Fly Fishing In Yellowstone National Park

Gettin' Any ?

2022-01-10T22:02:00.005-07:00

SO FAR, SO GOOD

Madison Up

gallatin down

OFF TO A GOOD START

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.. Well it looks like La Niña has kicked some snow toward our corner of the world. We've had the snow depth like days of yore. It's been dry snow and blows around for days after the event. We'll take it for now. Hope it continues.

.. The last few gentle winters have allowed Yellowstone National Park to replenish it's flora and fauna to "Postcard Splendor," Both the bison and wolf populations were at record numbers last fall, Since then about 20 of the wolves have been eliminated by hunters and 900 bison are slated to be culled (LINK 1, LINK 2.)

.. Catching along the open water edges of the legal estuaries has been exceptionally good. Snow machines are required to get to the good spots. Just about any bright sunken fly will deliver dance partners. All size fish are on the bite.

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WALLPAPER: AMERICAN STANDARD BREAKFAST

HAPPY 2022

2021-12-31T20:37:00.003-07:00

PROSPERITY

HEALTH

happiness

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WALLPAPER: SHRIMP AND CHIPS

Follow-on Work Continues

2021-12-11T04:00:00.003-07:00

DAM TROUBLES CONTINUE

FERC Report Filed

cold weather slows catching

HEBGEN SPILLWAY PROVIDES SOME RELIEF

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.. Northwestern Energy has filed a report with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The report details the problems with Hebgen Dam and the failure of contracted water flow in the Madison River.

.. Thanks to Anaconda Foundry Fabrication Company, {LINK,} The failed part in the dam was quickly fabricated and delivered to Northwestern Energy within 24 hours.

.. The flow in the Madison River is within contract specification at present - HOWEVER - additional work is anticipated on the dam gates and other internal structures. We will keep you informed.

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.. Our gentle transition to winter has kept catching on the lowland Madison River at a good clip.

.. All good things must come to an end and the snow is beginning to pile up. Temperatures have finally fallen to seasonal norms and the school kids have grudgingly put on their long pants. Our snow pack is not where we would like it.

.. As previously noted {LINK,} La Niña is upon us. We are hoping that the anticipated warmer and wetter winter will ensue.

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WALLPAPER: STANDARD SALAMI SANDWICH

Fish Stranded

2021-11-30T19:34:00.003-07:00

HEBGEN DAM GLITCH

Dramatic Drop In Flow

volunteers saving fish

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.. Due to an unspecified glitch at Hebgen Dam flows on the Madison River dropped significantly on Tuesday morning.

.. Little information about the cause or the remedy is currently available . Below are listed the currently available information resources.

RESOURCES

> Bozeman Daily Chronicle,

> KBZK Bozeman,

> Ravalli Republic,

.. More information will be posted a it becomes available.

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WALLPAPER: SHRIMP AND CHIPS

Need Some Thoughts ???

2021-11-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

TAKE THE TIME

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WALLPAPER: HAM AND EGG - RED EYE GRAVY

For The Day

2021-11-24T10:50:00.002-07:00

FROM THE C.I.A.

To Your Home

bon appétit

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WALLPAPER: SEASONAL TREAT

The Four Month Fly

2021-11-23T00:23:00.001-07:00

OUR ALTERNATE SEASON

Park Waters Closed

plenty other water open

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.. Not to put too fine of a point on it -- BUT, some of us use just this one fly in the waters of our 'cool' season.

TRIED AND TRUE

.. We hereby suggest that the neighbors can't be totally off base. Of course we do tie on other flies - just for the ducks of it.

.. Sometimes a streamer or a soft hackle or a drowned dry fly finds itself on the end of the tippet. However, when fish are to be caught some variety of pheasant tail is the choice.

.. We've been invited on a lowland excursion to fling a few. Bless their hearts the 'Thanksgiving Truants' are on the road this week. We have been blessed.

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WALLPAPER: THANKFUL FOR PERFECT RIBS

Thanks Be Unto You

2021-11-09T01:47:00.000-07:00

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WALLPAPER: SHORTIES AND BUTTER NOODLES

Not Just Pumpkins

2021-10-30T03:28:00.000-06:00

BY POPULAR REQUEST

RE POST

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TRADITIONAL POST

The Kids Are Into It

we like the witches

HOW 'BOUT THEM APPLES ???

