Downeast TU is a chapter of Trout Unlimited, a national non-profit organization dedicated to protect and conserve North American cold-water fish species and habitat. Membership is open to all, go to www.tu.org/join305Downeast and use chapter code 305 Downeast TU.
Monthly meetings are the Fourth Wednesday of the month from October to May at the Moore Center, 125 State Street, Ellsworth, ME
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2025 Holiday Newsletter
Happy Winter! This holiday season we extend our deepest gratitude to you for supporting our mission to conserve, protect, and restore the waters of Downeast Maine.
Our first DETU Holiday Gathering with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing was a great success! Al West shared details of a recent fishing trip out west and then guests (including Al’s young granddaughter) shared fun fishing stories. The potluck included stews, sandwiches and tamales. Raffle winners: Dwayne Shaw- Montague bamboo fly rod, Kurt Judson $250 LL Bean Gift Certificate, and Greg Veilleux- 2 box set of flies tied by DETU members and Tammy Packie won the 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will be used for conservation projects and support for Trout Camp.
Maine Trout Unlimited joined Maine Audubon, Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Natural Resources Council of Maine to file an appeal challenging Central Maine Power’s Conservation Plan for the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission corridor. Leading wildlife and forest ecologists agree the plan fails to protect and connect mature forest habitat, a requirement for permit approval for the 53 mile long transmission line. Join TU and our partners in urging the Maine Board of Environmental Protection to require a stronger conservation plan to mitigate the fragmentation of mature forest created by the NECEC corridor and include the purchase of old growth forest that would help in coldwater conservation.
Support wildlife by adding your name to our petition today! https://act.nrcm.org/a/necec or
https://secure.everyaction.
Frenchman Bay Conservancy Headwaters Bluff Preserve Deadline Dec. 31 The Union and Narraguagus Rivers are Priority Waters for Trout Unlimited in Downeast Maine. TU’s Priority Waters are a national network of over 200 rivers, streams and lakes recognized as vital areas to focus our conservation efforts to protect and restore wild and native trout and salmon watersheds. These waters are identified through a science-based approach, developed with partners, and represent important areas for habitat restoration and community led conservation initiatives. TU identified the Union River watershed as a key Priority Water to focus efforts on restoring and protecting Eastern Brook Trout and endangered Atlantic Salmon. The river's upper sections provide vital spawning and rearing habitat, critical for Atlantic Salmon Recovery. The Union is designated as Class A, indicating exceptional natural conditions with high water quality.. (Class AA for upper section proposed).
TU works to address threats like sediment deposits from logging, and barriers to fish passage while leveraging opportunities for habitat restoration and securing coldwater climate resilient strongholds. Preserving Headwater Bluffs is key to this mission. The 5,788 acre parcel in Amherst is one of the largest blocks of intact forest in our region; combining it with other protected lands including the Amherst Mountain Community Forest and the USFWS Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge will connect more than 43,000 acres. Conservation of this land will enhance connectivity and is critical in the fight against climate change. Learn more: frenchmanbay.org/
Rising Trout Award DETU recognizes an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions to fulfilling our mission to conserve, protect, and restore cold-water fisheries and their watersheds. Nominations are now being accepted from DETU members. The award will be given at our 2026 Annual Meeting on April 22.
Flies & Lies DETU Life member Bob Bechtold is once again hosting Flies & Lies on the first and third Sundays of the month at 5-8pm now through April. Open to individuals interested in sharing the art of fly tying and the sport of fly fishing. January 4 & 18, February 8 & 22, March 8 & 22 and April 5 & 19 2026. Machias Savings Bank 96 Cottage St. Bar Harbor, ME. Contact Bob at rtbechtoldgmail.com (rtbechtold[at]gmail[dot]com) or 207-288-4957.
Downeast Salmon Federation is accepting bids through January 9, 2026 for the removal of the Cherryfield Ice Dam and installation of a nature-like fishway. Contact Ellie Mason, elliemainesalmonrivers.org (ellie[at]mainesalmonrivers[dot]org) or go to https://interfluve.filecamp.
