Felt Soul Media's Film DamnationBeing conservationists in Colorado, members of the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited tend to be acutely aware and especially sensitive to the conflict that exists between energy production and the preservation of the unique ecosystems that our state supports. Dams, specifically, are a strange hypocrisy for both conservationists and anglers. On one hand, we hate to abide the alteration of a river's natural flow but on the other hand, we appreciate the crucial energy (and the spectacular tailwater fishing) that dams can provide.At this month's membership meeting we will further explore this hot topic by providing a free showing of Felt Soul Media's production entitled "DamNation". Join us tonight at 7:00PM at our usual location (7899 S Lincoln Ct, Liittleton, CO 80122). Yes, popcorn will be provided.
"Seeing Insects the Trout Way" - Member Meeting Tuesday, October 21st at 7:00pm
Join us at the next member meeting for a very special presentation from Cat O'Grady from The Drift Fly Shop in Pueblo!"Seeing Insects the Trout Way"This presentation focuses on trout physiology, their insect recognition tools, and how their environment influences their behavior. By breaking down how a trout sees, feels, and thinks; a formula is presented to help anglers accurately choose flies to match a hatch and to better design their own fly patterns. Combining both a scientific prospective and a working knowledge of fly fishing Cat O’Grady will help those attend understand a host of fish inquiries such as, “How can fish be so picky, yet bite a hook?” and “ How can understanding Plank’s Constant improve your fishing?”BioCat O’Grady has been in love with fishing and insects for as long as she can remember. Having completed her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology and Chemistry, she currently finds employment at The Drift Fly Shop, in Pueblo Colorado, where she acts as the general manager, guide, instructor, and official “bug girl” Cat has been in the fly fishing profession for ten years and has loved every second of it. When she isn’t streamside on her beloved Arkansas River Tailwater, which is rare, Cat can be found with her nose in a book or a vial of insects in her hands.
Letter of Appreciation from the Coalition for the Upper South Platte
Please take a moment to read this letter of appreciation from the Coalition for the Upper South Platte for all our volunteer efforts out into our joint conservation efforts. Thank you to all of our member volunteers! 
2015 Big Horn Trip - May 11-16th
Join us May 11-16th on the Big Horn. Details below:
- Mon. May 11 - Travel to Cottonwood Camp
- Tues. - Friday May 12-15- Fish the Big Horn
- Sat. May 16 - Return
For more information contact Jim Ericson @ 303-619-5907
Water Conservation Day at H20 Car Wash
Date: October 11th, 2014Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PMLocation: 1101 Town Center Dr. Highlands Ranch, CO
Cutthroat Members-H20 Car Wash (a major supporter of Trout Unlimited) is hosting a Water Conservation Day at its location in Highlands Ranch. All proceeds from car washes performed that day will be donated to Colorado Trout Unlimited. H20 uses a sophisticated system of laser-sensored sprayers to use as little water as possible while still ensuring a thorough wash. H20 even uses high-velocity blowers to minimize the amount of water lost to evaporation. This event is sponsored by Trouts Fly Shop, Rep Your Water and Fox Coffee Roasters. There will be some free goodies and free conversation with other conservation-minded Coloradoans. If you're lucky, you might even have the opportunity to have your picture taken with Fraser the Fish who continues to roam the state in search of water taken from the Upper Colorado River.Please spread the word and treat your vehicle to the most water-efficient car wash in Colorado.Hope to see you there,-Cutthroat Chapter Board of Directors
Clear Creek Clean Up Project, Saturday,September 20, 2014
This year, our Stream Clean Up effort will be part of the Clear Creek Watershed Festival held at Courtney- Riely -Cooper Park in Idaho Springs. We are teamed with volunteers from Cherry Creek Anglers and plan to work the stream from Starbucks in the East to Dumont on the West. We are in need of 20 volunteers to help make this project a success. Please bring waders and work gloves. Garbage bags and safety vests will be provided.To entice you to join us we will have coffee and doughnuts at our Passport Station @ 8:30AM before work starts at 9:00AM, AND for your participation you will earn a BBQ lunch as well! THAT’S NOT ALL…., we will conclude our work with our traditional raffle, FEATURING GREAT FLY FISHING ORIENTED PRIZES after lunch.Please call our project leader, Ray Carney at 303-523-4740 to sign up!Our Passport Station is just ASCOSS THE 23rd. Street Bridge over Clear Creek to the left. Our CCTU banner will be on the Station. The Festival is fun and educational for all ages, so bring the family if you like.
