High Country Angler | Winter 2026

WINTER 20

26

THE

FROZEN OVER SEASON

BY LANDON MAYER

NORTH PLATTE delivers big winter fish BY BRIAN LA RUE

- CELEBRATING COLORADO RIVER CHAMPIONS - SECURING LONG-TERM FLOWS FOR THE COLORADO RIVER - HOW TROUT UNLIMITED IS EXPANDING COMMUNITY

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WINTER 2026 VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 1

MAGAZINE CONTENTS 08

THE FROZEN OVER SEASON

14

CASPER’S NORTH PLATTE

22 24 34 36 44

BY LANDON MAYER

BY BRIAN LA RUE

LITTLE BLUE LINES

BY HAYDEN MELSOP

CELEBRATING COLORADO’S RIVER CHAMPIONS

BY COLORADO TU STAFF

OLD BECOMES NEW

BY JOEL EVANS

SHOSHONE WATER RIGHTS AGREEMENT

BY COLORADO TU STAFF

LAST CAST

BY BARBARA LUNEAU

DOWNLOAD FULL ISSUE

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High Country Angler • Winter 2026

www.HCAezine.com

HCA Staff P U B LISHER S

J ac k Tallo n & Frank M ar tin

C O NTENT C ONSU LTANT L ando n M ayer

EDITO R IAL

Frank M ar t i n, M anagi ng Editor f rank@ hc am agaz ine.co m Landon Mayer, Editorial Consultant Ruthie Mar tin, Editor

ADV ER TISING

B r i an L a R ue, S ales & M a r keting b r ian@ hc am agaz i ne.co m D i rec t : ( 720) 202- 9600 M ar k Shulm an, Ad S ales Cell: ( 303) 668- 2591 m ar k@ hc am agaz i ne.co m

DESIG N

David M ar tin, Creative Direc tor & Graphic D esigner

P HOTO G RAP HY

Frank Martin, Landon Mayer, Brian LaRue, Angus Drummond

STAF F WRITER S

Frank Martin, Landon Mayer, Brian LaRue, Joel Evans, David Nickum, John Nickum, Peter Stitcher Copyright 2017, High Country Angler, a division of High Country Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reprinting of any content or photos without expressed written consent of publisher is prohibited. Published four (4) times per year.

To add your shop or business to our distribution list, contact Frank Martin at frank@hcamagazine.com.

D i str i buted by H i gh Countr y Publi cati ons, L LC 730 Popes Valley D r i ve Colorad o Spr i ngs, Colorad o 809 1 9 FA X 719-593-0040 Published in cooperation with Colorado Trout Unlimited 1536 Wynkoop Street, Suite 320 Denver, CO 80202 www.coloradotu.org

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Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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THE FROZEN OVER SEASON

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High Country Angler • Winter 2026

BY LANDON MAYER

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Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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W

inter fishing offers an escape from the monotony of gray skies, short days, and shoveling snow. It offers solitude and a certain peace, especially as snow falls, muting the sounds around you.

But getting out there is only half the battle. In the winter, fish behave differently than in other months. A lack of food and chilly water temperatures can leave you scratching your head, wondering if there are any fish in the river.

These winter trout fishing secrets will help you land more fish and deal with the intricacies and pains of winter fishing when still waters and freestones freeze over, but the tail water fisheries can shine in the coldest and darkest days!

Matching Midges A big advantage to the chilly months is not having to dissect a complex hatch to find what food supply the fish prefer. A majority of the trout’s diet will consist of Midges, with a side order of Baetis if they are available.

The first component to the Midge mystery is size and silhouette. You want to match the natural midge (or downsize by one), followed by the proper silhouette, which for Midges means thinner is better. Most of the larva, pupa, and adults are skinny. The second part of the equation is the color scheme. Finding the right color for the job

Determining Diameter All it takes is one item on your rig to appear unnatural for selective trout to go on alert and not eat because they detected something is wrong. While we can focus on the indicator and split shot as the culprit, I have noticed targets over the years becoming wary of the way the fly drifts, and seeing the thick taper on the end of a leader that connects to the fly line. Without the need for a tapered leader to roll your flies over with long casting loops in big water, building a leader out of tippet can be the answer to better performance out of each drift in the narrow waterways of winter.

