Trout Unlimited

DuPage River Cleanup--Naperville, Illinois
2025-04-05 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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
(312) 953-6759
Link to Event Flyer: https://obtu.org/2025-spring-dupage-river-cleanup/

OBTU Chapter Meeting April 16, 2025
2025-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Oak Brook Recreation Center, Central Park West Building, 1500 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL, 60523, United States
Topic: TBD

Speaker: Dale Bowman, Outdoors Columnist, Chicago Sun-Times

This is a hybrid meeting: You can attend in person at the Central Park West Building in the Oak Brook Park District (see map below) or participate in the meeting remotely by signing on to Zoom.
Link to Zoom meeting: TBD Zoom details to be added.
Meeting ID: Passcode:
OR Connect by Phone:
Phone #: (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: Passcode:

[REDACTED] Fly Fishing Class Session #1
2025-05-09 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 22st 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

Youth Fly Fishing Class Session #1
2025-05-17 08:30 - 16:30 | Camp Sagawau Forest Preserve Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Oak Brook Trout Unlimited is now in our 21st year of offering introductory one-day youth fly fishing classes.
The program is open to boys and girls 11 years and older. We provide an 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: 2025 Youth Fly Fishing Flyer

OBTU Chapter Meeting May 21, 2025
2025-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Oak Brook Recreation Center, Central Park West Building, 1500 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL, 60523, United States
SPEAKER: Drew Kazenski, co-chair for the IL chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA)
TOPIC: What can be done to protect access to Illinois streams and rivers?
The IL Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Oak Book Chapter of Trout Unlimited are joining forces to host a public meeting to talk about protecting public access to Illinois streams and rivers. We invite other concerned individuals and organizations to JOIN US on May 21 to discuss issues, answer questions, and plan future actions.
Despite laws and court rulings supporting public river access, ambiguous legal interpretations have led to landowners and state officials blocking access; and restricting rights to Illinois’ waterways.
Legislation to clarify Illinois’ confusing stream access situation, and ensure the right to public waters for paddlers, hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts is being considered in the Illinois General Assembly. House Bill 1873 protects public access to navigable rivers while respecting private landowner concerns, ensuring Illinoisans can enjoy their waterways just like residents of neighboring states.
Together, through individual actions, advocacy, and collaborative efforts, we can protect our right to enjoy our waterways!
More About Drew Kazenski: Drew Kazenski grew up in rural central Illinois and was raised from the beginning with a deep understanding and respect for hunting, fishing and conservation. As an avid hiker, hunter and fly fisherman; he has had whitetails make him tremble in Illinois, chased Merriam turkeys in South Dakota, and landed West-slope Cutthroats in Montana, all due to public land and conservation efforts before him. Drew believes if you are consuming or taking you should do some part to give back, one of his reasons for joining BHA. Drew encourages everyone to find away to give back to the land we all consume from. Currently, Drew still resides in central Illinois with his wife and golden retriever enjoying their passion for the outdoors.

Drew Kazenski, Co-Chair of BHA Chicago Chapter

Link to BHA National Web Site: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/
Link to BHA Illinois Chapter: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/illinois

Zoom meeting to start at 7:00pm. Doors open for pizza and socializing at 6:00pm.

This is a hybrid meeting: You can attend in person at the Central Park West Building in the Oak Brook Park District (see map below) or participate in the meeting remotely by signing on to Zoom.
Link to Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84767652674?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 847 6765 2674 Passcode: [REDACTED]
OR Connect by Phone:
Phone #: (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: 717730

