Palm Trees, Figs and Dates ?

MARCH OF TIME

Longer Summers ?

some shorter winters ?

WINTER PARADISE ON YELLOWSTONE LAKE - nps photo

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.. Of course we've noticed that the snows come later and leave earlier.
.. Certainly we've seen the entrances to Yellowstone National Park change their seasonal opening and closing schedule.

OUR CHERRY BLOSSOMS

.. We've not been foolish enough to confuse weather with climate. We've enjoyed the increased growing season and the increased yields of our postage stamp garden.
.. We even have cherries and plums for pies. This coming Spring a couple of apple trees will go into the ground.
.. These are the only fruit trees in town. Some folks refuse to see the coming changes.
.. We are not afraid to accept the fact of a climate change toward the warm side.
.. For more than the last quarter century our little village has grudgingly come to accept the economic cycle that has reduced winter commerce and increased summer commerce.
.. We just came across an interesting note in the WyoFile. Good fodder for the popular mind. They have discovered that the winters in Yellowstone National Park are getting shorter: yawn.
.. In broad strokes the article hints at the changes in future environmental scenarios within Yellowstone National Park. Might be worth a read if you are so inclined.

OUR CHERRIES - TWO YEARS ON

.. We note, from this article, that there is an effort by the NPS to stockpile seeds from the current vegetation species.
.. The NPS has expressed a worry that "invasive" species, (like cheatgrass,) will gain a foothold.
.. My, my, my! Terms like 'native species' and 'invasive species' fail to recognize the time-transgressive nature of landscapes and biological communities.
.. The native species alive in one place today are the invasive species in another place tomorrow as the parameters of the environment change through time.
.. No Melania, they don't march down the road to invade their neighbors pasture. They do, however, move inch by inch and foot by foot toward environmental situations that are more conducive to their survival and reproduction.
.. With their supreme dedication to saving today's environmental expressions the NPS will, in 100 years, have failed to accept the inevitable changes that occur.
.. They will, on the other hand, have the opportunity to take their sack of seeds to a place where they will grow - provided that they can find the soil, bedrock, erosion cycles, climate and, other factors to suit the plants.
.. Maybe they will move a few voles and some Richardson's Ground Squirrels too. Bison? Rattlesnakes? Cutthroat Trout? At what time depth and what place are they going to preserve?
.. For those, in this world, that can plan past the third quarter and, enjoy a perspective beyond their own generation and, have an honest concern for their grandchildren it might be well to invest in palm tree plantations in Bozeman. OR, think through plans for your offspring's future. Or not!

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.. We are currently enjoying our Spring Mix of weather. Rain, snow and hail, (sometimes graupel,) in the same day: keeps the visitors guessing.
.. When the sun pops out and, the wind lays down the midges are still providing fodder for the fishes. The neighbors are exhibiting their tying skills and tying down to size as the generations of midges recede toward invisibility.

SIZE 28 ROYAL COACHMAN & MATCH HEAD

SIZE 32 MINI MIDGE & MATCH HEAD

.. Out of the goodness of their hearts the neighbors tie a few of these dinkers on to a bit of tippet for us to use. We certainly couldn't achieve this task. It's hard enough with cold wet hands to tie the line tippet to fly's tippet.
.. The Notellum Backwater is getting crowded. Somehow word has spread. Loose lips and all . . . .
.. Happily, over at Leapfish Rapids, the neighbors have staked out some fine holes. It takes clever navigation of a boulder field and dodging some icy patches - BUT, the catching is even better than elsewhere.
.. With the longer daylight we'll make it just in time!

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WALLPAPER:  RIB EYE, TOMATOES, FONDANT SPUDS

Sharing

YNP NATIVE FISH CONSERVATION

Park Wide PDF Available

for those that really care

JUST LOOK AT HER

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.. Thanks to an alert neighbor we can point you to the "YELLOWSTONE FISHERIES & AQUATIC SCIENCES 2012-2014" PDF.
.. The 56 page document, (YCR-2015-01,) from  the National Park Service, Yellowstone Center for Resources, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming is at THIS LINK.
.. The status report is fairly comprehensive, (finally,) and outlines the program mechanics including: a comprehensive summary of the program, explanation  of the current conservation actions, and a large section on the efforts in Yellowstone Lake. Maps of collection and removal sites are documented as well as the brood stock development in Goose Lake.
.. It will take several readings to digest the report. There's food for thought and fodder for discussion.

