SWTU, P.O. Box 45555, Madison, WI 53744-5555 president@swtu.org

2020 Icebreaker – schedule, raffle, directions and more!

This is our biggest annual fundraiser, and a surefire way to warm your coldwater heart in the depth of winter. It will once again be at American Family Insurance on the east side of Madison!  Join us for great speakers, conservation partners, and of course, a bucket raffle and silent auction featuring fabulous prizes!

You don’t want to miss it! Read on for the what, where, when and more …  

Planned Schedule for the Icebreaker
Saturday, January 25, 2020

Visit fly tying demos and conservation partner booths through the day!

8:00 AM
Doors Open

9:00 – 10:15 AM
“Steelheading North and South Shore Lake Superior Tributaries “ – Carl Haensel

10:45 – 11:15 AM
“Destination Photo Essay” – Jade Thomason

11:15 – 12:00 PM
Lunch – Build your own sandwich deli bar (offered on site)

12:10 – 1:30 PM
“Saltwater Adventures from a Midwestern Perspective” – Carl Haensel

1:40 – 3:00 PM
Bucket Raffle Drawings and Silent Auction Winners


The Bucket Raffle is Bustin’ with Great Items

We have some incredible items already and would still be pleased to accept your donation. Consider donating new rods, reels, accessories, camping equipment, overnight lodging, custom woodworking and sets of flies. If you have questions, would like to donate an item or can help out on the day of, please contact Icebreaker Chair Ben Lubchansky.

The event is known for an amazing and extensive bucket raffle, including a Paul Douglass Bamboo Fly Rod, Dave Fowler custom build, Yeti Tundra 65, artwork, rods, reels, custom woodwork (e.g., cribbage board), craft beers and absolutely amazing arrays of flies.

Raffle Instructions:
The Icebreaker will feature a large array of bucket raffle prizes. Tickets will be available the day of the event and can be purchased using cash, check or credit card. The drawing will begin at 1:40 pm on January 25, 2020. Ticket holders need not be present to win. The purchaser of a ticket may give the ticket to another person who may claim the prize on behalf of the purchaser, but only if that other person is present at the drawing. If not present to claim the prize at the event, winners will be posted in the February SWTU Newscast and prizes may be claimed at the February or March SWTU Chapter Meeting. Prizes will be held until 6:30 pm on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Unclaimed prizes will be auctioned off at the March SWTU Chapter Meeting.


Tiers and teachers!

We’ll again have a great group of master fly tiers sharing their expertise and stories with you. This is a fantastic hands-on aspect of the annual event and people always leave with nuggets of knowledge that help them better understand the natural world.


Many hands make light work!

This incredible event is powered by you, our members! We need a variety of volunteers the day of the event Contact Ben Lubchansky with questions or to volunteer.


The Icebreaker will once again be at American Family Insurance on the east side of Madison!

Follow the Google Map Link to a tremendous day

SWTU Icebreaker