Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout & The Fly Fishing Film Tour

 

“Project Healing Waters saved my life.”  Over the past nine years that Dave Herber has been involved with the Colorado Springs’ chapter of Project Healing Waters, many a veteran has said just that.  Over the past seven years, he and his sidekick, David Caragher, have been involved with Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout, owned by Richard Johnson.  Together, these three have teamed up to raffle off a guided trip at Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout as part of the Fly Fishing Film Tour’s prizes.

“The pain goes away while playing a trout,” Dave says.  The veterans tell him “fly fishing temporarily fills the ‘holes’ they have” when they return from their tour of duty.  Dave and his friends are grateful to pay back these veterans by donating a full-day guided trip for four anglers, a retail value of $1190.00.  The trip will be one of many raffle prizes.  All proceeds go towards the local chapter of Project Healing Waters and pays for guided trips, rod-making classes, and fly tying classes for the veterans.

 

Dave Herber, left, and David Caraghar discuss the advantages of fishing with three rods compared to using no rod at all.

Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout, located eight miles north of Woodland Park on Hiway 67, has a rich history.  Beginning as one of the state’s oldest fish hatcheries around 1882, the Rainbow Falls Valley is, today, a mile long with over 10,000 trout in the lakes and creek.

Dick Fant holds a beauty of a Donaldson steelhead. Dave Herber is his net man!

Guests experience great fishing with a chance at trophy trout. The fishery offers for a wide variety of fish to bring to the net: Donaldson steelhead, rainbow, brown, brook, Snake River cutthroat, Cutbows, and Tiger trout populate these nine lakes and the mile of Trout Creek that runs through the property.  All of the trout are raised in the hatchery on site.

 

The winning bidders for the guide trip will have the chance “to play a lot of trout in the stream and in stillwater using a variety of methods,” Dave says.

Dave Herber grills up lunch.

2016’s winning bidders enjoy Dave’s gourmet, lakeside lunch.

Other highlights of the guided trip include a gourmet lakeside lunch (grilled up by Dave Herber, himself!), all gear and flies, and a unique and peaceful experience in one of the area’s exclusive locations.   

 

Richard Johnson, along with his wife, Shawnna, have made massive improvements throughout the property, and he listens to his membership on their suggestions to make it better.  And their efforts are paying off.  Currently, there is a four-year waiting list (if you aren’t a member, you can only go in with a guide or member).

 

Come on out on February 4 to the Fly Fishing Film Tour!

 

TIME:  Doors open at 5:00 p.m.  Films start at 6:30 p.m.

 

PLACE:  Stargazer Theatre and Event Center. 10 South Parkside Drive.  Colorado Springs, CO.

 

EVENT ACTIVITIES: Live guide auction, raffle, film presentations, cash bar (beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks), and food.

 

TICKETS: Pick up tickets at Angler’s Covey or at Royal Gorge Anglers for $12.00.  You can buy them online here ($15.00). You may also buy them at the door.