.” On any given day, you will find Cory working to restore trout streams in the Bighorn basin. The basin is an arid, yet beautiful
By ZOE BOMMARITO Trout Unlimited Mountain West Communications Director
Cory Toye’s birthplace of Meeteetse, Wyoming—population just over 300—is a prime example of Western ranching country. Here, like many rural communities, locals rely on their connections to land and water for their livelihoods. They are ranchers, agricultural producers, and many of them, avid hunters and anglers. Toye, Wyoming Water Habitat Program Director for Trout Unlimited (TU), was born in this part of the state, so he knows as well as anyone that the hardworking people who make their living from the land have not always trusted conservation organizations THE TROUT TALE
See RECONNECT on page 11
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RECONNECT from page 10 Meeteetse. The dam was built in 1972 and is operated by Greybull Valley Irrigation District to fill Lower Sunshine Reservoir and provide irrigation water to nearby agricultural lands. Eight feet tall, the concrete structure was a complete barrier for YCT and other native fish and had disconnected upper and lower habitat on the Wood River since its construction in the early 1970s. Local contractors for TU, including Bairco Construction and WWC Engineering, have been on site since September 2021, building a technical fish ladder. The vertical slot ladder uses concrete piers to slow water through a long raceway, acting as grade control and providing slower flows for upstream navigation. The diversion is the last barrier for YCT on the Wood, the Greybull and its major tributaries, and its removal provides upstream passage to over 100 miles of habitat. The Wood River diversion project has gone forward despite the pandemic and supply chain issues. Projects like this and others in Wyoming are made possible by financial support from a variety of federal partners including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Passage Program, the U. S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Resource Conservation Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation. The $1.2 billion federal infrastructure package passed last year will ensure that collaborative conservation projects like this can move forward across the country. The National Fish Passage Program, for example, received $200 million in the law. Thanks to funding provided WOOD RIVER FISH LADDER by federal land management agencies, TU will soon finish the Wood River diversion system and continue to improve habitat on smaller tributaries in the drainage. Cory’s work will only grow from there—from reconnecting smaller tributaries to big ones, building momentum toward largescale projects that enhance entire irrigation districts. “I look forward to more successes with all our partners in the Greybull drainage, he says. “Each completed project helps to ensure that future generations will get to experience this amazing watershed and the mighty YCT that call it home.”
WOOD RIVER plateau known for its surrounding peaks, trickling streams, and unique geological features. The area boasts the greatest population of Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) outside of Yellowstone Park. Cory’s work has not always been easy over the past 14 years, and victories are years in the making. His genuine local relationships led to diverse partnerships. The partnerships led to small projects connecting streams, then bigger projects in larger tributaries. Now, TU has earned the trust and credibility of landowners, government agencies, and industry leaders in Wyoming. Cory’s community ties have helped TU scale up our work in the state, resulting in over 2,500 miles of native trout habitat being reconnected during Cory’s tenure – 300 of which reside in the Greybull River drainage.
Today, there are only a few places where you’ll find Yellowstone cutthroat trout. They love high elevation and wild, undisturbed places. Wildfires, habitat fragmentation, flood, drought, climate change, and rising water temperatures threaten their populations and have significantly decreased viable habitat for the species. Yellowstone Cutthroat occupy only 42 percent of their historic range and about 60 percent within Wyoming. Cory believes that the only way to make long-lasting progress toward healthy habitat is cultivating strong, diverse partnerships with ranchers, landowners, irrigation districts, and community members. “The opportunity for significant, watershed-scale conservation in Wyoming is only available by working with people that depend on water to make a living. Identifying common ground and building trust will continue to bring new projects and positive paradigm shifts for cold water fisheries across the West.” Over the past couple of years, Cory has been working with local partners to redesign and enhance the Wood River diversion system and irrigation district. The Wood River diversion dam is located 14 miles upstream of the confluence of the Greybull and Wood rivers, just west of SPRING 2022
Zoe Bommarito has joined Trout Unlimited as Mountain West communications director. Based in Missoula, Montana, Zoe will lead communication efforts in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Nevada, as well as some national campaigns.
