.. Fishing in all the usual places is picking up. See our post Just A Bit Cooler for recent observations. Warmth is forecast for the next few days, we're off to Slough Creek and Boundary Creek. Report forthcoming. .. Avoid Yellowstone roads this weekend and get your wader friendly lodgings in order for late September fishing.
.. The Gallatin City-County Health Department has issued an "ALGAE ALERT" for Hebgen Lake. They recommend that the public and their pets avoid swimming in the lake and that pets and people avoid drinking the water. .. For more information call (406) 582-3120. Check the toxic algae fact sheet at Montana Department of Environmental Quality. .. If you wear rubber pants and don't kiss too many fish you can still take advantage of the great gulper fishing.
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.. P.S. check the New West article about the great fishing on Flathead Lake.
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.. There's an interesting piece about restoring Cutthroat Trout in the Billings Gazette. Noxious Brook Trout?
Inventive Russian Rafting invasives in spotlight better late than never (not inches - but pounds!)
.. A bit more rain; the pre-enrollment exodus; some cloudy days; and, bingo fish are on the bite! It looks like a break in the intense heat and the prolonged dry spell has finally blessed Yellowstone country. Of course there are still too many cars on the roads in the park, and there are still quite a few fishers in the usual spots - BUT - things are looking up. All restrictions have been lifted by the NPS. .. The Madison River below 7-mile bridge is fishing well all day long. It colored up quick and cleared quick. Tricos are still the morning hatch. The 10:00 hour is about good for the leisurely anglers. Afternoon and evening can be productive with Caddis and terrestrials, (hoppers, ants, beetles - in that order are working just fine.) .. The Firehole River is open but hardly worth the effort. The fish are still lethargic, the temperatures are still too high, and hatches have been sporadic. Give it a rest. .. The Gallatin River is in prime shape and both fishing and catching are excellent. The mud filled the river for a couple of days but, right now, it is the prime destination on the west side of the park. A hopper-dropper rig is the all day favorite. Nymphs in the morning and spinners in the evening are the ticket for single fish stalking. If you're lucky enough to bump into an evening caddis hatch the action can be fast and furious. There seems to be a "jungle telegraph" this time of year for the caddis. Find one fish - you'll find many. .. The Gibbon River has finally come to life in the big meadows on either side of the picnic area. It's a bit of a walk to some of the best bends and runs but well worth it. This is spot and stalk fishing at it's best. Be sure to wear your waders with double knees: these fish are very skittish with the low flows and clear water. .. Above Solfaterra Creek the Gibbon River is fishing very well. There are a good many one and two year old fish. The deeper holes and dark undercut bends hold fish to 16" and they can be taken on terrestrials. This is an excellent place to float your favorite nymphs - we use very light Hare's Ear types in sizes 12 - 18. .. Slough Creek is approaching perfect form. There are still a few hoppers around, and there are ants, beetles, and twigs that will take fish. The fish don't seem as skittish as usual this year and the numbers are good. This is an excellent place to fish early and often. PMD's are still worth a try. The upper meadows are almost without pressure and the campers have it their way in the mornings, (or most of the day for that matter.) .. Soda Butte Creek is full of some very good fish, and when it's not full of sediment it's fishing excellent - considering the pressure. Terrestrials are always the ticket here. Keep them on the smallish side and use attractors for prospecting. .. Boundry Creek and the Bechler River are enjoying a relatively mosquito-free late summer. The water is quite clear and low. There are still good numbers of hoppers and ants in this area. Take bear spray as this is one of the few parts of the park that has shown a good berry crop. .. Hebgen Lake is low, low, low, and the fishing is good, good, good. Except for the slime and weeds and mud and wind in the afternoon there is no better gulper fishing than right now. The callabaetis are still prolific and there are some terrestrials in the backwaters near the points. Drop a very small, (18 - 20,) Feather duster or Hare's Ear nymph below your favorite spinner pattern - let it sit for a bit. Polarized glasses are a must. The Madison Arm is a very busy place right now, and the South Fork Estuary is abandoned - except for the neighbors that know! .. If you can stand the mud and the walk, the extended bit of Grayling Creek is holding some nice fish - to 18" and they can be taken on a rig with a pair of floating flying ants. .. As we've previously noted, Rock Snot is proliferating at a rapid pace. The Associated Press has an article that is being widely published and should make fishers aware of the problem, (Vindy.com, Azstarnet.com, Phillyburbs.com.) .. The fish kill on the Fall River in the Deschutes National forest is finally getting the play that it deserves. As we noted in Fish or Forests?, The USFS has been dragging their feet on addressing the incident. Marshall Cutchin over at MidCurrent has cited a piece in the Bend Bulletin that points out the current response of the USFS. .. We eagerly await the results, (due today,) of the SIX WORDS contest at Fishing Jones. Read the entrants' submissions HERE. .. The Get Outdoors Blog informs us of a new form of entertainment with inflatable human dolls. We're not sure if it's legal or even fishing related but it's attractive to that small bit of humor that still inhabits these bones. (See the original article HERE. It's called "The Bubba Bubble Challenge.")
