Trending

 EMERGENT FLY FISHERS

Drive To The Water

ignore walking

GOT IT ??  FLAUNT IT !!

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.. It's late fall in the neighborhood and the gentlemen sports are here in droves. Vehicles that cost as much as condominiums, (and of approximately the same size,) are sprawled across several parking spots on our streets. Dressed to the nines they only lack jodhpurs for the proper effect.

.. We're a bit jealous but not at all envious. We're here all year by choice and love it. Right now the fishing is great and the catching commiserate with angler skill and persistence. What more is there to ask?

.. Deeply presented flies are dredging up some spectacular submarines from the Madison River. The key is good mending skills and the "it 'em in the nose" approach. Not much more to say.

.. Other places to score nicely are: Firehole River above Old Faithful in the canyon and along the Lone Star Trail, Duck Creek in bear/moose country, Gallatin River above the meadows, and of course Notellum Creek.

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WALLPAPER:  FALL BOUNTY

Blow Up

 LONE STAR FIRE

Gets Bigger

periodic road closures

Lone Star Fire = Fir & Pine = 3 Miles South Of Old Faithful

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.. The lightning caused fire south of the Old Faithful developed area has rapidly grown to over 3,000 acres. This growth is by a factor of 10 in three days. Increased temperatures and brisk winds will continue to accelerate the growth of the fire.

RESOURCES: 

>> InciWeb,

>> YNP Information,

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THE MUSTARD BUGGER

.. Catching continues to be very good on the Gallatin River, Duck Creek, Yellowstone River, Slough Creek.

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.. It's a bit early - BUT -  there are reports of large and very colorful fish in the Madison Arm of Hebgen Reservoir.

.. Small streamers and red worms on most rivers and streams. Ants on the Gallatin River. Large streamers in the reservoir weeds.

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WALLPAPER:  THE BEST "BLT"

Slow Open

BE VERY CAUTIOUS

Don't Rush To Death

it's not over yet

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.. Gov. Steve Bullock has announced a gradual and phased reopening of the state beginning April 26 for individuals, and extending to businesses April 27, (That's tomorrow and the next day.)

.. Main street and retail businesses can become operational on or after April 27 if they adhere to requirements to limit capacity and maintain strict physical distancing.

.. Restaurants, bars, breweries, and distilleries can begin providing some in-establishment services beginning May 4.

.. Businesses where groups gather without the ability to social distance including movie theaters, gyms and other places of assembly will remain closed.

.. Montana's travel quarantine will remain in effect, and out of state travelers and residents arriving from another state or country back to Montana for non-work related purposes are required to quarantine for 14 days.

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..  With two flights a day, West Yellowstone receives largest federal grant among Montana airports, (LINK.)

.. YNP superintendent: "no chance of immediate full open," (LINK.)

.. Sheriff disputes claim inmate tied to West Yellowstone murder has coronavirus symptoms, (LINK.)

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.. Fishers on the lowland Madison River are having to change their waders - the fishing is just that good and the caching is running apace with the fishing.

NOT MUCH COLOR YET

.. The weather is wonderful and, with 70's in sight over the next few days, should make for grand days on the water.
.. Right next door there are some shirtless folks on Hebgen Reservoir. They are following the rapidly receding ice edge and taking a good number of very big fish. Even the neighbors are impressed. Some license plates are from Utah.
.. Duck Creek and the upper Gallatin River are just waiting for some adventure. 'Taint normal but it is good.

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WALLPAPER:   ANOTHER BACON BUTTY

A Stab In The Back

LOCAL WATERS CLEAR

Austin Knudsen Betrayal

zinke working hard

WALLPAPER:  THE BLUE ICE OF HEBGEN RESERVOIR

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.. All of our local tributaries to Hebgen Reservoir are clear of ice and eroding the ice of the reservoir.
.. The Madison River and it's South Fork have pushed far enough into the ice to provide legal fishing beyond the estuaries. Cougar Creek, Duck Creek, Grayling Creek, and Notellum Creek are building open water at a rapid clip. Soon all will have pushed far enough into the reservoir to provide legal fishing.

