Bringing a trout stream back to life - BRTU Jan 2015 Public Meeting

• What: Bitterroot Trout Unlimited January 2015 program
• Program title: Bringing a trout stream back to life
• When: Thursday, Jan 15, 2015, 7:00 PM
• Where: Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St, Hamilton, Montana
• Speaker: Casey Hackathorn, Montana Trout Unlimited

This program is open to the public, no charge for admission.
The upper Clark Fork River was assassinated by decades of copper mining in the headwaters. Heavy metals and other poisons strangled the fish and insect, creating the largest superfund site in the world! Once the Milltown Dam was removed, restoration started in earnest. Montana TU is playing a crucial part in resuscitating the fishery and bringing the river back to life. Casey Hackathorn is the TU coordinator on this project and he will tell us about what will probably rank as one of the environmental miracles of our generation. The Clark Fork is the quintessential example of how easy it is to kill a river, and what a herculean effort is needed to bring it back to life. As the current Montana legislature is talking about allowing the Smith River to be “Clark Forked” by a new copper mine, this program is more important than ever. Don’t miss it!

The program will begin at 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 15, 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 Casey 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 Marshall Bloom (drtrout@mtbloom.net),

• Information for Spice of Life Cafe
  and Catering 163 S 2nd St Hamilton, Montana
  (406) 363-4433 click here for Directions
  | Menu
  | Hours

Information for Elks Lodge 203 State
Street Hamilton, MT 59840-2522
(406) 363-3031  Click here for directions

The 2015 Montana Legislature: Lurking Dangers for our Trout and Streams

• What: Bitterroot Trout Unlimited November 2014 Public Program
• Program title: The 2015 Montana Legislature: Lurking Dangers for our Trout and Streams
• When: Thursday, Nov 20, 2014, 7:00 PM
• Where: Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St, Hamilton, Montana
• Speaker: Mark Aagenes, Conservation Director, Montana Trout Unlimited (MTU)

This program is open to the public, no charge for admission.

The election is over and the Montana Legislature will be meeting in January. Watch out because it doesn't look pretty! Since 2005, Montana TU has sent Mark Aagenes up to the Capitol to defend our rights as anglers and to fight for better stream protection and fish habitat. Mark will be in Hamilton to discuss a plethora of threats to our fisheries, streams, and public access. These include the proposed copper mine on the Smith, local and state water issues, and stream access. Come learn how Montana TU plans to fight for our trout and streams, and how you can help.

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

And don't forget we will be having dinner with Mark 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 (RossRademacher@gmail.com) or Greg Chester (gchester55@aol.com)

• Information for Spice of Life Cafe and Catering 163 S 2nd St Hamilton, Montana
  (406) 363-4433 click here for Directions | Menu | Hours

• Information for Elks Lodge 203 State Street Hamilton, MT 59840-2522
  (406) 363-3031  Click here for directions

2014-2015 BRTU Monthly Program Schedule - Public is welcome

The public is welcome to attend all BRTU meetings. Unless noted, meetings are the 3rd Thursday evening of the month at 7:00 PM at the Hamilton Elks Club, 203 State Street, Hamilton, Mont. A tentative schedule (subject to change) is:

• October 15, 2014 - Mike Gurnett, MFWP, Helena, MT "Three Men, Three Rivers, and other video treasures from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks archives."
• November 20, 2014 - Mark Aagenes, Montana Trout Unlimited, Missoula, Montana "The 2015 Montana Legislature: Dangers lurk for our trout and streams."
• January 15, 2015 - Casey Hackathorn, Trout Unlimited Upper Clark Fork Restoration Coordinator, Missoula, Montana, "Bringing a trout stream back to life."
• February 19, 2015 - Chris Clancy, MFWP, Hamilton, Montana, "What's happening in the Bitterroot River? A year of surprises."
• March 19, 2015 - Bruce Farling, Executive Director, Montana Trout Unlimited "A copper mine on the Smith River. What will they think of next?"
• April 16, 2015 - Seth Jordan, Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation, Bozeman, Montana, "Building resilience and hope for wounded US veterans through trout fishing."

To join or for additional information about Trout Unlimited, go to www.montanatu.org, or contact Greg Chester at (406) 363-0033 or gchester55@aol.com or Ross Rademacher at rossrademacher99@gmail.com. And don’t forget we will be having dinner with the presenters, BRTU members and friends at 5:00 pm at the Spice of Life. Long-time BRTU support Karen Suennen will donate 10% of the proceeds to BRTU.

• Information for Spice of Life Cafe and Catering 163 S 2nd St Hamilton, Montana (406) 363-4433 click here for Directions | Menu | Hours

• Information for Elks Lodge 203 State Street Hamilton, MT 59840-2522 (406) 363-3031 Click here for directions

August 1 TU meeting to focus on low water and fisheries issues

August 1 TU meeting to focus on low water and fisheries issues

Extremely hot dry weather coupled with a low snowpack have led to record breaking low water flows and high water temperatures. The severe impacts to streamflows, agriculture and fisheries continue to mount, and restrictions on angling have already been imposed on the Bitterroot and other rivers in Montana.

