DENVER, COLORADO
WELCOME TO STOMPING GROUNDS, A BLOG SERIES WHERE WE FOLLOW OUR AMBASSADORS BACK TO THEIR HOME TURF TO FIND OUT WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE, AND HOW IT INFLUENCES THE WAY THEY PLAY IN THE OUTDOORS.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE SIT DOWN WITH PROFESSIONAL ANGLER, EDUCATOR, WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST, AND STAND-UP COMEDIAN, EELAND STRIBLING, TO GET HIS INSIDE SCOOP ON LIVING & RECREATING IN THE DENVER AREA. WITH TOPICS RANGING FROM FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFITS TO HOT TAKES ON NAPPING, WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS INTERVIEW WITH EELAND AS MUCH AS WE DID.
How did growing up in Denver influence your passions in life and the things you dedicate your time to?
I’ll probably say this time and time again throughout this interview, but it wasn’t so much Denver itself that made me love the outdoors and want to be an angler/educator in the outdoor industry. While living in Denver made it possible for me to readily chase those passions, it was really growing up close to and learning from my grandfather, who was a biologist and worked in Colorado. My grandfather opened my eyes to exploring outside and helped me build my initial connection to nature. When I had the free time and ability to pursue what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be in college, it became a priority of mine to go fishing, spend time outside, and learn about the outdoors so I could share that knowledge with others. In a way, I want to do for others what my grandpa did for me, which is basically to plant the seed for adventure through learning. I especially want to be able to do this for those who might not have the resources otherwise.
What sparked your interest in working with nonprofits?
My interest in working with organizations that prioritize inclusivity and environmental education began in college when I noticed a significant need for more diverse voices within the outdoor industry and among those studying environmental sciences. I realized that having more diversity would bring fresh perspectives and help spread knowledge to a wider audience, so naturally, I found my place and got to work.
Tell us about a few of the non-profits you are working with currently — how are they unique to your community?
The three non-profits that I work with most are Brown Folks Fishing, the Cottonwood Institute, and the Lincoln Hills Cares Foundation (LHC). Brown Folks Fishing and the Cottonwood Institute are all about getting people from different walks of life in the community together to either fish or just spend time outside and learn about our environment or the outdoors in general. Meanwhile, the LHC Foundation is a bit more unique to Denver. Lincoln Hills, which is just outside of Denver, has a significant historical background and once served as the sole Black vacation resort west of the Mississippi River in the 1920s. Today, the LHC Foundation serves as a place for young people who might not have the resources to explore and learn about the outdoors. When I’m able to (and invited), I also love to help out with my friends’ non-profit organizations, such as Unchartered Outdoors Women. I love working with all of these organizations because even if participants show up uninterested in the sport or activity we're partaking in during that session, they will still walk away with an appreciation for the people they spent time with in the community and the natural beauty of the place they live.
What does your role as an educator mean to you, and what goals do you have?
Being an educator is incredibly valuable to me, not only because I get to give back to my community and share what I've learned over the years, but also because I'm constantly learning from my students. Children, especially, have such huge imaginations, and they ask questions that spark new ideas in me, even as an adult. Of course being around a bunch of silly, goofy kids in an educational setting also allows me to tap into my inner child, which I believe everyone still needs from time to time. I teach at four different schools through two nonprofit organizations, engaging in both in-class and hands-on learning. We introduce the initial material to the kids in the classroom, and once we've covered the foundation of the subject, we take them out into nature to work on a related project and apply what they've learned in class. My goals as an educator are always evolving, but the constant is that I just want to create a safe space for my students to freely adventure and explore in nature while also answering as many of their questions as possible and nurturing their curiosity.
How do conservation initiatives play a role in your community and your life as an angler?
Being part of a team and community with leaders like Nic Hall, the director of TU and others who care about our water and environment definitely inspire me as an angler. We have constant river clean-up initiatives happening in and around Denver that I try to always be present for. As for larger initiatives, I’m currently working with other folks on a stream flow maintenance and overall river health conservation project for some stretches of river near Fort Collins. Stay tuned for more on that soon!
