Adam Spoerl - Turning Up the Heat: Fly Fishing for Bass, Carp & Bluegill
When coldwater trout streams reach peak summer temperatures, targeting warmwater species - bass, carp, and bluegill—provides incredible action without putting stress on sensitive trout populations. Front Range guide Adam Spoerl often pivots to local warmwater ponds and warm river stretches during these months.
Adam is a Colorado Native who spent most of his childhood exploring the outdoors. His grandpa taught him to fly fish when he was 11 and his granddad instilled a deep appreciation for the environment and a sense of adventure. He continues to have a great passion for the sport and loves teaching individuals the importance of protecting the resource and the health benefits of fishing. In addition to being FRA's General Mangager he is also the Pro for Thomas & Thomas Fly Rods!
His fishing mottos center on three aspects: no cast is a bad cast unless you hook yourself or someone else, a human is like a fish, why run when you can walk and “no man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river, and he’s not the same man”- Heraclitus."
St Vrain Stream Cleanup
Help keep our home waters clean, healthy, and trash-free! SVATU is looking for volunteers to assist with a streamside cleanup along the St. Vrain Creek, focusing on the stretch from Martin Street downstream to around the Ken Pratt Boulevard overpass.
When: Saturday, October 10th at 9:00 AM
Where: Meet at the small pavilion just east of the DSW & Carter’s shopping center on Ken Pratt Blvd.
What to Bring: Bring work gloves and be prepared to wade into the creek if you're willing to jump in!
We’ll Provide: Coffee, donuts, non-latex gloves, and trash bags.
Whether you can give an hour or stay for the whole morning, every hand makes a noticeable difference for our river. Come grab a donut, catch up with fellow chapter members, and lend a hand!
Chase Martin - Fishing the Big Thompson and All Around Town
We are thrilled to welcome guide and commercial fly tier Chase "Hoops" Martin to our October Browns & Brews.
With 12 years of guiding around Estes Park under his belt, Chase has built a reputation for hunting out small-stream gems and targeting fish hidden in plain sight. Though he regularly chases everything from carp and bass to redfish on a fly rod, Chase’s deep familiarity with our local backyard waters makes him a wealth of practical knowledge for anglers of all skill levels.
In this talk, Chase will pull back the curtain on how to tackle challenging, high-gradient water and maximize your time on the Big Thompson River.
Key Highlights:
Approaching Small & Hidden Water: Why you shouldn't shy away from tight cover and small creeks.
Whitewater & Pockets: How to effectively read pocket water and pull trout out of heavy foam.
The Big Thompson Playbook: A complete look at Chase's go-to rigging strategies and three core techniques used from the high country down through the canyon.
Whether you're looking to refine your rigging or discover new ways to approach high-pressure water, you won't want to miss this session. Bring your questions and join the conversation!
Mike Kruise - "Chasing Silver Ghosts" in the Bahamas
Step away from the coldwater streams for an evening and transport yourself to the tropical flats of the Bahamas!
This month, we are excited to host Mike Kruise, co-owner of Longmont's Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and decades of experience both on local Colorado waters and across global destinations like the Bahamas and Belize, Mike brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to the table.
In his presentation, Chasing Silver Ghosts: Fly Fishing for Bonefish in the Bahamas, Mike will guide us through the nuances of stalking bonefish across vast Bahamian flats.
Highlights include:
Reading the water and picking out stealthy fish before they spot you.
Casting accuracy, line management, and handling wind on the flats.
Top fly patterns and rigging setups proven to hook Bahamian bonefish.
Insider tips for planning a smooth, successful trip to the islands.
Come connect with fellow anglers, learn new saltwater strategies, and get inspired for your next adventure!
Cat Toy - Reading Water Like A Guide
Join us for an evening dedicated to one of the most fundamental skills in fly fishing: reading the water. We are excited to welcome Cat Toy for an in-depth breakdown of river dynamics and trout behavior.
Success on the water isn't just about fly selection—it's about knowing where to look. Cat will walk us through the science and strategy behind identifying holding water, understanding environmental triggers, and adapting to seasonal changes across our local rivers.
Presentation Highlights:
Mapping the Riverbank: Recognizing seam lines, pocket water, undercut banks, and tailouts.
The "Why" Behind Trout Lies: How trout conserve energy while maximizing food intake and protection from predators.
Environmental Variables: Reading water clarity and temperature to predict feeding behavior and depth.
Seasonal Playbook: Adjusting your approach from high-water spring runoff through low-and-clear winter flows.
