Happy Meadows Riparian Repair Project June 21, 2014

Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited and CUSP

               South Platte River Restoration, 2014

 UPDATE:  We will not be meeting at Dad Clark park and Ride to Carpool, if you wish to carpool, please call Jim Klug 303-656-7504Workday: Saturday, June 21^st , 2014Project Location:  Happy Meadows, directions belowProject Times: 9:00 am to 12:00 pmVolunteers Expected: up to 20 Workday Description: We will be raking and reseeding disturbed areas of reconstruction following in stream restoration.  The project may also include transplanting native vegetation, sedges and/or willows along the river’s edge.  This work prevents future degradation of the river’s banks improves aquatic habitat. Important Notes: 

• CUSP will provide materials and necessary tools to complete project work.
• A USFS outhouse is available nearby.
• Events may be canceled or rescheduled due to bad weather, which could create hazardous conditions for volunteers and staff.  Staff will monitor weather and notify you of any changes in a timely fashion.

 Mandatory Requirements of Volunteers:  All volunteers must complete and submit:  a CUSP liability release form and volunteer sign-up sheet (for the group). Please Bring: Any applicable medicines (including epi-pen and inhalers, if needed)Sun block and sun glasses (or safety glasses)Layered clothing appropriate for outdoor workWaders – if you have them  Or  waterproof work bootsWork GlovesA container for water, the use of reusable containers is encouraged, refills will be providedSack lunches Directions to Happy Meadows from Hwy 24 (from the east): Take Hwy 24 west through Lake George About one mile west of Lake George, turn right on county rd. 77 (towards Tarryall Reservoir)Turn right at CR 112, (appx. 1.4 mile), then turn right at the T Meet at the first large pullout, before Happy Meadows campground – signs will mark the site 

Car Pool Info:

• Meet at 6:45am at Dad Clark park and ride lot
• University and 470 in Highlands Ranch
• Departure 7:00am sharp!

Contact: Jim Klug 303-565-7504

Chapter Trip to Lily Lake June 21st

Richard Pilatzke has planned a fishing trip to Lily Lake on June 21st. Meet at the parking lot of the South Metro Realtors' Board (our chapter meeting location) and leave at 7am. Parking is limited at Lily Lake so we need to carpool. Last year Richard Pilatzke and Jim Cowell caught sizeable male and female Greenbacks. It was amazing how different they looked. Spawning had just finished. Most of the guys caught fish.They will have people there just to meet and greet (check your license). 2 weddings happened while we were there last year, a Camaro club roared by (must have been 50 of them!), as well as the requisite Harley riders, so you get entertained more than just fishing.Lily Lake is part of Rocky Mountain National Park and managed by them. However, it is outside of the borders of the park so no visitor pass is necessary. Though you must have a valid Colorado Fishing license.Pack in a lunch and be prepared for afternoon rain.To sign up or ask any questions, call Richard at 303-979-8425.

June 17th Meeting with Tucker Bamford

Join us as Tucker Bamford presents "Fly Fishing Colorado's High Mountain Lakes" where he will share his vast experience in hopes of making your fishing adventures more productive and enjoyable.Park Meadows Orvis Store Manager Tucker Bamford was born and raised in Colorado. He has been exploring the high country and fly fishing the rivers and lakes in the state since the ripe old age of eleven. He started tying flies very shortly after taking up the sport of fly fishing and is still an avid fly tier today. He spent a short time guiding for the Blue Quill Angler, and has taught countless anglers how to fly fish through numerous fishing schools, casting clinics, seminars, and other less formal situations. Tucker is a true multi-species expert, having caught almost every major fish species in Colorado on a fly, including northern pike, bass, walleye, wiper, and many others. Craving variety after years of fishing for trout, you never know if he will be found looking for trout in a river, chasing pike in a local lake, or traveling to a saltwater hotspot in search of various species.So whether you're headed on a long range trip, want to swap fish stories, or just need some detailed info about a local fishing hole, stop by and spend some time with this self-proclaimed jack of all (fly fishing) trades on June 17th at 7pm at our regular meeting place (7899 S Lincoln Ct Littleton, CO 80122).

