Our 2015 accomplishments are many for such a small chapter. We helped finance the DNR summer work crew, and successfully wrote a grant to complete the funding. We held our first annual "Meet & Greet". We monitored five tributaries at seven different sites as a part of the Water Action Volunteers. We ran three brat stand weekends at Mike's Service in Langlade. We hosted a Nine Mile Creek work day with the Green Bay chapter. And we explored and documented miles of feeder streams. Of all our accomplishments, perhaps the biggest direct impact on the Wolf River is Creek 32E. This small creek is located along Wolf Road Landing and has a history of beaver issues. It also has a documented history of Brook Trout spawning. The creek was found completely dammed by a beaver

colony. I contacted Dave Siebel and he contacted John Carbonari, our local APHIS trapper. John trapped the beaver and breached the dam this past fall. I checked out John's good work November 13th and saw a 9" brook trout near the spring at the head of this creek. Removing the beaver and breaching the dam keeps the cold water flowing into the Wolf and opens the creek for natural reproduction.

The trout fishery in the Wolf River watershed is healthier today than it was 40 years ago. This is

a direct result of the work and dedication of the people involved in the Wolf River chapter of Trout Unlimited. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those who helped make 2015 such a successful year!

Tim WatersPresident

Wolf River TU

ISSUE 5 AUTUMN 2015WISCONSIN’S FIRST CHAPTER

OFFICERSPresident Tim Waters

MuddyWaters@new.rr.comVice President Andy Killoren

akilloren@centurytel.netSecretary/Treasurer

Linda Andersonlindaanderson57@aol.com

BOARD MEMBERSBrian Heikenen

bheiken@earthlink.netBill Kallner

wolfmoon@granitewave.comBill Livingston

wolfriverfish@gmail.comTravis Stuck

easternridges@live.com Laurie Zen Netzowlznetzow@me.com

Web Site www.wolfrivertu.org

Find us on Facebook

Newsletter EditorLaurie Zen Netzow

lznetzow@me.comMail hard copy submissions toPO Box 235

White Lake, WI 54491(715)882-5010

Thanks!

WOLF RIVER HATCH

THE

WOLF RIVER CHAPTER

SEE NINE MILE CREEK WORK PHOTOS ON PAGE 4!

SEE CREEK 32E BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS ON PAGE 12 & 13!

! ! 2

Wisconsin DNR Electro-Shock Survey on the Wolf River

Photo Album

On May 19, 2015 at the Burgert Lane turnaround off of Hollister Road, John Rose snapped these photos while Dave Seibel’s crew captured 15 Trout, 20 Bass, and many assorted minnows-sculpins.

On May 20, 2015 the WDNR crew put in with fish shocking equipment at the Howard’s Lane municipal landing and moved up stream to Laurie Netzow’s house where she quickly snapped a few photos from her deck and then met the crew in her driveway. A big thank you to Dave Seibel and

his crew for the work they do for the Wolf River.

The Wisconsin DNR crew poses with their equipment craft which floats a very heavy generator that supplies the electrical charge for shocking the fish.

3

Wolf River Chapter Trout Unlimited – Autumn MeetingOctober 10, 2015

The meeting was called to order by Board Member, Bill Kallner, at 10:00 a.m.

New Business• The financials for the fiscal year October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015 were reviewed. Laurie Netzow moved to

approve. Zach Buchanan seconded the motion. Motion carried.• The annual Northeast Regional Trout Unlimited meeting held in December 2014 was discussed. John Nebel moved

to spend $1,000.00 next year towards habitat improvements, seconded by Zach Buchanan. Motion carried.• Discussion was held regarding the proposed land sales by the DNR. John Nebel moved that, “Wolf River Chapter

of Trout Unlimited encourage the DNR to retain public ownership of the 13 parcels in Langlade County.” This motion was seconded by Brian Heikenen. Motion carried.

• Water monitors have been removed for the year and the information has been forwarded for processing.• Stream work was done on the Nine Mile in 2015. Roger Wilder would like to have the chapter work on part of Elton

Creek in 2016.• Beaver control has been ongoing. The chapter voted in favor of a new contract to be done with our trapper, Duane

Fronek, for future work on Wolf River tributaries.• Discussion was held on the new daily limit changes for the Wolf River in 2016. Browns and rainbows can be kept if

under 12 inches, although one fish over 18” is allowed. Total bag limit per day will be three fish.• Fish stocking for the Wolf River was discussed. Approximately 5,000 rainbows and 15,000 browns are scheduled to

be stocked this fall.• Discussion on the health and management of the Wolf River was held. John Nebel moved to contact the DNR

regarding our position on planting trout. John moved that both browns and rainbows be planted each year in the spring and fall. The motion was seconded by Travis Stuck. Motion carried.

