Thursday, January 27, 2011

Annual state of the Bitterroot by Montana FWP biologist Chris Clancy, 2-17-11

Chris at last years talk
February 17, 2011, Chris Clancy will talk about the state of the Bitterroot River to the public. The talk is sponsored by Bitterroot Trout Unlimited.

The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm at the Elks Lodge
203 State Street
Hamilton, MT 59840-2522
(406) 363-3031
Get directions.
Chris will offer a status report and update on the river system and fishery trends. Among the other topics to be covered are fishing regulations, a floating bypass for the Corvallis Canal, and the impact of fish screens and siphons on Skalkaho Creek.

It is tradition to have dinner before the meetings at with the speaker at Spice of Life at 5:00 pm. Long-time TU supporter Karen Suennen will be donating 10% of the proceeds from each bill to Bitterroot Trout Unlimited. The public is invited come on down, have dinner and a drink and visit with Chris.

Rainbow trout - an entirely synthetic fish. Learn more Feb 7 in Missoula, MT

Join Missoula and the author for a reading and signing of Anders Halverson's An Entirely Synthetic Fish. The event will be at Fact & Fiction, 220 N. Higgins Ave, Missoula, Montana on February 10th from 7 pm to 8:20 pm. For more information call the book store at (406) 721-2881. Click here for directions to Fact and Fiction downtown.
About the Book

An Entirely Synthetic Fish: How Rainbow Trout Beguiled America and Overran the World (Hardcover)

By Anders Halverson
$26.00 - ISBN-13: 9780300140873
Availability: Special Order - Subject to Availability
Published: Yale University Press, 3/2010
Anders Halverson provides an in-depth account of the rainbow trout and why it has become the most commonly stocked and controversial freshwater fish in the United States. Rainbow trout have been proudly dubbed “an entirely synthetic fish” by fisheries managers. According to Halverson, his book examines the paradoxes and reveals a range of characters, from nineteenth-century boosters who believed rainbows could be the saviors of democracy to twenty-first-century biologists who now seek to eradicate them from waters around the globe. He discusses how the story of the rainbow trout is the story of our relationship with the natural world—how it has changed and how it startlingly has not.

Anders Halverson is an award winning journalist with a Ph.D. in aquatic ecology from Yale University. With support from the National Science Foundation, he wrote this book as a research associate at the University of Colorado’s Center of the American West.
A lifelong fisherman, he currently lives in Boulder, CO.
Other Montana events for this book are:
Book Signing at Country Bookshelf Bookstore
, Bozeman, MT on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 4:00pm. Click here for more information about the Country Bookshelf Bookstore.
Book Discussion at Montana State Univ., Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman, MT Monday, February 7, 2011 at 6:00pm. Click here for the website for Museum of the Rockies
Plenary Address at the Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Great Falls, MT, Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 9:00am. Click here for AFS information http://www.fisheries.org/units/AFSmontana/
For fun, he posted this quiz on GoFishn.com. The winner received his book.
The Rainbow Trout Quiz: Question #1 - GoFISHn on GoFISHn
In 1996, IdahoDepartment of Fish and Game hatchery managers routinely taught their fish one thing before releasing them into the wild. What was it?

The answer: worms. Candy Craig got it right, and she's the winner of a copy of the book. The reason the fisheries officials put the fish on a worm diet was to prepare them for the wild. They feared the fish would swim around looking for pellets  when they were released, which is their normal fare in the hatchery.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

BRTU presents Bad Boys and Bull Trout - Sordid Tales of Montana Men - Jan 20 in Hamilton

The January Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Meeting will be Thursday, January 20, 2011, 7:00 PM at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St.

The speaker will be Wade Fredenberg, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Kalispell, MT

The title of Wade’s talk is: "Bad Boys and Bull Trout - Sordid Tales of Montana Men Who Fished For Bull Trout and the Dollies Who Loved Them."

The Bull Trout is one of Montana’s native trout. Native Americans once fished for enormous bull trout all up and down the Bitterroot, but big bruisers are rare now in the main stem of the river. Wade Fredenberg coordinates bull trout programs for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. He is going to give an incredibly interesting and entertaining historical account of these special fish and describe their prospects for the 21st century .

