Gentility Now ?

LOOKING THE OTHER WAY

Mother's Day What ?

they're here & they're small

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.. As the neighbors are streaming toward Hebgen Lake for their chance at some early Spring tugs, we took the opportunity to cruise in Yellowstone National Park.
.. Our gentle weather has been truncated by a return to typical Spring weather -- 6" - 12" of snow, a bit of sleet, high wind gusts, and intermittent sun between the storm cells. We take this kind of opportunity to enjoy the chance to be a tourist.
.. Very few visitors darken the portals of the park at this time of year, especially in the rain and snow.
.. All visitors were shooed out of the park yesterday because of the snow. Visitation is limited to administrative travel today, (or until the roads are deemed safe for touring folks in family sedans.)
.. This is an opportunity that the neighbors relish. The moisture is a blessing, and the spotty sun dapples the critters and landscape alike. We're loving it. {Administrative travel includes visitation to park employees living in Yellowstone.}
.. The rivers in the park are beautifully benign at the moment, (especially the Madison River,) just a hint of color, (if you can call it that,) bank full and bubbling, fish rising, and the girls hanging out in the rapidly greening meadows. The melt of warm snow coupled with rain should turn the west side rivers into chocolate soup within the week.
.. With our temperatures sliding back down toward seasonally low numbers, and the bluster back in the forecast we felt that tourism was justified.
.. In a month or so it will be different; always is, [[ opening day is May 29, 2010.]]
.. When we got home there were a few caddis smashed on the windshield. There were some small mayflies too. Oh well.

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.. The fabled Mother's Day caddis hatch is seldom evident in this part of the world. There are caddis, for sure, but they are scattered, sporadic, and not too monstrous.
.. We fish as if they were here anyway and gather up a few dances. Wet weather and overcast skies are not the preferred caddis emergent weather. But then, (on the other hand,) there is the pupating imperative. We've seen them in both the rain and the snow; (and who knows what sort of gluttony takes place under water with the delay in the hatching?)
.. We're fond of using little green nymphs for the caddis. Usually we rig up with a two fly rig. A drowned caddis on the top and a bead-head something on the bottom.
.. Jacklin's Rock Worm is currently in vogue around here, along with Soft Hackles, Stiff Hackles, and even Prince Nymphs and Yellow Feather Dusters.
.. There are always rumors of a good caddis hatch on the East Gallatin River and this might be the year to investigate.
.. We usually fish the Gallatin River between the park line and the Taylor Fork this time of year. The local fishing guru's feel that the Gallatin River is too cold this time of year, (probably for the fishers.)
.. Then, again, they are trapped in the surface rut and spit the words 'bobber' and 'indicator' out of their mouths.
.. We use a giant drowned caddis as a bobber and it catches it's fair share of the fish.
.. One particularly useful fly for this purpose is Doug's Drowned Caddis from Parks' Fly Shop, (see it HERE.) We tie it a bit larger, (12-14,) but it works fine. The more beat up it gets the better it works.
.. Speaking of Parks' Fly Shop, It looks like the video fly tying lessons are done for now. A total of 17 instructional videos are available for viewing, HERE.
.. Breakfast time: S.O.S, quart of coffee, OJ, and a Twinkie. Good for both the waistline and the cholesterol!

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.

A Couple Of Notes

MINNOWS IN THE MISSOURI

Need For More Papers

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Not our neighbors, but the neighbors in North Dakota have posted a picture of what they are describing as a "Missouri Minnow."

.. This Sturgeon was caught in the Missouri River north of Bismarck, North Dakota, two weeks ago. It weighed out at over 1,000 lbs and measured out at 11'1". It was 56" around the girth and took over 6 and a half hours, and 4 dozen beers, for the 4 guys taking turns at the reeling it in. Any Sturgeon OVER about five feet has to be released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water. They are brood / breeding stock and probably older than most of us.
.. Read about it HERE.

