One of Colorado's Wonders of the World: the Black Canyon of the GunnisonSo if you missed our fly tying Clinic - you missed out. STOP THAT! We got another great event lined up this month. If you have ever seen the Black Canyon of the Gunnison from the top it gives you vertigo since the depth of field is too much for your brain. It is that spectacular!Go to the bottom of the canyon and you have one of Colorado's best fisheries. Tim Patterson is coming to give you a guided tour through the canyon and surrounding areas.Ridgway Independent Guide Service LLC (RIGS) was founded in 2001. A family business, built from the ground up, with extensive industry knowledge and years of hard guide work throughout the industry. RIGS recognizes that access to quality waters is the most important resources for the business. RIGS successfully received the first permit for guided fly fishing and rafting on the Uncompahgre River in 2002 and has lead the charge in acquiring Western Colorado's top Public & Private guide access.Owner, Tim Patterson (the guy in the photo) has led fly fishing, rafting and eco-tours throughout Central America, Mexico and the Southwestern U. S. since 1991. Patterson's degree in Recreation Management from Prescott College set the stage for a career in adventure guiding and a passion for keeping tight lines on home waters. "It's not just about the fishing, it's about the people," Patterson says. "Our activities are kind of a metaphor for life. They can teach patience, strategy, versatility and adaptability to conditions."Tim sent us a note saying, don't wait for the presentation. Go check them out NOW on their website because they fill up slots every year. Great photos on the website.
CCTU March Meeting - Fly Tying
The CCTU March Meeting on March 19th will be our annual Fly Tying Clinic. We have a number of tiers lined up and more will join in. Come and ask questions, watch tiers demonstrate techniques, learn how to fish specific flies, get new ideas for places to fish, and join in the fun for fly raffles. All are welcome and best of all it is FREE!!!Tiers include: Pat Dorsey, Carl Pennington, Steve Johnson, John Vevurka, Greg Garcia, Jerry Shin, Richard Pilatzke, Jim Neiberger, Bob Dye, John Aaron, Bud McAllister, Jim Schmidt, Ed Berg, Frank Prekel, and Bob Getz. In other words lots of technique to learn from! Don't miss this opportunity.Location is out normal meeting spot: South Metro Denver Realtors' ASsociation at the corner of South Broadway and Mineral Ave in Littleton. Address is 7899 S. Lincoln Ct. Littleton, CO 80122
February Meeting Features Owner of St. Peter's Fly Shop in Ft. Collins
Join us at 7pm on February 19th at our regular meeting place on the Northeast corner of Broadway and Mineral at the South Metro Denver Realtors Association building (7899 S Lincoln Ct., Littleton, CO 80122).Grant Houx, owner of St. Peter's Fly Shop, will be discussing fishing in the northern part of our state. Grant always shares his year's of knowledge by recommending fly selection for his local waters as well as when to fish where. It'll be great!St. Peter's Fly Shop is a full service pro fly fishing shop with the best selection of fly fishing products and guided fly fishing trips in Northern Colorado. Located in Ft. Collins Colorado they are conveniently positioned in close proximity to a number of world class waters including; Cache la Poudre River, Big Thompson River, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, North Platte River(Upper North Platte, Gray Reef, and Miracle Mile), and many stillwaters.Also this month, we have a short presentation on status of South Platte River projects.Kyle Hamilton, president of the South Platte Enhancement Board (SPEB) will give a short presentation on the activities of SPEB and the board's commitment to protect that portion of the river covered by the South Platte Protection Plan. Colorado Trout Unlimited is a signatory of that, 1977, agreement.The Cutthroat Chapter has participated and is currently participating in projects funded by SPEB grants. Sportsman's Paradise/Happy Meadows, Pine Creek Culvert, and Sugar Creek Restoration are all projects that have benefited from SPEB grants.
