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.
2014 Conservation Project Schedule
Cutthroat Chapter Trout Unlimited
2014
Conservation Projects
May 9 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CUSP Rock Steps and Trail Reconstruction,
11 Mile Canyon
June 21 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>CUSP Mine Reclamation, Treasure Mine above Alma
USFS/NEPA Approval Promised and in Progress
July 12 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>CUSP Deckers South Platte Clean Up
August 6+others (TBD) >>>>>DOW Fish Tagging Middle Fork South Platte
August 23 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>Riparian Improvement, Happy Meadows
September 20 >>>>>>>>>>>Clear Creek Clean Up, Idaho Springs Klug/Carney
September 6 >>>>>>>>>>>>CUSP Noxious Weed mitigation on Deer Island,
11 Mile Reservoir Needs USFS Approval
Monthly River Watch activities and our semi-annual temperature monitoring on the South Platte near Deckers continue.
1/21/14 JJK/JA 303-565-7504 (Jim Klug)/303-653-6057 (Jason Agin)
Please plan on joining us on these important projects, call either of us for more information.
Jan Monthly Meeting w/Pat Dorsey
Over the last few years we've become used to, and maybe even a little spoiled, that local guide and author Pad Dorsey has been able to join us as a presenter in October. Unfortunately, he was not able to make it this past October but has made time for us here in January (21st at 7pm).Pat is well known for talking about Cheesman Canyon fishing but this month Pat is talking about a number of places you want to learn more about. The flies to use, the rigging, where on those streams; all the info you need to improve your fishing this year.As usual, the doors open at 6:30pm at our standard location at the Northeast corner of Broadway and Mineral, 7899 S Lincoln Ct, Littleton, CO. The presentation will begin around 7pm so come by early and share your fish tales.If you're a new member, don't forget to identify yourself to one of the regulars as this will get you a free raffle ticket in our monthly fly raffle.See you there!
Annual Holiday Party
It's that time of year again. Our Annual Holiday Party will be on December 17th starting at 7pm at our regular meeting place, 7899 S Lincoln Ct, Littleton, CO.We do a gift exchange, eat food, and socialize. This is the one meeting the spouses love to attend. So fix up your favorite dish to share or bring drinks. Plates, napkins, and plasticware will be provided. I am always amazed at the wonderful food we have to sample. Come join the fun.About the gift exchange: You must bring a gift in order to receive a gift. Some people do not bring a gift and that is fine. If you do, make sure you get a ticket at the door when you bring your gift in. The ticket establishes your number, and the other half is put in the basket to draw numbers for your turn to pick. Wrap your gift to add to the suspense and entertainment.We put a limit of around $15, but apparently flies and wine are exempt from the value rule. Flies do appear in many gifts or taped onto wine bottles, and there are still a couple of Billy Basses that make their annual appearance (with flies in their mouth).We also allow the usual "Gift Steal" with the third owner being the last owner. Maybe it's 3 steals which would make 4 owners. We will clarify the rules at the party. Gifts can be funny (like Billy Bass), chocolates, wine, other spirits, mugs, flies in a fly box, etc. Any Duck Dynasty fans? NO EXPLOSIVES!
