Fly Fishing In Yellowstone National Park

12 - 4 - 12

2012-02-01T12:09:00.003-07:00

A FISH PER MONTH

Across The Nation

we're jealous

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.. Last summer we noted that there was a Montana-born itinerant fly fisher spending the whole summer in Yellowstone National Park.
.. He's still at it and has taken a fish, across the nation, in each of 12 months. There's a concept for you - "COAST-TO-COAST" - trout hunting. Read about it HERE.

Apropos Of Nothing

2012-01-29T22:22:00.003-07:00

MIDWINTER ESCAPE

The Lowlands Beckon

we respond

Headed into the promised land.
Few folks fish up'ere in the winter.

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.. It's a fur piece of road between here and there. It's a bit of burned hydrocarbons and furry eyeballs to get there and back over a three-day weekend. In the winter with snow in the air and ice on the roads it's a bit over seven hours of safe and sane driving. That uses up most of one day.
.. Getting situated and scoping out the possibilities and contingencies finishes off the first day and demands a bit of well-won sustenance. So that's what we did.

Three Fly Arsenal.

.. Up at dawn to a great breakfast at Pourman's Cafe - chorizo con huevos and other gut bombs to get through a long day. Then to the river road.
.. It's possible to fish downtown but it's better up the road a piece. So we get going to a place where the neighbors know us and the water is clear and the snow ain't too deep.
.. There's ruts and mud and ice and mud and ruts and ice. We knock on the door and accept the invitation for coffee. We're on the water by 9:00 AM.
.. Just three flies are ever necessary here, (well four, if you count the size 8 elk hair caddis that serves as an indicator.) The fish are willing and hungry all year long. The water, in winter, is never colder than about 40° F. Sometimes it gets to over 50° F in the shallow and sunny spots.

The Place.

.. We fish all day and even take a few. Big rainbows of 14" with shoulders like Gibraltar. They look like lake fish with their small heads and substantial girth. The air is cold. It freezes our guides, and hands, and ears, and warms our epitome.
.. Dark comes a little later down in the lowlands. It still comes too early and we're back in town by 7:30 PM. At our age it means an early dinner and bed. We do it.
.. We get up on day three and have the same breakfast. We fish a bit closer to the highway and downstream from town for a few hours. Then back in the trusty horse and gas up.
.. It'll be dark as we enter the mountains at 4-corners. That's O.K., we know the road and it's treachery very well. We look forward to the vacant wheat fields and the company of monster trucks and the neighbors' pickumups.
.. Home at 9:00 PM. Crash shortly after eating a couple of racks of Baby-Back ribs from the deli, (got there just as they were locking up - perfect timing.)
.. We'll sleep-in tomorrow. Don't have to be at the salt mine until 2:00 PM. Our stomach growls as we snooze on the couch - typing this is exhausting.

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Heading home. A view for Mark in Texas.

Snow's Building Up -- Slowly

2012-01-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Our snow is building up in dribs and drabs.
It's a bit wetter than normal for this time of year.
We're still 40% below normal for this date.

We All Knew It

2012-01-26T01:24:00.000-07:00

.
.

Blonds Have More Fun

2012-01-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

WEIRD NEIGHBOR SCORES

Walmart Duster Rules

such a simple thing

Crazy kid used the wrong color !!

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.. The catching on the Madison River between the lakes is picking up. There are packed trails in the snow rather than parallel rows of post-holes.
.. The fish are after the midges on occasion. And, on occasion, they will be taken on the top. But, truth be told, blonds have more fun.
.. Hereabouts there's a small, ambitious, energetic, and slightly off-center group of local residents that refuse to believe that fishing with a fly is only a 4-month proposition. These kids are not habitues of the dusty aisles in the local fly shops. They are hard working sons and daughters of folks that have lived here for a few decades, (or more.) They wear shorts and sometimes go barefooted through December.
.. They fish with worms and flies and spinners, and anything that catches fish at the moment. They cherish their time on the water, (or ice,) and don't fool around with the arcane minutia of proper fly fishing. Just can't be bothered!

.. On rare occasion they will travel to the glorious catastrophe that is Bozeman. Of course they head straight for Walmart. Prices are good, selection is extensive, and the produce in the grocery section makes the local fare look like . . . well, unmentionable poop.
.. On a recent trip Tommy, (his real name,) found himself near a trash bin and spied a genuine, ole-time feather duster.
.. He grabbed it and found a "sales associate" and asked if the duster was really being thrown out.
.. Long-story-short: through several levels of the store hierarchy he continued to ask the question untill it was determined that the bit of fluff on the stick was indeed used-up and being thrown out. He smiled and poked it in his rear pants pocket.
.. Being deeply inculcated in local lore, Tommy knew that he had secured a treasure beyond belief. This was the stuff of legends. A real feather feather duster. He had several years' supply of fly tying material.

.. Upon returning home, Tommy was assailed by his mates. You foolish dolt! The color is all wrong.
.. Our neighbor Wally, (his real name,) used the dark gray or black feathers when he invented the FEATHER DUSTER FLY.
.. Well, Tommy, being of the working class, was not going to let a bit of color stand in the way of his feather dusters. He tied up a few dozen and passed them out to his friends at the local pub.
.. Of course you know the outcome. The off-color flies worked just fine. In fact they are the current neighborhood rage. It will die down in a month or two - OR - a year or two, who knows?
.. But for now: BLONDS HAVE MORE FUN, sticking fish in their mandibular parts.
.. We bring this bit of information to you as a public service. There are too damn many hungry trout between the lakes. They are begging for blond beauties. Natural, of course!

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It's getting deep in town.

Not The Typical Pair

2012-01-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

THE LITERATI CRINGE

The Simple Approach

ice auger's getting workout

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.. There's only a week left before February smashes into West Yellowstone. We're using it to rest up before the onslaught begins.

..We have boxes and boxes of winter flies. We love them all, we cherish them, we even use most of them on occasion: but, time and again we return to just two for most of our winter fishing.
.. The Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Wet Fly & the Sierra Bright Dot often suffice for every situation above or below the surface. Both can be fished either wet or dry. Both are easy to tie and both stab fish jaws with satisfying regularity.
-- These flies have the additional distinction of being rare today. Neither is sold at the local feather merchants, neither is the latest and greatest, neither is full of fancy hard-to-get synthetic materials, and neither will leave you fishless.

--The "neighbors-of-the-auger," usually have one of these tied to their rig along with maggots or meal worms or bulldog flashing blades. They are a secondary attractor beneath the ice but they are common and will take fish.
.. The NORTH AMERICAN ICE FISHING CIRCUIT is holding it's $21,000 Regional Qualifier on Hebgen Lake February 3-5. The neighbors are on the lake en-mass and dragging in the fish. Practice is essential in this sort of thing.
.. The current midge hatch Between The Lakes is drawing the faithful to the open water. Often times a twin rig with a Prince Nymph and GRHE-W is the weapon of choice.
.. The true and faithful dry fly fishers use a small Sierra Bright Dot. Correctly tied the fly presents the perfect attack: the fore & aft hackle combined with the dark tips of the pheasant seem to entice the starving fish into a frenzy of idiocy. There are three targets with three specular patterns and they are close together. The fish seem mesmerized by the little fly. The red is easy to see, (so too is orange or yellow.)

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The First Aftermath

2012-01-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

WIND + SNOW = AVALANCHE

We're In For It Now

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.. The neighbors are praising MOTHER for her blessed bit of snow. Some folks, (more frisky than most fly fishers,) are taking to the hills. Thrills come in all forms.

Gallatin Avalanche Warning.

AT LAST !!

2012-01-19T00:04:00.013-07:00

SNOW !!! WARNING !!!

About Time

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...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM MST FRIDAY FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 7000 FEET... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM MST FRIDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 7000 FEET REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM MST FRIDAY. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM MST FRIDAY.

* TIMING AND MAIN IMPACT: LIGHT SNOW IS EXPECTED TO SPREAD OVER THE AREA THIS MORNING AND INCREASE IN INTENSITY THIS AFTERNOON PARTICULARLY OVER ...THE MOUNTAINS. SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES IN THE MOUNTAINS THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT. SNOW COULD BE BRIEFLY HEAVY IN THE VALLEYS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 7 INCHES AT LOWER ELEVATIONS BUT 7 TO 15 INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS ARE LIKELY.

* WINDS AND VISIBILITY: EXPECT SOUTHWEST WINDS 15 TO 25 MPH AT TIMES. VISIBILITIES WILL BE BELOW ONE-HALF MILE AT TIMES DUE TO SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW MAINLY IN THE MOUNTAINS.

* OTHER IMPACTS: EXPECT ROADS TO BECOME SNOW COVERED AND ICY... CREATING HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED INCLUDE: BATTLE RIDGE PASS...BOZEMAN... BOZEMAN PASS...TARGHEE PASS...WEST YELLOWSTONE... BIG HOLE PASS...CHIEF JOSEPH PASS...DILLON...MONIDA PASS... ENNIS... NORRIS HILL...RAYNOLDS PASS...TWIN BRIDGES

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

FOR SPECIFIC ROAD AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS IN MONTANA...DIAL 5 1 1.

Wikipedia Down

2012-01-18T00:51:00.003-07:00

USE YOUR IMAGINATION

We Warned You 3 Months Ago

see the video HERE

TAKE ACTION

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LEARN MORE

Previews Of Coming Attractions

2012-01-09T09:30:00.001-07:00

BIG HAPPENINGS ON HEBGEN LAKE:

The neighbors are already dragging 'em in,

New service for ice fishers,

Tournament coming to town.

Of Lake Trout & Grizzly Bears

2012-01-06T12:03:00.001-07:00

WORLD HERITAGE REPORT

Highlighting Fish & Bears

the state of the park

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.. We note, (from the BILLINGS GAZETTE,) that there are some things that need attending to in Yellowstone National Park.
.. The park is asking for it's funding partners to come up with an additional $1,000,000 each year for the next 6 years to enhance the Lake Trout Eradication efforts in Yellowstone Lake.
.. The Grizzly population in Yellowstone National Park is so genetically isolated that the park may have to import bears to increase the genetic diversity.
.. Bison management inside of and outside of the park remains a concern. And so it goes.

G'day

2012-01-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Sunrise - West Yellowstone.

Another Warm, Beautiful, Dry Day.

Counterattack!!

2012-01-04T01:49:00.000-07:00

JUDAS FISH REPORT

Underwater Receivers

plus Transmitters on Fish

National Park Service biologist Brian Ertel and Student Conservation Association volunteer Jessica Dugan surgically implant a sonic transmitter into a lake trout in this photo. Increased efforts to capture invasive lake trout in Yellowstone Lake are paying off. This summer the catch rate increased substantially. Photo: National Park Service

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.. The counterattack on Lake Trout in Yellowstone lake continues. Read about it HERE. And HERE.

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THe Snow Has Arrived

2011-12-30T18:28:00.002-07:00

A Little Snow

2011-12-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

A LOT OF WIND

And So It Goes

2011-12-28T09:58:00.001-07:00

Season's Greetings From The Neighborhood Kids

2011-12-25T00:09:00.007-07:00

No BBQ ??

2011-12-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

Would've Been A Great Christmas Eve Dinner !!

Parking-A-Plenty

2011-12-23T09:29:00.001-07:00

-21° F and counting.

Perhaps !

2011-12-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

About Time

2011-12-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

WEAK WARNING

We'll Take It

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.. A Bit of snow is falling. That's good for the rivers.
==========
Winter Storm Warning
MTZ015-055-212300-
/O.CON.KTFX.WS.W.0029.000000T0000Z-111222T0600Z/
/O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0056.000000T0000Z-111222T0600Z/
MADISON-GALLATIN-
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...ENNIS...NORRIS HILL...
RAYNOLDS PASS...TWIN BRIDGES...BATTLE RIDGE PASS...BOZEMAN...
BOZEMAN PASS...TARGHEE PASS...WEST YELLOWSTONE
419 AM MST WED DEC 21 2011

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 6000 FEET...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING FOR ELEVATIONS BELOW 6000 FEET...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 6000 FEET REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
FOR ELEVATIONS BELOW 6000 FEET REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST
THIS EVENING.

* TIMING AND MAIN IMPACT: PERIODS OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED THROUGH
TODAY...THEN DIMINISH LATER THIS EVENING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: TOTAL SNOW AMOUNTS OF 8 TO 12 INCHES ARE
EXPECTED ABOVE 6000 FEET. 2 TO 5 INCHES ARE EXPECTED BELOW 6000
FEET.

