State of the Animas and Hermosa
Mar
31
6:30 PM18:30

State of the Animas and Hermosa

MSI and CPW have been instrumental in monitoring the health of our beloved Animas River and Hermosa Creek following the 416 fire. Join us to learn that most up-to-date status of the bugs and fish in these rivers from Scott Roberts with MSI and Jim White with CPW.

Join us for our first in-person gathering of 2022 at Outdoorsy in Durango!!!

Also, available via zoom for those more comfortable away from crowds.

Register to attend either in-person or virtually here: https://tu.myeventscenter.com/event/State-Of-The-Animas-And-Hermosa-Rivers-60870

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What are 5RTU's Priority Waters and Why Does it Matter?
Feb
15
6:30 PM18:30

What are 5RTU's Priority Waters and Why Does it Matter?

Presented by: Buck Skillen and Tom Jones, 5RTU

The infamous Tom Jones and Buck Skillen are going to enlighten us and our chapter on what TU's mission to identify Priority Waters is all about on Tuesday, 2/15 from 6:30-8pm. 

One of the cornerstones of TU’s new strategic plan is the effort underway to identify a nationwide portfolio of Priority Waters. The intent is to position ourselves to best focus our efforts on the most important needs. Buck Skillen and Tom Jones will discuss criteria and status of the effort in Colorado and what that means for our beloved rivers in the Animas and San Juan watersheds. Please join us!

Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Time: 6:30-8 PM MST
Location: Virtual (Zoom)

Please register and access the event via the TU Event Center at the following link:
https://tu.myeventscenter.com/event/What-Are-5rtus-Priority-Waters-And-Why-Does-It-59216

After you register for the free tickets you'll get instructions and a link to attend the event online.
This new process will help us keep track of participation in our events moving forward!

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50-Year History of Fly Fishing
Jan
19
6:00 PM18:00

50-Year History of Fly Fishing

Presented by: Russ Miller, Tempo Fly Fishing

Who is Russ Miller?:
Russ Miller is committed to a life of adventure with a fly rod in hand. When I became obsessed with fishing from a young age, I had no idea where it would take me and who I would meet along the way. After spending my career in the industry starting with guiding, fly shops, and working for Sage, Fishpond and currently Umpqua, I consider myself to have a lucky life. I love fishing with my kids, competing for Fly Fishing Team USA, swinging flies for steelhead, and passing on my knowledge to others. 

About Russ's presentation: 
Umpqua has built an empire in our industry, a brand that is world-renown and synonymous with everything fly fishing, especially flies. It started with an A-frame cabin on the banks of the North Umpqua River. By all accounts, it should not have happened. It was such an improbable story you would never imagine most of it. There are so many aspects that no one had ever done before.  And yet, it happened. 

In the process, Umpqua changed the way the fly fishing industry was able to scale and grow through the production and delivery of fly tackle and the highest quality flies, designed by Royalty Tyers. Umpqua is built on a legacy of innovation and has encouraged innovation at pivotal moments. The modern history of fly fishing is told through the flies and most of those flies are in the pages of the past 50 Umpqua catalogs. 

This is the Umpqua Story told by some of the people who were witnesses to the events. 

Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Time: 6:00 PM MST
Location: Virtual (Zoom)

Please register and access the event via the TU Event Center at this link or the button below:
50 Years at Umpqua Feather Merchants: Wed, Jan 19, 2022

After you register for the free tickets you'll get instructions and a link to attend the event online.
This new process will help us keep track of participation in our events moving forward!

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Fly Shop Gift Guide
Dec
8
6:30 PM18:30

Fly Shop Gift Guide

Stumped on what to get the angler in your life? Want to see the latest and greatest gear in the fly fishing space? Join San Juan Angler and Duranglers for a presentation of gift ideas to suit any budget this holiday season. They'll break it down by price, explain the features, and how quickly you need to hop on it to secure your purchase. Join in virtually, on Zoom! See you there!

