July 2023
Happy Independence Day; a time for hot dogs, baseball, ice cream, and fireworks (although not in our National Forests, and open spaces, please … it’s just too dry!).
Welcome to the July Zane Grey Newsletter.
Your chapter has been very busy this past month. Many of us helped with the AZTU-Grand Canyon Council, BSA (GCC) Fish Camp, three weeks beginning June 4 through June 23. Over two-dozen campers attended these three camps. Fourteen volunteers, contributed over 3000-combined hours. The camps included lots of fun, excitement, fishing and conservation opportunities for the campers. And some campers were so enthusiastic, they went fishing or tied flies during their free-time (getting up @4AM), despite a 14-hour day. See the pictures and story later in the newsletter.
A CALL TO ACTION TO OUR CONTRACTOR MEMBERS; WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Are you a contractor interested in helping our conservation efforts? We need a skilled contractor to oversee the Phase 2 construction of the R-C Scout Ranch Pond, spring box and pipeline project. You can read more here.
The design for this work is complete, funding is currently available, and volunteer “unskilled” labor is available to help with grunt work. But we need to be “under contract” by September 30, 2023 -- with the goal of completing this Phase 2 work this fall. Please read more about this important project here and let us know if you can help.
Don't miss out on your opportunity to win a trip to Montana ... scroll down to read more, or just click here. Also the Women's trip to Lee's Ferry has a few slots left; Scroll down to read more, or Email Host Eileen Klein: eileen@eileeniklein.com
Finally, we would like to thank all our volunteers and supporters for their continued dedication to Trout Unlimited and our mission. We could not do what we do without your support, and we are grateful for each one of you.
Thanks again for the generous amount of time, effort, and toil you gave to our R-C Scout Ranch conservation projects. We accomplished a lot!
Until then,
Tight Lines.
Alan Davis
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It’s over! Our three high-country sessions of Fish Camp at R-C Scout Ranch at Christopher Creek are officially in the books and the positive reviews from both campers and counselors are already being used to craft next year’s program.
As a first-year counselor, I can attest R-C Fish Camp is the ultimate learning experience for any youth (or adult) interested in the fundamentals of fly fishing. The curriculum is comprehensive; knot tying, fly tying, casting, entomology, canoeing, fish cleaning and preparation. The minimum age is 13 and the max is 18 years old. This year we had a total of 28 campers go through the one-week course, of which five were girls. It was epic!
“Very complete agenda,” reviewed one camper. “Best camp I've ever been to, great time, cool leaders, learned a lot.…Y'all did a great! Thank you for your patience, ability to guide us on the path to be better fishermen. Great learning experience”
Thanks to all our counselors who made everything possible; Steve Berry, Rod Buchanan, Alan Davis, Doyle Gaines, Arthur Greenway, Tom Knight, Bill Laudenschlager, David Mayl, Steve Reiter, Mark Rosin, Ron Stearns, Jim Strogen, Kim Tillery, and yours truly. I was honored to be working with such a distinguished group of sportsmen and women.
And one of the additional benefits of Fish Camp is meeting our fellow TU anglers out on the stream with our campers. While fishing Tonto Creek with our group we ran into Steve and his daughter Victoria. I asked them to share their fish photos for the day with me for this column and they did. So, I want to make it a permanent fixture for On the Fly. If you are a TU member and have a nice fish photo to share with us, send it to me at editor@zanegreytu.org and we’ll post it in the monthly newsletter.
Speaking of TU membership, , I will always be pushing membership renewal and new member recruitment. If your TU membership has lapsed, please take a moment and renew. Our TU team is doing great work and we need you! And after you’ve re-upped, tell a friend to join us. New members get an introductory half-price membership here . Pass it on. Here’s the renewal membership link. Click here to renew.
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NLC Vision for 2023 -2027: You Are Helping!
The National Leadership Council (NLC) of Trout Unlimited is a conduit from national TU staff and Board of Trustees to the Councils and Chapters--establishing and implementing TU's conservation agenda and building the organizational structure to accomplish these goals. The 36 volunteer NLC Representatives are elected by each state Council.