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.. Last July we noted the big fish that Bob Jacklin caught on his size 14 Rock Worm. Finally the video is available for all to see. It's on You Tube and shown below for your enjoyment.
.. The blessed rains blanketed the region for most of the afternoon and evening. Color, (of various shades of silt and sand,) will persist for a bit - we're checking it out early.
YELLOWSTONE LIFTS RESTRICTIONS !! A Bit More Rain Electric Verbiage interesting judge
.. It's not on the NPS site yet, but the restrictions have been lifted in Yellowstone National Park on all rivers but the Firehole - (good for them.) This takes effect tomorrow!!!!!
All restrictions are being lifted in Yellowstone Park on Wednesday August 22, 2007, with the exception of the Firehole River. Fishing on the Firehole will be allowed from 5 AM until 2 PM and will be reevaluated on August 24th.
.. The rain came again - not much - just enough to give us hope. We're watching the weather forecast and the USGS RIVER REPORTS, (sidebar.) .. We're also watching Mostly Right, Usually., Shallowfish, and Singlebarbed. These blogs are pioneering new ground, (water?) in net-based verbiage. They are not for the faint of heart. They are rated somewhere beyond PG. .. New West let us know that the Oregon State Bulletin has reported on the problems that the USFS is having with their policy of killing fish to save forests. Money Quote:
"The Forest Service cannot disregard the orders regarding the Endangered Species Act, and it must meet its legal obligations under NEPA and as ordered by this court."
.. The Madison River has become cool enough to produce both eager fish and bugs aplenty. From Baker's Hole just outside of Yellowstone to 7-Mile Bridge it's possible to get a sore arm catching trout. The morning Trico hatch has been consistent and prolific. Sizes on the small side of 16 will produce some very good fish. Be sure to quit by 2:00 PM today. Tomorrow you can fish your favorite hopper and wait for the evening Caddis. Release your fish quickly and gently.
.. If Yellowstone National Park adheres to their Drought Fishing Restriction Strategy (PDF) which is: 1) Stream flows decline below long-term averages, and/or 2) Stream temperatures approach 73ºF (22.7ºC) for extended periods. Then we anticipate that one criterion will be eliminated this week. The historically low flows will not not be alleviated until more rain is in the forecast. The official announcement of any change will be posted on the YNP News Releases page. .. Keep an eye on the weather from NOAA, and plan your fishing accordingly. Leave the Firehole River alone for the rest of the year. Visit with the local fly shops (links in sidebar,) for information when you arrive. Be sure that you have early 'wader friendly' lodging reservations. .. Fishing in the neighborhood has been pretty good considering the conditions. .. The Gallatin River continues to be a worthwhile proposition; both in the park and further downstream. Localized afternoon showers have produced some off color days but the neighbors continue to explore this river as a first choice. There are still a few hoppers and spruce moths in the park sections. Evening Caddis hatches are holding up fine and there are even some PMD's holding on. Late afternoon is best for surface action. Fish all day with a hopper-dropper combination and you should do fine. Drop a Prince Nymph or a Feather Duster: use your favorite hopper in sizes 8 - 12 and it may fool a few as well. .. The Madison River between the lakes is very crowded - justifiably so. The cold tailwaters continue to attract fish and fishers alike. Some very good fish, (18" - 22",) have been taken in the Discharge Riffles on streamers, (dark olive woolly buggers and dark spruce flies: sizes 4 - 6 3xl.) Good nymphing is to be had at Campfire Run, and some excellent evening Caddis is available between Choice Hole and Awkward Bend. Fishing this section of the Madison River gives on a chance to observe both out of state license plates and etiquette. .. Gulpers are still on the menu for Hebgen Lake. Get up early and hit the water about the time that the sun has been on the lake for an hour or so. Callibaetis spinners seem to be the item of choice, (size 16 - 20.) There have been a couple of reports that Yellow Woolly Worms in size 12 - 14 have taken fish in the South Fork Estuary - worth a try? .. The upper Gibbon River continues to provide great entertainment with eager fish of the smallish variety. The water adjacent to the Norris campground is hammered pretty hard, but the One-Cast Meanders still harbor eager Brown and Brook Trout. Beware of the large solitary bison in these vest pocket meadows and enjoy fishing with a 3-weight. Big fish can run to 10" in this bit of water. .. Further up the Gibbon River in the meadows above Virginia Cascade and around Wolf Lake your 3-weight will be well exercised by some wily and energetic Rainbows and Brookies to 