Fishing on the Fly in the News

Fishing on the Fly is a women's-only program that the Cutthroat Chapter has been hosting in conjunction with Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association to introduce women to the sport of fly fishing. The most recent class completed in September and was written up in the Highlands Ranch Herald. Check out the story here.A big thank you to organizer Jim Long and all the volunteers that made it happen!

The Outdoors column you won't be reading in The Denver Post

From: Scott Willoughby [mailto:swilloughby@denverpost.com]Sent: Friday, August 21, 2015 5:40 PMTo: scottrwilloughby@gmail.comSubject: The Outdoors column you won't be reading in The Denver PostAs some of you already know, today was my last day at The Denver Post. I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to "The Voice of the Rocky Mountain West" as an Outdoors writer, photographer and columnist for the past 20 years, joining the full-time staff to launch the Outdoor Extremes section before graduating to Outdoors Editor for the last 11 of those.I'll be taking some time to celebrate the birth of our daughter next month before wading into the job market as a free agent. Those who would like to keep in touch can find me via email atscottrwilloughby@gmail.com. My cell phone remains the same (970-390-3676).There's not much left to say that isn't included in the farewell column (below) that my editor opted not to print, except to reiterate my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity and your enthusiastic support.It's been a good run, although the work is never done. Here's to the next chapter. 

By Scott WilloughbyThe best stories have always originated in the outdoors.Be it the fireside tale that never grows old no matter how many times it’s told, or a modern classic born of the latest adventure, the wild outside has always offered the ideal backdrop for compelling drama.Like the rest of the world, the genre has evolved over time, taking us beyond the campfire to the Ted Trueblood era of Field & Stream, establishing local newspaper legends like Charlie Meyers, Bob Saile and Ed Dentry before making its way to the cutting edge of social media and contemporary brands like Yeti Coolers that urge through advertising: Be the guy with the story about the bear.Along the way, it found folks like you and me: Drawn in by nature’s allure, hooked by the sensations of adventure, dedicated to enriching and sharing the experience so that others might come to understand our collective passion for the outdoors and embrace it as their own. The stories are the things that connect us best to the land, the water, the wildlife and one another.There will always be a place for compelling outdoor stories and storytelling in Colorado, just no longer here on these pages. Or perhaps just no longer here by me.As of this week, The Denver Post has decided to do away with its traditional Outdoors pages, and by extension, my position as Outdoors writer, photographer and columnist. I’ve been invited to continue writing stories about Rams, Buffaloes and Falcons, but like those college sports mascots, the gesture feels symbolic at best. In all likelihood, this is the final column, outdoors or otherwise, I’ll be asked to write for The Denver Post.Among those outside the paper already aware of this decision, the disappointment has been universal. The pervading sense of loss has less to do with me personally than to Colorado’s collective outdoors community as an entity. In the absence of an uprising — and likely even in its presence — the voice of that community expressed for so long on these pages will soon fade to black. So many stories are left untold.It can be easily argued that these stories of wild places and the people drawn to them are more important now than ever. As our sprawling world grows ever more crowded, battle lines drawn over resources in greater demand, such places offer respite and reward that can’t be found or recreated anywhere else. And they require the voices of those who know and love them best to keep the fire lit.My ambition is to continue down this path, although where it leads is anyone’s guess right now. After two decades dedicated to the cause of Colorado outdoors, the mission and message remain as compelling as ever. It’s the job I was born to do (and yes, I am open to offers).First though, my heartfelt thanks are due for the opportunity I’ve had to do the job I’ve most aspired toward. While there is much more to achieve, for a time, at least, I could lay claim to the best job in Colorado.But like the campfire that gave birth to so many stories and outdoor traditions, this chapter is about to go up in smoke. I have no doubt the fire has not gone out, however. The flame will reignite and grow. The stories — maybe even some told by me — will linger. And new ones will emerge.The void is great. But the tale is never-ending.-30---Scott WilloughbyOutdoors Editor (former)970-390-3676New email: scottrwilloughby@gmail.comFind me on FacebookTwitter: @swilloughby

CUSP Thank You Note to CCTU

We received a very nice postcard from CUSP (see attached) thanking CCTU and all the volunteers who helped out on the Gill Trail restoration days.CCTU-Thank-You-from-CUSP_08-01-15Additionally, many thanks to those who volunteered for our Gill Trail Restoration project with CUSP. A special thanks to George Franklin who led the efforts for the last three workdays and Jerry Shin who volunteered for all four of the workdays. Deckers is a healthier stream as a result of our efforts.

