THE WOLF RIVER HATCH

Transcription

1 THE WOLF RIVER HATCH NEWSLETTER OF THE WOLF RIVER CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED WISCONSIN S FIRST CHAPTER ISSUE 3 Spring 2014 OFFICERS President Tim Waters MuddyWaters@new.rr.com Vice President Andy Killoren akilloren@centurytel.net Secretary/Treasurer Linda Anderson lindaanderson57@aol.com BOARD MEMBERS Brian Heikenen bheiken@earthlink.net Bill Kallner wolfmoon@granitewave.com Bill Livingston wolfriverfish@gmail.com Jim Robinson whitelakejim@yahoo.com Laurie Zen Netzow lznetzow@me.com Web Site Find us on Facebook Newsletter Editor Laurie Zen Netzow lznetzow@me.com Mail hard copy submissions to PO Box 235 White Lake, WI (715) Thanks! HISTORY Before the 1860 s, the area was traveled by Indians and a few trappers. The Wolf River and its tributaries were inhabited by native brook trout. The only recorded travel route through the area was the Lake Superior Trail, which paralleled the Wolf River from Shawano north past Pine Lake and on into the Copper Country. It was used by early explorers and fur traders. In 1861 the trail was improved. The Military Road was built through eastern Langlade County in The road follows the current Hwy 55 route. Gardner dam was built in 1868 to help the logs clear the rapids during the spring log drives. Dams were built in Langlade in 1870, Lily in 1871 and the lower Post Lake dam (at the current county A bridge) a few years later. As dams were built the cutting of timber expanded up the river, as did logging camps, river driving crews and stopping places. In 1873 it was estimated that one and a half billion board feet of logs floated down the Wolf River. The log drives ended in 1904 with the advent of the railroads in the area. The native brook trout began to repopulate the river after logging, attracting trout fishermen. In 1921 the Wisconsin Conservation Department decided to supplement the brook trout with a western rainbow fry. By the mid twenties, fishermen were catching large rainbows. A severe drought from wiped out the rainbow. In 1933 the Wolf River Conservation Club was organized. The Wisconsin Conservation Department, along with the Wolf River Conservation Club, built a rearing station at Langlade on Dalton Creek where German brown trout were reared and stocked in the Wolf River. The native brook trout were ignored, but flourished in the tributaries. The Wolf River by Tim Waters Gardner Dam From the AJ Kingsbury Collection, Langlade County Historical Society reprinted with permission from the White Lake Area Historical Society The patch worn by the WRCC members This one belonged to avid trout fisherman Fritz Lindstrom Reprinted with permission from the White Lake Area Historical Society By the early 50 s the Wisconsin Public Service Commission had issued permits to farmers to pump 9600 gallons of water per minute from the Wolf River. That was half Continued on page 3

2 For Neil Ode To The Old Fisherman His bamboo rod no longer sings, and the fern no longer feels the passing of his felt bottom boots on the paths to the river. But every year towards the end of May, the river still calls, and on a cool evening with the mist in the air and a fly hatch on--- His spirit follows those well-worn paths to runs on the Cedar, Hemlock or Oxbow. The cast of his line loops and swirls---a streak of molten silver on the wind--- a hint of wings on the water to tempt a Brown, Rainbow or Brookie. And if you listen closely, you ll hear his contented sigh, A simple benediction of the love for the elusive trout. by Susie Livingston Written in memory of Neil Sanvidge, WONDERFUL FISHERMAN & EXPERT GUIDE Wolf River chapter board member, To the Young Man With Big Ambitions I Noticed on McCaslin Brook This wide-flung yeast of yearning will swell to bumptious discontent before she s through. You re enticing her attention now, but soon she ll shuck off your desires like a coon through corn. Gone. Just gone. She mocks all serious suitors, flippant bitch. Somewhere close beneath you, her lithe body undulates, thin as spite, flashes just beyond your firm embrace. You never will possess her. You re just another lover, way too brazen. Slow down, my boy, and learn a bit from men who now come silently and awed. You never will forget her. You re corrupted all the same, for she forever fuses Trout with Utter Longing in that wild corner of your heart. Beth Spencer $3000! 2014 Wolf River RESTORATION PROJECTS FUNDRAISING HELP US KEEP THE WOLF RIVER A COLD WATER FISHERY Bill Kallner, carries on the handcrafted wood landing net tradition started Please send your by his late friend and fishing buddy, donation (tax deductible) Neil Sanvidge. to: Neil designed several traditional WOLF RIVER CHAPTER of TROUT UNLIMITED teardrop shaped PO Box 156 nets now manufactured by White Lake, WI Wolf Moon Nets, Bill s business, and inspired Bill Our goal is to raise $3,000 to start designing his own models. before the end of Bill carefully Any amount is helpful. selects wood with long lengths of straight grain, mills it into strips, soaks and steam bends Please send your check today! the bows. Once a bent bow is dry, Bill custom fits the Get your name on the WRC-TU Appreciation List handle. Then he shapes and sands each net and applies or be anonymous. Also a wonderful way to honor or multiple coats of marine spar varnish, with more sanding between coats. Finally, he memorialize someone special. sews on the net sacks and ships the nets see page 5 to fly shops throughout the United States.!! 2

