Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited NONPROFIT ORG. 2515 Bigler Circle U.S. POSTAGE News and Views from Wisconsin Trout Unlimited Verona, WI 53593 PAID wicouncil.tu.org PERMIT NO. 1 MADISON, WI Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017

It’s WITU Banquet time! By Mike Kuhr, Council Vice-Chair encouraged. This event is open to and 2017 Banquet Committee Chair the public, so please consider bring- ing family, friends, co-workers and The 2017 Annual Meeting and neighbors. All are welcome. State Council Banquet on Saturday, Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and February 4 is almost here. Please there will be plenty of time to so- save the date and plan to join us in cialize, visit the cash bar or simply Oshkosh. We will once again return peruse the bucket raffle and silent to the Best Western Waterfront Ho- auction prizes. Dinner seating will tel and Convention Center. begin at 6:30 p.m. After dinner we’ll This location has served us well hold a live auction for several differ- in past years and we’re looking for- ent fishing trips with some of the ward to coming back in February. A top guides and destinations in the limited block of rooms has been set state. We’ll also take time to recog- aside for both Friday and Saturday nize some of the best conservation- nights. Call the hotel at 855-230- ists around with a short awards

1900 to make your room reserva- program. The evening will finish Oberstadts The tions today. Tell them you’re in town with the announcement of our silent for the Trout Unlimited Banquet. auction and bucket raffle winners. AWARDS AWAITING WORTHY RECIPIENTS The banquet is our Council’s big- The Council would like to thank The most important part of the annual WITU banquet is the awards program, gest fundraiser of the year. The ban- all of the chapters and individuals which recognizes our most important volunteers and supporters. Seen here at quet’s success will allow the Council who donate prizes for the event. last year’s banquet are various awards, including the Clint Byrnes-created Gold to continue serving local chapters, Your generosity makes for a suc- Net Award...as well as many well-fed and happy attendees. fund programs like the Youth Camp cessful banquet and unforgettable and Stream Girls, and help adminis- evening for our guests. This year During the meeting the State ing at the hotel on Friday night. ter our Friends of Wisconsin TU we’ve assembled more than $10,000 Council is sponsoring a free Wom- Contact Heidi for details. and Watershed Access Fund grant worth of prizes, and we’re eager to en’s Fly Fishing Clinic for beginners An event of this scale simply programs. give them away! from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. A lunch wouldn’t happen without the efforts Tickets are $35 each (See the ad Chapter leaders should plan on will be provided. Space is limited of Banquet Committee members in this issue of Wisconsin Trout). attending the State Council meeting and RSVP required. Contact Heidi Bill Heart, Heidi Oberstadt, Henry You may also purchase tickets on- earlier in the day to discuss Council Oberstadt at heidi.ober- Koltz, Jim Wierzba, Linn Beck, Paul line at http://witu.bpt.me. While we business. The meeting will start [email protected]. These types of Kruse and Todd Franklin. We’re fo- do plan for a few walk-ups every promptly at 9 a.m. and run until 2 programs are a great way to intro- cused on planning a fun, entertain- year, ordering tickets in advance or p.m. Please RSVP to Council Chair duce trout stream ecology and the ing and successful banquet. We making arrangements to pay at the Linn Beck if you plan on attending importance of TU’s conservation hope you’ll join us in Oshkosh on door by sending an RSVP to the meeting so we can prepare for work to a new audience. February 4 to celebrate cold, clean, [email protected] are highly lunch. There is also a women’s gather- fishable water in Wisconsin. Mudsnails found in second Wisconsin stream The invasive New Zealand mud- have volunteer stream monitors equipment, including waders, nets snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) across the state who collect data for and fishing gear; was recently discovered in Badger dissolved oxygen, pH, phosphorus, REMOVE any attached aquatic Mill Creek near Verona. macroinvertebrates (insects, snails plants or animals before launching, It was initially identified by a and mussels) and other water quali- after loading and before transport- Madison Metropolitan Sewerage ty indicators. There is a strong net- ing on a public highway; District monitor, provided quickly work of monitors in Dane and DRAIN all water from boats and to the Wisconsin Department of Green Counties, which includes the equipment; Natural Resources and verified by a Sugar River and streams that feed NEVER MOVE live fish away taxonomic expert. Black Earth into it. DNR anticipates working from a waterbody. Creek and Badger Mill Creek are with partners on continued moni- People who wade streams for any the only two inland streams in Wis- toring and outreach to inform those reason can also use a brush to scrub consin that are currently known to who visit streams regularly, includ- their boots and waders, then freeze have populations of the snail. ing anglers and the general public. their gear or place in water of at The New Zealand mudsnail es- Stream anglers, volunteer and least 120 degrees to further reduce tablishes large populations, outcom- professional water quality monitors the risk of transporting New Zea- petes native stream insects that and paddlers play an important role land mudsnails to other streams. serve as food for fish and changes in preventing the spread of the New By performing these preventive nutrient flows in streams. It is uncer- Zealand mudsnail. All water users actions, water users can protect our tain what impacts this invasive spe- are reminded to follow the Stop waters and stop the spread of this cies will have on streams in Aquatic Hitchhikers guidance of: and other invasive species. Wisconsin. INSPECT your boat, trailer, and —DNR sources The discovery was made during a routine biological sampling conduct- ed by the sewerage district on Bad- ger Creek at the Highway 69 bridge crossing. Badger Mill Creek, which In this issue... begins in the town of Middleton, re-

Dan Gustafson, Dan Gustafson, USFWS ceives effluent from sewage outfall near Badger Prairie in Verona. Reg- “Trout economy” is signficant...... p.6 CLOSED OPERCULUM ular monitoring helps the Madison NE crews completing miles of stream work ...... p. 10 New Zealand mudsnails can close sewerage district gauge the effects Wild Trout Symposium in Yellowstone ...... p. 20 their operculum and survive out of of its discharge on the creek. water, or inside a fish, for durations. In addition to monitoring by the Why TU is replacing culverts ...... p. 23 sewerage district and DNR stream Anglers, the most likely culprits in biologists in the Upper Sugar River Driftless Rambler column ...... p. 26 the spread of these snails, must play watershed that includes Badger Mill Banquet ticket information...... p. 27 an increasing role in their control. Creek, Wisconsin is fortunate to PagePage 2 Wisconsin Trout WinterJuly 2017 2006

Wisconsin TU Chapters, Presidents, and Websites Aldo Leopold (#375): Scott Allen, E4835 N Stoney Ridge Road, Reedsburg, WI 53959; (608) 495-1482; [email protected]; aldoleopold.tu.org Antigo (#313): Scott Henricks, 213 Mary St., Antigo, WI 54409-2536 (715) 623-3867; [email protected] WILD RIVERS Blackhawk (#390): Terry Vaughn; 4710 E. Creek Road, Beloit, WI 53511; (608) 362-4295; [email protected]; Bayfield Douglas NORTHWOODS www.BlackhawkTU.org Central Wisconsin (#117): Michael San Dretto; 467 Hawthorne St., Iron Ashland Neenah 54956 (920) 722-8478; [email protected]; cwtu.org, Vilas Coulee Region (#278): Curt Rees; W5190 Birchwood Lane, La- Burnett Washburn Crosse, WI 54601; [email protected]

Sawyer Price Florence www.CouleeRegionTU.org Oneida Forest Fox Valley (#193): Tom Lager, 1700 Spring Hill Ct., Neenah, WI MARINETTE Polk Rusk 54956 (920) 540-9194; [email protected]; Barron Marinette www.foxvalleytu.org ANTIGO GREEN BAY Lincoln Frank Hornberg (#624): Matt Salchert, 1800 Minnesota Ave., Ste- Taylor Langlade WOLF vens Point, WI 54481 (715) 321-1394; [email protected]; RIVER St. Croix Chippewa www.Hornberg-TU.org Dunn WISCONSIN Menominee RIVER VALLEY Oconto Green Bay (#083): Adrian Meseberg, 315 South Michigan Street, OCONTO WI CLEAR Marathon DePere, WI 54115 (920) 562-6129; [email protected]; green- Shawano RIVER Clark WATERS Door baytu.org Pierce Eau Claire SHAW-PACA Kewaunee Harry & Laura Nohr (#257): Tim Fraley, 2 Pagham Court, Madison, Pepin Wood Waupaca WI 53719; hm:(608) 271-1733; c:(608)220-0762; Portage Buffalo Outagamie Brown FOX [email protected]; www.NohrTU.org Jackson FRANK HORNBERG VALLEY Kiap-TU-Wish (#168): Tom Schnadt, 2174 Commonwealth Ave., St. Trempealeau Manitowoc Waushara Winnebago Paul, MN 55108; 651-245-5163; [email protected]; KIAP-TU-WISH Calumet LAKESHORE Adams CENTRAL www.kiaptuwish.org Monroe La Crosse Juneau WISCONSIN Marquette Lakeshore (#423): Gordy Martin, N7601 Royal and Ancient Dr., Sheboygan Green Elkhart Lake, WI 53020; [email protected]; Lake Fond du Lac www.WisconsinTU.org/Lakeshore Vernon ALDO LEOPOLD Marinette (#422): Dale Lange, N2095 CTH BB, Marinette, WI Dodge Ozaukee Columbia 54143; 715-582-1135; [email protected], marinettecoun- Richland Sauk Washington ty.tu.org. Crawford Northwoods (#256): Jay N. Joppa; 8570 Oak Park Circle, Minocqua, COULEE Dane SOUTHEASTERN Jefferson Waukesha Milwaukee WI 54548; (715) 499-1022; [email protected]; north- REGION Iowa WISCONSIN Grant SOUTHERN WISCONSIN woods.tu.org Oconto River (#385): Tom Klatt; 1677 Forest Glen Drive Green Bay, Rock Walworth Racine Lafayette Green WI 54304 (920) 621-9266; [email protected]; ocontorivertu.com

HARRY & Kenosha Shaw-Paca (#381): Nate Sipple, 931 E. Fifth St., Shawano, WI LAURA NOHR 54166; (715) 304-7581; [email protected]; Wisconsin- TU.org/ShawPaca; www.facebook.com/shawpacatu BLACKHAWK Southeastern Wisconsin (#078): Boyd Roessler; 212 S. James Street, Waukesha, WI 53186; [email protected]; 252-896-8471; SEWTU.org; facebook.com/southeastwisconsintroutunlimited Southern Wisconsin (#061): Tristan Kloss; (414) 254-3389; [email protected]; www.swtu.org Wild Rivers (#415): Bob Rice 74355 Kaukamo Road, Iron River, WI 54847; (715) 292-1143; [email protected] www.wisconsintu.org/wildrivers Wisconsin Clear Waters (#255): Joe Knight 5555 Northwoods Ct Eau Claire, WI 54703 (715) 832-8358 [email protected]; www.WisconsinTU.org/ClearWaters Visit WITU online at: Wisconsin River Valley (#395): Doug Brown, R4800 Timber Lane, Ringle, WI 54471; [email protected]; wicouncil.tu.org www.wrvtu.org Wolf River (#050): Andy Killoren, N1493 Hwy 45, Fremont, WI 54940; (920) 667-5385; [email protected]; WolfriverTU.org State Council Leadership Are you getting emails from TU? State Chair: Linn Beck, 160 W. Treptow Ln., Eldorado, WI 54932 19th Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54902 (920) 922-8003 (H); If you are currently not receiving news and event-related email (920) 216-7408; [email protected] messages from your chapter, the state council and TU National, [email protected] Communications: Chair being then you are truly missing out on what’s happening at all three lev- Vice Chair: Mike Kuhr, 6103 sought. Contact Linn Beck. els. TU National manages the mailing list for the council and chap- Queensway, Monona, WI 53716; Friends of WITU and Watershed ters, so update your address by going to www.tu.org, log in, then go (414) 588-4281; Access Fund: Doug Brown, R4800 [email protected] Timber Ln., Ringle, WI 54471 to “Email Preferences.” You can also call 1-800-834-2419 to make Secretary: Tom Lager, 1700 Spring (715) 899-0024; these changes, or to ask questions about making the changes via Hill Ct., Neenah, WI 54956; [email protected] the web site. (920) 540-9194; Legal Counsel: Open. Please con- [email protected] sider serving in this important Treasurer: Gary Stoychoff, 1326 role. Contact Chair Linn Beck. 14th Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304 Legislative Chair: Henry Koltz WISCONSIN TROUT [email protected] (see above) Vol. 29, No. 1— Winter 2017 National Trustee and Past State Membership: Chair Bob Rice, Chair: Henry Koltz, 2300 N. May- Vice Chair Paul Kruse Wisconsin Trout is the official publication of the Wisconsin Council of fair Rd., Ste. 1175, Milwaukee, WI Trout Unlimited and is distributed to the members of Wisconsin’s 21 National Leadership Council 53226 (414) 331-5679 (H); TU chapters. Non-member subscriptions are $12.50/year. Publication [email protected] Representative: Kim McCarthy, 736 Meadowbrook Ct., Green dates are the first weeks of January, April, July and October. Dead- Vice Chair, Central Region: Bay, WI 54313 (920) 434-3659; lines for articles and advertisements are the 10th of December, March, To m L a g e r , s e e a b o v e [email protected] June and September. For a current advertising rate sheet, contact the Vice Chair, Northeast Region: Trout In the Classroom Coordina- editor. Paul Kruse, 500 Saint Jude St., tor: Greg Olson, 16370 Division Green Bay, WI 54303 (920) 494- St., Lakeland MN, 55043; Photo/article contributions, letters to the editor and advertisements 4220); [email protected] [email protected] are welcomed. Submit to: Vice Chair, Southern Region: Jim Veterans Services Partnership Co- Todd Franklin, Editor Wierzba, 2817 Country Club ordinator: Mike Kuhr 2515 Bigler Circle Drive, Mequon, WI 53092 (262) Verona, WI 53593 238-0282; [email protected] Water Resources: Bob Obma, 12870 West Shore Drive, Moun- (608) 516-3647 Vice Chair, Western Region: Gary tain, WI 54149 (715) 276-1170 (H) [email protected] Horvath, 623 W. Pine Street, River [email protected] Falls, WI 54806 (715)425-8489; State Council Officers [email protected] Website/Social Media: Open; con- tact Mike Kuhr. Executive Committee includes officers and vice chairs Awards: Bill Heart, 29450 Verners Road, Ashland, WI 54806; (715) Women’s Initiatives: Linn Beck, Chair Mike Kuhr, Vice Chair 209-0431; Heidi Oberstadt, 456 Wadleigh St., [email protected] Stevens Point, WI 54481; 715-573- Tom Lager, Secretary Gary Stoychoff, Treasurer 5104; [email protected] Education: Bob Haase, W7949 Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 3 Chairman’s Column Hard work from all of us will be needed as battles loom By Linn Beck, need all of our friends, neighbors State Council Chair and legislators to realize that not only do we fight for our coldwater I hope everyone had a safe and resources for the trout, but in the wonderful Christmas and a Happy long run we are fighting for the most New Year. And if you are like me, important resource that any of us you have started to work off all the need: water. extra goodies and treats that were so The most important thing you bountiful. As you are reading this, can do as bad bills come up is to tell the early trout fishing season has your friends and family members opened, and I know we are all anx- the truth about them and what they ious to get out to try our new Christ- will be impacting. I think they will mas presents and check out new listen when you tell them that legis- waters for the upcoming year. lators are not only dealing with deci- With the new year also come sions about our water, but also the some things that we would rather water of our children, their children not think about: legislative bills. and so forth. Perhaps you can even Some of these bills may simply be convince them to contact their rep- new versions of bills that failed last resentatives. year, perhaps altered to give them a Wisconsin Trout Unlimited has better chance of passing. started to take a giant step forward Like many of you, when I joined in this regard. We will be holding re- TU I never could have imagined gional advocacy training at various that we would be facing such daunt- locations. TU National's Taylor Rid- ing legislative challenges. There al- derbusch and Matt Krueger of the ways were issues to deal with, but Wisconsin River Alliance and the they always seemed to work out in Southern Wisconsin Chapter have the end. Unfortunately, the many put together a training session that STATE COUNCIL CHAIR LINN BECK serious issues we will soon be facing covers all you need to know to get won't just work themselves out. comfortable enough to talk to your Region will hold their training in January 21 in Madison. If you are We're going to need a little luck and legislators. conjunction with their regional interested in joining any of these, a lot of hard work, along with the The training is open to anyone, meeting January 7 in Waupaca. The please contact me and I will put you support from all TU members. not just TU members. Learn how to Western Region holds theirs in La in touch with the respective regional Now is the time for all of us to do communicate with your representa- Crosse on January 14 and the vice president. our part. Education is the key. We tives and much more. The Central Southern Region holds theirs on Thanks for all you do. DNR land sale update: Phase 3 and beyond

