Dear Members,
As we close the books on another fiscal year, I am thrilled to report that the current is moving strongly in our favor. Thanks to your unwavering passion and the generosity of our business partners, we didn’t just meet our fundraising goals—we blew past them, raising over $28,000 to protect the waters we all love.
Here is a look at the ripples you’ve helped create across Northern New Mexico:
Growing the Next Generation of Stewards & Anglers
- Trout in the Classroom: We are currently in 16 schools, guiding students through the magic of the trout life cycle – from egg to fingerling to release. Demand is surging!
- We need you: To keep up with this growth in schools, we need volunteers to help deliver eggs and assist with release days.
- Indigenous & Hispanic Youth Fly Fishing Camp: Thanks to a successful “Trout Rock” at Tumbleroot Brewery, new wading gear was purchased for every camper, we expanded our enrollment and even funded paid youth internships.
- STEM Scholarship: In April, we will award our annual $2,500 scholarship to a local student pursuing a future in conservation. Our goal is to increase this fund every year.
- Conservation Education: Through our partnership with River Source, your donations help provide in the classroom and hands-on watershed science experiences for over 2,100 youth and nearly 300 adults. We aren’t just talking about conservation; we are putting cutting-edge technology into the hands of students to monitor the health of our rivers.
Sold Out & Scaling Up
History was made this year at Sky Cinemas! Our first-ever Fly Fishing Film Festival played to a sold-out crowdin Santa Fe’s largest theater. It was an incredible afternoon of storytelling and community – and yes, by popular demand, the festival will return in 2027!
A Shout Out to Our Partners
Our online auction was a massive success, and we owe a huge “thank you” to the local businesses that stepped up. Please show some love to these shops that support our mission: Zia Rods, The Reel Life, Land of Enchantment Guides, About Trout, The Artful Angler, Taos Fly Shop, San Juan Rod Works, Fly Fishing Outpost, Maktima Fly Fishing, and The Uncivilized Outdoorsman.
Annual Member’s Meeting Reminder
The Annual Members meeting will be held at 5 PM on Wednesday, April 8th, at Herve Wine bar, 139 W. San Francisco St, Santa Fe. It’s a great opportunity to meet the chapter directors and find out about our planned activities and volunteer opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Summer Fun
Keep an eye out for our End of Summer Picnic this September! What The Truck is returning with their legendary buffet, and we’ll be raffling off high-end rods and reels. We’re keeping ticket prices low so the whole TU family can join in.
Until then, enjoy the summer waters and be sure to check our TruchasTU.org website for details on our upcoming backcountry conservation outings in April, May and September – and for our latest stories from the stream and more.
Tight Lines,
Jeff Weber
President, Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited