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.. Such traditional silliness for an industrial society whose populus believes that food comes from cans and boxes and shopping carts.

WHERE FOOD COMES FROM

.. Perhaps as old as Roman times, certainly most associated with the Scots and Irish, Hallowe'en thunders across the landscape just as big, (but not yet as commercial,) as Christmas, (give 'em time girls!)
.. For a welcome change, this year's Hallowe'en will probably be celebrated in our village where the sidewalks and streets are bare of snow and full of real costumes, instead of every little monster dressed up as a sledhead.
.. Novelty to be sure! Fear not there will be flurries but, last year's knee deep snow will be just a remembrance. The cold will still be with us.
.. The neighbors, (older farts and such,) are loving the very cold nights and galling the most recent run of fish from Hebgen Lake. Finally the waters from Yellowstone National Park are cold enough and inviting enough to lure the hefty-shouldered Brown Trout from the depths. Rejoice, those of you that are still hanging around. The fish are here, (finally,) in significant numbers and are eagerly biting hooks with all offerings imaginable.

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JIMMY'S OWN - (replica)

.. In passing we note: "HEY JIMMY, WE LIFTED ONE OF YOUR WORMS,"
.. Found on the Internet last year, Jimmy has been fishing what he called the "THE DEVIL'S WORM."
.. Jimmy has been outfishing all of us in the dredging department - and now we know why! The original is tied 'red' just like a San Juan Worm. Jimmy has been using orange, (for the season, he says.) This may replace our favorite seasonal fly the Haloween Leech.

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.. For those of you that also enjoy the witches we suggest a click on over to SEXY WITCH. Adults only, please.

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.. Over the years we've bumped into a couple of fisher folk that could both read and did appreceate poetry. In the belief that more than a few of our visitors are of such a mind we offer, below, the complete, (rarely found,) text of Robert Burns' Hallowe'en. 'Tis a bawdy sort of poem, full of magic, mystery, apples, hi jinx, dark barns, mirrors, boisterous goings-on, young girls, young men, old women, bushes, rivers, evening fun, prophecies, and the devil.
.. Go ahead and "Kindle Coothie," if you choose! You can even "grippet Nelly hard and fast," should you be of such a mind, -- it gets better! You will be rewarded if you make it to the end.

HALLOWE'EN

by Robert Burns

Upon that night, when fairies light
On Cassilis Downans dance,
Or owre the lays, in splendid blaze,
On sprightly coursers prance;
Or for Colean the route is ta'en,
Beneath the moon's pale beams;
There, up the cove, to stray and rove,
Among the rocks and streams
To sport that night.

Among the bonny winding banks,
Where Doon rins, wimplin' clear,
Where Bruce ance ruled the martial ranks,
And shook his Carrick spear,
Some merry, friendly, country-folks,
Together did convene,
To burn their nits, and pou their stocks,
And haud their Hallowe'en
Fu' blithe that night.

The lasses feat, and cleanly neat,
Mair braw than when they're fine;
Their faces blithe, fu' sweetly kythe,
Hearts leal, and warm, and kin';
The lads sae trig, wi' wooer-babs,
Weel knotted on their garten,
Some unco blate, and some wi' gabs,
Gar lasses' hearts gang startin'
Whiles fast at night.

Then, first and foremost, through the kail,
Their stocks maun a' be sought ance;
They steek their een, and graip and wale,
For muckle anes and straught anes.
Poor hav'rel Will fell aff the drift,
And wander'd through the bow-kail,
And pou't, for want o' better shift,
A runt was like a sow-tail,
Sae bow't that night.

Then, staught or crooked, yird or nane,
They roar and cry a' throu'ther;
The very wee things, todlin', rin,
Wi' stocks out owre their shouther;
And gif the custoc's sweet or sour.
Wi' joctelegs they taste them;
Syne cozily, aboon the door,
Wi cannie care, they've placed them
To lie that night.