What’s your favorite species to target in and around Denver?
I absolutely cannot get enough of carp fishing. Compared to trout, carp are all over Denver, and you can find them hiding in the strangest of places. Actually, one of my most memorable local catches was a 6lb carp that I caught out of a drainage ditch near the Denver South Platte. Besides the unique chase and sheer amount of carp in Denver, fishing for this species is also so fun to me because I’m new to it. I have a lot more to learn in targeting this species compared to trout or any of the saltwater species I have fished for in the past. I guess I just love the feeling of being a beginner again and the challenge of figuring out where they hide and how they feed. I also might add that they refer to carp as the “freshwater bonefish,” and bonefish are another favorite species of mine to target.
Do you have a fish that stands out as the one you have been most memorable to catch in your local waters?
In my local waters, it would have to be the 6lb carp I mentioned, but I do have a couple of bigger claims to fame. Last winter in the Colorado River watershed, I joined the “20/20 club,” meaning I caught a 20-inch fish on a size 22 midge. It’s still crazy to me that such a fat rainbow went after a fly that small. My other so-called “claim to fame” would be completing a saltwater DIY grand slam in Plancia, Belize. If you aren’t familiar with this saying, that's 1 tarpon, 2 permit, 2 bonefish, and 1 triggerfish all in a day’s work.
What’s one piece of advice you might give to fellow urban anglers?
To all my fellow urban anglers, I’d say that there could be fish anywhere; try your luck in places you do and don’t expect to find fish. Also, try a variety of flies. You might even try a few that look like trash; you never know what your next fish wants to take a chance on. To all anglers in general, I’d suggest taking someone fishing with you who normally would never fish. Oh, and to everyone, take that nap if or when you need it.
How would you characterize your style as an angler?
My friends would call me the Greatest Angler of All Time (G.A.O.T., if you will). On a more serious note, though, I’d call myself an “active-lazy angler.” Don’t get me wrong, I'm the first guy to suggest waking up early to go fishing and walking to many different spots on the river to test my luck, BUT I also won’t let myself get absolutely exhausted from fishing, whether that’s physically or mentally. I might be the first to wake up early, but I’m also the first to suggest a 2 pm riverside nap, and I might be the first to walk for hours to find new fishing holes, but I’m also the first to not take myself too seriously and take a moment to assess whether I want to continue the chase or just call it quits for the day.
Are there any unusual items that you think are essential to a good day on the river?
The most essential thing for me is snacks, lots and lots of snacks. The other day, I had a leftover Krispy Kreme donut that I stuck in my bag to eat by the river. It got a little warm and melted, but that just made it better. I also always need a good chapstick to protect against the sun and my Chums Floating Phone Protector because most days my phone takes at least one accidental river plunge. As far as things that actually assist me in catching fish… I can’t fish without my forceps and Chums retainers I feel like both of those go without explanation.
Favorite local spot to eat/grab a beer?
I have two local go-to spots in Denver. First would be Randalls; it’s a great soul food place on the east side, and it’s just delicious — whatever mood I’m in, it never disappoints. My second go-to would be this great breakfast burrito spot called Luceros; it also never fails me. Since we are on the topic of food, I should also say that I’m somewhat of a chocolate chip cookie connoisseur. I’m always on the hunt for THE BEST chocolate chip cookie. I’d like to make a series out of my adventures for the best chocolate chip cookie, but for now, I get my fix at Mary’s Mountain Cookies in Fort Collins.
Is there anything else that you would like people to know about you?
First and foremost, I love meeting new people, so if we cross paths, please come say hi and tell me about your fishing claims to fame or your adventures to find the best chocolate chip cookie. Besides fishing, teaching, and working with environmental non-profits, another passion of mine is comedy. I think I’m pretty funny, but I’ll let you be the judge of that. Check out some of my recorded comedy and upcoming show dates HERE! Also, reach out to me on Instagram @blacksteveirwin; I quietly give away lots of fishing gear to help people get out in nature, and I’m always happy to hook people up with tickets to one of my shows!