Rogue River Cleanup - April 23, 2023
2023-04-23 07:30 - 10:00 (America/Detroit) | Richardson-Sowerby Park, 65 S Main St, Rockford, Michigan, 49431, United States
Join SWMTU, Orvis Grand Rapids, and other local partners in cleaning up the Rogue River.

Volunteers will gather at Richardson-Sowerby Park and then be assigned sections for cleanup along with the distribution of trashbags.

Please bring waders and/or waterproof boots. Register here.

Women on the Water weekend 2023
2023-05-12 00:00 - 2023-05-14 23:59 | Pere Marquette River Lodge, 8841 S M 37, Baldwin, MI, 49304, United States
Join us for the fourth annual Women on the Water weekend getaway! Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited Chapter is proud to present a women’s only weekend at the Pere Marquette River Lodge, an Orvis Endorsed Outfitter with a fully stocked fly shop.

The PM Lodge is located along the banks of one of Michigan’s most prized blue-ribbon trout streams – the Pere Marquette River in Baldwin. Beginners welcome, intermediate and experienced fly-fishing ladies will also find this trip fun and informative. Support the TU Women’s Initiative and register today! (Group is limited to the first 20 registrants.)

Schedule

Arrive at the lodge on Friday afternoon or evening. Saturday is our full-day float trip. We are hoping for mayfly hatches so we can cast dry flies but may also use streamers or nymphs for trout based on conditions. Check-out is late morning on Sunday. Most meals are provided, including something special for Mother’s Day.

Details

Register by April 7

Questions? Contact Paige Werner, SWMTU Board Member, wernerp2@gmail.com or text/call 616-516-9908.

NOTE: If you have your own gear, plan on bringing it: rigged rod, waders/boots, or wet wading shoes. If you don’t have your own gear, let us know when you register.

Rogue River Rendezvous
2023-05-23 16:00 - 18:00 | MI
Join us for a rendezvous on the Rogue River! Let’s celebrate the robust community that’s been working together since 2010 to promote coldwater conservation and community engagement in the Rogue River watershed.

This free event will be fun for the whole family – get a close-up look at stream insects, learn to cast a fly rod, practice the Japanese art of ‘Gyotaku’ or fish printing, enjoy a picnic on the river, and much more!

All are welcome.

2023 Wa Wa Sum membership outing
2023-06-22 08:00 - 2023-06-26 17:00 | Wa Wa Sum lodge, Whirlpool Road, Grayling, MI, United States
We are now taking reservations for our annual membership outing at the Wa Wa Sum Lodge. The lodge is located on the banks of the Main Stream of the AuSable River’s fabled “holy waters,” five miles east of Grayling, Michigan. The historic main lodge was built in 1921/22, while other buildings on the property date as far back as 1880. The property consists of 251 acres along the AuSable River.

Arrival is anytime after noon on Thursday, June 22 with departure NO LATER than 9:00 am on Monday, June 26. The nightly rate is $60.00, whether your stay is one, two, three or all four nights. Be prepared to settle up at the lodge with Larry Risbridger either via cash or check (no debit or credit cards) before you leave. You may stay for all four nights or as few as one.

PLEASE RSVP WITH LARRY RISBRIDGER BY JUNE 19, 2023. Larry can be reached at elrisbridger@charter.net or by phone at 616.690.0692. He will need the nights you plan on staying, as well as your complete contact information: name, home address, email address & phone number.

Cast-n-Blast 2023
2023-07-12 14:00 - 20:00 | Kent Conservation League, 8461 Conservation Street NE, Ada, MI, 49301, United States
When: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Where: Kent County Conservation League, 8461 Conservation Rd, Ada, MI 49301

As of July 6, ticket sales have finished. There is limited availability for walk-in dinner.

The Ruffed Grouse Society and Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited are once again co-sponsoring the annual Cast & Blast. This will be the 13th year for this annual event which is not only a “blast” but a fundraiser to support both organizations’ youth educational programs.

This fun-filled, no-pressure event includes a 50-shot round of sporting clays and a fun but challenging fly-casting course. Prizes will be awarded for the top shooter, fly caster, and overall high score. A prime rib dinner will follow a social/happy hour which includes complementary craft beer provided by a local brewery. A raffle will follow dinner that will include of a fly rod/reel combo, a half day fishing trip, a firearm, and many other cool items.

