2008 Trips

2008 Coldwater Conservation Fund Trips

There are still spots available on our Alaska West trip and our Fall on the Forks trip for 2008. Don't miss your chance to join us at either one of these wonderful destinations.

Libby Camps, Maine, June 9 – June 13.  The CCF heads back to the heart of Maine for four days of guided fishing at this fourth generation, Orvis endorsed, fishing camp.  Located in the Millinocket Lake region between the highlands of Baxter State Park and the deep forests of Aroostook County, and founded in 1890, Libby Camps harkens back to another time.  Beautiful, simple cabins, handcrafted from peeled spruce and fir logs, lit by kerosene lamps and heated by woodstoves, are situated on the water providing breathtaking views.  A mix of birch and pine trees provides a canopy for the cabins which are well spaced for privacy, and a network of trails connects everything to the main lodge where you will enjoy home-cooked meals each day.  The lodge’s seaplanes access 10 outpost camps and 80 canoes and boats on more than 30 different waters within a 20-mile radius of camp and will provide two days of fly-out fishing for each angler.  Three of the best wild trout rivers in Maine are within this radius, the Allagash River, Penobscot River and Aroostook River. A short flight into a remote pond or stream for the day or for an overnight at an outpost cabin is unique in the East to this lodge.  Representative of the region’s past, you will learn how TU’s Eastern Brook Trout Initiative offers a collaborative and balanced approach to conserving and restoring brook trout in its native rivers and streams, as well as TU’s work to bring back Atlantic salmon to the Penobscot River.  
Number of rods: 10. Cost per person:  $2,100.

High Lonesome Ranch, Colorado, June 12 – June 16.  The CCF heads back to Colorado for three days of guided fishing on our annual trip held exclusively for women.  The High Lonesome Ranch sits amid 200 square miles of pristine wilderness and its private waters hold large and healthy brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout.  Located less than an hour from Grand Junction, the ranch’s meandering spring creek forms an almost endless series of ponds and small lakes that are ideal for sight casting to some very large cruising fish.  Trout in the 6-8 pound range are not uncommon, and guests have caught fish larger than 13 pounds.  Much of the ranch provides easy casting with no wading required.  However, there are places that will test even the most accomplished angler.  Try watching a 10 pound trout sip a dry in a very tight setting, and your heart will beat faster.  Much faster.  The trip will be led by TU’s Liz Ogilvie, a certified fly casting instructor, and Sarah Davies, and is perfect for the novice or the expert.  Participants will also learn about efforts to protect the Colorado River from new water diversions among other key issues facing the state and its rivers. 
Number of rods: 8. Cost per person:  $2,600.

Smith River Float, Montana, June 24 – June 30.  The CCF returns to the Smith River, one of the West’s most spectacular overnight float fishing trips.  Because this is a limited access float, only a few permits are granted each season.  The five-day, four-night voyage will wind down 61 miles of pristine water with truly breathtaking scenery.  Big-wall limestone cliffs, abundant wildlife, fascinating geologic and historical landmarks, and superb fishing are many of the reasons this expedition has become one of the premier float trips in the country.  The river has abundant hatches and terrific holding water for wild brown and rainbow trout ranging from pocket water to riffles to steady runs that end in deep pools.  But it’s the large, 20+ inch browns tucked in along the river’s cliff banks that create the most excitement.  In early summer, dry fly fishing can be spectacular, as Montana golden stones and western drakes begin to emerge.  Participants will float the river in high-quality rafts or Mackenzie-style drift boats and stay in very comfortable tent camps along the way, accompanied by top-notch guides and cooks.  Whether floating the river or sitting around the campfire at the end of the day, guests will also enjoy learning more about water issues on the Smith and the continuing battle against whirling disease and other alien invaders that threaten our rivers and fisheries.  
Number of rods: 7. Cost per person:  $4,600. 

Alaska West, Alaska, July 18 – July 25.  Located on the banks of the Kanektok River in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska West is a remote wilderness lodge where anglers sleep in deluxe heated tents, enjoy fine Alaska gourmet cuisine, and catch some of the hardest fighting trout and salmon in Alaska.  The CCF has again secured what should be the prime week for the Alaska Grand Slam – all five species of Pacific salmon (kings, silvers, sockeyes, chums, and pinks) on a fly, in one day, on one river; an achievement that you’d be hard pressed to find any where else in the world.  In addition, this part of Alaska is the home to a remarkable population of large and aggressive rainbow trout that can be taken on both dry and wet flies.  In addition to the Kanektok, anglers will also get the chance to fish the remote and spectacular Arolik River, where our group will have the entire river to ourselves.  The six days of guided fishing the CCF has booked is considered a very good and reliable weather week (always an issue in Alaska), so participants should sign up as early as possible to guarantee a spot. 
Number of rods:  9. Cost per person: $5,800. 

Fall on the Forks, Idaho, September 18 – September 24.   If you take your fishing seriously, enjoy the unpredictability of the Fall season, and relish the chance to fish in solitude for big fish on small flies, then you owe it to yourself to join the CCF on this unique adventure.  Once again we will visit two of America’s most storied trout rivers – the Henry’s Fork and the South Fork of the Snake – both of which are among the greatest dry fly destinations in the world.  As in the past we will stay at the award winning South Fork Lodge and Henry’s Fork Lodge, both recognized as two of America’s premier lodges, brimming with luxury, amenities and style.  The trip will begin with three nights and two full days of guided fishing on the Henry’s Fork and then three nights and two full days of guided fishing on the South Fork of the Snake.  Mid trip we will combine a day of backcountry wade fishing with travel to the other lodge and a conservation tour of one of TU’s most innovative and most ambitious watershed restoration efforts, the South Fork Snake River Home Rivers Project. 
Number of rods: 12. Cost per person: $4,100.

Fall Blitz, Montauk, NY, September 28 – October 2.  The “fall blitz” refers to the annual migration of game fish, including false albacore, striped bass, and bluefish, that pass by the east end of Long Island, where they linger to feed on vast schools of bait.  The fishing can be fast and frantic, a final adrenaline rush before the long winter.  Guests will arrive on Sunday for four days of guided fishing beginning on Monday.  This continues to be one of the most popular CCF trips, and for 2008 we have once again reserved the best guides on Long Island – David Blinken, Amanda Switzer, John McMurray, Jim Hull, and others – who not only know where to find and catch fish, but also the ecology and history of the Montauk area.  At the end of the day’s fishing, participants will enjoy gourmet meals and fine spirits, and will stay at the Montauk Yacht Club. 
Number of rods: 15. Cost per person: $3,600.