Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore Michigan's Watersheds which support Wild Trout and Salmon.
The rising trout, an emerging mayfly hatch or spinner fall, the ceaseless flowing streams, the blooming wild flowers and trees, and the sight of a new-born wild animal on any given day; is what make up the river’s corridor and what we call Fly-fishing. We are passionate of this place, and if you are too then we are kindred spirits. As a group, we are passionate about Trout fishing. We have chosen to ask ourselves what we are doing to conserve, protect, and restore our rivers and streams for future generations. Either by ourselves or with a friend, we all arrive at the river to chase trout, but the true reason we come is simply to “Be Out There”.
The Headwaters Chapter was first founded in 1975, by three avid fly-fishermen from the Gaylord area: Fred Snook, Dave Smethurst, and James Stock. Fred Snook was our first President, and still spends his summers in Gaylord. You may find him working with his sons Duane and Jim at the Alphorn Shop, or fly-fishing one of his favorite spots.
Since those days in the 1970’s, the Headwaters Chapter has grown to encompass five Northeast Lower Michigan counties: Otsego, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Alpena, and Montmorency.
The name “Headwaters” is very appropriate for the area in which we serve. There are more than 630 miles of “Blue Ribbon” trout streams that begin in our region. This does not include the rivers, streams, and tributaries that do not have this designation, but are beautiful places to fish for trout.
There are currently three rivers that are “Natural Rivers” that allow for proper green belts, buffer zones, and set backs. To learn more about the Natural Rivers Act, Click Here
We bring energy and enthusiasm to our meetings, projects, events, and functions. We fish together, we work together, and we have fun together. The members of our chapter enjoy spending time together. It is exciting to see the passion that our membership exudes when planning a youth fly casting workshop, leading a group on a restoration project, working on the newsletter just to make it right. We are all volunteers. Trout Unlimited is what we truly believe in and the results from our activities are satisfying. If you share our passions for the rivers corridor, then please consider joining and participating in Trout Unlimited. The question we may all ask ourselves is, “What have I done lately that will leave the next generation something proud to fight for?” Your answer will be the rising trout, an emerging mayfly hatch or spinner fall, the ceaseless flowing streams, the blooming wild flowers and trees, and the sight of a new-born wild animal. It’s what we call – “Being Out There”
