Wyoming Trout Unlimited Summer 2021 Newsletter

The Trout Tale WYOMING COUNCIL OF TROUT UNLIMITED

SUMMER 2021

PERSPECTIVE

Walt Gasson

Cutthroats...

P

Meadows a few years ago with my friend Dave Hettinger in search of spawning cutthroats, the indicators of our success in the lake below. I think of the first fish we flushed from under a cutbank as we rode by, just a dorsal fin streaking upstream in the near darkness. And I think of the prayer I said in thanks for the return of those fish to spawn in one of the wildest places in the Lower 48.

I think of Dave Glenn and the time we took a small group of outdoor writers to fish for pure strain Colorado River cutthroats in a tiny stream in the Outlaw Triangle country where Wyoming, Utah and Colorado come together. Usually, it’s easier to make a case for conservation in places that are pretty. This isn’t one of those places.

The tiny sagebrush streams born of the springs and snowmelt that flow into my home water are never going to be featured in any tourism promotion. But the little cutthroats and the conservation conversations that ensued brought critical attention and support for the Little Mountain country.

I think of Snake River cutthroats, the fine-spotted aristocracy of the Wyoming cutthroat world. But the WYTU courtesy photo image in my mind is not of dry flies and the Tetons. It’s the Little Greys River in the golden light of a summer evening. All by myself, with little stoneflies drifted through the riffle and into the pool below. Fish after fish after fish — I don’t know how many fish I caught that day. All I remember is the overwhelming feeling of gratitude. The moon rose, a coyote pair sang with their children and God pushed the reset button on my world.

Favorite fish? Cutthroats. Yep, definitely cutthroats.

eople know I’m from Wyoming. I suppose I wear it on my snap-button shirtsleeves. So, they ask me about the fishing here. I generally tell them it’s awful, that they should fish in Montana or Alaska or New Zealand. But they usually assume I’m lying. I’m a fly angler; hence, I lie. That’s just the way I am. But often, they ask me what fish I really love. My answer is always the same: “All of them, but especially cutthroats.”

Wyoming’s only native trout, cutthroats are the very essence of our wild places. They evolved here in genetically isolated subspecies, surviving both east and west of the Continental Divide.

Each of the four subspecies in Wyoming has faced a host of threats: habitat loss, disease, competition and predation from non-native species and both inter- and intra- specific breeding that dilutes their genetic purity. But I don’t think about those things much when I fish. I think of the times and the people and the places.

I think of Bonneville cutthroats. I think of the stories of the fluvial fish that were wiped out in the mainstem Bear River, fish that weighed 30 pounds and were probably older than any of my grandkids. I think of the evening we spent getting two of those grandkids on a small pod of Bonnevilles on the same Bear River tributary where their great-great-grandfather fished for them in 1909. I can smell the willows and hear the snipe winnowing just after sundown. I think of joy on their faces when they caught two virtually identical 20-inch fish and the connection that experience forged across the generations of our family.

I think of Dave Sweet and his mission to end the Yellowstone cutthroat holocaust caused by lake trout illegally introduced into Yellowstone Lake. I think of the 30-mile ride into Yellowstone

Walt Gasson is the Director of Trout Unlimited’s Endorsed Business program. He is a fourth generation Wyoming native and has worked in conservation for over 40 years in government, non-profits and the private sector. Walt currently resides in Laramie with his beautiful wife, Kim.

In your fly vest or on the office shelf? It doesn’t matter.

Get your WYTU wooden fly box before they’re gone!

Don’t miss out on these quality fly boxes with the WYTU logo etched on the front. Only $30 (plus $8 shipping). Go to wyomingtu.org and click on “shop” under Support WYTU! Supplies are limited!

As always, all proceeds benefit our efforts to conserve, protect and restore Wyoming’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Thank you for your support!

THE TROUT TALE

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SUMMER 2021

The official newsletter of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited

FROM THE COORDINATOR

The Trout Tale Summer 2021 • Volume 7, Issue 1

The Trout Tale is a quarterly newsletter of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited.

The deadline for submission of articles, information, photos and content for the Fall 2021 newsletter (October, November, December) will be September 1, 2021.

Send all contributions for the fall issue to Wyoming Coordinator Mike Jensen at: mike.jensen@tu.org. The Trout Tale is available online at the council’s website: wyomingtu.org © 2021 Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited

• Mike Jensen, Newsletter Editor • Cole Sherard, Chair

Proud recipient of the 2014 Trout Unlimited “Bollinger Award For Best Newsletter”

Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited P.O. Box 22182 Cheyenne, WY 82009 e-mail: mike.jensen@tu.org Phone: 307.421.3188 www.wyomingtu.org

ON THE COVER:

Mike Jensen

Fish camp Fish camp. Some say it’s not all that different from elk camp or deer camp.

