BRTU E-News
Because there's more to fishin' than just fishin'!
Hi, you're receiving this email because either you are a member of Bitterroot Trout Unlimited or you have expressed an interest in BRTU. Don't forget to add drtrout@mtbloom.net to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox! We make very effort to make sure this list is current. If you are receiving it by mistake, please let us know right away! Please feel free to forward on to friends and have them contact me if they would like to receive the BRTU E-News.
Permission is herein granted to forward or to use the content and photos in this newsletter. A credit would be appreciated. The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the publisher and may not represent those of BRTU or others featured in the newsletter.
You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.
#261: August 14, 2022
|
|
Floaters easily portaging their raft around the Castle Hole sweeper on August 1. Courtesy: Steve Davis. |
|
The Castle Hole sweeper that same day after it had been illegally cut. Courtesy: Steve Davis. |
|
As discussed at length in the last newsletter, high water like we had earlier this year leads to the recruitment of coarse woody debris as large ponderosa pines and cottonwoods, fall into the water and can create great habitat. But they often cause obstructions, called sweepers, that can block channels, requiring careful scouting and even portaging your raft.
The Woody Debris Task Force was created to balance the positive and negative impacts of sweepers and other obstructions and arrive at a thoughtful resolution that balances unimpeded floating and compliance with the provisions of the Montana Streambed Preservation and Protection Act or "310 Law." The 310 Law requires anyone doing work within the natural streambed to apply for a permit. This is the bedrock Montana law of stream protection that prevents landowners from riprapping or damming the river with no oversight. But someone who wants to chainsaw a sweeper should also get a permit, and there is even a process to apply for an Emergency 310 Permit in the event of urgent or dangerous situations.
2022 has been a banner year for sweepers and in the last issue, I showed several sweeper videos that Steve David provided. This video shows a double sweeper that trapped a boat. This one shows Search and Rescue in action to aid a recreational rafter that somehow managed to get into the middle of what looks to me an unpassable mess of stuff. And finally this one is a good view of the hazards between the Veteran's Bridge and Blodgett Campground.
Steve Davis also alerted me that on July 31, a large Ponderosa fell across the West Fork just below the celebrated Castle. The first picture above from August 1 clearly shows the Castle Hole tree as well as some law abiding floaters easily portaging the boats around the tree. However, by August 1, a central section of the tree had been cut out, as can be appreciated in the second photo as well as in this drone video Steve took on August 12.
I contacted Julie Ralston at the Bitterroot Conservation District who told me that the issue had been discussed at the August 9 meeting, and it was impossible to know who had cut the tree. The Supervisors had also met with the out-of-state landowner who had not made a decision whether or not to deal with the tree.
I cannot summarize this incident better than Steve Davis who wrote on August 1 "If someone wants to take it out - 310. Everyone is working together. Process works," and then later "Someone cut the castle log late today. Unfortunately, whomever didn't follow the process."
|
|
"Cold Water for Cutthroats" - Hoot Owl Changes Proposed by Fish & Game Commission. |
|
Dead cutthroat in the West Fork from 2021, likely a casualty of angling and excessively warm water. Source :Wade Fellin |
|
Another dead cutthroat bleeding from the gills, likely hooking damage - 2021. Source: Wade Fellin. |
|
"Hoot owl" restrictions are intended to limit fishing when the water gets too warm for trout, and they have traditionally restricted fishing between 2:00 PM and midnight if the water temperatures exceed 73 F 3 days in a row.
As we approach the 3rd week of August 2022, "hoot owl" restrictions are now in effect on many rivers in Montana, including the Gallatin, Beaverhead, Big Hole, Madison, Jefferson, Sun and Smith. Much of the Big Hole drainage has been placed under "conservation status" by the Big Hole Watershed Committee.
"Hoot owl" hours are also in effect for the entire main stem of the Bitterroot up to the confluence of the East and West Fork. Word is that the MFWP has been doing some floats on the upper Bitterroot looking for dead fish, but there has been no pubic report.
