February, 2020

2020 Events, So Far!  More Information Will be Posted, as it Becomes Available.   
Rescheduled 2020 Banquet Canceled!
​au Sable Cleanup, Saturday September 12, 2020
Rifle River Cleanup, Saturday September 12, 2020

After spending so much time unable to participate in the activities important to Trout Unlimited, we are happy to offer a chance to get out there and do some conservation work on the upper stretch of the Rifle River.
The Rifle River Restoration Committee is trying to organize a river clean up for Saturday, September 12.  To maintain the safety of everyone, it is recommended private vehicles be used to minimize close contact. Letting us know you’re interested in participating will help plan for the safest possible day.
After rallying at 9:00 at Troll's Landing (2660 Rifle River Trail, West Branch) stretches of the river from Sage Lake Road down to Troll's Landing will be assigned.
Please let us know if you could help with this project.  Email Laurie at 1beachteacher@gmail.com so the group can determine if there is enough interest to make this happen. Let us know if you have your own canoe/kayak or if you need to have one provided.

(from Josh Greenberg.  ​You may have to copy and paste the below         links. )  Yep, we’re going to give it a shot in 2020.  Dumpster in the yard, Rusty’s poker sticks, and a hopeful attitude that we can get this job done.  Folks have been inquiring how we’re going to do it, and we thought we’d try circulating this little list for people to sign up. Check out the beat list here:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16flYuJuli-Kdpv1B5NMVWW277NRTqikJzkDtZKIFUJs/edit?usp=sharing.   This will give real-time data so you know what beats need “help”. The goal is to get as much of the river cleaned as possible, of course, but with a definite focus on the stretch between Wakeley and Mio Pond (this means you, folks with boats!).   Please check the list and email me — Josh@GatesLodge — with questions, or sign up!

We are disappointed to have to let our members and guests know that the 2020 Fundraising Banquet, rescheduled for September 10, 2020 is now officially canceled.
While we would love to be able to hold the evening as planned, Saginaw Valley State University is limiting outside events this fall.  The Mershon-Neumann Heritage Chapter of Trout Unlimited wholeheartedly supports this -- keeping our members and their guests safe and healthy is far more important.
We will still be able to hold the raffles for the Scott F- Series rod and reel package and the Traeger Pro Series 22 Bronze Wood Pellet Grill. This drawing will occur live on Zoom September 10, 2020 at 7:00.  To join us, type https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8827215553 into your browser just before the drawing. (Meeting ID: 882 721 5553)

If you haven't already sent your money and ticket stubs in, it's not too late.  Mail them to 
Nick Thomas
669 Pinewood Dr.
Midland, MI  48640
The deadline is August 30, 2020

Email us at wbmershontu@gmail.com  if you need more tickets.

The Board of Directors continue to work on making the Mershon-Neumann Heritage Chapter of Trout Unlimited an organization you can be proud to belong to.  Your continued support and patience is appreciated as we add more events and programs to serve our member's needs.  Please keep watching your emails, our webpage, and Facebook for any news or events that might interest you- including the 2021 Spring Fundraising Banquet!

Women 'n Waders, always an educational and fun day, will not be held in 2020 as hoped.  Instead, volunteers are already planning for next year's event, planned for May 22, 2021.
​
Online Tying!   Gather your materials, settle in front of your vise, and be prepared to learn a few tips and tricks as Bill Priest shows us how to tie his own spent wing hex and a marabou streamer.  Two flies...guaranteed to fish as well as anyone could ever promise. And Bill has perfected the techniques to tie these beauties.
Monday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m.  Bill will demonstrate each fly step by step as you follow along during this zoom tie along.  The marabou streamer is a basic fly.  The hex will challenge the more experienced tyer.   No matter what your skill level, feel free to join even if it’s just to watch.
Gather the following materials; if you don't have a particular ingredient this might be a chance to show some support for some of the fly shops around- give them a call and see if they can help you out curbside. We will be working on technique, so any color hackle, deer hair, or tinsel will work.
 Joining the zoom event is easy- just click on the link below just before 7:00.  We will be muting participants during the event but you will be able to ask questions and chat through text.
Topic: Tie Along- Spent Wing Hex/ Maribou Streamer
Time: May 11, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8827215553

Feel free to print out the instructions below (also found in the attachment) so you can follow along with Bill.  It might even be helpful to try the patterns ahead of time so you are ready with questions.
 
 Hex & Marabou Streamer Patterns20200501_1438462...
 
