Bitter Root Chapter of Trout Unlimited

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 00:42:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 20:40:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 00:09:00 +0000

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

Three men, three rivers - BRTU October 2014 public meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:56:00 +0000

What: Bitterroot Trout Unlimited October 2014 program
Program title: Three Men, Three Rivers
When: Thursday, Oct 16, 2014, 7:00 PM
Where: Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St, Hamilton, Montana
Speaker: Mike Gurnett, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP)

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

The award winning documentary that chronicles the enduring conservation efforts of Bud Lilly, George Grant and Dan Bailey on the Madison, Big Hole and Yellowstone Rivers. Bud, George and Dan started Trout Unlimited in Montana and the video has wonderful footage of them along with spectacular scenic shots. Dan had already died when the video was made, so his long-time friend Charlie Waterman stood in as his avatar.

MFWP's Mike Gurnett produced and directed this documentary that won the 1993 NY Film Festival Gold Medal for documentaries, the 1993 Outdoor Writers of America film of the year, and other prestigious awards.

Thanks to Mike we will be raffling off 2 copies of the video (DVD format) and the last of the movie posters personally signed by Bud, George, and Charlie. This documentary is fishing history at its finest and you won't want to miss it!

The program will begin at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 16 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 Mike 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)

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

Painted Rocks Dam Scheduled Inspection Oct. 20 – 21, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 17:30:00 +0000

In order to accommodate a scheduled inspection of the Painted Rocks Dam, outflows will be reduced by 50 percent on Oct. 20, 2014, and will be interrupted for approximately four hours on the morning of Oct. 21. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation thanks you for your patience. For more information, please contact Montana DNRC at (406) 542-5885.

September 26 is the 35th Bitter Root Trout Unlimited Banquet

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 02:06:00 +0000

Go directly to this secure link to sign up online

Things are really rolling on the 35th annual BRTU banquet! The premiums so far are outstanding and there are going to be some unique items on tap. They include a vintage RL Winston 8 foot, 4 weight glass Stalker Rod which is in near mint condition, a spectacular bronze Royal Wulff by bronze artist and legend Mari Bolen, fine art by Monte Dolack and Barbara Michelman, pottery, tackle, dinners, float trips on the Missouri and Bitterroot rivers. More premiums are arriving daily.

Members of the Bitterroot Buggers will be on hand to demonstrate the fly tying skills they learned in this year's class, and we will auction off the flies they tie to help support this program.
The banquet will be on September 26 at the Bitterroot River Inn and tickets are now on sale. See the poster for information.

BRTU banquets are always a wonderful time to see old friends, meet new ones, swap yarns and make plans for next year's fishing. Enjoy a great dinner by Riversong Catering and beverage service by the Banque Club including Bitterroot Brewing brews. Hope to see you there.
This is BRTU’s primary fundraiser and the funds support programs like the children’s program, The Bitterroot Buggers. BRTU is completely a volunteer group, so your help is crucial!
The event doors open at 5:00 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. The action includes door prizes, extensive silent auction and amazing live auction called by Doug Mason.

Tickets are $50 and are available at Chuck Stranahan’s Flies and Guides, Freestone Fly Shop in Hamilton and Darby, or by calling 363-9099, or visit www.brtu.org. This year for the first time you can secure your tickets and/or sign up as a Sponsor on line by going directly to https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=96f39f.

Banquet Location:
Bitterroot River Inn
139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive
Hamilton, MT 59840
(406) 375-2525

If you would like to make a donation or help out at the banquet, please email Marshall Bloom at drtrout@mtbloom.net.
If you have questions about tickets or sponsorships, please contact Chapter President Ross Rademacher at rossrademacher99@gmail.com.

Volunteers really needed for Buggers on March 4

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 20:35:00 +0000

Tuesday, Mar 4, 6:30 - 8:00 PM in the Westview School gymnasium located at 9th and Main in Hamilton. Enter through the east doors facing 9th St.

Pattern: X Caddis

Don't forget to pick up a raffle ticket each night you help - there will be a drawing in April for volunteers to win an unmounted Monte Dolack print valued at $175. The more you attend, the better your chances!

This will be the third of the 5 fly tying classes and we are shooting to have a lot of volunteers! We have a terrific bunch of kids this year, so please come and help with our flagship program now in its 17^th year! You do not need to be a good tier to be a good helper!

