NEWS & EVENTS

Pat Barnes Missouri River Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s Latest Newsletter:

PBMRTU Newsletter.pdf

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Comments on the Missouri River Trout Populations from 1981 to 2009.

The long-term mean Rainbow population levels are ~2,900 Rainbows/Mile in the Craig section and ~1,500 Rainbows/Mile in the Cascade Section.  We are above those mean levels this year - and a lot of fish over 18”!!

The Browns are above their historical means (of ~580 Browns/Mile -Craig and ~340 Brown/Mile -Cascade) and is now at ~584/Mile in Craig area and ~611/Mile in Cascade.  Browns look like they are not on the surge we thought they might be on last year when their numbers were more than double what we have this year in the Craig section.  That certainly showed in the catch ratios in Fall 2009.  However, Brown Trout numbers remain strong in the lower river and in fact, have increased as a percentage in the overall trout population down in that stretch.

Overall, pretty darn good as far as numbers go with just over 4,000 Trout per Mile in the upper river and about 2,180 Trout per Mile in the lower river.  Any way you slice it , THAT’S A LOT OF TROUT!  It’s amazing what a little normal to above normal water flows will produce.  If we have another good snowpack and streamflows in 2010, we could see numbers and sizes similar to ’99 and ’00!

One thing anglers noticed the last couple of years is the lack of Whitefish.  I know some people don’t mind that fact but we must remember they are a native species and a good indicator of habitat health.  FWP and other fisheries professionals and academics are just starting to investigate this decline in Whitefish population not only in Montana but throughout the West.  I’ll post information and links as I learn more of these studies and findings.

And just because there are lot of trout in the river doesn’t mean that everything is hunky dory.  The fish, the river and surrounding habitat are constantly in need of careful stewardship.  Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS), dewatering, riparian habitat degradation and off-site land use and pollution are clear and present hazards for the Missouri River and her tributaries.  We’ve got some great professional Biologist with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, like Grant Grisak, who are constantly monitoring and performing research to keep a weather eye on our fish.  You too can help by getting involved with organizations such at The Pat Barnes Missouri River Chapter of Trout Unlimited and The Missouri River fly Fishers.  Please see our CONSERVATION page for more information.

Below is the population information for the Smith River.  It’s certainly not doing as well as the MO and we could definitely use some more water in that river this year.  Pray for more precip!

Below is the current information on the Missouri River Trout Populations from Grant Grisak, MT FWP Fisheries Biologist for the Missouri River below Holter and her tributaries.

Check out our Videos Page for a short clip called, “Tracking Montana Fish” on Grant’s ongoing radio telemetry study on the fish of the Missouri River.  It’s fascinating and informative.

January Meetings:

Tuesday, January 19th - PBMRTU Fly Fishing Film Fest (@ the Myrna Loy in Helena @ 6pm)

Thursday, January 28th - PBMRTU Monthly Chapter Meeting - speaker will be Grant Grisak.

February Meetings:

Saturday, February 20th, 6-~10pm - Missouri River Flyfishers Annual Fund Raising Banquet

At the Best Western Heritage Inn in Great Falls. (1700 Fox Farm Rd.)

Tuesday, February 23rd, 6-~9pm - PBMRTU 4th Annual Fly Tying Extravaganza

At the Knights of Columbus Hall in Helena. (1867 Washington Dr. -near the Airport.)

Starting Wednesday, February 24th, - CrossCurrents Intermediate Fly Tying Class.

See our Schools & Instructions Page for more information.

Starting Thursday, February 25th, - CrossCurrents Beginner Fly Tying Class.

See our Schools & Instructions Page for more information.

April Meetings:

Saturday, April 17th - MRFF/PBMRTU Annual Missouri River Cleanup Day

May Events:

Entire Month of May we will be giving away Battenkill reels for FREE - Buy ANY Hydros or Helios Rod and get any Battenkill Reel for FREE!

Saturday, May 1 (9:00am) - PBMRTU Annual Free Fly Casting Clinic w/ Bob Jacklin at the East Valley Middle School.

PLEASE JOIN our Trout Unlimited Chapter Today - The Pat Barnes Missouri River Chapter (Chapter #055).  Click Below for an Application.  (FYI-You can belong to more than one Chapter)

PBMRCTU Membership Application 2010.pdf

4th Annual Craig Caddis Festival & BBQ Cook-off

Saturday, May 15th starting at 12:00 noon

Great Food, Live Music, Parade, Auctions, Raffles, Craft & Quilt Fair & tons of fun starting at Noon and going until after dark.  There will be food vendors there at noon for lunch stuff but the BBQ competition won’t be ready until 4pm.  There will be lots of cool stuff for all ages so please bring the whole family!

We are now taking applications for the BBQ competition, lunch food vendors and for the Craft and Quilt Fair and Parade Floats.  Please contact us for more information.

This event just keeps getting better and better every year.  Mark your calendar now and plan on being on the banks for the Missouri River in Craig, Montana on May 15th!

Saturday, May 22nd - Orvis Rod Demo Day w/ Doug Best of Orvis.  Come try out any of the new rods from Orvis.  This is a chance to cast and fish any of the rods in Orvis’ current line up - including the new Helios Switch Rods and Spey Rods and the exciting Hydros Rods.  (Excellent stuff coming out of America’s oldest rod shop in Manchester, Vermont!)  Get a free hat and other prizes just for “test driving” a new rod!  We’ll have some special deals on Hydros and Helios that weekend as well!  We ordered great weather for you so come on out to Craig and have fun.  We’ll start in the morning and will be here all day so stop by when ever you get done mowing the lawn.

June Events:

Saturday, June 12th - 3rd Annual Helena Outdoor Fest at Spring Meadow Lake State Park in Helena.  Lots of fun stuff for the whole family to learn and enjoy -including fly fishing.  Click Here for more information (www.helenaoutdoorsfest.org)

July Events:

All Month Long - FISH, FISH, FISH!

August Events:

Saturday, August 14th - 3rd Annual Missouri River Carp Rodeo! on the MO from Pelican Point to Ulm!

March Meetings:

Friday, March 5th - Ducks Unlimited Annual Fund Raising Banquet (@ the Helena Civic Center)

Saturday, March 20th - PBMRTU Annual Fund Raising Banquet (@ the Helena Civic Center)