TroutFest

Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited (CWTU) will host its annual TroutFest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center, Wautoma.

Click here for map. W6016 Blackhawk Rd, Wautoma, WI 54982

The event, which open to the public, will include several angling and conservation presentations, fly-tying demonstrations including for youth, informational booths, vendors, artists, local fly shops, and much more.

“TroutFest offers something for everyone, whether you’re just getting started in fly tying or trout fishing or whether you’re an experienced angler looking to deepen your knowledge,” says Wayne Parmley, CWTU past president and event co-chair. “With our raffles and used gear sale, it’s also a great opportunity to round out your supplies and just spend time with like-minded folks equally excited for spring trout fishing.”

TroutFest ’26 Presenters!

New Techniques in Night  Fishing for Trophy Trout
Chris Firkus
Time: 10:30 – 11:15 am

Chris will expand upon and pick apart the dogma of night fishing for the largest trout our streams have to offer. Just as traditional tactics such as nymphing continue to evolve, so too has night fishing.  From water types to moon phases and fly color, hear the cutting-edge theory and practice that has consistently put big fish in nets in Central Wisconsin.
 
Chris jointly owns and operates Sandhill  Flyfishing, offering custom local streamers  and topwater flies for large trout, guided trips, and a community-first forum,  Cutbank Collective, that offers a dedicated  space for Midwestern trout anglers to

New Places to Fish in 2026
Shawn Sullivan
Time: 11:30 am – 12:15 pm

 
We have four “new” properties that this presentation will explore. Each of these properties has had access improvements this past year. We’re excited to share these new spots! Continuing our TU workdays, we look forward to improving in-stream habitat collectively. Together,  we make fishing better!
 
Shawn Sullivan works for the Wisconsin  Department of Natural Resources  (WDNR) as a Fisheries Habitat Biologist.  Shawn and his team specialize in improving habitat and public access on trout streams in Wisconsin’s Northeast region. Shawn has been completing stream work for over 20  years and has been an active trout angler for over 30 years. In his free time, he enjoys camping with family, tying flies, gardening,  chickens, and honeybees. He lives and works in Wild Rose, WI.

Intro to Wilderness Anglingwith a Canoe
Wayne Parmley
Time: 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm

 

Wayne will share some of his experiences from the many wilderness canoe trips he has done since his late teens. Chasing fish was typically the focus, but that is not  always the best part. Planning, gear and more will be covered, whether it’s a short day trip or a longer journey going several weeks. Also covered will be the many unexpected side benefits. Wayne does not claim to be an expert by any means, but he has learned a few things along the way worth sharing. If you are a beginner or a seasoned traveler there will be something to learn. The presention will be loose to allow opportunities to ask questions and share stories.

 

New Zealand
Steve Heuser
Time: 1:30 – 2:15 pm

Steve Heuser shares his adventures in New Zealand. He has visited four  times and is planning his fifth trip. He will discuss both the islands and  his trout and saltwater fishing trips. Steve will also talk about kayaking, hiking, and whale watching.

Fly Fishing Southwest  Wisconsin Trout
Craig Amaker
Time: 2:30 – 3:15 pm

The Driftless region of southwest Wisconsin is one of the best up and coming walk/wade trout fisheries in the lower 48 states.  With over 5700 miles of cold spring fed streams and large populations of wild brown and brook trout it’s a phenomenal resource that’s close to many of our backyards.  Some refer to it as the “Midwest’s Montana”.  In this presentation I’ll be covering the seasons and seasonal tactics, fly and tackle selection, and homegrown fishing techniques for the area.

10+ Demonstrating Fly Tyers

20+ Information Booths/Vendors (Conservation projects, guides, artists, fly shops & more)

• Raffles

• LOTS of Very Discounted Fly Tying Materials

• LOTS of Used Gear

• LOTS of Used Books

• Food & Drink on Site

• Youth Fly Tying

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Reach Us

We will get back to you as soon as we can.

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

920-216-7408

centralwisconsintu@gmail.com

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