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THE TROUT TALE
Students enjoying Trout In The Classroom program in Wyoming By MIKE JENSEN Wyoming Council Coordinator for Trout Unlimited
local Seedskadee Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and the Torrington Middle School’s program is sponsored the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited. This year’s program kicked-off in early January when the Wyoming Game and Fish Department supplied each class with several hunExpedition Academy High School teacher Lee dred trout eggs from Harper addresses the audience on hand for the the Dubois Fish Seedskadee Chapter’s Film Tour event in early March. Harper talked about his students in the Hatchery. Trout In The Classroom program and the fun This locally they are having with the program. driven curriculum for students K-12, lends itself well to students’ appreciation of water resources and watersheds in Wyoming. The Trout In The Classroom program will run through the end of the school year in late May or early June. “The students absolutely love this project,” said teacher Jenna Krul. “Students have focused on abiotic and biotic factors in our fish tank, as well as natural selection of the fittest fish survival. Trout In The Classroom is a fanTorrington students are all smiles as they keep tastic program with a a eye on their fry in the tank.The fish have great hands-on expegrown significantly since this photo was taken. rience for kids.” She also noted that it’s amazing to have a living life cycle begin before your very eyes and have the ability to continue to watch the changes in the short five months that the students raise the fish.
T
rout Unlimited’s “Trout In The Classroom” (TIC) program continues to be successful and expand to new schools and classrooms around the country each year. And Wyoming is no exception. This program would not be possible, though, without the incredible support of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), whose partnership in this project that brings so many great opportunities for students is valued and appreciated. “We value and appreciate their partnership with this project that brings so many great opportunities for students.” Now in its second year of the program, Torrington Middle School joins first-year program schools — Whiting High School in Laramie, and Expedition Academy High School in Green River. The Trout In The Classroom program curriculum was developed by Trout Unlimited and allows for teachers and educators not only the ability to follow the program, but also be flexible enough to allow teachers to adapt their programs with other materials and information that will enhance the learning experience for students. Torrington Middle School science teacher Jenna Krul has actually been involved with this program for several years when she was teaching in Nebraska before returning to Wyoming two years ago. She’s been our go-to pro when questions come up. Allison Baas, who teaches at Whiting High School in Laramie, has taken a unique approach by not only teaching the TIC program, but has also introduced students to the Project Wet and Wild curriculum in addition to her own lessons to learn about inheritance, genetics and natural selection for an adaptation. Expedition Academy High School teacher Lee Harper recently had the opportunity to speak to over 140 people in attendance at the annual Trout Unlimited (TU) fundraising and film tour event, where he talked about the TIC program and how much his students were enjoying the program. It’s worth mentioning that the Laramie program is sponsored by the local Laramie Valley Trout Unlimited Chapter. The Green River program is sponsored by the Green River’s trout fry continue to grow each day and look very healthy to the delight of students.
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NEWS NOTES from page 9
Trout In The Classroom Scrapbook...
WYTU looking forward to participating in Wyoming Outdoor Expo in Casper May 5-7 The Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited is excited about the return of the Wyoming Outdoor Expo on May 5-7. The event has been postponed the past two years in Casper due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual event will once again be held at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Expo is free and open to the public and is the largest celebration of Wyoming’s wildlife and wild places, and serves as the official kickoff to the outdoor season in the Cowboy State. Wyoming Trout Unlimited will once again host a booth at this year’s Expo. Make sure to stop by our booth and say “hello” if you are attending this year’s event. If you are interested in helping with the WYTU booth as a volunteer, contact Mike Jensen at mike.jensen@tu.org no later than April 12.
Students proudly display their fish drawings as part of a process for an F1 and F2 generation experiment at Whiting High School in Laramie. Teacher Allison Baas took students on a journey to explore that the gene pool stays the same and some genes are expressed in different ratios than others.
