BRTU E-News
Because there's more to fishin' than just fishin'!
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#232: Aug. 30, 2021
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Some of the dead rainbow trout that had been stabbed and slashed at Giant Springs State Park and Hatchery on Aug . 22. Source KPAX/MFWP.
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Map of current closures. Parts of the Big Hole and the Red Rock remain closed. See a bigger copy of the map here.
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The Worst Summer - So Far.
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As a fitting metaphor for a horrid summer for trout and trout streams, a number of trout in the display tank at Great Springs State Park and Hatchery in Great Falls were slashed to death. The perpetrator(s) had to scale a chain link fence sometime on August 22 before they stabbed and slashed the large trout, some of which were at least 6 years old. Six of the fish had to be euthanized and a number were killed outright by the vandals. These trout were a very popular part of a display at the hatchery and the public could visit and feed the trout. Even though these were not stream-bred wild native fish, it is hard not to be appalled and saddened. MFWP Game Warden Dave Holland is hoping that anyone with information will call the tip line 1-800-TIP-MONT.
At this writing, the hoot owl restrictions and closures have been lifted in many parts of the state, including the Bitterroot. Parts of the Big Hole and Red Rock Rivers are still closed. Water temperatures are more favorable, and the flows at Darby are decent, but flows in the West Fork are going to decline to about 60 CFS by mid-September due to the Painted Rocks project (see following story).
However, there are some serious issues facing our fish and stream all across the state as we come out of this summer. As was reported in an earlier BRTU E-News, drastic regulation changes are being implemented on the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers in an attempt to revive the precipitous and bizarre decline in brown trout there. As of August 20, the Big Hole from the mouth to the Dickey Bridge and the entire Beaverhead are catch and release only, and only flies or lures with single hooks are permitted. In, addition, there will be seasonal closures to protect spawning browns in some sections; closure details are described here. These are not the only streams experiencing declines in brown trout and the etiology remains elusive so far. Low flows from the persistent drought or altered temperature regimes seem more likely culprits than the heavy fishing pressure, but that likely takes a toll, too. Nobody in Helena seems brave enough to say climate change yet.
All of this is coupled with an uneasiness about the direction MFWP in Helena is taking on a number of issues. It seems to many that the focus on biology and science as the beacon for management is being replaced with concerns for "customer service" and commercial uses. And others worry about the makeup of the Fish and Game Commission and the diminution of conservation minded commissioners.
Yes, there a lot of things to think about as we enjoy the cooler days and evenings, while tying hecubas and plotting a few more days astream. We all hope for a long snowy winter and a cool rainy 2022 spring and summer. BRTU and Montana TU will try to keep an eye on issues like these, and BRTU E-News will make an effort to inform you the reader.
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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. Water for Painted Rocks helps prevent low flows like this.
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The back face of Painted Rocks Dam is exposed as water is allocated for recreation and irrigation. For several reasons, the lake cannot be completely drained.
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Another Season of Painted Rocks Water Comes to an End!
As other rivers around Montana and the rest of the western US literally dried up or experienced the lowest flows in a century, the stored water from Painted Rocks Lake kept much of the upper Bitterroot hydrated. By all accounts, the fishing held up well in spite of the heavy pressure, and the hoot owl restrictions were welcomed by both private and commercial users.
One surprise this summer was that long-time River Commissioner and Dam Tender Al Pernichele handed over his measuring stick to J.R. Iman. J.R. becomes just the third person to hold this crucial position. The first was Bitterroot rancher Vern Woolsey and it was Vern's credibility and decency that forged the cooperative relationship between the irrigators and the sportsmen. Vern and his wife attended many BRTU banquets and he was particularly proud of the Gold Trout Award the chapter presented to him. Al Pernichele seamlessly took over when Vern retired, and we have to hope that Al will write a memoir relating some of the idiosyncratic personalities he had to assuage.
J.R. comes from a venerable Bitterroot family and grew up on the Woodside Stock Farm that his dad Jack and mom Pat ran. Jack, a mainstay on the Bitterroot Conservation District, was a strong supporter of the Painted Rocks from the very beginning back in the early 1980's, and many will remember Pat from the years she worked at Teller Wildlife Refuge. BRTU will honor Al for his decades of service at an appropriate time.
