Trout Unlimited

DuPage County Forest Preserve: Fly Fishing Intro--Classroom Session 2
2026-03-26 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County(FPDDC) reached out to OBTU to help conduct an Introductory Fly Fishing Program. The program is planned for 6-12 adult participants (18 years or older) . The program includes 2 Classroom Sessions and 1 Fly Casting and Fishing Session on Salt Creek:
Classroom Session I:
When: Thursday, March 12 6:00 to 7:30PM
Where: Preserve at Oak Meadows – 900 N Wood Dale Rd., Addison
Topics:
-Local river spots and tips, why take up fly fishing? (Led by FPDDC.)
-Fly fishing, equipment, and safety (led by T.U.)
Classroom Session II
When: Thursday, March 26 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Where: Preserve at Oak Meadows – 900 N Wood Dale Rd., Addison
Topics:
-Macroinvertebrate/fish ID (led by FPDDC),
-Fly tying (led by T.U.)
Casting and Fishing Session.:
When: Saturday, April 11 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Where: Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
Topics:
-Salt Creek Restoration/Dam Removal (led by FPDC)
-Casting & fly fishing all in one program (led by T.U.)
Link to DuPage Forest Preserve registration details for the introduction to fly fishing:
https://happeningnext.com/event/nature-101-fly-fishing-eid3a0dgontqa
Marvin Strauch is Leading OBTU Participation in the Program: mjstrachjr@gmail.com

DuPage River Cleanup--Naperville, Illinois
2026-03-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Pioneer Park, 1212 S Washington Street, Naperville, Illinois, 60540
Come out for the Oak Brook TU 2025 Spring DuPage River Cleanup Day from 9 a.m. to 12 noon! (Coffee & donuts served at 8:30am) Bring your river shoes or waders and join us for a morning of removing debris and litter along the West Branch of the DuPage River from Gartner Road to 75th Street in Naperville. This event is part of the DuPage County “Adopt-A-Stream” program to help keep local water resources clean.
Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at Pioneer Park at 1212 S. Washington Street in Naperville.
Gloves, trash pokers, garbage bags, water, and technical support will be provided.
For more information and/or to sign up please contact Dave Carlson.
dmcarlson@hotmail.com
Link to Event Flyer: https://obtu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Spring-Fall-DuPage-River-Cleanup.pdf

OBTU Wisc. Driftless Area Fishing Outing & Highway Cleanup Session
2026-04-08 - 2026-04-12
OBTU will be hosting a fishing outing in the Wisconsin Driftless Area from Wednesday April 8 thru Sunday April 12. The outing will be based in the Viroqua area and will include a 2 hour work session at 10:00am till noon on April 11 to support OBTU’s “Adopt a Highway” commitment. Participants are invited to attend on their own schedule (e.g., you can fish only the weekend if you prefer). Ken Kruger, OBTU Board member is the event organizer who plans to be in the area during the entire period (April 8-12).
Participants are responsible for organizing their own accommodation. It is recommended that you reserve a room early if you plan to attend.
Please contact Ken Krueger with any questions and to register your participation: kenkrueger62@yahoo.com
Depending on the attendance, Ken plans to organize a group dinner, advise regarding fishing plans where desired, and schedule the highway cleanup work session. Stay tuned for more details as the event date approaches.

DuPage County Forest Preserve: Fly Fishing Intro--Casting & Fishing Session
2026-04-08 08:00 - 10:00

Adult Fly Fishing for Trout Class #1
2026-04-08 18:30 - 21:30
See the Fly Fishing for Trout Flyer for details:
https://obtu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OBTU-Fly-Fishing-for-Trout-adult-program-flyer-1.pdf

Fly Fishing Film Tour at Gorten Center, Lake Forrest, IL
2026-04-12
The renowned “Fly Fishing Film Tour” 2026 edition can be viewed at the Gorten Center in Lake Forrest.
Follow the link for details: https://artslinknorth.com/event/fly-fishing-film-tour-2026/

