The Joys Of Rain

SNOW VACATES THE ROADS

Mud Deters Fancy SUV's

fish come up to see the show

'TIS THE SEASON

-------

.. Unlike the postcards depicting snow in Winter - OR - placid streams in Summer, our transition seasons are messy!
.. We've lost about 14" of snow to the rain over the last couple of days. It's not a driving rain. It's a drip and drizzle, on and off kind of rain. It's perfect for mud pies. And it also slows down the grouse.
.. There's not much to report. Snow has been forecast for today and the last few days. It's been sparse and wet. The visitors arriving here for "Ski Week" have brought their roller blades and their roller skis, (never knew there was such a thing.)
.. The  South Fork of the Madison River has become a regular coffee klatch of neighbors. We seem to have driven the wolves, elk, and elk hunters away from several roads and woods in the process.

Raffia-Backed Hare's Ear Nymph

.. The large, lake residing, sex crazed trout are still arriving in waves. The resident fish are in an agitated state. The water is colored. The fish are on the bite.
.. The conditions dictate the tactics. Resident fish are up high in the water column and holding tight to the bank. They are relatively less selective than a single man at closing time. They've been eating midge clusters, raffia-backed Hare's Ear nymphs, and "LEGGY" Royal Coachmen with foam wings. Other weirdness, (think caddis,) has also been reported.
.. The migrant submarines are a bit more recalcitrant during the gray and drippy parts of the day, (most of the time,) Those fish seem to be sleeping and need a nudge to bring some fight to the fore. Deep-dredged bright and colorful streamers are the ticket. "Hit 'em in the nose," is the preferred attack plan.
.. We'll hang in for another day or so. Then some rat killin' needs be done. Time now to fill the thermos with some coffee and amber liquid - it helps!

-------

Do Trout Really Eat This Stuff - Only The Shadow Knows

End Of The Line

FORGET "PRETTY" DAYS

Welcome Fishy Days

bring your "A" game

THEM WERE THE DAYS. THAT'S STILL THE PLACE!

-------

.. It's finally hit! What would be called winter in much of our country is now fall in the high country. The neighbors are dancing with glee. Fishing is spectacular in the snow and rain and sleet and grappel and hail. We finally get to wear long pants again.

My What Big Eyes You Have.

.. Some very large streamers and other monstrosities are sprouting on the short, heavy tippets of the fly fishers around here.
.. There are some peculiar habits and attitudes that come to light when the fishers seek the submarines of Fall. One of the most peculiar is the need to tie half of a chicken to the end of the line and call it finesse.

"Cute" little fly.

.. Interestingly the same attitude is called forth when presenting itsey-bitsey flies to the same fish. Right now the fish are eating both extremes and everything in between.
.. We suspect that almost all fishers on the west side rivers in Yellowstone National Park believe, in their innermost being, that they are finessing the fish to hand - no matter what fly they have chosen. We'll let them have it.
.. As is usually the case for this time of year, the neighborhood kids are preparing their Halloween costumes. Most of the costumes are designed to fit comfortably underneath a snow suit. Fishers should take note.
.. There's just a couple weeks left for legal fishing in Yellowstone National Park. Make the most of it. There are surface bugs galore, there are nymphing opportunities everywhere, there are the famous runners of the Madison River, (and other places for those that know,) and there are sheltered roadside pull-outs for telling lies and warming fingers.
.. Grab a double handful of the high country Fall and wade right in. Displace as many fish as possible - it's the social thing to do. Bring a hip flask if you're driving a BMW. Bring a thermos of amber liquid if you're not. If you are serious about this circus you should bring at least an 18-pack per person. Some jerky and stale bread will distinguish the dedicated from the counter crawlers.
.. Remember to fish the shadows. Remember to fish the dark water. Remember to fish the shallows. Remember to fish the seams. Remember to fish the pillow and the cavity. Remember to fish the rocks and downfalls. As a matter of fact - fish it all, you may just stick a fish that hasn't been walked on.

-------

The Gallatin River is low and the trout are in the dark water. Mostly!