The Wisconsin Natural Resourc- were properties being offered to the es Board had its final “kick at the public.). Bidding for those parcels can” over the land sales issue on Oc- closed on November 28. tober 26 when it reviewed a list of The website also shows that nu- Phase 3 properties and approved for merous parcels in Phases 1 and 2 sale 84 parcels containing 3,186 are under federal review due to fed- acres to be offered for sale to local eral funds having been involved in government units, adjacent property their original acquisition. The au- owners and the general public. thorizing statute requires the repay- With the approval of Phase 3, the ment of any federal funds used in board has now approved for sale a the acquisition of lands that are ulti- total of 10,226 acres of land, enough mately sold. to meet the 10,000-acre mandate es- Bay said that federal reviewers tablished by sec. 23.145, Wisconsin are under no deadlines for the com- Statutes, which was passed as part of pletion of their reviews, and he the 2013 biennial budget bill. could give no estimate as to when Terry Bay, director of the DNR’s those parcels might be available for Bureau of Facilities and Lands, ad- sale. Also, recently approved Phase dressed the board with a summary 3 parcels still need to be prepared of actions taken since the adoption for sale, and Bay said that for lands of the statute in 2013. He told the not under federal review, it would board that through all three phases, likely take at least a year for all of department staff had field-reviewed those properties to go through the 342 parcels totaling 19,000 acres. sale process. More than $1 million in contracts It's been said previously, but it's were pending at that time, and they worth repeating that the statute expected to have 6,000 acres ready does not mandate the actual sale of for sale by November. He said they 10,000 acres, it only requires that were having success in the market- this amount be “offered” for sale. ing of landlocked parcels to abutting All indications at this time are that property owners. the DNR will meet this require- During the public comment peri- ment, and the website makes it clear od of the meeting, Larry Bonde of that some of those lands will in fact the Wisconsin Conversation Con- be sold. gress addressed the board members, For those wishing to monitor the telling them that congress delegates progress of land sales going for- were asked to seek public input on ward, just log in to the Land Sales all Phase 3 parcels, and via that pro- web page periodically, as updates cess determined that every parcel are being made on a regular basis as was being used by somebody. De- the status of individual parcels partment Secretary Kathy Stepp al- changes. so told the board that “the sale of The public input segment of the every parcel will impact someone.” process is now behind us, and it will As of December 10 the Land likely be a year or more before we Sales web page indicated that 13 have a sense of what the full impact properties from Phase 1, totaling of this mandate will be for coldwater 438.74 acres, had been sold to abut- advocates, as well as all other users ting owners. The Wisconsin Public of our precious public lands. Auction Website recently listed 15 Mike Stapleton is vice president of Phase 2 properties for sale. (These the Aldo Leopold Chapter of TU. Page 4 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 TU, GLRI finding success in Great Lakes region Update on Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, public land sales and a call out to TU members to “tell their stories.” Congress and increasing habitat protection. reauthorizes Projects to improve fisheries have GLRI been completed in places like In December, them Little Congress voted to Manistee, Menominee and Rogue reauthorize the River watersheds. Reauthorization Great Lakes Res- and future funding will also allow toration Initiative, Trout Unlimited to increase its ef- which has been a forts in the region, including vital source of planned restoration projects in Wis- funding for resto- consin's Nicolet National Forest. ration and protec- Details on TU’s work in the tion projects for Great Lakes can be found on Trout Unlimited our Project Finder. and many other GLRI projects often feature a 2:1 conservation orga- -- or even 3:1 -- ratio return in nizations. matching funds, which provides a The GLRI is boost to local economies across the included in the region. This economic benefit Water Infrastruc- comes in the form of improved in- ture Improve- frastructure, such as culvert replace- ments for the ments or dam removals, the use of Nation Act (WIIN local contractors, and through the Act), which passed spending of sportsmen and women on Dec. 10 with bi- as the improved habitat becomes an partisan support, angling or hunting destination. and authorizes the Trout Unlimited would like to GLRI through thank the legislators who supported 2021. the GLRI provision, and volunteers Since 2010, the who urged their representatives in GLRI PROJECT ON THE LITTLE MANISTEE RIVER IN MICHIGAN GLRI has sup- Congress to support the GLRI. TU ported more than will continue working to ensure that Since 2010, the GLRI has supported more than 2,000 projects in the Great Lakes region, including this program will receive the maxi- Trout Unlimited projects improving stream connectivity, restoring riverbanks, combating invasive 2,000 projects in the Great Lakes mum funding over the next five species and increasing habitat protection. region, years in the annual appropriations process. a simple email to your legislator. including Trout By Taylor Ridderbusch, Unlimited projects improving The WIIN Act also included the Great Lakes Oganizer These interactions add up and can Delaware River Basin Conservation have a profound impact on legisla- stream connectivity, restoring river- banks, combating invasive species Act, which will give a boost to con- The Great Lakes region is home tors when it comes to voting on a servation efforts in that watershed, to the largest system of freshwater bill. bodies in the world. Its many tribu- taries that flow though Wisconsin Keep public lands public provide some of the most sought-af- ter fisheries. Trout Unlimited recog- Another issue where TU mem- nizes that this is truly a special ber’s stories will play an important resource and that it must be protect- role will be the fight to keep public ed. lands public. In an effort to do so, TU has Wisconsin has already begun to brought on staff in the region to take see the sale of state lands. The priva- on restoration and protection proj- tization of federal lands could also ects to combat harmful runoff, flood be on the horizon. Some members damage, invasive species and other of Congress would like to see feder- challenges. These projects require a al lands managed by state agencies, significant amount of investment, many of which, like Wisconsin, are and the Great Lakes Restoration losing the necessary budget for the Initiative (GLRI) has been a crucial land they already have. program that provides funding to The second largest industry in this work. Wisconsin is tourism. The U.S. Fish The GLRI was created under the and Wildlife Service reports that Obama administration in 2010 and more than 3.5 million people hunt, since that time has funded more fish or watch wildlife in Wisconsin than 2,000 projects that often return each year. Outdoor recreation cre- matching funds at a 2:1 or even 3:1 ates $11.9 billion in consumer ratio. In its first year the program spending, 142,300 direct jobs with was funded at $475 million, but since more than $3.6 billion in wages and then has seen a reduction to $300 salaries. If Wisconsin were to lose million in the subsequent years. even a small percentage of places Being that the GLRI is a federal like the Chequamegon-Nicolet Na- program administered by the EPA, it tional Forest or the Apostle Islands has to undergo reauthorizations and National Lakeshore, Wisconsin’s annual appropriations in Congress. economy would suffer. For example, just this year, an Wisconsin has a strong angling amendment to the Water Resources and hunting history, much of which Development Act (WRDA) would is predicated on access to public have reauthorized the GLRI at $300 land. These activities bring family, million through 2021. This means friends and generations together that each year Congress could put and it is this heritage that has made up to $300 million into the program Wisconsin such a great place to call during the appropriations process, home. and it would need to be reautho- Again, TU members’ stories can rized again in 2021. bring this to life and can help pro- tect wild places now and into the fu- Gear up for your Fly Tying and ture. Tell your story Winter Destination needs with us. So what role do TU members Taylor Ridderbusch works with TU play in this? Telling your story. Leg- volunteers and staff in Michigan and islators need to know that this is an Wisconsin’s portion of the Great important program to anglers across Lakes basin to engage in advocacy the state and these projects create with a primary focus on the Great more enhanced opportunities to rec- Lakes restoratoin Initiative and net reate. This can be done through a pen aquaculture. He grew up in Eagle letter to the editor, a phone call to River, Wisconsin. your representative’s office or even Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 5 Improving habitat together When an invasive invades, DNR-TU partnership means better fishing how do we respond? now and for the future, and the DNR’s new heavy equipment plans won’t change that. By Justine Hasz, DNR Fisheries Bureau Director There are more than 13,000 reasons why Wisconsin trout fishing is as good as it’s ever been, and why we at DNR expect it to keep getting better. Our documented trout stream miles have increased 38 percent since 1980. And now, nearly 40 percent, or 5,289, of the total 13,232 miles carry the coveted Class I designation thanks to healthy natural reproduction. As members of Trout Unlimited know, ensuring habitat to support these world-class waters takes careful planning, hard work and the dedication of individuals from government, volunteer groups and the private sector. The gains we’ve seen during the past 35 years have come thanks to improved wa- tershed practices, sound forestry management and painstaking work to re- pair stream banks, install cover and boost stream flow. Under the DNR’s recently announced efforts to align our core work with available resources and the priorities of our customers and stakeholders, I am committed to making sure that none of this will change. DNR staff will still conduct trout habitat restoration projects. However, there will be a change in the way we use and manage heavy equipment for those projects. Analysis of the department’s aging heavy equipment fleet led to the con- clusion that managing our own fleet is not a sustainable, long-term practice. While habitat management remains critical to the department’s mission, DNR does not have to own the equipment to be successful in conducting these projects. Reducing our reliance on department-owned heavy equipment will not only eliminate the many challenges associated with our aging fleet, but using newer equipment should result in more efficient operations, which means staff can spend more time on in-stream work. In addition, we anticipate the potential for improved scheduling, since DNR staff will likely no longer be transporting heavy equipment. Many times it may take a week or longer to ANGLERS ENCOURAGED TO USE WADER BRUSH STATIONS move equipment from one project to another. Volunteers will be needed for monitoring, signage placement and building and This is the direction other similar organizations have chosen, and it makes installing wader cleaning equipment at stream access points. sense for the DNR, given the liability, maintenance and underutilization is- By Amanda Perdzock, nage, build wader brush stations sues involved. To minimize disruption to existing projects and optimize the Wisconsin River Alliance and assist with further monitoring. department’s ability to negotiate terms, the transition will be implemented If you’d like to help, please con- over the next three years. New populations of invasive spe- tact the River Alliance of Wiscon- In the future we will have the option to lease equipment or hire contrac- cies can have a variety of conse- sin, Upper Sugar River Watershed tors. For example, DNR crews from Eau Claire, Black River Falls and Anti- quences for trout streams. Species Association or Southern Wiscon- go have leased heavy equipment for various projects in the past and have such as Japanese hops and Japanese sin Chapter of Trout Unlimited to used private contractors for rock hauling and equipment transport when knotweed can block access to streams become a part of these response needed. We have had positive experiences using this option and we look at and alter stream hydrology, while efforts. this change as a new opportunity to do business even more effectively. New Zealand mudsnails (NZMS) We look forward to our continued partnership with Trout Unlimited, a have been known to have a great im- partnership that has spanned decades and created benefits for the environ- Facts About New Zealand pact on the food chain of trout in the mudsnails: ment and the economy. In the months and years ahead, we believe the de- western US. partment’s efforts to achieve operational efficiencies through the alignment Closer to home, populations of • NZMS can reproduce asexually, process will enhance this relationship and produce even greater benefits. NZMS in Black Earth Creek have producing females which are born been growing exponentially since with developing embryos already their discovery, however, not enough in their reproductive system. This time has passed to assess their full means one snail is all it takes to impact. So what should resource infest a stream. managers, environmental stewards • Thanks to a trap-door-like struc- and anglers do now that a new popu- ture called an operculum, NZMS lation of NZMS has been detected can close their shells to survive and verified in Dane County’s Bad- out of water for nearly a month. ger Mill Creek? The River Alliance The same structure also protects of Wisconsin, Upper Sugar River them from commonly used disin- Watershed Association, Southern fection solutions such as bleach, Wisconsin Trout Unlimited and ammonia and alcohol. Southwest Badger Resource Conser- • All populations of NZMS found vation & Development Council are in the U.S. are clonal and derived currently teaming up with the DNR from three different lines of ge- Heath Benike Heath and other resource experts to figure netically identical females. Be- cause of this, specialists can use DNR PLANS TO GET OUT OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT OWNERSHIP out the next steps. During the past month, these DNA testing to help determine The DNR plans to phase out the use of department-owned heavy equipment for partners have been diligently work- the origin of new populations. stream work, and will transition toward leasing equipment or hiring contractors. ing to mobilize, plan and implement • NZMS will hide from the odor of Here the LaCrosse Habitat Crew works on Weister Creek in Vernon County. a response in advance of the early predatory fish, despite being able trout season. So far, response work to survive passage through the has consisted of mobilizing partners, guts of predators. seeking funding for response activi- • NZMS do not provide enough nu- MIKE’S ties and initiating outreach and edu- tritional value to native fish to cation efforts. Over the next few serve as a viable food source. months, response activities will con- For more info on NZMS visit SERVICE sist of: https://www.wisconsinrivers.org/our- • Installing signage throughout work/aquatic-invasive-species/new- AT LANGLADE Badger Mill Creek and the Upper zealand-mudsnails JUNCTION OF HWY. 55 AND 64 Sugar River watershed to inform FLY SHOP AUTO REPAIR river users of the risk of spreading Amanda Perdzock is the Statewide NZMS. Aquatic Invasive Species Program Di- • Monitoring the Upper Sugar Riv- rector for River Alliance of Wisconsin. Fly Shop & Sporting Goods er watershed and other local Along with conducting outreach activi- streams to assess the latest distri- ties, Amanda coordinates volunteer Need a special pattern? Ask Mike! bution of NZMS. monitoring efforts and provides sup- • Building and distributing wader- port to local groups responding to new • Custom Tied Flies • brush stations to high-use stream- populations of invasive species. Aman- access sites to remind all stream da also trains volunteers interested in users to clean gear before leaving looking for invasive species on streams. MICHAEL & (715) 882-8901 a stream. To volunteer or request an aquatic in- ALICE KLIMOSKI 4505 STATE ROAD 55 • Volunteers will be needed over vasive species identification training Owners WHITE LAKE, WISCONSIN 54491 the coming months to install sig- near you, contact Amanda at aperd- [email protected]. Page 6 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 “Trout Economy” impact significant By Duke Welter, ployer and the trout water than I reers, but became convinced “there TUDARE Outreach Coordinator nation’s largest can possibly fish, was something special going on dairy cooperative, and all on public here.” What, exactly, is the “Trout with more than $1 fishing ease- When they saw Driftless products Economy”? You may not have billion of sales ments.” on prestigious menus across the heard the term, but it’s a real thing. each year. About Angling oppor- country, they had what Luke called a In Viroqua and towns like it 40 percent of its tunities are be- “light-bulb moment.” In 2013 they across the Upper Midwest, the term producers are coming less of a moved back and purchased the café. “trout economy” is an important Amish farmers, secret as time goes Now it employs more than 60 people and appreciated part of the commu- certified sustain- on. TU CEO and and is busy most every noon and nity’s business picture. Let’s take a able and organic. President Chris night. And Luke tells middle-school- look at how it shows up, with Viro- What’s the re- Wood has fished ers serving at a local harvest dinner, qua as the focus. gion-wide eco- here frequently. “Go off and get your education and The “trout economy” is illustrat- nomic impact of He says, “If I could your skills, and then come back and ed by the people who run the places those recreation- design a ‘trout be a part of this.” where you spend your money when al anglers? In town’ from “Our first year, we did a survey of you come to fish. When you buy 2008, TU commis- scratch, I’d start credit card zip codes, and found that food, lodging, gas, beer and even sioned a study by with Viroqua. The during the season 62 percent of our fishing supplies, these people recog- an experienced fishing is fantabu- customers were from Minneapolis, nize and welcome your presence. consulting firm, lous. The Driftless Chicago, Madison or Milwaukee,” They and others benefit again when Northstar Eco- Angler is one of Luke said. “When I saw that, I was the money you bring is re-spent lo- nomics, which concluded that direct the best fly shops on the planet. overwhelmed and flabbergasted.” cally, while the sales tax you pay and indirect spending totaled $1.1 Trout are painted on the sides of lo- One Chicago customer made 16 benefits local governments and the billion a year across southwest and cal buildings. Lodging abounds. trips to the Viroqua area last season, state. western Wisconsin, southeastern Quality hand-crafted beer is plenti- and had a meal each time at the These are, for the most part, Minnesota and northeast Iowa. ful. And you need not eat a pre- same seat at the counter, he said. small Wisconsin towns like Viroqua That’s important to the local and made cellophane wrapped sandwich So it’s a busy place, and anglers (4,362 people), Coon Valley (765), regional economies. when you can have farm-to-table or- are an important part of the mix. No Westby (2,200) and Cross Plains ganic fare from the Driftless Café wonder there’s a tile mosaic of a (3,538). In Minnesota, small towns New research forthcoming (or the deli at the Driftless Food Co- trout inset in the concrete-topped like Lanesboro, Preston and Chat- op) at the ready.” bar. field all appreciate trout anglers. A revisiting of that study is being From an angler who can spend Not in the winter, however. Viro- And in Iowa, Decorah recognizes completed now by a respected uni- time in Alaska, Yellowstone or the qua is quieter then, like a ski town in that, after Luther College and versity economist, for release this Battenkill, those are heady compli- November. “That time of year, our Westerheim, the Norwegian cultur- winter. One preliminary look at that ments. customers are more from Viroqua, al center, angling brings a lot of update tells us that 6,500 jobs across Around Vernon County, many and LaFarge, many of them people people into the area. the region are supported by recre- business operators attribute a signif- we’ve known all our lives. We love to Few would ational angling, icant chunk of their customers to see them,” Luke says. claim it rivals, and that the to- trout fishing. Nearby lodging owners “But when trout season starts, I’ll or would ever Around Vernon County, tal spending by tell me they can count on a consis- be working in the kitchen and I’ll rival, the agri- visiting and resi- tent 20 to 50 percent of their cus- start to hear those door-lock chimes cultural econo- many business operators dent anglers has tomers having an angling tie. They out on the street. Then I know it’s my, but many increased signif- recognize that not everyone in a par- the anglers from the cities showing attribute a significant icantly since people under- chunk of their customers ty might want to fish, so they make up. Nobody who lives around here stand its value 2008. sure they have information on bird- locks their car doors.” as a steady and to trout fishing. Nearby Surveys of ing, hiking, biking, paddling, farmers growing slice of anglers in the markets, and various writing, art and lodging owners say 20-50 Driftless Area Trout season brings a more diverse craft workshops to offer. Developing vibrancy, enthusiasm economy. percent of their customers consistently re- interests in mountain biking are On top of have an angling tie. port that visit- leading to an expanding network of Another merchant tells me, the diversity as- ing anglers like mountain bike trails being built. “Once the trout season gets under pect, angling is the area for sev- way, there’s a vibrancy, an enthusi- eral reasons. asm here. It infects everyone.” clean and doesn’t pollute. Cafe an angler favorite Often, exploring here leads an- The most often reported reasons Another put it this way: “When The Driftless Café has become a gling visitors to decide to move to are the excellent trout fishing, espe- anglers start to get here, there’s that the place they’ve discovered cially on streams that have had hab- regular draw for anglers. Almost any new energy. It takes a little more through trout fishing. itat restoration work done, night during the season, I can stop in time to get your coffee at the Blue- and talk with members of four or That latter group includes me. widespread legal public access (al- dog, or a table at the Café, or your From 1971 through 2013, I lived on most 1,200 miles and rising) and a five TU chapters dining on excellent sandwich at the deli at the Coop, the edge of the Driftless Area, first generally hospitable attitude among farm-to-table fare. Try the duck and the pizza buffet at Dave’s Pizza breast that a local Amish farmer, in Madison and then in Eau Claire, landowners who grant permission has every table full. At least after the and fished its streams regularly to anglers who ask to fish. Sam Zook, brought in that morning night’s fishing is done.” from 1980 onward. In 2013, when With almost 6,000 miles of desig- on his horse-drawn wagon. At the Viroqua Chamber of Chef Luke Zahm grew up in La- my circumstances allowed me to nated trout water, and room for Commerce, director Nora Roughen- pick another place to live, I landed plenty more miles to be added as Farge, 15 miles east, and his wife Schmidt keeps tabs on inquiries. On Ruthie is a Viroqua native. They in Viroqua, which has been called their conditions improve, the area is its web site, the most-often searched both moved away for college and ca- “The Heart of the Driftless.” on the upswing. The DNRs of the topic is dining, and a close second is Around me within 30 miles are three states (and their TU groups) almost 200 pieces of designated have generally adopted the posi- trout water to explore, probably 40 tion that no habitat work will be do- to 50 excellent streams. Now, with ne on water without guaranteed other expatriate friends who moved legal fishing access. here for the same reason, I struggle to decide where to fish each time I Wisconsin becoming a come to the end of my driveway. trout destination Viroqua is a funky little town, set How does that angler interest in picturesque country and sur- show up? Increasingly in the past 10 rounded by clear-flowing coulee years I have observed and talked spring creeks in every direction. It with anglers from more states out- features four yoga studios, plenty of side the region along our streams. art and music with annual festivals, Car licenses from Ohio, Missouri, a lively theater palette and the first- Nebraska and other states show up rate Viroqua Food Coop. in greater numbers each year. Around the county are hundreds A Pennsylvania man in his early of Amish farms, organic producers 30’s comes every year and camps for and grazers, and plenty of long-es- two weeks at Wildcat Mountain tablished farms which grow corn, State Park above the Kickapoo Riv- soybeans and large dairy herds. I of- er. I ran into him at a county park ten observe that you can listen to on a Bad Axe River tributary. any genre of music as long as it’s “You’ve got all kinds of famous bluegrass, but that overstates the streams in your state,” I say. “Why case. There is jazz, indie rock and do you come here?” Duke Welter country to be had, and a symphony “The access,” he responds. “A lot in LaCrosse, just 40 miles away. of that famous water isn’t public. THE WORLD’S MOST STYLIZED BROOK TROUT Organic Valley, with 1,200 em- It’s controlled by a club or a private This mural can be found in Viroqua, on the alley wall outside the Driftless Cafe, ployees, is the county’s largest em- individual. Here, I have way more where trout anglers make up a significant portion of its clientele. Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 7 angling opportunities. formation, and manages a half-doz- “With those 45-65-year-old en guides. And last year Geri began males, they start with angling ques- Athena & Artemis, an in-store and tions and then move on to dining, on-line enterprise featuring wom- Albolene, dyed wool and the Farmers Market,” she re- en’s clothing and gear. They’re ports. You can find lodging in sever- keeping very busy and very happy. al traditional motels, B&Bs, rural and zippers cabins, campgrounds, parks, VR- Seasons more spread out BOs and a converted feed mill in Westby. Once upon a time, communities across the region held trout celebra- tions of one sort or another on the In-migration of anglers opening day of trout season. They’d That leads to in-migration, too, have big fish contests, kids fishing says Roughen-Schmidt. “We’ve derbies and other attractions. In found the biggest group moving into those days four or five decades ago, Viroqua is young families who are however, trout fishing was much dif- looking for a small town with good ferent: a lot of streams were stocked schools where it’s safe, and the sec- before that opener, and people ond biggest group is retired or near- fished and took home those hatch- ly-retired people, like anglers, who ery fish in a few weeks before they have discovered the area through turned to other summertime activi- their recreation. Now, they’re look- ties. ing for a home to buy, good health Today, we see longer seasons, care, and living close to angling and more naturally-reproducing wild other recreational opportunities.” brown and brook trout, less of the Realtors confirm those demo- season-opener circus atmosphere, graphic trends, and would add a and a more spread-out use of third: outdoorsy people who keep streams by anglers. their urban home and buy a second Northeast Iowa has year-round one in this part of the Driftless Ar- trout fishing; southeast Minnesota ea. has year-round fishing in many of its Duke Welter So, if you’re having a maple latte streams in state parks, and Wiscon- at the co-op some morning, it means sin’s season has gone from five YOU CAN BUY ALBOLENE WITHOUT FUNNY LOOKS the folks at nearby tables might in- months to nine and a half. Instead Chris, the cosmetics counter lady at the Viroqua Walgreens, displays a clude professors emeriti working on of a short-term flurry of activity, we tub of Albolene, on sale now for $13.99. If you wander into the manuscripts, re- now have ma- tired engineers ny anglers fish- cosmetics section in a trout-fishing community and ask for a makeup or lawyers, for- ing over a remover called “Albolene,” the clerk might ask you how the trout mer government Another merchant tells much longer fishing’s been. employees or sci- me, “Once the trout period of time. entists, ex-teach- That helps If you poke around a bit in Viroqua’s Main Street businesses, you’ll ers or business season gets under way, communities discover some little indicators of the impact of trout anglers. people with in- there’s a vibrancy, an for a longer pe- At Ewetopia, a dandy knitting-oriented shop next door to the Drift- terests in China. riod. less Angler Fly Shop, you can buy yarns in various colors for your It also makes for enthusiasm here. It That isn’t to strike indicators. They have some other use for knitters, I understand. some fascinating infects everyone.”. say that events The local sewing shop, Blue Bobbin, will gladly replace busted zip- conversations at like Coon Val- pers on your fishing pants. local potluck ley’s “Trout- If you wander into the cosmetics section at the Walgreens in Viro- dinners. fest” or qua, Wisconsin, and ask for a makeup remover called “Albolene” in a It’s also interesting to talk with Preston’s “Trout Days” aren’t still 14-ounce tub, chances are the cosmetics lady will take a look at you. If people about what offerings Viro- being held, but they aren’t limited to you are a middle-aged man, she may ask, “How’s the trout fishing qua could still use for those travel- the opening day crowd. been?” ing anglers. There’s no real four-star Some across the state or region Why? Well, economy-minded anglers have known for years that this hotel between La Crosse and Madi- might wonder if other places have stuff is, for most of the season, a dandy fly floatant. Many heard about son. There’s no place to get a good the opportunity to build their own it in Art Lee’s 1982 classic, “Fishing Dry Flies for Trout on Rivers and late-night burger in Viroqua when version of a trout economy. There Streams.” It has its limits and for year-round use isn’t as good as some fishing is done. Perhaps a brewpub are some places with that potential of the commercial floatants, but it’s way, way cheaper, at $14 per. that serves great sandwiches later at where policy makers and local eco- More important for this story, however, is how odd it seems for that night would be a hit here. How nomic visionaries are getting start- pharmacy staffer to have knowledge of fly-fishing floatants. about ethnic food? Nope, unless ed. They learn to emphasize what You’re welcome, in any case. lefse counts. Non-fishing traveling trout anglers want to know about: —Duke Welter partners have a good set of activi- What are the fishing opportunities? ties, but some additional specialty What kind of access is available? shopping opportunities might go Can I find a suitable place to stay, said, “We’re just an itty-bitty place from various magazines over the de- over well. eat and shop? If I want a guide’s ser- with a couple of cafes and a couple cades since I started serious trout Right now, a high-end 33-unit vices, how can I find one? of hotels. But we’ve got a lot of trout fishing, there’s a piece on “Wiscon- condominium development is going Some counties, such as Buffalo water, if people will come here to ex- sin’s Top Ten Trout Streams” written up a block from Main Street. It and Monroe, already have maps plore it.” And it’s darn good water, in the early 1980s. In it you will find could draw second-home seekers available showing county restora- in many places, showing that resto- streams like the Wolf River (where who happen to be anglers. tion projects and easements. Oth- ration work is not only valuable for Langlade would have been the epi- ers, such as the entire Kickapoo trout and other species, but valuable center), the Peshtigo (Crivitz), the Driftless Angler Fly Shop Valley, publish a combined subre- for communities where anglers visit. Mecan (Richford) and the Pine gional map with detailed rural road Mat and Geri Wagner moved to If Driftless restoration amounts (Wild Rose). In those days, Gleason, and stream details. Those can be as to $5 million a year, and Driftless along the Prairie River, boasted it- Viroqua from Taos, New Mexico 10 helpful, if not more so, than the years ago, and opened the Driftless fishing brings in well over $1.1 bil- self as the “Trout Capital of the DNR’s website which shows access lion a year, local economies have a World.” However, no Driftless Angler Fly Shop. They had never to state or state-funded lands, but been to Viroqua, but they fell for it strong incentive to push for more stream even made the list. That’s has nothing about restoration work. restoration to take place. changed considerably in recent on their first visit. The shop purveys One guide in a nearby county flies and gear, doles out plenty of in- In my library of articles snipped years. State Council selling trout stamps and prints

