Field and Stream Hero-for-a-Day Video

Field and Stream has posted a Hero for a Day video on their website documenting our work on Trail Creek.  It is titled 'Planting an Erosion Barrier on the South Platte Watershed" and can be viewed at  http://www.fieldandstream.com/hero-for-a-day/videos . Please take a moment to check it out!  And thanks again to all the volunteers who made it a successful project. 

Cutthroat Chapter to host Project Healing Waters veterans

Cutthroat Chapter will host 8 veterans from the Project Healing Waters program for a day of fishing at Crystal Lake, which is located near Leadville.  Chapter members will be able to fish with the veterans on Monday, July 9th.  This will be a chapter fishing trip and all participants will gather at the South Suburban Board of Realtors parking lot for a departure at 7:00 AM.  It is about a two hour drive to the lake.Crystal Lake is located at 9860 feet in elevation and has excellent wading conditions and shore access.  A trail leads from the parking lot all around the lake.  The lake has an excellent callibaetis mayfly hatch and also a good number of damsels.  It provides excellent dry fly fishing and is ideal for beginners and intermediate fly fishers.For information on the trip, call Richard Pilatzke at 303-979-8425 or Kent Higgins at 303-791-1163.

Chapter fishing trip to Crystal Lake June 23

Richard Pilatzke will lead a chapter fishing trip to Crystal Lake on June 23.  Crystal lake is located about five miles from Leadville on the upper Arkansas drainage.  It is an easily accessible lake with good shore access, but float tubes and pontoon boats are allowed.  The elevation of the lake is just over 9000 feet.  It has great callibaetis mayfly and damsel hatches and we expect lots of dry fly action.  It is a great lake for beginning and intermediate fly fishers.  Richard will tie several fly patterns for Crystal Lake at June's Chapter Meeting this Tuesday, June 19th at 6:30pm (meeting details).

June Speaker: Robert Younghanz aka, The Bug Guy

Join us at 6:30pm on June 19^th at the South Metro Denver Realtor's Association for a presentation by Robert Younghanz on aquatic entomology. Robert will give us just a small portion of his vast knowledge on the water-borne and stream-side insects that inhabit our home water system of the South Platte River.Robert Younghanz, a.k.a The Bug Guy, is an internationally known Fly Fishing Guide and instructor.  Robert has been involved in the Fly Fishing industry for close to 20 years. Having traveled to over 60 countries, he is an accomplished angler, teacher and guide for fresh, salt, tropical and warm water species. His passion and expertise in the field of Aquatic Entomology ( the study of insects) has enabled him to travel the world collecting Insects, as well as studying, researching, curating and teaching at Colorado State University, and Front Range Community College. In addition, Robert is a published researcher and has described several new species of aquatic insects in Colorado and Oklahoma.  Robert has been a guest lecturer across the Western United States on the topic of Aquatic Entomology.As a contributing writer to Field and Stream’s blog, “Fly Talk”,   “The Bug Guy” offers helpful advice on entomology and fly selection to fly fishers all over the globe.  Robert is a featured presenter at the International Sportsman’s Expo in Denver, CO, a Simms Ambassador and Orvis Endorsed Guide and has conducted entomology classes for both Simms and Orvis guides at their national gatherings, as well as for Trout Unlimited and other local organizations in the Rocky Mountain West.Robert teaches monthly lecture and streamside classes at The Angler’s Covey Fly Shop in Colorado Springs.  Look for Robert on WFN (The World Fishing Network) and on-line where he discusses insects, and well as fly fishing on Southern Colorado numerous rivers,  lakes and reservoirs. Be sure and check out Robert’s newly released 2 set DVD:  The Bug Guy:  Entomology For The Flyfisher.   For more information about Robert check out his websites:www.the-bug-guy.comwww.robertyounghanzflyfishing.com

