Nearly 200 Trout Unlimited staff, chapter representatives from across the West and sponsors gathered in Montana for the 2026 Western Regional Rendezvous, a working retreat for the future of coldwater conservation.
The weekend kicked off the way all good TU gatherings should: on the water. Anglers spread out across the Bitterroot, Clark Fork and Rock Creek, chasing trout and dodging cold gusts and snow flurries. While some groups fared better than others in terms of fish in the net, everyone got a feel for Montana’s spectacular scenery and the region’s connection to coldwater fisheries.
On Friday night, the focus shifted to community. A welcome reception brought together voices from across the region, including an inspiring dinnertime talk by Chris Wood, TU’s President and CEO, who reminded attendees that a day of fishing isn’t simply a day of fishing.
“Fishing connects people,” Wood said during the talk. “Fishing creates community. It brings people together.”
After dinner, a screening of Superfish: Salmon at the historic Wilma Theater was followed by a panel with the filmmaker, Rick Rosenthal, as well as TU’s vice president for pacific conservation Chrysten Rivard and author David James Duncan.
Saturday delivered the heart of the Rendezvous: a full day of strategy sessions, workshops and staff presentations. From chapter growth to conservation priorities, attendees rolled up their sleeves to share ideas and build momentum. Many conversations were focused on changes at TU and creating a positive local impact across the West.
Sunday brought the event back outside with policy discussions and a tour of TU’s Rattlesnake Dam project and a creekside lunch. Montana TU project manager Rob Roberts led the tour and offered a look at the bright future for the creek.
The weekend blended fishing, friendship and a shared passion for the protection and restoration of the West’s great trout waters.
Though it’s not always easy to cram into a conference room and have (sometimes hard) conversations about issues, it can be a source of energy and optimism, said TU’s Rivard.
“The path forward looks bright to me,” Rivard said. “It’s super energizing to be in a room with all of you to see what we can do for the future.”
Next time a regional rendezvous travels near you, we encourage you to attend to soak up that energy and optimism for your home waters.