Countdown

BE HERE NOW

2 Weeks Left For Catching

some snow has spit at us - no stickeee

MADISON RIVER AT THE PARK LINE - VERY FISHY  !!

-------

.. As the peaks around Hebgen Basin can attest - some snow has fallen in the neighborhood. It even made it to the ground here in town. It melted as soon as it hit the ground. There's none here now. The fish near are here and loving it.

Tradition Will Out  !!

.. It's an interesting thing that's going on right here and right now. The neighbors are smacking the fish in the tributaries and shallow parts of the lakes.
.. The visitors are smacking the low water on the main stem of the Madison River, Gallatin River, Firehole River, and even the Mighty MO!
.. Although the Madison River and the Firehole River are at - OR - just a smidgen below seasonal flows; the Gallatin River is off by quite a bit.
.. Of course the neighbors are clustered around Specimen Creek, Bacon Rind Creek, the West Fork, and other secret debouches along the course of the river.
.. Bears be damned, (carry the spray and sing and dance and fish with a friend,) this is the time of year that Campanula Creek, Grayling Creek, and Duck Creek are visited by sturdy and adventurous souls. Bless them all and the bushels of fish that they catch.

Right Form, Wrong Color, Works Guud !!

.. Despite all of the myriad flies available for catching the migrating submarines of our waters, the Woolly Bugger continues as a favorite fly of the neighbors and visitors alike. We prefer the Snortle or a simple Woolly Worm ourselves.
.. The Curmudgeon Corps in the neighborhood is busy with the entertainment of the hour.
.. Enjoyment, for them, comes in the form of gently poking fun at both the neighbors and visitors who catch enough fish to feed Wyoming - and keep none of them. [[Curmudgeon defined below*]]
.. They, themselves, are busy catching and smoking fish at a rapid pace. Some have even gone to the trouble of seeking the lowland hardwoods for their smoking chores. Alder and Apple are this year's choice.
.. We usually give them a wide berth at this time of year. We will nod if we pass them at the grocery store. We do smile as we wait in line at the post office. We wave to the familiar vehicles on the street.
.. Engaging conversation, however, is reserved for those times, (coming soon,) when they accost us and offer a fish or two - YUM!
.. Well, with just a couple of weeks left for legal fishing in Yellowstone National Park, we're headed up to a shady, undercut bank, on the low-water Gallatin River. Rumor has it there's a flotilla of giant fish engaged in some sort of sexual shenanigans in the adjacent waters.
.. Finally, with a gentle whisper, we do say: "confluence of Nez Perce Creek and Firehole River."

-------

Afternoon Sunshine + An Undercut Bank + Pea Gravel + Aerated Water = FISH

[[*   ".. A curmudgeon's reputation for malevolence is undeserved. They're neither warped nor evil at heart. They don't hate mankind, just mankind's absurdities. They're just as sensitive and soft-hearted as the next guy, but they hide their vulnerability beneath a crust of misanthropy.
.. They ease the pain by turning hurt into humor.
.. They attack maudlinism because it devalues genuine sentiment.
.. Nature, having failed to equip them with a serviceable denial mechanism, has endowed them with astute perception and sly wit.
.. Curmudgeons are mockers and debunkers whose bitterness is a symptom rather than a disease. They can't compromise their standards and can't manage the suspension of disbelief necessary for feigned cheerfulness. Their awareness is a curse.
.. Perhaps curmudgeons have gotten a bad rap in the same way that the messenger is blamed for the message: they have the temerity to comment on the human condition without apology. They not only refuse to applaud senseless mediocrity, they howl it down with morose glee. Their versions of the truth unsettle us, and we hold it against them, even though they soften it with humor."

- - - JON WINOKUR ]]

A Quandary

IS IT THE FLY ?

Or The Presentation?

or is it the damn fish ?

-------

.. The kid behind the counter at the fly shop said to try one of these if the other seven didn't work! He said we needed a dozen of each!
.. One of the absolute pleasures of fly fishing is being unsuccessful with many flies.

-------

Anomolies

WRONG TIME AND PLACE

Wrong Bugs, Wrong Fish

what's a fisher to do ??