In order to inform anglers, recreationists and others about the situation and the measures being taken to mitigate the impacts, Bitterroot Trout Unlimited is holding a special meeting. The meeting will be from 7 to 8 pm on Thursday, August 1 at the Hamilton Elks Club, 203 State St in Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public and there is no charge for admission.

The meeting will feature presentations by Bitterroot River Commissioner Al Pernichele and MFWP Fisheries Biologist Chris Clancy, followed by an open question and answer forum.

According to Bitterroot TU President Doug Nation, “The situation so far this year is particularly dire. We are fortunate to have the water from Painted Rocks, but in order to minimize impacts, anglers and irrigators will all have to cooperate. Combating misinformation is the first step, and our TU chapter decided to provide a forum so people can learn the facts.”

For more information, please contact Doug Nation at douglas.p.nation@gmail.com, 363-2137.

Message from Chris Clancy

The following message is forwarded from MFWP Fisheries Biologist Chris Clancy. Al is Bitterroot River Commissioner Al Pernichele.

You are probably aware that FWP has imposed “hoot owl” fishing for the entire Bitterroot River mainstem. These regulations are most often related to elevated water temperatures. The criteria for the restriction are met when the water temperature reaches 73 degrees F for 3 consecutive days. Those criteria have been met in the Bitterroot River at Missoula and Hamilton, hence the restriction to that point. In the guidelines, restrictions can be applied more broadly for species of special concern or concerns about shifting angling pressure onto sensitive waters. So, even though the temperature target is not met in the upper river, we extended the restriction to the confluence of the East and West Forks. The East and West Forks themselves are not affected by the restriction.

We have floated the lower West Fork and Bitterroot River 3 times in the past 2 weeks, looking for dead fish. We have found more in the mainstem than in the West Fork. We found 36 dead fish total. Of the trout, about ¾ are westslope cutthroat. They make up about ¼ of the population of trout in the river up there, so they appear to be more sensitive to angler induced mortality (we assume these are release mortality). One question that I cannot answer is how many dead fish does the 36 we saw represent? Dead fish generally are not very conspicuous and don’t stay around in the stream very long if they are.

As for Painted Rocks, Al released 50 cfs. on Sunday. He and I talked 2 days ago and I asked him if the irrigators are going to make any releases. He said they are split on the idea. With that in mind I suggested we release another 25 later this week if the irrigators don’t. That would put us at about 100 cfs. which is more than I want to release now, but since temperatures are so high, every little bit helps (although not much). I am hoping we don’t have to release any additional water for a while.

If you have any comments, I am happy to respond.

Chris Clancy

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

1801 North 1st Street

Hamilton, MT 59840

(406) 363-7169 (work)

(406) 363-8317 (cell)

Also see: Big Hole, Jefferson, Madison, Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Dearborn, Smith and Sun River all have Hoot Owl Restrictions. Hot weather means hot water folks.
http://fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/waterClosure.html

For more information about Bitterroot TU, contact Doug Nation, BRTU President; email: douglas.p.nation@gmail.com

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March 21 BRTU meeting - Brant Oswald on Advanced Spring Creek Fishing

• What: Bitterroot Trout Unlimited March 2013 program
• Program title: Advanced Spring Creek Tactics: Rods, Flies and Drifts
• When: Thursday, March 21, 2013, 7:00 PM
• Where: Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St, Hamilton, Montana
• Speaker: Brant Oswald from Brant Oswald Flyfishing in Livingston, Montana

This program is open to the public, no charge for admission.

If you enjoy spring creek fishing, don’t miss the March 21 Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Meeting! Brant Oswald from Brant Oswald Flyfishing in Livingston is going to give a program entitled “Advanced Spring Creek Tactics: Rods, Flies and Drifts.” The meeting starts at 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St.

For three quarters of a century the spring creeks in the Livingston area have been legendary for large, finicky trout and frustrating, demanding angling. Brant Oswald has made his career studying these streams and developed a set of advanced tactics that can improve your success. Don’t miss this informative program. And, remember! BRTU will be inviting Brant to the Spice of Life at 5:00 pm before the meeting. Long-time TU supporter Karen Suennen will be donating 10% of the proceeds to our club. So please come join us for dinner.

Information for Spice of Life Cafe and Catering 163 S 2nd St Hamilton, Montana
(406) 363-4433
Directions | Menu | Hours

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

For more information, contact Doug Nation (douglas.p.nation@gmail.com) or Marshall Bloom (drtrout@mtbloom.net) or 406-363-3485. Learn more about Bitterroot Trout Unlimited at www.brtu.org/.

