.. The National Park Service along with the Arizona Game and Fish Department announced in a 'TWEET' just two days ago a volunteer hunt to reduce the number of bison on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon [NPS Tweet.]This will take place after the volunteers qualify. The volunteers are responsible for all expenses.
.. The West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park will close soon and with it the end to legal fishing in the park.
.. Today might be a good day to visit the Firehole River and avoid the elbows at the conga lines where there might be runners.
.. Think we'll try it.
..Here's a Yellowstone National Park news release. Take it for what it's worth.
*******
>> MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Yellowstone National Park staff will travel
to nearby communities to talk with anglers and other interested
individuals about ongoing efforts to restore native fish species, the
threat of aquatic invasive species, and the park’s fishing regulations. >> The general public, local fly shop employees, and fishing guides are
encouraged to attend one of the following outreach meetings:
-- Monday, April 30, in Bozeman, MT, at Hilton Garden Inn, 2023 Commerce Way.
-- Tuesday, May 1, in West Yellowstone, MT, at Holiday Inn, 315 Yellowstone Ave.
-- Wednesday, May 2, in Jackson, WY, at Wort Hotel, 50 N. Glenwood St.
-- Thursday, May 3, in Cody, WY, at The Cody Hotel, 232 West Yellowstone Avenue.
>> The meetings will begin at 7 p.m. with a brief presentation about
native fish restoration projects. A discussion on angling regulations
and a question and answer session will follow. The meetings will
conclude at 8:30 p.m. >> Fishing season in Yellowstone opens Saturday, May 26. Information on
fishing regulations, fisheries science, and fish conservation in
Yellowstone is available at http://go.nps.gov/fish. Contact: Morgan Warthin, (307) 344-2015
-----
YE AULD MASHED CADDIS
.. So our rain turned to snow and dampened the neighborhood.
.. We'll have 50's merging into mid 60's for the rest of the week.
.. Best get your pre runoff fishing in soon. There are still some midges. There are lots of stonefly nymphs = all sorts: big ones, little ones, black ones, yellow ones.
.. Grab a handful of the reject flies from this winter and scrunch them up good. Sink 'em and hang on.
.. We hear much about the exaggeration of alarm by the "liberal tree-hugging left" in response to the "rational" progress of the current administration regarding our Department of Interior.
OR THE HIGHWAY
.. We are often cautioned about the knee jerk reactions of the 'liberal deep state conspiracy.'
.. We listen very carefully to the 'sensible people' who say that we need to use up our resources.
.. A recently surfaced article in OUTSIDE was just pointed out by MOLDYCHUM.
.. It takes just a couple of minutes to read the article and to shed some light on the way the proposed Federal Budget [[INTERIOR BUDGET LINK.]]will deal with our National Parks and the Park Service as a whole.
FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS
.. Depending on which ever political uniform that you are currently wearing it is well worth a serious look.
.. This low profile budget item may just get lost in the hijinks of the current Washington, D.C. debacle.
.. We look forward to the comments and actions of caring and sensible folks to this situation.
.. We'll see what the circus in our congress makes of this proposal. We'll see if a proposed federal pittance will convince our private sector to ante up. We'll see if the maintenance backlog in the National Parks will be alleviated.
.. We'll see if cutting staff of the NPS, (at a time when visitation is at an all time high,) will generate additional funds. We'll see if selling public lands at Zinke's discretion will dent the backlog. We'll see just what the truth is.
.. We'll see!
-----
SUCCESSFUL ERROR
.. The plows are at it again.
.. The sun is dodging the scudding clouds.
.. The wind has laid itself to rest, (for now.)
.. The breakfast has digested itself and it's a coin toss between fish a little or take a nap.
.. Now then, where is that two-headed quarter?
.. National Park Service speakers regaled and lectured a not quite standing room only crowd in West Yellowstone.
.. Exposition of the Native Fish Conservation Program was the topic for a series of slide presentations featuring efforts on Yellowstone Lake, The Northeast Fishery, and the West Side Fishery.
AVAILABLE FROM NPS
.. The presentations were replete with optimism about the progress of the program and the success of the efforts currently underway. Anticipated and planned programs for the future were briefly detailed.
.. The commercial fishing contracts to curtail the population explosion of Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake are anticipated to continue to the tune of $1,000,000.00/yr. Funding support is anticipated to continue with the newly amalgamated Yellowstone Park Foundation-Yellowstone Association (LINK A).
.. Increases in catch and kill numbers through the years have shown success that is correlated with length of nets employed.
.. More nets=more dead Lake Trout. Exploration of chemical killing of eggs and fry continue to be a research focus for the known spawning areas.
.. Large numbers of Lake Trout hiding from the gill nets have been found in the South Arm of Yellowstone Lake. Previously found concentrations have continued to be the cynosure of netting including those populations in West Thumb.
REGULATIONS: ABOUT THE SAME
.. There have been no appreciable changes in the fishing regulations this year and the lake will open for catching early again.
.. Rearrangement of fish populations, poison, barrier construction, regulation modifications, and scientific review continue too be the focus of the program.
SODA BUTTE CREEK
.. Anticipated fishing and catching success for managed areas such as Soda Butte Creek and Specimen Creek and Grayling Creek should reach peak productivity by 2019 - 2020.
.. New concerns about climate change have been introduced to the program and the thrust is relocation of, (or establishment of,) populations of fish in areas most likely to provide survival of cold water species in periods of climatic warming.
BROOKIE PARADISE
.. Focus on the upper GIBBON RIVER will include the poisoning of GREBE LAKE to remove all fish. The current non native population of Grayling will be salvaged, relocated, and then reintroduced to GREBE LAKE after it has been cleansed of the Rainbow Trout**.