Novice shooters and casters are welcome! We will have expert instruction of the fundamentals of each sport. Everyone is welcome and you do not need to be a current member of either organization to attend.

Fly rods will be available for the casting competition but each shooter will be responsible for their own shotgun. Shotguns are also available for rent from KCCL at a nominal fee. Shotgun shells are NOT included. There is also a shortage of shotgun shells, so please bring your own shells if possible. You may be able to purchase shells at KCCL, but supplies may be limited. Warm-up rounds of skeet, trap or 5-stand are available from 2:00-3:00PM for an additional fee paid to Kent County Conservation League.

PARTICIPANTBEFORE 07/08/23AFTER 07/08/23 OR AT-THE-DOORDinner Only$60/person$60/personIndividual Participant$125/person$150/personTeam (5 Shooters)$500/Team$550/Team

Registration: The shooting event is limited to 60 guns or 12 five-person teams. Please register online (preferred) using the form below. When registering, please be sure to include the individual participant and/or team captain’s name as well as the names of the other four team members in the appropriate boxes.

While we encourage everyone to register using a credit card, registration can be made by filling out this form and mailing a check payable to Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited to Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited, PO Box 230094, Grand Rapids, MI 49523.

If you have questions, please contact Tom Mundt at tommundt@gmail.com or by cell at 616-485-1426. Please sign up and participate in this fun event.

Schedule

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. > Registration

3:00 – 5:30 p.m. > Scored 50 Round Sporting Clays fun shoot & Scored 25 point Fly Casting

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. > Social Hour

6:30 p.m. > Steak Dinner – Raffles, Prizes & Fun!

10th Annual Buck Creek Clean-up
2023-08-19 08:30 - 12:30 | MI
The 10th annual Friends of Buck Creek (FOBC) clean-up event is scheduled for Saturday, August 19, 2023. It will start at 8:30 a.m. in Lemery Park in Wyoming.

SWMTU has partnered with FOBC for numerous years on this event, and we encourage you and other SMWTU members to participate. It’s a great opportunity to explore a nearby, urban cold water stream easily overlooked in Wyoming and Grandville. If the past is any indication, there will be a lot of active participants … FOBC organizes the cleanup really well.

If you want to participate, please get more information and register at https://mibuckcreek.org/annual-buck-creek-clean-up/.

Here’s what the day will look like:

Starts with coffee/drinks/doughnuts in Lemery Park

Workgroup formation/departing instructions

A few hours of trash pick-up at several different locations

Concludes with lunch & thank yous

Bear Creek Streambank Planting
2023-09-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Cannonsburg Ski Area, 6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Belmont, Michigan, 49306, United States
Join Trout Unlimited and Schrems West Michigan TU for a workday on Bear Creek at Cannonsburg Ski Area alongside fellow community members. Volunteers will plant native plants along the streambank which help to filter and clean stormwater, minimize erosion, and provide healthy habitat for pollinators and other organisms.

Volunteers are welcome to stay as long or as little as they’d like, and we appreciate any commitment you can make. All are welcome and no experience is necessary!

We will meet by the main bridge over Bear Creek.

Please register here.

Rogue River Cleanup
2023-10-07 10:00 - 14:00 | MI
Sponsored by Trout Unlimited, LGROW, and Rogue River Watershed Partners.

Register here

White River cleanup - Oct. 14, 2023
2023-10-14 00:00 - 23:59 | MI
Schrems TU, along with national Trout Unlimited is organizing a 3rd annual cleanup on the White River on October 14, 2023.

We are looking for volunteers to walk or wade sections of the White River, or float a section of the river, picking up trash.

The cleanup will happen on Saturday, October 14 between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. We will meet in Hesperia to hand out supplies. Contact Jake Lemon at jlemon@tu.org if you have questions.

Please register in advance using the form below. Doing so will help us better plan what areas can be cleaned and contact you in case of changes.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLastEmail *Phone *During the cleanup, would you rather … *Wade or walk the bankFloat the riverEitherTotal number of people volunteering with you *Any message or comment?Register

SWMTU Holiday Party, 2023 edition
2023-12-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Creston Brewery, 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
Registration is now open for the SWMTU Holiday Party. This is a family-friendly event, so bring the kids!

We’ll gather in the upstairs room at Creston Brewery on December 5 from 5-8 p.m.