Once again the DNR is managing and producing the Wisconsin We are asking $25 for a print and stamp, and $2 for just the Inland and Great Lakes Trout prints and stamps. When the DNR stamp. We are hoping that this will enable the chapters to procure stopped this program several years ago, the Council took the pro- some of the prints for their fundraising events. We expect many will gram over. But we are excited that the DNR has agreed to take go to those members who collect them. over this important program. We would like to recognize and thank Darrell Tolliver and Tim Wisconsin Trout Unlimited has decided to liquidate our invento- Waters (Wolf River Chapter) for helping to keep this tradition ry of prints and stamps, as we have accumulated more than a hun- alive. Darrell took on the task of producing the new stamp and dred prints and stamps from the four years that the process was in print, and then making them available to the chapters and individu- our hands. We would like to reduce this inventory and make them als, while Tim took on the responsibility of collecting the funds for available to our chapters and chapter members at a much-reduced these and then shipping them out. rate. For availability and to order your prints please contact Tim Wa- We have prints and extra stamps from 2012-2015. Quantities for ters by e-mail at [email protected]. some of the years are limited, so get your orders in early. Page 8 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 Make a DIY sampling net

NO ORDINARY SAMPING NET This is no ordinary net. It telescopes to extend underwater to the stream bottom, and can catch insects out of the air like a butterfly net. And it works wonderfully on floating Words and photos by Henry Kanemoto insects, of course. One of the items I carry in my vest is a sampling net that Gary Borger showed me years ago. He uses it for catching insects out of the air, water and using coat hanger wire and transfer the net from the aquarium net to your stream bottom. But it is no ordinary net. It telescopes so that I can extend it custom wire frame. underwater to the stream bottom, and I can catch insects out of the air much Cut or remove the tip section of the antenna so that the hollow tube left like a butterfly net. And if you have ever tried to catch a floating insect in as the end section will fit the twisted wire of the net handle. Cut the twisted your hands, you know that the hydraulic cushion forces the insect away and wire handle of the net and bend it back over the net. Make sure that there around your hands. will be enough wire handle left to bend back, insert, and glue. Fit the net han- There are only three simple items you need to assemble the net: an aquar- dle into the hollow tip of the retractable pointer/magnet/antenna and make ium net, a collapsible pointer or magnet, and epoxy glue. sure the finished net will fit into your vest pocket. Then epoxy them together. Since the net must fit into a fishing vest or pack pocket, take appropriate Now you have a telescoping sampling net that can be used to catch flying measurements before buying the parts. Remember that both the net and the and floating insects. I find it especially useful to sample nymphs and pupa retractable handle will have to fit into your vest pocket or storage space, so floating below the surface film and also to sample food living in weed beds or plan your purchases accordingly. aquatic vegetation. Shake the vegetation with your foot and take a sample Then go to an office supply store for a telescoping pointer or to a hard- with your net. I have found scuds, aquatic worms, and larva that you would ware store for a telescoping magnet for the telescoping portion for the net. not find by just turning over rocks. An antenna would also work. Not all fish food crawls around on the stream bottom. Most of what is Purchase a wire aquarium net with the twisted wire handle. If the net available to trout is drifting with the flow. The net is also useful for sifting frame on the aquarium net is too large try bending it so it will fit. As shown in through the muck for Hexagenia nymphs and other burrowing nymphs. the photo, I have elongated and narrowed the net to fit my pocket. If it will The handle is bent back over the net so it can fit into a vest pocket. not fit, buy a smaller aquarium net or make a square/rectangular net frame How to make a New Zealand Strike Indicator

The indicator can be moved along the To make a strike indicator, double the leader and locked into place. leader to form a loop and place the loop through the slot at the end of Words and photos by Henry Kanemoto the tool. Push the first silicon tube forward and pull the leader loop The New Zealand Strike Indica- tor is the commercial version of the through the silicon tube using the strike indicator system invented by tool. Then place the strike indicator Rudi Ferris some years ago. yarn through the mono loop and Find the wooden beads and needles at a hobby store. Bates Weaving Needles Find the wooden beads and nee- pulled back through the tube. can be cut to length. Yarn needles can be used, but they result in shorter tools. dles at a hobby store. I use the Bates I use Amnesia for the mono loop. An old section of leader butt can also be Weaving Needle because it can be cut to length. Yarn needles can be search Ebay for “Silicone Food used. Two-part epoxy and hollow silicone tubing fill out the materials list. used but they result in shorter tools. Grade Tube” I use Amnesia for the mono loop. To make the tool, use a small file An old section of leader butt can al- or Dremel-type tool to cut a slot into so be used. Two part epoxy and hol- the butt end of needle. Then cut the low silicone tubing complete the needle to length if it is too long. Cut material list. a section of thick mono for the hang- The proper sized silicon tubing er loop. Place the ends into the end can be obtained on Ebay for a few of the bead, and use epoxy to glue dollars, or use aquarium tubing from the end of the needle and mono into a pet store. For the Bates needle, the the bead. inner diameter of the tubing should After the epoxy cures, cut the sili- be two millimeters. cone tubing into sections and load Go here http://tinyurl.com/ them onto the indicator tool. The mono loop is for hanging the indicator tool from a zinger. z9hfqck to find silicone tubing, or

Committee and is looking for passionate mem- WE WANT YOU! bers who want to put their varied skills to use to bring more people into the TU community by WITU is looking for help with internet and so- working with our council and chapter to main- cial media, as well as members for our membership tain existing members, recruit new members, committee. add diversity to our ranks and so much more. If you have skills working on web sites and a pas- These are great opportunities to get involved sion for what TU does, we would love your assis- with TU and use your skills to really make a dif- tance improving, building and maintaining our ference. If you are interested in helping, please State Council’s web site and our other social media contact Council Chair Linn Beck at chl- efforts. [email protected] or 920-216-7408 The State Council is assembling a Membership Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 9 Donate to Council via State, National TU concerned Thrivent Lutheran Financial about sale of public lands If you are a TU member and have investments with Trout Unlimited’s National disposal of the public lands on Thrivent Lutheran Financial, you may have the ability to Leadership Council recently met, which so many of us recreate. The make charitable donations to groups of your choosing and one of the main areas of discus- Council, along with the River Alli- through Thrivent Financial’s Thrivent Choice program. sion revolved around how the past ance of Wisconsin, will present pub- election may impact TU’s areas of lic lands workshops to all four of the The Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited is now a concern. WITU Regions in Wisconsin. The listed entity within the Thrivent Choice program. It is very important to remember Council is encouraging as many If you are a Thrivent member and have the ability to as we discuss the election and its po- members as possible to take advan- tential impacts that TU is a biparti- tage of that training so the message make Thrivent Choice donations, we would be honored if san group and everything we do will can more forcefully be delivered to you’d consider including the Wisconsin Council of TU be done in a respectful manner. legislators at both the state and fed- within your charitable planning, and making a donation That said, we are likely to face some eral levels. to our cause. issues that will be a direct challenge to the core mission of protecting Chapters must select and enhancing cold water habitats. “second set of eyes.” One area on which there is gen- eral agreement is that the protec- Finally, TU National is remind- Are you getting tion of what is near and dear to TU ing all chapters that having a “sec- members will become an “all hands ond set of eyes” on their chapter on deck” situation. It is going to be finances is not a request, but rather emails from TU? a simple fact that we are going to a mandate. TU made it clear at the need more members than ever to be recent meeting that they expect Did you receive an email recently announcing the State Coun- willing to step up and express their each chapter to appoint someone to cil’s upcoming banquet in Oshkosh? concerns and hopes to their legisla- be the “second set of eyes.” The chapter then needs to provide TU Did you receive any email announcements from your chapter tors as coldwater issues arise – and they will arise. Trout Unlimited can National the name of the person this past year regarding work days, banquets and other impor- draft the message and deliver it to filling that position. The majority of tant chapter events? the membership, but mass numbers chapters in Wisconsin have appoint- Have you recently received email announcements from TU of members need to deliver those ed a person, but we still have chap- ters who have not. If your chapter National regarding important environmental issues? messages if TU is going to be suc- cessful. We are going to need every- does not have a “second set of eyes” If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then you are one more than ever. on your finances, I would respect- truly missing out on much of the activity of TU. One particular area that will cer- fully ask that your chapter please fill tainly come to the surface quickly that position. TU National manages the mailing list for Wisconsin TU and I hope everyone has had an en- the chapters, so if you want to receive emails from any of them, will be the transfer or sale of public lands. This will happen at both the joyable holiday season, has gotten you need to make sure that TU National has your current state and federal levels and is some- some well deserved rest, and enters email address. thing that TU remains absolutely in 2017 with recharged energy to do good work for trout. Go to tu.org and log in, then go to email preferences and make opposition to. In Wisconsin we are already taking action to make it eas- By Kim McCarthy is the TU Na- sure they have your current email and mailing address. If you ier for members to deliver the mes- tional Leadership Council represen- have questions about this process call 1-800-834-2419. sage that we don’t want to see the tative for Wisconsin TU.

Joel Fisher Birnamwood WI Keith Nelson Waunakee WI William Flader, M.D. Madison WI Eric Nelson Chili WI Richard Galling Hartland WI Herb Oechler Wauwatosa WI Daniel Geddes Appleton WI Winston Ostrow De Pere WI Don Glanzer Loganville WI Scott Quandt DDS Green Bay WI James J. Goodwin Sturgeon Bay WI Carl Rasmussen Neenah WI Colleen Grant Eden Prairie MN Bob Retko Cedarburg WI Dan Grauer Wausau WI James Ruether Mosinee WI John Gribb Mt. Horeb WI Michael San Dretto Neenah WI Jack Halbrehder Sparta WI Jeff Schmoeger Cottage Grove WI Stephen Hawk Madison WI Glen Schnadt Richland Center WI Ashton Hawk Madison WI P.R. Schumann Hartford WI John Hawk New Holstein WI Frederick W. Seybold Madison WI Donald Heinzen Verona WI Edwin Shultz Prairie du Sac WI Walter Hellyer Egg Harber WI Michael Staggs Poynette WI Jerone Herro Kimberly WI Wayne Stockman Spring Valley WI Cline Hickok Hudson Thomas Towne Rosendale WI Nancy and Dan Hill Spencer WI Dennis Vandenbloomen Eau Claire WI John Hoar Ashland WI Carol Vendt Oconto WI Winter 2017 update Charles Hodulik Madison WI John Voorhees Hazelhurst WI Harold Hoffman West SalemWI Dick Wachoski Eau Claire WI Thanks to donations from Wisconsin TU members, chapters and oth- Scott Homann Roscoe IL Don Wagner Gillett WI Phyllis Hunt Waupaca WI Janis Watson Thiensville WI ers, the Watershed Access Fund has been a spectacular success. Supporters John & Judith Hutchinson Sun Prairie WI Donald Wellhouse Kaukana WI donated more than $8,300 during our 2016 appeal, and now it's time to William Johnson Hudson WI Paul Wiemerslage Hudson WI Cliff Kremmer Sparta WI Stephen Wilke Marinette WI look ahead at maintaining this program into 2017. By now you have re- Larissa Lyon Janesville WI Dan Wisniewski MiddletonWI ceived the 2017 fund appeal letter. Please consider a donation to keep this Thomas Lyon Fontana WI Don Wolf Madison WI Brian Madsen Ellsworth WI Jared Wunderlich DePere WI program financially healthy. Kevin Mahaney Middleton WI Wendy & Fred Young Roscoe IL Charles Martinson Mt. Horeb WI Peter Meronek Stevens Point WI Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter of TU In 2016 Wisconsin TU's Watershed Access Fund secured an important Fred Mikolajewski West Allis WI Wisconsin Clearwaters Chapter of TU easement on a critical trout stream in the heart of coulee country. In Ver- Robert Moser Milwaukee WI Marinette County Chapter of TU non County the fund secured the missing piece on a large span of public Dr. C. Emil Mueller Boscobel WI easements on the North Fork of the Bad Axe River, along Upper Newton Road. Known as the “Horseshoe,” this half mile section now has access for fishing and habitat improvement. Details of this easement were featured in Here is my contribution of $100 or more to a front-page article in the Fall 2016 issue of Wisconsin Trout. the Wisconsin TU Watershed Access Fund Your continued financial commitment goes a long way to secure access Make your check payable to to properties like this for fishing and potential habitat work. All money Wisconsin Trout Unlimited raised will be spent solely on trout streams in Wisconsin.

I Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and good luck to you in MAIL TO: TU Watershed Access Fund the upcoming 2017 trout season. Attn: Doug Brown R4800 Timber Ln. Doug Brown, Wisconsin TU Watershed Access Fund Chair Ringle, WI 54471

2016 Contributors Name Louis Arata Whitefish Bay WI Russell Ciscon Phillips WI Henry Barkhausen Winnetka IL William Creasey Muscatine IA Ed Barnes Middleton WI Terry Cummings Rhinelander WI Address Charles Barnhill Madison WI David Darling River Falls WI Jim Bayorgeon Appleton WI Bruce Davidson Wauwatosa WI Michael Benish Oregon WI Steve Deery Coloma WI City, State, Zip Ron & Jolene Berg Chippewa Falls WI Richard Diedrich Grafton WI Mark Berggren Madison WI Richard Duplessie Eau Claire WI Blaine Biedermann Madison WI Mike Duren Mazomanie WI Richard Boda Boyceville WI Jack Ellingboe Prescott WI Phone Stephen Born Madison WI Harley Erbs Rhinelander WI Edward Brockner Beaver Dam WI Paul Feldhake Port Washington WI Page 10 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 Northeast habitat work from the eyes of the crew! TU-supported DNR LTE’s share their thoughts and perspectives on the amazing work they’re doing on streams in northeast Wisconsin. the brush and often used it to build we were not always able to put bun- brush bundles. We were always dles in some spots. However, that looking for invasive species such as didn’t stop us from creating suitable buckthorn and honeysuckle. Thank- habitat. In areas where bundles fully, there is not much of it in this couldn’t be used, we made log jams, area of the state, and with enough sweepers and cross logs to help with persistence we can keep it that way. bank stabilization and sediment re- Brush bundles are a great way to moval, thus improving fish-holding utilize the brush that we cut. We capabilities. look for areas where the stream Last summer was an extremely widens and slows down. We stick rewarding experience. I not only the butt end of the brush into the spent every day working in the wa- stream bank and weave in more ter, but I was making sure that the brush until it was the length and trout in the stream have the habitat height we wanted. The bundle will needed to survive and flourish. I al- collect sediment and eventually be- so learned how to look at this fish- come new stream bank. That nar- ery through a wider lens. These rows the stream and increases flow, streams are not just the water and scouring the stream bottom and re- soil around them. They are a reflec- vealing the gravel substrate which is tion of the entire watershed and the preferred spawning area for trout. people who enjoy them. Due to the geology of the area,

NORTHEAST HABITAT CREWS DOING AMAZING WORK Left to right: Doug Weber, DJ Loken, Fox Valley TU’s Tom Lager, Kyle Kossel and Kyle Siebers. Restoring habitat: Visions from the field By Doug Weber, DNR Habitat Crew possible with the amount of people we would have. I did not know how In the summer of 2016 I had the many people would show up or the opportunity to work as a fisheries amount of work they were willing technician for the Wisconsin De- and able to do. People started arriv- partment of Natural Resources. I ing around 8:30 a.m. and for the BARRIER-FREE FISHING DOCK BEFORE AND AFTER BRUSHING BY LTE’S was assigned to a three-man crew next 30 minutes they kept coming. based out of Lakewood, which was There were so many vehicles that responsible for improving trout we had to come up with an alternate streams in northeast Wisconsin. parking area. I was astonished by TU-DNR collaboration a This was my first job in the field, the number of people. We ended up as I had just graduated that spring with about 20 people who were all from college. I wasn’t the traditional prepared and willing to get into the success in northeast student. I was in my mid 30’s and water and do whatever they had to had been in sales for several years do. By Shawn Sullivan household items that they could do- prior to going back to school. I went We divided the group into crews. DNR Trout Habitat Team Supervisor, nate. This started a donation ava- back to school because I have a sin- The crew members carried our Wild Rose lanche within the trout community cere passion for Wisconsin’s water chainsaws in the river and started of northeast Wisconsin. Thank you resources. I felt that I needed to do cutting brush, while TU members The success of this past field sea- kindly for the following: something to preserve our state’s pulled it away. Other TU members son’s trout habitat improvement outstanding freshwater resources cleared walking trails to the fishing crew located out of Lakewood was a • Central Wisconsin Trout Unlim- for future generations. With that vi- platforms. In a few hours we had all direct result of TU involvement. ited- $400 to purchase refrigera- sion in mind, I wasn’t expecting to the trails cleared and we had cleared The DNR received $15,000 from tor and stove. be able to make such an immediate nearly 600 feet of brush. the Green Bay, Marinette County, • Kossel’s Television and Appli- impact. Not only is our work bene- I couldn’t get over all the people Oconto River and Wild Rivers ance of Oshkosh for the dis- fitting future generations, it is also who not only donate financially to chapters, as well as the Wisconsin count. enjoyed by current generations of the organization, but were willing to State Council of Trout Unlimited. • Fox Valley TU’s Tom Lager and anglers, not to mention the fish. work hard as well. This really This funding pays the direct wages Joe Bach for organizing dona- The average day for us started at showed me how passionate trout of three employees for three tions and three sets of box the breakfast table. We would look people are. That motivated me months. DNR trout stamp funding springs, mattresses and bed over the maps and discuss our goals throughout the summer. Knowing covered the remainder of their ex- frames. and objectives for each day. We also how many people would be impact- penses. • Al Johnson for the dining room talked about the previous night’s ed by our work was very rewarding. TU chapters in northeast Wis- table and chairs. fishing adventures. Being away from TU is one of the reasons we are able consin have been paying for these • Steve Heuser for the refrigerator home, living with your coworkers to do what we do. TU provided us brushing crews for years, and every and coffee machine. and not having TV or internet can with funds to pay for our positions. year is a collaborative success. This • Jim Murphy for the silverware. be difficult. We used fishing to pass Thank you to TU and all of its mem- is our fifth year operating crews • Nate Ratliff for a bed. the time. With miles of trout water, bers. paid for through this funding. Each • Russ and Sue Bouck for the por- and lakes everywhere, we had plenty We are working to improve year we improve upon the success of table fly tying station, which real- of fishing locations to choose from. stream conditions for trout, but we the previous field season. ly came in handy! We initially fished areas that had are also working for the people who In previous years our crew rent- some previous habitat work, and we pay for the opportunity to catch ed a cabin 25 miles northeast of There was a lot of planning in- quickly realized the natural beauty trout. It doesn’t matter if you use a Lakewood. We wanted something volved in each of the streams that of the area. Unfortunately, a lot of it fly, spinner or live bait to catch your closer and more cost/time effective. we worked on. Thanks go to my was not accessible. Many promising- trout. We make sure we have areas Logistically, we were looking for a DNR colleagues Steve DeVitt, Chip looking streams were choked with for all kinds of fishermen, young central location to operate our crew Long, Tammie Paoli, Mike Dono- tag alder, which was so bad in spots and old, novice and veteran, worm within the heart of the Oconto and frio, Dave Seibel and Ben Rolling. that it was impossible to fish. and fly anglers. We need to make Marinette trout waters. After mak- Thank you to Sue Reinecke and A couple weeks into the summer sure some areas are not the easiest ing a couple of calls, we were able to Tom Morris with the U.S. Forest we had our first TU work day. We to fish so the fish have some sort of use the vacant Lakewood Hatchery Service. worked on the South Branch of the refuge. We also need to have other house. A huge thanks go to Hatch- We will be operating the crew Oconto River, just off of County areas that are easily fishable. ery Supervisor Jesse Landwehr. out of Lakewood again this coming Highway T. This is a barrier-free ar- The locations where we worked After looking over the empty summer. Thanks again to all the ea, with multiple fishing platforms. were based on fish populations, ac- house in Lakewood, I scrounged Trout Unlimited Chapters and The event was to start at 8 a.m. cessibility to the public and an over- around and found some end tables members of northeast Wisconsin. We showed up about 7 a.m. to go all habitat assessment. In areas and assorted household gear. I de- through another site evaluation and along undercut banks and with pre- cided to ask around to see if anyone devise a plan to get as much done as vious bank cover work, we removed else had any used furniture or Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 11 Trout Habitat in the Northwoods