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.. The WILD TROUT SYMPOSIUM has extended it's call for papers to April 30, 2010. If you are still interested in presenting this September at Wild Trout X, submit your abstract today. Visit the website for complete details on abstract guidelines and suggested topics of interest.
.. You may now register online for the symposium at www.wildtroutsymposium.com/register.php The registration fee is $250. Starting September 1, 2010, a late fee of $50 will be added for general registrations. A $25 cancellation fee will be applied after September 1, and no refunds are available after September 14, 2010.
.. Your registration fee includes: social events, viewing of River's of A Lost Coast independent film and a special fly fishing casting clinic with renowned angler and fly tier Bob Jacklin. To register online: www.wildtroutsymposium.com/register.php
.. If you would prefer to register over the phone, register with MSU Conference Services in Bozeman, MT. Contact: Stephanie Stratton (406) 994-3333
.. The Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort is the host hotel for Wild Trout X. Mention the "Wild Trout 10 Symposium" or group code "WTS" and receive the special group rate. For a complete list of the room choices and prices, visit www.wildtroutsymposium.com/accomodations.php.

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..

Winter Dancing

NYMPHS FOR FISH

Just A Short Drive

many fish - easy pickin's-------

.. The recent salubrious weather conditions have provided just the excuse for a pleasant ride in the country.
.. Temperatures above zero are a constant reminder that there are some things that an El Niño winter is good for.
.. There should be a bit of snow this weekend but even if the wind picks up the temperatures will still be too warm for late January.
.. The snow-pack is down, the moisture content is down, the temperatures are up. The Spring and Summer fishing may be impacted, - BUT - right now the fishing is great!
.. Just over the hill is the lowland Madison River. The parking lot at Slide Inn, the Highway 287 bridge, and the $3 Dollar Bridge Access are full of cars from the neighborhood.
.. The snow is not deep. The walk is gentle. The fish are eager. The weather is grand.
.. Little white flakes punctuate the days, and the wind, (surprisingly,) has been soft and refreshing.
.. Dance partners of the finny kind are easy to find and some are both large and exuberant. Most are easily enticed with a generalized nymph.
.. The neighbors are using Feather Dusters, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ears, and Prince nymphs to good advantage. The fish seem to be ignoring the prolific mid-day midge hatches.
.. The last few days the area below the 287 bridge has been the most productive. Last week the braided channels above the bridge seemed to provide better catching - go figure.
.. Some of the neighbors have taken to fishing "olyde-timey" wet flies. Names such as Cow Dung and Scarlet Ibis roll off the tongue pretty easily after a brew or two. Both traditional patterns and the flies from the "reject jar" are working.
.. Several of the fishers have been scoring well with Jacklin's Rock Worm. This deceptively simple little nymph is like candy to the trout right now.

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So You Want To Live Here ?

CAN YOU SAY CHAOS ?

Can You Say Celebrity Feather Merchant?

can you say big black suburban?

can you say obama?

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.. A busy weekend is planned in our little town. Bob Jacklin is holding his free casting clinic on the 16th. The merchants have discounted all their merchandise for Crazy Days, (14 - 16.)
.. The West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation has planned a free guided tour of Yellowstone Park, (on the 15th.) The U.S. Forest Service has over 20 discrete events relating to the 1959 earthquake, (14 - 17.)
.. This is a free weekend in Yellowstone National Park - entrance fees are waived, (15-16.)
.. And, as well, Black Mountain Productions is presenting another free concert in the town park, (15th.)
.. Too, please, don't forget the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo, and the most feared bull in the world "LUNATIC FRINGE"(13-15.)
.. Yes it's just another weekend in the life of the busiest entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
.. Some of the neighbors would like to see just a bit more activity during a typical weekend. Some would like less.
.. There are rumors of another event centering on our little town tomorrow too. The whispers have been circulating for a couple of weeks now. People are asking: "WHO KNOWS?"
.. The cooks know! The airport personnel know! The NPS seasonal employees know! Most of the neighbors know! The press is just guessing. But there are some telltale signs that it's happening all over again.
.. It recently happened twice when President Clinton visited Yellowstone National Park. It happened when Vice President Cheney 'officially' visited the park. It's happening now.
.. VH-60N helicopters are thundering overhead, so are a couple of UH-60's. For the less informed these are the kind of helicopters that President Clinton used to "tour" the Grand Canyon. They are, in common parlance: BLACKHAWKS & WHITEHAWKS.
.. We were told that helicopters from a squadron based in Virginia are busy inspecting spruce moth damage in the forest - sure thing - what ever you say!
.. The parking lot in the government area at Old Faithful is cordoned off. Rules about travel, walking, bicycling, etc, have been promulgated for today and tomorrow. Dogs with educated noses got to work early this morning. The rangers are even wearing complete uniforms.
.. There were even some stealth Chevy Suburbans cruising around Big Sky, Sun West Ranch, Ennis, Cameron, Buck's T-4, The Corral, and Eino's. Do those guys eat that much? Are they shopping for the folks back home?
.. When was the last time two dozen suits were seen in the kitchen of the Old Faithful Inn? Even the rodents are afraid of that place.
.. Now why do you suppose that a massive amount of fuel was delivered to the West Yellowstone Airport last week?
.. There are no fires in the neighborhood. Why do you suppose some "suits" have taken samples of the fuel to a lab in Salt Lake City for testing?
.. Just what is going on with the Big Black Chevy Suburbans always seen in two's and three's?
.. Never do these vehicles stop: - for signals, or stop signs, or pedestrians - they just keep putting along with some suits in the front! Suits - in West Yellowstone - in August - c'mon!
.. Just why are the usually verbose and gregarious celebrated guides at the most celebrated feather merchant's shop so closed mouth? Just why are they avoiding the pubs? Why are they paying particular attention to certain simple, (Big Tip,) runs and riffles near the Sun West Ranch on the Madison River?
.. The Ennis fishers are sure that the Prez. will fish a spring creek there. The gentry in Big Sky feel that their brand of sophistication will draw the Prez to the Gallatin River. We'll wait and see.
.. Even our village simpletons can figure it out. The Prez. will be here. While the press gathers around a hanger in Belgrade, the neighbors are doing their best to figure out how to not be in town tomorrow.
.. Well, we're going fishing - duh! The tourons will be awed - good on 'em. Stories will abound for weeks and months - hallelujah! We'll post a report, maybe a picture or two - just not of the Prez.
.. We may have a shot of wet reporters if they go fishing too. We may have an image of the BIG PLANE if it flies overhead.
.. Shucks, until four years ago we thought that Obama referred to a fishing port in Japan. We wonder: "what does Fujioka think?"
.. As they say near Mt. Shasta - 'see you away from the chaos.'