26th Annual Blue Quill Angler Fly Fishing Extravaganza

Saturday May 10th: 26th Annual Blue Quill Angler Fly Fishing ExtravaganzaThis is a fun event with all the factory representatives on site with all the latest and greatest goodies to test drive, guest speakers, guides and some unadvertised deals on the best fly fishing gear we have to offer. From 9:00am until 4:00pmContact Bob Getz for carpool. More information on http://www.bluequillangler.com/Upcoming-Events

May 20th Meeting with Steve Schweitzer

Join us as Steve Schweitzer presents “Fly Fishing Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park” where he will share effective tactics and flies to help make your next visit to the Park a productive one.Steve has been a backcountry junkie since moving to Colorado in 1999. He has hiked more than 1,000 miles doing research in RMNP for his book entitled “A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park.” Since its January 2011 release, Steve’s book has received numerous international book awards and has been recognized as the go-to guide for fishing the Park. It went into its second printing only a year after its release. Steve is now working on a second book of similar format for the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. He is co-authoring this book with Michael Kruise, owner of the Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop.Steve is a contributing editor for Angling Trade magazine and author of the Innovative Fly Tyer column for Southwest, Northwest and Eastern Fly Fishing Magazines. He has authored numerous articles appearing in Fly Fisherman Magazine, Trout, Wall Street Journal and a myriad of other regional angling publications. He also is contributing author & illustrator for the book “Drag Free Drift – Presentation Techniques for Fly Fishing”, authored by Joe Kissane. His fly tying patterns appear in books by Chris Mann, John Shewey, FFF Masters, Rick Takahashi & Jerry Hubka. Steve makes his home in Greeley, CO. By day, Steve works as a consultant in the broadband and digital media industries.I hope you can join us at 7pm (6:30pm for story telling) on May 20th at 7899 S Lincoln Ct, Littleton

First Conservation Project for 2014: FRIDAY MAY 9TH. AT 11 MILE CANYON

South Platte River, Erosion Control

At Eleven-Mile Canyon

Workday: Friday, May 9^th, 2014

Project Location: 11-Mile CanyonProject Times: 9:00am – 12:00 noonMeeting Location: CUSP office, 38000 Cherokee Ave. Lake George, CO 80827 (MAP below)Volunteers Needed: Up to 12:  The minimum age requirement for this project is 13.Cutthroat Chapter Project Leader:  Jim RasmussenBONUS!  Plenty of time to fish after lunch!Workday Description:We will be stabilizing the river bank near the footbridge, in an area of high use. We will re-direct concentrated water flow that is causing erosional damage by installing rock structures and erosion control fabric.  Work may also include re-directing water along an illegal social trail above the worksite. Important Notes:CUSP will provide materials and necessary tools to complete project work.

• A USFS outhouse is available nearby.
• Weather, which could create hazardous conditions, may cause the project to be canceled or rescheduled – notifications will be posted at:  www.uppersouthplatte.org/Volunteer/

 Requirements of Volunteers:All volunteers must complete and submit: a CUSP liability release form and volunteer signup sheet (for the group), attached. And a CCTU liability release form.  Forms provided by CCTU volunteer project organizer.  Please Bring:Any applicable medicines (including epi-pen and inhalers, if needed)LunchSun block and Sun glasses (or safety glasses)Work glovesWork boots or waders if you preferPants and long sleeved shirts are recommendedA container for water, the use of reusable containers is encouraged, refills will be provided What to Expect: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; and 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.  The minimum age requirement for this project is 13. Carpooling:If possible, please arrange carpooling with other volunteers.  Please call Jim Rasmussen @ 303-663-6707 or Jason Agin @ 303-653-6057 or Jim Klug @ 303-953-8046 for further information. CUSP office MAP:  

Please note that cell phone coverage is limited in this area.

GPS units are often inaccurate in this area as well.

