White Stuff . . . Please

WE NEED SNOW

Fish Need Water

entering mid winter thaw 

YELLOW IS NOT GOOD

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.. We had some light rain today. Asphalt is showing up on the streets. School kids are wearing short pants. We hit 42°F.

ORANGE IS NOT GOOD

.. The neighbors refer to this period as the "February Thaw."

.. We are in for some oscillating temperatures for the next few weeks.

.. Heavy show forecasts have been abysmally wrong the last couple of weeks and our mountain snow pack is suffering.

.. Added to our anxiety is the warmth of the Pacific Ocean.

.. La Niña is experiencing a mid winter flare up and the warmth has displaced both the polar jet stream and the low level storm tracks.

.. This current pattern is reminiscent of the the drought patterns of just a few years ago.

.. We're not too optimistic that a radical weather pattern shift is in order before springtime.

.. A poor compensation is that access to good fishing is easier right now than it has been in several years.

.. A sled is still needed for the South Fork Estuary - but there is no doubt about the lake water = legal to fish. Out run spawners of the large and snaky form are plentiful and are taking anything bigger than a nymph.

SURPRISE SURPRISE ... !

.. The neighbors are beginning to lay off the spawners by the road Between The Lakes. Better catching is available at the boat ramp near the head of Quake Lake.

.. Speaking of boat ramps: if you can get to it, the boat ramp at mid lake has a large bit of open water full of angry fish. Some are of good size. They were looking up this afternoon in the bright sun.

.. As strange as it seems a Muddler Minnow on the top was highly successful in catching large dance partners. At this point in the fishing year we will take any surprise that is offered.

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WALLPAPER:  ROAST PORK LOIN = NEAR PERFECT

Real Fish Food

FORGET NAY SAYERS

Trout Eat Worms

red ones are best

..

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.. Let you neighbors poo poo the worm flies. We promise that a worm will catch a trout.

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WALLPAPER:  RASPBERRY PANCAKES & SAUSAGE

Just In Time

 FOR THE ICE

Through A Hole

we're ready

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WALLPAPER: SMALL TRADITIONAL ROAST BEEF

A Winter's Delight

LOCAL IS BEST

New London, CT

open 5 PM 'til close

WELL WORTH THE TIME - GOOD RECIPE AND INFORMATION

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.. When the kids down the block go on a tear they wander through the interwebs with gay abandon. They bumped into this site and we were cajoled into watching it. Quite a mesmerizing bit of entertainment.
.. It brings to mind a phrase that may be full of more truth than meets the gray matter! "Never trust a skinny cook."
.. We're pleased to mention COOKING WITH THE BLUES. Below is a bit of kitchen entertainment that we watched a couple of times: in the dark of a winter's day. Just can't tie flies for more than 4 hours at a time. Ran into a slow spot in the book So. . . . . . .

FOLLOW THE RECIPE:

WATCH THE MEASUREMENTS

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SKITTERING MIDGE

.. We're having "See Saw Weather:" thirty below at night and, melty in the day. It's about right for this time of year. The snowfall is dwindling to flurries out of clear skies. The morning fog is a result of the air warmed by wood stoves and the wonderfully aromatic aromas of carcinogenic smoke.
.. The neighbor kids woke us up in the dark of the morning and demanded coffee. We did stumble through it and were regaled with tidbits of of tales of big fish Between The Lakes - and at the boat ramp at the head of Quake Lake. No snakes yet as the fish are still moving upstream toward the dam.
.. We yawned and propped open the eyelids - THEN -  back to the sack. It had cooled off. Damn!

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WALLPAPER:  CLAM CHOWDER

Just One More

ANOTHER MAK FLY

Cute Little Thing

neighbors using it now

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 MORE ENTERTAINMENT

.. The neighbor kids down the block are on a YouTube tear. They keep us entertained with contemporary insight and gifts of fluff. Thanks folks.
.. This midge pattern grabbed them in the soft parts and they are fishing it right now down Between The Lakes.

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.. Another day of melt down: 35°F is not our typical late January number. Should have a couple more days of tropical heat before the February freeze hits. We'll see what goes down.

