Meet our Founding Donors:
Doug Dragoo Chairman of Mayfly Outdoors owners of Abel Reels, Ross Reels, and Charlton Reels. Longtime Donor, Friend and Client. Special Thanks for the Custom Sacred Water’s Signature Abel Reels and all of your Donations of Ross Reels for our Veterans Events over the years.
Greg Wambolt of Wambolt Wealth Financial Planners and Fly of the Month Club. Donor and Client. Special Thanks for being a part Sacred Water’s Financial Planning Team.
Randy Cottingham of Texas & Pagosa Springs, CO. Donor and Regular Fishing Client.
“Joe, I want to take this moment to tell you how much I appreciate your passion for your sport as well as for giving back to veterans. As is so often the case, those who don't have the most resources are oftentimes the ones willing to give what they do have away in order to serve a worthy cause; I am sure that is something from your upbringing coming out in you. I admire your persistence and to be quite honest, see my joining your organization really as an investment in a young man more than fishing or veterans. I hope you are encouraged by the knowledge that I believe in you and am thankful to have the opportunity to help you take your next step in your developing career in resource management. Take care.” - Thanks, Randy
Curt Grindal of Pagosa Springs, CO. Donor and Longtime Regular Fishing Client.
“I believe in you and your vision, I'm looking forward to 'being on the team” - Curt
Greg Burroughs Donor, friend, client, longtime Supporter & Volunteer of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and Patriot Anglers of North Texas from Pagosa Springs, CO
“I would love to be a part of this!”
Dr. Greg Evans of Texas, a Veteran of Foreign Wars, longtime Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Member/Participate and Member/Participate of Patriot Anglers of North Texas.
Skip Tangner, of Oklahoma. Donor, regular fishing client, and hardcore fly angler
Dave Nordstrom of Pagosa Springs, CO. Donor, and longtime regular fishing client.
“This looks like a great project and a great idea. I believe that Joe Eichelberger is a good honest guy, and you’re truly trying to do something good for all, fishes, vets, kids, and landowners.” - Nordy
Dr. Edward “Joey” Artnak of Austin Texas. Donor, friend, and regular fishing client.
"This sounds like a wonderful plan of action and I am so glad that you are doing something great to keep the fisheries alive and healthy. I just donated to your organization. Thank you so much Joe! I can't tell you what it means to have a friend of your caliber to help us make an annual fishing trip possible....I can promise you that once I get financially set in my life, I will be bringing everyone to you and guaranteed yearly members!!!” - Joey
Mirrel Kephart long term donor, friend, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Retired Marine, Host & Volunteer of PHWFF & Patriot Anglers of North Texas Events of Pagosa Springs, CO.
“Joe, Great job. Sorry I can't give more right now. Hope it helps.”- Mirrel
John Bearrie Vietnam Veteran, donor, friend, and longtime regular fishing client.
"Organization, Environment, Timeliness, Joe's the Best! - John
My name is Doug Dragoo I’m the chairman of the Mayfly group. We make the best fly fishing equipment in the world. So we know fly fishing.
I have been fishing with Joe for over 10 years. I would 💯% recommend Joe and Sacred Waters. Joe is a well tested guide and a great person.
Kindest Regards,
Doug Dragoo | Chairman | Mayfly Outdoors
www.mayflyoutdoors.com | www.abelreels.com | www.rossreels.com
Conservation Commitment: We contribute 10% of all fishing reel sales to the protection of
wildlife and fishing habitats
I am writing on behalf of Joe Eichelberger and his foundation Sacred Waters. Joe is a good friend but more importantly Joe is a highly respected confidant and mentor in the fly fishing community.
I met Joe seven years ago on a Veterans Fly Fishing retreat on the rivers around Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Joe's leadership and unique ability to identify with those veterans he was serving created an instant bond between himself and whomever he was paired with at the time.
