Join Us in Thermopolis: The 2026 Wyoming TU Stewardship Conference

Mark your calendars, Wyoming TU family. April 24-26, 2026 is shaping up to be the most important weekend of the year for anyone who cares about coldwater conservation in the Cowboy State. We're gathering in Thermopolis for three days of leadership, learning, fishing, and maybe a little dancing under the Wyoming stars.

This isn't your typical conference with stale coffee and PowerPoint marathons. This is how Wyoming does things: whiskey tours, river floats, BBQ, and genuine conversations about the future of our fisheries. Whether you're a chapter leader who's been in the trenches for years or a newer member wondering how to get more involved, this gathering has something for you.

Why Thermopolis? Why Now?

Thermopolis sits at a crossroads, literally and figuratively. It's central enough that folks from Jackson, Casper, Laramie, and Sheridan can all make the drive. But more importantly, it's a town that understands the value of natural resources. The hot springs have drawn people here for generations, and the nearby Bighorn River is one of Wyoming's crown jewel trout fisheries.

We're at a pivotal moment for trout conservation in Wyoming. From invasive species threatening Yellowstone cutthroats to habitat restoration projects across the state, the work we do in the next few years will echo for decades. This gathering is where we chart that course together, where chapter leaders share what's working, where national staff give us the bigger picture, and where we roll up our sleeves to plan the next phase of protecting Wyoming's coldwater resources.

Friday: Business, Bourbon, and Beer

Friday, April 24 kicks off with the nuts and bolts: our Executive Council Meeting and Elections. If you've been thinking about stepping up into leadership or just want to understand how the Wyoming Council operates, this is your chance to see democracy in action. These positions matter, they shape how effectively we advocate for Wyoming's trout and the waters they call home.

But we're not all business. Once the meeting wraps, it's time to explore what makes Thermopolis special. First stop: a Wyoming Whiskey Tasting. Wyoming's craft distillery scene has exploded in recent years, and we'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how local grains become the spirits that warm you on a February ice-fishing trip (or a spring night in Thermopolis).

Then comes the main event, or at least the most relaxing one. We're participants can head to the Hot Pools for a soak. After months of cold weather, there's nothing quite like mineral-rich hot water under the Wyoming sky. It's the kind of thing that reminds you why we fight so hard to protect natural places.

The evening wraps up with a Meet & Greet at the One Eyed Buffalo. This is where the magic really happens. Over local beers and pub food, you'll meet fellow TU members from across the state, swap fishing stories, and probably start planning a few collaborative projects before the night's over.

Saturday: Learning, Leading

Saturday, April 25 is when we shift into high gear. This is a full day of content designed to make you a more effective conservation advocate, whether you're running a chapter, serving on a board, or just passionate about protecting Wyoming trout.

The morning begins with a State of TU Address from national staff. You'll hear about Trout Unlimited's priorities at the federal level, upcoming policy battles, and how Wyoming fits into the bigger conservation picture. This isn't abstract talk, it's the kind of information that helps you understand why certain projects get funded, what threats are on the horizon, and where TU is investing resources.

Next up: project updates from our NE and SE Wyoming Staff. These are the boots-on-the-ground folks making conservation happen, installing fish passage structures, working with landowners on habitat improvements, and monitoring populations. You'll see photos and data from projects that are already making a difference, and you'll get a preview of what's coming next. It's incredibly motivating to see your membership dollars and volunteer hours translated into real results.

Lastly: volunteers and leaders will get training on how to be a successful leader. Everyone is not born with the skills to lead but we can all learn how to become a good leader. We will be working through training with our new Board book, which will help guide our mission and better develop the next generation of leaders across Wyoming.

Sunday: Enjoy a complementary fishing trip

Sunday, April 26 we’re not just about work and no play. Join WYTU on the river for a day of fishing. We have a full day planned for everyone to enjoy a full day float trip on the Bighorn. Even though we care tremendously about the resource and its protection, we still want to enjoy the river. Sunday is all about this, celebrating the river and the fish that inhabit it, maybe new ideas will come from the discussions on the boat as well.

Save Your Spot

Registration is open now by clicking HERE. Space is limited: especially for the Sunday fishing: so don't wait until the last minute.

This is the biggest Wyoming TU event of the year, and it only happens because people like you show up. We're building something important here: a statewide network of passionate, informed advocates who know how to protect Wyoming's trout for the next generation.

Thermopolis in April. Hot springs, cold beer, and the clearest conservation mission in the West. We'll see you there.