Field & Stream Hero-For-a-Day Project Completed

Trout Unlimited

 And

Field & Stream “Hero-for-a-Day” Project

South Platte Erosion Control

Was successfully completed FRIDAY MAY 18, 2012

 Thanks to our 25 hardworking volunteers from three local Trout Unlimited Chapters and the film crew from Field & Stream, the South Platte Erosion Control project at Trail Creek was completed and exceeded expectations for the day.  During the six hour work day, 750 native willow shoots were prepared and planted above an erosion control structure located at the confluence of two large ephemeral draws. These hearty willows will quickly root and establish a structure that both absorbs the energy form runoff water and prevents further erosion in the draws.  In addition over 100 Ponderosa Pine seedlings were strategically planted along the banks of the draws to further stabilize the soil.   These plantings will prevent sedimentation from reaching Trail Creek and ultimately the South Platte River.                                                             This effort was organized in conjunction with the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) and the National Forest Foundation and is one of Field & Stream magazine’s ten national Hero-for-a-Day Conservation projects. Video coverage of this program will be posted shortly on the Field & Stream website:  http://www.fieldandstream.com/hero-for-a-day.This event was co-sponsored by Field & Stream and Toyota who provided thank you gift bags to all volunteers.  In addition, all participants 18 years are eligible for the Hero-for-a-Day Sweepstakes.  The winner will receive a trip to the Heroes of Conservation Gala in Washington DC as well as a fishing trip along the Potomac River!    Again, I would like to sincerely thank the volunteers who came out on a weekday to work hard and support this program.  The Cutthroat Chapter is grateful for the support of the Denver and Cheyenne Mountain Chapters in this effort.   The work was not easy but it was very rewarding and in the end makes for many happy fish!                                                                                                                                       Thank You,Jim KlugDirector, Conservation, Preservation and RestorationCutthroat Chapter, Trout Unlimited                                                                                      

South Platte Erosion Control Project Rescheduled

With the weather forecast for tomorrows project showing increased chances of precipitation and cold temperatures and due to potential flooding in the area, we’ve decided to err on the side of caution and reschedule the project for Friday, May 18^th 2011.   The project will take place at the same time and same place.   We apologize for any inconvenience, but we must consider the safety of our volunteers first and foremost.Please call Jim Klug at 303-953-8046 if you have any questions or would be able to participate in the project.

Thank You For Volunteering!

 A big “Thank You” to the 24 Cutthroat Chapter members who came out to help with our first Conservation project of 2012!  With the support of Mr. Lake McGill’s Eagle Scout project, there were a total of 53 folks working to repair the damage caused by the Hayman fire.       The day was very successful as 3700 willows were processed and planted along a ½ mile riparian area adjacent to Trail Creek.  In addition, 60 Ponderosa Pines were planted on the repaired stream banks in support of Earth Day.              Overall, it was an eventful day, as it celebrated Colorado Arbor Day, Earth Day and Global Youth Service Day.  And at lunchtime we were part of an attempt to break a world record in a Guinness Book of World Records as part of the largest picnic on the planet!  We always include some fun with our conservation work.  Channel 4 was there to film segments for a documentary on the Hayman Fire Destruction and Restoration.       Please note that we will be doing additional work in the Trail Creek area this Saturday, May 12^th.  as part of the Field&Stream Hero-for-a Day Program.  We are in need of 25-50 volunteers and we are not quite there yet.  If you can help, please call Jim Klug at 303-953-8046.  See the South Platte Erosion Control article in the events section of  this site for the particulars.

May Meeting: Ned Parker of Breckenridge Outfitters

"World Class Fishing in the Colorado High Country" - a presentation from Ned Parker, owner of Breckenridge Outfitters.May 15th, 7pm at South Metro Denver Realtors Association.In Colorado we are blessed to have remarkable fishing available right in our proverbial backyard. Just in time for summer, Ned Parker will take you on a tour of the outstanding fishing that is available within 45 minutes of Breckenridge - including the South Platte above Spinney Mountain Reservoir, the Middle Fork and South Forks of the South Platte, the Blue River from Breckenridge to Lake Dillon and from Silverthorne to Green Mountain Reservoir, and several high alpine lakes and streams.Whether you are looking for ideas for a high-country weekend, or for waters that are close enough for a great day trip into the mountains, you'll hear about some great angling destinations that you'll want to include in your summer plans.About Ned Parker Ned Parker has been the owner of Breckenridge Outfitters for the past five years, has guided out of Summit County for ten years, and has fished the area for twenty years. He looks forward to sharing some of what he has learned during those years on his home waters with you!