Adult Fly Fishing for Trout Class #2
2026-04-15 18:30 - 21:30
This is the 2nd fishing class of OBTU’s new Adult Fly Fishing for Trout Course. You must be registered to attend.
See the Fly Fishing for Trout Flyer for details:
https://obtu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OBTU-Fly-Fishing-for-Trout-adult-program-flyer-1.pdf

OBTU Chapter Meeting April, 2026
2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Oak Brook Park District Family Recreation Center Studio ‘C’, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, IL, 60523, United States
ALERT: New Location for this meeting. See details below. DO NOT go to Central Park West!
Pre-Meeting Pizza Social Hour: The doors will open at 6:00 PM for those who would like to join us for pizza and socializing at the Oak Brook Park District, Central Park West Building. The meeting starts at 7:00 PM
Speaker: Mike Allen, Midwest Angling Company, Owner & Lead Guide
Topic: “Pre-spawn Smallmouth”

This is planned to be a a hybrid meeting where you can attend in person or connect online via zoom:

Attend In Person Details:
New Location for this meeting only: Oak Brook Park District, Family Recreation Center, 1450 Forrest Gate Rd., Oak Brook, Studio C
New Meeting Location: Link to Family Recreation Center Map
OR

Attend Remotely via Zoom Details:
We plan to start our Zoom meeting at 7:00PM. We will have a few announcements of upcoming events. The keynote speaker will follow announcements.
Link to Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83196449284?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 831 9644 9284 Pass code: [REDACTED]
OR
Connect by phone: +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 831 9644 9284 Pass code: [REDACTED]
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83196449284?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 831 9644 9284
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Adult Fly Fishing for Trout Class #3
2026-04-22 18:30 - 21:30
This is the 3rd class of OBTU’s new Adult Fly Fishing for Trout Course. You must be registered to attend.
See the Fly Fishing for Trout Flyer for details:
https://obtu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OBTU-Fly-Fishing-for-Trout-adult-program-flyer-1.pdf

Adult Fly Fishing for Trout Course: Driftless Fishing Outing Option 1
2026-04-25 - 2026-04-26
This is the 1st option for the Wisconsin Driftless on-stream session of OBTU’s new Adult Fly Fishing for Trout Course. You must be registered to attend.
See the Fly Fishing for Trout Flyer for details:
https://obtu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OBTU-Fly-Fishing-for-Trout-adult-program-flyer-1.pdf

Southeast Wisconsin Work Day at Tichigan Creek
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00
This is your opportunity to contribute to hands on cold water stream improvement work close to home. The Southeast Wisconsin TU Chapter (SEWTU) has invited OBTU to assist with workdays again this year.
Location: The Tichigan Creek work site is located in Western Racine County 3.6 miles northwest of Waterford, WI on Marsh Road. We will park & work from a lot just north of where Marsh Road crosses the creek: Click on Coordinates for map: 42°48’02.7″N 88°14’34.8″W
Work Plan: Work will include Installing Biologs and Clearing Trees Upstream of March Road on Tichigan Creek. Volunteers should bring work gloves and safety glasses. Waders will be needed if you plan to assist with biolog installation.
RSVP is requested for food order: The traditional brat fry will follow so bring a chair for afterwards. To ensure the proper amount of food is purchased please RSVP Ken Rizzo by email at: riz2337@yahoo.com.
John Martyn, OBTU Board Director, is organizing OBTU participation. John can be reached at jakmar2@comcast.net
A past joint SEWTU & and OBTU Team Picture Below:

Trout Unlimited Midwest Regional Rendezvous
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-03
The Midwest Regional Rendezvous takes place in Roscommon, Michigan this year. It a great opportunity to connect with TU National and Midwest Region leaders to be briefed on whats happening in our region.
Follow the Link for the itinerary and registration details:
https://www.tu.org/get-involved/volunteer-tacklebox/volunteer-leader-trainings-events/annual-meetings-regional-rendezvous/regional-rendezvous/midwest-regional-2026/

Adult Fly Fishing for Trout Course: Driftless Fishing Outing Option 2
2026-05-02 - 2026-05-03
This is the 2nd option for the Wisconsin Driftless on-stream session of OBTU’s new Adult Fly Fishing for Trout Course. You must be registered to attend.
See the Fly Fishing for Trout Flyer for details:
https://obtu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OBTU-Fly-Fishing-for-Trout-adult-program-flyer-1.pdf

Youth Fly Fishing Class Session #1
2026-05-02 08:30 - 16:00 | Camp Sagawau Forest Preserve Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Oak Brook Trout Unlimited is now in our 22nd year of offering introductory one-day youth fly fishing classes.
The program is open to boys and girls 11 years and older. We provide a free, easy-to-understand overview to the sport of fly fishing. All fly-fishing equipment and fly-tying materials are provided by Oak Brook Chapter Trout Unlimited.

