Podcasts about Flathead Lake

Montana's water crisis worsens as Flathead Lake is projected to fall three feet below full pool by August, threatening docks and recreation access. Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman also breaks down the Montana Supreme Court's major decision to overturn 2021 abortion restrictions, reaffirming the state's constitutional right to privacy. Plus, Glacier National Park officials euthanize a food-conditioned black bear, and close part of Going-to-the-Sun Road after a second bear snags a tourist's snack. We've got the full rundown on what these stories mean to Northwest Montana.Read more from this week's show: New forecast sinks summer lake level to historic lowState Supreme Court strikes down 2021 abortion restrictionsGlacier Park officials kill one of two food-conditioned bearsA big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com. In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, we explore the devastating fire that struck the small town of Noxon, Montana. By the end of the day on February 27, 2024, three-quarters of the town's business community were wiped out. Listen to the two-part story on any audio platform you prefer, or watch the series on our YouTube channel.Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.

For the third consecutive season, the weather does not favor a rise in water levels for Flathead Lake. In fact, new projections indicate the lake may wind up three feet below full pool by August. How will this impact the […] The post Flathead Lake Levels Forecast Challenges Ahead first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Snowpack across Montana is well below normal for early June; Heat and drought are stressing Great Falls' aging trees; Flathead Lake managers say there's not enough water to fill the lake this year

Only accessible by boat, Wild Horse Island in Flathead Lake features a small trail system with big views. Beginning at Skeeko Bay boat landing, hike along the lakeshore and then through old-growth Ponderosa pine while keeping a close eye on your surroundings. Wildlife abounds at this state park! You're likely to see bighorn sheep, songbirds, bald eagles – and if you're lucky, maybe even the handful of remaining wild horses for which the island is named. To learn more about Wild Horse Island State Park, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org

This series of Dharma Talks by Dharmacharya Michael Ciborski was given at the Open Way Montana Spring Retreat on Flathead Lake in May, 2025. Topics include the Buddha's path to Enlightenment and the articulation of the Middle Way, the Eight-Fold Path, and the concept of emptiness.

This series of Dharma Talks by Dharmacharya Michael Ciborski was given at the Open Way Montana Spring Retreat on Flathead Lake in May, 2025. Topics include the Buddha's path to Enlightenment and the articulation of the Middle Way, the Eight-Fold Path, and the concept of emptiness.

This series of Dharma Talks by Dharmacharya Michael Ciborski was given at the Open Way Montana Spring Retreat on Flathead Lake in May, 2025. Topics include the Buddha's path to Enlightenment and the articulation of the Middle Way, the Eight-Fold Path, and the concept of emptiness.

This series of Dharma Talks by Dharmacharya Michael Ciborski was given at the Open Way Montana Spring Retreat on Flathead Lake in May, 2025. Topics include the Buddha's path to Enlightenment and the articulation of the Middle Way, the Eight-Fold Path, and the concept of emptiness.

Once, trains chugged right through the heart of Kalispell, making it a bustling railroad hub and commercial center in Northwest Montana. A spur line linked the town to Somers on Flathead Lake, where passengers and freight moved daily between Kalispell's Great Northern Depot and the steamboat terminal. Though the trains stopped running decades ago and the tracks removed, their impact still echoes today. At the Northwest Montana History Museum, visitors can now step back in time through a detailed model railroad display as part of an exhibit highlighting the region's timber industry roots. Find out about the volunteers who made the display happen with Daily Inter Lake's story Traveling Back in Time. Read Heidi Desch's full story online. The Northwest Montana History Museum is located at 124 Second Ave. E. in Kalispell. For more information, visit nwmthistory.org.A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com. In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, we explore the devastating fire that struck the small town of Noxon, Montana. By the end of the day on February 27, 2024, three-quarters of the town's business community were wiped out. Listen to the two-part story on any audio platform you prefer, or watch the series on our YouTube channel.Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.

Planning the hunt or fishing trip of a lifetime? From gators to moose, we share tips on how to PLAN SMART—know the costs, from tags to taxidermy and shipping that prized trophy home! Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Season 5, Episode 233 More Than a Tag — It's an Investment So you're finally booking that dream hunt or fishing trip — chasing a monster elk in Montana, battling a marlin offshore, or wrangling gators in Florida. That tag or guided package is just the beginning. Whether you're going solo or with an outfitter, the real cost goes beyond just showing up. Don't Forget the “After” Costs Why Montana is a Hotspot for Bighorn Sheep Wild Horse Island, situated in Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, is a prime habitat for bighorn sheep. It's on this island that some of the most impressive Rocky Mountain bighorns have been found. The area's rugged terrain and abundant resources make it an ideal location for these incredible animals to thrive. Bighorn Sheep: True or False? Males and Females Live Together in Herds Taxidermy, Shipping & Showcasing the Trophy Harvesting that once-in-a-lifetime animal is only half the adventure. Taxidermy alone can run from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the size and type of mount. Have the wall space or a place for that full shoulder bull moose? That's worth planning now, not later. Featured Guest: Boudie Schneider Meet Master Taxidermist and owner of Schneider Taxidermy in Helena, Montana, Boudie Schneider whom gives a terrific interview offering tips on planning that hunting/fishing trip of a lifetime! Meat Matters: Preserve It or Ship It?  Planning to keep the meat? From halibut in Alaska to elk in the Rockies, think about processing and shipping. Overnight dry ice shipments or refrigerated freight aren't cheap — especially from remote areas. Some meats can be donated locally, but if you're keeping it, make sure your freezer back home is ready. Final Tip: Budget beyond the thrill — tags, gear, guide, trophy care, and meat logistics. That's how you truly honor the experience and make the trip of a lifetime one you'll never regret. Reference: http://www.schneidertaxidermy.com/ OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don't hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to BendRadioShow@gmail.com. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates! https://thebendshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca 'BEC' Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation. With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God's Country and life on the land. United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into the life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They're here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day. To learn more about Tigger & BEC's journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com. https://tiggerandbec.com/

Discover fascinating facts about bighorn sheep, their habitats, and the Grand Slam of Sheep Hunting, plus top states for record-breaking bighorns. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Season 5, Episode 231 What's a Group of Bighorn Sheep Called? Bighorn sheep, one of North America's most iconic animals, live in social groups that are referred to as a herd instead of a flock. These majestic creatures are known for their impressive curled horns and can be found in rugged terrains across the western United States and Canada. Their social structures and unique behaviors make them fascinating creatures to observe. Which State Has the Largest Bighorn Sheep? Montana, Idaho, or Colorado? When it comes to size and record-breaking Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Montana stands out. Over the last few years, three of the top five Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep recorded by the Boone and Crockett Club came from a small area in northwestern Montana, specifically Wild Horse Island. This remarkable location, just off the western shore of Flathead Lake, has produced some of the largest bighorns in history. Why Montana is a Hotspot for Bighorn Sheep Wild Horse Island, situated in Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, is a prime habitat for bighorn sheep. It's on this island that some of the most impressive Rocky Mountain bighorns have been found. The area's rugged terrain and abundant resources make it an ideal location for these incredible animals to thrive. Bighorn Sheep: True or False? Males and Females Live Together in Herds False: Males and females do not typically live together in the same herd. Bighorn sheep have distinct social structures. Rams (males) typically form bachelor groups, while ewes (females) live in herds with other females and their young. Female-led herds are organized and have specific roles: some act as guardians or leaders, while others may serve as babysitters for the young. Male-only herds, on the other hand, can consist of 5 to 50 rams at any given time, while female herds are larger, typically ranging from 5 to 100 members. The Grand Slam in Sheep Hunting: What Are the 4 Species? For hunters seeking the ultimate challenge, the Grand Slam of Sheep Hunting is a prestigious achievement. It includes four distinct species of North American sheep: Dall Sheep: Found in Alaska, Yukon, and Northwest Territories. Stone Sheep: Found in British Columbia and the Yukon. Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep: Found in the western U.S., including the Rocky Mountains. Desert Bighorn Sheep: Found in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. The Grand Slam Club Founded in 1956, the Grand Slam Club/Ovis recognizes hunters who successfully bag all four species. To date, fewer than 1,400 people worldwide have accomplished this feat. Achieving the North American Sheep Grand Slam is a rare and highly respected milestone in the hunting community. Desert Bighorn Sheep: The Most Expensive of the Bighorns Among these species, Desert Bighorn Sheep are often considered the most expensive and challenging to hunt due to their rarity and the remote locations they inhabit. Conclusion Bighorn sheep are fascinating creatures with unique social structures, diverse habitats, and remarkable species. Whether you're interested in their role in the wild, looking to track record-breaking bighorns, or hoping to achieve a Grand Slam in sheep hunting, understanding these majestic animals enhances the experience. From Montana's Wild Horse Island to the vast landscapes of Wyoming, the pursuit of these extraordinary animals continues to captivate wildlife enthusiasts and hunters alike. OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don't hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to BendRadioShow@gmail.com. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates! https://thebendshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca 'BEC' Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation. With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God's Country and life on the land. United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into the life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They're here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day. To learn more about Tigger & BEC's journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com. https://tiggerandbec.com/

Send us a textThis week your Host Downrigger Dale talks with Mack Days Tournament Manager Cindy Benson and her husband Mike Benson who has fished the Mack Days tourneys for many years! Cindy will give you all the details about this incredible Tournament which gets underway on March 13th and goes through May 10th on Flathead Lake in Northwest Montana. Downrigger referrs to the Mack Days Tournaments as the most unique fishing tournaments you will ever fish in and are the richest Tournaments in Montana and for Lake Trout tournaments, likely the richest in the world! Just wait until you hear Mike talk about how much money he won in Spring Mack Days just a few years ago. It is in the 5-digit range and the winner of last year's Spring Mack Days won quite a bit more than  that! How much? Click that play button above and find out. Mike will also give you great advice about how to fish for the Lake Trout, also known as Mackinaw or Macks. It's all explained in the Podcast from what lures to use, where to go on the lake and much more. So, click that play button and get to listening! Links:Click here to go to the Spring Mack Days website!Know how to identify the fish in Flathead Lake. The website above has that info or use the Fishes of Montana App. Click here to get that on Google Play. Or click here to get it for Apple. Lures that Mike talked about:LeadagatorRattle-d-ZastorGlowing JigsPaul's Jigs - Call 309-678-6160 to order.PlugIt TackleOr talk to local tackle shops in area.Campgrounds Cindy talked about.Blue BayWayfarersBig ArmFlathead Lake MapMontana Fishing RegulationsFlathead Indian Reservation Fishing Regulations (South Half of Flathead Lake)To email Cindy and Mike click here.To email Downrigger click hereRemember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

