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