Richard Pilatzke (rhpiscator@aol.com) is an expert on all things still water: beetles, ants, hoppers, frogs, damsel flies, dragon flies, dries, nymphs --- you name it.At the July 16th meeting Richard will focus on Damsel flies and Dragon flies. The presentation is guaranteed to improve your fishing and fly tying skills. Richard is an expert fly tier who organizes our annual fly tying demonstration in February. He is particularly skilled with foam flies. Check out his article on Frankenfly.Richard knows many places in Colorado well and has the numbers of fish caught to prove it. Come and learn a few new tricks and join us for another fun evening. Richard may also announce another fishing trip for you to practice what you learn. DO NOT MISS OUT!Please join us at the South Metro Denver Realtor Association building on July 16th to hear Richard's presentation. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the meeting starts promptly at 7:00 PM.
2014 South Platte River Clean Up at Deckers July 12
Our CUSP Leader, Lisa Patton!Trout Unlimited Cutthroat Chapter South Platte River Cleanup Workday: Saturday, July 12th, 2014Project Location: Meet behind Decker’s store (directions below) at 9:00 am, work until noon; have lunch on CCTU, then go fishing!Description: We will be collecting litter after the Fourth of July holiday traffic at sites along the South Platte River near Deckers. Please come help us clean up this beautiful section of the river. This day will also be a great opportunity to fish with your TU buddies. Your participation is appreciated.Important Notes: Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) will provide all necessary materials, and trash bags to complete project work, then remove and dispose of litter.Weather which could create hazardous conditions may cause projects to be canceled or rescheduled; staff will monitor the weather and notify you of any changes in a timely fashion. Please register by Thursday, July 10th by contacting Jim Rasmussen 303-663-6707 or Jim Klug 303-565-7504, TU Cutthroat Chapter. Lunch will be provided by Trout Unlimited Cutthroat Chapter, for registered participants so please let us know by July 10th.. Thank you.Requirements of Volunteers: Please complete a CUSP liability release form (unless you’ve submitted a 2014 release at a prior CUSP (pr0ject this year) A CCTU Liability release form is required as well. These forms will be provided by the Cutthroat Chapter at the parking lot.Please Bring: Any applicable medications (including epi-pen and inhalers) Sun block Sun glasses or safety glasses Layered clothing, trash grabber, work gloves and shoes with good tread – please be prepared to get dirty! Water proof boots or waders – not everyone will need them, Water bottles; water refills are provided. CUSP encourages the use of reusable containers.Directions from Denver to Deckers: From C470 take Hwy 285 southwest to Pine Junction At Pine Junction, turn left (south) on Jefferson County Road 126 Follow Jeff CR 126 through Pine and Buffalo Creek about 25 miles to Deckers We will meet at the parking area behind Deckers store.Directions from Highlands Ranch: Take Hwy 85 to Sedalia, turn right on Hwy 67 To Pine Creek Road Turn Right and proceed to Co Rd 97/ South Platte Rd. Turn Left and Proceed to Deckers.CARPOOLING IS AVAILABLE Meet at the parking lot next to the railroad tracks in Sedalia, (just past Buds) betweent 7:15AM and 7:30AM. We will leave at 7:30 Sharp.Directions from Colorado Springs to Deckers: From I-25 in Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 (Cimarron Rd.) to Woodland Park Turn right on to CO Hwy 67, travel north 23 to Deckers We will meet at the parking area behind Deckers store Please note that GPS systems are often misleading in mountainous areas.Cell phone service will be inconsistent Coalition for the Upper South Platte PO Box 726 Lake George, Colorado 80827 719.748.0033
Springer Gulch Fire Restoration Initiated 6-15-2013
Ten amazing hard working volunteers set a shining example of the collaborative effort of two TU Chapters in the 6-15-2013 Springer Gulch Fire restoration project. Six volunteers from the Cutthroat Chapter and three folks from the Cheyenne Mountain Chapter plus one independent volunteer completed five “Flying V” and 12 “Tow Wood” ephemeral draw sedimentation flow mitigation structures.
These are innovative and cost effective techniques being used in many of Colorado’s current wildfire restoration efforts. All structures were built with material found on site. No materials were brought in from the outside. Pine logs and cut burned trees were used as well as stakes cut from burned Aspen trunks.It was good to see the emergence of wildflowers and new Aspen trees just one year after the fire.This work is just a start, but it will help reduce sediment and flooding issues above the South Platte River along Eleven Mile Canyon, our beloved trout habitat.Volunteers, your hard work, good cheer, partnership and commitment to these efforts are greatly appreciated. We all looked like coal miners at the end of a rewarding day.
