Nifty Technology

THE ELECTRONIC VOYEUR

Better Than "Where's Waldo ?"

jealously makes us droll

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.. There's a Montana born fly fisher wandering around Yellowstone National Park and fishing all the "good" places. He's taking two months and letting the devil take the hindmost.
.. Attached to his person, (we did not ask where,) is a device called THE SPOT.  This nifty gizmo allows any smart phone to become a satellite transmitter. Use it for safety reasons, use it for social networking, use it for custom emails, use it for an S.O.S. signal, or use it to track progress of trekking and adventuring, (or even fly fishing.)
.. You can track the progress of this famous intrepid fly fisher, (he's in the Thorofare Region right now,) by going to the map site with his latest location - HERE.
.. We want one. It only costs $169.00. This is more than just a spiffy trinket; it's an honest-to-goodness safety device. More, we want the legs to get there and fish for the wonderful eager and willing trout that are off the beaten path. Lucky fellow, great technology.

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Far And Fine

GET WAY OFF THE ROAD

As Far As You Can Get

in the lower 48
the stuff of stories

.. Plan now! There is a place in Yellowstone National Park where you can catch fish farther from any road - anywhere in the lower 48.
.. You can get there on foot; it's best done with gentle horses and friendly mules. It takes some planning and some determination, but it's worth the time and money.
.. Wild, "un-pounded" fish, native to the stream and molested only very infrequently, are yours for the taking, (and putting back,) in the Thorofare.
.. This is no plush 'fly-in' experience so favored by the Alaskan tourist bureaus. No boats with guides and tall tales is this. This is work, hard work; and solitude and glorious adventure.
.. Remember these numbers: 6Y2 & 6Y4 & 6Y5. These are the campsites closest to the one spot farther from any road in the lower 48 - and you're not there yet. Fewer people stand on the spot than climb Mt. Everest in a year. Fewer yet, catch a fish here.
.. Ask your favorite Yellowstone expert how the fishing is on Cliff Creek. Enjoy the quizzical expression. Ask what fish can be caught. Ask about the mosquitoes. Only a select few can enter the conversation. Only a select few explode with enthusiasm about the voracious trout that will dance with you at the drop of a fly - any fly.
.. There are 20" native Cutthroat Trout that soar like a pounded Rainbow Trout never could. But they are in the bigger streams nearby. You'll see where they are. You'll even see them. You'll catch them too.
.. But the thrill of taking a fish far from the road and fine as they can be can only happen on Cliff Creek. Here a 10" fish is a giant. Here a 6" fish is a prize.
.. In about four months there will be a few people near this place. Probably not a one of them will stand at: 44-05-05 N, x 110-04-12W. Maybe one will. Maybe they will catch a 5" native. Maybe it will be you!
.. If you plan to walk it will take you a week, probably more. It demands stamina and enormous backcountry skills. This is bear country at it's finest. It is also moose country, deer country, and all the other critters in Yellowstone's country. It's as wild as it gets - anywhere.
.. If you go by horseback, it's probably still a week - but it's more gentle. It's a bit easier but a bit more expensive. It will cost between $1,500 and $2,500 depending on the outfitter and the amenities that you choose. And, even then it won't be plush.
.. There is still time to get a spot. There's not many and they are filling fast. Remember, the photo ops are spectacular, the experience exhilarating, the water cold and clean, and the fishing is "UNIQUE" in all the lower 48.
.. Want to read about how it's done on foot? Check out the hiking report at SEAKAYAK. Want to see the spot? Watch the video below. It's from the documentary film Division Street, the official selection of the "Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival."
.. Like movies on your computer? Tired of HULU? Try TERRA! Don't know about Terra? It's full of movies about Yellowstone and our neighborhood.
.. Whirling disease? Sure thing! Montana beef? Sure enough! Elk responding to wolves? Of course! Fish & Cow? Most certainly! Winter in Yellowstone? A sure thing! Check it out.
.. It's Got'ta be good it's from MSU.

..