The lasses staw frae 'mang them a'
To pou their stalks of corn:
But Rab slips out, and jinks about,
Behint the muckle thorn:
He grippet Nelly hard and fast;
Loud skirl'd a' the lasses;
But her tap-pickle maist was lost,
When kitlin' in the fause-house
Wi' him that night.

The auld guidwife's well-hoordit nits,
Are round and round divided,
And monie lads' and lasses' fates
Are there that night decided:
Some kindle coothie, side by side,
And burn thegither trimly;
Some start awa, wi' saucy pride,
And jump out-owre the chimlie
Fu' high that night.

Jean slips in twa wi' tentie ee;
Wha 'twas she wadna tell;
But this is Jock, and this is me,
She says in to hersel:
He bleezed owre her, and she owre him,
As they wad never mair part;
Till, fuff! he started up the lum,
And Jean had e'en a sair heart
To see't that night.

Poor Willie, wi' his bow-kail runt,
Was brunt wi' primsie Mallie;
And Mallie, nae doubt, took the drunt,
To be compared to Willie;
Mall's nit lap out wi' pridefu' fling,
And her ain fit it brunt it;
While Willie lap, and swore by jing,
'Twas just the way he wanted
To be that night.

Nell had the fause-house in her min',
She pits hersel and Rob in;
In loving bleeze they sweetly join,
Till white in ase they're sobbin';
Nell's heart was dancin' at the view,
She whisper'd Rob to leuk for't:
Rob, stowlins, prie'd her bonny mou',
Fu' cozie in the neuk for't,
Unseen that night.

But Merran sat behint their backs,
Her thoughts on Andrew Bell;
She lea'es them gashin' at their cracks,
And slips out by hersel:
She through the yard the nearest taks,
And to the kiln goes then,
And darklins graipit for the bauks,
And in the blue-clue throws then,
Right fear't that night.

And aye she win't, and aye she swat,
I wat she made nae jaukin',
Till something held within the pat,
Guid Lord! but she was quakin'!
But whether 'was the deil himsel,
Or whether 'twas a bauk-en',
Or whether it was Andrew Bell,
She didna wait on talkin'
To spier that night.

Wee Jennie to her grannie says,
"Will ye go wi' me, grannie?
I'll eat the apple at the glass
I gat frae Uncle Johnnie:"
She fuff't her pipe wi' sic a lunt,
In wrath she was sae vap'rin',
She notice't na, an aizle brunt
Her braw new worset apron
Out through that night.

"Ye little skelpie-limmer's face!
I daur you try sic sportin',
As seek the foul thief ony place,
For him to spae your fortune.
Nae doubt but ye may get a sight!
Great cause ye hae to fear it;
For mony a ane has gotten a fright,
And lived and died deleeret
On sic a night.

"Ae hairst afore the Sherramoor, --
I mind't as weel's yestreen,
I was a gilpey then, I'm sure
I wasna past fifteen;
The simmer had been cauld and wat,
And stuff was unco green;
And aye a rantin' kirn we gat,
And just on Halloween
It fell that night.

"Our stibble-rig was Rab M'Graen,
A clever sturdy fallow:
His son gat Eppie Sim wi' wean,
That lived in Achmacalla:
He gat hemp-seed, I mind it weel,
And he made unco light o't;
But mony a day was by himsel,
He was sae sairly frighted
That very night."

Then up gat fechtin' Jamie Fleck,
And he swore by his conscience,
That he could saw hemp-seed a peck;
For it was a' but nonsense.
The auld guidman raught down the pock,
And out a hanfu' gied him;
Syne bade him slip frae 'mang the folk,
Some time when nae ane see'd him,
And try't that night.

He marches through amang the stacks,
Though he was something sturtin;
The graip he for a harrow taks.
And haurls it at his curpin;
And every now and then he says,
"Hemp-seed, I saw thee,
And her that is to be my lass,
Come after me, and draw thee
As fast this night."

He whistled up Lord Lennox' march
To keep his courage cheery;
Although his hair began to arch,
He was say fley'd and eerie:
Till presently he hears a squeak,
And then a grane and gruntle;
He by his shouther gae a keek,
And tumbled wi' a wintle
Out-owre that night.

