BRTU presents Grant Grisak's program, the Smith River

Photo of the Smith River by Derek Goldman

Bitterroot Trout Unlimited presents Grant Grisak who will talk about “The Smith River: fabled icon of Montana streams and fishing.”  Grant is Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Fisheries Biologist from the Great Falls, Montana office.

The program is on Thursday, November 18, 2010, 7:00 PM at the Hamilton Elks Lodge located at 203 State Street, Hamilton, Montana. For more information, contact Bill Bean at (406) 363-6158 or fishaus@montana.com or Greg Chester at gchester@aol.com.

Lewis and Clark explored the Smith River as they ascended the Missouri River in the summer of 1805. Today, the Smith is one of the most notable rivers. It boasts spectacular scenery and a productive trout fishery, but the unique aspect is the limited access. It has only one public put-in and one public take-out for a 59-mile stretch of the river. If you put-in, pack and plan for at least a four day float to the take-out. This is a permitted floating stretch and permits are allocated to the public through a lottery system prior to the spring season. Check online at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) Smith River permit page for instructions and information. The process usually begins in January and has a mid-February application deadline.

Greg Grisak is the MFWP manager of the Smith River. Plan to attend this program to learn more about this special river and how MFWP works to protect its special character.

Also available at the program are raffle tickets for a Montana made “Sweetgrass bamboo fly rod” This exquisite rod is valued at $2,500 and is inscribed “Bitterroot Trout Unlimited 2010.” It is custom-crafted by the “Booboys” of Sweetgrass Rods in Twin Bridges, Montana. Visit www.sweetgrassrods.com for more information about the Boo Boys and their rods.

Raffle Ticket Prices are; $20/each, 6 for $100, 20 for $300. Only 300 tickets are printed.

Tickets will be sold during the program. The drawing of  the winning ticket will be held at the end of the program. The winner does not need to be present to win. The rod is on display at Art Focus on Main Street in Hamilton. Tickets are available at Fishaus Tackle, Western Flies & Guides, and Art Focus.
For more information see: Your chance to win a BRTU Commemorative Montana made bamboo fly rod