Briarwood Sporting Club — Local services in Jefferson Township

All I can say is WOW! I was invited by a close friend to visit this club for a full day, and it was an incredible experience. I had been told it was like a "spa" for fishermen, and I have to say I agree. I would rate this visit as one of the best days I have had in recent years.

I had never trout fished or fly fished before, but by the end of the day, I had both down pat. The grounds were immaculately groomed, with clean, well-kept lakes and streams. Roads intertwined all the lakes, and there were golf carts with rod holders on them—can you believe that?

My host caught a 4-pound rainbow trout, landed it, and less than 5 minutes later, the staff arrived to pick it up and go clean it. At the end of the day, we went back to drop off his gear in the air-conditioned locker room, which was "COOL." Then we stopped in at the kitchen/cleaning/smoke room to pick up his catch. It was cleaned, bagged, and in the refrigerator.

We picked up stuff for lunch and a case of beer on the way to the club. We threw the cooler on the golf cart. Fished about 3hrs and went to the loafing lodge. Wow, rustic new cabin with a pot belly stove in it, a refrigerator, small kitchen sink, microwave and a fully furnished immaculate bathroom! Once we had lunch and a few cold beers it was back at it, a hard day of fishing.

I live 3hrs away and I am considering selling my boat and buying my own membership. It is just amazing!

It was an unforgettable experience, and I can't...

The new Anglers Retreat is a spectacular lodge with absolutley beautiful views of the lake. I first joined Briarwood 35 years ago and the club continues to expand with capital improvements annually. It is maintained like a golf course with a variety of lakes - and of course the best trout streams in the midwest!

Perhaps the thing that makes Briarwood especially enjoyable is the professional, experianced staff. They are always courteous and responsive. Owners Chis and Kristy Daniels have good reason to be proud of the outstanding facilities and their staff (including the fishing guides and the staff in the fish house that can even smoke your days catch and deliiver them hot to your lodge for dinner).

This year over the long Memorial Day weekend we had different groups of visitors on different days and for the first time I hired 2 different Chefs recommended by Diana in the administrative office with different themes each night. And the large dinner tabel on the covered patio above the firepit level overlooking the lake made for the perfect setting for our hosted dinners. Diana in the office (who is especially wonderful) arranged for golf carts at our lodge for our guests to tour the 500 acre property and enjoy the wildlife in the early mornings and evenings, expecially the trophy deer around every turn.

It is the perfect club for entertaining friends and family!

Richard...

My husband's family rents out a lodge several times a year here. It is such a blessing to get away in to nature and away from the bustle of the city with loved ones. The lodges blend modern utility with just the right amount of rustic luxe making one feel like a home away from home. Family time aside, it is made more special by the hospitality and dedicated staff that upkeep these beautiful grounds. Some of the bigger lodges have covered outdoor areas that allow you to enjoy the lakes in any weather. There is an abundance of trails and lush woods that give life to many of God's little creatures making it a wonderland of exploration for bird watchers, lovers of butterflies, chipmunks, salamanders and more. My nieces are never left without something to explore, and our boys enjoy being out on the boats until they're more cooked than the fish. During the day there are plenty of activities to stay busy with, our family is more keen on the fishing. At night the whole world slows. You relax by a fire and watch the stars while taking in the stillness feeling full and peaceful. This is a place where memories are made.

There's also a town nearby that has a few activities to offer and it seems often holds events such...