If you've spent much time around the Denver South Platte, you've probably noticed something remarkable over the last decade. What was once overlooked by many anglers has become one of the country’s most exciting urban fisheries, offering incredible opportunities to chase hard-fighting carp and smallmouth bass just minutes from downtown.

Each year, the Denver Carp Slam brings that community together for a weekend of friendly competition, fundraising, and conservation. Hosted by Denver Trout Unlimited (DTU), Carp Slam has become much more than a fly fishing tournament; it's one of the most impactful grassroots conservation fundraisers in Colorado.

Whether you're planning to compete, fundraise, volunteer, or simply cheer from the sidelines, Carp Slam is an event worth supporting.

More Than Just a Fishing Tournament

The unique format of Carp Slam starts long before the first fish is landed. Rather than simply signing up for a tournament, participants earn their way into the field by fundraising for DTU's conservation efforts.

“When Carp Slam started back in 2007, the idea was to build interest around an overlooked river, and an overlooked fish, right in the middle of Denver,” says Denver Trout Unlimited's Patrick Mapes. "A lot of people are surprised to discover the resource we have right in our own backyard. Carp Slam has helped build that interest and advocacy."

That mission has resonated with Colorado's fly fishing community, turning Carp Slam into one of the region's premier conservation fundraising events.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Thanks to the generosity of participants and supporters, Carp Slam fundraising has produced an impressive list of conservation accomplishments in recent years.

Recent projects funded by Carp Slam include:

Record-Breaking Momentum

“We’ve been blown away by Carp Slam’s exponential growth over the past several years,” Mapes told us. “The fundraising efforts have continued to exceed expectations every year.” 

Recent milestones include:

• Three consecutive years of record-breaking fundraising, generating more than $150,000 over the last three years

• A new record for individual fundraising with more than $9,000 raised by a single participant

• Slamateur fundraisers combining for a record $36,000

• More carp and smallmouth bass caught than ever before

• The $1,000 carp payout has been awarded five times in the past five years, going to the biggest fish that measures over 30 inches.

As the event grows, so does its impact on Colorado water.

Why Anglers All Supports Carp Slam

At Anglers All, we've always believed that healthy fisheries don't happen by accident. They exist because passionate anglers are willing to invest their time, energy, and resources into protecting them.

“The Denver South Platte is one of our city’s greatest natural resources, and we’ve seen tremendous progress over the years,” says Mapes. “Carp Slam gives anglers a way to be part of that progress. The money people raise goes directly back into restoration, cleanups, and education. Every year, we’re seeing more people get excited about what this river can become.”

Whether you're a dedicated carp angler, a trout fisherman looking for a new challenge, or simply someone who wants to support local conservation, Carp Slam is an opportunity to make a real difference.

How You Can Get Involved

There are several ways to support Carp Slam this year:

Register & Fundraise

Raise funds to earn your own spot in Carp Slam XX while supporting Denver Trout Unlimited's conservation efforts.

Support an Angler

You can also support a slamateur or slambassador in raising money towards their goal. Click this link and look through the list. We are confident you will see home familiar faces, and more than a few friends of ours! Look for anglers like Daryl Eakins, Brittany Nicholas, Davis James, Blake Struhs, Natasha Bayney, Steve Maldonado, Shawn Combs and Matthew Irvine, just to name a few!

Volunteer

Not fishing? A limited number of referee/controller volunteer positions are still available, and they're a great way to experience the event.

Join a River Cleanup

Want to get your hands dirty for a good cause? Denver Trout Unlimited regularly hosts river cleanups along the Denver South Platte and neighboring waters. Friends and family are welcome, and it's one of the easiest ways to make an immediate impact.

See You on the South Platte

We hope to see plenty of familiar Anglers All faces participating, fundraising, volunteering, and supporting another outstanding year of conservation on the Denver South Platte. Learn more at carpslam.org.