Investing in Our Waterways Since 1983
The Lakeshore Chapter of Trout Unlimited is an all-volunteer organization that was founded in 1983 and serves the cold water fisheries of Kewanee, Calumet, Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties. With 200+ members,the LSTU organization has a rich history and is an active leader in the conservation community creating and caring for multi-use resource areas for future generations.
For a Cleaner Tomorrow
Lakeshore TU is recognized as one of the top conservation organizations in Wisconsin. We are leaders and doers of habitat restoration on our local trout streams and the public lands that border them. Recognized in February 2024 as the 2023 DNR Adopt-a Wildlife/Fishery Area Group of the Year for our stewardship of the Onion River Public Fishing Area. Lakeshore TU is also actively involved in youth outdoor education partnering with local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sheboygan County Conservation Association and Camp Y-Koda to share our love of nature and fishing with the next generation. Finally, our membership enjoys sharing their passion for trout fishing and conservation in monthly get togethers that feature guest speakers, conversation and camaraderie.
Habitat Improvement and Cold Water Conservation
LSTU works in constant partnership with the Wisconsin DNR and private land owners to maintain and improve the cold-water habitat of Sheboygan County’s Onion River Fishery Area and Stream bank Protection Area.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/FisheriesAreas/4873onionriver.html
LSTU volunteers play a prominent role in habitat improvement and maintenance. We work closely with the fisheries biologist, the forester and other DNR personnel and hold several permits that allow us to work independently on specific improvement projects. In 2024, much of our volunteer work will be directed in two general areas: first, we will repair existing bank covers installed years ago to improve trout habitat and we will reinforce banks that have eroded due to high water events over time. The work will occur upstream of County E. Secondly, we will continue our stewardship of the Onion River Public Fishery through the Adopt program. We will also continue our youth education focus through participation in the Sheboygan Falls Outdoor Activity Day and running a STREAM Camp through Camp Y-Koda.Â
Youth Education Work
Sheboygan Falls Outdoor Activity Day - Organized by the SCCA and Camp Y-Koda, this free fishing event generally sees over 3000 attendees for a day of family outdoor fun and fishing. Lakeshore TU and Aventuron hosted a booth featuring fly casting demonstrations.Â
Camp Y-Koda STREAM Camp - LSTU will co-host a STREAM camp with Camp Y-Koda in early August. This Camp was open to boys and girls and will sell out with fifteen kids attending. The kids will learn about cold water conservation, critters that live in rivers, learn to fly cast and tie a foam beetle that they then will use on a fly rod to catch bluegills in the Camp pond.Â
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) - LSTU sponsors four local school TIC programs. These programs are located in Random Lake, Plymouth, Sheboygan and Fond du Lac. Science classes raise trout from egg stage to fingerlings then release them into the wild. The program lasts much of the school year. Kids learn many lessons about biology and chemistry as they raise the young trout. LSTU volunteers work closely with the teachers and the DNR to organize, deliver and maintain the equipment. We also participate in the release of the trout fingerlings into the wild. Â
Membership
From monthly meetings, work days on the rivers, creeks and streams, and other special events, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved!Â