Items Available at the CCTU Annual Auction November 12th
I’d like to say that there are too many items (AKA, reasons to attend) to list but that’s kind of a cop-out. So here are the highlights of what will be available for Live Auction, Silent Auction and Bucket Raffle at the 2013 Cutthroat Chapter Annual Auction at 6pm on November 12th at The Wildlife Experience.This year, the Live Auction portion includes more than thirty separate items. And many of them are ‘big ticket’ items like one night at the Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort, a Rocky Mountain Angling Club membership, a full-day float trip with Steamboat Angler, a 3-night ‘Sip & Soar’ trip to Napa Valley, CA that includes a hot air balloon ride and a winter escape for two for 4-nights to the Fairmont Bermuda Resort. There will also be an opportunity through the Live Auction to sponsor a student so they may attend one of the youth events CCTU organizes.But you don’t have to be a big spender to participate in the Live Auction. It also includes more affordable items like 1-day guided trips from legendary shops like Blue Quill Angler and Breckenridge Outfitters, selections of flies from the likes of Pat Dorsey and Richard Pilatzke, fly rods and reels, gift baskets and framed, signed prints. Surely there will be an item of interest to you.Looking for flies tied by some of our notable chapter members and local fly fishing celebrities? Then the Silent Auction is where you want to spend your time. Literally dozens and dozens of flies will be available.But the Silent Auction will also have other items of interest like an elk BBQ set, an elk-antler candle holder, several selections of spirits (alcohol) for those days when the catching isn’t lifting your spirits, float tubes, posters/pictures, fishing vests and fishing books.Still not enough for you to choose from? Try your luck with the Bucket Raffle where you could win shirts, prints, books, gift certificates, knives and even hair extensions.As if that’s not enough reason to attend our single fund-raising event of the year, there will be catered hors devours, a cash bar and the opportunity to tour the Wildlife Experience’s many displays. Plus, it’s yet another opportunity to catch up with everyone’s fishing exploits of the summer.The best reason to attend is to support the many conservation projects and youth programs that Cutthroat Chapter provides. All of the money raised goes to CCTU and its projects and programs.You will be able to purchase tickets at the door or you may contact Mac Ishii, 303.345.3478 (conradishii@yahoo.com).In case you forgot to add our Annual Auction at 6pm on November 12th at the Wildlife Experience to your calendar earlier, please visit our first post with all the details.
2013 Annual Conservation Auction
Please help us support the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited and our mission to conserve, protect and restore Colorado’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds by joining us at the 2013 Annual Conservation Auction.This is our only fundraiser of the year and the proceeds make it possible for us to do the many things we do throughout the year including but not limited to:
- Run our monthly meetings where we bring to you our monthly speakers like Jeff Spohn,‘The Bug Guy’ Robert Younghanz and Pat Dorsey, to name a few.
- Continue our youth education programs like Trout in the Classroom and support for Colorado TU Youth Camps.
- Fund a graduate fellowship in the Fish Biology and Wildlife Department at Colorado State University.
- Continue our South Platte watershed clean-up, Hayman burn area restoration and river testing activities.
- Cooperation with National Trout Unlimited, Colorado Trout Unlimited and the Coalition for the Upper South Platte in their various conservation programs.
When: Tuesday, November 12th 2013, 6-9PMWhere: The Wildlife Experience at 10035 Peoria St., Parker, CO 80134Cost: Advance tickets are $20. Tickets sold at the door are $25. Your best opportunity to buy advance tickets will be at the CCTU Monthly Chapter Meeting, Tuesday October 15th. Tickets purchased at the Chapter Meeting can be paid for with cash, check or credit cards. If you can’t make the next Chapter Meeting but want advance tickets, please contact Mac Ishii, 303.345.3478 (conradishii@yahoo.com).What will you find at the live and silent auction?
- Art (not just fishing related).
- Fly fishing equipment (rods, reels, packs, fly tying supplies).
- Getaway packages to local and non-local destinations.
- Fly selections from top tiers like Richard Pilatzke, Bob Dye and Pat Dorsey.
- Gift packages.
Doors open at 6pm for socializing, cash bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres bucket raffle and silent auction before the live auction.TU members who bring non-member guests receive 5 free bucket raffle tickets.We look forward to seeing you at the Auction!