Spent Wing Hexagenia Limbata
Hook: Size 6 or 4 3xl
Thread: Yellow
Tail: Pheasant tail
Body: Pale yellow deer hair
Wings: Grizzly hackle
Hackle: Cream or light variant
South Branch Yellow Marabou Streamer
Hook: Size 6, 4, or 2 4xl
Thread: Black
Tail: Webby red hackle fibers
Body: Braided gold tinsel over a few wraps of lead wire
Throat: Webby red hackle fibers
Wings: Yellow marabou
Topping: Several strands of peacock. Use the tips of the fibers from the “eye.”
Shoulder: Finely barred wood duck flank​​

Online Open Meeting of the Board
The Mershon-Neumann Heritage Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be holding its regular Board of Directors meeting through Zoom on Wednesday, May 6, starting at 5:30.  This is the last meeting of the year before adjourning for the summer.  Items to be discussed will be welcoming a new president and vice president, the future of canceled and postponed events, and a wrap up of activities which have taken place over the past year.
Click on this link to join:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8827215553

Bob Nelson
Chapter member and former chapter president (1968-69), Dr. Robert Nelson died Thursday night.  No services are planned at this time. His death was not Covid 19 related.  He is survived by a son David- Beulah, MI and missionary in Africa and a daughter, Erin of Iowa. 
For those of you who attended the Art Neumann memorial dedication in Lovells, will fondly remember Bob’s inspiring words that day.
​
Online Buffet of Flyfishing
​We are offering a great (free) alternative to sitting at home, wishing you were at the Banquet this Thursday.  And we're giving you a chance to be part of history.
Join us for the first ever Mershon-Neumann Heritage Chapter Zoom gathering this Thursday, April 23.  We will have a short presentation to get you up to speed on all the events and changes within the TU community, have a rousing trivia quiz to see how smart our group is when we pool our collective genius,  then watch a short movie guaranteed to bring some fishing excitement right into your living room.  The Rolf Nylinder film, Mosquitos and Mayflies, beautifully depicts what we love about fishing: scenery, challenge, and friendship. Rolf and his friend go into the Finnish wilderness and try for huge trout. This movie is the real deal- they even miss some monster fish!
You don't need a Zoom account to join. Just email us at wbmershontu@gmail.com to get your name on the list. On Thursday afternoon we will email out a link specific for this gathering. You will not be able to attend without this link and we won't be able to send it out during the gathering. Just click the link from your email on Thursday, April 23, at 5:30 and you will be admitted to our zoom room. The evening should take a little more than an hour.
 
We hope you will join us

Women 'n Waders  Unfortunately the Women 'n Waders event originally scheduled for May 16 will not be held.  There is a tentative plan to reschedule it in the Fall.
We are so very sorry that this event is added to the long list of things we are all missing this Spring.  We are thinking of this as a temporary scheduling problem. 

Fly Fishing Film Tour 2020
The Fly Fishing Film Tour will be coming to the State Theatre in Bay City, Tuesday, February 18, 7:00 p.m., doors open at 6:00.  Full information can be found at the State Theatre’s website, http://statetheatrebaycity.com/Events/view/272: you may buy tickets in person, but to assure yourself a seat you can purchase online at the State’s website.  Through a gracious arrangement with Little Forks Outfitters in Midland, proceeds will go to the W. B. Mershon Chapter of TU.   There will be free items given out, and a 50/50 drawing: adult beverages will be available.  Please pass this news on to everybody you know who is interested in flyfishing, exotic destinations, or just good fun.  Invite your friends, form a group, we’ll see you all there.

Women ‘n Flytying
The Mershon-Neumann Heritage Chapter is once again sponsoring a morning of fly tying.  Please join us Saturday, February 8, from 10-12:00 at the Kantzler Community Room, located within the Alice and Jack Wirt Library, 500 Center Avenue, Bay City.  All supplies and equipment provided.
This event is open to any woman interested in learning how to tie a few simple flies, whether or not she attended the Women 'n Waders event.  Please let Laurie Seibert, 1beachteacher@gmail.com, know you're coming so she can be sure to have enough help and materials.  To make sure everyone gets enough attention, we will be capping attendance at 20 participants.  Thank you.  ,

Winter Extravaganza and Fish Dinner/Annual Meeting    
Monday, January 20, 2020   Sullivan’s Restaurant, 5235 Gratiot, Saginaw
Cocktails/Social Hour 5:30 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Annual Meeting- Proposed Chapter Name Change.  Membership vote on proposed By-Law amendments can be viewed at www.mershon-tu.org
Program: A Case for the Great Lakes, presented by Taylor Ridderbusch and Robb Smith
Cost: $20.00 per person. Pay at the Door   Questions, Reservations please call Dave Case 989-793-9700, or email: casedavid531@gmail.com