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WALLPAPER:  MEATBALL BREAKFAST

Chastised

NEIGHBORS WRATH

Apology Tendered

here's two more winners

WALLPAPER:  PRICKLY CARROT

WALLPAPER:  SPIDER MIDGE

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.. At the warm corner of a less visited watering hole we gathered  to warm ourselves. In addition to mundane topics we elicited some stories and insight into the success of the hardy folk who had just returned from the frozen nooks and crannies of the South Fork Estuary.
.. In the most collegial fashion they gave up their prized knowledge. They shared places, techniques and, fly choices. They are pleased to invite other folks to enjoy the wonders of easy catching during this brief early winter window of opportunity.
.. We agreed to share the patterns of the successful fly selections (LINK.) Of course our age degraded neurons omitted a couple of fly selections used in their catching frenzy. We were reminded of this lapse and, did then  - and - do now, apologize. The flies above accounted for their fair share of the snakes returning from sexual shenanigans to Hebgen Reservoir.
.. Some Baetis nymphs are a reddish orange color. We suppose that the Prickly Carrot could be taken for one of those. That was the rational for the pattern offered by it's originator: sizes 14 - 10.
.. The Spider Midge  is a multi purpose pattern. In the summer it works as an ant or spider imitation, In the winter it works as a midge and a snow fly: sizes 18 - 12.

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.. As our weather teeter totters between snow and fog we continue to hold out some hope for more snow and less cold or warm. Right now the fog is thick as the air continues to warm to temperatures above freezing.
.. The oh-so-wise and, learned weather mavens have promised more snow. We'll see.

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WALLPAPER:  MAYONNAISE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

That Time Of Year

MORE TYING

Less Catching

a lot of squinting

WALLPAPER:  SPIKII THE LITTLE GOLDEN STONEFLY

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.. We are watching the white stuff falling out of the sky. It's a blessing and is sure to be appreciated by the ski crowd, the sledheads, and, the fly fishers around here.

BEAD HEAD SHOP VAC

.. Some of the young folks are taking sleds to the mouth of the estuary of the South Fork of the Madison River. The spawn is about over and the snakes are returning to Hebgen Reservoir. The ice is creeping toward the river and soon it will not be legal to fish and catch over  there. But, as long as the estuary extends into the reservoir beyond the natural shoreline the trouts are fair game.
.. As the discharge slows into the reservoir the debris and flotsam hangs in the water before sinking. Trouts enjoy these slim - but easy - pickings. small twigs, leaf bits, nymphs, and other debris are all indiscriminately gobbled up by very hungry sex ravaged trout. Some fishers know about this.

SCALAWAG

.. The neighbors are mostly using one of three patterns: Spikii, Bead Head Shop Vac and, Scalawag. These can be seen and are very attractive in the debris fall from the discharge into the estuaries.
.. These patterns are easy to tie and require only a modicum of squinting, (sizes 10 - 16.) This is a good thing!

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..  Over the next couple of warm days we could get 6 or 7 inches of very dry fluff. It will make for good snapshots and stories of buried snow machines. It will also make tender cornices that will trigger avalanches. SLEDHEAD beware. Some skiers head that high up the mountains too. There are some new trucks parked around he Gallatin County Sheriff and Rescue building.

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WALLPAPER:  ROAST BEAST SANDWICH

Coming Soon

UKES A PLENTY

West Yellowstone Ukulele Fest

bring plastic or wood

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., Next month is the West Yellowstone Ukulele Festival.  We'll Keep you posted. Here's a few teasers to sate your hunger.

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..
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A MIDGE OR TWO

.. We've entered the 'more cold than snow' part of winter. Pubs are places to relax and warm up. The "D" word is still being whispered.
.. The sturdy neighbors of the younger persuasion are enduring clogged guides. Some have ventured way down to lowland Ennis on the Madison River. Catching is excellent and midges are working overtime in the soft backwaters. Yum, Yum.
.. The weather forecast is for dribs and drabs of snowfall. The anticipated 1" to 3" per day is welcome but not overwhelming.

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WALLPAPER:  QUICK AND EASY LUNCH

Winter Winners

A GROSS OF THESE

Not Too Easy

passes the time

THE JELLY BUG

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.. It's both a blessing and a curse to have our daily 'dark time' end late and, start early. Burning the midnight oil starts at about 5:00 PM. But, then again, there's time for some fly fun.
.. MAKFLIES (LINK) has been cranking out some spiffy offerings. You'll not find these in the bins at the corner feather merchant. Tying a few should be entertaining. Don't do 144 of them unless you have a lot of down time.