Youth Fly Fishing Class Session #2
2025-06-14 08:30 - 16:30 | Camp Sagawau Forest Preserve Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Youth Fly Fishing Class Session #3
2025-07-12 08:30 - 16:30 | Camp Sagawau Forest Preserve Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Illinois Council of Trout Unlimited Youth Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp
2025-07-20 - 2025-07-25 | WI
This is the 16th annual IL Council of TU Youth Camp held on the AuSable River near Grayling, Michigan. The camp represents an outstanding opportunity for young women & men aged 13 to 18 to obtain a rigorous introduction to the sport of fly fishing for wild stream trout while also gaining in depth appreciation for conservation of our cold water natural resources.
A link to Youth Camp details is provided:
LINK TO YOUTH CAMP (Overview Presentation, One-page Flyer, and One-page application)
If you want to discuss, please contact Dan LaFave, Youth Camp Director: dlafave@sbcglobal.net

Youth Fly Fishing Class Session #4
2025-08-09 08:30 - 16:30 | Camp Sagawau Forest Preserve Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Youth Fly Fishing Class Session #5
2025-09-06 08:30 - 16:30 | Camp Sagawau Forest Preserve Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

OBTU Open House: Saturday, Sept 13, 2025
2025-09-13 09:00 - 13:00 | Oak Brook Recreation Center, Central Park West Building, 1500 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL, 60523, United States
In lieu of the Sept membership mtg, OBTU is hosting an Open House to provide an opportunity to get re-engaged following our summer break:
AGENDA (informal):
-Socialize with colleagues—Invite your friends (open to public).
-Find out what’s going on with upcoming plans & events
-Consider opportunities to get involved
-Have a good time (most important).
WHEN: Saturday, Sept 13 from 9:00a.m. through 1:00pm.
NOTE: This is a Saturday—-Not our normal meeting day!
WHERE: Our normal monthly membership meeting location at: Oak Brook Park District, Central Park West Building, 1500 Forrest Gate Rd., Oak Brook
FOOD: A Brat roast lunch will be provided (around lunch time)
To help us plan the food order, please RSVP to Steve Shapiro if you plan to attend: shapiro.steve@outlook.com
Activities: Information Tables, Bamboo Rod Casting, & more will be available. Possible casting accuracy challenge (for those who are game). DuPage Fly, Orvis and other partners invited.

Illinois River Watch 30th Anniversary Celebration
2025-09-20 10:30 - 16:00 | WI
Link to Event Flyer
Link to Registration Details
Location: Kankakee River State Park, 5314 West State Route 102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Date and time: Sat, Sep 20, 2025 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Link to Illinois River Watch Web Site

OBTU Wisconsin Driftless Area Fall Fishing Outing at Nature Nooks Retreat near Viroqua.
2025-09-27 - 2025-09-29 | Nature Nooks Retreat, S4878 County Road S, Viroqua, WI, 54665, United States
OBTU 7th annual Wisconsin Driftless Area Fall Fishing Outing at Nature Nooks Retreat near Viroqua.
Contact Art Cottrell artcottrell82@gmail.com or John Martyn jakmar2@comcast.net for more info and to reserve a space:

Coldwater River Survey & Fishing Weekend--Grand Rapids, Michigan
2025-10-11 | 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, Oct 11. 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.
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.
Link to a General Description of Past Survey Outings

OBTU Chapter Meeting Oct 15, 2025
2025-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Oak Brook Recreation Center, Central Park West Building, 1500 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL, 60523, United States
Wednesday Oct 15 – Peter Jonas of TUDARE, speaking on “Current trends and developments in stream restoration work”
Peter partnered with OBTU on the Traverse Valley Creek rehabilitation in the Wisconsin Driftless. OBTU made a significant grant to the project which which was successfully completed during 2024.
Pizza will be served starting about 6:00pm. Donations to cover the cost of pizza encouraged.
Meeting with start about 7:00pm.
This is planned to be a a hybrid meeting:
Link to Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83805127414?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 838 0512 7414
Passcode: [REDACTED]
OR Connect by Phone:
Phone #: (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: 838 0512 7414 Passcode: [REDACTED]

DuPage River Cleanup--Naperville, Illinois
2025-10-18 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 Keven Graham.
keven.graham@comcast.net
(630) 251-6304
Link to Event Flyer: https://obtu.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SCAN0001.PDF-Fall-2025-Dupage-River-Cleanup.pdf