Even duck camp or pheasant camp. Maybe so. I’ve been blessed over the years to be in all those camps — some more than others — and have loved every minute spent there. However, as I get older and find my “pace” has changed, fish camp has become a favorite place of mine to be.

I love fishing and camping out of a drift boat or raft when possible. Especially when I can do it with family and friends. And, of course, my dog. Having those closest to you join in on a trip to fish camp can make the trip that much better.

I recently returned from a week-long adventure to the Smith River in Montana. Talk about fish camp at its best. The trip involved four nights of camping and five days of fishing/floating a remote 60mile stretch of the river. I got to do the trip with my son, Colt, as well as good friends who made fish camp that much better.

Colt and I were committed to taking my drift boat on this trip and we had the Hyde loaded for bear with gear and supplies. Despite water levels that dropped each day, the boat performed flawlessly despite me managing to find most of the hidden “pillow” rocks on the river. It was kind of like playing a pinball arcade game.

There’s something about a trip like this. You’re in the great outdoors and fresh air for five days. The food tastes better. Sleep comes quickly and soundly.

The stars are brighter. Laughter from young and old alike enhanced the nightly campfire to make it perfect and more comforting against the backdrop of colorful cliffs and huge Ponderosa pines. The sounds of the river put everyone at ease.

Throw in the fact that you’re “off the grid” and river life soon becomes a welcome, much needed norm. At least for five days anyway, in this case.

There’s no doubt the same could be said for the “other” types of hunting camps.

I hope you get to spend time in your favorite type of “camp” this summer and fall with family and friends.

At the time of writing this column, I heard some sad news regarding the Smith River in Montana. After our float trip in early June, the water levels continued to drop and water temps began to climb. As of last week, the river has reached its lowest recorded flows in the 29-year history of the Eagle Creek gauge (116 cfs) on the river. That makes it practically impossible for anyone to float the famed stretch of water.

Summer gold. A beautiful, butter Brown trout is pictured just prior to being released at sunset to close out yet another glorious day fishing in Wyoming.

The above Smith River example is but one reminder as to how the West is in the midst of

Photo by Tom Koerner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service See COORDINATOR on page 5

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THE TROUT TALE

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.

It brings us together again and again” — Maya Angelou

Spencer Morton June 15, 1982 — May 10, 2021

each other, and with the river and with the ecosystem. He was an enthusiastic and thoughtful board member who consistently showed up for our local conservation efforts, spearheading fish rescues, giving feedback on stream restoration projects, teaching the next generation and helping raise funds and awareness for Trout Unlimited.

Dear Friends: The Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited Board is devastated by the sudden loss of our friend and fellow board member, Spencer Morton, and we are heartbroken for Melissa, Fritz and his family.

Spencer was the owner and founder of the Jackson Hole Fly Fishing school, a loving husband and father, a gifted angler, and a dedicated conservationist.

He was the best of what the fishing community had to offer — professional, humble, a steward of the resource and especially stoked to put people on fish — the stoke level was the same for a 30 inch brown as it was for a 7 inch cutty.

He understood that, above all else, fishing was about connection — with

THE TROUT TALE

Sincerely, The Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited Board: Chapter President Tote Turner, Jay Buchner, Howard Cole, Kathleen Belk Doffermyre, Mark Heineken, Maggie Heumann, Diana Sweet Miller, Abby Paffrath, Scott Weaver, Rick Will

For more information on how to contribute to the education of Spencer’s two children, please visit: spencermortontrust.org

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COORDINATOR

OUR MISSION: Conserving, protecting and restoring Wyoming’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds

n n n n n n n n

WYOMING COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Cole Sherard Laramie...................................................Chair Kathy Buchner Jackson..........................................Vice Chair Sadie St. Clair-Valdez Rock Springs....................................Secretary Jim Hissong Mountain View.................................Treasurer Werner Studer Casper............................NLC Representative Dave Sweet Cody...................................At Large Member John Madia Sheridan.............................At Large Member Mike Jensen Cheyenne...................Council Coordinator

WYOMING CHAPTERS AND AEG’s: n Casper/Grey Reef n Curt Gowdy n East Yellowstone n Jackson Hole n Laramie Valley n Little Bighorn n Platte Valley n Popo Agie Anglers n Seedskadee n Upper Bear River n Upper Green River n Adiposse (AEG) (Alternative Engagement Group)

from page 3

one of the worst droughts we’ve had in decades. Or longer. Low river flows and warming water temperatures are unfortunately causing stress on our trout populations. As avid anglers, we must do our part to help our trout populations survive.

Thanks to our friends at Colorado Trout Unlimited for coming up with a simple, yet powerful message in this infographic. It features great advice that will apply to many, many rivers and streams in the west. I hope you’ll read it, and more importantly, apply it to your fishing trips and outings this summer.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services and the Seedskadee Chapter of Trout Unlimited have also released information regarding low flows and warming water temperatures specific to the Green River in southwest Wyoming. You can read more about this on page 11 of this newsletter. If temperatures continue to be above average, this situation will no doubt spread to other waters across the Cowboy State, if it hasn’t already.