For over a century, the legend of Flessie has haunted the depths of Montana's Flathead Lake. A massive, serpentine creature said to be longer than a city bus, with slick black skin and eyes that shimmer like jewels. Some call it folklore, others swear they've seen it slither just beneath the water's surface. But what if we've misunderstood the legend all along? In this episode, we dive deep into the chilling origins of the Flathead Lake Monster, exploring eyewitness accounts, local records, and the stories that refuse to fade. But that's just the beginning. What happens when a monster washes ashore, revealing a truth far worse than its own existence? I tell an original tale that reimagines the Flessie legend with a sinister twist that makes one ask... What if the monster was never the real threat? Zachary Bane Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zachbane/zachary-bane-birthing-day YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@hauntedchris TikTok- @chris_hah LEAVE A VOICEMAIL - 609-891-8658 The Nightmare Collective SUBSCRIBE!! Available on all podcast platforms! Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nightmare-collective/id1707943952 Spotify https://spotify.link/IPUVpAyWcDb Zoning Out- https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZLb8oK5uxgK64GL7vUHwK Draft Class- https://open.spotify.com/show/3BEobZXMT1kiPbffV0VT3F Twitter- @Haunted_A_H Instagram- haunted_american_history email- hauntedamericanhistory@gmail.com Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/hauntedamericanhistory Music License provided by Pond5 Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4133-nightmare-machine License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music: Drone in D by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3680-drone-in-d Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Cryptic Sorrow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3568-cryptic-sorrow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Come Play with Me by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3526-come-play-with-me License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textThis week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale talks with another of the top fishing guides in Montana, Captain Matt McComb. This topic is all about ice fishing in NorthWest Montana. Matt literally puts on a Master Class about how you can have great success ice fishing on the 30 plus incredible lakes up in Northwest Montana that are great for ice fishing. Matt gives a list of the best gear to use, including some of his top lures, bait, electronics and...well, the information is just flat amazing. He and Rigger also talk about some of the top techniques to use to catch a whole bunch of all the different species you can catch trough the ice in that part of Montana, from Salmon to trout to pike, perch and the list goes on and on! One of many things that are super interesting in this podcast is how Matt uses underwater cameras to help him locate where the fish are, what bait to use and even what technique to use! He goes over other electronics that  work great from him as well. Gang, after you listen to this podcast you are definitely going to have all kinds of information that will for sure make you a better ice fisherman or woman! So what are ya waiting for? Hit that play button now and head out on the ice with Captain Matt in Northwest Montana. Oh, and don't forget he if you want to learn even more from him book a trip this winter or summer with him, he is an incredible teacher and guide!Links: To learn more about Captain Matt, click here and scroll down to Captain Matt McComb.Questions for Matt? Click here to email him or call ‭(406) 261-6980‬.Click here to listen to Matt's latest fishing reports as well as other reports from around Montana.Click here to see pictures of the Hali lure that Matt talks about as well as other pictures of Matt and the gear that he uses.Downrigger Dale is of course always happy to find the answers to any of your questions and he would love to see your suggestions for future podcast topics. Click here to shoot him an email.Gear List With Links From Captain Matt:Ice augers: manual / electric/ propane or gas. (Talk to your local Sporting Goods Store)A sled to haul your gear. Matt says Otter Sleds are the best.Rod and reel combos, 32-36 in length med-med light rods, inline reels to stop line twisting vs spinning reels. (Talk to your local Sporting Goods Store)Electronics: Vexilar and Marcum flashers for deeper fish.Underwater cameras for shallow fish. Aqua-vu is a Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

Flathead Lake Biological Station Hannah Gerhard 01-07-25

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Doug and Chase Averill of Flathead Lake Lodge, one of the top 2% hospitality businesses in America and a “Best of the Best Dude Ranch.” Discover their unique approach to hospitality and learn how this iconic, multi-generational, family-owned dude ranch builds family bonds, empowers kids, and even hosts world leaders, including Bing Crosby, George Bush, Bill Clinton and Colin Powell, who called it the best place in America to meet real Americans. Located in Bigfork, Montana, just outside Glacier National Park, an Averill family tradition since 1945, the ranch has hosted tens of thousands of guests from more than 104 countries, and has been featured on Good Morning America, Animal Planet, Wide World of Sports and more. Doug Averill is a member of the National Dude Ranchers Hall of Fame and the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Now Doug and his son, Chase, are leading the lodge into the next generation. Learn about their work with the Paladin Conservancy and Wrangler Ranch, which gives special needs children, terminally ill children, and veterans fresh experiences rooted in the Western way of life. The lodge fosters family bonds, builds confidence in children, offers first-hand leadership lessons for all ages, and literally transforms guests (60,000 to 80,000 guests over the last 40 years!) from all walks of life, while maintaining an unparalleled standard of hospitality. Find out what sets Flathead Lake Lodge apart from the competition, behind-the-scenes? How do the Averills seamlessly infuse genuine hospitality and service into every aspect of their business... and why is this so important to them? ...Most importantly, what kernels of inspiration will you uncover for your own business, life or work? Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here! SHOW NOTES: BIO / ABOUT: Doug Averill honored at Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame — His awards include receiving the highest civilian honor awarded by the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff and he has hosted military leaders from 104 countries on the shores of Flathead Lake. Doug and Chase Averill Three generations and 75 years: The Averill family and Flathead Lake Ranch, by Eileen Ogintz, Taking the Kids Flathead Lake Lodge / History WEBSITES: Flathead Lake Lodge Paladin Conservancy Paladin Conservancy / Wrangler Springs Ranch 3-minute YouTube: Doug Averill gives a tour of plans at Wrangler Springs Ranch Why the name "Paladin"? (great story!) NEWS CLIPS: Featured on "Great Western Great Ranches" TV series The Travel Hack: Staying on an American Dude Ranch at Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana A Dude Ranch in Montana: Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge, The / SoughtAfter, by Molly Schoneveld

Experience over three hours of haunting tales with this special compilation featuring six of Destination Terror's most memorable episodes from 2024. From the historic crypts of New Orleans to the misty shores of Flathead Lake, this curated collection showcases some of the world's most intriguing paranormal locations and their chilling histories. Discover more TERRIFYING podcasts at http://eeriecast.com/ Follow Carman Carrion!  https://www.instagram.com/carmancarrion/?hl=en https://twitter.com/CarmanCarrion Subscribe to Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/0uiX155WEJnN7QVRfo3aQY Please Review Us on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaky-folklore/id1550361184 Music and sound effects used in the Destination Terror Podcast have or may have been provided/created by:  CO.AG: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcavSftXHgxLBWwLDm_bNvA Myuu: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiSKnkKCKAQVxMUWpZQobuQ Jinglepunks: https://jinglepunks.com/ Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/ Kevin MacLeod: http://incompetech.com/ Dark Music: https://soundcloud.com/darknessprevailspodcast Soundstripe: http Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Flathead Lake Biological Station Assistant Research Professor Rachel Malison 12-03-24

National Organization to Save Flathead Lake Doug Averill & Carole James 12-03-24

Flathead Lake Biological  Station Research Coordinator Phil Matson 10-01-24

In this week's headlines, we cover three major stories making waves in northwest Montana. A grizzly bear encounter on the Highline Trail left one hiker injured but prepared hikers fought back with bear spray. Next, we dive into the recovery of Flathead Lake's water levels after last year's drastic lows. Finally, we discuss the recent error in Montana's overseas voting system that briefly omitted Kamala Harris' name from ballots. Read more from this week's show: Glacier hikers use bear spray to fend off grizzly attackMore rain, slower snowmelt kept Flathead Lake at full pool, officials sayKamala Harris back on Montana's overseas ballotRead more local and state coverage:  Glacier High School plans increased police presence following threat Polson murder suspect upset after estate left to victim, court docs say Court upholds finding that Montana clinic submitted false asbestos claims UM launches Montana's first public occupational therapy program Kalispell Council questions use of city funds for lead line replacement A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us