And, don’t forget! We will be having dinner with Wade at Spice of Life at 5:00 pm before the meeting. Long-time TU supporter Karen Suennen will have a special tapas menu for us and will be donating 10% of the proceeds to our club. So come on down, have a beer and a bite to eat and meet Wade.

The meeting and the dinner are open to the public and you need not be a TU member to attend.

For more information, contact 363-3485 or  gchester55@aol.com

Friday, November 12, 2010

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

Monday, October 11, 2010

BRTU presents, Rebirth of a river system By David Schmeterling, Clark Fork River

Clark Fork river in September - nice rainbow trout
When: Thursday, October 21, 2010, 7:00 pm
Where: Hamilton Elks Lodge
             203 State Street
             Hamilton, Montana
What: Bitterroot Trout Unlimited presents
           Rebirth of a river system
           By David Schmeterling of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

David Schmeterling, FWP biologist, will talk about the fishery effects of Milltown Dam Removal.


By removing the old dams at Milltown and Bonner, Montana, the river system and junction that Lewis and Clark saw will be recreated.  On July 4, 1806, Merriwether Lewis described this river in his journal and now 100 years later, it is as he first saw it. The Blackfoot and Clark Fork come together in a confluence without a dam and reservoir. Fish from the lower Clark Fork can swim up the Blackfoot, the Clark Fork, to Rock Creek and beyond in their natural state.

Dave Schmetterling has been and is tracking the impacts. He is learning about effects on bull trout, cutthroat and other fish. He will be sharing with the public what this incredible project is doing for our native fish!
Raffle tickets for the Sweetgrass Bamboo fly rod made by the Sweetgrass Boo Boys will be sold at the meeting. The Raffle ends in November. $20 will give one a chance to win the exquisite $2500 rod. The rod is on display at Art Focus, 215 W Main St, Hamilton, MT, phone (406) 363-4112.()
Raffle tickets are available at Fishaus Tackle, Western Flies & Guides, and Art Focus.
For more information about Bitterroot Trout Unlimited, the program or the raffle:

Visit www.brtu.org
Contact:
Bitter Root Chapter
PO Box 262
Hamilton, MT 59840

President: Bill Bean
fishaus@montana.com
(406) 363-6158

Vice President: Greg Chester
gchester55@aol.com
(406) 363-0033

BRTU special events: Marshall Bloom
drtrout@mtbloom.net
(406) 363-3485
More articles:

Friday, October 8, 2010

2010 Banquet review and photos

September 24, 2010 was the 31st annual Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Banquet. Bitterroot Trout Unlimited (BRTU) is one of the most respected groups in the Bitterroot Valley. They are proud of their status and the accomplishments the chapter has made in collaboration with the private and public sector. BRTU is “working today for the trout of tomorrow.”

The banquet theme this year was “Working together for conservation” and the fundraising event was a smashing success. The delicious organic dinner was catered by Riversong Gourmet and the beverage service was provided by Silver Coin Casino. As usual, local brews were available featuring Bitter Root Brewing Company. One will want to put this event on the September 2011 calendar. Check www.brtu.org for the date. It will be posted early in 2011.

Proceeds of the banquet and the sponsor program support the BRTU Education and Stewardship efforts, and, unlike other sponsor programs, the money will stay local and is not used for salaries!
Two new projects are being launched this year. They are in addition to all the conservation and education projects they have done for many years.
New project #1: support of a fisheries intern to work on native trout projects with the U.S. Forest Service fisheries staff.
New project #2: the underwriting of a fish biology class at Corvallis High School. This class will include the acclaimed “Trout in the Classroom” program.

See photos from the banquet in the slideshows below.







Monday, September 20, 2010

2010 BRTU Banquet - Friday, September 24, in Hamilton, MT


Kingfisher by Monte Dolack www.dolack.com
Tickets are moving well for this Friday’s banquet, September 24, but there are still some left.