I prefer the three-tier leader formula, starting with a three-foot piece of 3-4x Fluorocarbon tippet connected with a triple surgeon’s knot to a three-foot piece of 4-5x Fluorocarbon. To complete the leader, I will end with a three-to-five-foot piece of 5-6-7x Fluorocarbon. The size can be determined by how wary the fish are, and, if needed, a five-foot piece of tippet can extend the leader from 9 to 11 feet. When you decide on the right diameter for your cold adventure, the rewards of undetectable drag-free drifts can entice some of the best reactions from trout.

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High Country Angler • Winter 2026

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Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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based on the trout’s reaction to your flies. I normally start with a confidence color like red, or a red ribbed midge (Tube Midge #18-20-22, Montana Fly Company) as my main fly. Then, with my second dropper fly, start with a dark color (Dorsey’s Flashback Black Beauty #18-22, Dye’s Two Tone Larva#18-22) and use this as a changing station throughout the day. Making it easy to retie and find what color the fish will prefer.

your rod, which would put too much pressure on your tippet. The downstream angle will place the fly in the corner of the trout’s jaw, away from the teeth that line the top of the mouth, and this placement will give you the best lifting angle when you are applying pressure throughout the fight. Being able to control the position and power from your rod during the set will help you land more and larger trout.

Lifting To Set The Hook For many anglers, most trout are lost in the first ten seconds or the last ten seconds of the fight. This makes the hook set one of the most important steps in fighting any trout. To successfully set on a fish, you first need to understand how to apply pressure quickly on the trout without overpowering the motion.

To do this you want to lift the rod at a downstream angle while keeping the rod at a slight horizontal position. I always tell anglers to not break the plain of their shoulder on the set; this will prevent you from applying maximum flex to

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High Country Angler • Winter 2026

About Landon Landon Mayer is a veteran Colorado guide and author of several books. His newest book, Guide Flies: Easy-to-Tie Patterns for Tough Trout, can be purchased on his website at www.landonmayerflyfishing.com. You can follow Landon on Instagram at @landonmayerflyfishing.

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Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

13

CASPER’S NORTH PLATTE DELIVERS BIG WINTER FISH

by Brian La Rue

by Brian La Rue

W

inter fishing on Wyoming’s North Platte can be amazing. With numerous famous fishing spots like Grey Reef and Miracle Mile just to name a few, other locations see a fraction of the pressure. What if I told you about a stretch right in Casper where you can throw streamers all day and catch some of the biggest trout in the entire river system?

Having lived in numerous Western towns with great fishing “downtowns,” it’s no surprise to me that fishing within Casper’s city limits can be good yearround. If only Denver’s Platte was as good! You can catch fish there, but nothing like some of the other downtown fisheries I’ve enjoyed! Sure, you might have to sacrifice quantity to catch quality in Casper’s shadow, but sometimes it’s nice to fish a new area, or get away from the crowds.

“The winter streamer fishing on the stretches around town can be amazing,” said Blake Jackson at the Ugly Bug Fly Shop and Crazy Rainbow Fly Fish16

High Country Angler • Winter 2026

ing (https://uglybugflyshop.crazyrainbow.net/). “I’d suggest a 6-7 WT rod with a sink tip to capitalize on this amazing opportunity. Some utilize casting spey rods to deliver streamers as well.

“There are no sculpin to imitate so you’ll need to bring your best smaller crawdad, leach and baby rainbow patterns to connect with nice trout pushing past the 20-inch mark,” added Jackson. “The key is that olive and white flash combo with something like a Goldie streamer.

“I also mentioned small crawdads, so I like to tie on size 10-12 Thin Mints and we will often fish two streamers in tandem,” said Jackson. “I tie that Thin Mint in front as my lead fly being chased by the baby rainbow pattern and hope for a bigger trout to join the chase.

“I’d also suggest letting your crawdad patterns swing at the end of the drift and offer a slower retrieve to imitate those smaller bugs along the river’s muddy bottom,” suggests Jackson. “Of course, blue winged www.HCAezine.com

olives and midges account for most of the non-streamer fishing in winter. A couple of my favorites include the Mayhem midge and Barr’s emerger. Stick with your olive and black patterns.

After New Year’s it’s all going to be midges.”

The trick for Colorado anglers is to time a good weather window to make the quick, straight shot north to Casper.

Just like Colorado, you can find very pleasant windows even in the dead of the winter months.