SE Wisconsin & OBTU Join Forces for a joint work day in SE Wisc.
2025-10-18 09:00 - 13:00 | WI
The partnership between SEWTU & OBTU continues…
Work Day Details:
Weather permitting, the Saturday October 18th, 2025 Workday will be at Whitewater Creek just southeast of Whitewater, WI. The work site is at the Millis Road crossing of Whitewater Creek. Parking is located about 500 feet Northeast of the creek on Millis Road:
Link to Work Location on Google Maps
Volunteers will be installing biologs.
RSVP Ken Rizzo at riz2337@yahoo.com if you plan to attend. The Workday will start 9am & end at noon followed by a brat fry.
The workday location has changed from nearby Bluff Creek to Whitewater Creek. It’s been a few years since we worked on this stream. The Southeast Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited (SEWTU) will partner with Oakbrook, IL TU (OBTU) to install 40 biologs that morning. If time permits we will backfill the biologs with brush cut from a nearby area.
Work will begin at 9:00 am and continue until around noon followed by our traditional brat fry. Workers should bring waders, safety glasses, and work gloves. There will also be some work for volunteers without waders. Additionally bring a folding chair for the after-party brat fry.
RSVP Ken Rizzo at riz2337@yahoo.com or call 262-370-4937 if you plan to attend or have any questions.
IMPORTANT: Biologs can become un-managible when soaked. If the event is being rescheduled due to adverse weather, Ken plans to send email notification to registered participants at about 7:15 am on Saturday, Oct 18. If you are in doubt, we recommend you call Ken Rizzo to confirm the event is on before you make the drive!

The "Early Show" at Oakbrook Peabody Estate
2025-11-02 10:00 - 17:00 | WI
“The Early Show” returns as the first fishing show of the season. For those interested in fly fishing, this is THE local show for you. The event is sponsored by The Illinois Smallmouth Alliance, DRiFT, and The Fly Fishing Federation.
OBTU’s table will showcase our cold water conservation and youth education programs; upcoming OBTU events; where to fish with emphasis on trout streams; & much more.
Location: Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st Street, Oak Brook, IL
The Early Show Flyer offers further details: Link to Early Show Flyer

OBTU Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing Outing with guide Jay Allen
2025-11-06 08:00 - 2025-11-09 17:00 | WI
Link to the fall 2025 Steelhead Fishing Outing on the Muskegon River with guide Jay Allen:
https://obtu.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Email-from-Oak-Brook-Trout-Unlimited-p1.pdf

OBTU Chapter Meeting Nov 19, 2025
2025-11-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Oak Brook Park District Family Recreation Center Studio ‘C’, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, IL, 60523, United States
Wednesday Nov 19 – Robert Thompson, a filmmaker of “Beyond the Stream”, will focus on Education Committee initiatives

This is planned to be a a hybrid meeting:
Link to Zoom meeting: TBD
Meeting ID: TBD
Passcode: TBD
OR Connect by Phone:
Phone #: (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: TBD Passcode: TBD

*** SAVE THE DATE *** OBTU Holiday Party
2025-12-10 18:30 - 21:30 | Venuti’s Italian Restaurant & Banquet Hall, 2251 W Lake St, Addison, IL, 60101, United States
2025 OBTU HOLIDAY PARTY

OBTU will be hosting our annual holiday at a Venuti’s Italian Restaurant & Banquet Hall
The 2025 event will include a full buffet dinner with a cash bar.
** Cost per person is not yet determined **
As in the past, the event will include The 2025 Holiday Raffle, silent auctions, and bucket raffles.
** The Holiday Raffle Prizes are not yet determined drawings **
Stay tuned for more details.