The cost is $10 for adults and kids are free. The menu is shown below and includes soft drinks. Adult beverages are available for purchase.

Please register and pay in advance by selecting your tickets below. UPDATE on 12/5/23: TICKET SALES ARE NOW CLOSED. YOU MAY PAY AT THE DOOR ON DECEMBER 5.

Adult MenuCilantro Lime RiceCream Cheese Bean Dip w/ tortilla chipsMexican Street Corn SaladSalsa w/ tortilla chipsGuacamole w/ tortilla chipsChile Braised Pork TacoShredded Chicken Taco

Kids MenuBaked Mac n CheeseChicken Tenders

If you have questions, please reach out to Steve Frendt.

2024 Annual Fundraising Banquet
2024-01-23 17:00 - 22:00 | Watermark Country Club, 1600 Galbraith SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited is pleased to hold its annual fundraising banquet on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Watermark Country Club.

Online registration closed at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024.

A huge thank you to all the people and businesses that have donated items for the auction. You can see a preview of those items here.

Your support makes it possible to protect the coldwater rivers of West Michigan.

Times – Tuesday, January 23, 2024

5 p.m. – Doors open, bar opens, bucket raffle, and silent auction

7 p.m. – dinner begins, menu has been upgraded to include steak and salmon

8:30 p.m. – live auction

Location

Watermark Country Club, 5500 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids

Table Sponsorship – $1,250 (10 guest maximum)

Dinner for ten guests

10 Door Prize Tickets

$250 in Raffle Tickets per table

Pre-event promotion/advertising on Schrems TU website and Facebook page, as well as recognition in the banquet program

Individual Sponsor – $350

Dinner

One Door Prize Ticket

$150 in Raffle Tickets

Pre-event promotion/advertising on Schrems TU website and Facebook page, as well as recognition in the banquet program

Individual – $75

Dinner

One Raffle Ticket

One Door Prize Ticket

Donate to coldwater conservation

Can’t make it to the banquet? Or want to give a little more? Here are some ways you can help. Thank you!

$50 Donation

$100 Donation

$200 Donation

$500 Donation

Please reserve your spot as soon as you can as early registration helps with the planning process. We encourage everyone to register via the ticketing system on this page. You can use any valid credit card to register.

If you’d prefer to pay by check or some other method, please contact Tom Mundt at tommundt@gmail.com.

If you run into problems with the ticket system or have other questions, please contact us at banquet@swmtu.org.

Please join us for an evening of celebration, fellowship and the recognition of key individuals who have contributed to the preservation of coldwater streams.

Fly Fishing Film Tour
2024-03-15 17:30 - 22:00 | Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
The crew from the Fly Fishing Film Tour will be making their annual visit to the Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids on Friday, March 15, 2024 with showings at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets are available on the Tour’s website and at local fly shops.

Tie One On With Trout Unlimited
2024-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Rockford Brewing Company, 12 E Bridge St NE, Rockford, Michigan, 49341, United States
Join Schrems West Michigan TU, Orvis Grand Rapids, Green Homes GR, and the local community for a casual get-together to talk trout and coldwater conservation, learn to tie a fly (or hone your skill), and support an awesome local brewery.

All are welcome to join us for this free gathering. Please reserve your spot so we can get a head count!

2024 Rogue River Clean Up
2024-04-21 07:45 - 10:00 | Richardson-Sowerby Park, 65 S Main St, Rockford, Michigan, 49431, United States
Volunteers needed! Please join Orvis Grand Rapids, Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited, and other local partners in cleaning up the Rogue River. Volunteers will gather at Richardson-Sowerby Park and then be assigned sections for cleanup along with the distribution of trash bags. Please bring waders and/or waterproof boots.

Location: Richardson-Sowerby Park, 65 S. Main St, Rockford, MI 4934

Date and time: Sun, Apr 21, 2024 7:45 AM – 10:00 AM

Mena Creek macroinvertebrate assessment
2024-05-04 09:30 - 13:30 | MI
Help Trout Unlimited collect important data to monitor the health of Mena Creek, a coldwater tributary to the White River near White Cloud.

Volunteers will assist with the collection and identification of stream insects to better understand the quality of Mena Creek, assess current conditions, and serve as a baseline to evaluate the success of future restoration efforts.

Saturday, May 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Please sign up here to get full details.