There are times when there will be slush, but the fishing windows far outnumber bad weather days, no different than home. www.HCAezine.com

Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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“As for accessing the river around Casper, you find numerous public boat ramps, and the community has done some amazing things to revise sections of the river,” said Jackson. “One spot we’ve seen huge overall improvement and benefit from restoration work is Morad Park.”

What about flows? Naturally we all want to know about river flows in winter. The North Platte through Casper remains around 500 cfs according to Jackson. It typically remains at that flow until early May. Big rainbows and large browns thrive here thanks to favorable conditions and big meals.

With those kinds of stable winter flows and plenty of good weather windows, Jackson says his team guides year-round on the town stretch, in addition to the North Platte’s standard sections.

“We get out in the winter as often as we can,” added Jackson. “We are on the river every day. it’s nice.

Just pick a window, make the quick drive and come fish with us.”

So next time you are thinking of a winter escape without the headache of I-70, and have a couple 20

High Country Angler • Winter 2026

days to fish, consider a quick drive to Casper to throw streamers for big rainbows and browns. Elbow room, a pleasant day and casting streamers to aggressive 20-plus-inch trout sounds like a plan to me! Just remember to slow your retrieve with colder water and crawdad patterns.

About The Author High Country Angler contributor Brian La Rue enjoys giving fly fishers ideas of where to go for an adventure. Feel free to reach out to Brian at Brian@hcamagazine. com if you want your lodge or guide service featured in an upcoming promotional marketing plan.

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Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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A GUIDE’S LIFE • BY HAYDEN MELLSOP

Little Blue Lines

I

lay snug in my bag, caddis-like, as the season’s first snow settled softly on the roof of the camper. Cold nipped at my nose and the air smelled dank and fertile. I propped myself up on one elbow and unzipped a window to look out onto the morning. Tendrils of cloud drifted like ghost fingers through the treetops and I knew snow would be falling heavier further up in the high country.

Many are the attractions of fishing high mountain streams late in the season. At lower elevations, rivers flow bigger and faster, much like life itself seems to do. Up here is like traveling back in time, back to a river’s place of origin in surroundings one can still imagine for a brief time could be Eden. Back to the days of childhood, life and the world less crowded and complicated. Less crowded with good reason, I thought, looking out at the onset of winter happening right before my eyes.

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High Country Angler • Winter 2026

Several days had passed since I’d last looked at a watch or cell phone. The weather had been cold without being unpleasantly so. I’d eaten when hungry, slept when tired, and fished the times in between. The word ‘fishing’ here functions as a catchall. Perhaps a more accurate definition would be described as time passed in places fish reside, an excuse to be present in the mountains rather than catching a fish being the be all and end all. I’d spent as much time, if not more, hiking, sitting, watching, and paying attention to the silence as I had waving a rod around.

One benefit of being here this late in the season was that there was little impetus to rise early and chase the day. Unlike the height of summer, when daylight at 5:00 am instills one with a sense of Carpe Diem, wintery mornings are made for lying late, waiting for temperatures to warm and ice to melt from a stream’s slower reaches.

I lay back down and replayed the preceding day in a state of semi-slumber. I’d ventured to what had been until then a little blue line on the map originating against the Continental Divide.

The water flowed sparse over boney cobbles and collected in lethargic pools. The brookies, some late bloomers still holding over their redds, had still been vivid in their neon coloring. These latter I’d left alone, walking past their conjugal beds, pangs of guilt coming over me every now and then for playing Jehovah to the fish’s Job, messing with them just because I could. But who is to say we are not some crumb on a giant’s table somewhere ourselves. www.HCAezine.com

I’d left the stream for a time and climbed a small late to drive out and back to civilization if the snow hill to gaze onto the meadow beyond, the streams continued. In the meantime, I’d sit with my mug of course marked by stands of rusted willow casting long tea and, map open on my lap, see if any more little shadow, and wondered what it must have been like to blue lines reached out and spoke to me. have been the first being, simultaneously blessed and cursed with self-awareness, to have gazed on About The Author this scene. A thunderstorm then moved in, spilling over the ridge Hayden Mellsop is an expat New Zealander living in the line into the valley. As I sat beneath mountain town of Salida, Colorado, on the banks of the the umbrella shelter of a fir tree a Arkansas River. As well as being a semi-retired fly fishing large hail stone tumbled through guide, he juggles helping his wife raise two teenage the branches and bounced off my daughters, along with a career in real estate. hand. I watched as it melted slowly back into the earth, its hard-cut definition blurring and dissolving before my eyes.