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It's Getting Worse

CUTTHROAT TROUT
ARE WHIRLING AWAY

Malady Spreading Like, - well - Whirling Disease

watch them go

.. The Denver Post is just the latest in a long line of newspapers to run a story about the disappearing Cutthroat Trout of Yellowstone. Both the Yellowstone Cutthroat and the West Slope Cutthroat are in trouble.

.. Whirling disease is the culprit, in the "Troubled Waters" of Yellowstone, cited by Charlie Meyers in his note about the declining numbers of the trout.
.. In 1995 the New York Times and Peter Kaminsky brought the situation to national attention in their article "Trouble In Paradise." Mike Stark of the Billings Gazette has been diligently writing the same information in articles since 2004, (1, 2.) The Greater Yellowstone Coalition has been involved in the effort to save the species since 2005. The Montana Department of Fish Wildlife And Parks has been acutely aware of the problem since 2001.
.. These natives are disappearing from the regions waters for a variety of reasons, and Whirling disease is not the least of them. Studies have shown the importance of these fish to the ecosystem, and their reduced numbers are alarming.
.. The growing concern stems from the fact that the spawning streams are now infected and the trout are being wiped out in increasing numbers at an increasingly early age. The spawning streams of the Yellowstone River in Paradise Valley and those of the South Fork of the Snake River are now breeding fewer Yellowstone Cutthroats and more parasites.
.. This two year old map shows the known distribution of New Zealand Mud Snails in and around Yellowstone National Park. This is almost exactly the same as the known distribution of whirling disease. As you can see the dots follow the Yellowstone River into the Paradise Valley. Here, about 2/3 of the spawning tributaries have shown infected populations.
.. The documentation shows that both are rapidly spreading and reducing the fish population to dangerously low levels.
.. There are a couple of strains of Rainbow Trout, resistant to the disease, that have been developed by fisheries scientists that may be useful in stemming the tide of the disease in this species of trout. However, there are no known Cutthroat Trout that are resistant to whirling disease.
.. In addition to whirling disease the native Yellowstone Cutthroats are being hybridized out of existence in most waters in the Yellowstone ecosystem. (See: Keeley for the work in Idaho, 1, 2, 3, 4.)
.. The National Park Service advises each fisher on Slough Creek to kill up to five (5) Rainbow Trout that they catch there: provided they can tell the difference.

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Money Quotes: NPS

To reduce competition, predation, and hybridization stress on native fishes, Yellowstone has increased harvest limits of rainbow and brown trout in waters where they co-exist with cutthroat trout and fluvial arctic grayling.

In cutthroat trout waters where rainbow trout have been introduced, either by intentional, historic stocking or by invasion from a downstream source, the result has been a serious degradation of the cutthroat trout population through interbreeding of the two species.

Harvest of nonnative trout is allowed, and in some cases required, in many park waters.

.. Of course the unthinking fly fisher believes that catch-and-release is a panacea for all situations, in all places, and at all times. and has refused to do this in any meaningful way on Slough Creek.
.. You should hear the patter in the local fly shops. "Hell one trout's as good as the next, and those cutts are lazy fish, anyway." "I'd rather kill a Cuttthroat than a Brown any day." "There's no difference between a Cutbow, a Rainbow, and a Cutthroat." and so it goes.
.. In addition to New Zealand Mud Snails, Lake Trout, Whirling Disease, and Hybridization it might be that the most dangerous invasive species, for the native Yellowstone Cutthroat, is Homo Sapiens. Hardly sapient in this instance.
.. The long history of our manipulation of the fisheries around us, gives pause to the thought that we can or should do anything now. Yet the fish of the Thorofare may be the next to go the way of the downstream populations.
.. These gems are wild, wily, and cagey. They are prey for bears, coyotes, pelicans, eagles, hawks, wolves, and man, for starters. It would be a shame to see them disappear as both a sport fish and a member of the food chain.
.. As the hint of Spring brings to mind fishing in Yellowstone, it also reminds us that it is the informed fisher that enjoys the pastime the most. The history of fish species in Yellowstone has informed the park's managers in their drafting of regulations. It behooves the fisher to be at least as well informed as the managers.

