Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited NONPROFIT ORG. 4514 Elgar Ln. U.S. POSTAGE News and Views from WI Trout Unlimited Madison, WI 53704 PAID (608) 698-3867 PERMIT NO. 1 www.WisconsinTU.org MADISON, WI Wisconsin Trout April 2011

State budget’s changes to the Stewardship Fund may hurt TU habitat work By Kim McCarthy that the five-acre limit means the strip of land can cover less than With all of the political turmoil 4,000 feet of stream thread. Mean- currently taking place in Wisconsin, der patterns mean a 4,000-foot many sportsmen and women have piece of stream often travels less not had time to look at how Gover- than a 40 acre land parcel. To have a nor Walker’s proposed budget significant impact on stream health, would impact recreation in Wiscon- projects often take up two to seven sin. This article deals with proposed times that length of stream. changes to the very popular Stew- The Walker budget would also ardship Program. cut out a cornerstone of the Stew- The proposed ardship Program called “payments Ch a i r ’s budget threatens in lieu of taxes” (PILT). PILT pay- key provisions of the ments replace property taxes which Analysis Stewardship Pro- would have been paid by private gram that would owners had the land remained in very likely negatively impact TU’s private hands. Over the last two de- efforts to get public access for fish- cades, PILT payments have led to ing and habitat work. widespread support of the Steward- One key proposal in the budget ship Program by municipalities. Strelka Stan of concern to TU would limit fishing Another change proposed by the easement acquisitions along trout Walker budget would be to require TU’S CHRIS WOOD ATTENDS WITU BANQUET streams to small parcels less than local municipalities to pass a resolu- TU’s National President Chris Wood said Wisconsin TU is a model for state five acres. One explanation for the tion supporting or not supporting councils across the nation during his address at the State Council Banquet in proposed five-acre limit is that each Stewardship acquisition in stream fishing easements are nar- Stevens Point Feb. 5. He also entertained us with the rollicking story of how he their community. While this would revealed the engagement ring to his future wife. row strips of land (generally 66 feet not allow municipalities to blackball wide) which do not generally allow a purchase, it would be a factor to hunting or trapping. Many of them be considered by DNR when decid- run through pastured areas where ing to recommend a purchase. With- UW-SP study finds trout hunting and trapping would not be out PILT payments, it is likely that appropriate, and where insistence local community support for public on hunting and trapping would land purchases would decline. populations up statewide make land owners unwilling to con- Another proposed change would sider an easement. But Governor give the Legislative Joint Finance Wisconsin brook and brown trout populations statewide have general- Walker’s staff appears to be unsup- Committee more authority over ly increased over the last 60 years, according to a new UW-Stevens Point portive of spending money on any Stewardship purchases. In the past, analysis of the state’s archive of trout surveys. lands — even fishing easements — approval by the Joint Finance Com- “We see a general, overall increase in the catch per stream mile of where hunting or trapping are not mittee was required only if purchas- trout, and in trout in all the size ranges examined in fisheries surveys con- allowed. es exceeded $750,000. Under the TU projects have generally been ducted since 1950,” says Nancy Nate, Ph.D., the principal investigator new proposal, Joint Finance Com- and a scientist at the UW-SP Fisheries Analysis Center. done only on lands that provide mittee approval would be required public access, so removing funding for any purchase exceeding Nate and fellow researchers Andy Fayram and Joanna Griffin, fisheries for stream easements would have a $250,000. analysts at the WDNR, dug into DNR databases for results from thou- serious impact on TU’s ability to Last month DNR Secretary sands of electrofishing surveys the DNR conducted between 1950 and perform habitat work. Cathy Stepp announced that for the 2010. The electrofishing catch per stream mile has long been used as an Another consideration against remaining five months of fiscal year this particular budget proposal is Continued on p. 5 Continuedindicator of on trout p. 4 abundance in streams. WDNR meetings getting input on trout fishery and regs The WDNR is wrapping up a se- DNR adopted its current catego- nal five categories of regulation “We think it’s crucial to understand ries of meetings across the state ry system of regulation 20 years ago. established in 1990. more about those changes before where the agency is getting input on At that time the agency said it would “Trout fishing in Wisconsin has we go any further with our review.” how anglers view trout fishing and review the trout regulations every changed a lot in recent times, and Meeting participants have been the current regulatory framework. five to 10 years. Those were internal we want to hear from anglers if telling DNR fish biologists what The meetings are part of Wiscon- reviews, and they led to some chang- they’ve changed their trout fishing they like about trout fishing now sin’s review of inland trout fishing. es, like eliminating one of the origi- habits, preferences, and hopes for and what they think could be im- the future,” says Scot Stewart, the proved. Participants are filling out a southern Wisconsin fisheries super- survey to give more specific feed- visor who is helping lead the effort. back on everything from where and “This time around, our trout Continuedhow often theyon p. fish 4 to how often do In this issue... team was putting together some ideas for possible changes for our TU presents options to land trust community ...... p. 4 2010 review when we decided we DNR on-line survey Science findings offered at Driftless Area event. . . . .p. 5 needed to take a step back,” says open through April Marty Engel, a veteran fisheries bi- You can complete the same State Council honors 10 at annual banquet ...... p. 6 ologist for Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, and survey taken at the trout meet- WITU’s Trout Management Principles...... p. 9 St. Croix counties. ings by going on-line. A link to “We realize that the trout world the survey can be found at Chapter president profiles: two gals in charge . . . . p. 16 has changed significantly since we http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/trout/. Friends program grants $36,000+ in 2010 . . . . . p. 20 moved to the category system and The survey will be available last asked anglers what they wanted through the end of April. from their trout fishery,” he says. PagePage 2 Wisconsin Trout AprilJuly 2011 2006

Wisconsin TU Chapters, Presidents, and Websites

Aldo Leopold (#375): Mike Barniskis, 805 S. Center St., Beaver Dam, WI 53916 (920) 356-0081; [email protected] Antigo (#313): Scott Henricks, 213 Mary St., Antigo, WI 54409-2536 WILD RIVERS (715) 623-3867; [email protected] Blackhawk (#390): Vick Potocki, (262) 473-1824; Bayfield Douglas NORTHWOODS [email protected]; www.BlackhawkTU.org Central Wisconsin (#117): Linn Beck, 160 West 19th Ave., Oshkosh, Iron Ashland WI 54903 (920) 233-5496; [email protected], www.cwtu.org Vilas Coulee Region (#278): Eric Rauch, [email protected], Burnett Washburn www.CouleeRegionTU.org

Sawyer Price Florence Fox Valley (#193): Mark Peerenboom, 1509 S. Outagamie St., Oneida Forest Appleton, WI 54914 (920) 738-0228; [email protected]; MARINETTE Polk Rusk www.FoxValleyTU.org Barron Marinette Frank Hornberg (#624): Wyatt Bohm, 4367 Kubisiak Dr., Amherst, ANTIGO GREEN BAY Lincoln Taylor Langlade WI 54406 (715) 340-2977; [email protected] WOLF RIVER www.HornbergTU.org St. Croix Chippewa Green Bay (#083): Paul Kruse, 500 Saint Jude St., Green Bay, WI Dunn WISCONSIN Menominee RIVER VALLEY Oconto 54303 (920) 494-4220; [email protected]; OCONTO WI CLEAR Marathon Shawano RIVER www.GreenBayTU.com Clark WATERS Door Pierce Eau Claire Harry & Laura Nohr (#257): Pete Esser, 1245 Westhill Ave., SHAW-PACA Kewaunee Platteville, WI 53818 (608) 348-9074; [email protected]; Pepin Wood Waupaca Portage www.NohrTU.org Buffalo Outagamie Brown FOX Jackson FRANK HORNBERG Kiap-TU-Wish (#168): Kyle Amundson; 249 Red Pine Circle, VALLEY Trempealeau Manitowoc Hudson, WI 54016 (715) 549-5326; [email protected]; Waushara Winnebago KIAP-TU-WISH Calumet LAKESHORE www.kiaptuwish.org Adams CENTRAL Monroe La Crosse Juneau WISCONSIN Lakeshore (#423): Wayne Trupke, 10723 English Lake Rd., Manito- Marquette woc, WI 54220 (920) 758-2357; [email protected]; Sheboygan Green Lake Fond du Lac www.WisconsinTU.org/Lakeshore Vernon ALDO LEOPOLD Marinette (#422): Steve Wilke, 2526 Shore Dr., Marinette, WI 54143 Dodge Ozaukee Columbia (715) 732-4911 (H) (715) 923-0650 (C); [email protected] Richland Sauk Washington Northwoods (#256): Hannah Hansen, R678 Mount View Ln., Crawford Athens, WI 54411 (715) 297-1569; [email protected] COULEE Dane SOUTHEASTERN Jefferson Waukesha Milwaukee Oconto River (#385): Bob Obma, 12870 West Shore Dr., Mountain, REGION Iowa WISCONSIN Grant SOUTHERN WISCONSIN WI 54149 (715) 276-1170; [email protected]; www.WisconsinTU.org/OcontoRiver Rock Walworth Racine Lafayette Green Shaw-Paca (#381): Dave Ehrenberg, 324 East Fourth St., Manawa,

HARRY & Kenosha WI 54949 (920) 596-3089; [email protected]; LAURA NOHR www.WisconsinTU.org/ShawPaca

BLACKHAWK Southeastern Wisconsin (#078): Henry Koltz, 2300 North Mayfair Road, Suite 1175, Milwaukee, WI 53226 (414) 258-4300; [email protected]; www.SEWTU.org Southern Wisconsin (#061): Frank Kosmach, 1143 Bluebird Trail, Waunakee, WI 53597 (608) 849-8907 (H) (608) 410-8033 (W); [email protected]; www.swtu.org Wild Rivers (#415): Dick Berge, 67725 E. Deep Lake Dr., Iron River, WI 54847 (715) 372-5228 (H); [email protected] Wisconsin Clear Waters (#255): Tim Meyer, PO Box 822, Eau Claire, WI 54702-0822 (715) 579-6795; [email protected]; www.WisconsinTU.org/ClearWaters Visit WITU online at: Wisconsin River Valley (#395): Linda Lehman, buglehman@ yahoo.com; www.wrvtu.org Wolf River (#050): Andy Killoren, N1493 Hwy. 45, Fremont, WI www.WisconsinTU.org 54940; [email protected].

