Blow Up

 LONE STAR FIRE

Gets Bigger

periodic road closures

Lone Star Fire = Fir & Pine = 3 Miles South Of Old Faithful

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.. The lightning caused fire south of the Old Faithful developed area has rapidly grown to over 3,000 acres. This growth is by a factor of 10 in three days. Increased temperatures and brisk winds will continue to accelerate the growth of the fire.

RESOURCES: 

>> InciWeb,

>> YNP Information,

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THE MUSTARD BUGGER

.. Catching continues to be very good on the Gallatin River, Duck Creek, Yellowstone River, Slough Creek.

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.. It's a bit early - BUT -  there are reports of large and very colorful fish in the Madison Arm of Hebgen Reservoir.

.. Small streamers and red worms on most rivers and streams. Ants on the Gallatin River. Large streamers in the reservoir weeds.

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WALLPAPER:  THE BEST "BLT"

Hopping Along

HOPPER EXPLOSION

The Ant Invasion

watch fires and bears

WALLPAPER:  FAVORITE HOPPER

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.. Fire season and Fall fishing have arrived together this year. Both have held the interest of the fishers and the news folks.

..Despite the cooler weather and a few scattered showers, the Bacon Rind Fire continues to impact both fishing and back country access in the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park.
.. Winds associated with the impinging cold front have blown up several hot spots and fire crews are back at it.

HAND CARRY IT

.. There will be a community meeting at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 29th at the Community Protestant Church at 505 N Electric Street, West Yellowstone. Fire managers will give an operational update.
.. Trail closures for fire areas and bear management areas are posted on the park website and should be followed.
.. These closures impact both fishing access and back country access!!
.. Be sure that you travel with companions and sing loud and ribald songs. Also be sure that your bear spray is fresh and carried in your hand - not your backpack.

 RESOURCES

>> INCIWEB FOR BACON RIND FIRE,
>> BACON RIND FIRE CLOSURE MAP  -  YNP,
>> TRAIL CLOSURES  -  YNP,
>> BEAR MANAGEMENT CLOSURES  -  YNP.

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RED ANT

.. Terrestrial activity seems to have accelerated with the last few cool days. Perhaps there is a seasonal urgency being felt by the creepy and crawly and hoppy critters in our neighborhood.
.. Some urgency is noticeable in the neighbors. We need some smokers and they are not biting.

BLACK ANT

.. Ants on the ground, in the air, and in the water are spicing up the catching on the west side rivers of Yellowstone National Park.
.. They can appear as if by magic, descend upon a locality and then, vanish without any warning.
.. Be sure to have some ant patterns that can be fished on top and underneath the water. Careful observation of fish noses will give you a clue about how to fish the little stinkers.

FUNNY HOW GRAY THEY LOOK

.. Right now the hoppers are prolific but are sleepy until the warm part of the day. We missed the final molt of the grasshopper nymphs and have been surprised at the size of the largest species. They do grow fast.
.. Montana has several hundred species of grasshopper. About half of them can and do occur in our neighborhood.
.. The neighbors differentiate them into two classes: "Big'uns" & "Little'uns." Right now the little'uns are the most numerous. They are also the first to plunge themselves into the rivers during early afternoon.

EASY HOPPER

.. Usually by 2 - 3 O'clock both sizes are hopping around in the meadows and grass lines at the river's edge.
.. Depending on how you prefer to fish, (up stream, across stream, down stream,) an excellent strategy is walk the bank in the opposite direction and chase the hoppers into the water. Then just turn around and pick off the fish noses that appear.

THE TURCK TARANTULA

.. Most fishers use purpose tied "Hopper Flies." A few of the more successful neighbors use other sorts that seem to appeal to the fish more than the fisher.
.. Muddler Minnows, Large Madam X, and Silli Stimulators are all being used right now - AND taking fish. Several sage neighborhood fishers are using the Turck Tarantula. It was devised by Guy Turck and has won several "One Fly" competitions in Jackson, Wyoming  -  just sayin'.

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SIZE 28 FAN WING ROYAL  COACHMAN

.. We're looking forward to the dreary and drizzly day that is predicted to visit with us tomorrow.
.. High temperatures may not reach the 60's. If so, there may be the best Autumn hatch of ephemera in years.

NEZ PERCE CREEK IN THE FALL

.. The conditions are right and the counter help hasn't even the slightest clue. Get out your best delicate floater and pick those slow slick spots that the guides save for themselves.
.. Right now it's early evening. The wind is blowing fiercely. We are headed straight to slumberland. Morning should bring some fog, a spinner fall, and a squadron or three of very tiny flies - hopefully.
.. The neighbors have kindly tied some size 28 flies on short tippets for us. That, we can manage.

