Trout Be Gone !!

WILDERNESS INVASION

The Damn Rainbows

we'll fix it

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.. In a continuing effort to remove invasive Rainbow Trout from the Slough Creek/Lamar River/ Yellowstone River system the current environmental assessment shows the way.

.. Above it's barrier falls Buffalo Creek was naturally fishless. Rainbow Trout were planted in Hidden Lake in 1935. They migrated downstream in the Buffalo River to Slough Creek and commenced to hybridize with the native Cutthroat Trout.

.. The current proposal is to remove the invasive species from above the barrier falls to provide a refuge for the native Cutthroat Trout.

.. Yellowstone National Park, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks and the National Forest Service are cooperating in this effort. There is a comment email address for response from the public, (fwpregion5pc@mt.gov)

RESOURCES

>> Billings Gazette

>> Draft EA

>> MoldyChum

>> Montana FWP Cutthroat Trout Story

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WALLPAPER: HOT BEEF SANDWICH & MASHED SPUDS

Sunny Runner Notes

KEEP IT DOWN

Always Avoid DFM

enjoy the brightness

WALLPAPER:  HEAVY HOOK STREAMER

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.. Just a quick note as fishers bask in the salubrious sunshine of this gentile week. Even the rains are warm.
.. Many fishers, (and most counter help,) suffer from a syndrome that inhibits very successful catching of the annual run of spawners out of Hebgen Reservoir and into the Madison River and its truncated tributaries.

16 & 18

.. The syndrome is referred to by the neighbors as "DRY FLY MENTALITY."
.. This DFM is a grand and successful mental exercise for the fish of Slough Creek or late season Firehole River fish or in the midst of apparent surface activity.
.. The syndrome begets a group of habits that can be successful for some fishing situations. It produces a series of behaviors that, similar to muscle memory, are automatic and unthinking.

20

.. These behaviors include the automatic selection of terminal tackle and rigging: LONG LEADERS, LIGHT TIPPETS, DAINTY FLIES, INDICATORS OR BOBBERS, etc.
.. These selections and the behaviors that engender them become more than second nature. They are the "correct" way and are employed mostly without thinking.
.. Habit, peer pressure, and tradition reinforce this DFM syndrome. These factors, interestingly, mitigate against catching in many situations and reinforce a stringent conformity toward disappointment. But, make good stories of long unproductive hours on the river in the face of 'difficult' fish.
.. We humbly suggest that situational fishing is a more successful approach to catching. Unless it's just fishing that you are after.

AN APPROPRIATE SELECTION

.. For the Autumn run of fish from Hebgen Reservoir you should fish to the situation and conditions.
.. This does not mean radical changes. Rather it requires that appropriate gear selections must be made.
.. Neither a two handed twelve foot cannon nor a seven foot four weight are needed. Your regular seven or eight weight will do just fine. The reel matched to the rod is fine. A sink tip line might be useful.
.. Leaders need to be shorter and much stronger than dictated by the DFM. Leaders can, (perhaps even should,) be cut back and fished without a tippet. One less knot is a good thing.
.. Many neighbors use a bowline on a bight for hook attachment. It is simple, quick, strong, and allows the hook and fly added movement.

WHAT'S YOUR COMPENSATION ?

.. Getting down to the fish especially in bright conditions is mandatory. It is important that the fly, not just the weight, gets into the 'strike zone.'
.. Compensation for depth or current with weight can help. Long years of drifting a real live worm can aid your technique in this situation.

.. Hook manufacturers, commercial fly tiers, and counter help usually promote flies with very light hooks, (it's what they sell.) We doubt that this is a conspiracy. It's probably just the byproduct of mass marketing to the DFM syndrome folks.

GO ON,  TIE A FEW

.. Heavy very heavy  hooks put weight where it counts. Of course this demands that a modicum of fly tying be undertaken by the deep water fisher.
.. These are hooks that are seldom found in destination fly shops - unless the shop is on the coast or on very big (non-trout,) water.
.. A better compensation than heavy weight on the leader is a sharp, heavy hook. Despite "acid sharpening" there is always a need to sharpen your hooks: and, not just once. If you are fishing to big, top predator fish, in shallow and bright water your hook will have point-dulling-encounters. These fish are in an environment that does not favor their deep reservoir behavior.
.. Hit them in the nose, cover all the dark water, fish to the likely and unlikely spots. Think like a reclusive predator in a foreign environment AND, have the appropriate terminal tackle to avoid just fishing.
.. It's early. The sun is low in the morning. The fish move during low light or no light. Our second cup is cold and we're out the door.

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WALLPAPER:   IN AMONG THEM

Smoke And Moon

MAPLE FIRE HOT

West Entrance Attraction

fish the 6 am moon

MAPLE FIRE AT 7-MILE  BRIDGE

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.. 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

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..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.