Joe's unmatched knowledge of the local fisheries along with his enthusiastic behavior created a creative learning experience for anyone that finds him/herself in Joe's care.
Along with his mentor ship as a fishing guide Joe is also a staunch environmentalists. More one of deed than word, Joe consistently walks the rivers under his care looking for and finding ways to improve any and all habitat for the fish that live in these waters. Joe is demanding in himself and others that they not only follow the laws of man but also those of nature. Joe has an unique understanding of any wild ecosystem in which he is a part and has a iron will to not keep that system as is but he is always looking for and finding ways to improve that which he had found.
Joe’s knowledge of his natural surroundings are not from book learning but come from actual field study. He immerses himself in his surrounding and has a God given gift to become one with nature and therefore has an understanding of what is and is not good for the local natural environment.
Joe and his team at Sacred Waters are constantly looking for and providing ways to improve the rivers, forests and fields for which they have been given stewardship. Their love of the outdoors is not just apparent in what they say but more importantly in what they do.
I have found Joe to be a great friend, mentor and educator to all those that have the chance to work with and get to know him. His dedication to and knowledge of the rivers, streams and people under his care is matched by a very limited few.
Sincerely
Lew Duckwall
Founder/Executive Director North Texas Patriot Anglers
USMC Combat Wounded.
Sacred Waters is a special organization.
I’ve known Joe Eichelberger with Sacred Waters for a very long time. I’ve fished with him many times in many places over the years. He’s a great guide and passionate about the fish. A few years ago, Joe shared his idea of an organization that did more than provide great fishing
adventures. It included visions of giving back to the streams and rivers that provide us hours of entertainment as we match wits with the wily rainbow and brown trout.
This vision included concepts in caring for and improving trout habitat in a world of increasing numbers of people using a finite resource. This usually results in degradation of the habitat and decrease in the fish numbers.
The vision included representing our fish and rivers in local and regional discussions about rules and regulations.
The vision included helping the next generation learning how to enjoy the sport, with a good dose of conservation education. Also facilitating the enjoyment of the rivers with some of our veterans who need assistance to access the water.
A year later Joe spoke of Sacred Waters, it included all the wonderful concepts I mentioned earlier. He was doing it!! I was excited about joining and supporting Sacred Waters. I donated immediately and became a supporter.
I’ve been around since day one and have spent many hours talking with Joe about what Sacred Waters is accomplishing. It’s good stuff, and it’s important stuff.
Putting all this together isn’t easy. Working with land owners, government officials, and finicky fish can be challenging. Throw in a low water year and it only gets worse. Joe and his crew seem to be making it work and I’m happy to support the cause.
-Dave Nordstrom
It is my honor to have the opportunity to give my full recommendation of Joe Eichelberger and Sacred Waters CO.
Joe Eichelberger and I have had the opportunity to work together from the inaugural Veteran’s fly-fishing trip we provided in 2014, located in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. These trips were for the purposes of supporting Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF), a nationwide organization for disabled
Veterans. PHWFF specifically uses fly fishing for therapy for our Veterans suffering these disabilities.
Joe and I have worked together for each of these annual trips to Pagosa. Joe has consistently provided many of the guides that were required on a volunteer basis. (The program necessitates one guide per Veteran.) Additionally, and at times more importantly, Joe and Sacred Waters CO have provided the waters and fisheries that were desperately needed for these Veterans. Joe has historically had access to outstanding, local, managed waters which have been less pressured allowing our Veterans the opportunity to catch the quality of fish not easily found elsewhere.
Joe and his guides are a valuable part of each trip for these Veterans. Their empathy, compassion and friendship with each new Veteran has made the trip to Pagosa Springs a much sought-after venue. They obviously have the needs of these disabled Veterans utmost in their mind as they donate their time and
their expenses for 3 days every year to this effort. The healing we have seen take place during these 3 days on the water has been extremely touching. Our Veterans often leave with tears in their eyes and definitely with new friends made!
