Wyoming Trout Unlimited Spring 2023 Newsletter

The Trout Tale

Wyoming Winter

“Winter lasts long, up this high.” That’s from Bearclaw Chris Lapp, played by Will Geer. He’s speaking to Jeremiah Johnson, played by Robert Redford in the movie of the same name. By March, a lot of us here on the Laramie Plains begin to feel the same way. This year, my friends in western Wyoming have had a much rougher winter than we have, so if they’re even more wintered-out, I’d certainly understand. But the fact is that we’ve had a great winter. In no small part, that’s about ice fishing.

God blessed us with a lot of flat water in our neck of the woods. The Laramie Plains lakes, both natural and man-made, stretch from the Colorado border most of the way up to Douglas. We fish them a certain amount all year long, sometimes from the bank and sometimes from a float tube. Sometimes it’s a pleasant experience, and sometimes it isn’t. The wind is notorious, and the surroundings can be a bit bleak. But there are fish – big fish.And in the spring, as the ice is going off these lakes, those big fish are often cruising the open water between the shore and the ice sheet. I like to fish for them then. Sometimes, there’s a hatch coming off and they’ll eat dries. I like to fish for them then, too.

But this year, we put a lot of energy into ice fishing. That’s really an oxymoron, since ice fishing is an act mostly performed from a camp chair, and the only energy output comes from dragging your gear out onto the ice or digging another beverage out of the cooler. But for whatever reason, we sorta hit our groove this year out on the ice. I attribute some of that to the new battery-operated ice auger. Small

Winter

gasoline engines and I have had a long and troubled relationship. Gas-powered augers see me coming a mile away and immediately initiate evasive actions. They won’t start. The blade gets dull overnight. The gas cap comes loose in the bed of the pickup and baptizes all my gear in hydrocarbons. You know the drill – pun intended.

The new electric drill takes about seven seconds to drill through 16 inches of ice. It weighs a third of what a gas auger might. I love it. But that’s just one factor.Another factor is the tent. Being out of the wind when there’s nothing between you and the North Pole but a broken-down barbed-wire fence isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. What’s more, since a number of our lakes are fairly shallow, a darkened tent enables you to actually see the fish come in to eat. I’m a visual guy, and that’s the absolute best part for me. Being able to watch a 24-inch rainbow cruise up and kiss your jig is like fishing foreplay. It’s just wonderful. My heart rate goes up just thinking about it.

And the fish themselves are another factor. I revel in just looking at them. Doesn’t much matter what kind. I glory in a 12inch splake pretty much the way I would in a 20-inch brown trout. They’re just glorious wild creatures. Sometimes I’ll knock one on the head and offer it a free ride to the smoker, but mostly I give them back to the water where they belong.And every time I do, I thank God for putting me on the earth in a place where I can see and touch and experience the magic of clean water, wild fish and good friends.

Thank you, God, for ice fishing.

Walt Gasson recently retired from Trout Unlimited where he served as 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, non-profits and the private sector.Walt currently resides in Laramie with his beautiful wife, Kim, and is looking forward to being retired and all that it offers.You can email him at walt.gasson@gmail.com.

Get yours today at wyomingtu.org/shop

Check out our new WYTU hats featuring the new Wyoming Trout Unlimited “Bucking Fish” logo! Choose from moss/tan or brown/tan!

lasts long, up this high

Walt’s ice fishing team member, Chad Baldwin,makes quick work of drilling a hole in the ice using a new battery-powered auger.

Photo Courtesy of Walt Gasson

The official newsletter of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited

The Trout Tale

Spring 2023 • Volume 8, Issue 4

Spring and fun with words

By the time you are reading this, it is officially Spring, or Springtime in the Rockies. We have passed the Vernal Equinox; the days and nights are about equally long; and hopefully we’re seeing some greenery and bare ground!

I looked up “spring” on the web, and it listed a whole string of synonyms. Interestingly, they all started with the letter “R.”

Take “renewal,” for instance. Is it time to renew your membership in Trout Unlimited? Renew old acquaintances with fishing buddies?

“Rejuvenation” – get out your fishing rods, reels, and lines. Clean them up. Check for loose or worn line guides; clean your fly lines (they’ll cast ever so much more smoothly); apply lubricant to reels; re-tie or replace knots; untangle!

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 2023 newsletter (July,August and September) will be June 1, 2023. 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.

© 2023 Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited

• Mike Jensen, Newsletter Editor

• Kathy Buchner, 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:

The colors of spring and anticipation for warmer days filled with sunshine and “good trout eats,” are just around the corner.Are you ready?

“Regrowth” (to grow something anew after interruption ) – Get out your fly or tackle boxes. Maybe you need to discard that Royal Wulff with the broken hackle and tie some new ones. Or, spring forward to your local tackle shop to replenish your supply of Hare’s Ear nymphs or spinner baits.

Feel that “resurgence” of desire to be out there on stream or lake. Abandon the remote, and forget the seemingly endless baseball, football, and basketball playoffs/tournaments. The fish are calling!

How about “revivification” (to give new life to)? OK, you can accuse me of “lexiphanicism” for that (it’s the pretentious use of obscure words). Anyway, maybe it’s time to revivify the old fly vest and take it to the cleaners. Or patch those leaky waders.