And Montana is not the only place where climate change in wreaking havoc on waterways. Major rivers in Europe are literally drying up in the worst drought in 500 years! Especially worrying is a monster fire (by European standards) in the Bordeaux region of France and a serious drought in the United Kingdom. Not clear if this will taint the grapes and ruin the vintage.
Back in Montana, however, in recent years, concerns over the current "hoot owl" limits have arisen. Some anglers, conservation groups, like TU, and biologists argue that these restrictions are insufficiently conservative enough for high value native cutthroat waters and that the triggering temperature should be lower for native trout streams like the West Fork of the Bitterroot. Recall that last year dead or moribund cutthroat were observed even before the hoot owl restrictions were imposed (see photos).
At the August 25 meeting of the Montana Fish and Game Commission, a proposal to lower the trigger point for cutthroat streams will be considered, an action that would require a change in the ARM (Administrative Rules of Montana). This proposal is due in no small part to efforts of our local Fisheries Biologist Jason Lindstrom and Region One Fisheries Manager Pat Saffel. You might call this "Cold Water for Cutthroats."
Montana Trout Unlimited sent out an Action Alert supporting all but one provision of the proposal (highlighted):
As many of you know, Hoot Owl restrictions are one of fisheries managers' best tools to protect trout from the stress of angling during warm, low water periods. Currently all streams use "3 days above 73 degrees F" as the trigger for implementing Hoot Owl, regardless of whether they contain cutthroat.
FWP is now proposing a new criteria for cutthroat streams of 66 degrees, in addition to the existing carve out of 60 degrees for bull trout streams. (ARM 12.5.507(1)(b)(ii)). The majority of relevant scientific literature shows the impact of angling pressure and water temperature on native fishes, specifically cutthroat. That body of science clearly indicates that cutthroat experience higher mortality than their nonnative counterparts because of angling in higher water temperatures, and that the threshold is well below the current 73-degree trigger.
We support the change in the ARM to create a new 66-degree threshold for cutthroat to reduce the pressure from angling on these species during periods of higher water temperatures and reduced flow. We also continue to support the 60-degree threshold for bull trout streams that have a demonstrated even greater sensitivity to warmer water temperatures.
We also support continuing the 73-degree trigger for nonnative streams, as well as the proposal for lifting Hoot Owl on both native and nonnative streams, and other associated rules for agency discretion and waterway identification.
MTU DOES NOT SUPPORT one part of the proposal to change the automatic reopening waters date from September 15 to August 31 (ARM 12.5.508(1)). MTU strongly opposes this change because we see no detailed rationale as to why we are going to sunset any restrictions 15 days earlier when the days are still longer, the temperatures are higher, and the need for protections remains in place. Our changing climate has only made conditions hotter and drier longer into the summer. Without a clear evidence-based articulation for why this change is needed or advisable, we suggest it be abandoned in the final rule in exchange for a lot of positive changes elsewhere in this proposal.
The Commission is poised to accept the changes at its August 25 meeting. You can view the August 25 Commission agenda, the proposed rule changes, and the 40 odd comments submitted via email, including a couple in opposition to the change.
|
|
Contest for New BRTU Logo. |
|
The Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited (BRTU) has announced a contest to design a new logo for the chapter. BRTU is encouraging amateur and professional artists to submit logos for consideration by August 15, 2022.
For several decades, BRTU has used a logo based on the venerable Montana Trout Unlimited logo which featured three of Montana's native trout species - the westslope cutthroat, the bull trout and the arctic grayling. The current logo is featured in the header of our newsletter. Recently, the BRTU Board decided that it was time to have competition for a new logo tied more closely to the Bitterroot Valley.
Amateur and professional artists are invited to submit entries. There is no fee to submit artwork for the contest, and the artist of the winning submission will receive a $350 award. Anyone interested in submitting a logo for consideration should visit BRTU’s News & Events website page for more specific details about the contest. Artists may submit up to two logos and must sign an acknowledgement form that BRTU will own and have full rights to use the winning artwork.