16" or a bit more if you're lucky. All of this fishing is best done with small terrestrials and a few nymphs, (float them or sink them at your pleasure.) .. When it's clear Soda Butte Creek is fishing very well indeed. Generalized surface flies will work in the water below Canyon's End and the larger pools below the Pebble Creek confluence. Yellow Humpy, Adams, and Elk Hair Caddis will all do well. Keep the flies on the smallish side: 12 - 18 will be the ticket. Small beetles and ants should be in your box too. .. Rock Snot has a new name: "Sea Snot," ( 1, 2, 3, 4). Protect Your Waters lets us know about an article in The New Haven Register that details the current evolutionary adaptations of this menace. And: "Lately, it has been expanding its range and changing its preferences for low-temperature, nutrient-poor, water." This does bode well for the high country waters that the neighbors enjoy.
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MAP NOTE: Additional locations have been added to the maps. To view the locations maps by river segment go to YELLOWSTONE FLY FISHING MAPS, to view all locations go to Yellowstoner's places @ Platial. The seven maps, (more to come,) have been viewed a total of about 5,000 times in 4 months. .. Upcoming maps will include: Regional & Local Fly Shops, Good Grits, Watering Holes, etc.
.. From Fishing Jones comes a note about an article in the Smithsonian Magazine about the sometimes not so quiet battle about introduced fish and the 'sportsmen' that foster their perpetuation. The FISH STORY gives us an insight into the introduction of non native trout, and their propagation through aquaculture . . . worth a glance. .. The Invasive Species Weblog lets us know that:
"the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released a draft report about climate change and aquatic invaders called "Effects of Climate Change on Aquatic Invasive Species and Implications for Management and Research". The 70-page document is aimed at those who assess and manage aquatic resources in order to provide them with information about the potential impacts that climate change could have on invasive species found in both aquatic and wetland ecosystems. It includes a state-by-state review of whether climate change is being taken into account when developing management strategies for aquatic invasive species and identifies gaps in information available to managers.
Anticipation, anticipation Is makin' me late Is keepin' me waitin' **
.. Although a couple of cool days do not an autumn make - it's worth thinking about. The last few days have been fish perfect - until the waters colored. There cooler air temperatures have made for a bit cooler water temperatures, and as poor as the fishing has been, (and continues to be,) there are still excellent fishing opportunities. (For a report on how bad it's been see: chicagotribune.com)
.. There is good fishing on neighborhood waters, particularly in the afternoon. The Gallatin River is as responsive to the afternoon thundershowers as is any mountain stream. The coloring can change from clear to mud in an instant as runoff moves down from the surrounding peaks. .. Spruce Moths, PMD's, a few hoppers, and evening Caddis hatches continue to provide fish food and angler opportunities. This is attractor and nymph fishing at its best. There are even flying ants. The park sections of the river, (if not colored too badly,) are crowded and not disappointing. The canyon sections - both above and below Big Sky are even more crowded. This is a good time to meet the neighbors. .. Gulpers continue to appear on Hebgen Lake, and on Quake Lake. Fish early and enjoy. There are still lots of Callibaetis coming off and it looks likely to continue for sometime. Fish a two fly combination of your favorite floater and sinker. The fish are in their capricious mood and some days prefer the nymph - on other days it's the surface fly. .. The Madison River in the tailwater section between the lakes is not quite elbow to elbow, and is fishing very well. Evening brings some PMD's and Caddis. Fishing is productive from dawn to dusk with attractors and nymphs. Speculation has it that the reason big fish are still in this section is that they are coming out of Quake Lake to the highly oxygenated cool water from the dam. In the evening the stickups along the road are productive with attractors and terrestrials. This is the perfect place for your favorite beetle, (use a red Humpy here if you're out of beetles.) .. You can still find fish in Yellowstone National Park: there are fewer of them and they are both wary and weary. .. If you absolutely have to fish in Yellowstone National Park be sure to observe the restrictions! .. Morning on the Madison River near West Yellowstone can provide some exciting fishing as the nights cool the water and the fish perk up. Both the sparse Trico hatches and some small attractor fishing can be had. This is not the time or place for wispy tippets and