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WALLPAPER:  MEGA BLT SANDWICH

OH DAMN !

NEIGHBORS PISSED

Sudden Growth

moving toward highway

BACON RIND FIRE AREA MAP

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.. We have fires every year. It's a fact of life since we live in the lodgepole desert. They are caused by lightning and by humans. They come and they go. We're accustomed to them.
.. The lightning caused Bacon Rind Fire has been sputtering for about a month now with very little attention.
.. Over the last few days and, with the intemperate - unusually high temperatures it has rapidly flared up and moved from the sagebrush flanks of the valley and into the  lodgepole pine forest.
.. The fire is currently sized at near 2,000 acres and:

". . . has been spreading by group torching, short crown runs, and long-range spotting. The fire is continually flanking and backing towards Hwy 191.
     Fire growth was seen to the south towards Bacon Rind drainage on 8/15. There were no delays on Highway 191 yesterday. Fire growth is expected to continue today as temperatures continue to increase."

GROUP TREE TORCHING

.. Both the USFS and the NPS have issued closures. So far Highway 191 has remained open with some delays and pilot car traffic allowed.
.. Yellowstone National Park has closed most of the northwest corner of the park's back country trails.
.. Currently some Gallatin River access is allowed. Check the resources below for updated access and closure information.
.. This is the time of year when we fish the Gallatin River, Fan Creek, and Bacon Rind Creek. Access to many of the catching areas is restricted  --  double damn.
.. With the increased wind and continuing heat wave we should anticipate that this fire will continue to spot and grow.

DON'T FISH HERE

RESOURCES:

>> INCIWEB  INCIDENT PAGE,
>> FIRE CLOSURES WEB PAGE,
>> YELLOWSTONE CLOSURES,
>> FOREST CLOSURES.

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.. Happily there is no closure anticipated for Notellum Creek, nor any for the Notellum Beaver Ponds.  We're headed there with a fresh canister of bear spray. Left the neighbors to tend the ribs!

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WALLPAPER:  GREAT BEGINNINGS

Grab A Streamer

COOL AND DAMP

Sort'a Like Fall

head to the madison

..

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.. Well it finally happened. Not an extinguishing event but, enough moisture to greatly slow the fires. The perimeter of the Maple Fire is secure and it has gained some area due to more precise mapping. It's now about 45,000 acres.

DINKERS

.. Enough moisture to allow the road to the Barns Holes to open.
.. Enough moisture and cool weather to jiggle some life into the wee bugs of the Firehole River.
.. Of course the neighbors are less excited than the counter help and visiting fisher folk.

STIFFY

..For the dry fly folks this is the time for White Miller Caddis, (Nectopsyche exquisita - or some such,) on the Firehole River.
.. Some of the dries guys will hope to anticipate the baetid emergence on these cool overcast days.
.. Certainly a box or two of dinky imitations will be necessary. Let the counter help at your favorite feather emporium select a few dozen for you.

SOFTY

.. For the less obsessive fishers the soft hackle or stiff hackle flies will gather up dance partners.
.. We've run out of winter rejects so it's into the pretty flies.
.. They work no better than the scruffy ones but they show off better when someone asks.

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PRETTY GOOD FLY

..

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.. A couple of neighbors have trundled down to the Barns Holes on the Madison River. It was a scouting trip for the runner run. A streamer of gigantic proportions caught some rocks, a cased caddis, and an heroic fish.

TOO SOON TOO BIG

.. The critter was all of 14" and fought like a slug in winter. It may have , even, come from Hebgen Reservoir.
.. It's head was small compared to its' plump body. Cell phones are sterling implements for grabbing snaps of noses.
.. In a few days our pleasant warmth will return and the possibility for road and track closures is still in the offing.
.. Fire behavior is a capricious thing and it's best to be alert. Check the Yellowstone National Park information pages for either road or fire details.
.. Well it's time to have some vittles. Something light and quick, need to tend the garden, dontchaknow.

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WALLPAPER:  CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

Some Fish - Some Fire

WEST SIDE BURNOUTS

Runners Present

please plan carefully

WALLPAPER:  BARNS HOLES BURNOUT

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.. We used to call them 'backfires' and 'backburns.' Now they are called "BURNOUTS."