* WINDS AND VISIBILITY: WINDS WILL BE BREEZY AND CREATE AREAS OF
BLOWING SNOW. VISIBILITIES COULD BE REDUCED BELOW ONE HALF MILE
AT TIMES.

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED INCLUDE: BATTLE RIDGE PASS...BOZEMAN...
BOZEMAN PASS...TARGHEE PASS...WEST YELLOWSTONE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO
POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

FOR SPECIFIC ROAD AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS IN MONTANA...DIAL 5 1 1.

&&

$$

Not Looking Good

2011-12-21T04:51:00.002-07:00

Waiting For Spring

2011-12-20T03:55:00.011-07:00

Winter's Nearly Here

2011-12-19T04:08:00.000-07:00

The neighbors host one of the largest sled dog races in the Rockies.
This year there were 33 human teams and about 46 sled dog teams.
Included were 4 Iditarod winners and several contenders.
We believe running naked and barefoot in the snow is great sport!

It's The Berries - II

2011-12-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

Double Sweet Shortcake, California Berries,
Fresh Real Whipped Cream, Hand Shaved Chocolate,
Golden Nectar Of The Gods

Morning's Glow

2011-12-16T08:42:00.001-07:00

GONE FISHING ?

Dark, Cold, And Productive

2011-12-13T10:58:00.001-07:00

WHERE YOU DON'T SEE

Simple Stuff Works

"GALLATIN WINTER" by DeLacy

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.. There have been days when the snow came and went in a moment. There have been days when the roads have been pure ice.
.. There have been days with fog so thick it obscures your line. There have been days so bright that sunglasses don't work. There have been days when It was so gray that the trees looked like nothing at all.

.. Happily, most of the recent days have been temperate and the fish have been willing.
..Snow flies, midge clusters, nymphs, and small streamers are the usual choices for the Gallatin River right now. A few folks are using the perennial winter wonder the small stonefly nymph.
.. The most productive, (if you're into catching,) seems to be various Copper John iterations.
.. Some have red tails, some have a bead for both the head and thorax. Some have legs, Some are funny colors. And so it goes!

.. The story being told is simple and direct: 'GET DOWN AND FISH SLOW.' The water temperature has dropped significantly with our cold nights. The lack of snowfall and the sparse cloud cover makes the nighttime temperatures fall rapidly. The plus side is that the days warm quickly and mid 40's or better are still possible, (but not today in the canyon section.)
.. Don't rush your second, (or third,) pot of coffee. The rocks are slippery, bits of anchor ice are starting in the upper reaches near the Yellowstone National Park boundary, and safety is a major consideration. Right now the flow is still pretty swift and just a bit above average, (depending on the nighttime temps.)

.. Most of the neighbors are on the river around noon. There have been some noses in the air but it's anyone's guess as to what they are eating and what flies to use. Midge clusters with no floatant beneath the surface can take fish - if you're willing to pester a cold nose long enough. It's tedious but rewarding for surface fishers.
.. Unverified reports from obscure sources indicate that a fish or two has been moved to small streamers. Good Luck!
.. Short leaders, sink tips, deep drifts in the darkest and slowest waters combined with nymphs in the size 8 - 12 range seems the way to get a dance or two.
.. This is the time of year when a few boxes of "weird" patterns come to the fore. Have you ever seen a 'Bead Head Flymph?' How about a Triple Bead Hare's Ear Streamer? Even the rare and unmentionable Double Bead San Juan Worm has made it's appearance.
.. All are ways to get down and stay down. All are ways to catch rocks, snags, weeds, and the occasional fish. Have at it. It's better than a poke in the ass by a sled runner.

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Winter Water

Rare Treats

2011-12-12T06:10:00.005-07:00

SURF & TURF

Road Food

2011-12-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

GALLATIN: JUST RIGHT

report to follow

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Naughty Santa

2011-12-10T09:12:00.001-07:00

The Real Santa

2011-12-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

Winter Fly Fishing

2011-12-07T04:49:00.002-07:00

SOME FOLKS DON'T

The Way It Was

2011-12-06T04:23:00.007-07:00

GOOD OLD DAYS

A Bit Nippy

2011-12-05T04:21:00.001-07:00

IT'S -30°

The Neighbors Are Loving It

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These Are The Days

2011-12-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

Only 24 days until Christmas.

Them Were The Days

2011-11-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Your Tax Dollars At Work

2011-11-26T05:06:00.009-07:00

NEED WATER DATA ?

NEED VOLCANO DATA ?

..
..
..

How much oil is there in the BAKKEN FORMATION?

LEFTOVERS

2011-11-25T14:41:00.002-07:00

NOT AT OUR HOUSE

Desayunos Deliciosos

chorizo con huevos 

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.. BASTA ! Adiós Turquía: hola sabores de la alegría. It's a refreshing occasion to have breakfast at 2:00 PM, with the neighbors and a 'BUD.' VIVA!

Tofurky Day

2011-11-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

TO EACH HIS OWN

Fishing For Warmth

2011-11-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

IT'LL WARM YOU TWICE !

.. The snow has come and the fishing is good. Some folks are prepared, others . . . . Oh well.
.. Check out the sage insight about our winter over at WESTERN MUSIC & COWBOY POETRY.

Attention Bloggers

2011-11-19T10:31:00.001-07:00

THIS APPLIES TO US ALL

PROTECT IP Act Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

The Search Begins

2011-11-07T04:21:00.004-07:00

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Open In About Six Weeks

but not for fishing

READY FOR A LONG WINTER'S NAP

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.. It's time for the neighbors to scatter. Scatter to those places where fish may be found for the next seven months as they wait for the season opening next Spring. It's not a real hardship - but it's a nuisance, gas prices being what they are.
.. Yesterday; the final day of the season in Yellowstone National Park was gloomy, filled with flurries, moderately warm, (35° F,) but a bit blustery as the winds swirled and curled.
.. We pulled out early, (about 3:30 PM,) after sticking an exceptionally small runner with a kype that would do a monster proud - and several residents that took a fly as big as their head.
.. Off to the local pub to swap lies, plan winter strategies, and reminisce: It's entertaining to watch fish grow during the Winter.

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REMEMBER WHEN . . . . ?

MISSING PERSON

2011-11-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

YIKES !!!!

Mañana

2011-11-06T04:32:00.012-07:00

SOFT WHITE BLANKETS ALL

Nearly Tropical Conditions

the neighbors rush to the pools

NO LONG LINES - WARM WEATHER - FISHING PARADISE

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.. Tomorrow there will be no legal fishing in Yellowstone National Park. Today, we're headed to the last spectacular catching of the year.

SOMETHING FOR THE EARS

.. Yesterday topped 40° F, the wind wasn't, the sun wasn't, the neighbors were and so too, the fish.
.. It's as if the herd of scaly critters, recently arrived from Hebgen Lake, wanted to leave a beautiful memory in the psyche of fisher folk on the Madison River.
.. Resident noses appeared on the surface at about 1:30 PM after a foggy morning of harassing the recent migrants with Woolly Buggers and Snortles.
.. There were a couple of reports of genuine submarines up river on the Gibbon, near the falls. Most of the runners were in the 18" - 22" range. All were seemingly full of spit and vinegar, (boys and girls alike.)
.. The neighbor kids tied a sheaf of flies on #3 & #4 tippet for us and demanded a reward of our cherished lunch.

LUNCHTIME PERFECTION

.. We complied and shared the Nutter Butter 'cookie-spoons' as we dipped Key Lime pie into our maw, followed by coffee and Cherry Heering.
.. We didn't originate this combination but we have made it our own. Scoff not unless you have tried it.
.. The number of fishers increased overnight and as near as we could tell, along the Madison River, the density reached something like 1.5 / mile. 21 rods in 14 miles is not overwhelmingly density considering that the fishers occur in pods, (or whatever.)
.. Speaking of which: is there a collective noun for groupings of fly fishing humans? "A Tangle Of Fly Fishers." "A Snarl Of Wader Wetters," or some such . . . ?
.. Despite the resurgence of fishers there were good holes gone wanting and fish were obliging through the murky evening light.
.. We'll let you know how it goes today. Now for some scrambled eggs with bacon and avocado, potato pancakes, left over key lime pie, and double strong black tea. That should get us to 7-mile bridge before we need more sustenance.

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A PERFECTLY NICE PLACE TO FISH - CATCH TOO !

Last Gasp

2011-11-01T04:26:00.039-06:00

WHILE THE GETTING'S GOOD

Madison Producing: Firehole Too

the elbow brigade is gone

A DUSTING OF SNOW AND A HEARTY HI-HO RUNNER

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.. Last night's thunder snow delivered more show and less substance than predicted. The low fog of midnight produced the not unusual phenomenon of hundreds of geese circling the town: lost and with no place to land.
.. With our snows coming in bits and pieces, and the daytime temperatures holding in the 30's and 40's, it's about as good as it gets for catching.
.. There are places to park, there are vacant pools, there are eager fish jumping into the waders of fisher folks, and all is right with the world.

SPECIMEN CREEK IS VACANT AND INVITING

..Besides the two bits of famous glory water in Yellowstone National Park, The Gallatin River is an abandoned destination and there are fish to be tangled with in that forlorn little stream as well.
.. There were giant brown caddis flies dancing in the afternoon sun yesterday. The sun was brief, the dances were short, and the nose of several fish must have gotten cold as they gently sipped the final offerings of the season.
.. Even the fish in Specimen Creek responded to some splashy presentations of a Scarlet Ibis and a wet March Brown. Oh, if only days like these could last for months, instead of a week.
.. Well then, perhaps it's time for a "sick day," and another recuperative visitation to the healing waters of the neighborhood streams. After all, the countdown has started and there's a bit of weather in the air.

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THERE MAY BE A DANCE PARTNER IN THIS BIT OF WATER

Fising Denied

2011-10-31T04:03:00.072-06:00

GIANT ERUPTION AT BISCUIT

Well, Not Too Giant

three pools made into one

FIREHOLE RIVER LOOKING NORTH: OUTWASH FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

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.. We took our fishing gear into Yellowstone National Park and caught no fish. Instead we took several hours to wander around the thermal features of Biscuit Basin.
.. A thermal explosion and eruption occurred a couple of days ago and rearranged the topography of the three most visited pools along the boardwalk.
.. The debris field, scoured outwash area, and boiling muck now clouding Opal Pool give testimony to the forces at work just below the feet of wading fisher folk: or for that matter, any folk in Yellowstone.
.. Eyewitness reports place the vertical displacement of water at about 70 feet. It was a large single column of water the erupted with a violent explosion and showered debris into the three previously separate pools along the boardwalk.
.. Boiling water, scalding mud, and boulders the size of watermelons were ejected from the newly expanded vent. The amount of water expelled was sufficient to remove vegetation and some subsurface sand all the way to the Firehole River, about 300 feet away.
.. Only a few faithful geyser gazers were present for the eruption. Hoards of visitors are ~~now~~ not streaming to the area to view the scene. After all, this is the last week of the "Summer Season." There are very few folks around to enjoy our protracted salubrious weather. So be it.
.. We're going to make up for not fishin' by going fishing. Golly gee, there's only seven days left.

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VIEW TO THE WEST SHOWING SCOURED AREA AND EJECTA:
Salt & Pepper Spring on the right was filled with debris and is now a pepper & pepper spring.

VIEW TO NE: SALT & PEPPER SPRING,
CURRENTLY SHOWING MUD FROM BOTH VENTS

VIEW TO NW: SHOWING DEBRIS AND SCOURED AREA

SKETCH MAP OF ERUPTION AREA IN BISCUIT BASIN

FALL COLORS

2011-10-30T04:41:00.018-06:00

AMBER GRASS, GOLDEN LEAVES ?

NOT FOR US !

Cuban Brown & Algerian Buff

with a little umber arundinaria

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.. As we enter the last week of fishing in Yellowstone National Park we contemplate the past season and anticipate the next. We celebrate each season's end with a couple of fine bits of Cuban Culture, some personally selected North African Tree Bark, and a bit of oriental grass, (no not that kind.)

.. Personal traditions are weirdly idiosyncratic and demand no justification. An explanation may suffice.
.. Nearly 50 years ago we fished the fall runners on the Madison River with a rod that we assembled in our basement, and smoked our first Cuban cigar.
.. To this day we drag out the old Orvis 8 weight blank that we nailed together with bits and pieces from friends and neighbors.
.. The grip was assembled from cork scraps that we sent home from a then recent expedition in Algeria. It's been sanded to within an inch of it's useful life and looks it.

.. We're sentimental enough to fish today with the same flies we did then and, with some of the same old reels and funky lines of the past.
.. On rare occasion, (not this year,) we put Mr. Young's finest to the test with a well honed bit of silk and horsehair.
.. It pleases us and we go about our business in a nostalgic fog. We usually catch some fish but interestingly, that seems less and less important as the years go by. . .

