Saturday Job

WE FISH - THEY WORK

Ag Team Visits West Yellowstone

Invasive Species Check Point

wallpaper size: 1404 x 1221 - thanks guys
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.. We went fishing: fished in Yellowstone National Park, had the Madison River all to ourselves. Didn't see another fisher for 4 hours.
.. The caddis started late, (about 4:00 PM,) and went 'til dark. The few fish that were looking up were good sized, 12" -18", and a bit splashy in their takes.
.. The fish taken on soft hackles were just as large but sipped the flies and didn't know that they were caught until we did.
.. Flow rates on the Madison River are a little low for this time of year, but the the gage height is up about 2', and there is only about 5' of visibility.
.. Report soon on Yellowstone's Hidden River. We're going to do it once more before we spill the beans.

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.. As we fished the river in benign solitude a hard working team of specialists from the Montana Department of Agriculture was staffing the Invasive Species Check Station just north of West Yellowstone.
... There are 4 mobile inspections stations in Montana, and they will be monitoring the major highway entry points through September 15, 2010.
.. Montana, a leader in invasive species monitoring and management, finalized it's Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan back in 2002.
.. The Department of Agriculture press release of last week details the operations as part of a multi-state "Inspect - Clean & Dry Campaign to prevent movement of invasive mussels, weeds and disease organisms into the region's lakes, reservoirs, streams and irrigation canals."
.. Boats, personal watercraft, and ATV's were inspected for signs of invasive species and given a thorough power-washing if needed. Educational brochures were given to visitors that were stopped at the checkpoint and information about the problem of invasive species was delivered.

MONEY QUOTE

Invasive weeds and other organisms also are of concern. Within the past two years, Eurasian Watermilfoil, a water weed sometimes found in fish tanks, has been found in Cabinet Gorge and Noxon Reservoirs on the Clark Fork River. A containment plan has been proposed for those waterways, Hanson says. Education is planned for pet stores and plant nurseries that could inadvertently transport invasive species.

..For more information about aquatic invasive species, contact a Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional office or the Montana Department of Agriculture at (406) 431-3209.
.. We appreciate the hard working teams that allow us to fish while they work. Thanks again!

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Trail Work

BETTER, SAFER ACCESS

Easier Walk

more fish

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.. Just a brief note to let you know that the trail realignment and improvement along Fan Creek is approaching completion.
.. The return of the beavers, and their impoundment seems permanent.
.. The NPS has chosen to honor this structure and it's expanding pond by adjusting the trail realignment to avoid the feeder streams and seasonal trickles that were previously crossed by the trail.
.. Outfitters with stock will soon be able to use the new trail. Fishers with legs can use it now! We look forward to a mature beaver pond and a captive audience for some exuberant dances in the near future.
.. The beavers were a happy coincidence that coincided with the 10 year "Trail Restoration" project funded by the Yellowstone Park Foundation. You can investigate this initiative HERE & HERE.
.. Many of the beavers in the neighborhood are bank dwellers. We are pleased to see this innovative pond building & dwelling initiative on the part of the busy little rodents. And we also hope that they capture some hungry native trout in the process.
.. Perhaps this will aid the preservation of some native cutthroat trout in the little valley.
.. The Wild Fish Habitat Initiative, (#1, #2,) has had a stuttering history on Fan Creek and it's environs.
.. Invasive species, (such as Brown Trout & Rainbow Trout,) have been, (and continue to be,) protected by the NPS to the detriment of our natives.
.. These foreign invaders, in Yellowstone National Park are, sadly, cherished by indiscriminate fly fishers and feather merchants alike.
.. It seems that the lesson of foreign char in Yellowstone Lake has gone unheeded by most of our park's managers when it comes to the streams in the park.
.. Maybe the beavers can help restore some perspective about the place of Yellowstone National Park in the effort to preserve our native species.
.. In a related note yesterday PROTECT YOUR WATERS points us to the robust program that Idaho is undertaking (PDF). Although still aimed at the little critters such as New Zealand Mud Snails and plants such as water milfoil, it's a good start.
.. It would seem that these programs are aimed at protecting, among other things, fishing in general - rather than protection and restoration of native species.
.. We'll continue to watch this effort and see if it holds promise for the Yellowstone region.

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Neighbors Taking Action

GREATER YELLOWSTONE
COORDINATING COMMITTEE
FORMS ANS WORKING GROUP

Our Neighbors Are Great

.. The formal announcement of this action oriented working group can be found at Protect Your Waters. We salute the concern and selfless efforts of all involved. Here's the full text.

. . . . The Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) is a global asset that is treasured for its natural beauty, geological wonders, biological diversity and plethora of recreational opportunities. People from all over the world visit the GYA to enjoy its natural wonders and resources. The GYA is the headwaters for three major river systems that are of immeasurable economic importance to the United States.