3 Wolf River Chapter Trout Unlimited Annual General Meeting March 15, 2014 President Andy Killoren called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. and thanked members for attending. Reading of the October 12, 2013 meeting minutes was waived as the minutes are in the newsletter which is on the web site. Tom Arndt moved to approve the minutes which was seconded by Clyde Park. All in favor. Motion carried. Treasurer s Report Andy Killoren presented the Treasurer s Report. A Check Detail Report, Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement were distributed. The chapter has a little over $8,000 in its account. Andy reported the chapter makes its money through donations, the brat stand and from a fund set up by Dale Drukery. The chapter has committed $3,000 in 2014 which is broken down as $2,000 to the Antigo DNR office for a two-man brushing team (Spring Creek and the Nine- Mile will be worked on), $500 to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for beaver control and $500 to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for brushing. Spring Creek will be worked on June 21, 2014 and the Nine-Mile will be worked on in conjunction with the Green Bay Chapter sometime in August. Bill Kallner moved to approve the report which was seconded by Roger Wilder. All in favor. Motion carried. continued on page 6 The Wolf River continued from page 1 for several years, but there was no evidence of natural the normal flow being diverted. The federal government reproduction as the first strain had done. also approved DDT as a pesticide for use in controlling In the late 60 s Senator Gaylord Nelson named the potato bugs. Two dozen 30 gallon spray barrels were upper Wolf River a part of the National Wild and Scenic found discarded in the river during one clean-up. Cap and Rivers. Herb Buettner, with the backing of the Conservation In July 1975 Exxon Minerals announced the discovery Club, led the fight to end the diversion of water from the of a large zinc and copper deposit in the Swamp Creek river. DDT was banned also, but still shows up in some area, a main aquifer of the Wolf River. Many people came local wells. In 1958 a group of property owners convinced the County Board to obtain a permit from the Public Service Commission to construct a dam at the highway A bridge to flood a three mile marsh and create valuable lake frontage property. The PSC issued the permit to Langlade County to build the dam, but the Conservation Department appealed the ruling to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in The court could only rule on whether the paperwork and permits were issued legally, and they were. Herb Buettner led the fight to draft new legislation simply stating, There shall be no dams constructed on the Wolf River upstream from Keshena, Whitewater paddlers (canoes & kayaks) express their opinion on the upper Wisconsin, henceforth. The bill was the first law ever Wolf River concerning the proposed zinc and copper mine. LZ Netzow photo passed unanimously on a voice vote. together in the ensuing twenty-five year battle with Cap Buettner organized the Wolf River chapter of corrupt lawmakers and mining proponents to defeat this Trout Unlimited in It was the first chapter in mine. The site is now owned by two Indian tribes. Wisconsin. About this time the state initiated a special In the mid 90 s major work was done in the river. preservation program for the upper Wolf River, declaring Islands were created, forcing the water to move through it a Trout Fishery and to begin acquisition of all river the slow stretches where the water warmed. These shore land to a distance of three hundred feet. Cap was projects, along with habitat work and beaver control on the first person to sell his river frontage. The state now the Wolf s tributaries, has helped, but more needs to be owns about 80% of the Wolf River shore land from the done to protect Wisconsin s largest freestone trout stream Menominee County line up to Pearson. The bag limit was originally twenty-five trout. After from denigrating into a bass fishery. the drought of the 30 s the limit was reduced to fifteen, REFERENCES: then down to ten. Attempts were made in the 50 s to Trout Logic Herb Buettner reintroduce rainbow trout. They carried over quite well History of Langlade County Wisconsin Robert M. Dessureau!! 3