In this episode of ALPS In Brief, our Risk Manager Mark Bassingthwaighte sits down with Attorney Ann Moderie to talk about a suicide that should have never happened. — Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Hello, I'm Mark Bassingthwaighte. Welcome to ALPS in Brief, the podcast that comes to you from the Historic Florence Building in beautiful downtown Missoula, Montana. And it's a smoky day out there today, but it's good to be back in the office in terms of the home office for a little while.  And I have a guest that is... I'm very excited to share... have her share her story with you, but it's just you want to talk about a compelling, just difficult, I don't even know how to say it. I mean, I'm still swallowing what I've just heard in terms of a detailed presentation on what she's doing. So my guest is Ann Moderie... Modera.   Ann Moderie:  Moderie.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Moderie. I'm so sorry, Ann.   Ann Moderie:  It's okay.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Bassingthwaighte gets mixed up. Yes. So, but Ann, can you... before we jump into your story, can you just share a little bit about yourself and what you do?   Ann Moderie:  Sure. And thank you for having me, Mark. I am a Montana attorney. I have been practicing for about 25 years. I have practiced out of Polson, Montana, which is on Flathead Lake for that entire time.  I practiced with my father for 14 years, and when he became district court judge, I went out on my own, and I've been out on my own since that time. I have handled primarily civil cases, mostly litigation, over the years. I recently have inherited a lawyer's practice who passed away who did a lot of estate planning and probate.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Wow. Okay.   Ann Moderie:  So I'm transitioning a little bit in the last couple of years, not as much litigation, but always on the plaintiff's side. I have tried to dedicate myself to helping victims, whether it's an unfortunate accident or intentional conduct, but I think there's a real need for attorneys that are willing to get in the fight.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yes. And you have fought an incredible battle. I just finished hearing a presentation that Ann gave that really focused on a first case.   Ann Moderie:  Yeah.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  And it's not your first, or is this your...   Ann Moderie:  Oh gosh, no.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  I've been practicing since 1999.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right.   Ann Moderie:  And this case came into our firm in 2005.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  But it's the first case of an interesting story. So, Ann, I just invite you, have at it, share what happened and what this is all about.   Ann Moderie:  Well, and I will tell the story, but I think it's important to point out that I was one attorney in a team that tackled-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yes.   Ann Moderie:  ... this issue and these type of cases. So I don't mean to stand out as anyone that handled them by myself. But how I first became introduced to the troubled teen industry, and these are specialty boarding schools for, quote, troubled teens, and sometimes they're called tough love schools. They're a type of school that has its own behavior modification model that is kind of almost like a military-type setting. It's very rigid, very strict. And I didn't even know these schools existed.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  I didn't either until today.   Ann Moderie:  Yeah.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  I mean, this is...   Ann Moderie:  It's under the radar.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  But back in 2005, a case came into our office related to the suicide of a 16-year-old girl at one of these specialty boarding schools. And the school was located in Thompson Falls, Montana, which is in Sanders County, which is a nearby county.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yes.   Ann Moderie:  These... I had no idea this was in our backyard. But the school was a boarding school, mostly for out-of-state students. They are placed there because they are struggling at home, whether it's drugs, alcohol, running away, getting in trouble. Parents would send them to this school as kind of an answer really to the struggles they're having or their concern about their children's safety. And these schools represent to the parents that they are the answer that they are going to change your kids' lives. They're going to turn them around.  And the mother contacted us because her daughter committed suicide at this school called Spring Creek Lodge. And we didn't morally... Suicide cases are difficult, so we really wanted to get the records and study them before we agreed to take it. The mother had access to all of her school records. So the mother got them, presented them to us, and we were mortified with what we saw. The notice that the staff had of this young woman hurting herself was unbelievable. We found 152 instances over six months-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  That is just crazy.   Ann Moderie:  ... where there was clear intent to kill herself-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right.   Ann Moderie:  ... including statements that, "I want to die." She was cutting. She was crying. She was begging for help. She was acting out physically to staff. She tried running away. She tried hanging herself from her bunk. This was a girl who was struggling, and we felt comfortable with the records that we had that we should pursue this. And these people that ran this should be held accountable.  And it's important to understand this girl's history. She was adopted at birth. Her adopted dad died when she was just a toddler. And then it was just her and her mom against the world. They were close. They had a great... They were very connected with their lives. The mother ran a furniture store. She had her desk, and then she had a little tiny desk next to her where her daughter-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Oh, my gosh. Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  ... would work with her. It's pretty neat story actually because they had each other and that's about it. And when this girl got into her teenage years, she started acting out. She started sneaking out. She wasn't involved in hard drugs, but she started experimenting with substances. The mother was very scared.  She didn't know how to rein her in. She didn't want her to rebel more. She was scared where this could go. And I think you have to step back and look at the people who send their kids there. These schools cost anywhere from 3,500 a month to 5,000 a month. So they are parents who can afford-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right. Yes.   Ann Moderie:  ... this kind of care for their children. And if you look at that type of family, boarding schools are not considered a bad thing. I mean, they're very actually elite.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yes.   Ann Moderie:  If you can afford to send your child to a boarding school, my goodness, that is a wonderful opportunity.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right.   Ann Moderie:  So sending a girl to a boarding school, while some, it rubs them the wrong way, in other ways, it's not unusual for this family from their world.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right.   Ann Moderie:  So she goes to... Oh, and one more thing about Karlye is she had a learning disability. It was diagnosed. She attended a school specifically designed for people with learning issues, but she was doing real good in school. That wasn't actually a problem in the program that she was in.  The mother went to an educational consultant with her concerns. What should she do? And it was encouraged or advised that she send her to a specialty boarding school where she could be monitored, kept safe while still addressing her learning disability. And she was referred to a New Mexico boarding school. The mother looked into it. She talked to everyone. It seemed to be a good fit.  They had a special education program. She sent her there. And within a short period, this girl ran away and took pills. And the school said, "We are not designed for the care for someone with these concerns or issues." And they sent her home. I mean, the school did the right thing.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right, exactly.   Ann Moderie:  "We're not designed." So she goes home, and the mother's frantic at this point. She doesn't know if she's going to hurt herself if she's going to sneak out and get hurt. She goes back to an educational consultant, and they refer her to what is called Teen Help. It's represented to be a nonprofit referral resource for parents whose children are exhibiting certain types of behavior.  And Teen Help has telemarketers really, when you call in that have a script. We got the scripts that have... They say certain things to pique the parents' fear. "It sounds like you're... you need immediate help. The child, the longer you let it go, the further they're going to go away." One script we found partway through the script, it says to the telemarketer, "MAXIMIZE PROBLEMS" in all caps. They are designed, this company is designed to prey on the fears of parents.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Exactly. Yes. Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  So she listens-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  It's social engineering is what I'm hearing.   Ann Moderie:  Oh, yeah. It's very smart, actually. And they give her all these statistics. "Within 24 hours, this many children will commit... will try to commit suicide." I mean, they're just talking to exactly what she's fearful of. And they say, "We're a non-profit. We don't get anything by these referrals. We don't have any connection to these schools.  But we think we have found just the school for your daughter. It's Spring Creek Lodge in Montana, and here are the pictures." It's a beautiful mountain setting. Well-maintained lodges. It looks gorgeous. They have pictures of kids boating and hiking, horseback riding. They show kids at computers. They represented that they have a special education program, 24-hour monitoring, therapy for the kids.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  This sounds like a prayer...   Ann Moderie:  Oh, [inaudible 00:10:29]-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  ... an answer to a prayer for a parent.   Ann Moderie:  Oh, absolutely.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah. Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  It sounds... And especially a parent, we've all been there. We have kids who are struggling. I get it.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  I do too.   Ann Moderie:  So it sounds like a perfect fit for her. And the program, though, requires a commitment letter to be written and signed by the mother committing to this program. They also ask the parent to prepare honesty reports about the child. "Has this child ever been dishonest? Have they ever been manipulative?" Well, what teenager hasn't?  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  But they keep that in the child's file, and they tell the parent that, "It's going to be strict. They're going to want to come home. They're going to want to manipulate you but stick to the program. We have a record of success. 15,000 students... children, we have been successfully turned their life around."  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right.   Ann Moderie:  It sounds great. So the mother does everything that they ask for. She signs a contract. She's going to pay $3,500 a month. She writes a report about her daughter. She agrees to go to seminars. There are seminars that parents have to fly to and attend-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Oh, okay. Yes.   Ann Moderie:  ... that are kind of a educational this is how you be a better parent type of thing. She agrees to it all, and she sends her daughter off. And the conditions at the school are not like the pictures.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right.   Ann Moderie:  At the time this young woman was going there, there were approximately 500 kids going to this school.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Oh my gosh.   Ann Moderie:  There were kids sleeping on mattresses on the floor because they didn't have the room for them.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right.   Ann Moderie:  But we later found out that this school is part of a network of worldwide schools. And some of those schools were getting closed down by government agencies and they were taking the overflow. So that's why it was overcrowded. Lice was rampant. Kids would've complained they didn't have enough food. And they told the family that, "This is a level system. You start at level one with zero points.  And as you do good things and accomplish certain tasks, you gain points. And if you gain enough points, you go to level two through level six. And at level six, you can graduate." And average time it takes to graduate is a year that these kids are in these programs. On level one, you can't talk, you can't make eye contact, you can't look out the window, you can't talk to your parents. You are completely isolated socially because... until you get to level two.  Well, another part of getting past level one is you have to succeed in their educational program. Their educational program turns out to be completely self-taught. There are no teachers teaching. They put a kid on a wooden box at a wooden carrel, and they give them a workbook. They have to go through the workbook and then take a quiz at the end. And if you pass that quiz, you move on to the next subject. Well, someone with a learning disability-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Exactly.   Ann Moderie:  ... is not...  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  They're not going to be able to do that.   Ann Moderie:  No.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right.   Ann Moderie:  Of course not. Which showed right from the start, it was obvious she couldn't get past one subject. She was... And you would... there's a window above the carrels where the student sat. And if you looked out the window, you lost points. Very quickly, things dissolved. It was not good. She could not get off level one. She could not speak to her mother.  And she already went in depressed and having some suicidal ideation. And under this point system, suicide attempts or suicide talk, you lose all your points. You're punished. They also have what they call intervention rooms, which is solitary confinement. And that is a punishment for being suicidal. They put you into solitary confinement, and you can be in there for days at a time.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  It blows me away that the consequences... You have somebody who's suicidal, and then what they do is going to make her more suicidal.   Ann Moderie:  And that's exactly what happened, Mark.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah. [inaudible 00:14:51] gosh.   Ann Moderie:  It was painfully obvious in the record. It was just snowballing. She starts cutting. She starts trying to hang herself. It was just daily. And their response was to just keep putting her in intervention. That was their response and to take points away.  And what's most concerning too is that the mother wasn't being told about this. Her only communication came from staff. And the staff was telling her this entire time that she's being manipulative. "She's trying to work us. Don't fall for it."  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  So these are the honesty statements. They have information now that they can...   Ann Moderie:  Yeah.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Gotcha.   Ann Moderie:  Yeah.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Gotcha.   Ann Moderie:  In fact, these honesty reports come not only up in that scenario, but if children in these schools allege abuse or mistreatment, the staff will pull out the honesty reports. And they say, "Look, even their own families say they're dishonest. How can you believe this?"  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right.   Ann Moderie:  They're used against the kids. But at one point, Karlye's begging for therapy. And Spring Creek Lodge, interestingly, is very open to that. Come to find out, they do have a mental health facility on campus, but it's co-owned by the director of Spring Creek Lodge.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Of course, it is.   Ann Moderie:  Of course, it is. So they're all over that.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah. Yep.   Ann Moderie:  They say... They contact the mother, and they say, "She's asking for therapy. We can provide it at $150 an hour. We're happy to do that." And the mother, of course, being a wonderful, loving mother, says, "Of course, I will do..."  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Well, yes, you want to do the right thing.   Ann Moderie:  "... I will do anything to help her. Absolutely. No, any cost." And so they set her up with therapy, and she starts going to a therapist. Come to find out later, the only degree the therapist had at that time was a high school diploma. And he was charging $150 an hour to this mother.  And the therapy clinic did not have access to the school records, so that they didn't even know she was suicidal. She was going through therapy with this guy, and he was talking to her about her friends back home. And the loss of father, I mean, he didn't even know she was suicidal at that point-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Wow.   Ann Moderie:  ... when he was giving therapy. But when... Another thing that happens when children are suicidal at this school, they not only punish them, but they put them on what's called high risk, which is more supervised.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right. Gotcha.   Ann Moderie:  More supervision by parents. Every half hour, the staff has to actually sign something saying they've checked on her, which is a good thing. That part is good.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  That is a good thing.   Ann Moderie:  Yeah.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  You can get off of high-risk status if a panel of seven staff members vote you off, none of whom have mental health training, none of whom have training in suicide risk assessment. So she was on and off high risk. They voted her off. I remember asking one staff member, "So why did you vote her off?" She was voted off high risk, I think, four days before she killed herself.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  And the staff member said, "Well, I saw her on campus, across campus, and she looked like she was smiling, and she looked happy." And it turns out she's legally blind.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Oh, my...   Ann Moderie:  It just gets...  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  You can't make this stuff up.   Ann Moderie:  You can't make this up. I know.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  It just... Oh my God.   Ann Moderie:  So this is in 2004. Up to the day she kills herself, she's threatening suicide. They lose track of her for an hour. She goes into a bathroom stall, and she hangs herself. And two staff members found her, panicked, and ran. They brought other staff members back. They took her down, and she was still breathing-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  [inaudible 00:18:32].   Ann Moderie:  ... but no one had CPR training. They didn't know how to help her. And she died in the helicopter on the way-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Oh, my gosh.   Ann Moderie:  ... to the hospital.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  This is a crazy story.   Ann Moderie:  It's painful to hear. It's painful to tell.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  So that's how we got involved in trying to hold this school and the directors accountable. But what we found in this case is that this is a small part of a major operation. There is what is called the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools. It's called WWASP.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Okay.   Ann Moderie:  And it's a network of schools... Well, they call them schools. They're programs across the whole world. They have them worldwide. And you start looking at how they all follow the same model, behavior modification model. All the schools have to enter into contracts with the same companies. These companies take a third of the profit off the top. So this is millions that these companies are making.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right. Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  And if you dig through all of these companies, the layers and layers of ownership, it seems to all flow down to the same group of individuals who are located in Utah and who are the founders of this network of schools. And that's who we concentrated on at the end is because that's where the money was going.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  So it resulted in settlements with some of the defendants early on. It resulted in a three-week trial. It was... And that led to other cases against this same school or being... There were other schools in Montana. I think I recently heard that there's, I think, 72 schools right now in Montana of this... Not WWASP schools, but just specialty boarding schools.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Okay.   Ann Moderie:  I think that that's what I heard.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  All right.   Ann Moderie:  But they have largely been unregulated. There's no federal regulation of these schools. It's left to the states. And in Montana, there was no regulation, or true regulation, until 2019. And in 2019, a law was passed that provided for these schools to be under the regulation of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services after there was a lot of press about these schools, and that has had some positive effects.  There has been some closures, investigations, and I'm grateful that we're inching towards that. But for those of us that work in this school, they... in this field, that we know that there needs to be much more done because the people that were running Spring Creek Lodge, they're involved in these other schools in Montana. There's been allegations of abuse or misconduct. The problem is still there. A little bit of regulations are not enough. What we want is federal regulation. That's our goal.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  The ultimate goal. Okay.   Ann Moderie:  Yeah. And the more we talk about it, the closer we can get to that goal.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Right. Right.   Ann Moderie:  And that is where this Netflix documentary called The Program comes in is a former student of one of these schools did a documentary. She is a filmmaker out of LA, former student. And she put together this documentary on these schools and specifically WWASP and did an amazing job. She very talented young woman.  Took a lot of courage because she's been taking the heat since then. But I was asked to participate in this program... the program, this documentary, which I did, and I was happy to do so. And we are hoping that this will have some positive effect. And just getting the word out is something.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  I want to make sure, folks, that you are clear. So there is, as a result of this case, other people have become aware. And this... A past student at one of these schools has filmed that they've created this series on Netflix, and it is called The Program, right.   Ann Moderie:  Yes.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  So if that's a show, it's a show I got to go look at.   Ann Moderie:  Yeah.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  I just... Again, I've had no idea. But I want to make sure all of you listening are aware of what to look for as well. Why... You got involved in this, I guess. And you've had some success changing the law here in Montana. Have you been involved in any other matters with any of these schools? Is this a practice area that you continue in-   Ann Moderie:  Well...  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  ... to some degree?   Ann Moderie:  Yes. I've had... I've been personally involved in two other cases. The other one was a case against... another case against Spring Creek Lodge.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Okay.   Ann Moderie:  I was involved in another case against another facility. And then I have been acted as a consultant on several other cases that are dealing with these same entities or their same individuals. The school, Spring Creek Lodge, closed in 2009.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  As a result of these legal [inaudible 00:23:53]-   Ann Moderie:  Well, I think they were in legal trouble. They were having these issues and bad press. But I think the economy at that time might have had something to do with the two because this was the recession.  And to be honest, I think that the recession had a lot to do with these closures. And WWASP is no longer in effect. But as I understand it, the people involved in these companies are still involved in the field but just under different names or under different capacities.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  They kind of just disappear but regrow somewhere else in a different name. But everything... They're still going full bore, is what I'm hearing.   Ann Moderie:  That's my understanding.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah. Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  Yeah, unfortunately.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Why do you like... Why is it important to you to talk about this?   Ann Moderie:  I feel like the more we talk about it, the closer we are to change.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Okay.   Ann Moderie:  Because the lawsuits haven't necessarily stopped them.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah. Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  Bad press. They know how to handle bad press. They're skilled media. They have media point consultants... professional consultants. I feel like the stories are what captures people. And that's why the documentary, I think, is so well done.  And she interviews and has [inaudible 00:25:20] former students participate and say what their experience was like and then what effect it's had on their lives. And I feel like I didn't even know about it. I didn't even know this existed. But we're making some headway. People are starting to learn about it. And even if it doesn't result in a successful lawsuit, if it prevents one parent from sending a child-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yes, of course.   Ann Moderie:  ... I've done my job.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah. Yeah. Are there things that you think others, primarily all of us in the legal profession, could do here?   Ann Moderie:  I think being open to cases when they come into your office. I think at least taking a close look at these cases, even if it's not something that you generally handle, hearing these kids out and being open to it. I know that I have been contacted since this documentary came out by many past students, but we have statute of limitations issues. The school closed in 2009.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Okay. Right.   Ann Moderie:  The kids... Statute of limitations starts running when they turn 18 unless there was some kind of... they didn't realize there was a problem, and it was tied to the school. But that's very rare with the records they have in the school.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah. Yeah.   Ann Moderie:  So I hope that as a legal community, we open ourselves up to these stories. And even if you don't end up taking it, trying to give the family the support they need. There are organizations out there that help survivors of these schools that they've got a hotline you can call and get help. So the more awareness we can do as attorneys, I think, is the best.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Okay. And I absolutely agree with you. If you would like, you are welcome to share contact information if anyone in the audience happens to stumble onto something like this. If you would rather not, that is fine. I will share mine. And I assure you folk and mine's widely available, and I can pass things on, but...   Ann Moderie:  Well, I don't want to use this as a means-  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  It's okay.   Ann Moderie:  ... of getting cases either, though. I don't want it to seem like that.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Well, no, no. That's not... It's maybe they have a case, and how did you handle it?   Ann Moderie:  Okay. Yeah.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  I'm not trying to help drum up business for you.   Ann Moderie:  Yeah.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  It's, are you able to, or if you would like to have someone reach out so that they can help spread the word, they can understand what to do.   Ann Moderie:  Sure. Yeah.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  If not, I'll just share my information. How about we leave it at that?   Ann Moderie:  Well, I have a website, Moderie Law, and my contact information is on there. I'm always happy I to visit with survivors, and if I can help, help. If I can't, try to refer them to an organization or individuals that can. I'm always in any capacity, whether it's this field... this area of law, or not, I think that we need to do that as attorneys.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Yeah. [inaudible 00:28:30].   Ann Moderie:  [inaudible 00:28:30] job.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Well, I really appreciate you taking the time to share this story again. And I'm glad that we have an opportunity to continue to try to spread the message.   Ann Moderie:  Yeah.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  This is... I just am still, I wouldn't say, shock. I had no idea. And it's troubling to me. That's the word I'm looking for.   Ann Moderie:  Yeah.  Mark Bassingthwaighte:  Well, folks, I'm going to wrap with that. I encourage you to if you have any interest, and take a look at the Netflix series. Again, it's The Program. And if you have questions, concerns on risk management issues, ethics, insurance coverage, and all the things that I tend to do, I'm not the risk manager for ALPS. I'm hired by ALPS to be the risk manager for the bar at large.  And you are free to reach out to me at any time if there's anything I can do. My email is mbass, M-B-A-S-S@alpsinsurance.com. A-L-P-Sinsurance, one word.com. And I can also, if you ever want to reach out to Ann and have trouble locating her, reach out to me, and I can pass information along [inaudible 00:29:43] happy to do that. So that's it. Thanks for listening. Have a good [inaudible 00:29:47]. Bye-bye.   