Water quality is key to keeping the eggs and fry alive in their tank. Students in all three programs have learned the importance of clean, cold water for the trout in their classrooms.
Watercraft inspections resume at Evanston Port of Entry; AIS training offered to the public
Photos courtesy of Allison Baas, Jenna Krul, Lee Harper and Mike Jensen
All watercraft entering Wyoming from outside the state between March 1 and Nov. 30 are required to be inspected prior to launching on any Wyoming waters. This inspection requirement is in place in an effort to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species into Wyoming. In order to serve the boating Signs direct boaters through public, the inspection station at the Evanston AIS check station at the Evanston Port of Entry is curthe Port of Entry. rently open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Look for extended hours of operation as the season progresses. Please note that Wyoming AIS decals are not available for sale at the Evanston Port of Entry. You can purchase those at any licensed agent in Wyoming, including Sports World and Walmart in Evanston. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is offering AIS inspection training free to the public for those who wish to become certified to inspect their own watercraft, or to offer inspection services for members of the public as well. Click here to see a full list of Trainings will trainings throughout Wyoming be held April 16 in Green River and April 23 in Evanston. Anyone can register by contacting Josh Leonard at 307. 721.1374 or josh.leonard@wyo.gov. Please provide your name, mailing address, phone number and email address if you leave a message.
The “Fashion A Fish” lesson had Laramie students make clay models of fish, and describe how the environment can influence genes and reproduction
This dramatic photo shows the development of the eggs as they go from sac fry (left) to fry in just a few short days at Torrington Middle School
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THE TROUT TALE
Argentina
IN NOVEMBER
By JAY BUCHNER Master flytier and angler
A
rgentina — here I come! This last November, after about a year-and-a-half delay due to COVID-19 closures, lots of paperwork, proof of vaccination and negative Covid tests, I was finally on my way to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and from there to the Patagonia River Ranch (PRR). I had been invited by the owner of the Ranch to come test for myself some of the custom streamers I had been tying for him over the last couple of years. He wanted me to fish the rivers with these flies as well as try out some new variations on the style of flies they found most productive. After a refresher course in geography, I found that the southernhalf of Argentina is Patagonia and I was going to the Nequen province in the northwest of Patagonia, close to the Andes Mountains near the towns of San Martin de los Andes and Junin de los Andes. It was a flight from Jackson, Wyoming, to Dallas/Fort Worth, an overnight flight to Buenos Aires (a city of 15 million), and another overnight in Buenos Aires before I actually arrived at the Patagonia River Ranch. It was due to flight arrival and departure times that made the overnight in Buenos Aires necessary. Arrangements for this were made through LOL Argentina, an efficient travel service that organizes airport pickup and transfers as well as hotel bookings, city tours, and other traveler’s aides. The LOL representative made sure I didn’t have any problem with language barriers and that I got on the right plane to the Chapelco airport in San Martine de los Andes. From there, the PRR Lodge hostess picked me up for the half-hour drive to the Lodge. The Lodge at the Patagonia River Ranch is situated in an oasis
of trees and shrubs in a countryside that looks like a lot of Wyoming. I had been told this by others who had fished Patagonia, but it was hard to visualize what it actually might look like. The PRR is near the Chimehuin River and has two float sections on it – one upstream and one downstream of the Lodge. It was an outstanding fishery. In addition, I fished three other rivers while in Patagonia. With the seasons being opposite of ours in the Northern Hemisphere, and I was there in late November, it was their springtime. Trout are not native to the southern hemisphere. In the early 1900s, Argentina surveyed the fisheries potential of the rivers and lakes and decided to create trout fisheries there. In early 1904, they introduced lake whitefish, brook trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon from the Eastern U.S., as well as rainbows and steelhead from the west coast hatchery complex on the McCloud River. In 1905, they brought Atlantic salmon and brown trout from Europe. Introducing the fish to the lakes and rivers of Patagonia continued into the 1930s with varying results. Overall, the program was a great success and established a well-known world class trout fishery. On my first day of fishing, we launched the raft from the PRR launch site on the Chimehuin river. Being spring, the water was clear, but high. Since part of my assignment was to fish the custom streamers I had been tying, that’s what I started with. Due to the high water, the guides suggested a sinking line. I used a 200 grain sink-tip line on a 10foot, 6 weight rod. Overall, this method worked so well, I could have stayed with it for the entire trip, although I did experiment with other combinations. The Chimehuin has a predominance of rainbows, but browns are there in significant numbers, and that first day, I caught mostly browns. I lost count after See ARGENTINA on page 15