One way to help our trout survive these higher temperatures is to consider fishing in the high country where it’s much cooler as well as to fish for warm water species that might include carp, bass, pike, etc.

WYTU was saddened to hear about the passing of Jackson Hole TU Chapter board member, conservationist, father, fly fisherman, friend and consummate professional, Spencer Morton, in early May. On behalf of our 1,600-plus members of Trout Unlimited in Wyoming, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Spencer’s family, friends and colleagues. He was far too young and left us far too soon. He will be sorely missed by so many.

For more information on how you can contribute to the education of Spencer’s two children, please visit spencermortontrust.org.

Here’s a quick update on the WYTU Rendezvous in the Big Horns along with a conservation tour. Planning continues as WYTU is trying to put together an event to gather and reengage after the COVID-19 pandemic. The outing will also include a conservation tour to look at the incredible conservation work done over the past four years on Soldier Creek. A date has yet to be determined, but late July or early August is preferable. Watch social media and wyoming.tu.org for more information and updates.

Good news! The Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited is in the process of planning for our fall council meeting that will be held at the end of October or early November in Cody! Watch for more details and information as it becomes available.

To join Trout Unlimited today, go to tu.org and click on the “Become a member” link

SUMMER 2021

Mike Jensen is the Wyoming Council Coordinator for Trout Unlimited and is based in Cheyenne.

When he’s not at his desk, puttering around the yard with the dog or tying a few flies, you can rest assured he’s driving his drift boat somewhere in search of big Wyoming trout.

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SUSTAIN

By Dave Sweet

Yellowstone Lake project update extremely positive in their outlook provided that the National Park Service (NPS) can continue with their current level of commitment and expressed that optimism in their final report.

May 2021: A critical time for the Yellowstone cutthroat population

Netting Suppression Levels

By DAVE SWEET Yellowstone Lake Special Project Manager for Wyoming Trout Unlimited

During the Covid year, 2020, the gill netting remained at over 93,000 units of effort. This is above the tertiary target of 78,000 but down a few thousand from the past two years. The netting continues to be equally split between large mesh which targets adult lake trout and small mesh which targets juvenile fish.

The areas of the lake that are targeted remain exhaustive with only the very deep central zones not receiving some level of netting.

During mid-April, 2021, the Science Review Panel (SRP) advising Yellowstone National Park (YNP) fisheries staff met to review the results of the 2020 efforts to control the lake trout population in Yellowstone Lake (YL) and advise YNP administration on the future of the recovery of the Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) population. The panel is comprised of some of the most talented minds from all across the US in fisheries management and particularly in lake trout life cycles and control methodology. Their report back to Superintendent Cam Sholly and his staff was both a summary of optimism and also of concern. In this status report I will share both of these perspectives.

The history of YL is well known. Lake trout were first discovered in 1994 and YNP staff immediately began a lake trout suppression effort focused on netting which rapidly grew in magnitude and scope. In about 2011, the netting started to result in a plateau and, more recently, in a turnaround in the lake trout numbers. See the graph below.

Meanwhile, the YCT population declined from the historic high of about 4 million to a level estimated at 200,000 to 400,000. In the past five to six years, the cutthroats have begun a recovery as the larger and predacious LT numbers started dropping.

The TU role in the suppression effort involved organizing and engaging a YL Working Group of focused partners that raised funds for a hydroacoustic telemetry study. The goal of the study was to learn how the lake trout (LT) move around this huge lake: where they congregate so that more efficient netting could be carried out, and specifically where they spawn so that targeted alternative suppression aimed at the eggs and fry could be developed. The Working Group also recognized that public support of LT suppression was critical to success. Numerous outreach efforts and news articles focused on public education and support. WYTU has been central to both of these efforts.

Now, the progress on YL is at a critical juncture. How today’s challenges are met will determine the future for the native cutthroats in this system. There are many challenges in the system that will be outlined in this report that were discussed at the SRP meeting. The panel remains

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Decline In Lake Trout Numbers The total catch of lake trout in 2020 was over 325,000 which is higher than the past few years and, in fact, is the third highest number ever. While it is great to remove such a large number of lake trout; the question remains why are there 2020 Gill Net Tracks — 5,800 mile-nights of gill net still so many fish in the system? In order to really understand this question, it is important to look at catch rates in the different mesh sizes of net. Since 2011, the catch per unit of netting effort (CPUE) in the large mesh gill nets which target adults (age 6+) has declined dramatically, decreasing by 85-90 percent. That trend continued in 2020. This is great news as these large fish are the predatory fish and also the ones that spawn. However, the fish caught in the small mesh nets (the juvenile lake trout aged 2-5) have not declined. In fact, in 2020, the numbers actually increased. Reproductive fisheries biologists tell us that this is typical compensation in a population that is under assault by harvest.