What lies in the murky depths of Flathead lake?Situated neatly between the Mission and Salish Mountain Ranges Northwest Montana, the lake has long been a hotbed for sightings that defy description ...One recurring sighting - that of the Flathead Lake Monster (or Flessie) - has been constant for well over a century. Today we dive into its waters. works cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/25746452?read-now=1&seq=2#page_scan_tab_contentshttps://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/533052.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3Ad146d4b6e5ed41c5e832ff85c4a86fab&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1https://www.jstor.org/stable/40914539?searchText=lake%20monsters&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dlake%2Bmonsters%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A723b24f3b96cc1b239f31e404af1b5f0https://www.jstor.org/stable/1748929?searchText=lake%20monsters&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dlake%2Bmonsters%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A3c95b3f77d76c297970671f8bc926102?searchText=lake%20monsters&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dlake%2Bmonsters%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A3c95b3f77d76c297970671f8bc926102?searchText=lake%20monsters&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dlake%2Bmonsters%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A3c95b3f77d76c297970671f8bc926102?searchText=lake%20monsters&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dlake%2Bmonsters%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A3c95b3f77d76c297970671f8bc926102?searchText=lake%20monsters&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dlake%2Bmonsters%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A3c95b3f77d76c297970671f8bc926102?searchText=lake%20monsters&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dlake%2Bmonsters%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A3c95b3f77d76c297970671f8bc926102?searchText=lake%20monsters&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dlake%2Bmonsters%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A3c95b3f77d76c297970671f8bc926102?searchText=lake%20monsters&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dlake%2Bmonsters%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A3c95b3f77d76c297970671f8bc926102https://www.flatheadlakers.org/flathead-lake-monsterhttps://www.jahernandez.com/posts/flessie-the-flathead-lake-monster-of-montanahttps://whistlingandy.com/blogs/the-blog/the-legend-of-the-flathead-lake-monster-a-mystery-of-the-

Send us a Text Message.This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale takes a unique approach to learning all about the Fall Mack Days fishing tournament that will take place on Flathead Lake in Northwest Montana, starting September 5th and going through November 3rd. Rigger talked to 4 different competitors and Tournament Director Cindy Benson. When you listen to the Podcast one of the things that will likely standout to you BIG TIME is the amounts of money that all these competitors have made in the past. Not only did they talk about how much they have made, they went into detail on how they did it! Everything from what kind of rods, line, lures and bait they use, to how deep and where to troll or jig for those Mighty Mackinaw Lake Trout in Flathead Lake. Julie Perkins and Terry Krogstad are boyfriend and girlfriend fish together. Julie has won the women's division several times and Terry has done the same in the men's division. They also were lucky enough to catch a $10,000 tagged fish in 2021! There is another $10,000 fish that will be swimming around this year, plus (3) $5,000 & (5) $1000 plus over (9,000) $500 to $100 tagged Lake Trout! David McDaniel and Joe Minnehan also talk to Rigger. David fishes solo and talks about his unique double jigging technique and much more. Joe fishes with a partner and talks about a very interesting vertical jigging and casting technique, plus a whole lot more. They have all made 4 to 5 figure incomes fishing Mack Days and when you listen to the podcast you will learn a ton of things that will help you to maybe do the same!Links:Click here to get all the details about this year's Fall Mack Days.You can fish just one of the days of the tournament or every day! It is super easy to enter and the link above has all those details. However, if you have questions you can email Tournament Director Cindy Benson by clicking here. Or call you can call her at 406-270-3386.Click here to see a map of Flathead Lake. You can enter things like, Blue Bay Campground, (which Rigger and Cindy talk about on the podcast) in the search bar.Get the free Fishes of Montana App so you can identify the right fish. You don't want to accidently keep an endangered fish! Click here for the android version. Click here for the Apple version.Click here to go to the Montana State Parks website for info on campgrounds in the area.Remember to tune in to our live radio show, The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, every Saturday morning from 6:00AM to 8:00AM. The show airs on 30 radio stations all across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

Catch the Good Morning Show with John and Robin featuring Maritime Archaeologist Dr. Calvin Mires and Jeremy Webber from the Big Fork Cultural Center! Discover their groundbreaking work with the Flathead Maritime Archaeology Project, dedicated to documenting and preserving the rich history and heritage of Flathead Lake.

