Home Waters
Colorado River, Troublesome Creek, Reeder Creek, Blue River
Background
I am the 5th generation of the Bruchez family to farm and ranch in Colorado. I currently operate the family ranch near Kremmling with my brother and father. We raise cattle and irrigate with water from the Colorado River, the Williams Fork River and Reeder Creek. After graduating from the University of Denver in 2003, I started a fly fishing business to help diversify income. Working in agriculture and being a fishing guide has given me a unique perspective of water resources. I am currently spearheading a 12-mile restoration of the Colorado River with 12 landowners collaborating to sustain agriculture and the environmental health of the river. I am the Agriculture Representative to the Colorado Basin Roundtable, on the board of directors for the Colorado Water Trust, the Chair of Grand County Open Lands, Rivers and Trials Advisory Committee, and am on the Advisory Committee for the Colorado Ag Water Network. I am committed to working on permanent solutions for sustaining agriculture and healthy rivers.
What conservation issue do people need to know about in your back yard?
Trans-mountain diversions that supply agricultural and municipal water to Northern Colorado and the Front Range have had a significant impact on agriculture and aquatic resources in the headwaters of the Colorado River. After years of dispute, an array of partners representing local agriculture, local government, water providers, and conservation groups have come together to implement the Colorado River Headwaters Project. The Project will help local communities demonstrate innovative solutions benefiting working lands and rivers, and leverage funding to restore the headwaters of America’s hardest working river. In an era of divisive water battles in the arid West, the Colorado River Headwaters Project stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with cooperation and some creativity among water users.
What Fishpond products do you always have with you?
Cerveza Sidekick, Thunderhead Submersible Sling, Nomad Guide Net, Lodgepole Fishing Satchel, Fishpond + Chaco Native Flip, Swift Current Thermometer, Swivel Retractor, Floatant and Dry Shake Bottle Holders, Pescado Foam Trucker Hat, River Rat Beverage Holder 2.0, and soon to be Fishpond’s Eddy River Hat!
You walk into a gas station – what two items do you come out with?
Some form of trail mix and Washed Hands
What makes for a #perfectday in your eyes?
Being on the river or on horses with my wife and daughter
Who are your heroes or mentors?
I am fortunate to be able to say my parents and grandparents. My father and grandfather taught me how to be an agricultural producer and have a passion for the river…I am a lucky man.
Favorite quote or one liner?
“Last time I saw a mouth like that, it had a hook in it.”
Rodney Dangerfield (Al Czervik) Caddyshack