The list in this blog entry is only the Live Auction items and does not include the spectacular list of things we have for the Silent Auction, raffle and door prizes. And, you won't want to miss the wonderful dinner by Riversong Catering.

The event is at the Bitterroot River Inn and begins at 5:00 pm.

You can reserve or purchase tickets at:
Fishaus Tackle (click for map), 406-363-6158, fishaus@blackfoot.net or

Western Flies andGuides
(click for map), 406-363-9099, westernfliesandguides@gmail.com.

If you are coming to the banquet, please feel free to stop by early on Friday afternoon to reserve some seats.

See you there! 

LA-01: “Tie One for the Buggers.”  For more than a decade, BRTU has sponsored the Bitterroot Buggers so that local kids can learn about flytying, flyfishing and trout conservation. This year with the involvement of Hamilton teacher Ria Overholt, the club has moved to the next level. At tonight’s banquet, Bitterroot Buggers Shelby Harrness and Matt Bienusa have been applying their considerable flytying skills to create this premium. The proceeds from the flies will help us maintain a high level of support for this flagship program. (Item #55)
Winning Bid: _______ Bidder Number:___

LA-02: “Sweetgrass Rods Bamboo Walking Stick and Print.” The “Booboys” aka Glenn Brackett and Jerry Kustich operate Sweetgrass Rods in Twin Bridges and make the finest split bamboo rods in the world. For our 31st anniversary banquet, the Booboys have created not a rod, but rather a highly unique bamboo walking stick. The skill that the Booboys put into everything they make is evident in this highly original item. In addition, this auction premium includes a framed Russell Chatham Sweetgrass Print. When the Booboys left that other company to found Sweetgrass Rods, Russ felt that the “tradition was continuing” and authorized an updated version of this long unavailable picture. Framing by Art Focus. (Item #4)
Winning Bid: ______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-03:  “A Trip to Tuscany.” Robert Neaves, owner of Art Focus, is well-known as a master of oil painting. Bob has been contributing fine artwork to BRTU since our very first fundraiser 31 years ago and is the only artist to have donated every year. However, Bob is also a master cook of gourmet continental cuisine. His trips to Europe meld fine art and history with sublime culinary experiences. This singular premium pairs a gourmet Tuscan dinner for four prepared by Bob with an original oil painting to commemorate the meal. So, prepare your senses and dig deep for this premium. (Item #3)
Winning Bid: ______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-04:  “Jenny’s River.” People who float the Bitterroot River with BRTU member and guide Jenny West come away with a special perspective on the river. Jenny has a unique approach to fishing and a winning way with the fish. Jenny was born and raised fishing the river so her delicate feel is truly instinctive. If you select this one day float trip for two on the Bitterroot, you will experience Jenny’s River. (Item #13)
Winning Bid: ________   Bidder Number: _______

LA-05:  “Tacos and Nachos – NOT!!!!: A Mexican Fiesta.” Head south up the West Fork to the Elk Track Ranch where the ambiance of a Mexican Fiesta will greet up to eight dinner guests.  The menu will reflect a sophisticated Mexican cuisine and style of dining.  Don’t expect tacos and nachos! Donated by Dick and Judy Estler. Must be used by September 1, 2011. (Item #9)
Winning Bid: ______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-06:  “The Kingfisher.” Inspired by a sight familiar to all anglers, internationally recognized Montana artist Monte Dolack has created this evocative scene of a Kingfisher perched in a snag surveying the river.  The location is not important, but some more experienced anglers may recognize the particular bend. Monte and his wife Mary Beth Percival own Monte Dolack Gallery and they have donated this special piece of art. www.dolack.com  (Item #16)
Winning Bid: ________  Bidder Number:_______

LA-07:  “A Naturalist’s Day on the River.” All too often when we float the Bitterroot, we forget the magical features of our wonderful river system. Well, leave the rod and reel at home when you and a companion take this float trip with Fred Weisbecker, but do bring your camera and binoculars. Few people have as comprehensive a grasp of the ecology, flora and fauna on the river as Fred does. And, you can top the day off with a superb dinner in a natural setting at The Farm Table at Sleeping Child Farms. (Items #24, 53)
Winning Bid: ________  Bidder Number:_______