We'll be judging flies each night for those students choosing to enter. Be sure to pick up judging criteria sheet and instructor guidelines when you arrive.

Questions? Call Jeff at Western Flies and Guides (363-9099) or Ria of the Keystone Program(363-5996) or Greg Chester of BRTU (363-0033)
Thanksin advance for your valued assistance -

Classes are sponsored by Bitterroot Trout Unlimited and the Keystone Discovery Enrichment Program

For more information aboutBitterroot TU, contact Ross Rademacher, BRTU President; email: monkeykatet@gamil.com

Like BRTU on Facebook

Follow @BRootTU on Twitter

Visit the BRTU blog at:
http://www.brtu.blogspot.com/
http://www.brtu.org/blog/ generously hosted by Cybernet1 inHamilton, MT

See BRTU photos:
BRTU online photo album at Picasa.com

Bitterroot fly fishing clinic to be offered in May

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 17:22:00 +0000

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 _________________________________________

BRTU Pint Night February 27, 2014 at Higherground Brewing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 16:47:00 +0000

What: Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Pint Night
When: Thursday, February 27, 2014, 4:00 PM
Where: Higherground Brewery
518 N 1st St, Hamilton, MT 59840
Cross Streets: Between Foxfield St and Saranac Ave
(406) 375-5204
highergroundbrewery.com
Directions | Menu
Music: Cootehill
Offering fishing gear raffle & silent auction

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

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

2014 BRTU Pint Night Premiums (more coming)

Item # - Description - Donor - Retail Value
1) “Bitterroot River” by Ron Jenkins (painting) Wild Rivers Art $350
2) Handcrafted Bear Paw Coat/Hat Rack - Geoff FitzGerald $125
3) “Montana” Hardwood Cutting Board - Brian Grand $95
4) Bitter Root TU Wine Opener - Gwynn Inlay $119
5) Certificate for Comprehensive Eye Exam and $100 towards new glasses - Big Sky Eye Center
$350
6) Hamilton Golf Course Extravaganza; includes: lunch for 2, two hats, round of golf for 2, range balls - Hamilton Golf Course $160
7) One-pound Beef Jerky - Hamilton Packing $12
8) $50 Gift Certificate - The Wild Mare $50
9) Grey’s Debarring scissor/pliers and Simms Wading Belt - Grizzly Hackle $60
10) “Buy Local” t-shirt (L) and “Simms Fishing Products” t-shirt (L) - Simms Fishing Products $50
11) Wooden Trout Magazine Rack - Peggy & Bob Ratcheson $50
12) Assortment of 6 5x7 frameable Greeting Cards from A Montana View - Merle Ann Loman $24

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 16:04:00 +0000

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)

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

Volunteers needed for the Feb 25th Bitterroot Buggers fly tying class

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 16:00:00 +0000

Tuesday, Feb 25, 6:30 - 8:00 PM in the Westview School gymnasium located at 9th and Main in Hamilton. Enter through the east doors facing 9th St.

Pattern: Gray Hackle Peacock

Don't forget to pick up a raffle ticket each night you help - there'll be a drawing for volunteers
in April for an unmounted Monte Dolack print valued at $175. The more you attend, the better your
chances!

This will be the second of the 5 fly tying classes and we are shooting to have a lot of volunteers!
We have a terrific bunch of kids this year, so please come and help with our flagship program now
in its 17th year! You do not need to be a good tier to be a good helper!

We'll be judging flies each night for those students choosing to enter. Be sure to pick up judging
criteria sheet and instructor guidelines when you arrive.

Questions? Call Jeff at Western Flies and Guides (363-9099) or Ria of the Keystone Program
(363-5996) or Greg Chester of BRTU (363-0033)
Thanks in advance for your valued assistance -

Classes are sponsored by Bitterroot Trout Unlimited and the Keystone Discovery Enrichment Program

For more information about Bitterroot TU, contact Ross Rademacher, BRTU President; email: monkeykatet@gamil.com

Like BRTU on Facebook

Follow @BRootTU on Twitter

Visit the BRTU blog at:

http://www.brtu.blogspot.com/

http://www.brtu.org/blog/ generously hosted by Cybernet1 in Hamilton, MT

See BRTU photos:

BRTU online photo album at Picasa.com

Bitterroot Buggers Feb and Mar 2014 classes in session

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 16:31:00 +0000

Registration for 2014 is closed, but this post is for your information. The Buggers Program is offered annually and NEEDS local volunteers.