Date: Wednesday, December 8
Time: 6:30 PM MST
Location: Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5467403655?pwd=ZDJsSTBEMEwrQnVoOHNSYXcwTmNodz09

Meeting ID: 546 740 3655
Passcode: tq3ZMK

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A Guide’s Approach to the Water
Nov
10
6:30 PM18:30

A Guide’s Approach to the Water

“Have you ever gone fishing and felt you didn't have the right fly? Tough days on the water? A Guide’s Approach to the Water is a deep dive into the daily decisions a full-time guide makes to ensure clients have a great day on the water. Thinking "trout first" and understanding correlations between trout behavior and river conditions are the foundations of a successful day on the water. Many anglers get pigeonholed into thinking "fly first", when they should fish with their mind before tying on the fly or choosing a rig. “A Guide’s Approach to the Water” covers trout biology, understanding river conditions and a meat-and-potatoes approach to insect life. It is not the fly but the understanding of the trout and their environment that makes for successful days on the water.”
-James Garrettson
Owner/Operator, About Trout, LLC

Join us virtually on 11/10/21 at 6:30 PM to listen to James Garrettson (@abouttrout) tell all about fishing the San Juan and other hot spots in Northern NM. James will expound on his knowledge of fishing streamers, unique rigs for catching trout, new techniques to fool picky fish and more.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83782571152?pwd=RDZyZnhrVEpsMFpVQkpDTktKT3RRUT09

Meeting ID: 837 8257 1152
Passcode: 587956

Bio:
James Garrettson is a full-time guide based out of Northern New Mexico. He was quickly consumed by fly fishing after receiving a copy of the Curtis Creek Manifesto at age 10. At 14 years old, James' passion for fly fishing landed him a job at Orvis Tysons Corner, Store #55 (making him the youngest employee in the company). After cutting his teeth on brookies in Shenandoah National Park and striped bass in the Long Island sound, James expanded his boundaries to chase fish around the East Coast, The Pacific North West, Costa Rica, Bosnia, and the Rockies. James currently guides on the San Juan, Chama, and Conejos rivers. James is an Hardy Pro Team member and an Ambassador for Fulling Mill.

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River Clean Up
Oct
16
9:00 AM09:00

River Clean Up

Join us for our Fall 2021 River Cleanup on the Animas - Meet at Santa Rita park between 8:30 AM and 9 AM, grab your gloves, water and trash bags to help cleanup downstream from Santa Rita Park to Purple Cliffs. Meet back at the park at noon for lunch and prizes. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.

Thanks for your help and see you there!

When: Saturday, 10/16
Time: 9 AM - 1 PM
Where: Santa Rita Park - 149 S. Camino del Rio
What to Bring: Gloves and water

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James Ranch
Sep
22
6:00 PM18:00

James Ranch

Join us for an informative talk and tour of operations and water issues at James Ranch 9/22. Arrive any time before 6 PM to eat a yummy meal at your convenience at their grill, and then we'll gather to listen to a talk and take a tour. This will last about an hour and then we can continue to eat and enjoy each other's company as desired and time allows.

As weather allows we will be outside, but if we have to move the festivities inside, please don your mask and keep social distancing practices in mind to keep our members and all other patrons of James Ranch safe.

See you there!

When: Wednesday, 9/22
Time: 6 PM
Where: James Ranch - 33846 Highway 550

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The San Juan Angler
Jul
28
7:00 PM19:00

The San Juan Angler

Let's gather to cast some rods and check out some new gear from The San Juan Angler July 28th at 7pm at Rotary Park. Feel free to meet before at Animas Brewing for a beer and/or dinner, but we can't officially hold this event there. See you at the park to cast some rods and build community!

When: Wednesday, 7/28
Time: 7 PM
Where: Rotary Park - 1565 E 2nd Ave.