However, as the number of spawning age adults continues to decline, the number of juveniles should start to crash. Further analysis shows that the biggest increase is actually in the age 2 fish. Age 1 fish are not See YELLOWSTONE on page 7

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SUMMER 2021

YELLOWSTONE from page 6 120,000 or less there is a 90% probability that that level can be maintained with 60,000 units of netting per year. Of course, the discovery and implementation of some new technology (genetic or other alternative suppression?) that cuts off the recruitment could partially take the place of netting.

trapped by any of the mesh nets and their population is unknown.

Why are there so many young lake trout in the system? Is it higher reproductivity of the surviving adults, better spawning conditions, better survival of ova or fry for any one of many reasons, or less cannibalism? These questions are currently unanswered.

In order for a true “crash” of a population, however, all age classes have to crash.

Alternative Suppression For the second year in a row the known spawning grounds for lake trout at Carrington Island were helicopter treated with carcass analog pellets. These soy/wheat pellets smother the spawning beds by removing oxygen in the water and suffocating the eggs. Success from the 2019 treatment was confirmed by noting only one remaining fry on the Carrington Island spawning area in the spring of 2020. The dilemma is that there are 13 other known spawning grounds that were not treated (some are very deep) and an untold number that may exist but are unknown.

When will we see a “Crash”?

Yellowstone Cutthroat Population The long term population goal for lake trout has been to reduce their total numbers to 120,000 or less. It has been determined that if this level can be maintained, the cutthroat can persist and the population can increase. But when will we reach that level? The SRP has studied this question exhaustively and with many population models. Depending on what assumptions are put into that model, the most anticipated estimates are shown on the following graph.

The answer is that they believe that the year 2024 or 2025 will bring us to that level of remaining lake trout. Of course, there is uncertainty and that uncertainty is shown on the error lines on the graph.

One of the most important remaining unknowns in this system is a true population estimate of the cutthroats. There are many indicators of this population (angler surveys, distribution netting, by-catch in the gill nets, stream surveys) and all are trending in a positive direction indicating more total numbers and better survival of the young cutthroats.

However, none of these indicators can be assumed to measure the true population.

Other Invasives Those who have been following the YL situation closely will recall that in the summer of 2019 a Cisco was found in YL. This fish was an adult that appeared to have spent its entire life in the system. An extensive search for additional fish in 2020 failed to turn up any more. However, these fish will compete directly with the cutthroats for food and could have unknown consequences if they become established.

Longterm Netting Requirements Everyone who has an interest in YL has asked in one form or another the question, “How will the lake trout population be kept under control once the population drops to the point where the cutthroats can recover?” The answer, of course, is continued netting at some level. But what level is that and what is the long term cost? The SRP attempted to answer that question by studying several models of population dynamics. Their conclusion is that once the overall lake trout numbers reach

SUMMER 2021

Funding Gill netting and the associated studies are very expensive. YNP currently spends $2.8 million per year. Of that total, the foundation See YELLOWSTONE on page 8

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THE TROUT TALE

YELLOWSTONE from page 7

FROM THE WGFD Yellowstone Forever (YF) has committed $1 million per year through its fundraising. The NPS contributes the rest through their annual budgets (which are constantly under review). In 2020, the YF foundation ran into several problems meeting their commitment (organizational and donor fatigue). The National Park Foundation stepped in and contributed over $300,000 to help. Additionally, the YL Working Group transferred $50,000 of their funds in 2020 to directly support the netting effort.

The YNP administration believes that a more sustainable revenue source must be found, either through local sources or more support from our federal government. They are exploring both and have instituted higher angling and boating fees in YNP this summer with the pledge that all the increases in these fees will go to native fish restoration and control of invasives. I urge everyone who loves this system to help by buying a YNP fishing license (whether you fish there or not) and by donating to either YF or to the TU Yellowstone Lake efforts.

Moss ball take-back program garnered 87 returns: Game and Fish thanks public for disposal efforts CHEYENNE — Aquarium owners stepped up this spring to help protect Wyoming’s waters from invasive zebra mussels.

The hobbyists returned 87 moss balls during the month-long Wyoming Game and Fish Department moss ball take-back program, in addition to following directions to properly dispose of thousands of moss balls throughout the state.

“Many people made the extra effort to turn in their moss balls or dispose of them, and we’re appreciative. It’s clear how much each Wyomingite values our natural resources by heeding our warnings about the potential impacts to our waterways and infrastructure,” said Josh Leonard, Game and Fish aquatic invasive species coordinator. “You made a difference for our state. Thank you.”

In March, zebra mussels were found in Wyoming for the first time on moss balls, a popular aquarium plant sold primarily in pet stores. Zebra mussels are a highly-destructive aquatic invasive species (AIS) that Game and Fish has been working to keep out of Wyoming for over a decade.