Helobdella stagnalis

.. The kids with sleds have been successful beyond the South Fork estuary with midges, blond leeches, (Helobdella stagnalis,) small streamers, and a few secret patterns from the winter experimentation's.
.. It seems that the blond leeches have experienced a population explosion, (along with midges and lowland skwalas.)

COPPER TAIL

.. This makes for pudgy trout and happy fishers around here.
.. The leeches are a real surprise since they are rare and seldom seen in numbers of any kind.
.. Water from our warm rains and drizzles is still puddling on the surface of the ice of the reservoir.

NOTELLUM BRANCH

.. The blue hue is sparkling and twinkling. The ice is getting very thin.
.. We're looking forward to ice out this year. We're also noticing that the snow is disappearing at a rapid rate and we're watching the stream flows and anticipating the runoff rates. Planning for early fishing is going to be tricky.

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.. Montana House Speaker Austin Knudsen has stabbed his constituents in the back.

THE KNUDSEN GATE

.. After receiving 75% of the votes in his district he has blocked access to the American Legion Park in Culbertson, Montana.
.. The 35 acre park was donated to the American Legion in 1944 and is a scenic strip of land along the Missouri River.
.. Access was granted by the donating owners and used continually since 1944. When Knudsen bought the land he relocated the road and put up a gate.
.. The matter is in the courts now with both a suit and counter suit. KEEP 'EM OUT? That's loyalty and representation Montana style, [LINK-1, LINK-2, LINK-3.]
.. Our pretend Montanan Secretary Of Interior Hinky Zinke has just announced a gift to the deserving residents of the Gulf Coast.
.. Newly proposed and enacted oil exploration and lease tracts are about to be; or have been let. The only indication of the actions was a pair of news releases. Sort of like the stealth approach to all of the current administrations ministrations to the citizens of our democracy, [LINK-A, LINK-B.]

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FAN WING FUN

.. We are staring at no less than two weeks of above average daytime temperatures.
.. There will be some rain, some drizzle, some soft flurries, a bit of hail and bunches of bluster in the upcoming 18 to 20 days.
.. Temperatures at mid day will range from 40°F to 50°F and precipitation from nil to light with plenty of clouds and overcast skies. Absolutely perfect fishing weather. The lowlands may get to be too warm to fish - HUH?
.. We'd best hustle along before the lowlanders get up here to avoid the heat!

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The Great Glaze = Balsamic Vinegar + Brown Sugar + Ketchup + Worcestershire Sauce

Mom's Gift

WARM AND WET

Fish Being Kind

best last week ever ?

WALLPAPER:  MORNING MISTS - MADISON RIVER

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.. A blessed gift from mother nature is forecast for the last week of fishing in Yellowstone National Park.
.. It's not unheard of but a week of 50's for temperature at this time of year is certainly rare. Rain is common but it's been light and intermittent. Not enough to muck up the rivers too badly.

STORM ON THE LAMAR

.. Folks fishing on the far side of the park will have some color in the water and the Lamar River may be done for the year.
.. Both the Madison River and The Firehole River are low, cold and in good shape. There is a bit of color in the water but it is reminiscent of the bladder discharge from a sick Labrador Retriveit. Nothing to put off the fish: visibility well over 5' in each river.

STEWART'S BLACK SPIDER #1

.. Should you need to see your fly while fishing on the Firehole River you'll need to hunt for the noses in the air. The weather has been highly variable and both the fish and the bugs are a wee bit wary of the surface.
.. Light rain and dimpled water about mid day can still produce nose numbers to make the guide books.
.. Otherwise, back to the sure fish catchers: dry/dropper combos, soft hackles, green nymphs. (We're partial to the Flymph: #1.)
.. The warm rains have dampened a few fair weather fisher folks. Visitor traffic is also down. The Madison River is still attracting the submarine hunters and the fish are cooperating with those that move around some.

