Topf Wells
Our May meeting seems years ago but it was one of the most memorable SWTU presentations I’ve experienced. When John Griffith was a kid in California, he was incredibly impressed by the Wrigley family’s purchase of 42,000 acres on Catalina Island to preserve it for the public (yes indeed, the gum and Cubs Wrigley’s). He vowed to follow their example one day.
John now leads American Songbird Management and Recovery, which is purchasing for preservation and public enjoyment the 17,000 acre Gratiot River watershed on the UP’s Keweenaw Peninsula. Think songbirds, brook trout, charismatic mammals, steelhead, healthy forests, waterfalls, etc. saved forever. The cost is $27 million and he has $10 million to go with a December deadline.
He asked for donations but in a doable fashion. He’s going to need some big donors and he thinks a good way of convincing some to donate is to show region-wide, grass roots enthusiasm and support. To that end, he asks that each of us make a modest donation (as little as $5, although he’ll happily take more) online. Here’s the link to make it easy to do so: https://www.gratiotriverwatershed.org/ Read More
Posted: September 1, 2026 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
Learn What Your Board’s Been Up To – Sept 2026
Minutes from SWTU Board of Director meetings can be viewed in this Google Drive. If you have questions on what you read in them, reach out to one of the Board members listed on the last page of each newsletter. (Note that you may need to click the “Last Modified” header at the top to sort the list with the latest minutes at the top.)
Your volunteer Board seeks to be as transparent as possible, hence this item and link in every newsletter. This month, we are also sharing our annual report filed to National Trout Unlimited, which reports on financial matters, volunteer activity, various types of community outreach, board makeup and more. It’s a great way to learn more about your chapter.
Posted: September 1, 2026 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
New Members – September 2026
We’re pleased to announce the addition of the following new member to our ranks!
We are honored to have you among us. Please join our next meeting. We’d love to get to know you better, answer any questions and give you some free flies! If any questions about the meeting, please contact Dyan Lesnik.
* Note that some longer-term members may be captured in the list above. A glitch in the excel file has made it harder to sort … but it’s better to be inclusive and we’re happy to have your continued support!
Newscasts – Summer 2026
Last Updated: September 1, 2026 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
This issue is filled with great information, including:
Posted: July 2, 2026 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
We May Hold an Event in August
How about a casting clinic followed by a picnic on August 22? Probably in a park on Black Earth Creek.
Before we set this up, we need to know if enough members are interested. If you, family and friends are interested, please let us know by July 12. Visit https://forms.office.com/r/HdWNnKb1CA or scan this QR code to let us know if you’re interested.
Our next “regular” Chapter Gathering will be Tuesday, September 8 and that will be followed by Fall Workdays and other activities. We hope you have a wonderful summer with family and friends, in nature and saying “wouldya look at that!” as you work to land an impressive fish.
Posted: July 2, 2026 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
2026 Chapter Election Results
Votes at the May meeting
Many thanks to those who stepped up, those who have served and those who voted at the May meeting. Here is our updated list of officers and board members:
Thank you for stepping up! We also thank Mark Maffit for his service on the board in many capacities over the years and remember the late Ray Venn for his contributions and commitment to SWTU.
Vets on the Fly Activities – Summer 2026
Last Updated: July 2, 2026 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
By Dyan Lesnik
Fishing every Wednesday night through the months of May, June, August and September, 6-8pm. All Veterans and their families are welcome. Never any cost. A different location each week posted on our Facebook site or contact Dyan Lesnik (dmlgriffin@gmail.com) for more info. Read More
Posted: July 2, 2026 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
You Can Help Preserve a Very Special Place
Topf Wells
Our May meeting seems years ago but it was one of the most memorable SWTU presentations I’ve experienced. When John Griffith was a kid in California, he was incredibly impressed by the Wrigley family’s purchase of 42,000 acres on Catalina Island to preserve it for the public (yes indeed, the gum and Cubs Wrigley’s). He vowed to follow their example one day.
John now leads American Songbird Management and Recovery, which is purchasing for preservation and public enjoyment the 17,000 acre Gratiot River watershed on the UP’s Keweenaw Peninsula. Think songbirds, brook trout, charismatic mammals, steelhead, healthy forests, waterfalls, etc. saved forever. The cost is $27 million and he has $10 million to go with a December deadline.
He asked for donations but in a doable fashion. He’s going to need some big donors and he thinks a good way of convincing some to donate is to show region-wide, grass roots enthusiasm and support. To that end, he asks that each of us make a modest donation (as little as $5, although he’ll happily take more) online. Here’s the link to make it easy to do so: https://www.gratiotriverwatershed.org/ Read More
Posted: July 2, 2026 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
Learn What Your Board’s Been Up To – Summer 2026
Minutes from SWTU Board of Director meetings can be viewed in this Google Drive. If you have questions on what you read in them, reach out to one of the Board members listed on the last page of each newsletter. (Note that you may need to click the “Last Modified” header at the top to sort the list with the latest minutes at the top.)
Posted: July 2, 2026 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
Attending the National TU Conference
Is a good idea and we should have some SWTU representatives there. It runs 9/23-27 in Minneapolis. It offers the chance to meet new TU friends, learn about national TU, attend seminars (what could be more fun), pick up some tips for SWTU, and even fish some. Although it’s reasonably priced, it’s still expensive. The Board is offering to help cover the expenses of up to five SWTU members with a stipend of $200. We can’t accommodate everyone so please contact Michael Westbury if you’re interested. We’d ask whoever attends to provide a brief report to the Board.
Last Updated: July 2, 2026 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
The Riversmith Clinic at Cross Plains Trout Days
By Topf Wells
We think we may have had the most participants ever. The community advertised the event more heavily, more activities and more music were scheduled, and our booth was better situated. Our casting instructors were busy from 10-140 teaching dozens to cast with more folks stopping by the booth to learn about trout, local streams and SWTU. The range of folks was fabulous with folks from 7 to 70 learning to fly cast. Some were casual and some were seriously focused on learning to fly fish. We had good partners in nearby booths including Groundswell Conservancy and the Black Earth Creek Watershed Association. BECWA’s collection of aquatic invertebrates, seined from that part of the creek that morning, always attracts everyone’s interest. Bug news was mixed. Lots of BWO nymphs, some of which were emerging by early afternoon (anglers take note: sizes #20 and 22), and scuds. No caddis, no larger mayflies, and too many New Zealand mudsnails. Read More
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