BRTU meeting - Spirit of the Salmon, a tour of tribal fisheries in the Deschute watershed

• What: Bitterroot Trout Unlimited February 2013 program
• Program title: Spirit of the Salmon - Wy-Kan-US-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit
• When: Thursday, February 21, 2013, 7:00 PM
• Where: Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St, Hamilton, Montana
• Speaker:Geoff FitzGerald, BRTU Board Member and former President

This program is open to the public, no charge for admission.

At the February 21, 2013 BRTU meeting, Geoff FitzGerald will present “Spirit of the salmon, a tour of tribal fisheries in the Deschute watershed!”

Wy-Kan-US-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit - "Spirit of the Salmon" was the plan to enhance wild salmon in the Columbia River Basin. Former BRTU President Geoff FitzGerald worked on the Deschutes for the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon to increase natural production of the spring Chinook salmon (sacred brother) from 2002-2005. Geoff will cover everything from adult outplanting to redds and smolts to carcasses. Plus he will reveal some angling secrets for these magnificent fish.

And, remember! BRTU will be inviting Geoff to the Spice of Life at 5:00 pm before the meeting. Long-time TU supporter Karen Suennen will be donating 10% of the proceeds to our club. So please come join us for dinner.

Information for Spice of Life Cafe and Catering
163 S 2nd St Hamilton, Montana
(406) 363-4433
Directions | Menu | Hours
Information for Elks Lodge
203 State Street
Hamilton, MT 59840-2522
(406) 363-3031
Get directions

For more information, contact Doug Nation (douglas.p.nation@gmail.com) or Marshall Bloom (drtrout@mtbloom.net) or 406-363-3485.
Learn more about Bitterroot Trout Unlimited at www.brtu.org.

Why Rivers Flood, program speaker Karin Boyd

• What: Bitterroot Trout Unlimited November 2012 program
• Program title: Why Rivers Flood, the art and science of fluvial morphology
• When: Thursday, November 15, 2012, 7:00 PM
• Where: Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St, Hamilton, Montana
• Speaker: Karin Boyd, President of Applied Geomorphology

This program is open to the public.

Do you know the difference between a thalweg and a sculpin? One relates to fluvial morphology and the other is a fish. Karin Boyd is an acknowledged leader in fluvial morphology. Her main professional interests are determining how physical conditions and human influences collectively affect the form and behavior of the river systems, and applying this information to develop strategies for remediation, restoration, and long-term resource management. She has worked in kangaroo infested streams in Australia, snake invested streams in Mississippi and bulldozer infested streams in Montana. With this opportunity to learn about these concepts, Bitterroot residents will gain a better understanding of the impacts of construction projects near waterways.
Information for Spice of Life Cafe and Catering
163 S 2nd St Hamilton, Montana
(406) 363-4433
Directions | Menu | Hours
Information for Elks Lodge
203 State Street
Hamilton, MT 59840-2522
(406) 363-3031
Get directions
For more information, contact Cassie Buhl (cassie.buhl@gmail.com) or Marshall Bloom (drtrout@mtbloom.net) or 406-363-3485.
Learn more about Bitterroot Trout Unlimited at www.brtu.org.

April 2012 BRTU General meeting - Yellowstone National Park by Mike Ruhl

Bitterroot Trout Unlimited April Meeting
Thursday, April 19, 2012, 7:00 PM
Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St
Mike Ruhl
Yellowstone National Park

"Native fish management in Yellowstone National Park"

The best job in the world? Mike Ruhl, a Fisheries Biologist in Yellowstone National Park, may have it. Over the course of the year he works in the best Native Trout fisheries in the world including rarely visited headwaters of Yellowstone Lake. The Park recently completed its Native Fish Conservation Plan, and TU was a major player. Anglers will not only benefit from this new plan, but angler volunteers can play a major role in the conservation effort. If you want to learn how you can help protect this unique resource for the future by fishing in some seldom visited spots, don't miss Mike's program! This will be the last BRTU program until October.

And, don’t forget! We will be having dinner with Kris at Spice of Life at 5:00 pm before the meeting. Long-time TU supporter Karen Suennen will be donating 10% of the proceeds to our club. So come join us for dinner.

Information for Spice of Life Cafe and Catering
163 S 2nd St Hamilton, Montana
(406) 363-4433
Directions | Menu | Hours

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

For more information, contact Cassie Buhl (cassie.buhl@gmail.com) or Marshall Bloom (drtrout@mtbloom.net) or 406-363-3485.

