Carp Slam

For ten years now, Denver Trout Unlimited has been holding their annual fly fishing tournament, the South Platte Pro-Am Carp Slam, benefiting the Urban South Platte River through Denver, Colorado. The Carp Slam is a pro-am, fly fishing tournament which has resulted in over $100,000 going to South Platte River restoration and enhancement, and acted as the catalyst for additional investments of tens of millions of dollars. This year Denver Trout Unlimited will be supporting the Chatfield Reallocation Study to increase flows in the South Platte during the 60+ zero flow days on the South Platte. Denver Trout Unlimited is already providing funding, $10,000, to study how to best manage the increased releases. DTU will also be using donations to ‘purchase’ shares of the Environmental Pool, for $7,500 per acre foot. By sponsoring any one of the many Carp Slam Competitors, you are ensuring the South Platte River will flow for future generations to use and enjoy. This is one of the most paramount times in the river’s history!

good morning

carp stalking

scouting the river

The tournament takes anglers to different sections of the urban South Platte River to fish for the elusive carp. The carp may be the most difficult fish to take on a fly and provides real challenges to the fly fisher. Anglers have recorded catches of carp, trout, walleye and bass. This range of species present in the river provided proof to those who refused to believe that the urban South Platte is a place that supports sport fish.

Now in its 11th year, Carp Slam is a brand with nationwide name recognition and it has generated tens of thousands of dollars to support restoration efforts on the urban South Platte River. The competition’s Pro/Am format brings many of the fly fishing industry’s top guides and pairs them with intrepid amateurs in a quest for the coveted Carp Cup. Participants (Pros, Ams and River Supporters) also lock horns in the competition within the competition by seeking donations from their social networks to benefit the river with the largest fundraiser being recognized as the Conservation Champion.

easy does it

chasing the golden ghost

carp slammers

Denver Trout Unlimited

DTU are proponents of a natural-based restoration as opposed to structural control of riverine systems, yet they realize that structural components are necessary in confined quarters like urban rivers. DTU believes that a natural approach would be a significant improvement over the purely structural channel modifications previously completed. Natural stream improvements are more sustainable, provide greater natural resource benefits, and provide active recreation, such as angling, boating and passive recreation including bird watching and relaxing. With correct design, natural stream improvements will result in a river that provides needed flood control, as well as being aesthetically pleasing and in unison with the natural setting.

CARP SLAM RECAP