.. Information about recovery of invertebrates after poisoning shows that without fish to eat them they show a population explosion.
.. The subterranean stretches of Cougar Creek are being investigated as barriers to fish migration which places this little stream on the potential hit list for future management.
MUSHROOM AND SWISS
.. It's way past lunch time and we are having breakfast for lunch.
.. The pubs enjoyed some fish talk last night. Better than the coffee provided at the informative gathering.
-------
BROOKIE HANGOUT
A GRAYLING TANGLE
**In 1921, U.S. Fish Commission personnel stocked the fishless Grebe Lake with the Montana strain of Thymallus arcticus montanus, a lacustrine form of Arctic Grayling.
.. The initial introduction came from Georgetown Lake near Anaconda, Montana.
.. It is believed that the fluvial form of Arctic Grayling was native to the MADISON RIVER and the GIBBON RIVER below Gibbon Falls.
.. In an effort to re-establish Grayling in western states, over 72
million Grayling eggs were harvested from GREBE LAKE between 1931 and
1956 and distributed to hatcheries.
.. Many lake dwelling Grayling populations in the
west can be genetically traced to these stocks.
.. GREBE LAKE was closed to fishing until 1944 because of the fish culture
operations at the lake.
.. Nearby WOLF LAKE and CASCADE LAKE also contain some Grayling as well.
.. This is an interesting exercise in the preservation of an introduced species, (the Lacustrine GRAYLING,) even as the indigenous species, (the Fluvial GRAYLING,) is being reintroduced and established elsewhere, (in GRAYLING CREEK.)
.. Native Fish Preservation?
.. 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.
.. 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. -------
.. 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) ------- 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.
-------
Swollen neck, drippy nose, runny eyes, inflamed nasal passages, panting past enlarged tongue: ain't love grand?
HDR Wallpaper: 'TWO TOP' fire, 4 miles south of West Yellowstone
-------
.. We took a little ride up the road and fished for a spell on the Gallatin River.
LOVELY GRAYLING CREEK: devoid of fish & bugs.
.. On the way home we stopped and grabbed a snapshot of our favorite stretch of a little stream that has favored us with many hours of fine escape and solitude.
.. It's still a pretty place but all the fish are dead. Most of the bugs too.
..Low water, high temperatures and a liberal dose of Rotenone have removed the fish and most of the bugs.
..This is part of the native fish conservation plan of Yellowstone National Park.
.. There will be another dose of Rotenone - maybe two. Then Grayling Creek will be the recipient of some grayling and some cutthroat.
.. We should be able to return to fish our neglected bits of water in 5 or 6 years - if we live that long.
----
.. The Gallatin River is coughing up some nice fish to the local favorite technique; a double hopper rig.
.. There were hoards of hoppers along Grayling Creek. There were no fish on the surface.
.. We await, (but not with held-breath,) the return of friendly fish to Grayling Creek.
-------
.. The "TWO TOP" fire is just a smidgen more than four miles south of West Yellowstone. It's burning in heavy and dry timber along the state line.
.. Since the prevailing winds are toward our little village the Interagency Fire Center has called in resources above the normal for a fire of this size, (about 90 acres.) Smoke jumpers based here were quick to the fire. The Leland Snow "Air Tractors" are bombing the fire with retardant. There is also a siphon helicopter and a couple of fire crews. Local and State, and Federal manpower is on the scene.
.. The fire is "burning in heavy fuels" - the official jargon for a hot one with lots to eat. Fires are a fact of life in our neighborhood. They rejuvenate the forest and maintain a healthy stand of trees. Of course the burned areas don't usually make for postcard views of the neighborhood.
.. It should be rapidly contained. We'll keep you posted.
.. By now, it would seem, that interested and informed fly fishers are aware of the Lake Trout situation in Yellowstone Lake. They are probably aware of the rapidly vanishing native species in Yellowstone National Park, as well.
.. Sadly many of our neighbors, (guides and feather merchants as well,) have poo-pooed the need to do anything about the conservation of native species. They say, sadly: "A trout is a trout, is a trout. I just want to catch them."
Opossum Shrimp
.. Many of our influential neighbors and famous fishers have remained silent on the matter; avoiding the scoping meetings and public comment forums that the NPS has held on the current EA for the Native Fish Conservation Plan, (LINK #1, LINK #2.)
.. We read with great interest the recent article in NEW WEST. The story is about the complex interaction of species in Flathead Lake.
.. A recent paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences details how the introduction of a small non-native crustacean, (the Opossum Shrimp - Mysis diluviana,) has totally altered the ecology of a large lake.
.. It has changed algae production, nearly eliminated Kokanee Salmon, enabled Lake Trout population explosion, and endangered the native Bull Trout.
.. The paper details a classic example of a trophic cascade that has been well documented since it's inception in 1968.
LAKE TROUT
.. The excellent summary in New West informs us that the introduction of the shrimp to were to provide food for Kokanee Salmon which were planted in the 20's. As it turns out the shrimp devoured the Kokanee's food and proliferated.
.. Their population explosion provided an abundant food source for the introduced Lake Trout and allowed the Lake Trout population to grow to the point where the Kokanee Salmon and the Bull Trout are now being eaten at a rapid clip by the Lakers.
.. Another by product of the trophic cascade is the increased growth of algae.
MONEY QUOTE:
"After the mysis explosion kokanee disappeared, bull trout declined, and lake trout came to be the dominant top predator, according to the study. This led to an increase in algal production because the shrimp ate up larger zooplankton, decreasing their levels and allowing smaller types of zooplankton to proliferate, Stanford explains. He says this changed the way the zooplankton “mow the lawn,” or consume algae: smaller zooplankton are less efficient consumers and allow algae room to grow."
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