SIZE 20, 22, 24 - THAT'S SMALL !!!

-------

.. It happens. Experts may have a fancy explanation. The fish figure it out very quickly. Fishers often remain befuddled. We got lucky.
.. Early morning is not our favorite time. The Firehole River and the Madison River have their compensations at this time of day. They are quiet, there are elk and otters, bears and moose, - AND - no tour buses.
.. We weren't expecting the damn fish to ignore the early caddis hatch. We weren't expecting to have to strain the peepers to get flies on the tippet. We weren't expecting an explosion of Tricos to clog our ears. But it happened.

.. Why would any self respecting trout ignore the perfect glut of caddis and BWO's? Why, given the smorgasbord of yummy morsels so dense that even we could see them, would they be sipping daintily on flies so small that they looked like dust in a maelstrom?
.. When we finally figured it out there were tourists of the "Granny Set" chugging around the pull-outs. We had to hike back to the vehicle and grab the miniscule box of microscopic flies.
.. Happily there were several flies that still had tippet tied to them by the kind and indulgent neighbor kids. We left the car. Galumphed back to the water. And wonder of wonders caught a 12" brook trout in a place that is currently being fished for 22" Brown Trout. That may just be better than a monster Brown! We'll take it.
.. Took a nap at noon and dreamt about spots of a different color.

-------

P.S. A skosh more rain. Rivers up. Color in some. Big fish racing upstream with new flows. Sky becoming leaden. No snow below 7,000' asl. Get on the rivers now.

-------

Grab The Groceries

BRIEF FRESHETTE IN RIVERS

Big Fish Bail Out Of Holes

estuary fish smell the bordellos

TIME FOR THE HEAVY ARTILLERY 

-------

.. Last night's gentle rain was scattered, mostly, throughout the Madison River drainage. It was just measurable in some areas and up to 2" in others. It was enough to raise the river level by as much as 10" or more and cool the flows to fish-stimulating temperatures.

SIZE 20 MADISON MAULER - DEADLY

.. Discharge on the Madison River near West Yellowstone increased by a meager  45 cfs. That is, however, enough to carry the enticing aromas of the river to the estuaries of Hebgen Reservoir.
.. There was a bit less rain in the upper Gallatin River drainage. The exposed point bars and segmented pools should continue to act as little hoosegows for the migrants - until a significant bit of rain bumps them out of their stupor.
.. Resident fish in both drainages have been displaced by the runners and migrants.
.. They are scattered in secondary hides throughout both systems. They are eating small scraps of fluff, anything that looks like a White Miller Caddis, or sundry nymphs of miniscule proportions and even little twigs.

TONE ON TONE AND SPOTS ON SPOTS

.. Some of these displaced residents, (in both drainages,) are up to 18" and surprisingly feisty right now, (is this displacement behavior?)
.. What ever the reason, and whatever the situation it's a good time for catching.
.. Big fish on little flies, giant fish on enormous flies, all fish on caddis of some sort - OR - a size 8 Parachute Adams, (brown variant if you have one.)
.. Over the weekend we observed one hole on the Gallatin River and one on the Madison River where it was difficult to see the cobbles of the river bed for the density of fish.
.. This is about to change. Yes they were, indeed, stacked in there like cord wood. They won't be there tomorrow.
.. There are many techniques for taking the runners and migrants. There is one constant that seems to hold true: HIT THEM IN THE NOSE!! This means moving and casting to cover lots of water. It means exercise and more exercise. It does not mean planting your duff in one spot and flailing the water to a froth - although we see it done this way each time we visit the rivers.
.. We hope the air clears. We hope the fires diminish. We hope there is a good crop of runners. We hope that everyone that wants one - gets one, (or a dozen.)
.. We've been lucky. Our quota has been filled. Perhaps by the coming weekend they will be up by Gibbon Falls and there will be a bright overcast afternoon. It's an annual event for the neighbors. Maybe we'll catch a few more.

