Showing posts with label Fly Fishing Montana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fly Fishing Montana. Show all posts

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Bitterroot fly fishing clinic to be offered in May

Print this form as a jpg or download
a 2014 Bitterroot Fly Fishing Clinic PDF form
This Bitterroot Fly Fishing Clinic is sponsored by The Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot (FFB) and the Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited (BRTU).


When: Four Wednesdays in May , 2014 (5/7, 14, 21 & 28) 
Where: Corvallis Middle School, 6 – 8:30 PM
  • Designed for beginning and intermediate adult anglers
  • Comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of fly fishing
  • Great value at $50 per person
  • Enrollment includes membership in either BRTU or FFB
Sign up deadline - April 25!! Limited enrollment so sign up early!

Special Feature! Casting instruction is provided by Chuck Stranahan and his expert staff. Chuck is a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor.

Enroll at Freestone Fly Shops in Hamilton or Darby or Chuck Stranahan's Flies and Guides in Hamilton or mail in your enrollment form plus a check payable to FFB and mail to FFB, PO Box 692, Victor MT 59875.

Questions? Call Greg Chester at 406-363-0033 or Jim Cline 406-363-2516
Already a member of BRTU or FFB? …then your tuition is only $35
Enrollment form:

Bitterroot Fly Fishing Clinic
Tuition: $50 ($35 if a member of BRTU or FFB) Make checks payable to FFB.
If mailing send to FFB, PO Box 692 , Victor MT 59875
Name_______________________________________
Telephone ____________________________________
Email _________________________________________

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Fishing Christmas Island is a holiday any time of the year, but Christmas in February?

Check out this weeks meeting!!! Should be AWESOME!

Fishing Christmas Island is a holiday any time of the year, but Christmas in February? BRTU board member and expert angler Greg Chester will show us why Christmas Island is considered one of the top angling spots in the world!

The island is a primitive and pristine atoll in Micronesia, and even I know that like Zanzibar, you can't get there in a car. The island surrounds a beautiful lagoon with stunning beaches and the Micronesians are friendly with a very interesting culture. And the fishing! Just outside the lagoon are bonefish and a variety of trevally species, including the tackle-busting Giant Trevally.

Obviously, most of us won't wet a fly or bust a rod on Christmas Island, but Greg has fished there several times and his slide show is the next best thing to going there.

The program will begin at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 20 at the Hamilton Elks Club at 203 State Street. The meeting is open to the public and there is no charge for admission.

And don't forget we will be having dinner with Greg at 5:00 pm at the Spice of Life. Long-time BRTU support Karen Suennen will donate 10% of the proceeds to our club.


For more information, contact BRTU Chapter President Ross Rademacher (monkeykatet@gmail.com) or Greg Chester (gchester55@aol.com)

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Bitterroot fly fishing workshop in May presented by BRTU and FFB


The  Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot proudly present a fly fishing workshop

A comprehensive course  for beginner and intermediate anglers


  • Classes will be 6-8:30 pm on four Wednesdays in May (5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22) at the Corvallis Middle School Cafeteria for anglers 16 and older.
  • Casting, gear, entomology, casting, knots, fly tying and many other important subjects will be covered.
Cost for the four classes is $50.00, and includes a one year membership to either Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot (FFB) or Bitterroot Trout Unlimited (BRTU) – your choice.  The fee is only $35.00 if you are already a member of one of these organizations.

For more information or to register call Jim Cline (FFB) at 406-363-2516, Phil Romans (FFB) at 406-363-0744 or Greg Chester (BRTU) at 406-363-0033

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

A photo review of 2011 Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Banquet in September

This post has five albums from the 2011 Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited Banquet. If you did attend, you will enjoy looking through the photos and remembering the fun. If you didn't attend, you will see all the fun, amazing auction items and great people you missed.

1. A few well deserved awards were given out at the 2011 Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited Banquet


2. Photos of Bitterroot Buggers - the wildly successful kids club - at the banquet. Great group of kids and volunteers who make this program as active as it is. Thank you to all!