Join us for an exciting episode with Jim Elster, Director of the Flathead Lake Biological Station, as we celebrate FLBS's 125th Anniversary Open House! Tune in for updates on the State of the Lake, exciting new projects, and more. Don't miss this special conversation!

Send us a Text Message.This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale talks to Ross Tate one of the best Lake Whitefish, aka, Lake Superior Whitefish, fisherman on Flathead Lake located in Northwest Montana. If you want to learn how to find and catch one of the hardest fighting fish in Montana, you HAVE TO listen to this week's podcast. Ross was a wealth of information giving great advice on where to go on the lake, what to look for on your fish finder and even what rod, reel, line and lures work the best for these incredible eating fish. Yes, you heard right these fish are not just sought after because they are an exciting sportfish to catch, they taste incredible! In fact, when you listen to the podcast you will even learn from Ross how best to handle and clean the Lake Superior Whitefish so that you get the most flavorful fish that you may ever catch! One of the interesting things you will also learn is that these fish are the most abundant of all fish in flathead lake BUT for some reason there are only a few times in the year that you can find them and catch them. Why? Well, listen and Ross will give you one of his theories on that subject. There is so much you will learn here so get to listenin now!Links:If you want to learn more about the Lake Whitefish, click here to learn what the Montana Field Guide has to say about them.Click here to look at a map of Flathead Lake so you can find some of the places Ross is talking about.Ross talks about some of his favorite lures he uses to catch these fish. Click here and click here to check them out at Zimmer Tackle.If you have any questions for Ross, you can click here to email him.Downrigger would like to hear from you too. Click here to email him and tell him about your thoughts on this podcast or give your ideas for future topics you would like him to explore on upcoming podcasts.Remember to tune in to our live radio show, The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, every Saturday morning from 6:00AM to 8:00AM. The show airs on 30 radio stations all across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

Join Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman as she covers this week's biggest headlines for northwest Montana.  In this episode, we delve into the legal conflict between the Flathead Warming Center and the Kalispell City Council. Attorney Michelle T. Weinberg warns that revoking the shelter's permit would violate state and federal laws, potentially leading to litigation. We also cover the allegations against the shelter and the council's decision to delay action for 60 days. Additionally, hear updates on recent local incidents including a tragic accident in Glacier National Park, a hypothermia rescue on Flathead Lake, and an E. coli outbreak linked to a Kalispell meat processing company. Read more of this week's stories: Flathead Warming Center attorney warns permit revocation could lead to lawsuitKayakers rescued from turbulent Flathead Lake Man dies after being ejected from vehicle on Going-to-the-Sun RoadConnected to deadly E. coli outbreak, Lower Valley Processing recalls productsRead more local and state coverage:  Tester maintains cash advantage over SheehyTrinity Lutheran's Susan Junk named Best Teacher in the Flathead Election officials in Lincoln County want to break off from Clerk and Recorder's OfficeTuesday rainfall could end Kalispell's dry streakSpecialist helps young patients cope during hospital treatments A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us

Flathead Lake Assistant Manager Derrick Rather 07-26-24

For over a century, Montana has seen more than 100+ sightings of an underwater mystery. Of course, there are the skeptics who believe it's all one hoax or, at the very least, a misidentification. Others believe that this tale is one of prehistoric nature. But then, there's the vast majority that believe something unknown is lurking beneath the surface and it's worth investigating. ----- CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Start 01:16 - Captain James C. Kerr's 1889 Expedition 03:30 - The Flathead Lake Monster's Description 05:45 - Supposed Flathead Lake Sightings 08:14 - World-Renowned Flathead Lake Monster Expert Weighs In 12:36 - Flathead Lake Facts vs. Fiction 14:27 - Is the Flathead Lake Monster really just a sturgeon? 16:47 - Big Fish Unlimited vs. Leslie Griffith vs. Skeptics vs. Scientists 21:25 - Lake County District Judge Shares His Close Encounter 25:12 - Skeptics Scrutinize “Monster” Theory 26:56 - Native Kootenai History Passed Down 28:20 - Flathead Lake Monster Not Really a Monster, but a Dinosaur? 30:56 - Maternal Flathead Lake Monster Saves 3-Year-Old Boy from Drowning 32:17 - What We DO Know About Cryptids ----- Cryptid Map

This week we discuss another monster of the deep which posed some philosophical questions for us. What if they aren't monsters, but Monster is their last name? There has to be a network of lake monsters because where are they going other than lake hopping to hang out? Finally, lake monster's existence has to be proved in the simple fact that sturgeon don't have hips! "Day of Chaos" by Kevin MacLeod

Amidst controversy over alleged unfair labor practices at the Montana Department of Justice, where Trooper Alicia Bragg's termination sparked outcry for workplace transparency and accountability. Concurrently, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks spearheads efforts to revive the native redband trout population, crucial for preserving ecological balance in the region's waters. Meanwhile, the Flathead Lake Biological Station embarks on a $9.5 million SUBSEA project, diving deep into oceanic research to unravel the mysteries of carbon cycling and ecosystem dynamics, offering insights crucial for global marine conservation efforts.Read the full stories here:Montana Highway Patrol likely committed unfair labor practice in firing trooperState wildlife agency gives boost to native rainbow trout species Flathead Lake Biological Station embarking on an ocean study  A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us

Summer vibes are in full swing in Northwest Montana! Join us for a spectacular lineup of events: from Columbia Falls Farmers Market with yoga and local goodies, to Bigfork's concert series featuring Roots Uprising and G.O.A.T. Ice Cream. Don't miss unique experiences like Goat Story Time and A Silent Book Club by Flathead Lake! Check out our online calendar for the full list of events. Events this week:Columbia Falls Farmers Market River Bend Summer Concert Series Goat Story Time | Goats of Glacier B.Y.O. Book Club: A Silent Book Club for Introverts Picnic in the Park 2024 20 Grand: Annual Polebrige Throwdown Flathead Lake Festival of Art Glacier Nordic Club's 42nd Annual Big Mountain Run 5k beer run MT brewery running series x Bias Brewing Live Acoustic Jazz with Joe Procita at Waters Edge Winery & Bistro! Live Music with Andrew Sweeney Live Music with JJ Kind A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.Subscribe to all our pods! Stay in the know with timely updates from News Now, keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and keep grooving to local artists with Press Play. Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and subscribe to us! Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us!

Flathead Lake Biological Station Tom Bansak 06-04-24

Embark on a serene fishing excursion over the tranquil waters of Flathead Lake, Montana, departing from the dock of a cozy lake house. Cast your line amidst the picturesque scenery and feel the stress melt away as you connect with nature. Then, glide through the glassy water on a kayak to a secluded cove, where you can immerse yourself in the refreshing embrace of mountain runoff, surrounded by towering pines and clear blue skies. Throughout our sleep journey, we'll practice the Military Sleep Method designed to clear the mind and promote full body relaxation. For more from OpenMind, follow us on Instagram @openmindstudios

Montana's top Republicans react to former president Donald Trump's felony convictions, Sen. Steve Daines blocks the Senate hearing of a Montana federal judge appointee, Flathead Lake levels are healthy, and the Beartooth Highway will open June 1.

Despite raising the specter that a nonprofit worked with the Biden administration to relocate immigrants in the country illegally to Kalispell earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke has yet to produce evidence for the claim. Suspected aquarium dumping leads to mystery snails being found in Flathead Lake, a common aquarium pet in the U.S. And after a recount, the West Valley School technology levy passed by one vote. Read more from this week's show:Zinke claims about immigrant family Mystery snails articleWest Valley School technology levyRead more local and state coverage: https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2024/may/19/montana-politicians-turn-a-critical-eye-toward-ivf-following-alabama-supreme-court-ruling/https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2024/may/22/a-home-at-samaritan-house-serving-families-and-veterans/ https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2024/may/19/kalispell-ffa-shines-at-state-multiple-teams-advance-to-nationals/ https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2024/may/21/16-years-after-buying-a-slice-of-paradise-columbia-heights-family-learns-home-is-on-a-toxic-site/ https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2024/may/24/northwest-montana-2024-primary-voter-guide-for-statehouse/ Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and subscribe to us! Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us!

Send us a Text Message.This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale talks to Chris Mischke of Big Sky Fishing Charters about learning from his fishing guides who are located all across Montana. And when we say all across Montana, we mean it! When you listen you will learn about about where and how to fish in northwest Montana in lakes like Flathead, the Thompson Chain of Lakes, the Flathead River, and list goes on and on. It does not stop in Northwest Montana though; Big Sky Fishing Charters has guides in West Yellowstone and even up in Northeast Montana on the mighty Missouri River, Fort Peck Reservoir and beyond! The idea behind this podcast is to get out of your comfort zone now and then and learn some new waterways and fish for species you may not get a chance to fish for very often. Well, like HUGE Lake Superior Whitefish, giant Mackinaw, big ole Smallmouth Bass, Monster Northern Pike, and yes even Kokanee and King Salmon, to name a few. Now you may be thinking wait a minute who has time to figure out new waterways and find the fish in them? Glad you asked. That's where Chris and his guides come in. They will show you all the basics, so you are ready if you want to head out on your own. When you listen you will hear about how they find those huge Lake Superior Whitefish, what to use and the fact that they fight like hell. Oh, and they taste even better than they fight. You will also learn about targeting giant Mackinaw and some awesome Smallies on Flathead Lake. The beauty is when you listen to this podcast you will learn that Montana has so much more to see and to catch then you may have known even if you have lived here your entire life!Links:To learn all about Big Sky Fishing Charters click here and be sure and scroll down to the see more videos on that page! To learn about their fishing guides and boats click here. To see more pictures click here. To learn about their different fishing charters and rates click here. Questions for Chris? Click here to email Chris. Don't forget to tell good ole Rigger what you thought of this podcast and give him your topics for future podcasts! Click here to email Downrigger Dale.Remember to tune in to our live radio show, The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, every Saturday morning from 6:00AM to 8:00AM. The show airs on 30 radio stations all across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

