Lowland Madison

WAY TOO GOOD THIS EARLY

Pods & Pods & Pods Of Eagar Fish

we're loving it to death

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.. It is an unusual and wonderful situation. The sparse Spring runoff event, (to date,) has enticed us to the lowlands in order to partake of catching beyond the dreams of even the head hunters and the fin counters.

.. Guides are marking the prows of their drift boats with fish silhouettes like they were WWII bombers.  And those are just the fish over 20".  Small fry aren't even photographed. Anglers are praying for LDR's with each weak tug. Get 'em off and get 'em gone. Such a circus is hard to believe. But, it's true.
.. We're arm weary and eye sore from all the fish. And, we're going back for more. Rare indeed for us. Then again, this only happens infrequently. Forget the correct fly patterns. Throw what you like - the fish will like it too.
.. Needing some rest now. Back at it early . . . . . . . . .

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Them Were The Days

IGNOBILITY

OF RODENTS AND BOATS

Lowland Madison Visit

STILL FALL DOWN BELOW

Fewer Fishers - More Fish

lots of choices

NEW BOTTOM AND ALL - IT'S READY TO GO !!

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.. With a kind and generous neighbor at the oars we were treated to a rare visit to the 100-mile riffle. There was a hole in the clouds so the day was warmer and more gentle than many a blustery one in June.

RARE FISH PORN - PRETTY FISHIE

.. Bugs were plentiful in the air and we could've imitated any of several Caddis Flies, Itty Bitty Baetis', Crane Flies, Horse Flies, or other winged denizens.
.. The visiting head hunters strip streamers looking to dance with an exuberant piscine partner.
.. After much mulling and cogitating we produced the ideal rig: a size 14 Parachute Adams. The easy way out of the technical fishing trap set by the local experts and sage minds of the lowlands.

INDULGENCE & COMPETENCE

.. Healthy Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout were a bit recalcitrant in the sunshine, but we had some dance partners. The streamers were a bust but not the pretty little Parachute Adams - go figure.
.. Breaking away from our personal predilections for finding fish: a nymph was on the end of the line for only about 1/2 hour.
.. It's nice to have indulgent neighbors with keen eyesight that can tie a competent knot.
.. We fished merrily along leaving a trail of flies stuck in snags, sweepers, boulders, cobbles, willows, and baseball caps, (oops -- sorry 'bout that.)
..The freezing drizzle in the high country is muting the vibrant colors of Fall. Not so along the lowland Madison River: it's still way too green and gold for the middle of October. We'll take it.
.. We're "re-Rigging" and getting ready for a bit of snow and rain and sleet and hail. It's off to Yellowstone National Park in the morning. Back to bluster.

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LOWLAND COLOR -- AWESOME WITH THE GREEN STILL AROUND

Memories

MANY MILES GONE

Many Miles To Go

maybe another trip or two this year ?

Click on image for large view.

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.. This fine old warrior was completed from a Ray's River Dories kit in May of 1995. It's been a guide's boat ever since and is a one owner craft.
.. Of course it was a community project. Friends pitched in with expertise and honest labor. Many a cold one was enjoyed after the labors of the day. Stories abound and are frequently recalled in the neighborhood. Remember when . . . ?
.. The outfitter that owns the boat remembers the first client, in this boat, during the second week in May of 1995 on the Big Horn River. It was just a month before his son was born.
.. Rough calculations place the river miles at about 40,000. That's not counting trailer miles or leisure trips with colleagues and friends and neighbors. It doesn't count lake time either. Most of those miles have been on the Madison River.
.. Like all the beloved accoutrements of any pleasurable pastime the memories pile up. Rods, reels, vests, waders, etc. have remembered stories. Occasions of warmth, occasions of despair, occasions of just plain exhilaration. So too this old boat.
.. It's a rare thing for a guide / outfitter to keep a boat for 15 years - and more. The boats are tools, they get used hard and must stand up to the rigors of every thing that can be thrown at them: from heavy coolers, to portly first-timers, to hidden rocks this little stallion has seen it all.
.. We wonder how many times the little craft has heard, "STAY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BOAT!"
.. Only those that know, covet this rig. It's been continuously upgraded and maintained. It's heavy enough for big water and nimble enough for anything that can be thrown at it. If you can drive a boat this is the one for you. BUT - it's not for sale yet.

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One Wonders . . .