3. Action at the Auction - photos during the live auction


4. Raffle and Auction Items at the 2011 Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited Banquet


5. People and more people - photos taken at the banquet of people attending and mingling




See BRTU photos:


Friday, March 18, 2011

Thank you Bitter Root Brewery, Spice of Life, and Banque Club

(Hamilton, Mont., Mar 17) March 2011 is a good month for winter recreation and for Bitterroot Trout Unlimited (BRTU) to recognize and thank three exceptional supporting businesses. The BRTU chapter is very fortunate to have many establishments in the area that are good supporters and reliable contributors to TU’s conservation and education efforts. The local TU Chapter encourages visitors and residents to patronize these places to eat and drink as you recreate around the Bitterroot Valley. These recommendations don’t come lightly. Read about each supporter below.
o   Bitterroot Brewing Company
Nicol and Tim Bozik are the daughter-father team owning and running Bitter Root Brewing. In addition to sponsoring the BRTU banquet and providing the best microbrews in the valley, the Brewery also hosts a fly-tying roundtable every Wednesday evening. According to Greg Chester, the fun and tying starts about 5:30 P.M. Prominent tiers from around the valley periodically show up, flaunt their abilities, and provide entertainment and fishing fables. If you want to pick up some tips from the best, stop by, grab an IPA and check it out. Rumor has it that even local living legend John Foust occasionally shows up. The food is superior pub fare, too. And, check their website for information about the brews and the popular music venue.
Bitter Root Brewing Co.
101 Marcus Street
Hamilton, Montana
(406) 363-7468
Directions
| Menu | Hours and Calendar
o   The Banque Bar
Al Mitchell, owner of the Paper Clip in Hamilton, has opened a full-service bar in the old Banque Club and Bar on Hamilton’s Main Street. Paper Clip has been a donor to BRTU since the late 1970’s when Cherie and Dale Linduska opened it; Carol and Al continue this tradition. If you are still thirsty for a drink and some conversation after the Brewery closes at 8:00 pm, head on over to the Banque. It is an historic building worth spending time in.
Banque Club
225 W Main St
Hamilton, Montana
(406) 363-5205
Directions
o   Tapas at the Spice of Life
Karen Suennen and the crew at Spice of Life are also long-time supporters of BRTU. In fact, Spice catered the banquets for a number of years before BRTU moved the event out to the Bitterroot River Inn. Karen recently added Tapas based on her regular menu between 5:30 and 6:30 on Wednesdays through Saturdays. In case you don’t know, tapas are “small plates” of delectables designed to whet the appetite and stimulate conversation over a glass of wine or a beer, perfect before a larger meal or before heading home to dinner. Stop in for dinner or for a very modest price enjoy a beverage and a selection of A to Z nibbling including hummus & crostini, tuna yakitori with sushi rice and nori, and olives in warm olive oil. Click the menu link so you can check it out yourself.
Spice of Life Cafe and Catering
163 S 2nd St
Hamilton, Montana
(406) 363-4433
Directions
| Menu | Hours
For more information about Bitterroot Trout Unlimited and becoming a sponsor:
Visit www.brtu.blogspot.com
Contact:
Bitter Root Chapter
PO Box 262
Hamilton, MT 59840

President: Cassie Buhl
cassie.buhl@gmail.com
(406) 363-3485

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

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

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.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

The state of the Bitterroot by Chris Clancy & Leslie Nyce, FWP

Join us March 18th at 7pm!

BRTU presentation by Chris Clancy

THE STATE OF THE BITTERROOT:
Shifting Baselines from Fishing Regulations to Gene Regulation
by Chris Clancy & Leslie Nyce
MT Dept Fish Wildlife & Parks Wildlife & Parks

Public is Welcome!

Hamilton Elks Lodge • 203 State Street
For more information, call 363-6158 or gchester55@aol.com.

Elks Lodge

203 State Street
Hamilton, MT 59840
(406) 363-3031
Get directions

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Turning Blue into Green: An Introduction to the Montana Water Market

February 23 - 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Bitterroot Public Library.

Turning Blue into Green: An Introduction to the Montana Water Market

by Chris Corbin with Lotic Water Marketing.