Come connect with fellow chapter members, pick up practical tactical insights, and learn how to break down any body of water with confidence!
Tom Schultz - Fly Fishing Entomolgy
Ever stood streamside watching trout rise, only to wonder which fly in your box actually matches what they're eating?
This month, we are excited to host Tom Schultz for an insightful presentation on aquatic entomology and fly selection. Tom will demystify the bugs that inhabit our local trout streams and bridge the gap between stream biology and practical fly fishing.
Presentation Highlights:
Demystifying Bug Life Cycles: Understanding nymph, emerger, adult, and spent stages—and when trout target each.
Fly Pattern Pairing: Connecting natural insects to their corresponding dry flies, nymphs, and emerger imitations.
Seasonal Bug Trends: What hatches to expect throughout the year on regional tailwaters and freestones.
Practical Bug Sampling: Easy ways to inspect rocks and water to see what trout are actively feeding on.
Elevate your time on the water by learning to read the hatch like a pro. Come early, catch up with fellow anglers, and bring your questions!
Dr. Sara Porterfield - The Colorado River Compact: A River at a Crossroads
No river defines the American West quite like the Colorado. From high-country trout streams to massive reservoir systems, its water drives our ecosystems, farms, and communities. However, with historical allocations exceeding natural supply and drought compounding the stress, the legal backbone of the river—the 1922 Colorado River Compact—is facing unprecedented challenges.
This month, we are excited to welcome Dr. Sara Porterfield to guide us through the complex past and urgent future of Western water. Dr. Porterfield brings a unique perspective as a PhD historian, longtime river guide, and Western Water Policy Advisor for Trout Unlimited.
Presentation Highlights:
Unpacking the 1922 Compact: Understanding the foundation of Western water law and its historical blind spots.
The Modern Basin Crisis: How climate shifts, low pack, and growing demand are forcing new negotiations.
Policy Meets the Stream: Connecting federal policies and regional water agreements directly to on-the-ground habitat and trout conservation.
Action & Advocacy: What anglers and conservationists can do to support a resilient, sustainable future for the Colorado River Basin.
Come connect with fellow chapter members, deepen your understanding of Western water issues, and bring your questions for Q&A!
2026 IF4
St. Vrain Anglers TU is thrilled to bring IF4 back to Longmont!
Get ready for an unforgettable night—this year’s event features the world‑class IF4 film lineup, onsite raffles, and an online silent auction packed with great gear and experiences.
We’re also shaking things up! Due to Colorado’s unpredictable spring weather, we’ve moved the event indoors to the historic Longmont Theater. Join us May 20th for an incredible evening celebrating fly fishing, conservation, and community.
Big Thompson Stream Clean Up
Three Trout Unlimited Chapters (Boulder Flycasters, Rocky Mountain Flycasters and St. Vrain Anglers) and Arbor Anglers of Lafayette, CO
All are sponsoring a stream clean-up on the Big Thompson in Estes Park area on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9 AM to noon.
There should be plenty of time to catch the afternoonhatch after the event.
We hope to be able to have enough volunteers to be able to clean up most of the fishing pull outs and parking areas on Highway 34 between Olympus Dam and Forks Park at Drake.
We will supply nitrile gloves, trash bags, trash grabbers as well as coffee, water and snacks. If possible, please bring waders.
Since the volunteers will be working in the parking areas and pull-outs on Highway 34 all volunteers should be over the age of 16 or accompanied by an adult.
We will meet at 8:45 AM at the Estes Park Visitors Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave. which is across the street from McDonalds. We will be on the east side of the visitors center in the parking lot and we will have sign-in tables set up so we will be easy to find.
If you have any additional questions please contact - Lynn Williams at rocky mountain fly casters. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Browns & Brews with Charlie Morris
Mastering the Mono Rig: April Browns & Brews with Charlie Morris
Get ready to elevate your technical game this spring! For our April Browns & Brews, St. Vrain Anglers TU is thrilled to welcome local chapter member and adventure angler Charlie Morris to the stage.
Charlie, a Longmont resident known for his DIY wilderness expeditions (including his legendary self-guided floats in the Alaskan backcountry), is shifting gears to share his expertise on a system that has revolutionized modern river fishing: The Mono Rig.
Why the Mono Rig?
If you've ever felt that traditional fly line was holding you back in heavy current or tight quarters, this is the session for you. Charlie will break down why trading your fly line for a specialized, long monofilament leader can offer:
Exceptional Sensitivity: Direct contact with your flies for instant strike detection.