TU's newly elected NLC leadership--Richard Thomas (Chair) and Sharon Sweeney Fee (Secretary)--have outlined a bold direction that will enhance TU's mission by re-thinking the organization's collaboration and engagement. Instead of a top-down structure, NLC leadership is placing TU's goals as the top tier and encouraging each facet of the organization to work together and share in the responsibility for moving coldwater conservation forward. In addition to identifying priority waters and ways to preserve them, NLC goals include diversifying staff, volunteers and partners so that TU has the tools, technology, training and resources to achieve our shared objectives. TU proudly is increasing our diversity. We have 729 women and 185 people of colors serving in Chapter and Council board positions
You as members, volunteers and supporters should be proud of the part you play in moving the needle on conservation. Last year Trout Unlimited volunteers:
- Volunteered 566,056 hours (equivalent to 272 full time employees) resulting in
- $18,000,596 in volunteer value
- 3,058 conservation or science projects
- 3,124 youth activities engaging 92,990 young people
- 515 events for veterans and first responders reaching 3,055 participants
- 93 events designed for under-represented communities reaching 2,388 people
- 4,328 community engagement activities reaching 87,451 attendees
In the coming months, the NLC leadership will meet with each Trout Unlimited Workgroup to develop meaningful and measurable goals and means to achieve them. Popular workgroups are:
- Communications
- Climate Change
- Delaware River
- Great Lakes
- Land Conservancy
- Native Trout
- Youth Education
If you are interested in participating in or learning more about any of these national workgroups, contact your Arizona NLC Representative at Diversity@AZ-TU.org.
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Win a Trip to Montana
Online Sweepstake Tickets Just $10
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Right now, our chapter is in 12th place and well within reach of some of the top prizes.
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AZTU-GCC Fish Camp 2023 a Great Success! |
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For the fourth year Arizona Council Trout Unlimited volunteers conducted another great Fish Camp with the Grand Canyon Council BSA. The camp consisted of three one-week sessions in June, held at the R-C Scout Ranch in the cool Ponderosa Pine Forest 20 miles east of Payson Arizona. Over two-dozen teenagers from Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas earned the fly fishing and fishing merit badges, and a lifetime of memories.
Each camper received some sweet SWAG, including a sling pack loaded with a box of flies, nippers, forceps, leader, and tippet. Additionally, each youth received a Trout Unlimited membership, an AZGFD annual Hunt-Fish Combo license, along with a hat, a shirt, and a unique Fish Camp patch. The patch design, pictured above, includes rockers for various trout species caught. This year we awarded rockers for Gila and Rainbow trout.
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Highlights included keynote addresses by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) Commission Chairman James Goughnour giving the campers insight into the Arizona Game and Fish Department's role in managing over 800 species and giving credibility to the Camp by setting the stage for the week-long program.
But the campers didn't sit around in class all-day listening to speeches; they learned fishing basics of equipment, knots and casting techniques, fly tying, fish anatomy, dissection and pathology, entomology, including using a seine to capture aquatic invertebrates, aquatic invasive, nuisance species, water and soil conservation, including 'leave no trace' philosophy, daily excursions to other streams and mountain lakes, an introduction and understanding of AZGFD rules and regulations for fishing and taking of aquatic species, How to properly catch, clean, and cook a fish, part of the Fishing and Fly-Fishing merit badge requirements.
The overwhelming response from all was they planned to tell others about the great time they had in Fish Camp! The volunteers also shared these feelings.
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This camp would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including:
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Arizona Game and Fish Department
- Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation
- AZ Fly Shop
- Orvis
- Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited
- Old Pueblo Chapter Trout Unlimited
- Zane Grey Chapter Trout Unlimited
- BSA Grand Canyon Council
Additional recognition to a generous donation from Nomada Fly Fish and Pheasant Tail Fly Fishing.
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The most important contribution came from our volunteers; without which we could not have run a successful camp. These volunteers devoted their time, energy, expertise and enthusiasm, and literally made the camp a success. Those volunteering on-site included: Steve Berry, Rod Buchanan, Alan Davis, Doyle Gaines, Arthur Greenway, Tom Knight, Bill Laudenschlager, David Mayl, Steve Reiter, Mark Rosin, Ron Stearns, Jim Strogen, Kim Tillery, and Woody Wilson. Kara Jensen, of Be Outdoors Arizona, came up for the day and stayed two taking pictures and video, interviewing campers, and just getting the Fish Camp vibe.