The unique ecological and economic values of the GYA are now being threatened by aquatic invaders, or aquatic nuisance species (ANS). These non-native mussels, plants, snails, and other introduced species have the potential to severely impact the region’s ecosystem, tourism, agriculture, hydropower, and businesses.

To better combat these invaders, Federal, state, and county agencies have partnered with organizations, outfitters, and businesses to protect the GYA from ANS, by creating a working group of the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee. The value of this unified approach includes the pooling of resources, knowledge, and energy as well as avoiding the duplication of efforts. This approach moves government entities to a proactive approach that empowers individuals and harnesses the power of the private sector to change behaviors. This collaborative group has prepared a strategic plan and is developing an accompanying implementation plan. Their goals are to:

• Prevent new introductions of ANS into waters of the GYA.
• Limit the spread of established populations of ANS into uninfested waters.
• Abate harmful ecological, socioeconomic and public health and safety impacts resulting from infestations of ANS within the GYA.
• Provide a cooperative environment that encourages coordinated activities among all interested parties throughout the GYA.

Key action items include survey, research, outreach/education, and control. Surveying for ANS in and around the GYA will provide essential insight into existing conditions. This element of the implementation plan is currently under-funded and the group is seeking funds to accomplish it with a GYA-wide approach.

ANS pose an immediate threat to the waters of the GYA. All those involved recognize that everyone who lives, works, or plays in the GYA needs to work cooperatively to prevent the spread of ANS.

For more information on how to get involved to protect the GYA from ANS, please contact the Chair of the GYA-Wide ANS Working Group, James Capurso (Caribou-Targhee National Forest) at 208-557-5780.

.. GYCC LINK
.. Caribou - Targhee National Forest Link

Of Stoats, Rock Snot, & Blue Ducks

NEW ZEALAND WHIO
TWO-TIMED

Invasive Species x 2

.. From Protect Your Waters comes a note about Didymo and it's spread in New Zealand. The diatom has been discovered in the world fly fishing destination-river Karamea, in Kahurangi National Park.
.. The saga of threats to the Blue Duck is an example of "unintended consequences."
.. Rabbits, introduced to New Zealand became a pest. The stoat, (ermine,) was introduced to control the rabbits. The ermines found native ducks easier to catch and eat.
.. The native Whio, (Blue Duck,) is endangered and now being threatened by Rock Snot, (Didymosphenia geminata,) in addition to the stoats.
.. This double threat from invasive species is a classic example of the exponential threats facing native species around the world.
.. The Scottish Author knew it well:

Oh what tangled webs we weave
When first we practice to deceive.

.. It's not good to fool with Mother Nature.
.. The same kind of threats face many species in Yellowstone National Park: fish and others. Our "deception" is improving all the time.
.. Early on, Victorians, Sportsmen, and Yellowstone Park Managers introduced exotic fish into the rivers of the park. The fish brought fishers. Fishers brought other invasive species.
.. Now Yellowstone's native Cutthroat Trout are disappearing through predation and interbreeding. Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Lake Trout are the primary culprits at present. The New Zealand mud snails, Didymo, and other world travelers are threats looming on the near horizon.
.. Fishing has grown, (though not recently,) to invade all fishable waters. It is a pastime that unthinkingly - or innocently - believes that it is about the fish.
.. Rivers, lakes, ponds, oceans, and the other waters that contain the fish are usually secondary in the thinking process of fishers. The ecology of the fish and its environs are way down the list of concerns and conversation. This has got to change if fishing is to continue in our national parks.
.. Rock Snot is at the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The threat is real and the diatom will probably be in the rivers within the park in the next year or two. It may be there now - unnoticed by fishers and managers alike.
.. For information about the hybrids in Montana's fishery visit: Trout Conservancy Of Montana. For information about Rock Snot just use your search engine.