BAKERS' HOLE BURNOUT

.. These are controlled fires that are set to burn out areas where major wildfires may use fuel to spread in unwanted directions.
.. The most recent burnouts in our area were near the Barns Holes and the Bakers' Hole Campground.
.. The road access to the Barns Holes is closed. Currently it is still possible to access the Madison River through the Bakers' Hole Campground.
 .. These actions were taken in advance of forecast cooler weather and light rain. Duration of the closures is dependent on local conditions at the southwestern corner of the MAPLE FIRE.

HIGHWAY 89, BERRY FIRE

.. Additionally, the South Entrance Road is closed due to increased activity of the BERRY FIRE.
.. Now that the spawn has started it is important to carefully plan your fishing access in the pursuit of the wily runners from Hebgen Reservoir.
.. Use the following resources to be informed about fire activity, area closures, and road closures:
>> INCIWEB MAPLE FIRE,
>> INCIWEB BERRY FIRE,
>> NPS CURRENT FIRE ACTIVITY,
>> YNP ROAD INFORMATION PHONE;  307-344-2117,
>> YNP INTERACTIVE FIRE MAP,
>> YNP FACEBOOK PAGE,
>> YNP TWITTER.

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.. The Gallatin River is where many of the neighbors are hanging out nowadays. There is a large assemblage of trout food in the offing.
.. Terrestrials include ants, flying ants, hoppers, beetles, and small sticks.
.. There are spruce moths along with some white miller caddis. There are other caddis flies and an occasional mayfly.
.. The lovely nymphic zoo includes big and little stoneflies, caddis, and the occasional small fry. The trout are loving it.

TRAIL CLOSURES: FAWN PASS BIGHORN PASS

.. The higher elevations of both the Fawn Pass Trail and the Bighorn Pass Trail are closed. For the moment fishing access to the Gallatin River and Fan Creek is available. It's smoky up there but the fish are ravenous: especially the ones in the willows and meadow of the upper Gallatin River.

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NEIGHBORHOOD FALL FLIES

.. We'll only whisper this once: fish in their current sex-crazed state ascend creeks other than the Madison River.
.. The neighbors will ostracize me for a week or so but, there are some giant fish in the Duck Creek Estuary, Cougar Creek Estuary, Grayling Creek, Bacon Rind Creek, and some other bits of water leading into Hebgen Reservoir. Of course a map is required.

FIREHOLE ABOVE OLD FAITHFUL

.. The Firehole River above Old Faithful is attracting quite a bit of attention from foreign visitors. It's amazing what the local counter help ignores.
.. Water temperatures up there are hanging out in the 50's with lows overnight in the mid 40's. At least some fishers are dancing with the brightly colored and feisty Brook Trout on this inviting stretch of water. JEEZE, even the grass is still green!

NEON WHAMME

.. The glory waters of the famous Firehole River are still spiking to the 70's by noon.
.. A few of our neighbors arise early and catch the fish while the water is cool, the fog is low,  and the shadows are long.
.. It's still mostly a soft hackle game but large green nymph patterns are also galling some of the  larger fish.
.. It's late and time for a midnight snack. Something light will do.

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WALLPAPER:   MIDNIGHT SNACK

The Real Best Breakfast

IN THE WEST
Your Palate Counts

not hype: just great !

EVER BEEN TO HELENA ?

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.. We refuse to believe that fly fisher folk are as gullible and susceptible to hyperbole in radio advertising as some local merchants seem to believe.  Then again . . .
.. We've eaten at all of these joints below. They are miles above anything locally.
.. And, they are reasonably priced. Try them next time you are out and about and need The Best Breakfast West Of The Mississippi, (unless you have indiscriminate and plebeian tastes and, believe everything you hear.)

SO HERE THEY ARE:

>> LITTLE GOAT DINER
>> AMAZING CREPES
>> STEVE'S CAFE
>> 5 SPOT
>> GLO'S CAFE
>> ORIGINAL HOTCAKE HOUSE
>> MOTHER'S BISTRO & BAR
>> LUNCH BOX DELI & BBQ, (#1, #2,)
>> PEG's GLORIFIED HAM & EGGS
>> MAMA'S
>> CAFE DE LA FLOR
>> BRIAN'S 24
>> CAFE 222, (#1, #2,)

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.. The cool down has slowed and it looks like some softer and warmer weather is coming this way.
.. Nights will be slightly cool and there may be some light showers and scattered thunderstorms in the next few days forecast. Fish now!
.. There are widely scattered temporary and permanent road closures throughout Yellowstone National Park. These will impact some fishing access. Check the YNP CURRENT CONDITIONS page for alerts and road closures.