Joe Eichelberger and Sacred Waters CO are, without a doubt, an outstanding organization in support of those local fisheries, and our disabled Veterans.
I’d be happy to expand on my recommendation!
Regards,
Michelle Visel
PHWFF Fort Hood, TX.
I have known Joe Eichelberger for roughly 10 years and have always been impressed with his professionalism. Joe is not only a consummate fly fisherman and guide but he is a natural conservationist. He was raised fishing and loving the outdoors. The work he & Sacred Waters have done on the river through East Fork Ranch is a show piece. I have been able to fish it multiple times and it is the most enjoyable fly fishing I have had in my 25 years of fly fishing.
Joe’s honesty and his dedication to conservation and to serving our veterans is admirable. A veteran myself, it warms my heart to see what he and Sacred Waters has done and is doing for those who served.
I can not recommend Joe and Sacred Waters more highly. He is a “gititdun” kind of man.
John Bearrie
Colleyville, TX
US Army Vietnam War Veteran
It"s my pleasure to write today to express my support for the work you are doing with Sacred Waters CO.
As one of the charter donors for Sacred Waters and an avid fisherman who frequents the rivers of the Four Corners, I've seen first-hand the importance and beneficial effects of protecting all waters. I appreciate Sacred Waters' efforts to work with public land management agencies and private landowners to help preserve our vital rivers. The extensive experience of your Sacred Waters team provides a valuable resource to serve as advocates for our local rivers and fish.
Sacred Waters' mission to provide education in support of good river stewardship also helps to protect and improve our waters and the surrounding lands through educational events such as clinics and seminars in the community and online.
Further, I applaud Sacred Waters' efforts to give back to veterans causes in support of those who have already given so much for us, including Archuleta County Vets for Vets of Pagosa Springs, Co, Patriot Anglers of N. Texas & South Oklahoma, Veteran's Outdoor Therapy Project, Warriors on the Fly, and Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.
On a personal note, I’d also like to express my sincere appreciation of your expertise and the passion you bring to preserving these resources for future generations.
My best wishes for the continued success of this organization and its fine work--
Doug Darrow
Joe has been helping Veterans heal by taking them fly fishing for several years. He guided my wife and I putting us on some great fish in September 2016 as first time fly fishing for trout.
Then with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing in 2017 where he and several other guides took seven or eight Veteran fishing on land he has in Sacred Waters Co. This was an experience of a lifetime for myself and others because of the great outdoor land and rivers we fished.
Joe’s devotion to saving our land and rivers for future generations seems to be his purpose in life.
Thanks for the good time,
Richard Sivage
Vietnam Veteran
Regarding Sacred Waters,
I have had involvement with Sacred Waters for several years. Joe Eichelberger has been successful through his efforts through this group in securing some pristine waters for conversation and recreation, youth programs and restoration. They also have been working with veteran rehabilitation in various capacities.
I have been impressed with the efforts and dedication that has allowed Sacred Waters to produce a lot of progress in these areas. This is a group worthy of support in their efforts.
Gary Sengbusch , DDS
Spicewood, Texas 78669
I have the privilege of being a participant and donor to Sacred Waters CO, Inc. (SWCO) over the past three years. The work completed by Joe Eichelberger and his staff has been outstanding in numerous areas. SWCO takes their C.A.R.E. mission (Conservation, Advocacy, Rehabilitation, Education) seriously
for the benefit of local rivers. This past summer SWCO’s leadership in shutting down fishing on the warm, low flow rivers, including the San Juan River, resulted in conserving these fisheries until flows increased due to the seasonal monsoons in September. With improved snowpack in the mountains 2019 promises to be a much better fishing year thanks to the conservation work SWCO did last year during the severe drought.
SWCO also enhances the lives of wounded and disabled veterans by providing and hosting fly fishing events with veterans’ groups including North Texas Patriot Anglers. These events are will attended and provide emotional and physical support to help these veterans in their daily lives.