Worth A Second Look

ZEAL TEMPERED BY SCIENCE

It Pays To Think

.. Thanks to a post in Protect Your Waters, (the "Stop Hitchhikers" folks,) we learn that six species of plants that were to be exterminated on the Galapagos Islands are in fact long term residents. Fossil pollen shows that they have been on the islands for several thousand years and were not introduced by visitors 500 years ago. You can hear the sixty second podcast HERE.
.. Of course the finding is one that begs the question: "How long does it take an invasive species to become indigenous?" At the time of their formation there were no species of any kind on the islands. They were 'invaded' by many species and colonized over time.
.. It's wise to remember that 'invasion' is part of natural selection: whether aided by man or not.
.. There were no fish in the Firehole River above the falls until invaders were planted. The same holds true for the Gibbon River above its barrier falls. Many waters in Yellowstone were devoid of fish before park managers and other well meaning individuals planted them.
.. The acceptance of these non-native species has taken less than 100 years. An industry based on their presence is thriving. Feather merchants and guide services reap the rewards of protected invasive species. Indigenous species are being wiped out by acceptable invaders. It's a problem that the "green" fly fisher, park manager, and the general public is loath to address. We sacrifice restoration for recreation, and ecological correctness for economic gain. Such is the state of our mindset and science.
.. The simple fact of the matter is that "invasive species" are tolerated - nay - welcomed if they prove to be of economic or recreational benefit to a few.
.. We see at least a double standard at work here. We introduced wolves because they were part of the "natural" environment. We continue to protect Brown Trout because they are invasive and provide an economic component to the park. We value and protect Rainbow Trout because they are invasive and can be caught and released. We admire and protect Brook Trout because they are invasive and provide easy catching for recreational endeavors. We spend millions trying to eradicate the Lake Trout because it's busy exterminating the indigenous Cutthroat in Yellowstone Lake. But we encourage the Rainbow Trout that are doing the same in Slough Creek.
.. On the other hand -- We were all invaders once!

Will Yellowstone Be Next ??

(GOOD) NEWS FLASH

Phase Out Felt Soles

check timely posts

.. New Zealand has banned felt-soled wading boots. This is an effort to help stop the spread of invasive species. This is important. We wonder when Wader Makers and governments in the United States will follow suit?
.. Read it HERE, from Protect Your Waters.

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.. For alternative choices check the recent timely posts at Best Fly Fishing Yellowstone: (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5.)

Growth & Death

WE'LL MISS THE BFFY BUNCH

The Way Of All Flesh

.. We sent them an email. The server spit it back. That's quick work. Just as soon as we'd become addicted to the posts of fins and grins and good information about regional waters -- they pulled the plug.
.. For some healthy reasons the site BEST FLY FISHING YELLOWSTONE is no longer going to be posting to their blog. Before they dismantle it entirely, click HERE for the final post. We understand their feelings and picked the money quote with ease.

Given the demands of this opportunity, we’ve simply decided that we’d rather fish that write about fishing every day

.. Thanks for the memories.

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.. The informative, entertaining, spontaneous, and frequently beguiling HORSE'S MOUTH has brought us some fine notes and a video of kite sailing in San Francisco Bay. It's akin to kite boarding on snow but with less clothing. Interesting and captivating; but the two snaps of sexy women and one lucky dog caught our attention.
.. They kept our attention through two mornings of cholesterol filled breakfasts and a couple of days in Yellowstone. Why even the truck was a topic of brief conversation. However the question posed by the author "Why is it always blurry underwater?" kept us occupied as we digested the biscuits and gravy.

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.. Protect Your Waters, the STOP HITCHHIKERS bunch, has added an RSS Feed to their site. Now you can stay informed on your favorite feed reader. This is an excellent service, and it's a welcome addition to the effort. The page for RSS selection is HERE. It's even configured for Yahoo, Bloglines, Google, and Live Bookmarks ... take your pick.

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Where There's Mergansers, There's . . .

Potpourri #9

GET AIRBORNE

The New Jersey Heritage Trout

Simms Steps Up
Annual Statistics Report

fishin' in the snow

.. The web and feed readers are a near fatal combination. Open one up and add some feeds: add a few more, another few for fun, and BINGO! it's a full time J.O.B. Our selection of feeds is not overwhelming quite yet, but it takes a bit too much of our fishing time, nonetheless
.. The less interesting things we digest ourselves, the rest we pass on to our visitors. Here's some of the recent things that used up a few billion electrons.

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.. Friday's breakfast meeting was so full of insight that truth had no chance. The main topic of conversation, as usual, revolved around the pictures in THE HORSE'S MOUTH. We like the sailing, the surfing, and the fish photos. We really like the wahines.
.. This week is no exception and we've borrowed two of their pics. Flying carp, flying fish, and even fly fishing take on new meanings with the one image: spectacular becomes freshly defined with the other.

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.. From HDW comes news of the genetic research that has discovered some of the east coast's finest of aquatic treasures -- native, indigenous, Brook Trout.
.. The post is an excerpt from the New Jersey Star Ledger and details the research, importance, and location of these jewels of the east. The Brook Trout is the State Fish of New Jersey and nine other states. Most of the New Jersey "Heritage Trout" are in the headwaters of just a few creeks in that state.

