We are thrilled to announce that 65 TIC tanks across Colorado received Rainbow Trout eggs, donated by CPW’s Crystal River Hatchery, in late October. These eggs have now hatched and are in their alevin stage! Check out some of our outstanding TIC Sites and Students as they celebrate this incredible program!
Video from Estes Park Elementary School
Video from the Academy of Charter Schools
Ross Reels, a leading manufacturer of fly fishing equipment and subsidiary of Mayfly Outdoors, proudly donated $31,125 to Colorado Trout Unlimited and the Poudre Headwaters Project as part of its Native Series Reel campaign. The presentation took place Saturday, July 8th at Colorado Trout Unlimited’s Troutfest Colorado event, hosted at Coors Field. The donation is just the first portion of a total giveback of $37,125 once all of the reels have been sold.
The Native Series campaign is a partnership between Ross Reels and Colorado Trout Unlimited with the intent to raise money for native fish species conservation through the sale of reels inspired by the specific species identified.
The Greenback cutthroat trout was the first native species identified for the first reel and conservation project and is also the state fish of Colorado. The reel, called the Greenback Cutthroat Reel is a limited edition 2/3 size reel with only 495 units made, with $75 from every reel sold going to the Poudre Headwaters Project and Colorado Trout Unlimited.
The Poudre Headwaters Project is a conservation project specifically focused on restoring native Greenback trout habitat over the course of approximately 40 miles of connected river and lakes along the Cache la Poudre River all the way up to Long Draw Reservoir.
With the success of the Greenback Reel, Ross Reels also announced the release of the second reel in the series - the Colorado Cutthroat Reel. This special edition reel will again be limited to 495 reels with $75 from every reel sold going to Colorado Trout Unlimited and the Clear Fork East Muddy Creek project focused on Colorado River cutthroat trout habitat restoration.
David Nickum, Colorado Trout Unlimited Executive Director, shared his thoughts on the partnership saying, “Native trout have a great friend in Mayfly Outdoors and Ross Reels. The Greenback cutthroat reel has been a great success and is providing vital support to restoration efforts in the Poudre headwaters. Now as Ross Reels continues the native series to celebrate the Colorado River Cutthroat trout and contribute to its conservation, we look forward to partnering with them on other projects in western Colorado and Utah to help secure a future for the native trout of Mayfly’s own home waters.”
Jeff Patterson, Mayfly Outdoors and Ross Reels Director of Sales, also commented, “This has been such a great "everybody wins" collaboration with Colorado Trout Unlimited. Our Ross dealers really stepped up their support as well promoting this project through their shops with the Greenback Cutthroat being the ultimate beneficiary through the combined efforts. Our shared customers also received a pretty cool looking reel in return for their contributions. We love doing this kind of stuff, and look forward to more of it in the near future.”
All of us at Colorado Trout Unlimited would thank everyone who donated on Colorado Gives Day.
We are humbled by and so appreciative of the amazing support we received on December 6th. We also want to give a big thank you to Anglers All (abandoned mine restoration) and Barb Luneau and Mark Rayman (youth education), for their matching donations that helped us to raise even more funds for our work around the state! We look forward to 2023 and to continuing our coldwater conservation work in Colorado.
CTU raised an impressive $65,475 online, exceeding our goal of $65,000.
The wait is over! The custom Colorado Trout Unlimited hand-sculpted, bronze belt buckles are available for presale. There are two versions, one featuring a cutthroat trout and the other an Adams dry fly. Both are custom pieces made by local sculptor, Dave Richardson. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to support Colorado Trout Unlimited. Click the button below to order your own or purchase it as a gift! Thank you for your support of local businesses and river conservation in Colorado.
The artist, Dave Richardson, is a native Coloradan, a dedicated fly angler and a professional full time sculptor. Learn more about Dave and his work here.
Watch to learn more about the story behind the belt buckles and the artist, Dave Richardson.