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Duranglers
Jun
23
6:00 PM18:00

Duranglers

June Program
Join us at Animas Brewery 6/23 at 6pm for a Duranglers show-and-tell. They'll show us the latest new gear and we'll drool a bit, talk fishing and drink a few beers. See you there!

Event Link
When: Wednesday, 6/23
Time: 6 PM
Where: Animas Brewing Company - 1560 E 2nd Ave

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Spring River Cleanup
May
29
8:30 AM08:30

Spring River Cleanup

5RTU will be hosting an Animas River Cleanup event on May 29th. See below for more details!

When: 5/29/21
Time: 8:30am - noon
Where: Schneider Park 950 Roosa Ave.
Why: Our river needs some love. Bring your gloves, sunscreen and some water and help us cleanup trash along the Animas River and Animas River Trail. We'll provide lunch for volunteers and have fun prizes for categories like: oldest, heaviest, grossest, etc.
Who: Open to anyone who loves our Animas River and wants to see it in better shape for the summer!

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Spring LIVE Auction
Apr
22
7:00 PM19:00

Spring LIVE Auction

In addition to our Spring Silent Auction, 5RTU is hosting a LIVE Auction on Thursday, April 22. Items can be previewed at www.5riversauction.givesmart.com.

The Live Auction event will start at 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 22.  Here is the ZOOM link for the Live Auction: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84278690497?pwd=S0IxbTJvM0FXRHpGdkJvS1hWaTcxQT09

If you have any questions, send them to fiveriverstu@gmail.com.  

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Spring Silent Auction
Apr
9
to Apr 22

Spring Silent Auction

Please check out the auction items by going to www.5riversauction.givesmart.com.  You can view all of the auction items without registering to participate in the auctions by simply clicking on the item.  If you wish to bid, you will need to register.  You only need to register once and may bid on as many items as you wish and as often as you wish.

 In the event you have questions, please drop us an email to fiveriverstu@gmail.com and we will do our best to get an answer to you promptly.

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Spring 2021 Raffle
Mar
12
to Mar 31

Spring 2021 Raffle

5RTU Spring 2021 Raffle

One lucky winner will receive a Hanak Competition Czech Champion 4 in 1 rod, It converts to 9', 9'6, 10' and 10'6 so you can fish it as a regular rod and euro nymphing rod. Included in the prize package is the Mastery Competition Nymph line, the Hatch 3 Plus Gen 2 Finati reel and one dozen Euro/Nymph flies expertly tied by David Pehle, internationally known Euro Nymphing Professional.

Total Prize Package Value: $998.00

$40/raffle ticket. Only 50 tickets total will be sold. A random number generator will be used to select the a winner! Click on the below to purchase your raffle tickets today!

BUY TICKETS HERE

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February Chapter Program - Virtual
Feb
23
6:30 PM18:30

February Chapter Program - Virtual

“The History of Women in Fly Fishing: the only story you won’t hear in your local fly shop.”

 Join us as we welcome Jen Ripple (Editor-in-Chief of DUN Magazine, professional angler and popular speaker) as she takes us on a history lesson like none other.  Did you know that fly fishing is what it is today because of the contributions women have made?  Sure, you know about First Lady of Fly fishing Joan Wulff, and recognize the name Mary Orvis Marburg.  Please join us to learn about historical connections involving women fly fishers and British Royalty, Teddy Roosevelt, and even the year 1496! We guarantee that you (men and women) will learn something fascinating you didn’t previously know, and that you will thoroughly enjoy Jen’s presentation.

Invite your friends; all are welcome!  See you on Zoom on February 23.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8577005014

Meeting ID: 857 700 5014
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,8577005014# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,8577005014# US (Tacoma)

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January Chapter Program - Virtual
Jan
21
7:00 PM19:00

January Chapter Program - Virtual

Clay Kampf, fisheries biologist from USFS will take us through all the happenings in Hermosa over the years.
CPW fish biologist, Jim White, will talk about the health of the Animas River through town.
TU's own Ty Churchwell will update us on the Bonita Peak Superfund process.