.. If we had some 'Seal Dry' waders we'd put the clammy old rubber to the test. Not too sadly, though, they have gone the way of all ~~flesh~~ rubber.
.. The neighbors of a certain age humor us. They are kind enough to giggle and chortle behind our backs. Others have less appreciation as they question our choice of rod, line, fly, etc.

.. Woolly Worm, Scarlet Ibis, Wet March Brown, Wet Royal Coachman, Wickham's Fancy, and many others fail to ring true in the face of contemporary verbiage.
.. We're yet to be convinced that a 'crinkled-tail, hoary thorax, zipidedon hackled strangler,' is much better for fooling fish than a Dark Spruce Fly or a Gray Ghost. Besides that we've got a dozen or so jungle cock capes to use up before we're done.
.. The giant fish from Hebgen Lake are late arriving this year - that's the bad news. There seem to be more of them - at least the 20" and smaller ones this year - that's the good news.
.. We've taken a few and even some fish from other than the Madison River. Not a single fly had synthetic material. Silk thread works just fine, thank you.
.. The explosion in Biscuit Basin has produced some new thermal features, a bit of murky hot water and combined a couple of hot springs. Maybe we'll ~~fish~~ visit there.
.. Well, it's cold and overcast is predicted. We're going to drink two pots of coffee, eat fried eggs and potatoes, slather some toast with real butter, and use real cream in the coffee - laced with refined white sugar.
.. Our sack lunch today includes a white bread sandwich with bacon, bologna, and real mayonnaise. We're putting in ~~two~~ ~~three~~ four double Snickers bars and some pepperoni sticks as well.
.. We will be getting a rather late start: our appointment with the hair stylist is for 9:30 AM. We need to sell about a half-dozen Whiting capes to generate enough cash for the winter. Should bring between $3,000 and $5,000 if we're lucky.
.. The key lime pie should be thawed by 10:00 and we'll eat it with spoons made of Nutter Butter cookies. We may even fish some.

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Get It Done With

2011-10-28T13:43:00.003-06:00

TRADITIONAL POST

The Kids Are Into It

we like the witches

HOW 'BOUT THEM APPLES ???

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.. Such traditional silliness for an industrial society whose populus believes that food comes from cans and boxes and shopping carts.

WHERE FOOD COMES FROM

.. Perhaps as old as Roman times, certainly most associated with the Scots and Irish, Hallowe'en thunders across the landscape just as big, (but not yet as commercial,) as Christmas, (give 'em time girls!)
.. For a welcome change, this year's Hallowe'en will probably be celebrated in our village where the sidewalks and streets are bare of snow and full of real costumes, instead of every little monster dressed up as a sledhead.
.. Novelty to be sure! Fear not there will be flurries but, last year's knee deep snow will be just a remembrance. The cold will still be with us.
.. The neighbors, (older farts and such,) are loving the very cold nights and galling the most recent run of fish from Hebgen Lake. Finally the waters from Yellowstone National Park are cold enough and inviting enough to lure the hefty-shouldered Brown Trout from the depths. Rejoice, those of you that are still hanging around. The fish are here, (finally,) in significant numbers and are eagerly biting hooks with all offerings imaginable.

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JIMMY'S OWN - (replica)

.. In passing we note: "HEY JIMMY, WE LIFTED ONE OF YOUR WORMS,"
.. Found on the Internet last year, Jimmy has been fishing what he called the "THE DEVIL'S WORM."
.. It's a creation of BIGGERFISH and we finally purloined one. Jimmy has been outfishing all of us in the dredging department - and now we know why! The original is tied 'red' just like a San Juan Worm. Jimmy has been using orange, (for the season, he says.) This may replace our favorite seasonal fly the Haloween Leech.

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.. For those of you that also enjoy the witches we suggest a click on over to SEXY WITCH. Adults only, please.

-----

.. Over the years we've bumped into a couple of fisher folk that could both read and did appreceate poetry. In the belief that more than a few of our visitors are of such a mind we offer, below, the complete, (rarely found,) text of Robert Burns' Hallowe'en. 'Tis a bawdy sort of poem, full of magic, mystery, apples, hi jinx, dark barns, mirrors, boisterous goings-on, young girls, young men, old women, bushes, rivers, evening fun, prophecies, and the devil.
.. Go ahead and "Kindle Coothie," if you choose! You can even "grippet Nelly hard and fast," should you be of such a mind, -- it gets better! You will be rewarded if you make it to the end.

HALLOWE'EN

by Robert Burns

Upon that night, when fairies light
On Cassilis Downans dance,
Or owre the lays, in splendid blaze,
On sprightly coursers prance;
Or for Colean the route is ta'en,
Beneath the moon's pale beams;
There, up the cove, to stray and rove,
Among the rocks and streams
To sport that night.

Among the bonny winding banks,
Where Doon rins, wimplin' clear,
Where Bruce ance ruled the martial ranks,
And shook his Carrick spear,
Some merry, friendly, country-folks,
Together did convene,
To burn their nits, and pou their stocks,
And haud their Hallowe'en
Fu' blithe that night.

The lasses feat, and cleanly neat,
Mair braw than when they're fine;
Their faces blithe, fu' sweetly kythe,
Hearts leal, and warm, and kin';
The lads sae trig, wi' wooer-babs,
Weel knotted on their garten,
Some unco blate, and some wi' gabs,
Gar lasses' hearts gang startin'
Whiles fast at night.

Then, first and foremost, through the kail,
Their stocks maun a' be sought ance;
They steek their een, and graip and wale,
For muckle anes and straught anes.
Poor hav'rel Will fell aff the drift,
And wander'd through the bow-kail,
And pou't, for want o' better shift,
A runt was like a sow-tail,
Sae bow't that night.

Then, staught or crooked, yird or nane,
They roar and cry a' throu'ther;
The very wee things, todlin', rin,
Wi' stocks out owre their shouther;
And gif the custoc's sweet or sour.
Wi' joctelegs they taste them;
Syne cozily, aboon the door,
Wi cannie care, they've placed them
To lie that night.

The lasses staw frae 'mang them a'
To pou their stalks of corn:
But Rab slips out, and jinks about,
Behint the muckle thorn:
He grippet Nelly hard and fast;
Loud skirl'd a' the lasses;
But her tap-pickle maist was lost,
When kitlin' in the fause-house
Wi' him that night.

The auld guidwife's well-hoordit nits,
Are round and round divided,
And monie lads' and lasses' fates
Are there that night decided:
Some kindle coothie, side by side,
And burn thegither trimly;
Some start awa, wi' saucy pride,
And jump out-owre the chimlie
Fu' high that night.

Jean slips in twa wi' tentie ee;
Wha 'twas she wadna tell;
But this is Jock, and this is me,
She says in to hersel:
He bleezed owre her, and she owre him,
As they wad never mair part;
Till, fuff! he started up the lum,
And Jean had e'en a sair heart
To see't that night.

Poor Willie, wi' his bow-kail runt,
Was brunt wi' primsie Mallie;
And Mallie, nae doubt, took the drunt,
To be compared to Willie;
Mall's nit lap out wi' pridefu' fling,
And her ain fit it brunt it;
While Willie lap, and swore by jing,
'Twas just the way he wanted
To be that night.

Nell had the fause-house in her min',
She pits hersel and Rob in;
In loving bleeze they sweetly join,
Till white in ase they're sobbin';
Nell's heart was dancin' at the view,
She whisper'd Rob to leuk for't:
Rob, stowlins, prie'd her bonny mou',
Fu' cozie in the neuk for't,
Unseen that night.

But Merran sat behint their backs,
Her thoughts on Andrew Bell;
She lea'es them gashin' at their cracks,
And slips out by hersel:
She through the yard the nearest taks,
And to the kiln goes then,
And darklins graipit for the bauks,
And in the blue-clue throws then,
Right fear't that night.

And aye she win't, and aye she swat,
I wat she made nae jaukin',
Till something held within the pat,
Guid Lord! but she was quakin'!
But whether 'was the deil himsel,
Or whether 'twas a bauk-en',
Or whether it was Andrew Bell,
She didna wait on talkin'
To spier that night.

Wee Jennie to her grannie says,
"Will ye go wi' me, grannie?
I'll eat the apple at the glass
I gat frae Uncle Johnnie:"
She fuff't her pipe wi' sic a lunt,
In wrath she was sae vap'rin',
She notice't na, an aizle brunt
Her braw new worset apron
Out through that night.

"Ye little skelpie-limmer's face!
I daur you try sic sportin',
As seek the foul thief ony place,
For him to spae your fortune.
Nae doubt but ye may get a sight!
Great cause ye hae to fear it;
For mony a ane has gotten a fright,
And lived and died deleeret
On sic a night.

"Ae hairst afore the Sherramoor, --
I mind't as weel's yestreen,
I was a gilpey then, I'm sure
I wasna past fifteen;
The simmer had been cauld and wat,
And stuff was unco green;
And aye a rantin' kirn we gat,
And just on Halloween
It fell that night.

"Our stibble-rig was Rab M'Graen,
A clever sturdy fallow:
His son gat Eppie Sim wi' wean,
That lived in Achmacalla:
He gat hemp-seed, I mind it weel,
And he made unco light o't;
But mony a day was by himsel,
He was sae sairly frighted
That very night."

Then up gat fechtin' Jamie Fleck,
And he swore by his conscience,
That he could saw hemp-seed a peck;
For it was a' but nonsense.
The auld guidman raught down the pock,
And out a hanfu' gied him;
Syne bade him slip frae 'mang the folk,
Some time when nae ane see'd him,
And try't that night.

He marches through amang the stacks,
Though he was something sturtin;
The graip he for a harrow taks.
And haurls it at his curpin;
And every now and then he says,
"Hemp-seed, I saw thee,
And her that is to be my lass,
Come after me, and draw thee
As fast this night."

He whistled up Lord Lennox' march
To keep his courage cheery;
Although his hair began to arch,
He was say fley'd and eerie:
Till presently he hears a squeak,
And then a grane and gruntle;
He by his shouther gae a keek,
And tumbled wi' a wintle
Out-owre that night.

He roar'd a horrid murder-shout,
In dreadfu' desperation!
And young and auld came runnin' out
To hear the sad narration;
He swore 'twas hilchin Jean M'Craw,
Or crouchie Merran Humphie,
Till, stop! she trotted through them
And wha was it but grumphie
Asteer that night!

Meg fain wad to the barn hae gaen,
To win three wechts o' naething;
But for to meet the deil her lane,
She pat but little faith in:
She gies the herd a pickle nits,
And two red-cheekit apples,
To watch, while for the barn she sets,
In hopes to see Tam Kipples
That very nicht.

She turns the key wi cannie thraw,
And owre the threshold ventures;
But first on Sawnie gies a ca'
Syne bauldly in she enters:
A ratton rattled up the wa',
And she cried, Lord, preserve her!
And ran through midden-hole and a',
And pray'd wi' zeal and fervour,
Fu' fast that night;

They hoy't out Will wi' sair advice;
They hecht him some fine braw ane;
It chanced the stack he faddom'd thrice
Was timmer-propt for thrawin';
He taks a swirlie, auld moss-oak,
For some black grousome carlin;
And loot a winze, and drew a stroke,
Till skin in blypes cam haurlin'
Aff's nieves that night.

A wanton widow Leezie was,
As canty as a kittlin;
But, och! that night amang the shaws,
She got a fearfu' settlin'!
She through the whins, and by the cairn,
And owre the hill gaed scrievin,
Whare three lairds' lands met at a burn
To dip her left sark-sleeve in,
Was bent that night.

Whyles owre a linn the burnie plays,
As through the glen it wimpl't;
Whyles round a rocky scaur it strays;
Whyles in a wiel it dimpl't;
Whyles glitter'd to the nightly rays,
Wi' bickering, dancing dazzle;
Whyles cookit underneath the braes,
Below the spreading hazel,
Unseen that night.

Among the brackens, on the brae,
Between her and the moon,
The deil, or else an outler quey,
Gat up and gae a croon:
Poor Leezie's heart maist lap the hool!
Near lav'rock-height she jumpit;
but mist a fit, and in the pool
Out-owre the lugs she plumpit,
Wi' a plunge that night.

In order, on the clean hearth-stane,
The luggies three are ranged,
And every time great care is ta'en',
To see them duly changed:
Auld Uncle John, wha wedlock joys
Sin' Mar's year did desire,
Because he gat the toom dish thrice,
He heaved them on the fire
In wrath that night.