Joe and his staff and associates are first class guides and enjoy a positive working relationship, not only with anglers, but with ranch owners and local government officials. Joe has headed up local fish stocking programs on behalf of business owners in the area and is sought out as an expert in stream
enhancement and rehabilitation efforts. I’ve known Joe and enjoyed the benefits of Joe’s extensive knowledge and guiding skills for more than a decade and look forward to many more years of association with him and his staff.
Regards,
Curt Grindal
Bluepearl.
specialty + emergency pet hospital
SURGERY
Skip Tangner DVM, MS, DACVS
April 18, 2019
To whom it may concern:
Hello, I am writing in support of Joseph (Joe) Eichelberger at Sacred Waters Colorado Foundation. I had the pleasure of knowing and fishing with Joe prior to his founding of Sacred Waters. At that time he was guiding rivers and streams mainly in southwest Colorado. He was working with the city of Pagosa Springs and area ranchers to keep the rivers stocked with trout and kept as pristine as possible. Even at that time Joe had a dream to create Sacred Waters. He has a heart for people of all ages and especially those wounded in service to our country, children with disabilities and those wanting to learn about fly fishing. With much work, sacrifice and effort Joe has made Sacred Waters a reality. The group has already held or participated in multiple events to expose veterans and young people to fly fishing. It is not unusual for Joe to travel as far as Oklahoma or Texas to lend his considerable talent and time to groups like Patriot Anglers to see that these types of events are meaningful to the participants and that everyone gets the training and attention needed to learn and have a great time.
Joe is an excellent steward of the resources given to Sacred Waters and is unquestionably trustworthy, I wish Joe and Sacred Waters continued success accomplishing their mission and encourage you to feel comfortable trusting Mr. Eichelberger. In my experience he has always pursued excellence with enthusiasm and a heart for others. Please call me any time if you would like to further discuss Joe or Sacred Waters
Sincerely yours,
C.H. "Skip" Tangner D.V.M., M.S
To the potential clients out there who have not fished with Joe I can tell you he is the fish
whisperer. Watching him cast is mesmerizing almost spiritual. Eat Fish Sleep
-Jeffrey Harris
Got my fly fishing trip in with Joseph Eichelberger! He is absolutely the best ❤️. If you ever want a fabulous fly fishing experience call Joe! Anyone who has had to deal with me for 5 minutes knows I’m a handful, but he always takes me. He can tie a fly on fast as lightning, tell you exactly where a fish is, net a fish no matter where it is, drag your clumsy tail out of the river before the water rushes inside your waders, not scream at you even after he’s retrieved your fly for the 50th time from a tree/rock, knows to stop and let you catch your breath because he knows I won’t admit it, not laugh hysterically when you fall over a tree and face plant into the forest floor...most importantly...he makes you feel successful ❤️.
Thank you so much for always taking me fishing. These trips are some of my favorite days!
Alison Pirkle Dippel
Friend and awesome fly fishing guide, Joe Eichelberger. Extreme knowledge of the sport and one of the best guides you will ever meet.
—Keith Johnson
Winterpark, FL.
Joseph Eichelberger is one of the very best guides in the country. He lives in Pagosa Springs, CO!
Thank you for the gifts and friendship!
— Mark Roy
Retired USMC
Texas
Joseph Eichelberger The best fly fisherman guide in all of Colorado!!
— Shannon Herzog
Colorado
East Fork Ranch Big Boy! Great day Joe!
— David Biegel
When you have great partners like @scientificanglers @rossreels @abelreels @risefishingco @semperflyrods trout should be very scared. But more important are the people behind these brands and one special person we are grateful to have on our side is Joseph Eichelberger Sacred Waters CO for many reason to include an amazing fly fisher, conservationist, and advocate in the fly fishing world but most important is the friendship. You can’t replace that for anything!#thetigismydrug #healingonthefly
— N. TX. Patriot Anglers
-Warriors on the Fly
Doug Dragoo Chairman of Mayfly Outdoors owners of Abel Reels, Ross Reels, and Charlton Reels. Longtime Donor, Friend and Client. Special Thanks for the Custom Sacred Water’s Signature Abel Reels and all of your Donations of Ross Reels for our Veterans Events over the years.