Flow Restoration in MT: Water Right Leasing, Source Switching & Irrigation Efficiency

by Rankin Holmes with Montana Water Trust.

With funding from MT DEQ, BRWF is hosting two speakers on water marketing and flow restoration in Montana. A question and answer discussion will follow the presentation. The presentation is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served.

Bitterroot Public Library

www.bitterrootpubliclibrary.org

306 State Street
Hamilton, MT 59840-2759
(406) 363-1670
Get directions

For more information, contact:
Laurie Riley, Executive Director
Bitter Root Water Forum
PO Box 1247
Hamilton, Montana 59840
(406) 375-2272
Email brwaterforum@bitterroot.net
www.brwaterforum.org

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Bitterroot Brewing Company - Support our Supporters Series

Support our supporters!
Our club is very fortunate to have many establishments in town that are good supporters and reliable contributors to our efforts. When you patronize these places as we eat and drink our way around town let them know you appreciate their support to Bitterroot Trout Unlimited (BRTU).

This post is featuring the
Bitterroot Brewing Company.

In addition to sponsoring the BRTU banquet and providing the best micro-brews in our area, the Brewery also hosts a fly tying round-table every Wednesday evening at 5:30. Prominent tiers from around the valley periodically show up and flaunt their abilities. If you want to pick up some tips from the best, stop by, grab an IPA and check it out. Rumor has it that even local living legend John Foust and our distinguished BRTU board member, Greg Chester, occasionally show up.

The food is superior pub fare, too. Check out the Bitterroot Brewing Company food menu with this link.

Bitterroot Brewing

Bitter Root Brewing

www.bitterrootbrewing.com

101 Marcus Street
Hamilton, MT 59840-2541
(406) 363-7468
Get directions

Native fish restoration in Montana - Bitterroot Trout Unlimited public program 1-21-2010

The January BRTU meeting will be at 7:00 PM Thursday, January 21 at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State Street. Travis Horton, who is the Native Fish Coordinator for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, will give a presentation about Montana’s Native Trout programs. This will be a great opportunity to learn about what makes Montana’s fisheries so special. Attached is the postcard that is being mailed out. Please feel free to forward on to interested friends. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Bean at 363-6158, Fishaus@blackfoot.net

Link to programs offered by Bitterrroot TU


Elks Lodge

maps.google.com

203 State Street
Hamilton, MT 59840-2522
(406) 363-3031
Get directions

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

2009 BRTU Banquet Live Auction Program - Join us September 25th

BRTU 2009 Banquet Ticket

2009 BRTU Banquet
Live Auction Program

LA-: “The Art and Soul of Cooking.” 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 29 years ago and is the only artist to have donated every year. However, Bob is also a master cook of gourmet continental cuisine. He regularly leads trips to Europe that meld fine art and history with sublime culinary experiences. This singular premium pairs a gourmet continental dinner for four prepared by Bob with an original oil painting to commemorate the meal. So, prepare your sense and dig deep for this premium. (Item # 2) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______
Art Focus - Fine Arts and Framing
215 West Main Street
Hamilton, MT 59840
406-363-4112

LA-: “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 on the river so her feel is truly instinctive. If you select this one day float trip for two on the Bitterroot, you will experience Jenny’s River. (Item # 16) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA- : “Flathead Angler’s Sandwich.” This great premium consists of a float trip for 2 in the Flathead area, donated by Lakestream Fly Shop of Whitefish, sandwiched between 2 night accommodations for 2 at the award winning Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. Lakestream is the premier shop in this area and Grouse Mountain Lodge cannot be beat! How can you lose with this premium? (Item # 72, 74) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA- : “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 in just about any season and on any river in the Bozeman area if you know what you are doing. 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, who is the 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. http://www.troutfitters.com/ (Item # 53) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA-: “Haunted by Waters.” Inspired by the famous ending of A River Runs Through It, internationally recognized Montana artist Monte Dolack has created this gorgeous scene of an angler on the Blackfoot River. The location is near one of the spots specifically mentioned by Norman Maclean in the novella. The edition is limited to 100 using the archival process of giclee printing. Monte and his wife Mary Beth Percival own Monte Dolack Gallery and they have donated this special piece of art. http://www.dolack.com/ (Item # 21) Winning Bid:________ Bidder Number:_______