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WALLPAPER: PINEAPPLE RIBS - REAL BBQ

Soft Tacos

A UNIVERSAL TREAT

Yellowstone Invention

please be bear aware

CARRY BEAR SPRAY

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.. This is the month of "Most Outdoor Camping," in Yellowstone National Park. Although it's too hot for most of the neighbors it is just right for visitors.
.. Of course many of the campers are also fishers. These are the folks that are savvy enough to pick a place near the best morning hatches.

PARACHUTE ANT

.. Slough Creek is in fine fettle and many fishers from far and wide are camping in the Lamar Valley.
.. The catching is good and the eating is as well.
.. There are gentleman's hatches and the terrestrial critters are active as well. Slough Creek has warmed rather quickly this year and it's best to schedule an early morning foray near the campground and lower meadow.

BEAD HEAD WHAATZITS

.. There are fish to be had on the surface - for the careful and stealthy fisher. Use little ants, small beetles, and maybe a midge or two.
.. Great success is being had by the neighbors that are fishing "bead head anythings." They should be small and either in the seam near the bank or way down deep and slow.
.. Fishers on both the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek are being being treated to the Bison Olympics. If you are not in shape for the wader waddle sprints it is best to keep a weather eye out and walk a bit further than you have planned.

YELLOWSTONE BADGER

.. The poor sister of the north is the Gardner River. Both inside Yellowstone National Park and just outside the catching has been nearly spectacular this year. Nothing fancy is required.
.. Use your favorite small golden stone imitation or a nondescript nymph in the seams, pillows, slicks, etc.
.. The Rainbow trout are among the prettiest in the park. This is a stream with browns, cutts, white fish, rainbows and the occasional brookie down low.

FUZZY GOLDEN

.. Get yourself further into the park from the north entrance and there is a wonderful Brook Trout fishery just below and mostly above Osprey Falls.
.. Walk a little and fish a lot - catch bunches! Take the husband and kids. Have a trail side picnic. Take pictures. Enjoy the shade. Make a day of it.
.. Today is the festival of cars in West Yellowstone. The 46th annual rod run has been in town for a couple of days. This morning is the parade and show and shine in the city park. Music, food, and cartoon cars the way we wished they were 60 years ago.
.. We're headed to the crowded "downtown" of our village. It's a neighborhood tradition.

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WALLPAPER:  CHIPOTLE PULLED  PORK DOUBLE TORTILLA

Hopper Harvest

VERY HOT AHEAD

Fly Shop Bias ?

you watch-we'll catch

COURTESY USA TODAY

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.. There is a single cloud in the sky and it's rapidly disappearing. It's becoming a symphony of long transparent white strings. It'll be gone soon.
.. The forecast calls for some rare 90's over the weekend. The office pools and the pub pools are filling up. Get your number before Thursday.

RIDING THERMALS

.. It' not just us. The whole nation, (yes even Alaska,) will experience some interesting temperature ranges for the next couple of months.
.. As an aside: the neighbors who plant corn may see some full ears, ever bearing strawberries may continue until October, Dairy Queen will make enormous profits, ice sales will skyrocket, model airplanes will be blessed with strong thermals, fishers will abandon mid day fishing early, and fishers may not get back to the rivers in the evenings.

.. Contrary to popular belief and the extensive rumor factory in West Yellowstone; we do fish quite a bit.
.. We even catch a few fish. Sometimes more than a few. We've learned not to offer unsolicited advice. We've learned to just watch as visitors dash to rivers and leap in to start fishing.
.. We keep our thoughts quietly to our self as fishers are more eager to wet their pants waders rather than watch the river. We've learned not to giggle too loudly as we watch folks spend more time changing flies than fishing flies. We've learned quite a bit over the last 14 lustra or so.

WON'T FLOAT

.. When asked what we're using to catch so many fish while others are catching fewer, we tell the truth. They are sadly disappointed. The damn flies are usually subsurface offerings.
.. They are old fashioned. And they are not in the fancy fly boxes of the fisher that asked the question. We offer a couple of ours as gifts. They are usually refused. They don't float.
.. We do our best to offer the trout of the neighborhood the food that they are probably eating. Most trout food is in the water rather than on the water - no matter what the newly arrived counter help tells you.
.. Trout seldom stop hunting and eating. They don't wait for minuscule bugs to pop up to the surface before they eat. Sad but true!

WILL FLOAT

.. We get chastised for not fishing dry flies. For us catching a fish is an important part of fishing.
.. To set the record straight we do fish the dry. We often hear the purist talk about blind casting and blind fishing. There is nothing blind about being able to read the water and catch a fish where they are hiding. Oh well.
.. For many fishers it's how to fish for fish rather than catching fish. We've seen times when folks will spend $500.00 for a boat ride with a very competent guide and catch no fish. But they did it right. Dry or die. Catching seems very remote in their heads. To each his own.
.. We've been told, (by visitors,) that (insert famous feather merchant name here) only reports the hatches of surface bugs. They do this because that's when you can catch the most fish! Really? Is this a bias against catching fish?