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Go East Young Man

SORRY HORACE

It's All Good

depending on rain and mud plugs

YES VIRGINIA THOSE ARE TROUT

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.. The greatest variety of fishing topography in Yellowstone National Park is now ready to go. Opportunities abound.
.. The Yellowstone River is open. The Lamar River is settling down. Slough Creek is pumping out bugs and fish. Indian Creek and Obsidian Creek already have armies of elbows. Virginia Creek is alive with fish and fishers. Trout Lake has willing trout, (a bit more selective than usual.) There are still cruisers along the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Grebe Lake is fully accessible and the grayling are more cooperative than usual, (not quite as easy at Wolf Lake.)

.. Check in with the feather merchants up that way for complete up-2-da-minute reports.
.. For most of these waters the evening is providing spectacular catching on caddis imitations. The hatches have clouded the water and the shoreline grasses. Ovapositing caddis can hide the water from view as little clouds of the critters dance along the water. The trout seem to understand this. Go figure.
.. In the mornings there is a choice for fishers: chucking streamers for the submarines, or floating trico fluffies for the majority of the residents.
.. Pick your favorite baetid imitation and fish the BWO hatch, or for that matter any of the hatches where the mayflies are popping. Right now the fish are doing their best to fill their dance cards.
.. The cutthroat action has been very good on the Yellowstone River. The water is still very high and dangerous. It is running at about 1,000 cfs above seasonal norms - but it's nicely clear and catching, (like last year,) seems to have improved over the desertic conditions of the previous 5 or 6 years.

.. Right now is the perfect opportunity for big fish on big streamers or ugly rubber legs - if you can resist the noses.
.. Hatches, even in the high water are pretty strong. There really is no need, (for the moment,) to get in the water. Cruise the banks in your best stealth fashion and use your pocket binoculars to find the noses. As the water drops the fish will seek holding water on the subsurface gravel bars. For now they are finding plenty of cover and food along the bank. Have at it.
.. Should you have the legs for it, a stroll down the hill at Tower Falls will provide exceptional catching opportunities both in Tower Creek and the Yellowstone River. This is an excellent place for the late evening fisher to sail a streamer into the haunts of giant fish. Do not go down the hill with a 4 weight and 6x tippet.

.. As the thunderstorms in the Lamar Valley subside and the shimmering heat of full Summer spreads out, there will be plenty of biting flies to bother your fishing. Puddled water is pretty widespread right now and the mosquitoes are having great feasts of flesh in the Slough Creek campground and the Pebble Creek campground. Keep this in mind.
.. There is still a bear, (or 3,) above the campground at Pebble Creek. We've some second hand reports that the fishing is worth the walk. Be loud and raucous once you hit the trees above the little canyon. Carry the bear spray in your gun hand.
.. Soda Butte Creek is still a bit raucous but not too dirty. Right now is a good time to fish the confluence waters of this fine little stream. Either the confluence with Amphitheater Creek, Rose Creek, or with Pebble Creek will provide good catching in the current conditions. Fish in the windows and the seams. Hold on tight.

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So Much Water . . .

. . . SO LITTLE TIME

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Native Fish Get Boost

$1,000,000 = $2,000,000

Grant Matched By NPS

just a start

SEE THE LAKE TROUT?  SEE THE CUTTHROAT?  YUM, YUM !!

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..The Yellowstone Park NATIVE FISH CONSERVATION PROGRAM has been given a boost by the finalization of the $1,000,000 grant from the Yellowstone Park Foundation.

