Our only fundraiser of the year: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

The Meicher Madness Auction was SWTU’s traditional start to the fishing season: an excuse to comb through the gear, donate stuff, buy the cool stuff for the new season, and hang out with old and friends. A fun evening and a boost to the SWTU checking account for the year’s expenses. We’re back to that schedule with all those goals in mind. Be sure to see below for some items of interest!

The auction occurs on Tuesday, March 10th, at Schwoegler’s on Grand Canyon Drive. We hope to start the auction by 6:30. Sales are hurt if the auction sputters along after 9, hence, the earlier start and, we hope, a quicker pace. Think of arriving close to 5:30 for food and drinks. The room might be crowded. Let’s not have your hamburger and beer spilled by someone jumping to bid for premium flies. We’ll have the briefest business meeting possible.

How to help the auction succeed:

• Bid early, often, and high.
• Donate stuff you’d be tempted to buy. If you tie flies, please think of donating. Flies created by SWTU folks with our local waters in mind are popular items. Even I catch fish on such flies.
• Think of helping. If you can arrive by 5, we’ll need help displaying the prizes, and we can always use help spotting bids and running items to successful bidders. The auctioneer’s eyes and ears are not improving with age.

Everyone is welcome but we really encourage folks new to trout fishing or tying to come. You’ll find bargains that will make your new pursuits more fun and successful.

Thanks and see you at the Auction on March 10.

This monthly chapter gathering will start earlier at 6:30 pm, but join us anytime after 5:30 for ordering food, drinks and socializing – and for the auction it’s always best to be on the earlier side to scout gear, etc.. As always, the meeting will be held at Schwoegler’s Lanes.

Schwoegler’s Lanes, 444 Grand Canyon Dr., Madison, WI 53719

With Apologies to The Westminster Dog Club, This Auction Might be “Best of Show”

We’ve already informed you that the auction will feature the best bamboo rod and watercraft we’ve ever offered. Two more of the best:

Fly tying: Marc Chipault just donated some wonderful fly tying material and books that belonged to Mike Glazer, his father in law who recently passed away. Mike was a superb fly tyer, who remembered the kindness folks had shown him when he was a beginner. A lot of our beginning fly tyers have just experience Marc’s and MIke’s kindness by receiving some of the material and books. Marc has also donated Mike’s fly tying kit. The Board checked it out and, wow, it’s the best we’ve ever seen. It’s beautifully designed and crafted of gorgeous wood and hardware.  An artisan in Eagle River created it. It’s in immaculate condition and will hold all your fly tying paraphernalia and material. Keep your tying area tidy and travel with your fly tying stuff with the utmost convenience and style. Just bid high enough at the Auction and it’s yours.

Fly fishing: Dave Graczyk, another generous member, won one of the grand prizes in the national TU raffle and has donated it to the Auction. This is the Cadillac, the Bentley, the Mercedes, the Rolls of sling packs. Cleverly designed and made of sturdy, lightweight materials, you’ll exhibit style and convenience as you step into the stream.It’s valued at over $250!