As a parting shot, Al issued this update on August 20.
PAINTED ROCKS STATUS REPORT AUGUST 17 2021
STORAGE:
Water Elevation: 4701.76’
Storage: 19,372 af
INFLOW:
Blue Joint 14.6 cfs
West Fork 49.0 cfs
Overwhich 8.7 cfs
Slate 4.0cfs
Total 76.3 cfs
CONTRACT WATER DELIVERY THOUGH AUGUST 17
Delivered Remaining Rate of Delivery Days Remaining
FWP 9,676 af 5,324 af 132 cfs (261 af/day) 20 days
PRWUA 3,287 af 6,713 af 128 cfs (253af/day) 26 days
Delivery of PRWUA contract water was increased by 56 cfs on 8/17.
Al Pernichele, Damtender
Importantly, DNRC is making some necessary repairs to the dam works that are going to impact flows as well as access near the dam. DNRC engineer Larry Schock issued this notice about a week ago, and I urge you to read it if you plan on fishing the West fork!
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Montana Dept. Natural Resources and Conservation
PAINTED ROCKS DAM CONSTRUCTION PROJECT: MODIFIED RESERVOIR OPERATIONS, RIVER FLOW REDUCTIONS, AND FISHING ACCESS CLOSURES
Project Overview
On August 1, 2021, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) will begin a construction project below Painted Rocks Dam. The purpose of this project is to develop access for future maintenance, repairs, and safety improvements to the lower spillway and outlet area of the dam.
Planned activities include the construction of a bridge and improvements to the existing primitive road. Approximately one-half mile of the road will be improved to a 16-foot width with gravel surfacing. A single-lane bridge will be constructed immediately downstream of the uppermost boat launch site on the West Fork Bitterroot River.
Construction activities will begin on August 1, 2021, and continue through the winter months. The project is expected to be completed in spring of 2022. Once completed, the public will have vehicular access to the improved road on the east side of the river, and foot access across the new bridge to public lands on the west side of the river.
Access Advisories
Effective August 1, 2021, the uppermost boat launch downstream of the dam, along with the primitive road which passes near the USGS gaging station, will be closed to public use. Recreationists will find alternative river access at a developed fishing access site located about 3 miles downstream at Bonnie Blue Bridge, on Mud Creek Road.
The school bus turnaround area on West Fork Road (Hwy 473) will also be closed to general public use, though it will be opened at limited times to allow for the drop-off and pick-up of students.
Modified River Flows
To help facilitate construction activities, contract water deliveries and stream flows in the West Fork Bitterroot River will be reduced two (2) weeks earlier than normal.
- Reductions in dam outflows will begin on September 1, 2021.
- Flow reductions of approximately 50 CFS will be made every 3-4 days until September 20, 2021.
- Releases from September 20 through December 31, 2021 will be held at 60 CFS.
- Additional short-term stream flow reductions to 40 CFS may occur 3 to 4 days per week to accommodate construction activity. These reductions will last less than 4 hours.
- From January 1 through March 31, 2022, stream flows will be held as low as possible but may reach 90 CFS or higher to manage reservoir levels in advance of spring runoff.
River flows and public access to the river will be fully restored following completion of this project prior to the 2022 runoff cycle. DNRC appreciates your understanding as we work to ensure Painted Rocks Dam remains safe and efficient into the future.
For more information, please contact DNRC at (406) 444-0465. Thank you!
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BRTU Meetings to Resume in January 2022.
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Since this feature will contain regular updates on BRTU Meetings, the Bitterroot Buggers, and Chapter Project reminders, I am going to leave it active and update as needed.
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General meetings of Bitterroot Trout Unlimited came to an abrupt halt in the spring of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic made such gatherings unwise and frankly unsafe!
The pandemic also forced us to cancel the 2020 and 2021 annual banquets. Our online 2020 fall auction proved successful, but it just wasn't the same and the board is contemplating the best of time of year to resume having a banquet.