4 Tim Waters presents Trout Fishing the Wolf River On March 15, 2014 after the annual meeting President Tim Waters gave a wonderful presentation about his experiences on and expansive knowledge of the Wolf River and Trout. The following is his basic outline. TROUTVILLE Wisconsin? In 1874, Christopher Hill and his father-in-law, Horace Rice built the Log Cabins near the banks of the Wolf River upstream of Gilmore s Mistake Rapid, along the Military Road as the first stopping place north of Shawano. They became a transfer station for supplies for the lumber camps further up the Wolf River, large wagons to smaller wagons, and Hill & Rice promoted the Log Cabins as a fishing resort. Already in 1875, the Shawano, Green Bay and Milwaukee newspapers and the Wisconsin Lumberman claimed the Log Cabins had become a 1. History 2. Trout Logs 3. Brook Trout 4. Brown Trout 5. Streamers 6. Stocking 7. Regulations In April, Tim gave his presentation for the Oak Brook Chapter of Trout Unlimited (Illinois) and earned a speaker fee which he promptly donated to the Wolf River Chapter. Thank you Tim for all your hard work, time and the dedication to the preservation of the Wolf River, Wisconsin s largest freestone trout stream. Please contact Tim Waters, MuddyWaters@new.rr.com for upcoming dates and/or to present to your Chapter 3 Flies handtied by Tim Waters for use on the Wolf River a yellow Zh2o, a Zonker imitation, a Cougar Tease, Zoo Cougar imitation and an olive Wooly Bugger. Photo printed with permission of the White Lake Area Historical Society favorite place for sporting gentlemen. Chris Hill began meeting fishing parties in Shawano and transporting them to the Cabins and the fishing grounds. The draw was plentiful fish, the comfortable accommodations and the wild, healthful scenery. It was considered the first resort in northern Wisconsin. The 1880 Rand McNally map of Wisconsin shows Troutville on the map at the Log Cabins location with a population of 50. Wisconsin maps from 1878 and 1881 also listed Troutville at the same location. Too bad the name did not stick! Early in the twentieth century, a group of men who were trout purists formed the Waders of the Wolf. They were convinced that bamboo rods were the only rod worth stringing a line on. They would eat a worm before they d consider using it as bait. Many of these men were from the Milwaukee area and came to This patch belonged to avid trout fisherman Fritz Lindstrom reprinted with permission from the White Lake Area Historical Society the Log Cabins. They wore the old time cloth waders with stout brogans. Trout fishing on the Wolf River--140 years of tradition! References & Credits Thank you to the White Lake Area Historical Society for allowing us to reprint wonderful Wolf River History gleaned from their YesterYear Calendar Trout fishing has a long and storied past on the Wolf River. See page 9 for more information about the WLAHS Have an old trout fishing story to share? Send it to lznetzow@me.com!! 4

5 Thanks to Bill & Susie Livingston for submitting this interesting article. Author and Source are unknown The Wolf River Chapter is looking for a small 6 x 10 covered trailer, donated, free or very very inexpensive, for use to store and transport brat stand supplies. Contact: Bill Livingston wolfriverfish@gmail.com LILY RIVER ($10-$99) SPRING CREEK ($100-$249) Ed & Pat Anderson Bill & Susie Livingston EVERGREEN RIVER ($ ) Laurie Zen Netzow LILY RIVER ($10-$99) Gregory Prosen Dave & Judy Peterson--In memory of JoAnn Eisch SPRING CREEK ($100-$249) Tim Waters Bill & Susie Livingston--In memory of Neil Sanvidge EVERGREEN RIVER ($ ) Wolf River Chapter - TU Donation Appreciation List Just let us know if you prefer to be anonymous 2013 Contributors (we apologize for any inadvertent omissions) HUNTING RIVER ($500-$999) NINE MILE CREEK ($1,000-$1,999) As of April 2014 Contributors (we apologize for any inadvertent omissions) Why Keep a Trout Log? 1. So you know where to catch trout in the future! 2. Statistics from a trout log may be helpful for future stocking and proposed regulations. 3. For your own pleasure of looking back thru with your grandkids 5, 10, or even 25 years from now. Data to Collect Date, Location, Time of Day, Weather, What type & size, and the bait or lure. Gotta a smart phone? Take a look at this free app WOLF RIVER ($2,000 +) Dale Druckrey Conservation Fund of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin HUNTING RIVER ($500-$999) NINE MILE CREEK ($1,000-$1,999) WOLF RIVER ($2,000 +) Dale Druckrey Conservation Fund of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin!! 5