He roar'd a horrid murder-shout,
In dreadfu' desperation!
And young and auld came runnin' out
To hear the sad narration;
He swore 'twas hilchin Jean M'Craw,
Or crouchie Merran Humphie,
Till, stop! she trotted through them
And wha was it but grumphie
Asteer that night!

Meg fain wad to the barn hae gaen,
To win three wechts o' naething;
But for to meet the deil her lane,
She pat but little faith in:
She gies the herd a pickle nits,
And two red-cheekit apples,
To watch, while for the barn she sets,
In hopes to see Tam Kipples
That very nicht.

She turns the key wi cannie thraw,
And owre the threshold ventures;
But first on Sawnie gies a ca'
Syne bauldly in she enters:
A ratton rattled up the wa',
And she cried, Lord, preserve her!
And ran through midden-hole and a',
And pray'd wi' zeal and fervour,
Fu' fast that night;

They hoy't out Will wi' sair advice;
They hecht him some fine braw ane;
It chanced the stack he faddom'd thrice
Was timmer-propt for thrawin';
He taks a swirlie, auld moss-oak,
For some black grousome carlin;
And loot a winze, and drew a stroke,
Till skin in blypes cam haurlin'
Aff's nieves that night.

A wanton widow Leezie was,
As canty as a kittlin;
But, och! that night amang the shaws,
She got a fearfu' settlin'!
She through the whins, and by the cairn,
And owre the hill gaed scrievin,
Whare three lairds' lands met at a burn
To dip her left sark-sleeve in,
Was bent that night.

Whyles owre a linn the burnie plays,
As through the glen it wimpl't;
Whyles round a rocky scaur it strays;
Whyles in a wiel it dimpl't;
Whyles glitter'd to the nightly rays,
Wi' bickering, dancing dazzle;
Whyles cookit underneath the braes,
Below the spreading hazel,
Unseen that night.

Among the brackens, on the brae,
Between her and the moon,
The deil, or else an outler quey,
Gat up and gae a croon:
Poor Leezie's heart maist lap the hool!
Near lav'rock-height she jumpit;
but mist a fit, and in the pool
Out-owre the lugs she plumpit,
Wi' a plunge that night.

In order, on the clean hearth-stane,
The luggies three are ranged,
And every time great care is ta'en',
To see them duly changed:
Auld Uncle John, wha wedlock joys
Sin' Mar's year did desire,
Because he gat the toom dish thrice,
He heaved them on the fire
In wrath that night.

Wi' merry sangs, and friendly cracks,
I wat they didna weary;
And unco tales, and funny jokes,
Their sports were cheap and cheery;
Till butter'd so'ns, wi' fragrant lunt,
Set a' their gabs a-steerin';
Syne, wi' a social glass o' strunt,
They parted aff careerin'
Fu' blythe that night.

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DANGLING PUMPKINS - AN OLD TRADITION


UP, UP, AND AWAY

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WALLPAPER: SEASONAL TREAT

The Other Shoe

2021-10-22T11:32:00.000-06:00

FLOAT OR SINK

The Most Versatile

pair it now

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IT FLOATS

.. Combine this little darling with our previous post's fly, (LINK,) for a killer combination on the Fall Firehole River.

.. Tie it large - grease this softie real good and drop the PT down below it about 18". Plunk it in the slow seams and watch carefully. There are more fish in that spot than you think.

.. The neighbors are out there right now. DAMN.

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WALLPAPER: BEST BLT

Do It Now

2021-10-17T11:43:00.004-06:00

TIE IT BIG

Strip Fast Downstream

hold on

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WALLPAPER: SIMPLE WEDGE

Coming Our Way

2021-10-15T10:42:00.000-06:00

ONE MORE TIME

Let's Enjoy It

we need snow

HERE SHE IS

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.. We look forward to this little girl. Hopefully she will bless us with a good snow pack.

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WALLPAPER: HAM AND CHEDDAR WITH SOURDOUGH

WE WISH

2021-10-13T01:38:00.007-06:00

OPENING DAY

River Tay

the garry flows again

WALLPAPER: GOOD GEAR

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JUST NOTICED {over at MoldyChum} that a couple of beats on the River Tay are for sale. They are our favorites. They are near town and produce salmon of storied pluck and performance. If only we had a spare million or two.