Calling all volunteers!! Saturday, September 6th - Deer Island
We are in need of a few more volunteers for this Saturday. This is a unique opportunity to make an important impact on an untouched environment. Contact Jim Klug at 303-565-7504 or jjklug1@comcast.net for questions and to register.Workday: Saturday, September 6th, 2014Project Location: Deer IslandProject Times: 9 am – 2 pmMeeting Location: 4229 CR 92, Lake George, CO 80827Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/wIiVvVolunteers Needed: maximum 10Workday Description:Deer Island, 11 Mile Reservoir State Park, is closed to public access and use. The resource is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and owned by Denver Water. The island is approximately 50 acres and contains several unmapped and untreated species of noxious weeds. Our task will be to identify, inventory and map invasive species'. Depending on the identifications, we may minimally (mechanically) treat the weeds. The species likely include highly invasive Canada thistle and yellow toadflax. The island is home to many species of birds, including raptors and vultures. Wildlife habitat includes deer and small mammals. Fish species include trout, pike and Kokanee salmon. These efforts will improve wildlife and aquatic habitats throughout the park and surrounding ecosystem.We will meet at the main ranger office, then travel to the North shore and then be boated over by CPW rangers to the island. Space is limited to ten volunteers, with one medium sized backpack per person. Restrooms will not be available upon leaving shoreline. Muck boots are encouraged. This is a truly unique opportunity to make an important impact in an untouched environment.Important Notes:CUSP will provide materials and necessary tools to complete project work.Restrooms will not be on site.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 prior to the project: a CUSP RELEASE 2014; and a VOLUNTEER LISTING 2014- for your group. Please print all documents two sided.Please Bring:Any applicable medicines (including epi-pen and inhalers, if needed)Sun blockSun glasses (or safety glasses)Work glovesWork bootsLong pants and long sleeved shirts are strongly recommendedA container for water, the use of reusable containers is encouragedSack lunches to carry with youWhat 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; 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 16.*Note cell phone coverage is limited in this area.
Casting for Recovery - Fish Tales and Cocktails
Join Casting for Recovery at the Wildlife Experience this Thursday, August 21st from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm to show your support to Colorado women breast cancer survivors.Click on the link for more details: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=aa368c
Annual Picnic August 19th at Reynolds Landing
Join us at the Annual Picnic on August 19th at Reynolds LandingBring something to share (beer, dessert, side dish) and your family and fishing buddies.You can Google Map Reynolds Landing and that would help, but here are some detailed directions to start with:
- From the intersection of Mineral and Santa Fe head North on Santa Fe. GET IN THE LEFT LANE.
- Go past Aspen Grove and the condos. A left turn lane will appear. Get in it. You will be turning left across South Bound traffic.
- When you turn left there are two drives. The left one goes to Reynolds Landing. The right one goes into the trailer park.
- Take the LEFT road, go to the back and veer right into the parking lot for Reynolds Landing (South Suburban Park). Park, grab your food/drink to share and head to the gazebo where you will see the grills at work. The gazebo overlooks a bend in the river.
CCTU provides the meat, plates, napkins, water and soft drinks.START: Flexible, but food will be ready to eat by 6PMEND: Parks close at sundown. Fishing: yes - it is right at the South Platte river. John Aaron mentioned that he might put together a casting contest. Bring your rod/reel and join the fun.THANK YOU to John Aaron for organizing and to the board members who cook for you.RAFFLE with No ticket purchase included again.
Hidden Treasure Mine Decommissioning and Rehabilitating Project this Saturday!!
Itching for a way to volunteer? Are you a fan of BBQ? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We are in need of 8 more volunteers to help with the Hidden Treasure Mine Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Project this Saturday, August 23rd.CCTU is joining forces with the Coalition for the Upper South Platte and the city of Alma to complete the Hidden Treasure Mine, aka. Orange Fence Mine Decommissioning and Rehabilitating Project. By closing access and rehabbing the site, this work will both help to preserve the historical aspects of the area, populations of rare plants recently discovered at the site as well as to improve water quality of Buckskin Creek and ultimately the important fishery of the Middle Fork of the South Platte River.Where and When: We plan to meet at 9:00 AM at the Alma Town Hall located at 59 Buckskin Street, Alma, CO 80420. There is a lot of work to do so we are planning on working till 2:00PM.Lunch! A BBQ Lunch will be provided by a generous supporter for all volunteers.Project Description: Work will include rehabilitating the abandoned mine site on USFS property 4 miles outside of Alma on County road 8.. The site has significant erosion issues exacerbated by illegal digging with heavy equipment. Runoff flows over tailings and goes subterranean before entering Buckskin Creek, which then drains into the Middle Fork of the Upper South Platte. Part of the project entails creating a diversion to curtail water moving over the tailings. The illegal use activity also created access point for off road vehicles, multiplying the damage. Work will minimize the issues through decommissioning the site, re-seeding with native perennials, transplanting trees and shrubs. This work will reduce degradation of this 'attractive nuisance' and enhance regeneration at this polluted site, improving downstream water quality. The Town of Alma will donate heavy equipment and staff for the project, CUSP will donate staff and seed, and a generous supporter will provide a BBQ lunch. This project will be completed through genuine dedication of key local community members and committed efforts of CCTU volunteers. Please plan to join us on this collaborative and impact-full effort.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 workWaterproof work bootsWork GlovesA container for water, the use of reusable containers is encouraged, refills will be providedPlease call Jim Klug at 303-565-7504 to sign up and to arrange for car-pooling.