Rebound

SLEEPING WEATHER

Hopper Torpor

large pods sighted

WALLPAPER:   MADISON SMOKE AND SUNRISE

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.. So then, we received a blessed couple of days of sleeping weather. It slowed the terrestrials, surprised the dudes and newcomers, wilted the pansies, and - best of all - soothed the souls of our overextended front line workers.

.. As previously mentioned, both fishing and catching have been very good. All of our local streams and rivers and lakes and ponds have settled into their seasonal excellence.

BY THE NUMBERS

LITTLE FRIENDS

1]  Firehole River. The canyon above Old Faithful showing some early spawners. The gentle water on the Lone Star Geyser Trail has the most beautiful brook trout in the park. They are just lighting up now and taking anything that you throw. Biscuit Basin is becoming cool and look for Baetids after this weekend - otherwise hoppers late afternoon and soft hackles all of the time.

2] Madison River. Small streamers everywhere, hoppers and other terrestrials in the afternoon warm meadows, exploration of the last 3 miles for the adventurous seeking early runners.

BIG EYES

3] Gallatin River. Spawners above Bighorn Pass trailhead. It's a trek but, with good legs, worth it. Hoppers and ants when warm in grassy areas. Spawners nosing around Bacon Rind confluence. Small spawners near other tributaries. Soft hackles and small streamers working. Small fish all through Grayling Creek.

4] Hebgen Reservoir. If its warm and, with no wind the calibaetis are still there. Cool morning in all tributaries will find clouds of tricos. Below the dam is full of hungry resident fish and, Quake Lake near the outlet has pods of streamer-hungry fish, (near the trees.)

SELDOM FISHED

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.. Coming  attractions: Saturday rain, Sunday heavy overcast, Monday broken clouds and warming. This is coming on a perfect weekend!

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WALLPAPER:  QUICK TOSTADA

Road Work

STARTS NOW

Be Very Careful

an essential service

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.. In the midst of our current trials the Montana Department Of Transportation is continuing with extensive improvements to Highway 191 north of West Yellowstone.
.. This is the most significant, (and disruptive,) of the recent  work on this section of highway. We take this opportunity to post the entire notice for our highway department.

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US Highway 191 near West Yellowstone draws thousands of drivers each year, many on their way to witness the beauty of Yellowstone National Park. Roads in this region are seeing increasing usage on top of wear-and-tear from harsh winters and frequent underground geologic activity. As a result, US Highway 191 between Big Sky and West Yellowstone has degraded, showing numerous cracks and potholes. It needs to be rehabilitated.
To ensure this roadway remains safe and smooth for the thousands of drivers on this route for years to come, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will complete the Highway 191 – North of West Yellowstone project.
23 miles of roadway improvements will include:

• Creation of a northbound left turn lane at Rainbow Point Road
• Bridge crossing repairs over Specimen Creek and the Gallatin River
• Installation of new guardrail
• Road resurfacing

What to Expect

The project is split into two, with a roughly five-mile gap between construction areas: 1.) A turn lane will be constructed at Rainbow Point Road, north of West Yellowstone, to provide safer access for the growing communities along the roadway. 2.) The road will be repaved from Grayling Creek by US Forest Service Road 986 to Tepee Creek Trailhead by Elk Horn Ranch Road.
Work for both projects is expected to begin early May and last through August 2020. Traffic will be limited to one lane. Work on the turn lane at Rainbow Point Road will be slightly delayed until June to allow for bison herd migration in the spring. These timelines are all weather dependent.
Drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes in each construction zone from early May through August. Work is expected to occur in daylight hours, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 5-minute delays should be expected during non-work hours.

