Tie-A-Thon fly tying - February 26
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | Orvis Grand Rapids, 1954 Breton Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
This year, Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited is partnering with Orvis Grand Rapids to host fly tying sessions to benefit Tie-A-Thon!

This is the 20th year for Tie-A-Thon, a group based in South Bend, IN. Tie-A-Thon collects donated flies to support programs focused on healing and education through fly fishing. This has grown into a national movement uniting fly tyers of all skill levels for one shared purpose – to give back through the art of fly tying.

This milestone year, Tie-A-Thon is proud to support five exceptional organizations whose missions use fly fishing to promote healing, growth, and education:

• Reel Recovery – based in Massachusetts, helping men living with cancer find renewal through fly fishing retreats and fellowship.

• Casting for Recovery – National – headquartered in Bozeman, MT, supporting breast cancer survivors through healing fly fishing experiences across the country.

• Fishing the Good Fight – based in Colorado, advancing men’s mental health awareness and connection through fly fishing.

• Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth, and Families – located in North Carolina, empowering youth through outdoor education and fly fishing programs.

• Lee University Fly Fishing Education – located in Tennessee, integrating fly fishing into higher education as a tool for stewardship and personal growth.

Fly tyers of all skill levels are welcome to help us meet our pledge of 200 flies per pattern. Each of our fly-tying sessions will focus on one pattern, but we also collect donated flies that were completed outside of those sessions.

Our tying schedule is as follows:

Thursday, January 22 – pheasant tail nymph, hook size 18-14

Thursday, February 26 – elk hair caddis, hook size 18-14

Thursday, March 26 – soft hackles, hook size 16-14

Bring your own vice and supplies if you have them. Supplies for basic patterns will be provided by SWMTU and others will be available to purchase at Orvis GR. Variants of the pattern (i.e., weighted nymphs, euronymphs, different body colors) are happily accepted. While this is not a fly-tying class, assistance will be available.

Please get a free ticket below for each attendee because space is limited. Contact Paige Werner at wernerp2@gmail.com with questions or if you need to cancel after reserving your spot.

SWMTU Board Meetings - 2026
2026-03-03 18:15 - 20:00, 2026-04-07 18:15 - 20:00, 2026-05-05 18:15 - 20:00, 2026-06-02 18:15 - 20:00, 2026-08-04 18:15 - 20:00, 2026-09-01 18:15 - 20:00, 2026-10-06 18:15 - 20:00, 2026-11-03 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.

Fly Fishing Film Tour - 2026
2026-03-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
The annual Fly Fishing Film Tour is a traveling roadshow of the best fly fishing films in the world. Through a submission process, films are selected to bring some of the best content to the big screen in your hometown.

The F3T is more than just the film, the shows aim to create community, inspire, encourage and support conservation efforts worldwide. Each evening is complete with a live emcee, raffle & door prizes from our premium sponsors, local fly shops and more. Come for the action, stay for the camaraderie, all while helping to raise money for the waters we love. So get ready to kick back, drink a beer or your beverage of choice, enjoy the cinematography that will get you stoked on the season ahead.

Tie-A-Thon fly tying - March 26
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:30 | Orvis Grand Rapids, 1954 Breton Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
This year, Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited is partnering with Orvis Grand Rapids to host fly tying sessions to benefit Tie-A-Thon!

This is the 20th year for Tie-A-Thon, a group based in South Bend, IN. Tie-A-Thon collects donated flies to support programs focused on healing and education through fly fishing. This has grown into a national movement uniting fly tyers of all skill levels for one shared purpose – to give back through the art of fly tying.

This milestone year, Tie-A-Thon is proud to support five exceptional organizations whose missions use fly fishing to promote healing, growth, and education:

• Reel Recovery – based in Massachusetts, helping men living with cancer find renewal through fly fishing retreats and fellowship.

• Casting for Recovery – National – headquartered in Bozeman, MT, supporting breast cancer survivors through healing fly fishing experiences across the country.

• Fishing the Good Fight – based in Colorado, advancing men’s mental health awareness and connection through fly fishing.

• Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth, and Families – located in North Carolina, empowering youth through outdoor education and fly fishing programs.

• Lee University Fly Fishing Education – located in Tennessee, integrating fly fishing into higher education as a tool for stewardship and personal growth.

Fly tyers of all skill levels are welcome to help us meet our pledge of 200 flies per pattern. Each of our fly-tying sessions will focus on one pattern, but we also collect donated flies that were completed outside of those sessions.

Our tying schedule is as follows:

Thursday, January 22 – pheasant tail nymph, hook size 18-14

Thursday, February 26 – elk hair caddis, hook size 18-14

Thursday, March 26 – soft hackles, hook size 16-14

Bring your own vice and supplies if you have them. Supplies for basic patterns will be provided by SWMTU and others will be available to purchase at Orvis GR. Variants of the pattern (i.e., weighted nymphs, euronymphs, different body colors) are happily accepted. While this is not a fly-tying class, assistance will be available.

Please register for a free ticket below for each attendee because space is limited. Contact Paige Werner at wernerp2@gmail.com with questions or if you need to cancel after reserving your spot.

2026 Annual Banquet
2026-04-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Watermark Country Club, 1600 Galbraith SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited is excited to announce that registration for our Annual Fundraising Banquet is open! See below for ticket options.