LA- : “1/2 Day Duck Hunt for 2 at The Teller with framed Joe Thornbrugh Montana Ducks Unlimited print.” The Teller recently partnered with Trout Unlimited and others on a major stream restoration project on Gird Creek. This and other projects have led to some of the finest duck shooting opportunities in Western Montana. You can find out for yourself, because The Teller has generously donated a ½ day duck hunting trip. In case your shooting skills are a little rusty, this premium is matched with a framed limited edition Joe Thornbrugh Montana Duck Unlimited print donated by BRTU board members Theresa Blazicevich and Dave Woodgerd. Proceeds from this premium will go towards BRTU’s Bitterroot Buggers and education programs. http://www.tellerwildlife.org/ (Items # 17, 62) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number:______

LA- : “Spaghetti and Meatballs – NOT: A Tempting Taste of Tuscany.” Amble up the West Fork to the Elk Track Ranch where the ambiance of Tuscany will greet up to eight dinner guests. The menu will reflect the regional cuisine and Tuscan style of dining. Don’t expect spaghetti and meatballs like Mom used to make! Donated by Dick and Judy, The Italian, Estler
Must be used by September 1, 2010. (Item # 18) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA-: “Dinner and a Show - and No Drive Home.” Thanks to the generosity of Gordon Maus who is Technical Production Director for Missoula Children’s Theatre, BRTU is pleased to offer this great Missoula premium. Start off with dinner for 2 at the acclaimed Finn & Porter, followed by 2 tickets for a wonderful performance at the Missoula Children’s Theatre.(Reserve your tickets early!) Best of all, the premium includes overnight accommodations for 2 at the Edgewater Doubletree. Once you check in, you won’t have to get in your car until you head home the next morning. In fact, you might not want to come back home at all! (Items # 4,5,6 ) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA-: “Matched Trio of Split Bamboo “Rods”.” Glenn Brackett and Jerry Kustich, known as the booboys operate Sweetgrass Rods in Twin Bridges and make the finest split bamboo rods in the world. For our 30th anniversary banquet, the booboys have created a unique one-of-a-kind set of three 2 piece “rods.” – a four-strip set, a five-strip set and a six-strip set. These are the very first rods like this that the booboys have ever crafted and they will test your skills on patterns like Kung Pao Chicken, Suan La Tang, and Ma-Po Tofu. http://www.sweetgrassrods.com/ (Item # 10) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA-: “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. http://www.bitterrootlandtrust.org/ (Item # 71) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA- : “A Day on the Big Hole.” Former BRTU President “Banjo Jack” Mauer, owner of Wapiti Waters, has guided extensively on the Big Hole River for many years. The Big Hole is known as the most perfect trout stream, and a day with Jack will show you why. The water is gorgeous and the fish are strong. After a day of personalized instruction on the Big Hole for 2 anglers with Jack, you will want to return over and over. If you prefer, Jack may be able to substitute a trip on the Bitterroot. http://www.wapiti-waters.com/ (Item # 13) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number:______

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

LA- : “Bitterroot Honey Hole.” Nationally recognized Missoula watercolorist Kendahl Jan Jubb, co-owner of Jubb-Murphy Fine Art in Missoula is acclaimed for her unique approach to scenes of nature. Her highly sought and brightly colored fish, wildlife, birds, and flowers are exquisitely rendered and striking in appearance. Kendahl and her husband Ram Murphy have generously donated a personally embellished giclee print for the BRTU banquet, the first TU banquet to which Kendahl has donated. The print has been framed by Joe’s Studio. http://www.kendahljanjubb.com/ (Item # 54) Winning Bid:____ Bidder Number:___

