NEWS
16 May, 2026
🌿 2,200 Willows, One Strong Conservation Community! 🌿
On May 16, I joined volunteers from the Pikes Peak Chapter to help restore the Dream Stream section of the South Platte River. Over two days, volunteers planted more than 2,200 willows along eroding riverbanks to improve stream health, stabilize habitat, and support the fishery for years to come.
The day was filled with hard work, great conversations, and valuable insights from CPW aquatic research scientist Matt Kondratieff, who highlighted the importance of restoration projects and volunteer partnerships. Even better, we made a connection that may bring Matt to a future Cutthroat Chapter meeting as a featured speaker!
This project is a great reminder that conservation succeeds when chapters work together. From the Dream Stream willow planting to our support of the Bear Creek trash boom project, collaboration makes a real difference for Colorado's rivers and trout.
11 May, 2026
The Cutthroat Chapter proudly served as a volunteer sponsor for the City of Englewood’s Fins and Feathers event on Saturday, May 9, at Centennial Park.
At the CCTU booth, kids and parents had the opportunity to study live macroinvertebrates and learn the fundamentals of forming a fly-casting loop. Participants also enjoyed testing their fishing skills during the fishing derby and exploring the area on a guided nature walk along the water.
The event welcomed more than 50 attendees and featured participation from the City of Englewood, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and other community partners, making for a fun and educational day outdoors for everyone involved.
March Monthly Meeting a Fly Tying Extravaganza
March 20th, 7pm at our normal meeting location, SMDRA.Are you a fly tier or interested in starting? Well, this is the time of year for you. There are a number of places and events where you can watch local legends perform their magic. This month’s membership meeting is just one such place. It’s a great opportunity to sit with some of your favorite tiers and not only learn their flies and recipes but the little tricks you can only get from watching them.The list of talented fly tyers this year includes, but not limited to Pat Dorsey, Al Makkai, Brian Kuchynka, Jay Core, Bud McAllister, Bill Searles, Frank Prekel, Jim Schmidt, Kent Higgins, Jim Neiberger, Bob Dye and event organizer Richard Pilatzke. If you fall into the 'interested in getting started' category, Ross Custer and John Aaron will have a beginners table where you can learn to tie your first fly from experienced and patient instructors.In addition to the fly tying clinic, chapter members are encouraged to dig out your old, but still serviceable, gear and bring it to the meeting. It will be sold at the meeting in a silent auction and the proceeds will be applied to three of the outstanding chapter projects – Trout in the Classroom, Riverwatch, or the Colorado Youth Camp.As a personal attestment, I sat by myself at Jim Neiberger's table and learned a great wire-body technique that I've been using extensively ever since. It's a great opportunity to actually interact with some of our local fly tying talent.Also, thanks to Richard Pilatzke and his team to putting this all together. See you all there!