FROM JANUARY 16, 2017

OPEN IT

.. So then, two big events: we missed them both this year.
.. First; it's opening day of the salmon season on the River Tay.
.. Second; water restoration of 15 miles of the 'Dry Garry' will commence as soon as a bit of engineering work is completed. This first order tributary has been 'dry' due to hydroelectric priorities.
.. The major breach some 15 miles north of Blair Atholl will commence in a few weeks to restore flows to the River Garry.
.. An initial breach has already been made at the Struan Weir to begin this process.

COURTESY DAILY MAIL

.. Spring salmon fishing is a big deal in Scotland. The river gets blessed with a toast, a splash for the river, and piping the fishers to the river.
.. A ceremonial cast is made from a mid-river boat and then, the river is inundated with hopeful fishers. Of course they all use Tay Rods for their Tay Casting. Even spin fishers know how to Tay Cast with spinning rods, {see videos below.}
.. The biggest ceremony is celebrated at Kenmore. This year they are celebrating their 70th year along with the anniversary of the re-opening of the Kenmore Hotel [LINK-1].
.. The Kenmore Hotel was commissioned in 1572 by the then laird Colin Campbell, and has its origins in a tavern built around 70 years earlier offering accommodation and refreshments. It is reputed to be Scotland's oldest hotel... Although this is Campbell country, save for the pipers, the Royal Stewart Tartan is the most common pattern and the Dress Royal Stewart is de rigueur for the ceremonies.
.. Last year the ceremonies were opened by the Environmental Minister Dr. Aileen McLeod.

DRESS STEWART TARTAN

.. This would be the same as a cabinet level person coming to our village for the opener in Yellowstone National Park. It would hardly happen here.
.. For more information just run a web search. This is big news in Scotland. SALMON FISHING SCOTLAND is a good website for information, accommodations, activities, and fishing stuff.
.. The ABERFELDY website is a grand introduction to the area. Year round activities and other bits of interest are supplied by the site. Sort of like a regional chamber of commerce.

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..
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SEE ALL ABOUT IT

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..Well it's approaching a warm 0°F, so it must be time for breakfast and then wash and wax the car.

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WALLPAPER: SALSICCIA, CARROT HASH, TATERS, 'N' EGG

BREAK

2021-09-24T03:37:00.002-06:00

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WALLPAPER: POT ROAST

Hopper Time

2021-08-26T23:50:00.003-06:00

GOODBYE HOOT OWL

Hello Ants & Hoppers

float 'em or sink 'em

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

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.. Pack a lunch and plan to stay for some time. Yellowstone National Park has lifted the "Hoot Owl" restrictions on fishing the waters of the park. Read about it HERE.

.. Full Report from the darkest corners of the local pubs = tomorrow !!

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WALLPAPER: WITH BUTTERMILK

Just Could Be

2021-08-23T06:25:00.003-06:00

FROM BAD TO WORSE ?

Grocery Prices ?

wet or dry ?

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We suspect that both the fish and the fishers will suffer.

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WALLPAPER: TAQUITOS PLUS

Swingin'

2021-08-10T09:14:00.004-06:00

A LITTLE EARLY

Working Now

pick your poison

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.. Don't wait for the experts to tell you. Grab your streamers and fling them into the dark stream side holes. Follow the shadows and give them a tug. Dance partners are willing.

.. Fish early, (really early,) or late, (where you can.) Extra long casts are not required = but useful. If you are good at sneaking try a down stream strip at the bank beneath your feet.

.. Be on the alert for terrestrials. Ants, beetles, hopper nymphs and hopper juveniles are now available. If you are in or near the trees there are some moths showing up. If you don't mind catching a lot of fish try the gulpers on the reservoir.

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WALLPAPER: DESSERT WAFFLE

Thinking Fall

2021-07-31T10:50:00.002-06:00

BIG SKY PARADISE

Hunt, Fish, Play

it won't last long

ELK RIDGE RANCH

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.. Just a short ride down the road, in Beautiful Wilsall. More than 15,000 thousand acres of private deeded land. Three elk herds. Bears, moose, eagles, streams, fish = all right at home.