..

,, We had a request. Materials are not too cheap. Skill can be acquired. Time flies, (sorry Alice,) when you're having fun. If you have the time and dexterity it might be worth your efforts.

..

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.. Sled heads are increasing. Turons are in-migrating. Ski types are here with their own popcorn. The town is enjoying the cash flow and the fresh white that has enhanced the holiday spirit.

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.. While not our preference we managed to distress our standing rib roast. For those that abhor the deep pure pink of a proper joint we managed a tender, medium or medium well, lean roast.
.. Simple formula = dry age + Santa Maria Rub, (usually used on a Tri Tip,) + gentle microwave + oven sear + slow roasting yields a crusty chunk. Once is enough for us.
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SLOW ROASTING WITH SANTA MARIA RUB

JUICY STILL, VERY TENDER,  JUST A LITTLE PINK

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WALLPAPER:  WE LIKE WHITE BREAD - DONE RIGHT

Transplantion

FROM THE OZARKS

To The Madison

a very nifty midge

..

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.. Every now and again our neighbors "borrow" a fly or technique from afar.
.. This time they have visited a shop just on the other side of Yellowstone National Park. Since we are in the midst of our 'midge madness' this little fly is very attractive to the neighborhood fishers.
.. They are using our extended period of whiteout  to tie up bunches handfuls assemblages of these little darlings.
.. We want to thank Walter Wiese from Parks' Fly Shop for posting the video. It keeps the neighbors from our door at ungodly early hours begging for coffee.

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DEEPER AND DEEPER !!

.. We gleefully report that the snowfall continues with only brief letup. The wind has piled up the snow in our village. The wind has also created enormous overhangs and cornices in the mountains of our Continental Divide. We are now at over 100% of normal for the important snow pack indicators. [LINK]
.. The high country is fraught with danger from avalanches. Check these following resources for conditions and updates:
>>  Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center - details
>>  Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center- maps
>>  Post Register - now

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.. Now it's time for our daily aerobic shoveling exercise. The coffee is gone. The neighbors are busy going blind with little bits of fluff. The plows are out. The breezes are light and it's a bright overcast day. Small flakes are twinkling in the air.

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WALLPAPER: BURGER STEAK & BROWN MUSHROOM GRAVY

Midge Madness

WINTER CREATIONS

Neighbors Fun

very dinky fluff

SOME SAY SNOW FLIES

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REAL SNOW FLY

.. Truth be told "Snow Flies" are different than "Midges."
.. Midges are aquatic flies that emerge like other aquatic flies from a sub aqueous larvae and have wings.
.. Snow Flies are wingless and produce glycol attached to their hemoglobin and just revel in walking on snow banks and, (speculation -> eating rodent poop,) and, mating indiscriminately in the afternoon sun.
.. Both midges and snow flies come in various colors from  brownish to blackish.

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.. The neighbors have produced their latest crop of better than ever midge, (snow fly,) imitations. Like all the previous generations of winter marvels these are more spectacular than any other flies on the planet.
.. We are loath to challenge the veracity of the neighbors and refer you to the images below. Each is better than the others. Each will wear out your arms landing the hundreds of fish that you catch each day. Sizes are 16, 18, 20.
.. None is probably ever going to grace the pages of an Orvis catalog nor will they be produced in Indonesia by the tens of thousands to be sold for $4.00.

BLU BOTTOM MIDGE

.. The 'BLU BOTTOM' is the absolute best midge fly for Between The Lakes.
.. It is a simple recipe with all the magic ingredients: peacock herl tail, golden antron dubbing, silver Mylar ribbing, clipped hen hackle and a dyed blue small white goose-flat feather. This fly will wake up even the post coital bucks that slowly drift downstream.

MYSTERY MEET MIDGE

.. The 'MYSTERY MEET' is the absolute best midge fly for Between The Lakes.
.. This recipe contains no secret ingredients or techniques. It is peacock herl with  a floss rib. The wing is stacked and clipped hen hackle that is interwoven with longer mallard fluff.
.. It is named for the surprised piscine mental processes that take place shortly after sucking it up.