long struggles. Be fat with the tippet and release the fish quickly. .. Stay off the Firehole River, Nez Perce Creek, and the Gibbon River below the falls. These fish are pooped, (the ones that are still alive,) and September will be here soon enough. .. Soda Butte Creek is fishing to hoppers and ants in the mornings as is Slough Creek. We've been using Flytimes version of the Jimmy Legs Hopper and doing very well indeed. Try a size 10, 12, 14, (if you can make it that small.) It doesn't look like much at these sizes but it works on the fish just dandy. .. The spry of leg and adventurous of heart should take a walk up the Gardner River - above Osprey Falls. It's not too hard, or too far, and a single fly box along with a 3-weight and bear spray are not too heavy a burden for quick-fire action and eager fish. Use attractors and small terrestrials for a jolly good time of it. Those that really want fast action should use gold ribbed Hare's Ears and PT's for a workout, (sizes 14-16 should be excellent.) .. There are a couple of things that need to be considered as fall approaches. Wader Friendly Lodging is filling up already. Make your reservations early. .. Parks' head guide Walter Wiese has posted an article about Fall Fishing In Yellowstone Country - give it a read. .. The Jack Dennis Fishing Report is especially informative right now, and those of you intending to fish around Jackson, Wyoming should check it out frequently. .. la boca de caballo is at it again. Too many pretty girls, too many silly photos, too much to digest at a single sitting - click on over at your own peril. Despite the gorgeous women, we especially empathize with the poor kid with the schnoz ornament. .. There is an enormous amount of new information at Protect Your Waters. An ancient Buddhist Ritual has resulted in the release of hundreds of live reptiles into the Passaic River, [ 1, 2.] .. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Lake Tahoe is getting warmer, sloppier, and dirtier . . . ugh!
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.. Time for biscuits & Gravy, or maybe pancakes this morning.
.. The Canadians are doing something to be proud of. Giving up revenue from diamonds and uranium for a park four times the size of Yellowstone. Can this be true? LINK.
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.. The "Eagle Lady" shows us how to treat our national symbol by making them nuisences. Just wait until the bears and bison of Yellowstone reach this stage. LINK.
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.. The Bengal Florican is about to benefit from the worlds largest conservation program - classic fly tiers can rejoice. LINK.
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.. What is the difference between a catfish and a lawyer? One is a bottom-dwelling, scum-sucking scavenger and the other is a fish! LINK.
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.. Three Labrador Retrievers - a brown, yellow, and black are sitting in the waiting room at the vet's office when they strike up a conversation. The black lab turns to the brown and says, "So why are you here?" The brown lab replies, "I'm a pisser. I piss on everything-the sofa, the drapes, the cat, the kids. But the final straw was last night, when I pissed in the middle of my owner's bed." The black lab says, "So what is the vet going to do?" "Lethal injection," came the reply from the sad brown lab. The black lab then turns to the yellow lab and asks, "Why are you here?" The yellow lab says, " I'm a digger. I dig under fences, dig up flowers and trees, I dig just for the hell of it. When I'm inside, I dig up the carpets. But I went over the line last night when I dug a great big hole in my owner's couch." "So what are they going to do to you?" the black lab inquired. "Lethal injection," the dejected yellow lab said. The yellow lab then turns to the black lab and asks what he's at the vet's office for. I'm a humper," the black lab says. "I'll hump anything. I'll hump the cat, a pillow, the table, fire hydrants, whatever. I want to hump everything I see. Yesterday, my owner had just got out of the shower and was bending down to dry her toes, and I just couldn't help myself I hopped on her back and started humping away." The yellow and brown labs exchange a sad glance and say, "So, lethal injection for you too, huh?" The black lab says, "No, no, I'm here to get my nails clipped." LINK.
.. Fishing in all the usual places is picking up. See our post Just A Bit Cooler for recent observations. Warmth is forecast for the next few days, we're off to Slough Creek and Boundary Creek. Report forthcoming.
.. The Madison River below 7-mile bridge is fishing well all day long. It colored up quick and cleared quick. Tricos are still the morning hatch. The 10:00 hour is about good for the leisurely anglers. Afternoon and evening can be productive with Caddis and terrestrials, (hoppers, ants, beetles - in that order are working just fine.)