Gives Day 2020 is here! Give to Colorado TU today and know your support for healthy watersheds and wild trout goes further. Every donation helps us to increase our portion of the Colorado Gives Day Incentive Fund. And every new or increased donation helps us to meet the Freestone Aquatics match. Today is a great day to support the rivers you love and the incredible fishing opportunities our beautiful state offers!
Give where you live and fish! Help us make 2021 a great year for healthy rivers and wild trout with your generous donation to Colorado TU TODAY!
Wishing you health and wellness!
--- the Colorado TU team
The 2020 CTU River Stewardship Gala is right around the corner! Tickets are sold out for our March 5th event but you can still get in on the action even if you can’t attend. You can also be added to our wait list by clicking the button below.
We have an incredible lineup of auction items and will open up the online bidding about a week before the event! Check out a few of our can’t miss auction items below and click here to be added to our list so you’ll be notified when the auction goes live!
4 Nights Lodging & 3 Full Days of Fishing for 2 People in the world famous Iberá Wetlands located in northeast Argentina provided by Andes Drifters. Learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime trip!
Fish and stay at the exclusive Broadmoor Fly Fishing Camp. The winning bidder and a friend will enjoy a full day of guided fishing on the Tarryall followed by a delicious meal and lodging in one of their wonderfully equipped cabins. Didn’t get quite enough fishing in? Spend the next morning wetting a line before you depart!
Want to improve your casting skills? Enjoy three hours of private casting lessons from Clear Creek Fly Casting for you and a friend. The winning bidder chooses between 2 90-minutes lessons or 3 60-minute lessons. This experience will certainly up your game just in time for summer fishing!
Have you caught the saltwater fly fishing bug yet? Join experienced Islamorado guide Captain Tim Mahaffey for a day of tarpon fishing. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
The Flat Tops are one of Colorado’s most beautiful areas! Treat yourself to a three-night stay in one of Ripple Creek Lodge’s rustic cabins and enjoy some delicious homecooked meals. Also included in this package for 2 is 1 day of guided fishing on the White River and 1 day of guided fishing on a backcountry lake that you’ll access via horseback.
Have you visited charming Redstone? Located along the Crystal River, The Redstone Inn is a wonderful hotel full of great history. The winning bidder will enjoy a 2-night stay for 2. Enjoy walks along the Crystal, visit the Redstone Castle, or fish the Crystal during your stay at the Redstone Inn.
Click here to be added to our list so you’ll be notified when the auction goes live! Anyone can participate - attending or not.
Show your support for our state’s beautiful rivers and fish by sporting the Colorado TU Rep Your Water trucker hat the next time you’re out for a day on the water! Or with your generous support, the lightweight cutthroat Rep Your Water Aqua Sun Hoodie ($68.95 value) can be yours. We offer sizes S-XXL so there is something for everyone!
Support conservation and buy local this holiday giving season! Gift cards are available to the following CTU Business Partners: Alpine Angling (Carbondale), Anglers All (Littleton), Angler’s Covey (Colorado Springs), ArkAnglers (Salida/Buena Vista), Cutthroat Anglers (Silverthorne), Duranglers (Durango), Front Range Anglers (Boulder), Roaring Fork Anglers (Glenwood Springs), Steamboat FlyFisher (Steamboat Springs), St. Peter’s Fly Shop (Ft. Collins), Trouts Fly Fishing (Denver and Frisco), Western Anglers (Grand Junction).
We've teamed up with one of our favorite grassroots conservation organizations, Colorado Trout Unlimited, and one of the most talented outdoor artists in the world, Nick Laferriere to bring this Special Edition Snowboard and Skis to you! For every board or pair of skis built, Gilson Snow will donate $75 to CTU to be used in their conservation efforts to protect and expand populations of native trout in the state of Colorado.
Using Gilson's most versatile All-Mountain models, Nick has designed artwork that embodies our passions of getting on the mountain and getting into the river. Whether exploring the backcountry or cruising a groomer, the Fly By is well equipped to handle a multitude of terrain and condition combinations. If matching the hatch and finding powder stashes are both up your alley, the Fly By is the board or skis you need in your quiver.