Wi' merry sangs, and friendly cracks,
I wat they didna weary;
And unco tales, and funny jokes,
Their sports were cheap and cheery;
Till butter'd so'ns, wi' fragrant lunt,
Set a' their gabs a-steerin';
Syne, wi' a social glass o' strunt,
They parted aff careerin'
Fu' blythe that night.

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DANGLING PUMPKINS - AN OLD TRADITION

up, UP, AND AWAY

Abandoned Run

2011-10-26T06:53:00.001-06:00

FISH HERE

A WEE BIT OF THE GALLATIN RIVER

Bridge To Safety

2011-10-24T06:47:00.000-06:00

COMING ALONG JUST FINE

Delays Getting Longer

bridge beams in place

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.. The new bridge and road alignment at Grayling Creek near the Yellowstone National Park Line is finally looking like a bridge.
.. We've not mentioned it much because it's only been a minor nuisance. After all, if you intend to fish the Gallatin River and it's tributaries then it's just another snag.
.. We also have trouble with the description of the problems being fixed: Both ascending and descending curves with diminishing radii of off-camber gradients. It means that one of the worst section of road in the state will now be a lot safer; especially in winter.
.. We endured the wait twice this last weekend and were rewarded with some fine and solitary fishing in our surprisingly gentle Autumn weather.
.. Report to follow.

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Word Of Mouth

2011-10-22T01:44:00.003-06:00

BIG FISH BEING CAUGHT

Madison & Firehole Hot

follow the cars to fish heaven

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.. The jungle telegraph is a wonderful thing. Whispers in the aisles of feather merchants are amplified by the retelling in the grocery store, post office, hardware store, and bank. They become open conversation in a matter of minutes. Texting is double-thumbed through the village and soon it's common knowledge that everyone should head to the river.
.. Within an hour excuses are made and an exodus of fisher folk are streaming to the appointed place. It's a social event and - fish be damned - everyone gets to the hot spot.
.. Usually the fish are gone, or the hatch is over, or visitors from elsewhere are there first. It matters not. The word has spread and the hot spots stay that way in current mythology for days or even weeks.
.. We appreciate this wonderful social mechanism. It sends people away from the waters that we like to fish. It's a boon to iconoclastic anglers, hermits, grumpy old farts, and our self.
.. Right now, as the hoards are flocking to the famous rivers we are leisurely fishing on the Gallatin River and a couple of it's tributaries. These waters have been abandoned and ignored by the most sage of jungle telegraphers.
.. The Gallatin River waters are forgotten and touted as "too cold," "done for the season," "not worth the effort," and other, wise insights. So we catch some fish, talk to the trees, sing to the bears, scare the elk, and leave the cell phone at home. We're pleased.

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They'll Not Like This

2011-10-19T09:03:00.001-06:00

DODGE BULLETS - AVOID BEAR

44°46'23.30" N

111° 07'32.65" W

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.. Absolutely unmolested submarines that are willing to take a surface offering: preferably a mouse at dusk. Don't tell!

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IGNOBILITY

2011-10-18T04:58:00.016-06:00

OF RODENTS AND BOATS

Here & There

2011-10-17T04:02:00.116-06:00

FISH: BIG, LITTLE, ANY

All The Pretty Fishes

anglers getting it done

THE COLORS FADE - THE WINTER COMES

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.. With just a couple of weeks left before the park closes, anglers are rediscovering just how good the catching can be.
.. The Firehole River is still producing a small caddis hatch on the rare bright sunny evenings after the thunder snows. Most afternoons and evenings there are prolific flights of Baetids. All offerings, from realistic imitations to soft hackles are taking fish with ease.
.. The elbow quotient is down a little bit from previous years at this time and general park visitation is a little slow as well. This makes travel and parking in Yellowstone National Park almost pleasant.
.. The Brookie Playground of the Way-Up Firehole River is seeing some increased activity of both the catching and fishing variety. It's less abandoned than usual for late Autumn.
.. The willow morass of Cougar Creek at the park line and at it's confluence with Duck Creek is getting some pressure from guided visitors. Attractors of various small varieties are the frequent choice - including emergers and floating nymphs.
.. Despite the absolute disappearance of all fish from Nez Perce Creek there continue to be reports and cell phone pictures of the fish being taken there.

DRY FLY EVENING ON NEZ PERCE CREEK

..The Madison River is seeing two groups of headhunters: standard and informed varieties are visiting in equal numbers. "FISH THE SPLIT," has become the watchword of highly successful catchers on the river.
.. Where islands, gravel bars, and dense weed beds split the river into two or more streams the enlightened head hunter seeks the submarines in the most gentle flow. Reasoning seems to be that the out of the way places are good for resting after a migration of a dozen miles or so. Seems to produce.
.. Yesterdays snow melted even before most of it reached the ground. Pity! We're off to enjoy some creative parking and post rut elk shenanigans.
.. More coming soon.

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FISH THE SPLITS -- ADVICE FROM ON HIGH

Lowland Madison Visit

2011-10-15T00:12:00.002-06:00

STILL FALL DOWN BELOW

Fewer Fishers - More Fish

lots of choices

NEW BOTTOM AND ALL - IT'S READY TO GO !!

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.. With a kind and generous neighbor at the oars we were treated to a rare visit to the 100-mile riffle. There was a hole in the clouds so the day was warmer and more gentle than many a blustery one in June.

RARE FISH PORN - PRETTY FISHIE

.. Bugs were plentiful in the air and we could've imitated any of several Caddis Flies, Itty Bitty Baetis', Crane Flies, Horse Flies, or other winged denizens.
.. The visiting head hunters strip streamers looking to dance with an exuberant piscine partner.
.. After much mulling and cogitating we produced the ideal rig: a size 14 Parachute Adams. The easy way out of the technical fishing trap set by the local experts and sage minds of the lowlands.

INDULGENCE & COMPETENCE

.. Healthy Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout were a bit recalcitrant in the sunshine, but we had some dance partners. The streamers were a bust but not the pretty little Parachute Adams - go figure.
.. Breaking away from our personal predilections for finding fish: a nymph was on the end of the line for only about 1/2 hour.
.. It's nice to have indulgent neighbors with keen eyesight that can tie a competent knot.
.. We fished merrily along leaving a trail of flies stuck in snags, sweepers, boulders, cobbles, willows, and baseball caps, (oops -- sorry 'bout that.)
..The freezing drizzle in the high country is muting the vibrant colors of Fall. Not so along the lowland Madison River: it's still way too green and gold for the middle of October. We'll take it.
.. We're "re-Rigging" and getting ready for a bit of snow and rain and sleet and hail. It's off to Yellowstone National Park in the morning. Back to bluster.

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LOWLAND COLOR -- AWESOME WITH THE GREEN STILL AROUND

The Lineup

2011-10-14T07:14:00.000-06:00

WE'VE BEEN SELECTED

It's Like The Mambo

but without the gyrating

AN AUTUMN RITUAL

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.. There are Baetids on the Firehole River, they are on the Madison River, (upland & lowland,) they are on Duck Creek, they are on Cougar Creek, they are even on the Gallatin River and the Gibbon River. There are hungry fish everywhere.
.. The sage advice on Baetid imitations from the neighbors catching fish : "flies as big as you can get away with." That suits us just fine. We're going to start with a size 16 and work down.
.. The experts have exterminated all the fish on Nez Perce Creek, Iron Spring Creek, and the Little Firehole River: "all done for the season," they proclaim.
.. Spread the word far and wide, make sure that everyone knows about it: we are, on the other hand, going to visit the disappearing and exterminated fish of Yellowstone Park. We'll let you know if they like the rain and snow.

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IGNORE THIS WATER ON THE GIBBON RIVER IGNORE THE DARK WATER UNDER THE BANKS THE FISH ARE ALL GONE

Even Here !

2011-10-13T09:46:00.002-06:00

PROBABLY INEVITABLE

We're Not Too Surprised

THE DAMN THING IS OVER 16" LONG!

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.. And so it goes!! The perfect hackle for our favorite Halloween Leech appeared before our eyes; - on the street, - in our neighborhood, (omygawd!)
.. Rather than wrestling the yourng child to the ground and pulling her hair out by the roots, we asked for a photo. She complied, (thanks Sandy.)
.. She also promised that we could have it when she was done with it, Thanks again.

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HINT

2011-10-12T08:01:00.002-06:00

LONG ROD, SHORT LINE, STEALTH, & A GENTLE CAST RECOMMENDED.

The Weather Watch

2011-10-11T04:15:00.002-06:00

SOME DAYS IT DOES

Some It Doesn't

it's always something

BWO WEATHER

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.. We're having the kind of weather that you can read about in the guide books and travel brochures: variable!
.. This is the time of year we can have all four seasons' weather in a single day. It might be said that it's usual to have that kind of weather. Visitors comment on it. We've grown accustomed to it.
.. This is a condition that makes for interesting fishing strategy. What will be on and in the water when we get there? The neighborhood response: bring the kitchen sink.
.. For instance, it's only 18.35 miles from the big meadows on the Gibbon River to Biscuit Basin on the Firehole River, (in a straight line.) By road, it's right at 31 miles. There can be thunder snows at one locality and Spring-like warm sunshine at the other at the exact same time.
.. This situation can affect many elements of our pastime. Dark water, bright water, dark fly, light fly, bug-A hatching or bug-B hatching, long shadow, no shadow, four layers, no layers, hot coffee, Mountain Dew, etc.
.. This time of year some neighbors just tie on a soft hackle and "make-do." of course they are the ones that catch the most fish no matter what.
.. We can only observe that the personal vehicle makes a wonderful tackle locker.

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Caddis Afternoon

Memories

2011-10-09T22:03:00.001-06:00

MANY MILES GONE

Many Miles To Go

maybe another trip or two this year ?

Click on image for large view.

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.. This fine old warrior was completed from a Ray's River Dories kit in May of 1995. It's been a guide's boat ever since and is a one owner craft.
.. Of course it was a community project. Friends pitched in with expertise and honest labor. Many a cold one was enjoyed after the labors of the day. Stories abound and are frequently recalled in the neighborhood. Remember when . . . ?
.. The outfitter that owns the boat remembers the first client, in this boat, during the second week in May of 1995 on the Big Horn River. It was just a month before his son was born.
.. Rough calculations place the river miles at about 40,000. That's not counting trailer miles or leisure trips with colleagues and friends and neighbors. It doesn't count lake time either. Most of those miles have been on the Madison River.
.. Like all the beloved accoutrements of any pleasurable pastime the memories pile up. Rods, reels, vests, waders, etc. have remembered stories. Occasions of warmth, occasions of despair, occasions of just plain exhilaration. So too this old boat.
.. It's a rare thing for a guide / outfitter to keep a boat for 15 years - and more. The boats are tools, they get used hard and must stand up to the rigors of every thing that can be thrown at them: from heavy coolers, to portly first-timers, to hidden rocks this little stallion has seen it all.
.. We wonder how many times the little craft has heard, "STAY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BOAT!"
.. Only those that know, covet this rig. It's been continuously upgraded and maintained. It's heavy enough for big water and nimble enough for anything that can be thrown at it. If you can drive a boat this is the one for you. BUT - it's not for sale yet.

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Wake Up Call

2011-10-07T21:38:00.001-06:00

JUST A SMIDGEN OF SNOW

And Some Rain

and ice

-------

.. As if we weren't aware of it: fall is dying a rapid death. The last few days of unsettled weather have brought us a foretaste of the coming months.
.. Our little village looks better in white. Somehow cleaner and more inviting. Even the pubs seem warmer and more hospitable. Sadly too few people see it that way.

.. Yellowstone National Park is just now entering it's majestic phase. Too few people see it that way either.
.. The best fishing and catching of the year is upon us. Large mammals are down off the heights. Sex and smut are in the air as rutting bulls bellow and bray to the squeals of cows and the few visitors still left in the neighborhood.
.. The dusting of snow sets off the last of the vibrant Autumn colors and the crisp cool air awakens the lungs to the change of seasons.

.. The American Postcard Mentality eschews the reality of seasons, save for a few photo-ops and brief visits to places and experiences other than the monotony of Mediterranean bliss.
.. A few of us ~~mentally defectives~~ look forward to and embrace winter. It's small nuisances are greatly overshadowed by the beauty, vibrancy, and exhilaration of the season. We've received a wake up call. a whispered message that the cold is about to be persistent.
.. Rejoice in the hunting, hiking, sight-seeing, fishing, and all. Soon there will only be sledding, skiing, hiking, sight-seeing, and fishing. Such a pity: it will soon be clothed in white!
.. The snow will be gone tomorrow or the next day. The worm, however, has turned. There's some catching to be done.