For more information about Bitterroot TU, contact Ross Rademacher, BRTU President; email: monkeykatet@gamil.com.

FREE fly tying and fly fishing classes in Hamilton, Montana! Here is the scoop for 2014.
Fly tying class for Bitterroot Buggers
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 17th 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 11 – Classes begin with orientation at Westview Center in Hamilton Classes continue on the following Tuesdays: February 18, 25 and March 4, 11, and 18
All class times are 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
March 25– Final Class - casting instruction
April TBA– actual Fishing Day and picnic

Registration forms are available at:

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

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.

January 16 BRTU meeting: History of the Muddler Minnow

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 17:15:00 +0000

What: Bitterroot Trout Unlimited January 2014 program
Program title: History of the Muddler Minnow
When: Thursday, January 16, 2014, 7:00 PM
Where: Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St, Hamilton, Montana
Speaker: Mike Lemoine, Hamilton, Montana

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

The January 16 BRTU meeting will begin at 7:00 pm at the Hamilton Elks Lodge at 203 State St in Hamilton. Mike Lemoine will give the program entitled “Muddling through the day: History of the Muddler Minnow and the fish that inspired it."

Perhaps no fly is as versatile as the celebrated Muddler Minnow. Since its invention by Dan Gapen in Michigan and its perfection by the expert flytiers at Dan Bailey’s shop, the muddler has found utility in almost all fishing situations. However, it is an imitation of a little understood group of fishes, the sculpins.

The meeting is open to the public and there is no charge for admission. And, remember! We will be having dinner with Mike 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 please come join us for dinner.

Although commonly overlooked or disregarded, sculpins are prevalent in troutwaters. Former BRTU board member and UM Grad student Mike LeMoine has spent years trying to understand sculpin ecology and will present the biology behind muddlers to improve your angling experience. Although Midwestern angling expert Tom Wendelberg said many years ago that “You can’t fish a muddler wrong,” after Mike’s talk, you will know how to fish a muddler right! A couple of titillating photos are attached.

For more information, contact BRTU Chapter President Ross Rademacher (monkeykatet@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

Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Banquet Friday, Sept 27, 5 p.m.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:38:00 +0000

The 34th annual BRTU banquet starts at 5:00 PM next Friday at the BitterrootRiver Inn. You can score tickets at the door, but why wait?Reserve them now by going in to Western Flies and Guides or by calling 363-9099.

Bud Lilly told me more than 25 years ago, "There's more to fishing than just fishing!" Bud was right then and today his words ringeven truer. And, that's the approach that BRTU has taken over the last year.

But to keep the fishing good and the streams clean, we need to invest time, money and energy without a rod and sometimes off the water.

To see the return on these investments, check out the photo of 2013 Bitterroot Bugger Ellie Lint holding a gorgeous trout she caught on afly she tied! Ellie will be tying flies at the banquet and you can tell her hi!

Or check out the photo of our 4th Forest Service fisheries intern, Don Foster, doing some in-stream work this summer. We are the only TU chapter in the state that underwrites interns. Why? We want to make sure that the fisheries professionals of tomorrow appreciate native trout.

Or check out the story about the new boat passage at the Corvallis Canal diversion. This project done in conjunction with MFWP and the ditch company took more than 5 years to get done, but it will make boat passage at Poop Lagoon easier and safer. http://www.ravallirepublic.com/news/local/article_f99f9e62-217d-11e3-8354-001a4bcf887a.html

Supporting these efforts is important. And that's why we are asking you to come down to the banquet and help us out. BRTU is an all-volunteer organization and our club members work hard. All the money we raise stays in Montana, most of it right here in the Bitterroot.

But we have a lot of fun at our banquets! We have a fine dinner with great beverages. We recognize people who have done a lot- like Monte Dolack and Mary Beth Percival who will be receiving an award for their Lifetime Achievements in conservation. Monte and Mary Beth will be at the banquet so you can meet and thank them for everything they have done.

You can check out the Live Auction premiums by clicking on that attachment, but there will also be silent auctions, bucket raffles and door prizes.

