Abnormal

A VERY SMALL DINNER

To Bed Early

up and gone - the bite is on

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.. Not wanting to be an antitraditionalist yesterday, we had a wee bite of ham and a taste of turkey and a spoonful of smashed potatoes dampened with butter and gravy. We drank some cider and had a sip of tea with a small slice of sweet tater pie. Then to bed.

COMEANFISH SPRING CREEK BOTTOMS

.. Morning came way too early and the kids down the block had breakfast ready long before daylight, (they have understanding wives.)
.. As many sourdough pancakes as could be wolfed down were laid on the bottom of the old oil drum in the garage. Bacon, eggs, and other vittles were available.
.. The cast iron skillets and griddles work real fine on the old wood burner. We ate too quickly and crammed our self into the jump seat of a modern pickemup. The Z's came quickly.
.. The nice thing about Black Friday is that the roads are lightly populated and most of the "Join-all-anglers" are at the mall or various feather merchants scarfing up sooooper deals. Bless them all.
.. Bumpy ruts and crazy curves disturbed our rest as we approached Farfromhere, Montana. The sky is not so small in the lowlands and it's  heavy gray color said that we'd made good time. We buzzed over the cattle guard and stopped between the barn and the front porch.
.. The doors opened and the kids went different ways as we tried to disentangle ourselves from the gear. Just as some order had come to the jump seat the doors slammed and off we went down the pasture road toward the heavy willows in the bottoms.

.. There's not many folks that live near the bottoms along COMEANFISH SPRING CREEK. One of the kids has some ex-outlaw cousins that welcome us mountain folk if we're in the neighborhood. We're the butt of jokes and such. Entertainment provided by the highlanders - at our expense.
.. There are open spaces in the willows. Gravel bars and shallow fords invite parking and fishing. Catching comes quickly and easily in the lightly fished creek. It's still the tail end of fall in the lowlands and the sun can warm a fisher if the willows block the heavy breeze from the snow clad mountains.

.. We fished the day away and called it Spectrum Friday for the various fish we caught and released. Many gravel bars and many fords provided sheltered sunshine and fishing progressed at a lazy pace as we watched the continents of clouds that were scudding across the big sky.
.. We nibbled on cold fry bread and sipped various libations between bites and the occasional cigar and tall tale.
.. It's a rare joy, this time of year, to get in one more day of warm fishing. The warm was as much the quarry as the fish. We were delighted with both. We'll spend one more day down here before heading back to the high country.
.. There's a little pub not far from the creek where the ex-relatives live and we're meeting up just after sundown, (about a half hour from now.)
.. Service is good. The burgers are great. They present a fantastic twice baked potato and have the best local information around. Dinner and a few more stories should prime the pump for another bit of warm relaxation before the snows fly in earnest.

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Upcoming Attractions

WHAT A DAY !!

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twenty minutes. Half-times take twenty minutes. This is not coincidence.
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.."Thanksgiving Day, a function which originated in New England two or three centuries ago when those people recognized that they really had something to be thankful for - annually, not oftener - if they had succeeded in exterminating their neighbors, the Indians, during the previous twelve months instead of getting exterminated by their neighbors, the Indians. Thanksgiving Day became a habit, for the reason that in the course of time, as the years drifted on, it was perceived that the exterminating had ceased to be mutual and was all on the white man's side, consequently on the Lord's side; hence it was proper to thank the Lord for it and extend the usual annual compliments."
- Mark Twain.

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.."Got no check books, got no banks. Still I'd like to express my thanks - I got the sun in the mornin' and the moon at night."
- Irving Berlin.

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WALLPAPER:   THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST - FRY BREAD

Food For Thought

SOME WINTER COGITATION

Synopses For The Moment

in case you're surfing

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.. There is a plume of smoke in the grass that needs addressing. It is smoke that will soon be on the radar screens of rabid activists and concerned citizens of all stripes. It might be worthwhile to get a jump on these upcoming hot button issues.
1. A house bill that forbids scientists from advising the EPA on their own research.
2. Maximum Sustained Harvest, (MSH,) just don't work on the Olympic Peninsula.
3. Just who does contribute most to wildlife?
4. The Keystone XL Pipeline game of ping pong.
.. We know you don't care about our opinion but you best formulate one of your own as these issues are going to become the foundation of conversation and argumentation for the foreseeable future.
.. Just sayin'.