South Platte Erosion Control at Trail Creek

Trout Unlimited

 

And

Field & Stream “Hero-for-a-Day”

 

 Project

South Platte Erosion Control at Trail Creek

                                                  Saturday May 12, 2012

Our Trail Creek Restoration Project, organized in conjunction with the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) and the National Forest Foundation has been selected by Field & Stream magazine as one of its ten national Hero-for-a-Day Conservation projects.  For more detailed information on this program, please refer to http://www.fieldandstream.com/hero-for-a-day. This special selection provides a great opportunity to focus attention on our volunteer efforts to restore the Upper South Platte watershed on both a statewide and national level.  This event is co-sponsored by Field & Stream and Toyota.  A film crew and host from Field & Stream will be present to film our work, help out and interview volunteers.   In addition, all participants 18 years or older can enter the Hero-for-a-Day Sweepstakes.  The winner will receive a trip for 2 to the Heroes of Conservation Gala in Washington DC as well as a fishing trip along the Potomac River!   Field & Stream /Toyota gift bags will be available for every volunteer. Here is what you need to know:We are expecting 25 to 50 volunteers for this special project.  This will be an educational and fun project requiring a strong team effort. Spouses and kids 8 years and older are welcome!  Please come out and help the Cutthroat Chapter heal and preserve our valuable watershed.Workday: Saturday, May 12th, 2012 Project Location: Meet at Mt. Communities (West Creek) Fire Dept., (directions below) Project Times: Meet at 9:00 am, work until 3:00 pm, with a 30 minute lunch break around noon Lunch:  Will be provided by the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited!  What we will be doing: Crews utilizing natural materials such as burned trees and boulders have already begun raising the height of the creek  and stabilizing steep eroded banks to re-create more natural flows, and fighting erosion through retention ponds and in stream structures. Your help is needed to build erosion control structures, plant willows or pine, re-seed native vegetation, mulch and/or build log fencing to protect restoration efforts. Your efforts will help improve the overall health of the Upper South Platte River Watershed as well as preserving and protecting fisheries, aquatic insect and wildlife habitats.What to bring: Hip boots or waders, sun screen, any applicable medicines, sun glasses (or safety glasses), gloves, water bottle, and a jacket are recommended.  Long pants are required and long-sleeved shirts are also recommended. Tools, hard hats, willows, other supplies and instructions will be supplied by CUSP.Two ways to get there:  (Map below)We plan to carpool from the RTD lot At University and Dad Clark Drive, just off C-470 in Highlands Ranch. We will be leaving by 7:15AM sharp so please plan to be there by 7:00AM.If you drive by yourself, volunteers will meet at the Mountain Communities Fire department at 9:00AM. Please try to be there a little early. We will be consolidating vehicles (preferably high clearance), for the drive to the work site on Trail Creek. Please contact the event organizer, Jim Klug at (303) 953-8046 to sign up or obtain additional information.We plan to complete work by 3:00PM, leaving time to fish on the way home!Hope you can join us!

April Monthly Meeting on Czech Nymphing with Steve Parrott. Special Guest Dave Sweet on the Yellowstone Lake Cutthroat.

Steve will be giving an in-depth presentation on the Czech Nymphing method with rigging instructions, fly placement and ideal waters to fish. The presentation will be at the normal meeting place, South Metro Denver Realtors Association, at 7:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm.Czech Nymphing, also referred to as European Nymphing, is a style of nymph fishing that is readily catching on here in the United States, especially in Colorado. It is a very effective technique that is perfectly suited for the many fast waters of our state. This style of short line nymph fishing often uses longer rods, no yarn or foam strike indicators and a level construction designed to get your heavily weighted flies, often three, down to the bottom quickly. All of the weight used in a Czech Nymph rig is added to the flies themselves not the leader.Steve has spent the last 12 years researching and experimenting with the Czech, French and Spanish Nymphing methods also referred to as the European Methods.  Steve is a veteran of the industry with over 17 years of experience guiding clients all over the globe.  Steve moved to Colorado in 2006 and has since focused his efforts on learning every facet of the European Nymphing Methods and sharing these through instructional classes and DVD's.  Steve is also co-owner of the Blue Quill Angler Fly Shop in Evergreen, Colorado.

Dave Sweet on the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Populations.

Dave Sweet, Yellowstone Lake Project Manager for the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited, will present on the devastation being caused to Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout populations in Yellowstone National Park by Lake trout.  There is hope and Dave will outline an aggressive plan to help bring back the native cutthroat trout!