Rare Indeed

SIGHTS TO SEE

Asphalt In February

vehicles with skies locked out

WEST ENTRANCE ROAD: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK.

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.. Despite rumors to the contrary; Yellowstone National Park is open year 'round. Access varies with the season and transportation varies with the snow conditions.


ROOT OF THE GALLATIN MOUNTAIN RANGE

.. Currently the west entrance is only allowing vehicles to enter that have motive power presenting "Rubber To The Road".
.. This means that snowmachines, and other vehicles with metal skis, grousers, or cleats cannot enter the west entrance. Those vehicles, on the other hand, can enter the south and east entrance where snow still covers the road.
.. Snowmobiles, van conversions, and vintage tour vehicles with skis are parked at Madison Junction for those visitors that prefer those modes of transport to Canyon, Norris, Lake, and other points in the interior of the park.

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..  Depending on the mountain range and exposure of our neighborhood snowtel stations we're showing somewhere between 70% and 84% of our seasonal mean snow pack. Not too terrible considering the warm spell we just endured.

ELK AT 7-MILE BRIDGE

.. Fishers and foresters are keeping a close watch on weather systems. Should Springtime bring warm rains in the coming weeks the snowpack will diminish considerably. Should the grasses grow rapidly in the absence of snow and should the Summer dry out there could be a precarious fire season. Fishers are constantly concerned about runoff, stream flow, and discharge rates. We'll keep you informed.
.. These mild winters are easy on most wildlife. There are not too many elk with prominent displays of ribs, nor too many bison with slow gaits. Both predator and prey seem to be doing well. There are fish rising in the west side rivers and so far the shallows look to be deep enough to allow hatching and nursery habitation.
.. We're headed up the road. It looks like some of the estuaries are open enough to allow legal fishing. If not then dances between the lakes will be entertaining.

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WALLPAPER: HOE CAKES, HAM STEAK, BLACK EYED PEAS

Anxiety Attack

VISITORS RUSH IN

Neighbors Into The Fray

the weekend looks spectacular

JUST AS PROUD AS BRONZED BABY SHOES

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.. Flipping coins to decide if it's elk or trout is a nightly ritual in the man caves and pubs of town.
.. Although fishing will continue after Yellowstone National Park closes - close it will. On the other hand, early hunters have better chances than later stalkers. It's a tough decision.
.. The young lions have already opted for the fur rather than the fin. We old farts are tottering to the park to get in a few last days of thrashing the water and punishing the fish. Codgers, eschew hollofil for wool. They prefer the soft rubbing sounds to the crinkly snapping noise of the synthetics. This is the weekend for wool: musty, aromatic, fragrant, warm-when-wet, wool.

Destination For Fall Fishing

.. The clouds spit at us: a smattering of snow and rain. A bit of wind and snow and hail is visiting us now and for the next few days.
.. The youngsters are hunkered down in the dripping woods with their eyes welded to spotting scopes.
.. The codgers are dodging mud puddles on the way to the rivers. It's a schizoid time of the year: hunt or fish, rain or snow, sun or clouds, cool or cold, truly anxiety producing.
.. The one persistent and constant element in the mix is the cold one at the end of the day. Yet, even that is polarized.
.. Weeks old hoppy beer stands in opposition to years-old malted distillates. Musty wool faces twinkly Dacron. Conversation see-saws between calibers and hook sizes. Jokes and observations alternate between between tales of spine shivering whistles just behind the next tree and wrist rattling takes of sexed-up Brown Trout. The tales, (and tails,) of Fall are in the air and in the pubs.
.. Judging by the conversations of the hunters - it's been good. Judging by the conversations of fishers it's been good and getting better. Fresh fish are still entering the rivers and the low water makes sticking them a cinch - sort of.
.. There is not too much to tell about flies and rods, and fishing locations. Use them all: all fly patterns, all rods that suit your fancy, all locations that you can get to.
.. Sort of like elk hunting: .338 Lapua, .300 Mag., 6.5 x .284, on the flats, in the bottoms, up the mountains, Sako, Savage, Remington, Winchester, Browning, Kimber, Ruger, Marlin, Weatherby, etc.
.. We've got too little energy to do both. Hell, little enough energy to do just one. We'll waddle to the water and stick a fish and wander back home. We'll find the neighbors at the watering hole. We'll listen to the cross-sport conversations. We'll have very little to add. We'll play the memory reel in our head and smile and nod. We will, however, sip with the best of them.
.. We will, also, get up late this weekend and fish the park as it closes.

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Huntin',  Fishin',  Climbin',  Scramblin' Rig - A Neighborhood Constant.

