2021 Snowpack is 102% in the Bitterroot – summer fishing bodes well

by Merle Ann Loman | Feb 14, 2021 | Big Hole, Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, i Spring, ii Summer, iiii Winter/Snow, Missouri, River, Seasons, Streamflows and snowpack info

David and Jack on the Clark Fork River in April

by Merle Ann Loman | Apr 18, 2015 | Clark Fork, i Spring, River, Testimonials

Testimonial:

“What distinguishes Jack from the many other guides I have had in the Bitterroot is that he doesn’t just help you catch fish — he does that in spades — but that he is also an articulate, keen-eyed and gifted teacher. I learned to fish on the Bitterroot, and Jack’s perceptiveness and patience quickly nailed my mistakes and taught me how to correct them – all the way from casting and mending, to setting the hook, to playing the fish and to landing and releasing it. As a teacher myself, I appreciate the importance of this skill. I also know what a rarity it is among most other guides working the river: they’re strong rowers and know where the fish are, but they can’t really articulate what you’re doing wrong or explain how to fix it, and that can be frustrating if you’re having an off day.

That said, Jack is not just a guide for beginners. I have friends in the Bitterroot who are as experienced as any and who fish all over the world, but they always insist on getting Jack when they’re here, if he’s available. No matter what your level, Jack will help you catch fish; but more importantly, he will help you to be a better fisherman and to enjoy the beauty of the sport, the spirit of the river and the spectacular setting that the Bitterroot affords. Jack just takes the experience to a whole other level.”

David A. from California

David was here for business but had time to fish 2 days with Jack. The last day was on the Clark Fork before he took off from Missoula International Airport for home in CA. Here are a few photos David sent us. Thank you!!

Outstanding Outfitters of the Year by Montana AFS

by Merle Ann Loman | Apr 6, 2015 | Big Hole, Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Conservation/benefits/organizations, Missouri, News bulletins

Olwell and Mauer: Outstanding Outfitters of the Year

Posted on March 24, 2015 in Page One in the Bitterroot Star

Longtime fishing outfitters from the Bitterroot Valley, Eddie Olwell of Fishs Eddy O and Jack Mauer of Wapiti Waters, were co-recipients of the Outstanding Outfitters of the Year award for 2014 from the Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society for their contributions to the protection and enhancement of fisheries in Montana. Mauer and Olwell received the award at the AFS annual banquet in Great Falls on February 26.

The Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society was chartered in 1967. Among its objectives are conservation, development and wise utilization of the fisheries, promotion of the educational, scientific and technological development and advancement of all branches of fisheries science and practice, and exchange and dissemination of knowledge about fish, fisheries and related subject.

Olwell and Mauer are fishing outfitters that spend most of their time on the rivers in the Missoula area, but their home water is the Bitterroot River, which has benefitted immensely from their efforts. They have both been active on the Board of the Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited, each serving as Chapter President and they both frequently donate float trips to raise funds for conservation efforts.

For years Mauer has attended most of the meetings of the Bitterroot Conservation District. His opinions are respected by the Supervisors and he represents a very positive image from the fishing community. Olwell was on the Ravalli County Streamside Setback Committee and is presently an active board member of the Bitterroot Water Forum.
“When an issue comes up that affects water quality, stream processes or any factor important to the fishery of the Bitterroot, Jack and Eddie are always there to make thoughtful comments that support many of the same goals as AFS,” wrote FWP fisheries biologist Chris Clancy in his letter of nomination.

“True to form, when the Ravalli County Commission recently voted to allow homes to be built in the Bitterroot River Floodplain, they both attended more than one meeting to oppose this action. Very few individuals put the time and effort into protecting the natural qualities of rivers like Jack Mauer and Eddie Olwell,” wrote Clancy.

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources.

Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

Notes from friends – thanks to all who have called and sent notes:

2014 – expressing many thanks and indelible memories

by Merle Ann Loman | Nov 6, 2014 | Argentina, Big Hole, Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Friends, iii Fall, Missouri, News bulletins, Other

Jack Mauer and Dave Brandt in the Big Hole

The 2014 Guide Season is officially over having my last personal guide days the last week of October. Despite the slow fishing, the radiant fall colors and memories of fast fishing we had through out the year helped ease in the inevitable – winter coming on!

I want to say many words of thanks to all who fished with Wapiti Waters during this glorious season of good flows and good angling. I would also like to mention a couple of anglers who have passed on to the “Happy Fishing
Ground” namely E. Terrill Nobles (Terry Nobles) and Dave Brandt. These two fishermen were the reasons we love guiding. Their attitudes were upbeat whether the fishing was fast or slow and they genuinely loved the waterways and trout environment. Their desires to share this love will always be with us. We will forever miss yet forever remember them.

Another note: We also had the privilege of fishing with Dave Brandt in Argentina– fantastic time and memories.

Dave Brandt and daughter KJ in 2009

Thank you,

Jack Mauer, Wapiti Waters Fly Fishing Montana, Outfitter #867

Terry Nobles in 2005

Terry Nobles and Jack Mauer - East Fork of the BItterroot June 2007

Jack Mauer and Terry Nobles in 2007

September day on the Clark Fork River

by Merle Ann Loman | Sep 25, 2014 | Clark Fork, iii Fall, River

Thanks to our good friend John Bolton, both Jack and I were on the Clark Fork River with him in late September. Here is a photo log of our day. Great fish, lunch, scenery, weather and friends. A long and happy list to be thankful for.

Below is a slideshow (wait for it to load) of all the images, click on it to go to our website for more photos.