By Kyle Siebers, DNR Habitat Crew Leader settle out. If built correctly, a brush bundle will collect enough sediment in five years or so to create a new My size-12 Adams dry fly dropped to the water’s sur- bank. In 10 years it should be difficult to tell there was face exactly where I hoped it would. I had been shooting ever a brush bundle there. for a gap no more than 12 inches wide between an ex- Adding large wood to the brush bundles only adds posed rock and the stream bank. It was near the tail-out more niches, and more variety to the bundle. of a bend, with a tangle of wood of all sizes on the out- Brush bundles narrow the stream and this narrowing side bank. I had the unshakable feeling that there would will, in turn, cause scouring to occur, blowing sand out be a fish there. Almost instantly, as my fly landed, the and sometimes uncovering rocks and gravel. This deeper water exploded in a tiny splash. water means colder water, and a safe haven from the If the rises of trout could speak, this one screamed spears of herons. pure excitement. I tightened up and pulled the five inch A log sill is a conglomeration of larger wood, often brook trout right out of the water with built on the outside of a bend. Logs are the hook set. The fish landed behind stacked and woven roughly parallel to me and was off before I could wrangle the bank. The ends, or thicker branch- all of my slack line. In four more casts es, of these logs sometimes jut out into I had three more fish. All four fish the stream and provide feeding lies for were nearly identical five-to-six inch hungry trout. The intricate maze of brook trout. All of the fish came from wood closer to the bank is superb ref- a log sill that my crew and I had built uge from otters. Smaller sticks and two days earlier. brush is stacked on top of these larger This was just one case of fish being logs to provide overhead cover as well. caught from the habitat improvement Cross logs and sweepers are more projects we worked on this past sum- single-tree structures. A cross log is mer. I’ve heard similar stories from pretty much what it sounds like, a log many of you. My takeaway from this is in the stream oriented across the flow. the fact that the work we do not only Cross logs don’t always span the entire makes fisherman happy, but it makes width of a stream. Some were placed trout happy. I’ve seen it firsthand. this summer that only reached the mid- Trout will hide, rest and feed in and point. These logs will create a scour around nearly anything that we con- hole underneath them offering trout a struct instream. convenient spot to feed and hide. I have been a year-round LTE (lim- Sweepers are whole trees placed in ited term employee) with the Depart- the river at varying downstream angles. ment of Natural Resources for two While sweepers don’t always collect and a half years, working exclusively the sediment that a brush bundle does, on trout habitat improvement. they do provide a complex tangle of Our base of operations is in Wild leaves and branches. Off the tip of a Rose, but in trying something new this sweeper is sometimes a deep scour year my crew and I were based in RESULTS OF THEIR LABOR hole depending on stream substrate Lakewood for the summer. Being an and stream size. LTE, my job is paid for by trout stamp Kyle Siebers has learned first-hand A lot of times we incorporate a dollars and donations from groups that his efforts are creating hiding number of these techniques into a sin- like TU. I interviewed for, and was se- spots for gems like these. gle structure. For instance, a brush lected, to be the crew leader of the bundle might have a cross log or two in Lakewood crew. As crew leader I was responsible for co- the middle of it. Or maybe a log sill tails out into a ordinating TU work days as well as communicating and sweeper. With increased creativity comes an increase in leading the day’s work plan. the variety and quality of the habitat we create. This in I have been a trout fisherman for nearly two decades turn benefits not only the trout, but turtles, frogs, and have been tying my own flies for almost as long. snakes, and birds. There are times when I feel I have as much trout stream While it’s often easy to see how trout will utilize these BEFORE AND AFTER flowing through my veins as blood. Water has always additions to the stream, I always like to mention the less These photos of the First South been a huge part of my life, especially flowing water. I noticeable improvements being made. All of the woody Branch of the Oconto River love being able to have a positive influence on a trout additions to the streams, especially the large wood, are demonstrate just how much work the stream, and leave it better than it was. I have a passion spectacular food and cover for macro invertebrates. I for what I do and I hope to continue to improve and give think this fact is overlooked too often. More wood in a LTEs are accomplishing. The Wild back to the resource that I love so much. stream means more bugs. More bugs mean more fish, Rose Crew brushed and/or improved Doug Weber, DJ Loken and I made up the trout hab- and fatter, healthier, bigger fish. 4.5 miles of stream during the 2016 itat improvement crew based in Lakewood for the sum- The removal of streamside vegetation itself often al- season alone. Funds from TU help mer. “Wild Rose North” as we’ve come to be called. Our lows more sunlight to reach the streambed. More sun- support these crews. primary task for the summer was “fishability brushing,” light means more aquatic vegetation. Aquatic vegetation which entails the cutting and removal of woody stream- is home to numerous macro invertebrates, especially side vegetation. scuds. Again, more bugs means more fish, etc. Anybody who has fished northern Wisconsin knows Work was done this summer on McCaslin Brook, the how thick and gnarly the streams can be. After we work first South Branch Oconto River, Ninemile Creek, through a given section it often looks like a different North Branch Oconto River, Knowles Creek and two stream. The stream itself is opened up. Casting and wad- sections of the South Branch Oconto River. In total, our ing are a breeze. crew improved 4.5 miles of stream. All of this work was As is often the case, the stream itself could use a little made possible thanks to the hard work, dedication and help in the way of habitat. We use cut tag alders as brush passion of TU members like you. I’d like to send a big bundles. We use larger trees as log sills, cross logs, and thank you to Mike Renish of Green Bay TU for his sup- sweepers. If the material is readily available we often in- port and his ability to get a lot of volunteers out to the corporate large woody debris into our brush bundles. I’ll work days. There’s always room for more volunteers, by give a quick rundown of these habitat improvement the way, and Greenbaytu.org is the place to go for a techniques and how they function. schedule of events and well-written summaries of past Brush bundles function as sediment traps, collecting work days. Thank you all so much for everything you do. upstream sediment during high water and allowing it to

RESTORING STREAMS WORKING WITH KIDS WORKING WITH VETERANS That’s what WITU does, and your purchase of a Wisconsin TU license plate supports our Elevate your fly fishing to a new level. The Original BlueSky efforts. Support Wisconsin TU Furled Leader. Sizes for all fish & and get your Wisconsin TU fishing conditions. BlueSky - the license plate now. Go to leader in furled leaders.TM www.dot.state.wi.us/drivers/ FurledLeaders.com vehicles/personal/special/ [email protected] • Ph/Fax 920-822-5396 trout.htm 1237 Yurek Rd., Pulaski WI 54162 USA Page 12 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 Book Review “Hooked on Fly Fishing from A to Z” By Hannah Kuhr, 9, TU Stream Explorer I just read “Hooked on Fly Fishing from A to Z.” It’s a kid’s book written by Beverly Vidrine. It tells a lot about fly fishing. Each page has a different letter of the alphabet. For example, the pages for G, H and I are Gear, Hook and Insects. All of the pages have a fun fact about fly fishing, like “Fish for Rainbow Trout in cool, clear streams, lakes and rivers.” The book has pictures of flies like the Gray Ghost, the Humpy and the Ida May. That is a neat way to show kids some of the different fly patterns. My favorite was the frog fly. The pictures in the book are amazing. They are painted with water colors by illustrator Matthew Tabbert. Matthew is a TU member. He got into fish- ing by going on family trips to a cabin in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Hannah Kuhr, age 9, is an active TU Wisconsin TU member Wayne Parmley was the art director for this book. Stream Explorer. She loves skipping Wayne has two young sons, and I’m sure they helped make this a good kid’s rocks, looking for bugs and padd- book. ling. She also enjoys biking, swim- This was a really good book. It was a fun way to learn about fly fishing. I would recommend this book for any grade-school or middle-school kid in- ming and climbing. When indoors, terested in the outdoors. she likes to read and color pictures.

Recipes for trout and other wild game Camp cooking with foil; how to make trout cakes; Gamebird Au Vin

By Duke Welter “One morning in the BWCA, I made my brother cry. He said he Outdoor bounty poses a problem never eats that good at home.” for some successful anglers and Trail chowders are also easy, he hunters who may have limited abili- says, using potato flakes and freeze- ties to cook that bounty to highlight dried vegetables. My fish of choice its merits. Lucky for us, a couple of for chowder is fresh sweet northern good cooks have agreed to share filets. some easy recipes. Another a-fishionado who cooks Some of us anglers keep what we is John Motoviloff, whose book catch; some zealously decline to do “Wild Rice Goose and Other Dish- so. And some of us keep some and es of the Upper Midwest” was pub- eat some. I fall into the last group, lished by UW Press (and is available and own both a roll of tin foil and a via Amazon.com). He gave us per- 12-inch sauté pan. For the following mission to offer his recipe for Trout fish recipes, that’s all the hardware Cakes, a very flexible recipe for you’ll need. Then we’ll offer a cou- those 11-to 12-inch Driftless browns ple venison and gamebird recipes or brookies. that you probably haven’t seen be- fore. Trout cakes Cellar Maison 3 small (or 1 very large) trout, Gourmet camp cooking gutted GAMEBIRDS AU VIN with foil 1 egg, beaten If you still have a bird or two in the freezer from last fall’s hunt, a partridge or Jim Bishop of Spooner is a re- 1c. breadcrumbs or stale grated pheasant, John Motovilov’s “Gamebirds au Vin” recipe is an easy way to make tired DNR communications guy French bread it an elegant entrée. who a few months back returned 2 T. mayonnaise from his 39th consecutive winter- 1 T. lemon juice French make the patties tricorners. add wine and water. Cook 5 min- time Boundary Waters cabin trip. 1 t. Old Bay or other fish season- Which tastes better? Doesn’t mat- utes. Add reserved bacon strips, He fishes for northerns and lake ing of choice ter. diced. Nestle bird pieces into gravy trout through glacier-thick ice. He 3 T. butter for browning If you still have a bird or two in and cook, covered, until fork-ten- prefers foil for his cooking on the the freezer from last fall’s hunt, a der, about 1 to 1.5 hours, in a 350- trail, rather than hauling a cast-iron Sauce: partridge or pheasant, John’s degree oven. To serve, arrange bird pan in his pack. Here are some ad- 1 T. butter “Gamebirds au Vin” recipe is an pieces on a platter and cover with vanced variations on that basic 1 T. flour easy way to make it an elegant en- sauce, which may be strained if you trout-in-foil theme. 1 T. lemon juice trée. want a finer presentation. Serve “I put some olive oil on the in- 1 c. liquid used to cook fish, with mashed potatoes, wild rice or side of heavy duty foil, lay my gutted strained Gamebirds au Vin polenta, plenty of crusty bread and trout in it, seal and cook 7-10 min- a good red wine to wash it down. utes on a side. It doesn’t need spic- Slowly simmer fish in water until es, but you may like some. The fish fish flakes from the bone, about 20 1 pheasant or grouse cut into steams and then fries inside the minutes. Remove fish from broth, serving pieces Send us your trout and foil,” Jim says. “Sometimes I wrap cool and debone. Add next four in- 2 strips bacon wild game recipes the trout in bacon, leaving out the gredients. Mix and form into pat- Salt, pepper and thyme to taste We hope these recipes will get oil. Or, bring along some almond ties. Season patties, on both sides, 1 c. finely diced onion, carrot you looking forward to the coming chips and use butter instead of oil— with seasoning. Brown cakes on and celery season, as well as back into the re- Trout Almondine in the BWCA!” both sides, in butter, and serve hot. ½ c. finely diced mushrooms cesses of your freezer. If you have a These days, he says, one can pur- A simple sauce can be made 2 T. flour favorite recipe to share, send it to chase pre-oiled tinfoil and leave the from the broth: strain and reserve 1 1 c. red wine [email protected] and we’ll fit it into other oil at home. cup broth and keep hot. In a small 1 c. water a future column. Meanwhile, I am When he’s eating lake trout 2-3 saucepan, melt 1 T. butter and experimenting with a recipe for cut- times a day, it takes a little work to quickly blend in flour. Add hot Season bird pieces well with lets of wild turkey breast with a lem- keep it interesting. Before sealing broth and stir until smooth. Add spices. Cook bacon in the bottom of on and wine sauce. If my dinner oiled foil around the fish, he adds lemon juice, correct seasoning with a casserole and reserve bacon. guests all survive, I hope to share it dried salsa which is hydrated by the salt and pepper, and serve over Brown bird pieces in drippings. with you soon. As my favorite kitch- moisture. “Quite tasty.” Or, he cakes. When browned, remove them and en towel says, “The last time I makes a batch of potatoes from Po- John’s recipe could be used with add vegetables; cook until wilted, cooked, hardly anybody got sick.” tato Buds and adds it to the foil- other fish—salmon and northerns adding cooking oil or additional ba- cooked filets before re-sealing and were favorites in my family. My ex con drippings if needed. Add mush- cooking another 7-10 minutes. used to make a mean salmon cro- rooms and cook briefly. Dust quette, which is similar except the vegetables with flour and stir, then Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 13 WITU Youth Fishing Camp update Items needed for Youth Camp

I would like to make an appeal to all of you for the youth camp. The camp is in need of some items to help complete our inventory for future camps. The camp needs waders and wading boots of all sizes, not just youth sizes. We have had some larger kids so we are in need of adult waders and boots. These items don’t need to be new. If your donated waders leak, just let us know so we can repair them. They only need enough life in them to be used a couple of times a year. We will also accept any donations that can be used as prizes for contests, such as rods, reels, flies, lures, nets, and other small items that can be given away. Lastly, I know we all give so much to Trout Unlimited already, but any cash donation would be greatly Wisconsin TU’s Fourth Annual The curriculum is staying the appreciated. Youth Fishing Camp will be Thurs- same, as we have been hearing great You can mail any items or donations to me, Linn Beck at day, July 20 through Sunday, July things about all that is offered, in- 160 W. 19th Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54902. 23. Students will arrive for signup cluding spin- and fly-casting, fly ty- Thank you for considering this and thank you in advance for on Thursday from 1-2 p.m., and we ing, spinner making, knot tying and your donations. will wrap up on Sunday after lunch, entomology. They will also get to do —Linn Beck around 1 p.m. The location will some fishing, using whatever meth- again be at the Pine Lake Bible od they prefer. Camp between Wild Rose and Wau- The camp is open to youth from paca. 12 to 16 years old. We are asking We are asking for all volunteers again for our chapters to sponsor a from last year to please let us know youth for the camp for $250. The Trick out your ride! if you are interested in helping out camp is limited to between 16 and again this year. If so, please contact 20 students and we plan to fill up Wayne Parmley as soon as possible. quickly, so we ask chapters to let us Get your TU bling! We are looking for volunteers with know as soon as possible if they will all types of fishing skills including be sponsoring a student. bait fishing, spinner fishing or fly For all inquiries please contact Support Wisconsin TU and get fishing. We are, of course, looking Linn Beck at [email protected] or your Wisconsin TU license plate for new volunteers. Please contact 920-216-7408 or Wayne Parmley at Wayne if you are interested. The [email protected] or 920-540- now. Go to www.dot.state.wi.us/ Council will pick up the cost of lodg- 2315. drivers/vehicles/personal/ ing (at the bible camp) and meals for volunteers. special/trout.htm Page 14 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 Chapter News

Aldo Leopold Chapter

A great cure for mid-winter cab- cent to current WSO land holdings in fever is attending our fly-tying on Sky View Road northwest of Le- class in Portage! Our chapter is land in Sauk County. This acquisi- again hosting a five-week fly-tying tion protects the headwaters of class beginning Wednesday, January Honey Creek, a designated trout 25. Classes will be held at the Por- water, and a stunning valley worth a tage Public Library and begin at visit to walk the trails and enjoy the 5:30 p.m. Contact Mike Stapleton at protected surroundings. 608-742-3665 or mikestapleton22 Informal creel surveys (word of @gmail.com to reserve a seat. mouth) show continued improve- Riverland Conservancy, through ment of fishing on Bear Creek in far which brook trout stream Manley western Sauk County. One angler Creek flows in Sauk County, has re- reportedly netted 18 brookies and ceived a $50,000 grant for habitat browns during one outing last June repairs and improvements, mostly and similar catch rates have been bank tapering. Permits have been shared by other anglers. We now secured and work is tentatively have a very nice parking pull-off on scheduled for fall of 2017. Highway 130, about 100 yards north The upper reaches of the North of the signage, all driveways along Branch of Honey Creek have been highway 130 are private property acquired by the Wisconsin Society and should not be used for parking. of Ornithology (WSO) and is open —Scott Allen CENTRAL CHAPTER’S TROUTFEST IS FEBRUARY 25 to the public. This property is adja- TroutFest Show Chair Bob Smaglik checks out the activities at last year’s Antigo Chapter TroutFest at the Fin ‘N Feather in Winneconne. This event is definitely worth the trip from anywhere you happen to live. Many chapters are often represented at Happy New Year to all from An- Langlade on the Wolf River. Again this important fundraiser. tigo TU. It sure was a great fall sea- I'm proud to be a part of such a ded- son, but looks like winter has found icated group of TU chapters. We On Thursday evenings in January Central Wisconsin Trout Unlim- us. We had a small work day at the helped fund more than $45,000 of and early February is Masters Fly ited is a local sponsor for the Wis- end of October. Some members funding requests from area fish Tying. The name of the group can be consin Water Action Volunteers. walked about a half mile on a small managers and U.S. Forest Service deceiving, however, as many of us Our water monitoring team is called feeder creek that flows into the staff. Combined with trout stamp are not really “masters.” We are just the River Keepers. The River Keep- south branch of the Embarrass Riv- funds, this money will fund trout a group of men and women who like ers have more than 60 trained water er. We cut alder brush in this stream work for the 2017 season. to tie flies and are beyond the ba- monitors forming 20 teams monitor- stretch. I’m sad to report that one of our sics. For each session, there is an in- ing at 27 stream sites. They finished This fall the Antigo Chapter founding Antigo TU members and structor and planned patterns to tie. out the season with a dinner and made a $2,000 donation to the city past president Denny Orgeman Fees collected for the course are program in November at the Fin N’ of Antigo to help link a handi- passed away in November. Denny used to buy the needed materials. Feather in Winneconne. There was capped-accessible trail to the new loved to trout fish and worked very It's a great way to get exposed to a recap of the past season and plan- floating dock on Remington Lake. hard for our chapter and for cold new patterns and techniques with ning for the coming year. Peggy Our annual fundraising banquet water for more than 35 years. R.I.P. the help of other fly tyers. Compton of the University of Wis- is Saturday, March 25 at the North- Hope to see you all in February Events at or near the end of 2016 consin Extension and Ilana Haimes star Banquet center on the north at the banquet in Oshkosh. have been times to evaluate the past of the Wisconsin DNR presented side of Antigo. —Scott Henricks year and look forward. Our annual the program, which was primarily Our chapter attended our WITU banquet in October in Oshkosh was devoted to the SWIMS database. Northeast Region winter meeting at well attended and successful in rais- The data collected by volunteer wa- ing funds for stream restoration. ter monitors is now in the same lo- Blackhawk Chapter This year was special. It was our cation as the data collected by DNR 45th anniversary. Shawn Sullivan, employees. DNR staffer and CWTU member, Team leaders were familiar with We changed the venue for chap- tions, including Tippet Rings, Fast was an excellent master of ceremo- uploading data to the SWIMS site ter meetings, and we’re now meet- Patch, Gorilla Tape, Buggins (for nies. He gave a great presentation but everyone present learned how to ing at the Blackhawk Technical gnats), and Systane Lid Wipes. on current restoration efforts of his access the site and obtain a pass- College campus in Janesville, and December’s meeting brought teams. Our banquet committee and word. Learning how to run reports appropriately, in Room 1315, the our annual White Elephant Gift Ex- all participants made the evening a on the streams they monitor was a Blackhawk Room. For our inaugu- change, during which multiple ex- great celebration of 45 years of TU real positive step forward. ral meeting there in October, David changes take place, and many folks in Central Wisconsin. —Mike San Dretto Barron came down from Jaquish go home happy, some because they Hollow and led us through the vari- got rid of leaky waders, and others ous ways we could fish for trout and because they acquired some new Coulee Region Chapter salmon in Alaska. His pictures left books to read, enjoy and pass along us salivating, to say the least. the next year. In November we had elections our chapter very well in that role for At November’s meeting we held Blackhawk’s annual fly tying for officers and board of directors. 15 years. Bob will continue to serve our annual election of board mem- class at Basics Natural Foods in Curt Rees will serve as president of our group as a member of the board bers, and the slate remained the Janesville starts January 3 and runs the chapter for another year. Mark of directors. Joining Bob on the same: Terry Vaughn, president; Ron for 10 weeks. Classes run from 6 Kowaliw is our new treasurer, re- board are Rick Kyte, Cy Post, Steve Machajewski, vice-president; Bill p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and the cost is only placing Bob Hubbard, who served Craig, Duke Welter and Maurice Lazor, treasurer, and Dave Hinde, $20. Members of other TU chapters secretary. Following the election, and non-members are welcome to Dave Patrick and John Lusk shared attend. their advice for many items they —Dave Hinde have found useful on fishing expedi- Central Wisconsin Chapter