Since the discovery, Game and Fish, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and several other state agencies have been working to mitigate the broad potential impacts to the state’s water resources and infrastructure. The moss ball takeback program was one of many outreach efforts to raise awareness about the threat of zebra mussels and reward efforts to dispose of the aquarium-tank product. Each time a person returned a moss ball they were entered into a raffle to win $1,300. The winner of the raffle was Deborah C. Scollard of Casper.

The moss ball take-back program was supported by

YNP Administrative Commitment The continued commitment by local YNP administration is absolutely critical to the efforts on YL. At the wrap-up session with the SRP, Superintendent Cam Sholly reiterated his long standing commitment to the efforts on YL with the following statement.

Conclusions

“

“

Efforts to restore native fish in Yellowstone Lake remain one of our highest conservation priorities.

Our continued success will be largely dependent on a permanent and reliable revenue stream that will not only help us continue our native fish restoration efforts, but also increase our capacity to detect and prevent new non-native species from entering Yellowstone’s waters.

Yellowstone cutthroat trout recovery on Yellowstone Lake is at a crossroads. The SRP has assured Park administration that suppression of the lake trout is very close to the goal which should be reached in the next few years.

The panel has outlined what it will take to keep the lake trout population suppressed while allowing the cutthroat population to recover.

The administration has responded that the commitment and the resources will be maintained. However, several very difficult questions remain to be answered. Trout Unlimited is also committed to doing their part to help assure success.

See MOSS BALL TAKE-BACK PROGRAM on page 9

Our new, quality can coolers are in stock and ready to keep your favorite beverage ice cold.

Pick up several for the drift boat, man cave or near the smoker or grill for only $5 each (plus $5 shipping). Go to wyomingtu.org and click on “shop” under Support WYTU! As always, all proceeds benefit our efforts to conserve, protect and restore Wyoming’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Thank you for your support!

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SUMMER 2021

MOSS BALL TAKEBACK PROGRAM

from page 8

donations from Wyoming Trout Unlimited, the WYldlife Fund, Wyoming Game Wardens Association, Wyoming County Commissioners Association, The moss ball take-back Greater program was supported by Yellowstone donations from Wyoming Coalition, Trout Unlimited, the WYldlife Wyoming Chapter Fund, Wyoming Game of The Nature Wardens Association, Conservancy, Wyoming County Wyoming Wildlife Commissioners Association, Federation, Muley Greater Yellowstone Fanatic Foundation Coalition, Wyoming Chapter and the Wyoming of The Nature Conservancy, Water Association.

Wyoming Wildlife While the takeFederation, Muley Fanatic back program has Foundation and the concluded, anyone Wyoming Water Association can still drop off moss balls to any Game and Fish

regional office or to dispose of it properly by following directions on the department’s website at: www.wgfd.wyo.gov.

The plant remains under a quarantine order from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture which bans further importation into the state.

This summer, Game and Fish is encouraging the public to watch for zebra mussels and be vigilant with efforts to keep AIS out of Wyoming.

AIS check stations are open throughout Wyoming, and any boaters who come upon one must stop. Full requirements for watercraft users are available on the Game and Fish website.

WYTU NEWS NOTES positions in Wyoming — president of the Seedskadee Chapter in the Rock Springs/Green River area, and as a member of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited executive committee where she serves as secretary.

“Sadie leads through example and coordinates and participates in nearly all of the Seedskadee Chapter’s efforts,” said Tom Koerner, project leader at Wyoming’s Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge.

“She has been a key player in expanding the chapter into trying and supporting both traditional and new chapter activities and strategies that feel inclusive and welcoming to all. Sadie is a force for good and her enthusiasm is infectious!”

“On behalf of the 1,600-plus Trout Unlimited members in Wyoming, congratulations on your well-deserved award and we salute you for your many outstanding contributions made to Trout Unlimited in the Cowboy State,” said Mike Jensen, Wyoming Council coordinator.

Wyoming volunteer Sadie Valdez receives Spirit of TU Award Congratulations are in order for Wyoming’s very own Sadie Valdez for being selected as a recipient of the Spirit of Trout Unlimited (TU) award.

Sadie, along with eight other TU volunteers from across the country, were presented with their award during a virtual presentation on April 23, as part of National Volunteer Week. Each award recipient also received a $250 grant for their respective chapters.

“National Volunteer Week gives us an opportunity to pause and celebrate the impact of volunteers like those that donate 750,000-plus hours each year with Trout Unlimited,” said Chris Hunt, director of digital content for TU. Sadie is all smiles holding a big Sadie has shown a consisslab of rainbow trout while her tent and inspiring level of husband, Miguel, looks on dedication to the TU coldproudly. water conservation mission in WYTU photo courtesy of Sadie Valdez both of her Trout Unlimited

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Laramie Valley Trout Unlimited Chapter installs monofilament collectors This spring, the Laramie Valley Trout Unlimited Chapter (LVTU) installed monofilament collectors at several of the Plains Lakes and Laramie River access points.