Maybe it’s time to refurbish or renovate your fly tying corner. Reduce the clutter with little storage drawers for sorting hooks, threads, tinsels, etc.

Remember the mission statement of Trout Unlimited (TU)? Reconnect and Restore are two key words therein and that’s something that local chapters do best. Are there “hanging culverts” hindering fish passage on your local stream? Get out there and help reconstruct bottomless culverts.

Work with land owners, public land managers and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in identifying and fixing fish diversions. Restore a stream’s natural meander to slow the flow and recharge the water table. “Revitalization” – How’s your TU Chapter doing? Need to schedule a meeting, elect new officers, recruit new members and leaders? Start planning your Kid’s Fishing Day.

Of Wyoming’s 12 chapters, there are two right now that definitely need help with some revitalization: the Upper Green River Chapter and the Star Valley Chapter. If you live in one of these areas, please reach out to Mike Jensen or any of the WYTU executive committee for help in getting your chapter out of the doldrums. After all, that’s part of our job – to resurrect ailing chapters and recharge the vitality of Trout Unlimited throughout Wyoming.

Join us for the WYTU Spring Council meeting on May 5, 6, and 7, in Rawlins. There we will be celebrating the revitalization of the Platte Valley Chapter of TU, electing a new National Leadership Council Representative, renewing friendships and socializing with other TUers, and maybe even some fishing!

For further information, contact me at the email address listed below.

Kathy Buchner has called Jackson,Wyoming, home since 1971. She served as Wyoming Trout Unlimited’s Director from 1993-2002, and has been an active advocate for trout fisheries for some 30 years. She enjoys spending time with her two grandkids (who, at 7 and 4-1/2, love to fish). Kathy can be reached by email at kbuchner@wyoming.com.

Photo by Rick Slagowski, president of the Upper Bear River Chapter in Evanston

Kathy Buchner

Wyoming Trout Unlimited members to gather in Rawlins for Spring Council Meeting

By MIKE JENSEN Wyoming Council Coordinator for Trout Unlimited

It’s been quite some time since the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited (WYTU) and members gathered for a council meeting in Rawlins. But that’s about to change.

Trout Unlimited members and council officers will converge on Rawlins for the annual WYTU Spring Council Meeting that will take place on May 5, 6 and 7, and hosted by the Platte Valley Trout Unlimited (TU) Chapter.

This will be a great opportunity to gather and re-engage with fellow members, friends and colleagues.

FRIDAY, MAY 5

Friday will kick off the three-day event by offering some excellent fishing opportunities in and around the Rawlins area for those interested. Some options might include the Platte River, the Miracle Mile, High Savery Reservoir and Savery Creek below High Savery Reservoir to name a few. However, due to our heavy winter snows, access could be a potential issue. Check with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for updated access and runoff reports.

The Hampton Inn, located at 406Airport Road in Rawlins, is offering a special discounted room rate of $139 per night to Wyoming Trout Unlimited members. TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS DISCOUNTED RATE, YOU MUST MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NO LATER THAN THE END OF THE DAY ON APRIL 5

To make your reservations, call the Hampton Inn in Rawlins at (307) 324-2320 and ask for the Wyoming Trout Unlimited rate.

The Friday night social and dinner will begin around 5:30 p.m. and will be held at Michael’s Big City Steakhouse, located at 1711 West Spruce Street in Rawlins. The phone number is (307) 324-4868.As a reminder, each person will pay for their own meal and beverages.

REMINDERS:

SATURDAY, MAY 6

The annual Wyoming Trout Unlimited spring council and business meeting will take place in the meeting room located at the Hampton Inn in Rawlins, and will begin at 8 a.m.

Each attendee will be responsible for their own breakfast; however, the Platte Valley Chapter will provide coffee, water, soda, donuts and muffins to be available during the meeting.

Pizza from Domino’s Pizza will be served for lunch at noon in the meeting room at the Hampton Inn and will be provided by the Wyoming Council for those in attendance.

The meeting will feature a full agenda of items to get through including electing a new National Leadership Council Representative. Nominations are being accepted for that position and will be taken up to the election on Saturday morning. If you have a nomination for the NLC representative, please contact me by email at mike.jensen@tu.org. The meeting should adjourn around 4:30 to 5 p.m.

Saturday night’s social and dinner will take place at the Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse, located at 1307 West Spruce Street in Rawlins. Phone number is (307) 328-5858. Social hour begins around 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The council will provide dinner for those in attendance; 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 raffle that will help offset 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.

SUNDAY, MAY 7

8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. TBA. Sunday session in meeting room or field trip. Depart for home waters after session is complete.

* Times and locations subject to change.

 Attention chapter presidents and treasurers... your ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORTS are due no later than MAY 15, 2023! If you need assistance with your report, contact council treasurer Jim Hissong.

 How would you like to win an incredible hand-crafted bamboo rod commemorating the Wyoming Cutt-Slam Challenge? For more information and to purchase your Sweepstakes Tickets, see page 11 for details!