“We’re excited to have a new look for the Bitterroot TU Chapter,” said JuliAnne Thomas, BRTU board member. “There are so many talented artists in the valley and the surrounding regions, and we look forward to seeing new concepts presented for our logo. We ask those who are interested in submitting artwork to read the rules on our website carefully! It will help them in designing a quality logo.”
The BRTU board members will review the submissions in late August and will notify the winner in early September. The new logo will be unveiled at the BRTU banquet on October 21, 2022 at the Bitterroot River Inn.
|
|
Water flowing over the spillway at Painted Rocks Lake. |
|
DNRC engineer Larry Schock sent the following report on Painted Rocks on August 11.
Sorry, I am a little late getting this update out to you all, it has been a busy summer.
Here is the Painted Rocks Reservoir status as of 8/6:
Outflows:
Pre-Adjustment 338 cfs
Post-Adjustment 392 cfs
Adjustment 54 cfs.
Reservoir Inflows: 92.6 cfs
Reservoir Information
Elevation 4718.57 ft.
Storage 28150 AF
Contract Water Deliveries
FWP Fisheries Contracts 125 cfs, Volume delivered 2440 AF, 50 days of contract water left at current flow rate.
Irrigation Contracts 72 cfs, Volume delivered 578 AF, 131 days of contract water left at current flow rate. (Expected to increase as haying gets done)
As everyone is aware, the summer has been hot and dry, and the winter snowpack has long since been depleted, and the river flows are steadily dropping.
Therefore, based upon the current conditions, the goal of all of the Painted Rocks contracts water users is to try to keep the flows at Bell Crossing in the 250-275 cfs range.
Thank you for your time in attending to this matter.sc
Larry A. Schock
DNRC MRO WRD
Civil Engineering Specialist
406 542 5885
Every summer, there is a breakfast meeting of the various stakeholder groups using the contracted water from Painted Rocks Lake. The Painted Rocks Water Users provides a breakfast for everyone that attends. BRTU President Dave Ward attended the July 28 meeting at BJ's and sent along this report:
I attended the Water Users meeting yesterday. There were 15 people in attendance and a great deal of calm discussion about water. We are entering an extended dry period for the rest of the summer. Hoot Owl conditions are coming soon to our area according to Jason Lindstrom.
This group is very careful to manage water in such a way that if they need to cut back it is a shared sacrifice. Jason asked them to avoid releases on Friday so that wade fishing on the West Fork can proceed. They agreed to this request.
There was discussion of the fact that the DNRC water contracts are expiring in the near future. New contracts will be negotiated. The ability to pay is a big component of this discussion. Costs will likely be between $11 and $30 per acre foot. The revenue from the contracts must pay for the dam repairs which will be in the neighborhood of 40 million. The dam was built in 1936.
There was also discussion on the need for education of water users. This is particularly true for owners of new homes with irrigation systems. Installing ponds is a major problem with canals as they tend to drain the canal.
|
|
Les Korcala and a nice Esox lucius (northern pike). Courtesy : Les Korcala |
|
The 11 ft, 4 wt Spey rod and fly that Les uses when fishing for summer pike. Courtesy: Les Korcala. |
|
This issue's Picture(s) of the Week were provided by TU supporter and ardent angler, Les Korcala who lives on the river near Florence.
Les wrote the following to accompany the photos:
While rivers are running 72F by our house and trout struggling to survive I switch to light Macro Spey rod 11 foot / 4 weight and targeting Bitterroot Torpedos (northern pike). So far, I have used one streamer pattern and in 2 days have caught 4 - 30 inch pike.
When you wade knee deep, you notice schools dark big fish hogging bottom of the stream bed, they are suckers and hard fish to hook on the fly ! Only dead drift presentation of weighted nymph or small streamer right in front of their mouth with small hook will sometimes entice to take it.
