After a 2 year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BRTU's flagship Bitterroot Buggers Program will kick off an abbreviated program on March 15. For more than 2 decades, BRTU has been offering this free program to Bitterroot kids aged 9 to 14.

This year's program will begin with orientation on March 15th and classes will run through April 19th. The Buggers meet every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00pm and subsequent classes will feature flytying, casting and conservation education. As noted, March 15th will be the Orientation session. Then the classes on March 22nd, April 5th, April 12th and April 19th will feature flies of progressive complexity and breakout sessions for casting. Due to Spring Break, there is no class on March 29.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? This program is free because of generous contributions of time and money. Bitterroot Trout Unlimited will have rods and tying kits available for purchase at a greatly reduced price. Loaner equipment will also be available for any participant. All the materials will be provided by BRTU through a special partnership with Grizzly Hackle in Missoula.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF STUDENTS? The success of this program depends on the continued support of our volunteer instructors. Because of this we expect our participants to arrive each week ready to learn and enjoy themselves with attitudes that are respectful of everyone involved. Participants must be between 9 and 14 years old. The registration materials must be completed for each student.

At the outset of the program, masks will be REQUIRED during the classes to help insure the safety of all of the volunteers and participants of the program. Masks will be provided to all students and volunteers by the Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited. This is likely to change if the cases of COVID-19 continue to decline.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF FAMILIES? Because we are staffed entirely by volunteers it is essential that you do not drop your child off before 6:30 or pick them up after 8:00. We want your children to always be safe so please notify us in advance if your child will be walking home or someone other then those listed on the registration will be picking-up. We love to have parents participate with their child but please assist your child to follow the directions given by the instructor. Everyone has different methods and techniques they use in tying but the curriculum has been carefully developed to allow for a continuity of techniques.

And there is always a need for adult volunteers to assist with the classes. You do not need to be a good tier to be a great help, so please consider volunteering. Contact Greg Chester for details.

This issue's Picture of the Week was submitted by friend Jeff Potts who lives in Bethesda, Maryland.

Jeff landed this toothsome muskie in January while fishing the upper James River in Virginia with a guide from Blue Ridge Musky. Some of the videos on that site are amazing! I don't think I'd go wading there.

Jeff reports that between his brother and him they "...had 6 fish on and landed three (41", 40", and 44"). It was a chilly day (our guide had to use his on board heater to thaw the reels out) and we had to knock the ice build up off the reels for the first hour or so. Our guide Sam, from Blue Ridge Musky was fantastic and incredibly knowledgeable. We will definitely be going back...next time in maybe warmer weather."

The upper James River where they were fishing is not much bigger than the West Fork and there is also supposed to be pretty good smallmouth bass fishing, too. The muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) is native to North America's and is the largest member of the pike family. The muskie were introduced into the James.

Please send your photos and stories to me. Your picture might end up as the Picture of the Week! Any photos related to fishing and conservation are welcome. We prefer pictures of released fish in the water rather than in the hand, but won't turn down a great photo.