Brevity

A FINE SOFT SPRING

can you say thundersnow ?

.. Last night's soaking rain and this morning's constant drizzle is sure to cloud the rivers a bit more. The thundersnow over the weekend melted rapidly in the warm deluge that followed in its aftermath. This produced a bit of color in the rivers as well. The beauty of the rose colored water is a wonder to behold.
.. Briefly: the Gallatin River is cold, cloudy, and fishable above the Taylor Fork, productivity should be low; the Madison River is a portrait in mud and silt, catching will be done with a bit of tinsel and white - down and deep; the Gibbon River is roaring again but is mostly in-bank, (a rainbow of earth colors swirl through its froth;) the Firehole River is holding its own and in the meadows around Biscuit Basin clarity and visibility is surprisingly good.
.. Despite the optimism of the intrepid fishers in our neighborhood, both the flows and colors of the rivers mitigate against spectacular catching. The apparent discharge peak of June 5 - 6, and the two day down-turn thereafter brought joy to the neighbors' hearts. Short lived it was.
.. Flows are again on the upswing. The Madison River is at 950 cfs, still 100 cfs above its 81 year average and climbing once again. The Gibbon River is nearing 400 cfs, about 200 cfs above its seasonal average and raising rapidly. The Firehole River is currently at 600 cfs, a full 200 cfs above its seasonal average.
.. Rain, snow, sleet, and cooler temperatures are in the forecast for the next four days. Temperatures will hover around the 40's and 50's for highs. This is just enough to slow the rivers a bit. Warmer temperatures on the coming weekend will increase the flows again - there's still snow to be melted.
.. The Gallatin River has finally reached seasonal flows, but is very cold and slightly turbid. The discharge from the Taylor Fork can be distinguished for a good two miles before it dissipates into the full width of the stream. Fish the edge of the silt plume and there will be fish to dance with. This is strong water despite its appearance. The wade to the east bank can be treacherous. Take a stick or staff or have a native porter carry you across. You will be rewarded.

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.. Weather be damned, bugs and genes have their own calendar; and persistence of emergence will out! There are some hatches, and they are fishable. The fish have found them and so have the observant fishers.
.. Despite the color on the Madison River there are Stonefly Nymphs actively moving underwater. A Yellowstone Sally will be your best bet as the top fly in a two fly rig. The trailer might be a soft hackle or a flashback Prince Nymph. Size 8 for the Sally, 12 - 14 for the trailer.
.. Fishers looking for surface action can find it on the Firehole River. The cool temperatures and afternoon drizzles have brought forth the PMD and Baetis hatches. Mid -afternoon to dusk is good for the hatches.
.. Caddis hatches are now appearing but they are spotty and intermittent. These are all flies that trend toward the SMALL! Sizes 16 and 18 will be a good place to start.
.. The spinner float has been excellent. For those of you that don't need a second cup of coffee, (or even a first,) try the Yellowstone Morning Glory. These can be fished in reasonable sizes of 12 - 14. They can even be drowned and will produce well.
.. The Firehole River also has a bit of Stonefly activity. If you're interested in some larger fish try the Yellowstone Winter Grub, or your favorite rubber legs pattern.
.. Many of the neighbors are having success with the Silli-Legs stoneflies, (every feather merchant has a version or two - choose by color, size, aesthetics, or ugliness: they all work.) Just be sure that you let the drift carry the fly to the deepest part of the water. Pockets near the bank and undercut areas will be your best bet.
.. There are excellent and detailed reports, along with prognostications at Madison River Outfitters, and Blue Ribbon Flies.

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.. We haven't forgotten those of you that like to view a bit of pleasant scenery. The Horse's Mouth brought us a bit of unseasonable decoration. Football instead of fish? We'll take it!

Straight To You From . . .

JUAN CARLOS
SHOULD BE ASHAMED

P.S. short Firehole Report
P.P.S. a wahine too

.. On frequent occasions we dip into the sage meanderings of The Horse's Mouth. We gather wahines, information, insight and nostalgia.
.. This time we gathered a chilling bit of video. We present it below for your edification.
.. El Caminito del Rey, (The King's Footpath,) is just a bit of crumbling cement and rusty steel supports north of Malaga, and north of Alora, near El Chorro Spain. It ascends a 700 foot gorge of the Rio Guadalhorce: it looks, (and is,) pretty fishy.
.. The footpath was constructed between 1901 and 1905 as a means of access for an interesting aqueduct project.
.. Should you feel the need to go fishing for giant carp, barbel, pike, zander, bass, or even trout you should check out Go-Fishing-Spain.com. The excellent site map will give you instant access to the opportunities that present themselves in the Andalusian region around Malaga, (we prefer Granada ourselves - viva el Rio Darro.)
.. The video below is not for the faint of heart. It's not even for most of the stout of heart.
.. The footpath is closed to the public: but given the independence of spelunkers, rock climbers, and tourists from around the world, it gets visited almost daily. (Four people fell to their death between 1999 & 2000.)
.. The limestone regions of Spain are justly famous the world over for caves, cliffs, gorges, and climbing locales. This gorge on the Rio Guadalhorce is just one of the many attractions just south of the Plains of La Mancha.
.. In scientific terms this trail has a "PUCKER PHACTOR" of 10+ !!