Saying goodbye to a friend

OUR MISSION:

Conserving, protecting and restoring Wyoming’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds

WYOMING COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

 Kathy Buchner

Jackson Hole..........................................Chair

 Sadie Valdez

Rock Springs..................................Vice Chair

 Tom Brown

Cody................................................Secretary

 Jim Hissong

Mountain View.................................Treasurer

 Werner Studer

Casper............................NLC Representative

 Dave Sweet

Cody...................................At Large Member

 John Madia

Sheridan.............................At Large Member

 John Burrows

Lander................................At Large Member

 Cole Sherard

Laramie...........................................Past Chair

 Mike Jensen

Cheyenne...................Council Coordinator

WYOMING

TROUT UNLIMITED CHAPTERS

 Curt Gowdy

 East Yellowstone

 Grey Reef

 Jackson Hole

 Laramie Valley

 Platte Valley

 Popo Agie Anglers

 Powder River Basin

 Seedskadee

 Star Valley

 Upper Bear River

 Upper Green River

To join Trout Unlimited today, go to tu.org and click on the “Memberships & Giving” tab. Then choose “become a member.”

March 6 was a sad day. During a phone call that morning with Trout Unlimited’s Wyoming Water and Habitat Program Director, Cory Toye, he asked me if I had heard that Craig Amadio passed away. I hadn’t. I didn’t know what to say. Cory and I sat in silence for several minutes before resuming what turned out to be a subdued phone call.

I first met Craig when he was a fish biologist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and working out of the Green River regional office. He and his supervisor at the time, Robb Keith, were very helpful as several of us in Evanston were trying to revitalize the Trout Unlimited chapter there.

Craig was always there for the chapter, especially when it came to shocking fish on the Bear River, and working with local students involved in the Adopt-A-Trout program.

Craig also worked in Cody and his beloved Lander as regional fisheries supervisor, where he also worked closely with local Trout Unlimited chapters in those communities.

Needless to say, Craig will be sorely missed by many.

Robb Keith, Craig’s good friend from Green River said it best when he said “Craig’s passing is tragic. He was so young and so talented. I was looking forward to many more hunting and fishing trips with him.”

Amen. May he rest in peace.

On behalf of the 1,600-plus Trout Unlimited members in Wyoming, a special thanks goes to Werner Studer, who is nearing the end of his final term as National Leadership Council (NLC) Representative. For five years, Werner served the Wyoming council, chapters and members on a national level, where he was on several TU and NLC committees.

A new Wyoming NLC representative will be elected at the upcoming WYTU Spring Council meeting in Rawlins on May 6.

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” Ranch with the dog or tying a few flies, you’ll find him driving his drift boat in search of big Wyoming trout. Email Mike at mike.jensen@tu.org.

Good friends Craig Amadio, left, and Robb Keith, enjoy a beautiful day and great fishing mid-June last year chasing Kokanee Salmon on Fontenelle Reservoir.

Photo Courtesy of Robb Keith

Werner Studer

OBITUARY Craig Amadio

April 25, 1975 — March 2, 2023

CraigAmadio, age 47, of Lander, Wyoming, passed away on March 2, 2023, with family and friends by his side. He was loved and will be greatly missed.

Craig was born onApril 25, 1975, in Lander, Wyoming. The son of Chuck and BarbaraAmadio, he grew up in Lander, where his early years were spent with friends re-creating Star Wars adventures, making Batman and Robin memories, playing soccer, or enjoying a neighborhood game in the yard. He was an imaginative child and good brother, often letting his little sister tag along in the adventures. He was an incredible artist, taking after his mother, with a beautiful gift for drawing.

From an early age, Craig developed a love of the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, boating and camping with family and friends. He loved music and was never so happy as being at a bluegrass festival or a Grateful Dead concert. Craig loved social settings and never met a stranger. He was a fan of sports and would carry on a conversation about the latest sports news with anyone in earshot, but he particularly enjoyed these conversations with his mom. He was especially a fan of NASCAR, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Buffalo Bills.

Craig graduated from Lander Valley High School in 1993 and earned a bachelor of science degree in Fish and Wildlife Management and master of science in Zoology and Physiology from the University of Wyoming. He worked as a fisheries biologist and fisheries supervisor for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for over 20 years in Green River, Cody and Lander. Craig credited his dad for influencing his career choice by taking him hunting and fishing before he could even walk. His passion for fishing and his career with the Game and Fish brought him countless memories and friendships that grew into family.

Craig is survived by his mother, Barbara; sister, Megan; aunts, LouAnn (Bart) Miller, Nikki (Dennis)Amadio and Mary (Neal) Johnson;Amadio and Johnson cousins; and the Steensland family. He was preceded in death by his father, ChuckAmadio;Amadio grandparents; Johnson grandparents; and uncles, DennisAmadio, PaulAmadio, Richard Johnson and Neal Johnson.

Amemorial service was held on March 11 at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Lander.

Memorial donations in Craig’s name may be mailed directly to the PopoAgieAnglers Trout Unlimited Chapter, PO Box 98, Lander, WY 82520.

Information needed for Wyoming history of fishing

Cheryl O’Brien from Dubois, is conducting research on early (late 1800s to 1970s) Wyoming fishing tackle makers (rods, reels, flies, lures, equipment, etc.). She is working to document their craftsmanship and contributions made to our Wyoming history of fishing.

If you have any information to share about early Wyoming tackle makers, please contact Cheryl at (307) 455-2314 or email her at cherobrien@dteworld.com.