.. Above Solfaterra Creek the Gibbon River is fishing very well. There are a good many one and two year old fish. The deeper holes and dark undercut bends hold fish to 16" and they can be taken on terrestrials. This is an excellent place to float your favorite nymphs - we use very light Hare's Ear types in sizes 12 - 18.
.. Hebgen Lake is low, low, low, and the fishing is good, good, good. Except for the slime and weeds and mud and wind in the afternoon there is no better gulper fishing than right now. The callabaetis are still prolific and there are some terrestrials in the backwaters near the points. Drop a very small, (18 - 20,) Feather duster or Hare's Ear nymph below your favorite spinner pattern - let it sit for a bit. Polarized glasses are a must. The Madison Arm is a very busy place right now, and the South Fork Estuary is abandoned - except for the neighbors that know!
.. As we've previously noted, Rock Snot is proliferating at a rapid pace. The Associated Press has an article that is being widely published and should make fishers aware of the problem, (Vindy.com, Azstarnet.com, Phillyburbs.com.)
getting the play that it 
deserves. As we noted in Fish or Forests?, The USFS has been dragging their feet on addressing the incident. Marshall Cutchin over at MidCurrent has cited a piece in the Bend Bulletin that points out the current response of the USFS.
.. We eagerly await the results, (due today,) of the SIX WORDS contest at Fishing Jones. Read the entrants' submissions HERE.
.. Last July we noted the big fish that Bob Jacklin caught on his size 14 Rock Worm. Finally the video is available for all to see. It's on You Tube and shown below for your enjoyment.
.
.
There are still a few hoppers and spruce moths in the park sections. Evening Caddis hatches are holding up fine and there are even some PMD's holding on. Late afternoon is best for surface action. Fish all day with a hopper-dropper combination and you should do fine. Drop a Prince Nymph or a Feather Duster: use your favorite hopper in sizes 8 - 12 and it may fool a few as well.
Fishing this section of the Madison River gives on a chance to observe both out of state license plates and etiquette.
Generalized surface flies will work in the water below Canyon's End and the larger pools below the Pebble Creek confluence. Yellow Humpy, Adams, and Elk Hair Caddis will all do well. Keep the flies on the smallish side: 12 - 18 will be the ticket. Small beetles and ants should be in your box too.
MAP NOTE: Additional locations have been added to the maps. To view the locations maps by river segment go to YELLOWSTONE FLY FISHING MAPS, to view all locations go to Yellowstoner's places @ Platial. The seven maps, (more to come,) have been viewed a total of about 5,000 times in 4 months.
.. The Whirling Disease Foundation has announced a conservation partnership with Hodgman. Hodgman will provide financial support for the foundation's research projects and the annual Whirling Disease Symposium. Also joining in the support is Scientific Anglers. They are offering a free fly box, (with special logo and custom tied flies,) to everyone that donates $25 to the foundation.
The Gallatin River is as responsive to the afternoon thundershowers as is any mountain stream. The coloring can change from clear to mud in an instant as runoff moves down from the surrounding peaks.
Speculation has it that the reason big fish are still in this section is that they are coming out of Quake Lake to the highly oxygenated cool water from the dam. 
In the evening the stickups along the road are productive with attractors and terrestrials. This is the perfect place for your favorite beetle, (use a red Humpy here if you're out of beetles.)
and September will be here soon enough.
.. The spry of leg and adventurous of heart should take a walk up the Gardner River - above Osprey Falls. It's not too hard, or too far, and a single fly box along with a 3-weight and bear spray are not too heavy a burden for quick-fire action and eager fish. Use attractors and small terrestrials for a jolly good time of it. Those that really want fast action should use gold ribbed Hare's Ears and PT's for a workout, (sizes 14-16 should be excellent.)
.. The Jack Dennis Fishing Report is especially informative right now, and those of you intending to fish around Jackson, Wyoming should check it out frequently.
r, [ 1, 2.]
.. The "Eagle Lady" shows us how to treat our national symbol by making them nuisences. Just wait until the bears and bison of Yellowstone reach this stage. LINK.
.. The Bengal Florican is about to benefit from the worlds largest conservation program - classic fly tiers can rejoice. LINK.
brown, yellow, and black are sitting in the waiting room at the vet's office when they strike up a conversation. The black lab turns to the brown and says, "So why are you here?"
.. Is fishing really a 'Touchy-Feely' endeavor? LINK.