Trophy Trout and Why Conservation Matters

Monthly Program/Event

With support from TU CARES, Chris Firkus developed the 2025 Mecan River Watershed Management Plan. He’ll kick things off with a look at what the plan has revealed, current conservation projects, and the future of coldwater conservation in Central Wisconsin.

Unsurprisingly, quality habitat promotes quality fish. In the second half of the talk, Chris will explain how conservation efforts in one part of a watershed can improve fish populations throughout the entire system—and how he uses those fundamentals to find and target big brown trout after dark. He’ll share tactics, insights, and tips to get you started on your own nighttime adventures.

Chris co-owns Sandhill Flyfishing, offering custom streamers and topwater flies for big trout, guided trips, and Cutbank Collective, a community for Midwestern trout anglers to share and grow their passion.

All are welcome to attend the CWTU board meeting at 6:15 PM, October 14 in the Winneconne Library  (31 South 2nd St., Winneconne, WI 54986). The presentation follows the board meeting – beginning at 7:15 PM.

Join us for dinner before the board meeting at “Off the Wolf” on 204 West Main St., Winneconne at about 5:00 PM.

CWTU News

Annual Conservation Banquet

Annual Conservation Banquet

Banquet AwardsIn 2024, the chapter created a new award in honor of longtime member Elward Engle called the Elward Engle Conservation Award.   This award is meant to be given to a person or organization that exhibits outstanding efforts toward conservation related to...

Work Day August 15th at 7:45 am Davies Creek

Work Day August 15th at 7:45 am Davies Creek

Happy August, folks. Our 4th workday will be occurring on Saturday, August 15th. We’ll start around 7:45 am with coffee  and donuts after which we’ll head to the Davies Creek to do stream improvement with the help of Shawn and his DNR crew. We will wrap things up with...

Canoe for sale

Canoe for sale

Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited is offering this rare handcrafted wooden canoe for sale. This canoe was generously donated to support conservation efforts and Trout Unlimited programs. Inspired by the legendary E.M. White 20´ Guide Canoe, the West Branch Y-Stern is...

CWTU workday June 20, 2026

CWTU workday June 20, 2026

Our 2nd workday will occur on Saturday, June 20th. We’ll start around 7:45 am with coffee and donuts, after which we’ll head to the Mecan River to do stream improvement with the help of Shawn and his DNR crew. We will wrap things up with lunch around noon. We are...

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Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited
PO Box 3041
Oshkosh WI  54903-3041

920-216-7408