Discarding fishing line is not only unsightly, but can entangle wildlife. LVTU’s efforts, supported by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, will help keep our See WYTU NEWS NOTES on page 12

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HANGING IT UP

Cory Toye

Well done, Mr. Streeter. Well done, indeed.

By CORY TOYE Wyoming Water and Habitat Program Director

I

t is with mixed emotions that I want all of you to know that after a long and highly successful run as a project manager, Jeff Streeter has recently retired from Trout Unlimited (TU).

I felt it was appropriate to spread the word to the entire TU organization, friends and conservation partners about Mr. Streeter’s accomplishments, legacy and incredible career at TU. For those of you who know Jeff, please join me in congratulating him on his retirement.Ê For those of you that don’t know Jeff, you should go to Encampment, Wyoming, so you can fix that.

My goal for this story is to impress upon Jeff how thankful I am for his friendship and how lucky we all were to have had the opportunity to work with him for the last 12 years.

Jeff is a mentor and someone that I have looked up to since the day I met him. It is bittersweet to think about Jeff not being at TU and sharing in the battle that we call coldwater conservation in Wyoming. But I am happy to hear about new opportunities and adventures that Jeff is looking forward to. We will miss him tremendously.

Jeff came to TU after a long and successful career as a guide on the Upper North Platte River where he spent decades exploring the

watershed and raising his family.ÊAt the same time, he was building the foundation that made him the highly skilled and effective project manager that came to TU. Over his years on the river, Jeff saw where his watershed was damaged and where important projects were long overdue. When the opportunity presented itself for him to work for TU, Jeff created an amazing portfolio of projects and success stories. His restoration projects improved the community where he lives and raised awareness about what is possible for coldwater conservation with the right partnerships. His work has created a vibrant conservation WYTU photos by Mike Jensen legacy for Jeff to go along with his locally famous persona before he started at TU (he will deny both – but it’s true, man.ÊIt’s true).

A brief overview of Jeff’s accomplishments shed a small light on his value to TU and his watershed: n 180+ miles reconnected, 12 barriers removed, on four different rivers n 22 river projects completed n 26,450 linear feet of channel restored, with aquatic and riparian habitats enhanced n $7 million for projects raised n Over 60 educational presentations ranging from Head Start “Water Safety” to graduate level Natural Channel Design concepts. n 2016: Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Cooperator of the Year for Continued Dedication to Natural Resources and Natural Channel Design Restoration Projects n 2017: Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative: Recognition of outstanding contributions toward strategic

TOP: Jeff Streeter spends a quiet afternoon on the North Platte River fishing a favorite hole in 2019. ABOVE: Jeff is all smiles at the sticks while floating the North Platte River on a beautiful fall day. ABOVE RIGHT: Jeff displays a nice Snake River cutthroat trout while fishing the Snake River during a spring council meeting in 2012.

WYTU photos by Mike Jensen

THE TROUT TALE

See JEFF STREETER on page 11

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JEFF STREETER

from page 10

landscape-scale conservation in southwest Wyoming and facilitating enduring collaboration and partnerships in the Encampment River Watershed. n 2018: Fish Your National Forests Award, U.S. Forest Service National recognition awarded at the U.S. Forest Service, Washington D.C. n 2020: The Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the American Fisheries Society - Max Rollefson Award of Merit - In recognition of short-term professional accomplishment in management, administration, research, or culture.

And so much more…

As a testament to the impression Jeff has made over the years, partners in the Upper North Platte put together a retirement party.

Over 30 people attended the event on a Saturday to support Jeff and wish him a happy retirement.

Guests included friends from state and federal agencies, landowners, two different Conservation Districts, consultants, and family.ÊAs a gesture of gratitude, all the partners came together to give Jeff a new spey rod and a paid steelhead trip!ÊI am so happy that this happened for Jeff as a righteous send off.ÊHis nature and modesty allow him to shed compliments when people share them. He can always find a way to discount the praise he receives.

However, over 30 people showing up on a sunny spring Saturday to share their appreciation is hard to ignore. Some people traveled over 300 miles from Jackson to be at the event – that’s 600-plus miles for the roundtrip! I am grateful for the objective display from our partners to let Jeff know how much he means to them.

Those of you lucky enough to know Jeff understand the energy you feel when he is around.ÊHis passion for water and fisheries is second only to the love he has for his friends and family.ÊOver the years, I have learned so much from Jeff about just being a better human. Enjoy

Jeff Streeter discusses a wide variety of conservation issues during a WYTU Encampment River conservation tour in 2014 .

every moment with your family, make time for friends and spend as much time as you can fishing.

So Jeff, thank you for everything. Your legacy as a guide, friend, father and conservation professional is so impressive. Most importantly, you make people better, including me, and I have lots of great memories of our time together.ÊThankfully, the future looks great for creating more!