Wisconsin TU State Contact TU National when you Council Leadership change addresses or chapter leaders TU National manages WITU’s mailing list, so members should contact TU State Chair: Kim McCarthy, 736 Education: Bob Haase (see above) National at 1-800-834-2419 to change addresses. Address changes can also Meadowbrook Ct., Green Bay, WI 54313 (920) 434-3659 Friends of WITU and Watershed be done on-line by going to www.tu.org and signing in with your member [email protected] Access Fund: Doug Brown, R4800 number, which is found on your wallet card or TROUT magazine label. Timber Ln., Ringle, WI 54471 (715) Vice Chair: John Meachen, 1111 574-4706; [email protected] If you are moving to a different city and wish to be affiliated with the TU Marquardt Rd., Wausau, WI 54403 chapter in your new area, note the new chapter number (see the text next to (715) 675-4920 (H); Legal Counsel: Winston Ostrow, the map above for the numbers of our chapters). [email protected] 335 Traders Point Ln., Green Bay, Secretary: Todd Hanson, 4514 WI 54302 (920) 432-9300 (W); Elgar Ln., Madison, WI 53704 [email protected] WISCONSIN TROUT (608) 698-3867 (H); Legislative Committee: Jeff Smith, Vol. 23, No. 2 — April 2011 [email protected] 7330 Old Sauk Rd., Madison, WI Treasurer: Gary Stoychoff, 1326 53717 (608) 836-5974 (H); Wisconsin Trout is the official publication of the Wisconsin Council of 14th Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304 [email protected] Trout Unlimited and is distributed to the members of Wisconsin’s 21 [email protected] TU chapters. Nonmember subscriptions are $12.50/year. Publication Membership: John T. “Jack” Bode, Past State Chair: Bill Heart, 29450 W312 N6434 Beaver Lake Rd., and distribution dates are the first weeks of January, April, July, and Verners Rd., Ashland, WI 54806 Hartland, WI 53029 (262) 367-5300 October. Deadlines for articles and advertisements are the 10th of (715) 682-4703 (H), (715) 209-0431 (H); (262) 951-7136 (W); December, March, June, and September. Contact the editor for a cur- (C); [email protected] [email protected] rent advertising rate sheet. Vice Chair, Central Region: Bob Haase, W7949 Treptow Ln., National Leadership Council Contributions and letters to the editor are welcomed. Submit articles Eldorado, WI 54932 (920) 922-8003 Representative: Bill Heart (see and returnable photos (color or b&w) to the editorial office: above) (H); [email protected] Todd Hanson, editor Vice Chair, Northeast Region: Paul Publications: Todd Hanson (see 4514 Elgar Ln. Kruse, 500 Saint Jude St., Green above) Madison, WI 53704 Bay, WI 54303 (920) 494-4220 (H); (608) 698-3867 [email protected] Resource Management: John [email protected] Meachen, (see above) Vice Chair, Southern Region: Henry Kim McCarthy, Chair John Meachen, Vice Chair Koltz, 18225 Hoffman Ave., Brook- Water Resources: Bob Obma, 12870 736 Meadowbrook Ct. 1111 Marquardt Rd. field, WI 53045 (414) 331-5679 (C); West Shore Drive, Mountain, WI Green Bay, WI 54313 Wausau, WI 54403 [email protected] 54149 (715) 276-1170 (H) Vice Chair, Western Region: Bill [email protected] Todd Hanson, Secretary Gary Stoychoff, Treasurer 4514 Elgar Ln. 1326 14th Ave. Heart (see above) Webmaster: Jim Hlaban, Madison, WI 53704 Green Bay, WI 54304 Awards: Todd Hanson (see above) [email protected] April 2011 Wisconsin Trout Page 3 Of blue skies, green grass, and the rule of only so many spinning reels By Todd Hanson I was on State Street in Madison a few days ago and counted more than a dozen stores with signs in their front windows denouncing Gov. Walker’s elimination of collective bargaining rights for some public employees. What was surprising, though, was how many signs there were supporting Walker’s recall. When Tommy Thompson was Governor, he also had a bullying streak. Thompson often took positions that basically said, “Sue me if you don’t like it.” People didn’t like it, they did sue, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted unanimously against Thompson about a half dozen times. Still, there wasn’t any effort to recall Thompson like there is with Walker. I think I have an example our trout fishing readers will understand as to why Gov. Walker is moving from Editorial someone people disagree with to someone people increasingly distrust and are having serious second thoughts about. The example involves a wetland. Wetland protection is of prime importance to TU. If it weren’t for wetlands to resupply groundwater, trout streams would dry up. Do you remember the flap over a proposed Bass Pro Shop store in Green Bay last January? Gov. STATE COUNCIL CHAIR KIM McCARTHY ON TIMBER COULEE CREEK Walker wanted to help Neenah auto dealer John Bergstrom develop a Kim caught his share of trout on Timber Coulee Cr. during a recent trip to prime piece of property of his at the corner of Lombardi Av. and U.S. southwest Wisconsin. 41. Prime, that is, if it weren’t for the fact that the land is a wetland and is off limits to uncontested development. Enter Scott Walker, who inserted a special provision in a bill declaring the site exempt from WDNR wetland review. Gov. Walker said the wetland exemption was Some thoughts on TU’s needed to create jobs. In these times, that argument sounds awfully good to a lot of people on its face...but only if you ignore The Rule of impact across Wisconsin Only So Many Spinning Reels. Let’s look at those potential Bass Pro Shop jobs. Can you think of By Kim McCarthy Education has been a major growth area for TU in Wisconsin. one thing in a Bass Pro Shop that you couldn’t buy at some other WITU State Council Chair Last year chapters were involved in store? When people need a new spinning reel, they don’t buy two It has been a long winter. As I 98 different education activities. We reels. They buy just one. And if people buy that reel at a Bass Pro write this, my home area is waiting don’t currently keep track of how Shop, that means they didn’t buy it someplace else. A new Bass Pro for another couple inches of snow. many people are taking part in all of Shop will steal sales from a Cabela’s which earlier took sales away We will take all of the water we can those activities, but it is a statistic we should begin to track because my from a Gander Mountain which earlier swiped sales from a Fleet Farm get here in the Northeast part of the state, but I would love to be thinking guess is that the number is very im- which earlier took sales from Ma’s Bait and Tackle. If businesses lose more about the early season and pressive. sales, they reduce employee hours, eliminate jobs altogether, or, in less about if I have enough gas for Our chapters should be very the worst case, go out of business. There are only so many spinning my snow blower. proud of the great amount of work reels to sell, and there are only so many jobs required to make those Although long, the winter has that was accomplished in 2010. We know that TU is a real leader in con- spinning reel sales. been anything but dull. Some good, some to be determined, but there servation in Wisconsin, and the Gov. Walker is smart enough to understand The Rule of Only So has been a lot going on with trout numbers give us a very good idea of Many Spinning Reels, yet his reason for destroying that wetland to and the coldwater resource. how much we are accomplishing. make way for the Bass Pro Shop store was jobs, jobs, jobs. It’s as if he First up would be the raging suc- Next, let’s talk about the regula- thinks if he says it enough, he’ll get those Bass Pro Shop jobs and the cess of our annual State Council tions review that DNR is undertak- ing in 2011. This is the year DNR is existing sporting goods jobs won’t be reduced. I think a lot of people meeting and banquet. The members of the banquet beginning a review are seeing Gov. Walker’s arguments for a lot of unsavory things committee put a of trout regulations coming down the pike as being equally flawed and unsatisfying. huge amount of We know that Trout in Wisconsin. As When I was in college, I was on the debate team. I remember one energy into making part of that pro- Unlimited members particular school always seemed to offer plans whose premises and our 40th anniversa- cess, trout meet- donate large amounts of ings are being conclusions were presented like this — the sky is blue; the grass is ry celebration a success. And a suc- time to the resource. conducted around green; therefore we must abandon our recently adopted phosphorus cess it was. All 21 How much? In 2010 total the state. Trout reduction standards. What? How can you argue against the sky is chapters were rep- volunteer hours added fishers are being surveyed about blue (i.e., we need jobs)? How can you disagree that the grass is resented at the an- up to 43,000. green (i.e., we need to give people the tools they need to make nual meeting. Over what they like or dislike about the decisions)? It’s the linkage between premises and conclusions that 200 members and friends attended current regulation always seemed to be lacking in this teams’ arguments. And it’s this the annual banquet, and we realized structure and about methods and same absence of thoughtful, considered linkage that is missing in a net profit of $17,100 for the cold- harvest practices used by anglers. many of Gov. Walker’s proposals. After all, if a bunch of trout fishers water resources of the state. My By the time you read this, most can understand The Rule of Only So Many Spinning Reels, shouldn’t thanks go out to all who worked on of those trout meetings will be com- pleted, but that does not mean that Gov. Walker? the banquet and to all who attend- ed. It was a great event. you don’t have the time or the But at least this Governor makes a case for something and sticks At the banquet I reported some chance to comment. The DNR has a with it. There’s honor in that. He would never put some policy change composite numbers for Trout Un- website offering an online survey in a budget bill and argue it’s necessary because it will help achieve a limited in Wisconsin in 2010. I about angling methods and regula- needed fiscal purpose only to reverse course 180 degrees and say would like to repeat some of those tions. The website can be accessed at http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/trout. that the policy wasn’t really a fiscal matter after all in order to get it numbers here so that more mem- bers get a feel for the enormous If you have not commented or at- passed. Oops. So much for that. amounts of conservation work being tended a meeting, please take the When Trout Unlimited was formed in Wisconsin a little over 40 accomplished by Trout Unlimited time to visit the website and make years ago, people were damming up trout streams for various chapters around the state. your opinions known. It is important developments. It strikes me that this is the kind of Governor who could In the area of fund raising, all of that TU members let the depart- ment know how they feel about the suggest we return to such practices. He would propose it with a the chapters and the State Council combined last year raised a total of trout fishery in Wisconsin. straight face and the promise of, yes, jobs. What’s a little wetland? $968,000! Jeff Hastings’ work with Recent studies out of UW-Ste- What’s one little trout stream? Would this Governor change the trout the DARE program added an addi- vens Point have shown that current regs on a whim saying it will create jobs? We’ll keep an eye out. tional $600,000. Those funds helped miles of trout streams, numbers of As it turned out in Green Bay, Bass Pro Shops decided against finance 86 different conservation trout, and sizes of trout are better than ever in Wisconsin. Sound regu- putting their store on the Bergstrom wetland. A company spokesman projects in 2010. We know that Trout Unlimited lations are important to keep the was quoted in the Post Crescent saying, “We were unaware of any members donate large amounts of quality fishery protected into the fu- wetland issue and have not and will not be in favor of doing anything time to the resource. How much? In ture. As conservation-minded citi- to harm wetlands wherever they might be.” Good for them. That is 2010 total volunteer hours added up zens, we cannot sit on the sidelines exactly what Gov. Walker should have said. That he didn’t tells us to 43,000. Those hours carry a value and leave the commenting to others. Make your voice heard. something important about how he may operate throughout his term. of another $860,000. Tremendous! Page 4 Wisconsin Trout April 2011 Land trusts hear TU leaders on partnership opportunities Wisconsin TU has several oppor- places, and where those sites in- matching funds if two chapters are Land trusts are facing possible tunities for state land trusts to work clude coldwater resources, tantaliz- involved. reductions in funding at both the as partners on projects and acquisi- ing opportunities can be presented. Through the project planning state and federal levels. Because of tions, TU leaders told land trust State Council Chair Kim McCar- and funding resources available this, they showed great interest in leaders at a recent Gathering Wa- thy and TUDARE’s Duke Welter through TUDARE, TU chapters working with TU. ters land trust conference. talked with land trust leaders about and other partners have already For information on land trusts in Gathering Waters is the umbrella the State Council’s Watershed Ac- joined with land trusts on significant your part of the state, or for infor- organization for Wisconsin’s ap- cess Fund (WAF) and project plan- projects in Dane and Pierce coun- mation on land trust that specialize proximately 50 local land trusts. ning opportunities. WAF can ties. As a result, several trout in preserving certain types of prop- Where land trusts are considering provide up to $8,000 in combined streams have been preserved and erties, go to www.gatheringwa- acquisition or protection of natural State Council and local chapter restored. ters.org. Volunteers needed for May’s Wisconsin Outdoor Expo event in Beaver Dam By Bob Haase When we listen to all the things sembly or Senate, or even as Gover- that are going on today that could nor or Secretary of the DNR. That This year’s Wisconsin Outdoor negatively affect our natural re- fly you helped them tie might help Expo will be held May 19-20 at the sources, we realize how important it them develop an interest in the out- Dodge County Fairgrounds outside is to get kids involved in hunting, doors which could affect their vote of Beaver Dam. fishing, and other outdoor activities. on important environmental issues. Trout stamp The program runs from around We could also do a lot of other 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. each day. things at the Expo if we had the vol- exhibit looking Last year we had around 930 stu- We realize how unteers, such as teaching about for old prints dents tie a fly, and a lot of them also aquatic insects, water monitoring, tried their hand at fly casting. important it is to get Darrell Toliver of Sokol As- invasive species, stream restoration We normally have over 3,000 kids kids involved in efforts, knot tying, or a variety of sociates in Plover, WI is looking and their chaperones attend the hunting, fishing, and other things. for some of the more recent Wisconsin Outdoor Expo, and it trout stamp prints for a planned other outdoor activities. I would like to thank all the vol- takes a lot of volunteers to cover unteers who have helped in the past, exhibit on Wisconsin’s trout both the fly tying and fly casting. and I encourage your help again this stamp program. Last year we did not have enough The exhibit hopes to feature This is a chance for us to get kids in- year. You must know other chapter volunteers to help with the fly cast- terested in fishing by teaching them members or friends who might be all of the trout stamp prints and ing, and we could really use some how to tie a fly and cast a rod. May- able to help. If you can help, please stamps produced since the pro- more volunteers in that area. We gram’s inception in 1978. be someday one or more of them call Bob Haase at (920) 922-8003 or could use 6-8 volunteers each day might be representing us in the As- e-mail me at [email protected]. The prints the exhibitors are for fly casting and 12-18 volunteers in need of are: each day for fly tying. • 2000 inland trout print, The fly rods are furnished by the • 2005 inland trout print, DNR, so all you need to bring is STUDY: trout numbers in all • 2006 inland trout print, yourself to help with the fly casting. • 2007 inland trout print, and If you would like to help with the fly sizes are up across the state • 2008 inland trout print. tying, just bring your vise and tying If you have one of these tools, including your scissors, half Continued from p. 1 prints, you can reach Darrell hitch tool or whip finisher, and a indicator of trout abundance in streams. Fayram says it’s the most com- Toliver at (651) 269-8804 or by bobbin. All the materials for tying, prehensive look ever at what’s happening in Wisconsin’s trout streams e-mail at [email protected]. including the thread, is furnished. statewide. The DNR contracted with Nate to conduct the analysis to help provide information as part of its 10-year review of the trout program. What Nate and her fellow researchers found was higher numbers per SURVEY: DNR stream mile of trout statewide overall, and increased numbers per stream mile in each of the size ranges examined: brook trout over 7, 8, and 9 getting feedback inches and brown trout over 7, 9, and 12 inches. Role of regulations unclear on trout fishing Not as clear, however, are the reasons why trout numbers increased, Continued from p. 1 including the role regulations played, one of the original questions she how often they fish to how often do hoped to answer. they harvest fish to what streams “At the very least we can say that trout populations have continued to they consider good. Feedback and survey answers improve under Wisconsin’s current regulatory structure,” Nate says. will be used to help fine tune a state- Veteran state fish biologists say the factors fueling trout number vary wide mail survey of randomly select- somewhat by region, but that changing land use and improved land man- ed trout anglers scheduled for fall. agement are factors. Habitat improvement work done by DNR, TU, and “Our trout team also will be re- other partners, anglers’ embrace of catch-and-release fishing, and DNR’s viewing the feedback, along with the shift to stocking more trout spawned from wild fish also are factors. Other mail survey results, as part of Wis- factors are regulations, the acquisition of sensitive lands along streams, consin’s trout review. We’ll bring the and beaver control in northern Wisconsin. results back out to you next year at this time, and then ask you to help Nate also was interested in determining, to the extent possible, the ef- us set management goals.” fect of different trout angling regulations on trout populations as Wiscon- Elevate your fly fishing to a new The good news, Engel says, is sin reviews its trout program and readies for a public participation level with the Original BlueSky Wisconsin is starting from a very process to learn how trout anglers’ fishing habits and preferences have Furled Leader. Sizes for all fish & strong foundation. DNR staff past changed over the past two decades. fishing conditions. Amazing casting. and present, conservation club Before the current category system of regulation took effect in 1991, members, and individual anglers The Leader in Furled Leaders.TM an angler could keep 10 trout over 6 inches from most streams. The cur- have worked hard to improve fish- rent system placed all trout streams into one of five categories (now re- Learn more at FurledLeaders.com ing in Wisconsin. For more information, contact duced to four) and applied base regulations to each category. [email protected] • Ph/Fax 920-430-1239 Scot Stewart at in Madison at (608) Among the “special regulation” streams (about three percent of Wis- 1163 Garland St., Green Bay,Wis. 54301 USA 273-5967. consin trout water) there were 36 different regulation types that restricted gear, bag limits, seasons, and size limits in various combinations. Nate found that this diversity of regulations, combined with the lack of contrast to streams with no regulations to serve as controls, made it hard River Cabin for Sale to determine how a given regulation category performed compared to Rustic cabin on the White River located just south of others. Wautoma between the confluence of the West Branch and the Cot- In general, however, she found that streams with a daily bag limit of tonville bridge. New septic, metal roof, 3 bedrooms, propane heat, three and an 8-inch minimum for brook trout had the highest total density electric and well. Surrounded by DNR land on one of the area’s and density of fish greater than 9 inches among the four regulation cate- premier trout streams and its classic Hex hatch. The perfect retreat gories. or clubhouse. A rare opportunity for the serious outdoorsman. Conversely, streams that had one of the “special regulations” had high $79,500. Call Russ Meyer 920-765-1644 or Dan Colligan 920- densities of total brown trout and of brown trout greater than 12 inches, 765-1983. though the densities were only statistically higher than densities in streams with a daily bag limit of 5 and a 7-inch minimum. April 2011 Wisconsin Trout Page 5 Driftless Area science event presents latest findings By John Welter ning Wisconsin’s current tiered trout regulation system. Streambank sedimentation caus- es three times more soil loss than Sediment is a major limiting fac- row crop agriculture does, accord- tor in most area streams, but the ing to recent research on SW Wis- problem can often be addressed by consin Driftless Area streams. picking the right 15-20 per cent of a Managed intensive grazing can watershed for remediation, accord- keep farms in business and keep soil ing to Winona State Prof. Toby Dog- on the land, but it’s often a big step wiler. His studies in the Root River for farmers to switch from feedlot watershed southeast of Rochester, agriculture to rotational grazing. MN are leading him to focus on key Cows or sheep can help control slope areas and shapes on which to unwanted species such as wild pars- install conservation practices. nip, nettles, tree seedlings, and reed Genetic studies are suggesting canary grass when they graze near that presettlement brook trout streams, but this has to be done at strains may still have remnants in the rights times and in the right some Minnesota streams, according amount. to Dr. Loren Miller, who has been Speakers made these points to doing genetics research with MD- over 100 attendees of TUDARE’s NR for over 20 years. ROGER FAIRBANKS HONORED IN 1979 “Science in the Driftless” sympo- Other work is being done on Roger Fairbanks (left) received TU’s Trout Conservationist of the Year sium in La Crosse March 15-16. Wisconsin brook trout by other re- Award at TU’s national meeting in Seattle, WA, in 1979. Standing next to Topics discussed included those searchers who hope to learn wheth- noted above, as well as the impacts er some strains here are unmixed Fairbanks is TU National Director Phil Bracewell (center) and WITU State of hundreds of poorly functioning with strains brought in from hatch- Council Chair Tom Sopkovich (right). culverts and bridges, various scien- eries in the northeastern United tific topics, and concerns underpin- States for over a century. Kiap founder Roger Fairbanks dies Roger Fairbanks of Hudson, WI, a founder of the Kiap-TU-Wish BUDGET: changes may affect Chapter, died on Feb. 23 at age 88. Fairbanks was named Trout Conservationist of the Year by TU Na- TU’s stream restoration work tional in 1979. Continued from p. 1 quality lands will need to be protect- TU National Director Ron Koshoshek said at the time, “There is no remaining five months of fiscal year ed to preserve Wisconsin’s strong one in my acquaintance more deserving of TU’s top award.... While ma- 2010-11 Stewardship acquisitions tradition of quality public recre- ny TUers are vigorous for a time and return after the original exuber- would be reduced by about 60%. ation. ance and with exhaustion to family and profession, both of which must Figures for target spending for fiscal Changes to the Stewardship Pro- be compromised to perform at Roger’s level, he remains on the front years 2011-13 have not been an- gram that result in the inability to lines. While others of us may, after a moment of accomplishment, be protect lands that become available nounced. tempted by the notoriety that accrues to state or national offices, Roger The Stewardship Program has will make it more difficult to main- long had widespread support from tain that tradition. TU members has always refused such invitations in order to remain at the interface of the sporting community. As the should be very concerned about the conservationist and resource — where the real action is.” population of Wisconsin increases, proposed changes outlined above.