More than 100 anglers completed the Wyoming Cutt-Slam challenge in 2022

CHEYENNE – It was another successful year for anglers involved in one of the more unique fishing challenges offered by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.The Wyoming Cutt-Slam capped its 26th year in 2022, with 123 anglers who documented catching the state’s four native subspecies of cutthroat trout – Bonneville, Colorado, Snake River and Yellowstone.

It is the fifth consecutive year more than 100 anglers achieved this feat – a positive trend for one of the most prestigious fishing challenges. Since the Cutt-Slam’s inception in 1996, the club’s membership has grown to 2,213 anglers .

“Completing the Cutt-Slam is a great way to learn about Wyoming’s four native subspecies of cutthroat trout and see some fantastic country while you are doing it,” said Alan Osterland, fisheries chief for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “It can also be a great family project, spending quality time outdoors fishing.”

Cutt-Slam recipients receive a personalized certificate and vehicle decal from Game and Fish, and since the summer of 2018, a medallion from Wyoming Trout Unlimited.

The CuttSlam was the idea of the late Ron Remmick, a former Game and Fish fisheries supervisor in the Green River and Pinedale regions who worked for the department for

This obituary was published by the Hudson Funeral Home in Lander on March 7, 2023.

25 years. Remmick developed the Cutt-Slam to draw attention and appreciation for the habitat needs and management efforts for Wyoming’s cutthroat species.

The Cutt-Slam program continues to garner interest and support for native cutthroat trout conservation,” Osterland said.”In addition, it is a great way to spend time exploring Wyoming’s great outdoors.Thanks to all who have participated, and thanks to Trout Unlimited for their continued support.”

different trophy-length species designate someone as a Trophy Angler, carrying the same prizes as a Master Angler and a commemorative medallion.

Those who catch 10 different trophy species get the title of Ultimate Angler and earn the Trophy Angler prizes as well as a special prize package.

Anglers can use the information from the Master Angler webpage to see which waters have yielded trophy fish to plan out their own pursuits.

CHEYENNE – Eleven more Wyoming anglers can say they mastered the state’s waters.The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is happy to announce the newest Ultimate Anglers who caught 10 different species of trophy-sized fish in Wyoming. The achievement is recognized as part of the department’s Master Angler program.

“Congratulations to those eleven anglers,” said Wyoming Game and Fish Department Deputy Chief of Fisheries Dirk Miller. “It’s certainly not an easy task to catch 10 trophy-sized fish, but it’s a lot of fun and time spent outside enjoying our waters.”

Since the program’s launch, 32 anglers have achieved Ultimate Angler status.This year, two Wyoming teens — at the age of 15 — became the youngest anglers to earn Ultimate Angler Status.

Trophy fish represent the largest fish in the state — the top 5 percent — of the 24 eligible species. Some fisheries in Wyoming are managed for trophy sizes while others are for high-catch rates and species diversity.

Participating in the Master Angler program is easy, even if catching a trophy is challenging.An angler who lands a fish that meets or exceeds the minimum qualifying length from snout to the tip of a pinched tail must take and submit a side-view photograph of the fish. Include in the photograph an object, like a ruler or a coin, to validate the length. Submit the photo, angler information and details about the species and where it was caught on the Game and Fish website. Catching one trophysized fish earns the title of master angler, a species-specific sticker and recognition on the Game and Fish website. Five

Saturday, June 3 is free fishing day in Wyoming

You can fish without a license on Free Fishing Day! Each year, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department designates the first Saturday of National Boating and Fishing Week as a free fishing day when anyone can fish in Wyoming without a fishing license.

National Boating and Fishing Week is a celebration that highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing in enhancing quality of life and preserving our country’s national beauty.

All fishing regulations, creel and size limits, gear restrictions, and stream closures remain in effect.

So take this opportunity to celebrate this special day by going fishing with family and friends.

Governor appoints two new game and fish commissioners

CHEYENNE –The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission met in Rock Springs last month for its March meeting.Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon’s new appointees to the Commission started their service at that meeting.

Those two new members are Rusty Bell from Campbell County and John Masterson from Natrona County.

Each is appointed to a six-year term.

The Commission elected Ralph Brokaw as president and Richard Ladwig as vice president.

Check out our great looking unstructured hat featuring the new Wyoming Trout Unlimited “Bucking Fish” logo. Get yours today at wyomingtu.org/shop

For him or her.

Eleven Wyoming fishing enthusiasts recognized as “Ultimate Anglers”

$20 million grant jumpstarts Wyoming climate resiliency work

By ZOE BOMMARITO Trout

Mountain

The valleys of the Teton and Gros Ventre Ranges, with their iconic landscape and waters, illustrate the beauty and longevity of nature. But what will it look like 100 years from now? With climate change and drought wreaking havoc on streams across the country, we are more motivated than ever to invest in climate resiliency for future generations.

The Snake River Headwaters just outside of Jackson, Wyoming, will be the subject of a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation to better understand how climate change will affect stream flows, aquatic ecosystems and the communities and individuals who rely on them.

The headwaters of the Snake River were carved by glaciers and snowmelt coursing through the jagged peaks and broad valleys of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The mainstem Snake River provides cold, clean water and a diversity of connected habitats for native Snake River cutthroat trout – the only remaining subspecies of cutthroat trout in the West that still dominates its home range.