The chill of winter causes CW- ting the kids out of the house for a TU to look ahead. Planning is well while. The youth fly-tying table is al- underway for our winter show, ways well attended. If you are in the TroutFest, on Saturday February 25 neighborhood, please come join us. at the Fin N’ Feather in Win- Winter is also a time for fly tying. neconne. We have the usual things This year we are moving fly-tying you would expect from a winter events to the Fin N’ Feather. We show: seminars, vendors, fly tyers previously held them at Win- and raffles. By keeping costs under neconne High School. On Monday Curt Rees control and the scale smaller than nights in January, David Pable will most shows, there is no admission be heading up “Fly Tying - A New charge. We get a wide variety of Experience.” This is an introductory LEE WULFF CHAPTER CREW INSTALLS FENCE STILES ON “HORSESHOE” people coming, including many who course for those new to fly tying or In October the Lee Wulff TU chapter joined Duke Welter to build and install don’t know anything about trout or have given it a try but are not pro- fence stiles along a newly acquired easement on a great section of the north TU. We commonly see families get- gressing as fast as they would like. fork of the Bad Axe River river. Coulee Region TU provided them lunch. Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 15 Chapter News

Amundson. Will Lusignan will lead Looking ahead to our January two competitions. One biggest/best ver Day. This event provides an op- our Veterans Service Program. We meeting, Rick Osthoff will share lie and the other most original fly. portunity for our chapter to help are also excited that Cy Post and more information about trout fish- All tiers will receive the same mate- fund the DNR LTE crews that work Fred Spademan will serve as chap- ing on January 18. Our January rials and will have one-half hour to in northeast and northcentral Wis- ter historians. Cy has possession of meeting will be held in Viroqua at come up with a fly using only those consin during the summer months. many documents that show the the American Legion. Fly tying, din- materials. Please check our website at foxval- work CRTU has done in its 40-plus ner and drinks begin at 6 p.m. and We are also planning and prepar- leytu.org for additional information years of existence. then we will have a short chapter ing for our annual Cabin Fever Day on Cabin Fever Day and our other We saw several excellent presen- business meeting at 7 p.m. before fundraiser January 14 at the Grand activities. tations at our chapter meetings this Rick begins his presentation. There Meridian in Appleton. The event Relax and enjoy this great sea- fall. Rick Kyte talked about the is no chapter meeting in February will have many new and interesting son. All of us from Fox Valley TU need for comprehensive water regu- due to our chapter banquet, and presentations and vendors. The wish you and your families a Happy lations in Wisconsin in order to pro- then our March 15 and April 19 bucket raffle and silent auction New Year. We’ll see you on a trout tect the valuable resource. Jordan meetings will be at the Westview items are some of the best offerings stream in 2017. Weeks, DNR fisheries biologist, was Inn in West Salem. that we have ever assembled for —Rich Erickson our presenter in October and Our chapter banquet will be on this, our sixteenth annual Cabin Fe- shared information about regula- Friday, February 24 at the Cedar tions and the health of the trout Creek country club in Onalaska. Frank Hornberg Chapter population in the southwest part of Doors open at 6 p.m. and food is the state. DNR warden Shawna served at 7 p.m. Ticket order forms Stringham was our guest presenter will be mailed out the first week of As the season for fly fishing and of the Tomorrow River where it in November and she told some January, but they can also be pur- stream maintenance winds down, flows between Buchholtz Road and great stories about the life of a war- chased online. Go to the banquet we retreat indoors. We peruse fish- the former Highway 10 wayside. den. Mat Wagner, co-owner of the page at www.couleeregiontu.org. ing catalogs. We tie flies. We recall Our annual chapter holiday din- Driftless Angler fly shop, was the Tickets are $40 per attendee, and memorable experiences on the wa- ner will be on December 8 at Shoot- last presenter of our 2016 year. As $20 for those under 18. Contact ter. ers Supper Club in Plover. We look always, Mat gave some great infor- Curt Rees at [email protected] The final Hornberg stream proj- forward to an evening of good food mation about trout fishing in the or 608-317-3747. ect of 2016 was on Stedman Creek, and lively conversation with other Driftless region. —Curt Rees just before it flows into the Tomor- chapter members, spouses and row River. A tree fell into the creek, friends. If past years are any indica- Fox Valley Chapter and it was blocking stream flow. tion, we will have music courtesy of Bob Juracka brought it to our atten- Gene Schulfer, owner of Shooters. tion. Norb Wozniak and Wyatt We take this opportunity to wish provided. Bohm worked with Jim Larson to all Wisconsin TU members a happy The Fox Valley chapter has start- Also on October 20 a number of clear out the tree limbs in the water. holiday season and a successful fly ed the 2016-2017 winter schedule of FVTU members gathered at Nancy We already have a few stream fishing year in 2017. meetings and is preparing for our Rosenbacher’s place, known as The projects in mind for next year. One —John Vollrath annual Cabin Fever Day fundraiser. Rose Farm,” on the Waupaca River item on the list is an improvement Our October 20 chapter meeting for an afternoon of planting more included presentations by chapter than 13,000 brown trout in the Wau- Green Bay Chapter president Tom Lager and chapter paca River with the DNR. member Dan Geddes. Tom ex- Our November 17 chapter meet- plained how the chapter is using the ing included two presentations by In September Green Bay Trout Steve Osterhaus and Bob Ondishko funds generated from our annual chapter members Brandon Schmalz Unlimited (GBTU) concluded our taught casting. fundraiser to support habitat work, and Nate Ratliff. Brandon’s presen- summer work project schedule with GBTU’s Mike Renish and Adri- DNR LTW crews and special proj- tation included some great pictures a work day on Beaver Creek in an Meseberg gave a presentation to ects/programs. and videos of his so called “year of Marinette County. This project con- UW-Green Bay’s American Fisher- FVTU is very efficient in the use firsts.” He shared his thoughts and sisted of clearing vegetation on and ies Society (AFS). We used this op- of our funds. Please check the Octo- information on trout fishing from around a fishing platform, plus portunity to emphasize our mission, ber Trout Talk online at www.foxval- the perspective of a person who is clearing, bundling and securing why our group would be a good fit leytu.org and the accounting of enthusiastically getting into the brush bundles in and around the for their members and how we expenditures article that chapter sport of trout fishing. Nate’s presen- creek itself. GBTU was joined by could develop a long-term relation- treasurer Al Johnson prepared. tation included information on pho- our partners and friends, the Wis- ship with the university. We are Dan, one of our chapter’s spin- tography and what to consider when consin DNR and Marinette TU. looking at ways to create a possible ner fishermen, offered a presenta- purchasing a camera. About 15 volunteers joined in the internship program. tion that included some slides and Our December 15 chapter meet- effort, while Marinette TU provided In September we began our fall- video of some of his fishing trips. ing was our annual Tie and Lie lunch. spring meeting schedule. Business He also demonstrated how to make Night. Members and friends tied In September we joined the meetings are on the first Thursday spinners, and attendees could make flies and told stories/fibs/lies about Brown County Izaak Walton of each month. Guest speaker meet- spinners using materials that he the past fishing season. There were League for their Annual Family ings are on the third Thursday. Ex- Conservation Day. Jack Koivisto, ceptions are our awards dinner, Dave Ostanek and Adrain Mese- which is the first Thursday in De- berg taught youth and adults how to cember, the conservation banquet fly cast. on the third Thursday in February, On October 1 we set up fly tying the annual meeting on the third and casting stations at the Ke- Thursday in April…and Packer waunee Fish Facilities Annual Open games. The meetings conclude in ei- House. Dave Ostanek and Adrian ther April or May. Meseberg taught fly tying while Highlights of this year's meetings To m L a g e r Mike Renish

FOX VALLEY CHAPTER PLANTS TROUT IN WAUPACA RIVER GBTU HONORS BRADLEY GUN SALES WITH BUSINESS AWARD Fox Valley Chapter members assisted these DNR fisheries personnel in the At its Awards Ceremony in early December, GBTU bestowed its Business of the planting of brown trout in the Waupaca River. Year Award to Arlen Bradley and Bradley Gun Sales. Page 16 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 Chapter News

the Coulee Chapter to cover the ex- February 4. We will participate with penses. fly casting and tying instruction. The Grant County Sports Alli- There are usually close to 500 at- ance will again have a youth day at tending. SWTC in Fennimore on Saturday, —Brian Larson Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter

The Kiap-TU-Wish Holiday Con- a local Pheasants Forever (PF) servation Banquet was held at the chapter. Both Trout Unlimited and Lake Elmo Inn Event center in De- Ducks Unlimited joined them for cember. We had 120 attendees, good the event. Kiap-TU-Wish set up our food and a festive ambiance. Our lo- conservation booth and diorama, cal fly shops and general member- demonstrated fly tying and gave ship donated great swag for the hands-on casting lessons. Thirty raffle and silent auction, and attend- boys and 11 girls participated. The ees enjoyed the well-told DIY Alas- event was well done and we’re going ka presentation by Chris Niskanen to discuss expanding our participa- and Tony Stifter. Four Kiap volun- tion next year. As a result of our teers were awarded framed certifi- fledgling relationship with PF, we've

Mike Renish cates of appreciation and a gift card added a fourth TIC program in Riv- for their efforts this year: David er Falls. Thanks to Randy Arnold, Drewiske, Scott Passe, John Shelton Laurie Ashworth, John Kaplan and and Jim Kojis. Marty Engel, long- Dan Wilcox for their help at this time DNR fisheries biologist, was event. awarded the Silver Trout Award for Looking forward to spring, Kiap- more than 30 years of coldwater TU-Wish will be participating in the conservation work. Marty has been a Great Water Fly Expo sponsored by great friend to Kiap-TU-Wish and a Minnesota TU. The expo will be tireless worker in promoting habitat held March 17-19 at Hamline Uni- restoration and coldwater conserva- versity in St. Paul. The new, central tion. Thanks to the banquet commit- location offers more space for cast- tee for putting on a first-class event: ing demonstrations and multiple Deb Alwin, Mike Alwin, Allison Ja- rooms for classes and presentations. cobs, Bob Diesch, Greg Dietl and Kiap has already reserved a space. Scott Wagner. Stop by and see our booth. This past fall, Kiap-TU-Wish par- —Maria Manion and Tom Schnadt ticipated in an outdoor activities day for youth. The day was sponsored by Mike Renish

GBTU BESTOWS AWARDS In early December GBTU held its annual Christmas Party and Awards Ceremony. Doug Seidl (top photo) earned GBTU’s Member of the Year Award and John Tilleman (bottom photo) earned GBTU’s President’s Club Award. included our chapter passing an an- Seidl being honored as Member of nual budget and code of conduct in the Year. October, enjoying guest speakers In a continued effort to find al- Kim McCarthy and Laura MacFar- ternate sources of funding, GBTU land, and continuing to plan for our was extremely proud to receive a conservation banquet in February. $2,500 grant from the Green Bay In early December about 50 Packers in December. A big thanks chapter members, family and goes to Mike Renish for his actions friends joined together for our 2016 in pursuing this and other grant Christmas Party and Awards Dinner monies. It’s worth mentioning that at the Townline Bar and Grill. The John Tilleman applied for and re- staff here did a terrific job of deco- ceived a $1,000 grant from Georgia- rating by providing us with plenty of Pacific last year. lights and several Christmas trees. Finally, our 42nd Annual Con- Dinner consisted of an all-you-can- servation Banquet will be held Janelle Schnadt eat buffet featuring broasted chick- Thursday, February 16 at Stadium en, BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes, gra- View in Green Bay. This is our pre- vy, dressing, vegetables, coleslaw, mier fundraiser, not to mention a desserts and more. After eating, we great time. Just ask anyone who has were treated to the beautiful singing been there. More information will and keyboard playing of Amy Phil- be on our website at greenbay- lips. tu.org. I strongly encourage anyone Awards included John Tilleman who can attend to please join us. receiving the President’s Club Thanks to everyone who helps award, Bradley Guns Sales and St make Wisconsin’s inland trout wa- Croix of Park Falls LTD earning ters some of the best! Businesses of the Year, and Doug —Adrian Meseberg Harry & Laura Nohr Chapter

Projects for 2016 include Pom- A project for 2017 includes a pey Pillar Creek, which is now fin- new property on the Blue River ished, and the Blue River below above Bower Road, where we have Shemack Road, and below our last obtained a TU fishing easement and work there almost down to the next have permits. We are also looking at road, which is all but finished. We a piece of ground with access on will do some cleanup work next Borah Creek by Lancaster. spring. These two projects add ap- The “Trout in the Classroom”' Janelle Schnadt proximately 8,000 feet of improved program that Kurt lined up for trout stream to our ever-growing in- North Crawford school district has KIAP-TU-WISH HAS HOLIDAY BANQUET (PHOTO RIGHT), GIVES AWARDS ventory of exceptional waters in their hatchery set up and got their A certificate of appreciation went to David Drewiske (bottom photo). Marty southwest Wisconsin. Thank you to eggs. They were able to see the milt- Engel (top photo), long-time DNR fisheries biologist, was awarded the Silver all our partners in this work. ing process. We are partnering with Trout Award for more than 30 years of coldwater conservation work. Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 17 Chapter News

The fish bit like crazy. for the classes involved. Special Cane poles were rigged up for thanks to Tim Winkle at Silver those who didn’t bring their own Moon Springs Trout Ranch for sup- equipment. Garden worms, corn plying the eggs to the classes. and secret baits were used to fool Our board of directors met in the trout. The fishing went in November to complete the AFR. streaks after a flurry of early activi- They will propose a 2017 activity ty. The fish that were caught were schedule at the upcoming meeting cleaned and sent home with the par- and will prepare a budget accord- ticipants. ingly. The chapter had a holiday There are always some new fac- party for the members at the De- es, while other participants have cember meeting. Member of the fished for several years. They sup- year and best lunch awards were dis- port one another and help each oth- cussed. Awards will be presented at er, even cheering when someone the February meeting. catches a fish. It’s a very fun-filled The banquet committee was es- and heartwarming event, with smiles tablished and a tentative banquet all around. date was set for April 27. Our ban- The chapter kicked off its Trout quet is our largest fundraiser event In the Classroom project by deliver- of the year. ing “eyed” eggs to the students at Members attended the WITU Suring, Oconto, Oconto Falls, Lena, Northeast Regional meeting in Lan- Marion, Gillett and Pulaski School glade in December, and the chapter

Janelle Schnadt Janelle Districts. White Lake and Wabeno allocated $2,000 to Northeast Re- were added to the list this year. A gion Projects. huge thank you goes out to Laura Our membership meetings are MacFarland for her efforts in setting held monthly, excluding May and up the Wabeno School District with November, on the first Wednesday the needed equipment. Dale Halla of each month. Meetings are held at is coordinating the effort. Eggs will the Lone Oak Gun club just North begin to hatch in early December of Gillett starting at 7 p.m. and will provide a wonderful project —Tom Klatt Maria Manion

KIAP-TU-WISH HAS HOLIDAY BANQUET, GIVES AWARDS Four Kiap volunteers were awarded framed certificates of appreciation and a gift card for their efforts this year, including: Jim Kojis (top photo). Dale Halla Lakeshore Chapter OCONTO RIVER CHAPTER ADDS TWO MORE SCHOOLS TO TIC Lakeshore TU is unfortunately In the coming months the Lake- White Lake School Staff and Oconto River Chapter members Tom Klatt and taking a hiatus from our annual shore Chapter will schedule work Dale Halla with their Trout In the Classroom tank. The chapter added schools in banquet for a host of reasons in- days on the Onion River, and other White Lake and Wabeno to their numerous other TIC programs. cluding low turnout and concerns streams, if possible. Our last few about our return on the investment meetings we have mentioned doing of time and money. Donations are work on Ben Nutt and other area Shaw-Paca Chapter getting harder and harder to come streams. We need permission from by and it seems like every group out the DNR, but I think that can hap- The Shaw-Paca Chapter has been on Thursday, April 6. Stay tuned to there is having a banquet. It’s just pen as long as we do simple brush- busy as of late, planning the annual the ShawPaca Facebook page for getting more and more difficult to ing, etc. I’ll keep everyone banquet, finalizing financial com- more details on getting tickets, time, host a banquet every year, expecting informed. mitments and counting down the auctions and more. This is our pri- a better result. Mullet River dam removal is days to the 2017 Wisconsin trout mary and only fundraiser for the So we are working on other op- looking awesome. Lakeshore TU opener! Recent focus and contribu- year and your support is greatly ap- tions to raise money and get people seeded the area and it took very tions have included a scholarship to preciated. involved. Our chapter was started nicely. It looks great. The river has a UW-Stevens Point student going Our chapter meetings are open by a tremendous group of members. found its natural course, and fish into fisheries studies, the renewal of to the public and held at Mathew’s The Onion river is an amazing testa- should be really happy. The water Trout magazine to multiple local li- Supper Club in Clintonville. Our ment to their dedication. Thank temp probes we installed came back braries, funding for the Wild Rose next meeting is January 19 at 7 p.m. you, gents. But the glory days when with some fairly high temps, but if Habitat and work crew, and a $500 If you have any questions contact us banquets would get 200-plus attend- we do some minimal work those contribution to Project Healing Wa- at [email protected]. Until ees have faded in the dust. Lake- temps might drop. All this will come ters-Green Bay. then, stay warm, tight lines and shore TU currently has a very bright with time and gainful knowledge of We are in the early planning stag- Happy New Year. and talented group of guys and gals, what the stream is telling us. After es for our spring banquet at the —Nate Sipple so we are all working together on all, this is a completely new stream! Northwinds Banquet Hall in Marion some new ideas. If they work and We are going to let the Mullet go are a success, I will obviously inform through one more cycle of spring all chapters what we are doing. runoff, then make an assessment on Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter Trust me. Our fingers are crossed. what we can and can’t do. Hopefully Some good news is that a portion this will happen by mid summer, I’ll It has been a busy and productive d’oeuvres and had many opportuni- of the Onion river that is privately keep everyone informed. fall for the Southeast Wisconsin ties to socialize. Attendees also par- held is up for sale. Larry Doebert If you want more info or would Chapter of Trout Unlimited (SEW- ticipated in a silent auction, bucket has addressed the DNR and the like to help with Onion River work TU). Our chapter’s members have raffles, and had the chance to win landowners. We are a very long way days, let me know! been busy planning and participat- door prizes. from anything positive happening, Thank you everyone. ing in education/outreach programs, This event would not have been but it’s an exciting proposition. —Gordy Martin improving habitat at workdays and successful without the generous do- Once again, our fingers crossed. attending chapter meetings. nations contributed by SEWTU The largest event, though, was members, friends and local organi- Oconto River Chapter the annual SEWTU Fall Habitat zations. The number and quality of Fundraiser in October at the New the items donated was very impres- Berlin Hills Golf Club. Stan Strelka sive, and we want to thank everyone In September the chapter hosted hotdogs. About 50 people attended, and Rosie Marotz did a wonderful who contributed items or purchased its annual special needs fishing day including anglers, caregivers, volun- job organizing this event for our tickets to attend. The funds raised at Brunner’s Pond in Underhill. teers and chapter members. Great chapter. We had a great turnout and from this event will be used to im- Guests were treated to burgers and weather made for an enjoyable day. attendees enjoyed delicious hors prove coldwater habitat. Other Page 18 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 Chapter News

KEY VOLUNTEERS AT SEWTU’S FALL HABITAT FUNDRAISER Stan Strelka and Rosie Marotz did a great job organizing the Annual SEWTU Fall Habitat Fundraiser in October at the New Berlin Hills Golf Club.