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Endings & Beginnings

2011-10-04T13:46:00.002-06:00

GOOD BYE CADDIS

HELLO WEATHER

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.. Last night's rain turned cold in the wee small hours of the morning and left bits of ice clinging to protected parts of the neighborhood. The caddis are about gone. Not forever: not even for the rest of the season, but for now.
.. The neighbors are rejoicing. Fair weather friends are leaving and houses being closed up in the mass evacuation of the area. Home to warmer climes. God speed!
.. A blog post by Ol' Uncle Tom rings so clear and crisp -- just like the weather. "IT'S HERE." The time to fish hard for fish feeding wildly in preparation for sex and solace, and lean times just ahead. The time to enjoy the neighbors without a fervent glance or jaundiced eye toward interlopers and tourons, (the life blood of our little town.) The time to get it done.
.. For about 30 days our little hamlet will revert to a drinking town with a fishing problem. Snow will be here in a day or two and the joyous bellows will reverberate from the mountain tops.
.. Gone will be the placid and pastoral scenes of amber meadows and golden aspens. Gone will be the long waits at the park entrance station. Gone will be the weirdly creative parking of visitors on the highways and byways of our neighborhood. Gone will be so much of the hustle and bustle that a tourist season brings. Yes, it's time!
.. For just a bit of time there will be a sleepy little village in the mountains. And here too, as many places in the high country, (nod to Chandler,) BWO's are lurking under leaden skies.We're off to find a fish!

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NO COMMENT

2011-10-04T01:33:00.000-06:00

Madison Madness

2011-10-03T09:32:00.005-06:00

TIME TO GET IN LINE

A Few Rooms Left

fish eating their way toward sex

LOCAL HOLE ON THE MADISON RIVER

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.. The annual Fall Fishing Frenzy is upon us. It happened slowly this year but it has finally happened.

A FINE MIX

.. Word, somehow, spreads rapidly when the runner population finally reaches a density compatible with success rates higher than steelhead fishing.
.. All the obvious places are now populated with throngs of eager fishers and a few fish from Hebgen Lake. The Madison River is now a destination fishery for headhunters from near and far. Motels are filling up fast.
.. Autumn is an interesting time in this little village. The tourist population takes on a character of a different sort.
.. Since school is back in session, parents of school children are now dealing with backpacks too large for their offspring's back.
.. The geriatric set visits in droves and late visitors from Europe and Asia find the Fall weather appealing.
.. Both fishers of the crusty and gonzo variety are milling around and through the mix of gawkers and walkers.
.. The pubs are full at night. Feather merchants have retained their eager seasonal staff in a final push to enhance the bottom line. Restaurants have added frozen Idaho trout to the menu. 'Tis a scene and sight to behold.
..Catching is not spectacular yet, however it's getting better by the minute. The early morning thundershowers and billowy-clouded overcast has added to the feeling that fish are to be had.

DOLLY LLAMA

.. The "Big 'n' Ugly fly boxes are in profuse abundance and wader tracks are on the floor of the popular trinket shops, restaurants, and pubs. Wader friendly lodging is at capacity and the 'normal' motels are bearing up under the onslaught of spikes, cleats, and muddy felt.
.. Get here now and join the fun. Learn to say "buggers" and "rubber legs" as if you had those words in your normal vocabulary. Don't let your tongue stumble over the syllables in "Cranky Crummy Cricket." or "Gob-O-Worms," or "Dolly Llama."
.. The DOLLY LLAMA is a creation of a fisher from the deep south, (Orem, Utah,) and was featured in the Salt Lake Tribune last year.
.. Curtis Fry provides a tutorial on YouTube for tying this articulated enticer. A few of the neighbors have used it with success, albeit it a hook size or two smaller!
.. Well, the coffee is gone, the rain spots on the windshield have replaced the bug guts and the sun is burning off the mist and fog. It must be time to exercise our park permit.

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THE VIEW TOWARDS THE REAL BAKER'S HOLE

An Evening Proposition

2011-10-02T05:57:00.003-06:00

ARRIVE A LITTLE EARLY

Bring Your Best Stories

jaw some with the neighbors


Talk First -- Fish Later

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.. For those not in search of the giant fish, Autumn is a gentle time for fishing. This year's protracted salubrious weather just enhances the relaxed nature of a few hours on the river.

.. Don't get your hopes up. Things are about to change. There's some weather about to interrupt the gab fests in the parking areas.
.. For now, arrive early, (about 3:30 or 4:00 PM,) rig-up, sit on the tailgate, visit with the neighbors, admire the larger thunderheads building overhead, discuss the never ending problems of the world, glance frequently at the river, and then: saunter nonchalantly to the little dark spot where you just saw a soft and surreptitious rise.
.. Evening caddis hatches have been regular, abundant, and prolific on the Firehole River this last week or so. The neighbors are using this as an excuse to avoid winter preparations and do some "catching up."

.. Pick your favorite larva, pupa, adult, imitation and go fishing.
.. A bit of observation, a bit of stealth, a short accurate cast, an even shorter drift, and the willing fishes will come to daddy. It's not rocket science and the stories you hear are all true. Fishing is every bit as good as the fisher.
.. Evenings on the Firehole River will continue to provide exceptional catching for the next 10 days or so. A bit of weather, (as predicted,) will just spice things up and encourage other bugs and even early escapist tactics & opportunities for fishers in the neighborhood.
.. Hie thee to the Firehole and rejoice. There's not many days left before we're talking about the snow and if it will "stick."

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One Wonders . . .

2011-10-01T06:53:00.004-06:00

At Our Door

2011-09-26T04:26:00.023-06:00

Affliction is a treasure,

and scarce any man hath enough of it.

. . . John Donne

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.. Our afflictions are commonplace and numerous: dim vision, shaking hands, wobbly legs, drooping girth, fallen arches, hair migrating from head to ears and nose and shoulders, poor digestion, occasional evacuation, addled memory, fondness for Mozart - Dorsey - Morrison, and eternal optimism. EGAD, what a mess. Still we continue to flail away at mysterious waters as if we would succeed at the game.
.. Success now is just getting there and doing it. We did it yesterday. We succeed. And we walked just 15 feet from the car door to the water and caught some fish. There were no other fishers. There were a couple of teenaged kids on horses. We chatted.
.. They galloped across our favorite bridge and sent the fish scurrying to new hides and holes. We watched and stalked and caught - blessed be the exuberance of youth.
.. The midday sun drove us from the water and we sought solace in a cool dim pub. We gathered information about the best places and the best flies. All has been appropriately filed. It's impertinent. We seldom tread in others footfalls.
.. Big fish are in the Madison River System. Hmmm, happens every year about this time. Terrestrials are working wonders on the Gallatin River. Hmmm, ditto. The cooling Firehole River is belching forth prodigious quantities of caddis and other aquatic flies. Hmmm, ditto. Nez Perce Creek is now open along the riverside trail for 5 miles. Fish are following the cooling water both up and down it's length. Hmmm, ditto.
.. There are no less than two dozen tributaries to the Madison River System above Hebgen Dam that have "Ghost Runs" of spawning fish. They seldom see a fisher. Hmmm, ditto.
.. By the way, took a 22" buck brown trout on an isolated stretch of an unnamed tributary. The water was, at best, 14" deep. Our afflictions demanded we fish here. Hmmm!
..Didn't bother to squeeze it's guts for the camera.

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A Different Drum

2011-09-25T08:44:00.000-06:00

EXPLORING FISH FOOD

There's A Lot Of It

mostly it's very small

-------

.. We are headed out to avoid big fish fishers. The visitors are still thick as . . . .

.. The weather is too warm for fishers but the visitors are loving the bright days, cool nights, and the missing thunderstorms of Autumn. We're not too disappointed either. And, ~~some~~ a few big fish are being caught.
.. Just up the road there's a bit of water that's infested with small fish, weed beds, cool temperatures, and bears & berries.
.. We're armed and ready for a bit of non-congenial, anti-social, cell-phone-less, fishing. Perhaps the catching will be good too.
.. The neighborhood kids tied a bunch of minuscule scraps of fluff on some tippet material for me and suggested that it would work if I could see well enough to get the knots right. We'll see! Report to follow.

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Sbmarine Sightings

2011-09-19T23:37:00.026-06:00

BIG FISH CAUGHT HERE

On This

-------

.. Try this at home! A standard Woolly Bugger with a two-toned tail and a two-toned hackle over a fuzzy mustard colored chenille that is under-weighted with fat copper wire and scrubbed to within an inch of it's life with a stiff toothbrush, size 4 streamer hook or 6 2xl will do.

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Go Low

2011-09-18T05:41:00.010-06:00

IT'S STILL SUMMER

Down In The Valley

hoppers & droppers reign

-------

.. Up toward Mammoth in the lower elevations of rivers, that we seldom visit, there are eager fish waiting for adventurous anglers willing to wander among cobbles and boulders in order to dance with trout.

.. The Trout Whisperers of the civilized corner of Yellowstone National Park are dragging in fish with conventional rigs and no secret flies.
.. By avoiding the big fish syndrome and fishing on the Gardner River or Yellowstone River anglers are having great catching success.
.. Depending on the locale, it's hopper-dropper or attractor or big-n-ugly. Fish are moving around and upstream. They eat and run and it is useful to cover a lot of water and fish all the apparent and less apparent places. The little darlings are very active right now.
.. Closer to home, the Madison River is seeing an influx of head hunters and submarine chasers. There are even folks with huge Spey Rods seeking the denizens from Hebgen Lake.
.. Some of these fishers are just getting an aerobic workout - others are catching a few fish. One thing for sure, they move the elbows out of the way with their flailing on the river.

.. The resident fish are taking some of the big flies and disappointed expletives are ringing through the incised stream courses as fishers set themselves up for disappointment by targeting the very few runners in the system. They'll be here in numbers soon enough.
.. Big-n-ugly seems to be on the end of most rods along the Madison right now. The mindset seems to be that it can do no harm.
.. Meanwhile the caddis have fired up on the Firehole River and also on the Gallatin River. Neither of these two rivers require a Spey Rod and neither is crowded right now.
..It's time for huevos rancheros and some hot chocolate - the second pot of coffee is gone. The neighbors make a killer salsa and we're invited.

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Like So . . .

2011-09-16T13:21:00.000-06:00

FISH HERE

WITH THIS

-------

.. Gotta go!

Return To Fall

2011-09-13T10:01:00.000-06:00

JUST A BIT WARM

Colors Are Fine

nights are getting cooler

-------

.. Despite the salubrious daytime temperatures it's Fall in Yellowstone Country.

.. The golden meadows and cool evenings summon us to bits of water not visited for a couple of months. The Firehole River has, again, become a catching destination.
.. There are fewer elbows on the river right now. There are, however, massive numbers of voyeurs encircling the meadows as the testosterone laden elk begin their Autumn shenanigans. There are also creative parking geniuses along all the roads: and all is well with the world.
.. Evening caddis fishing truncates the mid day terrestrial frenzy at about 6:00 PM. A few Baetids have been spotted after the brief but intensive thundershowers.
.. Zipper-legged pants, pastel shirts, and $200 fishing vests are sprouting like winter wheat along the banks of the river. Fisher density will increase for the next week or so as word spreads.
.. We'll let you know when the density of mayflies hits a level that allows even us to fish a dry.
.. More later.

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Coming 'Round

2011-09-10T19:22:00.003-06:00

INDIAN SUMMER?

Maybe Yes, Maybe No

lovely days for fishing - and catching

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.. The weather is perfect. For most folks a thundershower is a nuisance. For the Fall visitors to our neighborhood the overcast days and cool evenings come as a surprise. For fisher folks it's a beautiful blessing. We're loving it.
.. The rumors and verification of lake-run fish in the rivers and streams around Hebgen Reservoir are pregnant with anticipation. There are big fish being caught, (a few.) There are brightly colored fish being caught, (god bless PhotoShop.) Fisher folks want giant fish: it's a disease.
.. There's no doubt that anticipation and desire often trump actualization and fulfillment in the game of fishing for runners on the Madison River. Fishing is one thing. Fishing for runners is another. The mindset often destroys a lovely day on the water.
.. Right now the fishing and catching in the neighborhood is very good. The fall feeding frenzy is on. Waters have cooled, flows have been maintained, rains bring oxygen and nitrogen to the rivers, and the fish are exuberant and frisky. What's not to like?
.. A few of the neighbors are happy to take 5 - 10 fish an hour - no matter what their size. A few of the neighbors take 40 - 50 small Brookies in an evening and fry them up for dinner. They are happy and content.
.. Others with the same experiences feel disappointed because they could not exhaust & molest a giant fish; then remove it's slime by holding it out of the water for a photo, while squeezing it's guts into it's gullet, and then bring home a bit of fish porn to impress someone with their prowess. Different strokes!
.. It's early Fall. We may have an Indian Summer. We may not have an Indian Summer. Whatever the case, a few elk are bugling, the bow hunters are stalking the woods and meadows, and vest-pocket prairies, the migrants are migrating and catching is happening all around the neighborhood.
==> Gulpers are still going strong!
==> Hoppers are hopping!
==> Caddis are hatching!
==> Fall mayflies are abundant!
==> Terrestrials are doing the backstroke!
==> Fishing on all Yellowstone waters is as good as it gets!
==> Should you choose to scare a lot of fish on the off chance of catching an early runner use the fly below.