Than you notice lighter color of fish but longer than the largest suckers. When I wade closer, the suckers and big pike minnows will fin out just few more feet in deeper water but the northern pike will not ! They are actually curious of humans and get even closer. I then back up and start drifting way above them and start long 16” strip and pause! My long 4-5” minnow streamer will move up and start diving down and up again!
Pike like to chase the streamer and hit it hard! At the very first hook up, the pulls are hard and the fish thrash all over surface. They don't run with your line like big browns or rainbows but still fight - pound for pound. After laying in the net or on the shore, they are calm and collected and you can see their killer instinct in their eyes and yes ! They are ready to strike in seconds.
A good pair of long nose pliers is a must to remove the hook from boney jaws.
Please send me any cool fishing or conservation pictures. Send in a file that is less than 5 MB. I don't use "grip and grin" photos of native fish out of water anymore, but ones of fish being released or in the water are mighty fine!
|
|
There were several runs at the correct answer for this BRTU Puzzler. The most complete entry came from Greg Vester who recognized the photo as a picture of a grunion run and to note that they may be a victim of acidic oceans, which in turn are a consequence of climate change.
The fish come ashore to spawn and then wait for the next tide to take them back out to sea. During the run, the beaches from Baja California all the way to Santa Cruz are home to the grunion run and glitter in the night light.
These are really cool little fish, and this article from The Guardian gives a nice overview of the biology and the challenges that they face, as well as the social activities around watching the grunion run. Alas, our native trout are not the only fish threatened by an increasingly hostile climate.
Greg can claim his prize of a $10.00 gift card in person from Chapter One Book Store in Hamilton.
The BRTU Puzzler now has a new sponsor - Chapter One Book Store in Hamilton. Chapter One is offering a $10 gift card to each winner but it must be picked up in person. The book store is a long time BRTU supporter and has an unbelievable inventory of books and magazines. If Chapter One doesn't have the tome you want, they can get it in a jiffy. Shouldn't we be patronizing local small independents rather the big online services?
If you have a cool fishing or conservation related photo, consider submitting it to BRTU Puzzlemaster Marshall Bloom for the BRTU Puzzler. BRTU E-News will no longer publish grip and grin photos of native fish out of water but will highlight photos of actual fish in the water.
|
Monte Dolack BRTU prints
now available at Joe's Studio.
A small number of Publisher's Proofs of the limited edition "Bitterroot River-Lost Horse Bend" by Monte Dolack are now available at Joe's Studio. BRTU commissioned Monte Dolack in 2007 to create this iconic print of the Bitterroot River.
The remaining Publisher's Proofs are $375 and all proceeds support BRTU efforts to protect trout and streams.
Joe's Studio, a regular sponsor of our banquets, is located in Hamilton at 220 Marcus Street (961-4586, joesstudio@aol.com)
The "U" in BRTU
Unlike many groups, BTRU has no paid staff. We are an entirely volunteer organization. We are always looking for new members to get involved in projects or to join our board and assist with maintaining our focus on native fish, clean healthy streams and education. If you would like to help out, please contact BRTU Chapter President Dave Ward. We could sure use your help!
In other words, how about putting a little "U" in BRTU?
If "U" are not already a member, "U" can join TU today by going to the the BRTU website. chapter number is #080. If you have a question about your membership, please call the Montana TU office at 406-543-0054.
The BRTU Mission statement is "To conserve, protect, and restore the Bitterroot River and it's watershed," directly in line with the Montana TU mission statement.
For your information, here is a tabulation of our current hard-working BRTU officers and board members.
BOARD OFFICERS
Donna Haglund; Vice President; E-mail: haglunddonna@gmail.com
Vacant, Treasurer;
BOARD MEMBERS
Charlie Harris; E-mail: hmgharris@gmail.com
JuliAnne Thomas; E-mail: thomasjulianneh@gmail.com
Vacant; (student board member)
GENERAL FACTOTUM AND NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER
|
|
Company Name | Phone | Address | Website |
|
|
|
|
|
|
