The End Of . . .

PARK FISHING

Onions

sex starved fish

WALLPAPER:  PULLED FROM THE SNOW

-------  

.. We got a head start on our winter productivity. We're two dozen shy of our first gross of  flies for others. It passes the time!

-----

STANDARD MATUKA

.. There are a couple of sympathetic guides who have taken pity on us and scheduled some lowland river fishing.
.. The upcoming 10 days should prove to be warm enough and bright enough for some streamer tugging down on the Madison River.
.. With our day light saving switch and, sleeping in to hit the active fish time, we should be ready for anything. Seldom a skunk this time of year.
.. Dark under banks and crisp shadow lines are good for the soul in the late fall. Splash, pause, swing, tug, swing, tug, swing, tug,  slam-bam thank you ma'am.

----- 

TRAILING SHUCK

.. Habits are hard to break. One that has stood us in good stead is the use of the simple Matuka. We've tied and used the latest and greatest on and off each year. But, just can't break the habit.
.. With a little luck the deep side of the boat should provide excellent big nymph dunking. If the sun plays peek-a-boo there may still be some dinky baetids bopping around. We're pleased to visit those foreign lowlands a couple of times each year.
.. The old truism about "smaller through the season," seems to hold value. So, we take advantage of the neighbors' kindness. They tie some 14's and 16's on short leader bits for us.
.. The other truism about stillborn flies in late season seems to bear some truth as well. Ugly flies seem to be worthwhile during this time of year - on the right day.

-----

.. The best thing about a good an exceptional river guide is their selfless energy in response to the client's needs. We're very needy. There are so many things we do poorly that can be compensated for by a good guide. There are only a couple of guides that put up with our deficiencies. Happily they are willing to indulge us. Off we go.

------- 

WALLPAPER: HONEY WHEAT LOAF

Of Snows And Baetids

ERUPTION COMES TO MIND

Noses In The Air

backs and fins bulge the film

RUNNERS BE DAMNED, THE FIREHOLE RIVER IS ALIVE WITH BUGS

-------

.. It's not been much of a storm. The skies have been a light gray without the heavy slate tones of true winter.
.. There has been as much rain as snow in the gentle bit of precipitation that managed to reach the ground. The footprints in the dusting disappeared by 1:00 PM. Bits of white are now tucked in the corners facing north. This weather event is not much to talk about unless you're from the lowlands or Florida.
.. Some places on the west side of Yellowstone National Park received enough snow for tourist pictures and the cool air makes the steam picturesque.
.. The neighbors, on the other hand, enjoy the uniform gray and dampness that signals things much more intriguing than a few flakes and drops.

PRETTY LITTLE BUGS

.. Reports from: Ashton, Idaho, - Chester, Idaho, - Island Park, Idaho, - Slide Inn, Montana, - Cameron, Montana, - Ennis, Montana, - Campfire Lodge, Montana, - West Yellowstone, Montana, - Madison Junction, Wyoming, - Old Faithful - Wyoming, - Norris Campground, Wyoming, AND all places in between suggest that we are having a spectacular "BAETID EVENT."
.. The fish were, and are, very pleased and, the fishers nearly soiled their shorts, (rumors abound but are not to be propagated here.)
.. Reported sizes ranged from size 12, (doubtful but possible,) to size 22 - eeegad! The fish ate them all and the fisher folk are still telling the stories, (fishers being what they are.)
.. A few headhunters along the Madison River were treated to the sight of porpoising submarines that were unmoved by gaudy streamers.  A sight to haunt nightmares for generations to come.
.. It's happening again today. Maybe tomorrow too. It's not an unheard of event to have bugs hatching at the appropriate time of day and year for their maturation cycle. It is, in fact, a normal occurrence.
.. But for the density and persistence of bugs over at least five rivers at the same time and at several disparate elevations is just a touch unusual.
.. There are a great many bugs hatching right now. Let's just leave it at that and suggest that you should have been here yesterday.
.. It's time for our breakfast hamburger.

-------

A PERFECT BREAKFAST: ANGUS, MUSHROOMS, SWISS, FRESH BUN, - - - BURP!