Trout Be Gone !!

WILDERNESS INVASION

The Damn Rainbows

we'll fix it

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.. In a continuing effort to remove invasive Rainbow Trout from the Slough Creek/Lamar River/ Yellowstone River system the current environmental assessment shows the way.

.. Above it's barrier falls Buffalo Creek was naturally fishless. Rainbow Trout were planted in Hidden Lake in 1935. They migrated downstream in the Buffalo River to Slough Creek and commenced to hybridize with the native Cutthroat Trout.

.. The current proposal is to remove the invasive species from above the barrier falls to provide a refuge for the native Cutthroat Trout.

.. Yellowstone National Park, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks and the National Forest Service are cooperating in this effort. There is a comment email address for response from the public, (fwpregion5pc@mt.gov)

RESOURCES

>> Billings Gazette

>> Draft EA

>> MoldyChum

>> Montana FWP Cutthroat Trout Story

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WALLPAPER: HOT BEEF SANDWICH & MASHED SPUDS

The Slow Drip

LOW SNOW HIGH WATER

RAPID DISCHARGE

temperatures spiking

WALLPAPER: THE MELT IS ON

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., Very simply: snow pack down, discharge up. Looks like low water and easy fish finding coming to the neighborhood.

.. We're in the wet and rainy season. The snow that falls is just small flakes and a slight dusting. The charts and maps tell it all.

MORE THAN JUST A BIT LOW

.. The weather gods have blessed other areas more than our neighborhood. The recent warmup has also accelerated the low level melt and the rivers are running fast and warm.

.. The Firehole River is flirting with record discharge rates and has already spiked to near 60°F. The Madison River has hit over 50°F and the discharge is in record territory. 

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.. This is not a terrible situation yet. This could rapidly become a terrible situation if the rains are warm and heavy. We'll keep you posted.

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WALLPAPER:  CHICKEN DONE RIGHT

No Cabbage

 "THE LUCK OF . . . "

"A POT OF . . . ."

how's your shillelagh ?

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WALLPAPER:  IRISH SODA BREAD

Spring Ahead

 

 

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 Do the fish know? Fish the light and fish the shadow  ==  the fish know these!

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WALLPAPER:  NO FORKS  =  CHORIZO CON JUEVOS

Fish Now

 SURPRISE WEATHER

We'll Take It

spring bear too

TRY THIS ON FOR SIZE

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.. Get out the sunglasses. Grab the rejected winter fly selection. Find some open water. Catch fish and rejoice in the Spring warmup.

THE FUZZY JOHN

.. Estuaries on Hebgen Reservoir have pushed beyond natural lake circumference and are legal to fish. The same holds true for Quake Lake and the tumbling waters Between The Lakes.

.. There is even some open shoreline along the road beside Hebgen Reservoir as well - take sun screen! There is not much chance for a spring bear shot in the roadside areas - BUT - bear spray anyway!

.. A sow and two cubs spotted near the airport. Wouldn't shoot that one but the boars are out too.

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WALLPAPER: STRAIGHT FROM ICELAND = sinful

Holding On

 WAITING FOR RAIN

Runoff Starting

tightrope act

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.. As the thermometer hits 50°F we are anxiously watching the high country snow pack.  We're also keeping tabs on our neighborhood stream discharge.

.. The snow water content is pretty good for this time of year. The rivers are charging along at seasonal norms and, all is well with the world.

.. The neighborhood kids are in short pants and fishing neighbors are trudging through mud and muck to the best catching spots. The prime destinations include the reservoir estuaries of the Madison River and the South Fork of the Madison River.

THE FUZZY WORM

.. Adventurous sled heads pack their gear to Romsett Beach and Cherry Beach Campground on the west shore of Hebgen Reservoir. The little creeks  in this area keep the ice at bay and attract the finny dancers.

..  A couple of cell phone images are proof of the effort.  A pair of lunch-time fish showed that simple flotsam and small buggies are in the belly of the caught fish. Any fly that resembles a small twig or dead bug will entice a dance partner.

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.. We've just received our Covid Vaccine Allotment. Emergency and front-line workers are all vaccinated. Appointment lists are filling up and the process is quick and efficient. Reports include only one dizziness in a post-vaccination patient.

.. Perhaps the dark corners of the pubs will be available for tall tales, lies and secrets. We're ready and plumb tired of shouting at our neighbors.

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WALLPAPER: ANOTHER OMELETTE WITH SOME SPUDS