Fox, Jerome Two Rivers Neitzel, Richard Tomah Geurkink, Terry Belleville Novak, Gene Random Lake Gitter, James Stevens Point Oechler, Herb Wauwatosa Grade, Donald Mosinee O’Leary, John Ringwood, IL Granum, James Fountain City Pielsticker, Bill Lodi Green Bay TU Chapter Presser, Dennis Madison Halbrehder, John Sparta Prine, Dick Ashland Harkins, Paul Harshaw Rake, Randal DePere Hawk, John New Holstein Robertson, Steve Verona Heart, Bill Ashland Rogers, William Elkhart Lake Heifner, Mark Appleton Ryan, Rosemary Wauwatosa Heil, Walter DePere Sandretto, Michael Neenah Herman,Gilbert Stoughton Shaw-Paca Chapter Hill, James Oregon Smith, Jeff Madison Hinde, David Roscoe, IL Southeastern WI TU Chapter Hoffman, Mike Onalaska Spittler, Mike Minneapolis Steudel, Charles Mineral Point Hyer, Greg Cross Plains Stockman, Wayne Spring Valley Kendall, Alden Duluth, MN Swanson, Greg Appleton Kiap TU Wish TU Chapter Thurber, Noah Stratford King, Gordon Merrill Vanden Elzen, Bill Appleton King, Gordon (WPS Matching Grant) Van Ness, Peter Lodi Koivisto, Jack Green Bay Vollrath, Larry Green Bay Lindroth, Rick Madison Wachowski, Richard Eau Claire Martin, Dean Blair Wadsworth, Leslie Madison Thanks to our Watershed McCarthy, Kim Green Bay Welhouse, Don Kaukauna McGrath, Randy Janesville Wiemerslage, Paul Hudson Mille, Mark Milwaukee Wild Rivers Chapter Access Fund contributors! Morrow, Jerome Baraboo Wisconsin Clear Waters TU Chapter Since taking over this funding program last fall, I continue to be im- pressed with the level of financial support our members are willing to of- Here is my contribution of $100 fer. Since our fund appeal letter went out last October, we have received over $6,000 from over 60 contributors. or more to the Watershed Access Fund Our Watershed Access Fund is not very old. It’s only in its second year of existence, but every financial award the program makes will provide (Make your check payable to permanent fishing opportunities for you and other trout fishers. These “Wisconsin Trout Unlimited”) acquisitions also secure access that allows TU and others to make habitat improvements on these properties. MAIL TO: TU Watershed Access Fund None of this is possible without your support. Please consider a gen- % Doug Brown erous contribution to the Watershed Access Fund. The need for access is R4800 Timber Ln. critical for anglers to continue their passion for trout fishing. Access is al- Ringle, WI 54471 so critical for TU to continue its successful stream improvement work. All contributions will be used solely for Wisconsin acquisitions. Name

2010/11 Contributors Address Andrews, Duke Minocqua Byrnes, Clint Beaver Dam Antigo TU Chapter Cook, Andrew Sister Bay Barnes, Edwin Middleton Craig, Grant Green Bay Bartynski, Jeff Eau Claire Dahlke, Dale Knapp City, State, Zip Benedict, Mark Madison Danou, Chris Trempealeau Berg, Ron & Jolene Chippewa Falls Davidson, Bruce Wauwatosa Bhatia, Ashok Whitefish Bay Duplessie, Richard Eau Claire Phone Born, Stephen Madison Emerson, James Glidden Bristol, Jerry Ellsworth Florine, Craig Washburn Page 6 Wisconsin Trout April 2011 Stan Strelka award photos 2011 TROUT CHAMPIONS HONORED IN STEVENS POINT ON FEB. 5 State Council award winners included (left to right) Michele Maxson Central WI TU, Topf Wells, Tim Landwehr, John Welter, Alistair Stewart, Linn representing Fairmount Minerals Co., Rick Kyte, John Tucker representing the Beck representing CWTU, Henry Quinlan, George Boronow, and Bob Haase. Council honors 10 at State Council Banquet Ten individuals and groups were impacts of mining, outdated small Stamp program. He has been in- spend just the next year in the pos- honored at the State Council’s an- dams, uncontrolled water bottling, volved in trout regulation improve- session of this year’s recipient, Topf nual meeting and banquet at the wetland losses, misguided develop- ments and recently helped us Wells. Holiday Inn Conference Center in ment, and poor land uses. revamp our state easement pro- Topf has been a champion for Stevens Point Feb. 5. He was one of the leaders of the gram. conservation throughout a long ca- Resource Award of Merit — effort to develop one of TU’s most At the national level, Duke led reer in government. He began his John “Duke” Welter innovative and volunteer-driven our grassroots National Leadership public life as the Director of the Wisconsin Conservation Corps, This year’s recipient of the State projects — the Driftless Area Res- Council for three years and served then worked at the WDNR, and Council’s top honor, the Award of toration Effort (TUDARE). As this on TU’s Board of Trustees for seven Merit, is someone who has helped program has grown, it has strength- years. In the process, he helped TU most recently he has been Chief of our State Council, our chapters, and ened chapters and reminded com- develop and implement its Stream Staff for Dane County Executive TU’s national organization speak munities of the marvelous spring Access policy, which has served a Kathleen Falk. out on key issues for almost 20 years creek resources in their back yards. valuable purpose across the nation. Dane County has one of the most — John “Duke” Welter. During Duke’s four-year stint as Our recipient has not restricted progressive, far-reaching local gov- Here in Wisconsin, Duke has State Council chair, he worked hard his advocacy just to Trout Unlimit- ernment conservation programs in fought to protect our streams from to improve the DNR’s Inland Trout ed. For 10 years Duke served on the the country, and Topf Wells has had Trout Study Committee of the Wis- a lot to do with that. Topf spear- consin Conservation Congress, and headed Falk’s effort to dramatically for the past seven years he has increase the county’s Conservation served on the Wisconsin Natural Fund from less than $1 million per Resources Board. In those roles, he year to $3 million per year. Topf has been a strong voice for trout and worked to direct a good share of healthy streams. those Conservation Fund dollars to In addition, he has been involved purchase streambank easements in leadership of the state’s Steward- and to fund stream restoration proj- ship program and an advocate for ects. public access to lands for recre- In the past dozen years, Dane ational opportunities. When his County has gotten easements on NRB term expires this May, Duke and restored over 50 miles of trout hopes to move on to other resource- streams. Four years ago, Topf related opportunities. And, per- worked with Falk to establish a Per- haps, to fish a little bit. manent Streambank Easement Pro- gram to pay landowners to switch Joan & Lee Wulff from limited-term to permanent Conservation Award — easements. Topf Wells With self-effacing charm, wit, As Lee Wulff once said, a trout is and grit, he has worked tirelessly to too valuable to be caught just once. guide, encourage, prod, and protect In that spirit, our annual Lee and the county’s conservation and envi- Joan Wulff Conservation Award will ronmental programs, even during

AWARD OF MERIT, LEE & JOAN WULFF AWARD, AND GOLD TROUT AWARD WINNERS The 2011 WITU State Council awards were presented by Chair Kim McCarthy Chapter (top). The Lee & Joan Wulff Conservation Award was given to Topf Feb. 5 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Stevens Point. The Resource Wells of the Southern WI Chapter (left). The Gold Trout Award went to Bob Award of Merit was presented to John “Duke” Welter from the WI Clear Waters Haase from the Central WI Chapter. April 2011 Wisconsin Trout Page 7 tough financial times. Topf has the State Council’s Education day the Coulee Chapter is securely active group. The chapter has com- worked with Falk to buy and restore Chair. In this position, Bob has footed again. The chapter continues pleted several habitat improvement wetlands, to better regulate manure lined up dozens of volunteers to to grow and has again become an Continued on p. 8 spreading, to fund farm manure di- teach fly tying and casting to the gesters, and to expand the county’s thousands of elementary school stu- wildlife and hunting lands. dents who attend the annual Wis- Much of his work is behind the consin Outdoor Expo. Every year scenes, and he invariably gives cred- the Outdoor Expo serves about it to others, especially his boss, 3,000 kids, and about 1,000 of them Kathleen Falk. But Falk would be stop by the TU tent to tie their first the first to say that Topf Wells has fly or cast a fly rod. A couple years left his indelible mark on conserva- ago Bob volunteered to be the State tion efforts in Dane County. He has Council’s Central Region Vice been a true public servant and is ful- Chair. ly deserving of our Joan and Lee In between all this, Bob has been Wulff Award. Executive Director of the Musky Silver Trout Award — Clubs Alliance for 12 years. He Central WI Chapter works with 25 musky clubs on vari- ous research, education, and musky Our chapter of the year award — management projects. A lot of these the Silver Trout — goes to the Cen- activities are brought to the atten- tral Wisconsin Chapter. CWTU has tion of the general public in a week- long been one of Wisconsin TU’s ly 20-minute radio program Bob “overachievers.” They seem to do it produces for KFIZ radio in Fond du all, from education to training to Lac. Bob’s “Outdoor Thursdays” conservation. program is one of the most popular The chapter is being recognized shows on KFIZ. this year for really stepping up their Would it surprise you if we said stream restoration efforts. CWTU’s that we’re leaving a lot of Bob’s out- recent improvement efforts have fo- door education and conservation ac- cused on the Mecan River in tivities out of this summary? With Waushara County. They did this all he does, we’re happy that Trout work with a grant from the Trout Unlimited gets so much of Bob’s and Salmon Foundation and match- time. ing grants from Central and the El- Gold Net Award — Rick liott Donnelley Chapter from Illinois. Led by stream workday Kyte Chair Line Beck and WDNR Super- Our Gold Net Award winner is visor Shawn Sullivan, the chapter Rick Kyte of the Coulee Region improved 1,800 feet of the Mecan in Chapter. Rick volunteered as the 2010. The chapter also worked on Coulee Region TU chapter presi- Lawrence Creek in Marquette dent from 2007-2010 and was an ac- County and Cedar Springs Creek. tive member in the chapter long Last November CWTU got a before that. Rick’s nomination for second grant from the Trout and the Gold Net Award stemmed from Salmon Foundation. With the an e-mail he sent to fellow member matches from CWTU and EDTU, Eric Rauch asking a simple question they have $22,000 in the bank for fu- — “Eric, what’s up with TU?” ture work on the Mecan. These In recent years, the Coulee funds will support improvements on Chapter went through some chang- about a mile of water over the next es and had slipped into a state of couple years. CWTU hopes that the limbo. The chapter had only one or beautiful work completed in 2010 two meetings a year, and sometimes will increase the interest in the Cen- only three people showed up. Even- tral Sand Hills Ecoregion Resto- tually the chapter stopped meeting ration Initiative recently proposed altogether. by Alistair Stewart and Bob Hunt. Rick volunteered to be president Another CWTU success story and took the bull by the horns. To- has been their River Keepers initia- tive. In recent years, the chapter’s water monitoring program has been in decline, going from 12 active teams to just 5 in 2009. Fortunately, John Gremmer and Jim Murphy jumped to the challenge of recon- structing the program. One of the first things they did was rename it to River Keepers, signifying an active group doing more than just moni- toring. The leadership team has ex- panded from two to six active leaders. One of the new leaders, Rick Fahrenkrug, successfully ap- plied for a $5,000 grant that is being used to purchase needed equip- ment. More people were recruited, and training was provided in the spring. There are now 14 active teams testing 20 stream sites in a six- county area. For these and many other rea- sons, Central Wisconsin TU is our chapter of the year. Gold Trout Award — Bob Haase Our Gold Trout award winner this year is Bob Haase. Bob’s lead- ership within TU began as editor of the Central Wisconsin Chapter’s newsletter. Later he served as chap- ter vice president, followed by a two-year stint as chapter president. He’s also co-chair of Central’s water monitoring program. And he’s al- ways there when a fly tying program GOLD NET AWARD, CORPORATE SPONSOR OF THE YEAR AWARD, AND CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS for kids, senior citizens, or handi- capped people is held. The State Council’s Gold Net Award was presented to Rick Kyte of the Coulee Region Chapter (top). Tim Landwehr of Because of his love of fly tying Tight Lines Fly Fishing Co. in De Pere (middle) was given the council’s first-ever Corporate Sponsor of the Year Award. and education, it seemed a perfect The Silver Trout Award for the top Wisconsin TU chapter was presented to the Central WI Chapter. Accepting on behalf of fit that Bob would volunteer to be CWTU were (l to r) President John Tucker, incoming President Linn Beck, and John Gremmer. Page 8 Wisconsin Trout April 2011 AWARDS: State Council honors 10 at Stevens Point event Continued from p. 7 of Tim’s commitment to Wisconsin’s tect, and enhance depleted coaster for habitat work on the Mecan Riv- projects and has taken part in many coldwater resources. For these and brook trout populations, Henry has er. public youth activities. other reasons, Tight Lines Fly Fish- worked for over 15 years to foster Alistair got two significant grants Rick is also very involved with ing Company is our first Corporate cooperation between the various re- for CWTU recently from the Trout other community and environmen- Sponsor of the Year. source parties involved. Henry has & Salmon Foundation. One grant tal groups. He is the Director of Resource Professional worked with state, federal, tribal, was for $5,000 and the other for Ethics and Leadership at Viterbo Award — George Boronow academic, and non-governmental $6,000. These grants went even fur- partners to accomplish the follow- ther because they were matched by University in La Crosse. He is active We have given two Resource in the Mississippi Valley Conservan- ing: Central Wisconsin TU and Illinois’ Professional Awards this year. The Elliott Donnelley Chapter. Alistair cy, the La Crosse Rotary, and the La first goes to George Boronow. • He established a coaster brood Crosse County Conservation Alli- stock management plan and has also gotten contributions from George recently retired as the Fish- the Chicago Anglers Club. ance. eries Supervisor for the DNR’s started two coaster brook trout We thank Rick for all of his dedi- brood lines. Alistair is a CWTU board mem- Northeast Region. The TU chapters ber, and he works actively on stream cation to the environment and to in George’s area wanted to do more • He spearheaded the stocking of conservation. Without him, today coasters at four locations in Wis- work projects. He also volunteers at trout habitat work in central and CWTU’s fly fishing school and there might not be a Coulee Region northeastern Wisconsin. An idea consin, Minnesota, and Michi- TU. gan. TroutFest. And keep your ears open developed to hire seasonal employ- for a possible long-term restoration Corporate Sponsor of the ees to work as limited-term DNR • He developed the innovative, so- effort Alistair is working on with Year — Tight Lines Fly employees focusing on trout habitat lar-powered, PIT-tag technology other CWTU members called the Fishing Co. work. Most of the pay for these em- being used on Whittlesey Creek Central Sand Hills Restoration Ini- We have a brand new award this ployees would come from northeast to better understanding coaster tiative. If that proposal takes off, year. We want to recognize the busi- region TU chapters. movement between tributaries Central Wisconsin streams will get nesses that have been supportive of George supported the idea and and Lake Superior. some major habitat improvement the State Council. Our first winner became the force behind the imple- • He has authored or co-authored attention in coming years. in this category is Tight Lines Fly mentation of the concept. His ef- many papers and reports that forts and support are the main Special Appreciation Fishing Co. in De Pere and its own- have expanded our understand- Award — Fairmount er, Tim Landwehr. reason the program became a reali- ing of coaster brook trout. ty. Minerals Co. Tight Lines has been a generous Henry will say that he doesn’t This summer the program enters supplier of high-quality items for We have a final appreciation its third year. Already several miles have all the answers for what it will the State Council banquet for the award today for a company that has of trout water have been improved. take to ensure coaster brook trout past 10 years. Former banquet chair become an extraordinary partner on George is very deserving of recogni- rebound for future generations. But Dan Holland says he didn’t even a major restoration effort on Pine tion for his efforts to join with Trout Henry’s dedication, commitment, have to ask Tim for a contribution Creek in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. Unlimited in this unique partner- and professionalism will surely help most years. Tim simply asked, It all began when Al Nelson of the ship. others figure out the answers. “What do you need for the ban- Wisconsin Sand Division of Fair- quet?” Resource Professional Special Appreciation mount Minerals contacted Andy In addition to helping with State Award — Henry Quinlan Award — Alistair Stewart Lamberson in 2007. Fairmount op- Council banquets, Tim organized Our second Resource Profes- We have a Special Appreciation erates a silica sand mine just a cou- and sponsored a movie night in De sional Award goes to Henry Quin- Award this year for Alistair Stewart. ple miles away from the Pine Creek Pere. The proceeds of this movie lan. Henry has been a fisheries Although Alistair lives in Chicago, project. Al was looking for a way for night were used to fund a part-time biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wild- his heart is in the Central Sands ar- his employees to fulfill their corpo- DNR person to work on trout life Service in Ashland since 1996. ea. As a member of the Central Wis- rate objective of 40 hours of paid streams in central Wisconsin. This As a “fed,” Henry doesn’t have the consin Chapter, Alistair is being volunteer time per employee per was truly beyond any expectations, management authority of his state recognized for his recent efforts to year. The Pine Creek project was li- and it demonstrated the magnitude counterparts. So to conserve, pro- raise funds and generate enthusiasm Continued on p. 14

RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL AND APPRECIATION AWARD WINNERS Resource Professional Awards were given to George Boronow of the WDNR Receiving Appreciation Awards were Michele Maxson representing Fairmount (bottom left) and to Henry Quinlan of the US Fish & Wildlife Service (top left). Minerals Co. (top right) and Alistair Stewart of CWTU (bottom right). April 2011 Wisconsin Trout Page 9

