The Arnold Copeland

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Arnold J. Copeland chapter of Trout Unlimited in Bay City, MI.  The chapter holds an annual auction to raise money for conservation efforts of cold water fisheries and for the Raymond G. Poirier Youth Fly Fishing Program held each summer.  Starland Smith, the chapter's president, works tirelessly to ensure the success of these programs.

To commemorate this historic occasion and help raise money for these programs I tied a fly that was auctioned off at this year's fundraiser.  I named the fly "The Arnold Copeland" after the namesake of Bay City's chapter of Trout Unlimited.

The auction was an amazing evening of fun, food, and friends.  There were dozens of items that were auctioned off such as fly rods, cigars, fishing charters, and much more.  The food was mouth-watering with such treats as oysters, crab cakes, fresh Perch, and a desert bar to die for!  The evening was a complete success and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.  Thanks again to Starland and the crew for an amazing event.

If you're interested in helping with the youth program or want to make a donation, contact Starland Smith at 989-894-7827 or email at baycitystar@yahoo.com

Click here to go directly to the Michigan TU website

I would like to thank the following businesses for their assistance in making this fly become reality:

The Bead Haven - Frankenmuth, MI (supplied the bead & caps - employees were amazingly helpful)

Award & Sports - Saginaw, MI (my regular supplier of brass tags and always a pleasure to work with)

The Egg Shell Sculptor - Iowa City, IO (hands down best place for display materials and customer service)

Hobby Lobby - Saginaw, MI (my go-to place for background materials A++)

Michigan Trout Celebrating 50 Years

The idea for Trout Unlimited was "born" on July 18, 1959 on the banks of the AuSable River.  Fifty years later, TU remains dedicated to the protection of not only Michigan’s coldwater rivers and streams, but those across America.  Michigan Trout Unlimited, a grassroots organization consisting of almost 7000 volunteers in 22 Chapters, is committed to conserve, protect and restore our coldwater resources.  In the past eight years alone, Michigan TU has raised almost $4,300,000 and has provided 320,586 volunteer hours protecting Michigan’s streams.

On July 18, 2009, the Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited is holding a party to celebrate the first 50 years of Trout Unlimited in Michigan.  The “Michigan Celebration” will be held at the DNR Rayburn property on the banks of the AuSable River, which is located about two miles east of Grayling. The event is free and open to the public.  Trout Unlimited members will receive special recognition and other surprises.  Canoeists, tubers, kayakers and other river users are also encouraged to attend as the Rayburn site is located right on the River.

The Michigan Celebration will include food, contests, raffles, displays, games, entertainment, auctions, kid’s activities; fly casting & fly tying demonstrations and much more.  There will be music, art and special presentations.  Everyone is invited to come and learn about conservation efforts from numerous Trout Unlimited partners.  Details are still being worked out, but we expect the event to be fun, interactive, informative and an all around special day.  The Michigan Celebration website, www.celebratetu.org, will be updated on a regular basis.

Volunteers are needed to help with the planning of the Celebration and ensure it runs smoothly.  Reserve July 18^th and be a part of this very special event.  Michigan Trout will continue to work to conserve, protect and restore Michigan’s coldwater resources.  For more information, or to volunteer, please visit the Michigan Celebration website: www.celebratetu.org or call Bob Thorsen at (248) 267 3277 or Ron Peckens at (248) 721 2596.