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Weekly updates are available throughout construction. To sign up:

• Email: Takami
• SMS Text Update: HIGHWAY191 to 41411
• Project hotline: 406-207-4484 during business hours

Recycling Pavement

MDT recognizes that for many Montanans, our environment is key to our wellbeing. As part of each project, we identify ways to limit our impacts as much as possible. For this project, we are utilizing an environmentally-friendly technique called "hot-in-place recycling" to improve the road.
During the warmest months of the year, July and August, conditions are best for repaving. This process involves three main steps:

1. Crews align equipment in a "train." The first driver manages a heater that heats the roadway to the point where the top layer becomes soft and removable.
2. A second worker assists in removing the surface layer of asphalt. They mix it with rejuvenator which helps restore the asphalt to a like-new condition.
3. The “caboose” works on laying the asphalt back down on the road, as if they were laying new asphalt.

This technique reduces the amount of mining needed and requires fewer asphalt trucks, making it more environmentally friendly. Crews use the existing asphalt and recycle it to prolong the life of the road. Through this recycling, we continue to keep good roads good and our state beautiful.

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.. Our village continues to show increased activity as shops show signs of life. The Post Office has cars and bicycles clustered around it. The hardware store has cautious activity and, correctly parked pickumups, (how unusual.)

LIMITED CHOICES

.. The grocery stores still have empty shelf sections but there are small amounts of toilet paper on display. Product limits are still in place and "spit, (sneeze,) guards" have made their appearance around the checker stations.
.. Interestingly some excellent produce and meat cuts have made their appearance. Shopping early has it's rewards. Avocados are still grossly oerpriced as are the excellent rib eye steaks. Such is life.
.. A few more of the neighbors are venturing to the nearby fishing locations. Big Grizzle Bears and giant Black Bears have been reported close to town. Even the South Fork Moose Family is close to the bridge:  AND = even on the road west of town.

THE ORIGINAL BLUE BOTTOM

.. Sneaky fisher folks have invaded the mushy, slushy, gooey, bottoms of Grayling Creek, Cabin Creek and, even Beaver Creek at the Quake Lake estuary. They have ignored the water below Hebgen Dam to allow the spawners a rest and, avoid trampling the redds. Also, there are too many Lexus and 'TRD' pickups from Utah.
.. Some surface action on Cabin Creek and in the Grayling Creek bottoms is being reported. The neighbors fly of choice is the Original Blue Bottom which can be fished on top or underneath - such fun.
.. We apologize for the erratic schedule of our posts. It has something to do with couch time and, garden time and, streaming 'B' movies from the 50's.

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WALLPAPER:  STANDARD AMERICAN BREAKFAST

Hot Right Now

OLDIES

But Goodies

in a trout's eye

WALLPAPER:  BUNCH O' DUSTERS

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.. A couple of the neighbor kids are busy replenishing their supplies of Feather Dusters.
.. It's an old favorite in our neighborhood. It's not touted by the counter help at the local feather merchants - probably no cheap commercial source.

ORIGINAL FEATHER DUSTER

.. Ever since Wally Eagle started tying them they have been in all the neighborhood fly boxes, (STORY HERE [scroll down].)
.. The original pattern was made from a feather duster that Wally used in the fly shop. It's colors were constrained by the ostrich feathers in that one item.

PINK FEATHER DUSTER

.. Of course, over time, our local mob has modified the little darling and we now have a wide variety of variants.
.. As the kids tie, they try. Right now the pink variant is red pink hot. Call it an egg. Call it an attractor. Call it what you wish: it's doing a job in the local waters.
.. The yellow vatiant will come into it's own in a very short time and is often used as a dropper behind the early caddis hatch patterns (late mom's day this year.)

SULFUR FEATHER DUSTER

.. Large pink ones are often dropped early below a stonefly pattern: even below giant Salmonfly patterns.
.. We seldom mention this pattern because it is often taken for granted as 'in the box.'
.. But, as right now, when it is bending rods, twirling reels and, clicking clickers - we let you in on the action.
.. It is being used at the edge of the ice and along the rip rap on Hebgen Reservoir. It is scoring very well in the spawning areas Between The Lakes.

RUBBER BAND CADDIS

.. Even the kids with the sled have reported exceptional action at the South Fork Estuary.
.. Some success was also noted at the frozen springs near the mouth of Grayling Creek, This is tough to get to but highly productive this time of year.
.. You can get fairly easy access if you enter at the old Grayling Creek Post Office Site.