June Mtg: Ron Belak on Fishing for Wild Cutthroat Trout
Tired of seeing stocked rainbows? Want to see some REAL WILD CUTTHROAT TROUT? This is what Colorado is known for. Come to our June CCTU meeting presentation and get some new fishing destinations and the flies to make it all happen.Ron Belak from our neighbors at Evergreen TU will share some valuable information that most guys will show photos of the fish, but rarely share their secret fishing locations.Ron sent me an email saying my creek rod was fine for the creeks, but the lakes would require my 6 weight. That alone should have you entering the date on your smartphone right now. Just picture that fish rising to your dry fly or getting the take as you strip a big streamer.On June 18th, doors open at 6:30 PM and the meeting starts promptly at 7:00 PM
Dream Stream Seeding Effort Success
My wife dropped me off at the Dad Clark Park N Ride at Oh Dark 15. After a few sips of my fufu coffee, I realized that as the sky was turning azure, there was not a single cloud to be seen, no breeze, and all indications were for a perfect day. Another truck was waiting, then Jim's Banana Cruiser came along with a small parade of pickups. Fishermen love their trucks.Lists were checked, Release Forms signed, and we all saddled up for the Dream Stream. The trip went quickly and the scenery just kept smiling back - including Cow Rock.The group totaled about 25. The Ranger briefed us on the project, we picked up a rake and bucket and hiked downstream for what seemed like a mile - stealing ganders at the stream and occasionally seeing fish. The Ranger drove the ATV with the precious cargo: $2500 worth of prairie seed.
We worked our way back to the parking lot just in time to share a great meal put together by Jim Klug. Jason Agin handed out the new CCTU Conservation T-Shirts. Beautiful green with the CCTU logo on the front and a modified (improved) NTU logo on the back. It has purple!Everyone was well-fed. Even the cows were escaping through the fence to see what we were up to. Sub sandwiches, condiments, fruit, chips, cookies, and drinks. Plenty for seconds. No grumbling in this crowd. Plenty of photo ops.
A Ranger with a horse showed up to patrol the area and another ranger showed up wondering why we had a crowd of people and asked if we were all there to fish. Not often you see 25 people show up together to go fishing. She was excited to hear about our project, but still checked our fishing licenses. Actually, word was out that we had food.Sadly, some left to go home but most donned waders to stalk the stream for large trout. Results were mixed. Some caught a couple small rainbows. We saw a few people catch 24 inch fish, and most watched fish tease, but not take a fly. The rainbows had already spawned and the water level was low. Still it was a beautiful day shared by wonderful folks helping preserve a true Coloradan legacy.Y'all join us! Your name goes in to the raffle bucket for each project you help with. The prizes are pretty grand, but the bragging rights for the accomplishments are better when you return to each site to go fishing with your friends and family.
Springer Gulch, 11-Mile Canyon Erosion Control Project with CUSP, June 15, 2013
Work Date: Saturday, June 15th, 2013
Project Location: above the South Platte at the Springer Fire Burn Area
Project Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a lunch break around noon
Volunteers needed: up to 40
Project Meeting Location: CUSP Office, 38000 Cherokee, Lake George, Colorado, 80827. Group will travel from the CUSP office to the site of the Springer Fire – off of FS 246. Due to the restricted access and location it is essential you arrive promptly as no directions will be given to the work location. Four wheel drive vehicles are preferred.
Please bring a backpack lunch and water to carry with you.
Workday Description:Work will occur in the approximate 1,200 acre Springer Fire area. Work will include installing erosion control structures in ephemeral drainages to reduce downstream impacts within the Eleven Mile Canyon area and South Platte River. This is a joint project with CUSP and the Cutthroat and Cheyenne Mountain Chapters of Trout Unlimited.Important notes:
- CUSP will provide materials and necessary tools to complete project work.
- A restroom will not be available on site.
- You may register by contacting Jim Klug at 303-953-8046, jjklug1@comcast.net or Jason Agin at 303-653-6057, jagin2023@msn.com
Mandatory Requirements of Volunteers:All volunteers must complete a CUSP liability release form and submit to CUSP on the day of the project. At CCTU Liability Waiver is also required. Jim Klug will provide copies of these forms to complete on Saturday morning.Please Bring:
- Any applicable medicines (including epi-pen and inhalers, if needed).
- Sunscreen
- Sun glasses or safety glasses
- Layered clothing appropriate for outdoor work
- A container for water, the use of reusable containers is encouraged
- Work gloves and shoes
Weather:Events may be canceled or rescheduled due to bad weather, which could create hazardous conditions for volunteers and staff. Any changes will be posted at: www.uppersouthplatte.org/Volunteer 719-748-0033 ALSO….We will be carpooling from the Dad Clark RTD Lot in Highlands Ranch at University and Dad Clark right off 470. Please be there by 6:15am as we will leave at 6:30am sharp.For additional information or car pool arrangements please contact Jim Klug or Jason Agin, Cutthroat Chapter TU at the above numbers.Hope to see you there,CUSP_Lake_George_ortho (1)Jim Klug, Director for Conservation, Cutthroat Chapter, Chapter, TUCell: 303-565-7504 Email: jjklug1@comcast.net
CANCELLED! Springer Fire Burn Area Conservation Project May 11, 2013
PROJECT CANCELLED DUE TO TOO MUCH MOISTURE
RAKING AND SEEDING WILL NOT BE FEASIBLE
Call Jim Klug @303-953-8046 with any questions.