6 Meeting Minutes-continued from page 3 New Business Election of Officers President Clyde Park nominated Tim Waters. Laurie Netzow seconded the nomination. All in favor. Motion carried. Vice President Bill Livingston nominated Andy Killoren. Bill Kallner seconded the nomination. All in favor. Motion carried. Secretary/Treasurer Andy Killoren nominated Linda Anderson. Laurie Netzow seconded the nomination. All in favor. Motion carried. In Memory of Jo Ann Eisch Election of Board Members Three-year term (held by George Rock) Tim Waters nominated Laurie Netzow. Bill Livingston seconded the nomination. All in favor. Motion carried. One-year term (held by Tim Waters) Susie Livingston nominated Bill Livingston. Laurie Netzow seconded the nomination. All in favor. Motion carried. In 2015, Bill Livingston s and Jim Robinson s board positions will be up for election. Brat Stand We are saddened by the loss of Jo Ann Enthusiastic volunteer and member of WRC of TU The chapter s license from the Board of Health expires June 30, The cost to renew is $165/year. State inspectors do come and check the stand setup. Andy Killoren volunteered to have the stand open for three days over the Memorial Day weekend. Tim Waters volunteered to run the stand Friday and Saturday during the July 4 holiday. Bill Livingston stated he would deliver the equipment, help with setup and take the equipment back to storage after the sale days. The chapter needs more volunteers to run the stand for additional weekends. Three to four people are needed each day the stand is open. Profit from the brat stand is $125-$150 per day. Laurie Netzow stated she would go to Antigo to pick up supplies. Bill Livingston will be contacting Walmart and Country Meats to see if they will donate at least 50% of what we need. Tim Waters will have enough sauerkraut to run the stand for the year. Clyde Park can help out at the brat stand. He would like a reminder when he is needed. Susie Livingston has redone the brat stand signs used on Highway 55. They now state the stand is being run by Trout Unlimited. Miscellaneous Tim Waters will be giving a presentation to the Oakbrook, Illinois TU chapter on the Wolf River fishery and the Wolf River Chapter and its projects. He will conduct a fly tying class the next day. He hopes to receive donations for our chapter. Roger Wilder reported DNR lawyers from Rhinelander and several DNR people from the reservation met with the owner of Silver Moon Springs to discuss what needs to be done with that section of Elton Creek. The DNR has dictated a few changes, but the meeting ended in a compromise with all concerned. The Wolf River Chapter will clean up the Silver Moon Springs area when all changes are complete. The changes need to be completed by October Laurie Netzow reported on the new and updated Wolf River maps, which include access points, on the DNR website. Tim Waters will take over water testing from Andy Killoren. Sites tested in the past will continue to be tested, and Tim may add a few new areas. Bill Livingston reminded members to be on the lookout for a small 6 x 10 covered trailer to use to store and transport brat stand supplies. Laurie Netzow stated the spring newsletter will be sent out in April. Tom Arndt moved to adjourn the meeting. Susie Livingston seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Linda Anderson Secretary!! 6