You can reserve your tickets today by going in or by calling Western Flies and Guides at 363-9099. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at the banquet. Anyone is welcome to attend and you do not need to be a TU member. Hope to see you there!

The doors open at 5:00 PM on Friday, September 27 at the Bitterroot River Inn and dinner will be served about 6:30. The program,auctions and drawing will follow.

For more information, please contact Doug Nation at douglas.p.nation@gmail.com or Marshall Bloom at drtrout@mtbloom.net

For more information about Bitterroot TU, contact Doug Nation, BRTU President; email: douglas.p.nation@gmail.com
Visit the BRTU blog at:
http://www.brtu.blogspot.com/
http://www.brtu.org/blog/ generously hosted by Cybernet1 inHamilton, MT

2013 BRTU Banquet Live Auction Premiums

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:36:00 +0000

LA-01: “Tying for Tomorrow.” For more than a decade, BRTU has sponsored the Bitterroot Buggers so that local kids can learn about flytying, flyfishing, ethics,and trout conservation. With the involvement and mentoring of Ria Overholt, Greg Chester, Jeff Gray,Rick Thomas and others from BRTU and the Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot, the Buggers program has moved to the next level. At tonight’s banquet, Bitterroot Buggers Ellie Lint, Aili Minns-Prezeau, and Lauren Kinzey have shown their chops to make this premium. The proceeds from the flies will help us support our flagship program. (Item # 095)
Winning Bid:_______ Bidder Number:___

LA-02: “A FloatTrip with Jeff Gray.” A guide like Jeff Gray, who owns a fly shop, is in an enviable position! Every day he hears reports from customers and other guides and knows just where to go and what to use. Jeff, owner of Western Flies & Guides, is reckoned to be among the best in the area and has a reputation to match. If youwin this one day float trip for two onthe Bitterroot, you will see how fine a day on the Bitterroot can be. (Item# 077)
Winning Bid:________   Bidder Number: _______

LA-03: “Placid Lake.” At this year’s banquet, we are recognizing internationally acclaimed Montana artists, Monte Dolack and Mary Beth Percival for Lifetime Achievements in Conservation. Although Monte has done breathtaking scenes from China to the Chinese Wall, his special gift is the he can capture and personalize Montana landscapes. This new print of a solitary canoeist on Placid Lake is a captivating depiction of how landscapes can be at once majestic and still intimate. The print and framing are donated by Monte Dolack Gallery. www.dolack.com (Item # 024)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-04: “Missouri River Dream Trip.” This premium has to qualify as a dream trip on the Missouri River! It starts with a one day float trip for 2 on the Missouri with legendary veteran guide Ron Sorenson who owns Prime Time Outfitters. Ron has been fishing the Missouri for 21 years and is one of the most highly sought after guides in the business. Your fishing trip is combined with a one night stay for 2 at the luxurious Missouri River Ranch, located just south of Craig on the banks of the river. This includes gourmet dinner and breakfast and beverages. (www.missouririverranch.com). (Items # 021, 035)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA- 05: “Bitterroot River Winter.” Barbara Michelman is an internationally recognized photographer with a gallery near Bell Crossing. She has worked in New York, California, Hollywood and Europe. Her stunning black and white landscape photographs have the texture and drama associated with photography giants. We are very fortunate that Barbara has offered to contribute a limited edition photo of the Bitterroot in winter for this year’s banquet. Framing by The Frame Shop http://www.michelmanphoto.com   (Item # 016)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA- 06: “A 5-String Dinner.” Fine dining and banjo music are rarely mentioned in the same sentence. But for this year’s TU banquet, bluegrass virtuoso “Banjo Jack” Mauer is teaming up with claw hammer tyro “Dr Trout” Marshall Bloom for an eclectic farrago of outstanding food and 5-string banjo music. The menu will include hors d’ouevres, a gourmet dinner, dessert,and a post-prandial single malt. Wines and earplugs are included. Your chefs will be Tonia Bloom and Merle Loman. (Item # 010)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-07: “The Lower, Lower Clark Fork.” The Upper Clark Fork, the Clark Fork, and the Lower Clark Fork are familiar waters. But known only to the angling cognoscenti, the Lower Clark Fork probably offers the best river fishing for really large trout in Western Montana. Scott Nicolarsen, owner of Montana Topwater, has made this part of the river one of his favorite haunts. The water is big and Scott has devoted years to perfecting the tactics and fly-patterns. Win this premium and you can reap the benefits of his research.Of course, Scott is also a master guide on the Bitterroot and Blackfoot. (www.montanatopwater.com) (Item # 009)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-08: “Hardwood window table.” Dale Roos of Antique Rooster is a cabinet maker - craftsman who makes some of the finest hardwood furniture in Montana. Dale’s furniture and cabinetry are in great demand by homeowners at the Stock Farm and The Ranch at Rock Creek. His workmanship and detail are readily apparent and yet all of his work retains a sturdy utility. For the 2013 BRTU banquet Dale has donated an exquisite window table made with lacewood and black curly maple.
(Item # 040)
Winning Bid: ______   Bidder Number: ______