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.. The Firehole River is fishing just fine; thank you. A few Baetis, a few Caddis, a few trout, and elbows of the mighty fishers are all present and accounted for.
.. The unsettled Spring weather has failed to darken the river very much, and good opportunities exist above its confluence with Nez Perce Creek. Below the confluence you have to pick your water with care - or trust to luck.
.. The Little Firehole River in Biscuit Basin has yielded some very nice fish on soft hackles; and, there's even a surface bite for those willing to stand still and watch the water. Caddis, Baetis, midges, and sticks seem to be what the trout are eating in this short stretch of water.
.. The Firehole River above Old Faithful, along the trail to Lone Star Geyser, is gin-clear and cold. It harbors mighty Brook Trout ranging to over 7". They too are eating sticks and whatever else, of an appropriate size, that floats. Few fuchsia vests or $900.00 rods were seen on this stretch yesterday.
.. We're on our way back right now - the sun is not up yet and it's dead calm. Rumors abound of a great spinner fall - we're skeptical, but curious.

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.. Also From The Horse's Mouth: a blue fish!

Back At It

FIREHOLE FISHING O. K.

Alpers Entrenching

Pack Your Boat

.. Our friend Tim Alpers has gotten some help from the Mono County Development Council and is rapidly on his way to making the Conway Ranch along Highway 395 a new destination for California fishing. Read the whole story by Pete Thomas in the L.A. Times.

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.. Lake fishers, big water river fishers, and daredevil rapids fishermen now have the opportunity to take it all with them.
.. Hammacher Schlemmer has a complete pontoon boat in a pack on sale for just $299.95.
.. If you're a flats type, or just have genes of the adventurous kind, try their inflatable kayak. Stand up for a better view. It's only $1,899.95

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.. The Firehole River has provided some O.K. fishing for the opening week in Yellowstone National Park. Baetis in the afternoon and just about any double nymph rig all day.
.. It's picking up, and hatches are now making themselves apparent. We'll cruise, (and fish some,) tomorrow and let you know the full story.
.. Check out the fishing report at Madison River Outfitters for recent details about the week's fishing.
.. We like the little fly from up on the Missouri River called John's Baetis. It's quick to tie, casts like it isn't there and catches fish with the aplomb of a kid with a worm. It's featured by the Falls Outfitters - as tied by John Arnold. (Click HERE for the recipe.)

A Day In The Park

TIME OUT FOR REPAIRS

Firehole Bound

.. Fried something other than biscuits and gravy. Decided to go fishing.

FIREHOLE RIVER DATA (click here)

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3000 LDA 96

3002 CMP # 13

3004 BNE 3007

3006 BRK

3007 RTS

This Morning's Snow

WASN'T AS BAD AS YESTERDAY

A Bit More Tomorrow

madison river becomes a lake

.. Well, the snows were warm and wet. Even the higher country received a mixture of snow and rain. Melting of the current snow pack has not appreciably slowed.
.. From National Park Meadows, downstream to 7-mile Bridge the Madison River meadows are under water. Fish are in the grass and the most beautiful shade of reddish-brown is the prevalent color of the water.
.. The Gibbon River in the canyon is a raging torrent. The Firehole River is very high but the color and visibility remain fishable. Nez Perce Creek is deep and backed-up by the overflowing Firehole River.
.. For real time information over the next two days we suggest that you contact the fly shops listed in the sidebar. The clearest water and most approachable portions of the rivers are changing by the hour.
.. And please don't forget to get your Yellowstone National Park fishing permit.
.. It's raining now: we just may sleep in on Saturday morning.

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P.S. Spectacular photograph of a trout at Parks' Fly Shop Report.