Dublin Dog has generated a limited-edition cutthroat trout collar to support awareness of, and raise funds for, native trout recovery in Colorado. Proceeds from this collar benefit Colorado Trout Unlimited and their efforts to protect, conserve, and restore Colorado’s native cutthroat trout.
Also available at select locations:
The Next Eddy Salida, CO
Yampa Valley Fly Fishers Steamboat Springs, CO
Basin+Bend Evergreen, CO
West Denver Trout Unlimited Chapter
Five Rivers Trout Unlimited Chapter
Show your support for Colorado’s rivers by displaying this ultra-cool license plate on your vehicle! 100% of the money raised goes toward the conservation, protection, and restoration of rivers and streams in Colorado. So whether you’re a farmer, kayaker, hunter, rafter, or angler – or just someone who appreciates the natural beauty that rivers bring to our landscape – the Protect Our Rivers license plate shows that you’re willing to put your money where your interest lies!
Need a gift idea for that special person in your life? Consider the gift of a Trout Unlimited membership. Memberships include some awesome benefits, such as a subscription to the TROUT magazine, but best of all, your membership helps protect cold, clean fishable waters for generations to come.
We've teamed up with one of our favorite grassroots conservation organizations, Colorado Trout Unlimited, and one of the most talented outdoor artists in the world, Nick Laferriere to bring these Special Edition Snowboard and Skis to you! For every board or pair of skis built, Gilson Snow will donate $75 to CTU to be used in their conservation efforts to protect and expand populations of native trout in the state of Colorado.
Using Gilson's most versatile All Mountain models, Nick has designed artwork that embodies our passions of getting on the mountain and getting into the river. Whether exploring the backcountry or cruising a groomer, the Fly By is well equipped to handle a multitude of terrain and condition combinations. If matching the hatch and finding powder stashes are both up your alley, the Fly By is the board or skis you need in your quiver.
A group of 8 lucky anglers will spend a week chasing Golden Dorado and enjoying fine food and wine in Argentina. Guests will join the wonderful crew at Andes Drifters and Parana on the Fly April 4-11, 2020 for 7 nights of accommodations and 6 full days of world-class fishing.
During the first half of this combination trip, anglers will pursue Dorado for 3 days in the world-renowned Iberá Wetlands (Esteros del Iberá), the second largest wetlands in South America. In 2018 the Argentine Government granted Andes Drifters sole outfitter fishing access to a large portion of the marsh. Anglers will have the opportunity to chase Dorado in this vast, unspoiled environment. This mecca, which just recently became available to anglers, is sure to produce a lifetime supply of memories and fish stories.
From there, anglers will enjoy 3 full days fishing for large Dorado on the upper Parana River. Deluxe lodging and top flight meals will be provided by Parana on the Fly Lodge. The lodge is located just 30 yards from a private dock where a fleet of modern motorized skiffs will be waiting to whisk anglers away to chase their quarry!
This deluxe package includes lodging, guides, boats, tackle (if desired), all meals, wine and beverages. Anglers should expect to land a variety of different sized Dorado during this trip. Fish ranging in size from 4 to 12 pounds are quite common and each season several trophy fish above 40 pounds are landed.
Andes Drifters will donate 15% of the cost of each trip back to Colorado TU to support river and fisheries conservation work around the state! In addition to being a great supporter of Colorado TU, Andes Drifters goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable and stress-free experience for its guests. Anglers on the 2019 Colorado TU trip to Argentina had a blast! Space is limited--reserve your spot before its gone!
Join Randall Kaufmann, Scott Sanchez, Jeff Currier, and Mike Stidham, on six days of fishing with Jack Dennis as your guide.