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Gentility Reigns

TEMPERATURES UP

Don't Get Used To It

notellum yields a winter dancer

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.. This year's introduction to Winter has been gentle so far. Just a couple of days of basement temperatures to keep us in the loop.
..There is a cultural malaise settling over the neighborhood as the winter aficionados await the snows and the fishers retreat to the tying bench. Merchants are bemoaning having to heat empty buildings and take inventory for the tax man.
.. We grabbed a few hours on Notellum Creek with a group of neighbors, (they tolerate our geriatric gait and poor attitude.)

.. The midges failed to make the curtain call but dance partners were willing to take some drowned flies of various sorts and sizes.  Dancing persisted for our whole visit and we even made a small fire to celebrate the mid day cotillion.
..It seems that dance cards are most easily filled with submerged,  nondescript bits of fluff. This is the time of year, (and through early Spring,) when the grungy rejects from the tying bench are most effective. We usually have an ample supply, given the ham-fisted nature of our efforts. For a change, the neighbors appreciate our efforts,
 ..Just a note: there are some invading submarines in Taylor Fork Creek. The water is low and the redds are easily visible - leave 'em be.
.. Back to the bench.

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So Long, We Hardly Knew Ya'

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

It Once Was Green & With Typos

we loved it then and will miss it now

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.. There is a hole in the noosphere that shall not be filled. EVER.
.. Pretenders have come and gone. They keep coming and going.
.. They are filled with self aggrandizement and piddling profundities. Bless their pretense.
.. The real world has finally caught up with Tom Chandler and he's succumbed to the exigencies of the important things, like family and the future. Good for you Tom.
.. THE TROUT UNDERGROUND is fading very fast. We will miss it. For now, it will stay on our masthead - it's become a part of us. Click on over and watch the future unfold.

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$3.00 Fish

VERY PRETTY FISH

Enter Winter

A SLIGHT TEMPERATURE DIP

Thermometers Get Some Exercise

casual fishers exit stage left

WALLPAPER: READY TO GO - SNOW OR NO

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.. With just a skiff of snow on the ground the recent  overnight temperatures have found the -25° F mark. This has the makings of what the neighbors call "A Plumbers Winter." With no deep blanket of snow on the ground, the frost line will rapidly seek the deeply buried water and sewer lines. Backhoe operators and plumbers rejoice.

PENGUIN

.. Last night we got a striking warm up to the astronomical heights of a mere -15° F. Daytime highs should hover around 15° or 20° and precipitate a light intermittent dusting of snow for a few tropical days in the high 20's.
.. The midges of winter have not made a significant appearance as yet. The sun has played peek-a-boo with some heavy clouds and the little fliers seem to demand very bright sun for their entrance on the winter stage. 

CHAMOIS WORM

.. Some of the neighbors are haunting the lower stretches of the South Fork of the Madison River. The late run of spawners has come home and the race is on. Fishing will be closed on the South Fork at the end of the month.
.. Time was, not 10 years ago, that a snowmachine was required to reach the good parking spots for fresh run fish. Today, and for another week or so, neighborhood pickemups are crowding the secret roads and trails along this productive stretch. Have we seen the future?

STONEFLY NYMPH

.. Lowland fishing on the Madison River around Reynolds Pass and above Ennis, Montana is exceptionally good a the moment. Discharge from Hebgen Dam is down to 800 cfs and, between the dam and the South Fork of the Madison River, fish are clustered in the dark water and glassy windows in mid stream.
.. Even below Cameron, Montana the flows are 300 cfs below seasonal norms and the water temperature is down to about 40° F. Finding the fish is easy. Hitting them in the nose requires just a bit of finesse with line mending and precision casting.
.. The part time seasonal fishing guides have either left our village for warmer climes or moved on to their winter jobs to feed on the upcoming influx of winter tourists.
.. The full time local guides have the knowledge, expertise, experience, and gumption to make an excellent living during the winter. Ask your favorite feather merchant to fish with a winter guide. Ask to speak with the guide and find out if they are just counter help or if they are frequently on the water.
..  Although a few of the neighbors are sticking with large streamers and giant rubber legs flies for South Fork fishing, most have discovered that the Penguin, Chamois Worm, and Stonefly Nymphs are gathering up the submarines of the South Fork,
.. We've tripled up our layers and are heading into the fray. 