Cory Toye is the Wyoming Water and Habitat Program Director for Trout Unlimited. He and his wife, Morgan, along with their two boys, now call Lander home.

ATTENTION ANGLERS! The flows in the Green River are low and water temperatures can get unusually warm. Please consider the following: n Play and land fish as rapidly as possible. n Avoid fishing after 11 a.m. so fish can recover. n Carry a pocket thermometer and don’t catch and release when temperatures are over 70 degrees F. For more information, see page 31 of the 2021 Wyoming Fishing Regulations booklet or call the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at (307) 875-3223 THE TROUT TALE

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WYTU NEWS NOTES

from page 9

the plantings. According to TU volunteer Dave Sweet, it was a great day in the Big Horns as the group planted 650 “cut” willow stakes and 500 rooted stock willows in about five hours.

shorelines clean. Currently there are collectors installed at Meeboer, Gelatt, Twin Buttes, Alsop and Lake Hattie, as well as at the Jelm and Monolith Ranch river access points. Maintenance and monofilament recycling duties will be handled by LVTU volunteers.

Seedskadee Chapter has busy spring

NEWS NOTES

The Seedskadee Chapter of Trout Unlimited has kept busy this spring with the lifting of COVID regulations around the state of Wyoming.

On May 7, a few chapter members and employees from the Green River Wyoming Game and Fish Department replaced and added new fencing to damaged enclosures on the Big Sandy River just Southwest of Farson, Wyoming.

The following day, our chapter was able to plant 100 Buffaloberry trees. It was a very windy day out on the desert planting trees within 19 enclosures. In the past on the Big Sandy River, Wyoming Game and Fish Department original TUP-02448 was issued back in 2013 specifically for maintenance and reconstruction of 26 instream rock sill structures on WOSLI lands that did not include riparian fence maintenance.

The chapter built these riparian enclosure fences back in the 90s. In 1996, WGFD became a partner with TU and pledged to assume maintenance responsibility for these enclosures. The deadline maintenance on these expired leading to a combined effort to purchase materials and trees to update any damage.

If any of you follow the Fly Fishing Film Tour, you know that it was held virtually this year with hopes of being held in person. The event is very important to the Seedskadee Chapter as it is our annual fundraiser for all of our existing and future projects. We jumped on the opportunity to distribute it out to anyone who would like to watch it in the safety of their home. Then came the green light that we had been patiently waiting for, to bring it back to the big screen in Green River!

With only two months to plan the event, we hosted the F3T on Expedition Island outside under the big sky on June 5. We had over 70 adults and around 20 kids show up and the weather was perfect!

That never happens in Wyoming were the wind blows almost every day.

Ryan Kelly from Dutch John, Utah, who had a film in the showing this year, came up to attend and presented what it was like to have a film in the Fly Fishing Film Tour. He said the first two times F3T asked him to put together a film, he turned them down but by the third try, Ryan decided to give it a go.

There were a lot of great prizes given away along with having great beer from Square State Brewing and Teton Distributing on hand.

Thanks, too, to Native Sun for serving up some great Mexican food.

We look forward to hosting the F3T again next year around our normal time in March, so stay tuned.

East Yellowstone Chapter sets record for Kid’s Fishing Day event A total of 320 kids registered for the East Yellowstone Trout Unlimited Chapter’s Kid’s Fishing Day on June 5. That’s a new record for the chapter as the previous high was 189 participants in 2019. The chapter did not hold an event in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A variety of prizes were handed out that included 250 fishing rods, a twoperson kayak, a lifetime conservation license and many other prizes were given to many of the children in attendance.

East Yellowstone TU Chapter photos

by Larry Timchak

Willow cutting and planting efforts concludes phase 4 of Soldier Creek project A joint conservation project between the Little Big Horn TU Chapter, the East Yellowstone TU Chapter and key conservation partners, recently completed phase 4 of the Soldier Creek fencing and habitat improvement project in the Big Horn mountains east of Ten Sleep.

A great turnout from both TU chapters and the US Forest Service were able to cut and trim 650 willow stakes in about two hours on May 20. However, due to snow making the road impassable, the group was unable to plant the willows along Soldier Creek.