LA-: “Thirty Dozen Flies in a Presentation Box.” In a singular effort for our 30th anniversary banquet, BRTU President Geoff FitzGerald has organized a cadre of local flytiers to create a collection of 30 dozen flies. Geoff has also arranged for a one-of-a-kind presentation display case handcrafted by Dave Bryan. At more than a fly a day, no matter how much you fish, this premium ought to sustain you through a full year. Don’t count, but there are actually more than 30 dozen! And after the flies are all gone, you still have the gorgeous box.(Item # 14, 33) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number:

LA-: “A Cutthroat on the Bitterroot.” Long time contributor Judith DeYoung has painted a gorgeous cutthroat for this year’s 30th 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 Robert Neaves of Art Focus. (Items # 48) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number: ______

LA-: “Angler’s Seasons.” Dick Estler and Eddie Olwell have teamed up for a wonderful premium. Dick’s lovely original watercolor titled “Every Fisher’s Winter Dream is framed in antique barn board and willow and a one day float trip for two with former BRTU President Eddie Olwell of Fishs EddieO Outfitters fills out the package. In addition to being an excellent flytier and angler, Dick is a great artist and Eddie’s skill as a guide is guaranteed to hook you some trout. Plus, Eddie’s New Jersey accent and wit will make you think you’re fishing with a real wise guy. (Items # 12, 19) Winning Bid: ______ Bidder Number:__________

LA- : “Framed Stonefly Prismacolor and Realistic Nymphs.” UM Entomology Professor, Dr Diana Six, has created another one-of-a-kind premium for this year’s banquet. A framed Prismacolor drawing of a stonefly nymph is accompanied by a number of realistic stonefly patterns. Diana studies insects for a living and her skills as an artist and flytier are evident in this exclusive offering. (Item # 56) Winning Bid:____ Bidder Number:___

LA-: “Russ Peak “Zenith” flyrod.” Legendary California rodmaker Russ Peak was referred to as a “Stardivarius” and is acknowledged to have been one of the greatest private rodbuilders of all time. Russ worked only in glass and graphite; in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s he spent summers on Rock Creek perfecting designs for a limited and very exclusive clientele, including Tom McGuane and Harmon Henkin. Tom has written that Russ was “the ne plus ultra rodmaker in the seventies when I was fishing two hundred days a year.” This near mint condition Russ Peak “Zenith” was custom-made for Pasadena, CA rod collector and BRTU member, Dr. Martin Weiss, who knew Russ well. The rod is, serial number 14356, 8’ 2 ½” and is rated for 5-6-7 weight line, and is a superior collectible. As you can learn on eBay, Russ’s rods command a premium value on the secondary market. (Item # 28) Winning Bid:____ Bidder Number:___

LA-: A Day on the Lake with 2009 Bassmaster Classic Contender Jay Evans. Spend a day on Noxon Rapids Reservoir chasing trophy smallmouth bass with Professional Bass Tournament Angler Jay Evans. Jay is a four-time and current Montana BASS Federation Angler of the Year, 3-time BASS Federation National Championship Qualifier and represented the BASS Federation Western Division at the 2009 Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport, LA. He has served on the Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Board of Directors for the last 8 years and is the Conservation Director for Montana BASS Federation Nation. This once in a lifetime fishing trip includes a full-day guided trip for 2 on Noxon Rapids Reservoir. You and a guest will spend the day chasing trophy smallmouth bass in a 2009 Triton X3 Bass Boat powered by a 250hp Mercury Pro XS Motor, MotorGuide 109TE Electric Motor and Lowrance HDS Electronics. Trip includes all necessary equipment, gas, lunch and 1 night accommodations at Lakeside Resort in Trout Creek, MT. Sponsors: Triton Boats, Mercury Motors, Motorguide, Lowrance Electronics, Optima Batteries, G. Loomis, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Gamma Technologies, Simms Fishing Products, Lakeside Resort (Item # 78) Winning Bid:_______ Bidder Number:___________



BRTU apologizes for any errors or omissions.
Items and order are subject to change.
All sales are final and the auctioneer’s word is law!