.. Last December we noted that Yellowstone Park was embarking on a comprehensive program to protect and preserve native fish stocks. That program is now underway with the infusion of funds and the implementation of the plan.
.. The recognition that the native fish and their abundance and distribution and behavior constitute a vital link in the ecology of the park has led to this action. As a food source for grizzly bears, birds, coyotes, otters, and other animals the native species are vital to the health of the ecosystem.
.. This effort is designed to address all aspects of the concerns about the dwindling populations of native fish and will guide management for the next two decades and beyond.
.. A major concern, of course, is the impact of Lake Trout on the native cutthroat population. Efforts to ameliorate this impact will include stepped-up gill netting efforts, research, and plans to create a resiliency in the native fish population.
.. It will probably take six years to accomplish the major goals of the project. During this time future strategies and management plans will also be developed to insure that the native fish population can be successfully managed in the face of:
** Predation by non-native fish such as Lake Trout and Brown Trout,
** Hybridization with non native Rainbow Trout,
** Drought, climate change and fishing pressure.
.. The top priority of this action is to decrease the number of Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake.
.. Additionally the project aims to:
+ Restore Yellowstone cutthroat trout to waters within the northern portion of the park;
+ Develop a westslope cutthroat trout brood source;
+ Continue long-term restoration efforts of westslope cutthroat trout; and
+ Begin to restore Arctic grayling within the Gallatin and Madison drainages.
.. Information Resources:
-- Yellowstone Park Foundation Announcement,
-- Yellowstone Park Information Document (PDF),
-- FONSI Native Fish Conservation Plan (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA;  Chapters 1-5 (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA; Appendices A-F (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA; Appendix G (PDF).

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Of Lake Trout & Grizzly Bears

WORLD HERITAGE REPORT

Highlighting Fish & Bears

the state of the park

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.. We note, (from the BILLINGS GAZETTE,) that there are some things that need attending to in Yellowstone National Park.
.. The park is asking for it's funding partners to come up with an additional $1,000,000 each year for the next 6 years to enhance the Lake Trout Eradication efforts in Yellowstone Lake.
.. The Grizzly population in Yellowstone National Park is so genetically isolated that the park may have to import bears to increase the genetic diversity.
.. Bison management inside of and outside of the park remains a concern. And so it goes.

Counterattack!!

JUDAS FISH REPORT

Underwater Receivers

plus Transmitters on Fish

National Park Service biologist Brian Ertel and Student Conservation Association volunteer Jessica Dugan surgically implant a sonic transmitter into a lake trout in this photo. Increased efforts to capture invasive lake trout in Yellowstone Lake are paying off. This summer the catch rate increased substantially. Photo: National Park Service

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.. The counterattack on Lake Trout in Yellowstone lake continues. Read about it HERE. And HERE.

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Worth The Walk ??

THERE'S STILL BIG CUTTS

You Need Young Legs

camp with the grizzly

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.. The secret is out. There are big Yellowstone Cutthroat to be caught. You can walk to this fishing hole.
.. You can cast from shore. And, you will release them swiftly. We won't tell, but you can read about it HERE.

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On The Yellowstone River

ONCE & FUTURE GREATNESS

Still Some Nice Big Cutts

it's a bank fisher's dream

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.. There was a time, in the not too distant past, that the Yellowstone River drew fly fishers from around the world. They came by the bucket-load to experience the amazing cutthroat fishery.
.. Fewer come now for there are fewer fish and the scourge of the Lake Trout has made a considerable impact on the cutthroat population.
.. There are still fish to be had, some of legendary proportions, but it's not the "stand still in the puddle" type of fishing anymore.
.. The fish are just as selective as they have always been. The technical fisher will do well on the river. Cruising the banks and targeting individual fish is the current name of the game.
.. Local flies from our neighborhood feather merchants will usually do better than generic sorts. Check the sidebar for places that know the river.
.. Guides are currently scouting the river and noting the conditions and hatches. There are fish rising as you read this.

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.. Yellowstone Lake is very full and discharge through the outlet is on the high side. This will affect strategy and location for the successful fisher. Wading will, at present, be difficult and maybe dangerous.
.. Hatches for the river include: Stoneflies, Golden Stoneflies, PMD's, BWO's, a couple of caddis and sedges. And, if luck smiles on you, ==> Flavs & Gray Drakes.
.. Most of these bugs will be present from the get-go. The local shops have time tested patterns and tactics for your edification. Give them a call for the absolute latest and greatest flies. They also know where it's happening.
.. Yellowstone National Park is continuing the effort to slow the Lake Trout population growth in Yellowstone Lake. In time, (we should live so long,) eradication is the goal.
.. Perhaps, in time, the cutts will return. After all the river is a nutrient rich environment. We'll see?
.. We're headed that way in a couple of weeks and will keep you posted.