GRAYLING CREEK ACCESS

.. You can park at the turn out and take the trail by the NO TRESPASSING sign.
.. The cattail/willow marsh is still partially frozen and you should not step in any open spaces.
.. Drop a feather duster below something that floats very good and let the gentle currents from under the ice carry it to the fish.

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.. Tomorrow is GOOD FRIDAY. Even though Germany forbids dancing and horse racing we should not worry. The West Entrance of YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK will open it's gates.
.. It looks to be a postcard day. Bright blue skies with billowing white clouds will give visitors many opportunities for "THAT PHOTO."
.. It should be 60°F by early afternoon - and there is a predicted high of 65°F around 5:00 or 6:00 PM. We ordered it up just for y'all.

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.. We should spend the rest of the day in productive chore elimination routines. It is Spring and there is much to do. However a mosey through town and to the gossip spots is in order. Besides that, there are some groceries to gather up.

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WALLPAPER: CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

WALLPAPER: COUNTRY FRIED STEAK

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

And A Happy New Year

TOWN FILLED UP

Town Hung Over

time to take stock

WALLPAPER:  DEGLAZE IT

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.. With great heroism and mighty resolve we arose at 10:00 AM, stumbled to the prearranged coffee pot, flipped the switch and sought great aunt Mildred's remedy.
.. By noon the party had cleared out and the mess was cleaned up, dishes done, shanks browned, and a mirepoix ready to be deglazed.

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.. Reflection is a soothing pastime for the morning after and most fitting for the first day of this new year. The last one was long by an extra second and, felt far shorter.

EAT MORE GUACAMOLE

.. Last year we fished and caught more and addressed this epistle less.
.. We retired once again and it seems to have stuck this time.
.. New Year's Resolutions can be either trite or momentous. We've made a few of both kinds.
.. Despite the outrageous prices of the avocado up here we resolve to eat more of them. Eat avocados in guacamole or, in omelets or, with bacon or, with just a spoon and, some salt - or sugar - or smoky lentils. This should be an easy resolution to keep.

Contemporary Conversation

.. Despite our rusty wheels and curlycue lumbar region we resolve to revisit those Yellowstone waters that we first met over 50 years ago. It shall be a chore, of course. But the reminiscences will be worth it - cell phones and elbows be damned.
.. Two resolutions should be enough for this year.

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.. Our water year still has possibilities. Snow depth is up and water content is down. We're hoping for a good run off. The rivers need it. Of course that delays the best catching for a year. We'll take it.
.. This Spring, in Grayling Creek,  the new resident grayling should be mature and feisty; we're going to dance with a few of them.

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WHAT A HOOT !!

.. Already the ice on Hebgen Reservoir is getting punched full of auger holes and giant whitefish are making their presence known. No monster trout yet but they will be taken soon enough.
.. The sun is out and the midges are frolicking Between The Lakes. If it wasn't for the cornbread we'd trot out there and try out one of the neighbors' latest creations, the Fan Wing Rubber Legs Royal Coachman.

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NEEDS CAST IRON

.. The cornbread is out and the pork shanks smell just grand. Time for the black eyed peas.
.. We're doing it again: from the Deep South this time. Food drives some of us. Some folks work to eat. Some folks eat to work. We're not sure where we fall but the food is important.

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WALLPAPER:   JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

Sure Signs

ICE OUT

Mostly

little open shoreline

WALLPAPER:  VIEW TO THE DIVIDE

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.. About 3/4 of the Madison Arm of Hebgen Reservoir is ice free.
.. The winds and caprice of Mom have conspired to keep the north shore of the reservoir pretty clogged with ice.

BANK FULL GRAYLING CREEK

.. The best, (most easily accessible,) shore with open water is around Kirkwood.
.. Catching is absolutely nuts right now. Even the most jaded of our neighbors have smiles to match their outspread arms as they discuss the fish.

