It's Here

THE UP SIDE

Cooling Rains Exit

neighbors migrating

WALLPAPER: OVER THE TOP

-------

.. We traveled to the far reaches of interior Yellowstone National Park.
.. It's a trek we make a couple of times each year. It's part of the neighborhood migration. As our west side rivers heat up and the fish need a break from the lather whipped froth of fly flingers we join the neighbors for brief forrays into the other bits of the park.
.. The migration is a little late this year. We've been blessed with more cool days than we deserve and the exceptional catching has held on far longer than we anticipated.
..The weather forecast for the near term, however, suggests that a bit of warmness is blasting toward us. It's overdue.

ANT COLONY

.. 80's and maybe 90's are about to visit us. The ants like it. The hoppers like it. The beetles like it. Fish hide from it. Cloudless skies are tough on a fish looking to hide from the eagles and ospreys.
.. This is the time of year we look toward the Lamar River and the Yellowstone River.

.. Those drainage basins are currently full of cool water, many bugs, many fish and many tributaries that often go overlooked.

FUN WATER

.. A couple of our favorite small streams are on the way to the big rivers.
.. We stopped and looked. They are still busy with friendly fish and eager fishers. Pass!
.. The end of the salmon fly hatch is hanging on in the Lamar River Canyon.
.. Nymph and soft hackle flies hold the day for the moment. Very soon now the mayflies will be everywhere, (just not all at once.) We smashed a couple with our predatory windshield wipers but not the density that should happen any day now.

JUST FOR FUN

.. The hoppers are mature and, on warm days, they will practice their breast stroke along the grassy parts of the rivers.
.. Take a couple hopper imitations for bobbers and fish either a 'hopper dropper' or 'hopper dry' combination. You may be surprised with  a double up - it happens.

GOOD BOBBER

.. If you are into watching your fly swirl along the surface it would also be good to carry a box full of PMD imitations.
.. If you're real lucky a giant Green Drake will tickle your ear and it's time to find them on the water.

LAMAR RUN

.. We spoke with some folks exiting the dusty Slough Creek Road. It seems that catching is picking up and that streamers, nymphs, and even some dry flies are fooling the famously wily trout.
.. Jump on it now, (if you're so inclined,) because the campground still has open spaces and it's not too overly crowded.
.. The sporadic rains have clouded both Soda Butte Creek and the Lamar River. No real mud plugs to speak of but it's still possible at any time.  Soda Butte Creek is getting crowded from Trout Lake to the confluence with the Lamar River.
.. The small stretches between giant boulders above the lower meadow are full of fish. This is water that is a nuisance to reach and is often overlooked. Just about any ol' floater and quite a few sinkers will gather up a storied day of 10" to 12" fish. Try it you'll like it, (even if you have to walk through a tangle of vegetation.)

LONELY STREAM

.. We enjoyed Pebble Creek, (above the campground and the picnic tables.) The fish are smaller but the elbows are fewer.
.. There are some deep meanders in this shallow stream that hold monster, (up to 15",) fish. This is bragging size for this little wonder of a stream.

WORKS GOOD

.. Generally guides and visiting fishers concentrate on the water below the road and into Soda Butte Creek. Have at it.
.. Right now there are plenty of fish to be fooled and the little stream is clear as crystal and cold.
..  There are some reports of bears and even wolves, (my my,) so carry your bear spray and sing silly songs in chorus with your fishing partners. It lets the bears know you are coming!
.. Big water Yellowstone River report coming up. Stay tuned. It's coming on daylight and we're still digesting last night's dinner.

-------

WALLPAPER:  SEARED AND READY

WALLPAPER:  BOILED IN REAL LARD

WALLPAPER:  CRISP AND TENDER CARNITAS

WALLPAPER:  CARNITAS TACOS

The Other Park

THE RIVERS ARE DIFFERENT

There's Different Scenery

the fish are similar

WALLPAPER:  LAMAR POCKET

-------

.. Expect the Lamar River to be smaller than you remember it. It's still plenty big but, the sparse snow pack, capricious rainfall patterns and warm, (except for the last two weeks,) weather have conspired to keep the flows down low.
..  In fact all the famous waters of the great northeast of Yellowstone National Park are down just a bit. The fishing ranges from good to very good. And as usual, in this corner of Yellowstone National Park, the fishing is every bit as good as the fisher.
.. The ground-dwelling bugs are further along than in the west side river valleys. Hoppers are a skosh larger and have wings. Ants are on your feet and little black beetles are easy to see in the dust.

Clearing Lamar waters demand probing the structure and covering lots of water.