Countdown

MAY 24, 2008
FISH THE PARK

Too Thick To Wade - Too Thin To Plow

bring a slicker

.. First, the weather: not as bad as it could be. Showers are in the forecast. Some snow, some rain, some mixed, and who knows what else. Temperatures will climb into the 40's and maybe even low 50's. The blue sky will be visible on rare occasions. Bring as much clothing as your first class ticket will allow.
.. That's the good news. The other news is as follows:
1] The west entrance station to Yellowstone National Park is now fully functional - the road isn't. A one lane constriction will slow you down.
2] The snow cover has kept the large ungulates in the valleys and on the roads. The bears and wolves have stayed with them. Traffic will be horrific.
3] The only people who can afford to drive to the park have land yachts in the 40' class. They pull $46,000 Hummers behind them. They stop in the middle of the road to grab a snapshot of ground squirrels.
4] Die hard fishers are already gathering in West Yellowstone. The rivers will be crowded. Be prepared to make new friends and enemies.
5] There is still a foot, (or more,) of snow on the secondary roads. There may be difficulty getting to some fishing spots.
6] The meadows are full of water, bison, elk, wolves and bears. Other than that, they are slick, spongy, soggy and 'quick.' Be prepared to wade cautiously to the rivers edge in many places.
7] The water is no less than bank high in most places on the Gibbon, Firehole, and Madison Rivers.

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.. Fly fishers are fond of describing rivers in the Spring with gentle phrases. Some like "tea-stained," or "tea-colored." Other folks like "off color," or "cloudy," or "brownish." Occasionally you will hear words like buff, dark, dull, or even gray.
.. The current state of most of the rivers is better described using colors that could refer to the contents of a baby's diaper.
.. The Madison River near West Yellowstone, (Barns Holes to Seven Mile Bridge,) is full, frothy, dark brown with a visibility of less than a foot and getting more dense each day. This is a sick baby.
.. The road to the Barns Holes is still restricted by snow that should be mostly gone by Saturday. We went down and back but did not travel the muddy dirt trails of the meadow. Faint of heart, we are.
.. The long riffles and glides are so deep that there is little in the way of spume, spray or whitecaps. It's possible to define the main channels by the organic froth and bubbles that are in the main stream flows.
.. Above Seven Mile Bridge the river is out of bank in several places and some of the meadows are covered by a foot of water.
.. The carcasses of dead elk and bison are seen as furry islands: usually guarded by ravens, or eagles, or bears, or coyotes. At the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers in National Park Meadows it is clear to see that the Gibbon River is contributing the majority of the silt and sand to the Madison River.
.. The broad meadows that hold some of the better-fishing tributaries are no less that a foot deep and some are deeper. If you can get across the Madison River to a couple of these choice tributaries, they will be less clear than they have been in the recent past.
.. The bank at Nine Mile Hole is rapidly eroding, and the hot spring in National Park Meadows is under water. Fishing the Madison River on opening day will certainly be tough and largely a symbolic gesture.

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.. There are spots on the Gibbon River that may be productive for the fly fisher on May 24. You'll have to be ginger in your step, quick in your reflex, and vigilant in your observation. There are bison and elk in many of the meadows. The water is spread thin and the little depressions hold fish in the grass.
.. The canyon is pretty much out of the question. However the plunge pool above Tanker Bend has a bit of slow clear water. The plunge pool below the bend is a brown mud hole with pink and yellow froth defining the main channel. Over-all, the canyon water is not as badly colored as it could be. Cool temperatures may slow it down some - probably not!
.. The constriction of the Gibbon River near the picnic area between Gibbon Meadows and Elk Meadows has produced an hydraulic dam and slowed the river enough that there are some fishable areas. After all, fish gotta eat!
.. The meadows around Norris Campground are clear of snow and more than a little damp. The water is rising at the present writing and is about 14" deep. Fish are in the grass and the water in the meadows is clear. This is fishable if you have the skills of a bonefisher.
.. The meadows above Virginia Cascade still have a bit of snow in them and trudging through this slush will be a chore. The Gibbon River is actually tea-stained in this stretch and it is only out of bank in a couple of places. The meadow is very soft and you could be up to your ankles, (or worse,) if you're not careful.

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.. The Firehole River is looking like its traditional opening day self. It's roiling, burbling, bubbling, twisting and very full. Color is not up yet and visibility in some places is as much as three to four feet. The constricted sections around Midway Geyser Basin and in the Firehole Canyon are showing a bit of energy but the river is still within its banks, (right now.)
.. The meadows of meanders in Biscuit Basin are soggy and the water is nearly clear adjacent to some of the banks. This will be a popular destination on opening day. There is easy access, there is a big parking lot, there are "facilities," and the scenery can't be beat.
.. The big meadows below the bridge are wet and soggy. The Firehole River is out of bank in a couple of areas. Walking this section is also complicated by the numerous bears and carcasses in the area. There will be crowds early for the bear shows. They will linger through the day and then thicken again in the evening. If you'd like to collect license plate sightings - this is the place.