Greg Wambolt of Wambolt Wealth Financial Planners and Fly of the Month Club. Donor and Client. Special Thanks for being a part Sacred Water’s Financial Planning Team.
Randy Cottingham of Texas & Pagosa Springs, CO. Donor and Regular Fishing Client.
“Joe, I want to take this moment to tell you how much I appreciate your passion for your sport as well as for giving back to veterans. As is so often the case, those who don't have the most resources are oftentimes the ones willing to give what they do have away in order to serve a worthy cause; I am sure that is something from your upbringing coming out in you. I admire your persistence and to be quite honest, see my joining your organization really as an investment in a young man more than fishing or veterans. I hope you are encouraged by the knowledge that I believe in you and am thankful to have the opportunity to help you take your next step in your developing career in resource management. Take care.” - Thanks, Randy
Curt Grindal of Pagosa Springs, CO. Donor and Longtime Regular Fishing Client.
“I believe in you and your vision, I'm looking forward to 'being on the team” - Curt
Greg Burroughs Donor, friend, client, longtime Supporter & Volunteer of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and Patriot Anglers of North Texas from Pagosa Springs, CO
“I would love to be a part of this!”
Dr. Greg Evans of Texas, a Veteran of Foreign Wars, longtime Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Member/Participate and Member/Participate of Patriot Anglers of North Texas.
Skip Tangner, of Oklahoma. Donor, regular fishing client, and hardcore fly angler
Dave Nordstrom of Pagosa Springs, CO. Donor, and longtime regular fishing client.
“This looks like a great project and a great idea. I believe that Joe Eichelberger is a good honest guy, and you’re truly trying to do something good for all, fishes, vets, kids, and landowners.” - Nordy
Dr. Edward “Joey” Artnak of Austin Texas. Donor, friend, and regular fishing client.
"This sounds like a wonderful plan of action and I am so glad that you are doing something great to keep the fisheries alive and healthy. I just donated to your organization. Thank you so much Joe! I can't tell you what it means to have a friend of your caliber to help us make an annual fishing trip possible....I can promise you that once I get financially set in my life, I will be bringing everyone to you and guaranteed yearly members!!!” - Joey
Mirrel Kephart long term donor, friend, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Retired Marine, Host & Volunteer of PHWFF & Patriot Anglers of North Texas Events of Pagosa Springs, CO.
“Joe, Great job. Sorry I can't give more right now. Hope it helps.”- Mirrel
John Bearrie Vietnam Veteran, donor, friend, and longtime regular fishing client.
"Organization, Environment, Timeliness, Joe's the Best! - John
My name is Doug Dragoo I’m the chairman of the Mayfly group. We make the best fly fishing equipment in the world. So we know fly fishing.
I have been fishing with Joe for over 10 years. I would 💯% recommend Joe and Sacred Waters. Joe is a well tested guide and a great person.
Kindest Regards,
Doug Dragoo | Chairman | Mayfly Outdoors
www.mayflyoutdoors.com | www.abelreels.com | www.rossreels.com
Conservation Commitment: We contribute 10% of all fishing reel sales to the protection of
wildlife and fishing habitats
I am writing on behalf of Joe Eichelberger and his foundation Sacred Waters. Joe is a good friend but more importantly Joe is a highly respected confidant and mentor in the fly fishing community.
I met Joe seven years ago on a Veterans Fly Fishing retreat on the rivers around Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Joe's leadership and unique ability to identify with those veterans he was serving created an instant bond between himself and whomever he was paired with at the time.
Joe's unmatched knowledge of the local fisheries along with his enthusiastic behavior created a creative learning experience for anyone that finds him/herself in Joe's care.