LITTLE SOFTIE MIDGE

.. The 'LITTLE SOFTIE' is the absolute best midge fly for Between The Lakes.
.. This is just a very small rendition of the ubiquitous soft hackle fly.
.. The peacock herl body is fat enough to keep the long hackle from matting down or forming a torpedo shape in the water.

GOLDEN HAYSTACK MIDGE

 .. The 'GOLDEN HAYSTACK' (not to be confused with last year's golden shower,) is the absolute best midge fly for Between The Lakes.
..  A dyed barred wood duck tail and wing case is accented by copper colored antron with dark brown flat wool rib. The furnace hen hackle is triple wrapped and then clipped on the top.

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.. The snow in town is finally deep enough to bury the small Toyotas and Volkswagens. The next stage is buried Subarus and pickup truck beds. Our final snow phase is the one where snow has crept to the half way mark on the lifted pickup truck windows. Haven't seen that in about 25 years.
.. Warm days in the mid to high 20's are blessing our village and the winter birders. Bright sun is infrequently streaming between the thin overcast and occasional broken low clouds. Mornings are still on the foggy side.
.. Night time temperatures should grace -12°F to -15°F through the rest of the week.
.. We're due for a nap. Hope the kids bring us a few snelled midge flies [[;-)

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WALLPAPER: CHORIZO CON HUEVOS Y PAPAS

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Dietary Necessity

PURELY VEGAN

Purely Organic

purely satisfactory

WALLPAPER:  PERFECT VEGAN MEAL

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.. We've decided to join the wave. It's sweeping our neighborhood. Many folks are professing their veganism. Many are proclaiming the benefits of a vegan diet.
.. We are now joining the movement. Beer and french fries for us: forever!

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.. Well now, the snow has come and, is coming. Our annual precipitation statistics are in good shape for now, [LINK-A].
.. We are still on the warm side. Yesterday NOAA proclaimed the official recognition of "EL NIÑO," [LINK-1  LINK-2.]
.. The warm mass of Pacific Ocean warm water is a bit further north than the typical placement. It is also more concentrated in the  western Pacific Ocean than usually seen.
.. Persistence will depend on too many variables for our gray matter to comprehend but, the expectation is that it could last through summer, (or there about.)
.. Should you care to follow the official monitoring and to receive an e-mail notification when the monthly ENSO Diagnostic Discussions are released, just send an e-mail message to: ncep.list.enso-update@noaa.gov. 

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.. The neighbors have tromped down a pseudo trail to the water at the Hebgen Dam Tailwater. Parking is hazardous on the blind curve.

OLIVE DOUBLE MIDGE

.. Citations are being gifted to cars that impede the normal flow of traffic.
.. There are a few safe places to park. Walking is involved. Only the brave should undertake this journey to the eager fish that are lit up with sexual energy.
.. We may ride along tomorrow to view the redds. We suggest that a bit of discretion and gentility be used with these fish. Perhaps just leave them alone.

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WALLPAPER:  AS GOOD AS IT GETS: USE LARD

Some Relief ?

NOT POUNDING

Get The Shovels

just missed

WALLPAPER:   MID WINTER DRIP

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.. The snow gods are teasing us. They are a bit nicer to the surrounding area.
.. We are under a winter storm watch. We will get some snow and, that's a good thing. The major precipitation zones are doing a good job of avoiding us and, that's a not so good thing.
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NO CIGAR:  MAYBE NEXT TIME

.. Below is the official warning:
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Event:	Winter Storm Warning
Alert:	...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow occurring. Storm total snow accumulations 4 to 9 inches expected at lower elevations, mostly 8 to 16 inches in the mountains, but isolated higher amounts on ridgetops. * WHERE...Cascade, Judith Basin, Meagher and Gallatin. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Thursday. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel could be very difficult at times. Areas of falling and blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Expect snow packed and icy roadways.
Instructions:	A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Target Area:	Cascade Gallatin Judith Basin Meagher

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FUZZY JON

.. Well it's time to visit the Post Office, Supermarket, and Hardware Store to get the local gossip. We missed the pub crawl last night and feel deprived of local fish lore. Withdrawal is in the offing.
..  Weather is just as capricious as the fish! We'll take any white stuff that floats our way. As they say at the Post Office: "We need it."

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WALLPAPER:  CHEESE OMELETTE AND HASH BROWNS