• Discussion on a logo contest was tabled.• Laurie Netzow discussed the newsletter status. Deadline for the fall newsletter is November 1, 2015. Stories and

pictures are always needed. Laurie has designed a new masthead for the newsletter. Waivers are required for personal photos.

• Travis Stuck gave a review of the Meet & Greet held last summer. The chapter was in favor of doing another one next year. Travis said he would chair it again, probably to be held May 21 and 22, 2016.

• Elections will be held next spring. All officer positions will be chosen as well as two director positions.• The 2016 spring meeting will be held March 19, 2016*.• A motion to adjourn was made by John Nebel, seconded by Zach Buchanan. Motion carried. Lunch was served.

Respectfully submitted,Bill Livingston, Board MemberAssisted by Linda Anderson, Secretary/Treasurer

*Meeting Date Changed to Saturday

March 5, 2016Save the Date

A flyer will be sent closer to the date with the details.

4

Nine Mile Creek Work Day with the Green Bay Chapter

On August 15th, we hosted brushing work on Nine Mile Creek along with the

A special thank you to

Paul Kruse for taking pictures during the

Nine Mile Creek Work Day.

Green Bay Chapter. We met on East Hollister Road near the new culvert at 8:30am. Following the work, the Wolf River Chapter supplied lunch for everyone.

Thank you to all who helped!

Traffic Jam on Hollister Road! by Tim Waters

5

Bill Livingston caught this beautiful Brownie on May 15, 2015, upstream from the irrigation Ditch Landing. “This was my first fish on the Wolf River to exceed 20 inches!” Livingston said. He caught the TROUT on a ‘caddis pupa emerger’, the kind of fly that has a short tail. He caught two other large trout on same fly, also in May. According to Livingston, this fly is fast becoming his favorite!  

Congratulations Bill!

LIVINGSTON HOOKS A BIG ONE!

The fall colors has given way to a fresh dusting of leaves on the ground and soon a blanket of white will lay over the hills and valleys that surround our beloved Wolf River. For some, that means we’ll put away our rods until the long silence of winter ends and we can once again enjoy the rushing waters of the Wolf. If you are not one to give up on fishing for trout and salmon, you still have some options available to you. If Lake Michigan is within driving distance, try fishing in the harbors and breakwaters nearest you. Little Cleos and similar style spoons (in blue glow, orange glow, or green glow in the dark patterns are my personal choices) slow rolled are effective, but don’t neglect spawn sacks

either. If you’re unwilling to give up on river fishing, try the Sheboygan, Root, or Manitowoc Rivers for fall and winter steelhead. If your travels take you to downstate Michigan try some of the famous rivers like the Pere Marquette, Manistee, Muskegon, Au Sable, or St. Joseph Rivers. These rivers have world class steelhead fishing and brown trout fishing in the spring, summer, and fall. The western Upper Peninsula has the Ontonagon, Yellow Dog, and Chocolay rivers to consume your time. If your adventures take you to the Eastern Upper Peninsula, the Two Hearted River has excellent brook trout fishing in the upper stretches, spring and

Traveling Trout Fishermanby Zachary L. Buchanan

Continued on page 6

Two Hearted River in October, fishing for Cohos near the

Reed & Green Campground

6

2015-2016 Wolf RiverRESTORATION PROJECTS

FUNDRAISINGHELP US KEEP THE WOLF RIVER

A COLD WATER FISHERYPlease send your

donation (tax deductible) to:

WOLF RIVER CHAPTER of TROUT UNLIMITED PO Box 156 White Lake, WI 54491

Our goal is to raise $3500before the end of 2015. Any amount is helpful.

Please send

your check today!

$3500! fall steelhead runs, and a fall coho run that provides entertaining fishing. The Anna, Manistique, Fox and its East Branch, Sucker, and Tahquamenon rivers also have stretches that are worth your time to explore. Always check local regulations before fishing and I hope that you are able to find some time to explore some new water and make some more memories. I hope to see you all on the Wolf River this upcoming year, until then,

tight lines!

Continued from page 5

Two Hearted River in October, fishing for Cohos near the

Reed & Green Campground

THANK YOU!