This podcast hit paid subscribers' inboxes on May 3. It dropped for free subscribers on May 10. To receive future pods as soon as they're live, and to support independent ski journalism, please consider an upgrade to a paid subscription. You can also subscribe to the free tier below:WhoJosh Jorgensen, CEO of Mission Ridge, Washington and Blacktail Mountain, MontanaRecorded onApril 15, 2024About Mission RidgeClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Larry ScrivanichLocated in: Wenatchee, WashingtonYear founded: 1966Pass affiliations:* Indy Pass – 2 days with holiday and weekend blackouts (TBD for 2024-25 ski season)* Indy+ Pass – 2 days with no blackouts* Powder Alliance – 3 days with holiday and Saturday blackoutsClosest neighboring ski areas: Badger Mountain (:51), Leavenworth Ski Hill (:53) – travel times may vary considerably given weather conditions, time of day, and time of year.Base elevation: 4,570 feetSummit elevation: 6,820 feetVertical drop: 2,250 feetSkiable Acres: 2,000Average annual snowfall: 200 inchesTrail count: 70+ (10% easiest, 60% more difficult, 30% most difficult)Lift count: 7 (1 high-speed quad, 3 doubles, 2 ropetows, 1 carpet – view Lift Blog's inventory of Mission Ridge's lift fleet)View historic Mission Ridge trailmaps on skimap.org.About BlacktailClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Larry ScrivanichLocated in: Lakeside, MontanaYear founded: 1998Pass affiliations:* Indy Pass – 2 days with holiday and weekend blackouts (TBD for 2024-25 ski season)* Indy+ Pass – 2 days with no blackouts* Powder Alliance – 3 days with holiday blackoutsClosest neighboring ski areas: Whitefish (1:18) - travel times may vary considerably given weather conditions, time of day, and time of year.Base elevation: 5,236 feetSummit elevation: 6,780 feetVertical drop: 1,544 feetSkiable Acres: 1,000+Average annual snowfall: 250 inchesTrail count: (15% easier, 65% more difficult, 20% most difficult)Lift count: 4 (1 triple, 2 doubles, 1 carpet – view Lift Blog's inventory of Blacktail's lift fleet)View historic Blacktail trailmaps on skimap.org.Why I interviewed himSo much of Pacific Northwest skiing's business model amounts to wait-and-pray, hoping that, sometime in November-December, the heaping snowfalls that have spiraled in off the ocean for millennia do so again. It's one of the few regions in modern commercial skiing, anywhere in the world, where the snow is reliable enough and voluminous enough that this good-ole-boy strategy still works: 460 inches per year at Stevens Pass; 428 at Summit at Snoqualmie; 466 at Crystal; 400 at White Pass; a disgusting 701 at Baker. It's no wonder that most of these ski areas have either no snowguns, or so few that a motivated scrapper could toss the whole collection in the back of a single U-Haul.But Mission Ridge possesses no such natural gifts. The place is snowy enough – 200 inches in an average winter – that it doesn't seem ridiculous that someone thought to run lifts up the mountain. But by Washington State standards, the place is practically Palm Beach. That means the owners have had to work a lot harder, and in a far more deliberate way than their competitors, to deliver a consistent snowsportskiing experience since the bump opened in 1966.Which is a long way of saying that Mission Ridge probably has more snowmaking than the rest of Washington's ski areas combined. Which, often, is barely enough to hang at the party. This year, however, as most Washington ski areas spent half the winter thinking “Gee, maybe we ought to have more than zero snowguns,” Mission was clocking its third-best skier numbers ever.The Pacific Northwest, as a whole, finished the season fairly strong. The snow showed up, as it always does. A bunch of traditional late operators – Crystal, Meadows, Bachelor, Timberline – remain open as of early May. But, whether driven by climate change, rising consumer expectations, or a need to offer more consistent schedules to seasonal employees, the region is probably going to have to build out a mechanical complement to its abundant natural snows at some point. From a regulatory point of view, this won't be so easy in a region where people worry themselves into a coma about the catastrophic damage that umbrellas inflict upon raindrops. But Mission Ridge, standing above Wenatchee for decades as a place of recreation and employment, proves that using resources to enable recreation is not incompatible with preserving them.That's going to be a useful example to have around.What we talked aboutA lousy start to winter; a top three year for Mission anyway; snowmaking in Washington; Blacktail's worst snowfall season ever and the potential to add snowmaking to the ski area; was this crappy winter an anomaly or a harbinger?; how Blacktail's “long history of struggle” echoes the history of Mission Ridge; what could Blacktail become?; Blacktail's access road; how Blacktail rose on Forest Service land in the 1990s; Blacktail expansion potential; assessing Blacktail's lift fleet; could the company purchase more ski areas?; the evolution of Summit at Snoqualmie; Mission Ridge's large and transformative proposed expansion; why the expansion probably needs to come before chairlift upgrades; Fantasy Lift Upgrade; and why Mission Ridge replaced a used detachable quad with another used detachable quad.Why I thought that now was a good time for this interviewWashington skiing is endangered by a pretty basic problem: more people in this ever-richer, ever more-populous state want to ski than there are ski areas for them to visit. Building new ski areas is impossible – you'd have better luck flying an American flag from the roof of the Kremlin than introducing a new mountain to Washington State. That shortage is compounded by the lack of slopeside development, which compels every skier to drive to the hill every day that they want to ski. This circumstance reflects a false commitment to environmental preservation, which mistakes a build-nothing philosophy for watching over Mother Earth, an outmoded way of thinking that fails to appreciate the impacts of sprawl and car culture on the larger natural ecosystem.Which is where Mission Ridge, with its large proposed ski-and-stay expansion, is potentially so important. If Mission Ridge can navigate the bureaucratic obstacle course that's been dropped in its path, it could build the first substantial slopeside village in the Pacific Northwest. That could be huge. See, it would say, you can have measured development in the mountains without drowning all the grizzly bears. And since not everyone would have to drive up the mountain every day anymore, it would probably actually reduce traffic overall. The squirrels win and so do the skiers. Or something like that.And then we have Blacktail. Three-ish years ago, Mission Ridge purchased this little-known Montana bump, one of the West's few upside-down ski areas, an unlikely late addition to the Forest Service ski area network seated south of Whitefish Mountain and Glacier National Park. I was surprised when Mission bought it. I think everyone else was too. Mission Ridge is a fine ski area, and one with multi-mountain roots – it was once part of the same parent company that owned Schweitzer (now the property of Alterra) – but it's not exactly Telluride. How did a regional bump that was still running three Riblet doubles from the ‘60s and ‘70s afford another ski area two states away? And why would they want it? And what were they going to do with it?All of which I discuss, sort of, with Jorgensen. Mission and Blacktail are hardly the strangest duo in American skiing. They make more sense, as a unit, than jointly owned Red Lodge, Montana and Homewood, California. But they're also not as logical as New York's Labrador and Song, Pennsylvania's Camelback and Blue, or Massachusett's Berkshire East and Catamount, each of which sits within easy driving distance of its sister resort. So how do they fit together? Maybe they don't need to.Questions I wish I'd askedThere's a pretty cool story about a military bomber crashing into the mountain (and some associated relics) that I would have liked to have gotten into. I'd also have liked to talk a bit more about Wenatchee, which Mission's website calls “Washington's only true ski town.” I also intended to get a bit more into the particulars of the expansion, including the proposed terrain and lifts, and what sort of shape the bedbase would take. And I didn't really ask, as I normally do, about the Indy Pass and the reciprocal season pass relationship between the two ski areas.What I got wrongI said that Mission Ridge's first high-speed quad, Liberator Express, came used from Crystal Mountain. The lift actually came used from Winter Park. Jorgensen corrected that fact in the podcast. My mis-statement was the result of crossing my wires while prepping for this interview – the Crystal chairlift at Blacktail moved to Montana from Crystal Mountain, Washington. In the moment, I mixed up the mountains' lift fleets.Why you should ski Mission RidgeMission Ridge holds echoes of Arapahoe Basin's East Wall or pre-tram Big Sky: so much damn terrain, just a bit too far above the lifts for most of us to bother with. That, along with the relatively low snowfall and Smithsonian lift fleet, are the main knocks on the place (depending, of course, upon your willingness to hike and love of vintage machinery).But, on the whole, this is a good, big ski area that, because of its snowmaking infrastructure, is one of the most reliable operators for several hundred miles in any direction. The intermediate masses will find a huge, approachable footprint. Beginners will find their own dedicated lift. Better skiers, once they wear out the blacks off lifts 2 and 4, can hike the ridge for basically endless lines. And if you miss daylight, Mission hosts some of the longest top-to-bottom night-skiing runs in America, spanning the resort's entire 2,250 vertical feet (Keystone's Dercum mountain rises approximately 2,300 vertical feet).If Mission can pull off this expansion, it could ignite a financial ripple effect that would transform the resort quickly: on-site housing and expanded beginner terrain could bring more people (especially families), which would bring more revenue, which would funnel enough cash in to finally upgrade those old Riblets and, maybe, string the long-planned Lift 5 to the high saddle. That would be amazing. But it would also transform Mission into something different than what it is today. Go see it now, so you can appreciate whatever it becomes.Why you should ski BlacktailBlacktail's original mission, in the words of founder Steve Spencer, was to be the affordable locals' bump, a downhome alternative to ever-more-expensive Whitefish, a bit more than an hour up the road. That was in 1998, pre-Epic, pre-Ikon, pre-triple-digit single-day lift tickets. Fast forward to 2024, and Whitefish is considered a big-mountain outlier, a monster that's avoided every pass coalition and offers perhaps the most affordable lift ticket of any large, modern ski area in America (its top 2023-24 lift ticket price was $97).That has certainly complicated Blacktail's market positioning. It can't play Smugglers' Notch ($106 top lift ticket price) to neighboring Stowe ($220-ish). And while Blacktail's lift tickets and season passes ($450 early-bird for the 2024-25 ski season), are set at a discount to Whitefish's, the larger mountain's season pass goes for just $749, a bargain for a 3,000-acre sprawl served by four high-speed lifts.So Blacktail has to do what any ski area that's orbiting a bigger, taller, snowier competitor with more and better terrain does: be something else. There will always be a market for small and local skiing, just like there will always be a market for diners and bars with pool tables and dartboards hanging from the walls.That appeal is easy enough for locals to understand. For frequent, hassle-free skiing, small is usually better than big. It's more complicated to pitch a top-of-the-mountain parking lot to you, a probably not-local, who, if you haul yourself all the way to Montana, is probably going to want the fireworks show. But one cool thing about lingering in the small and foreign is that the experience unites the oft-opposed-in-skiing forces of novelty and calm. Typically, our ski travels involve the raucous and the loud and the fast and the enormous. But there is something utterly inspiring about setting yourself down on an unfamiliar but almost empty mountain, smaller than Mt. Megaphone but not necessarily small at all, and just setting yourself free to explore. Whatever Blacktail doesn't give you, it will at least give you that.Podcast NotesOn Mission Ridge's proposed expansionWhile we discuss the mountain's proposed expansion in a general way, we don't go deep into specifics of lifts and trails. This map gives the best perspective on how the expansion would blow Mission Ridge out into a major ski area - the key here is less the ski expansion itself than the housing that would attend it:Here's an overhead view:Video overviews:The project, like most ski area expansions in U.S. America, has taken about 700 years longer than it should have. The local radio station published this update in October:Progress is being made with the long-planned expansion of Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort.Chelan County is working with the resort on an Environmental Impact Statement.County Natural Resources Director Mike Kaputa says it'll be ready in the next eight months or so."We are getting closer and closer to having a draft Environmental Impact Statement and I think that's probably, I hate to put a month out there, but I think it's probably looking like May when we'll have a draft that goes out for public comment."The expansion plan for Mission Ridge has been in the works since 2014, and the resort brought a lawsuit against the county in 2021 over delays in the process.The lawsuit was dismissed earlier this year.Kaputa gave an update on progress with the Mission Ridge expansion before county commissioners Monday, where he said they're trying to get the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement right."You want to be as thorough as possible," Kaputa said. "You don't want to overdo it. You want to anticipate comments. I'm sure we'll get lots of comments when it comes out."In 2014, Larry Scrivanich, owner of Mission Ridge, purchased approximately 779 acres of private land adjacent to the current Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort. Since then, Mission Ridge has been forging ahead with plans for expansion.The expansion plans call for onsite lodging and accommodations, which Mission Ridge calls a game changer, which would differentiate the resort from others in the Northwest.I'm all about process, due diligence, and checks-and-balances, but it's possible we've overcorrected here.On snowfall totals throughout WashingtonMission gets plenty of snow, but it's practically barren compared to the rest of Washington's large ski areas:On the founding of BlacktailBlacktail is an outlier in U.S. skiing in that it opened in 1998 on Forest Service land – decades after similarly leased ski areas debuted. Daily Inter Lake summarizes the unusual circumstances behind this late arrival:Steve Spencer had been skiing and working at Big Mountain [now Whitefish] for many years, starting with ski patrol and eventually rising to mountain manager, when he noticed fewer and fewer locals on the hill.With 14 years as manager of Big Mountain under his belt, Spencer sought to create an alternative to the famous resort that was affordable and accessible for locals. He got together with several business partners and looked at mountains that they thought would fit the bill.They considered sites in the Swan Range and Lolo Peak, located in the Bitterroot Range west of Missoula, but they knew the odds of getting a Forest Service permit to build a ski area there were slim to none.They had their eyes on a site west of Flathead Lake, however, that seemed to check all the right boxes. The mountain they focused on was entirely surrounded by private land, and there were no endangered species in the area that needed protection from development.Spencer consulted with local environmental groups before he'd spent even “two nickels” on the proposal. He knew that without their support, the project was dead on arrival.That mountain was known as Blacktail, and when the Forest Service OK'd ski operations there, it was the first ski area created on public land since 1978, when Beaver Creek Resort was given permission to use National Forest land in Colorado.Blacktail Mountain Ski Area celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, it is still the most recent in the country to be approved through that process.On Glacier National Park and Flathead LakeEven if you've never heard of Blacktail, it's stuffed into a dense neighborhood of outdoor legends in northern Montana, including Glacier National Park and Whitefish ski area:On WhitefishWith 3,000 skiable acres, a 2,353-foot vertical drop, and four high-speed lifts, Whitefish, just up the road from Blacktail, looms enormously over the smaller mountain's potential:But while Whitefish presents as an Epkon titan, it acts more like a backwater, with peak-day lift tickets still hanging out below the $100 mark, and no megapass membership on its marquee. I explored this unusual positioning with the mountain's president, Nick Polumbus, on the podcast last year (and also here).On “Big Mountain”For eons, Whitefish was known as “Big Mountain,” a name they ditched in 2007 because, as president and CEO at the time Fred Jones explained, the ski area was “often underestimated and misunderstood” with its “highly generic” name.On “upside-down” ski areasUpside-down ski areas are fairly common in the United States, but they're novel enough that most people feel compelled to explain what they mean when they bring one up: a ski area with the main lodge and parking at the top, rather than the bottom, of the hill.These sorts of ski areas are fairly common in the Midwest and proliferate in the Mid-Atlantic, but are rare out west. An incomplete list includes Wintergreen, Virginia; Snowshoe, West Virginia; Laurel, Blue Knob, Jack Frost, and Ski Big Bear, Pennsylvania; Otsego, Treetops, and the Jackson Creek Summit side of Snowriver, Michigan; and Spirit Mountain and Afton Alps, Minnesota. A few of these ski areas also maintain lower-level parking lots. Shawnee Mountain, Pennsylvania, debuted as an upside-down ski area, but, through a tremendous engineering effort, reversed that in the 1970s – a project that CEO Nick Fredericks detailed for us in a 2021 Storm Skiing Podcast.On LIDAR mappingJorgensen mentions LIDAR mapping of Mission Ridge's potential expansion. If you're unfamiliar with this technology, it's capable of giving astonishing insights into the past:On Blacktail's chairliftsAll three of Blacktail's chairlifts came used to the ski area for its 1998 opening. The Crystal double is from Crystal Mountain, Washington; the Olympic triple is from Canada Olympic Park in Alberta; and the Thunderhead double migrated from Steamboat, Colorado.On Riblet chairliftsFor decades, the Riblet double has been the workhorse of Pacific Northwest skiing. Simple, beautiful, reliable, and inexpensive, dozens of these machines still crank up the region's hills. But the company dissolved more than two decades ago, and its lifts are slowly retiring. Mission Ridge retains three (chairs 1, 3, and 4, which date, respectively, to 1966, 1967, and 1971), and has stated its intent to replace them all, whenever funds are available to do so.On the history of Summit at SnoqualmieThe Summit at Snoqualmie, where Jorgensen began his career, remains one of America's most confusing ski areas: the name is convoluted and long, and the campus sprawls over four once-separate ski areas, one of which sits across an interstate with no ski connection to the others. There's no easy way to understand that Alpental – one of Washington's best ski areas – is part of, but separate from, the Summit at Snoqualmie complex, and each of the three Summit areas – East, Central, and West - maintains a separate trailmap on the website, in spite of the fact that the three are interconnected by ski trails. It's all just very confusing. The ski area's website maintains a page outlining how these four ski areas became one ski area that is still really four ski areas. This 1998 trailmap gives the best perspective on where the various ski nodes sit in relation to one another:Because someone always gets mad about everything, some of you were probably all pissed off that I referred to the 1990s version of Summit at Snoqualmie as a “primitive” ski area, but the map above demonstrates why: 17 of 24 chairlifts were Riblet doubles; nine ropetows supplemented this system, and the mountain had no snowmaking (it still doesn't). Call it “retro” or whatever you want, but the place was not exactly Beaver Creek.On Vail and Alterra's Washington timelineI mentioned Washington's entrance onto the national ski scene over the past decade. What I meant by that was the addition of Summit and Crystal onto the Ikon Pass for the 2018-19 ski season, and Stevens Pass onto the Epic Pass the following winter. But Washington skiing – and Mt. Baker in particular – has always been a staple in the Temple of the Brobots, and Boyne Resorts, pre-Ikon, owned Crystal from 1997 to 2017.On Anthony LakesJorgensen mentioned that he applied for the general manager position at Anthony Lakes, a little-known 900-footer lodged in the western Oregon hinterlands. One triple chair serves the entire ski area:The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us.The Storm publishes year-round, and guarantees 100 articles per year. This is article 33/100 in 2024, and number 533 since launching on Oct. 13, 2019. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