Annual CCTU Christmas Party
7:00pm December 18th at South Metro Denver Realtors Association Building.Every December, the regular membership meeting is replaced by The CCTU Annual Christmas Party. And like the regular membership meetings, it will be at the South Metro Denver Realtors Association building (7899 S. Lincoln Ct., Littleton, CO 80122). Except for the first few minutes of the regular meetings, the December meeting is the only time we dedicate an entire meeting to just visiting with each other.In addition to the reverie, the Christmas party will also include a voluntary, blind gift exchange where there will be a swapping of gifts in the $10 to $15 range. Handmade items like flies and other fishing accessories are always appreciated. Expect to see a ‘Billy Bass’ with flies, various alcoholic beverages with files and plain ol’ flies. Are you picking up a trend?Also, feel free to bring food to share and we'll provide the soda pop. Personally, I enjoy Costco apple pies and homemade cookies; if anyone was wondering.The final, but most important part of the Christmas party is a food drive where you can bring in non-perishable food items (canned goods and such) which will be donated to a local food bank that is yet to be determined.I know this is a busy time of year but I hope you can join us, even if only for a little while.
Volunteers Needed This Friday for Westcreek Area
We apologize for the late notice but here's the info:
20 volunteers are needed to help this Friday in the Westcreek area. If you can join us please register at: www.uppersouthplatte.org/Volunteer.
Fuels Mitigation, Chipping on 9J Road
Workday: Friday, December 7th, 2012Project Location: Meet at the Mt. Communities Fire Dept., directions belowProject Times: 9:00 am to 3:00 pmVolunteers Needed: up to 20Workday Description:We’ll be chipping along the 9J road in the Westcreek community. The area was used a harvest site for logs used as in stream structures in the Trail Creek restoration work, part of Hayman fire rehab. The site needs to be completed prior to snowfall and will help mitigate the high fire danger in the area.Important Notes:Hardhats and any necessary tools and materials to complete project will be providedPlease note – there will not be portable restrooms on siteA safety review and work demonstration will precede the project workWeather which could create hazardous conditions may cause the project to be canceled or rescheduled; CUSP will monitor weather and notify you of any changes in a timely fashionRequirements of Volunteers:Prior to the project each volunteer must submit a completed Liability Release Form. A Volunteer Sign-up Sheet must be initialed by individuals.Please Bring:Any applicable medicines (including epi-pens, insulin and inhalers)SunscreenSun glasses or safety glassesWork glovesWork boots with ankle supportLong pants are requiredLong sleeved shirts are strongly recommendedWater bottles, the use of reusable, portable containers is encouraged – water refills will be providedA sack lunchDirections from Colorado Springs to Mountain Community (Westcreek) Fire Station:
- From I-25 in Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 (Cimarron Rd.) to Woodland Park
- From Woodland Park go north on to CO Hwy 67
- Travel 14 miles north towards Deckers
- Turn left on ABBEY RD (CR 73), 0.25 miles north of mile marker 91
- Travel 0.25 miles to the T intersection
- Turn left on to Westcreek Road, travel 0.57 miles to the intersection of Westcreek and Stump Roads
- Meet at the fire station on the right, at the intersection of Westcreek and Stump Roads
Directions from Denver to Mountain Communities (Westcreek) Fire Station:
- From C470 take US Hwy 285 south (exit 5A) 21 miles to Pine Junction
- Turn left at the light in Pine Junction onto Jefferson CR 126/Pine Valley Rd.