Along with his mentor ship as a fishing guide Joe is also a staunch environmentalists. More one of deed than word, Joe consistently walks the rivers under his care looking for and finding ways to improve any and all habitat for the fish that live in these waters. Joe is demanding in himself and others that they not only follow the laws of man but also those of nature. Joe has an unique understanding of any wild ecosystem in which he is a part and has a iron will to not keep that system as is but he is always looking for and finding ways to improve that which he had found.
Joe’s knowledge of his natural surroundings are not from book learning but come from actual field study. He immerses himself in his surrounding and has a God given gift to become one with nature and therefore has an understanding of what is and is not good for the local natural environment.
Joe and his team at Sacred Waters are constantly looking for and providing ways to improve the rivers, forests and fields for which they have been given stewardship. Their love of the outdoors is not just apparent in what they say but more importantly in what they do.
I have found Joe to be a great friend, mentor and educator to all those that have the chance to work with and get to know him. His dedication to and knowledge of the rivers, streams and people under his care is matched by a very limited few.
Sincerely
Lew Duckwall
Founder/Executive Director North Texas Patriot Anglers
USMC Combat Wounded.
Sacred Waters is a special organization.
I’ve known Joe Eichelberger with Sacred Waters for a very long time. I’ve fished with him many times in many places over the years. He’s a great guide and passionate about the fish. A few years ago, Joe shared his idea of an organization that did more than provide great fishing
adventures. It included visions of giving back to the streams and rivers that provide us hours of entertainment as we match wits with the wily rainbow and brown trout.
This vision included concepts in caring for and improving trout habitat in a world of increasing numbers of people using a finite resource. This usually results in degradation of the habitat and decrease in the fish numbers.
The vision included representing our fish and rivers in local and regional discussions about rules and regulations.
The vision included helping the next generation learning how to enjoy the sport, with a good dose of conservation education. Also facilitating the enjoyment of the rivers with some of our veterans who need assistance to access the water.
A year later Joe spoke of Sacred Waters, it included all the wonderful concepts I mentioned earlier. He was doing it!! I was excited about joining and supporting Sacred Waters. I donated immediately and became a supporter.
I’ve been around since day one and have spent many hours talking with Joe about what Sacred Waters is accomplishing. It’s good stuff, and it’s important stuff.
Putting all this together isn’t easy. Working with land owners, government officials, and finicky fish can be challenging. Throw in a low water year and it only gets worse. Joe and his crew seem to be making it work and I’m happy to support the cause.
-Dave Nordstrom
It is my honor to have the opportunity to give my full recommendation of Joe Eichelberger and Sacred Waters CO.
Joe Eichelberger and I have had the opportunity to work together from the inaugural Veteran’s fly-fishing trip we provided in 2014, located in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. These trips were for the purposes of supporting Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF), a nationwide organization for disabled
Veterans. PHWFF specifically uses fly fishing for therapy for our Veterans suffering these disabilities.
Joe and I have worked together for each of these annual trips to Pagosa. Joe has consistently provided many of the guides that were required on a volunteer basis. (The program necessitates one guide per Veteran.) Additionally, and at times more importantly, Joe and Sacred Waters CO have provided the waters and fisheries that were desperately needed for these Veterans. Joe has historically had access to outstanding, local, managed waters which have been less pressured allowing our Veterans the opportunity to catch the quality of fish not easily found elsewhere.
Joe and his guides are a valuable part of each trip for these Veterans. Their empathy, compassion and friendship with each new Veteran has made the trip to Pagosa Springs a much sought-after venue. They obviously have the needs of these disabled Veterans utmost in their mind as they donate their time and
their expenses for 3 days every year to this effort. The healing we have seen take place during these 3 days on the water has been extremely touching. Our Veterans often leave with tears in their eyes and definitely with new friends made!
