NEWS
COLORADO’S WATER STORY STARTS WITH SNOW
From CTU - https://coloradotu.org/blog/2026/2/colorados-water-story-starts-with-snow
Colorado’s rivers support our communities, our ecosystems, and the ways people connect with water across the state. Every river needs people willing to pay attention to what’s happening upstream and why it matters, especially in low snow years.
This winter, Colorado has seen unusually low snowpack. According to data from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, statewide snowpack is currently about 58 percent of median levels. Conditions vary across the state, but overall snow accumulation is well below what is typical for this time of year. These conditions raise important questions about what this year may mean for rivers, watersheds, communities, ecosystems, and recreation as the season unfolds.
Snowpack is not just part of winter. It is the foundation of Colorado’s water system.
WHY SNOWPACK MATTERS
Snowpack acts as Colorado’s natural water storage. It holds water through the winter and releases it gradually as temperatures rise, sustaining rivers and streams through spring and summer.
When snowpack is low, there is less water stored for later in the year. That can mean reduced runoff, lower river flows, and warmer water during the hottest months. Those changes affect more than rivers alone. They influence drinking water supplies, agriculture, wildlife habitat, energy production, and the local economies and recreation that depend on healthy rivers.
Low snow years make these connections more visible across the state.
RIVERS REFLECT WATERSHED HEALTH
Rivers tell the story of the watersheds around them. When conditions change across the landscape, rivers often show it first.
Scientists monitor watershed health in many ways, including tracking macroinvertebrates, the small aquatic insects that live in streams and rivers. Because they respond quickly to changes in flow and water quality, shifts in these communities can offer early insight into broader watershed stress.
Healthy watersheds support clean water, resilient ecosystems, and more reliable water supplies for communities across Colorado. Caring for rivers means paying attention to the systems that support them.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR COMMUNITIES AND RECREATION
Low snow years can change how rivers function across Colorado. Lower flows and warmer water later in the season can affect river conditions and influence when and where people recreate.
These impacts are not limited to one activity. Boating, paddling, angling, and other river uses can all be affected, depending on location and timing. Conditions vary widely across the state, and staying informed about local river conditions helps people make thoughtful decisions throughout the season.
At the same time, low snow years can place added pressure on water supplies that support communities, agriculture, and local economies. Rivers connect all of these uses.
WHAT COMES NEXT
Snowpack sets the stage, but river conditions continue to change through spring and summer. Colorado Trout Unlimited will be monitoring snowpack, watershed conditions, and river health as the season unfolds and sharing updates to help members and local communities better understand what’s happening and why it matters.
This work will focus on clear, science-based information that supports public understanding and shared stewardship across Colorado.
BEING A RIVER CHAMPION THIS YEAR
Being a river champion does not always mean taking action on the ground. In low snow years, awareness itself matters.
Understanding where our water comes from, how snowpack supports rivers, and how watershed health connects to daily life helps build shared responsibility for Colorado’s water future. Informed conversations and thoughtful choices support healthier rivers over the long term.
Healthy rivers support Colorado communities, wildlife, and recreation. Especially in low water years, understanding Colorado’s water story is one way we can all help care for the rivers we depend on.
Tie-4-The Future: One Fly at a Time
It’s time to dust off your vise, grab some materials, and tie flies for a cause that truly matters.
Colorado Trout Unlimited is excited to invite our members and chapters to participate in the Tie-4-The Future Challenge, a statewide effort to support TU’s education programs by doing what we love, tying flies. Every fly tied and donated helps connect youth to rivers, science, and conservation through hands-on learning experiences like Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp, STREAM Programs, and more.
WHAT IS TIE-4-THE FUTURE?
Comparing a Tied Fly with a ‘Real Bug’ at Camp.
Tie-4-The Future is a friendly, chapter-based challenge that encourages TU members to tie flies that will be used in Colorado TU education programs. It’s simple, meaningful, and a great excuse to gather around a vise with friends—whether at home, at a brewery, virtually, or during a chapter meeting.
How it works is easy:
Tie as many flies as you’d like (click here to see recommended fly patterns)
Chapters collect flies from their members
Mail all flies together by April 1, 2026
Be sure to include your chapter name and number of flies
At the end of the challenge, the Colorado TU Chapter that ties the most flies will take home the Tie-4-The Future Trophy for a full year—along with some well-earned bragging rights 🏆.
The winner will be announced at the Colorado TU Spring Rendezvous in April.
CHAPTERS: THIS IS YOUR MOMENT!
This first year of Tie-4-The Future is just getting off the ground. That means now is the time to jump in and make an impact.