Atlantic Salmon Ecosystems Forum January 13 & 14 Cross Insurance Center Bangor The ASEF began in 2002 as a biennial meeting to discuss Atlantic Salmon research. It has expanded to include native diadromous species, with an ecosystem approach to management and conservation. This two-day forum provides opportunities for learning and networking, enabling us to better understand and implement river restoration solutions. Register at: atlanticsalmonforum.org
Atlantic Salmon Federation podcast on salmon conservation on the Penobscot River: https://www.spreaker.com/
Maine's 2026 ice fishing derby season begins in January with many local derbies held on Jan. 24:
Downeast Coastal Conservancy Vining Lake contact Matthew Kelley 207-255-4500
Operation Reboot Outdoors Great Pond Hancock contact Nicole Waite 207-491-6209
Kappa Delta Phi Alumni Gardner Lake East Machias contact Derik Lee 207-431-4212
Calais Lions Club Round Pond Charlotte contact Colin Brown 207-726-4434 Jan. 31
Statewide list here: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/
To enjoy Maine winters safely keep in mind that ice conditions vary from day-to-day and from one water body to the next. Here are some important tips and tricks to keep in mind when judging ice conditions. Current Maine laws: mefishwildlife.com/laws
Maine Trout Camp. June 14-18 2026 in Solon Maine. We are looking for 2-3 students ages 13-17 from our area who would like to attend this excellent learning experience. Please refer anyone interested to our Youth Education Coordinator Mike Elkavitch melkavitchgmail.com (melkavitch[at]gmail[dot]com). Applications available on the Maine TU State Council website, Trout Camp Application
Northeast Regional Rendezvous April 10-12 2026 Attending a TU Regional Rendezvous is one of the best ways to connect with like-minded fishermen and conservationists. Attend a weekend packed with idea sharing alongside fellow community-based volunteers, scientists, and anglers who are the most passionate champions for cold, clean rivers and streams.
Support Clean Water & Healthy Fisheries Blue lines are the coldest and cleanest waters this country has to offer. These small streams are critical headwaters for the native and wild trout and salmon that TU works to protect and recover, to the river systems they feed, and to the downstream communities that depend on them for drinking water. TU and our allies are working across the country to restore blue lines and raising our voices to defend the Clean Water Act and state clean streams laws that protect these waters.
Join us in fighting for clean waters, healthy fish, and thriving communities. https://www.tu.org/get-
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing PHWFF is dedicated to the physical and emotional health of disabled active and veteran military personnel. Rehabilitation is through fly fishing activities, education, and outings. Enjoy camaraderie with fellow veterans at two locations in Downeast Maine: the DSF Hatchery in East Machias on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-8pm, and at the Ellsworth VFW on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm. To learn more visit https://projecthealingwaters.org (mike.manning@
Help protect Maine’s fish and wildlife. Maine’s fishing regulations, developed by fisheries biologists and enforced by game wardens, protect our world class fisheries. Many rivers close to fishing in the fall to protect spawning fish. This year wardens received information that individuals were illegally catching native landlocked salmon in a river in western Maine by “snagging.” Snagging is the act of manipulating a hook to pierce or snag the fish in a part of the body other than the mouth. It is illegal in Maine inland waters. If you see someone violating Maine’s natural resources, report information to Maine Operation Game Thief at 1-800-ALERT-US or submit an anonymous tip at maineogt.org
or call your local public safety dispatch center:
Augusta: 1-800-452-4664
Bangor: 1-800-432-7381
Houlton: 1-800-924-2261
Jane Disney, Ph.D., and her team at the MDI Biological Laboratory Community Environmental Health Lab have documented the migration of PFAS "forever chemicals" around Mount Desert Island. Now they are launching a study of potential health effects on children and families in Tremont.
Island Heritage Trust IHT has been awarded $250,000 for accessibility improvements at Barred Island and Lily Pond through the Maine Trails Program. Lily Pond is the site of our annual Family Fishing event with IHT & DETU each spring. Congratulations!
Future Speakers
Jan. 28 Ed Halfyard and Carbon Run-Using lime dosers to improve water chemistry, restore salmon and brook trout habitat, and mitigate climate change
Feb. 25 Eric Frohmberg, Entomology for Fly Fishing
March 25 TBD Emily Zimmermann? Dan McKaw? Carroll Ware?
April 22 TBD Annual Meeting, Spring Raffle Drawing and Rising Trout Award.
May 27 TBD- Jacob Scoville? **In person only at Helen’s in Machias.
Downeast Trout Unlimited Gear: Hats $25, Brook Trout pins $20, Brook Trout Earrings $16. Spring raffle tickets are here! Prizes: West Branch Pond Camps cabin for two June 12-14 2026. This is a great place to fish, bird, or relax in peace and solitude in the woods. $100 LL Bean Gift Card, or ½ half dozen Maine lobsters. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. Proceeds to benefit coldwater fisheries and habitat conservation. These items make great gifts!
As we approach the end of the year we express our gratitude to DETU members, supporters, and community partners who have supported our mission. The gifts of your time, contributions, and encouragement have played an integral role in shaping our success. The coming year offers new opportunities for advocacy and education and new challenges as we enter the next stage in our chapter development with habitat restoration projects and a new river clean-up plan. Thank you and Happy Holidays!
Downeast Trout Unlimited (DETU) is dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring Maine's cold water fisheries and their watersheds. For membership renewal call 800-834-2419. For NEW memberships go to www.tu.org/join305Downeast.
Mail donations to Downeast Trout Unlimited c/o Arthur Benson Treasurer; 32 Cottage Way Hampden ME 04444. Equipment Donations: If you have more equipment than you need please consider donating it to help DETU raise money for our conservation and education programs. For more information visit https://www.downeasttu.org/ and follow Downeast TU on Facebook
