My City June 2021

JOSH HENLEY, PRESIDENT OF CAF TROUT UNLIMITED #709

O ne of the group’s most anticipated events is the Future Anglers of Michi gan (FAM) family fishing trip. “We are always looking for ways to get young people involved in what we do and the FAM event is a big part of that goal,” says Henley. “Each year, we take a number of kids and their parents with us to do some fishing, clean ing and learning about a local fishery. It’s a great way for families to connect and spend time together.”The next FAM is scheduled to take place in 2022. Henley has been active with the group for nearly 14 years and has seen a number of changes in our local water ways. “We have lost some cold-water fisheries due to climate change and development, but through community efforts we are making an impact,” he says. “The Flint River is miles from where it used to be in the 70s and 80s. People don’t believe it, but the water is clean and a great place to fish. It’s one of my favorites. Clean-ups, conservation and education works. We all have got to do our part. Everything is connected.” If you are interested in becoming a member of the Charles A. Fellows Trout Unlimited chapter, you can sign up with the national organization at gifts.tu.org/member/join. Member ships include a one-year subscription to Trout magazine, discounts on gear and a lifetime of fishing buddies. “We are struggling for membership, so sign up and make a difference with us,” Henley suggests. “You can

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message us on Facebook or contact us directly at fellowstu.com/.” If you live in the coverage area, the national organization will direct you to the CAF chapter or you can choose to be a member of CAF chapter #709. The chapter meets twice a month in Flint for board meetings and fly-tying. Josh Henley and his chapter members love to fish and be outdoors. The real love, however, is knowing that they are making a difference in helping our local cold-water fisheries survive.

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