Fly Tying at Walking Mountain Science Center
Many chapters are already hosting fly-tying nights or informal tying sessions—and if your chapter isn’t yet, this is a perfect reason to start! A Tie-4-The Future tying event can be:
A chapter fly-tying night
A pop-up event at a local shop or brewery
A casual gathering for new and seasoned tiers alike
A great way to welcome new members or reconnect with longtime ones
No pressure, no perfection—just flies tied with purpose.
WHY IT MATTERS
Fly Tying at River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp.
The flies you tie don’t just fill boxes—they help spark curiosity, build skills, and create lifelong connections between young people and our waters. Through our Colorado Education Programs these flies become tools for learning, inspiration, and conservation.
READY TO GET INVOLVED?
Gather your materials, rally your chapter, and start tying! When you’re ready, mail your flies to:
Colorado Trout Unlimited
ATTN: Cyndy Scholz
1536 Wynkoop St, Suite 320
Denver, CO 80202
Questions? Reach out to cyndy.scholz@tu.org.
Year one is just getting started, so jump in, start tying, and help set the hook for a great new Colorado TU tradition.
Registration is Open for Green River & Bighorn River Fishing Trips!
You sign up by emailing Rich Hus at r_hus@hotmail.com after receiving newsletter link, then pay a $150 non-refundable deposit by check or other electronic means(Zelle is preferred) to confirm your sign up.
The trips are first-come-first-served.
If you need to cancel for any reason after your deposit has been received, then you must find someone to replace you who will pay you the $150 deposit. If you cannot find someone to replace you then your deposit will be forfeited to the other participants to help offset a little bit of the additional costs.
We share the costs of the rental home(s)/resort plus organize carpools to help lower the price of the trips. The trips are four to five nights which can accommodate 10 – 12 fly fishers and are usually full each year, so sign up early!
A $150 non-refundable deposit is now required to sign up paid by check or other electronic means as determined by the organizer of the trip. The trips are first-come-first-served based on when your deposit is received by the organizer. If your deposit is received after the trip is full then your deposit will be returned, and you will be added to a waitlist. If you need to cancel for any reason after your deposit has been received by the organizer, then you must find someone to replace you who will pay you the $150 deposit. If you cannot find someone to replace you then your deposit will be forfeited to the other participants to help offset a little bit of the additional costs.
Carpools are organized to help lower transportation costs. The driver typically does not pay for fuel as there is wear and tear on the vehicle, so the fuel is paid for by the other occupant(s).
The Green River – April 13th – 17th, 2026
We fish the A section of the Green River below Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Utah. The trip is scheduled in April to time the Mayfly hatch. The canyon walls and the greenish color of the river provide a spectacular backdrop to your fishing experience. Beautiful large Rainbows and Browns are numerous. Some fishers will use guides or personal watercraft to float the seven miles from the dam to the Little Hole take-out while others will wade fish up the canyon from Little Hole.
We stay at Flaming Gorge Resort which sleeps six in four bedrooms and a kitchen to cook our meals. Three recently updated motel rooms with two fishers each are also used to accommodate the twelve people. We usually grill Tri-tips the first night, and Italian, Mexican, or something else the other nights. You will be assigned to a meal team that will provide the food, prepare it, and clean up one night for everyone. You are responsible for your breakfast and lunch.
The price range of the accommodations per fisher is typically $300 to $400 for the four nights depending on the final number of participants. The trip is limited to 12 people.
Trip Organizer: Rich Hus (720) 273-9411, r_hus@hotmail.com
The Bighorn River – May 11th – 15th, 2026
We fish in the last section of the Bighorn River, a tailwater below the Yellow Tail Dam near Fort Smith, MT. The river is wide and smooth with large Rainbows and Browns that average around 16 inches. These fish are strong and fight hard! Some fishers rent drift boats or bring personal watercraft to float After-Bay to Three Mile (3 miles) and/or Three Mile to Bighorn (7 miles). Others will fish in wadable areas of the river. We have new accommodations for 2026! There are two cabins like the one below. You will be assigned to a meal team that will provide the food, prepare it, and clean up one night for everyone. You are responsible for your breakfast and lunch.
The price range of the accommodations per fisher is typically $300 to $400 for the four nights depending on the final number of participants. The trip is limited to 12 people.
Trip Organizer: Rich Hus (720) 273-9411, r_hus@hotmail.com
Griffin Cabin 1
Colorado Trout Unlimited’s River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp
Every river needs a champion. Camp is where young people become one.
