By Topf Wells

SWTU folks filled Schwoegler’s as the 2026 Meicher Auction returned to its March time slot. The bidding was fast, fun, and lucrative. We cleared about $6400, which is one of the largest amounts ever raised by the auction.

Special thanks to three wonderful groups of folks.

THE WORKERS: Dyan Lesnick, Wayne Griffin, Josh Reilly, Michael Westbury, Henry Nehls-Lowe and Topf Wells were some of the SWTU members who worked before, during, and after the auction to make sure it was fun for bidders and profitable for the Chapter.

THE DONORS: We had some of the coolest gear ever at the auction thanks to generous donors: a superb bamboo rod (John Lyons), a slick watercraft (Jim Hess), an elegant and eminently practical reel (Paul Douglas), the world’s best bucktails (Gabe Park), a handcrafted cribbage board (Drew Kasel), some fabulous and historic flies (Bill Engber, Henry Haugley, and Phil Anderson) and some handy rods (Don Glembiewski). Pat Hasburgh at D&S Bait, Tackle and Fly Shop donated a fly rod which he described as perfect for the younger, beginning fly fisher – the young fellow who nabbed that rod with the help of his Dad agreed. Kathleen Falk generously donated the funds for the bucket raffle gift cards. And those are just some of the many donors.

THE BIDDERS: Just about everyone bid and left the auction with some great gear. Thank you for your generosity and we hope your winnings bring you more trout (or muskies, pike, bass, bluegills, bonefish, and barracuda – we really had a great variety of flies) and good memories.