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ARGENTINA from page 14
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Little Big Horn chapter has busy spring underway By JOHN MADIA Little Big Horn Chapter President
Photos courtesy of Jay Buchner
about three fish, so let’s just say it was a lot. I rarely saw a fish less than 15 inches, and many were well over 20 inches. The rainbows are supercharged, and even a 17-inch fish was a real handful to land. During that first float trip, the guide masterfully navigated some tight channels with many overgrown trees in the middle of the river, creating some dangerous snags. I asked about these trees and was told they are a non-native European River Willow that is causing trouble with navigation and some control efforts are being looked at. In the days that followed, I fished the Upper Chimehuin, the Collon Cura, the La Limay, the La Boca of the Chimehuin. All provided excellent fishing with a mix of powerful Click here to learn more about browns and ramPatagonia River Ranch bunctious rainbows. There were some hatches of mayflies and caddis that provided some fun dry fly activity. The trout loved foam flies! The guides suggested modest sized Chubby’s in #8 or #10 in tan colors. The accommodations at the Patagonia River Lodge were top notch. The food was excellent, and the Asado — or Argentine BBQ — was an event to write home about (and I did). This was a wonderful trip and should be on everyone’s bucket list. I’m hopeful I’ll get another invitation to try out the next rendition of the custom streamer flies I’m tying.
After moving to Jackson, Wyoming in the late 1960s, Jay turned his love of fishing into a career guiding fisher people in the Jackson Hole area for nearly 35 years. He owned and operated both a retail mail order fly fishing catalog and a fly fishing shop in Jackson.
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After a two-year COVID-enforced hiatus, the Little Big Horn Chapter in Sheridan rebooted general membership meetings in January. The January meeting featured a presentation by our local fisheries biologist from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) on issues confronting fishing conditions in the Big Horns. Fish numbers are generally down and the number of anglers has seen a 40 percent increase in each of the last two years. In February, we hosted a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) fisheries biologist presentation of potential projects for the next three years. We are working with the local USFS personnel to get projects scheduled. We closed the month by co-hosting with the Sheridan Community Land Trust and the Fly Shop of the Big Horns, a great F3T film tour event. The event was well attended with over 400 paid attendees. Our chapter had a lot of traffic visit our table before the films started and at intermission. The March general membership meeting featured a psychologist for Sheridan County School District #2 (Sheridan) who runs an outdoor-oriented after school program. Our chapter will be partnering with them to teach stages of aquatic insect life, stream bank maintenance, fly tying and fly fishing strategies beginning in April. We’re looking forward to working with the students and introducing them to the goals and objectives of Trout Unlimited (TU). We began our annual teaching quarter at the Wyoming Girls’ School in mid-March. Bob Krumm has basically designed and managed this class for the past several years. Wyoming Girls’ School students must qualify to attend with excellent grades and behavior. It becomes a goal for many of the girls. The nine-week course includes basic entomology, knot tying, fly tying and fly casting. At the end of the quarter the girls get to fish one of the ponds on the Girls’ School Property or possibly a private pond nearby. Working with these young ladies is an honor and a privilege as much for TU members as it is for the girls themselves. We are taking what Bob has done for many years with this program and introducing it to the high school and possibly the junior high school and Sheridan College as well. In April, we will provide a spin casting/bait fishing clinic that’s open to the public. Local experts will be on hand to instruct and teach techniques and strategies. This will be followed in May with a fly fishing clinic. In June, we will be working again with Pheasants Forever and their Outdoor Youth Event. This full-day event is for kids ages 4 See CHAPTER HAPPENINGS on page 16
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CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
to 14. The participants will have the opportunity to learn first aid, basic survival skills, archery shooting, BB gun shooting and basic gun safety instruction. Our chapter, along with the Fly Shop of the Big Horns, will be teaching fly casting. We also donate a lifetime Wyoming Fishing License and Conservation Stamp that will be drawn for one lucky participant (10-14 years old)! We hope to be involved in projects with the USFS as we move forward. We are looking to provide porta-potties at two of the turnouts
Continued from page 15
along the North Tongue River, as well as do some stream-side clean up along both the North and South Tongue rivers. At this time, we do not yet know a start date for either. We will wrap up June with our annual chapter event. We normally do our annual event in February, but we thought spring/summer might be better. This great event will be held at the Owens Creek Campground and will include food, raffle drawings, camaraderie and elections.
