The Clark Fork Coalition believes that recovery of this amazing river is within reach. One board member, Dan Keily, wanted to see for himself what needs to be done.
This summer, Dan and fishing guide John Havlik floated the length of the Clark Fork River, starting at Racetrack Creek near Butte, and taking out 320 miles downriver at Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho.
Using the words of the Clark Fork Coalition: Long abused and neglected, the Clark Fork River is poised to make a tremendous comeback over the coming decade, and the dream of watershed-wide restoration we’ve been working toward for years is now a little closer to reality. We’re using this historic float to launch our Vital Rivers Initiative, the Coalition’s new stream restoration program that will repair damaged tributaries of the upper Clark Fork River.
During their month-long float, Daniel and John will be joined by Coalition members, political guests, scientists, writers, youth, and sportsmen– and, maybe, by you. This hard-working river is coming back to life, and the Clark Fork 320 will showcase what this restoration means for all Montanans.
Jack participated in this float with many, many other dedicated people. Below are some photos that Jack took. After that, see a video and a map of projects that need to be done. Visit Clark Fork Coalition 320 for more information.
Guides Dave Demmons and Jack Mauer fly fished Tore, Sandra and friends on the Bitterroot River today. Highway 93 in the Bitterroot is in the process of being upgraded and they recently finished the section and bridge just north of Hamilton. The old Silver Bridge is no more and a large new bridge with a new access point to the river has been constructed. There are photos of Tore, Sandra, an owl, and the new bridge in the slideshow below. It was hot today, 90 degrees plus, but there were fish to be caught and it was a fun float with fun people.
Peter fished with us years ago, in the late 1990’s, with his family and we often thought of him. Recently, he called to say he never forgot us either and was coming to Montana, did we have some time for him. The answer was yes!
Jeremy and Becky Anderson went to the Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Annual Banquet last September. They had a great time and won the bid on a fishing trip with Wapiti Waters. Today was the day and boy, did they catch fish! Next years BRTU Banquet is Friday, September 25 – 2009 Annual BRTU Banquet, 5:30 pm, our 30th!!! Mark your calendar and plan to attend. Visit BRTU’s site at http://www.brtu.org/
Jeremy sent these terrific photos with this note:
Jack,
Thank you for a great time fishing on Saturday. Becky and I enjoyed it and learned a lot. We will definitely be coming back for more. Here are some pics for your website.
Thanks again,
Jeremy Anderson
Thank you, Jeremy and Becky. Jack really enjoyed his day with both of you.
See the slideshow below for all four photos from the Big Hole River fly fishing day.
