by Merle Ann Loman | Mar 13, 2009 | Bitterroot, iiii Winter/Snow
The last 8 days or so we have had a snowy cold spell that provided us some backcountry/crosscountry skiing. This weather also gave us a boost in moisture stored high in the mountains waiting for spring run-off.
Next week, the weather is predicted to warm up to near 50 degrees. That is nice, not TOO warm. We are planning to scout the river and we have a few fishing dates on the calendar, too. The end of March and April are booking up nicely. We will be posting blogs to show you how the fishing shapes up.
In honor of old man winter, here are some photos of our last ski days. We hiked/climbed to get to the snow, but it was worth it! Soon, we will be sitting in the boat and there won’t be as much time for cardio-fitness.
Some days we used touring ski’s other days we used backcountry gear. We are fortunate to live in the Bitterroots. Great outdoor fun all year long.
Yesterday was cold, about 17 to 20 degrees, but the sun was brilliant. That might have been our last mountain snow day.
by Merle Ann Loman | Mar 10, 2009 | Bitterroot, iiii Winter/Snow
It is March. The snow water equivalent and total precipitaition measurements for the Bitterroot (and much of Montana) are slightly below 100%. To the left is a photo taken March 2 at Tucker Crossing looking to the south. At that time, we were in a dry weather pattern.
The next two photos are from the same day and taken at Woodside Crossing looking north. As a side note, there is a great trail provided by Teller Wildlife Refuge. It is well used for exercise and nature walks. 
The snowy photo was taken March 8th of Gash Creek in the Bitterroot Mountains west of Victor, MT while we were cross country skiing. We just had a few days of snow and cooler weather. It is wonderful to see more precipitation stored in the mountains for later run-off into our rivers and streams.
To see current snow/precipitation data and USGS current stream conditions for the rivers we fish, visit Wapiti Waters Local Stream Flow Links .
by Merle Ann Loman | Feb 25, 2009 | Bitterroot, iiii Winter/Snow
Jack and I are doing some maintenance on our vehicles and we needed to drop one near Stevensville.
We didn’t have time to fish, but stoppped by the river to take a look.
There was one lone wade fisherman working a run.
It was raining, about 39 degrees out and you could see the snow falling in the mountains at maybe 4,500 feet. This is good news. We want moisture that will be stored in the form of snow!
The weather forecast is for rain in the valleys and snow in the mountains all week. We will take it!
by Merle Ann Loman | Feb 23, 2009 | i Spring, News bulletins
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announces availability of Montana’s 2009 hunting and fishing licenses—including conservation, fishing, spring black bear and turkey, upland game bird, deer and elk hunting licenses— now at all FWP Regional offices and license providers.
Sunday, March 1 begins the new 2009 license year for Montana hunters and anglers. The new license year is especially important for early-season anglers, and for those who enjoy ice fishing.
Most 2009 licenses are available on the FWP Web page at fwp.mt.gov. Click MT FWP Online Montana Licensing Services.
You can also find a link for MT-FWP online licensing at our Wapiti Waters website – http://www.wapiti-waters.com/.
by Merle Ann Loman | Feb 19, 2009 | Flies, Friends, i Spring
Billy Burk sent photos of these flies he tied. Jack thinks he did a good job on them.
Hey Merle! Just a note to say hi, and run my pattern past Jack for this years’ trip. Attached is my attempt at copying a leftover fly from our trip 2 years ago. The hook size is 8, barbless. I think it actually looks pretty good, (considering the source).
take care!!!!….Billy
by Merle Ann Loman | Feb 16, 2009 | Big Hole, Bitterroot, i Spring, Missouri
In this post you will see what some of our rivers are like through various years in the month of May.
May is one of the most unpredictable months, but if the rivers are not too big, the fishing is fantastic and the weather is nice, not too hot, not too cold. 
Which rivers will be best this year in May? It depends on the snowpack and weather, stay tuned or give Jack at Wapiti Waters Fly Fishing Montana a call at 800-254-5311.
For more photos, see the slideshow below. Click View Album to see them in a new, larger window and choose the slideshow option.
The last 8 days or so we have had a snowy cold spell that provided us some backcountry/crosscountry skiing. This weather also gave us a boost in moisture stored high in the mountains waiting for spring run-off. 
Some days we used touring ski’s other days we used backcountry gear. We are fortunate to live in the Bitterroots. Great outdoor fun all year long.