Please join us for an evening of celebration, fellowship, and the recognition of key individuals who have contributed to the preservation of coldwater streams. This is our biggest event of the year and our primary fundraiser which helps us pursue our mission to conserve, protect, and restore our local coldwater watersheds.

Our banquet takes place on the evening of Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Watermark Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We have an awesome lineup of prizes in our bucket raffle, silent auction, and live auction. Your ticket includes a plated dinner with parmesan chicken and salmon as entrees. Online registration will close at noon on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

A huge thank you to all the people and businesses that have donated items for the auction!

Can’t make it to the party? Donate now to support coldwater conservation.

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

Agenda

5:00 p.m. – Doors open, bar opens, bucket raffle, and silent auction

7:00 p.m. – Plated dinner begins

8:30 p.m. – Live auction

Location

Watermark Country Club, 1600 Galbraith SE, Grand Rapids

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

Dinner for 10 guests

Ticket in table sponsor drawing

$250 in raffle tickets per table

Pre-event promotion on Schrems TU website and social media as well as recognition in the banquet program

To alleviate congestion at the bars, we are offering table sponsors the option to pre-order bottles of wine. You can choose from Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or  Cabernet Sauvignon.

Individual Sponsor – $350

Dinner

Ticket in individual sponsor drawing

$150 in raffle tickets

Pre-event promotion on Schrems TU website and social media as well as recognition in the banquet program

Individual – $75

Dinner

Raffle ticket x1

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:

$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 Outing with SWMTU: Coldwater River
2026-05-18 17:00 - 20:00
Join Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited for some fun on the river!

What better way to enjoy our local watersheds and make new fishing buddies than going fly fishing? No matter your skill level, join SWMTU for a laid-back day on the water followed by a social outing at a local restaurant.

We will have mentors available to help beginner anglers with the basics, including casting techniques, fly selection, knot tying, reading the water, and wading safety. Please let us know if you need to borrow a fly rod, as we will have some available. These events are kid-friendly, but we recommend ages 8+ for the best experience.

Monday, May 18 at 5-8pmColdwater RiverLocation: Dolan Property? (Exact location TBD)Fish species: TroutDinner and drinks: Nighthawk Food & Spirits, 6950 Whitneyville Ave SE, Alto 49302

Wa Wa Sum 2026 - annual membership gathering
2026-06-18 12:00 - 2026-06-22 09:00 | 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 18 with departure NO LATER than 9:00 am on Monday, June 22. The NIGHTLY RATE IS $65.00, whether your stay is one, two, three, or all four nights. Be prepared to settle up at the lodge with host Larry Risbridger either via CASH or CHECK or DEBIT/CREDIT CARD before you leave. You may stay for all four nights or as few as one.

PLEASE RSVP WITH LARRY RISBRIDGER BY JUNE 15, 2026. 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.

ACCOMMODATIONSThere 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.

MEALSAlthough there are no organized meals, we will be providing 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 that 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.

Wa Wa Sum Lodge377 Wa Wa SumGrayling, MI 49738

QUESTIONSPlease give Larry Risbridger a call anytime at 616.690.0692 or email at elrisbridger@charter.net

Cast n' Blast 2026- SWMTU & RGS
2026-07-15 14:00 - 19:00 | Kent Conservation League, 8461 Conservation Street NE, Ada, MI, 49301, United States
Save the date! Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited and the Grand Rapids Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society are once again co-sponsoring the annual Cast n’ Blast. This event is always a “blast” – and also a fundraiser to support both organizations’ youth educational programs.

This fun-filled, no-pressure event includes a round of sporting clays and a fun but challenging fly-casting course, followed by dinner, beer, and a raffle. Novice shooters and casters are encouraged to attend. 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.

Check back soon to register your team or yourself online!

Fly Fishing Outing with SWMTU: Muskegon River
2026-08-17 17:00 - 20:00
Join Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited for some fun on the river!

What better way to enjoy our local watersheds and make new fishing buddies than going fly fishing? No matter your skill level, join SWMTU for a laid-back day on the water followed by a social outing at a local restaurant.

We will have mentors available to help beginner anglers with the basics, including casting techniques, fly selection, knot tying, reading the water, and wading safety. Please let us know if you need to borrow a fly rod, as we will have some available. These events are kid-friendly, but we recommend ages 8+ for the best experience. Monday, August 17 at 5-8pmMuskegon RiverLocation: Carmichael Flats? (Exact location TBD)Fish species: Smallmouth bassDinner and drinks: Northern Trails Bar & Grill, 7242 E 88th St, Newaygo 49337

Fly Fishing Outing with SWMTU: Rogue River
2026-10-19 17:00 - 20:00
Join Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited for some fun on the river!

What better way to enjoy our local watersheds and make new fishing buddies than going fly fishing? No matter your skill level, join SWMTU for a laid-back day on the water followed by a social outing at a local restaurant.

We will have mentors available to help beginner anglers with the basics, including casting techniques, fly selection, knot tying, reading the water, and wading safety. Please let us know if you need to borrow a fly rod, as we will have some available. These events are kid-friendly, but we recommend ages 8+ for the best experience.

Monday, October 19 at 5-8pmRogue RiverLocation: Richardson-Sowerby Park? (Exact location TBD)Fish species: Trout, steelhead, and salmonDinner and drinks: Rockford Brewing Company, 12 E Bridge St NE, Rockford 49341