GREY REEF CHAPTER The Grey Reef Chapter hosted a fly fishing trivia night at a local brewery tap room in Casper on March 30. There were 25 people in
attendance and all had a good time. The winning team took home $50 and everyone received door prizes. TU related gifts were also given as prizes during the get together. Their were seven new members that signed up to become members of TU and membership applications were given to other interested individuals. The chapter is already planning to host another trivia night in the future.
Seedskadee Chapter hosts successful film tour event Fly tying event that was held at Square State Brewing on March 26. This was a great way for tier — beginner, novice or veteran — to gather and have a great time.
By SADIE VALDEZ Seedskadee Chapter President
The Seedskadee Chapter got the month of March off to a great start by hosting our annual fundraiser, showcasing the Fly Fishing Film Tour, in Green River, Wyoming. Over 140 people attended the event at the Pavilion despite all odds that have hindered everyone over the past couple of years. The energy in the room was overwhelming with laughter and celebration all around. We had a terrific selection of great beer from Square State Brewing, Melvin Brewing and our good friends from Teton Distributors who provided us with Roadhouse Brew and Dales Pale Ale. Plus, those in attendance had fantastic brick oven pizza from the Buffalo 44 Pizza food truck that was on hand. Despite some technical difficulties with the film, everything ended up working out perfectly. We had a huge selection of great raffle prizes and fun games on hand. Custom fly rods were won, children ecstatic over their winning loot of flies and gear, and hot, fresh popcorn enjoyed by all. What made this event so incredible was our amazing volunteer team and our donors and sponsors. We truly could not do this without them. We also hosted another great gathering — an Iron THE TROUT TALE
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WYTU Photos courtesy of Sadie Valdez and Mike Jensen
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YOUR TROUT UNLIMITED BUSINESSESLittle IN Big WYOMING CHAPTER SUPPORT SPOTLIGHT Horn Chapter n North Fork Anglers
n Frog Creek Partners
n Adbay.com Inc. Shawn Houck Casper, WY 82601 (307) 268-4705 shawn@adbay.com www.adbay.com
n Angling Destinations Clark Smyth Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 672-6894 clark@anglingdestinations.com www.anglingdestinations.com
n Arrow Land and Water, LLC Chad Espenscheid Big Piney, WY 83113 (307) 231-2389 chadespen@gmail.com
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n Fish the Fly Guide Service & Travel Jason Balogh Jackson, WY 83001 (307) 690-1139 jb@fishthefly.com www.fishthefly.com
Tim Wade Cody, WY 82414 (307) 527-7274 tw123r4w@yahoo.com www.northforkanglers.com
n Grand Teton Fly Fishing
n North Platte Lodge
Scott Smith and Mark Fuller Jackson, WY 83002 (307) 690-4347 ssflyfish@rocketmail.com markwfuller@gmail.com www.grandtetonflyfishing.com
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Steven Stimmel Kelly, WY 83011 (307) 733-6288 info@theredrockranch.com www.theredrockranch.com
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Ty Hallock Casper, WY 82609 (307) 315-8287 ty@tyoutdoors.com www.tyoutdoors.com