No major trout-related items COUNTY MEETING LOCATIONS at ‘11 Spring Hearings 2011 DNR Spring Hearings There are no major trout-related items up for a vote at the annual WD- and Wisconsin Conservation Congress NR Spring Hearings and Conservation Congress meetings to be held April 11 at locations across the state. Monday, April 11 TU members attending the Spring Hearings may want to bring a copy of 7:00 p.m. at All Locations the recently developed Resource Management Guiding Principles (see be- Adams Adams County Courthouse, County Board Room A230, 402 Main low) to accurately present Wisconsin Trout Unlimited’s position on trout Street, Friendship, WI Ashland Ashland Senior High School, 1900 Beaser, Ashland, WI management. These principles were approved at the Feb. 5 State Council an- Barron Old Barron County Courthouse, Lower Level Auditorium, 330 E. La- nual meeting. They were developed by the council’s Resource Management Salle Ave., Barron, WI Committee to summarize Wisconsin TU’s position on trout management Bayfield Drummond High School Auditorium, 52440 Eastern Ave., Drum- mond, WI and regulations in advance of the WDNR’s 10-year review of the state’s trout Brown Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (SC132), 2740 W. Mason St., regulations. Green Bay, WI (Note that the principles do not advocate catch-and-release fishing, a Buffalo Alma High School Gymnasium, S1618 STH 35, Alma, WI Burnett Burnett County Government Center, Room 165, 7410 County Road K, common misconception about TU). Siren, WI Calumet Calumet County Courthouse, Rm. B025, 206 Court Street, Chilton Chippewa Chippewa Falls Middle School Auditorium, 750 Tropicana Blvd., Chippewa Falls, WI Clark Greenwood High School Cafeteria, 306 W. Central Ave., Greenwood, WI Trout Resource Management Columbia Wayne E. Bartels Middle School, 2505 New Pinery Rd., Portage, WI Crawford Crawford Co. Courthouse, Room 200, 220 N. Beaumont Rd., Prairie du Chien, WI Guiding Principles Dane Schwan Performing Arts Center, Monona Grove High School, 4400 Monona Dr., Monona, WI Dodge Horicon City Hall, 404 E. Lake St., Horicon, WI Wisconsin State Council of Trout Unlimited Door Sturgeon Bay High School Auditorium, 1230 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, Adopted February 5, 2011 WI Douglas Solon Springs High School, 8993 E. Baldwin Ave., Solon Springs, WI Trout Unlimited is a national organization of conservationists and Dunn Dunn County Fish and Game Club, 1900 Pioneer Ave., Menomonie, WI trout anglers dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring Eau Claire South Middle School Auditorium, 2115 Mitscher Ave., Eau Claire, North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. The Wis- WI Florence Florence Natural Resource Center, 5631 Forestry Dr., Florence, WI consin Council of Trout Unlimited supports this mission at local and Fond du Lac Theisen Middle School, 525 E Pioneer Rd., Fond du Lac, Wiscon- state levels through dedicated volunteers with a network of 21 chap- sin ters and over 4,300 members. The Wisconsin State Council of Trout Forest Crandon High School Auditorium, 9750 US HWY 8 West, Crandon, WI Grant Lancaster High School, Hillary Auditorium, 806 East Elm St., Lancaster, Unlimited is concerned about the future of the coldwater resources WI of the state. Green Monroe Middle School, 1510 13th Avenue, Monroe, WI Green Lake Green Lake High School, Small Gym, 612 Mill St., Green Lake, Wisconsin Coldwater Resources WI Wisconsin is blessed with an abundance and variety of coldwater re- Iowa Dodgeville High School Gymnasium, 912 Chapel Street, Dodgeville, WI Iron Iron County Courthouse, 300 Taconite Street, Hurley, WI sources influenced by the diverse geology and a climate that chang- Jackson Black River Falls Middle School, LGI Room, 1202 Pierce Street, Black es from south to north, and east to west. There are smaller, more River Falls, WI fertile farmland streams in the south, while the north has less fertile Jefferson Jefferson County Fair Park Activity Center, 503 N. Jackson, Jeffer- son, WI forested streams and rivers that support trout. The coldwater re- Juneau Olson Middle School Auditorium, 508 Grayside Avenue, Mauston, WI source includes 2,900 trout streams, hundreds of spring ponds (the Kenosha Bristol Elementary School, 20121 83rd Street, Bristol, WI highest concentration in the world), many inland lakes, and two Kewaunee Kewaunee High School Auditorium, 911 Third Street, Kewaunee, WI Great Lakes that support trout fishing. There are over 10,000 miles of La Crosse Onalaska High School, 700 Hilltopper Place, Onalaska, WI trout streams found in 68 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, with 35 of Lafayette Darlington High School Auditorium, 11838 Center Hill Road, Dar- these counties each having over 100 miles within their borders. Fif- lington, WI Langlade Antigo High School, Volm Theater, 1900 10th Ave., Antigo, WI teen counties located along Lakes Michigan and Superior provide Lincoln Tomahawk Elementary School, 1048 East King Road, Tomahawk, WI for coldwater angling opportunities on their numerous tributaries. Manitowoc UW-Manitowoc Theatre/Auditorium, 705 Viebahn Street, Manito- Because of this diversity, one uniform fishing regulation or manage- woc, WI Marathon D.C. Everest Middle School Auditorium, 9302 Schofield Avenue, ment action would not be effective across the entire state. Schofield, WI Users and Their Economic Impact Marinette Crivitz High School Auditorium, 400 South Avenue, Crivitz, WI Marquette Montello High School Community Room, 222 Forest Lane, Montel- Trout fishing in Wisconsin has a multi-billion dollar impact to the lo, WI economy of the state and supports thousands of small business Menominee Menominee County Courthouse Basement, Courthouse Lane, Keshena, WI jobs at gas stations, convenience stores, motels, restaurants, sport Milwaukee Nathan Hale High School, 11601 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis, WI shops, and clothing and souvenir stores. Wisconsin is the second Monroe Tomah Senior High School, Cafeteria, 901 Lincoln Ave., Tomah, WI most popular fishing destination in the country, trailing only Florida Oconto Suring High School, Cafeteria, 411 E Algoma St., Suring, WI Oneida James Williams Middle School, Auditorium, 915 Acacia Lane, Rhine- in non-resident fishing license sales. A 2009 study of trout anglers lander, WI revealed that trout anglers travel from all 50 states to fish trout in the Outagamie Riverview Middle School Auditorium, 101 Oak St., Kaukauna, WI Driftless Area, which includes much of southwest Wisconsin. The Ozaukee Webster Middle School Commons, W75 N624 Wauwatosa Road, Ce- darburg, WI annual economic impact from these anglers is 1.1 billion dollars Pepin Pepin County Government Center, County Board Room, 740 7th Ave. (“Economic Impact of Recreational Trout Angling in the Driftless Ar- West, Durand, WI Pierce Ellsworth Senior High School Auditorium, 323 Hillcrest, Ellsworth, WI ea” http://www.tu.org/driftless). Statewide, approximately 194,000 Polk Unity High School, 1908 150th St. Hwy 46, Balsam Lake, WI inland and 175,000 Great Lakes trout anglers annually purchase Portage Ben Franklin Junior High School Auditorium, 2000 Polk St., Stevens stamps which generate 3.6 million dollars ear-marked for specific Point, WI Price Price County Courthouse Board Room, 126 Cherry St., Phillips, WI management actions of Wisconsin’s coldwater resources. In addi- Racine Union Grove High School Performance Center, 3433 S. Colony Ave., tion to trout stamps, anglers support the entire coldwater program Union Grove, WI through user fees such as fishing licenses and a sporting goods tax, Richland Richland County Courthouse, Courtroom, 181 West Seminary, Rich- land Center, WI not by general tax payer funds. Rock Pontiac Convention Center, 2809 N Pontiac Dr., Janesville, WI We Want Good Fishing Made Even Better Rusk Ladysmith High School Auditorium, 1700 E. Edgewood Ave., Ladysmith, WI Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources’ trout management Saint Croix St Croix Central High School Commons, 1751 Broadway St., Ham- program has been a national leader for over 50 years, and the Wis- mond, WI consin Council of Trout Unlimited is committed to see that Wisconsin Sauk UW Baraboo Sauk County, Lecture Hall A4, 1006 Connie Road, Bara- boo, WI continues to build upon that heritage by following these guiding Sawyer Hayward High School Auditorium, 10320 Greenwood Lane, Hayward principles: Shawano Shawano Middle School, LGI Room, 1050 S. Union St., Shawano, WI Sheboygan Sheboygan Falls High School Auditorium, 220 Amherst Ave., She- • Continue to manage first for native and wild trout. boygan Falls, WI Taylor Fair Grounds, Multi purpose building, Hwy 64/ Hwy 13, Medford, WI • Continue the practice of science-based trout management. Trempealeau Whitehall City Center, 36245 Park St., Whitehall, WI • Support opportunities to harvest trout by a variety of fishing Vernon Viroqua High School Commons, 100 Blackhawk Drive, Viroqua, WI Vilas St. Germain Elementary School, 8234 Hwy 70 West, Saint Germain, WI methods which are well-matched to the potential size and car- Walworth Delavan-Darien High School, 150 Cummings St., Delavan, WI rying capacity of individual coldwater resources. Washburn Spooner Agricultural Research Station, W6646 Hwy 70, Spooner Washington Washington County Fair Park, 3000 Cty Hwy PV, West Bend, WI • Support a variety of opportunities to fish over populations of Waukesha Waukesha Co. Tech. College, Richard Anderson Ed. Center, 800 trout whose size potential is not adversely affected by harvest. Main Street, Pewaukee, WI Waupaca Waupaca High School Auditorium, E 2325 King Rd., Waupaca, WI • Support the simplification of trout regulations when reasonable Waushara Waushara County Court House, 2nd Floor Old Court Rm., 209 S. St. and consistent with these principles. Marie St., Wautoma, WI Winnebago Webster Stanley Middle School Auditorium, 915 Hazel Street, Osh- • Support educational opportunities concerning trout regula- kosh, WI tions and management. Wood Pittsville High School Auditorium, 5459 Elementary Avenue, Pittsville, WI Page 10 Wisconsin Trout April 2011 Chapter News

instructors Todd Franklin, Jerry In early March we received addi- Gorman, and I did a great job lead- tional big news on Bear Creek. Our ing the students through the fine art WHIP contract proposal was fully of winding hackle and dubbing bod- funded at just over $48,000! Tony ies. I am already looking forward to Pillow of NRCS in Baraboo went next year’s classes. the extra two miles writing up the On January 18 we held a meeting contract proposal, really digging for in Baraboo to discuss our Bear every point possible in the scoring Creek habitat improvement project. criteria. It paid off. Thank you, To- We brought together all the various ny! parties to the project — the land- Brent Bergstrom of Sauk County owner, the DNR, Sauk County Land Land Conservation Department se- Conservation Department, Sauk cured $10,000 in county funds for County Zoning Department, NRCS, the project, and Dan Fuller from UW Extension, and our contractor, DNR secured $16,000 in trout stamp Holtz Lime and Gravel. The pur- money. All told, including chapter pose was to review all facets of the funds, we now have about $103,000 project, determine potential road- of the $131,000 we need to complete blocks and how to remove them, dis- the project. We hope to fill the re- cuss funding and work scheduling, maining fund gap in the next few and any other issues that might months. arise. The meeting was a great suc- Our first Bear Creek lunker- cess, with many questions answered building day will be June 11. We will and issues resolved. The coopera- be partnering with SEWTU on ALDO LEOPOLD FLY TYING tion we are receiving from all of building the 44 lunkers needed for Instructor Jerry Gorman (left) shows Curt Deboer a few tricks during a recent these entities and people is phe- the project. Aldo Leopold fly tying event at the Beaver Dam Community Library. nomenal, and we really couldn’t suc- We are also having a workday ceed without all the help we are April 22 on Dell Creek in Sauk receiving. County. If you are interested in join- We received big funding news on ing us, contact Todd Franklin, work- Aldo Leopold Chapter our Bear Creek project in February. day chair, at (608) 516-3647. After a very competitive review pro- Our chapter fund-raising picnic At our January chapter elections you, Tim, for stepping forward to cess, our project received $8,000 will be held June 22 at 5 p.m. at there were two changes to the help the chapter. The other board from the Trout Unlimited Embrace- Habermann Park in Lodi. Many re- board. First, after years of service, members and officers remain the a-Stream program! Grant writer ally great prizes await those who at- Cody Doucette stepped down from same. Tom Gawle penned a truly award- tend. The grand prize is a Sage VT2 the board. Many thanks to Cody for We just finished our fly tying winning application, and our Bear 4wt rod with reel and line worth all of his help and efforts over the class at the Beaver Dam Community Creek project team did a great job over $600. Join us for great food and years. The other change is that Tim Library. A great group of students critiquing and refining the applica- great company. Hood has joined the board. Thank helped make the class a success, and tion. It is truly gratifying to receive —Mike Barniskis this vote of support from TU Na- tional. Antigo Chapter

Well, here we go. It’s March and for the coming summer projects. the forecast is for more snow. In NE These projects include funding for Wisconsin we can still use the water, beaver control in the Nicolet Na- but we’re looking forward to spring. tional Forest, fuel cost for the DNR A couple of Antigo TU members dredge that will be working on Car- and I had the pleasure of attending bone Springs this summer, our por- the State Council banquet in Febru- tion of the two-man summer work ary. A great time was had by all, and crew in NE Wisconsin, and some it sounds like the event was a big new equipment for our area DNR success. personnel. Like other TU chapters, we are We are also looking at the first in the mist of getting ready for our Saturday in June to hold our Kids annual banquet. Our banquet will Fishing Day. It’s always a fun day be held on Sat., March 26 at the for us and the kids. I’ll let you know Knights of Columbus Hall in Anti- if a special dream comes true for the go. We’re looking forward to a great did’s day. banquet this year. Of interest, we Finally we’re also looking at a will be raffling a three-animal South project on the outlet stream at Trout Africa hunting trip to the lucky win- Springs in southern Langlade ner. County. We hope to have a great banquet —Scott Henricks to help fund the $7,400 in pledges Central Wisconsin Chapter

CWTU approved a chapter con- The chapter donated $500 worth centrated animal feeding operation of books and DVDs about fly fishing (CAFO) position at the January to the Winnefox Library System. board meeting. This position paper This is the second year that we have was distributed for feedback at the done this under the leadership of February 5 State Council meeting. John Gremmer. Project Healing Waters fly tying The chapter was well represent- classes resumed in January after ed at the State Council Banquet taking a break for the holiday where we were awarded the Silver months. Contact John Tucker for Trout Award for best chapter. Bob details. Haase received the Gold Trout Once again, Ira Giese organized Award, and Alistair Stewart re- and led the Master Fly Tying classes ceived a Special Appreciation for five sessions in January and Feb- Award. David Seligman was the MC ruary. Each evening a guest expert and auctioneer. Scott Grady presented his favorite flies. As usu- brought our very nice chapter dis- al, the classes were filled to capacity. play that he built for the occasion. Programs Chair Bob Smaglik ar- TroutFest ‘11 was February 26 at ranged a program about caddis flies the Fin ‘N Feather restaurant in that was presented immediately fol- Winneconne. There were 10 semi- lowing the January board meeting. nars, 20 fly tying demonstrators, As with last year’s Night of the Hex youth fly tying, raffles, rummage presentation, the attendance was sales, and numerous displays. Once very good despite bad weather. again it was a very successful all-day April 2011 Wisconsin Trout Page 11 Chapter News event. Contact Bob Smaglik for conne. Contact John Gremmer or more information about this annual Jim Murphy for more details. event. Following the May 17 board The March 21 board meeting at meeting will be a program about our the Fin ‘N Feather was followed by a stream workday plans. Linn Beck is presentation about invasive species. stream workdays chair. Laura McFarland of the River Alli- The CWTU’s 35th Annual Fly ance was the presenter. Fishing School will be June 3-5 at Here are some upcoming events Camp LuWiSoMo near Wild Rose. Our annual Casting Clinic will Dan Harmon III is the school direc- be April 18 at Marble Park in Win- tor. neconne. This is an excellent oppor- We invite everyone to visit our tunity to learn casting or improve website at www.cwtu.org for infor- your techniques. Casting Clinic Di- mation about all our activities, fly rector is Russ Bouck. patterns, and personal contact infor- This year’s first River Keepers mation. organization meeting will be April —John Tucker 19 at the Fin ‘N Feather in Winne- Coulee Region Chapter