Joe Eichelberger and Sacred Waters CO are, without a doubt, an outstanding organization in support of those local fisheries, and our disabled Veterans.
I’d be happy to expand on my recommendation!
Regards,
Michelle Visel
PHWFF Fort Hood, TX.
I have known Joe Eichelberger for roughly 10 years and have always been impressed with his professionalism. Joe is not only a consummate fly fisherman and guide but he is a natural conservationist. He was raised fishing and loving the outdoors. The work he & Sacred Waters have done on the river through East Fork Ranch is a show piece. I have been able to fish it multiple times and it is the most enjoyable fly fishing I have had in my 25 years of fly fishing.
Joe’s honesty and his dedication to conservation and to serving our veterans is admirable. A veteran myself, it warms my heart to see what he and Sacred Waters has done and is doing for those who served.
I can not recommend Joe and Sacred Waters more highly. He is a “gititdun” kind of man.
John Bearrie
Colleyville, TX
US Army Vietnam War Veteran
It"s my pleasure to write today to express my support for the work you are doing with Sacred Waters CO.
As one of the charter donors for Sacred Waters and an avid fisherman who frequents the rivers of the Four Corners, I've seen first-hand the importance and beneficial effects of protecting all waters. I appreciate Sacred Waters' efforts to work with public land management agencies and private landowners to help preserve our vital rivers. The extensive experience of your Sacred Waters team provides a valuable resource to serve as advocates for our local rivers and fish.
Sacred Waters' mission to provide education in support of good river stewardship also helps to protect and improve our waters and the surrounding lands through educational events such as clinics and seminars in the community and online.
Further, I applaud Sacred Waters' efforts to give back to veterans causes in support of those who have already given so much for us, including Archuleta County Vets for Vets of Pagosa Springs, Co, Patriot Anglers of N. Texas & South Oklahoma, Veteran's Outdoor Therapy Project, Warriors on the Fly, and Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.
On a personal note, I’d also like to express my sincere appreciation of your expertise and the passion you bring to preserving these resources for future generations.
My best wishes for the continued success of this organization and its fine work--
Doug Darrow
Joe has been helping Veterans heal by taking them fly fishing for several years. He guided my wife and I putting us on some great fish in September 2016 as first time fly fishing for trout.
Then with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing in 2017 where he and several other guides took seven or eight Veteran fishing on land he has in Sacred Waters Co. This was an experience of a lifetime for myself and others because of the great outdoor land and rivers we fished.
Joe’s devotion to saving our land and rivers for future generations seems to be his purpose in life.
Thanks for the good time,
Richard Sivage
Vietnam Veteran
Regarding Sacred Waters,
I have had involvement with Sacred Waters for several years. Joe Eichelberger has been successful through his efforts through this group in securing some pristine waters for conversation and recreation, youth programs and restoration. They also have been working with veteran rehabilitation in various capacities.
I have been impressed with the efforts and dedication that has allowed Sacred Waters to produce a lot of progress in these areas. This is a group worthy of support in their efforts.
Gary Sengbusch , DDS
Spicewood, Texas 78669
I have the privilege of being a participant and donor to Sacred Waters CO, Inc. (SWCO) over the past three years. The work completed by Joe Eichelberger and his staff has been outstanding in numerous areas. SWCO takes their C.A.R.E. mission (Conservation, Advocacy, Rehabilitation, Education) seriously
for the benefit of local rivers. This past summer SWCO’s leadership in shutting down fishing on the warm, low flow rivers, including the San Juan River, resulted in conserving these fisheries until flows increased due to the seasonal monsoons in September. With improved snowpack in the mountains 2019 promises to be a much better fishing year thanks to the conservation work SWCO did last year during the severe drought.
SWCO also enhances the lives of wounded and disabled veterans by providing and hosting fly fishing events with veterans’ groups including North Texas Patriot Anglers. These events are will attended and provide emotional and physical support to help these veterans in their daily lives.