- Go south 24.6 miles to Deckers (the road name changes to CR 67)
- Continue south on CO 67 for 8.50 miles
- Turn right on ABBEY AVE. (CR 73), 0.75 miles south of mile marker 92
- Turn left on to Westcreek Road, travel 0.57 miles to the intersection of Westcreek and Stump Roads
- Meet at the fire station on the right, at the intersection of Westcreek and Stump Roads
We will carpool from the fire department to the work site.If you can help for any part of the day, please go to the work site, appx. one and a half miles west on Stump Rd and one mile north on 9J Road at: http://goo.gl/maps/8TXHCPlease note: GPS is often inaccurate in this area and cell phone service will be inconsistent.Coalition for the Upper South PlattePO Box 726Lake George, CO 80827www.uppersouthplatte.org719.748.0033
Quick notice: Restoration Project Saturday 11/17
Date/TimeDate(s) - 11/17/20129:45 am - 3:30 pmLocationCascade Fire DepartmentWorkday Description:In response to the Waldo Canyon fire, volunteers and will help mitigate flooding in an area of high burn severity along Ute Pass. This work will protect several homes. We will meet at the Cascade Fire Department at 9:45 am, then caravan to the work site. If traveling from the Woodland Park area, please register and we will send directions. Sandbagging methods utilized are described in the below documents provided by Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. CUSP technical support may install site specific changes according to need. 2012 Sandbag Barrier Fact Sheet and EPASANDBAGGUIDE.Important Notes:CUSP will provide hard hats, tools and materials necessary to complete project work.A portable restroom will be available on site.Safety review and work demonstration will precede the project work.Weather which could create hazardous conditions may cause the project to be canceled or rescheduled. Cancellations will be posted at: www.upperouthplatte.org/Volunteer/ .Requirements of Volunteers:Please complete and bring with you, a CUSP Liability Release Form CUSPrelease2012. A Volunteer Sign-up Sheet will also be initialed by individuals.Please Bring:Any applicable medicines (including epi-pens, insulin and inhalers)SunscreenSun glasses or safety glassesWork glovesWork boots with ankle supportLong pants are requiredLong sleeved shirts are strongly recommendedWater containers, the use of reusable containers is encouraged – refills will be providedPlease bring a sack lunchWhat to Expect:The burn area is in an exposed mountain environment. Please be aware and prepared for potential hazards, including but not limited to: driving on mountainous roads with loose gravel and high flash flood potential; exposure to sun, wind, lightening and rapidly changing weather conditions; working with sharpened tools in areas with unstable terrain and footing; possible falling trees; hiking at significant elevation. Medications may have adverse effects in sun, heat or altitude, please list medications and medical conditions on the CUSP release form so staff may be aware of potential concerns. Know your limitations and inform staff immediately if you become ill or injured. Be prepared to exit quickly in the event of an emergency or changing environmental conditions. Please drink plenty of water prior to and during the project to avoid dehydration. Please wear appropriate clothing; clothing may become stained or ruined. This project is not suitable for expectant mothers.This challenging project will require team effort. Please be prepared to get dirty!
THANK YOU to our 2012 Conservation Volunteers!
Our Project at Happy Meadows marks the end of our Conservation Projects for this year. The 11 volunteers deserve a hearty thank you since this was one of the more difficult work days of the year. Despite the frozen ground, they persevered and succeeded in leveling and preparing the ground, disturbed by heavy equipment used for bank stabilization, for planting with Riparian seed custom mixed for the South Platte drainage. Several hundred native willow shoots were harvested and planted strategically to prevent erosion.After the work was completer there was time to fish the Happy Meadows area. All who fished caught fish!
Our conservation for 2012 work focused on the restoration of the Upper South Platte River drainage system damaged by the Hayman fire.This year, in addition to our monthly River Watch and Quarterly Temperature Monitoring in the South Platte we completed 4 Restoration Projects, 1 Fish Rescue , 2 River Clean Up Projects,Over 6000 Willow shoots and 160 Ponderosa Pines were planted along Trail Creek, West Creek and the South Platte River.18 miles of stream banks were cleaned up along the South Platte near Deckers and along Clear Creek at Idaho Springs.To accomplish this, 86 hard working Volunteers contributed over 1400 hours of their valuable time.Thank you Volunteers, the work you do is import and and much appreciated!I would like to acknowledge and send a special thanks to the following individuals who assisted me during the year.Jim Rasmussen, my mentor and back up who also leads the temperature monitoring project, andBill Honeyfield who heads up River Watch,Ray Carney who leads the Clear Creek Clean Up every year. Be sure to attend the Conservtion Auction on November 13th. at the Highlands Ranch Mansion. Volunteers, remember we will have a Conservation Awards raffle, your earned your raffle tickets, come collect them and see if you will win a nice prize.This year you could win: A full day fishing raft trip down the Colorado River donated by Ray Carney , a box of super flies tied and donated by Richard Pilatzke, Orvis rod case, Orvis fly line or Orvis fully equiped lanyard. Hope to see you there and thank you again for your hard work this year.Jim Klug