LA- 09: “Dancing Waters.” Michele Kapor is an internationally known artist who lives in Hamilton. Miki is a dean of the local art scene and is known as an artist’s artist. Her outstanding technique,composition and attention to detail finely complement the mood, color and light of her work. For our 2013 banquet, Miki has donated a fine giclee print of “Dancing Waters,” her notable picture of Bear Creek. This is the first time Miki has donated to BRTU and we are pleased to feature this exceptional artist. http://kapor-arts.com/index.html (Item # 141)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-10: “Mission Valley Anglers.” BRTU Chapter President Doug Nation commissioned this magnificent piece of metal work by a local craftsman. The cut metal layers depict 2 anglers on a stream in the Mission Valley. One angler is wielding a fly rod while the other angler and her 2 cubs look on expectantly. The peaks of the Mission Mountains provide for a unique backdrop. Certainly a one of a kind piece. (Item # 90)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-11: “Bitterroot Trout Menu.” Montana has many fine flytiers, but few can match Ron Swensson from Great Falls when it comes to detailed and artistic patterns. Ron was named Fly tier of the Year by the Federation of Fly Fishers several years ago. Ron is a retired art teacher who also was a fly tying instructor for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and is active in the Missouri River Fly Fishers. He is also an artist of some renown and his presentation shadow boxes of trout flies and matching miniature watercolors are highly sought after. For our banquet, Ron is contributing a Bitterroot Trout Menu shadowbox with 6 flies - all found on the dinner menu of large Bitterroot brown trout. A very unique auction item! (Item# 140)
Winning Bid: ______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-12: “The All-Around Bitterroot Outfit.” Once high water is over, in those rare years we still have high water, a 9 foot 4 weight rod is the ideal all-around outfit for the Bitterroot, as well as the Clark Fork and the Blackfoot. Based on experience gleaned at his Missoula Grizzly Hackle shop, Dan Sheperd has come up with a winning combo. For our 2013 banquet, Dan has donated a complete setup that will answer for any trip you might contemplate.The outfit consists of a 9' 4 weight Heron fly rod, an Orvis Access II reel, and a matched Orvis Hydros fly line. Win this premium and you will be set for anything! http://www.grizzlyhackle.com/ (Item# 080, 081, 082)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-13 : “Bitterroot Landscape.” Robert Neaves,former owner of Art Focus, has moved to Oregon, but his heart and muse are still in the Bitterroot. Bob is continuing his 34 year tradition of donating a fine oil for our banquet. That’s right! Bob is the only artist to have donated every year. Bob’s memories of the valley he loves so much are a key element of this and every Bitterroot picture he paints. (Item # 052)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-14: “Trico/Piko.”Former BRTU President “Banjo Jack”Mauer, owner of Wapiti Waters, has guided extensively on the Bitterroot River and Clark Fork for many years. In recent years, he has studied the habits and habitat of the northern pike that have invaded our western trout streams.If you win this premium, you’ll start out lobbing a 5 inch weighted streamer with a 9 weight rod for pike. These voracious feeders don’t fool around, so you’ll have a decent chance at a legitimate 20 pounder! Then you’ll exchange the heavy artillery for 6X tippet and tricos. Who knows? You might score a double – a 20 pounder and a 20 incher. www.wapiti-waters.com (Item # 066)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number:______