HALLOWEEN LEECH

.. If you are determined to fish just one location; move through it and then give it a rest. If other folks are around get in line and take your turn - the stories get better on the bank.
.. Fishing multiple locations is easily accomplished along the Madison River. Try several and your success will increase - the fish are there. In celebration of the season we've been fishing with the Halloween Leech by Marv Taylor: it works.

LOVIN' IT

.. Seldom fished is the big plunge pool at the base of Gibbon Falls. The pool itself and the gravels for at least 300 yards below hold some fine fish. It seems that they are bigger than most too.
.. With the new turnaround and thick tree cover it's a bit daunting for the first time explorer. Once on the Gibbon River the catching can be spectacular. Big soft hackles and small dark streamers will gather up the moody trout if you hit them in the nose.
.. We gathered up three pine trees and a 22" kype this morning. Speaking of morning: it comes late. Be on the water around 7:30 AM, or thereabouts. Take a good look and listen before you begin your folly. Many runners will jump several times at first light. Be alert. The thundering splash and slap of these big fish will wake you up for sure.

ACCESS

.. We've been quiet about some very fine destinations for Autumn catching. So, here they are: Little Firehole River, Iron Spring Creek, Nez Perce Creek, Duck Creek Estuary - don't catch them all.
.. Don't fish up on the Gallatin River or on Fan Creek. There are only a few fishers and a couple of bears.
.. The "WAY UP THERE" river portion of the Gallatin River is full of spawning resident trout. It's too far to walk for counter help and social fishers. The fish don't mind their solitary existence.
.. The estuary of the South Fork of the Madison River is beginning to pop. Access at the old power line road and at sandy point have produced some fine fish - bigger than the runners on the main stem Madison River. Cast as far as you can to the dark water. Dangle a black or dark purple leech under a bobber. Let the slack current slowly drift your fly. Hold on tight.

REVERSE MIDGE (emerger) [#2]

.. As an aside, (for the true masochist,) midges have been prolific during the bright interludes of the day.
.. Some of the neighbors have picked up on a pattern shown by Roy Christie, (#2.) It's a midge of a different sort. Some young eyes can see it. Older eyes can see the nose and splash - seems the fish are pissed off by this pattern.
.. The rain on the roof is mesmerizing and it is late. Even with the dark mornings it's tough to get up and make the morning bite.

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WALLPAPER:  POTATO LATKES

Some Fish - Some Fire

WEST SIDE BURNOUTS

Runners Present

please plan carefully

WALLPAPER:  BARNS HOLES BURNOUT

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.. We used to call them 'backfires' and 'backburns.' Now they are called "BURNOUTS."

BAKERS' HOLE BURNOUT

.. These are controlled fires that are set to burn out areas where major wildfires may use fuel to spread in unwanted directions.
.. The most recent burnouts in our area were near the Barns Holes and the Bakers' Hole Campground.
.. The road access to the Barns Holes is closed. Currently it is still possible to access the Madison River through the Bakers' Hole Campground.
 .. These actions were taken in advance of forecast cooler weather and light rain. Duration of the closures is dependent on local conditions at the southwestern corner of the MAPLE FIRE.

HIGHWAY 89, BERRY FIRE

.. Additionally, the South Entrance Road is closed due to increased activity of the BERRY FIRE.
.. Now that the spawn has started it is important to carefully plan your fishing access in the pursuit of the wily runners from Hebgen Reservoir.
.. Use the following resources to be informed about fire activity, area closures, and road closures:
>> INCIWEB MAPLE FIRE,
>> INCIWEB BERRY FIRE,
>> NPS CURRENT FIRE ACTIVITY,
>> YNP ROAD INFORMATION PHONE;  307-344-2117,
>> YNP INTERACTIVE FIRE MAP,
>> YNP FACEBOOK PAGE,
>> YNP TWITTER.