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WALLPAPER: EWE 4 YOU

Salsiccia To Drool Over

SELDOM SEEN AROUND HERE

Better Than A Pizza Parlor

seek it out for pure pleasure

WALLPAPER: THE WAY IT OUGHT TO BE

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.. Ready for the oven,
.. Rustic bread pizza crust, tomato sauce, olives, mushrooms, sausage, salsiccia, sliced mozzarella, shredded mozzarella, grated parmigiana, secret blend of herbs and spices, -- all lubricated with a bit of olive oil.  10 or 12 minutes at 450°.
.. Better than a mashed sandwich with a cold one for shore lunch.

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WALLPAPER:  Recuerdos de Yellowstone

Oregon Juice

BLUEBERRIES TO DIE FOR

 WALLPAPER: OREGON BLUEBERRY PIE

Need Some Guidance ?

A VERY FINE BUNCH

Just Ask

how many days do you have ?

COURTESY PHOTO:  THE FLY SHOP

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..We love the gentle parts of the Trinity River. The fish are not gigantic but they are plentiful.
.. If  you need some submarines of the ALPHA CLASS there are chances right now - yes RIGHT NOW!
.. Most dates are are booked so you best hope for cancellations. The water is low, the fish are strong, the chances are yours for the taking.
.. Not a fish per day. Not a fish every three hours. Fish can be had in multiple numbers with the right stuff. Location, location, and guidance. Give it a shot.

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..
NICE FISH !!

Report

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW

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TRY THIS

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Visitations

 41°  03'  50.81"  N

123°  41'  37.65"  W

@ 283 feet ASL

HALF POUNDERS BY THE BUCKET  --  NEED FRIENDS

 

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.. The kids are frisky and willing. Fish the simple classics. Brindle Bugs are just fine. Skunks and Butts work too.
.. Our kind of park and catch location. Just drive out on the bar, Grab the stick. Catch a fish every few minutes until your arms ache and it's time for breakfast, or lunch, or dinner, or whatever.
.. Visit with the local folks and learn of other "Easy" spots. There are plenty just awaiting your pleasure.
.. You can participate in the local economy if you buy a hat to keep your head warm and dry. They are nice hats.
.. Good grits are available  right where you leave the highway and the best grease in the valley can keep you fishing and catching all day. Tell 'em we sent you - then run for your life.
.. The na:tinixwe  folks are pleasant, and welcoming - if you are polite and respectful.

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COURTESY PHOTO: TRINITY RIVER FLY SHOP

In Case You Missed It

AN HOUR AND A HALF

A Précis Of Current Situations

some will take the time

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>>> http://www.hulu.com/watch/699887

 

It's Free

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Check This  OR  This

The Park Pause

DUSTING FOR CLOSING

Plenty Fishing Nearby

pray for sun and midges

WALLPAPER:  FAITHFUL FISHER - MADISON RIVER

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.. In the tiny world of  West Yellowstone a pause in the frenetic activity of visitation is a welcome event, It's happening right now - for a few weeks.
.. The winter businesses are gearing up and the summer businesses are slowing down. The wood has been gathered up and hunting is in full swing. The activity is mostly the neighbors going about their own business for the moment.

.. The blustery weather of the past few days has left a dusting of snow on the ground. The warm roads and other dark masses are clear and damp. There's some more bluster in the forecast and then the snow should accumulate.
..  Right now we're at the snow line. Entering Yellowstone National Park is a journey through increased elevation and more snow. The winter blanket should be complete in the next three or four weeks and the fish will live unmolested by fishers for a good seven months. A welcome respite indeed.

.. Neighborhood fishing is now concentrated on the South Fork of the Madison River and the crowded tailwater between the lakes. Midges popped yesterday in the tailwater and the neighbors are scrambling to find the dusty boxes with miniscule flies for the action. Rubber legs are in the offing for the monster fish zooming up the south fork.
.. The neighborhood is filled with the aroma of wood fires and the aromatic smoke from outdoor grills. It is traditional for us to fire up the barbee during these first few days of snow. It's a real adventure.
.. We're headed down the road. Rumors of submarines in the willows have us interested.

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WALLPAPER: THE SMALL WORLD OF WEST YELLOWSTONE

The "X" Factor

FISH THIS