Zero Sag: Eliminating the "line sag" caused by heavy fly lines, allowing for better drifts.
Ultimate Versatility: While often associated with Euro-nymphing, Charlie will demonstrate how the Mono Rig is actually a hybrid system capable of fishing streamers, dries, and dry-droppers with precision.
What to Expect
Charlie will walk us through his specific leader formulas, rod preferences, and the casting techniques (like the tuck cast) required to master this "contact" style of fishing. Whether you're a seasoned tight-line veteran or a newcomer curious about why "fly line sometimes sucks," Charlie’s practical, adventure-tested approach will give you plenty of tools to take to the St. Vrain and beyond.
March Browns & Brews
Get ready to cast a vote and grab a spoon!
The St. Vrain Angler Trout Unlimited is hosting a night of off the wall trivia, spicy bowls, and community spirit. Whether you're a fish trivia pro or just in it for the beans, come through for our annual Chili Supper, Board Elections, and Trivia Night. We have 2 types of tickets, chili chef or trivia pro. Let SVATU know if you are bringing the secret recipe or if your the trivia master.
We’re at the The Moose in Longmont for a full evening of:
Chili Cook-Off: Bragging rights and prizes for the best pots in town!
Trivia: Test your knowledge of local waters and random lore with prizes for the trivia masters
Elections: Help shape the future of our chapter.
All members and guests are welcome. Come hungry, leave smart!
February Browns & Brews
We’re excited to have Tyler Smith joining us as the guest speaker at our upcoming Browns & Brews SVATU member meeting.
Tyler is a Longmont native who grew up spending countless hours walking and fishing the lower stretches of the St. Vrain. That river has been a constant thread through his life. After pouring himself into a culinary career through his 20s and early 30s, Tyler moved back to Longmont about ten years ago to focus more on the things he loved. Fishing and art were at the top of that list, and before long the two naturally came together.
Much of Tyler’s artwork is rooted in his lifelong relationship with the St. Vrain and the brown trout that live there. His connection to the river runs deep, and he describes it as spiritual in ways that are hard to put into words. The stories, the water, and the fish have all had a strong influence on his work over the last decade.
At the meeting, Tyler will share his history with the St. Vrain, the fish that call it home, and how the river has shaped both his life and his art. He plans to display several of his paintings at Anglers that night, including two brown trout pieces featuring fish caught on the Vrain.
Come grab a beer, talk trout, and hear the St. Vrain told through the eyes of someone who has truly grown up with it.
Fly Tying Expo
2026 St Vrain Anglers Fly Tying Expo
Join SVATU and Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop for our annual Fly Tying Expo at The Moose in Longmont. Chat with over 25 tyers as they share their knowledge. Enjoy bucket raffles for the flies tied at the expo and a silent auction. See our Fly Tying Expo page for more details and to purchase a ticket.
Browns & Brews - Fly Tying Contest
If you’ve been waiting for another SVATU fly-tying night, clear your calendar! Join us on January 20th for a special edition of Browns and Brews: The Iron Fly Challenge! Whether you’re a seasoned tyer or someone who’s just been curious about giving it a try, this is a perfect chance to meet fellow anglers, learn new skills, and have a whole lot of fun.
All skill levels are welcome—from first-timers to wizened thread-slinging pros. You’ll compete Iron-Chef-style in a series of surprise tying prompts designed to spark creativity, test your on-the-spot problem-solving, and deliver plenty of laughs. Bragging rights, small prizes, and eternal TU glory are all on the line.
New to tying?
Sign up as a beginner and join us at 5:00pm for a hands-on intro session where our volunteers will walk you through the basics. No experience or materials needed—just bring your curiosity and we’ll take it from there.
Main event
The official Iron Fly competition kicks off at 6:30pm. We’ll have plenty of vises and tools available for those who need them, but if you have your own vise, thread, and basic tools, please bring them along. Leave your materials at home—we’ll supply everything required for the challenges.
Volunteers needed
We’re looking for a few helpful hands at 5:00pm to assist with beginner instruction and to help keep the event running smoothly. If you enjoy teaching or just love the camaraderie of tying nights, we’d love to have you.
Please sign up early
Early registration helps us plan materials, seating, and instruction. If you know you’re coming, let us know—we appreciate it! There are 4 different ticket types, please make sure you select the correct ticket! Visit our Event Registration page to sign up!!
