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.
#230: Aug. 7, 2021
|
|
Members of BRTU's Reel Women in the 'Root proudly display the scratchboard art created at the class. Photos courtesy Peg Miskin.
|
|
Internationally known artist Cynthie Fisher teaches the basic of scratchboard art to members of BRTU's RWR
|
|
Cynthie Fisher shares a moment with hosts Sheila Bryan and Rita Keltner
|
|
These amazing scratchboards were made by the RWR members during Cynthie Fisher's class.
|
|
BRTU Board member Sheila Bryan and Rita Keltner display the repast prepared for the RWR scratchboard class.
|
|
Cynthie Fisher Teaches Reel Women in the 'Root How to Scratchboard!
|
|
On a pleasant evening in mid-July, members of BRTU's Reel Women in the 'Root met at the home of Rita Keltner near Florence for an evening of scratchboard art and fun, organized by BRTU Board member Sheila Bryan.
Internationally renowned wildlife artist Cynthie Fisher was the instructor. After some demonstrations and explanations, the RWR got after it, fortified by food and drink provided by Sheila and Rita Keltner at Rita's place. As you can see from the photo the students paid close attention and caught on very quickly producing lovely scratchboard art of several trout flies and owl faces.
Scratchboard art is actually a form of direct engraving where a dark ink coating is scratched or scored away from cardboard or a hard surface with a sharp point to reveal a white or light painted base layer. After the dark ink has been removed, the image can be colored to great effect as can be seen in the class photos. The artform lends itself well to a variety of wildlife images.
Reel Women in the 'Root is an offshoot of BRTU, and participation in RWR events is limited to BRTU members. The scratchboard evening was the first RWR get together since the pandemic began. However, Sheila and Donna Haglund assure me that other outings and evenings are in the works. If you are interested in joining the RWR, please contact Sheila Bryan or Donna Haglund.
|
|
A photo of the Bitterroot River at Bell Crossing from the 1980's before the current release program was secured. Flow was about 50 cfs or less that summer.
|
|
A Low Mo - the Missouri River with exposed gravel near Craig in July 2021. Source Brett French. Missoulian.
|
|
Hoot Owl Hours or Closures Impact Many of Montana's Streams!
Since the last BRTU E-Newsletter, Hoot Owl fishing restrictions were instituted on the entire main stem of the Bitterroot River from the mouth to the bifurcation of main stem into the East and West Fork. The criteria for instituting Hoot Owl restrictions are water temperatures exceeding 73 degrees three days in a row, which were met on July 30, 31 and August 1. During Hoot Owl periods, the affected waters are closed to angling from 2:00 pm until midnight. According to MFWP Biologist Jason Lindstrom, it is unlikely that the restrictions will be lifted until September.
Of course, this was not a huge surprise given the persistent heat, low water and lack of rain. The Bitterroot fared better than many other nearby rivers due to the releases from Painted Rocks Lake. As of today, the East Fork and West Fork as well as the tributary creeks and lakes are not included in the Hoot Owl restrictions. Even the Mighty Missouri has been impacted by the lowest flows in 123 years of record keeping. MFWP maintains a listing of all the present closures and it has gotten rather lengthy and depressing.
Complaining about the management of water from Painted Rocks is a perennial Bitterroot summer pastime. Former River Commissioner Al Pernichele related fielding outfitter complaints on the same day that too much and too little water was being released. The release of water from the reservoir is managed in a cooperative manner with input from MFWP and the irrigators. In a year like this, it is simply impossible to keep the river maximally hydrated and satisfy irrigation demands. In the face of widespread drought and heat of biblical scale across the entire western US, it is fatuous to lay all the the blame for the disaster on irrigators, at least in the Bitterroot. When BRTU begins in person chapter meetings next year, the meeting in January will provide on an overview of Painted Rocks management.
I would like to publicly acknowledge the selfless action of Rob and Terry Ryan who own the Roaring Lion Ranch. They have generously decided not to use their allocation of water. Terry sent an email to Painted Rocks Lake shareholders stating:
" TO ALL SHAREHOLDERS: Since this is proving to be a record dry year could those shareholders who are not planning to use their Painted Rocks water allocation or using a reduced amount write and inform the water master so he can take that decreased use into account. My Husband and I own Roaring Lion Ranch with a mile on the river south of Hamilton. We are letting our pastures go dry this year to leave more water in the river to help the fish. We will therefore not use any of our Painted Rocks allotment this year. I hope other landowners will join us in this endeavor and will inform the water master of their plans. SAVE THE FISH.
Terry Ryan"
And if you think our trout and rivers have it bad - which they do - take a look at this story. Migrating salmon in some Pacific Northwest streams are literally being cooked as they try to swim upstream.
So what can we do besides hope for persistently cooler and wetter weather systems? I suspect by now everyone can recite the litany - obey the "hoot owl" restrictions, impose even stricter restrictions on yourself, horse the fish in and be careful when you release them, keep them in the water and skip the photos, maybe crimp your barbs, don't catch every fish you can.
Reader John Grant has an even better idea which I have dubbed pointless fishing. Not the kind of pointless fishing you are likely thinking of, but something more useful. John cuts the hook off of his flies so that the trout cannot get hooked. John says "Nothing special about hookless flies…..simply cut off the hook of all your favorite patterns….no new hardware or materials required……..and fish them with an enhanced concentration as the take will be your reward!!"