The Coalition for the Upper South Platte

Post Office Box 726,  Lake George, Colorado 80827

719.748.0033  www.uppersouthplatte.org  www.waldofire.org

Still Time for the Big Horn Trip May 12-17

It's not too late to sign up for the annual Big Horn Trip! We have reservations at Cottonwood Camp for Monday, May 12 - through Friday, May 16, checking out Saturday morning, May 17. We shifted the schedule slightly from last year so members don't have to travel on Mother's Day!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 at Cottonwood Camp in a sprawling facility affectionately known as the "condo", which will accommodate up to 15 people. Cottonwood Camp is under new ownership. Currently, the owners have indicated the daily rate for the "Condo" will remain the same, generally less than $30/person/night. They are, however requiring a deposit of $500 to secure our reservation.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 at james.ericson@comcast.net or give him a call at 303-683-8609. Jim will forward you a registration form and make arrangements for a deposit.Hope you can join us!

April 15th Meeting with Duane Redford on the South Platte

This month's speaker is Duane Redford, author and guide for Minturn Anglers. Duane will be sharing his wealth of knowledge on the South Platte River with us at our regular meeting place (7899 S Lincoln Ct, Littleton) on April 15th at 7pm.Duane Redford began fly fishing at the age of ten and fueled his passion in the lakes and streams in the mountains of Arizona. He feels fortunate to have fished all over the Rocky Mountain West. As a retired public school teacher and coach, Duane finds that his passion for fly fishing and his enthusiasm for teaching, work collaboratively in taking his clients to new heights. Don’t let his quick to smile, laid back style fool you, he is one serious angler.His first book on fly fishing, The Fly Fisher’s Playbook: a Systematic Approach to Nymphing, was nearly five years in the making. Because of his coaching background, Duane has a knack for breaking things down systematically. He helps his guests learn to “read” trout defenses, and employ strategies for success. “Once you are able to incorporate fundamental nymphing skills with a systematic approach, you will begin to really enjoy the sport.” Duane has also writes regularly on a blog called FlyFishersPlaybook, check it out.When he’s not guiding, Duane spends his time teaching fly fishing classes, filming, writing or fly fishing. Duane lives in Conifer, Colorado with his family.I hope you can join us at 7pm (6:30pm for story telling) on April 15th at 7899 S Lincoln Ct, Littleton.

March Monthly Meeting a Fly Tying Clinic

March 18th, 7pm at our normal meeting location on the Northeast corner of Mineral and Broadway in the South Metro Denver Realtors Association building (7899 S Lincoln Ct, Littleton, CO 80122).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 is not limited to Pat Dorsey, Bob Dye, Phil Iwane, Steve Johnson, Jim Schmidt, Bud McCallister, Greg Garcia, Doug Garvey, John Vevurka, Jerry Shin, John Aaron, Bob Getz and event organizer Richard Pilatzke.As a personal testament, every year I learn new flies to try out on my favorite water from some fantastic fly tiers. But what I really take away each year are new techniques for tying these files. Things like how to start your thread on a curved shank hook so it won't keep slipping off or tying in wings and splitting tails. The point is that this meeting is more than about where and what to fish. It's a chance to watch some masters and learn from legends.Also, thanks to Richard Pilatzke and his team to putting this all together. See you all there!

February Meeting: Landon Mayer on Inside Tips Outside of the Guides Box

Landon Mayer will be speaking about 'Inside Tips Outside of the Guide's Box' at 7pm on February 18th at 7899 S Lincoln Ct, Littleton, CO 80122.It is almost shocking to say that this is his first time visiting CCTU. If you haven't heard of him, Landon Mayer is a writer and guide in Colorado on the South Platte River for the past seventeen years. He is a contributing writer for Fly Fisherman and High Country Angler magazines. His contributions also have been featured in publications such as Field and Stream, Fly Rod and Reel, American Angler, Southwest Fly Fishing, and Fish and Fly magazines.Brand new for 2014 “Inside Tips, Outside of the Guide’s Box” is a look into the nearly two decades of teaching by Landon Mayer. Unique techniques that come straight out of Mayer’s 17-year guiding journey and can be found in his new book due out in July 2014. Breaking with convention, you are sure to learn something new from the many tips and techniques that have evolved over time. Mayer’s goal is to provide new knowledge that includes the fresh look every year has to offer. This is one you do not want to miss!Please visit his website for even more information about him and his many accomplishments. Our Monthly Meetings are held at the South Denver Metro Realtors' Board Offices at Broadway and Mineral (technically on S Lincoln). Doors open at 6:30PM and the meeting begins at 7PM. Come early to get raffle tickets and find out when the fishing trips are being planned.