2019 Postings
​It is with much sadness that we report long-time William B. Mershon Chapter leader, founding member and past-President, Win Case, passed away on Tuesday, October 29th at the age of 88.
A member since the organization’s inception, Win held leadership roles within TU at the Chapter, state and national levels. He served on Trout Unlimited’s National Board of Directors as a member at large.
Win's leadership within Trout Unlimited and the greater Saginaw community was profound and long-lasting.  He will be missed. 
Funeral services for Win Case will take place at 1:00 pm Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 at the W. L. Case Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw.  Rev. Robert Richards will officiate with burial at Oakwood cemetery.  Friends may call at the chapel from 2:00-6:00 pm Sunday and from noon Monday until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Trout Unlimited William B. Mershon Chapter, Swan Valley United Methodist Church, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Old Town Christian Outreach, Covenant VNA Hospice or the charity of your choice.
Win's obituary, as published in the Saginaw News, can be found at the following link:  
http://www.casefuneralhome.com/obituary/Winfred-L.-Case/Saginaw-Michigan/1861035
​
​Cedars Project
Cedars planted by the Chapter, on the south branch of the Au Sable River in the early 2000’s, are in need of maintenance.  Some has been done, recently, and more remains.
Sites have been identified: there is a total of 14 cages in need of repair, 10 cedar seedlings replants, and 7 replacements of larger 6-ft cages.
Volunteers will spend one-half day on the project on Friday, October 4, 2019. A stream-side lunch will be served, allowing plenty of time to fish the south branch.
Participants may contact Howard Johnson via reply email, ausablecedars@gmail.com , or by calling 989-280-0381 by Oct 2nd . Detailed information will be sent to each volunteer.

Saginaw Hall of Fame Presentation Dinner
There will be four inductees honored, including Art Neumann 
 Tuesday October 22 at The Saginaw Club, 219 N. Washington Avenue
Cash bar: 5:30pm   Dinner: 6:00   Program: 7:00  (lasts about 1 hour)
Dinner choices: Chicken Parmesan with risotto and green beans;
Broiled Rainbow Trout with rice pilaf and steamed broccoli;
Braised Tri-Tips (beef), redskin mashed potatoes and green beans.
All dinners include rolls, salad, and bread pudding dessert
Cost: $25 per person (includes tip) Please indicate choice of dinner.
 
Checks made out to: Saginaw Hall of Fame
Send to : Ms Irene Hensinger, 320 Ardussi Avenue
Saginaw, MI  48602-2712
 
​Au Sable Cleanup  The annual Au Sable River Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, the 7th.  Bring waders, and dress for the weather. Upper River (main stem, north branch, and south branch): meet at Gates Au Sable Lodge by 10:00 a.m.  You can register by calling 989-348-8462, or email Josh Greenberg at josh@gateslodge.com  .  There will be lunch, after the teams return from their chosen beats. Big Water (below Mio dam)  Come at 8 a.m. if you have a boat, 9 a.m. for walkers.  Meet at Comins Flats, BBQ and fun to follow.  Full information from Tom Buhr at tombuhr@prodigy.net  .   

​Cedar Tree Project
During this Saturday's Angler's River Clean-up.  a group of volunteers will be performing cedar tree maintenance within the Mason Tract on the Mershon chapter's cedar trees.
If you would like to get your hands dirty, we can use your help to plant cedar seedlings and install larger cages to protect maturing cedars.
Look for the sign at Gates Lodge which will read, " Cedar Planting" after the 10 am announcements. We will then proceed to the cedar work project site on the south. You will return to Gates for lunch.
Contact Howard Johnson directly at ausablecedars@gmail.com or 989-280-0381 if you have any questions.

​Annual Fall Outing   Our annual Fall Outing has moved up, to Thursday, September 19.   As usual, it’s at the Saginaw Gun Club. Shooting starts at 4:00 p.m..
Skeet and Trap is $5 per round (25) Five Stand is $5.50 (25) Sporting Clays $20.00 (50)
Eye and Hearing protection required for all shooting!  Bring your own ammunition or purchase it from Saginaw Gun Club.
Casual Fun . . . all for a $10.00 Donation
Supper will be hot-dogs, hamburgers with buns, plus beans, potato salad: condiments will be furnished. Pop and water will also be included. If you want a steak bring your own.
Everyone will be asked to put their own meat on the grill, so it's prime when you want to eat it.
No alcoholic beverages will be provided: Bring your own beer, wine or whatever if you wish. (BYOB)
Join in on the fun!!
See you there, enjoy a fun evening. It’s your presence that will make this event special...
9540 Gratiot Rd. Saginaw (M-46 one mile east of M-52)
Questions call Dave Case at 989-793-9700, or email: casedavid531@gmail.com  