.. Temperatures in the high 70's through the mid 80's will persist through the middle of next week and the waters should be clear and cool. This is an open  secret. The fishers are as thick as the buffalo and it's strange to have to plan for alternate parking spots.
.. There are some "No Stopping" zones and the bison are active in the morning and evening - they usually take a mid-day nap. Watch for them.

No Room At The Inn.

.. The campgrounds are fully booked and this has caused additional crowding, both on the road and on the rivers.
.. The mayfly hatches have been adequate and sporadic. Be prepared with the surface box but exercise the terrestrial box if the little fliers are not readily visible. A hopper dropper combination is what those in-the-know fishers start with. Use small hoppers, (or even a stimulator as the top fly.) The point fly can be an ant or beetle or even a bead head something - keep it on the small side too.

Fish where the fish are - just find them.

.. The braided stream channels at the confluence of the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek look like gravel pits. There are, (indeed,) fishy nooks and crannies in this low water wasteland. There are even fish here.
.. Look for little streams of quick water dumping into - or - skirting around dark mini-pools, The shadows are friends of fishes in this section of the valley. Mid day is tough but, still crowded. Carry and use sun block.
.. Soda Butte Creek is both on fire and a popular elbow watching venue. The famous water, (from Trout Lake to the confluence meadows,) is a display of gear and license plates from near and far. This is for good reason. The creek has moved away from it's banks and is providing novel catching opportunities.

Welcome to Slough Creek.

.. Use your best small hoppers with beetles or ants. The caddis have been kind of shy but, a small caddis imitation will bring noses to the hook - if you see the noses first.
.. If you have the right fishing license you can gather up some dance partners in beautiful downtown Silver Gate. There are even occasionally available rooms to let in both Silver Gate and Cooke City.
.. The welcome sign is out on the road to Slough Creek. The celebrity  and spooky trout are beginning to be closed mouth when it comes to artificial flies. Catching, from the sagebrush through the second meadow, requires hunting skills as well as fishing skills.

Damsel

.. Gentle strolling along the bank and keen observation are keys to galling a fish. This is one place where it is most important to fish the fish rather than the water. The trout don't have lock jaw yet but it's getting to be that time of year. Fish wise and fish slow.

Grunt in - Slide out.

.. Even little  Trout Lake, (with trout the size of watermelons,) is crowded. This little destination requires a small grunt to get to.
.. Coming out, down the hill, should be a breeze - unless you are exhausted from catching all those willing, yet shy fish.
.. There is an abundance of damsel flies on the water right now. Don't forget the weeds - use your best larval imitation.

Pebble Creek classroom.

.. Pebble Creek, from the camp ground to the Soda Butte Creek confluence has some fish of the willing variety. Practice your stalking skills in the brambles that the other fishers avoid and walk around.
.. There are some gently undercut banks that hold large and lazy fish. These critters can feel you coming. They are just hangin' out and waiting for some groceries. Don't telegraph your presence and you will fill your dance card. Try a pair of nymphs with a bobber. You shouldn't have to cast far.
.. If you are brave enough to negotiate the campground at Pebble Creek, (avoiding the educational seminars, creative parking, and family fun,) you will find some excellent catching opportunities in the willow meadows.
.. This is one of those places that has few fishers: lots of hikers, photographers, and families, but few fishers.
.. What's happening on the Gardner River? How about Obsidian Creek or Winter Creek? Could there be fish in the Yellowstone River?
.. What a place !!

-------

WALLPAPER: THE SODA SIGN

Beware Of Yellowstone

MAN LOST IN RIVER

West Entrance Traffic

gallatin still best bet

-------

SOFT AND GENTLE

.. As the shorter and hotter days of Summer engulf the two million acres to our east the visitors continue to forget just where it is that they are.
.. A seasonal employee has been lost in the Yellowstone River while swimming with friends. Search and rescue is on the job as you read this, (LINK-1.)
.. Traffic continues to be a genuine nuisance through West Yellowstone. During the morning rush hour the single left turn lane on Canyon Street moves at a snails pace. The traffic pattern and speed of movement is complicated by motorists attempting to take shortcuts through town. This tactic confuses the traffic light at the intersection of Yellowstone Avenue and Canyon Street.
.. Should you enjoy frustrated tourists, road-hogging motor homes, driving tactics from around the world, and rental car familiarization: this is the place to be.

-----

WORKS GOOD

.. In our neighborhood, unless you choose to avoid the crowded Gallatin River beats,  your fate is sealed. It's not all bad.
.. The ants are still moving around and the beetles have finally started to make a significant appearance.
.. The caddis are a sure bet for all day fishing and catching.  A dry/dropper combination is what the neighbors are using. They are fishing hard and walking some. Seems to work.