October Meeting Dave Lovell of Freestone Outfitters
Join us Tuesday, October 15th at 7pm for our monthly meeting featuring head guide Dave Lovell of Freestone Outfitters talking about winter fishing (yes, it’s almost that time). As a special treat, we’ll have some members of the Colorado River Headwaters Chapter of TU update us on the Fraser River.Most of you have probably heard of Freestone Outfitters as they’ve been a big supporter of CCTU in the past by offering discounts to members and guide trips in our Annual Auction. They are a premier Orvis Endorsed Fly-Fishing Guide Service based out of Littleton, Colorado. They offer a wide array of services including Colorado fly fishing opportunities on public and trophy private water, Rocky Mountain lodging and all inclusive packages, wing shooting, angling schools and even destination travel options around the globe. Many of you already know Clint Packo or Reid Baker, some of Freestone Outfitters other guides.Dave Lovell will give us the low-down on winter fishing in Colorado. Come find out techniques, tips, flies and locations. Dave will certainly make you a better fisher and maybe even a better catcher!Also on hand this month, our friends from the Colorado River Headwaters Chapter in Granby are more motivated than most chapters of TU. Why? The Fraser and Colorado Rivers are the life blood of the Fraser valley and the Denver Water Board wants to take more water - so much that the economy would most likely dry up along with the rivers. It has been enough to deal with beetle kill, but the water is truly their life blood. If you aren't that familiar with Winter Park, Fraser, and Tabernash I can tell you that the folks are the most friendly you will ever meet. It is an incredibly cohesive community and I know personally that the people have come together to support this cause. Please come and be informed. They might even share some of their favorite fishing spots.What: CCTU Monthly Meeting featuring head guide Dave Lovell.When: Tuesday October 15th at 7pm (6:30 doors open).Where: South Metro Denver Realtors Association building at 7899 S Lincoln Ct, Littleton, CO.
CHANGE: No Mine Rehab, Back to Happy Meadows on October 12th
Change of Plans. NO Mine Rehab, Back to Happy Meadows Instead.
Saturday October 12, 2013 we had planned a mine cleanup, but NEMA, once again, can't give approval. Instead we are getting access to Happy Meadows via some prime fishing real estate. We will be transplanting native willows, and raking and re-seeding the riparian corridor.The upside is that we can finish-up stream restoration at Happy Meadows transplanting willows. We can get access to Wildcat Canyon through Sportsman's Paradise, if we know the number of people and vehicles. Wildcat Canyon is phenomenal fishing and tough to access without a private pass. Fish after lunch.Workday: Saturday, October 12th, 2013Project Meeting Location: Dad Clark Park N' Ride (University Blvd and C-470 in Highlands Ranch) at 0645 for prompt 0700 departureImportant Notes:
- The USFS will provide seed for the project
- All necessary tools and materials to complete project will be provided
- Restrooms will not be available on site
- A 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; you will notified of any changes at: www.uppersouthplatte.org/Volunteer
- Carpooling is required
Carpooling is required since they really want a people and vehicle count for us to gain access. If interested, let Jason Agin (303-653-6057) know and be at the Dad Clark Park N' Ride at 0645 for prompt 0700 departure. DO NOT CONTACT JIM KLUG. He is on vacation out of the country!All volunteers must complete and submit: a CUSP liability release form, A CCTU liability release form and volunteer sign-up sheet (for the group).Please call Jason Agin at 303-653-6057 to sign up! This event is BEFORE the next chapter meeting. Bring your own LUNCH.Please Bring:Any applicable medicines (including epi-pens, insulin and inhalers)Water containers, the use of reusable containers is encouraged – water refills will be providedSack lunchesSunscreenSunglasses or safety glassesWork glovesWork boots with ankle supportLong pants and long sleeved shirts are recommendedWhat to Expect:This project will occur in an exposed mountain environment and at high elevation. Please wear layered clothing and drink plenty of water before and during project to avoid dehydration.We really need to know exactly how many cars are showing up so try to coordinate carpooling with Jason. DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 24 west through Lake George. ABout 1 mile West of Lake George, turn right on country Rd 77 (towards Taryall Reservoir). Turn right at CR 112) approximately 1.4 miles) the turn right at the "T" Meet at the first large pullout, before Happy Meadows campground - Signs mark the site.Hopefully you picked up on the "prime fishing real estate" line. Bring your fishing gear and after lunch you can reel in some big ones.Please call Jason Agin at 303-653-6057 to sign up!And as always, thank you for all you do to help Colorado's Rivers, streams, and lakes!
CANCELLED! Mine Rehab Project – the Hidden Treasure Placer, aka the Orange Fence Mine
Please call Jason Agin at 303-653-6057 to sign up!