This truly is a trip of a lifetime for any fly fisher! The trip is hosted by Jack Dennis, who will be the guide rowing you on legendary fishing spots in Wyoming. The package also includes lodging and dinners with each legend. You’ll meet and fish with:
Scott Sanchez, famed fly tying and author of many fly tying books including Introduction to Salt water Fly Tying and The Never Ending Stream as well as having managed with famed Yellowstone/Jackson area shops Jack Dennis Sports, Dan Bailey’s, and currently JD High Country Outfitters.
Randall Kaufmann, a leading authority on flies, fly tying and fly fishing for over 40 years and author of several books including Bonefishing!, Fly Tying Made Easy for Beginners, Tying Nymphs and Tying Dry Flies.
Jeff Currier, worldwide traveler artist and fly shop manager for Jack Dennis for over 27 years. As a member of Team USA Fly Fishing, Jeff earned an individual bronze medal in 2003’s World Championships making him the first ever American to medal in the competition.
Mike Stidham, an incredible and master artist who has illustrated books for Jack Dennis, Randall Kaufmann, and is considered one of the finest saltwater artist of all time.
And Jack Dennis will be your guide throughout. Jack is among the west’s most famous guides and tyers, authoring the definitive Western Trout Fly Tying Manual and establishing Jack Dennis Sports in Jackson, WY and founding the Jackson Hole One Fly, which has raised millions of dollars for habitat improvement projects.
Due to scheduling each of the experts will take part in different days, based on schedule and availability. One lucky buyer will fish in the boat with one of the experts on all of the days. This is a real chance to get super autographs and photos with some of the legends of our sport! The trip is for one person and is only available for the specified dates in September 2019 - and just possibly may be Jack’s last fundraising trip. At 72 he considers every year a blessing for him to take anglers!
Arrival Sept 15: You’ll arrive in Thermopolis, Wyoming and stay the night that evening as you prepare to hit the Big Horn the next morning.
Day One Sept 16 : Big Horn River in Thermopolis Wyoming, fishing the trico hatch in the morning and the Blue Wing Olives later in the day to evening. You’ll be small dry fly fishing to large spooky rainbows, browns and the occasional Yellowstone cutthroats on an amazing river with rising trout. Lodging provided in Thermopolis that evening.
Day Two Sept 17 :A journey to world-famous Monster Lake chasing some trophy trout in one of the world's most famous private still water fisheries In the evening we’ll go back to Thermopolis.
Day Three Sept 18 Visit the Buffalo Bill historic museum complex in Cody, with true master of fly fishing art Mike Shidham. The complex hosts one of the great tributes to the American Indian, Western , and the world-famous Whitney, the largest Western art collection. In total there are five museums, including the American Firearms Museum administered by the Smithsonian, and the artifact collection of Buffalo Bill Cody. You’ll enjoy late afternoon to evening fishing on a local private stream, and again have lodging in Thermopolis.
Day Four Sept 19: A morning fishing adventure to catch the trico hatch fishing on the Big Horn River in Thermopolis. After fishing to mid afternoon, you will drive to Jackson Hole to prepare for an upcoming float on the Snake River. Lodging provided in Jackson Hole.
Day Five Sept 20: A journey to Jackson Hole where we will drift on the Snake through the Teton mountain range with beautiful fall colors and rising native cutthroat trout. This is Jack Dennis’ home river that he has fished since boyhood. After the fishing trip, you will journey to Pinedale, Wyoming and stay the night there.
Day Six Sept 21 : You’ll fish the Green River or New Fork River in Pinedale, Wyoming for fall fishing for rainbows and browns on a choice (based on conditions at the time) between two of Wyoming's finest rivers. Autumn is a prime time to fish here, as waters drop and the fishing pressure subsides. You’ll enjoy some first rate dry fly and streamer fishing, and again spend the night back in Pinedale, Wyoming.
Departure Sept 22 After breakfast, depart for home!
Trip is for one angler and includes lodging for 7 days. Breakfast and lunch during trips included; does not include license or liquor. Travel between destinations can be with Jack, or guests can follow and personal vehicle. This trip is only for the specified dates in September 2019.