From:  Andrew Heard

.. Perhaps it is a bias toward a technique that attracts the big spenders. The elitist attitude engendered by Frederic Halford in the late 19th century has carried down to the contemporary anglophile of the modern stream.
.. Americans seldom acknowledge their debt to jolly old England. Dry fly fishers deny that they are elitists. They do, however exhibit characteristics that hearken back to centuries old attitudes. Form over substance was the attitude of the chalk stream fisher - Skues be damned.
.. The disdain of Halford echoes today in the attitudes of the dry or die crowd:

Those of us who will not in any circumstances cast except over rising fish are sometimes called ultra purists and those who occasionally will try to tempt a fish in position but not actually rising are termed purists... and I would urge every dry fly fisher to follow the example of these purists and ultra purists.
— From A History of Flyfishing, Bark, 1992

.. It must only be sporting to catch fish while it is eating a minority part of it's diet - and on the surface - and exhaust them - only to release them. So be it.

GALLATIN CONFLUENCE MEADOW

.. Halford was a rich elitist, had little experience with sunken flies, arose late in the day, took winter vacations out of England to avoid the weather, and set the pattern for folks that dry fly fish today. Most of the modern feather merchants have adopted the same sort of predilection.
.. As for catching fish; the Gallatin River is experiencing a massive influx of visiting fishers.

HOPPER CLOSE UP

.. Of course hoppers, caddis, ants, beetles, and other bits of fish food are plentiful.
.. Catching can proceed all day, (even in an 80° F afternoon.)
.. The hoppers are mature and plentiful. Fish will love them either on the surface or drowned.
.. The Gallatin River demands that you fish to the food. There can be hatches of heroic proportions but there is not a good way to predict them.

ALL PURPOSE FOOLER

.. The warm bright days combined with the cool water of the river produce exceptional hatches.
.. They are localized and dense. They sneak up on you, explode, and vanish quickly. Be quick to change a fly and you'll have an hour of frenetic catching.
.. If you happen to be on the Gallatin River it might be worth your time to investigate Bacon Rind Creek.

LOVE THE UNDERCUT BANKS

.. It's a favorite of some of the neighbors. The hoppers seem larger. The water is thin with nice deep feeding holes. The meadow is handy for the fish because of the dense willow shade and the need for fishers to walk away from their car and through some dense vegetation. Short casts, short leaders, and long quiet stalking will pay off.

THE UNVISITED FIREHOLE

.. The upper Firehole River is a pleasant refuge if you find yourself in the Old Faithful area.
.. There is an easy path. There is shade and sweepers. There is a giant population of eager Brook Trout that seem not to care if their food is on the surface or on the bottom or anywhere in between.

FISH DA BOX

.. For those fishers that want large fish and don't mind dredging the bottom for them we suggest that you visit a foreign country.
.. The Box Canyon of the Henry's Fork River in Idaho is about in perfect shape and just full of giant fish.
.. Gather up a good boat, (or walk a lot,) get a guide familiar with the subtleties of the "BOX" and have at it. This is a good place for big and ugly flies.

REAL FISH EAT REAL FOOD

.. Despite what you may have heard - trout appreciate groceries delivered in large packages.
.. As bright as it's been the shade and boulder hides will deliver on their promises. Just be sure that your leader is strong and your fly is deep.
.. We've seen some spiffy cell phone photos of fish from Slough Creek.

Big Fish Food

.. A couple of kids from Nebraska in a road weary Subaru provided the following. (second hand report:)

"Took a couple of dozen good fish on streamers. Had to sleep in the car. Too dusty. Hot as Omaha. Not many hatches. Crowded. Used bass flies."

It's A Green One

.. We believe them. But, there have also been reports of the mighty Green Drake hatch starting. This is the holy grail for those that need to see their fly.
.. The bugs are big and the fish can make fools of themselves at times. At other times it only looks like they are eating what you are seeing.
..With our heat the mornings are usually dead still. This draws the gulper crowd to Hebgen Reservoir. The most popular, (though not necessarily most catch friendly,) area is the weed beds in the Madison Arm of the reservoir. It is close to town. It's easy for boat launching. It's praised far and wide by famous gulper fishers.
.. Interestingly most, if not all, weed beds of proper depth and exposure produce the sought after callibaetis flies. The ones at the end of Horse Butte have the flies and are also full of leeches and snails. Lots of fish there.
.. The South Fork Estuary has some magnificent weeds and is a nursery fishery. That's why big fish fishers haunt that area - ask some counter help.
.. The road along the "other shore" of Hebgen Reservoir is closer to the mountains, (by many miles.) It's in a wind shadow and gulper fishing over there can last way past noon - long after the other folks have been blown off the reservoir. Take your choice and decide what you want.
.. It's approaching the hottest part of the day. Time to finish lunch and head to the empty water of the Gallatin River. The hoppers will be dancing nicely. The ants will be busy. The beetles will be rumbling. There will even be a few caddis around. We'll even take a dry fly or two in case we get tired of "blind casting."