In 2016, Trout Unlimited and the Jackson Hole TU chapter launched the Snake River Headwaters Initiative out of recognition of the conservation importance of this special place. Since then, critical streams have been reconnected and restored through partnerships with over 65 conservation organizations and agencies and more projects are in the works.

Safeguarding native cutthroat trout from drought

Wyoming, like many western states, is experiencing historic drought conditions. Climate change and drought are resulting in reduced wintertime snowpack and declines in streamflow and water availability. This, paired with increased demand for water supply, illustrates an uncertain future for this ecosystem. The past few years of drought have brought complex issues facing the watershed, like near-empty reservoirs and stranded fish, that require proactive and collaborative solutions.

Projects that improve climate resiliency, like Spread Creek, ensure that this is a thriving cutthroat fishery into the future. However, Trout Unlimited and our partners need more research and monitoring to inform climate-resiliency projects for the future –that’s where the new $20 million grant comes in.

See $20 MILLION GRANT on page 9

Unlimited

West Communications Director

Photos by Joshua Duplechian, Senior Producer Trout Unlimited

The five-year, $20 million grant, awarded to the University of Wyoming (UW), will enable research on long-term water availability and expected changes to the system due to climate change. The project’s official name is WyomingAnticipating Climate Transitions (WY-ACT). In addition to water monitoring, the project aims to predict how climate change will impact the state’s natural resources, agriculture and tourism sectors. WY-ACT will use data collection and computer monitoring to simulate climate impacts on water supply, hydrology, streamflow, and aquatic ecosystem health.

To best understand the current challenges to Wyoming’s water

supply, UW is collaborating with stakeholders throughout the state, including Trout Unlimited. TU is currently working with the WYACT team on stakeholder mapping to help plan the structure and membership of a new Snake River Headwaters watershed group whose goal will be to increase coordination and collaboration to collectively address complex issues facing the watershed. In turn, members of the watershed group will be able to help the WY-ACT team with future climate scenario planning and provide input on monitoring efforts as needed.

This year, the watershed group will begin by discussing drivers of change in the Snake River system, resulting in a specific set of scenarios over the next 10-40 years. Then, WY-ACT will develop computer models to simulate linkages between climate, river flow, fish populations, and community activities. These simulations will be informed by new monitoring instruments such as buoys, boats, snow measurement equipment, portable temperature sensors, and more.As the project continues, WY-ACT will develop a framework to measure the health and vitality of the Snake River system and issue a “report card” to report on progress.

While we do not know exactly what this ecosystem will look like in 100 years, we do know this: WY-ACT funding for robust climate science data, monitoring, and projections in the basin will help TU and its partners safeguard the upper Snake’s high-elevation native trout habitat for years to come.

Big changes happening with Sheridan TU Chapter

By JOHN MADIA President Powder River Basin Trout Unlimited Chapter

The Trout Unlimited (TU) Chapter in Sheridan has undergone substantial changes to better serve the cold water fisheries we represent. We started last Spring looking at our chapter membership rosters, and attendance at events, meetings and the like. Our chapter encompasses the five northeastern counties of Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan, and Weston, totaling almost 17,000 square miles of the 98,000 that make up Wyoming.

The research we conducted identified two issues. One, the chances of seeing members from Gillette, Moorcroft, Sundance, and even Buffalo are slim as we hold all of our meetings and most of our events in Sheridan. Two, we never hear from these other locations and do not know what their needs are, what fisheries need work, what members want, etc.

Our board started the process of reorganizing to address these issues. We changed our bylaws to add two executive positions to the board, including the Vice President of Operations for Johnson County and the Vice President of Operations for the East Counties (Campbell, Crook, and Weston). We have also created a director position for each vice president. These new positions will be the local face of Trout Unlimited in their respective areas. They will work with community officials, the U.S. Forest Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and others to assess local issues and work to develop and implement solutions.

The board has filled the two positions in Johnson County and will be completing this task for the east in the coming weeks.

We are very excited about these changes and are hopeful that the two new areas will someday grow to where they can stand up their own chapters. We also believe that this can be a model for other chapters that cover a large geographical area.

Once the reorganization plan was approved and started to be implemented, it became clear that we needed to change the name of the chapter. The Little Big Horn River has its headwaters in extreme northeastern Sheridan County, starting near Medicine Wheel and flowing north approximately 10 miles into Montana. It gains fame from Montana history (Custer and the Little Big Horn), although it is a terrific cutthroat and brookie fishery on the Wyoming side. In reality, however, the area our chapter represents is more accurately known as the Powder River Basin of Wyoming.

Effective the first of the year 2023, we completed all the tasks required (bylaws, national TU notification and their help with the 501(c)(3) filings, bank accounts, etc.) to officially represent ourselves as the Powder River Basin Chapter of Trout Unlimited! We are still Chapter #615 for those of you keeping score.

Our Facebook Page (Powder River Basin Trout Unlimited) has been positively received, and a new website will launch very soon. We already advertise the new name with our current fly tying classes (February throughApril), the F3T film tour (March 11), and our annual banquet and elections (April 29).

We should unveil our new logo at the F3T film tour and will have it proudly on display at the spring council meeting in Rawlins.

