Blog — Colorado Trout Unlimited

Registration is Now Open for CTU's River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp

We are excited to announce registration is open for our River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp!

CTU Camp is for youth 14 - 18 years old and we accept 20 campers each year. Campers spend a week together in the mountains near Almont, CO. This inclusive camp is a special place where teens find acceptance and make forever friendships with others who share their passion for the river, fly fishing, and conservation.

Camp Details

Eligibility: Youth 14 - 18 years old
Cost: $650 (tuition), plus $50 registration fee
*SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE*
Applications Deadline: April 1, 2024

CTU Camp aims to inspire the next generation of river stewards and conservation-minded anglers. By providing youth with a safe, fun, and inclusive environment, we learn together how conservation, a passion for the outdoors, and fly fishing are beautifully connected.

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Trout in the Classroom Eggs Have Hatched!

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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

We need your help to support the Trout in the Classroom program across the state of Colorado.

Progress on Clear Fork E Muddy Barrier Project

This year, after over 6 years of planning, work began on a protective barrier on the Clear Fork of East Muddy Creek northwest of Paonia in Gunnison County where approximately 13 miles of green lineage Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (CRCT) habitat will be restored. As with many native fish restoration projects, this will be done in two phases. Phase 1 includes the installation of the fish barrier and will result in establishment of a downstream barrier to isolate the native trout population which will allow CRCT to re-establish in the main stem of Clear Fork of Muddy Creek. Phase 2 includes a chemical and mechanical removal of introduced brook trout above the barrier and monitoring for barrier success and cutthroat repopulation. With the goal to increase the overall cutthroat population and to restore inter-connectivity of smaller tributaries, this project will be a catalyst to surrounding cutthroat projects allowing subsequent stocking out of Clear Fork and into adjacent watersheds.

In the early 2000’s brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were inadvertently stocked into the Clear Fork of Muddy Creek. The presence of brook trout in the system has severely impacted the distribution and survival of the native cutthroat. Currently, Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (CRCT) only persist in the upper reaches of the watershed, protected by natural barriers. 

Wildcat Creek Receives Restoration Work

Wildcat Creek, home to unique Colorado River Cutthroat DNA, faced a pressing need for preservation amid the looming threat of climate-induced aridification. Recognizing the stream's vulnerability to de-watering, Dolores River Anglers Chapter of TU, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and the San Juan National Forest collaborated with the Upper Dolores Stream Protection Working Group to employ Low-tech, Process-based Stream Restoration (LTPB). Their goal was to augment the number and scale of refuge pockets and pools along the creek, utilizing locally available resources and a primary technique—log pour-over structures—to guide natural processes and fortify the stream's resilience during low water periods.

The strategic placement of log pour-over structures, modeled after natural occurrences when trees fall into the stream, emerged as a crucial mechanism in the fight against climate change-induced challenges. These structures, essential tools for small stream climate change resilience, significantly expanded the availability of drought refuges, fostering resilience in Wildcat Creek. They meticulously selected four sites along the stream based on specific channel characteristics, distributional distance, and available natural anchors to implement the log pour-over structures.

The collaborative effort involved an on-site project spanning seven days, including dedicated volunteers, staff from the San Juan National Forest, and contracted Southwest Conservation Core (SCC) members. A labor-intensive process involved carefully transporting, placing, adjusting, and backfilling the selected logs to create these essential structures. The successful execution of this project, aimed at preserving Wildcat Creek's unique genetic legacy, was made possible through the invaluable support of organizations like Colorado Trout Unlimited and the Colorado Watershed Alliance.

Fish New Zealand and Donate to CTU

Special price for CTU members that also gives back!

For a limited time, you can travel and fish New Zealand with our friends at Distant Waters for the special price of $5,999 (originally $7,999). This package is good for the 2023/2024 season and ends April 30th. Every booking gives back to CTU!

Includes the following:

  • Economy Round Trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco included (business/premium economy upgrades available at additional cost)

  • 5 days fly fishing

  • 7 nights accommodations

  • Price is per person, based on two anglers sharing rooms and guide

  • Transportation and airport transfers to and from lodging

  • Private party (drinks and appetizers) first night of arrival

  • All meals including (excluding dinner)

Make sure you mention CTU when booking!

Colorado Gives Day - Early Giving Starts Now!

You don't have to wait until December 5th to make a difference!

Donate anytime from now until December 5th to support Colorado Trout Unlimited.

Join us in efforts such as reconnecting crucial spawning tributaries to the Colorado River, restoring native cutthroat trout populations, educating the next generation, cleaning up abandoned mines, and advocating for water quality across urban fisheries and pristine high-mountain streams. CTU and its 22 chapters statewide are dedicated to the ongoing conservation, protection, and restoration of Colorado's coldwater habitats.

Even a small contribution can create a significant impact. Seize this opportunity to make a difference – it's the perfect day to give back.