Browns and Brews - Max Beauchene
Join St Vrain Anglers at The Moose
Max Beauchene
Hi all,
My name is Max Beauchene and I have been fishing for my entire life. I was raised in coastal North Carolina where I grew up catching redfish and flounder, eventually working on a bottom fishing boat out of the local marina. When I went to college in the northeast I was introduced to smallmouth and trout for the first time I the streams and lakes of rural Massachusetts. Post college I chased redfish and speckled trout in the panhandle of Florida before moving to Colorado to chase trout in the Rocky Mountains. Since moving West, I have been lucky to start a career in fly fishing and fly tying through working at Charlie’s Fly Box.
I was first exposed to carp fishing last year and it quickly reminded me of my past saltwater experience with one key difference: carp are smart… VERY smart. I have never chased a fish that is so perceptive and “tuned in” to its surroundings. Unlike every other fish we fish for, carp are not predators. They are not food motivated. They are extremely spooky and they are very hard to get reactive takes from. They are interesting and thought-provoking creatures that deserve high respect as a game fish despite their omnipresence in the Front Range.
Through my time speaking to you all I hope to convey met love of carp fishing, the unique and worthwhile challenges carp present, as well as flies and tactics that have proven successful for me. Our carp fishery here in the Denver/ Boulder area is world-class and the community of people who chase these fish is vibrant and full of serious anglers.
F3T
The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Now in its 19th year, F3T has become a beloved annual tradition for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts across the country. The event provides an opportunity for the fly fishing community to come together, share stories, and experience the best of the sport’s cinematic world.
Along with the films, attendees can look forward to exclusive giveaways, raffle prizes, and plenty of camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or someone new to the sport, F3T offers something for everyone.
This will be a FREE community indoor screening of the Fly Fishing Film Tour with the film starting around 6pm.
Hwy 7 - Pre-Winter Cleaning
Pre-winter cleaning is here and what a better why to enjoy the fall outdoors while cleaning. Join SVATU for our pre-winter clean-up along the South St Vrain on November 1st. We will be meeting at Sandstone Park in Lyons, Colo. again. Help us out. If you are interested please register!!
Browns and Brews
Join St Vrain Anglers October 21, 2025, 6:30pm at The Moose for the opening the 2025-2026 Browns and Brews Speaker Series. Pearce Melcher will be presenting on Project Healing Waters. Please register for the presentation by navigating to our event registration page.
Project Healing Waters is a nationwide volunteer organization dedicated to helping veterans-in-need to recovery through fly fishing, mentoring, and friendship. The front range has the strongest group of Project Healing Waters Programs including the two largest (Colorado Springs and Denver) and the national headquarters based in Windsor. Pearce Melcher is the head of outreach coordination for the Denver program having volunteered in several other roles in the program over the past 6 years. He’ll be talking about the program, who it’s for, who can help out, and all the fun that comes along with it.
Fly Tying Fanatics Fest
Fly Tying Fanatics Fest is back and bigger than ever! Join us for a day packed with world-class tyers including Pat Dorsey, Landon Mayer, Rim Chung, Daryl Eakins, Juan Ramirez, Jon Easdon, and more.
Registration for this event is required, please visit the link below to register. Registration for the chili cookoff can also be completed through the link below.
Don't miss this one-day-only chance to learn tricks and tips from the best in the game, hang out with fellow anglers, and celebrate the art of fly tying.
Brought to you by Orvis Park Meadows and Trout Unlimited Cutthroat Chapter.
3rd Annual Angles Fly Fishing Festival
Join Angles and SVATU for the 3rd annual Fly Fishing Festival
Saturday, August 2
2-7pm
Left Hand Brewing
Free community event celebrating all things fly fishing.
Live music, a DJ, food trucks, cold beer, casting competitions, giveaways, and a gathering of local shops, guides, nonprofits, and fishing brands.
Hwy 7 - Summer Pickup
Summer cleaning is here and what a better why to enjoy the outdoors while cleaning. Join SVATU for our summer-post concert clean-up along the South St Vrain on August 2nd. We will be meeting at Sandstone Park in Lyons, Colo. again. Help us out. If you are interested please register!!
Boulder Creek Waters Celebration - Protection of Jasper Lake
Colorado Water Trust is throwing a riverside celebration for the ages - honoring our landmark protection of Jasper Lake and the 37 miles of Boulder Creek it feeds into. There will be:
Cocktails and live bluegrass by the creek
A coursed dinner with fresh, local ingredients
Dynamic presentations on bold water conservation solutions
A live auction with items like VIP Red Rocks tickets to see Gregory Alan Isakov
All proceeds will support the continued success of Colorado Water Trust's work across the state.
