Scholarships

Robert J. Behnke - Rocky Mountain Flycasters Research Fellowship

The Robert J. Behnke - Rocky Mountain Flycasters Research Fellowship is an annual scholarship originally funded by the Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter of Trout Unlimited, in honor of Behnke’s longtime Trout Unlimited chapter membership and his devotion to the study and appreciation of native trout and salmon. The Fellowship is awarded annually and is designed to further the legacy of the CSU fisheries program as a national leader in fisheries research and conservation.

At the November 2008 general meeting of the Rocky Mountain Flycasters (RMF), W. Carl Saunders, Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology at Colorado State University, was awarded the Behnke - RMF Research Fellowship.

Carl Saunders (second from right) receives the 2008 Robert J. Behnke Research Fellowship check from Rocky Mountain Flycasters President Ken Eis (left). Also presenting are Prof. Behnke (center), Kenneth Wilson (right), Professor & Department Head, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, and Bob Harrington, (second from left), Jax Merchantile. Terry Johnson (not shown) of T. L. Johnson Rod Company also sponsored the Fellowship.

The intent of the endowed fellowship is to provide an opportunity for a Colorado State graduate student to study fisheries issues such as restoration of native greenback cutthroat trout in Colorado, impact of sedimentation on trout from run-off following forest fires and lessening the impact of whirling disease on rainbow trout. Fishing is a primary recreational activity in Colorado and studying issues that address the quality of cold-water fisheries will continue to improve the state’s fishing reputation and economy.

The Fellowship was endowed in 2007 with a generous gift from Professor Behnke. Additional Fellowship donors are T. L. Johnson Rod Company, JAX Merchantile, St. Peter’s Fly Shop, and individual contributors.

Professor Behnke is widely recognized as the world’s foremost expert on North American trout and salmon species. He is the author of several books, including “Trout and Salmon of North America”, “About Trout: The Best of Robert J. Behnke from Trout Magazine”, “Native Trout of Western North America”, and more than 100 scientific articles.

Tax-deductible contributions to the Behnke-RMF Fellowship can be made by sending a check made out to: Rocky Mountain Flycasters with your intent that your contribution be for the Behnke-RMF Fellowship.

You may also use this Donation Form (pdf 244KB) to make your contribution. Simply download the form, print it out, fill it with your information and mail it to the Treasurer. Your donation will be greatly appreciated.

For additional information about this or other scholarship programs that are supported by Rocky Mountain Flycasters, please contact Phil Wright.

Donations

“Behnke-RMF” donations will be used exclusively for the Behnke-RMF Fellowship. All donations and contributions are tax-deductible as allowable by law. Rocky Mountain Flycasters is a registered 501(c)3 organization and a recognition letter/receipt will be sent in return for all contributions. Consult your CPA.