Check It Out

THANKS MOLDY

Tom Skerritt Says

cute video

MISSED A FEW

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.. From the depths of the Owyhee River Canyon to our backyard comes more of the same.
.. An elbow enhancing bit of cuteness comes forth on Vimeo.

RESCOURCES

>> MOLDY SAYS IT,
>> VIMEO SHOWS IT.

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WALLPAPER: AEBLESKIVER PUFFS

Hot Right Now

OLDIES

But Goodies

in a trout's eye

WALLPAPER:  BUNCH O' DUSTERS

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.. A couple of the neighbor kids are busy replenishing their supplies of Feather Dusters.
.. It's an old favorite in our neighborhood. It's not touted by the counter help at the local feather merchants - probably no cheap commercial source.

ORIGINAL FEATHER DUSTER

.. Ever since Wally Eagle started tying them they have been in all the neighborhood fly boxes, (STORY HERE [scroll down].)
.. The original pattern was made from a feather duster that Wally used in the fly shop. It's colors were constrained by the ostrich feathers in that one item.

PINK FEATHER DUSTER

.. Of course, over time, our local mob has modified the little darling and we now have a wide variety of variants.
.. As the kids tie, they try. Right now the pink variant is red pink hot. Call it an egg. Call it an attractor. Call it what you wish: it's doing a job in the local waters.
.. The yellow vatiant will come into it's own in a very short time and is often used as a dropper behind the early caddis hatch patterns (late mom's day this year.)

SULFUR FEATHER DUSTER

.. Large pink ones are often dropped early below a stonefly pattern: even below giant Salmonfly patterns.
.. We seldom mention this pattern because it is often taken for granted as 'in the box.'
.. But, as right now, when it is bending rods, twirling reels and, clicking clickers - we let you in on the action.
.. It is being used at the edge of the ice and along the rip rap on Hebgen Reservoir. It is scoring very well in the spawning areas Between The Lakes.

RUBBER BAND CADDIS

.. Even the kids with the sled have reported exceptional action at the South Fork Estuary.
.. Some success was also noted at the frozen springs near the mouth of Grayling Creek, This is tough to get to but highly productive this time of year.
.. You can get fairly easy access if you enter at the old Grayling Creek Post Office Site.

GRAYLING CREEK ACCESS

.. You can park at the turn out and take the trail by the NO TRESPASSING sign.
.. The cattail/willow marsh is still partially frozen and you should not step in any open spaces.
.. Drop a feather duster below something that floats very good and let the gentle currents from under the ice carry it to the fish.

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.. Tomorrow is GOOD FRIDAY. Even though Germany forbids dancing and horse racing we should not worry. The West Entrance of YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK will open it's gates.
.. It looks to be a postcard day. Bright blue skies with billowing white clouds will give visitors many opportunities for "THAT PHOTO."
.. It should be 60°F by early afternoon - and there is a predicted high of 65°F around 5:00 or 6:00 PM. We ordered it up just for y'all.

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.. We should spend the rest of the day in productive chore elimination routines. It is Spring and there is much to do. However a mosey through town and to the gossip spots is in order. Besides that, there are some groceries to gather up.

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WALLPAPER: CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

WALLPAPER: COUNTRY FRIED STEAK

Be FOD Alert

ICY INNOVATION

Beyond The Pale

feather merchants beware

courtesy: FIELD & STREAM  (LINK)

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.. As the ice fishers take to  Hebgen Lake there will be some unique bits of terminal tackle on display and used.
.. In the past these are bits of tackle that have had the commercial tackle makers changing their underwear.

BEND THAT ROD

.. For about 10 years a sneaky bit of angler innovation has been making it's way into the gear fishers repertoire.
.. The "BOTTLE CAP LURE" is now a staple of both warm and cold water fishers. Recently it has wormed it's way into the ice fishing scene.
..  A couple of small manufacturing companies were established about 10 years ago. They succumbed to the backyard builders and ease of desktop manufacture.

HEINEKEN'S FINEST

.. Locally there are some inroads being made among our local ice fishing contingent. The device is simple and easily made.
.. The most popular color is silver and the Coors Light cap is most accessible.
.. The other local favorite is the Green Heineken cap. it is often adorned with rubber leg bunches and other creative stuff.

THE SWEDE

.. Most of the time the cap is folded and occasionally augmented with beads to rattle inside the fold.
.. For jigging through the ice the caps are often used "Au Naturale." It seems silly but the bigger fish are often taken on these giants of the ice fishing world.
.. Of course, the traditional and ever popular Swedish Pimple will be in every anglers arsenal. This is an OLD favorite and works in most conditions and depths.