Things are beginning to thaw in If you are interested in partici- the Coulee Region, and by the time pating in this new event, have ideas, this update reaches you, we will be or would like to volunteer at the knee deep in the early trout season. event, please see our website at Now is the time to start planning to cooncreektroutfest.com and con- attend the first annual Coon Creek tact me directly via e-mail at John Vollrath Trout Fest set for July 23 in Coon [email protected]. IT WON’T BITE ME, WILL IT? Valley! Things are heating up for the Our chapter has been quite busy Youngster Harrison Boggs holds a fly made by Wyatt Bohm during the Frank event, with national sponsors such during these months away from the Hornberg family fly tying workshop at the Portage County Public Library in as Winston and Simms and new water, too. In January we teamed up booths from the Custom Rods with Viterbo University to screen Stevens Point on Feb. 19. Builders Guild and Broken Line the film Red Gold which explores the Art. Of course, there is always the battle over a proposed gigantic pit Habitat Days and at monthly pro- of the country. Enjoy the beauty of rumor of a few hungry fish in the ar- mine in the Bristol Bay region of grams. God’s streams, creeks, and lakes, ea! After a day of trout, fly fishing, Alaska. Jeff Skrede and Curt Olson This winter has been a long one, and as our late chapter president food, and fun, pull up a chair, grab a are both residents of the Bristol Bay and many of us are looking forward Tony Treml would close his columns, beverage, and listen to the sounds of area and were also in attendance to to some early season fishing, plan- “We’ll see you on a trout stream.” live music into the night! give a first-had account of what this ning for the regular season, and pos- —Rich Erickson We are currently contacting com- mine could do to harm the rich bio- sibly organizing trips to other parts panies and individuals who may be logical resources found there. interested in joining as a sponsor, Our chapter’s annual banquet Frank Hornberg Chapter having booth space, or helping out was held February 25, and we had a at the event. We recently received big turnout, delicious food, fabulous The Frank Hornberg Chapter people watching. We thank, in par- word that the WI Department of prizes, and lots of talk about the up- had three very successful general ticular, chapter members Brian Tourism has awarded us a grant for coming season. Former CRTU Pres- meetings during the winter season. Clancey of the Stone Lion in Custer event advertising, allowing us to ex- ident Rick Kyte was our keynote On January 13 Daniel Boggs and Gene Schulfer of Shooters Sup- pand the reach of our campaign and speaker, and he told some great sto- spoke on fly fishing in Argentina. per Club in Plover for making their capture additional interest. This will ries about fishing, camaraderie, and Dan gave an attractive presentation facilities available for the two eve- be an incredible event to promote family. of what a prospective fly fisher can ning workshops in January and both TU and environmental- and —Eric Rauch expect in Argentine waters. March. The Portage County Public outdoor-focused companies. Tim Landwehr, owner of Tight Library in Stevens Point was the lo- Lines Fly Fishing Company in De cation for the daytime family work- Fox Valley Chapter Pere, spoke on Feb. 10. His topic shop in February. was fly fishing for trophy small- Our first work event of the year The winter months have been a Angler rod/reel combination that mouth bass. Members of the audi- was on Saturday, March 5. Twenty busy time for the Fox Valley Chap- was donated by John Nebel. ence were impressed with the bass chapter members and students from ter. Our chapter fundraiser, Cabin pictures and videos, especially the the Fisheries Society at UW-Stevens Our January chapter meeting in Fever Day, was held on March 19 at underwater video of a bass catching Point assembled in-stream struc- recent years has been a presentation Waverly Beach on Lake Winneba- a crayfish. tures. The event was organized by by one of the instructor chefs and go. The guest presenters for the day Brian Porter had the main pre- WDNR fisheries technician Jason several students in the Culinary included Charlie Chlysta, Bill Sher- sentation at the final general meet- Spaeth. The structures will be Arts program at Fox Valley Techni- er, Tim Landwehr, Jim Oates, Jerry ing on March 10. Brian is from placed in the Tomorrow River as cal College. This year the students Darkes, and Tom Young. The bucket Musky Country Outfitters, a com- part of a USDA/WDNR rehabilita- in Chef John’s Apprentice Chef Pro- raffles, silent auctions, fly tyers, pany known for their fully outfitted tion project bordering the Chuck gram presented a very informative DNR booths, tackle reps, guides, fly fishing float trips for musky, Egle property downstream of Am- program detailing the preparation and suppliers made the event a suc- smallmouth bass, northern pike, herst. An assembly line made the of Southern Fried Trout, Smoked cessful fundraiser for our chapter. trout, and walleye in and around work go faster, and all participants Trout Chowder, and a great Cajun In the evening we had a supper Hayward. enjoyed a lunch of hamburgers, Tartar Sauce. All of that was topped event that included a presentation At this final meeting the chapter beans, potato chips, and soft drinks. off with an Apple Cherry Crisp. Ev- by Bob White. Scott Grady built and also had a raffle in which the grand The Hornberg Chapter’s 2011 eryone in attendance was again im- donated a beautiful cane rod that prize was a Musky Country Outfit- Fly Fishing School will be on the pressed with the thorough we were able to use as the main ters guided trip. Our thanks to all weekend of May 20-22. This popu- presentations and the ability of the fundraiser for the day. The cane rod three of our speakers — Dan, Tim lar weekend event includes person- students to answer our questions. raffle was very successful, and the and Brian — for entertaining us and alized instruction, food, and We are now planning for the third profits will be used for many of the expanding our knowledge of fly fish- lodging, all for a very reasonable Thursday of January in 2012 for an- chapter programs. ing. All three are fishing guides price. Information and an applica- other program at FVTC. Our chapter has a number of right here in Wisconsin, and we tion blank are available on our web- Our February meeting was the stream work projects planned start- highly recommend their services. site at www.hornbergtu.org. Click annual “Funnite” event that was ing in April and running through The chapter also had three fly ty- on “Fly Fishing Workshop.” held at Sabre Lanes. The main pur- next fall. Jim Hlaban has arranged ing workshops. All of them were —John Vollrath pose of the evening event is to intro- for additional opportunities for our well attended by people tying and duce people, in particular chapter to work with a group of youngsters, to the activity of fishing young people from Rawhide’s Green Bay Chapter and to TU. John Nebel and Lynn About Face Program again this year. Ann Sauby organize fly tyers for We will also try a couple of mid- The Green Bay Chapter, having restoration. We have also designat- demonstrations and another group week Habitat Evenings this sum- planned and executed another very ed funds to go to the DNR for habi- of tyers to work with kids in a “Tying mer in an attempt to have chapter successful fund-raising banquet, is tat improvement and the hiring of Corral.” The children had an oppor- members who cannot meet on now planning the most effective us- LTEs to perform in-stream work. tunity to tie their own fly, learn a bit weekends take part in the stream es for these funds on behalf of our Additionally, Work Project Chair about the environment, and just had projects. Please check our website at coldwater resources. Lee Meyers is planning an ambitious a good time with mom and dad on a www.foxvalleytu.org for information Toward this end, we have com- summer work project schedule. winter evening. One young man, dealing with times and locations. mitted money for the US Forest Ser- Noah Krueger, won the Scientific Please consider joining us on these vice for beaver control and habitat Continued on p. 12 Page 12 Wisconsin Trout April 2011 Chapter News

Continued from p. 11 partnering with the Oconto River provement. The in-depth analytical prove with the stream work. We are planning more work on our and Marinette chapters in working stream work done by board member Chapter members Tom Hender- educational trout stream project at on these streams. Kent Johnson was vital to this work, son, Greg Meyer, and Kyle Amund- the Brown County Reforestation Finally, we are funding sponsor- and it is a real testament to his sci- son were slated to attend Camp and streams such as the 1st ships for students to attend conser- entific prowess. Kent will be leaving TUDARE’s Stream Restoration South Branch of the Oconto and vation camps, teaching fly casting to the board this month, and I want to Workshop in Westby. I am truly Round Creek. various groups, and staging our pop- thank him personally for his involve- looking forward to this, and I hope We will also join the US Forest ular Kid’s Fishing Day at the Izaak ment. I know of no one who has do- to meet many new faces there. Service for a day’s work on a stream Walton League Pond in Green Bay. ne more work in the field for Kiap- Our strategic planning commit- in the Laona district. We will be —Gary Stoychoff TU-Wish than him. Thanks, Kent. tee, led by Duke Welter, has drafted The Tom Helgeson Midwest Fly- a plan that Kiap hopes to ultimately Harry & Laura Nohr Chapter fishing Expo will be held April 1-3 model its goals after. The outline in Blaine, MN at the National was very detailed and comprehen- Sports Center. I hope TUers from sive. Great job! This year’s annual meeting was prizes, raffles, and fun. Dinner tick- around the state can make it up to Our Rush River Cleanup will be March 27 at the Stonefield Apart- ets are $30 for adults and $15 for the Twin Cities. held April 23. It will once again will ments Dodgeville Gordon in . Special guests those under 18. Contact The chapter is looking to possi- be coordinated by Sarah Sanford. at the meeting will be UW-Platte- Grieshaber at (608) 987-2190 for bly perform work on a semi-urban This year will certainly be a chal- ville interns who will be presenting tickets or questions. tributary to the Kinnickinnic River lenge after the deluge we received an update on the progress of their Our planned 2011 stream proj- called Rocky Branch. The feeder at the end of last summer. Sarah has work. This meeting is always an en- ects include about 1.3 miles of Six creek is very overgrown and runs warned us to expect anything and Mile Branch joyable time to catch up with old and possibly some mostly through a city park ravine. everything in the river this year. friends and meet new ones. work on Big Spring. Six Mile There is currently a decent trout —Kyle Amundson Our 2011 annual banquet is Fri- Branch runs into the Blue River. Big population which would only im- day, May 6 at the Dodger Bowl in Spring runs into Six Mile Branch. Dodgeville. Doors opens at 6 and Both streams are a few miles WNW dinner will be at 7. Our grand raffle of Highland. Marinette County Chapter prize is a $500 Cabela’s gift certifi- —Brian Larson cate. Expect lots of family-oriented The Marinette County Chapter Our annual banquet will be April concluded its annual four-week 25 at Schussler’s in Peshtigo. Infor- Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter trout fishing educational program mation and tickets may be obtained on March 8. The classes were con- from Dale Lange at dhlange@cen- It is on a sad note that I report The chapter spent a day burning ducted by Dale Lange with help turytel.net or (715) 582-1135. one of our founding members, Rog- brush on Parker Creek with the from Doug Erdmann and other Following our February meeting, er Fairbanks, passed away on Feb- DNR as we get set to do some chapter members. Basic trout habi- member Doug Erdmann presented ruary 23. Roger held the Kiap stream work on Parker. Tom Hen- tat and feeding information was a program on the Driftless Area in executive secretary position and was derson provided a wonderful lunch provided, along with a session on Wisconsin. recognized by TU National for his of chili, hot dogs, and hot cider. basic fly tying. The final session in- The March meeting featured conservation efforts. He was also a We are also gearing up to finalize volved basic fly casting at the Mari- Chef Bernie Meintz of Schussler’s very active community member in our Pine Creek project, which has nette Civic Center tennis dome. who discussed proper cleaning, Hudson for many years. The com- yielded tremendous results in trout Attendance averaged 25 people. preparation, and cooking of various munity will surely miss him. populations due to the habitat im- At the February meeting, our re- fishes. vised chapter bylaws were approved —Steve Wilke and plans for the upcoming fund- raising banquet were discussed. Northwoods Chapter

Our 37th Annual Banquet will Thank you Paul Tornow and Lee be April 16 at Rhinelander’s Holi- Kuepper from Alaska’s Angling Ad- day Acres Resort. Call Brian Hegge diction for coming to speak after for tickets at (715) 482-2898 or visit our February meeting. It was great Mel’s Trading Post in Rhinelander. fun! —Hannah Hansen Oconto River Chapter

The Oconto River Chapter con- provide chilled aquariums and fer- tinues working on trout habitat, tile trout eggs for their biology class- classroom teaching, and our magnif- es to raise. We do classroom talks icent obsession with larger brook on: trout. Our banquets have recovered • he nature of a trout stream, to the reasonable range from the • trout spring ponds, and decline of recent years. • searching for bigger brook trout. We do collaborative stream proj- If you can use a PowerPoint with ects with several chapters: a note sheet, let us know. mer SumSpringt isRoss here. Gunnison Bluewing the First South Branch of the We had a biologist from Shawa- isTrou Oconto, Main South Br. Oconto, no, Chip Long from the Peshtigo W OlivesIAL areReel hatching Special and and McCaslin Brook with Green DNR, and Tom Moris of the Laona SPEC Bay TU, Fish and Wildlife office of the Nico- the Evergreen and Nine Mile let National Forest pay us a visit. steelheadG2 Was $220 are running. Now $189.99 Creek with Wolf River TU, and They discussed their experiences Sparta Creek with Fox Valley and suggested areas where we might TimeG4 toW assee $245 us, Now gear $199.99 up, TU. want to help their work. We recently Offer good while supplies last We got into this way of doing secured the first stream easement and go fishing! things when habitat projects and for Shawano County, where ease- permits were scarce because of ments have been hard to get. shifting government oversight per- We will be recruiting volunteers ORDER OVER THE WEB OR TOLL FREE (800) 257-7666 sonnel, and it has worked well for to do a creel census the opening LOCAL GUIDE SERVICE AVAILABLE us. We get more done working with weekend and later on at McGee bigger crews, get exposed to more Lake in Langlade County this May. streams, and enjoy the company. We will be on the net with other Visit our web site for our fishing report: We have working arrangements chapters on this. www.FontanaSports.com with the Oconto, Oconto Falls, Anti- —Bob Obma go, Lena, and Gillett schools. We Shaw-Paca Chapter Visit251 ourState west Street side fly fishingMadison, department: WI 231(608) Junction 257-5043 Road The only trout fishing going on me a check for $30 to PO Box 446, Madison,(800) 257-7666 WI up here as of early March will be ice Marion, WI 54950 if you want to at- www.FontanaSports.com fishing. At this time we are prepar- tend. (608) 833-9191 ing for our annual banquet at the We are sponsoring a Coldwater “Next to Target” Northwinds Hall in Marion on Research Grant for two UW-Ste- April 7. Tickets are available. Send vens Point students — Ben Kissing- April 2011 Wisconsin Trout Page 13 Chapter News er of Mosinee and Mitchell Olds of two high school students to the Cen- Kimberly. Ben is majoring in fisher- tral Wisconsin Environmental Sta- ies and Mitchell is studying water- tion for the Careers in Natural shed management. Resources or Becoming an Outdoor We have finished our annual fly Leader camps. tying class under the direction of We are also going to offer a chapter member and master tyer sponsorship to the Timbertop Camp Jerry Weatherwax. Attendance at Glacier Hollow for students with ranged from 10-15 students weekly. learning disabilities. We are offering sponsorships for —Lee Kersten Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter

SEWTU’s February meeting fea- back to the Southern District of the tured Erik Helm, fishing supervisor Kettle Moraine where we’ll work from Milwaukee’s Orvis Store. He with the DNR installing biologs at talked about Milwaukee-area Scuppernong Creek. As most know, streams’ migratory fish runs, notably this is a great continuing project for steelhead, salmon, and brown which has created nearly half a mile trout. Given our chapter’s location, of newly fishable brook trout water. this talk was very well received, and Stop on out and be a part of this it appears that a few more anglers great project. will be out on the water this spring On June 11 SEWTU will lend aid armed with superior knowledge to the Aldo Leopold Chapter and about how to catch chromers. SEW- help build a significant number of TU’s January all-chapter meeting lunker structures for use at their featured Jim Pippel who spoke new Bear Creek project. We’ll sur- SEWTU RECEIVES EXTERNAL PARTNER AWARD FROM WDNR about constructing bamboo rods. round this workday with a fishing Wisconsin’s SEWTU Chapter and Illinois’ Gary Borger Chapter were awarded He gave a great PowerPoint pro- outing, so if you’d like to get out in WDNR External Partner Awards for their work on recent restoration projects on gram covering everything from bam- to the Driftless Area, help complete boo culm selection to guide a large-scale restoration project, Paradise Springs, the Scuppernong River, and Genesee Cr. in Waukesha wrapping. We thank Jim for driving and in general have a great time, County. Henry Koltz of SEWTU (at podium) thanked the WDNR for the award. up from Illinois to speak to us. mark this date down! As always, Our March meeting had Tim we’ll work from 9 to Noon. Landwehr of Tight Lines Fly Shop SEWTU also anticipates having Project Healing Waters program, them they would not have to do in De Pere present tips for catching workdays on July 16 and Aug. 20. Mike and his band of volunteers more at the event other than run monster smallmouth bass. Our The locations of these workdays is have now completed multiple fish- their select component of the event, March meeting also featured our still being firmed up. ing outings with VA Project Healing I want to say THANK YOU to all. raffle prize drawing from SEWTU’s On Sept.17 SEWTU will return Water attendees, one at Lakeshore You’ve always done more than booth at this year’s Milwaukee Jour- to Van Slyke Creek in Fontana for State Park and others local fishing asked, it’s incredible of you, and the nal Sentinel Sports Show. another workday. Van Slyke Creek ponds. If you have rods, vices, or ty- State Council is now better off fi- Our April 26 meeting will feature is the subject of long-running work- ing equipment that you’d be willing nancially as a result. You’ve left a Mat Wagner of the Driftless Angler day between SEWTU and the to donate for use at this or our other lasting mark, and my words won’t do Fly Shop in Viroqua. Mat has be- Blackhawk Chapter. youth-related events, please contact justice to the effort you put in. come something of a regular spring On our education front, we have Henry Koltz. Thank you again. speaker for SEWTU. This year he’s recently completed our regular On our membership front, SEW- This April I’ll be done as the discussing going big, going deep, yearly community fly tying series at TU held a special membership leader of this ragtag, motley crew. I and going heavy for big trout. This Cabela’s. This year’s classes ran event at Pat Ehler’s The Fly Fishers want to say thanks to all of SEWTU promises to be a great presentation, from January 19 to February 23 at in Greenfield on St. Patty’s Day. The and WITU’s members for a great full of information you won’t want the Richfield store location. Some event featured raffles, fly tying ride. The metrics are easy to recite. to miss. classes featured upwards of 20 par- demonstrations, and a donation to Over the past several years we’ve Also in April, SEWTU will have ticipants, and SEWTU thanks all of SEWTU for every sale made. won everything from Wisconsin its bi-annual elections, with a new our members who volunteered with Also on the membership front, Chapter of the Year (the Silver slate of officers being elected. If you the classes. SEWTU was named Cooperator of Trout) to TU National’s Chapter of would like to be a part of deciding Over the weekend of March 12, the Year for 2011 by the WDNR for the Year Award. Our chapter has who leads SEWTU heading for- SEWTU, manned its annual out- all of the work our members have been named as Heroes of Conserva- ward, this is a very important meet- reach and membership booth at the done supporting the DNR and its tion by Field & Stream magazine, ing to attend. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports projects at multiple locations across and now we’ve been named as Co- Finally, in our last meeting be- Show. Under the leadership of southern Wisconsin. The award pre- operator of the Year by the WDNR. fore our summer send-off, SEW- Chuck Beeler, SEWTU reached out sentation was made on March 2 in Our members have put in tens of TU’s May 24 meeting will feature to over 100,000 attendees at this Wisconsin Dells as part of the WD- thousands of volunteer hours at member travelogues. This was one event, spreading TU’s mission of NR’s annual fisheries meeting. workdays, education events, fund- of our best-received meetings last conserving, protecting, and restor- On our fund-raising front, SEW- raising events, and membership year and featured 10-minute Power- ing coldwater resources. TU volunteers ran this year’s State events. It’s been a complete honor Point presentations from our mem- We also ran our annual raffle at Council Banquet. The event was to serve as your leader. You deserve bers’ fishing adventures. Last year this event. All funds raised, as with very successful, raising over $17,000 every accolade you’ve received, and we covered the UP, Milwaukee’s all of our fundraising efforts, will go for the State Council. As the guy your actions are inspiring. Keep it tributaries, Utah, and northern right back in to our chapter’s activi- who pressed most of our members up. Milwaukee tributaries. Some of ties and projects. into service on this and ensured —Henry Koltz what was presented was even some- SEWTU’s next education event what true! If you would like to give a is our regular Youth Fishing Day Southern Wisconsin Chapter presentation, contact Henry Koltz event at Sandy Knoll Community to reserve your slot at Park in West Bend on April 16. SWTU hit the new year running sented awards to several very [email protected]. SEWTU will co-lead this event, with our fantastically enjoyable (and deserving individuals: On our workday front, the two which regularly sees hundreds of successful!) Icebreaker event. Our • Jim Kanvik — Service Volun- workdays planned over the winter children and parents get exposed to guest speakers, Jerry Hubka and teer, were both cancelled due to inclem- fishing and the outdoors. This is a Rick Takahashi, co-authored Mod- • Jim Gentry — Education Lead- ent weather. The work planned on very important event for us. Anyone ern Midges: Tying and Fishing the ership, Allenton and Scuppernong creeks interested in doing something truly World’s Most Effective Patterns. They • Topf Wells — Conservation, and will be rescheduled. Wisconsin good should mark down this date showcased great fishing advice and • Henry Haugley — Award of weather — gotta’ love it. and contact either Chris Weber or innovative fly tying techniques with Merit. We’ll host our annual Milwaukee Henry Koltz for more details. skill and humor. We are so very pleased and River Cleanup headed by chapter On our Project Healing Waters We were also very pleased to proud to have these fine conserva- stalwart John Knitter on Saturday, front, Coordinator Mike Kuhr is have Mat Wagner of the Driftless tionists making a difference in our April 16. This workday will be on joined by Al Dalfanso, Joe Valcoun, Angler speak on “Drag is Not Evil.” chapter and the region. the Menomonee River as part of our Herb Oechler, Jim Wierzba, John Everybody left with some new tech- Looking ahead, we are very ex- commitment to the Menomonee Knitter, Zoan Kulinski, and others niques or flies to tie! The event itself cited about our workday party on River concrete removal project that teaching fly tying classes as the Mil- raised nearly $8,000 for our coldwa- Saturday, April 30. Dennis Presser, is now funded and slated to com- waukee Veterans Administration. ter restoration and education ef- workday chair, is coordinating with mence this summer. We will meet Recently, our PHW crew has forts. other organizations on a large, coor- near Miller Park. For more details, shelved fly tying lessons and begun We also held our annual Nash dinated workday to make a differ- visit www.sewtu.org. As always, we’ll providing rod building instructions Williams Banquet, a lovely evening ence on a number of local streams. work from 9 a.m. to about Noon. as part of a national competition. of great food and warm camarade- On May 21 SEWTU will head With respect to our ongoing rie. At the banquet, our chapter pre- Continued on p. 14 Page 14 Wisconsin Trout April 2011 Chapter News

Continued from p. 13 There you’ll find all of our activities This will be a major event, and we and events, including details of our are looking for assistance from any- and events, including details of our one, anywhere. Please visit swtu.org Annual Casting Clinic set for April and check the latest newsletter or 16 at Salmo Pond located just off our chapter calendar for more infor- Hwy. 14 west of Cross Plains. This mation on what is happening and event is free and everyone is invited who you can contact for more infor- to come learn about casting, bugs, mation. We can use you! gear, reading the water, and more! Be sure to check out our online —Drew Kasel chapter calendar at www.swtu.org. Wild Rivers Chapter

The news from Wild Rivers for the project. Thanks to Shari country includes election results. In Eggleson and the group of area resi- a landslide, Dick Berge took the dents who have fought this project chapter presidency. Rolland Kiel is since 2008. The protection of the vice president, Jim Emerson is trea- wetlands and the potential harm to surer, and Dan Bloomquist is secre- the water quality were important tary. New board members include reasons for overturning the earlier Gary Burkhardt, Donovan Dums, decisions. While the fight to protect and Dan Bloomquist. the Pikes Creek watershed is expect- Most of the headlines here in ed to continue, many residents and NEW WILD RIVERS OFFICERS Wild Rivers country have to do with other Pikes Creek fans are savoring the progress, or lack thereof, of the this victory. New Wild Rivers Chapter President Dick Berge (center) poses with chapter two projects that seek to bring de- Our annual Fishing Expo & Auc- Secretary Dan Bloomquist (left) and new board member Donovan Dums. velopment and a threat to area trout tion will be held at the Northern streams. Bill Heart briefed the State Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ash- Council on the iron mining develop- land on April 9. The first auction Wisconsin River Valley Chapter ment proposed for the Penokee and was held way back in 2003. The in- Gogebic ranges in Ashland and Iron spiration for this event came from Another long, snowy winter is merous kids tie their first fly. A big counties. The Bad River Watershed the Southern Wisconsin Chapter. hopefully coming to an end. With it, thanks to Linda Lehman, John Association is working to keep in- The program will include presenta- the early C&R trout season has Meachen, Bob Pills, Mike Pierce, terested groups involved and in- tions by Damian Wilmot of the Fly opened, and the regular season just Gene Koshak, Doug Brown, and An- formed. The regulatory process, by Night Guide Service and Roger over a month away. But February nika Brown (my eight-year-old once begun, is expected to take 5-7 LaPenter. Damian is a member and was a busy month for our chapter. daughter) for participating at the years. However, some members has many years of experience guid- Our February meeting featured a booth. think that in the current political cli- ing on the Brule River. He will presentation by Lee Kuepper and February 27 found us at an ice mate, this process may be accelerat- speak on guiding and fishing the Paul Tornow from Alaska’s Angling fishing contest to support Cross- ed. north country. Addiction. You can visit their web- ways Camp. This event was held on While the chapter has not taken Roger has supported chapter ac- site at www.alaskasanglingaddic- Mission Lake in SE Marathon action on the issue, the fly-in resi- tivities throughout our history. He tion.com. They gave a very County. The event helped raise dential development known as Way- plans to speak on fishing Chequa- informative talk on the fishing in money for the facility. Thanks to point has been a major concern. megon Bay. Roger suggested that Alaska, particularly within the Ke- Linda Lehman, Henry Kanemoto, The proposal includes a 3,000-foot the chapter return to serving chili nai Peninsula. Besides the famous and John Meachen for helping at runway, 20 hangers, and 20-100 made with quality ingredients. Duke salmon and rainbow trout fishing, the event. Abut 50 people attended homes, all sited in the headwaters Welter has served as MC and auc- they showed photos of gigantic slob- the event. area of Pikes Creek in northern tioneer for most of the events, but bering northern pike, which was We are putting the final touches Bayfield County. Pikes Creek is a will not be available this year. His quite a surprise. They also provided on our 2011 Annual Banquet, which class I trout stream with lots of pub- services will be missed, and we are a solid understanding of the Pebble will be held at Memories Ballroom lic land. It is the site of the Les Voi- diligently searching for a replace- Mine issue that is so critical to not in Marathon on Sat., April 9. Tick- ght hatchery and one of the few ment. Thanks to Henry Haugley and just those who live in Alaska, but to ets are available by contacting Brian remaining quality estuaries on Lake Mark Maffitt for their annual trip all those who could be affected by Marnholz at [email protected]. Superior. On February 24, the Bay- north to help Wild Rivers with this this type of mining. Our monthly meetings are held field County Board of Adjustment event. On Feb. 18-20 we had a booth at the second Monday of each month overturned a conditional use permit —Chuck Campbell the first-ever Central Wisconsin at Gander Mountain in Mosinee. Sport Show held at the Patriot Cen- The business meetings start at 6 Wisconsin Clear Waters ter in Cedar Creek between Wausau p.m. and Mosinee. The event was well at- I hope you all had a good winter, We had hint of spring and then A Driftless Area camping/fish- tended, and we let the public know and good luck on the fishing season cruel Father Winter just slammed us ing trip is scheduled for May 20-22. what exactly TU is and what our ahead. Tight lines! back down under another foot of We recently submitted a grant chapter does. We also helped nu- —Doug Brown snow! By the time you read this I ex- proposal through the USFWS pect that many members of WITU which, if successful, could go a long Wolf River Chapter will have officially made a fishing ways toward funding a number of trip as part of the 2011 early trout local projects for the next two years. Wolf River Vice President Jim ing brats to raise money for the season. I know that mousies are not Instructors Jeff Bartynski and Waters died January 8 after a year- chapter, Jim was there every day. legal in the early season, but I’m not Tom Morgan wrapped up their an- long battle with cancer. Jim’s lead- He loved the Wolf River and re- sure about tip-ups. nual beginners fly tying class on ership was instrumental in the re-or- fused to acknowledge the percep- Our own John “Duke” Welter re- March 3. This was a six-week class ganization of the Wolf River tion of its decline as a sustainable ceived the WITU Resource Award of held at Gander Mountain in Eau Chapter. He also was a force in de- trout fishery. We will miss him Merit at this year’s Annual Banquet Claire. veloping our five-year-old Ninemile greatly, but his enthusiasm and de- in Stevens Point. Congratulations, Our fly fishing course at UW-Eau Creek Restoration Initiative. termination will never be forgotten. Duke! Claire is scheduled for April 4 and Whether it was trapping beavers, re- —Tim Waters We have a group of chapter April 6 this year. moving dams, planting trees, or sell- members heading out to the Big- Finally, our chapter’s annual horn River soon. Fund-raising Banquet will be April We will have members at Cotton- 14. Sponsor Chair Steve Josephson AWARDS: council honors 10 at event wood Camp from about March 27 is mailing out the sponsorship letter till April 2. Let us know if any other this week. Continued from p. 8 Since becoming involved on Pine WITUers are making the trip West —Tim Meyer erally in their back yard! Creek, Fairmount employees have around that time. According to Kiap-TU-Wish logged nearly 550 man-hours on the Chapter President Greg Dietl, project. In addition. the company “Fairmount made a huge contribu- recently donated $26,000 for the Consider Proper Release tion toward reaching our project purchase of rock to be used as rip- goals. We would not have complet- rap in the final phase of the pro- 1. Don’t play fish to exhaustion. Instead, use a landing net to bring fish under control before they’re played out. ed nearly the amount of bank resto- gram in 2011. This donation will be 2. Handle fish in the net. Grasp them across the back and head for ration, seeding, and mulching leveraged with donations from the firm but gentle control. Use the net fabric as your “glove.” 3. Turn fish belly up while removing hooks. This disorients fish mo- without them. In addition to hun- Kiap-TU-Wish, Twin Cities TU, and mentarily for easier, quicker handling. dreds of employee work hours, Fair- others. So join us now in recogniz- 4. Don’t remove swallowed hooks. Just cut the line...doing so saves two-thirds of deeply hooked trout. mount also provided much-needed ing Fairmount Minerals and their 5. Don’t keep fish out of the water more than 10-15 seconds. heavy equipment, water pumps, and many, many employees for adopting Fragile gills are damaged after that...especially in cold weather. other tools.” the Pine Creek project as their own. April 2011 Wisconsin Trout Page 15 WITU Looking Back

From the April 1971 WITU Newsletter... From the April 1981 WITU Quarterly Report...

From the April 1991 Wisconsin Trout... DNR Director feels outdated dams are harmful to Wisconsin

From the April 2001 Wisconsin Trout... Council creates new award From the April 2001 Wisconsin Trout... honoring late Jeff Carlson By John Welter well as a full roster of officers and TU trying to plug board members. The chapter re- Wisconsin Trout Unlimited hon- mains committed to coaster brook ored the late Jeff Carlson, president trout restoration efforts and habitat of the Wild Rivers Chapter and a work in other areas. gap from court’s dedicated trout conservationist, at the WITU’s annual meeting in Osh- Memorial award established kosh February 3. A Jeffrey Carlson Volunteer wetland ruling Carlson, 39, died at his parents’ Award has been created by the State Ashland home January 4, 2001, Council, to be awarded to a Wiscon- By Jeff Smith with Stu Grimstad within a week after being diagnosed sin TU volunteer who, following with cancer. Jeff’s example, has worked in a On January 9th, the US Supreme Court ruled that leadership role on a major habitat Coaster brook trout advocate or resource restoration project over the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) does not have Carlson spearheaded Wisconsin more than one year. permitting authority over wetlands that are not connect- TU’s coaster brook trout restoration A plaque recognizing Jeff’s con- initiative through a half-dozen years ed to navigable waters. tributions will be placed at Jeff’s of tireless work and led citizen ef- home on the White River near Ma- This means that isolated wetlands nationwide are forts to create the Whittlesey Creek son and dedicated the last week in currently unprotected. This, in turn, means that 30% of National Wildlife Refuge near Ash- June, 2001. Dates are tentative. land. Funding in Jeff’s name in the Wisconsin’s wetlands (over 1,500,000 acres) can current- Whittlesey Creek, located at the amount of $2,000 was also pledged ly be filled in and developed, completely unchecked. western end of Chequamegon Bay, by the council to the purchase of a These types of wetlands feed groundwater and serve is seen as a prime spawning site for key piece of coaster brook trout restored coaster populations in spawning habitat at the mouth of as habitat to a variety of wildlife. Lake Superior and its tributary the Gratiot River in the Kewaunee In response, the State Senate passed SB 37, which streams. Peninsula in Upper Michigan. Oth- Carlson worked tirelessly to pro- gives Wisconsin’s DNR the same authority the Corps er contributions are expected to be tect the Whittlesey Creek area from made toward habitat improvement previously had. The State Council’s Legislative Commit- a golf course and other develop- and other work on Wisconsin tee supports this bill (known as the “status quo bill”) ment, writing letters to newspapers streams where coasters can be re- and lawmakers and pushing for stored. and testified on its behalf before the Senate Environ- funds to create the refuge. Several hundred people turned mental Resources Committee. bhf The bill is not doing as well in the State Assembly. Political insiders have indicated that developers are ask- ing members of the Assembly to vote against or delay passage of the bill, thus allowing the development of previously protected wetlands. Page 16 Wisconsin Trout April 2011