Please reach out to me if you would like additional details or think a similar reorganization would be of benefit to your chapter. I can be reached by phone at (307) 763-6773 or by email at jfmadia@outlook.com.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SNAKE RIVER HEADWATERS INITIATIVE BY CLICKING HERE

An outdoorsperson’s recap of the 2023 Legislative Session

By AMELIA HOWE TU Wyoming Field Manager Angler Conservation Project

In January, Wyoming Senators and Representatives from across the state traveled to Cheyenne for the 2023 General Session. This year, seasoned lawmakers welcomed 29 new representatives and five new senators to their ranks, saw almost 500 bills, and worked together to pass 196 bills. It was a very busy eight weeks. Along with the legislators, lobbyists and advocates who represent different organizations and citizen’s groups joined in as well. Amelia Howe, Trout Unlimited’s Angler Conservation Program Wyoming Field Manager attended her first legislative session representing TU’s interests.

Trout Unlimited takes a very targeted and focused approach when attending the legislative session. The organization and its employees do not engage in lobbying unless there is a direct impact to our mission. Some examples of topics we pay attention to and engage on are the health of coldwater fisheries, in stream flow, Colorado River authority, and threats to access on public lands for Wyoming sports people. This year, from TU’s perspective, there were lots of interesting things to watch and keep an eye on, but only a few things required direct lobbying, or the urging of lawmakers to vote one way or another.

The topics TU tracked during the 2023 session can be broken into a few different categories based on the offices of the state they pertain to: Office of State Lands and Investments (OSLI), Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund (WWNRT), State Engineers Office (SEO), and lastly, Office of Outdoor Recreation (WOOR).A few bills that passed during this session and are important for members of TU, anglers, hunting enthusiasts, and conservationists alike are explained below.

HB 74, the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund bill, passed both the House and the Senate and is awaiting the Governor’s signature to be signed into law. This bill will establish a $6 million outdoor recreation trust fund to support outdoor recreation focused projects across the state. This effort could help fund TU chapter and council projects that focus on improving angler experiences across the state. In a big win for conservation across the state of Wyoming, both SF 106, the 2023 Large Project Funding bill and SF 87, the Natural Resource Funding Large Project Threshold Increase passed and were signed into law by Governor Gordon at the end of February. These bills are a big win for conservation groups across the state, and TU in particular, as

many of our projects utilize this funding to do great work with our partners across the state. The first bill, SF 106, Approves WWNRT projects that apply for funding for projects that are above the current $200,000 project cost threshold. Many TU projects are funded by the WWNRT, as well as other projects that benefit conservation across the state. You can see a list of projects here Trout Unlimited has two projects in this bill awaiting approval. The second bill, SF 87, will allow the WWNRT to support larger projects without the need for legislative approval by increasing to the project application cost threshold from $200k to $400k. This would be very beneficial for TU as many of our restoration and fish passage projects currently surpass the $200k cost threshold.

HB 147, Unlawful Trespass Signage-taking of wildlife, was also signed into law at the end of February. This bill is a big win for anglers and hunters as it updates Wyoming’s hunter harassment statute to ensure hunters and anglers are protected while they are in the field when they encounter “no trespassing” or similar signs blocking their legal access to public lands.

Lastly, HB 84, or the Regulation of Commercially Guided Boats, was introduced in the House again this session, but was tabled to be heard as an interim session discussion this summer which will allow the legislators who are writing this bill to hear citizen and stakeholder perspectives on this issue more in-depth. You can expect to hear more updates about this bill as it is discussed this summer, but essentially this bill intends to authorize the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) to regulate commercially guided fishing boats. The bill claims that the intent is to “protect the quality of the fishery or aquatic resources and species in this state.” From TU and WGFD’s perspective, there is currently no negative impact on the fishery, however, there is an issue with angler experience.

In addition to the Regulation of Commercially Guided Boats bill, hunting and angling organizations are advocating for a focus of the interim session to be on sustainable access to Wyoming’s public lands and waters. Expect to hear a lot of updates from your favorite hunting and angling groups this summer as we move into the interim session.

TU chapters or members who are interested in learning more about these efforts can reach out toAmelia at amelia.howe@tu.org.

RIGHT: Team TU at the Legislative Reception in Cheyenne. Left to right are Tanner Belknap, Salt River Watershed Manager; Amelia Howe, TU Field Manager, Angler Conservation Project; and, Mike Jensen, Wyoming Council Coordinator. Not pictured are Chris Brown, President of the Curt Gowdy Chapter and Nick Gann, Southwest Communications Director.The group also participated in the “Camo at the Capitol” activities held on February 2. Wyoming Trout Unlimited helped sponsor this event to learn more about legislative processes in addition to providing the opportunity to meet and talk to legislators.

Camo at the Capitol

Photo by WYTU

New position filled for the Upper Bear River Project Manager

By JIM DeRITO Bear River Project Manager

Trout Unlimited (TU) is pleased to announce that Mike Fiorelli has accepted the new position of Upper Bear River Project Manager. Mike will start in the position inApril.

The position will cover the Bear River Basin from the headwaters in the Uinta Mountains down river to the Idaho state line. Work will be focused on protection, reconnection, and restoration actions equally across the states of Utah and Wyoming.

