Fish Now

 SURPRISE WEATHER

We'll Take It

spring bear too

TRY THIS ON FOR SIZE

-------  

.. 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.

-------  

WALLPAPER: STRAIGHT FROM ICELAND = sinful

White Stuff . . . Please

WE NEED SNOW

Fish Need Water

entering mid winter thaw 

YELLOW IS NOT GOOD

-------  

.. We had some light rain today. Asphalt is showing up on the streets. School kids are wearing short pants. We hit 42°F.

ORANGE IS NOT GOOD

.. The neighbors refer to this period as the "February Thaw."

.. We are in for some oscillating temperatures for the next few weeks.

.. Heavy show forecasts have been abysmally wrong the last couple of weeks and our mountain snow pack is suffering.

.. Added to our anxiety is the warmth of the Pacific Ocean.

.. La Niña is experiencing a mid winter flare up and the warmth has displaced both the polar jet stream and the low level storm tracks.

.. This current pattern is reminiscent of the the drought patterns of just a few years ago.

.. We're not too optimistic that a radical weather pattern shift is in order before springtime.

.. A poor compensation is that access to good fishing is easier right now than it has been in several years.

.. A sled is still needed for the South Fork Estuary - but there is no doubt about the lake water = legal to fish. Out run spawners of the large and snaky form are plentiful and are taking anything bigger than a nymph.

SURPRISE SURPRISE ... !

.. The neighbors are beginning to lay off the spawners by the road Between The Lakes. Better catching is available at the boat ramp near the head of Quake Lake.

.. Speaking of boat ramps: if you can get to it, the boat ramp at mid lake has a large bit of open water full of angry fish. Some are of good size. They were looking up this afternoon in the bright sun.

.. As strange as it seems a Muddler Minnow on the top was highly successful in catching large dance partners. At this point in the fishing year we will take any surprise that is offered.

-------  

WALLPAPER:  ROAST PORK LOIN = NEAR PERFECT

The Coming Attraction

 FINALLY ARRIVING

End Of Fair Weather

early snows dwindling

..

-------  

.. Our perfect fishing weather is coming to an end. It's just about a seasonal bullseye. We have enjoyed the last few weeks while lowlanders and new arrivals have moaned about brief snow piles.

.. What ever you need to do without multiple layers  --  DO IT NOW. Roll up the hoses. Shutter the windows. Stack the wood. Check automobile fluids. Winter is bearing down on us. We're pleased.

BIG DIP AHEAD

DEADLY ACCURATE BOOM STICK

.. Soon we will be tucked snugly in our igloos. Covid-19 will be stalking our every foray into the real world.

.. The neighbors are relieved that the knuckle dragging, mouth breathing visitors are vanishing. We're lucky so far: no Covid-19 related deaths. Three of the neighbors are out of town in intensive care. We wish them well.

BACK IN THE DAY

.. We are looking forward to this coming isolation phase of our socioclimatic calendar.

.. We'll tie a few flies. We'll attend to the rods, reels and, lines. We'll mend some clothes. We'll drag some hunting gear out of the vault and clean, oil, polish and coat some handsome stainless, blue and, camouflage metal.

..There is still time to torment a few trout. The big bend at Snow Flake Springs on the Gallatin River has quite a few submarines enjoying the food laden debris from the discharge.

NEEDS ATTENTION !!

.. The boat ramp area at upper Quake Lake has some cruising pods of pre-spawn fish that are aggressive and willing dance partners. Just down-lake a bit the delta gyre where Beaver Creek debouches into the lake has cruising monsters on their merry-go-round. They too are gobbling up sticks and other flotsam from the discharge.

.. We now mention the verboten words: Duck Creek  &  South Fork of the Madison River. Each year about this time we incur the wrath of the neighbors for this mention of our home waters. But, fish are there and very rambunctious. We're headed out now.