Colorado Trout Unlimited is excited to open applications for Colorado Trout Unlimited’s River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp, taking place June 14–20, 2026, at AEI Basecamp in Almont, Colorado.
Colorado TU’s River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp is a week-long, overnight experience for youth ages 14–18 who want to learn about fly fishing, river conservation, and the role people play in caring for Colorado’s waters. Campers learn outside, on the river, and alongside peers who share a curiosity for the outdoors.
At Camp, participants will:
Learn river conservation through hands-on, STEM-based educationReceive fly fishing instruction from experienced anglers and educatorsExplore how water, habitat, and communities are connected in the WestBuild confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging outdoors
Camp Highlights:
Who can apply:
Youth ages 14–18 are encouraged to apply. Twenty campers will be selected based on application responses, including a short essay. Preference is given to first-time applicants.Cost:
Camp tuition for 2026 is $700, plus a $50 registration fee. Tuition covers meals, lodging, permits, instructional programming, and any necessary gear rental. Campers age 16 and older will need a Colorado fishing license.Scholarships:
Many Trout Unlimited chapters support Camp by offering tuition scholarships. If financial assistance would help make Camp possible, please indicate this in your application. We will do our best to connect you with available support.For over 20 years, Camp has inspired more than 275 teens from Colorado and beyond to care for rivers, understand conservation challenges, and find community outdoors. Colorado TU is proud to continue this tradition in 2026.
Applications are now open. Deadline is March 1st, 2026
Visit our website to learn more and apply. Space is limited. https://coloradotu.org/youthcampEvery river needs a champion.
We would love for your camper to be one.LEARN MORE AND VISIT OUR REGISTRATION PAGE
Fly Tying Fanatics Event
Trout Unlimited’s Cutthroat Chapter and Orvis Park Meadows hosted another successful Fly Tying Fanatics Festival yesterday.
The event supports the Chapter’s fundraising efforts and provides local fly tyers with a platform to showcase their skills.
We thank Orvis, Umpqua, Renzetti, and many other companies for their generous raffle prize donations, as well as 34 of Colorado’s finest fly tyers who spent the day with us.
All funds raised will go toward conservation projects in the South Platte River basin.
CCTU Youth Education Volunteer Opportunity
Teach Kids Fly Tying
Ken-Caryl Ranch would like to start up an ‘Intro to Fly Tying’ program for school-age kids.
The goal is to develop a love for fly fishing in the younger population and get others interested in fly fishing.
Time commitment for volunteers would be twice a month, presumably after the school day or possibly weekends, and a few hours per session.
We need to determine if we have enough volunteers to help Ken-Caryl Ranch get this program off the ground. If we generate enough interest, Colorado Trout Unlimited will enable this effort by loaning us some tying vises.
If you are interested in supporting this emerging program, please use the QR code in the flyer (below) or sign up at this link: https://linktr.ee/cutthroattu
If we get enough interest, the program will likely kick off in the Jan/Feb timeframe.
This is a great opportunity to engage our youth and community, grow their skills, and instill a passion for fly fishing and protecting rivers and streams.
In Memory of Jim Cowell
Jim Cowell was a member of CCTU for more than 20 years as well as a member of Project Healing Waters passed away on November 5th, 2024.
The following notification from Project Healing Waters sums it up very well.
Taps was played for Jim at 2am Tuesday, Nov 5th 2024
Jim Cowell, PHW Ambassador and long-time CCTU Member
Jim was an air crewman on the USS Hornet's C1Trader and part of the recovery team for Apollo 11 and 12. Jim was on TV shaking hands with Richard Nixon as he boarded Marine1. Jim flew the Presidential Press, astronaut biological samples, and some of the moon rocks on several trips to Johnson Island.
On Apollo 12 Jim flew Admiral John McCain out to the Hornet from American Samoa. Jim also accompanied the moon rocks into Pago Pago. Jim retired as a product manager from Western Union.
Jim was the author and co-author of 7 US patents that pertain to payments made on the internet.
Jim was one of our most active ambassadors, being a Participant and Volunteer, his giving personality made him one of our best members.
Jim has been a supporting and giving member of our PHW-Denver Program for years.
Jim, your spirit is with us now and will be with us on the water.
Feedback Requested for the CCTU 2024 Fall Survey
Cutthroat Chapter Trout Unlimited Fall 2024 Survey
We’d love to hear from you! This is your chance to help guide the direction of the chapter in the future. The survey can be accessed via the button/link below. It’s just 13 questions and shouldn’t take too long.
Thanks in advance for your participation!