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.. There are much better resources on-line about Yellowstone Fishing than you get in the little pamphlet that comes with your fishing permit. The following are exceptionally well written and should be read and understood before fishing in Yellowstone.
.. And, again, this year there are changes. We post this now, AND, let you know that we will post it again as fishing-time draws near.
.. Yellowstone Fishing Regulations (PDF)
.. Yellowstone Fishing Season Dates And Regulations
.. Yellowstone Fishing And Fisheries Science
.. Yellowstone Park Advice To Anglers
.. Troubled Waters, Yellowstone Video About Invasive Species
.. What's On Your Line? Yellowstone Video
.. Fish Identification Tools - Poster Downloads (PDF)
.. Yellowstone Fish Distribution Maps

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NPS RECOMMENDED LINKS

Fishing in Yellowstone - YNP Site
Invasive Threats to Yellowstone Fisheries - YNP Site
Whirling Disease Initiative - Montana State University Site
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers - A public awareness campaign, and a program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Coast Guard.
National Invasive Species Information Center - US Department of Agriculture Site
Aquatic Nuisance Species - US Environmental Protection Agency Site, Region 8
Montana University System Water Center - Montana State University Site
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force - Unites States Federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Site
Whirling Disease Information - Whirling Disease Foundation Site
New Zealand Mudsnail Information - Montana State University Site
Aquatic Invasive Species - Wisconsin State Environmental Resource Center Site
National Aquatic Nuisance Species Clearinghouse - New York Sea Grant Site

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.. The weekend was busy and we had barely time to fish or to visit THE HORSE'S MOUTH. But we did both. One of the cutest wahines ever was posted on Good Friday. And, just in case you missed the week before we reproduce below one of the most daring of all Friday wahines.

Get A Free Orvis Reel

ONE HOT FOURTH OF JULY

Cool Off In The Firehole

fish elsewhere
try the backcountry

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.. For a proper Yellowstone celebration of Independence Day, try the typical.

.. Photograph bears, wildfires, fly fishers, motor homes, gawker blocks, buffalo jams, bear jams, elk jams, copper blocks, traffic jams, and other natural phenomena.
.. Of course you better not miss the stupendously accessible parking at the Old faithful parking lot during the current construction frenzy.
.. And then, be sure to look for the rare and unusual vehicles that people choose to use when they visit the park.
.. Plan to arrive before 6:00 AM at the west entrance. Of course, if you're not an early riser, it's always fun to breath the exhaust fumes that accumulate from your neighbor's vehicle.
.. The wait is so long that life-long lasting friendships have been made while creeping toward the entrance station and visiting with the folks in the bus next to you.
.. You won't need a map, just follow the vehicles in front of you. Stop when they do, see what they see, (or don't,) and consider yourself just part of a giant Fourth Of July Parade.
.. This is the stuff of stories, and with the 4th falling on a Wednesday, you can count on two weekends of celebration - yes it's started already.

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.. For a fishing celebration avoid the glory waters. There are still some excellent places to fish. Places where the water is cool, clear, clean, and abandoned. What, you don't want to walk? Well then visit a local fly shop and talk about the solitude that is fast disappearing from the fishing scene in Yellowstone National Park.
.. The water is still cool in Grayling Creek, (very low, but cool.) Walk down the scree at Horseshoe Hill for some early morning fun with a few scrappy small fish.
.. After you scramble back up the hill, head on up to the Gallatin River. Things are popping like they haven't in quite a while. Walk to the meanders and bends away from the road. Approach carefully, there are 16" - 18" fish for the taking. (Psssst . . . THE BIG BUGS ARE THERE NOW!) Stay until dark because the evening caddis are working right now.
.. A brief sojourn up the Fan Creek trail in the evening is pleasant and will gather up some fish - if you're quiet and don't let your shadow fall on the water, (pesky things, shadows.) This stream has suffered quite a bit from the warm dry weather, so land your fish quickly.
.. There are a few spots in the not too marshy meadows of Duck Creek that still hold fish. The low flows have driven most of the resident monsters to Hebgen Lake, but there are still fish to be had. Watch for fire closures and alerts in this area.
.. Do you have the legs of an 18-year-old? Walk up to Grebe Lake. Carry a tube if you can. Don't let on where you heard it, but, the fish are wild and very hungry.
.. One of the most busy roads in Yellowstone holds great fishing - if you can find a parking space. There are some places on the Gardner River that are still holding good fish and are away from the road. Check with Parks' Fly Shop for updated information. They let the cat out of the bag with this tip:

Fishin' Hole of the Week

Walk down the old railroad grade north from Gardiner. This bank of the river is actually in the Park down to Reese Creek. Fish a Salmonfly or Golden Stone ahead of your favorite attractor. No nymphs necessary for about two weeks here. Catch many trout, including surprising numbers of fish over 14" for this water.