To

Mike’sSERVICE at LANGLADE

THE WHITE LAKEMARKET

THE BEAR PAWOUTDOOR ADVENTURE

WI DNR FISH BIOLOGIST

RESORT

DAVE SEIBEL & THE BRUSHING CREW

Wolf River Mayflyby Cameo Saegert

June 6, 2015

Thank you!The Wolf River Hatch editor

gratefully acknowledges the following contributors:Tim WatersTravis StuckLinda AndersonBill Livingston

Zach BuchananPaul KruseJohn RoseCameo Saegert

7

This is a very simple to tie and effective pattern. This pattern helped me land my biggest smallmouth on the fly rod to date, a 20 inch pig that hit at 9:45 P.M. on a forgotten date back in July. It also raised some of the biggest browns I have ever seen in my 10 years of fishing the Wolf. In my experience it has proven most effective just as the sun disappears below the horizon until the starts to break the following morning. When tied in green, it can mimic a frog that can be used on your favorite bass lake. For night fishing I recommend tying it in a dark color like purple or black. Tie one up, kill the headlight, and hold on!Materials #4 or #2 bass style stinger hook (Gamakatsu B10S used for this fly)200 Denier flat wax nylon1/8th inch wide zonker stripClosed cell foam1 inch long piece of monofilament (optional) 1) Tie in your thread

starting about a hook eye length from the hook eye and go back to just before

the bend of the hook

Rabbit Strip Mouse By Zachary L. Buchanan

2) (Optional)

Tie in monofilament as shown to create a loop to prevent tail fouling, trim excess as necessary

1

2 3

3

3) Cut a 1 ½ inch length of zonker strip, remove all but

the last 1/8 inch of fur

4) Tie in your zonker strip just before the hook bend

4

Continued on page 7

8

5) Cut a strip of foam ¼ inch wide by 1 ½ inch long. Trim one end into a rough

point as shown below

5

Continued from page 6

6) Tie in pointed end right over top of where you tied

in your zonker strip

6

7) Tie in the rest of your zonker strip over the top of your foam

7

8) Palmer your rabbit strip forward making sure to pull

back the fur and making sure your wraps touch. Tie off and trim when you reach your

original tie in point. Split fur evenly and

comb with a toothbrush or

dubbing brush to the sides of the fly.

8

Continued on page 10

Wolf River StockingReport (Unconfirmed)

Bill Livingston reports that he saw the WDNR delivering Brown

Trout. The goal was 20,000 or so fingerlings were put in the river at several locations. WDNR has not recorded 2015 stocking numbers as of the printing of this newsletter.

9

9) Pull foam forward and tie down. Be careful not to tighten wraps to much or

you will cut through the foam.

Do you enjoy this newsletter?

Did you receive a hard copy or the email pdf? If you received a hard copy and have an email address please contact Tim Waters or Laurie Netzow to update your information. Please

send articles or ideas, fishing/fish photos, logs, trout poetry or a story to share in the next issue of THE WOLF RIVER HATCH. We love to hear from you! This newsletter is written, put together, printed by volunteers and paid for by donations to the Wolf River Chapter.* Any donation amount is gratefully received. Please make your check out to

“Wolf River Chapter of Trout Unlimited” PO Box 156

White Lake, WI 54491We gave 300 hard copies to prospective members. They were distributed from the Brat Stand and local

businesses during spring, summer and autumn. Your donation is tax deductible.

How about a year end gift to WRC of TU?*TU National does not supply funds for this newsletter.

Wolf River WI’s First Chapter

Chapter Electionswill be heldduring the

Spring MeetingMarch 5, 2016

Positions up for election arePresident, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer

Two board member positionsPlease contact a current officer or board member from page 1 if interested in being a leader of

the Wolf River Chapter!Come to the Spring Meeting to join in on the election process.

9 10

10) Fold back remaining foam to form a “hood”. Whip finish and apply head cement. Trim the “hood” to desired height, or into the shape of ears.

Continued from page 9

This is the largest Brookie (15”)that Tim Waters has ever caught on the Wolf River. He caught it on November 14, 2015 near the Wolf Road Landing.