2024 Women on the Water
2024-06-07 00:00 - 2024-06-09 23:59 | MI
The Trout Unlimited chapters of Schrems West Michigan and Mershon-Neumann Heritage are proud to present a women’s only fly fishing weekend June 7-9.

2024 Wa Wa Sum membership outing
2024-06-20 00:00 - 2024-06-24 23:59 | MI
We are now taking reservations for our annual membership outing at the Wa Wa Sum Lodge. The lodge is located on the banks of the Main Stream of the AuSable River’s fabled “holy waters,” five miles east of Grayling, Michigan. The historic main lodge was built in 1921/22, while other buildings on the property date as far back as 1880. The property consists of 251 acres along the AuSable River.

Arrival is anytime after noon on Thursday, June 20 with departure NO LATER than 9:00 am on Monday, June 24. The nightly rate is $60, whether your stay is one, two, three or all four nights. Be prepared to settle up at the lodge with Larry Risbridger either via cash or check (no debit or credit cards) before you leave. You may stay for all four nights or as few as one.

PLEASE RSVP WITH LARRY RISBRIDGER BY JUNE 17, 2024. Larry can be reached at elrisbridger@charter.net or by phone at 616.690.0692. He will need the nights you plan on staying, as well as your complete contact information: name, home address, email address & phone number.

ACCOMMODATIONS

There are seven dorm-style bedrooms consisting of three to four single beds. You must bring your own bedding or sleeping bags and towels. Sleeping capacity is 28. There is a huge great room in the center of the lodge with an enormous fireplace, for gathering with friends. Overlooking the river is a large screened-in porch that runs the entire length of the lodge.

There is a separate building that houses a large dining room (seating for 16) and complete kitchen facilities for preparing meals. There is also a gas grill for grilling.

MEALS

Although there are no organized meals, we will provide cold breakfast items, such as muffins and cereal. Coffee and juice will be available along with bottled water. Sandwich fixings, such as cold meats, cheese and condiments will be provided so you may take a sandwich with you to fish. You are welcome to bring your own food and prepare it in the kitchen.

GENERAL INFORMATION

There are no organized events for the weekend.

People will come and go, as they may be fishing at all hours.

There are a number of restaurants close by for dining.

Meals may be prepared and eaten in the kitchen building.

There is no camping or fires allowed on the property.

Stairs leading down to a dock on the river are for guests only.

Gates Fly Shop and restaurant is located only a mile or so away.

The address of Wa Wa Sum Lodge is 377 Wa Wa Sum, Grayling, MI 49738. The lodge is on the north side of the river, and is accessed from North Down River Rd.

QUESTIONS

Please contact Larry Risbridger at elrisbridger@charter.net or by phone at 616.690.0692

Cast-n-Blast 2024
2024-07-17 14:00 - 20:00 | Kent Conservation League, 8461 Conservation Street NE, Ada, MI, 49301, United States
When: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Where: Kent County Conservation League, 8461 Conservation Rd, Ada, MI 49301

The Ruffed Grouse Society and Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited are once again co-sponsoring the annual Cast & Blast. This will be the 14th year for this annual event which is not only a “blast” but a fundraiser to support both organizations’ youth educational programs.

This fun-filled, no-pressure event includes a 50-shot round of sporting clays and a fun but challenging fly-casting course. Prizes will be awarded for the top shooter, fly caster, and overall high score. A prime rib dinner will follow a social/happy hour which includes complementary craft beer provided by a local brewery. A raffle including many cool items follows dinner.

Novice shooters and casters are welcome! We will have expert instruction of the fundamentals of each sport. Everyone is welcome and you do not need to be a current member of either organization to attend.

Fly rods will be available for the casting competition but each shooter will be responsible for their own shotgun. Shotguns are also available for rent from KCCL at a nominal fee. Shotgun shells are NOT included. There is also a shortage of shotgun shells, so please bring your own shells if possible. You may be able to purchase shells at KCCL, but supplies may be limited. Warm-up rounds of skeet, trap or 5-stand are available from 2-3 p.m. for an additional fee paid to Kent County Conservation League.