Funding support is being provided by several large multi-state federal grants in the basin from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

As an example, TU is partnering on a $4.2M collaborative aquatic landscape restoration program with the Uinta-WasatchCache National Forest that will improve fish passage and restore stream habitat using process-based restoration techniques throughout the headwaters.

Mike currently works for TU as the Uinta Basin Project Manager based in Vernal, Utah. He has been in this position for over three years where he has excelled at developing relationships with

landowners, water rights holders, and tribal partners to implement restoration projects.

Previously, he worked for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in Vernal as a fisheries biologist where he completed research, monitoring, and restoration for threatened native aquatic species throughout the Lower Green River Drainage for over seven years.

Mike began his career working as a fisheries technician for two seasons for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in the Green River office.

Mike received a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Clarion University in Pennsylvania, his home state. He grew up fly fishing the renowned springs creeks in that state. He’s an avid outdoorsman and enjoys being on the water and in the mountains with his wife, Valarie, and their four dogs. He also enjoys coaching high school football.

Win this custom, handcrafted bamboo rod that commemorates the Wyoming Cutt-Slam Challenge!

Washington rod maker Steve Foisie has handcrafted a beautiful 7’6” 5 wt. bamboo rod to honor the Wyoming Cutt-Slam Challenge. This unique rod comes with two matching rod tips, rod sock and an incredible 12-sided rod tube constructed of walnut. In addition to having Steve’s name and serial number on the rod, he has named the rod “The Wyoming Cutt-Slam” (see picture lower left). The rod also features the names of the four native cutthroat trout subspecies — Yellowstone, Bonneville, Snake River Fine Spotted and Colorado River on the rod as well.

Mike Fiorelli and his wife,Valarie.

Finley hired as Snake River Headwaters project manager

Sawyer Finley joined Trout Unlimited (TU) in the New Year as the Snake River Headwaters Project Manager.

He is working with the U.S. Forest Service to inventory fish passage barriers in tributaries to the upper Snake River and continuing TU’s community outreach in the Jackson Hole area.

Sawyer grew up in Colorado, fishing and recreating in the waterways of the Front Range. He went to a TU fly fishing camp in middle school, solidifying his love for freshwater systems and the organisms that inhabit them.

Sawyer attended Colorado College, graduating with a degree in Biology and Ecology. He participated in an NSF

Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the University of Oregon’s Hatfield Marine Science Center, investigating habitat usage by out-migrating juvenile Chinook salmon using stable isotopes. He also worked as a technician for Colorado Parks and Wildlife after graduation.

Sawyer worked with TU in the Headwaters of the Snake River in the summer of 2022 as the conservation intern.

He completed his master’s degree at Idaho State University in the fall of 2022, and studied the role of habitat complexity on macroinvertebrate community diversity in the Frank Church wilderness in Idaho.

In his free time, Sawyer loves to fly fish, tie flies, mountain bike and backcountry ski.

Forest Service TU partnership delivers for the Bighorn Basin

By LARRY TIMCHAK Wyoming Council Conservation Chair

When you think about the coldwater fisheries across Wyoming, most of the streams and rivers originate on the five national forests that span the state. My home forest, the Shoshone, is headwaters to iconic rivers including the North and South Fork of the Shoshone, the Greybull and Wood, the Clarks Fork of theYellowstone and the Wind River. With the strong connection between the national forests and our favorite trout streams, our local East Yellowstone TU Chapter (EYTU) was happy to hear about the new partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and Trout Unlimited.

The five-year, $40 million partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and Trout Unlimited resulted from the recent passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and JobsAct (IIJA). This five-year National Watershed andAquatic Restoration Initiative aims to increase the pace and scale of watershed restoration on national forests and grasslands. “It is heartening to see the bipartisan infrastructure law’s resources being put to good use,” said Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited. “This agreement builds on a long and productive partnershipÊbetween the Forest Service and Trout Unlimited.

While our local chapter was happy to hear about the national partnership, we were ecstatic when we learned that TU’s Wyoming Water and Habitat Program Director Cory Toye and Northwest Wyoming TU Program Manager Leslie Steen leveraged the new funding to create a partnership with the Shoshone National Forest. The partnership

resulted in a long-sought position to re-establish the TU Bighorn Basin Project Manager position. The position will focus on habitat and restoration needs on national forests as well as other lands across the Bighorn Basin.And there is a lot to do.

The new Project Manager is Brittany Swope.A Cody native, Swope has strong ties to the Bighorn Basin. She attributes her passion for fisheries to her experiences fishing theAbsaroka Range with her grandfather. She is excited about the opportunity to work in the Basin improving fish passage and aquatic habitat.As an undergraduate at the University of Wyoming, she studied the evolutionary history of Nile Perch,Yellowstone cutthroat trout spawning, and compiled 100 years of fish stocking records for the North Fork of the Shoshone River.After graduation, Swope returned to Cody to work for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as theAquatic Habitat Technician. Most recently, she worked for the Cody Conservation District as the Conservation and Outreach Specialist. Since her return, she has been involved in several aquatic habitat improvement projects, sediment reduction efforts, and community outreach. Swope enjoys spending her free time on the water fishing and rafting, as well as pursuing upland game, photography and spending time with family.

Toye is happy to have some help to work on the many potential projects across the Basin.