BRTU General Meeting - March 15, 2012 Secrets of the Madison River

Bitterroot Trout Unlimited March Meeting
Thursday, March 15, 2012, 7:00 PM
Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St
Kris Kumlien
Montana Troutfitters

"Secrets of the Madison"

Kris Kumlien, from Bozeman's Montana Troutfitters, has been guiding on the Madison since before he was born! That's  because Kris's dad, legendary Bozeman guide Dave Kumlien, started Montana Troutfitters in 1978. Troutfitters (www.troutfitters.com) was Bozeman's first full-service fly fishing shop and an obligatory stop for anglers heading to the Madison. Kris maintains the tradition and exacting standards, and to say that he knows "The Secrets of the Madison" is a plain and simple fact. If you want to learn how to fish this celebrated Montana river, don't miss Kris’s program!


And, don’t forget! We will be having dinner with Kris at Spice of Life at 5:00 pm before the meeting. Long-time TU supporter Karen Suennen will be donating 10% of the proceeds to our club. So come join us for dinner.

Information for Spice of Life Cafe and Catering
163 S 2nd St Hamilton, Montana
(406) 363-4433
Directions | Menu | Hours

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

For more information, contact Cassie Buhl (cassie.buhl@gmail.com) or Marshall Bloom (drtrout@mtbloom.net or 406-363-3485.

Another March  note: The Bitterroot Buggers will be holding classes every Tuesday of this month from 6:30 to 8:00 at Westview School gym. You don't need to be an expert to help! Call Ria (363-5996) if you have any questions and want to be involved.

Jan 19 General Meeting - Fish and Fires 2000-2010

Bitterroot Trout Unlimited January Meeting

Thursday, January 19, 2012, 7:00 PM

Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St, Hamilton, MT (for directions, see below)

“Fish and Fires” 

Bitterroot National Forest Fisheries Biologist Mike Jakober will be the speaker for the January 19 Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Meeting. The title of Mike’s talk is " Fish and Fires - you can burn us but we'll be back!”

The impact of fires on fisheries and streams is said to be horrendous. Guess what? It ain’t so! Come hear Forest Service Fisheries Biologist Mike Jakober dispel the rumors and explain the real effect that fires have had on our streams and fisheries. Our 2011 fisheries intern, Billy Brann, will also be on hand to talk about his summer project.

And, don’t forget! We will be having dinner with Pat at Spice of Life at 5:00 pm before the meeting. Long-time TU supporter Karen Suennen will be donating 10% of the proceeds to our club. So come join us for dinner.

Information for Spice of Life Cafe and Catering
163 S 2nd St Hamilton, Montana
(406) 363-4433
Directions | Menu | Hours

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

For more information, contact cassie.buhl@gmail.com or  drtrout@mtbloom.net

Nov 17 General Meeting - Montana Water Project

Bitterroot Trout Unlimited November Meeting
Thursday, November 17, 2011, 7:00 PM
Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St, Hamilton, MT (for directions, see below)

Pat Byorth
Trout Unlimited Montana Water Project
Montana Water Project: Saving Water with a Law Book

In old Montana, “Water is for fighting, whiskey is for drinking!” In today’s Montana, the Montana Water Project of TU National focuses on protecting and restoring coldwater fisheries by reforming Montana water law and policy while implementing on the ground instream flow and habitat projects with willing irrigators.

Please encourage your friends to come and learn from Pat Byorth how TU is changing the paradigm.

And, don’t forget! We will be having dinner with Pat at Spice of Life at 5:00 pm before the meeting. Long-time TU supporter Karen Suennen will be donating 10% of the proceeds to our club. So come join us for dinner.

Information for Spice of Life Cafe and Catering
163 S 2nd St Hamilton, Montana
(406) 363-4433
Directions | Menu | Hours

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

October 20 for the BRTU general meeting, Become an Outdoor Woman

Did you get this postcard in the mail? You should have. Please join us October 20 for the BRTU general meeting.

The meeting will feature Liz Lodman presenting a talk on “How to Lure Women Outdoors- Montana’s Becoming an Outdoor Woman Program. The meeting will start at 7:00 pm at the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St in Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public and there is no charge for admission.

Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW) is a nationwide program and the one that Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks operates is known as one of the best in country. According to the MFWP BOW website (http://fwp.mt.gov/education/bow/default.html), “Montana's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program has been providing women the opportunity to learn outdoor skills since 1994. BOW helps break down barriers that might prevent women from fishing, hunting, or pursuing other outdoor activities.” BOW holds workshops around the state to encourage women of all ages to learn about and to participate in fishing, hunting, canoeing, etc.

Liz Lodman manages BOW for the state of Montana and will present a great overview of the program with a special emphasis on fishing. Plan to attend and to encourage your friends to come learn about this program.

And, don't forget! We will be having dinner with Liz at Spice of Life at 5:00 pm before the meeting. Long-time TU supporter Karen Suennen will be donating 10% of the proceeds to our club. So come join us for dinner.

For more information, contact cassie.buhl@gmail.com or drtrout@mtbloom.net (363-3485)