-------  

WALLPAPER:  HALF-KETO BREAKFAST PLATTER

Rebound

SLEEPING WEATHER

Hopper Torpor

large pods sighted

WALLPAPER:   MADISON SMOKE AND SUNRISE

--------  

.. 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

-----

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

------- 

WALLPAPER:  QUICK TOSTADA

A Winter's Delight

LOCAL IS BEST

New London, CT

open 5 PM 'til close

WELL WORTH THE TIME - GOOD RECIPE AND INFORMATION

------- 

.. When the kids down the block go on a tear they wander through the interwebs with gay abandon. They bumped into this site and we were cajoled into watching it. Quite a mesmerizing bit of entertainment.
.. It brings to mind a phrase that may be full of more truth than meets the gray matter! "Never trust a skinny cook."
.. We're pleased to mention COOKING WITH THE BLUES. Below is a bit of kitchen entertainment that we watched a couple of times: in the dark of a winter's day. Just can't tie flies for more than 4 hours at a time. Ran into a slow spot in the book So. . . . . . .

FOLLOW THE RECIPE:

WATCH THE MEASUREMENTS

..

-----  

SKITTERING MIDGE

.. We're having "See Saw Weather:" thirty below at night and, melty in the day. It's about right for this time of year. The snowfall is dwindling to flurries out of clear skies. The morning fog is a result of the air warmed by wood stoves and the wonderfully aromatic aromas of carcinogenic smoke.
.. The neighbor kids woke us up in the dark of the morning and demanded coffee. We did stumble through it and were regaled with tidbits of of tales of big fish Between The Lakes - and at the boat ramp at the head of Quake Lake. No snakes yet as the fish are still moving upstream toward the dam.
.. We yawned and propped open the eyelids - THEN -  back to the sack. It had cooled off. Damn!

------- 

WALLPAPER:  CLAM CHOWDER

KA - - BOOM!

IT HAPPENS

Watch The Tail

follow best advice

..

-------  

.. 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.

-----  

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.

-------

WALLPAPER:  SHORTCAKE, STRAWBERRIES, CREAM

Just A Little Bit . . .

OF RAIN

Of Snow

of catching fish

FINALLY: EMERGENCE OF THE KITCHEN GARDEN

-------  

.. Our typical Spring mix of rain and snow and hail and graupel is continuing. The kitchen garden is exposed and there is some green from new rhubarb leaves and old strawberry plants.

NEARLY CONVERTIBLE WEATHER

.. Cleanup will wait for another 10 days or so depending on Zeus. The onion sets and other seeds are here and bursting their packets to get in the ground.
.. The neighbors, (those with multiple vehicles,) have rolled out the summer cars and are anticipating the opening of Yellowstone National Park.
.. By the bye: opening day for the West Entrance is April 19, 2019. You can watch the hoards on the West Entrance webcam HERE. The OLD FAITHFUL streaming webcam is RIGHT HERE.

URINE STAINED WOLF

.. For some strange reason the Madison River between Quake Lake and Ennis is surprisingly clear. Even the silt plumes from the West Fork are only lightly stained.
.. Fishers of the lowland river are floating and wading and doing well. With subsurface visibility up to 4' the big nymphs with heavy leaders are choking the gullible trout.

THE SNORTLE

.. This is the time of year that fisher folk begin to think of some salmon flies. They really should be fishing the nymphs. As the water warms and rises the triggers for movement are engaged.
.. Both the Rosy Wolfee and the Snortle have been excellent producers with a deep drift from the boat.

GREEN GOLD MATUKA

.. The wade fishers are still doing well with rapidly , (downstream,) stripped streamers. Aim for the eddy water by large rocks and boulders. A Matuka of your favorite dark olive color is a good bet.

SPARSE DARK SPRUCE

.. Up here there is still a bit of snow on the ground. It has not stopped the energetic neighbors from testing the waters of Quake Lake near the outlet.
.. Gingerly navigate the boulder field to the water's edge. Rig up a short stout leader and sink tip. Big streamers with big nymph followers will jiggle your chain and clicker.