.. If you're coming from Cody, you should pause along the Shoshone River and sample the offerings. Both above the dam and below are fishing very well right now. Click on over to North Fork Anglers for the latest information and stop in the shop on your way to the park. This entrance provides some of the best secluded fishing anywhere.

.. Scream it loud! Slough Creek has bloomed. The water temperature is perfect and very clear, (right now,) and is fishing very well. You can find good water below the entrance road on the sagebrush flats. Hoppers have started here and in the Lamar River valley. If you must fish the meadows, arrive extra early and walk until it hurts. Turn around, and fish down; and smile at the folks just coming in. Tell lies and be smug.

.. The little canyon section of the Lamar River between Buffalo Ranch and the Slough Creek confluence is fishing well to just about anything. This rapid water is well oxygenated and that's particularly important this year. The pressure is always low here and the rocks are slippery . . . be careful -- catch feisty fish.

.. If You are serious about fishing in Yellowstone National Park for the next 10 days or so, you'll be well served by stopping in at a local fly shop. The water conditions and hatches are highly variable this year and can change on a daily basis. Visit with your favorite shop and get the best available information. (Links in the sidebar.)

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.. Now about that FREE ORVIS REEL! The Yellowstone Park Foundation has finally begun to concentrate on the park's environmental resources in a serious way, (you can only build so many buildings.) The $500,000 Yellowstone Fisheries Initiative is finally gaining steam, and they will reward your contribution of $1,000 or more with a Limited Edition Yellowstone Park Foundation Orvis Reel.

Each reel is individually engraved and numbered, and only 100 reels were made. The reel is a modified version of the popular Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock III, with the following features:

• Machined from bar stock 6262-T6 air-craft-grade aluminum for durability and low weight
• Stainless steel gearing is durable and virtually maintenance-free
• Adjustable Rulon® offset disc drag mechanism recognized as the most dependable in the industry
• Allows for easy switching from right-hand to left-hand operation
• Saltwater-proof 3” diameter, 3.95 oz., line wts. 4-7

.. From the web site:

The Yellowstone Fisheries Fund Initiative is a call to action - action urgently needed to protect and preserve native fish in Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone Park Foundation, recognizing the importance of native trout to the viability of the Yellowstone ecosystem and the future of fishing in the Park, has thus undertaken a $500,000 Fisheries Fund Initiative. This Initiative will support science and research of the highest caliber that will inform Park management decisions with regard to the protection and preservation of native cutthroat trout in Yellowstone National Park.

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.. If you really want isolation, you already have your reservations for the best backcountry sites. Of course that means Yellowstone Lake and the Thorofare.
.. The fishing on the southeast arm of Yellowstone lake is rumored to be exceptional. This is bear country and it's remote. Some of the best campsites are: WF2 & OD5 on Frank Island, Fern Lake Cabin on Peale Island, Calfee Cabin, 8c6 (known as mosquito central,) 8J4 if you can handle the 4 mile walk, and; 9D4 a bit farther; and 9D2 if you can get a boat ride. We always liked 1G5 - tough to get but absolutely beautiful.
.. Then there's Heart Lake, Clear Creek, Heart River, Beaver Creek and the often overlooked Cub Creek.
.. If you are going deep into the Thorofare you may find fish, but you should not expect exceptional fishing, (not like 40 years ago. The drought, fires and horse packing have made this area a bit more populated than in bygone days.) Enjoy the scenery and the solitude, carry copious quantities of bear spray, sing loud and ribald songs and camp far away from your food. Try 1Y8 for access to eager little fish.

photo courtesy the fur trapper