Rifle River Cleanup   September 21, 10:00 a.m.
Full information and signup for this important event available at  https://www.rifleriver.org/cleanup-events  

Dinner honoring William B. Mershon
Thursday, May 23rd, 2019; The Saginaw Club, 219 N Washington, Saginaw: cocktails 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., dinner 6:30 – 7:45 p.m., presentation “William B. Mershon of Saginaw, Michigan’s Most Iconic Sportsman and Conservationist” by Robert Kohrman, 7:45 p.m.  The cost is $50/person, and only 100 tickets are available.  For more information, contact Howard Johnson either by calling 989-280-0381, or by emailing hnjohnson@aol.com .  Tickets are available directly by going to https://squareup.com/store/wbmershontu and scrolling down to this event, or on this website’s home page, http://www.mershon-tu.org/ , on the “Get your tickets today” link in the Fundraising Banquet notification at the top.

56th Annual Banquet, W. B. Mershon Chapter, Trout Unlimited
To guarantee a place, you must make a reservation by April 8th: seating and meal choice will not be guaranteed after this date.  We will bring back bucket raffles, card raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and the ever popular Trout Bingo: there will be, for example, guide trips, fantastic fishing equipment, wildlife pictures, books, handcrafted items, and Chapter members have offered overnight stays/float trips at their cabins.  Also, please note that we have moved the banquet to THURSDAY NIGHT so it should not interfere with heading Up North for the weekend of Opening Day.
Thursday, April 25, 2019, Curtiss Hall, SVSU, 7400 Bay Road, Saginaw.  Starting at 5:30 p.m., there will be hors d'oeuvres, soft drinks, a cash bar, and especially prize-gazing and your chance for generous bidding.  At 7:00 p.m., we shall have a plated dinner, dessert and refreshments included.  Meal choices are Chicken Mushroom Marsala, London Broil, or Garden Salmon.  There will be lots of great prizes to bid on in the silent auction, and all Banquet proceeds are designated for the protection and preservation of the cold-water fisheries of the Rifle and Au Sable Rivers.
For more information, contact Howard Johnson at 989-280-0381, or ausablecedars@gmail.com .  Tickets are available directly by going to https://squareup.com/store/wbmershontu or by starting on our website’s home page, http://www.mershon-tu.org/ , on the “Get your tickets today” link in the Fundraising Banquet notification at the top.  Be ready for a wondrous evening.  Please pass the good news on to anybody you think will be interested in attending.

The Fourth Annual Women ‘n Waders Event
is scheduled for May 18, Saginaw Bay Visitor’s Center, Bay City State Park. The day will begin at 8:30 and go until 3:30. The cost is 20.00.  You may register on the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy page or follow this link:
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79135_79219_81146-490395--,00.html
Geared toward the beginner, but all women anglers welcome!  Basic skill building activities such as knot tying, setting up equipment, angler etiquette, casting, fly tying and access points for trout fishing will be covered.
 All materials and equipment provided.  Bring your own fly rod if you have one.  DO NOT bring waders. Dress for the weather. Lunch is included. 
 Participants who have never belonged to Trout Unlimited will receive a free one year Trout Unlimited membership. 
For more information, contact Laurie Seibert at 1beachteacher@gmail.com .  You may have to copy this contact information into a message on your email provider, especially if it is not gmail.  ​

An Update! Join us at G's Pizzeria, 1005 Saginaw Street, Bay City, for a pre-movie social hour from 5:00 -- 6:00 p.m.  Grab something to eat, have a beverage, meet with the Wm. B. Mershon directors and advisers and then head over to the State Theater.   
Fly Fishing Film Tour 2019
The Fly Fishing Film Tour will be coming to the State Theatre in Bay City, Tuesday, February 19, 7:00 p.m.  Full information can be found at the State Theatre’s website, http://statetheatrebaycity.com/Events/view/272: you may buy tickets in person, but to assure yourself a seat you can purchase online at the Stae’s website.  Through a gracious arrangement with Little Forks Outfitters in Midland, proceeds will go to the W. B. Mershon Chapter of TU.   There will be free items given out, and a 50/50 drawing: adult beverages will be available.  Please pass this news on to everybody you know who is interested in flyfishing, exotic destinations, or just good fun.  Invite your friends, form a group, and pass on this news, please.