Pine, CO
The Perfect Drift is a private fishing club located along the North Fork of the South Platte River in Pine, CO. ERC was contacted by the club with the goal of optimizing trout habitat along a 4,000 foot stretch of the river, which was dominated by low-gradient riffles and generally lacking in habitat variety. This section of river is managed with the intent of providing club members with the opportunity to fly fish for trophy-sized trout. ERC’s design/build work reshaped the channel width to provide better habitat during low and high flow conditions. The stream’s profile was adjusted by creating repeating riffle/pool/glide sequences that added habitat variety and quality. Recreating these natural stream features enhanced the overall ecological health of the system by promoting macro-invertebrates projection and providing resting, spawning and forage habitat.