The snow began to ease. BeHayden Mellsop fore retiring the night before, I’d Fly fishing guide. Real Estate guide. tied a rope between two trees and fashioned a shelter for my kitchen beneath a tarp, preferring to keep where I cook and where I sleep separate. In the confines of the camper, I pulled on clothes and boots and emerged, blinking and hungry to the day, a bear emerging from its cave. As water heated on the stove I paced and stretched to get blood flowing and shake off the aches of cold and age.

A breeze rose, pushing up-valRecreation, residential, retirement, investment. ley, dissolving the tendrils of mist 5IF EJõFSFODF CFUXFFO MPPLJOH GPS ZPVS TQFDJBM QMBDF BOE mOEJOH JU and lifting the cloud ceiling higher. The day began to lighten. Per1JOPO 3FBM &TUBUF (SPVQ 4BMJEB haps the weather might lift after 0öDF ] $FMM all. I’d give it a couple more hours XXX )PNF 8BUFST DPN INFMMTPQ!QJOPOSFBMFTUBUF DPN before deciding on a course of action, mindful of not leaving it too www.HCAezine.com

Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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Celebrating Colorado’s River Champions

by Colorado TU Staff

Photo by Dave Papineau 24

High Country Angler • Winter 2026

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E

very river needs a champion, and at the Fall Rendezvous in Glenwood Springs, Colorado TU had the chance to recognize some of those champions from among our chapters, members and partners. Each year, the River Champion Awards honor individuals and organizations whose commitment strengthens Colorado’s rivers and fisheries. Here are this year’s awardees and their stories. www.HCAezine.com

Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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River Champion Conservation Leadership – Chris Kennedy For decades, retired US Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Chris Kennedy has been a driving force behind the recovery of Colorado’s state fish, the greenback cutthroat trout. Chris has led restoration projects in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, often guiding TU volunteers into the backcountry to experience hands-on conservation. He collaborated closely with staff at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery on genetic management that supports healthier and more diverse broodstocks. Chris has also spent thousands of hours digging through historic stocking records and piecing together the origins and movements of trout lineages, helping to resolve genetic mysteries that shaped native trout conservation across Colorado.

John Duncan in action at Troutapalooza.

Chris Kennedy sampling through electrofishing in Rocky Mountain National Park.

River Champion Industry Partner – Telluride Outside / John Duncan John Duncan and the team at Telluride Outside have been steadfast supporters of the Gunnison Gorge Anglers and dedicated champions for the San Miguel River. Their mission, “Protect what we love,” sits at the heart of their work. For more than 15 years, they have helped lead the Troutapalooza fundraiser, contributing more than $100,000 in goods and services for conservation and education projects, including the Telluride Valley Floor restoration effort. They have also encouraged broader industry participation by coordinating trip exchanges with other outfitters. Beyond that, Telluride Outside hosts “Camp Caddis,” which introduces young people to fly fishing, river ecology and stewardship.

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High Country Angler • Winter 2026

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The same free-flowing rivers that sustain trout and salmon bring clean water into our homes, give life to vibrant communities and feed a passion for angling and the outdoors. Today our fisheries and our rivers face enormous challenges.

At Trout Unlimited, we are doing something about it.

Whether you are passionate about wild and native fish, inspired by the wonder of rivers or dedicated to clean water, we invite you into our community of committed optimists.

Be a champion for the rivers and the fish we love and help unlock the unlimited power of conservation.

EVERY RIVER NEEDS A

CHAMPION www.HCAezine.com

Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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River Champion Landowner – Brent Mefford When the US Forest Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife began planning greenback cutthroat trout restoration in Rock Creek and Black Canyon, they found the ideal partner in Brent Mefford. Brent’s family ranch sits at the confluence of those streams as they flow toward Tarryall Creek, creating a key restoration opportunity.

With his background as a fish passage specialist for the Bureau of Reclamation, Brent brought both expertise and enthusiasm.

He worked with his family to support the project on their land, helped secure landowner grants, and designed the temporary and permanent fish barriers that made non-native trout removal possible. His partnership laid the groundwork for the upcoming reintroduction of greenbacks to the watershed.