Chapter president profiles Two energetic gals take the reins of chapters Linda Lehman is WI River Valley’s new face for the future By Doug Brown The next year Linda attended a fly fishing school offered by the Please meet Linda Lehman, Central WI Chapter. She also WRVTU’s newest president and on- bought her first fly rod from Tight ly the third president in the chapter’s Line Fly Shop in De Pere. With her history. Although this is an accom- new zest for fly fishing for trout, plishment in itself, the fact that Lin- Linda contacted Herb Hintze, the da has only been involved with TU founding president of WRVTU for since 2006 clearly reflects her dedi- some information on local streams cation to our trout resources. and to find some other women to Linda was born and raised in An- fish with. She met Herb and, with tigo. One of eight children, she was gazetteer in hand, ended up spend- introduced to fishing at age nine by ing the entire day tying flies with her grandmother. She fished on Herb. Spring Brook and Phlox Pond with a Linda joined our chapter in 2006 cane pole. Linda and her two young- by becoming a board member. And er brothers (and sometimes her now she is president. Mom) raised money as kids by hunt- “I feel like catching up on every- ing and selling night crawlers in the thing TU has done. I want to tap in- summer. Who knew those initial to the wealth of knowledge and steps would bring her to leading a passion about what TU does.” Trout Unlimited chapter? Linda is also passionate about in- Linda married her husband, Jim, troducing kids to fishing. She has in 1986, and they have one son, Der- been helping at the Outdoor Educa- ek. Linda also has a stepson, Ian, tion Expo in Beaver Dam since who is 30 and lives in Minneapolis. 2006. She truly feels getting as many She works for Eastbay Corporation kids into fishing as possible will be in Inventory Control. our hope for managing and taking Besides fishing, Linda enjoys gar- care of our streams and natural re- dening and crocheting. You may sources in the future. Getting to the have seen one of her handmade af- kids and teaching them at an im- ghans at either our local banquet or pressionable age is important. the State Council banquet. Her sew- In terms of stream projects for ing room has now also become her the chapter, the Plover River is do- TU office. ne, and the Prairie River is nearly Although Jim doesn’t fish, he is complete. She thinks the chapter an avid bicyclist, and this provides needs to look at another watershed. for interesting trips where Jim bikes There has been some talk of taking the countryside while Linda ex- on the Rib River which spans three plores the local streams. of the chapter’s counties. Trout fishing didn’t come to Lin- She also wants to look at the ini- da till she was 37. As with any begin- tial work done on the Plover and LINDA LEHMAN AT HOME AND ON THE WATER ner’s luck, her first trout was a huge Prairie. Many of those initial ease- Linda Lehman relaxes with her son, Derek, and husband, Jim (top). A friend salmon on the Manitowoc River. ments are coming to a close, and She was fishing with a friend who fly maintenance of the initial stream was on hand to record her first salmon on a fly caught on the Manitowoc R. fished, and he told her to try it. Soon work should be done. a monster king salmon was on the Linda’s passion for Trout Unlim- joy at our monthly meeting is her chapter in the future. line (see picture). With that, Linda ited is hard to hide. Her positive at- homemade cookies, which are truly (Doug Brown is a member of the was proverbially hooked on fly fish- titude and outlook for where a delight. Anyone who can make WI River Valley Chapter. He also ing. She recalls the pure adrenaline WRVTU is heading is contagious. cookies as good as that clearly has leads WITU’s Friends and Watershed rush from hearing the reel screech. Another positive thing members en- the ability to lead the WRVTU Access programs. -Ed.) Northwoods TU’s Hannah Hansen got hooked on TU at the age of 14 By Laura McFarland nah’s involvement is a testament to the importance such events have on In 2010 the Northwoods Chapter the recruitment of new leaders for elected a new president, Hannah the future of Trout Unlimited. You Hansen. just never know when you will meet Hannah has been active with the your next chapter president…is it club since she was 14 years old when that eight-year-old you taught to she attended the chapter’s Youth cast last year? Conclave event in 2004. That day (Laura McFarland is a member of she was the lucky winner of a St. the Northwoods Chapter and is Inva- Croix rod — and she was hooked. sive Species Project Coordinator at Once Hannah became old the River Alliance of WI. -Ed.) enough to drive, she became a regu- lar fixture at Northwoods TU events. She has served on the board Consider Proper Release for several years prior to stepping up to serve as president. “The future of Hannah brings a youthful enthu- trout fishing is in siasm to the organization. Although your hands.” she does not get out to fish nearly as much as she would like because she is often too busy tending her horses, that hasn’t stopped her from step- Scott W. Grady ping up and taking a leadership role Rodmaker in the chapter. Hannah says that if there is one thing that she hopes to achieve as Split Bamboo Rods president, it is an increase in mem- new & repairs bers. During his speech at the WI- TU State Council banquet this year, Bamboo Rodmaking Classes makes a great Xmas gift! Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimit- HANNAH HANSEN WITH FRIEND DUSTY ed, recognized the Northwoods Chapter for hosting their 17th An- Call or email Scott for details at Hannah holds a concho signifying she was logged 1,000 miles on the trails nual Youth Conclave in 2010. Han- 920/687-0987 or [email protected] with her quarter horse, Dusty. April 2011 Wisconsin Trout Page 17

Snowshoeing with Dale WI stream access laws By Mark Peerenboom gave way, and we’d slide even as we summarized in wallet card moved at a slightly downward angle. Are you unclear on what the No reg changes since ‘03 “And you never realize, It became impossible footing for my Wisconsin laws are regarding when you are in the day, how dog. I stopped often and waited for Anglers and other stream users stream access? Wisconsin’s stream its memory will resonate him, resting myself. I’d sometimes may remember that Wisconsin law access laws have changed twice through the years or how you dig out and strap back on my buried was changed in 2001 to allow peo- since 2001, so Wisconsin Trout pe- ple to walk the exposed banks of will come to think of it as snowshoes. Dale would be ahead. something rare and beautiful riodically prints this wallet card to rivers up to the “normal high-wa- and fleeting.” — Ed Culhane, And then, below us and to the summarize the current laws. ter mark.” , Jan. 20, 2010, in his eulogy right was the headwaters of the The card is two-sided. The side However, that expansion of for Ryan Hagen trout stream we came to explore. below gives a concise summary of rights was reversed just two years The stream was flat and wide, me- your current rights and responsi- later, and anglers have ever since andering through a frozen bog bilities regarding stream access, been required to follow the old Today I am 4,300 miles from the which, in summer, protects it from woods where Dale Druckrey and I while the facing side has relevant “keep your feet wet” rule while easy fishing access. Dale turned excerpts from the current state fishing. would walk in winter. Here below back, smiling and pointing to elevat- , statutes. Of note in the current law is a Valencia on the coast of Spain the ed ridges beyond the river bottom sky is blue, and in the sun it feels The WITU State Council provision that anglers can legally and on the distant horizon. The hills hopes this card will come in walk on private property to get like 60 degrees. I am sitting on a ter- were similar to the ridge we were race on the side a hill which over- handy to settle any dis- around an “obstruction.” The on. Our northern country terrain looks the Mediterranean. It is filled putes you may have WDNR interprets an obstruction doesn’t often offer such expansive with green plants, bushes, and trees with landown- to include “deep water.” “big country” views. Dale was of various shapes and sizes. Some ers who feel This obstruction provision is pleased. produce soft edges and others bear you are not yet widely known, so this wal- spikes, thorns, and needles. At the bottom of the ridge and trespass- let card will help fishers and land My wife and I have rented a around the corner was the spring ing. owners understand the current guest house from a couple, a man pond which helps feed the trout law. from England and a man from stream. Dale delivered the pond as Hong Kong. Their main house is on promised. We paused briefly to sur- CLIP AND CARRY another terrace below. Tomorrow vey the pond and pledged to each they will fly to Sri Lanka for vaca- other to be in a canoe pursuing its tion. brook trout some summer day. This is not Dale Druckrey’s Rather then backtrack, we used WI State Council world, although Dale told stories of Dale’s sense of direction and his of Trout Unlimited traveling in northern Europe in the memory and take grown-over, aban- 1950s while he was on leave from doned logging roads. Dale knew just the army. In winter Dale stayed when to get off one road and walk 2011 WI Stream close to his wood-burning kitchen cross-country to another. The roads stove, listened to public radio, tend- often split, but Dale took the correct ing his fence line, feeding his dogs, fork each time. I followed Dale as Access Wallet Card and splitting wood for his fire. we looped back to the car. This was the time of year I would So now, sitting on a sunny terrace Keep this handy stream access wallet card with you when you fish. It pick Dale up at his house northeast on the coast of Spain, I am remem- describes your rights and responsibilities when accessing public wa- bering this trip with Dale, as well as of Bonduel for a snowshoe hike. ters that flow through private property in Wisconsin. The unpainted house welcomed the other trips. Their memories bring brush and undergrowth right up to sadness now mixed with the joy. I its siding. Any other arrangement will no longer be stopping at that Can I fish streams that flow through private lands? would require Dale taking time unpainted farmhouse northeast of Yes, all trout streams are considered “navigable” and, therefore, are away from more important things. Bonduel. The man who took me to public property. Streams are public even though the land on both sides That day we turned off onto a remote spring ponds, guided me to of them may be private. Without permission, you may not cross private forest service road that runs through the tops of unexpected rock out- lands to enter or leave a stream. Enter the water at bridge crossings, a large tract of undeveloped land an crops, and paddled me up scenic riv- public lands, or private lands under public easement. hour and a quarter north of Bondu- ers looking for the cold water that el. After driving several miles, Dale holds trout, is no longer there. Do I have to stay in the water? told me to stop. Shod in snowshoes, I miss you, Dale Druckrey. Yes, but there is one exception. Wisconsin law was amended in 2001 we broke trail off a steep ridge. This Thank you for taking me to the plac- to say you may exit the water “to bypass an obstruction.” (See statute text required moving diagonally down es that you did. I was just hoping for on other side.) Re-enter the water after the obstruction has been passed. and across its steep, tree-faced a few more. bank. The pitch was sharp and the (Mark Peerenboom is a member of What counts as an obstruction? snow deep. Our footing sometimes the Fox Valley Chapter. -Ed.) According to the WDNR, “Obstructions could consist of trees or rocks, shallow water for boaters, or deep water for wading trout fishers. The bypass can involve areas up to the ordinary high water mark and WLCV names new conservation should be by the shortest route possible.” lobby fund after Dale Druckrey Can I walk on the exposed shoreline up to the “ordinary high water mark”? The Wisconsin League of Con- event in Madison where the conser- No, that provision in the statutes was only in effect for two years. servation Voters (WLCV) has creat- vationists across the state bring is- Anglers must now follow the previous “keep your feet wet” rule. But ed a new fund to support their sues of concern to them before their annual Conservation Lobby Day legislators. you may still leave the water legally to bypass obstructions. and named it after longtime TU For more information about the What if I come upon a fence across a stream? member Dale Druckrey. fund or the annual Conservation Land owners may not obstruct navigable waters in a way that Dale died in a house fire in Bon- Lobby Day, contact WLCV Devel- “impairs the free navigation thereof.” If you can pass under or over a duel last November. The new fund opment Director Angela West at single strand of barbed wire, the stream remains navigable. However, if will help support WLCV’s annual (608) 661-0845. several strands of wire or some other intentional obstruction prevents passage, the land owner is in violation of the law. Do not cut the wire. Free films showing in Mineral Point Instead, contact the WDNR to investigate the illegal obstruction. The Harry and Laura Nohr Chapter of TU is working with other area How does the “no interference” with hunting, fishing, or groups to host a free screening of two quality documentary films on trapping statute apply to my fishing? Sat., April 9 at 6 p.m. at the Mineral Point Opera House. Animal right activists have generally preferred to harass hunters and Red Gold is a one-hour documentary on the proposed Pebble trappers instead of anglers. Nevertheless, fishing is included in a 1989 Mine told through the unique voices of the commercial, subsistence, WI statute that makes it illegal for someone to “interfere or attempt to and sport fishermen of Bristol Bay, Alaska, the headwaters of the two interfere with lawful hunting, fishing or trapping with the intent to pre- largest remaining sockeye salmon runs on the planet. vent the taking of a wild animal....” The second film, Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for This statute not only protects you from physical interference, but it Our Time, is the first full-length, high-definition documentary film ever protects the animals as well — someone cannot interfere with your fish- made about the legendary conservationist and his environmental leg- ing by “harassing a wild animal.” For fishers, this may be interpreted to acy. Green Fire surveys Leopold’s extraordinary career, explaining mean that someone cannot interfere with your fishing by throwing rocks into water you are about to fish. Land owners blocking your legal access how he shaped conservation and environmental movement. or preventing you from navigating around obstructions may also be vio- Afterward the audience can discuss the films facilitated by Profes- lating this statute. sor Vince Kavaloski and Aldo Leopold’s granddaughter, Madelyn Leopold. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. For See WI statute text on other side more information contact Katie Abbott at (608) 935-2791 x134. Page 18 Wisconsin Trout April 2011 Bob’s Viagra Caddis Emerger: no doctor needed after four hours By Bob Haase This fly started out as a bluegill fly for me, and a couple years ago I The finished fly shown below is started modifying it for trout fishing. MATERIALS LIST floating in a dish of water. I always The olive pearl core and a few wraps Viagra Caddis Emerger of fine wire cause the fly to hang Hook: Mustad C53S or down like this once it becomes wet. TMC200 #14 & #16. Initially it will float on the surface. I can look through the glass dish Thread: Gray or Black 14/0 to see how the fish will see the fly Gordon Griffith Sheer thread or from below and the CDC puffs at- equivalent (70 denier). tached as wings look like an adult Body: Squirrel & Caddis Green emerging from the shuck. I alter the Ice Dub mix and wrapped size of the foam head and wraps of pheasant after feather. fine wire to get it to float or sink Wing: CDC Puffs. slowly like an emerger that could not break through the film. Practice Tail: Olive or Black Pearl Core. will help determine the correct size Head: Packaging foam (can be of the foam head and the number of colored with permanent mark- keep a dish of water near my tying wraps of wire need to get the fly to ers) area to test my flies to see how they perform as desired. Weight: Fine copper wire or float and position themselves in the You can also just dub the head Hairline Quick Descent dubbing. water. like a Tabou Caddis instead of using I call this the Viagra Caddis foam, and it will sink rather than ive Pearl Core as shown. Burn or su- Emerger because it stays up forever float. I also tie this as a black caddis per glue the end so it doesn’t fray. and you can fish it for more than emerger using black Pearl Core and Wrap about 5 or 6 wraps of fine four hours without calling a doctor! black CDC puffs. Tie some of these wire next to the Pearl Core. Wrap I have placed this fly in water at 9:00 up and try them and you will not be the thread over the wire and ad- a.m. only to find it still floating at disappointed! vance it to about 1/8" before the 10:00 the next morning. I know I will Start by wrapping the thread to hook eye. Dub from the front of the never get a drift that long. the hook bend. Tie in a piece of ol- hook to just over the Pearl Core with a the Green Ice Dubbing mix. Next fasten a pheasant after feather or a similar after feather as Relevant Wisconsin Statutes shown. Tip the fly down if you have (Key portions underlined) a rotary vise and twist the thread around the feather to reinforce it. §30.134 Use of exposed shore areas along streams. (1) DEFINITIONS. In this section: By tipping the fly down it brings the (a) “Artificial ditch” means a ditch, channel, canal or other stream of water point of the hook up out of the way. that has no prior history as a stream. Wrap the after feather over the (b) “Exposed shore area” means the area of the bed of a navigable body of dubbing, leaving space to see the water that is between the ordinary high-water mark and the water's edge. dubbing between wraps. Allow (c) “Highway” has the meaning given in s. 340.01 (22). space for a strip of packaging foam. (d) “Riparian” means the owner, lessee or occupant of land that abuts a nav- igable body of water. The foam strip should be around (2) AUTHORIZATION. Members of the public may use any exposed shore ar- 1/4" wide and a little less than 1/8" ea of a stream without the permission of the riparian only if it is necessary to thick. If you do not have the appro- exit the body of water to bypass an obstruction. priate color, you can color it with a (3) RESTRICTIONS; MEMBERS OF PUBLIC. (a) In using an exposed shore permanent marker. Tie in the foam area of a stream, as authorized under sub. (2), a member of the public may securely, trim, and position the not enter the exposed shore area except from the water, from a point of pub- thread in front of the after feather. lic access on the stream, or with the permission of the riparian. (c) Use of an exposed shore area of a stream by members of the public does Next fold the foam back and tie not grant an easement or other right to the exposed shore area that is greater down with thread to form the head. than the right granted to the public under this section. Make the foam head just large (4) RESTRICTIONS; RIPARIANS; OTHERS. enough to float the fly. (a) No riparian may prohibit a member of the public from using, as autho- Trim the foam and make a few rized under this section, an exposed shore area of a stream. more wraps to secure it. You can al- (b) No riparian may charge a fee for the use, as authorized under this sec- tion, of an exposed shore area of a stream. so use white foam or color white (c) No person may obstruct a highway with the intention to impede or prohib- foam with a chartreuse marker to it access by the public to an exposed shore area of a stream. better see the fly in the water. (5) EXCEPTIONS. The right granted to the public under this section to use an Tie in a small CDC puff on each exposed shore area of a stream does not apply to any of the following: side just behind the head. The puffs head and feathers, and the Pearl (a) An exposed shore area of an impoundment on a stream. do not float the fly, but rather repre- Core also works as an attractor to (b) Any artificial ditch. (c) Any location on a stream where there is no surface water flowing in the sent the emerging wings. Tie off and the fly. Fish see this as an adult cad- stream. put a drop of head cement just be- dis just emerging from the shuck hind the head. and know they must take it quickly §30.15 Penalty for unlawful obstruction of navigable waters. Air bubbles form on the foam before their meal is gone! (1) OBSTRUCTIONS PENALIZED. Any person who does any of the following shall forfeit not less than $10 nor more than $500 for each offense: (a) Unlawfully obstructs any navigable waters and thereby impairs the free Fly contest winners announced navigation thereof. (b) Unlawfully places in navigable waters or in any tributary thereof any sub- By Bob Haase took second place for her fly called stance that may float into and obstruct any such waters or impede their free the “Sandwich Fly” (below middle). navigation. Winners were selected Feb. 5 in (c) Constructs or maintains in navigable waters, or aids in the construction or Mikayla Wehrle from New Lon- the WITU fly pattern contest co- don took third place for her fly maintenance therein, of any boom not authorized by law. sponsored by Tight Lines Fly Fish- (d) Constructs or places any structure or deposits any material in navigable called the Kayla Popper (below left). waters in violation of s. 30.12 or 30.13. ing Co. in De Pere and Dutch’s Kayla’s popper was interesting in (3) EACH DAY A SEPARATE VIOLATION. Each day during which Trading Post in Fond du Lac. that she used a paper punch make an obstruction, deposit or structure exists in violation of sub. (1) is a separate The purpose of the contest was round pieces of foam to form the offense. to come up with some new patterns multi-colored popper head. for youth and beginning fly tying. §29.083 Interference with hunting, fishing or trapping. We would like to thank everyone (1) DEFINITION. In this section, “activity associated with lawful hunting, fish- Mike Kuhr from Milwaukee took who submitted an entry to the con- ing or trapping” means travel, camping or other acts that are preparatory to first place for his “Orange & Gold test. These flies will be added to lawful hunting, fishing or trapping and that are done by a hunter, fisher or Lil’ Gumdrop” (below on right). some of the flies we tie during youth trapper or by a member of a hunting, fishing or trapping party. Pam Van Erem from De Pere or beginning fly tying programs. (2) PROHIBITIONS (a) No person may interfere or attempt to interfere with lawful hunting, fishing or trapping with the intent to prevent the taking of a wild animal by doing any of the following: 1. Harassing a wild animal or engaging in an activity that tends to harass wild animals. 2. Impeding or obstructing a person who is engaged in lawful hunting, fish- ing or trapping. 3. Impeding or obstructing a person who is engaged in an activity associated with lawful hunting, fishing or trapping. 4. Disturbing the personal property of a person engaged in lawful hunting, fishing or trapping. [Remaining portions of the statute deleted. -Ed.] WI State Council of Trout Unlimited Stream Access Wallet Card (See other side for a summary of your stream access rights) April 2011 Wisconsin Trout Page 19