For tickets and information call:
BRTU President: Geoff FitzGerald at 406-375-9064 or email fitzes91@yahoo.com.
Or
Fishaus Fly Fishing
Bill Bean
702 North First Street
Hamilton, MT 59840
(406) 363-6158 or toll free (888) 363-6158
email fishaus@montana.com

Our Banquet Menu - One more reason to come to our Banquet

RIVERSONG CATERING
Seasonal Organic Cuisine


Menu for Trout Unlimited Annual Banquet (our 30th)
September 25th, 2009

Salads

*Fresh Bitterroot Apples, Spinach, Gorgonzola, Toasted Pecans
Balsamic Vinaigrette

Entrée’s

*Roasted Chicken with Gorgonzola Walnut Sauce and Flathead Cherries

*Smoked Montana Flat Iron Strips with Mushroom and Sage Sauté

Accompaniments

*Orzo with Roasted Summer Squash, Sweet Onion and Herbs

*Bitterroot Potato, Pecorino, Garlic and Greens Gratin


Fresh Baguette and Herb Butter

*Dark Chocolate Cups
Amaretto Mousse, Candied Chili Almonds
For tickets and information call:
BRTU President: Geoff FitzGerald at 406-375-9064 or email fitzes91@yahoo.com.
Or
Fishaus Fly Fishing
Bill Bean
702 North First StreetHamilton, MT 59840
(406) 363-6158 or toll free (888) 363-6158

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Dancing Trout Ale helps celebrate Big Blackfoot Chapter of Trout Unlimited's Success and Future on Sept. 12, 2009 in Missoula

Here is a post dedicated to our neighbors, Big Blackfoot Chapter of Trout Unlimited in Missoula, Montana.

A message from our friend, Jerry O'Connell:

For the past 20 years, our Big Blackfoot Chapter Trout Unlimited (BBCTU) has done more watershed restoration and preservation than any other chapter in the US. It has gained national acclaim and recognition for the hundreds of miles of restored and protected tributaries of the Big Blackfoot River. Over the years, BBCTU has set the standard for designing, managing, and executing boots-and-shovels projects at the grass roots level.

BBCTU has done all of this without a single fundraising event. However, we feel it’s time to break that tradition as we celebrate these two decades of progress. Thus, we’ll be holding our 20th Anniversary Party on Saturday, September 12, 2009, complete with bus tours of some of our projects, cocktails, a pitchfork BBQ and an auction with some very unique items (need a steer?). It’ll be at the Rolling Stone Ranch in Ovando, right in the heart of the Blackfoot Valley.

Please come! Pass the word to your friends – the more the merrier. You can call me (244-5612) or the BBCTU offices (677-6454) to make reservations. It’s a bargain at $25 each (or $50 will get you dinner and a Monte Dolack print of the Blackfoot). Email Jerry at joconnell@blackfoot.net.

Merle's note: What a way to break tradition. If you can make this event, DO IT! It will be an amazing gathering loaded with fun and you will mingle with some of Montana's interesting, caring and socially and environmentally involved people.

About Trout Slayer and Bayern Brewery

The original brew was called Trout Slayer Ale but in 2007 on the 20th anniversary of Bayern Brewing, the oldest brewery (and in my opinion the best) in Montana decided to give Trout Slayer Ale a new face to best reflect Bayern Brewing’s environmental company philosophy.

Their search for a more appropriate name kept them coming back to “Dancing Trout.” Whether as a fishing term or in various spiritual expressions of music and dance, Dancing Trout became a symbol of celebrating life and the lifestyle embraced by Montana.

So, they also endorsed Montana Trout Unlimited. The name change to Dancing Trout Ale was not merely a cosmetic one. They knew that it was time to brew a beer with a cause. They presented the idea of making Bayern Brewing’s Dancing Trout Ale the official beer sponsor of Montana Trout Unlimited (www.montanatu.org) and were met with the organization’s immediate support and enthusiasm. Bayern Brewing pledges a portion of all merchandise and every case of beer sold to Montana Trout Unlimited to support the preservation of Montana’s trout habitat.