BEAD BELLY WORM

.. San Juan Worms are excellent in the protected current swirls near the shoreline right at the outlet. WATCH YOUR FOOTING!
.. Two of the strong legged neighbors took sleds close to the South Fork Estuary and post holed their way to the water's edge.
.. Snakes of the spawned out variety were encountered. A couple were brought to hand and quickly released. There is still some color left in the fish but not much fight. Wait a couple of weeks for this part of the neighborhood.

-----  

.. The Post Office is crowded with the folks of the dalliance persuasion. Today's postmark is required or your tax filing is deemed late.
.. The coffee is gone. The dishes are done. The errands are run. The couch and a day of binge watching beckon. Just what, will come to us.

-------  

WALLPAPER:  FOLD OR, ROLL YOUR OWN CREPES

Year 'Round Fish

A NURSERY FISHERY

Spawning Creeks

resident lunkers

VERY WORTHWHILE DESTINATION

-------  

.. When we have access to a sled this is the place we head to at this time of the year.
.. At the point that the Madison River debauches into Quake Lake is it's confluence with Beaver Creek.
.. My, my, my such diversity in the riverine and lacustrian waters. And again, diversity in geography, geology, and vegetation, and relief.
.. And more: ecotone upon ecotone upon ecotone. Wonderfully diverse biomes* flood the senses.

MORNING ELK, UPPER QUAKE LAKE

.. The micro biomes, (micro ecosystems*,) in this little bit of the Madison River canyon are diverse and highly productive for providing food for trout, (and other critters too.)
.. And, that's not counting the rivers' beds and shorelines or,  the sands and gravels from distinctly different basal rocks from two different mountain masses.
.. There are fish to be had here every day of the year: even the water forms are diverse and shelter fish of all sizes and ages. Such a place indeed!
.. As the Madison River makes it's last bend, coming out of the narrows canyon it burbles through a series of ever-changing riffles.
.. These riffles are modified by both varying discharges from Hebgen Dam and from boulder gravels coming down the steep north facing slope of the mountains to the south.
.. Below the riffles is a short run through nicely sorted sands and gravels. This short run is controlled by the headlands to the south and varies annually depending on the build up or erosion of the alluvial and colluvial deposits from the incipient runoff channels.

2008 MASTER DISCHARGE CHANNEL

.. The snowpack and ensuing runoff controls the downslope  displacement of sediments and causes the minor early meanders of the run that can form small bars and an occasional deep hole.
.. As the water of the short run approaches Quake Lake it runs down grade and picks up speed.
.. The flow is interrupted by the Beaver Creek Delta.
.. During a heavy runoff event about 10 years ago the delta expanded and a new master discharge discharge channel was created, [LINK-1].
.. By march of 2010 the delta had stabilized and a couple of exceptional water features became clogged with huge pods of fish, [LINK-2].

2010 STABILIZED DELTA

.. Upstream of the stabilized delta a very deep hole has been scoured out. This holds large resident fish all year, (except when they move upstream for their sexual shenanigans.) The neighbors call this the "DELTA HOLE."
.. The new delta master channel debauches into the Madison River and diverts the flow around the delta and forms a large gyre downstream of the delta. This gyre is called "THE MERRY-GO-ROUND" by the neighbors.

2013 STABILIZED DELTA

.. The 'Merry-Go-Round' is a large liquid 'Lazy Susan' for the fish.
.. It covers both a shallow bit of the river channel and a bit of the deep outflow from the 'Delta Hole.'
.. In the winter and, (to a lessor degree,) the springtime, fish run up both Beaver Creek and the Madison River for spawning.
.. With not too much imagination it is possible to envision the fish movements through the year and through the water.
.. Spawing gravels are in the Madison River all the way to Hebgen Dam and, in Beaver Creek for quite a ways above the Beaver Creek Campground.