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Almost As Good As A 24# Brown

2011-09-08T04:05:00.000-06:00

NOT FOR FLY FISHERS

PRETTY PLEASE !!

2011-09-06T10:29:00.005-06:00

BE BEAR AWARE

They're Dangerous

-------

.. These videos speak to the native intelligence of two distinctly different species. We could go on . . . . .

..
..

.. Read about the bears in:

THE NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER.

FALL BECKONS

2011-09-05T07:17:00.002-06:00

THE WATER WAITS

We Visit

the fish hide

BAKER'S HOLE ON THE MADISON RIVER
ASTRIDE THE PARK LINE

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.. It's not really a contest. There's no real competition involved. The chatter in the pubs tries to avoid the topic. A nod in the direction of the river is granted.
.. And, the neighbors all have the thought in the back of their minds. Big fish will be in the rivers soon: maybe as we speak, and someone will catch the first one.

MYSTERIOUS PLACE FOR FISH TO HIDE

.. It is really too early, (by a couple of weeks,) but the cool nights and amber meadows demand that the topic of Fall-Run fish be addressed. So it is.
.. Talk centers on the big holes and hides: the flies, the water levels, the water temperature, the news from lake fishers and worm-dunkers.
.. It's a conversation that is inevitable, starting with the invasion of visitors for this long weekend. It's a conversation that won't die with the first snows. It won't die even with the catch of the first submarine of Fall.
.. The pleasant and eager anticipation of the season is throbbing in the souls of fishers next door, down the block, in the surrounding countryside, and in foreign lands such as Idaho and Utah. There are even folks on distant planets such as Los Angeles and Cincinnati and Philadelphia, that feel the pull of the big fish.

TRADITIONAL FALL FAVORITE

.. So be it! Many of the eager neighbors have been practicing with streamers, (and taking good-sized resident fish.) The big holes and undercut banks are being scrutinized with renewed interest.
.. The rivers are rearranged from the prolonged high water of this year. They have been renewed and revitalized. Boulders and cobbles have been rearranged. Traditional holes and hides are different to varying degrees, (some have disappeared or been greatly rearranged.)
.. We speak of Spring as the season of renewal. It may be. Fall is the season of verification of that renewal.
.. So what's the story? The Madison River is still running at about 200 cfs above it's seasonal norm. Undercut banks are deeper and wider. The grass at the river's edge is long and still green - and shows signs of drooping into the water.
.. Fishers on Hebgen Lake are still enjoying gulper fishing. The worm and gear guys report that there are concentrations of large fish in the major arms of the lake. Nothing giant has been reported from the estuaries yet. Stay tuned.

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A GOOD STARTING PLACE FOR FALL FISHING

Intermezzo

2011-08-31T04:58:00.027-06:00

BETWEEN SUMMER & WINTER

It's Hopper Time

and other such

HOPPERLAND ON THE MADISON RIVER

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.. We're enjoying the warm days. It's finally below 80° F and pleasant again.
.. We, like so many other fishers, remember a day or two when any hopper imitation cast anywhere in a stream drew blinding strikes from eager trout. We remember spectacular splashes and refusals that caused the world to move.
.. We remember days when hoppers fell from the sky like so many hail stones in the golden meadows of many rivers. There were so many fish noses that we wondered where they were on other days.
.. What we have chosen to forget is that there is a wealth of fish food right now; hoppers are only the most apparent. Beetles and ants and caddis are more abundant. And that's what the trout are eating.

Mountain Pine Beetle - Trout Food

.. We fish the hoppers, occasionally during the late afternoon. We fish drowned caddis and beetles more frequently. They catch fish.
.. The neighbors are still practicing with their streamers. There are no verified reports of big lake-run trout. Nice resident fish are willing to take the streamers: bless their pea brained souls.
.. The Madison River is being shunned by the knowledgeable fisher folk. That is just fine with us. There are lots of hoppers and mountain pine beetles there. There are, also, still fish in the river despite the considered opinion that it's not fishable right now. Flows are above seasonal averages and mornings and evenings are providing fish for the few neighbors that know the river.
.. Until things get sorted out about the bear attack the whole Mary Mountain Trail is closed and that rules out Nez Perce Creek, for now. However, the Firehole River above the cascades is tree lined, cool and full of nicely colored Brook Trout; still begging for dance partners. Both Iron Spring Creek and the Little Firehole River have very substantial numbers of willing fish. Walk a way and catch some fish!
.. It's time to catch the spinner fall at 7-mile bridge. Maybe there will be a neighbor there to help eat our pie.

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THE ROAD TO TROUT

Interlude

2011-08-29T04:29:00.003-06:00

THREE HOT DAYS

It Don't Mean A Thing

it's just a capricious mom

Empty Bridge Over The Firehole River

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.. The colors are Autumn: the temperature is Summer. Grasshoppers are loving the brief pause in the steady temperature decline into Fall.

Funny How They Look Gray From A Distance

.. They get to warm up earlier in the day. They get to display their surprising colors for all to see. They get to fly in squadrons around the amber meadows. They get to feed more birds and fish. They just know how to live. The hot interlude is just mom being a sad comedian.
.. Fishing is still good in Yellowstone National Park. Terrestrials are claiming most of the attention from feather merchants and experts alike. Hoppers, ants, beetles, spiders, and sundry attractors are doing their thing as they entice fish to the hand.

Closed Means Closed

.. We headed to Nez Perce Creek in an effort to enjoy some solitude and cool water.
.. Surprise! The bear is being persistent and the trails along the river have been closed. The crowds are gathering along the road and over the bridge. The bear is nonchalantly providing entertainment as it enjoys the cool water, abundant ants, hoppers, berries and beetles.
.. For us, it's not a photo-op but rather a grave disappointment. We had to walk about twice the same distance up the Firehole River to find the cool water of the Little Firehole River.
.. It's a chore for our legs and the reward, (besides the dances with trout,) was a visit with a neighbor who was bitterly whining about the same things that we were.
.. Not a single fisher nor photographer that we talked to had bear spray. None considered themselves in any danger. None had heard of the recent death by bear. None could, apparently, read.
.. It's a sad state of affairs when the illiterate masses with $4,000 cameras and $12,000 lenses can't read, and believe that the National Park Service is just a cartoon force. Believe it or don't: this IS bear country.

Safety Tip: Put The Kids Between You And The Bear !

--------

.. Soda Butte Creek is attracting anglers without bear spray and, of course, the meadow bear is still there. Catching is very good on both Slough Creek and the Lamar River. Bugs is the fare when hatching. Terrestrials and attractors when no hatch is present. Sneaky and closed-mouth fisher folk are drowning big Woolly Buggers and Silli-Legs in the meadows of Slough Creek. We wonder why?
.. Up on the Gallatin River the same critters are being gobbled by the bears and fish alike. It seems, right now, that any old attractor, (size 8 or smaller,) will take fish.
.. There are three active bears along the Gallatin River inside Yellowstone National Park. Combine this fact with the interesting notion that only one feather merchant in town carries large canisters of bear spray. We wonder at the marketing forces at work given this condition.
.. Bear spray costs about the same as two days worth of commercially tied flies. Unless you lose less than 5 per day. It also costs much less than a ride in a medivac helicopter. Enough of that!

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..The mosquitoes of Bechler seem to have taken a break during this warm spell. Boundary Creek, the Bechler River, and several not-to-be-named tributaries in the Cascade Corner are getting a fair amount of attention from fisher folk. Flying ants and beetles seem to be the predominant offerings that are taking fish. Bless 'em all: we hope bear spray is in attendance for the dances.

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A Touch Of Green

2011-08-25T11:46:00.004-06:00

IT'S NOT ALL BROWN YET

WALLPAPER

Comings And Goings

2011-08-23T04:00:00.124-06:00

LIFE OF THE IDLE RICH

Mimicked By Itinerant Reporter

such a glorious odyssey - we're jealous

"DAMSEL IN DISTRESS" courtesy NATE SCHWEBER -- LINK

(All images deserve a click to see in grand scale !!)

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.. Lets see now: how 'bout we take a few months and fish all the good spots in Yellowstone National Park? Lets gather up the local experts from all the feather merchants and guides and outfitters and local characters and research biologists and have them show us the way to fish their rivers.

YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT - Tower Creek

.. Maybe we could interview the experts and find out the various ways to catch the wiley fish of Yellowstone.
.. I'll bet that they will take us to some of the lesser known places and give us some insight into fishing trout water with the most unusual and spectacular scenery in the world.
.. We could go to the Thorofare, back country lakes in the Gallatin Mountains, the full length of Slough Creek, 7-mile Hole, and streams with names that are only whispered.

GRIZ - Soda Butte Creek Meadow

.. We could catch all the species in the park under the most diverse conditions and in the most popular and the least known areas. That would be just alright with us.
.. It's being done right now as you read this. Montana native son, Nate Schweber is doing it and making it seem easy.
.. When not performing as the lead singer of the NEW HEATHENS he's a New York Times Reporter. When not doing those things he's in the Rocky Mountains fishing, (unless he's writing a book about beer and breweries!)
.. He's been to: Pelican Creek, Duck Creek, Firehole River, Lamar River, Gallatin River, Tower Creek, Trout Lake, Yellowstone River, High Lake, Fan Lake, Fan Creek, Grebe Lake, Yellowstone Lake, Solfaterra Creek, Snake River, Madison River, Gibbon River, Slough Creek, Gardner River, and all the others that you've read and dreamed about. Tough work, but somebody has to do it.

SPLASH DANCE - Trout Lake

.. He's caught monster fish and baby fish. He's seen Yellowstone National Park like very few ever will. He's doing it now and we've followed the adventures on his blog - LINK.
.. We suggest that you click on over and scan the posts for the last few months - if you can stand fish porn, travelogue, and some "Roots Rock" news. You can check his daily progress HERE.
.. He's been kind enough to let us post some images from his odyssey - thanks Nate.
P.S. the big rainbow on the Gallatin River was taken on a Caddis with prince dropper. You'll need to check his blog for the gory details.

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FINE SPOTS ? -- The Yellowstone SLAM ??

The Last Days

2011-08-22T09:27:00.001-06:00

AUTUMN STARTS IN AUGUST

Contrarians Of The High Country

neighbors are using streamers again

THUNDERSTORMS KEEP THE RIVERS AND AFTERNOONS COOL

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.. It's a well known fact that it takes something special to live where winter outlasts summer by 90 days. The neighbors enjoy their weird predilection for salmon-like behavior.

THESE CRITTERS IS HERE IN NUMBERS

.. Just when grasshoppers, microscopic midges, Tricorythodes, and small black beetles are being espoused by experts & peddled by the local feather merchants; they drag out the rubber-legs & streamers.
.. Fish the little flies and terrestrials if you choose: they work fine. But casting, working, retrieving, and back-stripping of streamers is a skill that takes some re-acquaintance for most folks. The neighbors are just getting a jump on the seasons and honing their skills, (and catching fish as a byproduct.)

SPRUCE MOTH OR CADDIS ?

.. The nights are cool, (an occasional 30° F is seen,) the afternoon storms are regular and the rain is cold.
.. Yellow and brown colors are gobbling up the vegetation in our neighborhood and leafy plants are sprouting curled and drying leaves.
.. The berries are ripe and ready; currently being savored by bears and brave neighbors alike, (the crop is early, huge, and juicy this year - spread your own old wife's tale.)
.. For those that need direction we suggest a squashed caddis imitation for the Spruce Moths on the Gallatin River, Madison River, Gibbon River, Nez Perce Creek, and the Firehole River.
.. The fish in Soda Butte Creek are eating their usual assortment of beetles, spruce moths, drakes, and big nymphs. A Green Beetle followed by a Shop Vac should provide more dances than is seamly! Avoid the elbow ridden meadow section and fish the pockets and pools of the little canyons and incised stream course. The bears need warning so sing songs.