2012 Annual Conservation Auction
The Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited (CCTU) is holding its annual Conservation Auction on November 13, 2012 (6-9 pm). This year’s Auction will be held at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion in—you guessed it—Highlands Ranch (9900 S. Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130).The HR Mansion has some interesting and colorful history and architecture. After you’ve walked through the Mansion, settle in for some good food, drink and conversation with your friends!As is CCTU’s custom, the evening will include a Silent and Live Auction. Auction items include fly fishing equipment, guided fishing trips, sports memorabilia and outdoor themed art work. Special Auction offerings this year include:
Bamboo Rod: Renowned rod makers Sweetgrass Rods (Twin Bridges, MT) have generously donated a 7’9” hex 4 wt bamboo rod (2 piece w/ extra tip). All Sweetgrass Rods are hollow built using a special “fluting” process that lightens the rod and gives it the “sweet” action as the name implies. This Sweetgrass series of rod has a retail value of $2000 and would take approximately 1 year to order. CCTU’s Auction represents a unique opportunity to acquire a Sweetgrass classic. Get more details here.Trophy Brook/Lake Trout Fishing (Labrador, Canada). Three Rivers Lodge is offering a special fly fishing trip for 2 anglers to chase trophy brook trout and lake trout in Labrador during mid-August to September 1, 2013. The trip includes 7 days of fishing and includes lodging, food and guides. Make some memories and come buy this trip at the Auction!Broncos Memorabilia. This year’s Auction includes a fully framed Broncos jersey signed by #7, John Elway, along with a Broncos helmet signed by Denver’s newest favorite son, Peyton Manning.
The Auction will also feature valuable door prizes including: a brand new 4 wt rod (donated by Clear Creek Outdoors) plus a new Ross reel and Rio 4WF line (total retail value in excess of $400; a Simms Dry Hip/Chest pack (retail value $110); and a surprise or two.Please come to the Auction and show your support for CCTU’s ongoing conservation, youth education, scholarship and community education programs! Advance tickets are $15. Tickets sold at the door are $20. For advance tickets please contact Gary Wiehrauch, 303.349.5461 (gsweihrauch@comcast.net) or Cam Chandler, 303.956.5140 (camntraci@comcast.net).
Special Donation for Bid at CCTU Auction
Sweetgrass Rods has been kind enough to donate a 7’9” hex 4 wt bamboo rod to the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited for their annual Conservation Auction. The “Boo Boys” as the owners of Sweetgrass Rods are called, are masters at the craft of building bamboo fly rods of the finest quality. Headed by Glenn Brackett, who was a former owner of Winston Fly Rods is the leader of Sweetgrass Rods, along with longtime Winston bamboo fly rod master craftsman Jerry Kustich. All Sweetgrass Rods are hollow built, which is a process that former Winston owner Lew Stoner and E.C. Powells patented in the early 1900’s. In the 30’s Lew Stoner patented a revolutionary hollowing process called “fluting”, which is the same process used today by Sweetgrass Rods. By hollowing the rod, it not only make the rod much lighter, but the action is “sweet” as the name implies. The Sweetgrass series of their rods sell for $2000 today. It is a 2 piece rod with and extra tip and takes approximately a year to complete after ordering.For those familiar to the wonderful casting qualities of a fine bamboo rod, this classic rod will not disappoint. Bamboo rods with this type of craftsmanship allow the angler to feel every aspect of the cast and after you hook a fish, the subsequent fight is just as special. The softer tip on a bamboo rod assists the angler in loosing less fish with break offs, as the tip tends to give much more than traditional graphite rods, especially the faster rods of today. The Sweetgrass Rods are made to not only last a lifetime, but to be passed on to future generations of family. Rods of this quality tend to only go up in value over time. Some rods that Glenn built at Winston are collector items today and sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than when they were purchased new. You can be sure that his rods at Sweetgrass will be just as cherished for generations to come.
2012 Conservation Auction Flyer & Map
Attached is a copy of the 2012 Conservation Auction flyer (including a map).Click Here for the CCTU Auction and Map