OBTU Holiday Party
2025-12-10 18:30 - 21:30 | Venuti’s Italian Restaurant & Banquet Hall, 2251 W Lake St, Addison, IL, 60101, United States
2025 OBTU HOLIDAY PARTY
“Save the Date”. The following content is incomplete—details to be added when plans complete.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Buy Party Admission Tickets Now & Save

OBTU will be hosting our annual holiday at a Venuti’s Italian Restaurant & Banquet Hall
The 2024 event will include a full buffet dinner with a cash bar.
Cost is TBD per person If purchased by Dec. 1, 2025. TBD per person if purchased after Dec. 1, 2025.
Admission Tickets can be purchased online HERE
Tickets can be purchased at the door for TBD
If you prefer to pay for admission tickets by check:
Please promptly mail your payment of TBD per ticket to:
Oak Brook Chapter Trout Unlimited or “OBTU”
P.O. Box 5046 Oak Brook, IL 60522-5046 (Please notate “Party Tickets” on your check).
As in the past, the event will include silent auctions, and bucket raffles.
The 2025 Holiday Raffle includes drawings which will take take place at the 2025 holiday party on Wednesday, Dec 11:
Two grand prize drawings will be held for:
1) TBD
2) TBD
Tickets for Drawing can be purchased online HERE or at the door
RAFFLE RULES (To Be Updated for 2025): OBTU is licensed to conduct this Raffle in Illinois and the Raffle is being conducted in accordance with Illinois statutes and Addison City ordinances. Before buying raffle tickets, please review the rules: LINK TO ROD RAFFLE RULES

ALERT:
1. OBTU is licensed to sell raffle tickets only in Illinois. If you are buying tickets online, you must be an Illinois resident or your ticket(s) will be voided.
2. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase tickets.
3. By Purchasing a ticket, you confirm your acceptance of the raffle rules referenced above.
Stay tuned for more details.

OBTU Breakfast Club
2026-01-17 08:00 - 09:30 | Juicy-O, 2942 Finley Rd, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Breakfast Club: Meet for breakfast on Saturday morning, January, 17 2026, from about 8:00 to 9:30 am at the “Juicy-O” breakfast restaurant in Downers Grove. Provides an informal, small group atmosphere to catch up with your OBTU colleagues. Also a good opportunity for newer members to get better acquainted, and in-the-loop with what’s going on at OBTU. All attendees are expected to pay for their own individual food & drink orders.

Venue: Juicy-O (breakfast restaurant)
Address: 2942 Finley Rd, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Juicy-O Phone: (630) 932-4260
Link to web site: https://www.juicyo.com/

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Ken Krueger.

OBTU Chapter Meeting Jan, 2026
2026-01-21 19:00 | 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: Jake, Lemon, TU Eastern Angler Science Coordinator: Jake supports research, monitoring and inventory efforts in Michigan and Wisconsin, and water quality monitoring projects nationwide. Jake helps guide Trout Unlimited’s Coaster Brook Trout Initiative with a focus on coaster brook trout restoration in Lake Superior. Jake has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Indiana University – Indianapolis. He has been with TU for 13 years based in Rockford, Michigan.
Topic: TU “Coaster Brook Trout Initiative”: Historically Coasters were abundant in Lake Superior’s coastal waters. Unfortunately, over fishing and habitat degradation over 150+ years has taken its toll. In 2023, TU designated the Coaster brook trout range in Southern Lake Superior as a Shared Priority Water. Since then, TU has begun the “Coaster Brook Trout Initative”, an effort to bring together the “Coaster” community to collaborate on rehabilitation of these unique fish.
Annual OBTU Elections: Board Members: As previously announced on December 17, 2025, Art Cottrell and Steve Shapiro are nominated to serve a full 3 year term as Board Directors. Annie Vitti is nominated to serve a partial term of 1 year as Board Director. OBTU members in attendance will vote on these Board members. OBTU members have the right to nominate additional candidates from the floor.
Officers: The elected board will vote on OBTU officers after the general membership meeting. Each of the current OBTU officers are nominated to continue for another 1 year term: Dave Carlson, President; Dan LaFave, Vice President; Cheryl Galloway, Treasurer; and Carol Hennessy, Secretary.
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
Jake will present in-person at the Oak Brook Park District. Come out and mingle with your colleagues.
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
Attend Remotely via Zoom Details:
We plan to start our Zoom meeting at 7:00PM on January 21. We will have a few announcements of upcoming events and conduct the annual election of OBTU Board members (expected to be brief). Our keynote speaker will follow the business meeting.
Link to Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86270072894?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 862 7007 2894 Pass code: [REDACTED]
OR
Connect by phone:
Phone: +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 862 7007 2894 Pass code: [REDACTED]

Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo at Schaumburg Convention Center
2026-01-22 - 2026-01-25 | WI
The Illinois Council of Trout Unlimited will be hosting a show booth at the Schuamburg Convention Center.

See link to Expo web site for details:
https://chicagoland.sportshows.com/

Trout on Tap
2026-01-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Driftwood Grille, 17W648 22nd Street, Suite A, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, 60181, United States
Friends,
Lets get together for drinks and/or food on Wednesday evening, January 28, 2025 from about 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Driftwood Grille in Oakbrook.
This is an opportunity for long standing members and new members alike to see old friends, make new friends or find a fishing partner.
We will sit outside weather permitting
Please email or text me if you plan to attend, I need to let the restaurant know the final count of how many will attend.
Ken Krueger
847-975-1425
Membership@obtu.org
All attendees are expected to pay for their own individual food & drink orders.

Venue: Driftwood Grille
Address: 17W648 22nd Street, Suite A Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Driftwood Phone: (815) 374-3893
Link to web site including map & menu: Driftwood Grille

For future Trout on Tap sessions, we plan to rotate locations around the area to even out everyone’s travel. We are planning locations with easy access to freeways.

Tinley Park Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Show
2026-02-13 - 2026-02-15 | WI
OBTU will be hosting a booth at the Tinley Park Show again this year.
See the following link for 2026 Tinley Park Expo details:
https://tinleyfishexpo.com/

OBTU Chapter Meeting Feb, 2026
2026-02-18 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: Jake Marthaler, professional guide, specializes in multi-species fly fishing Southwest Michigan waters. Jake guides with Schultz Outfitters based on the Huron River in Ypsilanti, MI. Link to Schultz Outfitters Web Site: https://schultzoutfitters.com/pages/about-us
Topic: Fly Fishing for Redfish in Louisiana
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
Jake will present in-person at the Oak Brook Park District. Come out and mingle with your colleagues.
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://us04web.zoom.us/j/75618417178?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 756 1841 7178 Pass code: [REDACTED]
OR
Connect by phone: +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 756 1841 7178 Pass code: [REDACTED]

OBTU Youth Fly Fishing "Train the Trainers" Event at Camp Sagawau
2026-03-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Camp Sagawau Forest Preserve Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Anyone planning to volunteer to help with the youth fly fishing classes this summer should try to attend. All OBTU members who may want to get involved in chapter Youth Education Programs are welcome to attend. We will provide orientation for new volunteers, review and discuss programs with the existing volunteers, and look for ways to improve our programs going forward.
We will review:

Youth Fly Fishing program. We review the skills – knot tying, fly tying, casting, tackle assembly – that we must pass on to the students in these classes. Link to 2026 Youth Fly Fishing Training Flyer
We discuss current year plans for other OBTU youth education programs including Trout-In-The-Classroom and Stream Girls.
We also discuss status of the IL Council Youth Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp which is a 6-day camp held on Michigan’s Au Sable River in late July each year. Link to 2026 Youth Camp Details
Provide briefing on OBTU’s new “Adult Fly Fishing for Trout” training course. Link to 2026 “Adult Fly Fishing for Trout” Training Flyer

DuPage County Forest Preserve: Fly Fishing Intro--Classroom Session 1
2026-03-12 18:00 - 19:30 | WI
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