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DA DICK

MOLDY & BUSTER ALERT US

Williams Right On

check the Mike Mayer Response
photo courtesy illiterate electorate

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.. The desperate fund raising effort of the American Museum Of Fly Fishing is proceeding apace and their feeble attempt to justify their efforts ignore the damage done by the guest of . . . . . "Honor???"
.. An interesting and insightful response to the Ted Williams piece is excerpted below. "Trout Bums" beware.
.

This situation is a textbook reflection of a much larger and more insidious problem within the "sport" of fly-fishing, specifically that, while fly-fishing does hold within it a rich and honorable tradition of conservation and enlightenment, it also caters to some of the most childish, self-centered, pompous, small-minded, newly rich, rightwing one-generation-from-cracker wannabes (I think I covered it all, but forgive me if I missed any) on the planet. I'm no animal rights activist; I fly-fish and tie flies whenever I get the time; I eat meat and even eat fish, even trout, on occasion; and I even raise a small herd of those damned cattle to help protect my hold on an allotment, although under tight control and certainly never in anything close to riparian habitat.

But, it has always been my belief that, when you take something, you give back and set the stage to keep things whole. So, I have worked hard, used to work harder before the Butch/Sheeney Administration made it seem so futile, to get fly-fishers, trout anglers, to understand that it is only honorable to repay our disturbance of the waters by acting to preserve and conserve the resources, especially the remaining native trout species, from which we derive our pleasure.

A fraction of fly-fishers join me in embracing this obligation; but, more and more, the majority only seem selfishly interested in preserving the populations of feral rainbows and browns that have come to infest their pet streams. The thought of temporarily foregoing a fishing experience in order to remove non-native species and preserve a native trout that should be in the stream is just not a sacrifice that they are willing to even think about. Bob Jacklin's role in coalescing opposition to the renovation of Yellowstone waters is a relatively minor, but clear, example. Their attitude seemed to be "damn the natives; we just want to fish." To the extent that old Sheeney likes to fly-fish, which I am sure is exaggerated for publicity sake, his role in the worst despoiling regime in America's history both illustrates my point and mocks any tradition of honorable sportsmanship that the museum may still want to cling to. ...and I'm not alone in my sentiment.

One of the greatest of America's fly-fishing gurus, a guy who used to tour the conclaves with his buddies in the heyday of the late 80s and early 90s, recently confessed that his love of the sport is tainted today by the hypocrisy of those who profess the sport, but have no clue about the underlying ethics of conservation.

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So be it.

Just A Bit Cooler

QUICK COLOR - QUICK CLEAR

Catching Picking Up

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.