The Tally Lake Ranger District office has their Smokey the Bear sign stolen, a Billings man who threatened Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Tester gets two and a half years of jail time, vandals struck the Boys and Girls Club and the Ruis Wrestling Academy, and Habitat For Humanity of the Flathead Valley makes moves to accommodate more construction volunteers. Read more of these stories:Smokey Bear stolen from Tally Lake Ranger DistrictMontana man gets prison time for leaving threatening voicemails for TesterVandals ransack Columbia Falls wrestling academy over weekend Habitat Flathead seeks volunteers to build more homesRead more local and state coverage from this week:Flathead Valley barbecue on menu at famous Kentucky Derby horse raceTester calls for action on water levels in Flathead Lake ahead of summerMan accused of pointing handgun at other motoristsVisit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and subscribe to us! Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us!

Flathead Lake - nestled in Montana, is one of the largest freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi River, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings. It's also steeped in folklore, with tales of the elusive Flathead Lake Monster, captivating imaginations and sparking intrigue among locals and visitors alike. Discover more TERRIFYING podcasts at http://eeriecast.com/ Follow Carman Carrion!  https://www.facebook.com/carman.carrion.9/ https://www.instagram.com/carmancarrion/?hl=en https://twitter.com/CarmanCarrion Subscribe to Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/0uiX155WEJnN7QVRfo3aQY Please Review Us on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaky-folklore/id1550361184 Music and sound effects used in the Destination Terror Podcast have or may have been provided/created by:  CO.AG: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcavSftXHgxLBWwLDm_bNvA Myuu: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiSKnkKCKAQVxMUWpZQobuQ Jinglepunks: https://jinglepunks.com/ Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/ Kevin MacLeod: http://incompetech.com/ Dark Music: https://soundcloud.com/darknessprevailspodcast Soundstripe: https:// Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join John & Robin as they dive deep into the wonders of Flathead Lake with special guest Jared Grummer from the Biological Station!

In case you missed them, here are some headlines that broke for the Valley this week! They include Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) completing Phase 1A of a $163 million terminal expansion project, Glacier National Park investing $1.5 million of Inflation Reduction Act funding on furthering the Blackfeet-led effort of bison reintroduction on the east side of the park, and the beginning of a seasonal closure along the north shore of Flathead Lake to support migrating and nesting birds.Dive deeper and read the full stories at https://dailyinterlake.com:Glacier Park International Airport article  Glacier National Park article Seasonal closure on Flathead Lake article Check out local events - https://dailyinterlake.com/events/Events we mentioned in this episode:ImagineIF Library Lake County Job Fair on 3/13 Wachholtz CenterVisit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and subscribe to us! Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us!