ICE OUT ARRIVALS

.. All  of the tributaries are ice free and the snow is lingering in shadows and other north facing protected areas.
.. The distinct signs that Spring is here to stay are punctuated by the arrivals of the migrant osprey and eagles.
.. Although we have a few resident eagles that hang around for the Winter the osprey are a most welcome sight. They seldom arrive before the fishing gets good.

FISH HERE

..The west side of Yellowstone National Park is now fully accessible and the National Park Service is busy cleaning up the roads and the abundance of downed trees.
.. We'll have a report after we see where they have moved the rivers to this year.
.. The village is still on the quiet side and parking is abundant. It's even possible to visit with the neighbors at the grocery store without an interpreter.
.. It's way early and we need some sausage.

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WALLPAPER:  GRAYLING TANGLE

Currently

SLOW MELT

Slow Breakup

neighbors to neighbors

WALLPAPER:  GREAT SPRINGS BAY

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.. It's a bit odd for this time of year. Yellowstone Lake is breaking up nicely and the outlet is full of icebergs chugging down the Yellowstone River.
.. Quake Lake has some clear and fishable water at both the inlet and outlet. The boulder field above the debauchery is still a bit treacherous for aged legs to navigate. The inlet is seeing some heavy visitation clear down to Beaver Creek which is finally flowing nicely.
.. The surprise is that only bits of the inflow estuaries at Hebgen Reservoir are clear enough to legally fish. All of the major tributaries to the reservoir are flowing nicely. There is a good, (read dangerous,) slushy layer across most of the water BUT, the shoreline is being stingy about giving up open water.
.. The fishing neighbors among us are busy renewing congenial relations with other neighbors for access to those small bits of the reservoir that need ingress through private property.
.. There are, (not so secret - but seldom exploited.) warm springs that debauch along the shoreline of the reservoir. All but one, (that we know of,) require the traversing of private property. It's usually quite a long trek through mushy and messy snow.
.. The open water at the Great Springs Embayment is concentrating both fish and waterfowl in a glorious Spring extravaganza. Catching is spectacular as this is the largest non-estuary chunk of open water on the reservoir and, the birds and fish are gorging themselves. Know thy neighbor.

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WALLPAPER:   HEBGEN RESERVOIR

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.. There are some early bison on the roads around town and along the north side of the reservoir - one dead so far, (car totaled but no human causalities - please drive carefully.)
.. Some of the neighbors are making a morning pilgrimage to the culvert on the highway at Duck Creek. There is a good run of fish in the air as they enter the culvert on their way to Yellowstone National Park. The fish ladder is on private property and the stream is closed for another month or so but the entertainment value is fairly high.
.. The flats at the east end of the reservoir and along Duck Creek are still untrammeled snow. The bison will mess it up soon but for now the kite skiers and kite boarders are having a grand time in the clear and warm days.

YEE  HAW  !!!

.. Catching in the Hebgen Tailwater is better than acceptable for those folks willing to torment the fish during their annual orgy.
.. There are even some folks that believe that they can see all the redds as they slosh through the crystal bedroom of the trout. Our eyes are not that good- neither is our egomaniacal need to disturb those fish.
.. We're about to exercise our cheap gas and head down the canyon. Snowflake Springs and the Taylor Fork are prime locations on the Gallatin River at the moment.

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WALLPAPER: GRAYLING CREEK

Sharing

YNP NATIVE FISH CONSERVATION

Park Wide PDF Available

for those that really care

JUST LOOK AT HER

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.. Thanks to an alert neighbor we can point you to the "YELLOWSTONE FISHERIES & AQUATIC SCIENCES 2012-2014" PDF.
.. The 56 page document, (YCR-2015-01,) from  the National Park Service, Yellowstone Center for Resources, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming is at THIS LINK.
.. The status report is fairly comprehensive, (finally,) and outlines the program mechanics including: a comprehensive summary of the program, explanation  of the current conservation actions, and a large section on the efforts in Yellowstone Lake. Maps of collection and removal sites are documented as well as the brood stock development in Goose Lake.
.. It will take several readings to digest the report. There's food for thought and fodder for discussion.

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