7 Water Is Life by Brian Heikenen Wolf River Tracks January 21, 2014 from my dining room window! This is the first winter that we had no open water here.--lzn Wendigo Rapids, April, Tim Waters Burnt Point Rapids, April 7, Tim Waters Water is life, but it is also much more. Water is habitat, and for trout and trout anglers, cool, clean water is the crucial element. It is too easy to take for granted, as such a common resource, in northern Wisconsin. However, its importance for health, the health of the species that live in and near our streams and lakes, cannot be overstated. Trout Unlimited has worked for decades on behalf of trout, to enhance and protect quality habitat for trout and other species that require cool, clean water for their survival. That work is more important now than it has ever been. Stresses and pressure from development and climate change threaten the nature and the quality of trout waters everywhere, just as they threaten to forever change the way of life and the nature of the landscape in northern Wisconsin. Cold streams and lakes are part of the fabric of life in this region, with aesthetic value held in experiences and memories, and while recreational opportunities abound in this area the value of these resources, and the importance of their well being, should never be taken for granted. Whether you fish for dinner or for memories and whether you value the waters that hold trout or just take pleasure in the land nearby, the health of our streams and lakes is of the utmost importance to the continuation of your enjoyment of these places. It is no mistake that so many of our communities are centered around rivers and lakes. These are the places that first drew people for transportation and commerce, and these are the places that draw people today for recreation and relaxation as well as for industry. The health of these waters is critical for all these purposes. Trout, their health and abundance, act as strong indicators of the overall health of these places, these streams and lakes, and the surrounding lands and communities. Quality trout habitat should not be thought of as something held in trust by a small segment of our population, nor should it be thought of as a commodity to be taken advantage of by a few at the expense of many who value the fish, the fishing, and the surroundings where they chase trout. For these reasons, and many more, Trout Unlimited works to protect and to improve the cold water resources that have so strongly marked and influenced the life and the land in northern Wisconsin. Wolf River Water Shed Stocking Summary from WI DNR April 2014 October 2013 WOLF RIVER Rainbow Trout (large fingerling) 9,998 October 2013 WOLF RIVER Brown Trout (large fingerling) 9,672 October 2013 NINEMILE CREEK Brown Trout (large finerling) 2,520 October 2013 LILY RIVER Brown Trout (large fingerling) 6,436 Dave Seibel, DNR fish biologist for Lincoln and Langlade Counties, believes that it is better to stock the Wolf River during the fall when water is cooler and less likely to shock trout, weakening them, so he does not request trout for spring stocking of the Wolf as warmer summer water soon follows-- Inspiration for WRC members to continue to restore cold water sources coming into the Wolf River.!! 7

8 Proposed Trout Regulations for Langlade and Lincoln Counties by Dave Seibel, DNR Fisheries Biologist I d prefer to have a chance to address people s concerns sooner rather than later in this process. The following are my proposed trout regulations for waters in Langlade and Lincoln Counties as part of the statewide trout regulations review process. They still have to go through some internal DNR review, but I wanted you and your members, friends, acquaintances, etc., to have a look at them now. Please share them with whomever you feel would be interested. As you may know, the Wisconsin DNR is proposing to go to a 3 category system for trout from our current 4 category system. An underlying theme for this regulation review process is to simplify regulations if possible and where it makes biological sense. It was also strongly recommended to keep entire streams under one regulation if possible. I have a few exceptions to this recommendation based on past regulation history and current survey information. I propose to maintain special regulation stretches on the Big Rib River in Lincoln County and the East Branch Eau Claire and Hunting rivers in Langlade County. I am proposing to change the general base regulation category in these 2 counties from 7 X 5 daily to 0 X 5 daily. Most of the systems that are under this regulation are small streams with abundant natural reproduction and/or light fishing pressure. It makes sense to let anglers harvest fish of any size on these systems. On many of these streams that are filled with mostly small trout, more harvest could remove a bottleneck that limits trout growth and size potential resulting in more bigger fish. I have proposed two unique special regulations (new category 3 or red regulations). Both are in Langlade County. One for a section of the East Branch Eau Claire River, and another on the Wolf River. Both of these proposals have been shared with most of you and I hope they don t come as much of a surprise. The East Branch Eau Claire River regulation would be on the current Category 5 special regulation stretch from Blue Bell Road downstream to River Road. The proposal is as follows: 5 trout under 10 Or 4 trout under 10 and 1 over 16 No gear restrictions We have good data that shows a statistically significant increase in brook trout less than 10 and a corresponding statistically significant decrease in brook trout greater than 10 in this stretch This stretch has a history of producing big brook trout in the range and we hope that increased harvest of small brook trout will remove a food and growth bottleneck allowing more brooks to reach maximum size The Wolf River regulation is almost the same as the one we worked together on and almost got enacted following the 2010 Spring Hearings. It passed in Langlade County and statewide but some folks wanted to see more protection for brook trout. Therefore, I have added a brook trout minimum length limit (8 ) to the proposal. Other than that, it is identical to the regulation many of you reviewed and agreed to prior to the 2010 Spring Hearings. The proposal is for the entire cold water portion of the Wolf River in Langlade County and is as follows: 3 trout in total 8 minimum length limit on brook trout All brown and rainbow trout kept shall be less than 12 Only artificial lures may be used From October 1 to November 15, the following restrictions apply: only artificial lures may be used and all trout caught shall be immediately released (same fall catch and release season) Overall, other than the change in the base regulation, I have not proposed too many significant changes from current regulations. There are some tweaks based on current trout survey information. Please take a look and see what you think. I hope the majority of folks can support these proposals as we move forward in this process. Trout regulation proposals that make it through the review process statewide will go the 2015 Spring Hearings for vote in all counties statewide. If passed, the would go into effect for the 2016 fishing season. Please let me know your thoughts! Thanks, Dave. P Dave Seibel Fisheries Biologist - Langlade & Lincoln Counties Bureau of Fisheries Management Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 223 East Steinfest Road Antigo, WI Handy DNR Website Links Trout stream maps Wisconsin Trout Stream Classifications (() phone: (715) Ext (() fax: (715) (+) david.seibel@wisconsin.gov Guide to Wisconsin trout fishing regulations, (effective March 1, 2014) NOTE: The Antigo DNR Service Center will be open to! the public Monday through Friday from 11:00-2:00.! 8