“TU is fortunate to have Brittany on the Wyoming team. Her local connections, motivation and passion for the resource is apparent and already creating new partnerships and project opportunities. We are already so impressed with her attention to detail and ability as a project manager, grant writer and allaround good person. If you are in the Big Horn

Basin, keep an eye out for her – she’s busy doing great things!”

Casey McQuiston, Shoshone National Forest North Zone District Ranger, looks forward to results from the new partnership. “The Shoshone National Forest has really appreciated the strong partnership with Trout Unlimited and the habitat restoration and improvement work that has been accomplished as a result. The fish ladder on the Wood River, aquatic organism passage in numerous locations, and fish screens on the North Fork are a few examples of the benefits of this partnership. We look forward to working with Brittany on similar projects in the future.”

With financial resources potentially available through the infrastructure law, and with willing partners, there may never be a better opportunity to address long-standing restoration and habitat improvement needs across the Bighorn Basin.

The final word from Brittany: “Let’s get to work to restore and maintain the many great fisheries across the Bighorn Basin.”

Sawyer Finley is all smiles with this fine rainbow

Brittany Swope enjoys some fun in the sun

 Angling Destinations

Clark Smyth Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 672-6894

clark@anglingdestinations.com www.anglingdestinations.com

 Arrow Land and Water, LLC

Chad Espenscheid Big Piney, WY 83113 (307) 231-2389 chadespen@gmail.com

 Dunoir Fishing Adventures, LLC

Jeramie Prine Lander, WY 82520 (307) 349-3331

jlprine@gmail.com www.dunoirfishing.com

 Fish the Fly Guide Service & Travel

Jason Balogh Jackson, WY 83001 (307) 690-1139

jb@fishthefly.com www.fishthefly.com

 Fly Shop of the Bighorns

Clark Smyth Sheridan, WY 82001 (307) 672-5866 clark@anglingdestinations.com www.sheridanflyfhishing.com

 Frog Creek Partners

Brian Deurloo Casper, WY 82601 (307) 797-7720

brian@frogcreek.partners www.frogcreek.partners

 Frontier Brewing Company & Tap Room

Shawn Houck Casper, WY 82601 (307) 337-1000 frontierbrewingcompany.com

 Grand Teton Fly Fishing

Scott Smith and Mark Fuller Jackson, WY 83002 (307) 690-4347 ssflyfish@rocketmail.com markwfuller@gmail.com www.grandtetonflyfishing.com

 Graylight Outfitters

David Collom Elsinore, UT 84724 (435) 720-7440 graylightoutfitters@gmail.com www.graylightoutfitters.com

 Guild Outdoors

Adam Guild Afton, WY 83110 (307) 799-6409 guildadam@yahoo.com www.guildranchwyoming.com

 Jackson Hole Fly Company

Greg Epstein Jackson, WY 83001 (800) 346-4339 support@jacksonholeflycompany.com www.jacksonholeflycompany.com

 JD High Country Outfitters Jackson, Wyoming 83001 (307) 733-7210 scott@jdhcoutfitters.com www.highcountryflies.com

 Live Water Properties

Macye Maher Jackson, WY 83002 (866) 734-6100 macye@livewaterproperties.com www.livewaterproperties.com

 Maven Brendon Weaver Lander, WY 82501 (800) 307-1109 customerservice@mavenbuilt.com www.mavenbuilt.com

 North Fork Anglers

Tim Wade Cody, WY  82414 (307) 527-7274 tw123r4w@yahoo.com www.northforkanglers.com

 North Platte Lodge

Erik Aune Alcova, WY 82601 (307) 237-1182 info@northplattelodge.com www.northplattelodge.com

 The Red Rock Ranch

Steven Stimmel Kelly, WY 83011 (307) 733-6288 info@theredrockranch.com www.theredrockranch.com

 Rock Creek Anglers

Clark Smyth  Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 684-7304 (888) 945-3876 clark@anglingdestinations.com www.rockcreekanglers.com

 Sunlight Sports

Wes and Melissa Allen Cody, WY 82414 (307) 587-9517 info@sunlightsports.com www.sunlightsports.com

 Sweetwater Fishing Expeditions, LLC

George H. Hunker III Lander, WY 82520 (307) 332-3986 george@sweetwaterfishing.com www.sweetwaterfishing.com

 Thin Air Angler

Bob Reece Cheyenne, WY 82009 (307) 256-2741 coach.bobreece@gmail.com www.thinairangler.com

 TroutHut Net-Worx

Mike Jensen Cheyenne, WY 82009 (307) 421-3188 trouthut@gmail.com

Trout Unlimited Business members are TU ambassadors in protecting, restoring, reconnecting and sustaining North America’s coldwater fisheries.

L Guides Lodges

 Turpin Meadow Ranch

Ron Stiffler Moran, WY 83013 (307) 543-2000

gm@turpinmeadowranch.com www.turpinmeadowranch.com

 Two Rivers Fishing Company

Josh Hattan Pinedale, WY 82941 (307) 367-4131 info@tworiversfishing.com www.tworiversfishing.com

 Ty Outdoors

Ty Hallock Casper, WY 82609 (307) 315-8287 ty@tyoutdoors.com www.tyoutdoors.com

 West Laramie Fly Store Brandon Specht Laramie, WY 82070 (307) 745-5425 flystore@flystore.net www.flystore.net