June 2016Central Wisconsin Trout UnlimitedConserving, Protecting and Restoring Coldwater Fisheries

2002 Wisconsin Trout StampBy Bill Millonig

Riffles, Runs and PoolsBy President Mike SanDretto

June is the month we hold the Fly Casting and Kayak Clinic. I believe the people who came this year not only had a good time but were also able to improve their casting because of the experienced help in our chapter. A father and son attended bringing our youngest student of the night, 8 years old. We always start with casting demonstrations, tips and instruction and finish with 1-1 casting on the water. We had great weather and those who wanted to try out a fishing kayak did so. It’s always interesting to talk to someone who fishes from a kayak about what they have and where they place it all. I consider myself experienced but continue to learn something every year at this the event.

The event reminds me that outreach to the community and chapter members is a good way of achieving trout habitat preservation. By helping people experience and enjoy our beautiful Central Wisconsin streams they will be more interested in taking care of them.

In recent years Trout Unlimited has realized the importance of getting more women, families and youth involved. Women are half of the population and youth are the future caretakers of our streams. Families are where we learn values of conservation and the enjoyment of fishing. TU has helped chapters with ideas and plans to get more people involved. Our Casting and Kayak Clinic is the type of event that fits this well. Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited wants to take it all a step further. We are looking for your ideas on the events and programs you would like to see. What would you like to learn about or share with others? Would you like to be part of putting it into action? This would really help as we work toward events that meet needs of future chapter members who will continue conservation of area trout fishing.

Recently Russ Bouck stepped down from the CWTU Board of Directors

after many years of service to the chapter in that role. A chapter event Russ is identified with is the

Casting Clinic. He has spent many years helping people to

learn and improve their casting as well as learning fly tying. Russ enjoys sharing his knowledge so others can enjoy our streams and

fishing as much as he does. We all thank Russ and wish him the best.

Brookie News | Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited | Conserving, Protecting and Restoring Coldwater Fisheries

A Blur Between Work & PlayBy Dennis Drazkowski

The old adage, “Many hands make’s for light work”, is so true when describing CTWU’s workdays.

Many thanks to those who attended the May 21st White River and the June 18th Chaffee Creek workdays. A special thanks to the DNR fisheries staff for their guidance and dedication; the Fox Valley TU Chapter’s camaraderie; and to the Elliott Donnelly TU Chapter for their generous $3,700 donation for future stream restoration efforts. This joint effort is immensely appreciated.

On May 21st a group of 36 strong strategically placed Christmas tree bundles for channelization and repair of stream braids along the banks of the White River south of Cottonville Lane. We also installed two trail access points using hidden pallets. The weather was gorgeous and the fried chicken was delicious.

On June 18th the Chaffee Creek restoration project near 14th and Dixie Avenues in Marquette County was completed when 23 of us put the finishing touches on an 80 foot wooden bank cover structure. Again, the weather was beautiful and the pulled-pork sandwiches hit the spot.

Check out the photos on CWTU’s website, you will be impressed, cwtu.org.

remaining workday schedule for 2016

Saturday, July 16thWest Branch of the White River on County Y just south of Highway 21 and west of Wautoma, where we will be doing storm damage removal, bank cover and log sill installations.

Saturday, August 20thPine River east of Aniwa Road where the DNR will conduct an electro-shocking survey and bank cover installation.

Saturday, September 17thPine River east of Aniwa Road where we will continue installing bank covers.

Bring old waders, gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a lawn chair for lunch. Porta potty is now available at every work day! Remember, workdays are open to members and non-members, bring along a friend or relative and enjoy the experience of conserving and protecting our cold water resources!

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Go to cwtu.org for the latest and to sign up to receive our newsletter via email! | June 2016

Sleepless in Sand CountyBy Jeff Wegand

says there is a fish rising. He follows by saying “You can catch him, he doesn’t want the worms.” At first I tell him the bugs have all hatched tonight and are in the trees, or that they have been eaten by fish or by birds. He insists that I am wrong so I stand on the bridge and strip out some line ready to entertain. I lay one cast down in the slough and nothing happens. But on the second cast there is a large gulp. I set the hook and I think I should give him his 12” fish, but then my rod doubles over. Calmly I ask my friend twice to go net the fish in the river. It is a quality fish and I have an audience that I must not disappoint. My friend scampers off the bridge down the hill and into the water where he is able to net the fish. I grab him out of net and my friend takes a picture. Lastly, I let the trout go.

Our bridge friend says, “You let him go”, almost in tears! I reply “Yes, he was a nice one.” Bridge friend replies “Well I told you where that fish was and the least you could do is give me a fly”. I think to myself; No good deed will go left unpunished, so I gave him a fly and a note for CWTU casting clinic.

Maybe I will see him again, but regardless we all have a hex story to tell that never gets old.

Every year stories of going over our waders, falling in the muck AND carrying extra blood to replenish your own from the mosquitoes is the classic hex hatch folklore.

This year is no different but it’s the characters you meet which makes it better. One night I begin by talking to a man on the bridge. He is fishing by jigging a worm in a culvert like he was on the Wolf River for walleyes. I mention to him the river is high and he would be best served soaking his worm on the soft edges because the fish are tired and it is getting dark. Next thing I know I am caught in long conversations of how, when, why, and where to fish trout. I mention to him there are PED’s and brown drakes coming off at the bridge and I would like to go fishing.

I grab my friend who is new to the sport and we take the long hike back to river. We walk the river edge waiting patiently for rising heads. Each pool has a couple of willing fish. As it gets really dark my friend hooks a nice fish that pops off after it doubled over his rod. The window is closing for us but there is still a fish rising in a corner of my pool. I try for the rising fish several times and instead I get snagged in the trees. Even though I tie my own flies, I rarely leave a soldier on the field. So with poor planning, and a tired mind I walk in  too deep. This fills my waders with cold water while gets my phone damp. Shortly after the river goes silent and I turn my light on to see if I can see any bugs left on the river. Nothing in the air or the water and it is time to go home. We make the journey back to the car and I hear our bridge friend slam his car door. Surprising he is still there but there is great rewards for the patient night fisherman.

We get to the car and I am ready to go home. From the bridge I hear screaming “Hey” “Hey, come over here.” I am wet, cold and tired but I mention to my new fly fishing friend I am going to quickly see what he wants. I get to the bridge and he points off to a slough area where he

Please patronize our business supporters!

Win This Kayak at the 45th Annual Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited Banquet

Help us get ready for the 45th Annual Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited Banquet October 15. Do you have a favorite place to go for a Friday Fish Fry? Would you be willing to ask them if they would donate a gift certificate for a prize at our Banquet? We thought it would be a popular prize for somebody to win if we could bundle 5 (or more) Fish Fries!

If you have a new/unused piece of fishing gear; craft or other item you think might be popular or want to make a cash donation for prizes contact:

Laura Tucker, 920-540-5293 Scott Grady, 920-235-8200

Thank you for your support!