he Beginnings of Trout Unlimited

Though a resident of Idaho, Todd Bailey is a principal of Fortress Risk Management LLC in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Todd Bailey enjoys fishing in Idaho and donates to Trout Unlimited (TU), the national fish conservation organization.

United by their love of trout fishing, 16 anglers founded TU while meeting at George Griffith’s house near Grayling, Michigan, on the banks of the Au Sable River in 1959. Their primary concern was that the state was stocking its waterways with small hatchery fish that they called “cookie cutter trout.”

TU’s founders were convinced that Michigan’s trout streams could produce better fish naturally if the wild species were allowed to develop naturally. Led by the principle that if you “take care of the fish, . . . the . . . [fish] will take care of . . . [themselves],” TU took a science-based approach to the protection and preservation of healthy habitats for Michigan’s trout populations.

By 1963, TU had produced its initial policy statement and convinced the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to reduce its stocking program in favor of improving the natural habitat for wild trout.

Trout Unlimited Members Gather in Montana for 2016 Annual Meeting

B. Todd Bailey serves as principal of Fortress Risk Management LLC, a Colorado Springs, Colorado-based firm that provides captive insurance solutions to help companies control risk and improve cash flow. Outside of the office, B. Todd Bailey enjoys fishing and supports several outdoor-related organizations, including Trout Unlimited. 

In an effort to advance its mission to protect and conserve coldwater fisheries across the United States, Trout Unlimited (TU) oversees a variety of regional and national events throughout the year. The organization recently wrapped up its 2016 Annual Meeting, which took place September 28 through October 1 in Bozeman, Montana. 

During the four-day event, TU members and staff had the opportunity to share ideas and learn more about how they can support ongoing TU initiatives. The meeting featured educational workshops, presentations, and workgroup meetings on a range of topics, including climate change, public lands, wild trout management, and grassroots advocacy. 

In addition to various learning activities, TU’s 2016 Annual Meeting included networking events such as cocktail receptions, banquets, fishing outings, and fundraising auctions. To find more information about the meeting or upcoming Trout Unlimited events, visit www.tu.org.

Trout Unlimited Hosts 2016 Annual Meeting in Montana

Involved in numerous facets near Cheyenne, Wyoming, B. Todd Bailey is founder of Bailey Mentoring, where he works as a mentor and business coach. He recently became a representative for Ariix, which markets health and nutrition products. When not working, B. Todd Bailey enjoys the outdoors and supports several wildlife-based organizations, including Trout Unlimited.

Established more than 50 years ago, Trout Unlimited began when 16 fishermen became upset about Michigan’s practice of stocking its waters with hatchery fish that were smaller in size. They believed that the streams in Michigan could produce bigger fish if allowed, so they formed the organization to ensure that wild and native trout populations could thrive. Since then, it has restored numerous streams, helped to remove dams, and lobbied Congress to strengthen the Clean Water Act.

Each year, Trout Unlimited hosts a meeting where members, staff, and volunteers convene to share ideas and network with others. Scheduled for September 28 through October 1 in Bozeman, Montana, the 2016 annual meeting features presentations, an awards banquet, and a conservation tour about stream protection and restoration. In addition, since the area is recognized by many anglers as a key area for trout fly-fishing, members can partake in hosted fishing trips in the Gallatin River, Madison River, DePuy’s Spring Creek, Yellowstone River, and Willow Creek.