Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited (CWTU) will host its annual TroutFest from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at the Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center, Wautoma,  W6016 Blackhawk Rd, Wautoma, WI 54982

The event, which is free and open to the public, will include several angling and conservation presentations, 15 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 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 2023 Presenters:

CWTU River Keepers Stream Monitoring
Bob Jozwowski
Time: 9:30 – 10:00 am

Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited has been a proud supporter of the State of Wisconsin/UW Extension Water Action Volunteer (WAV) citizen stream monitoring program almost since its inception in 1996. Bob has been the River Keepers WAV coordinator since 2014 and will describe monitoring procedures, equipment used and the time commitment required. Another benefit includes a positively affect fishing success on those monitored streams.

Trout Management in Northeast Wisconsin
David Boyarski – WDNR
Time: 10:15 – 10:45 am

Dave is the Northeast District Fisheries Supervisor and the statewide Trout Management Team sponsor. He will describe inland trout management in northeast Wisconsin, a region that has a diversity of trout fisheries from the sand streams of central Wisconsin to the large river tributaries of Green Bay. He will provide updates and highlight from throughout the region.

The Giant Mayflies of Wisconsin
Tom Lager
Time: 11:00 – 11:50 am

Tom will focus on three species including the Brown Drake, Hex and the White Mayfly along with references to other related species. Tom holds a Master’s Degree in Aquatic Ecology and worked with the Minnesota DNR and consulted for the pulp and paper industry. Retired now, he is even more focused on bugs, trout and conservation, including being a founding member of TU-CARES.

Fly Fishing Isle Royale
Seth Waters
Time: 1:00 – 1:50 pm

Owner of Dark Waters Fly Shop & Guide Service in Iron River, Mich., Seth is now exploring Isle Royale National Park and its fishing opportunities. After a few excursions there, Seth will share what he has found and what he has caught (coaster Brookies) and what the future might hold.

Atlantic Salmon Fishing – Newfoundland
Tim Pantzlaff
Time: 2:00 – 2:50 pm

Tim is a custom fly reel maker and the owner of Speyco Fly Reels located in Oconto, Wis. It was founded in 2007 and specializes in fly and spey reels that have found customers all around the world. Tim will focus his presentation on his experience at Mountain Water Lodge in Newfoundland, specifically about catching Atlantic salmon using dry flies.