It was time to rejoin and do some good for the community.

Last Saturday, several members of the 53-year-old Flathead Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited gathered to clean up several state-owned fishing access sites in preparation for the opening day of fishing season.

The chapter has been on a hiatus of sorts, as so many volunteer and non-profit groups have been since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than a year ago.

An informal talk led chapter treasurer Wade Fredenberg to another discussion with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 1 Fishing Access Site Coordinator Tony Powell.

The chapter wanted to know if there was anything it could do and Powell suggested a litter cleanup of the access sites in the Flathead, including at the House of Mystery, Teakettle, Old Steel Bridge, Sportsman Bridge and Kokanee Bend.

It led to about two dozen volunteers showing up at the Pine Grove pond for a primer of coffee and donuts before dispersing in small groups to each site on the warm and sunny morning.

True to form, in any litter pickup, one never knows what may be found.

Chapter members Dan and Kim Short and Larry Epstein tackled the House of Mystery site.

They gathered about three large bags of trash, not to mention a trailer fender, tennis and golf balls, several beer bottles and cans, two 5-pound weights and some other items not necessarily worthy of a specific identification.

“We did a river cleanup about eight or nine years ago,” Dan recalled. “But we’re glad this worked out. The members were ready to get out and with people getting their vaccinations, it was time.”

The Flathead chapter will be holding an online auction May 17-22 to support its work with cold water fisheries.

Chapter secretary Lucky Sultz said there will be some fly fishing trips with local outfitters as well as quality equipment.

More information on the auction and a link can be found on the chapter’s Facebook page or on its blog at flatheadtu.org.

“We want to say thanks to everyone who came out and helped with the litter pickup,” Sultz said.

Fishing season on rivers and streams in the Western District begins Saturday, May 15.

Scott Shindledecker may be reached at [email protected] or 406-758-4441.