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High Country Angler • Winter 2026

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COLORADO TROUT UNLIMITED TIE-4-THE FUTURE CHALLENGE Help inspire the next generation of anglers and conservationists by tying flies for Colorado TU’s education programs.

Every fly you tie helps connect more students with rivers, science, and conservation through Colorado TU’s education programs.

How it Works Tie as many flies as you’d like. Click here for recommended patterns.

Identify your City/TU Chapter and mail all flies to Colorado TU by April 1, 2026.

The winning TU Chapter with the most flies submitted will be announced at the Spring Rendezvous.

Prize The TU Chapter that ties the most flies wins the coveted Colorado TU Tie-4-The Future Trophy for one year—plus bragging rights that come with it!

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Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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Removable fish barrier structure on Rock Creek, designed by Brent Mefford.

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High Country Angler • Winter 2026

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River Champion Chapter – Grand Valley Anglers

Campground on the Lower Gunnison – and Ed Kehoe and GGA volunteers have been there teaching entomology, fly tying and fly fishing basics. Over 17 The Grand Valley Anglers demonstrate what it years of committed volunteerism, Ed has taught an means to be an exceptional Trout Unlimited chapter. estimated 5600 students and planted the seeds of river Their commitment to conservation, education and stewardship for the next generation of champions. community engagement spans watersheds across the Western Slope. Their work includes robust youth education through Trout in the Classroom, events that welcome new and diverse communities into conservation, and leadership in developing TU’s first Spanish-language brochure. Even without a trout stream flowing through Grand Junction, their support for trout conservation reaches from the Gunnison River to the Grand Mesa lakes and streams, and up onto the Roan Plateau where volunteers have contributed to habitat and native trout restoration.

Ed Kehoe teaching fly tying to a future river champion.

Grand Valley Anglers in action with egg delivery to one of their Trout in the Classroom sites.

River Champion Project – Denver TU Carp Slam XIX

The 2025 Carp Slam set a new high for fundraising – much of it done through crowdfunding by the competitors – raising more than $70,000 to support River Champion Education – restoration, water quality monitoring, education, and Gunnison Gorge Anglers/Ed river cleanups benefiting the Denver South Platte.

Kehoe Beyond just the funds raised, Carp Slam over its 19 years has helped engage the Denver community and Cottonwood Days is a collaboration with GGA changed the mindset about an urban river – helping and other local non-governmental organizations, inspire other community leaders and funders to invest CPW, and the BLM. Since 2008, 6th graders from time and resources in revitalizing the South Platte as the North Fork Valley, Delta, Olathe, and Montrose the heart of a city. schools have taken field trips to Cottonwood www.HCAezine.com

Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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Competitors celebrate success at the Denver Carp Slam.

John Connolly Chapter Communications – Collegiate Peaks

National Western complex. Bringing innovation and deep commitment to the TIC program, Martin has been a true champion of water education for Colorado youth. His efforts were central in the recent designation of the Trout in the Classroom program as a Water Education Exemplar for Colorado.

Martin Harris – TIC Lead Volunteer for Colorado

The Collegiate Peaks Chapter was honored for its effective chapter communications – website, social media, and informative and reliable newsletter.

Communicating with members and partners for a Presidents Award – 2025 Youth chapter whose home territory spans more than 80 Camp Staff miles of the Arkansas River from Leadville to Cotopaxi and beyond is a major challenge – and the chapter has Colorado TU President Barbara Luneau presented met that challenge with great effectiveness! a special presidential award to the volunteer staff of the Colorado TU Youth Camp for their tremendous River Champion Distinguished grace under fire – quite literally! On the first full day Service – Martin Harris of camp, the staff led campers through the evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency; only a few As the lead volunteer for Trout in the Classroom hours later, they were leading an evacuation in the face programs in Colorado, Martin has helped support the of a wildfire that had started on the camp property. growth of that program to nearly 90 tanks statewide, as Under pressure, the staff rose to the occasion helping well as spearheading engagement of his home Denver ensure the safety of all campers – and once the fire TU chapter with sites in the metro area including a was out, helping those campers enjoy the full camp community tank with the CSU Spur campus at the experience in fly fishing, conservation, and building 32

High Country Angler • Winter 2026

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community. Colorado TU is grateful for the dedicated and compassionate service of this amazing team of volunteers.

