A packed house at Turner Hall during the New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen’s 40th Anniversary Reunion on May 2, 2026. Members and guests filled the room for dinner, stories, and a look back at four decades of conservation and fishing in the New Ulm area. (Photo by Amy Zents)

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen (NUASF) held its 40th anniversary and reunion celebration Saturday at Turner Hall.

The event brought together current and former members for dinner, a social hour and a program reviewing the club’s history.

Scott Sparlin, founder and longtime leader, served as emcee. Minnesota DNR Fisheries officials Scott Mackenthun and Tanner Stevens spoke during the program.

Sparlin told the audience the gathering was both an anniversary and a reunion.

“So many old and some new faces,” he said. “It’s great to see everybody.”

Mackenthun, area fisheries supervisor for the DNR’s Waterville office, addressed the club’s work.

“There is not a club out there that’s like this one,” he said. “Don’t ever take this club for granted.”

Stevens, assistant area fisheries supervisor, provided updates on several Brown County lakes, and Mackenthun gave an overview of the new Waterville fish hatchery.

The program included a slideshow with commentary and a review of past club projects since its founding in 1986.

Former board member/Treasurer Tony Miller and Sparlin created a commemorative booklet for the event that gives a broad overview of accomplishments from the early years through May 2025. Future editions will continue the record.

The club has focused its work on Clear Lake, south of New Ulm, including aeration, access improvements, beach and pier improvements. 

It has also organized and accomplished many Minnesota River cleanups, ravine stabilization, and a wetland project in Minnecon Park. 

For 25 years, the club helped to organize River Blast, an annual event held at Riverside Park with fishing contests, camping, music, and community activities.

Youth programs include the annual Riverside Park Kids Fishing Contest and support of Boy Scout fishing outings.

Past Angler Education Clinics and outings at Studtmann’s Pond for Camp Courage participants were also observed. The Studtmann family has worked to help coordinate several of these successful events over the years.

The club has supported the E.E. Mecklenburg Environmental Scholarship for more than 26 years in partnership with the Mecklenburg family.

Together, they have given $50,000 in scholarships since the inception for high school seniors advancing to natural resource or environmental studies.