YELLOWSTONE FISHING HEATS UP - WEATHER COOLS DOWN

FIREHOLE RIVER CLEARING RAPIDLY
Madison & Gibbon Following Close Behind
hatches thin but productive


<-- Photo courtesy of Jason Neuswanger: "The Trout Nut"





-- Memorial Day dawned grey and with snow flurries. A leisurely breakfast and a view of the race at Indy seemed in order. By 2:30 PM we had a "SUN-dershower" warming the meadows along the Firehole River and there was a hatch to fish. The river has cleared rapidly these last three days, and the suspended load poses no problem to fish, fisherfolk, or the bugs.
-- We fished Blue Winged Olives, Pale Morning Duns, and some Yellowstone Cinch's. We had a SPARKLE DUN that seemed to fish better than the others, but we broke it off early. The Sparkle Dun was originated by Craig Mathews a while back and has become a standard fly for the Firehole. When the sparse hatch pooped out we switched to Yellowstone Badgers and Prince Nymphs. The fish kept taking.
-- Stopped along the Madison River and visited with the neighbors. The Madison is still bank-full and very fast, but clearing. Some good fish were taken, but the fishing was hard. Nymphs were the order of the day, until a sparse caddis hatch occurred about 6:00 PM at the Barns Holes. We took some Whitefish and one ultra-thin snake - poor spawned out fellow must have been waiting for the water to clear and get some food.
-- It snowed again last night; big fluffy flakes that left only a residue on the cars this morning. This cooling trend is slowing the rivers in Yellowstone, and making fishing exceptionally good. The Madison River will continue to clear, The Firehole River is close to perfect, and the water has left most of the meadows along the Gibbon River.

Yellowstone Requiem

IN MEMORIUM
CHARLOTTE SMITH
JERRY GALVAN
-- WWII is over and, on this memorial day, we remember our relatives and friends that died in service. As we ponder life & death, two good friends come to mind. They died this last year, and we remember them here.
-- Charlotte Smith, neighbor and friend, is gone from us. We sent her to far flung places to fish with our flies. She enriched our life with tales of joy and bright fish. We miss her deeply and grieve with Larry. She and Larry owned and hosted Sleepy Hollow, the fly fishing retreat in West Yellowstone, Montana. I pass the house daily, the memories leap at me. Those of you that knew her were certainly bouyed by her spirit, as I was. (Sleepy Hollow)


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-- Jerry Galvan, friend, neighbor, fishing partner, and father to a fine family has departed. We fished with Jerry in a time long ago. The Owens River, Slough Creek, The Gualala, The Upper Sac, Palma Creek, the memories are rich. We fished the bait recievers in San Diego Bay for baracuda, mackrel and bonito. We prowled the lagoons and shorelines of Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Oceanside. We pounded the surf for corbina, surf perch, and once a very ugly needle fish. Farm ponds and decorative water in the front lawns of Fallbrook, Carlsbad and Vista, provided bass and bluegills - wherever there were fish we chased them.
--We once built a minature fly rod with very, very, small flies, (about 32's,) and tried for mosquito fish in the casting pond at Balboa Park in San Diego. Hot Creek, Hat Creek, both Walkers and the Truckee - it mattered not!
-- The San Diego river and a couple of it's tributaries hold bass - Jerry knew where to find them - in the shadow of Mission San Diego, or the shadow of the giant stadium, (whatever it's current name,) we pounded them, (joggers were perplexed.) All the San Diego lakes, (big bluegills on poppers,) the San Gabriel River, (trout & rattlesnakes,) even the Tiajuana River, (don't eat these fish,) there are many place to fish if you look - and if you grew up there.
-- We coursed the Owens River Ranch and John Arcalarius' place for giants. From downtown Hoopa to Arcata we scored and got skunked. Half-pounders were a passion for a while. The Mad, The Mattole, The Smith, The Cal-Salmon, the "Damn" Dusen, (from the top of the box cars,) they called and we came. The Russian River in muddy flood or dead dry gravel was always a challenge, (success came in the form of Bill Shadt.) We exercised flies from size 24 to 2xl 9/0 in fresh and saltwater.
-- During his last visit here we stayed in the crummy cabins at Roosevelt, in Yellowstone Park. We fished the raging plunge pool on the Yellowstone River below Teddy's camp, and Soda Butte, and the Lamar - across the bridge, and Slough Creek. We traded hats, joked and even caught fish.
-- Jerry loved bamboo, he enjoyed prairie dogs, he served his country and wore a bullet around his neck. He chased fish to the equator and back; always with a smile and always with success. His ashes are sprinkled on the Upper Sac that he loved so well. I'll return there next year and fish with him - maybe the opener at Crowley too - he'd like that - I will too. (Sierra Drifters)
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YELLOWSTONE OPENER IS WET

A LITTLE RAIN - A LITTLE SNOW
The Fishing Was Excellent
where to eat on a rainy day
brief nps news