Or as I mentioned in the last issue, buy and read a copy of John N. Maclean's Home Waters. Chapter One Book Store in Hamilton can either provide or order a signed copy for you. It is truly a marvelous read! They have sold well over 100 and are one of only 3 book stores to have autographed copies!
|
|
Dave Campbell teaching casting at the BRTU booth at a Ravalli County Youth Expo. Source Perry Backus.
|
|
Dave at the USFS Interpretive Display at Nez Perce Pass honoring Senator Frank Church and long time BRTU Board member Doris Milner. This display was a cooperative project with BRTU and the Bitterroot National Forest.
|
|
Volunteers Needed for Dave Campbell West Fork River Boat Launch Project on Aug 21.
|
Readers will remember that BRTU teamed up with the Bitterroot National Forest to improve the West Fork Boat Launch site, commonly called Canoe. The access is immediately across the West Fork Road from the West Fork District Ranger Station, where BRTU member and supporter Dave Campbell was Ranger for many years.
After retiring, Dave became a BRTU Board member and his matchless natural resource and recreation management expertise were huge assets for the chapter. Dave participated in the 2018 Bitterroot River Recreation Advisory Committee and was a forceful advocate for the sound plan that is now the successful Upper Bitterroot and West Fork Plan.
After Dave's untimely death in spring of 2019, BRTU worked with the family and the Forest to devise a suitable tribute for Dave. Because Dave was so dedicated to the West Fork and was such an avid river and trout advocate, it was decided to improve the West Fork Boat Launch and install a plaque recognizing Dave's contributions.
The Chapter submitted and received a grant from the Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee to underwrite the project. The project includes improved trails, a picnic table and benches to view the river as well as several handicapped accessible features. Volunteers are needed for Saturday, August 21.
Krista Kaarre from the BNF wrote with the details:
.... following up from our meeting about the Dave Campbell Memorial/West Fork Boat Launch project. I wanted to let you know we are planning to start work on this project the week of August 16th. I am scheduling a weekend work day on Saturday, August 21 for any Trout Unlimited members who might like to come out for the day and help with the project. The day will be spent working on the accessible gravel trails to the riverside benches.
Meet at 9:00 am on August 21 at the West Fork Boat Launch.
Please bring water, lunch, and sunglasses or eye protection. Bring a comfy pair of gloves if you have them, if not we can provide. We will provide hard hats and all the tools.
Work day will last until 4:00 pm (members are invited to join for any portion of the work day if they're unable to attend the whole day).
To reduce parking congestion at the West Fork Boat Launch, carpooling is encouraged if possible.
We're excited to build these new trails, benches, and picnic table for people to enjoy the West Fork river! Let me know if you have any questions.
-Krista Kaarre
West Fork Ranger District
406-821-3269
If you are able to come and help out with this great BRTU project that will honor Dave Campbell- either all day or part of the day - , please let me know as soon as you can. We can work out the details and I will provide lunch and drinks for all BRTU volunteers. My email address is drtrout@mtbloom.net .
|
|
At long last and just in time for the 2021 fishing season, the new BRTU caps and drybags have arrived.
BRTU President Dave Ward reports that the new BRTU soft cotton caps are now available in 5 pleasing colors.
As you can see from inspecting our professional models, one size fits all. However, we were unable to perfect a canine version.
Included with each hat is a small Montana TU dry bag. The size is perfect for stashing your lunch and phone in the boat.
The price for a hat and a bag is just $20.
The hats may be viewed and purchased at Chuck Stranahan’ s Fly Shop in the Safeway parking lot in Hamilton. Supplies are limited, so don't wait too long!
Chuck has made it very easy! You can pay for your cap and drybag at his shop with cash, check or credit card.
|
|
Jeff Potts with a 24 inch walleye from Lake Erie.
|
|
This week's picture of a nice walleye from Lake Erie was submitted by my friend Jeff Potts from Maryland.
Jeff said that
"The walleye trip was on July 6th. I took a half-day guide trip out of Sandusky, OH with http://wildirishrosecharters.com/. Weather was ideal and the Captain put us right on the fish. I am usually a catch-release fisherman but the chance for fresh walleye was too good to pass up. And yes, the fish holder is a set of deer antlers from the Captain’s other hobby."
Walleye are a terrific, great eating gamefish and were common east of the Divide, although never recognized as native. However, several decades ago some geniuses decided to "improve the fishing" by introducing them where they don't belong and now there is a strong horrendously well-funded Walleyes Unlimited presence in the Upper Missouri. The current Montana State record walleye was caught in Holter Lake this last May and weighed in at 18.02 lbs and was 8 inches longer than the one Jeff caught in Lake Erie. Needless to say, Walleyes Unlimited are not strong advocates for native or wild trout management and in fact tried to get walleye listed as native species! Check out their proposal from the last legislative session, which luckily languished.
I have never been able to fathom the need to transplant exotic species. I would like to shoot an eland sometime, but figure I should have to go to Africa to do it, and not try to introduce them into the Centennial Valley!
Please send your photos and stories to me. Your picture might end up as the Picture of the Week!
|
|
There was finally a correct answer. Chris Edgington recognized the photo as taken on the Ruby River. Jerry Kustich who submitted the picture said the photo was taken from the public access site on the Ruby.
Chris wins this BRTU Puzzler. Chuck Stranahan has generously offered a prize of hand tied flies to all winners of the BRTU Puzzler. Chris can claim his prize of hand-tied trout flies by contacting Chuck.
|
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 Clayton at 406-543-0054.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BRTU board meetings are being held virtually on ZOOM. They are open to all BRTU members. Date and time vary, so please contact Chapter President Dave Ward if you would like to log in and learn what is going on.
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
Vice President - OPEN
BOARD MEMBERS
Gavin Marston (student board member)
GENERAL FACTOTUM AND NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER
|
|
Company Name | Phone | Address | Website
|
|
|
|
|
|
|