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.. The Gallatin River is where many of the neighbors are hanging out nowadays. There is a large assemblage of trout food in the offing.
.. Terrestrials include ants, flying ants, hoppers, beetles, and small sticks.
.. There are spruce moths along with some white miller caddis. There are other caddis flies and an occasional mayfly.
.. The lovely nymphic zoo includes big and little stoneflies, caddis, and the occasional small fry. The trout are loving it.

TRAIL CLOSURES: FAWN PASS BIGHORN PASS

.. The higher elevations of both the Fawn Pass Trail and the Bighorn Pass Trail are closed. For the moment fishing access to the Gallatin River and Fan Creek is available. It's smoky up there but the fish are ravenous: especially the ones in the willows and meadow of the upper Gallatin River.

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NEIGHBORHOOD FALL FLIES

.. We'll only whisper this once: fish in their current sex-crazed state ascend creeks other than the Madison River.
.. The neighbors will ostracize me for a week or so but, there are some giant fish in the Duck Creek Estuary, Cougar Creek Estuary, Grayling Creek, Bacon Rind Creek, and some other bits of water leading into Hebgen Reservoir. Of course a map is required.

FIREHOLE ABOVE OLD FAITHFUL

.. The Firehole River above Old Faithful is attracting quite a bit of attention from foreign visitors. It's amazing what the local counter help ignores.
.. Water temperatures up there are hanging out in the 50's with lows overnight in the mid 40's. At least some fishers are dancing with the brightly colored and feisty Brook Trout on this inviting stretch of water. JEEZE, even the grass is still green!

NEON WHAMME

.. The glory waters of the famous Firehole River are still spiking to the 70's by noon.
.. A few of our neighbors arise early and catch the fish while the water is cool, the fog is low,  and the shadows are long.
.. It's still mostly a soft hackle game but large green nymph patterns are also galling some of the  larger fish.
.. It's late and time for a midnight snack. Something light will do.

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WALLPAPER:   MIDNIGHT SNACK

Smoky Fire Day

THREE HEREABOUTS

Cougar, Duck, Fan Area

inversion: wind shift

FAWN FIRE: NPS PHOTO

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.. There are three fires on the west side of Yellowstone National Park that are smoky and could affect your fishing plans.
.. The Fawn Fire, the Buffalo Fire, and the Boundary Fire are currently dumping smoke and ash on West Yellowstone. This is due to an inversion and wind shift. The winds are currently from the north and are light and variable. It was first noticed about mid day yesterday and has continued through mid morning today.
.. There are some signs that the winds will shift again during the rest of today.
.. The Fawn Fire is a mountain top fire caused by lightning and is currently approaching 1,000 acres. It's a slow growing fire due to the cool temperatures and cloud cover of recent days, (LINK-F.)
.. The Buffalo Fire is also slow growing and is approaching 400 acres. It has given its' name to the complex of the current three fires in the west of the park, (LINK-B.)
.. The Boundary Fire was reported last night along the park boundary between Cougar Creek and West Yellowstone. The fire is just four miles north of West Yellowstone and 1/4 mile inside the park boundary. It is growing at a moderate rate and is about 200 acres. It is being actively monitored and fought with helicopters, airplanes, and fire crews. The ground crews have worked through the night. (LINK-CC.)

RESOURCES:

InciWeb (LINK-W)
Yellowstone Park Fire Activity (LINK-P)

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.. The smoke is affecting folks with respiratory problems and those with sensitivity to suspended particulates. Runny eyes and noses are common. Dry hacking coughing is also common.
.. Fishers are urged to avoid the fire areas and roads leading to them. Emergency vehicles have the right of way.
.. Avoid Duck Creek and Cougar Creek. Fish the Gallatin River - the fish are friendly and active. They even are looking up due to the ash and debris fall from the two northern most fires.
.. We're headed toward the little known meadow meanders of the South Fork of the Madison River. You won't see it mentioned by the counter help in this town - happily.