Join us to celebrate successes and accomplishments and to learn more about what comes next…virtually!

Thursday, January 21, 2021 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Join here on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82333607994?pwd=TjJKMjZkMVhrZllUWmZ4Sy9tUldJZz09

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Update in case you missed it! Feel free to check out a recording of the January Program, here -
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/sldNNr_2AdoZVBtwYP0GdgDENB8WN1P0ZmfbqDSBIqKb1PkZrmTjE4wpuMaEN7P9.1otcW1MVsHcY826j Passcode: y^k$9r8q

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December Chapter Program - Virtual
Dec
10
7:00 PM19:00

December Chapter Program - Virtual

Join 5RTU and Rob Schmidt from Duranglers to learn tips and tricks for winter fishing. Since it is still 2020, this will be via Zoom, so register today for a fun socially-distanced gathering. Q&A after the presentation, so come with questions!

Zoom access is as follows:
5RTU December Chapter Meeting
Scheduled: Dec 10, 2020 at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82228010766
Tim Miller is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: 5RTU December Chapter Meeting
Time: Dec 10, 2020 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82228010766

Meeting ID: 822 2801 0766
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,82228010766# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,82228010766# US (Houston)

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February Chapter Program
Feb
12
6:00 PM18:00

February Chapter Program

Overview and discussion on the youth educational efforts of 5RTU as well as TU’s youth programs at a state and national level as well as a discussion on our conservation efforts, including the San Juan lineage cutthroat.

Guest speakers will include:

  • Carter Burnham, who attended the Colorado TU River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp in 2019

  • Buck Skillen (5RTU President) and Dennis Lum (past 5RTU Board member) talking about 5RTU’s youth programs in the Durango area

  • Tom Jones (TU National Trustee) discussing the TU’s overall approach to youth education and the types of programs it supports

  • Garrett Hanks (TU employee in Durango) who will be reviewing our conservation activities.

To see more of what 5RTU is currently doing in the education space, go to our website page.

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How to Take Better Fish Pictures
Jan
23
6:30 PM18:30

How to Take Better Fish Pictures

In 2020, don't settle for the same old grip-and-grin photos. With cell phones taking close-to professional quality photos, there is no excuse for a bad picture nowadays.

If you’re interested in learning how to take better photos while on the water, join us at the Irish Embassy Underground for this informative session.

Our guest speaker will be Will Blanchard, owner of Rio Epic Outfitters. Besides being a top-notch guide, Will is also an accomplished photographer and will be speaking on and sharing tips on how to take better pictures of your catch.

Come early, grab a bite and a drink and learn how to take some show-stopper shots.

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Oct
8
9:00 AM09:00

Hermosa Creek Restoration Work

In coordination with The Forest Service, we are planning on workdays on Hermosa Creek at the confluence barrier for the purposes of planting willows.

Carpoolers are to meet at Trimble at 9 a.m. Those driving themselves should be at the corral by 9:30. We should be done by 4.

Waders,gloves, and rain gear are a good idea. Bring plenty of water and your lunch.

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Oct
7
9:00 AM09:00

Hermosa Creek Restoration Work

In coordination with The Forest Service, we are planning on workdays on Hermosa Creek at the confluence barrier for the purposes of planting willows.

Carpoolers are to meet at Trimble at 9 a.m. Those driving themselves should be at the corral by 9:30. We should be done by 4.

Waders,gloves, and rain gear are a good idea. Bring plenty of water and your lunch.

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Oct
5
9:00 AM09:00

Animas River Cleanup

Animas River Cleanup
Meet at Rotary Park

Five Rivers TU is partnering with our friends at Artemis to conduct a river clean-up on the Animas. 

Meet at Rotary Park to check in as well as pick up your trash bags. Clean up will run until noon, at which time we will meet back at Santa Rita for lunch.