SEWTU members who helped in- Workdays have also kept SEW- cluded Jim Wierzba, who helped or- TU members active this fall. Our ganize prizes, Ivan Nohavica, who September workday, planned by Ja- collected funds and distributed tick- son Freund and Rick Frye of SEW- ets, and Rich Vetrano, who printed TU, and Luke Roffler of the DNR, the tickets and mailers. took place at Bluff Creek in Wal- We had some great speakers at worth County. A large part of this our chapter meetings in the fall. Jim workday included installation of SEWTU PROVIDES CASTING INSTRUCTION Bartelt of Spring Creek Specialties habitat features, such as half-logs, to guide service in Madison spoke at provide in-stream, overhead cover SEWTU member John Graba provides casting instruction at the Root River our September meeting. Jim did a for trout. Volunteers also cleared Steelhead Facility Open House in Racine. great job sharing his knowledge of brush and stabilized banks. We had flies, tactics and methods that are ef- a strong turnout for this day and the our efforts. ing. fective in southern Wisconsin. Jim stream is looking great because of SEWTU members continue to In November Jim Wierzba, Rick also had some very interesting his- this work. provide educational and outreach Larkin and Rick Carr organized a torical and geological facts that he In October we partnered with the opportunities, and there were many Forest Industry Safety and Training shared about Driftless-region trout Milwaukee River Keepers on the events this fall. In October our Alliance (FISTA) Chainsaw Train- streams. Little Menominee River in Milwau- members provided fly-casting les- ing Day for SEWTU. There was In November Matt Sment from kee. This project involved clearing sons and had an informational table good turnout, and it will be great to Badger Tenkara in Madison spoke brush and debris from the river to at the Root River Steelhead Facili- have more of our members certified at our meeting. Matt’s presentation improve its flow. SEWTU member ty’s Open House in Racine. Matt to use chainsaws on our workdays. detailed the Japanese origins of Ten- Andy Avgoula did a great job coor- and Rosie Marotz and John Graba SEWTU is a strong supporter of kara, discussed the characteristics of dinating this workday with Cheryl of SEWTU, and Darwin Adams programs that connect veterans with Tenkara rods, lines and flies, and ex- Nenn of Milwaukee River Keepers. from the Gary Borger TU Chapter, fishing and fly-tying opportunities. plained how these techniques can be It is always great to join forces with had a busy day providing casting les- Our chapter is very active in Project used on Wisconsin waters. It was a another organization that shares our sons and sharing news about the Healing Waters and Trout Unlimit- very informative evening, and it was mission. great work SEWTU has been able ed Veteran’s Services. a pleasure having Matt speak to our Our December workday was held to accomplish. Last fall SEWTU member members. Retired DNR fisheries bi- at Scuppernong Springs in Wauke- Also in October, SEWTU had an George Batcha and other members ologist Scot Stewart spoke at our sha County. The project involved in- information table and demonstrated organized a fishing trip for veterans chapter meeting in December. stalling and positioning bio-logs to fly tying and casting at the Shore- to Wild Wings in Campbellsport. Scot’s presentation, titled “Top improve stream flow. Ken Rizzo, wood Fish and Feathers Event at Members have also conducted Picks for Southern Wisconsin Trout and Rick Larkin of SEWTU and Hubbard Park in Shorewood. SEW- weekly fly-tying sessions at the VA Fishing,” included stream survey da- Ben Heussener of the DNR did a TU members Nick Schmal, Ron Hospital in Milwaukee. In addition, ta. great job planning this day. After DenBoer, Rick Fry, Janet Fischer Al Dalphonso, Ken Wojak, Don Our December meeting also con- the workday, everyone enjoyed brats and Ben Cheesman helped at this Putning, Jim White and Randy Gul- tinued two longtime SEWTU holi- and sausages. The hot apple cider great event. Rick Frye, chair of the ley visit the Milwaukee VA Hospi- day traditions. One is an optional really hit the spot on that cold De- SEWTU education committee, did tal's Spinal Cord Injury Unit two gift exchange held at the meeting. cember day. We’ve had several a wonderful job organizing both of times a month to provide lessons The other tradition is collecting workdays over the years at this loca- these events. and opportunities for tying flies. canned goods for the Hunger Task tion and it is great to see the stream The fall season also means that This is a great opportunity for SEW- Force of Milwaukee. and habitat improve as a result of the Oak Creek Fly tying events have TU members. started. This group, organized by Take a look at our website sew- Greg Schick, meets two times each tu.tu.org and Facebook page to month at the Oak Creek Communi- learn more about SEWTU and our ty Center to tie flies. The group is events. We hope everyone has a currently focusing on midge pat- great start to 2017 and that you have terns for winter fishing. This is a a chance to enjoy the early trout great opportunity to learn some new season. patterns and tying techniques while —Boyd Roessler enjoying a pleasant evening socializ- Southern Wisconsin Chapter

SWTU hopes to see you for our In addition, we’ll have presenta- annual Icebreaker event on Satur- tions from local experts sharing day, January 14! their valuable fish-catching insights. SEWU MEMBERS INSTALL BIO-LOGS ON SCUPPERNONG CREEK We are thrilled to be flying in Whether you’ve trout fished for SEWTU’s December workday was held at Scuppernong Springs in Waukesha Landon Mayer as our keynote years or just picked up a fly rod for County. The project involved installing and positioning bio-logs to improve speaker. You may know him from the first time, the Icebreaker has stream flow. Ken Rizzo, and Rick Larkin of SEWTU and Ben Heussener of the his books, television appearances, something for everyone. Just like magazine articles, podcasts and last year, the event is conveniently DNR did a great job planning this day. After the workday, everyone enjoyed more. His morning presentation will located at the headquarters of brats and sausages. The hot apple cider really hit the spot on that cold be on “Sight Fishing for Trout.” In American Family Insurance, right December day. The chapter has had several workdays over the years at this the afternoon, he will speak about off the interstate on the east side of location. “Colorado: Four Seasons of Trout Madison at 6000 American Park- Fishing.” way, Madison, Wis. 53783. Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 19 Chapter News

eral area streams. Todd Mau has Resources Conservation Service in joined the Clear Waters Board after Buffalo County. retiring from the USDA Natural —Joe Knight Wisconsin River Valley Chapter

As the 2016 trout season came to local fisheries biologist for the DNR a close, the Wisconsin River Valley during those project years. TU Chapter gets back into action We are planning on spring 2017 with monthly board meetings and programs, which include a “Bug’s

Jim Beecher planned talks. We started in Octo- Life” presentation by Bob Pils on ber with a fly-tying presentation entomology. We are finalizing a pre- SWTU MEMBERS SOW SEEDS ON THE NEPERUD PROPERTY held at the Wausau Library. The li- sentation on fishing in southwest SWTU’s last workday of 2016 found them at the Neperud property on the brary requested this presentation as Wisconsin and on the lower Wiscon- Sugar River. They helped hand sow native grasses and forbs (wildflowers). they had received requests about sin River by Kyle Zempel of Black They also cleared invasive “woodies,” took an inventory and trimmed around trout and tying programs. This was a Earth Angling Co. We are also good trial run as the chapter pre- brainstorming on fundraising ideas oaks and native shrubs we planted in April. sented a formal membership meet- so we can continue to put money in- ing program on tying flies. A big to our local streams. The day-long event will also fea- We’ll see you on Saturday, Janu- thanks to Henry Kanemoto, Bob Our board meets monthly at ture some of the region’s most inno- ary 14. You'll enjoy a friendly, Pils, Linda Lehman, John Meachen Sconni's pub in Schofield on the sec- vative fly tyers and a legendary array roomy, professional and relaxed at- and Gene Koshak for their skills at ond Tuesday of every month. Scon- of bucket raffle items. Raffle items mosphere. Read our latest newslet- the bench, and their presentation. ni's has also been generous with range from a beautiful Paul Douglas ter on swtu.org for more November had a presentation on allowing us to have our presenta- bamboo fly rod to a Yeti cooler, and information. the Plover River, with focus on the tions held there, too. scores of rods, reels, flies, guided A Women & Fly Fishing Happy annual Wausau East biology/chem- You can keep up on our doings trips, outdoor gear and pieces of art. Hour will take place the evening be- istry classes that do a host of studies through our website, wrvtu.org, or Kids are welcome, and we’ll have fore the Icebreaker. It will begin at 6 at the Herb Hintz Riffle, located our Facebook page: Wisconsin Riv- some activities geared to them from p.m. at the Ale Asylum, 2002 Pan- north of Hatley. That presentation er Valley TU Chapter. We are al- 1 to 3 p.m. Those under 12 get in kratz Street, Madison 53704. was followed up by some history of ways looking for new board free when accompanied by a parent. Learn more about us, our events the improvements done on the members, so if you have interest in We also again invite both retired and activities at www.swtu.org or by stream over the years. They also being more active in our chapter, we and active military personnel to our finding us on Facebook. highlighted some of the better fish- will be glad to have you. We hope event; they will receive free admis- —Drew Kasel ing areas. Thanks to Al Hauber for you had a great holiday season! sion with their military ID. his historical knowledge. He was the —Doug Brown Wild Rivers Chapter Wolf River Chapter

October gave us the opportunity ive of these events, and I am hopeful After our well attended fall a.m.-2 p.m. Please contact Zachary to join our partners at the U.S. Fish that we will be able to keep them go- membership meeting at the Bear Buchanan for more information at and Wildlife Service to do brook ing through the winter months. Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort, [email protected] or check trout population surveys on Whittle- The date for our Expo is set for several members and attendees of www.facebook.com/Wolf-River- sey Creek. April 1. We look forward to anyone the Fall Day Activities event en- Chapter-Trout-Unlimited. Over the years that we have been from other chapters coming to visit joyed practicing fly casting for “land The next chapter meeting will be able to support USFWS in this for the day. The event will be at trout.” Several people were very March 4, with board member elec- work, we’ve always seen more coho Northland College and will include close to laying the velcro fly on the tions on the agenda, along with than other salmonids, with few food, live auction, bucket raffle and fluorescent green “land trout,” even summer event and workday plan- brook trout. That trend continued presentations. though it was a cold, windy day. ning. Locations and times will be with this year’s shocking survey, with One of the great things about this We have several upcoming announced soon. Our annual Wolf only a few brook trout measured. event is that many of our agency events planned and in the planning River Chapter Meet & Greet is While it is disappointing to see partners and other groups that we process, beginning with a “Wolf scheduled for May 20. Look for how difficult it has been to establish work with have display tables at the River Fly Tying Consortium” on more information at wolfriver- a brook trout fishery in Whittlesey expo. It is an opportunity for chap- January 28 at the Bear Paw Out- tu.org or our Facebook page. Creek, it is always great to get out ter members and expo attendees to door Adventure Resort from 10 We hope to see you fishing the and work alongside the USFWS learn more about all the great work staff on the population survey. being done by these partners. Thanks to Jason Ross and Henry We are bringing the Fly Fishing Quinlin of the USFWS for always Film tour back this winter. We will inviting Wild Rivers chapter mem- have a viewing at the Park Theatre bers to participate in their brook in Hayward on March 4, and will be trout programs. partnering with the Duluth Area We had more Bar Flies events in Gitchee Gummi chapter of Trout Ashland last fall. These events have Unlimited for a second showing in been a nice way to introduce people Duluth. Jason Stewart has been co- to the members and projects of our ordinating these events, and last chapter, all while tying a few bugs year proved to be a couple of nights and enjoying a pint or two. of fish-cinema entertainment. Luke Kavejecz and Kelly McK- —Bob Rice night have been continually support- Wisconsin Clear Waters

