Mother Says

THINK BIG

Look Up

the sky is falling

 

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.. The shoreline at Hebgen Reservoir is wide open. Dry with dropper is the key. Don't catch them all !!

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WALLPAPER:  HOMINY, BURRITO, REFRITOS

Fish Now

 SURPRISE WEATHER

We'll Take It

spring bear too

TRY THIS ON FOR SIZE

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.. Get out the sunglasses. Grab the rejected winter fly selection. Find some open water. Catch fish and rejoice in the Spring warmup.

THE FUZZY JOHN

.. Estuaries on Hebgen Reservoir have pushed beyond natural lake circumference and are legal to fish. The same holds true for Quake Lake and the tumbling waters Between The Lakes.

.. There is even some open shoreline along the road beside Hebgen Reservoir as well - take sun screen! There is not much chance for a spring bear shot in the roadside areas - BUT - bear spray anyway!

.. A sow and two cubs spotted near the airport. Wouldn't shoot that one but the boars are out too.

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WALLPAPER: STRAIGHT FROM ICELAND = sinful

Holding On

 WAITING FOR RAIN

Runoff Starting

tightrope act

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.. As the thermometer hits 50°F we are anxiously watching the high country snow pack.  We're also keeping tabs on our neighborhood stream discharge.

.. The snow water content is pretty good for this time of year. The rivers are charging along at seasonal norms and, all is well with the world.

.. The neighborhood kids are in short pants and fishing neighbors are trudging through mud and muck to the best catching spots. The prime destinations include the reservoir estuaries of the Madison River and the South Fork of the Madison River.

THE FUZZY WORM

.. Adventurous sled heads pack their gear to Romsett Beach and Cherry Beach Campground on the west shore of Hebgen Reservoir. The little creeks  in this area keep the ice at bay and attract the finny dancers.

..  A couple of cell phone images are proof of the effort.  A pair of lunch-time fish showed that simple flotsam and small buggies are in the belly of the caught fish. Any fly that resembles a small twig or dead bug will entice a dance partner.

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.. We've just received our Covid Vaccine Allotment. Emergency and front-line workers are all vaccinated. Appointment lists are filling up and the process is quick and efficient. Reports include only one dizziness in a post-vaccination patient.

.. Perhaps the dark corners of the pubs will be available for tall tales, lies and secrets. We're ready and plumb tired of shouting at our neighbors.

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WALLPAPER: ANOTHER OMELETTE WITH SOME SPUDS

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

Yellowstone Park Opens Up

BUT NOT HERE

Only East And South

day use and drive thru

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.. A phased reopening has been announced by the National Park Service. Limited facilities and services are opening for day use and lower loop drive through visitors. This is phase one and will start on Monday May 18, 2020.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

.. Campgrounds, backcountry permits, visitor cabins, additional stores, expanded tours, takeout food service, boating, fishing, and visitor centers will remain closed. These Phase 2 services and/or facilities will open when safe and appropriate mitigation measures are in place. This will happen at different times. 
.. It is important to read the "official" park notices for your planned visit. There have been erroneous reports in various media outlets about the details.

RESOURCES

>> PARK NOTICE,

>> FULL PLAN, (PDF)

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.. Our village is showing some gentle signs of Spring and cautious behavior by the neighbors. There are pansies in the flower beds of a few houses. There is gardening activity scattered through town. There are mothers taking walks with their children. Despite the intermittent snow and rain showers there is a brightness all around. There is very little snow left in piles facing north in dark corners.

ROYAL COACHMAN BOMBER

.. We are expecting our Spring mix of weather for the next 10 days or so. Snow, grauple, rain, hail, wind and, dark or light clouds are in the offing. We may finally break 70°F for a glorious weekend.
.. There are a few 'outdoor' pubs gathering anxiety ridden imbibers. Conversation includes such topics as: economic devastation in a tourist town, the stupid high price of meat products, the continuing escalation of grocery prices in general, limits on grocery selections, the suspicious lack of declining local gasoline prices, observations about greed and exploitation, catching opportunities on local streams and lakes, lack of young foreign women in town,
.. There are now boats and brave tubers on Hebgan Reservoir. Leaches and giant novelty nymphs are fooling the winter starved trout. It's unclear if the streams leading out of Yellowstone National Park will be legal to fish on May 18, 2020 or not.
.. The Montana state regulations stipulate that those streams above Hebgan Reservoir are open to fishing when the park opens to fishing. Quandary - huh? We have inquiries out and will let you know.

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WALLPAPER:  THE DARK SIDE OF THE GROCERY STORE

Dodging Bullets

BOMBER SENTENCED

Murder Trial

covid-19 arrives

KILLER GRANDMOTHER ?   . . .  courtesy Bozeman Daily Chronicle

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PIPE BOMBS FOR COYOTES ??

.. Our remote village location is no guarantee of safety nor of serene existence.
.. Violence exists in the heads of some. Extreme violence exists in hearts of some. Flaunting of safe health practices exists in the psyche of some selfish folks.