HOLY GRAIL

.. Many "fly pros" and their counter help minions are sending the visitors to the Madison River below Quake Lake or to the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park.
.. We hope that they told you that starting tonight the road between Mammoth and Norris will suffer nightly closures, (seven days a week,) 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Keep that in mind, (LINK-2.)
.. The words that trickle off their silver tongues blast a litany of guide book rivers: Slough Creek, Soda Butte Creek, Lamar River, etc. It may come as a surprise to many that there are less crowded bits of water that yield willing fish of many varieties and sizes.
.. With scorn you hear about "Beginner's Streams," "Children's Water," or "Brookie Streams." The scorn seldom is aimed at crowded fishing, poor parking availability, or traffic noise. So be it!
.. We suggest that you follow the maddening crowd and take the advice of these pros and their worshipers. You may even catch a fish and you certainly will have bought some flies.

A FRIENDLY AND VACANT  CREEK

.. At the risk of banishment from the local clique of avoidance fishers we might suggest that Pebble Creek or Obsidian Creek or Indian Creek or Winter Creek, will provide fish, solitude, easy parking, glorious scenery, and maybe a bear or moose, or some small furry wildlife as company.

SAVE A TREE

.. We were denied beer and congenial conversation a few years back because of a post about Pebble creek, (LINK-3.) Enjoy the Pebble Plateau.
.. The little creeks do not yield many hero snapshots. They won't demand that you cast into the next zip code. They will, by the way,  test your skill as a stealth fisher and precision caster.
.. Rare indeed.

-------

WALLPAPER:  DAILY DRIVER

Plan Ahead

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR
-

-------

.. The catastrophic intersection of normal people on vacation and rabid destination fly fishers is taking place in a remote corner of Yellowstone National Park.

.. This is a corner of the world where a new kind of fish is rapidly evolving: "THE SLOUGH CREEK RAINTHROAT."

.. This not so rare trout is the byproduct of miscegenation by fish that do what fish do - in water that people drink. To the normal folks the fish is just another trout. To the fly fishers it is a highly sought after trophy. A trophy that is featured in hero photographs of conquering fishers in the wilds of Yellowstone.
.. Despite regulations and suggestions, scofflaws lovingly release the trophies back into their home waters to continue their place in the origin of a new sub-species. Fish doing what fish do. The religiosity of the catch and release ethic is unbreakable in some folks.
.. Right now there are bugs aplenty for the Rainthroat trout to eat. Around, and below, the campground at Slough Creek the morning fishing is tantamount to a simplistic endeavor. Teeny-Weeny PMD's are the breakfast fare. Drakes for lunch. Caddis for dinner. A few various stoneflies thrown in for snacks. This is the place to practice your midstream etiquette and socialize with kindred souls.
.. Up the trail and into the big meadows is where the dedicated anglers will be found. Creeping and crawling is the preferred mode of locomotion in the lush grasses. No arthritic fishers need apply.
.. Success comes to the practiced caster. Take your pocket binoculars and pick a target. Figure out what the fish are eating. These Rainthroats are frequently particular about what they eat, some of them are "one-cast-fish." Make it count.
.. There are places on Slough Creek where the water is swift, full of boulder gravel, and highly oxygenated. Here and there are small populations of big and little stoneflies. Take some yellow ones.
.. Of course there is always the lowly caddis fly. Take several of your favorite imitations. Be prepared to fish with nymphs, emergers, and adults in the late afternoon and evening.
.. If you take a large enough selection it will be possible to spend many productive hours sharing the patterns with other fishers of a like mind. Be sure to have your vintage Wheatley Fly Box in a readily accessible pocket of your $300.00 Filson® Foul Weather Vest - after all it may rain.

..The best information about what to fish with and where to go is easily gathered from the feather merchants in the neighborhood. A few phone calls and a visitation on your way out will allow you to be fully prepared for the wild adventure of Rainthroat hunting. You might even be able to buy a new fly box and several dozen flies to cram into it.
.. Some folks with less taste for social adventure will walk upstream from the campground at Pebble Creek. The creek holds thousands of Cutthroat Trout to be visited, (a few rainbow trout and some rainthroat trout too.) The Cutthroats are the typical brightly colored, very healthy specimens in the 10" to 14" range that are neglected in favor of the fish just down the road.
.. The stream is small. The trail is gentle, (for a couple of miles). The scenery is overwhelming. The bugs are prolific. The mosquitoes are ravenous. The bears are frequent. and the elbows less dense than many of the more famous social waters.
.. Forget the vest. Take a dozen flies and enjoy this fine little stream before it gains the grandiloquent status of a social fishery and the Rainthroat Trout take over.