GRAY BAETID IMITATION

.. Drag out your "A" game for Slough Creek. Drag out the big bugger box too. The hybridization of the native cutthroats does not seem to have 'dumbed-down' the cutbows. Slow drifted submerged flies, (near the grassy banks,) will catch some large fish - or scare them to the next pool.
.. When the Baetis are up, the fish are a bit less selective but still not a push over. The latest rage on Slough Creek is to squeeze a foam bobber over the first hook and follow it with a Bead Head Nymph, (your choice.)
.. The thundershowers are keeping the Lamar River in flux. When there's no mud and a hatch it may be the best attractor dry fly fishing in the park.
.. If there's a bit of color haul out the heavy artillery and sink a bugger and hang on. The continuous freshets have kept groceries at a high level in the river.

SNORTLE'S SCORING WITH BUGGERS

.. The short canyon section is known for bruisers this time of year. Be congenial and swap ring tones with the other 2,000 fishers in this short stretch.
.. The Notellum River, just outside of West Yellowstone has been getting very little attention this season. That's just fine with us. The Bridge Run, and the Esses are full of fish that are outsized for the little stream - they're lonely and need some company from the neighbors. Streamers and Snortle's are getting plenty of action near both the paved road and the county road. The recently closed USFS road has been mysteriously reopened, just in time for bow hunting season.
.. Catching is good right now, and promises to get better as the cool weather persists. The timely thundershowers will only keep you and your lightening rod off the rivers for a few minutes each afternoon. Take the opportunity for a bit of Havana and some amber liquids before dinner.

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NOTELLUM RUN ALONG THE SECRET SECTION OF NOTELLUM RIVER
(Note: no foot path here.)

A Word From Our Sponser

2011-08-21T15:35:00.002-06:00

UNDERGROUND RADIO HITS WEST

LPFM Station Broadcasts Old Shows

"YOU BETCHUM RED RYDER"

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.. It's range is just a neighborhood thing, (most of the town,) but we like the novelty of it all. At 3 AM it's good company to the first cup of coffee.
.. The fish are jumping into the neighbors' waders on the Gallatin River. More tonight.

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THE PINHOLE GALLATIN

Gone Wanting

2011-08-17T04:16:00.024-06:00

CULVERTS & BRIDGES

Unloved & Ignored

we'll take 'em

FOOD & AERATED WATER
CONCENTRATED INTO 3 STREAMS - YUM !!

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.. We've been told, (and we believe it,) that trout love water with a high oxygen content. We've also been told that trout like to wait in slow water adjacent to fast food-laden water, (we believe that too.)
.. Culverts and bridges provide places for trout that like to wait in slow, oxygenated water, and nip some morsels from a smorgasbord sailing by their position. We believe that as well. So, we fish them.
.. There are many culverts and several bridges in Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding neighborhood that we visit on a regular basis. Seldom do we not catch a fish or two, (or more.) It's almost too easy.
.. The dark water is easily seen. The fast water is well defined. Sun and shadow changes throughout the day so we need to note that. Fish 'hides' are present in abundance.
.. Because of the concentrated streams of water, channels from the high-water periods are persistent and regular. Talk about fish in a barrel. It's just too easy for the purist seeking to match wits with a pea-brained fish.

ONLY THE SHADOW KNOWS

.. Stream and river banks on both the upstream and downstream areas are usually stabilized with concrete or rip-rap. This makes the hides and cover persistent. This is convenient for both the fish and the angler.
.. The water columns present a variety of foodstuffs and the trout will gobble many different things in a feeding session. Beetles, ants, neotenous aquatic forms, adult aquatic forms, terrestrials of all sorts, sticks, twigs, clumps of sand grains, etc.
.. Infrequently the trout will even rise to the surface and pluck lovely floating stuff from the surface. Sometimes it's digestible.
.. Because of the diversity of waters and the concentration of food, there are fish of all sizes to be found. The bruisers are where you'd expect them to be. The dinkers are there too. Frequently there are monsters in 3" to 8" of water. Bless their little pea brains, they give us a fright when they take our errant casts.
.. Cars, trucks, buses, motorpickles, bicycles, skateboards, and other sundry vehicles pass by these glorious catching places without a second thought. Probably without a first thought.
.. This is not the "postcard fishing experience" touted by advocates of our region and the feather merchants. It's a real-life, loud noisy, occasionally stinky, catching extravaganza. It appeals to us because we can walk to the fish with little or no effort, and they reward us with dances.
.. We mention these structures a couple of times each year. They are still abandoned when we visit them. The fish are lonely and forlorn because no one wants to play with them. We happily comply with their wishes: there's nothing so frustrating as a sulking fish!

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POCKETS, POOLS, UNDERCUTS, BENDS, RIP-RAP, SHALLOW, DEEP:
WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE ??

(THE IMAGES ARE GIANT AND MAY BE USED FOR WALLPAPER.)

It's In The Air

2011-08-15T10:03:00.003-06:00

DON'T TELL THE VISITORS

Sleep With The Windows Open

the rain is getting colder

August 14, 2011 - TAKE THE HINT

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.. The signs are all around us. Bow hunters are checking strings, heads and fletching. Boom hunters are cleaning and loading. The grasshoppers have wings. The meadow grasses are drying and beginning their descent into straw. The neighbors are talking about good sleeping weather. This morning's shower was cold and refreshing. We're taking bets on the date of the first snowfall.
.. Abbreviated warm and extended cold is the measure of the seasons in the high country. We're looking forward to the anticipated glorious Autumn. We've scouted the big holes and parking places for the fall-run submarines.

.. We've noted the phenomenal density of ripening berries, (places to avoid in the upcoming weeks.) And we're using the last few warm days to catch some fish in all the familiar, (and less familiar,) places.
.. Catching is still good. We've not much to add about it except that a venture to Winter Creek will prove rewarding. So too, will a stroll down the path at Tower Falls. The "other" gulpers, those at Grebe Lake and the Duck Creek estuary are making their appearance now. Oh, by the way, Soda Butte Creek is on fire with hoppers and beetles.
.. We've not mentioned our idiosyncratic predilection for fishing some interesting structures in and around the neighborhood. We'll let you know about that in a day or two. Right now there is a Trico hatch on the cooling Madison River that the fish have finally discovered -- SURPRISE!
.. We're headed there instantly, now that the second pot of coffee is gone, the stomach is in rebellion.

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TAKE A HORSE TO UPPER FAN CREEK, DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE

All's Well

2011-08-13T11:20:00.003-06:00

THE GOOD NEWS POST

The Fish Are Ravenous

catch 'em all day on the gallatin

IF IT BINDS - PULL IT

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.. Better late than never is what the neighbors are chanting. The high and cold water is a memory. The bank-hugging fish have moved into mid-stream feeding lanes. It's now possible to wet your waders with a reason. Catching is good on all west side rivers, (even the hot one.)

THE BIGHORN RUN

.. Flows persist above seasonal averages and temperatures of the waters are very cool in the mornings and evenings. The "perfect" weather includes a few afternoon thundershowers that punctuate the mid-day warming and the little freshets from the tributaries are keeping good grits flowing into the main streams.
.. The neighbors have noted that the first signs of Fall include winged grasshoppers, enormous berry crops, wrinkled willow leaves, curled aspen leaves, and the reduction in numbers of the hoards of school children splashing in the streams. It's all good.
.. The Gallatin River is the local magnet for catching oriented fishers. Generalized surface offerings of the "slightly too big" variety are dragging them in. Hopper / Dropper rigs are much in use, and even small streamers in the the dark water are galling some big fish between Snowflake Springs and Black Butte.
.. Experts have abandoned the Firehole River because "it's too hot." Just six weeks ago they were praising the 64° F water as perfect. Well now Ethel, it's 64° for a few hours in the morning and evenings. Caddis are busting out all over.
.. The same story holds true on the Madison River. If you must catch a fish on the surface take a size 10 Adams and aim at the noses in the foam lines. Should your purist tendencies be lagging a double nymph rig will suffice. Try a size 10 or 12 Prince Nymph followed by a size 16 Shop Vac.
.. Nez Perce Creek, Iron Spring Creek, and the Little Firehole are all full of fish just begging to be caught with such mundane flies as Scarlet Humpy, Royal Coachman, Adams, and Hendrickson. Fish the local exotics if you choose, but the neighbors are fishing the old stand-by's.

GOOD GAWD - A BEAR

.. A pleasant surprise in this high water year is the population of catchable fish in the waters of Solfaterra Creek above the Norris Campground. The moose and the bears are not too much of a problem right now but well-armed anglers have a canister of bear spray in their hand anyway!
.. We should point out that the upper Gibbon River meadows (both big and little,) are finally fishing just fine. Catching is the reward for stealth anglers in the big meadows. Numbers is the name of the game in the small meadows and the tangle along the way to Grebe Lake. We usually take the long way in and the short way out.
.. We finally made it to Obsidian Creek. The residents were so glad to see us that they ate anything we offered - up to a size 8 Renegade, on the surface. Small San Juan Worms along with sparsely tied Pheasant Tail Nymphs were dyn-o-mite in the water column,
.. Well, the mid-day warm is about over and it's back to the water for us. The gulpers of Hebgen Lake are finally about everywhere. It's taken an extra week or so this year. The faithful have been chasing the bugs and fish from weed bed to weed bed. Now just about all weeds are giving up the bug feast we've been waiting for.

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JUST WHAT IS THE ATTRACTION FOR ALL THESE FISH ??

GO FAAAST !!!

2011-08-07T23:16:00.002-06:00

LIKE THE WIND


12 Cylinder Lincoln Zephyr In A Chopped, Channeled, Hammered Deuce Coupe WALLPAPER

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.. It's all over. Report Tomorrow.

The Good Life

2011-08-06T13:08:00.000-06:00

Prancing Horse Fly Fisher

Visits West Yellowstone

MONSTER IMAGE FOR WALLPAPER

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Wee Paws 4 Kawz

2011-08-05T08:05:00.000-06:00

THE COLOR OF NOSTALGIA

Beautiful Cartoons

yesterday is always best
{brief fishing report too}

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.. For 41 years straight auto enthusiasts have made West Yellowstone the terminal destination for a mid summer migration. Fishing is in the rumble seat for a couple of days as we participate in the ritual.

.. The contemporary migrants with these beauties are of the same geriatric generation that tends to dominate the demographics of contemporary fly fishing. They are ~~filthy rich~~ ~~very affluent~~ well to do aging males with a passion for capturing a dream.
.. The vehicles are no longer the HOT RODS of bygone days. They are cartoons, nay, caricatures of a real or imagined ideal. They are beautiful and perfect in their own right.

.. The initial American Hot Rod Era was a very brief post WWII phenomenon that was truncated when Detroit discovered the popular passion for street speed and performance. For a very short time the amateur ruled in creativity, imagination, and performance.
.. The vehicles that are descending on our little town recall, but do not recreate that era. They are built or bought to fulfill some vision of a bygone time. They are full of modern technology. They are contemporary products that could never have been imagined in 1946. They are used for a myriad of social purposes never dreamed of in 1951.

.. These are vehicles that are owned and driven by an age-grade of citizens that was shunned by the current members when they themselves were young.
.. There is a lovely pathos present in this ritual. It evokes memories, dreams, situations and times that have become dim with the passage of decades. It is a ritual that is part recreation and part reenactment of an era that lives in American folklore.

.. The participants gather together. They no longer are vibrant teenagers seeking speed and performance from their daily drivers. They are not young combatants from a recently terminated world war that invented or innovated a better manifold, front axle, or muffler.
.. Today they wear designer togs and eschew tattered work clothing for contemporary imported styles. They buy pieces and parts from specialty manufacturers and assemble them into dream machines; painted with paint and in colors that have come straight from their long gone wet dreams.

.. The vehicles, in and of themselves, are works of art. They are beautiful, sleek, slick, perfect, and tuned with money that was not available for such things during those decades long past. They are a celebration of what should have been - OR - what could only have been dreamed of. They are what we thought we wanted. They are what we pretended was an ideal to be achieved.

.. They are brought together in a fashion that would never have happened 60 years ago. They are pampered, polished, fondled, and stroked, rather than driven. Many are towed on trailers to the appointed destination and then babied into the correctness of stance for admiration.
.. Ah, such is the state of these beautiful beasts. Their function has metamorphosed along with their owners. No longer do they rumble and roar and instill fear in a sane public. No longer do they get driven on a daily basis. No longer are they constantly changing and being "tinkered with." No longer are they used to embarrass the local constabulary in a high-speed chase.

.. Now they are reminders of a recent past that becomes embellished and augmented with the retelling of tales that never were and probably never could have been.
.. The HOT ROD of today is a "TUNER." It's built in Asia or America has far too few cylinders, whines instead of roars, and is driven by youngsters that one day, themselves, may become portly, pudgy, and ponderous. Their cars are nimble, quick, full of contemporary technology and serve the dual purpose of daily transportation and occasional reckless recreation. Perhaps their drivers will recreate their dreams 60 years hence. Perhaps not.