PARTICIPANTBEFORE 07/12/23AFTER 07/12/23 OR AT-THE-DOORDinner Only$60/person$60/personIndividual Participant$125/person$150/personTeam (5 Shooters) – SOLD OUT$550/Team$600/Team

Registration: The shooting event is limited to 65 guns or 13 five-person teams. Please register online (preferred) using the form below. When registering, please be sure to include the individual participant and/or team captain’s name as well as the names of the other four team members in the appropriate boxes.

UPDATE July 14, 2024 — Online registration is now closed for the casting and blasting. However, dinner-only spots are available at $60 per person payable at the door. Please send an email to Tom Mundt to reserve your spot for dinner.

We strongly encourage everyone to register through this page’s ticketing system and pay with a credit card. If you need to pay by check or have questions, please contact Tom Mundt at tommundt@gmail.com or by cell at 616-485-1426.

Schedule

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. > Registration

3:00 – 5:30 p.m. > Scored 50 Round Sporting Clays fun shoot & Scored 25 point Fly Casting

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. > Social Hour

6:30 p.m. > Steak Dinner – Raffles, Prizes & Fun!

Women's Fly Fishing 101
2024-07-20 09:00 - 11:30 | Orvis Grand Rapids, 1954 Breton Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Ladies, this class is for you! We are partnering with our friends at Orvis Grand Rapids to offer a women’s-only introduction to fly fishing. If you’re looking for an exciting, easy, and inexpensive way to get outdoors, the FF101 class is the perfect place to start. Fly fishing is a sport everyone can enjoy, and all ages are welcome to attend. (Under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.) The FF101 classes are free, all equipment is provided. Please register in advance.

SWMTU Board Meetings
2024-08-06 18:15 - 20:00, 2024-09-03 18:15 - 20:00, 2024-10-01 18:15 - 20:00 | WMEAC Office, 1007 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
The SWMTU Board Meeting typically occurs on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:15 pm. Monthly board meetings are currently only open to board members and invited guests. Quarterly membership meetings will be conducted and communicated. The best way to check is to send a General Question from the Contact Us page.

Volunteers needed: White River Tree Care
2024-09-04 15:00 - 18:00 | MI
Join the Tree Army as TU cares for newly planted trees along Michigan’s White River.

Work alongside and learn from local community experts and volunteers to mulch, prune, and maintain streamside trees to make sure they remain healthy and provide cold, clean water and habitat for the White River.

No experience necessary. Planting tools and supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring gloves if you wish. The site is easily accessible and appropriate for all ages.

This event is family-friendly and all are welcome! Please reserve your free spot now.

Hosted by Trout Unlimited’s Great Lakes Program and Schrems West Michigan TU.

September Chapter Meeting
2024-09-23 18:00 - 20:30 | Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery, 452 Ada Dr SE, Ada, Michigan, 49301, United States
After a hiatus, we are restarting Chapter Meetings for our membership! We plan to host these quarterly, with our first one on the evening of Monday, September 23rd at Gravel Bottom Brewery in Ada.

Join us for updates on local projects, how to become involved, and to listen to our featured speaker, Kevin Feenstra. Beyond being an outstanding guide on the Muskegon River, Kevin is an amazingly talented photographer and author.

$20 per person includes buffet dinner

Cash bar available

Open to the general public, attendance capped at 60

Buffet service starts at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m.

Registration opening soon. Please plan to register online in advance and contact Nick Garlock at president@swmtu.org or 616-540-5406 for questions.

Muskegon River Spey Fest
2024-09-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Henning Park, 500 Croton Dr, Newaygo, Michigan, 49337, United States
SWMTU will be at the Muskegon River Spey Fest this year, and we hope you will be too.

It happens on Saturday, September 28 at Henning Park in Newaygo, Michigan.

There is no cost to attend the Spey Fest, but there is an entrance fee to get into Henning Park.

For more information, visit the Muskegon River Spey Fest Facebook page.

Nash Creek Restoration Work Day
2024-09-28 09:00 - 14:00 | Chris Hollis Farm, 11127 Peach Ridge Ave., 11127 Peach Ridge Ave., Sparta, Michigan, United States
⭐️ Volunteers Needed! ⭐️ We are looking for help removing debris and restoring the natural beauty of Nash Creek. Join us and partners Kent Conservation District, Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, and Rogue River Watershed Partners on Saturday, September 28 at Hollis Farm in Sparta. We plan to work from 9 a.m. til 2 p.m. with pizza provided for lunch. Join us for an hour or the whole day!