Click here to learn more about Bayern Brewery and Dancing Trout Ale



To order Dancing Trout gear click here

To order Dancing Trout Ale online click here

For a signed print of the original Dancing Trout artwork contact Kate at

406-543-0054 or kate@montanatu.org

Bitter Root TU Commissioned Artwork by Monte Dolack

By the way, visit another post about Dancing Trout on the fantastic Missoula beer blog, the Grizzly Growler.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Give a child a gift - Trout Unlimited Youth Membership

Give a child a Trout Unlimited Youth Membership.

TU has just launched a new website just for kids: http://www.streamexplorers.org/. The new site has lots of information and activities -- take a look at sections like "Go Fishing," "Fish Facts" or "Get Active." Together with our new quarterly magazine for kids, Stream Explorers, you now have a great way to introduce that special kid in your life to the world of clean water and wild fish, as well as the joy of fly fishing.

For just $12, your child, grandchild or other special young person will receive:

  • Trout Unlimited's new quarterly youth magazine Stream Explorers, full of activities, games and fun facts for kids ages 13 and below. (Kids between 14 and 18 receive Trout magazine.)
  • A welcome letter announcing your gift with a personalized member card, Stream Explorers decal and a TU wall calendar that will mail in late summer.
  • Early invitations to view the launch of new features on http://www.streamexplorers.org/.

For a gift of $25, the recipient will also receive "A Kid's Guide to Flyfishing":


  • With a retail value of $16, "A Kid's Guide to Flyfishing" is written by Tyler Befus, a fly angler who authored the book at age 8.

There is no better way to introduce your child, grandchild or other special young person to cold water conservation and fly fishing than by giving a TU Stream Explorers membership. It's quick, easy, and secure.

Thanks for your support,
Dave Rogers
Director of Volunteer Operations
TROUT UNLIMITED

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Home | Stream Explorers - THE COOLEST PAGE for kids!!!

Home Stream Explorers

"TU has a new group of members--a bunch of Stream Explorers. Youth 15 and under have a special membership level now, including their own magazine and website. Launched February 1, the Stream Explorers website introduces kids to the basics of fishing (GO FISH), trout science (FISH FACTS), and conservation (GET ACTIVE). Take a look at this great new perk for TU kids at http://www.streamexplorers.org/.

The MEMBERS section will help you help your favorite youngster become a Stream Explorer.

»Sign a child up for Stream Explorers »streamexplorers.org"

Monday, February 2, 2009

Celebrating 50 Years - Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited is celebrating 50 years of conserving, protecting and restoring North Americas coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Visit http://www.tu50.org/ for more information.

TU will host its 50th anniversary celebration and annual meeting at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City, Michigan, not far from where TU was founded 50 years ago. A week-long schedule of events will mark the celebration. From hosted fishing trips, visits with fly fishing notables, casting contests and much more, the event will be a memorable celebration.

  • Time and Place: Monday, August 17-24, 2009 at 12:00am
    Location: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
    Street: 100 Grand Traverse Village Boulevard
    City/Town: Traverse City, MI
    View Map

    Contact Info Phone: 1-800-834-2419

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Fishing the Clark Fork River with "Trout Unlimited On the Rise"

TU TV show logoTrout Unlimited On the Rise
Clark Fork River: Missoula, MT
Sat, Jan 24, 2:00 PM Run Time: 30 min.
OUTDR 153 on Dish Network
Genre: Sports, Sports non-event
First Aired: Jan 23, 2009
Topic: Fishing the Clark Fork River


I know this is a Bitterroot TU blog, but in this episode, Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Board Member, Jack Mauer, is fishing with Host Frank Smethurst. Check it out.

Clark Fork river in September - photo by Jack Mauer

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Milltown Cleanup Update for Guides

Guides on the Clark Fork River, Montana - photo by Jack MauerOn Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 5:30-7:30PM, the Clark Fork Coalition and Montana Trout Unlimited will co-host Guiding Without the Dam, an update for guides on the Milltown cleanup project, at the Coalition offices at 140 S. 4th St. W. Free pizza and beer will be served.

Please RSVP to info@clarkfork.org or 406-542-0539.

Click Montana Trout Unlimited or Clark Fork Coalition for more information on the projects and issues they are working on.