THE BUZZER

.. Other favorites include the complete range of fly fishing nymphs, scuds, and buzzers.
.. Many will be decorated with maggots, meal worms, and bits of night crawlers or red wigglers.
.. In the late Autumn scuds accumulate fat and become pregnant. A bright orange spot appears in their mid section and trout tend to key on the spot through the winter.

FROM THE LOCAL FEATHER MERCHANT

.. Scuds are happiest at about 15 feet deep in the water column. They can inhabit depths to 50 feet but the milfoil environment they prefer is not usually that deep.
.. Right now the fishing reports show the big fish being taken at between 7' and 20'. We're not speculators but, we do suggest that tomorrow there will be lots of scuds being used.
.. With the heavy snow of the last couple of days and the bright cloudless days there is a foot of slush on the lake. Could me a real mess come noon today.
.. EARLY BREAKFAST AND THEN INTO THE FRAY.

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WALLPAPER:  MUSHROOM & SWISS OMELETTE

Swarms - - A Pair

RIGHT NOW

Big Ones & Little Ones

trout can be peculiar

COURTESY PHOTO:  Wayne's Word - (Thanks Wayne)

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.. So there was a swarm and fall of "flying ants" on Tuesday. All around Hebgen Lake fishers rejoiced and fish gobbled them up.  Catching was sublime. On Wednesday the neighbors and guides and visiting sports made haste to take advantage of the blessing from the sky. A massive migration to the lake took place. SURPRISE!
.. Instead of  the "flying ants" of yesterday there were ants so small that it was hard to see them in the sky but the fish saw them all over the water. These very small ants were the food of choice despite the abundance of "flying ants" that were clearly visible in the air and on the water.
.. How small, you ask? A size 20 Trico with the wings pulled off and the body mashed together was a size too big and constantly refused. Now that is small.
.. The real frustration of the current situation is that the fish have not been 'boat shy.' Dimples on the gunwales of boats, noses boinking the boats. tail splashes that wet fishers in boats, all were common and it would have been easier to net a fish than stick it with a fly.
.. This condition may persist for another day or two. Fish very very small or fish elsewhere.

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WALLPAPER:  WILDFLOWERS AND DAILY BREAD

Know Your Foe

WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY

Callibaetis Notes

get thee to hebgen lake

Confused Female Callibaetis Ovipositing On A Rock.

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.. When the smoke from wildfires makes the moon red and the sun is a giant orange blob in the hazy sky, it's callibaetis time at the old homestead.

Art Deco Kodak

.. Take your camera along and celebrate photography. It seems that every fly fisher is a closet shutterbug. August 19, is World Photography Day, so unmask the Ansel Adams child inside of you, limber up the old Kodak, and take a few snaps.
.. Out on Hebgen Lake, (and a few other lesser known stillwaters,) the bugs have been popping for some time. Some of the neighbors have been on the reservoir for weeks. Most of them wait until it's just sheer masochism on the rivers before they migrate to the reservoir.

Wading for Gulpers

.. The migration is on. Drift boats, float tubes, rubber rafts, john boats, ski boats, and various other sundry craft have taken to the weed beds.
.. There are quite a few places along the shore of the reservoir where wading will  get you into the noses as well.

Gulper Getters

.. Out of tradition we refer to this part of the fishing calendar as 'Gulper Time.'  It's a truism for sure. But the bugs are the stars. The callibaetis mayfly goes through several hatches during the year, (mostly summer.)
.. Each successive hatch produces a smaller insect. There are always a few million bugs that are out of synch with the general population - so - there are bugs on the water all the time.
.. By this time of year the flies emerging, and on the surface, can be of different generations. This means different sizes.
.. Fishers often don't notice the difference. Fish always seem to notice the difference.

Visiting Male Callibaetis

.. As Matilda once said: "SIZE MATTERS."
.. The pattern of the fly is, in this instance, truly far less important than the size and silhouette of the pattern.
.. The season usually starts with a size 10 or 12. By this time of year the bugs can range from 10 to 16, (some bigger and some smaller.)
.. Frequently the scenario is confused by a massive Trico hatch as well. Fish, being what they are; and trout being what they are wont to be, this can be confounding to the fly fisher.

THE HERE AND NOW OF GULPERS

.. Occasionally the fish will bump floating fishers as they rise, (can you cast that short?)
.. Sometimes the noses surround the boat just a few feet away, (photo-op, anyone?)
.. Frequently a cast of 25' or so will place the fly in the right place, (good for the mere mortals among us.)
.. All too often it takes a perfectly placed fly at a distance of 50' or 60'. This requires that your shorts be ripped as you perform wild gyrating motions and strain to get your fly in position with that fancy new four weight rod that was so appealing in the catalog.