You can reserve your tickets to the event at this link here. And if you all do sponsorships and would consider being a sponsor for the event, the packet is attached below. Mostly, we'd just love to have you there!
Hope to see you there.
Kids Learn to Fly Fish | Session 5
Session #5 - Fishing
Session #5 Objectives
- Basic Casting Stroke review
· - Casting Stroke Practice
- Fishing at pond
Kids Learn to Fly Fish is a program designed to introduce youth 8-13 years to the lifelong joy of fly fishing. The program teaches fundamentals of fly tying, trout foods, trout habitat, fly casting and fishing skills. It introduces students to basic conservation awareness as it pertains to trout and water quality.
Program Volunteers are the backbone to the success of KLTFF. We still are in need of volunteers to assist in instruction. Please click button below to help the next generation of fly fishers.
2025 IF4
May 15, 2025
Tickets available now
Please visit our IF4 page for additional information
Sponsorships available. Info on our IF4 page
Hwy 7 - Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is here and what a better why to enjoy the outdoors while cleaning. Join SVATU for our spring clean-up along the South St Vrain on May 3rd. We will be meeting at Sandstone Park in Lyons, Colo. again. Help us out. If you are interested please register!!
Kids Learn to Fly Fish | Session 4
Session #4 - Knots, Casting, and Sampling
Session #4 Objectives
- Basic Fishing Knots
· - Basic Casting: Stroke-pantomime with yarn rod
- Insect collection and identification on St. Vrain Creek
Kids Learn to Fly Fish is a program designed to introduce youth 8-13 years to the lifelong joy of fly fishing. The program teaches fundamentals of fly tying, trout foods, trout habitat, fly casting and fishing skills. It introduces students to basic conservation awareness as it pertains to trout and water quality.
Program Volunteers are the backbone to the success of KLTFF. We still are in need of volunteers to assist in instruction. Please click button below to help the next generation of fly fishers.
Browns and Brews
Chris Kennedy is a fisheries biologist with a passion for protecting native aquatic species. He has devoted his career to the restoration of the Greenback Cutthroat Trout in Rocky Mountain National Park. Chris's work involves a variety of activities, including removing non-native trout species, improving water quality, monitoring fish populations, and conducting research to inform conservation efforts. He is also a strong advocate for public education and outreach, working to raise awareness about the importance of this unique and threatened species
Kids Learn to Fly Fish | Session 3
Session #3 - Fly Tying Mayfly
Session #3 Objectives
- Fly Tying
- Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Generic adult Mayfly
- Pat’s Rubber Leg
- Zebra Midge
Kids Learn to Fly Fish is a program designed to introduce youth 8-13 years to the lifelong joy of fly fishing. The program teaches fundamentals of fly tying, trout foods, trout habitat, fly casting and fishing skills. It introduces students to basic conservation awareness as it pertains to trout and water quality.
Program Volunteers are the backbone to the success of KLTFF. We still are in need of volunteers to assist in instruction. Please click button below to help the next generation of fly fishers.
2025 IF4 Silent Auction
SVATU is conducting a silent auction to raise funds for our continuing conservation and educational campaigns. Your participation is essential for the success of these initiatives. By contributing to the silent auction, you will help us support vital projects aimed at preserving our natural resources and educating the community about the importance of conservation.
The auction will feature a variety of items and experiences, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to bid on exclusive offerings while directly benefiting our programs. We encourage all community members to join us in this effort. Your support not only contributes to the immediate success of the auction but also helps ensure the long-term sustainability of our initiatives.
Please see our auction page at: SVATU Auction
Rocky Mountain Flycasters TU - Trout Fishing Expo
Up to 30 Exhibitors: Exhibitors including Local Fly Shops, RMFTU's conservation and education programs, Local Watershed Coalitions, Fishing Equipment Suppliers, College Fishing Clubs, and more...
Antique and Classic Rods, Reels, and Memorabilia, presented by a nationally known Antique Dealer and Author, John Sollo
Llama Packing Service with Live Llamas, (Weather Permitting)
Fly Tying Demonstrations - over 20 well know expert tyers
Raffles / Silent and Live Auctions for fly gear and trips
Expert Speakers - Including well known author, Steve Schweitzer
Lots of fun for kids - Tie a fly, Lawn Trout casting game, live stream bugs!