Our next Conservation Project is Scheduled for June 15, 2013
with CUSP
Mine Reclemation at Buckskin Gulch (Alma)
Pending NEPA Approval
Jim Klug, Director for Conservation, Cutthroat Chapter, Chapter, TUCell: 303-565-7504 Email:jjklug1@comcast.net
2013 CCTU -- UPDATED -- Conservation Project Listing
Cutthroat Chapter Trout Unlimited
2013
Conservation Projects
UPDATED!
Dates and Activities
April 27>>>>>>>>>>>>>Re-seed certain areas of the Dream Stream COMPLETE!CANCELLED! May 11>>>>>>>>>>>>>Joint project with Cheyenne Mountain Chapter Re-seeding Springer Gulch Fire Area 11 Mile Canyon CANCELLED!June 15>>>>>>>>>>>>CUSP / Joint Project with Chyenne Mountain Chapter, Installing Erosion Control Structures in the Springer Gulch Fire Area in 11 Mile CanyonJuly 13>>>>>>>>>>>>>CUSP Deckers South Platte Clean UpAugust 10>>>>>>>>>>>CUSP 11 Mile Reservoir Deer Island Noxious weed removal/restoration Needs USFW approvalSeptember 7 >>>>>>>>Clear Creek Clean Up, Idaho Springs. Ray Carney Is heading up this project.October 12>>>>>>>>>>CUSP South Platte Wildcat Canyon Stream clean up. (Tough hike but good fishing) Plan B>>>>>>>>Mine Reclamation Buckskin Gulch ( Alma) Needs NEPA ApprovalAnd, we will continue to do our monthly River Watch activities and our quarterly temperature monitoring on the South Platte near Deckers. Please call Jim Klug at 303-565-7504 or Jason Agin at 303-653-6057 If you have any questions or would like to join us on a project.May 21, 2013
Big Horn Trip
Hard to believe, but it's time to sign up for the 2013 Big Horn trip and start tying those special Big Horn flies like the Ray Charles and Pink Sowbugs! We have reservations at Cottonwood Camp for Sunday, May 12 - through Thursday, May 16, checking out Friday morning, May 17.Runoff for these dates is anyone's guess. Last year, it was below normal, the year before was flash flood conditions. Right now, the snowpack in the Big Horn basin is at about 90%, so things are looking good at this point!We stay in a sprawling facility affectionately known as the "condo", which will accommodate up to 15 people.We generally reserve up to 4 drift boats to float either the upper 3 mile stretch, the middle stretch which is about 9 miles, or, as some of us discovered the last couple of years, the lower 10 mile stretch to the Mallard takeout, which held some very nice fish, beautiful waters and less fishing pressure.This has been an annual event for the Cutthroat Chapter for over 20 years and for good reason: The fishing is great, the scenery spectacular and the cost very reasonable (unless, of course, you get carried away at the fly shop!)This trip fills up quickly, so sign up early. Contact Jim Ericson @ james.ericson@comcast.net or give him a call at 303-683-8609.Big Horn Registration 2013 Hope you can join us!
April 27th is an Important Conservation Project
Come join us on the Dream Stream - we Need 40 Energetic VolunteersStart the fishing season off right and make a real difference in Colorado on a very important stretch of water.The Dream Stream is about 3 miles of impressive fishing water between 11 Mile and Spinney Reservoirs. The trout use the Dream Stream as their spawning grounds. In Spring the Rainbows head into the Dream Stream and in Fall the Browns take their turn. These are the more mature (read that BIG) fish. Just do NOT disturb fish on their redds. Here is a good description of the Dream Stream: http://www.coloradotrouthunters.com/dreamstream.htmlThe Dream Stream project is an important project. We will be reseeding areas that have been damaged or had noxious weeds removed. With a good turn out of volunteers the work will go fast, lunch will be provided, and you get the afternoon to fish. If that's not enough you will also receive one of CCTU's new Conservation T-shirts. WE NEED 40 VOLUNTEERSPlease call Jim Klug at 303-565-7504 or Jason Agin at 303-653-6057 If you have any questions or would like to join us on a project. THIS IS IMPORTANT so we can plan for Lunch and T-shirts. It takes about 2.5 hours to get there. We will meet at the ParkNRide at Dad Clark and University at 0615 to leave promptly at 0630. The project begins at 0900. We MUST car pool as parking is limited.• Take Hwy 285 southwest through Fairplay.• Just past Fairplay turn left, (south) on Hwy. 9, travel approximately 17 miles.• Hwy. 9 will intersect with Hwy. 24, turn left (east), travel approximately 11 miles.• At County Road 23/San Juan Rd. turn right (south) at sign: "Eleven Mile and Spinney Mtn. State Parks".• Travel approximately 2.8 miles to County Road 59, turn left (east) at the "T" intersection.• Travel approximately 2.4 miles until County Road 59 makes a 90 degree turn to the right (south).• Continue to the Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area parking lot on your right. The project site will be on the east side of County Road 59.• Wear long-sleeved shirt, work pants & boots. Bring sun block, hat, water bottle, work gloves, and sun glasses. Check the weather and dress accordingly – layers is a good thing.• Bring your fishing gear.