The willow planting was delayed until June 1, when 15 volunteers and staff from both TU, A great day for willow the US Forest Service and the planting along Soldier Creek Wyoming Game & Fish in the Big Horn Mountains Department were able to get into Soldier Creek to complete WYTU photo by Dave Sweet

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CHAPTER SUPPORT SPOTLIGHT Horn Chapter YOUR TROUT UNLIMITED BUSINESSESLittle IN Big WYOMING

n Adbay.com Inc. Shawn Houck Casper, WY 82601 (307) 268-4705 shawn@adbay.com www.adbay.com

n Angling Destinations Clark Smyth Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 672-6894 clark@anglingdestinations.com www.anglingdestinations.com

Chad Espenscheid Big Piney, WY 83113 (307) 231-2389 chadespen@gmail.com

n Cutbank Fishing Company Chauncey Goodrich Pinedale, WY 82941 (307) 231-4231 info@cutbankfishing.com www.cutbankfishing.com

n Dunoir Fishing Adventures, LLC

n Two Rivers Fishing Company

Tim Wade Cody, WY 82414 (307) 527-7274 tw123r4w@yahoo.com www.northforkanglers.com

Josh Hattan Pinedale, WY 82941 (307) 367-4131 info@tworiversfishing.com www.tworiversfishing.com

n Grand Teton Fly Fishing

n North Platte Lodge

n TyOutdoors

Scott Smith and Mark Fuller Jackson, WY 83002 (307) 690-4347 ssflyfish@rocketmail.com markwfuller@gmail.com www.grandtetonflyfishing.com

Erik Aune Alcova, WY 82601 (307) 237-1182 info@northplattelodge.com www.northplattelodge.com

Ty Hallock Casper, WY 82609 (307) 315-8287 ty@tyoutdoors.com www.tyoutdoors.com

n Rock Creek Anglers

n West Laramie Fly Store

Clark Smyth Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 684-7304 (888) 945-3876 clark@anglingdestinations.com www.rockcreekanglers.com O

Brandon Specht Laramie, WY 82070 (307) 745-5425 flystore@flystore.net www.flystore.net

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Adam Guild Afton, WY 83110 (307) 799-6409 guildadam@yahoo.com www.guildranchwyoming.com

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n Dave Hettinger Outfitting

n Sunlight Sports

Dave Hettinger Pavillion, WY 82523 (307) 709-0153 davehettingeroutfitting@gmail.com www.hettingeroutfitting.com O G

Wes and Melissa Allen Cody, WY 82414 (307) 587-9517 info@sunlightsports.com www.sunlightsports.com

n Jackson Hole Fly Company

n Sweetwater Fishing Expeditions, LLC

Greg Epstein Jackson, WY 83001 (800) 346-4339 support@jacksonholeflycompany.com www.jacksonholeflycompany.com

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Bob Reece Cheyenne, WY 82009 (307) 256-2741 coach.bobreece@gmail.com www.thinairangler.com

Macye Maher Jackson, WY 83002 (866) 734-6100 macye@livewaterproperties.com www.livewaterproperties.com

Mark Tesoro (307) 789 -6560 Evanston, WY 82930 mtesoro@uintacountyherald.com

GOLD LEVEL MEMBER:

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n Turpin Meadow Ranch

Wind River Outdoor Company Ron Hansen Lander, WY 82520 Phone: (307) 332-4402 e-mail: rhansen@wyoming.com website: www.windriveroutdoorcompany.com

Ron Stiffler Moran, WY 83013 (307) 543-2000 gm@turpinmeadowranch.com www.turpinmeadowranch.com

n Maven

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n Wyoming Newspapers, Inc.

n Thin Air Angler

Jackson, Wyoming 83001 (307) 733-7210 scott@jdhcoutfitters.com www.highcountryflies.com

n Live Water Properties

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George H. Hunker III Lander, WY 82520 (307) 332-3986 george@sweetwaterfishing.com www.sweetwaterfishing.com O

n JD High Country Outfitters

n Fish the Fly Guide Service & Travel Jason Balogh Jackson, WY 83001 (307) 690-1139 jb@fishthefly.com www.fishthefly.com

n North Fork Anglers

Clark Smyth Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 672-5866 clark@anglingdestinations.com www.sheridanflyfishing.com

n Guild Outdoors

n Arrow Land and Water, LLC

Jeramie Prine Lander, WY 82520 (307) 349-3331 jlprine@gmail.com www.dunoirfishing.com

n Fly Shop of the Bighorns

Brendon Weaver Lander, WY 82501 (800) 307-1109 customerservice@mavenbuilt.com www.mavenbuilt.com

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Trout Unlimited Business members are TU ambassadors in protecting, restoring, reconnecting and sustaining North America’s coldwater fisheries. To become a TU Business member, contact Wyoming’s own Walt Gasson at 307.630.7398 or e-mail him at: walt.gasson@tu.org

O Outfitters

G Guides

L Lodges

Stick ‘em up and show your pride... on the truck window, cooler or anywhere your sticker collection resides!

Choose from gold or brown. Two stickers for only $5 (plus $5 shipping).

Go to wyomingtu.org and click on “shop” under Support WYTU! As always, all proceeds benefit our efforts to conserve, protect and restore Wyoming’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Thank you for your support!

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We donate 1% of all Upslope Craft Lager can sales to our local Trout Unlimited chapters, including the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited. Because two of our favorite things in this world are beer and fishing.

And you can’t have either without cold, clean water.

THE TROUT TALE

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