9 Wolf River Chapter VOLUNTEER Dates to Remember & SIGN UP FOR: Brat Stand May 23, 24 & 25th at Mike's Service Station(Contact Andy Killoren Exploration May 31 (west side across from Wolf Rd south) checking for beaver activity (Contact Tim Waters Exploration June 7 (west side across from Hollister) checking for beaver activity (Contact Tim Waters MuddyWaters@new.rr.com) Work Day, Spring Creek June 21 (meet at 8:30am at Con's Road parking lot) (Contact Andy Killoren akilloren@centurytel.net) Brat Stand July 4 & 5 at Mike's Service Station (Contact Tim Waters MuddyWaters@new.rr.com) Brat Stand August 1 & 2 at Mike s Service Station (Contact Bill L. wolfriverfish@gmail.com) Work Day, Ninemile Creek August 16 (meet at 8:30am at Hwy 55 parking lot) (Contact Andy Killoren akilloren@centurytel.net) Brat Stand Aug 30 & 31 (Contact Tim Waters MuddyWaters@new.rr.com) The FUNDRAISING Brat Stand needs your help...please SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER ONE DAY asap, or the Brat Stand will have to be CLOSED! WE also NEED VOLUNTEERS for EXPLORATION DAYS & WORK DAYS! Third Annual Music at the Depot sponsored by White Lake Area Historical Society Location: Rain Site: Depot Museum Platform White Lake Pavilion Tuesday, June 24 Northernaires Tuesday, July 15 Grudgeville Grass Tuesday, August 19 Gary s Basement Band MUSIC STARTS AT 6 PM Food: Pie and Ice Cream, soda and water Cost: Pass the Hat for the band Donations will be collected for White Lake Christian Food Pantry. The Depot Museum and a new Historical Center built in are located in White Lake, WI at 700 Lake Street. They are open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, Sat. and Weds., 10am-3pm; and by appointment. The museum is a Restored Depot with 132 feet of track in front, with a Pede car and a Car House. The Historcial Center and Museum house many original artifacts from both the White Lake and Wolf River areas. Phone: or !! daveandjudy@granitewave.com Thanks, Mark Peerenboom 9 for this still relevant and handy submission...

10 Wolf River Trout Unlimited PO Box 156 White Lake, WI Rainbow TROUT- (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Common Names: Rainbow trout, rainbow, bow, steelhead trout, steelhead, Kamloops trout, silver trout. Length: inches Weight: 2-16 pounds from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Website Join Trout Unlimited today at the special introductory rate of just $17.50 and get involved in the fight to protect our country's trout and salmon fisheries. This low introductory rate is available to new members only and $15 of your $17.50 dues is automatically rebated back to the chapter that directed you to this website. More is rebated to your chapter if you join TU at a higher membership level. By joining now and entering the chapter number of 050 Wolf River Chapter at the link below, you are supporting The Wolf River TU chapter. Join us today!