Your Aerobic 4th

VERY EAGER FISH

Thin Cold Water

patience is rewarded

WHERE THE NEIGHBORS FISH

-------  

.. So, with a mid week FOURTH OF JULY the bookend weekends are very busy.
.. Yellowstone National Park is on pace for another record year and the fisher folk are thick as remoras on a nurse shark.

JOIN THIS LINE

.. Lines for the one lane park entrance through our village extend for a mile or more.
.. Waiting time can exceed an hour or more. It's like a buffalo jam but worse.
.. There is no need to expound upon the catching conditions for the popular crowded jam packed bits of our west side rivers.

ENTRANCE STATION OUT OF SIGHT

.. Recently the Firehole River has been blessed with cool weather and cool rains.
.. Little bugs are regular and predictable. Caddis and white millers are plentiful.
.. The counter help at the feather merchants are up to speed and can provide you with decent, (if slightly dated,) information. Use them and enjoy the camaraderie of the dusty aisles.
.. The same is true of the Madison River. If you can find a safe parking place  - - - go for it and, join the throngs. We welcome you to our village and the rivers on this side of the park.
.. Even the poisoned Gibbon River has some fish in it below Virginia Cascades. There is even a pod of Grayling in the campground meadows.

-----  

.. For those of you willing to forego the elbow display and parade of mobile condominiums, there is a lovely little, (and sadly unloved,) stream that is far from the maddening crowds. It's name is Fan Creek.

FAN CREEK:  VIEW TO THE ROAD

.. This little creek has profited from the cooler weather and the sporadic rains. It is running clear and cold. There were even some spent spawners still in the deep holes yesterday.
.. It's not easy fishing and fails to attract the visitor because it requires stealth, patience, observation, and a modicum of water savvy.
.. Most of the best places are guarded by thick willows with no pounded down trails. Occasionally there are moose in the willows. Even the bears are a bit shy of entering where moose may be.

FAN CREEK:  VIEW OF THE CREEK

.. Should you choose to follow the trail from the parking lot to the creek you will bypass a few hundred yards of deep holes, good holding water, thin riffles and, many eager fish.
.. There are fish under every bank. Many are very small. All are eager eaters. This is a creek that allows you to use your winter rejected flies with impunity. With a bit of stealth you may even be able to cast to a 12" monster on the surface.

WIDE SPOT - -  WAY UP HIGH

.. By the time you get to the thick willow meadows by the current and previous beaver ponds you will find the creek hidden from view.
.. The meander bends are deeper than expected in this stretch.
.. Depending on where the sun is; those fish could be or, not be where they are expected.
.. Should you choose to sample only the bottom reaches it is possible to access the Gallatin River at the bridge and fish up to the confluence with Fan Creek.

CONFLUENCE: FAN & GALLATIN

.. The bridge pool, (both sides of the road,) can hold fish in the shade and the dark pockets between the boulder riffles. The riffle and run stretch along the steep headland is very productive nymph water for big bugs and, yellow ones as well.
.. The green growth this year is nearly blinding. This has been a Springtime for growing. Willows, grasses and sedges, are crowding each other and look like one big plant throughout the meadows.

FOR A WET YEAR

.. Wet years produce a fine crop of mosquitoes. If you tie 'em, use em.  This is the perfect time and place.
.. We anticipate a good hopper hatch in about six weeks. The beetles are already showing themselves along the elk trails and crumbled bank.
.. The best part of this little creek is that you can spend the first half of the day fishing up the stream and then fish back down in the afternoon or evening.
.. You can fish the same spots and even catch the same fish - if your stealth skills are good and you have some small binoculars and a bit of patience.

GET IT !

.. There are other small waters throughout Yellowstone National Park. They are less fished. They are not for the headhunter or glory water fans.
.. They all have fish and, right now, the catching is as good as it has been in the last five years - - maybe more.
.. Explore some and catch many.  Have a great Fourth Of July and don't forget the bear spray!