River Champion Volunteers Colorado TU recognized six additional volunteers from across the state for their outstanding service.

• Bob Clark – West Denver. Bob has been a dedicated volunteer and one of the faces of the chapter through efforts on public fishing events, the Clear Creek cleanup, coordinating volunteers with the ISE and Fly Fishing shows, and coordinating the fantasy raffle that is a key funding source for the chapter’s program.

• Tony Eason – Colorado River Headwaters. A dependable volunteer with chapter projects throughout the headwaters area, Tony also took on the role of Membership Chair for the chapter and has helped spearhead a 33% growth in membership over the past two years – engaging more of the community in TU’s programs.

• Ashley Giles - West Denver. Ashley has been a true champion for Clear Creek, bringing her technical expertise to lead citizen science work, engage partners through a Stream Management Plan effort, and being a key advocate for water and wetlands protection in the watershed and throughout Colorado.

• Rick Kahn – Rocky Mountain Flycasters.

Rick brought experience from a career with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, US Forest Service and the National Park Service to help build stronger collaborations among those agencies in advancing the Poudre Headwaters Project, Colorado’s largest-ever native trout recovery effort.

Excited students prepare for a fish release with Trout in the Classroom. championed conservation of the Denver South Platte, helping educate and engage the community around its home water, and spearheading the Carp Slam through a rebranding and period of growth, setting consecutive fundraising records each of the past five years for the event.

• Kevin Milder – San Luis Valley. Kevin is a dedicated volunteer across all activities of his local chapter, but has brought special dedication and innovation to youth efforts including an extensive Trout in the Classroom program, the first-ever TU student chapter, and a Watershed Ambassadors program with Monte Vista high school for teens to engage in natural resource professional development.

To Learn More.

To learn more about this story and Colorado Trout Unlimited, visit coloradotu.org.

• Patrick Mapes – Denver. Patrick has www.HCAezine.com

Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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FIT TO BE TIED • BY JOEL EVANS

Old Becomes New

T

he first rule of fly tying, is that there are no rules. Yes, there are standard tools, techniques, materials, and patterns. But standards change over the years and decades.

One change is the relatively recent availability of synthetic material from the historic use of natural materials. Not just plastic, but most synthetics are some derivative of plastic. Post 1940’s, nylon thread began to replace silk thread.

That’s all great, and has lead to fly pattern variety, realism, reduced size, increased size, and ease of use.

But naturals still not only still have a place in fly tying, but in some cases remain superior. Case in point for this article is CDC. CDC is a natural material, a bird feather, primarily from a duck. An abbreviation for the French term “Cul-de-Cunard”, which politely translates as the butt of a duck.

CDC feathers are very limited in size and quantity

at the tail area of the duck. The feathers surround an oil gland that the duck accesses by preening with its bill to spread oil to other body feathers for water resistance.

The feathers are short, typically from one to three inches, But two characteristics make CDC special.

First is the oil on the feathers. Being immediately next to the oil gland, those feathers are somewhat saturated with oil. And oil enhances the floatability of the feather - both the initial flotation when cast onto the water, but also the resistance to water absorption for floating longevity.

Second is the feather’s construction. Not easily visible to the naked eye, but revealed under a microscope, an individual feather has multiple fuzzy branches.

Increased surface area again means better initial and longer lasting flotation.

These two features set up the CDC feather as an excellent material for a dry fly. But there are both pros and cons. The obvious benefit is flotation. Another benefit is the feather can be dyed any color.

The drawbacks are a few.

Due to the material coming from a small area on a small animal, it is not available in large quantity nor is it machine producible, making it in short supply and therefore relatively expensive for fly tying. Also, the largest feathers are relatively short compared to say a chicken feather, so CDC use in larger fly patterns can be somewhat limited. Most patterns call for grouping or stacking several CDC feathers together for one A TIME-TESTED ELK HAIR CADDIS, BUT USING CDC FOR THE DUBBED BODY, THE UNDERWING, AND THE COLLAR. fly, needed to get enough mass to be useful in the ty-

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High Country Angler • Winter 2026

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A MICRO SETTING PHOTO OF A CDC FEATHER SHOWING THE MULTIPLE TINY BARBS THAT ENHANCE FLOTATION.

More detail is outside the space limits of my column. There are several books and videos that will guide one into patterns and tying techniques, particularly the use of dubbing clips. My favorite application is as a stand-alone wing or an underwing on a trout dry fly.

