Pack It In ??

FIREHOLE IS HOT

Madison Is Too

gibbon & gallatin o.k.

WALLPAPER:   SWIM HERE - FORGET FISHING

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.. We're on track for a record setting Fourth of July visitation.
.. Morning wait time to enter the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park is in the two hour range. Traffic is at a near standstill along Canyon Street in town. Go early or go late!
..The Firehole River is now spiking to near 80°F at mid day and the fish are pooped. We suggest that the popular runs be abandoned until Fall, (barring a 3 three day snow storm and drastic drop in temperature - it has happened.)

A TOUCH OF YELLOW

.. Flows on the Firehole River are still a bit high, (as has been the case all Spring.)
.. This has allowed more white water riffles and a bit of a respite for the fish given the additional oxygenated water.
.. Despite the recent rains the grasses are maturing and yellows are creeping into the meadows. Seems a bit early to us.

SHADOWS:  UPPER FIREHOLE

.. Way up in the shady water along the trail to Lone Star Geyser the water is holding in the low to mid 60's. 
..The playful Brook Trout are being visited more frequently than in recent memory. The cyclists and dog walkers are dense as well.
.. The Madison River is still above seasonal discharge norms. It has flirted with normal flows over the last couple of days.

LITTLE BROWN TROUT

.. Temperatures at mid day are now in the 70's and fishing should be limited to the hours right after daybreak.
.. Small streamers near the undercut banks at the edge of the morning shadows will be amply rewarded with dance partners. A twitch at the end of a slow drift will enhance the presentation.
.. Postpone the second cup of coffee. Enter the park early and avoid the rush: come out when others are going in. An hearty early lunch, a short nap, and some grocery shopping can fill out the day prior to dinner and the evening neighborhood fireworks.

FEATHER DUSTER

..  The Gibbon River has finally slowed to slightly below seasonal flows. There are still some catching opportunities in the shady stretches of the canyon.
.. A double nymph rig will be the best choice: big and little, light and dark, deep and shallow are excellent combinations. Keep the upper nymph small, small, small.
.. The neighbor's choice for crowded fishing locations is the Gallatin River and Fan Creek. Access is quick and easy from town. There is always a deep bend that is missing any elbows, (it takes some careful observation and a bit of walking.)

BAD FOR TREES - GOOD FOR CATCHING

.. There is an early appearance of spruce moths and there are white miller caddis for the fly floaters.
.. The grasshopper nymphs are approaching their final molt. They are very active and are wingless. They are on the smallish side this year and a size 6 or 8 will work wonders if you have to float them.
.. Try not to use any floatant and let them ride just below the surface on a short leader - hang on tight.

FRIENDLY SPECIMEN CREEK

.. This year Specimen Creek seems to have more eager fish than usual.
.. You will have to walk a ways. You will have to be cordial and visit with the tons of hikers.
.. You will have to explain why you are fishing for  little 10" fish. It's all good - there's a whopping pacel of 'em.
.. We enjoy this water for it's congenial fish that eat just about anything. This is your standard "attractor fly" water. It is sometimes called a children's fishery. So be it. We'll be a child!

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.. We're busy watching some braised short ribs. Time to sign off and make do with something to fill the growling chasm until they are ready.

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WALLPAPER:  RHUBARB CRISP - YUM