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..  The long drawn out trial of a suspected terrorist with illegal bombs and guns has reached the sentencing stage. Charles Gibson Bailey, 33, was sentenced Friday to 40 months in jail. He previously pleaded guilty in January 2020 to possession of unregistered explosive devices. He claimed the pipe bombs were for killing coyotes. [ LOOK-1.]

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.. The murder case of a family beating to death their 12-year-old grandson is progressing slowly. The case is mired in technical aspects. Negligent homicide vs deliberate homicide vs juvenile status and, flight to avoid prosecution are all in contention. Prosecutors have filed motions for the death penalty, [LOOK-2, LOOK-3, LOOK-4.]

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HBFD

.. A couple returned from recreational out of state travel bearing the gift of Covid-19 to our village. Contact with other village members was curtailed prior to the discovery of symptoms and diagnosis of the virus infection.
.. As these things go, there is no guarantee that these two cases will be contained. The resources of the county health system, our first responders and, the fire department have been mobilized. Isolation facilities and extensive testing by the staff of our clinic are underway.
.. The plans for a viral triage clinic are progressing in spite of no currently available funding. The city council, business owners associations and, the chamber of commerce are still planning to open our village on the state schedule and are waiting for Yellowstone National Park declare safety and open. [COVID-A, COVID-B, COVID-C.]
.. Our fire department webpage includes on line resource links, [SEE HERE.]

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TRY THIS ONE NOW

.. The neighborhood fishers are now wearing bandanas fashioned after the outlaws of bygone days - very appropriate. The counter help is wearing fancy neck gaiters.
.. Most of the neighbors are bemoaning he closed park and no access to the upcoming fantastic salmonfly hatch in the Firehole Canyon.
.. Mythic skwala flies are tickling the fancy of fishers in Missoula. Water temperatures are now above 43°F up there.
.. The lowland Madison River fishers are hoping that the little yellow nymphs they have been fishing will bring forth a stampede of the big black and orange flies dwelling in the deep.  Discharge temperature from Hebgen Dam is 40°F.  We'll see.

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WALLPAPER:  SPRING VISITATION

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

Going Viral

A MASTERPIECE

'Shopped Job

the neighbor's find

FROM THE CHOSEN ONE

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.. God bless the kids on the block. They clued us in to a bunch of images from the interwebs.
.. Apparently a painting by Jon McNaughton has caused quite a stir among the Photoshop crowd on the web. Modified images are popping up on all manner of sites, (look-1, look-2, look-3.)
.. Over a late coffee this morning the kids attacked our computer and filled both screens with the altered images - some funny, some strange and, some critical. The one above struck home with us.

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THESE WORK GREAT

.. Quickly: Gulpers on Hebgen Reservoir getting better by the hour, Hoppers are going crazy on the Gallatin River, the Firehole River above Old Faithful = cold water but hot catching, Slough Creek finally alive, etc.
.. Parking spaces are now available scattered around town and the elbow density has greatly abated with the opening of schools around the country. Shop now or forever regret the opportunity.

GULP IT UP

.. It looks like the heat wave has broken and we're back to our pleasant 70's.
.. Time to fish hard. We like the South Fork of the Madison River right now. There are only a few neighbors willing to challenge the willows for the lurking submarines. The fish are hungry, unmolested and, eating from both the surface and in the water column.

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WALLPAPER:  FINALLY !!  RASPBERRIES

Check It Out

THANKS MOLDY

Tom Skerritt Says

cute video

MISSED A FEW

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.. From the depths of the Owyhee River Canyon to our backyard comes more of the same.
.. An elbow enhancing bit of cuteness comes forth on Vimeo.

RESCOURCES

>> MOLDY SAYS IT,
>> VIMEO SHOWS IT.

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WALLPAPER: AEBLESKIVER PUFFS

KA - - BOOM!

IT HAPPENS

Watch The Tail

follow best advice

..

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.. It's an annual event in Yellowstone National Park. Either by ignorance or defiance there are unfortunate encounters between visitors and wildlife.
.. Yellowstone National Park is not a petting zoo. It is a bit of wild America that has been impinged upon by civilization with the inevitable consequences that pertain thereunto.
.. The civilized footprint in the park grows annually and visitors believe that it is a "safe zone." Nothing could be further from the truth.
.. From quicksand to quick bison - it must be remembered that access is no guarantee of safety. Just ask the fly fishers that wander around in the water near Buffalo Ford on the Yellowstone River.

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QUICKIES:

>> Daybreak on the Firehole River is still a viable proposition,
>> So too, the Madison River,
>> Riffles in the Gibbon River canyon work all day,
>> Gallatin River = all day; beware T-storms,
>> Gulpers getting better on Hebgen Reservoir,
>> Quake Lake at Beaver Creek and the outlet,
>> KEEP 'EM WET.

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WALLPAPER:  SHORTCAKE, STRAWBERRIES, CREAM

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