Link to the event flyer for more details: 2026 Youth Fly Fishing Flyer

Trout-in-the-classroom Release Field Trips
2026-05-11 - 2026-05-15
During the week of May 11-15, OBTU plans to host a number of field trips for those schools participating in Trout-in-the-Classroom program.
Each field trip typically includes the following on-stream activities:
-Macro-Invertebrate survey of aquatic insects at the release site
-Chemical testing of water quality and measurement of water temperature
-Measurement of the estimated stream flow
-Release of trout that have been raised in the classroom into the wild
OBTU volunteers will be needed to assist in mentoring the bus loads of students. A schedule of participating schools, release locations and times will be prepared. Depending on each volunteer’s availability, volunteers will be assigned to one or more school release field trips that will take place throughout the week. If you are new to this program, experienced mentors will guide you on what to do (specialized skills are not required). Come out and join in the fun.
Marvin Strauch, OBTU Education Chair, leads this program.
Please let Marvin know if you are interested in volunteering: mjstrauchjr@gmail.com

OBTU Chapter Meeting May, 2026
2026-05-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Oak Brook Recreation Center, Central Park West Building, 1500 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL, 60523, United States
Pre-Meeting Pizza Social Hour: The doors will open at 6:00 PM for those who would like to join us for pizza and socializing at the Oak Brook Park District, Central Park West Building. The meeting starts at 7:00 PM
Speaker: TBD
Topic: TBD
This is planned to be a a hybrid meeting where you can attend in person or connect online via zoom:
Attend In Person Details:
Location: Oak Brook Park District, Central Park West Building, 1500 Forrest Gate Rd., Oak Brook
Link to Central Park West Building Map
Attend Remotely via Zoom Details:
We plan to start our Zoom meeting at 7:00PM. We will have a few announcements of upcoming events. The keynote speaker will follow announcements.
Link to Zoom: TBD
Meeting ID: TBD Pass code: TBD
OR
Connect by phone: +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: TBD Pass code:TBD

Coldwater River Survey & Fishing Weekend--Grand Rapids, Michigan
2026-05-30 | Tyler Creek Golf Club and Campground, 13495 92nd St SE, Alto, MI, 49302, United States
Fishing Outing Combined with half day OBTU entomology survey.
Meet at the Tyler Creek Country Club 9 am in the morning on Saturday, May 30. Following coffee & donuts, the outing features a half-day work session on Saturday morning where OBTU members split into small teams to sample the macroinvertebrates at various Coldwater River locations. With samples collected, everyone meets back at the Tyler Creek Country Club to classify and record the samples. The data compiled is used over time to study trends in the diversity of macro invertebrates recorded providing an indicator of stream health. This is an enjoyable, interesting & educational activity. To the uninitiated, its a great opportunity to learn about coldwater aquatic insects and other invertebrates that contribute to the trout food chain.
After lunch (provided), form into fishing teams and deploy to various access points. Fish Saturday afternoon till dinner.
Option to fish Sunday morning until departure for home. Another option is to come up early to fish on Friday to make a long weekend.
The primary plan is to fish the Coldwater River Watershed depending on conditions with options to fish the Muskegon or Rogue River.
Motels near Grand Rapids Airport; 28th SE street exit on I-96; More details to be provided.