.. Room for 800 cattle. Perimeter fence. Close to Bozeman, Livingston, Airports, Yellowstone National Park. Cow camp improvements and barn.

.. Up for sale this week. Price reduced. Act fast. Call your California friends.

Check it out (LINK.)

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WALLPAPER: THE BEST S.O.S.

Fish Early

2021-07-24T01:10:00.012-06:00

WATERS CLOSED IN AFTERNOON

Heat Plus Drought

or - just don't !!

DRY AND HOT AND LOW

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.. As of today river and stream fishing will be prohibited from 2 p.m. until sunrise. Heat, low water, and fishing pressure has prompted the NPS to restrict fishing and protect our fish.

See: PARK NEWS RELEASE, (LINK.)

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WALLPAPER: PORK CHOP, CARAMELIZED PEARS, SPINACH

Long Days

2021-07-10T12:58:00.007-06:00

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

Still Water Or Fast Water

deep water too

WALLPAPER: OFF ROAD GALLATIN POOL

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.. The crowds are still here and cranky. It may be a post lock-down exuberance. Even fly fishers are grumpy. We avoid them like a swarm of mosquitoes.

SOMETHING YELLOW

.. On the Gallatin River there is gentility not seen in the rest of the neighborhood. Good catching and good parking seems to be the order of the day - we're surprised. The usual suspects are galling fish and entertaining fishers. It's a simple formula: a few Stoneflies, some Yellow Sallies, the Spruce Moths are starting, and even Ants or Caddis Flies will work. Be a gentleman about your work Get up at the crack of late. Enjoy a lazy breakfast and then cruise the river for a chance at a good parking spot. The bugs start around noon - or so.

THESE

.. Hebgen Reservoir offers all day catching opportunities. On those rare still morning the Callabaetis are popping = gulpers galore for the sharp of eye and casting precision. Should the wind show up early, please remember that the bugs are still emerging and the fish are still rising, ( just hard to see and cast with precision.) Move close to the weed beds and fish with a dry and dropper = high rate of success.

GETS DOWN

.. The edges of the weeds, or holes in the weed beds will gather up fish below the surface. Leeches, Dark Streamers or Double Nymph rigs with a big and little one will surprise both fish and fisher. Your favorite dark and light nymphs will pair nicely in this situation. The dark on top and the light about 18" below it. Kind of like Crappie or White Bass fishing.

SOFT HACKLE

.. Both the Firehole River and the Madison River have been warming up and slowing down. The most successful catchers have gone below with the tried and true Soft Hackles or Stiff Hackles. There are a few deep spots that provide classical rises to emergent bugs and floatsome. Try to find one early and in the shade. Dodge elbows and be polite. Should you choose to fish for an extended period of time it might be useful to take a flask and a sandwich. Small pocket binoculars are useful for probing the shadows if you are serious. The noses are of the stealth variety.

.. There are certainly other places that the neighbors are fishing -- but we will hold those for a day or two.

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WALLPAPER: STEAK 'N' TATER

REALLY ??

2021-07-08T03:23:00.002-06:00

MUST BE SO . . . .

FISH NOW

2021-07-04T00:30:00.001-06:00

ENJOY RECORD CROWDS

Be Kind In Line

watch your elbows

ENJOY - CELEBRATE

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.. Don't rush. Early or late is best. Grab the first parking place you see. Cover lots of water. Fish with a buddy. Fishing is much more important than catching. Eat good grits in moderation. Imbibe sensibly.

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WALLPAPER: POACHED SHRIMP

Fascinating Horror

2021-06-22T18:03:00.001-06:00

Side Road

2021-06-11T08:02:00.003-06:00

NO FISH HERE

Fish Going In

fish going out

JUST A BIT OF FORGOTTEN MONTANA

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.. Just a brief note: it's nuts in the park. Post pandemic visitation has brought out the crazy folks. Just a reminder: Yellowstone National Park is not a petting zoo and you do not need to stop and admire every ground squirrel, (live or dead.)

.. Bring your "A" game and cover lots of water, The fish are there and surprisingly active. Some are even looking up early in the day.

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WALLPAPER: PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Not At Home

2021-06-07T22:13:00.002-06:00