Thanks also to our Grand Canyon Council partners, and in particular to Greg Harmon, Director of Program Services, and Brendan Switts who helped us understand how to run a scout camp, and to Alec Young, who served as camper wrangler and liaisons with Grand Canyon Council. A special shout out to CEO Andy Price, who helped make this program a reality!
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Lees Ferry Women's Retreat November 2 - 4
HURRY! ONLY 4 SPOTS LEFT!
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Whether you are an accomplished fly fisher or just learning, we look forward to you joining our group!
Details: Check into Cliff Dwellers Lodge located at Milepost 547 on Highway 189A on on Thursday, November 2 and enjoy a welcome happy hour with the group at the restaurant on-site. We will start early on Friday and spend a full day on the water, wading and boat fishing. Depart on Saturday, November 4 at your leisure.
8 spots reserved for our group--but only 4 spots left!
2 anglers per guide boat.
Cost:
$440, DOUBLE QUEEN ROOM OCCUPANCY AND GUIDE Included in cost: Happy hour, 2 nights lodging (sharing a room with two queen be), full day of guided fishing with boat (two anglers per boat), including lunch.
$455, DOUBLE KING ROOM OCCUPANCY (SHARE ONE KING BED) AND GUIDE Included in cost: Happy hour, 2 nights lodging (sharing a room), full day of guided fishing with boat (two anglers per boat), including lunch.
At participant’s own expense: Tip for your guide (15-20% of fee is customary), other meals, beverages and purchases. $30 fee/vehicle to get in/park at the Glen Canyon Recreation Area (kiosk on site). Transportation to and from Marble Canyon.
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June Meeting Summary
The AZTU-PPC meeting held in June 2023 included a recorded presentation from Dr. Caroline Nash, a professional hydrologist and geomorphologist with Blue Shift, regarding a Bureau of Reclamation Grant for a Northern Arizona Black River conservation project that is in the planning phase.
Legislative Update
The state legislature is very quiet right now, they passed their budget on May 12th and there is no activity on bills. The only items taking place are confirmation hearings. TU will continue to monitor these hearings and continue building relationships with lawmakers over the Summer and into Fall so we can be productive in the upcoming 2024 session.
Groundwater News in AZ
Groundwater continues to be a hot topic in AZ! Here are two articles published in the Arizona Republic recently:
Arizona won't explain why it has paused leases on some state-owned farmland
Is the Arizona State Land Department taking steps to reverse a handful of unpopular leases? Or, more widely rethinking water use on state trust land?
Check out the story here:
Water shortfall could halt growth
Check out the story: here
Upcoming Events
The July 2023 AZTU-PPC Meeting will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM. This meeting will have a presentation from David Fernandez, the Legislative Policy Administrator for the Arizona Game & Fish Department, to give us the AZGFD's perspective of the 2023 Legislative Session.
The AZTU-Public Policy Committee received a request from the Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation to weigh in on whether to support, not support, or abstain on AZTU's support of a Grand Canyon National Monument. The Committee abstained from taking a position on the Grand Canyon National Monument at this time as it is important to have a "seat at the table" when the rules and regulations are drafted for the monument status if the Grand Canyon National Monument is ultimately enacted by the current Administration.
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The AZTU-Public Policy Committee (AZTU-PPC) hosts a virtual meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 until 8:00 PM. If you are interested, please contact Ron Stearns at PublicPolicyChair@az-tu.org .
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REMEMBER:
Your Conservation License Plate Supports Our Programs
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The Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC) license plate fund is derived from the sale of wildlife conservation license plates and member organizations as well as non-member organizations are eligible to apply for those funds.
The Arizona TU Council and Chapters have received funds over the past eleven years in support of the Annual Native and Wild Trout Conferences, Fish Camp, Trout in the Classroom programs and conservation projects.
The next time your registration comes up for renewal, choose the conservation license plate option at registration to show your support for conservation and our projects.