This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale talks to CSKT Fisheries Specialist, Cindy Benson and one of the top anglers in past Spring Mack Days Tournaments, Jason Mahlen. Jason has won the tournament many times!  You will be blown away by how much cash Jason Mahlen as made fishing in the Mack Days tournaments. Spoiler Alert: the total amount is in the SIX FIGURES! Yeah, this tournament, which starts on March 14th and runs through May 11th, has something for everyone, from the beginner angler to the pro. When you listen to the podcast you will learn that there are all kinds of ways to earn money fishing in this tournament, from just catching a lot of fish to maybe just catching one that is worth $1,000.00! And those are just two of the ways to win. The Tournament takes place on Flathead Lake in Northwest Montana and is one of the richest tournaments you will ever fish in. What maybe even more surprising than all the ways to win cash is the way this incredible tournament is run. For example, you can join in the fun anytime you want between March 14th and May 11th, and it only takes catching one fish to get the winnings going. Now, in addition to learning all about the ins and outs of the tournament you will also hear some great tips on how best to fish this tournament from award winning angler Jason Mahlen. Jason will give you tips on jigging for the lake trout and where he likes to go on Flathead Lake to catch them!  Jason even talks about the type of jigs he uses and what kind of bait has worked well for him. Best of all you will learn just how much fun this tournament is for the whole family to take part in.Want even more info? After you listen to the podcast be sure and come back to this article and click here to send Cindy Benson an email so you can get signed up to take part in the tournament and to get all your questions answered. Cindy has access to all the top anglers that have fished this tournament so she can even get any questions you have about how best to fish the tournament directly from them! If you would like to ask Jason Mahlen a question, just click here. You can also watch lots of different videos about how best to catch the HUGE lake trout on Flathead Lake by clicking here to watch videos about trolling or fishing off the docks for the Monster Macks. If you want to watch videos that will teach you about jigging for Macks click here. You can even read more about what all those videos show you by clicking here! As always, your old buddy and host of the Montana Outdoor Podcast, Downrigger Dale is always available via email by clicking here. Have fun out there fishing for Lake Trout at Spring Mack Days March 14th through May 11th!Remember to tune in to our live radio show, The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, every Saturday morning from 6:00AM to 8:00AM. The show airs on 30 radio stations all across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

This week we welcome Angela and Bill Schnieders! Some dear friends of both Maria and Meghan, this dynamic couple has so much gold to share on living a life filled with hope even when you holding onto unmet desires. Angela was a respected business development director, living a high paced life of mission work and philanthropy. Bill worked in sales in Silicon Valley, living the breakneck pace of competitive start-up culture. They both burnt out and began asking the question, how did God intend for us to live in the beginning? This journey lead them to eventually meeting one another after decades of living respective singleness and they were married in August of 2018. They have welcomed two beautiful girls into the world and live most of their time on Flathead Lake near Glacier National Park in Montana.Ladies, this is a story of hope, faith in the Father, and miracles. Dive in! If you'd like to reach out to Angela or Bill. You can contact them here. angelaschnieders18@gmail.combillschnieders@hotmail.comFor speaking engagements, reach out to the Schnieders here. https://billandangela.comLearn more about The Intentional Single: https://www.theintentionalsingle.com/Sign up for Wednesday Wellness & Wisdom newsletter: https://theintentionalsingle.myflodesk.com/g8l7qmqflu Stay in the know on all things TIS: https://theintentionalsingle.myflodesk.com/ikl0gcfj3n Reach out to Maria & Meghan for coaching here. Contact Maria & Meghan: hello@theintentionalsingle.com

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/571  Presented by: Northern Rockies Adventures, Angler's Coffee, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Togens Fly Shop Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors      Ryan Johnston, the visionary behind Cast Hope, unveils the transformative impact of his program on the lives of youth facing adversity. Not only will Ryan share heartwarming stories of change and growth, but he'll also reveal expert strategies for steelhead fishing. Learn how to navigate the challenges of the fish barrel roll, master the timing for jumping fish, and handle the thrill of a running fish. This episode is packed with insights that promise to enhance your fishing skills and inspire you to make a difference. Don't miss out on this captivating journey with Ryan Johnston—tune in now to elevate your fishing game and discover how you can contribute to a meaningful cause this season. Episode Chapters with Ryan Johnston on Cast Hope 7:00 - Ryan shares the inspiring journey of Cast Hope, born from a desire to use his gifts for the betterment of his community, sparked by a sermon he couldn't shake. Starting with a simple idea to donate guided fishing trips to kids facing tough times, Cast Hope blossomed into a nonprofit that now spans four regions, serving over 700 kids. 16:38 - Their vision is to cover 10 to 12 regions across the country to impact as many kids as they can. He encourages people to donate through their website at casthope.org/donate. 18:08 - He recounts an inspiring story from their specialized trip, the Heritage Trout Challenge, where older kids go on a journey across California to catch specific native trout species. A particularly moving moment involved a teenager named Obie, who, during a trip to catch coastal cutthroat trout, experienced the ocean for the first time. Despite living just two and a half hours away, Obie had never seen the ocean before, highlighting the transformative power of these experiences in opening new worlds for these children. 21:57 - He shares more heartwarming stories of transformation and connection through the medium of fishing. Ryan highlights the powerful narratives featured on their website, notably mentioning Jordy and Christina, two individuals whose lives were significantly altered by their engagement with Cast Hope. 36:58 - Ryan categorizes California's steelhead scene into three distinct groups, each offering unique experiences for anglers, which are valley steelhead, mountain steelhead, and coastal steelhead. 37:48 - He reminisces about the early 2000s, a time when the coastal steelhead scene was largely uncharted territory for fly fishers. Back then, anglers like Ryan could explore and fish in relative solitude, discovering new spots and techniques without the crowds seen today. 40:58 - He shares insights into the effective technique of side drifting from a boat, a method that allows for extended drifts and optimizes the time flies spend in the prime fishing zone. This approach, Ryan explains, is especially effective in rivers like the Eel, where runs can be a hundred yards long, allowing for a drift that keeps the flies in the 'zone' for an extended period. 42:38 - He delves into the intricacies of avoiding spooking the fish, the importance of water clarity, and how to execute a proper hook set for coastal steelhead, which are known for their size and strength. 47:08 - We get into the nitty-gritty of steelhead fishing tactics with Ryan, focusing on the leader setup for effective drifting techniques. He also delves into the strategy of locating steelhead, emphasizing the importance of mobility and observation. The approach is to fish quickly, moving on if a spot doesn't yield results after a few attempts, but to slow down and fish methodically upon hooking a fish. 51:45 - Ryan highlights the significance of upsizing micro spawn flies for better visibility and effectiveness in catching larger steelheads, with shrimp pink and steelhead orange being his go-to colors. 53:15 - Further, Ryan debunks common myths surrounding fly patterns for steelhead, emphasizing that the color and size of the egg pattern often outweigh the specific design of the fly. 54:45 - He takes us through his remarkable experiences fishing in Oregon, particularly on the Nestucca River, comparing it with his time on California's waters. 59:46 - He shares the unexpected success of his first book, "A Reel Job: Short Stories & Thoughts from the River". Released in 2022, he initially wrote the book for himself, with modest hopes of selling enough copies to cover his expenses. To his surprise, the book resonated widely, garnering praise from readers across the globe and selling over 2000 copies. Encouraged by the positive feedback and continuous requests for more, he has penned a sequel titled "Reelly?! - Unbelievable Fishing Stories & Guide Thoughts," set to launch in March. This upcoming book, featuring a cover designed by Derek Deyoung and his wife, promises another engaging collection of guide stories and extraordinary experiences from Ryan's 21 years on the water. 1:02:23 - Currently, he guides for Bigfork Anglers. They specialize in fishing the Flathead River in the valley and then the lower Clark Fork. 1:02:53 - He shares his preference for the type of boat he uses for steelhead fishing in California. He has been a longtime advocate for Hyde Drift Boats, particularly highlighting his transition to a Hyde skiff about six years ago. This lower profile, lighter boat offers significant advantages on the water, particularly in terms of maneuverability and reduced physical strain. 1:04:17 - He shares his transition from suburban life in Chico, California, to a more spacious and serene existence in Somers, Montana, near Flathead Lake. Moving to Montana has been a significant change for his family, offering them an incredible sense of space and freedom. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/571  

Federal regulators last week said the Salish Kootenai Dam didn't draw too much water out of Flathead Lake last summer. Some residents blamed the dam operator for the lake's historically low water levels.

This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast Manny Clark sits in for Downrigger Dale and counts down the top five podcasts for 2023. There were 51 podcasts dropped in 2023 all of which had tons and tons of listeners. But as always, there were some that of course had more listeners than others. So which ones were the top five podcasts for all of 2023? Which one do you think was the most listened to podcast of all? Was it when Downrigger and the Captain did the podcast out on the Slayer's boat fishing for King Salmon? Was it when Downrigger interviewed the Energy Keepers CEO about the low water levels on Flathead Lake? What about the Podcast about the Kokanee making a comeback in Holter Reservoir? Well you are going to have to listen to find out! Make sure you listen next week too when Downrigger will interview Montana Governor Greg Gianforte about what's next for Montana's Outdoors in 2024! Remember to tune in to our live radio show, The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, every Saturday morning from 6:00AM to 8:00AM. The show airs on 30 radio stations all across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

On this episode of Expanded Perspectives, the guys start the show off by talking about the cowboy life and the terrible luck Kyle has been having with automobiles this week. Then, in 2008 a witness driving north on Highway 680 between Fremont and Pleasanton, California, saw something large flying about their car. It looked like a juvenile Pterosaur! Next, a Hamilton County, New York driver hit a supposed Bigfoot that was carrying a deer along Route 8 in July 2014. The incident was never reported to the local Police. After the break, Cam brings up some wild stories from the great state of Montana. Montana is a vast, beautiful state with sweeping landscapes, mountains, and monsters! According to Native American lore, the state's waters have long been home to strange, sometimes deadly creatures. Flathead Lake reportedly hides a monstrous something that has been sighted for decades, and strange things are said to soar through the big sky. All of this and more on this installment of Expanded Perspectives! Show Notes: Possible Pterosaur Sighting Reported in Alameda County, California Bigfoot Carrying Deer Hit by Car in Hamilton County, New York Sponsors: AG1: If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/expanded. FUM: Join FUM in accelerating humanity's breakup from destructive habits by picking up the Journey Pack today. Head to TryFum.com and use the promo code EXPANDED to same 10% off when you get the Journey Pack. Want to Share Your Story? Email: expandedperspectives@yahoo.com Hotline: 888-393-2783

(2:17) - Oppenheimer Movie Excitement and Chris Guesses the Submissions to the Green Light Music Playlist (13:50) - Chris' Guests on Flathead Lake (34:57) - Fax and the King (37:52) - NFL Contracts for Running Backs and Potential Solutions (1:01:25) - Hard Knocks: New York Jets Won't Be Showing Players Being Cut on Camera (1:08:12) - Alex Highsmith Gets Paid and Zack Martin Holds Out (1:11:00) - Blake Martinez and Retro NFL Jerseys This podcast is brought to you by Cash App. With multiple tools for saving, spending, and sending, Cash App is the easy way to stay in control of your money. Cash App is a financial platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Green Light's Top 10 Songs Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2jDt1UuSEstZ4gvEGxZX4R?si=64b0cc26608c477c Have some interesting takes, some codebreaks or just want to talk to the Green Light Crew? We want to hear from you. Call into the Green Light Hotline and give us your hottest takes, your biggest gripes and general thoughts. Day and night, this hotline is open. Green Light Hotline: ‪(202) 991-0723‬ Send any Talent Search submissions to: social@chalkmedia.com Include any video of your talents, takes and bits as well as a little bit about yourself. Love hearing from the Green Light fans. Also, check out our paddling partners at Appomattox River Company to get your canoes, kayaks and paddleboards so you're set to hit the river this summer. https://paddleva.com/ Green Light Spotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/user/951jyryv2nu6l4iqz9p81him9?si=17c560d10ff04a9b   Spotify Layup Line: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1olmCMKGMEyWwOKaT1Aah3?si=675d445ddb824c42   Green Light Tube YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/GreenLightTube1   Green Light with Chris Long: Subscribe and enjoy weekly content including podcasts, documentaries, live chats, celebrity interviews and more including hot news items, trending discussions from the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA are just a small part of what we will be sharing with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices