NEWS
Free TU Memberships for Women and Half-price renewal
About a quarter of the fly fishing population in the United States consists of women. With that in mind, TU realizes the need to bring more women–and their potential contributions to our work around America–into the organization. Until May 31, TU memberships for women are free, and renewal is only half price. Share the good news with the women anglers you know.
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
2014 Updated Conservation Project Schedule
Cutthroat Chapter Trout Unlimited 2014 Conservation ProjectsMay 9th: CUSP River Bank Stabilization and Trail Reconstruction (11 Mile Canyon)June 21st: CUSP Mine Reclamation (Treasure Mine above Alma)July 12th: CUSP Deckers South Platte Clean UpAugust Dates (TBD): DOW Fish Tagging Middle Fork South PlattAugust 23rd: Riparian Improvement, Happy MeadowsSeptember 6th: CUSP Noxious Weed mitigation on Deer Island (11 Mile Reservoir)September 20th: Clear Creek Clean Up (Idaho Springs)Monthly River Watch activities and our semi-annual temperature monitoring on the South Platte near Deckers.4/21/14 JJK/JA 303-565-7504 (Jim Klug)/303-653-6057 (Jason Agin)
First Conservation Project for 2014: FRIDAY MAY 9TH. AT 11 MILE CANYON
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South Platte River, Erosion Control
At Eleven-Mile Canyon
Workday: Friday, May 9th, 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.
2014 Conservation Project Schedule
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!