November 2025 Newsletter
- EDTU
- Dec 24, 2025
- 4 min read
"What we do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. - Jane Goodall"
Iowa Driftless Trip Report
by Daniel Meskiman, EDTU Vice President
The Iowa Driftless region can be an overlooked part of the Driftless area. But every fall we are reminded of how special it is. As the leaves begin to change their colors, and the temperatures slowly fall, it marks the time for the yearly EDTU trip to the Iowa Driftless. This year was a special trip as we were joined by six new members.
On Thursday some of us headed straight to the cabin while others stopped and enjoyed the fishing before sundown. The weather was sunny with scattered clouds, which made for a great day of fishing for those that ventured out. The trip kicked off with a delicious chicken & rice stew prepared by Jim Brown, EDTU President, and there was plenty of talk of where everyone would fish throughout the weekend.
Friday was a beautiful sunny day. We had a member that had their best day of fishing while out with our local Iowa friend and expert guide Kent Kleckner of Bear Creek Anglers. The group was truly spoiled with an incredible dinner prepared by Jason Pruett. It's safe to say the bar has been set higher than ever before with that meal, thank you Jason!
Saturday was a cold and overcast day, which made for an excellent day of fishing for all. One new member caught their first Driftless area trout on the trip on Saturday, and all had an overall good day of fishing. April Postelnick graciously prepared a big batch of homemade chili. After the long cold, gray day, it was a real treat to sit down to a warm bowl of chili. For dinner on Saturday we were joined by Cameron Aker, TU Driftless Area Engagement Coordinator. Cameron shared what he and his team do for the Driftless region, presented past project highlights, and provided a look into some upcoming projects. After dinner the group was treated to dessert with Kent's wonderful wild berry cobbler dessert, which is always a highlight of the Iowa trip. Thank you to Cameron Aker and Kent Kleckner for joining us!
This year's Iowa Driftless region trip was marked by good fishing for all, beautiful scenery, favorable fishing weather conditions, and excellent food. Thank you to all who attended. It was truly a remarkable trip.
Video thanks to Jeff Goad, EDTU Conservation Chair, and Jason Pruett.
State of Illinois Acquires Two Land Parcels Needed for Brandon Road Carp Barrier
In late October, Illinois closed on the purchase of two upland parcels needed to move forward with the Brandon Road carp barrier project. Read the WBEZ story here.
Data Center Development Raises Concerns About Fresh Water Consumption in the Midwest
The rapid growth of large data centers in the Midwest, and especially in Wisconsin, are raising concerns with environmentalists regarding water and power consumption. Generative AI is driving an unprecedented increase in demand for giant data centers that have the potential to consume enormous amounts of fresh water and power. Read the Alliance for the Great Lakes article here.
November 2025 Letter from EDTU President Jim Brown
Dear Members and Friends,
October, November, and December are several of the busiest months for EDTU. In late October we held a successful chapter outing to Iowa – good weather, solid fishing, and some excellent meals. We had 13 members join the trip and 6 of the participants were new members who had not previously attended an EDTU trip. We are looking forward to these new members becoming involved with the chapter and attending future trips.
On November 11th we have the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) at the Wilmette Theater in Wilmette. This is our 12th year holding the IF4. Please bring your friends and plan an evening in Wilmette (lots of nice restaurants) watching awesome fly fishing films from around the world. Purchase your tickets here or at the door (details above in this newsletter).
December 2nd is the EDTU Annual Holiday Fundraiser at the Erie Café (details above, with more to come). Please plan to attend and bring your partners and friends. We want to have a full room for our major fundraising event of the year. 100% of funds raised at this event go to youth education and preserving, restoring, and sustaining cold water fisheries in the Midwest. Purchase your tickets here.
I look forward to seeing everyone on November 11th at the Wilmette Theater and December 2nd at the Erie Café.
Thanks,
Jim Brown
President, EDTU
Great Lakes Steelhead Fishing
by Tom Rosenbauer and Jeff Blood
Learn the basics of fishing for one of our most popular exotic species, the Great Lakes run Rainbow, also known as the Steelhead. Watch the Youtube video here.
November Fly of the Month: Pheasant Tail Flymph
by Yvon Chouinard
Yvon Chouinard is a rock climber, fly angler, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia, the outdoor store unlike any other. This month, we are keeping it simple by just including a link to the Pheasant Tail Flymph tying video on Youtube. To view the video click here.
Check out Yvon Chouinard's newest book Pheasant Tail Simplicity at Patagonia here.
Thanks to Bill Wobbekind
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