Choices

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

Elbows Vanishing Rapidly

time is running out

WALLPAPER:  HEADHUNTER ON THE MADISON

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.. On November 2, 2015 the majority of the entrances in Yellowstone National Park will close for the season. Get your fishing in now.

THE UNFISHED FIREHOLE

.. We've had a very gentle Autumn. The next week or so, (yes, including the weekend,) will be altogether too nice. Interestingly elbows are sparse on the Firehole River  --  at the moment.
.. The Madison River is still being loved to death by folks seeking the submarines from Hebgen Reservoir.
.. The afternoon clouds have been dense enough to keep the smallest mayflies happy but not so dense that the caddis flies are bashful.

NEON WHAMME

.. The Firehole River is at it's most enjoyable best right now. The surprising weather seems to have scared away the foul-weather fishers and the poor little trout are lonely.
.. Even the big fish sanctuary between the bridge and the Kepler Cascades is devoid of fishers. Such a strange moment in time for this sweet and friendly river. The neighbors are loving it.
.. The white miller caddis are hanging on in good numbers all day and the widely distributed itty-bitty's are still working nicely, (try about 2:00 PM.)

ROCK WORM

.. In addition to the floatable flies a couple of neighborhood old favorite sinkers have made their reappearance.
.. The "Neon Whamme." and the "Rock Worm" have been added to the ubiquitous soft hackle and flymph arsenal.
.. The Fish in the Firehole River have colored up nicely this fall and there are some lovely hero shots on cell phones - if you're into watching a fish gasp for oxygen.

MASHED CADDIS

..The Brookies of the Firehole River, (above the cascades,) are dazzling in their fall finery. They get so little attention that they have started jumping into waders just to show their appreciation to any fisher that happens by. Bless their little pea-brained souls.
.. This, again, has been an easy year on the fish. The last three winters have been very gentle and recruitment is up. The Madison River is showing a very high fish density right now.

WEATHER TOO NICE TO FISH

.. Most folks are concentrating on the runners from Hebgen Reservoir. They use tactics and flies that scare the resident fish. Such a shame.
..Resident fish can be found in all the fishy places that water-flailing runner hunters are not.
.. Soft hackles and mashed caddis flies are bringing resident fish to hand all day.
.. The soft and dark waters along the bank hold the displaced residents. They are not giants but they are still hungry too.

LARGE AND LONG

.. The big fish have been taking big soft hackles. It's hard to find a size 4 soft hackle in the local feather merchants' bins, - (let alone a 4 2XL.)
.. The kid down the block could make a fortune selling them right now. If you brought your kit you just might give it a try.
.. Both resident fish and runners are enjoying soft hackles. And, both seem to be taking the giant ones as well.
.. If you're up in time to see the crescent moon and Venus, then, you are awake enough to have a cuppa joe, fill the thermos, and get on the water as the dusty-rose color tickles the morning clouds. In that case, you should have the best places to yourself. Waking up before the counter help is a good feeling.
.. The fish will reward you.

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WALLPAPER:   THE FRIENDLY FIREHOLE RIVER