-----  

BILLIE'S SPIDER

.. Morning is still coming after daylight. We'll manage. And, fools that we are; we're headed back out into the fray. The wind is up and we have a 10' four weight with a spider that ought to fool a few fish into a mid day dance.
.. Yep! Bright sun and spiders dancing near an undercut bank. It's an old fishers' trick.

-------  

WALLPAPER:   BISTEC a la MEXICANA

What's It All About ?

AGAINST THE CURRENT

Roll In The Rocks

get poked in the mouth

..

-------

.. Full bore until November 6, (or thereabout!) Hie thee hither and join the fun frustration elation disappointment joy satisfaction that derives from poking a slimy fish with a sharp instrument.

PICK YOUR POISON

.. For the moment the rivers on the west side of Yellowstone National Park are living up to their fabled glory.
.. This is the yesterday you should have been here for.

PICK YOUR POISON

.. Neither the recent warm weather nor the rise in both temperature and discharge has deterred the fish from biting or even the fishers from flinging.
.. These few days of so called "Indian Summer" have brought the casual and the committed together in a nudging of elbows. Post card views abound and are wasted on the small sensors of cell phones: the result of learning to converse with one's thumbs.

THE GREEN LEG WOOLLY BUGGER

.. Right now it's streamer heaven.
.. Streamers are the preferred sort of fly for most of the hard striding headhunters. Soft hackles reign for the fishers of fish.
.. There was an eruption of small caddis on the Madison River near the Barns Holes this afternoon.
.. There were noses everywhere and not a single streamer could match the hatch.

BAKER'S HOLE BUGGER

.. Green legged Woolly Buggers were used by a couple of the neighbors to take some "decent sized" runners. Visitors were using the ever popular Baker's Hole Bugger.
.. This fly is not limited to the water around Baker's Hole. It is mostly confined to the dusty bins of some local feather merchants.

YE OLDE PHEASANT AND BLUE

.. One or two of the neighbors, (those with memories as long as their beards,) continue to use the old Pheasant and Blue Streamer.
.. It has an obscure history in these parts and is only used by the most grumpy of the most successful fishers on our block. 
.. Many of the more normal of our neighbors have resorted to conventional wisdom, (highly unusual,) and tied on flies from their 'softie' box.

BEAD HEAD SOFTIE

.. One of the favorites for getting stuck in a rock is the Soft Hackle Bead Head Caddis Nymph. We're not sure if this is offered by the local feather merchants or not.
.. Right now, (the last few days,) this aberration is dredging up some bragging sized fish on the Firehole River near Biscuit Basin and in the water below the confluence with Nez Perce Creek.
.. We've not mentioned Nez Perce Creek much this season, (probably because we've been fishing it and enjoyed the lack of visitors on the Mary Mountain Trail.)

TRADITIONAL SOFT HACKLE

.. This unloved little sister of its master stream is spewing out fish by the apron full.
.. Olive or, green or. brown traditional soft hackles with just a bit of twinkle will prove the point.
.. Even the most cantankerous of our local curmudgeons have fallen into lock step behind the visitors using these classic bits of fluff.
..The fling'em'n'float'em crowd is still getting their kicks with BWO's, (when the clouds are right,) and with the steady afternoon caddis hatch on most days and places.
..We can only report some of the pub chatter about the mayflies that are currently hatching: "they are more green, more bright, and bigger than usual." We wouldn't know.

-----

.. It's getting late and tomorrow promises to be another bluebird day, (until late afternoon.)
.. When the clouds come scudding over the divide about 4:00 PM it should be gang busters on the Firehole River, Nez Perce Creek, and the Gallatin River, (above the Bighorn trail head.)
.. There are reports of big bears in the willows along this part of the Gallatin River. There are also reports of moose, wolves, and giant fish running up from the roadside meadows around the Fan Creek confluence.
.. In no way shape, sign, or show should you fish this area with out some other fishers that know how to make noise. Neither should you venture forth without a large canister of bear spray in your hand - NOT ON YOUR BELT!
.. Time now for a bedtime story and some sustenance. Tomorrow promises to be spectacular for both fish and fishers.

-------

WALLPAPER:  SALSICCIA SANDWICHES IN PREPARATION

Pack It In ??