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.. The Simms Company, of Bozeman (Shameless Montana Plug,) sent out a recent news release that takes aim at three of the most damaging invasive species in our waters.
.. They detail some steps that anglers can take to reduce the spread of these environmental pirates. Simms is a partner in the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers project. One of the products developed by Simms is the material used in waders and wading boots that reduces absorbency. This, combined with careful design, helps fishers clean their 'wet gear' and aid in the campaign. The text of the news release and the tips for anglers can be found HERE. It's worth more than just a click.
.. For those that don't know about it, Simms has a custom shop that will use your specifications and sizes for truly custom waders. They have added 'boot foot' waders to their custom shop line. Boot foot waders have fewer nooks and cranny's for the invasive species to hide in and are easier to clean. The Simms Custom Shop is well worth a visit.

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.. Feed readers are funny things. Ours coughed up a post from October, 2005. The delay is unexplainable. It's from a source that we deleted a couple of years ago, and haven't heard from since -- until now.
.. In the interest of full disclosure we will admit to previously seeking pictures of the distaff angler in action. Happily, this feed returned one of them. Just a bit late, though. Here's the picture and the SOURCE.

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.. Despite the perfectly prepared Breakfast, and the invasion of near truth into fishing patter; and with the continuing snow and violent breezes, we managed to visit the legendary Hebgen Tailwater. Know locally as 'Between The Lakes' this bit of water is open to fishing all year long -- if you can get to it. During winter months it is heavily fished in the most accessible section that runs along the road from about the discharge pool to the mouth of Cabin Creek.
.. Local fools and die-hard use sneaky and devious tools such as snowshoes and skis to penetrate the better water around and below Campfire Lodge. They are most frequently rewarded with good fishing, beautiful scenery, and eager fish.
..We have neither the legs nor youth for this sort of adventure anymore. But old age and guile do have their advantages. We followed some snowmobile tracks to the edge of a nice stretch of water below the lodge. Only a few times did the compacted snow give way and dump us on our fanny.
.. We danced with a few eager fish and enjoyed the exhaustion more than we have in quite a while. The fish were responding to nymphs of all sorts but only in the sizes of 14 - 18. This is a truly devastating situation for old frozen fingers. The fish are willing, the fingers are not.
.. Shop Vacs were the fish's favorite, followed by the usual assortment of Feather Dusters, Montana Dusters, Yellowstone Winter Grubs, Prince Nymphs, Hellifiknow's, and Yellow Woolly Worms. Streamers were offered, none were taken. There was some vigorous midge activity but it was confined to our nose and ears.

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.. At the end of the first quarter of each year we've taken to reviewing our statistics and posting results for the year. It's that time. With no further ado here are the summary statistics.

click on image for larger view

Cure For The Blahs

WE'VE SAID IT BEFORE

Now There Are Three

.. Even fly fishers get the BLAHS. When it happens here, we usually first turn to either the Trout Underground or The Horse's Mouth for pleasant diversion and good information. Now we can add the Best Fly Fishing Yellowstone Blog to our top three escapes into other points of view and fresh perspectives.
.. Each of these offerings has undergone evolutionary change and advanced through time. The erudition and scope of coverage of these three blogs is superlative. The information is timely and concise. The writing is at worst very readably, and at best a joy.
.. Years ago regional blogging was quick and dirty. Today some still is: but not these. As a "good read" these are worth your time - as are the others in our sidebar. Of course they all reflect our very idiosyncratic personal preference, yet they continue to provide a catholic perspective that is often missing in the minutiae of the reportage in regional news. We salute these efforts and continue to look forward to their posts. We hope that you do too.
.. There has been a surge in awareness of invasive species during the last 6 - 10 months. Much of this awareness has been due to the efforts of the Protect Your Waters website. This excellent site is a classic example of just how good our government can be: dedicated public servants, working with a focus and purpose that many private corporations should envy.
.. The site is part of the ANS Task Force, and is a cooperative venture of 10 federal agencies including the United States Coast Guard, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
.. The list of partners supporting this effort is impressive, and the results of the information campaign are very rewarding. Ranging from clubs and federal agencies, through state agencies and tribal governments, to schools, businesses, and blogs there is an impressive array of "Names We All Know" that are aiding the effort to become informed about invasive species and the possible ways of combating their threat to fishing and the environment.
.. Protect Your Waters provides frequent email alerts on news and efforts in this arena. To keep informed is a simple matter: just go to THE SITE, scroll down on the right and enter your email address. This is a spam-free mailing list and you can rest assured that there will soon appear news of interest in your email.
.. In the "Plan Ahead Department," (and as a special nod to Tom 'Bamboo' Chandler,) we offer this Bamboo Vest.
.. It's a Deung Guri, a Koreen undergarment made of finely split bamboo. It is usually worn in the summertime under silk to permit circulation of air. This is just the ticket for the sweltering warmth of summer fishing. And look at all the places to hang a zinger upon - or - tweezers? - forceps? - magnifying glass? - fly box? - gad, the possibilities are endless.