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Gibbon Road Progress

GET OUT THE MUDDERS

Bridge Available Soon

paving to follow apace

( THE SUMMER FLY BOX )

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.. Well folks, the Gibbon River Bridge is scheduled to open sometime this week. The new road which moves away from the river will soon be open to traffic. Delays will continue and paving will start soon.
.. Until road completion it would be best to get out your rough-road fish car and enjoy the trip through the gravel, mud, dust, and bumps.

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.. The big meadows, (Gibbon Meadow, Elk Park,) are beginning to fish very well indeed, and the trip from the west edge of the park may just be worth it.
.. The little meadows above Norris Junction, and above Virginia Cascades are in prime shape right now.
.. The fish of the Gibbon River are dancing with all willing anglers and are eating just about anything that you happen to have in the box.
.. Over the weekend, (Saturday morning was drippingly wonderful,) we used some giant Double Humpies, and an enormous E-Z Nymph, - the silly fish ate the damn things. Try it, you'll like it.

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.. Final plans and eager anticipation are rampant in the neighborhood.
.. The Yellowstone River opens on Thursday, July 15. Discharge from Yellowstone Lake outlet is running better than 1,000 cfs above the seasonal average and it looks to continue in this mode for some time... Yellowstone Lake, just around the corner from the West Thumb Geysers is full of eager fish and sadly lacking in anticipatory fishers.
.. Leeches, small streamers, and a big Adams with your favorite scud or callibaetis dropper will gather up most of the willing cutts. Cast far and slightly angled to the shore. Wait for 20 seconds or more before beginning a slow finger strip - hold on!.. The shoreline is full of dimples and the fish are feeding with gay abandon. They are so hungry that they are eating sticks. Lakers are still in the vacinity. Kill 'em all. So be it!

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(Please click on images for high resolution views)

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.. Here's our annual report on the summer fly box. It looks very similar to last year's box, but we've continued with our growing fondness for the Shop Vac.
.. Sizes have become in some instances larger, and in other instances, smaller.
.. The Prince Nymphs are absolutely gigantic, (6 & 8,) and working wonders in all waters.
.. The stimulators have also grown in size, (6 to 10,) while the Elk Hair Caddis have both grown and shrunk, (6 to 16.)
.. The bead head nymphs are now outnumbering the unweighted variety about 6 to 1.

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.. The itty-bitty Bead Head Caddis, (14 &16,) is doing a number on even the most educated fish on the Madison River and the Gallatin River.
.. The eensy-weensey Shop Vacs, (16 in particular,) are pure death from above on the gullible Brookies of the Upper Gibbon River and the cold water Firehole River.
.. Old favorites continue to be very productive and haven't been relegated to the museum yet.
.. Feather Dusters, (original and yellow in sizes 10 to 14,) are still the go-to fly for soft riffles and dark shallow undercut banks.
.. Jacklin's Rock Worm and the Madison Mauler, have a reserved place in the box as well. These flies are particularly useful in the seams and long slicks at the heads of pools as well as the long tail-outs on the few dark spots on Fan Creek and Duck Creek.
.. The Irresistible Bumble Bee is both decorative in the fly box and a surprisingly effective fly on big water like the Madison River below the lakes.
.. For some idiosyncratic reason we always have a few Goddard Caddis in the box.
.. They don't seem to perform any better or worse than the elk or deer hair variety, but they appeal to us and we use them quite often.
.. The Madame X is useful as a caddis imitation and also, with it's broad wing, doubles as a spruce moth or white miller caddis. We choose to use these in sizes bigger than the bugs on the water. They take their fair share of fish.

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.. If you bought the box and flies, fished them judiciously, and lost only a few - the full compliment would set you back about $250.00. These flies will work all summer and need only be augmented on a whimsical basis: Hoppers, Beetles, Ants, Damselflies, Dragonflies, and Kerploppers.
.. Should you choose to tie up a mess of each fly you'll certainly have at least $1,000.00 invested before you buy the box to put them in. About as much fun as you can have cheaply in this day and age.

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