The BRTU Board continued to meet monthly on Zoom, and conduct chapter business, but they felt that virtual membership meetings would not be that productive or fun!
Now that the nature of the pandemic is better understood and many have received one of the extremely effective COVID-19 vaccines, we plan to start holding regular meetings in January. The current plan is to resume the meetings in January 2022 at the Hamilton Elks Club on the 3rd Thursday of the month.
The schedule for next spring is still being developed, but here is what we have so far:
- January 20, 2022 - "How does it work?: a panel on Painted Rocks Lake," featuring MFWP biologist Jason Lindstrom, River Commissioner/Dam Tender J.R. Iman, DNRC Engineer Larry Schock, and irrigator Roger Raynal.
- February 17, 2022 - "The Upper Bitterroot/West Fork Recreation Plan: status report and future prospects," Chrissy Oschell and Jason Lindstrom, MFWP
- April 21, 2022 - "What's up with President Jefferson's River?," Chris Edginton, Jefferson Watershed Project Manager, Montana TU
Conversations are also in progress about resuming Bitterroot Buggers which was another early victim of the pandemic. Watch for details on that, too.
Sadly, one tradition that we will not be able to restart are the terrific dinners at Spice of Life before our chapter meetings. Long time BRTU supporter Karen Suennen had to close Spice in the early stages of the pandemic, and that closure became permanent. This has left a huge gap in the culinary and social milieu of the valley.
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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 photo of the packer hauling the gear in through an old fire and very hazy skies in the Bob Marshall. Ryan's friend from West Virginia took this dramatic photo.
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Amid breathtaking Bob Marshall scenery and gin-clear water of the South Fork, the group load their pack rafts for the day's trip in late July.
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Ryan with a beautiful westslope cutthroat on the upper South Fork of the Flathead in the Bob Marshall.
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A laden one-man pack raft after a day's float on the South Fork.
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Ryan and 2 friends had a packer carry their gear into the Upper South Fork drainage where they unloaded, and did a multi-day float in one-person pack rafts. They took out just above the notorious Meadow Creek Gorge, packed up their gear and hiked out to last few miles to the trailhead and drove home.
As you can see from Ryan's photos, they had a memorable trip and some excellent fishing. The clarity of the water is almost unimaginable and the dramatic landscapes are varied and untrammeled.
Word is that the very light one-person pack rafts are gaining popularity in the Bob Marshall and other remote areas. They certainly open up a lot of opportunities for solo and solitary floating, but that opportunity must be weighed against the opportunities for getting into serious solo and solitary trouble in remote areas. Ryan and his friends are very experienced in the outdoors and in the water. Make sure you are before head out!
Please send your photos and stories to me. Your picture might end up as the Picture of the Week!
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My friend Ryan Jones submitted the correct answer to this BRTU Puzzler in less than hour!
He recognized my wife and grandson hooked up with a native Westslope Cutthroat on the South Fork of the Flathead, under the watchful eye of Jesse Shively. This was an easy guess for Ryan, because he and I had talked about the float trip that he and 2 friends were going to be on in the Upper South Fork while we were going to be staying at Spotted Bear Ranch. A couple of his photos are featured in this week's Picture of the Week.
Since Ryan submitted the first correct entry, he is the winner of this week's BRTU Puzzler.
Chuck Stranahan has generously offered a prize of hand tied flies to all winners of the BRTU Puzzler. Ryan can claim his prize of hand-tied trout flies by contacting Chuck. Thanks to Chuck for sponsoring the BRTU Puzzler!
If you have a cool fishing or conservation related photo, consider submitting it to BRTU Puzzlemaster Marshall Bloom for the BRTU Puzzler. We prefer photos of actual fish in the water, but won't decline any.
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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 usually being held 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
Donna Haglund; Vice President; E-mail: haglunddonna@gmail.com
BOARD MEMBERS
Charlie Harris; E-mail: hmgharris@gmail.com
Gavin Marston (student board member)
GENERAL FACTOTUM AND NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER
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