by Jerry Wright

Wooly Worms. Buckskins. Griffith’s Gnats. Even Ceasar’s Psycho Worm (a one-of-a-kind neon pink and blue creation of feathers and yarn -the product of a young student’s creative mind). For Leadville 5th and 6th graders, August learning went well beyond a vocabulary lesson.

​The week began with lessons on water quality and stream etymology taught by Emily Henderson, Youth Program Coordinator for the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association. Next, experienced anglers from Collegiate Peaks Chapter – Trout Unlimited, including Mark Cole, Dick Isenberger, Anne and Henry Klaiman, Keith Krebs and Jerry Wright, taught the students the art of fly tying and casting. Then adults and kids were off to Evan’s Reservoir to put their new fly creations and casting skills into practice. The lake was chocked full of eager 5-inch Brookies that provided colorful excitement complete with tangled lines and hooked purple flowers. Parkville Water District allowed the young anglers the use of the private water.

​The August 1 – 2 and August 8 – 9 adventures were part of TU’s Stream Explorers program. Stream Explorers was a new addition to the multiple summer activities from which kids may choose as part of the Lake County School District’s Rockies Rock Adventure Summer Camp.