-------

Go East Young Man

SORRY HORACE

It's All Good

depending on rain and mud plugs

YES VIRGINIA THOSE ARE TROUT

-------

.. The greatest variety of fishing topography in Yellowstone National Park is now ready to go. Opportunities abound.
.. The Yellowstone River is open. The Lamar River is settling down. Slough Creek is pumping out bugs and fish. Indian Creek and Obsidian Creek already have armies of elbows. Virginia Creek is alive with fish and fishers. Trout Lake has willing trout, (a bit more selective than usual.) There are still cruisers along the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Grebe Lake is fully accessible and the grayling are more cooperative than usual, (not quite as easy at Wolf Lake.)

.. Check in with the feather merchants up that way for complete up-2-da-minute reports.
.. For most of these waters the evening is providing spectacular catching on caddis imitations. The hatches have clouded the water and the shoreline grasses. Ovapositing caddis can hide the water from view as little clouds of the critters dance along the water. The trout seem to understand this. Go figure.
.. In the mornings there is a choice for fishers: chucking streamers for the submarines, or floating trico fluffies for the majority of the residents.
.. Pick your favorite baetid imitation and fish the BWO hatch, or for that matter any of the hatches where the mayflies are popping. Right now the fish are doing their best to fill their dance cards.
.. The cutthroat action has been very good on the Yellowstone River. The water is still very high and dangerous. It is running at about 1,000 cfs above seasonal norms - but it's nicely clear and catching, (like last year,) seems to have improved over the desertic conditions of the previous 5 or 6 years.

.. Right now is the perfect opportunity for big fish on big streamers or ugly rubber legs - if you can resist the noses.
.. Hatches, even in the high water are pretty strong. There really is no need, (for the moment,) to get in the water. Cruise the banks in your best stealth fashion and use your pocket binoculars to find the noses. As the water drops the fish will seek holding water on the subsurface gravel bars. For now they are finding plenty of cover and food along the bank. Have at it.
.. Should you have the legs for it, a stroll down the hill at Tower Falls will provide exceptional catching opportunities both in Tower Creek and the Yellowstone River. This is an excellent place for the late evening fisher to sail a streamer into the haunts of giant fish. Do not go down the hill with a 4 weight and 6x tippet.

.. As the thunderstorms in the Lamar Valley subside and the shimmering heat of full Summer spreads out, there will be plenty of biting flies to bother your fishing. Puddled water is pretty widespread right now and the mosquitoes are having great feasts of flesh in the Slough Creek campground and the Pebble Creek campground. Keep this in mind.
.. There is still a bear, (or 3,) above the campground at Pebble Creek. We've some second hand reports that the fishing is worth the walk. Be loud and raucous once you hit the trees above the little canyon. Carry the bear spray in your gun hand.
.. Soda Butte Creek is still a bit raucous but not too dirty. Right now is a good time to fish the confluence waters of this fine little stream. Either the confluence with Amphitheater Creek, Rose Creek, or with Pebble Creek will provide good catching in the current conditions. Fish in the windows and the seams. Hold on tight.

-------

A Change Of Venue

OUTWARD MIGRATION

North And Northeast

many long days of evenings

-------

.. As the rolling thunder, (sorry Bob, etc.,) fades into the middle of July, we set our sights on a few different locales from our early catching of Summer.

.. Of course there are bits of the Madison River that will provide good fishing. Certainly we can still make it to the cool waters of upper Nez Perce Creek.
.. So too, the great Brook Trout water above Upper Geyser Basin on the Firehole River is available.
..  Right now we're looking forward to the month of caddis. About this time each year we realize that the evening is creeping toward noon and that the daylight is becoming less abundant.

.. First and foremost our sights are set on the Gallatin River, it's close to home and the evening caddis hatch brings fish to the surface with solid regularity. We get our first hint of neighborhood hoppers here as well.
.. We also like to visit Pebble Creek and Soda Butte Creek in the less popular sections. The fish are eager and willing, especially after anglers have left the water for an early dinner.
.. It's less than a week until the Yellowstone River opens. Sentiment and tradition demand that we visit and remember what it was like 40 years ago. We'll catch one and then give it a pass.

.. We've plans, this year, to spend more time on the Gardner River. The various stoneflies overlap with the evening caddis and an early hopper invasion.
.. Grasshopper nymphs have been reported so by the end of the month it should be wide open.
.. Then there is Hebgen Reservoir. Gulpers will accelerate their gulping over the next few weeks.

.. And, if you know the weed beds and other places, there are always fish to be had. The water level is low and only some minor adjustment is needed.
.. Drakes are sexy sounding and they do appear. Should we bump into to some it may mean that we couldn't sleep and have arrived at our destination a bit early.
.. Right now it's burger time.

-------