About The Author

ing steps and to be effective in the final pattern.

So full circle from natural to synthetic to natural.

CDC was always there, never went away, but what is different in recent years is its commercial availability without having to pluck a duck yourself!!

Joel Evans lives in Montrose in western Colorado. He combines decades of fly fishing, guiding, and fly tying with photography and outdoor writing. He is a pro team member with several companies, is active in Trout Unlimited and Fly Fishers International, including the FFI Fly Tying Group.

www.FlyShack.com Quality Fishing Flies Huge selection — Over 2000 styles of flies to choose from Rods, reels, tools, packs, and accessories from major brand names  Huge inventory of fly-tying tools and materials  Quality gear at honest prices  Free Shipping (Most items - Minumum purchase required)  Online convenience — small-shop service  Trusted by anglers for over 20 years  

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Securing Long-Term Flows for the Colorado River

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Colorado advances the historic Shoshone water rights agreement, moving a century-old protection effort closer to reality

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by Colorado TU Staff

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F

or more than a century, the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant in Glenwood Canyon has shaped the Colorado River. Its senior water rights, among the most powerful on the river, help keep water flowing through Glenwood Springs and downstream communities even in dry years. Those steady flows support coldwater habitat, local economies, agriculture, recreation, and the river’s ecological health.

Now, Colorado has taken a historic step toward protecting those flows for the long term.

On November 19, the Colorado Water Conservation Board voted unanimously to advance the addition of instream flow protections to the Shoshone water rights. This decision moves the decades-long effort into the water court phase and brings Colorado closer to one of the most significant environmental water protections in state history.

Why Shoshone Matters

Shoshone’s two water rights, dating back to the early twentieth century, are currently used by Xcel Energy to generate power. After leaving the plant, the water returns to the river and supports a stretch that is vital for trout, recreation, and downstream communities. As the plant ages and outages become more common, Western Slope partners have worked to ensure that these historic rights continue to serve the river even if future operations change.

The rights are the backbone of the river’s seasonal rhythm. They help stabilize flows through the canyon, support fish and wildlife, and provide reliability for farms and ranches. Communities on the Western Slope have long viewed their protection as essential for both the environment and local livelihoods.

A Shared Path Forward

In 2023, the Colorado River District reached a purchase agreement with Xcel Energy to acquire the rights. That agreement, valued at $99 million, set in motion a process that requires four major steps. The first was securing an instream flow agreement with the state, which the CWCB has now approved. The remaining steps include a water court decree, securing full funding, and approval by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Dozens of organizations, counties, water districts, and nonprofits on the Western Slope have backed the effort. Their support reflects how deeply embedwww.HCAezine.com

ded Shoshone is in the region’s culture and economy.

During the November hearing in Golden, community members filled the room to express why these flows matter to their families, farms, and businesses. Many described the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard a defining piece of Colorado’s water heritage.

Mesa County Commissioners, among many local leaders, emphasized that the Shoshone call helps sustain agriculture, recreation, and energy production across the region. The vote, which came just before Thanksgiving, carried a sense of gratitude for the years of collaboration that made it possible.

A Milestone Unlike Any Other

By accepting the Shoshone rights into the Instream Flow Program, the state is helping create what will become the largest environmental water right in Colorado once the process is complete. It also marks a new level of partnership between the Colorado River District, the CWCB, and communities that have worked together for decades through the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition.

More than 35 entities formally supported the proposal, and hundreds of public comments were submitted in favor of protecting the rights. The level of engagement underscores how central Shoshone is to the future of the Colorado River Basin.

This step also sets the stage for a stronger, more predictable future for the river. The agreement maintains the historic pattern of use, continues hydropower generation, and protects return flows. It ensures that long-standing river conditions remain intact while adding a permanent environmental benefit that will support fish and wildlife far downstream, including critical habitat near Grand Junction.

What Comes Next

On November 20, the CWCB, the Colorado River District, and Xcel Energy jointly filed the water court application to formally add instream flow use to the rights. Colorado’s water courts review these changes to ensure that senior and junior rights are protected, that historic use is honored, and that no injury occurs to other water users.