FIREHOLE IS HOT

Madison Is Too

gibbon & gallatin o.k.

WALLPAPER:   SWIM HERE - FORGET FISHING

-------

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

A TOUCH OF YELLOW

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

SHADOWS:  UPPER FIREHOLE

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

LITTLE BROWN TROUT

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

FEATHER DUSTER

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

BAD FOR TREES - GOOD FOR CATCHING

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

FRIENDLY SPECIMEN CREEK

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

-----

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

-------

WALLPAPER:  RHUBARB CRISP - YUM

Mom's Gift

WARM AND WET

Fish Being Kind

best last week ever ?

WALLPAPER:  MORNING MISTS - MADISON RIVER

-------

.. 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.

-------

WALLPAPER:  POTATO LATKES

Smoke And Moon

MAPLE FIRE HOT

West Entrance Attraction

fish the 6 am moon

MAPLE FIRE AT 7-MILE  BRIDGE

-------

.. The Maple Fire, (LINK 1,) has grown to 14,000 acres and is less than a mile from the West Entrance Road. It is moving toward Grasshopper Bank and 7-mile bridge.
.. It has become a Yellowstone National Park attraction for visitors. It is in an old burn area from the 1988 fires and produces quite a bit of smoke.
.. Visitors are warned to use headlights and drive very cautiously when the smoke covers the road. Rangers are along the road to assist with traffic and crowd control.
.. The inversion and the north winds are back for the day and smoke and ash are visiting West Yellowstone. Cool nights and low fuel content have kept the fire in its current slow progress mood. A wind shift later today or tomorrow along with higher temperatures should push the fire back to the north and east.

EARLY BUFFALO FIRE

.. The Buffalo Fire is impacting fishing at SLOUGH CREEK, (LINK 2.)

 Closures:

Campsites: 2S1, 2S2, 2S3, 2S4, 2S6, 2S7, 2S8
• Existing reservations will be allowed to finish their stays, however no new reservations
Trails
• Buffalo Fork Trail from the trailhead at Slough Creek north to the Park boundary.
• The Slough Creek trail is open for day-use and thru travel

-----

..We've been remiss in reporting the last few days. The catching on the GALLATIN RIVER has been just too good.

LOOKS LIKE THIS

.. There have been some ant swarms reported - we haven't been lucky enough to see them but, the bounty is on the water.
.. Near the park boundary and three to four miles upstream, (or down to TAYLOR FORK,) your favorite ant pattern will gather up the fish.
.. It is useful to arise with the setting  moon, (hard as that may be.) It's a lovely orange at 6:00 AM and by the time you're on the water the fish will be more than happy to entertain you.
.. The FAN CREEK trail is still open, (for now,) and the trout have recently come alive with boisterous behavior. It's smokey and eye watering. This is a grand place to use up your winter fly tying experiments. Float 'em or sink them - the fish won't care.

JUST THE TICKET

.. Catching on the SOUTH FORK OF THE MADISON RIVER has slowed just a bit. The thin water along the road still holds some heroic fish of the 8" to 10" variety. These are "one cast" fish and demand a modicum of stealth and observation. Have at it - there are oodles and boodles of them.
.. There has been an interesting hatch of caddisflies on the little branch and the neighbors have found it delightful. It's not in the park but, hey it's easy catching.

WAY UP BACON RIND CREEK

.. Bacon Rind Creek continues to be popular with day hikers, photographers, and the occasional fisher.
.. The willows in the long meadow have become thick and the trails beat by fishers are a genuine nuisance to follow - however, a three foot cast with five feet of line and an 18" leader will do you well for fooling the fish.

ORANGE GOOFUS

.. Beetles, ants, hoppers, and other curious flies will be readily accepted as an invitation to dance. Walk softly, point you rod behind you, sneak to the water and whoop with joy at the gullibility of the 6"  to 10" jewels.
.. Time to tend the BBQ. Our smoke, the fires' smoke, the neighbors' smoke and the still days have created an overwhelming olfactory sensation the last couple of days.

-------

WALLPAPER: PINEAPPLE RIBS - REAL BBQ