Gulpers In The Weeds

.. As Snagglepuss is often heard to exclaim: "Heavens to Mergatroid, the bug is the enemy - not the fish!"
.. So then, hie thee to thine own favorite stillwater. Start early when the breeze is just a whisper.
.. Use a stick and line combination that gets the fly to where it belongs and the noses are thick.
.. Pick a pattern that matches the size and shape of what you think the capricious fish are gulping.
.. Fling it in front of a 'patterned riser.' And hang on. The big fish ascend from the depths to enjoy the feast.
.. We're off to the fire.

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To Quote Sun Tzu:

故曰：知彼知己，百戰不殆;

不知彼而 知己，一勝一負；

不知彼，不知己，每 戰必殆。
--

So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself,

 you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
--

If you only know yourself, but not your opponent,

 you may win or may lose.
--

If you know neither yourself nor your enemy,

 you will always endanger yourself.

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Good Calibaetis Stuff:

==> Ralph & Lisa Cutter,
==> Trout Nut,
==> Bug Guide,
==> Fly Fishing Traditions,
==> Dennis P. Collier,
==> Aquatic Insects, Gunnison County, Colorado.

This Bug's For You

RIGHT HERE & RIGHT NOW

Caddis In The Rain ?

4th of July in Yellowstone

The Full Meal Deal: Vitamin B For Us, Bugs For Them

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.. As you read this the fishing and catching in our region is about as good as it gets - for Summer.

Famous Sign

.. The Salmonfly bloom is extensive but not yet too intensive on the lowland Madison River. Fish are eating them in the water and on the water. They are also eating Caddis Flies, Golden Stone Flies, and each other.
.. The cooling afternoon showers have not deterred the caddis from hatching if the day is bright to begin with. Spectacular evening fishing to the enormous caddis hatches should continue for another month or so - even in the rain.
.. If you like 'em small there are also PMD's, BWO's and even a mysterious greenish mayfly - it seems larger than the others.
.. Hebgan Lake is very productive in the early morning with both midges and Trico's. By mid morning, (on still days,) the gulpers are beginning. The bugs will get more dense and more ear-filling as the month grinds on. Evening on the lake can be spectacular with leaches and streamers in the Calibaetis weeds, (particularly around Rainbow Point and Whiskey Bay.)

A MORNING SNACK

.. The tributary estuaries on the lake are holding cruising pods of trout that are very willing to take a properly presented, (trolled or stripped,) streamer. Herky-Jerky is the name of the game here. Dances will test your footwork and legerdemain.
.. If you're not a lake fisher - perhaps now is the time to try it. Success not guaranteed.

JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

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.. Nez Perce Creek has received an influx of early migrating fish from the Firehole River. Fans of the latter already know that mid-day temps are stifling, (80° F, spikes,) for the fish.
.. Given the cooling showers it may be fishable for another week or so in the mornings - we're leaving it alone after 9:00 AM.

Get Here Early

.. Nez Perce Creek, on the other hand, will reward folks that are willing to walk and carry bear spray. The sort of reward? Catching active fish seeking the cold springs and dark hides of the cooler water. Get thee to the bridge and catching shall be delightful. Evening is good. Morning  is better. Mid-day sucks.
.. The Gibbon River is exhibiting it's typical Summer schizoid nature. Above the cascades is still a great place for kids and leisurely fishing for eager Brookies. The big and little upland meadows require some small measure of stealth. Streamers are still a viable option.
.. If there is a couple of cool nights the canyon and lower meadows may produce a few dances. Temperatures have risen rapidly this year below Norris Geyser Basin and have curtailed some of the catching opportunities.

Gallatin Access

.. We're stupefied at the lack of fishing pressure on the Gallatin River in Yellowstone National Park. Not disappointed at all, just stupefied.
.. Catching is great with caddis in the evening. Catching is plumb crazy all day long with nymphs in the clear pools and soft hackles in the riffles. Parking is easy. Walking is simple. What more is there? The stonefly parade is beginning to invade the northern boundary of the park and there's not often any elbows. Just fine with us.
.. The walk to Wolf Lake is gentle; so to the continuation to Grebe Lake. The bugs are emerging and the multi-winged monsters just now becoming available. Saunter through the woods early, (with bear spray in hand,) and enjoy catching Grayling on just about anything you choose to use.

Grayling Gumdrop - Yum

.. Leaches, (small please,) around the weeds and soft water. Sight fishing is possible if you take care to watch the sun. Use a San Juan Worm if you must - pink is nice, so is dark brown.
.. We suggest that your Fourth Of July fishing adventures be centered around the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park. Check the link in the sidebar to Parks' Fly Shop for the best information. Things are well underway up that way.

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HAPPY CAMPER

A MATTER OF CHOICE

THE BEST WATERS

Not For Roadside Angling

all the neighborhood kids know

DARK HOLE - ONE PERFECT CAST - 25" FISH

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.. Most of the neighborhood kids, (bless their hearts,) are dragging in  the most - AND BIGGEST - fish of the anglers fishing our neighborhood waters.