The Clear Waters Chapter held Chapter president Joe Knight two work days in September. The made brief comments at a hearing speaker at our October meeting was on proposed expansion of the Cran- Steve Wisner of Eau Claire Anglers berry Creek CAFO in Dunn Coun- Fly Fishing Adventures. He dis- ty, pointing out there are several cussed his evolution as a fly angler, trout streams in the general area from growing up fishing on Wiscon- where heavy amounts of manure are ANDY KILLOREN GETTING SCHOOLED BY “LAND TROUT” sin’s Prairie River to guiding on the likely to be spread, not to mention Henry’s Fork, Madison River and the Lower Chippewa River, which is After our well attended fall membership meeting at the Bear Paw Outdoor other western rivers, then returning recognized for its diversity of fish Adventure Resort, several members and attendees of the Fall Day Activities to Eau Claire and rediscovering riv- and aquatic species. Knight also sub- event enjoyed practicing fly casting for “land trout.” Several people were very er fishing for smallmouths, muskies mitted brief written comments at a close to laying the velcro fly on the fluorescent green “land trout,” even though and a variety of warmwater species. recent EPA meeting in Eau Claire it was a cold, windy day. At the November meeting, fly ty- expressing concerns on runoff pollu- ing guru Bob Hasse explained how tion in area watersheds. Support TU and get your to organize your own western trout Several board members from the Wisconsin TU license plate now. fishing adventure. At the conclusion Clear Waters Chapter met with of his talk he was peppered with sportsmen’s clubs from Buffalo and Go to www.dot.state.wi.us/ questions on fly tying and was asked Trempealeau counties this fall to drivers/vehicles/personal/ to return when he completed a book learn more about the very active he is writing on fly tying, or sooner. program these groups have on sev- special/trout.htm Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 20 International trout event has Wisconsin ties Science, politics and wild trout management focus of International Wild Trout Symposium By Matthew Mitro Symposium for their contributions to wild trout research, management, Wild trout conjure many imag- and conservation by receiving es: self-sustaining populations of awards from their peers. fishes of the family salmonidae, The symposium’s most presti- sometimes native, sometimes intro- gious award is the Aldo Starker duced. Polished and muscular and Leopold Wild Trout Award. A. torsional, the white edges of their Starker Leopold was an influential fins wimpling softly in the flow, as speaker and participant in Wild American author Cormac McCar- Trout I and II and was admired for thy describes brook trout. A symbol his professional work in wildlife to both the angler and conserva- ecology and management as a scien- tionist of the coldest and purest wa- tist, educator and author, as well as ters in the northern hemisphere, for his friendship and companion- and at the same time an indicator, ship to many as a hunter and angler. when they are absent, of environ- He passed away shortly before mental changes that have weakened Wild Trout III and has been hon- a coldwater stream’s resilience. ored since then by bestowing an Wild trout enthusiasts of all award in his name to a professional stripes — researchers and manag- and a non-professional who have ers, educators and conservationists, distinguished themselves in the anglers and others with an interest world of wild trout. DUKE WELTER PRESENTING AT WILD TROUT SYMPOSIUM in trout — have met and connected The professional award was first TUDARE’s Duke Welter spoke at the previous Wild Trout Symposium, while to share their visions of wild trout given in 1984 to Dr. Robert Behnke, with one another since 1974 at the who was well known to many for his TUDARE’s Jeff Hastings received the Trout Unlimited-Federation of Fly Fishers International Wild Trout Sympo- long-running column, “About Stewardship Award in 2014. sium. Trout,” in Trout Unlimited’s Trout On September 26-29, 2017, Wild magazine. Since then the award has store wild trout fisheries; and the search, management, conservation Trout XII will be held in West Yel- been given to two Wisconsinites in risks and benefits of managing wild and education are welcome. The lowstone, Montana. Since its incep- recognition of their lifetime trout fisheries in marginal habitats. Wild Trout Symposium has in the tion 43 years ago, the symposium achievements in wild trout research Also, should we be concerned past been both reflective of world- has been held every three to five and management. about disease, parasites and the wide interest in and work on wild years in or near Yellowstone Na- Bob Hunt was honored with this health of wild trout? When and how trout and at the forefront of new di- tional Park, a location chosen for its award at Wild Trout VII in 2000 and do we draw the line between stake- rections in wild trout research and centrality to some of the premier Ray White was honored at the fol- holder desires and conservation management. wild trout habitat and fisheries in lowing symposia in 2004. needs? And, what have we learned Information on the symposium North America. Another award, more recently from use of special regulations? We including the call for papers can be The symposium has drawn par- developed for Wild Trout IX, is the are also particularly interested in found at http://www.wildtroutsym- ticipants from around the world Trout Unlimited-Federation of Fly presenting international perspec- posium.com/. Also on the website who come to connect with one an- Fishers Stewardship Award. This tives on wild trout management. are PDF files of proceedings from other in this inspiring location, to award was created to recognize the These topics and more are out- all 11 past symposia. We look for- share the latest in wild trout re- importance of nonprofit organiza- lined in the symposium call for pa- ward to another diverse and stimu- search, and to discuss viewpoints tions and the volunteers that work pers. In a general sense, though, it is lating program at Wild Trout XII and approaches to wild trout man- with them on projects to restore and the contributors who will drive the and a chance to visit with colleagues agement and related public policy preserve wild trout. Jeff Hastings, symposium agenda, as presenta- and supporters of wild trout, both in support of sustaining wild trout Wisconsin-based Project Manager tions on all aspects of wild trout re- old and new, in September 2017. habitat and fisheries. for the Driftless Area Restoration Matthew Mitro is a fisheries research Effort, was the most recent recipi- scientist with the Wisconsin Wisconsin represented ent of this award in 2014 in recogni- tion of his work on watershed Department of Natural Resources. The idea of the Wild Trout Sym- restoration to benefit Driftless Area Based in Madison, Matt has been posium was conceived over lunch in trout streams. Denver in 1973. Frank Richardson, working with the DNR on statewide John Peters and Pete van Gyten- fisheries issues since 2003. Matt’s beek were fly fishers, members of Science, politics and wild work focuses on trout in Wisconsin’s trout management Trout Unlimited, and interested in inland streams, including stream advancing the cause of wild trout. The theme of this year’s Wild At the time, Pete was executive di- Trout Symposium is “Science, poli- habitat restoration, trout stocking and rector of Trout Unlimited, John was tics, and wild trout management: propagation issues, angling regulations, fish ageing, population modeling, chief environmental officer of the Who’s driving and where are we go- parasites and environmental change. Matt previously worked as a population U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and ing?” ecologist with the EPA, as a stock assessment biologist with the Atlantic Frank was associate regional direc- Scientific research has long been tor of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife valued for informing management States Marine Fisheries Commission, and did his doctoral work on rainbow Service for the Rocky Mountain Re- decisions, but politics also drives the trout in the Henrys Fork, Idaho. Matt graduated from Montana State University gions. decision-making process. And some (PhD, MS), University of Vermont (MS), and Colgate University (BA). He is The Wild Trout Symposium was may say it should, for fisheries man- also the program committee co-chair for the Wild Trout Symposium XII. to attract biologists and anglers agement is as much or more about from across the world to meet in people as it is about fish. But what Yellowstone National Park to talk of political actions that challenge about wild trout management. science and how science informs The first Wild Trout Symposium management decisions or that com- was held in 1974, and Wisconsin was promise a legacy of environmental well-represented from the start. Jim legislation that has benefited wild McFadden led a panel discussion on trout and their environs? regulations, political realities and The symposium plenary session the angler, in which Bob Hunt will address the roles of science and spoke about angling regulations in politics in wild trout management, relation to wild trout. to help provide decision makers at Ray White, then at Michigan all levels with a better understand- State University, spoke about in- ing for the dynamics among science, stream habitat management, based politics and management, and to largely on the technical bulletin he provide a forum to discuss the fu- published with Oscar Brynildson in ture of wild trout management and 1967, entitled Guidelines for Man- how we get there. agement of Trout Stream Habitat in As in past symposia, a call for pa- Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a wild, sparsely-populated Wisconsin. pers has been announced for Wild land and the U.P. Fly Angler is the only outfitter licensed At Wild Trout II in 1979, Ed Av- Trout XII. The organizing commit- ery presented on wild brown trout tee has outlined a list of topics we to guide anglers in the Ottawa National Forest. streams and their sport fisheries in feel are of particular importance Visit the U.P. Fly Angler at: central Wisconsin. Wisconsin has and may be developed as sessions, continued to be an important con- given sufficient interest. Such topics tributor to the Wild Trout Sympo- include what we’ve learned from sium over the years, and a number multi-decadal datasets about man- https://upflyangler.com/ of people from Wisconsin have aging wild trout; new advances in [email protected] been recognized at the Wild Trout genetics and propagated trout to re- Page 21 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 Communications by TU members is vital But doing it properly is crucial. As TU members are asked to do more issue advocacy, here are some valuable pointers. By Henry Koltz, TU National Trustee threats, innuendo or anything even al expansion drive that specifically the Policy Committee to keep its remotely along those lines is simply seeks to include women and stresses finger on the pulse of where the leg- Wisconsin Trout Unlimited ac- not acceptable, and has absolutely diversity. TU is growing intelligent- islature is, and where TU needs to complishes its mission in three pri- no place when advocating on behalf ly, and again that is a positive mes- intervene and interact with individu- mary manners: in-stream and of Wisconsin TU. sage. als. riparian corridor restoration work, We are a group that accomplish- When dealing with legislators, youth education events, and work- es an incredible amount of good for the public, and media outlets it is Support the TU message ing with U.S. military veterans. our resources, our people and our very important to keep in mind what Trout Unlimited, founded in These three pillars have profound economy. We are a group that deliv- Wisconsin TU is, what it does, and 1959 in Michigan, has a long and effects upon our streams, our peo- ers tangible, positive benefits. to stress the positive nature of our proud history. Wisconsin Trout Un- ple and our economy. As such, just as our mission and group and its impact. Stressing who limited has existed since at least the From time to time, however, it results are positive, our attitude we are and the positive items dis- late 1960’s, and likewise has a sto- becomes necessary to engage in is- when dealing with advocacy issues cussed above gives our message ried, long and proud history. As to sue-advocacy activity to support and should likewise be positive. It is an credibility. both Trout Unlimited nationally, protect our group’s three primary unfortunate truth that a good repu- We bring jobs, we bring im- and Wisconsin Trout Unlimited, pillars, and our coldwater resources tation might take a lifetime to earn, proved publicly accessible fisheries, countless individuals have come be- and access to them. Doing so often but can be ruined in an instant. we bring youth to the outdoors, we fore us, and have acted admirably involves dealing with legislators, When acting on behalf of Wisconsin help bring peace to wounded war- and with great personal sacrifice to mass-communication outlets and TU, we ask all members to keep in riors, we cover all of Wisconsin, and achieve the incredible reputation the community at large. mind the incredible sacrifices and we’re growing. When we speak, that we have today. As we move into a new legisla- efforts those who have come before we’re worth listening to. As such, when advocating for an tive session, it’s time for a reminder us made, and respect and preserve issue, recognize that TU comes to about how TU participates in the the even-keeled legacy that our Keep it short and simple positions through a formal process, legislative process. forerunners built over decades. When dealing with legislators, both nationally and at the state and When advocating for issues, it is Quite simply, be polite. the public or media outlets, it is in- chapter levels. In order to preserve important that Wisconsin Trout Un- credibly important to keep it short, the good name that our forerunners limited’s members act professional- Stress the positive and to keep it simple. We’ve all been have given so much to create, insti- ly, courteously and in the best at a party and been cornered by tutional integrity must be main- interests of our cause. Acting other- Wisconsin TU sells itself. We fix someone who drones on and on tained, and members must be wise might actually harm our objec- up rivers, for free! We leverage the about some story that they find in- cognizant of the message that they tives, and may cast a pall over the State of Wisconsin’s dollars, bring credibly entwining, but which is to- articulate on behalf of TU. fine reputation that our current in matching grant-dollars from non- tally uninteresting to anyone else. Specifically, if there is no nation- members and their predecessors state sources, and provide millions Dealing with legislators is very simi- ally articulated message, it is not have earned. of dollars to the state and its citi- lar: Please don’t correct to hold yourself out as rep- Here are a few pointers which zens in matching be that person. resenting a national Trout Unlimit- should be kept in mind when advo- grants and vol- Most of the ed position. Likewise, if there is not cating for an issue. Wisconsin TU unteer labor issues that TU a statewide articulated message, hopes that all of its members will each year. Most of the issues advocates for then it is likewise not correct to hold keep these pointers in mind, and Such efforts that TU advocates for can be succinct- your self out as representing a state- will act with dignity and enhance, go directly into ly summed up in wide Wisconsin TU position. Final- not injure, the name of our organi- our streams, and can be succinctly just a few well ly, if there is no chapter-based zation in the public arena. by written poli- cy only in areas summed up in just a articulated sen- position, then it is not correct to with permanent tences. It is in- hold yourself out as representing a TU cannot and does not public ease- few well articulated credibly chapter position. advocate for candidates ments for the sentences. important that If there is no official position that First and foremost, Trout Unlim- benefit of the when broad- has been articulated, but one is de- ited is a certified 501(c)3 non-profit public, and such casting our mes- sired, the appropriate route is to ap- organization. It cannot, by law, and efforts have sage that we do proach your chapter or the State therefore does not advocate for spe- been found to have an annual eco- so in a manner that is succinct and Council, and request that such enti- cific political candidates or political nomic benefit that can honestly be appealing. ties’ policy groups consider an issue parties. described in billions of dollars. For instance, a legislator’s eyes and formulate a position, if they Trout Unlimited can advocate Quite simply, TU helps create a dis- might glaze over if we were to offer deem it appropriate. Then, armed for specific issues, however. For in- cernable “trout economy” in Wis- up complicated stream-flow metrics with process and procedure, a posi- stance, it can oppose a proposed consin. That’s a positive message. when discussing the impact a high- tion may be taken. CAFO site located too closely to Moreover, we perform countless capacity well proposed too close to a tourist-dollar-creating and job-sus- hours of volunteer work with chil- blue-ribbon trout stream. But that Develop relationships dren. When kids might otherwise be same legislator might easily under- taining trout streams. Please keep As humans, we naturally pay stuck in front of a television spend- stand that a high-capacity well next this distinction closely in mind dur- more attention to people that we ing yet another hour playing a video to a trout stream might damage a ing any advocacy event, and remem- know and trust, as opposed to com- game, we take them outside, get trout-based economy, the jobs that ber that in the event that you have plete strangers. As such, it is incum- them tying flies, get them flipping it supports, and the money that it any questions, the Wisconsin Coun- bent upon TU members to develop rocks and examining stream resi- brings to the region. In sum, have cil’s Policy Committee is always and build relationships with individ- dents, and we get them dreaming three or four bullet points, hit them, available for questions. If you are uals that we are lobbying. about more than just what video and then say thanks. unsure, ask! This is easily accomplished. game they’ll play next. To that end, prepare before ad- Quite simply, meet with legislators, For many kids, being introduced vocating. Know why you are advo- Be polite leaders, and media members just to to the outdoors at a TU event leads cating for an issue, and know why it say hello. Take them fishing. Bring Perhaps the most fundamental to a lifetime of healthy, outdoor ac- is important. Then, as discussed them to workdays. Bring them out and easily accomplished rule when tivities. For others, TU might be the above, distill that message into three and don’t ask for anything – just in- engaging in advocacy is to be polite. single event that changes a child’s or four sentences that are attractive troduce people to our group, make As the adage goes, you attract more course, and sends them down a pos- to all political stripes, and which ap- friends, keep TU and its positive flies with honey than you do with itive life path rather than a much peal to the general public. message in front of decision makers. vinegar. worse alternative. Again, that’s a As part of this message, having a TU can’t be the group that just talks Everyone with whom you will in- positive message. personal story to use as a connec- to legislators when we want some- teract on behalf of Wisconsin Trout Finally, we work with disabled tion point is a good idea, and will thing. The impact of knowing and Unlimited is human: every legisla- U.S. military veterans. There is no make clear why an issue is impor- understanding who we are and what tor, every member of the public, ev- group that demands our respect and tant to them and to you. we do is incredibly important. ery reader of a newspaper, and our efforts more than those who Then, when discussing an issue every listener of a radio broadcast. have given so much so that we are with a legislator, the general public All humans react more favorably to free to care about our mission and or the media, hit your bullet points, Keep TU’s voice positive, someone politely discussing an issue engage in our activities. Wisconsin says thanks, and ask if there are any polite, on point and versus someone yelling at them. TU uses fishing, fly tying and being questions. If you’ve done your productive To that end, it is incredibly im- outdoors to help heal our wounded homework, articulated your mes- portant that when members of Wis- Wisconsin Trout Unlimited warriors. This is an incredibly posi- sage well, and made your point, hopes that its members will keep the consin TU advocate for an issue, tive message. odds are that no questions will be that they do so in a manner that al- above points in mind when engaging Keep in mind that we have about necessary. in advocacy efforts. Doing so will lows compromise when possible, 5,000 members, in 21 chapters, and Finally, please feel free to report and which does not “burn bridges” keep the voice of TU positive, po- cover the entirety of Wisconsin’s back to the State Council’s Policy lite, on point and productive. and foreclose future interactions geographic footprint. We are grow- Committee any information you with perceived adversaries. ing, and are in the midst of a nation- learn during interactions with legis- Accusations, foul language, lators. It is an important function of Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 22 Update on Crystal Brook access

Words and photos By Dave Zueg knew there were free-flowing, unim- pounded sections of the river. Wisconsin Trout readers may re- Where they began and ended were call my recent article about the ac- unknown. cessibility issue surrounding Crystal To their credit, last November Brook, a Class 1 trout stream in DNR biologists and hydrologists Washburn County. navigated upstream from the high- Nearly 100 years ago the Minne- way and taking elevations as they sota-based Cargill family was given proceeded, were able to determine a private fish hatchery license for where the free flowing, open to the the “impounded waters of Crystal public fishing areas were and where Brook,” a publically accessible trout the (questionably unconstitutional) stream via a state highway crossing. impounded, closed areas were. The family built several low-head Webster defines impounded wa- dams along the course of the river at ter as “a body of water confined that time, impounding portions of within an enclosure.” My personal the river. thoughts were that if I could clearly In what was called “the sins of observe a current in the stream by HIGHWAY ACCESS TO CRYSTAL BROOK our fathers” by some DNR staff, the watching a wood chip float down- hatchery license was granted by the stream and aquatic vegetation arch- Wisconsin Conservation Commis- ing downstream in the current, the sion, the predecessor of today’s De- area was not impounded. partment of Natural Resources, in The DNR staff doing the survey spite of the clear language in the didn’t agree, saying that if there was Public Trust Doctrine proclaiming an impoundment downstream, the waters of the state are held in clearly there was some level of im- public trust and open for public use. pounding occurring, even though In 1915 the Wisconsin Supreme the elevation difference was very Court upheld the Public Trust Doc- minimal. I was forced to reluctantly trine in the infamous Diana Hunt accept their opinion, although it Club a few years before this hatch- seemed a bit conservative to me at ery license was issued. In light of the time. I respect their work and this clear language, how and why appreciate their willingness to ad- this questionable license was issued dress my concerns. is unknown, lost to time. Their work clearly outlined Although the Cargill Trust is still which portions of the river were licensed as a private fish hatchery, open to the public and which they don’t raise fish. Their renewal weren’t. Now the public can legally application clearly states the pur- access the river and fish portions be- pose of the license is for “private, tween impoundments without fear personal fishing.” And that doesn’t of being ordered to leave or threat- include you and I. ened with trespass charges as has Unfortunately, language in the occurred in the past. state statutes grandfathers the exis- The area open to fishing also in- MAN-MADE STRUCTURE ON CRYSTAL BROOK tence of the license, although con- cludes the far upper reaches of stitutional challenges appear to be Crystal Brook, an area called “the legitimate. After years of explaining springs,” which rumors say are full this to trout anglers who were of trout. Anglers are also allowed to stopped from fishing Crystal Brook, walk or portage a craft around ob- even in areas outside the licensed stacles that would impede their nav- “impounded waters” during my igation, although if they leave their years as a conservation warden, I craft, their feet must be in water. decided to address the issue after The DNR also erected a sign in retirement. The decision to do this the state highway right-of-way adja- was easy after I was personally told cent to the stream that explains to to leave a free flowing, legally ac- anglers what their rights are when cessed, portion of the stream out- fishing and which portions they can side the licensed waters. legally fish. When the renewal of this license We’ll have to call this a victory of came due, I formally challenged the sorts until someone elects to chal- reissuance when the renewal notice lenge the constitutionality of the ex- was publicized, based on the above isting license in a court of law. arguments. Hopefully they will follow the lan- Subsequently I was advised by guage the Wisconsin Supreme DNR staff that due to recent legisla- Court used in 1915: “the wisdom of tive changes, a DNR license was not this policy…carefully preserved to required any longer and any licens- the people the full and free use of ing would be controlled by the De- public waters cannot be ques- partment of Agriculture, Trade and tioned...they should be free to all for THIS SIGN EXPLAINS TO ANGLERS WHERE THEY CAN LEGALLY FISH Consumer Protection. recreation including hunting and After a series of frustrating fishing…” phone conversations and e-mail ex- changes, I was advised by DATCP Dave Zueg grew up in northern that they could not tell me what spe- Wisconsin and graduated from UW- cies was under license – although an Superior before becoming a Wiscon- open records request showed all the sin conservation warden, eventually prior stocking was with trout. Nor retiring from the Spooner office as the could they tell me what portions of DNR's Northern Regions Enforce- the stream were open to the public. ment and Science Leader. That, they said, was an answer the He also served as mayor of Shell DNR needed to provide. Lake. He has written for various out- The existing license clearly states door publications covering hunting only the impounded portions of and fishing, as well as public trust Crystal Brook are currently closed doctrine and shoreland protection is- to public fishing, although attempts sues. to determine where those areas be- Currently he and his wife split their gan and ended went unanswered by time between Shell Lake and Mc- the licensee. Neil's on the Brule, their cabin and Since the DNR is the designated rental property. Recognizing the im- trustee of public waters, it seemed portance of public accessibility, they reasonable to claim it was their re- made their driveway into a fisher- sponsibility to make these determi- man's walking trail. nations. Again, the license clearly stated only the impounded waters were closed to the public, and I UPSTREAM VIEW OF CRYSTAL BROOK Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 23 The connectivity of rivers and roads Why TU is investing in Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure barriers” detour fish that are accus- coldwater tributaries will be recon- tomed to avoiding shallow water nected to the Peshtigo River. Greg due to swimming inefficiencies or Orum, Trout Unlimited’s Stream fear of predators from above. Restoration Specialist, is currently working with USFS engineers and Culverts can damage hydrologists to design the new road habitat stream crossings. Their approach, based upon the In addition to presenting physi- USFS Stream Simulation Method- cal barriers to fish movement, im- ology, entails matching the width, properly designed, installed or elevation and slope of the culvert maintained road stream crossings with that of the natural channel to can degrade or destroy habitat up- minimize or eliminate the impact of stream and downstream of the the road on the stream’s geomor- structures. Here are three examples. phology. This allows aquatic organ- When a culvert inlet is placed at too isms, silt and the majority of woody high of an elevation, ponding can debris to pass through the culvert occur, resulting in the deposition of unimpeded. Greg will also apply hy- PERCHED AND HIGH-VELOCITY: DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR FISH silt, organics and other fine materi- drologic modeling to ensure that the als upstream. This can bury spawn- culvert is large enough to stand up This is the outlet of a culvert on Chickadee Creek in Oconto County that is ing gravels and fill pools that slated to be replaced in 2017. The velocity of the water coming out of the pipe to large flood events. previously had provided cover for While Trout Unlimited’s mission is 6.7 feet per second, which is a likely velocity barrier to trout. Also, this outlet fish. is to restore coldwater habitat, we is perched, another barrier to fish movement. When a culvert is too short it re- and our partners believe that these sults in the slope of the embank- projects benefit our local communi- By Laura MacFarland, TU Great sults in fish that live longer, grow ment being too steep. This can ties, as well. Like much of our trans- Lakes Stream Restoration Manager larger and are more resilient to a cause sloughing of road gravel and portation infrastructure, many of changing climate and disease. other material into the stream, hav- culverts are reaching or have ex- A majority of Wisconsin’s 115 Dams are an obvious culprit. ing a similar effect and potentially ceeded their life expectancy and are fish species, including trout, need to However according to the Universi- compromising the structure. in need of replacement. In the event move throughout a watershed sea- ty of Wisconsin-Madison Center for The third and most extreme ex- of a failure or imminent failure, mu- sonally or at varying stages in their Limnology, while there are more ample of how a bad road crossing nicipalities and towns often replace lifecycle to feed, find cooler water, than 7,000 dams on the rivers, can impact habitat, is when a culvert the bad culvert with one of similar avoid predators and reach spawning creeks and streams flowing into the fails, causing a road washout. Un- dimensions, which is a missed op- habitat. Rivers, long and linear in Great Lakes, there are more than fortunately, as many of us in the portunity to improve the resiliency nature, are vulnerable to habitat 265,000 road stream crossings – Driftless Area or the Chequamegon of both the road infrastructure and fragmentation thanks in part to our most of them culverts. The majority National Forest witnessed firsthand the river. Trout Unlimited’s finan- immense network of roads. All too of culverts currently in place were this year, the failure of a culvert or cial contributions and expertise is common, where black lines and designed with the primary objective bridge due to inadequate engineer- helping to take the burden off of blue lines meet on a map, aquatic of moving water under a road. Little ing or disrepair causes a great deal towns and counties, prevent future habitat is severed or fragmented, consideration was given to the riv- of destruction to our streams, not to catastrophic, life-threatening fail- preventing fish and other aquatic er’s natural hydrology, sediment mention putting a problematic gap ures and ensure coldwater connec- organisms to move freely. transport, fish and wildlife, or in our transportation infrastructure. tivity. It’s a win-win. Trout Unlimited staff and volun- movement of woody debris. teers are working to restore connec- So, it is not too surprising that TU efforts Laura MacFarland is a long-time tivity within our trout streams researchers suspect that 64 percent In 2016 TU National began a member and volunteer leader with through the replacement of inade- of culverts in the Great Lakes re- concerted effort in Northern Wis- Trout Unlimited. Since February 2016 quate or damaged culverts. While gion may block fish movement. consin to reconnect more than 30 she has served as Trout Unlimited's improving the fishing, our efforts While the removal of a large dam miles of coldwater habitat. Partner- Great Lakes Stream Restoration Spe- will also prevent road failures, a cat- makes great headlines, nationwide ing with the U.S. Forest Service, the cialist, collaborating with partners on astrophic scenario which poses TU has found that by replacing a Wisconsin Department of Natural planning, assessing, designing, con- great risk to human life and the substandard culvert with a fish- Resources, with additional support structing and monitoring of aquatic health of our rivers. friendly crossing is more cost effec- from the National Fish and Wildlife habitat restoration projects in and ad- tive and often less controversial, en- Foundation and Trout and Salmon jacent to the Chequamegon-Nicolet Trout rely on connectivity abling us to have a greater impact, Foundation, TU is working to re- National Forest in Northern Wiscon- faster and cheaper. A Wisconsin angler landing a 10- place or remove a total of 10 cul- sin. Prior to that she served eight years inch brook trout in a familiar reach verts in 2017. More than 33 miles of as the Aquatic Invasive Species Direc- of stream may assume that the trout Several scenarios tor at the River Alliance of Wisconsin. has been living in the neighborhood There are several ways in which for it’s entire life, unaware of the a culvert can present a physical bar- trout’s reliance on the connectivity rier to fish trying to swim upstream. of the river and its tributaries. It is The most obvious type of barrier is possible that the trout, now in hand, the “jump barrier.” These are cul- has just completed its annual 20- verts that are set at too high of an mile migration. You may recall re- elevation, resulting in a perched search conducted in the early 1990’s structure that would require a fish in Wisconsin documenting the sea- to jump up into the pipe. sonal movement of trout. The second type of barrier is a One study found that when wa- “velocity barrier.” Culverts that are ter temperatures reach approxi- too narrow or are installed at an im- mately 60 degrees in the Oconto proper slope result in high water ve- River in May, trout began migrating locities at the outlet. While we tend up to 30 miles upstream to the to think of trout as relatively strong South Branch for the summer. The swimmers, once water velocities in a bigger, deeper warmer water of the pipe approach or exceed three feet Oconto River provided better win- per second, brook trout have a diffi- ter habitat and greater forage allow- cult time swimming up through it. ing the fish to grow larger, while the The longer the pipe, the tougher it South Branch provided refuge from becomes. We refer to these longer THIS CULVERT INLET IS TOO HIGH, IMPOUNDING SILT the rising temperatures in the sum- pipes as “exhaustion barriers.” The culvert inlet on the Chickadee Creek culvert is set at too high of an mer, as well as better spawning and Finally, a pipe that is too large rearing habitat. This documented poses another problem at lower elevation, impounding silt for 137 feet upstream. TU staff are proposing to inland migration pattern of trout re- flows, shallow water. These “depth replace the existing 30” circular culvert with a 95” x 67” pipe arch. Correction Correction Check out our Facebook pages We’re getting social. The Council now has an offi- An article in the last issue of Wisconsin A photo caption in the Chapter Reports section of cial Wisconsin Trout Unlimited Facebook page at Trout about Paul Hayes and Weister Creek the last issue of Wisconsin Trout incorrectly identified facebook.com/WisconsinTU. So go ahead and give neglected to mention that the Lee Wulff instructor Jen Erickson and student Emily Hodson as us a “Like!” We’ve also set up a Wisconsin Trout Un- Chapter of TU has been a financial con- members of the Central Wisconsin Chapter. both are limited State Council “group” on Facebook for peo- tributor and supporter of that project from active members of the Fox Valley Chapter. We apolo- ple to share upcoming event info and conservation- its beginning. The chapter has contributed gize for this error. See the article in this issue by Tom related news. $4,000 a year during the last three years. Lager about Emily. We apologize for this error. Page 24 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 Emily Hodson: Artist, fisher, youth member of FVTU To m L a g e r