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.. Should you choose to fish rather than admire the sculptures, there are great possibilities in the neighborhood.
==> Obsidian Creek will yield eager Brookies to any properly presented attractor on the surface and most nymphs dangled below a bobber,
==> The lowland Madison River is fishing as it should have last month. Little nymphs such as the Shop Vac will be just fine,
==> The Gallatin River is a dream fishery right now. Use an Elk Hair Caddis followed by a Prince Nymph everywhere,
==> The Firehole River is a marginal bet for great catching but fish it if you must,
==> Nez Perce Creek above the first thermal area is going like gang busters right now, attractors of any sort on or in the water will suffice,
==> The big meadows on the Gibbon River are still productive for the accomplished fish stalker, the little meadows above the cascades are a better bet for fun catching,
==> Slough Creek is dead-nuts ripe and will provide good catching all day on nymphs and on the surface for those that need to see their fly,
==> Ignore the experts and fish the colored water of Soda Butte Creek you'll be the first to be bragging about the size of the fish. Avoid the confluence meadows and wander in the narrow sections seeking bears and brutish fish.

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THE WAY IT REALLY WAS

Get 'Em Ready

2011-08-03T04:51:00.012-06:00

HOPPERS ENTER FINAL MOLT

Wings Just Around The Corner

invent a double dropper

FISH HERE FOR BIG RAINBOWS

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.. We saw one hopper with wings over the weekend. It was at the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. We saw quite a few with stubs of developing wings. We saw very many hoppers without wings.

No Wings

.. We saw two kinds of hoppers: gray with dark gray speckled spots about 1/4" long, AND brown with yellow about 3/8" long. Neither sort had fully developed wings. The one with wings was too fast to get a picture of - unless we decided to abandon the rod for the camera.
.. Terrestrial bugs are prolific on the Gallatin River right now. Soon it will be impossible to walk without killing some trout food.

Wings Just Starting

.. The inventive minds in the neighborhood have already prepared an arsenal of double fly rigs for the upcoming shenanigans.
.. The traditional favorite is the widely used "Hopper-Dropper" combination. A big hopper up top with a nymph or emerger of some sort on the point.
.. Coming on strong over the last two years has been the "Hopper-Hopper" rig. Big hopper on top and little hopper on the point. Also being used with some regularity is the "Dropper-Hopper" combination with a small nymph on a short tag, (2") about 14" above the hopper on point.

Armed And Ready

.. The "Bobber-Hopper," "Hopper-Bobber," & "Hopper-Bobber-Dropper" variants have their adherants as well. One thing for sure - it's easy to see the bobber rigs.
.. The trout of the Gallatin River are about to be inundated with food. The PMD's are still working late on cloudy afternoons.
.. Caddis are starting about 1:40 PM. Ants, beetles, spruce moths, hoppers, butterflies, segmented annelids, and neotenous forms of stoneflies are all on the plate.
.. The neighbors are already on the river. The visitors are too. The thistles have grown spines, and are beginning to bloom, (hopper food,) and will soon be a hazard to your waders.
.. If you plan to fish the Gallatin River please carry your bear spray. The lush valley is full of bears. The bear scat is on the trails and in the weeds. Fish with a friend and make some noise as you stroll from giant fish to giant fish.

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THE GATEWAY

Up A Lazy River

2011-08-01T04:06:00.000-06:00

THE ELBOWS DESCEND

The Bears Persist

please park safely

TIE ONE ON !

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.. It's not your typical postcard idyll on the Gallatin River these days. In fact it's become a damn dangerous circus.

GREAT FISH FOOD

.. Cars, trucks, buses, motorpickles, dune buggy's, screaming bicycle riders, and bear jam congestion's are all on the roadway.
.. The river has finally come into it's own. You can fish all day and score with just a simple rig. A size 10 Elk Hair Caddis up top followed by a size 12 or 14 Prince Nymph 12" down on the point. You will catch fish.
.. There are PMD's that confuse the picture just before any clouds descend, (rare right now,) and spruce moths are beginning their dance in earnest. Two years ago at this time we were singing the virtues of hoppers. Well, this year, the little pogo sticks are about a week or ten days away from being our first pick.

THE PLACE

.. There are a few bears visiting the haunts of our neighborhood fishers. The Fan Creek bear is a cinnamon colored black bear that is curious and hangs out even in the presence of fishing parties and trail riders. This bear has been up the Gallatin River along the Bighorn Trail as well as along Fan Creek.
.. A small grizzly bear is causing traffic jams near Specimen Creek and the meadows below the road and the narrow canyon above the road. The annual visitation of the large black bear around Black Butte is also becoming a regular occurrence.

HAND CARRY

.. Fish with a friend or two. Sing ribald songs, tell dirty jokes, laugh and guffaw with gusto.
.. Make your presence known and by all means carry your bear spray in your hand.
.. There has already been one death-by-bear in Yellowstone National Park this year. Try not to become the second.
.. The Madison River is beginning to see some small hopper action along with a sparse but persistent PMD hatch. Caddis is still king along the big water and foam lines. Some of the fish are taking small brownish nymphs such as the Shop Vac.

BUBBLEBACK EMERGER

.. The folks down at Galloup's Slide Inn have a variation on the Pheasant Tail Nymph that is becoming popular with some of the neighbors. It's called "Trina's Bubbleback Emerger." Most of the neighbors use it as a dropper fly for general searching. It's pretty good early in the hatch as well.
.. The bear is still on the Mary Mountain Trail along Nez Perce Creek. So too, are the fish. This river is seeing better fishing than we've seen in a few years. Sage philosophers allow that this may be because a lot of Firehole River fish 'ran-up' the creek early during the monster high water phase last month. Could be.
.. What ever the case may be, they are still behaving like Nez Perce Creek Fish: Attractor dry flies and yummy-looking terrestrial imitations are working just fine. Even grasshoppers!

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AS CLOSE AS WE WANT TO BE !!

Pelican Creek Odysey

2011-07-30T09:44:00.000-06:00

ROCK STAR AIDS RESEARCH

Read All About It

CLICK HERE

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WHERE'S NATE ??

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A Caddis Afternoon

2011-07-29T04:29:00.004-06:00

WALLPAPER

The Snortle Strikes

2011-07-28T09:00:00.003-06:00

GULPER GONE DOWN ?

Seek 'Em With A Snortle

fish seem to eat when they can

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.. The gulpers are gulping. Not quite like Pac-Man yet but persistent and consistent. Hebgen Lake is drawing the faithful with increasing regularity.

.. The Callibaetis are here and Trico clouds are small but regular. It's a bit different this year. The weed beds are covered by more water than in the recent past.
.. Light is penetrating the water just fine but, the Pac-Fish action is just now becoming apparent. This is probably because weed beds are just a bit deep for the sensitive bugs that inhabit them to be awakened by the requisite photo-period for maximum intense activity.
.. The wind has been coming on strong a skosh early too. So action is truncated by less than desirable conditions earlier in the mid morning than most fishers would like.

.. All-in-all things are proceeding apace with near normality and should develop into the feeding frenzy we're familiar with in the next 5 - 10 days. If you should find a weed bed at the right depth, you will be blessed with gulping action that is superb. Right now the key is water depth. Gulping is not lake-wide - YET!
.. All is not lost if the gulpers abandon the surface. Stay with your selected weed forest and go down. Traditionally, the neighbors use small buggers, leeches, and the local favorite the Snortle.
--The Snortle, (spelling can vary,) is a typical silli-legs pattern that is tied variously by different artisans. The recipe for the one shown above is:
Tail: 2 silli-legs about the length of the hook,
Body: peach Antron ribbed with scarlet Antron twisted on top,
Thorax: coarse hare's mask with two pair of silli-legs,
Hook size: 8, (unusual,) to 14, (a tough proposition.)
.. The most common variation is like the standard variety with black wool yarn substituted for the scarlet Antron. Some of the neighbors use a copper or lead wire under-body.
.. The fly is fished on a short, (5 or 6 foot leader and counted down to the weed tops or sides of the subterranean forest. A slow herky-jerky retrieve is the common action used. Brave and intrepid fishers let it sink into the edge of a weed bed and retrieve with a 2" - 3" motion with a 5 or 6 second pause in between.

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There's Fun Here

2011-07-27T08:09:00.000-06:00

MADISON RIVER WALLPAPER

NEWS FLASH !

2011-07-26T10:22:00.000-06:00

ONLY 4" TO GO

Only 2899.2 Acre Feet Left

inflow = 1564.2 cfs

outflow = 1170.7 cfs

CLICK HERE FOR HEBGEN STATS

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.. It's true. The pool of Hebgen Reservoir is just 4" from being full.
.. Folks are skiing where they haven't skied in years. Fishers are fishing in wonderfully strange and unusual places. The weed beds are covered with more water than is usual for this time of year.
.. What's that mean for gulpers? Stay tuned.

Those Other Terrestrials

2011-07-26T05:40:00.023-06:00

FORGET THE HOPPERS

For Now

use these

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.. You saw them here first.
.. The spruce moth and beetle invasion is on. All along the Madison River, and on the Gibbon River, and especially on the Gallatin River, it's time to use these other terrestrials.
.. They're here in numbers that the fish understand. Even the large fish. Even in bright sun.
.. These bugs are now on the diet of any self respecting trout. They are a bag of groceries just waiting to be ingested. Give the fish a chance with your best imitation. You will be rewarded.
.. Gulper Report and Gallatin River secrets tomorrow; if we can fit it in. Where's Nate?

Say What ?

2011-07-22T11:26:00.005-06:00

SUSPICIOUS BUGS INVADE

It's Been Some Time

the cicada visitation

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.. The neighbors and ever-alert guides from around here have noticed an increase in the cicada population. So? Fish eat them when they can. And, now they can!

.. We were alerted to the increase in these hoary bugs by long-time fly fishing guide Chris Herpin, who hoarsely whispered in our ear - "I don't know that I should tell you this, BUT, there are more cicadas this year than even you have ever seen!"
.. Often you won't see the big bugs but you will hear them. The launch ramps and lunch spots on the lowland Madison River are full of the song of the cicada.

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Click on the player to hear the song.

Image of CicadasFromMontana CM020501

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.. The cicadas of Montana hatch every year. They sing and chirp and get eaten by fish with a gusto that would make a starving Pit Bull envious. You can read about the impending invasion HERE.
.. Chris did not reveal the flies he was using to woo the big trout on the river. He did note that nary a fly shop in the area had any cicada imitations for sale. He did say that there are some patterns in the competent fisher's boxes that will do. But there is a secret pattern making the rounds in the musty dark corners of the local pubs.

.. Should you see a group of dripping souls huddled together in out of the way places it might be a sagacious act to eavesdrop on their whispered conversation. If it's not about sex, or beer, or gas prices; it's probably about how to tie the lace-winged-wonder-pattern that takes big trout faster than a speeding minnow.
.. The fly is large, (cicadas can be 2" long.) The fly is light and casts like a dream. The fly is easy to tie and is being banged out by the virtuoso fluff artisans in town. So far we've offered bribes of significant dimensions and substance but there's no headway being made on that front.
.. Mr. Herpin suggested that there are some things that are best left unsaid and mysterious. We badgered him for a good 20 minutes but received no coherent responses. He left our presence muttering and mumbling about grizzled old farts and something called a "MEGAFUGLY." At least that's what it sounded like to our wax-laden ears.

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CLICK HERE

.. Local recipe and variations RIGHTCHERE.

Deal Of The Century ?

2011-07-22T04:00:00.013-06:00

DO IT IF YOU CAN

Yellowstone By Horse

with real fishing guides

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.. Just a quick note: hit the leather for quietude & fish. We've noticed a genuine constipation of fisher folks on the streams and rivers of Yellowstone National Park.
.. The high water this year has concentrated the fish and their followers into small knots of writhing and flailing masses, (both on shore and in the water.)
.. One of our neighbors offers a chance to get away from the endless parade of drift boats, or the social morass of congenial fishing frenzy on our regional waters.
.. Yellowstone Mountain Guides can get you away from the crowds and into the fish for less than the price of the waders you love so much. CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW.

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Worth The Walk ??

2011-07-21T04:47:00.003-06:00

THERE'S STILL BIG CUTTS

You Need Young Legs

camp with the grizzly

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.. The secret is out. There are big Yellowstone Cutthroat to be caught. You can walk to this fishing hole.
.. You can cast from shore. And, you will release them swiftly. We won't tell, but you can read about it HERE.

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