LITTLE BROWN TROUT

.. There are still hoppers park wide. On sunny afternoons the Lamar River is crowded and the fish still like their hoppers, (or beetles, or small streamers.)
.. The smoke comes and goes up on the Gallatin River in the park.
.. Deepest Fan Creek is inaccessible due to trail closures and fire crew activity.

WORKS AS AN INDICATOR TOO

.. The junction meadow is running slow and the water is not holding much other than the nursery fish.
.. Up high on the Gallatin River the willow meadows in the far 'n' away sections are smoky, tangled, and holding some nice fish. They are taking mostly ants and beetles, (float 'em or sink em - don't seem to matter.)
.. Don't plan on too much action with the runners on the Madison River. The rumors are true but, the biggest fish are still staging in the estuaries of Hebgen Reservoir.
.. The gulpers are petering out and the winds have been early in the day for a week or so. Work, instead, the weed beds with big ugly flies or leeches - unless, of course you are addicted to watching your fly bob around in the breeze.

MASHED CADDIS

.. We don't often say it but, the best catching right now is the easy morning fishing on the Firehole River.
.. If you can forego the second cup of coffee and get to the river to follow the edges of the morning shadows you could wear out your reel hand.
.. Stick with the easy stuff: a mashed caddis on the surface, small hoppers or ants, hopper dropper with a flymph and you're in the groove. Don't catch them all. Have brunch about 11:00 AM and call it a day.
.. Or, trundle over to Baker's Hole and fish where the folks aren't. We're headed there now.

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WALLPAPER:  PASTA e FAGIOLI

And, So It Begins

FIRE WINDING DOWN

Grass Yellowing Up

fish lips pricked

CURRENT MAPLE FIRE MAP

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.. What a difference a few cool nights and a bit of rain will make.
.. Both the fire crews and the fishers have responded to the early Fall weather - albeit in quite different ways.

INFORMATION BOARD

.. Although not "under control," the MAPLE FIRE has moved further into Yellowstone National Park.
.. The southwestern periphery is being stabilized to protect dwellings and the West Entrance administrative center.
.. Crews are actively monitoring the established fire lines and preparing access routes.

CREW PLATE

.. Hoses and sprinklers have been set in the government area. Fire crews have a bit less beat-up look and a few are wearing clean clothes. Thanks to them and their quick action the town and suburban residences have been maintained intact.
.. Some fishing access is still closed and it behooves the visiting fishers to check with park personnel prior to planning fishing activities. These links will help: YNP FIRE ACTIVITY, YNP CURRENT CONDITIONS , BLOG.

SINKEM STICKEM

.. The Firehole River is running at historic low discharge rates.
.. Temperatures above Old Faithful are holding in the 50's (+ or -) and in the lower river showing brief mid day spikes to 70° F.
.. Morning catching has been about as good as it gets. Of course enormous amounts of fishers will have little luck with their surface offerings.
.. This is the time to catch many fish with precise presentation and submerged flies. It's mostly a nymph fishers game right now.

KNOW THE WATER - CATCH THE FISH

.. Large imitations are excellent for retrieving larger fish if you have any river sense at all. Dark holes, bolder pillows, boulder slicks, foam lines, seams, topographic breaks will all hold fish.
.. If you don't walk through the fish you can catch them. Long casts that rip your shorts and strain your waders are not necessary. Even folks on the Madison River are taking fish with casts as short as two feet.
.. The Madison River is holding in the mid 60's and this should continue for the next few days. Access to the Barns Holes should be open as soon as the burnouts to stabilize the southern periphery of the Maple Fire are complete.

WINTER REJECT  -  CATCHER

.. There is no secret about the flies for catching on either river right now. 
.. Use your favorite soft or stiff hackle flies on either river for the average resident trout. A full day of catching can be accomplished with a properly sized soft hackle, (we're of the bigger is a bit better school,) so size 10 or 12 for us - seems to work.

GROCERIES

.. The Fall feeding frenzy is akin to the one in the Spring. This one must fuel both the food for the sparse pickings in Winter and the sexual orgy about to commence.
.. Fish do like groceries presented to them. They will take a snack if pushed into their personal space. They will move a bit for a cheese burger. They will slam a bag of donuts, chocolate milk, apple pies, and Neapolitan Ice Cream. Give 'em groceries.
.. It is mostly against our nature to arise with the sun at this time of year. The offsetting compensation is that the fish eat an early breakfast and we enjoy the foolery that goes with pricking a couple of dozen before lunch. Now to tend the garden.

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WALLPAPER:  MY GUIDE IS MY FRIEND