Advice from Bob’s Tying Tips the bench of The initiation of a Bob Haase trout fisherman More tips for tying flies By Zach Mohr when you’re ‘on location’ I first got into trout fishing two years ago. What compelled me to start was I saw it on TV. I knew of this creek near my house, Elk Creek, so I de- By Bob Haase flashabou, pheasant tail feathers, cided to fish it. At first I used a spinning rod, but I didn’t catch too much. strips of foam, and boxes of beads Here is part two of my tips for After talking to Grandpa, I decided to try fly fishing. Grandpa “hooked me and items placed in 2x3 plastic up” with a fly rod and line for an early birthday present. tying “on location.” bags, dubbing boxes, extra head Take a little of a lot cement, solvent, super glue, and Yes, it was tough at first. Every other cast I would catch a tree or some- other miscellaneous items. On thing. Eventually I got the hang of it and caught one. It was a 7” brown When I tie on location at a fly trout. After that first fish I just wanted to catch more. The more I fished, the tying event or traveling out west the bottom left is a container that fishing, I like to have a little of holds all my chenille, rubber legs, more I lost flies — and for a dollar a piece! I was soon going broke. Then everything with me. I don’t need and a variety of other materials. I I asked for a fly tying kit for my birthday from Mom and Dad. Since my to have the same quantity of each try to put a small section (about birthday is in November, I couldn’t use my flies right away. item that I have at home, but I try 1-2 feet of all the colors I normal- After hearing this story you might ask yourself, “How did Zach become ly use) of the various materials to “take a little of a lot rather part of Trout Unlimited?” My hunter safety instructor, Don Dukerschein, than a lot of a little.” such as chenille, poly or Antron yarn, scud back, rubber legs, got me Tim Meyer’s e-mail at the FLW Walleye tournament. After going to When I am tying at an event, I TU’s fly tying class, it all started from there. try to demonstrate many of my floss, etc. in each bag. I have had plenty of good times on the creek. Not all of them are about tying tips, or show a variety of fly On the right are expandable patterns that I feel are a little dif- file folder that have been the fish. In the early season last year, I went out to fish after cutting wood ferent. When I travel any dis- trimmed in height to fit and each and caught my biggest one so far. It was a 16” brown, the first fish of the tance to fish, I like to have my is labeled with the feathers, hair, year. He bit a yellow and black woolly bugger I tied that winter. He gave or other materials it holds. The tying stuff along and be able to me a really good fight in the fast current with multiple jumps. After almost folders are trimmed in height to spend some time at night tying swamping my knee boots, I successfully landed him. what I think the fish might like allow the lift out tray to fit into the box. A really exciting thing was happening on the creek around that time al- the next day. I would rather be so. There was a restoration project going on. I went to work nights on the able to tie a large variety of pat- Repackage items into terns, rather that tie a lot of a few creek and helped plant grass and mulched. It was kind of like waiting for patterns. But when I plan on ty- ziplock bags Christmas when the creek was being worked on. I would fish the new ing a specific pattern at an event No matter which boxes you spots after the crew was done with that section. When the restoration was such as “hex patterns,” I take ex- buy, by putting small amounts of complete, I was proud that I could make a difference in my fishing. tra of just the materials I need for each color material into plastic There were a lot of other fun times on the creek, too. One time I was those patterns. bags, you can fit a lot more mate- fishing the south side when a fork buck jumped out of its bed eight feet Get organized with away from me. He then crossed the creek and walked away. I saw plenty larger kit boxes of more wildlife in the creek bottoms, including muskrats, woodchucks, opossums, herons, and a goose nest. I have consolidated my porta- Another good time at the creek was when I went mouse fishing. I was ble (on location) tying tools and materials into two boxes. One of still fishing for trout but using a mouse fly. I went on a full moon night in the boxes contains all my tying late August. I had an old head lamp, two back-up flashlights, batteries, tools, vise, light, hooks, thread, and four mouse flies to bring along. The second hole I fished I actually marking pens, piece of shelf liner, caught one! It wasn’t as big as I hoped it would be, but it was still a fish. and all the other specialty items. What happened was he missed the fly and somehow got caught up by The other box contains most of the tail. When he hit it was controlled chaos. I heard a splash, turned my my tying materials. light on, tried to pick up line, and my knot broke when the fish came I have looked for a long time rials into your travel kit as com- to find the right kinds of boxes pared to taking the materials on ashore. It was still a hoot. that work best for me. The box on the cards or container they came Now that trout season is over, I am starting to tie flies for next year and the right was made by Stanley, on. By having uniform size bags making bluegill poppers to sell to Grandpa’s buddies. Dad and I are go- but is no longer made. It has a that fit into another storage box, ing to Canada fishing next year in July. We might fish for some northern, you can cram a lot of materials and I am going to try to catch one on my fly rod. I had a good time fishing into a small space and still easily this year, and learned a lot. I look forward to learning more next year find them when needed. through TU and my own experiences. I also make up dubbing con- (Author Zach Mohr is age 14. He is a middle school student in the Elk tainers to hold the dubbing that I use most often. I have one extra Mound School District, and he’s a member of WI Clear Waters TU. -Ed.) dubbing box that I put in extra dubbing or specialty dubbing mixes that I make if I think I might need them. Mike’s bottom section on wheels that is Use specialty boxes detachable. I only use the bottom Wapsi makes a box specifically section and fill it with just the for holding 2 x 3 plastic bags (the materials I need if I am tying on size that most beads and other Service location and have a long distance similar items come in. My box has to get to the tying area. With the tungsten beads in the left com- in Langlade things I carry in this box, I still partment, brass beads in the cen- have room for a limited amount ter, and glass beads, dumbbell of tying materials if I only plan on eyes, and cone heads in the right We have tying a couple of patterns. compartment. I have another box The other box is a Plano Mod- that contains eyes, small foam what works! el 781 that I got at Menards for cylinders, and specialty items. EVEN MORE IN STOCK — We under $17. Its lift-out tray (tem- I have another box like this carry necks and saddles, hooks, porarily placed in the lid in this that contains all my specialty and other fly tying supplies! Don’t picture) holds long items such as hooks that I don’t often use. This get caught empty-handed. Most allows me to carry a lot of items flies custom tied to order...must in a small space. I use Craft Mate provide pattern. boxes that have lockable lids (found at JoAnn Fabrics) to hold We have all the all the hooks I use most often. sports licenses This is an example of one way to organize your on-location ty- ing materials. Depending on how often you tie on location and the variety Stop and ask Mike what’s working. Or call ahead for info and kinds of flies you tie, you will on where and how to fish the famous Wolf River. arrange your on-location tying kit differently. 715-882-8901 • Hwy. 64 & 55, Langlade Page 20 Wisconsin Trout April 2011 Friends grants totaled over $36,000 in 2010 By Doug Brown evening outings. Don’t forget to re- cent years, over $36,000 in grants turn it to your fishing vest, because were issued last year! Numerous Friends of WITU Chair you may end up using it for tasks all chapter requests and a couple of With winter coming to an end, around the house. DNR requests were funded, and the the early catch-and-release season Last year was a banner year for recipients are putting that money to open, and the regular fishing season the Friends program. We received work on a stream near you right just a month away, this is the time of 130+ private donations, plus eight now. year we request your support for the contributions from our 21 local All of this starts with your gener- Friends of Wisconsin TU program. chapters. We raised over $14,000 for osity. When you receive your 2011 The 2011 request will be arriving the program. Friends appeal letter, please consid- at your door shortly. This year’s gift But equally impressive was the er donating, knowing that your fi- for a donation of $100 or more is a amount of grant money awarded by nancial commitment will benefit nifty little StreamWorks HatLight the program. By distributing some YOUR streams, and more impor- which can come in handy for those surplus funds that had built up in re- tantly, the trout fisheries in it.

Nearly $175,000 devoted to trout resources since 1991. The latest projects include... $4,000 to WDNR for a brushing crew Three Clear Waters projects: $3,000 Elk in Lincoln and Langlade ctys. (1-10) Cr. (Chippewa Co.), $2,000 Trout Cr. and $4,000 for a crew in Shawano (Buffalo Co.) and $1,000 Traverse Valley and Waupaca ctys. (1-10) Cr. (Trempealeau Co.) (all 7-10)

$1,500 to Wolf River for $4,000 to Kiap-TU-Wish for Ninemile Cr. in Langlade ongoing Pine Cr. project in Co. (5-10) Pierce Co. (9-10)

$2,500 to Green Bay for N. $4,000 to Aldo Leopold for Br. Beaver Cr. in Marinette Bear Cr. in Sauk Co. (9-10) Co. (7-10)

$4,000 to Nohr for Sixmile $4,000 to SEWTU for Scup- Cr. and $2,000 for Blue R. in pernong R. in Waukesha Co. Grant Co. (7-10 & 3-10) (7-10)

Layton James Hudson WI John Serunian Fitchburg WI Friends Daniel & Sheree Kehoe Madison WI Dale Sevig Lakeland FL John Kenealy III Waukesha WI John Shillinglaw Appleton WI of Wis. Thanks again to Gordon King Merrill WI Thomas Siebert Elkhart Lake WI Jordan Konisky Verona WI Brent Sittlow Hudson WI Clifford Kremmer Sparta WI Jeff Smith Madison WI TU our 2010 Friends of Don Larson Lansing IA Robert Stanley Ashland WI Joe Lehner Sparta WI Charles Steudel Mineral Point WI Thanks Richard Lindroth Madison WI Chip Stinger West Bend WI Wisconsin Trout Unlimited Douglas MacFarland Dousman WI Winston Strow Green Bay WI Brian Madsen Ellsworth WI Mike Stupich Watertown WI Mike Magers Fond Du Lac WI Bruce Sullivan Racine WI Dr. H. A. Anderson Madison WI Anna Magnin Marshfield WI Greg Swanson Appleton WI David Arnold Minnitonka MN Jim & Billie March La Crosse WI Gary Tielens Athelstane WI Gary Balwierz Beldenville WI Dean Martin Blair WI Royden Tull Madison WI Paul Banas Madison WI Bob Martini Rhinelander WI Dennis Vanden Bloomen Eau Claire WI Edwin Barnes Middleton WI Kim McCarthy Green Bay WI Gretchen Vanden Bloomen Eau Claire WI Charles Barnhill Madison WI Dorothy Meicher Rio WI Greg Vodak Stoughton WI Jeff Bartynski Eau Claire WI Ronald Miller De Pere, WI Doug Wadsworth Madison WI Jim Bayorgeon Appleton WI Doris & Randall Montague Madison WI Don Wagner Gillett WI George Bereza Marinette WI Jeff & Lynette Moore La Crosse WI John Wahlers Berlin WI John & Susan Bleimehl Verona WI Lowell North Hillsboro WI Roger Wangen Nekoosa WI Stephen Born Madison WI Herb Oechler Wauwatosa WI Richard & Martha Ward Appleton WI Allon Bostwick Fond du Lac WI Richard Pfiffner Amherst WI Prof. William Weege, Jr. Arena WI Doug Brown Ringle WI R Pierce Rockford IL Donald Welhouse Kaukauna WI Gerald Campbell Madison WI Dennis Presser Madison WI Paul Wiemerslage Hudson WI R.G. Chamberlain Markesan WI Dick & Jodie Prine Ridgeland WI Stephen Wilke Marinette WI Rick Christopherson Norwalk WI Bob Ragotzkie Madison WI Christopher Willman Augusta WI John Clark Wisconsin Rapids WI Randal Rake De Pere WI Roland & Nancy Woodruff Oshkosh WI Terrence Clark Cottage Grove WI Ron Rellatz Merton WI Norb Wozniak Stevens Point WI Lawrence Clowrey, MD Wauwatosa WI Bob Retko Cedarburg WI Frederic Young Roscoe IL Anne Connor Fitchburg WI Steve Robertson Verona WI Terry Cummings Rhinelander WI Thomas Rogers Princeton WI SUPPORTING CHAPTERS: Bruce Davidson Wauwatosa WI John Saemann Union Grove WI Aldo Leopold TU Dale Druckrey Bonduel WI Michael San Dretto Neenah WI Antigo TU Richard Duplessie Eau Claire WI Steve Schieffer Amery WI Green Bay TU Richard Evans Mequon WI Jeff Schmoeger Deerfield WI Kiap-TU-Wish TU Alan Finesilver De Pere WI James School Kaukauna WI Lakeshore TU William Flader, MD Madison WI Delmar Schwaller Appleton WI Marinette County TU Daniel Flaherty La Crosse WI Jim Seder New Berlin WI Wild Rivers TU D. James Fruit Hartland WI Robert Selk Madison WI WI Clear Waters TU Michael Funk La Crosse WI Richard Galling Hartland WI Scott Geboy Fox Point WI Yes, I want to join the “Friends” of Wisconsin TU. Dan Geddes Appleton WI Donald Grade Mosinee WI Enclosed is my check for $100, $250, or more payable to Wisconsin Trout Unlimited. Mike Griffith Madison WI Dean Hagness Custer WI MAIL TO: Friends of Wisconsin TU R. Chris Halla Appleton WI Henry Haugley Sun Prairie WI % Doug Brown Ashton Hawk Madison WI R4800 Timber Lane Stephen Hawk Madison WI Bill Heart Ashland WI Ringle, WI 54471 Robert Heding Oshkosh WI Brian Hegge Rhinelander WI Bob Hellyer Boulder Junction WI Name Walter Hellyer Fish Creek WI Robert & Lynette Hering Neenah WI Gilbert Herman Stoughton WI Peter Hickey Brussels WI Address Charles Hodulik Madison WI Tim Hood Lodi WI Greg Hyer Cross Plains WI City, State Zip Phone # Jeff Jackson Oconto Falls WI Jonathon Jacobs Hudson WI