Addendum

RESOURCES AND NOTES

Not Just Fish

the nps is hard at work

Wallpapper: Water Lily At Isa Lake

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.. There has been some stirring amongst the natives, (two legged variety,) since our post about the killing of fish in Grayling Creek.
.. This was not a sneak attack. We posted about the planning meetings for the native fish conservation plan a few years back (LINK.) We've posted followup notes as well, (this blog is searchable.)
.. To help bring concerned fishers up to speed, the list below will provide current and background information about this plan. You may also directly contact the staff at Yellowstone National Park for current and planned activities within this multi-year project,

GRAYLING CREEK NEWS RELEASE,
NPS PAGE,
EA DOCUMENT (in three sections,)
FONSI.
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.. There are a few other actions that will probably affect fishers and winter visitors as well. Below are some links to those plans and actions.

Bridge over Isa Lake - plans to close the south loop road  in 2014 and 2015 to rebuild the bridge and bring it up to contemporary standards, this action is open for public comment. (LINK)

Winter use plan ratified - new definitions are decided upon and "Transportation Events" have been codified. Regulations to implement the decisions will be released shortly. (LINK)

Summer 2013 bison count released - the population increase is within the parameters expected for wild bison. They drink from trout streams. (LINK)

Illegal trail in Bechler to be removed - this trail is one that is used to access portions of the Bechler area. Portions of the park will be closed during restoration of the damaged environment. (LINK)

Grizzly encounter thwarted by bear spray - a sow defending her cub charged a group of hikers on the Cygnet Lakes Trail. Bites and scratches were the result. Bear spray works. (LINK)

Fall is approaching and the elk are cavorting - people and vehicles are at risk from rutting elk. Fishers should use caution when wandering around while looking for fish. (LINK)
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If you have questions about park actions or policies you can contact the park personnel directly. The first, and best avenue is:

Al Nash or Dan Hottle
(307) 344-2015

OR

YELL_Public_Affairs@nps.gov

These folks can answer your questions and address your concerns. They will put you in touch with the appropriate staff for detailed information, should you need it.

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Swollen neck, drippy nose, runny eyes, inflamed nasal passages, panting past enlarged tongue: ain't love grand?

All Messed Up

EYES WATERING

Nose Running, Neck Swollen

tongue hanging out

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.. Runner fever is competing with the elk rut. Interestingly, the elk have just barely started to mill around while the fisher folks are all pretending that there are runners to be had. Such a sorry state of affairs. Patience, in this case, is more than a virtue: it's a necessity.

.. The giant elk are still in the high country. The giant runners are still podded-up in the estuary arms of Hebgen Reservoir. We've not even had a spit of snow, nor a really hard freeze, (31° F is not a hard one at all !!)
.. For the time being there is great fishing to be had - both inside Yellowstone National Park & around the periphery. There are still gulpers on the lake, and the monster Trico hatches seem to just be starting.
.. The Firehole River is beginning to behave like a Fall river. There is fog and mist in the cool mornings and surface fishers are competing with streamer fishers for the once again active fish. Many fishers are still wearing out the drag on big fish in the tribs. The concentration of fish moving out of Iron Spring Creek and the Little Firehole River is drawing a symphony of elbows in and around Biscuit Basin.

.. Hoppers persist in the meadows of the Madison River. They are also all along the park line from The Barns Holes to Baker's Hole - and a bit beyond at the edge of the trees on The Flats.
.. The muck and mire of the Grayling Creek estuary and the Duck Creek estuary show the post holes of knowledgeable fishers as they cast to the staging fish waiting to sniff their way home to a sexual frenzy.

.. We've been on the Gallatin River of late. The purple San Juan Worm, little Purple Beetles, and Elk Hair Caddis with a Feather Duster Dropper are all excellent choices for catching.
.. Some of the die-hard surface-fishing neighbors swear by a Royal Wulff or a Royal Coachman. Others fish a Humpy and call it a Goofus Bug, (oldsters they are, some even tie the Goofus Bug.)
.. The bears seem to be everywhere. A sow grizzly and cub are around Specimen Creek - still! There is a giant cinnamon colored black bear near and around the confluence meadows of Fan Creek. Remember to fish with a friend, sing very loud ribald songs, and have your bear spray in your shooting hand.
.. Finally, (for now,) Nez Perce Creek, above the thermal features has been producing some outsized fish to rather large soft hackles in hues of yellow and orange. The local fishers prefer to call the colors "Dark Mustard," and "Burnt Umber." We've seen them. They are yellow and orange. Certainly not available at any self-respecting feather merchant in this neck of the woods.