Youth Fly Fishing Class Session #2
2026-06-06 08:30 - 16:00 | Camp Sagawau Forest Preserve Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Southeast Wisconsin Work Day at Bluff Creek
2026-06-06 09:00 - 12:00
This is your opportunity to contribute to hands on cold water stream improvement work close to home. The Southeast Wisconsin TU Chapter (SEWTU) has invited OBTU to assist with 3 workdays again this year.
Location: Bluff Creek, Stay tuned for work site details.
Work Plan: TBD
RSVP is requested for food order: The traditional brat fry will follow so bring a chair for afterwards. To ensure the proper amount of food is purchased please RSVP Ken Rizzo by email at: riz2337@yahoo.com.
John Martyn, OBTU Board Director, is organizing OBTU participation. John can be reached at jakmar2@comcast.net
A past joint SEWTU & and OBTU Team Picture Below:

Stream Girls Session 2026 Session #1
2026-06-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Kankakee River State Park, 5314 W. Rt. 102, Bourbonnais, IL, 60914, United States
Oak Brook Trout Unlimited (OBTU) will return with the STREAM Girls program. The program is open to girls 11 to 14 years old. All equipment is provided by Oak Brook Chapter Trout Unlimited.
STREAM Girls employs STEM-education (science, technology. Engineering, math) plus recreation and arts to explore a local stream.
Every person is a citizen of her watershed, and OBTU has partnered with Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois to show what that means to us. By visiting a local stream and having the opportunity to observe it as scientists, anglers, and artists, girls will get the complete picture of what their local stream could mean to them.
Over the course of multiple sessions, OBTU volunteers will lead the Girl Scouts in observing a stream, sampling macroinvertebrates, fly tying, and fly casting. The program also gives the girls time to explore the natural area and record their thoughts and observations in their handbooks.
Program size limited to 12 Girl Scouts, SO REGISTER EARLY!!
PROGRAM SEGMENTS
Watersheds and STREAM walk
Fly Tying
Fly Casting
STREAM stations and bracelets
Go with the Flow!
Reflection throughout
Macroinvertebrate survey
Discussion throughout
Link to the event flyer for more details: 2026 Stream Girls Flyer
Click here to view a promotional video vimeo.com/296060481

Youth Fly Fishing Class Session #3
2026-07-11 08:30 - 16:00 | Camp Sagawau Forest Preserve Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Stream Girls Session 2026 Session #2
2026-07-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Camp Dean, 46W253 Camp Dean Rd., Big Rock, IL, 60511, United States

Youth Fly Fishing Class Session #4
2026-08-08 08:30 - 16:00 | Camp Sagawau Forest Preserve Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Youth Fly Fishing Class Session #5
2026-09-12 08:30 - 16:00 | Camp Sagawau Forest Preserve Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

OBTU Chapter Meeting September, 2026
2026-09-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Oak Brook Recreation Center, Central Park West Building, 1500 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL, 60523, United States

Southeast Wisconsin Work Day at Whitewater Creek, WI.
2026-10-17 09:00 - 12:00
This is your opportunity to contribute to hands on cold water stream improvement work close to home. The Southeast Wisconsin TU Chapter (SEWTU) has invited OBTU to assist with 3 workdays again this year.
Location: Whitewater Creek, Stay tuned for work site details.
Work Plan: TBD
RSVP is requested for food order: The traditional brat fry will follow so bring a chair for afterwards. To ensure the proper amount of food is purchased please RSVP Ken Rizzo by email at: riz2337@yahoo.com.
John Martyn, OBTU Board Director, is organizing OBTU participation. John can be reached at jakmar2@comcast.net
A past joint SEWTU & and OBTU Team Picture Below:

OBTU Chapter Meeting October, 2026
2026-10-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Oak Brook Recreation Center, Central Park West Building, 1500 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL, 60523, United States

OBTU Chapter Meeting November, 2026
2026-11-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Oak Brook Recreation Center, Central Park West Building, 1500 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL, 60523, United States

OBTU Holiday Party
2026-12-09 18:30 - 21:30 | Venuti’s Italian Restaurant & Banquet Hall, 2251 W Lake St, Addison, IL, 60101, United States
2026 OBTU HOLIDAY PARTY
“Save the Date”. The following content is incomplete—details to be added when plans complete.
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OBTU will be hosting our annual holiday at a Venuti’s Italian Restaurant & Banquet Hall
The 2026 event will include a full buffet dinner with a cash bar.