Nez Perce Creek
Slow at the confluence






Colored Water
Bright Rainbow


-- There were a few fisherfolk on the rivers in Yellowstone today. The fishing was good. The weather was a bit nippy. The scenery was as good as it gets. Fished hard all day, saw no hatches. Took fish on: Prince Nymphs, Soft Hackles, Stiff Hackles, & Montana Dusters. Fished the Firehole & Nez Perce at their confluence, and the Firehole just below the Iron Bridge. Decided to come home before dark and put my feet up.
-- Visibility in the Firehole River is about two feet, a little more in Nez Perce Creek. There were folks at the Island Pool, Mattie's Pool, and in Pocket Basin, - all reported hungry fish. There were about a dozen folks at the Barns Pools on the Madison. Several small fish had been taken near the bank but the color is way off & the flow is still high. Visibility in the Madison is about two feet near the bank and much less in mid-stream.

-- The day dawned gray, drizzle with a few thin spots in the clouds lasted 'til noon. The sky lowered and occasional light snow flurries continued for the rest of the day. I left the Iron Bridge at about 6:00 PM. Visited with the neighbors and shared a nip.

**Rainy Day Food**

--We generally avoid endorsements, but like the old plumber said "folks gotta eat."

+++There are two excellent places for breakfast in West Yellowstone. These are of the 'ask anybody' variety.

+++There is an exceptional deli for sandwiches or box lunches.

+++There is a friendly pub & eatery for a sit-down lunch and satisfying dinner.

To find out where these places are - - - just ASK ANYBODY.

--The Firehole Grill is good anytime, however on a cold rainy morning it's nice to talk to the owner-fisherman-guide. Breakfast is special here. Specialty sausage, honey cured ham, enormous omelets, home built spuds, fresh coffee, comfortable and congenial. Tell Swanny or Staci we sent you. It might get you a fishing tip or two. Don't think that breakfast is all they do! Good lunchs and dinners are available too.

-- The Running Bear has excellent traditional breakfast; in fact that is all they do! Great pancakes, perfect eggs, 'taters to order. Tell Rick that we sent you. It might get you a stock tip. Get there before 2:00 PM.

-- Ernies Deli provides a quick breakfast of donuts and coffee if you are in a hurry. They are much better at pefect sandwiches, (try the Ham & Swiss, or Pastrami,) excellent selection of wines, friendly service, and box lunches. Tell Dawn that we sent you. It will get you a wink and a smile.

-- Bullwinkle's Saloon & Eatery is a sports bar with a twist - the barkeep is a fly fisherman. Tell Mark, or Jackie, or Dennis that we sent you. You will get good food - good conversation - and maybe a local fly or two. The information is only slightly tainted with local hubris and it's free. You can eat in the saloon, or one of two dining rooms. Trout is on the menu, along with steaks, sandwiches, special salads, and some local favorites as well. Excellent selection of beer and wine. If available try the cheesecake - yum!

As We Posted: breaking NPS news.

New Interior Department Secretary

New Interior Department Secretary's mistress?

Yellowstone & Grand Teton out of money?

YELLOWSTONE TIME & TEMPERATURE

Yellowstone Fly Fishing To Begin

FIREHOLE RIVER SLOWING
Madison River Out Of Shape
try a "stiff hackle"
SLY WOULD LOVE IT!

--The day is gray, the rain is very small, there are thin spots in the clouds, breakfast is done, Da Ford is warmed up, the opener is tomorrow. Off to the park for a final check on the rivers.

-- With the recent re-discovery of the soft hackle fly, we offer a local variant that is often used early in the season on Yellowstone rivers -- "the Stiff Hackle Nymph."

-- This fly grew out of discussions with Sylvester Nemes in the late 70's. We discussed the necessary conditions for a soft hackle to transform itself into a stiff hackle. The decision then, and now, 'when a bit of twinkle is necessary in the hackle!' This is just the situation that exists now. The Firehole River is barely fishable, the 'tea-colored' water allows a bit of light, and any fly with a hint of reflection will do well. This is not the flash of tinsel or of other synthetic materials, but just a subtle bit of 'lightness' to separate this offering from the debris still suspended in the Firehole River.

-- The fly is simple to tie, effective in several colors, and useful in river conditions like we are experiencing now. This will be in the box tomorrow - along with some soft hackles of course. The body can be caddis green, or peacock herl. The hackle is the best grade dry fly hackle that you have - and that's the recipe.

-- Taper the body to a 'fat' front. Sly was always talking about the little tennis ball at the head of the fly to keep the soft hackle from matting down along the body. This is still necessary with the stiff hackle, but not so pronounced. White hackle can be used, but we prefer feathers with a silver or light gray cast to them. Great Blue Heron would be perfect if it were legal.

-- Dyed seal is excellent for the body, as is angora goat. The hackle should extend past the end of the body & hook bend, and one, (at most two,) turns are all that is necessary. The first flies we tied had a fine copper wire rib - worked OK, but did not seem to be in keeping with the original idea. This one is a success without much adornment at all.