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Coming 'Round

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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Good Grunge

RAIN, SLEET, GRAUPEL

Very Sweet Weather

pansies stay home

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.. There's been enough sun to let us know it still exists. There's been enough snow to decorate the mountains. There's been enough cool to keep the cold at bay.
.. There's been enough rain to mess with the rivers. There's been enough fish to make it a joy for those that really want them.
.. There's been enough absentee fishers to make the water inviting. And, mom says: " . . . another 6 days of about the same."
.. The Firehole River above it's falls is full of eager fish just waiting to eat the last soft hackle of the year.
.. The fish above Old Faithful are waiting for nothing and ravenous for anything that floats or sinks.
.. The fish between the falls and the confluence are tired of being stabbed in the lip - but still taking Soft Hackles and Woolly Buggers. Even the sacrilegious 'Gob-O-Worms' is scoring big time. We must be in the terminal stages of Fall!

..On the Madison River 'runner fever' has finally made itself apparent. The density of plump Rainbow Trout and slithery Brown Trout is finally at the "CAN'T MISS" point. Fishers haven't figured it out and are staying away in droves. It's just plain nice on the rivers right now.
.. The willow bottoms of Grayling Creek, Duck Creek, and the Madison River are currently hosting hunters, bears, moose, elk, ducks, and fish. Few fisher folks dare brave this jungle - that's probably best.

.. We've another few days of fishing in Yellowstone National Park. The weather is miserably inviting and the fish are cooperating with a frenzied style that beckons us.
.. We've no time for gallantry, gentility, flowery prose, or fantasy fishing - we're off to the water. Torture, maim, and frighten the little devils: 'tis the season!
.. If you need a Yellowstone fix before the snow flies in earnest get here however you can. The roads are empty, the bears are prowling, the elk are screaming, the fish are biting, and all is well with the world.

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Fair Chase

LESS THAN 40 MILES
FROM HOME

On Horses

no fences

(click to appreciate)

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.. Just a note about the neighbors. Get up early. Pick your spot. Ride quietly. Stalk correctly. Aim well. Shoot. 85 yards.
.. Not a fence in sight. Not a fence for 10 miles. Just 35 miles from home. Should score near 400.
.. Back to fishing tomorrow.

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Drive By Shooting In Yellowstone

PREGNANT MOTHER SHOT DURING EVENING MEAL: CULPRITS ESCAPE UNHARMED AND WITHOUT PURSUIT,

It's an all too common occurrence in our nation's first national park. Unsuspecting residents are preyed upon by gangs of interlopers in large black sedans wielding high-tech weapons. The busy summer season is the worst and many, if not most of the residents avoid the roads at that time.

It's the early springtime days and the gentle Autumn afternoons that pose the greatest threat. Residents return to their lowland gardens to find the ambuscadoes around every turn. What's a mother to do?

Not All Fishing

GET UP EARLY

Walk Around

smell the elk
report to follow

wallpaper if you like

211 Days & Counting

AS DR. SEUSS SAID:

"Don't cry because it's over. ---
Smile because it happened." **

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.. Yesterday was a 'bad hair day' for the girls on the west side of Yellowstone National Park.
..They dealt with it admirably and napped in the warmth of a beautifully gray afternoon.


.. Sunday November 1, 2009 marks the end of fishing in Yellowstone National Park. It's been a year of stories and memories not soon forgotten. From the record high Spring runoff to the return of fabled submarines from Hebgen Reservoir it's been a season of superlatives.
.. Although we sorely missed our Gibbon Canyon fishing, there were ample opportunities in the neighborhood that provided solace for it's absence.
.. And, next year promises a new look and new opportunities for dancing with rested fish. We'll be among the first to help bring them back to a wary state.
.. This week the gray days have persisted and the fish have loved it - fishers too. Squadrons of bugs hatching on the Firehole River have been greeted by only a very few fishers. The fish were there, in numbers, however!
.. Parking is not a problem and elbows have disappeared from many of the pools and runs. Fish on the Firehole River seem to know that molestation is about to end. They were seen cavorting in the air along the old freight road - in groups!
.. The gentle snow and moderate temperatures drew a crowd of stalwart fishers to the Madison River yesterday. It's possible that everyone that wanted a partner had at least a few dances. The weather is holding for today and tomorrow, and although not much fishing will be done on Sunday, it's a fitting end to a wonderful season.
.. There is still a lot of fishing to be done in the neighborhood - fear not. And with the closure of the park, the neighbors look forward to some of the best catching of the year. We'll bring you the blow-by-blow details; for sure.
.. Wrap-up report tomorrow. It's getting late, the coffee's cold and there's more fishing and catching to be done. It's time for our annual ritual: exercise of the Halloween Leech.

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Went Fishing - Found Elk

THE GIRLS ARE
VERY PRETTY

Enormous Bandwidth

click on images for high resolution - enjoy

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.. A very pretty, precocious and curious pregnant mother-to-be found us fishing far from the symphony of elbows along a quiet stretch of river. She belched and we could smell her breath. She left, we fished.