Funding commitments for the acquisition continue to move forward. More than half of the project cost has been secured through the State of Colorado, the Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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Colorado River District’s Community Funding Partnership, and contributions from West Slope counties and water entities. Federal funding awarded earlier in the year remains under review, and securing it will be a key focus for project partners.

If all conditions are met, Colorado will permanently protect a defining flow on the Upper Colorado River. The result will be more reliable habitat for native and wild trout, stronger support for community water supplies, a boost for recreation and local economies, and a clearer path for long-term river stewardship.

A River Worth Protecting

For Colorado Trout Unlimited, the Shoshone effort reflects what Coloradans already know. Healthy fish need healthy water. We all do. The future of the www.HCAezine.com

Colorado River depends on decisions like this, guided by collaboration, science, and a commitment to the headwaters that shape our state.

The work ahead is significant, but the direction is clear. Colorado has the chance to protect one of its most historic water rights for the benefit of the river itself, and for everyone who relies on it.

Those interested in following the progress can learn more at coloradotu.org.

To Learn More.

To learn more about this story and Colorado Trout Unlimited, visit coloradotu.org.

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June 14-20, 2026 AEI Base Camp in Almont, CO

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Winter 2026 • High Country Angler

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BY BARBARA LUNEAU • CTU PRESIDENT

The Last Cast Every River Needs a Champion: How Trout Unlimited is Expanding Community Dear Friends, A few weeks ago, my husband and I spent a memorable day on one of my favorite Colorado rivers, the Fryingpan. The water was crystalline, and the surrounding red outcrops created a natural amphitheater as we peered into a shallow riffle.

We watched trout shift positions, moving up, falling back—a familiar dance that never ceases to amaze. As a few midges danced in the air, three fish began rising steadily in the seam. Ooh-la-la, that’s why we come to the Fryingpan: a day of exquisite dry fly fishing in November.

That day made an indelible impression on our memories, but it came with a sobering reminder of our rivers' fragility.

Between the lines of that perfect memory is a fall without adequate precipitation, a snowpack delayed in its arrival, and a situation that brings anxiety to water professionals and river enthusiasts across the West. Indeed, the Colorado River— arguably the West’s most imperiled river—was nearly dry upstream of the Shoshone Dam as we drove west through Glenwood Canyon.

The survival of such places is critical, not just for our pleasure. Livelihoods, local economies,

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community health, and our ability to thrive all depend upon these vital waterways.

The Power of the River Champion

Who are the people working to ensure these places survive for the next generation? They are Trout Unlimited’s River Champions.

As Trout Unlimited rolls out its rebranding campaign, members like you and I are featured as the Champions we already are. The new tag line, Every River Needs a Champion, is a succinct battle cry harking back to the very inception of Trout Unlimited, when a small group of anglers set out to improve their local fishery.

Being a River Champion is an intention to translate passion into action. It’s an invitation to anyone who values clean water and the wonder of rivers. This is not just volunteerism; it’s about taking ownership of our homewaters.

Consider the force of this collective commitment here in Colorado: • Capacity Doubled: This past year, volunteers collectively donated over 50,000 hours of time supporting the TU mission in Colorado. This tremendous effort is equivalent to an astounding 24 full-time staff, effectively

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doubling the capacity of Trout Unlimited’s professional staff in the state.

• Future Generations: More than 20,000 Colorado youth and their families engaged in TU events this past year, expanding their knowledge and developing a relationship with our rivers through recreation.

Your Place in the Movement

My personal call to action came years ago when I recognized that my motivation was sharing the joy and meaning these places bring to my life. I became driven to pass this legacy on to not just my grandchildren, but their grandchildren also.

There is a place for you in this campaign: • You are a Champion every time you renew your membership.

• You are a Champion every time you respond to a call to action to protect water and public lands.

• You are a Champion when you volunteer • You are a Champion every time you share with your family and friends the great things our community accomplishes.

Our fisheries and rivers face enormous challenges, but together, we are creating tangible opti-

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mism and hope. Invite others to join you as Champions: https://www.tu.org/champions/.

I send you my deep gratitude for your support this holiday season—you are the fire behind our success.

Stay safe on the water, Barbara

About The Author Barbara Luneau is Colorado Trout Unlimited’s President, a retired geologist, avid angler, and long-time TU volunteer at both local chapter and statewide levels.

She has a deep commitment to youth programming, including serving as the volunteer director of the annual CTU River Conservation and Fly Fishing youth camp.

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