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PAYSON, Ariz. — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails, an aquatic invasive species (AIS), in upper Tonto Creek approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Tonto Creek Hatchery. (Ironically, a Session 1 Fish Camp camper discovered the NZ mudsnail while "bugging" in Tonto Creek under Jim Strogen's direction).
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AZGFD continues to conduct surveys in the area to determine the extent of infestation. Tonto Creek Hatchery will remain closed to the public. This will provide the department with time to enhance biosecurity protocols and evaluate infrastructure investments that could further bolster biosecurity. |
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How can you prevent the spread of New Zealand Mudsnails? |
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Please follow these instructions:
After fishing, scrub the bottom of boots or waders with a brush to remove all mud, plants and other organic materials. Then choose one of the following options before using the equipment and gear in the next body of water:
Option 1: Submerge waders and gear in a large tub filled with a quaternary ammonia-based institutional cleaner. If using consumer-grade 409, the solution does not need to be diluted. If using a product such as Super HDQ Neutral, mix 6 ounces per gallon of water. Equipment must be soaked for at least 20 minutes, scrubbing and inspecting all items before rinsing. The rinse water must be from a source free of AIS (to avoid re-exposure), and the chemical bath must be properly disposed of away from the body of water.
Option 2: Place waders and boots in a freezer overnight between uses.
Option 3: Dry waders and equipment completely for seven consecutive days (May through October) or 18 consecutive days (November through April).
Option 4: Spray or soak waders and gear with 140 degree Fahrenheit water for at least 10 minutes.
*Note: AZGFD does not endorse any particular product. Mention of any brand is for example only.
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Rim Country Streams on the Fly
Yes, it's a busy time in the Arizona high country. But don't let that deter you from getting out with your fly rod and pack lunch this summer.
Tonto Creek, Horton Creek and the upper East Verde are no secrets to avid fly anglers. With some stealth, a little skill, and the right fly you can almost always ambush a couple trout along these beautiful Rim Country drainages.
Tonto and Horton Creeks, below the Tonto Creek Hatchery, are best accessed during a weekday. Turn at the hatchery road off 260 and explore the access points, parking and picnic areas along the creeks. Follow the trails downstream and target the riffles and holes. Try a dry, a small beadhead, a San Juan worm, a hopper. Move slowly and watch for fish. Anything can work if the trout doesn't know you're there.
The upper stretch of the East Verde north of Payson on the Houston Mesa road is a another creek that's a high-desert surprise to those who have never been there. The Water Wheel access point has some great stretches of water that is regularly stocked with rainbow, or Gila trout. Again, go mid-week and hike up the canyon where there are deeper pools cut into the rock formations.
For the adventurous angler/hiker, there's Pine Creek above Camp LoMia, the Mormon girls' summer camp. The best way in is from the Strawberry trailhead that drops into Pine Creek Canyon. The trail takes you down to the creek and you can fish up, or down. The fish are small, native and beautiful. Pine Creek is a series of spring creeks that drain into the canyon and flow year-round. These trout are spooky and you have to be stealthy. Almost any fly will work if presented naturally.
So, make a lunch and throw your ambush rod and flies into your pack and make a day of it on the creek. And send us your photos. editor@zanegreytu.org.
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Social Media:
Check out the Instagram page for
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Looking for a Fishing Opportunity? |
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Below is a list of fishing organizations in Arizona. Feel free to join, explore, visit their websites or attend a meeting to find out more information: |
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Arizona Flycasters Club
@ The Arizona American Italian Club
7509 N 12th St
Phoenix, AZ 85020
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Fly-Fishing Social Event night - 2nd Tuesday of each month. Great speaker and awesome raffle. Donations support our Community outreach partners from Veterans to Youth activities.
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Desert Fly Casters Club
@ Chandler Elks Club
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General meeting 2nd Wednesday of each month. Social Event 6-7 Meeting @ 7PM Great speakers; check website for details.
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Join Trout Unlimited Today!
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Committed to
Protecting, Connecting and Restoring Arizona's watersheds and fisheries.
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Combined Calendar
AZ Trout Unlimited & Chapters, Arizona Flycasters Club and several other area fishing and conservation calendars
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You may access our calendar here.
Zane Grey Trout Unlimited
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Protect. Reconnect. Restore. Sustain. Conserving coldwater habitat in the desert southwest. |
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