LA-15: “Mill Creek- Late Summer.” Local artist Dale Jorgenson has gained recognition with his watercolors which have been displayed in numerous local venues. Dale was schooled in classic watercolor technique back in the 1950’s and his previous career as an architect gives his renderings a fine sense of perspective for scenery and his unexcelled eye for color makes for striking images in this fragile medium. http://dalejorgensen.picturesquemt.com/?pageID=825445 (Item # 139)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-16: “Land and Water.”   Land and water conservation are inextricably linked. That’s why Bitterroot Trout Unlimited partners with the Bitter Root Land Trust so often. The Land Trust’s latest project will protect the Lost Horse Bend of the Bitterroot River, the piece of ground captured in the beautiful Monte Dolack print that BRTU commissioned in2007. BRTU is again partnering with the Land Trust on this project. In addition to a framed copy of the BRTU print, the premium includes two nights for 4 people at a beautiful private Bed & Breakfast Retreat donated by the Land Trust. The home, on a bench overlooking the upper Big Hole Valley, is situated in the middle of a12,000 acre working ranch. 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, so bring your waders, fly rod and your raft. All proceeds from this premium will go to the Bitter Root Land Trust. Framing by the Frame Shop www.bitterrootlandtrust.org (Items# 078, 127)
Winning Bid:_________   Bidder Number: ______

LA-17: “Drifting a Dry Fly.” Celebrated Montana artist Shirley Cleary is recognized as among the top tier of sporting artists. For this year’s BRTU banquet Shirley has contributed an exquisite miniature gouache, titled“Drifting a Dry Fly.” In 1999 National Trout Unlimited awarded Shirley the “Communication in Conservation Award.” Both Shirley and her husband Frank Cooper, who is a former Chairman of Montana TU, have been staunch advocates for trout conservation for decades. http://www.shirleycleary.com/      (Item # 025)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-18: “Fish the Kootenai with the 2013 Orvis FlyFishing Guide of the Year.” Tim Linehan of Linehan Outfitting Company was named the 2013 Orvis Fly Fishing Guide of the Year!If you win this premium you can fish with Tim on the Kootenai or Yaak River. Fishing there is like fishing in Montana before there was an espresso stand, a boutique flyshop and an Audi at every pull-out? To find out for yourself, come and fish the Kootenai or Yaak River on a float trip for 2 with Tim and Joanne Linehan 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 # 004)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-19: “A Bitterroot Dinner in the Heart of the Valley.” The venue for this elegant dinner is a restored historic Corvallis ranch house built in 1906 from soft stone quarried in the Willow Creek drainage. The menu will include cocktails, hors d’ouevres, a fine beef dinner, dessert, matched wines and a selection of single malt whiskeys. Your chefs will be Jay Haglund and Donna Woodroof. Must be used by September 1, 2014. (Item # 068)
Winning Bid:______   Bidder Number: ______

LA-20: “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 custom engraved urn featuring a leaping trout that can enjoy a place of honor in your den or office until it is needed. Regardless of whether you will be fishing a cool spring creek on a fall day or among the hot springs, this is a truly unique premium of immortal value! (www.brothersmortuary.com) Item #058)
Winning Bid: _______ BidderNumber:_____

BRTU apologizes for any errors or omissions. Auction items and order are subject to change without prior notice. All sales are final and the auctioneer’s word is law! Payment is expected at checkout.

September 27th will be the 34th anniversary Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Banquet

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 23:22:00 +0000

September 27th will be the 34th anniversary Bitterroot Trout Unlimited (BRTU) banquet - a pretty amazing record, and this is your invitation to attend!I could list all our volunteer efforts for the past year, but this picture of 9-year old Ellie Lint says it all – kids, native trout and clean water!

BRTU Bugger Ellie Lint - photo by her Dad

Ellie was in the Bitterroot Buggers and tied the fly on which she caught this gorgeous cutthroat on a spring trip with her dad. In times like these, it is crucial to educate young people about conservation and to work hard so kids - like Ellie - will always have a place to fish. The work of BRTU, and your continued support has never been more important. You can help us out by attending the banquet.

Plan to join us Friday, Sept 27 at the Bitterroot River Inn as we celebrate our success and prepare for another year of conservation and education. Riversong Catering will serve a great gourmet dinner highlighting local foods, and the Banque Club will provide beverage service, featuring brews from the Bitterroot Brewing Company. Plus, you can say hi to Ellie and ask her about her trout! The doors will open at 5:00 pm, and dinner will be served at 6:30.

