History of TU

Trout Unlimited was founded on the banks of Au Sable River in Grayling, Michigan in July of 1959. It all started when a group of concerned Michigan anglers banded together to ensure the health of trout, their habitat, and the sport of angling. Just two years later, the fledgling conservation organization had won its first victory: Michigan had replaced its indiscriminate stocking of catchable-sized trout with stream improvement programs, fingerling planting, and protective fishing regulations. Word of success in Michigan spread quickly and conservation minded anglers in other states, from Pennsylvania to California, joined together under the Trout Unlimited banner to effect similar change in their trout fisheries.

From the beginning, TU has built upon its reputation as an organization of conservation-minded anglers who rely upon sound scientific principles to promote quality trout and salmon fisheries for their intrinsic value as reminders of ecological health. Almost five decades later, TU is 140,000 members strong, with over 400 chapters nationwide.

The original 12 founding members of Trout Unlimited are: Lon B. Adams Casey E. Westell Jr. Arthur C. Neumann Victor C. Beresford George A. Griffith Cornelius M. Schrems Kenneth M. Putnam C. R. Evenson Pierce Stocking Harry S. Busbee John N. Keen D. Earl Kimble Click here for more information on how TU was founded.