July Meeting on Secrets of Clear Creek

CLEAR CREEK SECRETS. A presentation on fishing Clear Creek (the one that flows through Idaho Springs) by Josh Paterson of Clear Creek Outdoors. Clear Creek is Josh's home water and it is often overlooked by anglers. Josh is here to tell us why it should be our next destination rather than a blur on the way to somewhere else.The meeting is July 19th at 7899 S Lincoln Ct, Littleton, CO 80122. (See the Meeting Event post for even more details.) The doors open around 6:30pm for fish tales and other socializing. The meeting begins at 7pm.Free admission!Don't forget the fly raffle! New members/attendees get a free raffle ticket. Raffle winners receive a choice of a dozen flies tied by a local tier for local waters.Also, there may be some CCTU logo hats still available!

New Clean Water Act Rules

The EPA and Corps of Engineers recognized that headwaters and their feeder streams need protecting and issued new Clean Water Act rules. You can check out CTU’s press release on the new Clean Water Rules here and read a recent Denver Post Op-ed about the ruling. 

Monthly Meeting - Fishing the Fraser and an Update on the Fight for the Fraser

Doors open at 6:30pm on June 16th at 7899 S Lincoln Ct, Littleton

Join your fellow Cutthroat Chapter and Colorado Trout Unlimited members in the fight for the Fraser River. Kirk Klancke and Scott Linn of the Colorado Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be making the journey to the low country of Littleton to share their infinite knowledge of this imperiled Colorado River tributary. Though the fight began years ago, it remains unfinished.As well as giving an update on the Fraser's status, they'll be giving some tips on how to fish it too!The meeting is June 16th at 7899 S Lincoln Ct, Littleton, CO 80122. The doors open around 6:30pm for fish tales and other socializing. The meeting begins at 7pm.Free admission.Don’t forget the fly raffle! New members/attendees get a free raffle ticket. Raffle winners receive a choice of a dozen flies tied by a local tier for local waters.Also, there may be some CCTU logo hats still available!

South Platte Project Postponed until August

Due to record flows on the South Platte in the area of the scheduled project in South Platte Park, the event did not occur.  We will arrange for a date in August. Please stay tuned for more information.Join CCTU and other local volunteers on June 20th to enhance the South Platte River Project.This has been a major restoration project sponsored by South Suburban Parks and Recreation. Come see the incredible augmentations to our South Platte River. Key changes have been made between C470 and Reynold’s Landing to improve our local jewel, turning it into a real trout fishery.Following completion of the major machinery work and planting, we’re looking for volunteers to improve river access, remove deadwood, and other hands on dirty work. You will enjoy a presentation by South Suburban on the scope of this project. Following our work and a complementary lunch, enjoy fishing the river! For questions and sign up, contact Allen Adinoff (ad.adinoff@coloradoallergy.com).CCTU wishes to acknowledge the generous support of Orvis Park Meadows for this project. In addition, Orvis will provide “$25 off a $50”purchase coupons to anyone who participates as a volunteer for the project

South Platte Project Postponed

Due to high flows this project (scheduled for June 20th) will be postponed. We will arrange a date for later this summer and keep everyone updated. Thanks to everyone who signed up to participate.See the original article.

Orvis Needs Volunteers

And Yes, there is something in it for you!The Orvis Store (Park Meadows) is looking for a few good volunteers to assist with casting instruction at the Fly Fishing 101 and 201 classes it sponsors on weekends.  All attendees at these classes receive a free TU trial membership so it may provide a good opportunity to help recruit new members to TU and the Cutthroat Chapter.Anyone who volunteers for a least 2 classes gets a 10% discount on any Orvis in-store purchase and that discount escalates by 10% for each subsequent class volunteered for up to 50% off.  All classes are conducted on Saturday or Sunday mornings from 9-11.  Fly Fishing 101 courses are held at the store in Park Meadows.  Fly Fishing 201 courses are held at a local area pond.  Available dates for FF101 include: 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/21, 6/28, 7/19, 8/9.  Dates for FF201 include:   5/17, 5/24, 6/14, 6/27, 7/12, 8/2, 8/15.If you are interested in volunteering, please call the Orvis Shop at 303-768-9600.

2015 Project Listing: Conservation, Restoration and Education

Gil Trail Repair- Leader: Jim Long. We need many able-bodied volunteers for this project.

• Saturday, May 30th
• Friday, June 19th
• Friday, July 24th
• Friday July 31st

South Platte Park Project- Leaders: John Arron and Allen Adinoff

• Saturday, June 20th

Crystal Lake with Project Healing Waters- Leader: Rich Pilatzke

• Wednesday, July 8th

Clear Creek Cleanup- Leaders: Ray Carney and Jim Klug

• Saturday, September 19th

Boomer Mine Reclamation- Leader: Rich Pilatzke

• Saturday September 26th

Email cutthroattu@gmail.com to inquire and sign up!