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February 2025

The CTU Annual River Stewardship Gala is on March 13 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. As our largest fundraiser of the year, this event supports our work to conserve, protect, and restore Colorado’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Learn more today!

Stalled Streams: The Urgent Need to Unlock Federal Conservation Funding

Critical restoration projects across Colorado’s watersheds are on hold as federal funding remains unavailable. 

 

Colorado Trout Unlimited recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Colorado’s Congressional delegation and advocate for the release of federally contracted funds currently caught in a broad funding freeze. This unexpected halt is jeopardizing critical conservation projects across the state, including post-fire watershed restoration, river habitat improvements, and fish passage upgrades. While these projects have already been approved and funded through federal agencies, the pause in payments has left work stalled, putting both environmental restoration efforts and local contractors at risk.

Among the affected projects is a collaborative effort on Elk Creek, a vital Colorado River tributary, where construction is already underway but could be derailed if funding remains frozen. From the Poudre Headwaters to the San Juan River, millions of dollars in contracted conservation work hang in the balance. CTU continues to work with our Congressional delegation to push for a resolution, ensuring these vital projects move forward.

 
 
 

The San Luis Valley Student Chapter

The San Luis Valley TU Student Chapter, one of the first three TU student chapters in the country and the only one west of the Mississippi, is creating hands-on opportunities for young conservationists. From fly tying with Project Healing Waters to building fence stiles and conducting fish population surveys, these students are actively improving local fisheries while developing their skills. With plans to expand beyond Monte Vista High School, the chapter is shaping the next generation of anglers and environmental stewards.

 
 

Join CTU at the Denver Fly Fishing Show - New Events Added

Join CTU along with our chapters (Denver TU, West Denver, and Pikes Peak) at the Denver Fly Fishing Show February 21st - 23rd at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. The Fly Fishing Show is an annual event that brings together fly fishing enthusiasts, manufacturers, and professionals from across the industry. In addition, the Denver TU Chapter—along with Abel, Airlite Fly Rods, Airflo, Renzetti, and Ross Reels—is hosting a happy hour on Thursday evening, while CTU and Ross Reels will host another on Saturday.

 
 

River Stewardship Gala

Join us on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for the Colorado Trout Unlimited River Stewardship Gala, our largest annual fundraising event. Enjoy a memorable evening featuring a cocktail hour, dinner, live and silent auctions, raffles, and a special presentation celebrating the partners behind the Colorado River Connectivity Channel. Purchase your tickets or donate today!

 
 

Powering the Restoration Economy and Rural Jobs 

Trout Unlimited’s restoration efforts fuel rural economies by creating local jobs, supporting small businesses, and strengthening industries that rely on healthy watersheds. By leveraging federal funding, TU restores rivers, cleans up abandoned mines, and improves water resilience for farmers and ranchers. Their work enhances outdoor tourism, protects drinking water, and helps communities transition to a more sustainable future—proving that conservation is an investment in economic prosperity.

 
 

Troutfest Colorado 2025

Attendee tickets now available for free! Join us on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 12 PM to 5 PM at Coors Field for Troutfest Colorado—a free, family-friendly festival celebrating community, conservation, and education. Enjoy live music, fly tying demonstrations, casting clinics, youth activities, stadium tours, and more. Free parking is available in Lot A. Register now to be part of this unique summer event!

 

Featured Partner: Freestone Aquatics

Freestone Aquatics has been a long-time and generous supporter of Trout Unlimited conservation programs, and a leader in the field of river restoration throughout the region. Freestone Aquatics conducted the first, highly-successful restoration project for the Learning by Doing program at the Fraser Flats reach of the Fraser River near Tabernash – creating a healthier river channel that now supports more robust populations of trout and macroinvertebrates. Watch the video. Freestone has completed restoration projects on a wide range of rivers facing diverse challenges, from the Colorado River through Middle Park to the North Fork of the South Platte. Driven by the conservation vision and commitment of owners Clint and Kallie Packo, Freestone Aquatics is a premier company in aquatic habitat improvement and a positive force for improving the health of rivers throughout Colorado.

 
  • February 20th - Frito Pies and Flies - Denver, CO - Join the Denver chapter, Abel, Ross Reels, Airflo, Airlite Fly Rods, and Renzetti for a happy hour prior to the Fly Fishing Show. Learn more.

  • February 21st - 23rd - The Fly Fishing Show - Denver, CO - This year's Fly Fishing Show will be held once again at the Gaylord Rockies. Join CTU and several chapters! Learn more.

  • February 22nd - Join Us For a Cold One - Aurora, CO (Fly Fishing Show) - Join CTU and Ross Reels for the launch of the Ross Reels and Coors Banquet collaboration. Learn more.

  • February 24th - Youth Fly Tying - Battlement Mesa, CO - Join the Grand Valley Anglers chapter for a youth fly tying clinic. Learn more.

  • March 6th - Youth Education Fundraiser - Fly Fishing for Trout in Indian Peaks & James Peaks Wilderness Areas - Boulder, CO - Join the Boulder Flycasters chapter for a fundraiser for Boulder Flycasters’ youth science education programs. Learn more.

  • March 12th - State of the Animas and local rivers - Durango, CO - Join 5RTU in welcoming Jim White and Kade Jackson with CPW, Ty Churchwell from National TU, Scott Roberts from MSI and Clay Kampf and Rachel Geiger with the USFS to give us updates on the health of our rivers and trout. Learn more.

  • March 13th - CTU River Stewardship Gala - Denver, CO - Join CTU for our annual fundraising event at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Learn more.

  • March 22nd - The Fly Tying Clinic - Golden, CO - Join the West Denver chapter for its 46th annual event, with over 50 local and nationally-known tyers. Learn more.

  • March 22nd - International Fly Fishing Film Festival - Grand Junction, CO - Join the Grand Valley Anglers chapter at Avalon Theater for the 2025 IF4. Learn more.

  • March 29th - The Trout Fishing Expo - Loveland, CO - Join the Rocky Mountain Flycasters chapter for their its annual expo. Includes exhibitors, fly tying, speakers, and more. Learn more. 

  • May 31st - Troutfest Colorado 2025 - Denver, CO - Join CTU for the largest Trout Unlimited event in the country! A day at the ballpark celebrating community, conservation, and education. Free tickets are now available. Learn more.

 

 
 

Thank you to our business partners:

 
 
 

Colorado Trout Unlimited
1536 Wynkoop Street Suite 320 | Denver, Colorado 80202
303-440-2937 | info@coloradotu.org

NATIONAL TROUT UNLIMITED

 1(800)-834-2419 trout@tu.org

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