Armed for bear - and fish.

.. They are not, usually, on Hebgen Lake. They are not, usually, on Quake Lake. They certainly are not between those lakes.
.. Despite the fame of our ice out catching and the large spawners Between the Lakes, the kids have chosen to fish for the genuinelly big fish right now.
.. Off they go: down muddy roads with muddy ruts, through thick tangles, up slippery slopes, into the slush of melting snow, and to the haunts of fish that never see the light of prose by corporate fishers or the popular writings of famous fishing personalities.
.. Some of the kids walk for a mile or two. Some of them are still riding snowmobiles. Most of them are using fire-breathing-death-machines. They all carry bear spray. They all have freshly charged cell phones. Most are well armed. They all fish for trophy trout. They also tie on the biggest fresh water flies we've ever seen.
.. A few, not many, of the kids fish with worms. Some fish with flies and fly rods. some fling monster bunny strips with a spinning rod. They all have cell phone pictures of wall hangers that they have let go after an heroic tussle.
.. Sometimes they keep a small fish of 16" or 18" for dinner. They let the bigger ones go to continue their spawning activities. Unless you are in the right pub, at the right time, you'll never hear about the locations of where to catch these fish. There's no secret about the locations. Everyone in the neighborhood knows where they are.
.. The places, however, are not for the itinerate anglers that frequent the roadside hot spots. These are places where the biggest fish hang out and make love. These are places where giants from the depths of our local lakes hide from the mysteries of shallow water. These are places where the kids go - why not?

Size 4, 2xl, Frightens Small Children

.. They eschew the redd tromping festival of the fishers between the lakes. They ignore the edges of the ice that require boats. They are allergic to the lawn chairs and easy beaches along the lake shores.
.. We'll catch hell for this post. But not in any nasty way. The kids will tell you right where to catch the fish. It's really nuisance fishing. You have to discard 15 to 20 fish an hour to gather in the big ones. Most visitors would brag about the 16" young fish. They might even quit and call it a good day after dancing with  all those fish. But the kids know better. They are adept at letting a fish go: quickly, safely.
.. We have a fondness for this bunch of rascals. They do us favors. They tie miniscule flies on bits of tippet so we can fish the wee small bug hatches. They take us to the good spots that the counter help at the feather merchants' shops never would go to. They buy us liquids to bolster our vitamin levels and enhance our spirit.
.. These kids know fishing. They know catching. They are wed, not to the corporate fishing scene, but to the fish of our neighborhood. Bless them all.

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Rasty Access To Some Giant Fish Holes - It's Closed Right Now

Estuaries Open

RAVENOUS FISH ABOUND

Rabid Fishers Hitting The Lake

you should be here yesterday

NEIGHBORHOOD HONEY HOLE - ICE EDGE ON THE MADISON ARM

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.. Both the Madison Arm and the Grayling Arm of Hebgen Reservoir are ice free. The South Fork Arm is almost there as well. Parts of the shoreline along the north shore are open as well.
.. Old Rule: ICE EDGE = HUNGRY FISH. It's mostly neighborhood fishing right now but there were several advanced parties of foreign fishers scoping out the lake over the weekend.
.. Catching is an all day affair with the best stringers arriving after about 1:00 PM. Night crawlers, Panther Martain's, and pink San Juan Worms are the standout attractions of the moment.
.. The most devilish indication of just how good the catching is, is that the local garden hackle supply is dwindling toward the zero point. Another indication is that the seven-day-a-week feather merchants have been closed for several hours each day of  the weekend - and all day Sunday. Something is going on.
.. The bluster in the weather has dribbled to a small nusaince level and there was most of a sunny day on Sunday. Neither the fish nor the fishers seemed to mind the sun and gentle breezes. There will be Spring bluster, (on and off,) for the next 10 days or so. Great for charging the streams with warm water and melting the remaining ice as well.

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.. There are colors appearing in the west side rivers of Yellowstone National Park.


YOU CAN DRINK IF YOU LIKE

.. They remid us of the decorations that infants leave in their nappies. Some fishers refer to the color as tea-stained. We'd rather not drink that tea.
.. Visibility on the Madison River is still around 18" or two feet and clouding up slowly. A few warm days and we'll be letting the lowland fishers know that the great catching is about to end. For now though, this is not what we would call a runoff event.
.. There are infrequent small bugs appearing on the surface of the water. There are more frequent appearances of noses and such. We suppose that there are midges in the bright spots of the warming water.
.. We're going to have some biscuits and gravy.

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LOW, SLOW, COLD, & NEARLY CLEAR MADISON RIVER
AT Mt. HAYNES IN YELLOWSTONE