Proudline Guided Fly Fishing

“They are very rapid reproducers,” described Madeline Baker, an invasive species specialist with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Each female can each produce up to one million eggs. They can survive in warm water, cold water, polluted water and at higher elevations. They can live for up to 30 days out of the water.

“There’s nowhere in Colorado we don’t think they can live,” Baker said.

Bakich, who also presented at the summit, described how the zebra mussels can promote the growth of toxic blue-green algae, remove resources relied on by sportfish and other species, decrease biodiversity, shift species composition, and “Outcompete and overwhelm aquatic habitats and resident species. They will literally attach to anything.”

Clean, drain and dry
Roaring Fork Conservancy Executive Director Rick Lofaro described a needed cultural shift to keep aquatic nuisance species from spreading.

“We need our river recreation culture to adopt cleaning principles — every single time — it’s gotta be worked into the culture,” Lafaro said at the Friday event.

Invasive zebra mussels discovered last October in Colorado River After the invasive zebra mussels were detected in the main stem Colorado River around Glenwood in October 2025, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is working diligently to stop the spread and raise awareness about the destructive mollusks.

Big shout out to the Roaring Fork Valley Fly Fishing Club, Aspen Elks Lodge #224, American Legion Post 100, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, CPW and others for the hands-on support of this meaningful National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic event.

Super event to see updated tech, meeting seldom seen friends and industry colleagues.

Guess who forgot her net 🤪? Made for an entertaining day. The guys all did well 🙂🐟🐟

Save the stouts, preserve the pilsners, love the lagers: Protect Colorado’s beer and breweries by cleaning, draining and drying your water gear.

Looks like there's still a little work to be done . . . 😜

Wildlife Trivia ‼️ Colorado is home to more than 960 wildlife species, with much of the funding for wildlife research supported by hunting and fishing license fees. Learn more at cowildlifecouncil.org

Got it to the strike zone but out of the catcher’s masked field of view. Catcher error? Nah. How often do we cast a fly on a trout’s head that isn't taken! A super fun event that may even have serendipitously helped the Rockies win the game! ⚾️

Please be kind to our aquatic animals throughout this hot spell. Thank you! https://cowildlifecouncil.org/who-we-are
The Colorado Wildlife Council

🎣 River Etiquette for Wade Guides 🎣

Let’s keep it professional out there.

As guides, we help set the tone on the water. Whether you’re with clients or scouting solo, being respectful of other anglers (and each other) goes a long way in maintaining a positive reputation and keeping our fisheries enjoyable for everyone.

✅ Give Space to Other Anglers & Guides:
Don’t low-hole, high-hole, or crowd someone’s water. If a guide is already working a run, move on. There’s plenty of river to go around.

🗣️ Communicate Like Pros:
If you’re unsure about who’s where or how much water someone is working, a quick, respectful conversation can clear it up. We’re all doing the same job—act like a team out there.

🚗 Respect Parked Vehicles:
If a car is already parked at a known wade spot, assume someone is fishing it. Don’t pull in, rush to gear up, and try to beat them in. We all know that move—and it reflects poorly on all of us.

🚫 Don’t Hold Water Before Clients Arrive:
Parking a vehicle to “claim” a spot while you wait for clients to show up is bad form. It blocks others from accessing water you’re not actively fishing. If you’re not in the water, don’t hold it.

🗑️ Leave It Better Than You Found It:
Pick up trash, even if it’s not yours. Clients notice, other guides notice—and the river deserves it.

🎣 Lead by Example with Clients:
Show them how to respect space, handle fish properly, and move with intention on the water. They’ll carry those lessons forward—and they reflect directly on you.

🧭 Know Your Boundaries:
Stay off private property unless you’re 100% sure access is allowed. No one wins when landowners get fed up.

We’re lucky to do this for a living. Let’s keep it classy, professional, and river-first—always.