-- This fly requires soaking to fish properly and, in a pinch can be greased to float. It is possible to 'cast dry' the fly, grease it and fish the same fly through the terminal stages of a caddis hatch. (Of course this means that you are not catching many fish.)

-- Sink tip lines are best to get this fly down, or a bit of weight, if you care to, on a floating line and leader. This is the way we fish it. Swing it all the way to the bank; there is no need for guessing - takes are positive.

-- SLY WOULD LOVE IT!

Yellowstone Ready To Fish

YELLOWSTONE FISHING OPENS SATURDAY
COOLING CONTINUES
RIVERS HIGH - BUT CLEARING
** It appears that opening day will bring cool overcast with thundershowers, and rain. The wind will be moderate, (SW @ 5—15 mph,) and temperatures in the 50’s. PERFECT!
** The cooling trend promises to hold and the rivers should continue to slow. Fishing conditions will allow access to most popular locations & the Firehole will probably hold the best promise of success.
** Generalized nymphs, (large and dark,) and a good supply of caddis imitations will be required. There should also be a some stone fly nymphs in your fly box. For those brief periods of sunlight it would be good to have some nymphs with yellow or light green.
**Of course a double fist-full of prince nymphs is always necessary.

These are some of the the flies we intend to carry:




















Guides Permitted To Operate In Yellowstone
Fishing Regulations (PDF)

Click For Weather Forcast:

Yellowstone Weather Cooling Off

FIREHOLE RIVER SHOWS PROMISE,
Madison River High, Losing Color,
Gibbon still a mess,
Nez Perce Creek fishable.



























--As of this morning, there are several sections of major streams on the west side of Yellowstone that are clearing. These sections are shown on the map above. The map shows the road from the west entrance to Old Faithful.
-- The blue oval sections, (on the map,) of the Madison River, Nez Perce Creek, and the Firehole River should respond well to large dark nymphs.
-- The meadows in all areas are still muddy and very soft in some places so be careful where you walk. There are also some new quicksand bars that have formed in the Firehole river east of Goose Lake, and in the confluence area of Nez Perce Creek and the Firehole.
-- Parking is always a problem on the opener, and access is going to be difficult where the bison have congregated. The early greening of the areas at the north end of Fountain Flat will make Pocket Basin & Nez Perce Creek a real challenge. Parking is sparse and the herd has bunched up into large groups - they are very social animals when calves are present. They have also bunched up neat the north end of the meadow where the freight road leaves the picnig area - be watchful.
-- The freight road is a good point of access, even without a bicycle. It's better with a bicycle. You can rent a bicycle at Old Faithful and cross the iron bridge and find some pretty decent water. You can bring your own bicycle and enter from the north and find some decent water there too.
-- The rivers will be best in the morning and early forenoon, and depending on nocturnal temperatures over the next couple of days, could last the whole day or weekend.
-- There are sporadic caddis hatches on the Firehole, and on the Madison above 7-mile bridge. The high water has moved the bottom, and there are many stonefly nymphs in the sample nets, (two kinds seen.) There is also an abundance of caddis nymphs, as well. Snails of various sorts were also seen, (no New Zealand Mud Snails found,) and some uncased mayfly neotaneous forms were found.
-- As the old sailor said - "Fish gott'a eat," - so they will be holding close to the bank, in boulder pillows and pockets, or adjacent to very deep slow runs after a rapid section. Foam is still collecting in some eddy's and holds bits of food - don't pass these up.
-- Be sure to read the regulations carefully this year, as they have changed. They are designed for both protective and aesthetic reasons to give the native fish a chance - that includes the Whitefish and Grayling. Take note.

New Regulations
Official Yellowstone Fishing Map

MADISON RIVER IN YELLOWSTONE BLOWN OUT

FLOODED MEADOWS PUT TROUT IN THE GRASS
many dangerous sections beckon anglers


<- Barns #1 Lake




-- You may be able to catch fish in the Madison River in Yellowstone Park on opening day, but you will have to be very selective about where you fish. The river is running bank to bank in most sections and the meadows at 7-mile bridge, and above Mt. Haynes are flooded. The river channel at National Park Meadows is just below flood stage, and the Barns Holes look like a lake.


<- 9-mile bend



-- Predictions for continued warming and afternoon thundershowers mean that fishing will be more difficult on opening weekend. One stretch of water that has not colored too badly is the area from "Grasshopper Bank" through the secction along the old road to the fire interpretation area. The broad channel here seemed almost placid, and rising fish were seen on the snags next to the road. The eagles nesting next to the road also had fish for lunch.
-- This time of year the river is 'big water' for sure. There are sections in National Park Meadows, below 7-mile bridge, and around the meadows at 9-mile hole that show distinct and slow moving streams within the river. The savvy angler will use large, or giant dark nymphs in these sections - and be justly rewarded. Don't use your 4-weight.


<- 7-mile Meadows