Joe and his staff and associates are first class guides and enjoy a positive working relationship, not only with anglers, but with ranch owners and local government officials. Joe has headed up local fish stocking programs on behalf of business owners in the area and is sought out as an expert in stream
enhancement and rehabilitation efforts. I’ve known Joe and enjoyed the benefits of Joe’s extensive knowledge and guiding skills for more than a decade and look forward to many more years of association with him and his staff.
Regards,
Curt Grindal
Bluepearl.
specialty + emergency pet hospital
SURGERY
Skip Tangner DVM, MS, DACVS
April 18, 2019
To whom it may concern:
Hello, I am writing in support of Joseph (Joe) Eichelberger at Sacred Waters Colorado Foundation. I had the pleasure of knowing and fishing with Joe prior to his founding of Sacred Waters. At that time he was guiding rivers and streams mainly in southwest Colorado. He was working with the city of Pagosa Springs and area ranchers to keep the rivers stocked with trout and kept as pristine as possible. Even at that time Joe had a dream to create Sacred Waters. He has a heart for people of all ages and especially those wounded in service to our country, children with disabilities and those wanting to learn about fly fishing. With much work, sacrifice and effort Joe has made Sacred Waters a reality. The group has already held or participated in multiple events to expose veterans and young people to fly fishing. It is not unusual for Joe to travel as far as Oklahoma or Texas to lend his considerable talent and time to groups like Patriot Anglers to see that these types of events are meaningful to the participants and that everyone gets the training and attention needed to learn and have a great time.
Joe is an excellent steward of the resources given to Sacred Waters and is unquestionably trustworthy, I wish Joe and Sacred Waters continued success accomplishing their mission and encourage you to feel comfortable trusting Mr. Eichelberger. In my experience he has always pursued excellence with enthusiasm and a heart for others. Please call me any time if you would like to further discuss Joe or Sacred Waters
Sincerely yours,
C.H. "Skip" Tangner D.V.M., M.S
To the potential clients out there who have not fished with Joe I can tell you he is the fish
whisperer. Watching him cast is mesmerizing almost spiritual. Eat Fish Sleep
-Jeffrey Harris
Got my fly fishing trip in with Joseph Eichelberger! He is absolutely the best ❤️. If you ever want a fabulous fly fishing experience call Joe! Anyone who has had to deal with me for 5 minutes knows I’m a handful, but he always takes me. He can tie a fly on fast as lightning, tell you exactly where a fish is, net a fish no matter where it is, drag your clumsy tail out of the river before the water rushes inside your waders, not scream at you even after he’s retrieved your fly for the 50th time from a tree/rock, knows to stop and let you catch your breath because he knows I won’t admit it, not laugh hysterically when you fall over a tree and face plant into the forest floor...most importantly...he makes you feel successful ❤️.
Thank you so much for always taking me fishing. These trips are some of my favorite days!
Alison Pirkle Dippel
Friend and awesome fly fishing guide, Joe Eichelberger. Extreme knowledge of the sport and one of the best guides you will ever meet.
—Keith Johnson
Winterpark, FL.
Joseph Eichelberger is one of the very best guides in the country. He lives in Pagosa Springs, CO!
Thank you for the gifts and friendship!
— Mark Roy
Retired USMC
Texas
Joseph Eichelberger The best fly fisherman guide in all of Colorado!!
— Shannon Herzog
Colorado
East Fork Ranch Big Boy! Great day Joe!
— David Biegel
When you have great partners like @scientificanglers @rossreels @abelreels @risefishingco @semperflyrods trout should be very scared. But more important are the people behind these brands and one special person we are grateful to have on our side is Joseph Eichelberger Sacred Waters CO for many reason to include an amazing fly fisher, conservationist, and advocate in the fly fishing world but most important is the friendship. You can’t replace that for anything!#thetigismydrug #healingonthefly
— N. TX. Patriot Anglers
-Warriors on the Fly