-------

LOW WATER - CRAMPED QUARTERS - SMOKE - COLORS - BIG FISH

Autumn Intermezzo

THE BUSTLING HIATUS

Waxing Poetic ?

just do it all

SMOKE FILLED SKIES - CROWDED PARKING - HEROIC FISH

-------

.. Trapped between blistering Summer Days and pipe-bursting Winter Nights is the season of celebration here in the high country. You will hear it time and again "IT'S MY FAVORITE SEASON!"

BIG FISH BEND

.. Could be. This is the time for the media to sink into praise of the natural world. Beauty seems to be the theme of most poesy.
.. We're not good at spinning the glories of the season. We do, however, participate in the offerings of the moment.
.. There's grouse to pluck, (and eat.) There's deer and elk to gut, and dress, and freeze, and eat. There's fish to torture with a relish and abandon not seen in the previous few months. There's gawking, walking, hiking, birding, and hunting.
.. Honking from the sky is a sure signal. Quacking over the marshes and willow flats is a signal. Diminished traffic and fewer school-aged hooligans in the village is a sign. Crusty farts in rubber pants in the dim pubs is a sign. Fall is upon us and the colors will fade as quickly as they have come.

LITTLE FISH BEND

.. We are drawn to the rivers, (but not to the exclusion of other bits of the neighborhood.)
.. We clog the air filter of our trusty horse along the dusty forest roads, (those that are still open.)
.. We ascend to the berry patches for a quart or two of blue gold, (sparse as they are in this dry year.) We sing to the bears and hope that they move on.
.. This is the season to cram it all in. Football looms large, (homecoming in another week.) BBQ's become focal as the chilly air threatens to limit the opportunity in the near future.
.. Smokers are cleaned and the slime of the Mountain Whitefish becomes a sought after treasure. There are, indeed, Whitefish hoarders.

TIE IT SMALL

.. Coolant, battery blankets, block heaters, and tires become a bit of concern as the sky lowers and darkens it's clouds. Calking, heat tape, and snow blowers vie for our attention, along with shovels, shoes, coats, and skates. Where did we put the ski boots?
.. The autumnal equinox is on September 22, this year. That will leave just 100 days until 2013 and we will have escaped the end of the world one more time. Don't hold your breath.
.. Feather merchants are in the final push for sales, and guides are already leaving the scene for more salubrious climes. Fishing is winding down and up. The Fall Fishing Frenzy will hit hard in the next three weeks. The summer fishers will seek solace elsewhere. And, so it goes.

WANT BIG FISH AT DUSK ??

.. We need to post this now. Resident fish are eating small nymphs, size 22 Tricos, and chasing stripped Matuka flies.
.. Migrating runners are eating anything big and ugly as they move into the sex rooms of proper gravel and flow.
.. There's a lot to do and, as usual, not enough time to do it in!
.. And, yes, it's mouse time again.

-------

JUST THE WAY THE SKY SHOULD LOOK!  IT LEAKS A LITTLE TOO.

Early Runners

SCARE THE RESIDENTS

Target Newbies

damn the soft hackles

-------

.. Confirmed: a few big fish along the park line on the Madison River. If you're serious about the runners from Hebgen Reservoir use the big uglies and streamers.
.. It'll spook some of the resident fish - so what! We're after heads here. Can't wait? Do it now and be prepared to cast an awful lot. Be prepared to walk and drive a lot. Revisit holes after moving on.
.. Cover acres and acres of water. Use your wading staff. Probe every possible hiding place. Probe the improbable. Badger the feather merchants. Set up a cell phone network.
.. Look for clusters of cars near rivers. Smell the waders. Breath deeply the smoke filled air. Dodge the mobile condominiums on the roads. Dash down dusty byways. Get the early fish.
.. It's way too exhausting for us.

-------

Forget Me Not

NOT JUST FOR SPRING

Great For Searching

pretty good bobber too

-------

.. We will, on more than an occasional basis, tie on a Stimulator for our early Fall fishing.
.. We learned about this from one of the neighbors who fishes it year 'round. He ties them big for the Spring and calls them "STONIES." He ties them small and calls them "CADDIES." He ties them giant and calls them BOBBIES. Go figure!
.. Big fish are already sniffing the cooler waters in the estuaries of Hebgen Reservoir. Fishers in boats are are piling up among the braided weed beds of the upper ends of the various "arms" of the lake. It's an annual event. It's early. It's way too early. But, hope springs eternal.

