Trout Unlimited banquet May 18

The Flathead Valley Chapter Trout Unlimited’s annual banquet to support native trout and habitat in Northwest Montana is Saturday, May 18. 

The banquet will be held at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish.  Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner is served at 7 p.m., online auction closes at 8 p.m., with a live auction and raffle prizes awarded after the dinner.  

The banquet is a fundraiser for Trout Unlimited to assist with many projects, primarily in Northwest Montana. Funding goes toward habitat conservation, water quality protection and restoring native fish populations. 

“Right now we are especially focused on bull trout. They belong here in Montana. It is not too late to help them,” says Wade Fredenberg, the chapter President.  

Funds raised at the banquet may help with removing invasive lake trout from Swan Lake, which is the primary threat to the bull trout population.  

In recent years, other projects funded by the banquet have included public land purchases and several conservation easements along the Flathead River, materials for conservation education, removal of a barrier on Hall Creek, and fishing opportunities for combat veterans.

During the banquet, a lucky winner will be awarded a 14-foot NRS raft complete with a rowing frame, casting platform, seats and oars. Tickets are sold at various locations around the valley and the winner does not need to be present. A special raffle will be held for one “Complete Angler” outfit including waders, fly rod and more. A live auction, bucket raffle, and door prizes are available during the event.  In addition, a silent auction will allow bidders to purchase guided fishing trips, fishing gear, exotic vacations, gift certificates to local restaurants, hunting gear, and more. The silent auction is conducted online.

Tickets for the banquet are only available online. Participants may choose various combinations of dinner and raffle tickets. Discounts for couples and large groups are available. The silent auction opens on May 13 and ends at 8 p.m. during the banquet on May 18.  Silent auction bidders do not need to be at the banquet.  

Banquet tickets and silent auction items are available at https://us.givergy.com/FHV2024TUBanquet.   For information about Flathead Valley Chapter Trout Unlimited visit https://flatheadtu.org.