In Memoriam - Dr. Robert "Bob" Harling DiCarlo

IN MEMORIAM – DR. ROBERT “BOB” HARLING DI CARLOIt is with sadness that we let everyone know of the passing of long-time CCTU member Dr. Robert DiCarlo over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  Obituary info is not yet available, but he passed away following a fall while visiting family in South Carolina.  Dr. Bob was a marathon runner, racewalker, sports fanatic, fly fisherman, and world traveling artist.  Above all, he was a very devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He was an active member of the chapter and a welcome fixture on most of the CCTU fishing trips.  A genuinely wonderful man, he touched everyone he came in contact with, especially those who were lucky enough to spend extended time with him on the water.  He will be missed dearly by his CCTU family.  A Memorial Service honoring Dr. Di Carlo will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel 5303 E. County Line Rd. Centennial, CO 80122. A reception will follow from 2-3:30pm that day.Here's the details for Bob's services: https://horancares.com/obits/robert-harling-dicarlo/

CCTU Deckers Angler Access Steps Project - COMPLETED!

Anglers that fish the Deckers area know how unstable those steep river banks are.  Not only does this put anglers at risk as they descend from the road to the water, it also pushes gravel and dirt into a stream bed that already suffers from siltation issues.  With the help of our conservation partner, the Coalition for the Upper South Platte, and with funds and volunteer power of our Cutthroat Chapter of TU, we are doing something to alleviate those issues.  On five recent Saturdays we worked together at two sites to install new angler access steps. These steps are made from massive stones that will blend in aesthetically yet will stabilize the banks providing safer angler access and reduce siltation for improved river health.  The area adjacent to the steps is now being revegetated.  Many thanks to the CCTU volunteers that literally provided the heavy lifting to build these steps!  This spring look for at least two more step project sites nearby.

Top Picture = Before, an unstable river bank across the road from Flies and Lies.

Bottom Picture = Same site, after new steps are installed.  Revegetation is taking place now.

San Juan Chapter Trip Review

This year's Cutthroat Chapter trip to the San Juan River in northwest New Mexico was one of the most successful in the last few years.  Everyone caught fish and some very large.  On two of the three days, the weather was bright and sunny.  The fishing on these days was solid.  Most of the fish caught were on a variety of small midges and baetis nymphs.  The last day was cloudy and the conditions were excellent for a day of dry fly fishing.  It was a great experience and a fun trip for everyone on one of the great waters of the west.  Everyone looks forward to next years trip…sign up early as it filled up very fast!

San Juan River Potential Rule Change in Number of Flies per Rig... Make Your Voice Heard by Nov. 30

The Cutthroat Chapter has been notified by Duranglers (Durango fly shop) that the New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish is considering lifting a two-fly per rig regulation that has been in place for the San Juan River below Navajo Dam for more than 10 years.   When it was passed this regulation had strong support from outfitters, guides and anglers.  The San Juan in this stretch is very popular so there is tremendous pressure on the fish population.  Removing this rule would mean that anglers could fish with up to six flies per rig, increasing the possibility of damage to fish.  The New Mexico Wildlife Commissioners will vote on this rule on Nov. 30.  Duranglers is asking for support to oppose changing the two-fly rule.  Please contact Duranglers (970-385-4081) or the NM Wildlife Commission (505-476-8000) if you wish to voice your support for stopping this rule change.

Great Info in October CTU Chapter Leadership Email

Please take a look at CTU's October Chapter Leadership newsletter. There's some great info there including some rarely issued guidance on voting!Click here to read the newsletter.

A Cutthroat Stalwart Has Passed…

The Cutthroat Chapter is sad to note the passing of one of our most respected chapter members – Walter “Bud” McAlister.  Bud will be remembered for his devotion to cold water conservation and especially his passion for fly tying.  Bud provided thousands of flies for our raffles and fundraisers, did fly tying demonstrations at many venues, assisted disabled vets at our Crystal Lake trips, and especially loved to teach fly tying to youngsters.  Bud passed away on May 20th at the age of 78 after a short battle with aggressive cancer. True to his nature, Bud went fishing just six days before he died.  A memorial fund for Bud, the “Bud Fund”, is being set up to remember this respected Cutthroat member.  Donations may be made at chapter meetings.

San Juan Cutthroat Trout Discovered

Hopefully, ya’ll saw this reported in the Post earlier this week. Read the article here: https://coloradotu.org/blog/2018/9/extinct-no-more-cpw-discovers-remnant-san-juan-trout 

SOLD: To the highest bidder, an op-ed by CTU President, Chris Wood

Recently Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited, commented on the shift of conservative values away from protecting and investing in public lands, to recklessly selling them off to the highest bidder. Read the full op-ed below, which has been reposted from the Denver Post.Read it here.

CCTU and Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing – Denver Trip to Crystal Lake

On Thursday, June 27, CCTU and Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing – Denver had another great trip to Crystal Lake outside Leadville.  Eleven vets joined the group and had a great day on the water with the team.  Thanks to Richard Pilatzke and Jim Cowell for organizing as they always do, John Cristantiello for a delicious lunch, and all the CCTU and PHWFF members that attended the event.  All the vets caught fish and it was a great time getting to know them on a beautiful day in a fantastic setting.  Damsels, Quigley Cripples, and Squirmies were all working well.  Everyone looks forward to doing it again next year.

Brian YoungVice President - Cutthroat Chapter Trout Unlimited

CCTU and Greenback Reintroduction Project

On June 25, George Franklin, Bill Wiebesiek and Greg Ledges helped out on a Greenback reintroduction project up near Rock Creek.  CCTU donated funds for design of a fish barrier on Rock Creek and CCTU members have worked CTU projects up there as well.  This latest project was on adjacent Black Canyon Creek, which flows into Rock Creek and is part of that same project.  We notched beaver dams and drained beaver ponds in preparation for treatment of the creek to remove brookies and browns.  Check out the full article at the CTU website https://coloradotu.org/blog/2018/6/p7g37e3emjwgv7w6nlwjpdam9olio6