2012 Bitterroot Bugger Classes, fly tying, casting and more

FREE fly tying and fly fishing classes in Hamilton, Montana!

Do you know kids who would like to learn how to fly fish? How about fly tying? How about learning about bugs and fish identification? Classes are sponsored by Bitterroot Trout Unlimited and the Keystone Discovery Enrichment Program. Join them for the 12th annual Bitterroot Buggers learning sessions which are open to any child in the Bitterroot Valley ages 8 through 14. 

The program will provide small group instruction and all the materials. In addition to the beginner class, an advanced class is offered for students who would like to learn more advanced fly patterns.

For more information call the Westview Center at (406) 375-9999 or  Greg Chester at (406) 363-0033.
Click here for a class flyer.pdf (PDFformat) or class flyer.jpg (picture of the flyer).

Here are the important dates:

• January 24 – Deadline for registration
• February 7– Classes begin with orientation at Westview Center in Hamilton
  Classes continue on the following Tuesdays: February 14, 21, 28 and March 6, 13
  All class times are 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
• March 20– Final Class - casting instruction
• April TBA– actual Fishing Day and picnic

 Registration forms are available at:

•  Download Bitterroot Buggers Class Registration Form in Microsoft Word.
• Western Flies and Guides
  906 South 1st Street, Hamilton, Montana
  (406) 363-9099
  
• Fishaus
  702 North 1st Street, Hamilton, Montana
  

(406) 363-6158

• Westview Center
  103 S. 9th, Hamilton, Montana
  (406) 375-9999

The group can be as many as 50 children so help is welcome. If you are interested in volunteering to help teach fly tying, or supervise and interact with the students, distribute materials, etc., please call the Westview Center or Greg Chester.

What is expected of students?
The success of the program depends on the continued support of volunteer instructors. Because of this, participants are expected to arrive each week ready to learn and enjoy themselves with attitudes that are respectful of everyone involved. Every child is expected to help with cleanup and treat the materials and equipment with respect. If a student’s behavior is disruptive to the program or dangerous to themselves, volunteers or other students, parents will be notified immediately, asked to pick their child up and the student will be dismissed from the program. The program attendance is large and to be fair to all participants, general rules must be followed.

What is expected of families?
Because the staffed is volunteer, it is essential that children be at the class promptly but not before 6:30 pm. They must be picked up by 8:00 pm. No supervision is provided beyond the program time. For the safety of the children, the staff must be notified in advance if a child will be walking home or someone other than those listed on the registration will be picking them up. Parents are welcome to be in class and participate but are expected to assist the child in following the directions given by the instructors. Everyone has different methods and techniques used in tying but the curriculum has been carefully developed to allow for a continuity of techniques.

Be sure and take a moment to thank the volunteer instructors. They generously give up their evenings to prepare for and work with this program.

Download a copy of the "Buggers Expectations" in a PDF file here.