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#226: June 20, 2021
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Brown Trout Ups and Downs!
In the May 23 issue of BRTU E-News, I wrote about the perplexing but disturbing decline of Montana's brown trout populations in the Jefferson, Big Hole, Beaverhead, Upper Clark Fork, Madison and upper Yellowstone Rivers. That piece noted that the widespread and hydrologically diverse stream types involved has led biologists to conclude that the root cause must be something that can operate over considerable distances and in various geographies. Prime suspects are infectious diseases or climate change, and evidence of a pervasive infectious disease has not come to light. On the other hand, evidence of a warming climate is patent.
As a result, the excellent article in today's Ravalli Republic is very timely. The article cites work by several MFWP biologists who were studying brown trout in the upper Bitterroot and elsewhere in Western Montana before the decline in adjacent streams was noted. Overall, numbers of brown trout in the Bitterroot appear to be holding pretty steady, but in recent years they have been making incursions into areas thought inhospitably cold, like the upper East Fork, and impacting native bull trout. A number of us wade-fishing high on the East Fork have had the experience of catching some rather large brown trout in surprising locations. And according to MFWP biologist Dave Schmetterling, the same thing is happening in other western Montana streams, like the Blackfoot.
Speculation is again focusing on climate change. The changes in flow regimes associated with earlier and shorter run off periods as well as overall declines in stream flows may be affecting a variety of factors. These may include habitat, spawning areas, and perhaps phenological factors like riparian vegetation and insect hatches.
The term "tipping point" gets bantered about quite a lot and it certainly comes to mind here. Although we may not know the ultimate outcome of climate warming or what complex changes result, one thing seems certain. The work that TU is doing to protect and improve coldwater habitat will prove critical to mitigating those impacts on our wild and native fish. Maybe it is time to think about getting more involved. The trout can't speak for themselves, but I feel confident they will appreciate it.
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A nice picture of boats on the Smith River in wetter days. Even in good years that cliffs absorb heat like a radiator and transfer it to the water. |
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US Drought map as of June 17. Source USAToday with data from US Drought Monitor. |
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The bathtub ring around Lake Mead's shrinking level is evident behind Hoover Dam. Source USAToday. |
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The water is no longer pouring over Painted Rocks Dam, but the lake is full at this point in time.. |
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Low Flow Woes Hit the Smith, the Ruby and ...........!
As water levels decline and boat number increase on the Bitterroot, the stream gauge at Darby reads between 1600 and 1800 cubic feet per second (CFS). And while this is lower than the 2400 CFS average for today, the gauge at Bell Crossing is reading about 500 CFS above average at a bit north of 5000 CFS. So the flows on the Bitterroot are pretty good for the moment. Thus, it is a bit hard to appreciate the serious situation that is emerging on other Montana rivers, like the Gallatin.
The situation for Montana's rivers is eclipsed by that in other areas of the American West which, according to some estimates, is enduring the worst drought in some 1500 years! The maps in this story from USAToday capture the extent and severity. In particular, the flows on the Colorado have been so low for the last 20 or so years that Lake Mead behind Hoover Dam is at the lowest point since 1936 when the lake was filling! The upstream Lake Powell is in similar straits. Federal water managers are planning to reduce flows under conditions that continue getting worse. The "aridification" of the regions could lead to a 25% decrease in flow on the Colorado by 2050. This doesn't bode well for the cities and agriculture that depend on that water. This is climate warming writ large, and some researchers are horrified to see their predictions being verified in real time!
And the situation in Montana?
On Friday, June 18, MFWP announced that the Smith River was too low to support any watercraft, thus effectively ending the 2021 floating season on that iconic stream. The MFWP news release stated "Historically low water flows on the Smith River are making for extremely difficult floating conditions for permit holders. As of Friday afternoon June 18, streamflow at the Eagle Creek gauge measured a flow of 116 cubic feet per second (CFS). The long-term median flow for this date is 532 CFS, and the previous low flow ever recorded in the 29-year history of the gauge was 187 CFS, recorded in 2001." A flow of 150 CFS is considered minimum for canoes and kayaks, and rafts generally require 250 CFS or more.
Well, think twice before you head for the Ruby River instead! Ruby Reservoir failed to fill this year and the 14 miles of river immediately upstream from Twin Bridges where the Ruby enters the Beaverhead is closed due to record low flows and high temperatures. This is in fact the second closure on the Ruby this year! Local decreed water users there have taken a voluntary cutback in water to help the very stressed fishery in the lower river. MFWP estimates that fish numbers have plummeted from an average of 800 fish per mile to about 31 per mile. It seems like things upstream near the Ruby Habitat Foundation are a little better, and their recent reconstruction of Clear Creek is a positive thing.
What about the Big Hole? There aren't any official closures yet that I can find, but flows at Melrose are about 850 CFS compared to an average of about 3000 CFS. The flows near Wise River ain't much better - about 600 CFS vs an average of about 2800 CFS. Probably best to head over there pretty soon if you want to fish.
Which brings us to the Bitterroot. As usual, we are likely to be in better shape than most of the state because of the water in Painted Rocks that acts as a balm. Here is the June 14 report from Larry Schock:
"I wanted to take this opportunity to send out an information announcement regarding Painted Rocks Reservoir.
The reservoir is currently spilling, and there is approximately 500 cfs of outflows. However, the peak of spring runoff is over and the outflows are dropping off pretty quickly.
The inflows to the reservoir are dropping off daily and we will be down into the base flow range of 75-100 cfs before we know it.
In preparation for the upcoming contract delivery season we will be gradually switching over flows from the spillway to the low level outlet with a series of weekly adjustments for the next several weeks.
The weather forecast is calling for hot sunny weather for the next week so enjoy the river and don’t forget the sun screen!"
The forecast is the forecast, but we can at least keep our fingers crossed and do what we can to minimize the stress on our fish!
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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.
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This week's picture again comes from my retired peregrine colleague Bill Gillen who caught this lovely cutthroat recently on the Bull River a bit west of Libby.
The Bull flows south and enters the Clark Fork in the remote Cabinet Gorge region. Much is inaccessible with serious rapids, and the more sinuous meandering upper stretches (pictured) are surrounded by private property, accessible only from a boat. The upper stretches are not that far from the Kootenai.
Please send your photos and stories to me. Your picture might end up as the Picture of the Week!
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This week's Puzzler was submitted by long-time BRTU supporter, bamboo rod builder, world class writer and all around good guy, Jerry Kustich.
Jerry started off making bamboo rods back when Tom Morgan still owned RML Winston Rod Co, and then helped Glenn Brackett found Sweetgrass Rods. Some years ago, Jerry relocated to Maryland and, among other things, is the East Coast representative for Sweetgrass. He is a frequent contributor to the Sweetgrass newsletter.
Jerry sent this photo from one of his new haunts. The Puzzler is to identify the fish with its common and binomial name, and why this species is so special. For bonus points, you can attempt to identify the rod and the reel.
If you are the first person to provide that information, you will win the BRTU Puzzler.
Chuck Stranahan has generously offered a prize to all winners of the BRTU Puzzler. The winner of this week's BRTU Puzzler can claim his prize of hand-tied trout flies by contacting Chuck.
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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 now 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
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