n West Laramie Fly Store
O G L
n Rock Creek Anglers Clark Smyth Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 684-7304 (888) 945-3876 clark@anglingdestinations.com www.rockcreekanglers.com
Dave Hettinger Pavillion, WY 82523 (307) 709-0153 davehettingeroutfitting@gmail.com www.hettingeroutfitting.com O G
Josh Hattan Pinedale, WY 82941 (307) 367-4131 info@tworiversfishing.com www.tworiversfishing.com
n TyOutdoors
n Red Rock Ranch
n Guild Outdoors Adam Guild Afton, WY 83110 (307) 799-6409 guildadam@yahoo.com www.guildranchwyoming.com
n Two Rivers Fishing Company
Erik Aune Alcova, WY 82601 (307) 237-1182 info@northplattelodge.com www.northplattelodge.com
n Dave Hettinger Outfitting
n Dunoir Fishing Adventures, LLC Jeramie Prine Lander, WY 82520 (307) 349-3331 jlprine@gmail.com www.dunoirfishing.com
Brian Deurloo Casper, WY 82601 (307) 797-7720 brian@frogcreek.partners www.frogcreek.partners
Brandon Specht Laramie, WY 82070 (307) 745-5425 flystore@flystore.net www.flystore.net
n Wyoming Newspapers, Inc. Mark Tesoro (307) 789-6560 Evanston, WY 82930 mtesoro@uintacountyherald.com
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n Sunlight Sports
n Jackson Hole Fly Company Greg Epstein Jackson, WY 83001 (800) 346-4339 support@jacksonholeflycompany.com www.jacksonholeflycompany.com
Wes and Melissa Allen Cody, WY 82414 (307) 587-9517 info@sunlightsports.com www.sunlightsports.com
n JD High Country Outfitters
n Sweetwater Fishing Expeditions, LLC
Jackson, Wyoming 83001 (307) 733-7210 scott@jdhcoutfitters.com www.highcountryflies.com
George H. Hunker III Lander, WY 82520 (307) 332-3986 george@sweetwaterfishing.com www.sweetwaterfishing.com
n Live Water Properties Macye Maher Jackson, WY 83002 (866) 734-6100 macye@livewaterproperties.com www.livewaterproperties.com
GOLD LEVEL MEMBER:
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Wind River Outdoor Company
n Thin Air Angler Bob Reece Cheyenne, WY 82009 (307) 256-2741 coach.bobreece@gmail.com www.thinairangler.com
n Maven Brendon Weaver Lander, WY 82501 (800) 307-1109 customerservice@mavenbuilt.com www.mavenbuilt.com
Ron Hansen Lander, WY 82520 Phone: (307) 332-4402 e-mail: rhansen@wyoming.com website: www.windriveroutdoorcompany.com
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n Turpin Meadow Ranch Ron Stiffler Moran, WY 83013 (307) 543-2000 gm@turpinmeadowranch.com www.turpinmeadowranch.com
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Trout Unlimited Business members are TU ambassadors in protecting, restoring, reconnecting and sustaining North America’s coldwater fisheries. To become a TU Business member, contact Wyoming’s own Walt Gasson at 307.630.7398 or e-mail him at walt.gasson@tu.org
O Outfitters
G Guides
L Lodges
Yeti ramblers with the famous WYTU bucking fish logo. Enough said. Hot or cold... the 20 oz. Ramblers include the magslider lid and is perfect for the drift boat, deck or on the go! On sale now for $35 plus shipping. Click here to get your Yeti today! Supplies are very limited! As always, all proceeds benefit our efforts to conserve, protect and restore Wyoming’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Thank you for your support!
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THE TROUT TALE