FTTU Conservation Banquet

Event Overview

Join Fallen Timbers Trout Unlimited for our Annual Chapter Banquet, Saturday, October 24, 2026, beginning at 5:30 PM. The evening will kick off with drinks, appetizers, and silent auctions, followed by dinner and our guest speaker, Jerry Darkes, presenting "Coaster Comeback."

Jerry Darkes brings over five decades of fly-fishing experience in fresh and saltwater, and was one of the first fly-fishing instructors in Northeast Ohio. He's certified by Fly Fishers International, has taught for more than 30 years, and is the author of four books, including Essential Flies for the Great Lakes Region and Favorite Flies of the Upper Midwest. Jerry has traveled extensively hosting fly-fishing trips to destinations around the world, and has been featured on radio, television, and podcasts such as Wet Fly Swing and Anchored Outdoors. He's also part of the Scott Rod and Scientific Anglers Pro Staffs.

"Coaster Comeback" explores the historic lake-dwelling brook trout of Lake Superior known as "coasters." The largest population of these fish, both in size and numbers, was found in Ontario's Nipigon Bay and River area — home to the world-record catch. Historically, coasters were abundant along the entire Lake Superior shoreline, but by the late 20th century, overfishing and habitat loss had nearly wiped them out. Restoration efforts by the Province of Ontario have been remarkably successful, growing and expanding these populations in just over 20 years. Jerry will cover when, where, and how to target coasters, guided and DIY options, equipment and fly selection, and newly discovered information about these little-known fish from just this year.

Every ticket includes one entry into our door prize drawing for a gift certificate for an overnight fly-fishing getaway at Sunnybrook Trout Club (sunnybrooktroutclub.com). We will have a raffle for a bamboo rod, and our silent auctions will feature a variety of items for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with proceeds supporting FTTU's mission of conserving, protecting, and restoring coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.

We encourage all guests to purchase event tickets early.

Venue & Dinner

The Oak at Millsite Farm 5305 Heywood Road Sandusky, OH 44870

Dinner will feature a buffet of crudités, garden salad, pot roast, grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon, pesto penne, lemonade, and water, followed by an ice cream sundae and waffle bar for dessert.

Please note: the bar will be cash only.

Overnight Accommodations

The Farrell House Lodge 1104 Fremont Avenue Sandusky, OH 44870

Room information is available at farrellhouselodge.com. You must call in order to reserve a room. See below.

Overnight rooms are located at the Farrell House Lodge at Sunnybrook Trout Club, with each stay including breakfast. FTTU has secured a room block for guests wishing to stay overnight. Overnight guests may purchase a fishing day pass for $100 per person when reserving their room; fishing day passes are only available to lodging guests.

To reserve a room within our block, please contact Jewel Young at 419.921.9475. Our block expires October 7, 2026, after which rooms open to the general public — we encourage guests to book early.