CLUB NOTES: Trout Unlimited

At its July meeting, the Oconto River Chapter of Trout Unlimited awarded the Don Wagner Memorial College Scholarship to Kayla Reed, of Sobieski. The $500 scholarship is awarded to a student anticipating a career in a conservation-related field. Reed is majoring in aquatic science and fisheries and water resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She is a graduate of Pulaski High School.

Applicants are judged by their academic records, community involvement and commitment to a conservation related field of endeavor. Reed has received several academic honors and has worked in the field of her major. These work positions were provided through universities and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Chapter members congratulate Reed on her achievements and wish her the best of luck in her future conservation efforts.

Also reported at the July meeting was the successful stocking of approximately 1,150 rainbow and brown trout in the main Oconto River. A mix of keepable trout (10- to 14-inch) were placed into a stretch of the Oconto that has less than ideal cold-water reproduction potential. A DNR fish stocking permit is required. Stocking locations were at public access landings at Suring, Hintz, Underhill and Pulcifer. The Suring High School Trout in the Classroom students were able to witness the stocking in the river at the Suring bridge.

The stocking was made possible by the chapter’s Go Fund Trout program with a startup of $1,000. The fund collected $2,900 in donations from members and friends of trout fishing. The chapter would like to thank those clubs and individuals that contributed to this project. This is the chapter’s eighth consecutive year of stocking trout, and it has been one of the most popular and appreciated programs of all the many in which the Oconto River Chapter participates.

For information about Trout Unlimited, go to ocontorivertu.com.