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.. The waters around the confluence of the Firehole River and Nez Perce Creek at the entrance bridge to Fountain Flat are surprisingly clear. No baby diapers here. More like diluted iced tea. Very encouraging.
.. The bison are thick and the bears are too. Nez Perce Creek above the Grand Loop Road Bridge is closed because of the dense bear population.
.. The short stretch of Nez Perce Creek , between the bridge and the Firehole River looks very fishy as of this writing. The outlet from Hidden Pond is flowing nicely and that will be a good place to check. It's clear, cool, and very buggy.
.. The high ground between the two rivers is dry, lush, and protected. The picnic tables are in place as well.

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.. What flies? What bugs? What waters? STAY TUNED.

The Edges Have It

ICE OUT AT HEBGEN LAKE

Silt In On Madison

neighbors enjoy near record highs

fish now - weather coming

.. Too much is happening. The USFS is burning the dense duff north of town. The neighbors are walking in the road. The lawn chairs are on the shore of Hebgen Lake. Snow is making the rapid and erosive transition to water. Land yachts are entering the port of West Yellowstone. The sky has reached a summer blue. All is right with the world - for a bit.
.. Fishing is an edge effect right now, and the edges are disappearing fast. The Madison River below Quake Lake and above the West Fork is High, Cold, Clear, and OPEN.
.. Below the West Fork the edge of the silt plume is where the fish are. This colored water acts as a conveyor belt for groceries.
.. The debris and bugs from erosion are laid out for the eager trout and whitefish . . . They are loving it. Make sure that the guide you hire is not color blind. Fish the edge with something that looks like a sack of groceries. Something big enough to wiggle and squiggle and stand out in the hazy fog of a silt plume.
.. Right now that means some sort of stonefly or rubber-legs creation. Your choice. They are working great for now. The good news is: the edge is well defined and full of groceries. The bad news is: the soaring temperatures will turn the whole river a beautiful tan color within the week.

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.. Major fish and tourist activity is taking place around Hebgen Lake. The ice is receding rapidly from the edge of the lake and fishing has reached a frenzied pace. Very large pods of winter-starved trout are cruising the edge of the ice and gobbling the bits of flotsam that have been trapped in the ice for the last five months.
.. Worm dunkers, gear heads, fly fishers, and kids with rocks are all taking large ravenous trout in the shallows at the edge of the ice.
.. From the Hebgen dam to the Happy Hour Bar the open water is thin and scattered. Up-lake from the Happy Hour Bar through the narrows and into the Madison Arm the open water is growing at a pace to make even an Olympic skier jealous.
.. Specific fly patterns are not too important for fishing the edge: technique is! Any tandem rig with a size 10 or 12 up top and a size 14 - 18 at the tip will do just fine. Lay the rig on the ice, (or as close to it as you can,) and wait until the ripples disappear. Drag the rig into the water and let it sink slowly.
.. Hang on. The pods are very competitive right now and a double is possible. When is the last time you had one?
.. In another day or two the mud will warm up and larvae will commence wiggling. Fish the bottom with a tandem rig on a sinking line, (or a sink tip if you have the patience,) let it get to the bottom. Up top should be a San Juan Worm, (size 8 - 10,) and on the tip a small fly that is well greased and will float. We use a well greased Yellowstone Badger.
.. Let this rig rest between short and gentle tugs punctuated with an occasional jerk. Be sure to work a lot of water. The fish are cruising and not standing still. You can see them coming with a good pair of polarized glasses.

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.. Traveling the roads around West Yellowstone is a dangerous chore at the moment. The danger will increase as we approach the Memorial Day opener in Yellowstone National Park, (Saturday, May 24, 2008.)
.. Many of our neighbors have four legs and enjoy the sun, green grass, salt, and convenience of the roads. Many visitors jab the brakes and pause for a "Kodak Moment," on an instant's notice.
.. You will be surprised at just what constitutes a "photographic opportunity."
.. Additionally; the local, county, federal, and state gendarmes are out in full force. They are enjoying this brief spell of postcard weather too. The road from Bozeman to Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City is also heavily traveled by commercial trucking. Please slow down and drive very carefully. It's a dirty shame to catch a bumper instead of an angry trout.

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.. Now then: about the weather. The opening in Yellowstone promises to be perfectly traditional. Blustery weather with high temperatures into the 40's and maybe the 50's. Showers and a bit of snow are both in the forecast for next weekend. The rivers will be mostly very high and muddy. The warmth of this weekend promises to guarantee some very challenging fishing for those folks that have made it a tradition to "get there first."
.. We're going to cruise the park tomorrow and we'll let you know how bad it really is. We'll also let you know where the fishing will be good and not so crowded. Stay tuned.

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Some of the neighbors agreed to pose for the portraits below.