LA-08:  “A Pink Rod and a PSA.”  Every year Temple Fork Outfitters produces a limited number of pink flyrods. Organizations like ours auction these sought after rods to underwrite worthy projects the purpose of which is to promote breast cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment. BRTU is proud to donate this rod to assist local efforts in our community. In addition, Dr. Matt Munding of Ravalli Urology and Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital are donating a complete prostate screening, including a PSA and an exam, to flesh out the package. Proceeds from this premium will go to the Aid For Mammography program at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, a project that makes breast cancer screening possible for women who could not otherwise afford it. (Items #12, 111)
Winning Bid: _______ Bidder Number: ___

LA-09:  “A Cutthroat on the Bitterroot.” Long time contributor Judith DeYoung has painted a gorgeous cutthroat for this year’s 31st anniversary banquet. Her original scratchboard elegantly depicts a native cutthroat trout, Judy is the acknowledged expert in this demanding art form and this time the fish will hook the angler! Framing is by The Frame Shop. (Item #25)
Winning Bid: ______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-10:  “Antique Fishing Treatise Dated 1807.” In 18th and 19th century England, private angling treatises described fish and their habitat, along with “bait and bobs.” Long-time BRTU supporter Jay Haglund chanced upon this singular treasure in an antique book seller’s lair. It has interesting information about fish, habitat, tackle and some entomology. This is a rare collector’s item and certainly one of the most unusual premiums we have ever had. (Item #48)
Winning Bid:_______ Bidder Number:_____

LA-11:  “Picture Your Home in This Frame!”  Local artist Dale Jorgenson has gained recognition with his commissioned watercolors of homes, scenes, pets and fish. His previous experience as an architect gives his renderings a fine sense of perspective for homes and scenery. For our 2011 banquet, Dale has offered to create a framed watercolor of your home, a favorite scene, or a beloved pet. A one of a kind item. (Item # 7)
Winning Bid: ______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-12:  “Ross and Scott.” Not a new Celtic duo from Scotland, but a great packable combo for serenading the trout on the Tay, the Spey or even a wilderness loch in the Bitterroots. A 9 ft 4 piece A3906 Scott flyrod is matched with a Ross CLA2 Reel equipped with a 6 wt Scientific Anglers flyline. This package donated by BRTU, Western Flies and Gudies, and Fishaus Tackle will have you dancing the jig while you fish. www.scottflyrod.com and www.rossreels.com (Items #11, 32)
Winning Bid: _______ Bidder Number:______

LA-13:  “A Day on the Blackfoot.” Former BRTU President “Banjo Jack” Mauer, owner of Wapiti Waters, has guided extensively on the Blackfoot River for many years. The Blackfoot is known as a river of many moods, and a day with Jack will show you the tricks. The water is varied and gorgeous and the fish surprisingly strong. After a day of personalized instruction on the Blackfoot for 2 anglers with Jack, you will want to return over and over. If you prefer, Jack may be able to substitute a late summer trip on the lower Bitterroot flyfishing for both tricos and northern pike; he calls it trico-piko. www.wapiti-waters.com (Item #17) Winning Bid: ______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-14: “A Private Wine Tasting Event.” In the time since Gena Eales opened her store, Provisions Fine Foods & Wines has become the place in town for reliable gourmet fare - fine wines, quality microbrews and artisan food products. By special arrangement with BRTU, Provisions Fine Foods is donating a Private Wine Tasting for Eight People in your own home. Gena will select a number of high end vintages; you and your guests will learn how to evaluate, score, and appreciate the wines. This premium will turn one of your dinner parties into a truly memorable social event. (Item #67)
Winning Bid: ________   Bidder Number: ______