Casting demonstrations & Games
RMFTU-branded merchandize for sale
Your ticket includes a FREE "Trout Hero" mesh bag to help keep our streams clean, (While supplies last)
FREE PARKING
Kids Learn to Fly Fish | Session 2
Session #2 - Fly Tying Caddis
Session #2 Objectives
- Free Living Caddis
· - Fly Tying
- Tar Heel Caddis
- Elk Hair Caddis
Kids Learn to Fly Fish is a program designed to introduce youth 8-13 years to the lifelong joy of fly fishing. The program teaches fundamentals of fly tying, trout foods, trout habitat, fly casting and fishing skills. It introduces students to basic conservation awareness as it pertains to trout and water quality.
Program Volunteers are the backbone to the success of KLTFF. We still are in need of volunteers to assist in instruction. Please click button below to help the next generation of fly fishers.
Browns and Brews | Chili & Trivia Night
Annual Chili Night
March Browns and Brews equals Chili Night. Come join SVATU as our members showcase their culinary skills with chili. Along with tasty food we will be having a trivia contest. Come test your knowledge of TU, conservation, and fishing.
Please register for this event on our events registration page. There are 2 ticket types, regular & Chili Supporter. If you are bringing the chili please register for that ticket.
Kids Learn to Fly Fish | Session 1
Session 1 - Fly Tying Terrestrials
Session #1 Objectives
- Program Rules & Expectations
· - Introduction to Equipment & Skills
· - Fly Tying
- San Juan Worm
- Beetle
- LA Ant
Kids Learn to Fly Fish is a program designed to introduce youth 8-13 years to the lifelong joy of fly fishing. The program teaches fundamentals of fly tying, trout foods, trout habitat, fly casting and fishing skills. It introduces students to basic conservation awareness as it pertains to trout and water quality.
Program Volunteers are the backbone to the success of KLTFF. We still are in need of volunteers to assist in instruction. Please click button below to help the next generation of fly fishers.
Browns and Brews
Join St. Vrain Anglers Trout Unlimited for the February edition of Browns and Brews at the Longmont Moose Lodge. This month’s speaker, William Belk, will be presenting on the connection between fly fishing, yoga, and mental health in helicopter EMS crews. He will share insights into an innovative program that teaches flight crews how to manage stress through fly tying, rod building, yoga, and fly fishing. This approach is helping first responders handle the challenges of their high-stress careers while building resilience and community. Come grab a drink, connect with fellow anglers, and learn how fly fishing can make a difference.
Fly Tying Expo 2025
Join SVATU and Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop for our annual Fly Tying Expo at the American Legion Post in Longmont. Chat with over 25 tyers as they share their knowledge. Enjoy bucket raffles for the flies tied at the expo and a silent auction.
Browns & Brews | Stephen Collector
Join St. Vrain Anglers TU as renowned photographer and author Stephen Collector shares his insights on why individuals feel drawn to the outdoors and why this call is difficult to define.
Stephen Collector was born in Virginia in 1951. He attended college at George Washington University and earned a degree in English literature from the University of Colorado in 1973. He has lived in Colorado since 1971 and began his career as a freelance photographer in 1975, largely teaching himself. In 1992 the book, Law of the Range: Portraits of Old-Time Brand Inspectors was published by Clark City Press, Livingston, Montana. Collector has freelanced for a number of magazines and periodicals, among them: Esquire, Men’s Journal, German Geo, The New York Times, Outside, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Sports Afield, and TU Magazine.
His feature writing has appeared in The Drake, Anglers Journal, American Angler, The
Big Sky Journal, Tail Fly Fishing, Strung, Southwest Fly Fishing, and Grays Sporting
Journal. Collector is a lifelong sportsman.
Collector’s work has appeared in the following institutions and galleries:
Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Arvada, CO
Wichita Art Museum, Wichita, KS
Wyoming State Museum, Cheyenne, WY
John Connor Museum, Kingsville, Texas
Roswell Museum, Roswell, New Mexico
Sun Valley Center for the Arts and Humanities, Sun Valley, Idaho
Custer County Arts Center, Miles City, Montana
Carnegie Arts Center, Alliance, Nebraska
Camera Obscura Gallery, Denver, CO
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Boulder, CO
Complex Heritage Center, Gillette, WY
Teton County Library, Jackson, WY
Browns and Brews
The impacts of wildfire reach beyond the forests that burn. How can we employ both forest and river restoration to make our watersheds more resilient to fire? Join us to learn about natural watershed process to provide, filter, and clean water, how wildfires affect natural processes, and The Watershed Center’s forest and river planning and projects in your own back yard that are dedicated to wildfire and climate resilience across Left Hand and St. Vrain Watersheds.