By Tom Lager This summer’s Wisconsin TU Youth Fishing Camp experience was the stimulus for Emily Hodson to draw fly patterns. Not that drawing is a newly emerging interest; Emily has been drawing since second grade and has been known to draw almost any object of interest and on al- most any surface that is handy. The volunteer staff members at the camp first discovered Emily as Graeme Hodson she drew, from memory, fly patterns she had experienced while tying flies or had seen displayed on a fellow youth member’s T-shirt. At a EMILY HODSON DISPLAYS HER ART NOTEBOOK break in the instruction sessions, we all clustered around her art note- book, truly amazed at the display of talent. I expect we all made her a At a break in the instruction sessions at the WITU Youth Camp, instructors and bit nervous as we observed her skill while she used colored pencils to students alike clustered around Emily to see her work and her art notebook, artfully render a variety of fly pattern designs. and were truly amazed at the display of talent. Her enthusiasm for fishing, fly Art is a significant part of who Emily Hodson is, and it has been a tying and fly art is remarkable and brings youthful energy to all associated with part of her life for a long time. She is currently a student at Magellan her. Middle School, a charter school housed within Appleton’s Wilson Mid- dle School. Emily’s parents are Graeme and Amy Hodson of Appleton. Her participation in the arts discloses a wide range of interests including cello, Her participation in the arts discloses a wide range of interests includ- chamber orchestra and Lawrence Girl Choir, as well as sculpture using ing cello, chamber orchestra and Lawrence Girl Choir, as well as sculp- ture using terracotta and polymer clays, and jewelry making. Her talent for drawing is largely self-developed. This summer she sion for her artful interests related to fishing, trout conservation and participated in Art Immersion: France, a week-long art course at The being a young lady in the outdoors. FVTU is proud to have Emily as a Trout Museum, Appleton, where she learned about various schools of youth member of our chapter and we look forward to her participation art within French culture. Emily said this course influenced her later fly in our sponsored youth activities along with other youth members. designs, enabling her to better see the fly patterns through the materi- als used in its construction, such as the way materials move and how their texture brings life and move- ment into the design depicted in her drawings. In some of her later drawings she also incorporated wa- ter color. Emily’s talent attracted the at- tention of Bob Haase, who is writ- ing a book depicting his methods of fly tying. Some of the complex tying methods involving direction th Just of movement and successive steps January 14 2017 are best shown by illustration. Emi- 10 ly is now well on her way to com- $ pleting Bob’s request that she be American Family Insurance his illustrator and she will receive FREE for Vets! 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 Featured Speaker and Kids 12 acknowledgement in Bob’s book, & under soon to go to press. Join Us For: There are other aspects of her -BOEPO
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TXUVPSH ed person full of energy and pas- Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 25 From the fly-tying desk: Bob’s snowshoe caddis By Bob Haase MATERIALS LIST There are a lot of different snow- Bob’s snowshoe caddis shoe fly patterns, but this one is differ- ent than any I have seen. I really like working with snowshoe and/or jackrab- Hook: Mustad R50 or TMC100, bit feet hair because of the properties. size14 Snowshoe is getting difficult to find and Thread: brown or tan 140 de- jackrabbit is the closest best substitute. nier The properties of their feet hair are dif- Body: snowshoe hair dubbing ferent than that of a cottontail. The hair is easy to work with, naturally water re- Wing: snowshoe hair Step 2 - Dub the body with Step 4 - Tie in the hair tips pointing pellent and floats like a cork. For this Eyes: mono snowshoe hair. I trim the hair off of toward the eye of the hook. This is reason I also make my own snowshoe the rabbits feet and put it in a coffee just opposite of just about any rabbits feet dubbing. I use this on most grinder. For the dubbing, save all the Snowshoe patterns that I have seen. of my caddis patterns and very seldom hackle the body. underfur and short hair after you This dubbing traps air bubbles better than any other dubbing I have tried Leave a small amount of the hair and the bushy fibers causes little rings or ripples in the water like something have used the good stuff for wings protruding over the eyes as shown. is moving. I use a number of different Caddis patterns and this along with and other purposes. Notice how the Tie off the hair with a whip finish or my CDC Caddis, and traditional Elk Hair Caddis, are my favorites. The best hair is woven in a way that helps trap series of half hitches and cut the part about this fly is that it is easy to tie, and the fish like it. Tie a few up and air bubbles. I think these will find a permanent place in your fly box. thread. Note: I designed this fly on one of my marathon fly design nights. I some- times take one insect such as the caddis and tie it as many different ways as possible using as many different materials as possible. I float them in a dish of water and look at the fly from below like a fish would. his was my last modification of the night using the above materials and I am glad that I didn’t go to bed sooner because I achieved what I wanted that night …. an easy tie that the fish like! One of my greatest satisfactions besides catching fish on the flies that I tie is coming up with new patterns that out-fish my previous patterns. Maybe that is why some people that know me ask if I have ever tied the same fly the same way more than once. Step 3 - Cut about a quarter-inch Step 5 - Pull out underfur. Trim the clump of hair off the rabbit foot, or hair to look like a Goddard Caddis by Step 1 - Start the thread and tie in just slightly more than you would for holding the hair and trimming at an small mono eyes just behind the eye an Elk Hair Caddis. Pull out some of angle as shown. For those that have of the hook. I make my own by the underfur and turn it around in fished the Goddard Caddis, you know melting dark colored monofilament your fingers as you will be tying it in how well it works. This bushy little fishing line. Put a dab of super glue to tips first right behind the mono eyes. Snowshoe Caddis works just as well, help secure the eyes and advance the You can see that I have a substantial if not better, and it is much easier to thread to the bend of the hook. amount of hair. tie.

TU National is encouraging Advice from We want you, youth each chapter to create a Youth the bench of coordinators Coordinator position. This per- Bob’s Tying Tips son would help his or her chapter Bob Haase make better use of the incredible information and support avail- Cut corner of package well as the original pattern, able from TU National. Much of on stranded materials but sometimes it works even this information is available on- better. Try tying the Goddard line. It is often a problem get- This is a great opportunity to Caddis, and then try tying my ting stranded materials like get involved with TU and really Flashabou or Krystal Flash Snowshoe Caddis pattern. make a difference. If you are in- back into the package after Both are great patterns. Both terested in serving as your chap- taking it out to use it. A sim- catch fish. But my Snowshoe ter’s Youth Coordinator, contact ple solution is to cut the pack- Caddis is a lot easier to tie. your local chapter leader. Chapter age at the corner so you can contact information is available access taking one or more on page 2 of Wisconsin Trout. strands out at a time without Extended-set-time removing it from the package. super glue for delicate materials Same Pattern - Some of the materials we Different Materials tie with are very delicate, such One of the benefits of ty- as peacock herl and ostrich ing your own flies is tying herl. A traditional method to whatever you want. Another strengthen it is to wrap the benefit is the ability to substi- herl around your thread be- tute materials, which many fore you wind it on the hook newer tiers overlook, or are shank. The problem is that it afraid to do. An example sometimes gets caught up in would be the elk hair caddis. the thread and doesn’t lay as You can substitute deer hair, well. A good solution is to put antelope hair, caribou hair, a small dab of Loctite Super snowshoe hair or a variety of Glue Extra Time Control on synthetics. the hook shank and then wrap You can even modify it like the herl. This gives you plenty in Bob’s Snowshoe Caddis, of time to work with and it where I tie the snowshoe hair in backwards compared to bonds the herl to the hook traditional patterns. Take a making it even stronger than good look at Bob’s Snowshoe the thread technique. It looks Caddis and see if you can see nicer too if you are careful not how many different things I to use too much. Regular su- changed. That is one of the per glue will also work if you fun parts of tying: you can don’t need the extra working change anything you want to. time. Sometimes it doesn't work as Page 26 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 Driftless Rambler With Duke Welter TUDARE Outreach Coordinator Looking back and forward, it's busy Whether we look back or for- the Driftless Area are now doing ward, “busy” best describes TU's amazing restoration work, even in Driftless Area restoration efforts areas where TU isn’t a strong con- for late 2016 and early 2017. The servation force. We train these new TUDARE Volunteer Steering groups, help them find money, pub- Committee, which includes Iowa’s licize their projects and find new Ryan Maas and Illinois National places to work. In turn, they’re Leadership Council member Jerry bringing in new members as they in- Sapp, TUDARE Project Manager crease their activities. Jeff Hastings and I, were working More than 200 projects later, with landowners and local agency and with more than $40 million put technicians to get projects ready for into projects, there’s still much work the 2017 and 2018 seasons. to be done. Just last week, TUDARE coordinated a meeting in Flooded Iowa with volunteers from TU, the Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association This past year many landowners and the Iowa DNR. We initiated a were hit with several devastating joint effort to raise money for ac- rainstorms in Buffalo, Trempealeau, quiring public access along Iowa’s Vernon and Crawford counties in Driftless Area streams where proj- Wisconsin, and also in Iowa and TUDARE INDUCTED INTO FRESHWATER FISHING HALL OF FAME ects could be done. TUDARE was selected by the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame for Minnesota. Access miles have gone up, with With restoration dollars ob- the various state DNRs and TU induction into the hall's 2017 class, based on 10 years of effort in the region. tained by Hastings in recent grants, groups insisting that project work At a TUDARE banquet in Viroqua in October, TU National's Vice President of the majority of those restoration must be done only where public ac- Governmental Affairs Steve Moyer arrived to deliver the award, saying that project costs will be covered by the cess is available. In 2004 there were USDA’s Natural Resources Conser- “TUDARE was one of the best landscape-scale fish partnerships in the entire about 750 miles of legal public ac- nation.” Pictured here are TUDARE’s Duke Welter and Jeff Hastings. vation Service (NRCS), a long time cess in the Driftless Area. Today the partner in Driftless restoration. number is pushing 1,200 miles. the past. We are the better for Driftless Symposium TUDARE honored Gene’s and our other partners’ in- The 10th Annual Driftless Sym- Fall bus tour volvement in these projects. posium will be held at the LaCrosse TUDARE was selected by the On a beautiful October week- National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Convention Center February 7-8. It end a charter bus full of interested First annual TUDARE includes the latest research on Drift- Fame for induction into the hall's resource professionals and volun- 2017 class, based on 10 years of ef- banquet less Area waters, and restoration teers toured the Blue River and topics. For registration information fort in the region. At a TUDARE tributaries near Highland, Wiscon- The First Annual Driftless Res- banquet in Viroqua in October, TU toration Benefit Dinner drew a sold- go to Darestoration.com or the sin. TUDARE Facebook page. National’s Vice President of Gov- The Harry & Laura Nohr chap- out crowd at the Driftless Café in ernmental Affairs Steve Moyer ar- ter has been a leader in these parts Viroqua October 15. National TU rived to deliver the award, saying since about 2000, and Project Man- Vice President Steve Moyer made Fishing report that “TUDARE was one of the best ager Don Pluemer helped explain the trek from TU’s Virginia head- By the time you read this, the landscape-scale fish partnerships in projects on the Blue River, Sixmile quarters to announce TUDARE’s 2017 trout fishing season will be un- the entire nation.” Creek, Big Spring Creek and nearby Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame der way across the state. In the In 2004-2005, as we worked to Pompey Pillar Creek. With him Award, and praised TUDARE as a Driftless Area you’ll find lots of re- get the TUDARE program going, were Iowa/Grant County NRCS national leader in conservation, and configured streams, much scouring our goal was to build capacity across District Conservationist Joe how it utilized Farm Bill and other and changes in the pool-riffle struc- the region so that areas with weak Schmelz, DNR Fisheries Biologist dollars from a wide range of sourc- ture. As Greg Brown, a Driftless Ar- or no restoration could learn how to Bradd Sims and recently-retired bi- es. The evening featured fine, local ea troubadour and trout fisher for emulate the best groups doing proj- ologist Gene Van Dyck. farm-to-table food, good music, si- decades, might have put it, “Gonna ects. We saw agencies willing to All are long-time partners in res- lent auctions and conviviality, and feel that Laughing River, running work with us, but many observers toration across the area. Van Dyck, not too much in the way of public right on through my soul.” We hope thought TUDARE would do a few now retired after more than 40 speaking. And it helped TUDARE’s your 2017 season is the best ever for good things, and not much more. years of fisheries work with the financial picture considerably. you. Instead, thanks to TUDARE’s DNR, is significantly less fettered in efforts, many new groups around offering his opinions than he was in

TUDARE HOLDS SUCCESSFUL FIRST TUDARE BANQUET IN VIROQUA The First Annual Driftless Restoration Benefit Dinner drew a sold-out crowd at TUDARE FALL BUS TOUR VISITS STREAMS IN NOHR’S TERRITORY the Driftless Café in Viroqua October 15. National TU Vice President Steve On a beautiful October day a bus full of interested resource professionals and Moyer made the trek from TU’s Virginia headquarters to announce TUDARE’s volunteers toured the Blue River and tributaries near Highland, Wisconsin. The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Award, and praised TUDARE as a national Harry & Laura Nohr chapter has been a leader in these parts since about 2000, leader in conservation, and how it utilized Farm Bill and other dollars from a and Project Manager Don Pluemer helped explain projects on the Blue River, wide range of sources. Sixmile Creek, Big Spring Creek and nearby Pompey Pillar Creek. Winter 2017 Wisconsin Trout Page 27 Page 28 Wisconsin Trout Winter 2017 Winter 2017 Update: Friends of Wisconsin Trout Unlimited The 2016 fundraising campaign for the Friends of habitat work to help maintain it. Wisconsin TU has come to its end. It has been anoth- Other projects supported by Friends grants in- er excellent year as we approached $15,000 in dona- clude a 5,000-foot project on the Blue River in Grant tions! Thank you all for the continued generosity by County by the Harry and Laura Nohr Chapter. our members, businesses and several chapters. This Meanwhile, the Blackhawk and SEWTU chapters grant program provided funds for seven chapter re- combined their Friends grants to improve a 2,400- quests in the last cycle. foot section of Little Willow Creek in Richland A lot of work went into our streams across the County. state this year and your financial commitment has Projects are now being planned for the upcoming helped make so much of this come to fruition. season, and your continued support to this program Highlights include numerous miles of brushing will help make them happen. Please consider a dona- and bundling by DNR habitat crews. A joint commit- tion using the form at the bottom of this page. ment by the Wild River, Green Bay and Marinette I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and TU chapters to support a two-person LTE DNR hab- enjoy your 2017 trout season! itat crew worked on streams across northeast Wiscon- Friends grants support DNR LTE crews like this sin. Primary work involves brushing and bundling old Doug Brown, Friends of Wisconsin TU Chair one with Doug Weber, Kyle Siebers, DJ Loken.

Providing habitat improvement grants since 1991.

The latest projects are... $2,000 to the Northwoods Chapter for habitat crews in 2015 $2,000 to Wild Rivers for White River in Ashland County in 2015 $2,000 to Marinette and $1,500 to Wolf River for NE $2,000 to Wisconsin River Val- Region work in 2015 ley for Prairie River Project in Lincoln County in 2015

$2,000 to the Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter for the Upper Kinni in 2014 $2,000 to Green Bay Chapter for a habitat crew 2015

$2,000 to Wis. Clearwaters Chapter for Waumandee Creek in 2015

$2,000 to SEWTU for Little $2,000 to Harry & Laura Nohr Willow Creek in Richland Chapter for Pompey Pillar, 2016 County in 2016

Here are our David Menke Bristol WI Ken Voight Sugar Grove IL Friends of Wisconsin TU Cris Meyer Middleton WI Don Wagner GillettWI Steven Miller Sun Prairie WI Denis Wandtke Ogdensburg WI Jason Anderson Mukwonago WI Steve Musser Middleton WI Stephen Wilke MarinetteWI Edwin Barnes MiddletonWI Herb Oechler Wauwatosa WI Paul Williams Madison WI Charles Barnhill MadisonWI Cheryl and Winston Ostrow De PereWI Dan Wisniewski Middleton WI Jim Bayorgeon AppletonWI Donald Persons Janesville WI Nancy and Roland Woodruff OshkoshWI Jolene Berg Chippewa Falls WI Randall Rake Helena MT Norb Wozniak Stevens Point WI John and Susan Bleimehl VeronaWI Ron Rellatz MertonWI Robert Wyman Beaver Dam WI Stephen Born MadisonWI Thomas Rogers Princeton WI Frederic Young RoscoeIL Allon Bostwick Port Washington WI Tom Ryan Whitefish Bay WI Maxwell Burgert Neenah WI Michael San Dretto Neenah WI Rick Christopherson NorwalkWI Lisa and Todd Scheel St. Germain WI TROUT UNLIMITED CHAPTERS Andrew Cook II Sister BayWI Jeff and Mary Schmoeger Cot. GroveWI Kiap-TU-Wish TU Chapter Bruce Davidson WauwatosaWI James Schommer Lodi WI Antigo Chapter Mike Duren Mazomanie WI James School KaukaunaWI SEWTU Chapter Ed Eggers Genoa WI Jim and Marie Seder New Berlin WI Jim Flesch Fox Point, WI Robert Selk Madison WI Jerome Fox Two Rivers WI John Shillinglaw MadisonWI In Memory of Mike Rands. D. James Fruit Jr. Hartland WI George Shinners Antigo WI Donation from Tom and Nan Siebert Scott Geboy Fox Point WI Brent Sittlow HudsonWI Dan Geddes Appleton WI Michael Staggs Poynette WI John Gribb Mount Horeb WI Mike Stary New Richmond WI Special Thanks to Todd Hanson for the Gordon Grieshaber Mineral Point WI Gary Stoychoff Green Bay WI donation from the sale of his books. Dean Hagness MD Custer WI Rick Szymialis Waupaca WI Ashton & Stephen Hawk Madison WI Julie & Todd Templen Dubuque IA William Heart Ashland WI Donald Thompson Cumberland WI Brian Hegge Rhinelander WI Chuck Urban Wauwatosa WI Wally Heil De PereWI Dennis, Becky Vanden Bloomen E.Claire Bob Hellyer Boulder JunctionWI Eric Van Vugt Milwaukee WI Walter Hellyer Egg Harbor WI Greg Vodak Stoughton WI Charles Hodulik Madison WI Jeff Jackson Oconto FallsWI Charles Jorgenson Oconomowoc WI John Kenealy III Waukesha WI Yes, I want to join the “Friends” of Wisconsin TU. Lane Kistler MilwaukeeWI Enclosed is my check, payable to Wisconsin Trout Unlimited. Ralph Klassy Phillips WI MAIL TO: Friends of Wisconsin TU Mark Kraft Madison WI % Doug Brown Barb and Joe Kruse LaCrosse WI R4800 Timber Lane Joseph Kubale Dane WI Ringle, WI 54471 Thomas Lukas Manitowoc WI Thomas and Larissa Lyon Janesville WI Douglas MacFarland DousmanWI Name Brian Madsen Ellsworth WI Anna Magnin MarshfieldWI Address Kevin Mahaney Middleton WI Kim McCarthy Green Bay WI Austin McGuan Green Bay WI City, State Zip Phone #