FISH EATING FRENZY

.. Scattered along the reaches of both creeks are some protected slack water areas for nursery fish, (and midges.)
.. The diverse river bottom matrix and vegetation variety on land provide all the necessary elements for a veritable, year 'round,  Garden Of Eden for the trout and, the elk and, the grasshoppers and, the beetles and, the ants and, the caddis and, stoneflies and, crawdads and, the . . . - well you get it.
.. In the early spring, (like the last three weeks,) the Madison River slowly eats at the ice of Quake Lake and the debris rain attracts hungry trout. They eat sticks and other stuff. Some of it is nutritious.

THE PARACHUTE MIDGE

.. Yes indeedie, when there is a sled available during this time of year we get down to this playground and gather up several.
.. There are spawners coming back down, there are fry for the snacking. There are residents gobbling stuff deep in the water column and at the surface. There are brown ones and, spotted ones and, colorful ones for the taking.
.. Could be worth the price of a snowmobile.

-----  

.. The melt down continues and the brave kids in town are splashing through the wet. Rooster tails from bicycles erupt from each intersection as the kids try to escape the errant spray.
.. Unbelievably we were young once. We have not forgotten that skin is shrink-proof.

-------

WALLPAPER:   FISH LIVE HERE

* The definitions of 'ecosystem' and 'biome' are difficult to apply to the seasonal changes and, the annual changes in both the biota and gromorphology of these dynamic areas.

Slight Of Hand

WINDOW DRESSING

The Parks Ploy

you do the math

RYAN ZINKE: NEVER ONE TO MISS A GOOD PHOTO OP

-------

..We're thankful for the crumbs. The check for $78,333 presented to The National Park Service is Donald Trump's first quarterly pay as President of the United States.
.. This will go a long way toward offsetting the anticipated  12% ($1.5bn) cut in funding to the Interior Department. The gesture is not lost on us, the small folk from Montana.

THE LORD GIVETH

.. Of course Donald Trump could not take the time away from tweeting to present the check in person.
.. Being the master of spin and spoof Trump allowed the press secretary to do it at the national press conference.
.. This is in keeping with his Old Testament Christian values.
.. As is said in Job 1:21, "Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord giveth, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
.. Job, on the other hand, did not have the advantage of a million dollar loan from his father.
.. Ryan Zinke seems to have lost his cowboyan attire and is sporting the D.C noob uniform: an off color azure suit. He's well on his way to fixing the Interior Department.

-----

.. The Madison River inside Yellowstone National Park has settled into it's seasonal pattern.
.. It is periodically bank full as it goes through it's nocturnal / diurnal swings in response to daytime temperatures. The river is just a mite above seasonal averages and closing fast on a runoff regime that will not disturb the redds that have been filled.
.. The Gallatin River is just a skoosh more rambunctious for this time of year. It is running at more than 200cfs above seasonal norms and the discharge is pretty steady due to the near continuous mid level snowpack melt.

RED WORM

.. The neighbors have been splashing around in the short stretch of cold water between the north boundary of Yellowstone National Park and Taylor Fork.
.. The challenge in this stretch is finding a fish with the energy to open it's mouth. Large nymphs, wet flies, and small streamers have been having some success.
.. They must be fished low and slow. Hitting a fish in the nose is most effective!

RED REBEL  -  old fashioned wet

.. Neither the occasionally bright day, nor the thirty and forty degree temperatures seem to have been sufficient for a steady or prolific midge hatch.
.. The snow flies have been reluctant to maintain their usually steady hatch that we have seen in the last few years, (except near Quake Lake on the Madison River.)

THIN WING STREAMER

.. Quake Lake is producing some nice fish at the boat ramp where the Madison River debauches into the ice filled lake.
.. Breakup is under way and for those willing to reach the shore near Beaver Creek the rewards should be significant.
..  Well greased streamers on short, heavy leaders, that are occasionally twitched near the surface on the retrieve have been wildly fairly successful.

-----

.. We awoke early after a night filled with digestive dreams. That is not an all bad thing. Yesterday's dusting of snow has melted and the temperature is on the rise. We'll finish the coffee and stroll down to the best biscuits and gravy in town. It's nice to have someone else do the dishes for a change.

-------

WALLPAPER:  CLAM CHOWDER