Trout Unlimited's Great Lakes Program

06/10/2026

We’re reconnecting the River of Presidents!

This summer, we’re upgrading more road infrastructure in the Bois Brule River watershed to improve public safety, flood resilience, and fish passage.

The two projects planned for this year are part of a multi-year initiative investing more than $2 million in northern Wisconsin communities. The collaborative effort will benefit residents, anglers, and fish alike.

The new projects, on the Little Bois Brule River and Sandy Run Creek, will replace aging culverts – the tunnel-like structure designed to allow water to flow under roads – that are too small and too high.

Often referred to as the “River of Presidents” for its history of hosting five U.S. presidents and their fishing pursuits, the storied Bois Brule River is one of Wisconsin’s most quintessential trout streams.

In 2023 on Wilson Creek, TU and partners completed 3 projects that fully reconnected the Class I trout stream and tributary to the Bois Brule River.

Additional projects are in the planning stages, including a future culvert replacement on Rocky Run.

In total, these projects will open more than 13 miles of high-quality coldwater habitat and reconnect the essential tributaries with the 44-mile mainstem Bois Brule River – resulting in healthier rivers and stronger communities.

This work builds upon the decades-long efforts of groups like the Brule River Sportsmen's Club, Inc. and Wild Rivers TU Chapter who have long been stewarding the watershed with resolute dedication to conserve the Brule’s cold, clean waters and inspire a community of river champions to care for it.

These projects are made possible by the support and contributions of many partners and funders including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Community-based Restoration Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Ventura, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Trout and Salmon Foundation, Douglas County Land + Water Conservation, the Town of Solon Springs, and the Town of Brule.

Stay tuned for more updates this summer!

06/08/2026

We’re deeply saddened by the loss of a great friend and watershed warrior Gretchen Zuiderveen. Gretchen was devoted to caring for Michigan’s land and water and worked relentlessly as a volunteer for so many environmental organizations and causes from the Rogue River Watershed Partners to Wild Ones River City-Grand Rapids Area Chapter and Trout Unlimited. We fondly remember our time working alongside Gretchen at countless projects and events around the Rogue River watershed and share our gratitude for her generous, fervent spirit and the lasting impact she will have on the landscape. Our thoughts are with Gretchen’s family, friends, and all who knew her.

06/05/2026

Always respect the locals 🫡

06/05/2026

Brook trout 🤝 Karner blue butterflies

Thanks to all who joined us last weekend to explore the trout streams and Karner blues of the Mecan River watershed at our field trip in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Field Trip Program.

We loved meandering along a restored trout stream on a 40-acre restored prairie and oak savanna and discovering what these special and rare landscapes have to offer.

Become a member of Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin to get access to this and other immersive field trips all year long!

06/02/2026

Meet our 2026 Upper Peninsula Field Team!

Joanne Arbic is a recent graduate of Northern Michigan University and is a U.P. native. She is passionate about protecting and restoring natural places, especially in the U.P. where they are so treasured. Joanne enjoys spending time outside, including biking, hiking, waterskiing, snowboarding, and rock hunting, and can’t wait to see what kind of adventures may be in store this summer!

Jack Ingram is a lifelong angler with an immense passion for the conservation of Great Lakes wild and native salmonids. He spends most of his down time fishing with his dog, Bert. He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he studied biology and ecology. This will be his second season working with TU, and he could not be more excited for another summer of fishing and fieldwork.

Sebastian Weekhout is a first-year Aquatic Resource Technician in Michigan’s U.P. As a dual citizen of the United States and the Netherlands, he grew up between South Holland and Romeo, Michigan, experiences that helped shape his appreciation for the outdoors and natural resources. Sebastian graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Earth Science and Biology. As a lifelong angler, he is passionate about conservation and the stewardship of aquatic ecosystems.

Sadie Bartels is a recent graduate from Michigan Technological University where she studied Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. She grew up fishing and spending time outdoors, which has fostered her passion for conserving natural areas. She is excited to contribute to the watershed conservation efforts in Michigan’s U.P. and spend time in this beautiful area!

06/01/2026

JA Henry is offering a new 8′ 6wt bamboo rod that will be joining the Two-Hearted family of handcrafted bamboo rods this July—and they’re gifting Rod No. 001 for a $2,000 donation to TU’s Coaster Initiative.

After more than a year of development and refinement, they’re excited to introduce this new addition, carefully designed to open the door to a different style of fishing—one that handles bigger water, heavier flies, and more demanding conditions, while still maintaining the smooth, deliberate action bamboo is known for.

The Coaster Brook Trout Initiative is focused on protecting and restoring coaster brook trout populations in the Great Lakes region—fish that are as iconic as they are important to the health of our coldwater fisheries.

This special rod could be yours, and your support brings us closer to recovering the special Coaster Brook Trout.

https://bit.ly/49sugNz

Since 2018, we’ve been building bamboo fly rods with a simple focus: do one thing exceptionally well. For years, that has meant offering a single model—the Two-Hearted 7’6” 5wt—which we consider a …

06/01/2026

We had a fun fishy time at EcoFest this weekend where talked trout and coldwater conservation with community members and gave kids a chance to catch the elusive lawn trout! Thanks to Alderman Matt Martin - 47th Ward for having us and all the organizations and businesses who made the day so special and work so hard to build a stronger, more eco-friendly Chicago and Great Lakes 💚

05/29/2026

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TU field staff:

05/28/2026

Thanks to our partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for highlighting our collaborative work to fully reconnect Wilson Creek, a Class 1 trout stream and tributary to the Bois Brule River.

https://bit.ly/4wT23cI

In northwest Wisconsin, the Bois Brule River watershed is a stronghold for native brook trout—a species that thrives in cold, connected waters.