There will be Live and Silent Auctions, bucket raffles, door prizes and much more – tackle, trips on the Missouri, Kootenai and Bitterroot, fine art, gourmet dinners, unique wines, clothing and crafts. This year we are presenting an award for Lifetime Achievements in Conservation to Monte Dolack & Mary Beth Percival. They will be attending the banquet, so come help us congratulate them. And of course, there’s always ample time to swap stories and start planning for next year.

Tickets are $50 per person and are available now at Western Flies & Guides, Chuck Stranahan’s Flyshop, Angler’s Roost, River Otter, Bitterroot Fly Company. You can reserve tickets by calling Western Flies & Guides at 406-363-9099. You do not need to be a TU member to attend and join in the fun. Mastercard and Visa will be accepted the night of the banquet.

Why should you come down and join in? As Bud Lilly told me more than 25 years ago, “There’s more to fishing than just fishing!” Bud was right then and today his words ring even truer. That’s the approach that BRTU has taken over the last year. Of course we love to fish, reveling in the pleasure that fishing gives, and we put on some great fishing programs for the club and the public.

But our chapter knows that if we want to keep the fishing good and the streams clean, we need to invest time and energy without a rod in our hand and sometimes not even near the stream. Here are some examples., That’s why we run programs like the Bitterroot Buggers to teach kids about flytying, conservation, native fish and ethics – in order to vouchsafe the next generation of TU members and anglers. That’s why we put on classes for adults, too, and sponsor kids to go to the Georgetown Lake “TU “Kid’s” Camp this and every year. That’s why we worked on riparian and stream protection projects and funded MSU student Don Foster to work as a native trout intern with our US Forest Service fish biologist, and supported a scholarship for a student at the Bitterroot College pursuing a degree in resource Conservation. That’s why we provide with you with timely information about natural resource issues and represent the trout in a variety of forums. We do these things and more because we know that “There’s more to fishing than fishing.

And every year we hold a banquet to raise the funds to underwrite these efforts on behalf of our fish and streams. And that’s why we are asking you to come down to the banquet and help us out. BRTU is an all-volunteer organization and our club members work hard. All the money we raise stays in Montana, most of it right here in the Bitterroot.

If you would like to make a donation, volunteer to help out, or learn about our banquet sponsor program, please contact me (363-3485, drtrout@mtbloom.net) or Doug Nation (363-2137, douglas.p.nation@gmail.com)

Painted Rocks Dam, Fall Repairs and Maintenance – Public Open House Meeting 9-19 Hamilton

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 22:55:00 +0000

Painted Rocks Dam Outlet Concrete Repairs – Public Open House Meeting Thursday, September 19th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Bitterroot River Inn and Conference Center.

The DNRC has scheduled a maintenance and repair project at Painted Rocks Dam for early this fall. The maintenance and repair project will not affect delivery of any contract water. Releases of contract water from the reservoir will follow its normal course and the contract water should be fully delivered by the end of the water rights legal period of use on September 30th.

The maintenance and repair project is needed in order to complete the repairs initiated this past spring. The gate seals will be adjusted and concrete repairs will be made within the outlet tunnel.

The gate seals will be tested and adjusted (if needed) the week of September 30th. Adjustments will be made to the gate seals in order to allow the gate to tightly seal allowing better access and working conditions inside the outlet tunnel. Minor flow changes will occur during this period.

The concrete repair work is currently scheduled for October 7th through the 10th. Temporary interruptions of up to 4 hours the will occur on the 8th, 9th and possibly the 10th.

In preparation for the repairs the outflows from the reservoir will be decreased by a series of staged reductions. Based upon the current reservoir inflows, it is anticipated the fall inflows this dry year will be approximately 50 – 60 cfs. Therefore, reservoir outflows will be reduced to 60 cfs on October 1st, and further reduced on to 30 cfs on October 7th. These staged reductions are designed to allow fish to move to deeper pools, thereby reducing entrapment during the temporary flow interruptions.

After the repairs are completed the outflows from the reservoir will be adjusted to match the reservoir inflows.

Painted Rocks Dam Outlet Concrete Repairs – Public Open House Meeting Thursday, September 19th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Bitterroot River Inn and Conference Center 139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840-Tammany Room. Bitterroot Inn telephone number (406) 375-2525.