Please bring your own heavy-duty gloves (they will get wet) and dress appropriately.

Our goal is to get as much trash out of the river as possible so bring waders, unless you are one of those brave souls who still wet wades into the fall.  

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Orvis 50/50 Film @ Pine Needle Dry Goods.
Sep
26
7:00 PM19:00

Orvis 50/50 Film @ Pine Needle Dry Goods.

The 50/50 on the Water Film Tour is a family-friendly night of female focused fly-fishing films. You’ll leave the event inspired and energized by the 90+ minutes of storytelling, which highlights anglers and fisheries from around the world.

Visit the 50/50 on the Water homepage to learn more.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by going to the following site:
https://5050filmtour.myeventscenter.com/event/Pine-Needle-Dry-Goods-3440

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Sep
19
7:00 PM19:00

Program with Greg Hobbs and Lifelong Learning

A program with Retired Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court Greg Hobbs and Lifelong Learning discussing Water Conservation and Environmental Law in the Colorado West will be held on September 19th @ Ft. Lewis College, 130 Noble Hall.

Justice Hobbs will discuss two opinions he wrote that are helping shape environmental law in Colorado.

FLC’s Life-long Learning program is modeled on similar projects at colleges and universities across the country. All FLC presentations are free.

For more information go to:

https://coloradohumanities.org/event/water-conservation-and-environmental-law-in-the-colorado-west/

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Artifishal, a film by Patagonia
Jul
11
7:00 PM19:00

Artifishal, a film by Patagonia

Artifishal is a film about the high cost—environmental, financial and cultural—of hatcheries and fish farms, and our mistaken reliance on human-engineered solutions. It explores our loss of faith in nature, and the impact on communities and ecosystems as wild salmon slide toward extinction.

Check out the trailer at

https://www.patagonia.com/artifishal.html

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Animas River Community Forum:  Keynote Address on Animas Watershed Fisheries
Jun
13
10:00 AM10:00

Animas River Community Forum: Keynote Address on Animas Watershed Fisheries

For those not familiar with ARC, the Animas River Community Forum came together in response to the Gold King Mine spill incident. The Forum's role is sharing and disseminating information related to the spill, the 416 fire, and the subsequent recoveries. .

Join us at the La Plata County Fairgrounds for the June ARC meeting.

Kara Armano from 5RTU will join Ty Churchwell and Garrett Hanks from Trout Unlimited as keynote speakers at the forum, discussing the state of the Animas River from the headwaters through town. 

Ty will present an update on the Animas headwaters.
Garrett will be discussing the San Juan Cutthroat Trout and what it means for the Animas.
Kara will talk about the state of the Animas fishery and the bug life.

The Forum is free and open to the public. 

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"Pick the Peak" Social
Jun
6
5:00 PM17:00

"Pick the Peak" Social

Given all the precipitation we’ve experienced this winter and spring, we thought it would be fun to get together for a low-key, informal social event where you can have a beer, talk with other anglers and take a stab at guessing what the date and the peak flow on the Animas will be this year.

Closest to the actuals will be rewarded with a prize once the numbers are in.

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May
18
5:30 PM17:30

5RTU Spring Banquet

The banquet is 5RTU’s one and only annual fundraiser. One-hundred percent of all proceeds from the banquet goes towards our mission.

For more information, including a preview of some of the items available for auction, go to the Spring Banquet page on the website (coming soon).

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Apr
18
5:30 PM17:30

Braided / 5RTU Happy Hour

NEW DATE; SAME TIME AND PLACE

Now we’re talking. Who turns down an opportunity to attend a happy hour?

This is a great way for members of two like-minded organizations to get together and share a drink - or two. For those who don’t know, Braided is a community of women coming together to learn, travel, and fish together.

Meet new anglers while getting to getting to know a little more about each other as well as our respective organizations.

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