Better Late Than Never!

Mother Nature, power failures, and a loss of heat all conspired to force us to cancel our 2022 FVTU Christmas party. A real bummer, since it would have marked our first in-person social event since COVID struck. But, much like striking out at your favorite fishing spot; you just wait and try again another day.

Thus, we re-branded our Christmas party as a Pint Night and on Thursday, February 9th, had a grand time with our friends at Bias Brewery. While the name and ownership is new, long time FVTU members will recognize Bias Brewery as the old Kalispell Brewery location. They very generously hosted our gathering and even made a donation to FVTU for every beer sold.

It was really terrific to meet and socialize in public once again. To help celebrate we held a bucket raffle. Long a staple at our Christmas parties and annual banquet, the bucket raffle gives you a chance to pick up some really great gear for just a dollar. The more tickets you buy, the better your chances!

We had no shortage of great gear, including items like an MFC Boat Box filled with 14 dozen flies! A 9ft, 5wt, fly rod complete with reel and line; a Fishpond vest, a Simms Taco bag, even a complete ice fishing set up including a chair, auger, rod, tote bag, and a guided half day of ice fishing for up to four people! Coupled with dozens of other items, there were plenty of happy winners

A big Thank You to everyone who attended and to Bias Brewery for hosting the event. Your generosity raised close to one thousand dollars!

Our next big social event will be our annual banquet at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. Same location as in the past but this year will be be bumping it up to Friday, May 5th (and calling it Cinco de Trouto). As always, there’ll be a silent auction, live auction, bucket raffle, hat raffle, etc., and our Raft Raffle. Again this year we are raffling off an Aire, Super Duper Puma 14′ self-bailing raft, complete with NRS frame, seat, and oars valued at over $7,000. Tickets sell for $5 each or 5 for $20 and are available from any FVTU board member and various spots around the valley.

The raft will be on display, and tickets available for purchase, at the Kalispell Sportsman’s Expo, February 24, 25, & 26. Swing by the Glacier Outdoor Center’s booth (Glacier Angler/Glacier Raft Co.) to view the raft and buy your tickets!