.. The "NEIGHBORHOOD RIG" consists of a giant stimulator, (as big as #2, but usually a #4,) and a trailer 'de jour,' about  14" behind the bobber.
.. The current trailing fly of choice is an Olive Matuka, (with a Little Brown Trout in a close second place.)

.. In a couple of weeks, (maybe a month,) the trailing fly will become a standard local big fish streamer: Furnace and Red, Baker's Hole Bugger, Brindle & Hen, Pheasant and Blue, or, (our favorite,) Woolly Worm.

.. These are not the flies that the clerks at the feather merchant counter will sell you. Buy theirs and catch some fish. Tie your own and catch more.
.. Currently, those fishers that are still fishing in Yellowstone National Park are swinging soft hackles and doing a bang-up job on Nez Perce Creek. Beware of the bear!

.. There are some rumored monster fish in the confluence meadow in Biscuit Basin and up the Little Firehole River. The same rumor persists for the bigger meadow just downstream from the parking lot as well. These are wary fish and they require a bit of stealth. If you don't see noses a perfect cast to the grass covered, undercut bank should produce a tussle if your drift is very long and very perfect.
.. Hoppers are going crazy on the Madison River and beginning their annual dance along the Firehole River and the Gallatin River as well.
.. You can use your favorite hopper imitation of the appropriate size and color if you choose, - OR - surprise, a stimulator!

-------

Return Of The Faithful

WATERS COOLING

Too Warm For Our Taste

but . . . if you got'ta

WORLD FAMOUS CELEBRITY AND TIGHT LOOP

-------

.. Contrary to our best sensibilities we ventured into the visitor morass of Yellowstone National Park over the weekend. Shame on us!
.. But we did catch some fish and, we got to sport our new gift of a peach-colored, tropical weight, fishing shirt with enough pockets and gussets, and dangles, and bangles to disguise us from the neighbors who were taking pictures of the chaos.
.. The weekend rains caused a spike in runoff and a slight drop in temperature of the recently re-opened rivers. Not much really, but enough for the powers-that-be to allow visitors to play in the water.

MADISON MAULERS - SIMPLE & EFFECTIVE

.. You shan't be bored here with the lurid descriptions of traffic tangles, buffalo petting, bear baiting, moose ogling, or centerline parking. You just need to imagine Manhattan, NY with no taxi's and every driver an impaired teenager, (OR - all taxi's with impaired drivers!)
.. Fish were caught. Fish were played to exhaustion. Brand new waders got baptized. Beginners flailed the waters to a froth. Experts waded through dark holes like an adolescent at the beach. It was a sight to behold - indeed.
.. There were noses in every stretch of likely water; even at mid-day. The midges started erupting as the fog lifted at 9:30 AM. The little yellow grasshoppers of the Madison River meadows hopped well into the evening. There were mayflies in the mists of morning along the Firehole River - and not a fisher to be seen. Probably digesting a "Western Breakfast" and the ensuing quart of coffee.
.. By late afternoon we had discovered the dedicated flymph fishers of the Gibbon River canyon. A little later we discovered a professional guide beating the shit out of the Brook Trout in the meadows above Virginia Cascade.
.. We drove home in the parade of mobile condominiums that exits the park at dark. We chuckled at the traffic snarls at the synchronized stop light in West Yellowstone: perhaps the most poorly controlled major traffic intersection in all of North America.
.. Yes, the waters of the Madison River drainage are open to fishing after a very early and long closure. Yes, the faithful have returned to the elbow-bumping joys of standing where the fish were. Yes, Labor Day was crowded. Yes it's still crowded.

Is it October yet?

-------

FISH DIMPLES, SAILBOATS, AND HOPPER SPLASHES -- MY-MY

The Ants Have It

FISH HERE

USE THESE