10

Today is October 25th, the skies are clear and the trout did not cooperate. The days before however were dreary, rainy and overcast and temperatures held steady, perfect for late fall trout fishing on the Wolf. As a result I landed 3 trout, 2 rainbows and 1 brown trout, all of which were 14-15 inches and all were enticed by swinging streamers. It is Sunday and my friend Jon Graverson and Mike Kuhr, aka “Hooper” have already left, headed for home to spend time with wife and kids. I’m sitting here in Bear Paw, drinking coffee and tasked with writing

about the 2015 Wolf River Meet-n-Greet, after months of procrastination… So the 2015 Meet-n-Greet is not an entirely new idea. Many chapters are doing similar meet-ups. I thought it would be a great way to get people that have been thinking about fishing the Wolf River but maybe are intimidated by the 30+ miles of trout water or simply are not aware of the fantastic trout fishing opportunities that exist. We decided to have the Meet-up on the first week of June (June 6th) for various reasons, in part due to the fact that generally it is about the peak of the Brown Drake hatch which can bring the trout to their knees or fins. Also the Grey Drake and some remnant Sulfurs may be around which the trout very much love and readily come to the surface for. Unfortunately, in the days preceding, we received several inches of rainfall and the river was running in excess of 600 CFS, which is fishable but tends to make it tough to find the fish and their normal haunts. This water level also tends to affect the hatches. Regardless we were determined to introduce the attendees to some of the better and easily accessed locations.

We all met up at Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort, located in White Lake, WI off of HWY 55. We had some formalities to address, and then quickly moved into a discussion of flies, lures, etc. that work well on the water. We broke up into small groups and headed out. There were 1-2 Wolf River Chapter members available for each attendee. We had members available at many of the access points that were

available for questions and some advice. Some of us fished along with the attendees. Mid-afternoon we all met up at the Livingston’s for a fantastic lunch and a social hour to discuss our day’s experiences. It was a fantastic opportunity to get to know one another a bit and the background, being that the Livingston’s home is situated on the wolf river banks, was amazing! The Discover Wisconsin film crew was also there to conduct interviews. In all we had a splendid time, the weather was great and the background was as grand as it gets.

Wolf River Meet ‘n’ Greet - 2015

by Travis Stuck Photography by Cameo Saegert

11

The fishing was fantastic, though the fish catching was fleet. Discover Wisconsin was in the area for the weekend and filmed myself Travis Stuck, and conducted an interview of “Black Truck Chuck” aka

Chuck Valerie. The Interviews of attendees and members will be showcased on Discover Wisconsin sometime in February 2016. Check Discover Wisconsin’s website for posting of the date of the televised event. We hope they come back for further showcasing of the Wolf River resources. We believe the event was a great success; no we did not catch a lot of fish that weekend due to the high water. We did however, gain new members, meet new friends and introduce the resources to some fisherman that have been wanting to fish the river and some who have never even trout fished! I think we were successful at introducing some good locations to fish and the attendees were all pleased! I know I very much enjoyed the experience. That being said there will be another Wolf River Meet-n-

Greet to be held in late May of 2016. I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the resource and, where and how to fish the river. The Wolf River has resident rainbow trout, some wild brown trout and native brook trout. All three species are often caught.

I would like to thank all those that helped make the 2015 Wolf River Meet-n-Greet a success. The following people made the event a success.The Livingston’s, Bill Kallner, Laurie Netzow, Chuck Valerie, Andy Killoren, Jon Graverson, Chad Saegert and his daughter Cameo and all the others that I forgot to mention. Attendees included: Russ Piper, Mike Borchardt, John Mabry, Clayton Bahrke and Doug Erdman. Special thanks to Bill Kallner for his expert knowledge of the river and event experience. I can’t begin to express my appreciation for everyone’s support. I am looking forward to our 2016 Meet-n-Greet!

Travis A. Stuck

12

Creek 32 EBefore & After

by Tim Waters

Near the spring at the head of Creek 32E on August 24, 2015, dammed up pond

Near the spring at the head of Creek 32E on November 13, 2015 flowing creek water.

13

Dam and beaver colony removed, Creek 32E, re-opening the creek. November 13, 2015

Beaver dam on Creek 32E on August 14, 2015

14

Rainbow TROUT- (Oncorhynchus mykiss)Common Names: Rainbow trout, rainbow, bow, steelhead trout, steelhead, Kamloops trout, silver trout.

Length: 16-30 inches Weight: 2-16 poundsfrom the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Website

PO Box 156White Lake, WI 54491

Wolf River WI’s First Chapter

JOIN TROUT UNLIMITEDAND CHOOSE

WOLF RIVER CHAPTER 050www.tu.org