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WALLPAPER: SALAMI AND SWISS ON CARAWAY RYE

The Other Park

THE RIVERS ARE DIFFERENT

There's Different Scenery

the fish are similar

WALLPAPER:  LAMAR POCKET

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.. Expect the Lamar River to be smaller than you remember it. It's still plenty big but, the sparse snow pack, capricious rainfall patterns and warm, (except for the last two weeks,) weather have conspired to keep the flows down low.
..  In fact all the famous waters of the great northeast of Yellowstone National Park are down just a bit. The fishing ranges from good to very good. And as usual, in this corner of Yellowstone National Park, the fishing is every bit as good as the fisher.
.. The ground-dwelling bugs are further along than in the west side river valleys. Hoppers are a skosh larger and have wings. Ants are on your feet and little black beetles are easy to see in the dust.

Clearing Lamar waters demand probing the structure and covering lots of water.

.. Temperatures in the high 70's through the mid 80's will persist through the middle of next week and the waters should be clear and cool. This is an open  secret. The fishers are as thick as the buffalo and it's strange to have to plan for alternate parking spots.
.. There are some "No Stopping" zones and the bison are active in the morning and evening - they usually take a mid-day nap. Watch for them.

No Room At The Inn.

.. The campgrounds are fully booked and this has caused additional crowding, both on the road and on the rivers.
.. The mayfly hatches have been adequate and sporadic. Be prepared with the surface box but exercise the terrestrial box if the little fliers are not readily visible. A hopper dropper combination is what those in-the-know fishers start with. Use small hoppers, (or even a stimulator as the top fly.) The point fly can be an ant or beetle or even a bead head something - keep it on the small side too.

Fish where the fish are - just find them.

.. The braided stream channels at the confluence of the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek look like gravel pits. There are, (indeed,) fishy nooks and crannies in this low water wasteland. There are even fish here.
.. Look for little streams of quick water dumping into - or - skirting around dark mini-pools, The shadows are friends of fishes in this section of the valley. Mid day is tough but, still crowded. Carry and use sun block.
.. Soda Butte Creek is both on fire and a popular elbow watching venue. The famous water, (from Trout Lake to the confluence meadows,) is a display of gear and license plates from near and far. This is for good reason. The creek has moved away from it's banks and is providing novel catching opportunities.

Welcome to Slough Creek.

.. Use your best small hoppers with beetles or ants. The caddis have been kind of shy but, a small caddis imitation will bring noses to the hook - if you see the noses first.
.. If you have the right fishing license you can gather up some dance partners in beautiful downtown Silver Gate. There are even occasionally available rooms to let in both Silver Gate and Cooke City.
.. The welcome sign is out on the road to Slough Creek. The celebrity  and spooky trout are beginning to be closed mouth when it comes to artificial flies. Catching, from the sagebrush through the second meadow, requires hunting skills as well as fishing skills.

Damsel

.. Gentle strolling along the bank and keen observation are keys to galling a fish. This is one place where it is most important to fish the fish rather than the water. The trout don't have lock jaw yet but it's getting to be that time of year. Fish wise and fish slow.

Grunt in - Slide out.

.. Even little  Trout Lake, (with trout the size of watermelons,) is crowded. This little destination requires a small grunt to get to.
.. Coming out, down the hill, should be a breeze - unless you are exhausted from catching all those willing, yet shy fish.
.. There is an abundance of damsel flies on the water right now. Don't forget the weeds - use your best larval imitation.

Pebble Creek classroom.

.. Pebble Creek, from the camp ground to the Soda Butte Creek confluence has some fish of the willing variety. Practice your stalking skills in the brambles that the other fishers avoid and walk around.
.. There are some gently undercut banks that hold large and lazy fish. These critters can feel you coming. They are just hangin' out and waiting for some groceries. Don't telegraph your presence and you will fill your dance card. Try a pair of nymphs with a bobber. You shouldn't have to cast far.
.. If you are brave enough to negotiate the campground at Pebble Creek, (avoiding the educational seminars, creative parking, and family fun,) you will find some excellent catching opportunities in the willow meadows.
.. This is one of those places that has few fishers: lots of hikers, photographers, and families, but few fishers.
.. What's happening on the Gardner River? How about Obsidian Creek or Winter Creek? Could there be fish in the Yellowstone River?
.. What a place !!

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WALLPAPER: THE SODA SIGN