LA-15:  “Montana Trout.”  Missoula watercolorist Kendahl Jan Jubb is critically acclaimed for her unique approach to trout and nature. This piece is a vivid rendering of an underwater fantasy at a favorite Montana fishing spot.  Kendahl and her husband Ram Murphy, co-owners of Jubb-Murphy Fine Art, have contributed this archival quality limited edition print for our banquet -  the only TU chapter to which Kendahl has donated. Framing by Joe’s Studio.  http://www.kendahljanjubb.com (Item #10)
Winning Bid:_______ Bidder Number:___

LA-16: “Two Nights for 4 in the Big Hole at an Exclusive Private Bed and Breakfast.”   The Bitter Root Land Trust is working hard to help preserve critical resources and open space in our valley. BRTU is again partnering with the Land Trust to support their important efforts. The Land Trust is donating two nights for 4 people at a beautiful private Bed & Breakfast Retreat. The home is nine miles north of Wisdom on a bench overlooking the Big Hole Valley. The home is on 40 acres, situated in the middle of a 12,000 acre working ranch. Your host, BRLT Executive Director Gavin Ricklefs, will prepare 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners and even pack you picnic lunches. You’re not far from public access on the Big Hole River - bring your waders, fly rod and your raft. All proceeds from this premium will go to the Bitter Root Land Trust. www.bitterrootlandtrust.org (Item #28)
Winning Bid: _________   Bidder Number: ______

LA-17: “Gunning for the Big Boys.” Gunning for the Big Boys is the expression used by the guides from Bozeman’s Montana Troutfitters when they head out. Although this expression is particularly apt in the fall, it is true year-round in the Bozeman area if you are in the know. Started in 1978, Montana Troutfitters was Bozeman’s first full-service fly fishing shop and has maintained a high reputation for guides, equipment, and advice. Manager Kris Kumlien, son of legendary Bozeman guide Dave Kumlien, carries on the tradition and exacting standards at Troutfitters and has generously offered this exclusive one-day fishing trip for 2 anglers. They’ll pick the river and -oh, yes - better leave your teeny tiny 3-weight at home. www.troutfitters.com (Item #59)
Winning Bid: _________   Bidder Number: ______

LA-18:  “The Ultimate Gift for an Angler.” This item may well be the last piece of equipment that any angler will need! Ron Brothers of Brothers Mortuary has donated a premium bronze plaque that can be inscribed with the text of your choice. Matthews Bronze is acknowledged to be the premier fabricator of bronze plaques, and this item is suitable to commemorate a loved one or a pet, to denote a special event or to mark a special location or new home. The plaque can be mounted on a memorial, a large rock or tree, a masonry wall or almost any other structure. (www.brothersmortuary.com, http://www.matthewsbronze.com)     (Item #33)
Winning Bid: _______ Bidder Number:_____

LA-19:  “Before Blodgett Camp.” Legendary photographer Ernst Peterson ranged our mountains, streams and backcountry with his heavy camera in the mid-20th century. He also captured Bitterroot scenes that now represent a by-gone era. By exclusive arrangement with the Ravalli County Museum, BRTU is pleased to offer this stunning photo of an apple orchard on the near West Side before Blodgett Camp Road led to Blodgett Creek and Canyon Creek trailheads. The premium includes passes to the museum and a private viewing of the Peterson collection with museum executive director Tamar Stanley. Framing by Joe’s Studio. (Item #01)
Winning Bid: ______   Bidder Number:______

LA-20:  “The Kootenai and the Yaak.” Ever wonder what it was like fishing in Montana before there was an espresso stand, a boutique flyshop and a Lexus at every pull-out? Those of us that can remember that far back call it honest fishing. To find out for yourself, come and fish the Kootenai or Yaak River on a float trip for 2 with Tim and Joanne Linehan of Linehan Outfitting Company and spend a night in a lovely cabin for 4 in the wild, but captivating upper Yaak River Valley. This is a genuine Montana experience that will draw you back again. www.fishmontana.com (Item #5)
Winning Bid: ______   Bidder Number: ______

BRTU apologizes for any errors or omissions. Auction items and order are subject to change. All sales are final and the auctioneer’s word is law! Payment is expected at checkout.