A public open house meeting in planned to discuss this upcoming repair project. The repairs to the outlet concrete are scheduled to take place the second week in October, 2013. Please contact James P. Domino, MT DNRC State Water Projects Bureau at jdomino@mt.gov, and (406) 444-6622 for more information about the open house.

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 23:44:00 +0000

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

Like BRTU on Facebook

Follow @BRootTU on Twitter

Visit the BRTU blog at:

http://www.brtu.blogspot.com/

http://www.brtu.org/blog/ generously hosted by Cybernet1 in Hamilton, MT

See BRTU photos:

BRTU online photo album at Picasa.com

Sunday April 28 is the Bitterroot Buggers fishing field trip

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:39:00 +0000

Event Flyer

Click on the JPEG to view it larger and/or print it.

Bitterroot fly fishing workshop in May presented by BRTU and FFB

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:20:00 +0000

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

Youth Conservation & Education EXPO in the Bitterroot

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 01:15:00 +0000

Shooting | Hunting | Ethics | Education

No cost to attend & food available for purchase onsite!

When: Saturday, May 4, 2013 - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Where: Red Slack Barn, Teller Wildlife Refuge, 1180 Chaffin Lane, Corvallis, MT

Live Bird Presentation by Raptors of the Rockies (10 am only)
Drawings for Teddy Roosevelt Outdoor Adventure Camp
BB Gun Shooting and Archery Ranges
FWP Poaching Trailer & FWP Laser Shooting Range
Fly Casting & Fly Tying Clinics
Duck, Goose, Turkey & Elk Calling
Horse Packing Clinic
Big Game Scoring, and MORE!

Questions? Tom (406-531-4224) or Jon (406-546-5995)

Sunday March 24, BRTU Pint Night at Bitter Root Brewery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 01:30:00 +0000

What: Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Pint Night
Program title: Pint Night at Bitter Root Brewery - Silent Auction and great beer
When: Sunday, March 24, 2013, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Bitter Root Brewery,101 Marcus Street, Hamilton, Montana

101 Marcus St., Hamilton, MT 59040

BRTU will be holding its first Pint Night at the Bitter Root Brewing! A portion of each brew you buy will go to BRTU, and there will be a silent auction and other surprises.

Music will be provided by the great Celtic band Cootehill, with a special set of bluegrass-clawhammer banjo duets by Banjo Jack and Dr Trout.

Note the date, and stay tuned for further details.

Silent Auction Items include:

Metal trout sculpture-----------------------	Geoff & Kristi Fitzgerald
"Lee Metcalf Refuge," framed photo-------	Geoff & Kristi Fitzgerald
One hour shop labor-----------------------	Reliance Automotive
Historic KD Swann photograph, Supervisor WJ Derrick atop Lake Mountain. 1938---- Custer NF	Marshall & Tonia Bloom
Bicycle tune-up----------------------------	Valley Bicycle
Trixie at the Daly Mansion, historical photo-	Vicki Dawson, Framing by Joe's studio
Simms Dry Creek Boat Bag---------------	Missoulian Angler
Gift certificate------------------------------	The Loft
Gift Certificate for pet care-----------------	Companion Pet Clinic/Dr Hans Boer
Gift certificate------------------------------	La Mas Fina Mexicn Taqueria
Gift certificate------------------------------	Second St Sushi
Wine basket-------------------------------	The Merc Fresh Market
Trout on canvas photograph----------------	Dr Alan Applebury
Elers Koch astride a horse-----------------	Whygin Argus
Stonefly life cycle embossing---------------	Whygin Argus
fly selection--------------------------------	Ron Sorenson/Chocolate Lab Enterprises
Spring Creek/Tailwater Survival Kit (flies)--	Brant Oswald Flyfishing Services
split bamboo pen--------------------------	Sweetgrass Rods

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:16:00 +0000

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/.

Bitterroot Buggers Feb and Mar 2013 classes in session

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:21:00 +0000

FREE fly tying and fly fishing classes in Hamilton, Montana! Here is the scoop for 2013.
Fly tying class for Bitterroot Buggers
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 13th
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.

January 24 – Deadline for registration
February 12 – Classes begin with orientation at Westview Center in Hamilton Classes continue on the following Tuesdays: February 19, 26 and March 5, 12, and 19
All class times are 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
March 26– Final Class - casting instruction
April TBA– actual Fishing Day and picnic

Registration forms are available at:

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

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

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 18:38:00 +0000

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.