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WALLPAPER:  LIGHT LUNCH - RIB EYE

Quickies

SODA BUTTE . . FLUSHED

Lamar In Good Shape

madison cooling

WALLPAPER: A POOL ON THE LAMAR

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.. According to the National Park Service the poison has been flushed from Soda Butte Creek.
.. The 3,000 refugee Cutthroat Trout have been returned to the river. Should you be in that stretch above Ice Box Canyon we suggest that you say high to the fish and don't ask for a dance. Down low in the meadows and little prairies catching is progressing apace with the onslaught of Autumn.

SHUCKS TO YOU

.. With our last bit of atmospheric stability the Lamar River has blossomed into a wonderful destination. Terrestrials are first choice, followed by your favorite small and large mayflies. Baetids of a couple of sorts are the ticket on cloudy days.
.. The meadows above Virgina Cascades are attracting fishers to the colorful and willing Brook Trout. This segment of the Gibbon River is a catchers paradise and is entering the Fall with a good supply of ants, hoppers, and tromped down grass.

LOW AND SLOW

.. The cooling atmosphere and lowering of the sun has cooled off the Gibbon River in the big meadows. It's not at it's peak Fall condition, (at this moment,) but should be in the next week or two.
.. The Firehole River is cooling but not quickly enough for the neighborhood faithful. Patience is a virtue and the river should be ready in a few weeks. The fish should be well rested and ready for a Tango about September 23: solstice time.
.. The Madison River has managed a week of lowering temperatures. Folks are fishing in the mid 60° water. There are better choices on the west side of Yellowstone National Park. 
.. If you know where the cold springs are, and choose to fish the Madison River,  please use a short stout leader and horse the fish in and, release them quickly. No hero pictures necessary.
.. Duck Creek from the Highway 191 bridge to Hebgen Reservoir is attracting the attention of more than a few of our neighbors. Access is a little difficult along this short stretch and it is often overlooked by visiting head hunters.
.. Right now there are a few spruce moths swimming in the low and slow waters. Hoppers and beetles are enjoying the cool respite of a quick dip as well.
.. The estuarine waters of Grayling Creek, and up through the willow jungle below the historic old Post Office site is getting some attention from mature trout coming out of Hebgen Reservoir. Of course the trout are getting some attention from fishers coming out of West Yellowstone.
.. The catchers of fish are streaming to the Gallatin River. The ever cool water of this friendly little stream has an abundance of fish that are easy to find and will occasionally agree to dance with fishers.

PSEUDO HOPPER

.. The waters of Yellowstone National Park beckon the Autumn fishers of the world. They have heard the call are arriving by the busload.
.. We welcome them to our village. We direct them to the local feather merchants and tell them to heed the advice of the counter help.
.. They will buy a handful of flies. They will fish the glory waters. They will catch a fish. Have at it.
.. Motel rooms, for the Fall, are being reserved at a record pace. Hotels with international ownership are rising from the vacant lots around the village. Restaurants with honest international fare and chefs are making their presence felt. Goodbye to steak and eggs. Goodbye to biscuits and gravy. Hello to tapas with a Spanish owner. Hello to Tao's place. What an interesting time.
.. Tomorrow morning we're going to have a plate of baozi, a bowl of congee, some chicken feet and a glass of soy milk with our tea.
.. Then, after battling the willows of Notellum Creek, we're coming home to pulled pork and BBQ beans. Tradition will out.

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WALLPAPER:  DOWN HOME PLATE

A Couple More Days

GENTLE SEPTEMBER CONTINUES

Local Diversions Beckon

fish down low or climb stairs

UNCLE TOM'S TRAIL

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.. For those with a penchant for "nice" weather there's still a few days left before it becomes "seasonal" again.

.. If you must fish in the neighborhood, the possibilities are endless. Stay close and enjoy the sun along the Firehole River, Madison River, Gallatin River, Duck Creek, or the South Fork of the Madison River. Where else is there that much good fishing within a half hour?
.. With a short drive you can fish the lowland Madison River or climb some stairs and visit the lower falls of the Yellowstone River. So many choices it befuddles the brain.
..We may visit SCENIC BUTTE.

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WALLPAPER:  TAKE FIVE - SUNNY SEPTEMBER