Newsflash

Our next general meeting will be January 21, 2025 and will be held in the downstairs meeting room of Lockhart's BBQ restaurant. Lockhart's serves good food and beverages so plan on coming early for dinner around 6pm, meeting to start at 6:30pm. The address is 202 E. 3rd Street, Royal Oak. More details to follow.

Welcome to Challenge Chapter Trout Unlimited

Challenge Chapter Fly Tying Classes

Classes Begin in January

(sign up begins in December)

The Challenge Chapter teaches fly tying classes in association with the Birmingham Community Education Program. Classes run from January through March. They will be on Monday nights at the Berkshire Middle School on 14 Mile Road between Cranbrook and Lahser Roads. The price for the 10-week class is $70 for Birmingham residents, $75 for others. To sign up, click on the link to the Birmingham Public Schools' Community Education Program (click on "Courses", then find our class under "Creative Arts").

 

John Shoup - Intermediate Class Instructor Bill Womack ties an intricate dry fly

We look forward to seeing returning and new students in January!

Greg Baughman  works through one of many patterns the Challenge Chapter has tied over the years.  
2019 Outing Review:
 
May 31 to June 2: This outing we are staying at Fuller's North Branch Outing Club. The Challenge chapter has been staying at this historic hotel for years because it's a great place to relax and enjoy a weekend. This lodge was sited on the banks of the North Branch of the Au Sable River to attract wealthy 'sports' to enjoy the fabulous fishing. A cozy porch (ideal for evening discussions) and a full service fly shop add to the nostalgic appeal of the lodge. Our stay includes Saturday/Sunday breakfast in the dining hall.
 
Cost is $130 per person for the weekend, plus your lunch and dinner expenses.
 
If you get the chance, plan to join us there for the weekend - you won't be sorry!
 
August 9 to 11: This weekend outing is at the Wa Wa Sum Lodge, another old lodge was donated by Chief Shoppenagon and eventually ended up in Michigan State University's hands. This lodge holds close to thirty people. It has a separate building for the kitchen and dining room.
 
The lodge has one of the best screened porches in the western world! At least a dozen folks can relax and have a coffee or adult beverage while watching the river drift by. There are also four single bunks along the back wall for afternoon naps! The Great Room inside has a huge fireplace to warm you on chilly evenings.
 
This lodge is more rustic than most B&B's, so remember to bring your own bedding and towels. Breakfasts is usually 'by us', and dinner is 'to be determined'. Some folks head into town for dinner, some stay back and grill up burgers. 
 
Cost is around $90 per person for the weekend plus food expenses.
 
On a clear night, sky watching is phenomenal! Us city folk forget that the sky actually has stars up there. Lots of them!
 
September 27 to 29:  We are staying at Woodland Springs Club in Comins, Michigan. This outing is a 'family style' Cast and Blast event so all are welcome and all will have a great time. This is a private hunting and fishing club and our host is Julio Mazzoli - long time chapter member.
 
The club sits on acres and acres of prime wooded land with two lakes, a trap shooting range, and luxurious accommodations. This event includes breakfast and dinner for two days and optional lunch if desired for a very reasonable price. The dinning hall is classic 'lodge'. One of the lakes is stocked with Rainbow Trout averaging 13-14" and the 'Old Pond' holds native Brook Trout that are as beautiful as the lake!
 
Cost is around $90 per person for the weekend which includes two breakfasts and two dinners.
Children 10 to 16 years of age are $30 for the weekend.
Children 4 to 9 years of age are $15 for the weekend.
Children less than 4 are no charge.
 
Look for pictures in future email notices. Space is limited.
 
Gordon Baughman
Challenge Chapter TU
Conservation Director
 

If your organization has a conservation project in need of funding, please fill out this funding request form. (PDF)

 

 

Ann Miller

Welcome Ann back to the Chapter with her NEW comprehensive publication on
Midwest insect hatches and flies to match ~ Pocketguide for Upper Midwest Hatches

Please join us
Thursday, April 6th
7:30pm (6:00pm for social & dinner)
Lockhart’s BBQ
202 E 3rd St, Royal Oak

(2 hr free parking is available in the structure north of the restaurant)

Renowned aquatic biologist and expert on Midwest hatches
Founder and President of Flygirls
Ann’s newest guide will be available to buy

 

For more information contact Challenge Chapter TU
Judson Street: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 248.514.7500
Mollie Proctor: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 248.224.0683

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