Short - n - Sweet

WEATHER COOLING

Snow A Possibility

fish on a rampage

A combined 50 years experience guiding on the Madison River - and still a discussion about the correct fly.

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.. As the temperatures return to the "SLEEPING WEATHER" range the fish are cavorting in all the usual, (and a few unusual,) places.
.. Go to the Northeast Corner of Yellowstone National Park for challenging fishing and rewarding catching. Slough Creek is low, aquatic bugs are intermittent, ants and beetles will prick a fish - BUT - there is no sloppiness tolerated. Soda Butte Creek is even lower and slower. The Lamar River, when clear, is providing some excellent catching in the still, & dark waters of the canyon and below the confluence with Cache Creek. Lucky fishers will bump into BWO's and Drakes, otherwise keep digging in your terrestrial and attractor boxes. Big nymphs and soft hackles should be available too.

Here; fishy, fishy, fishy.

.. The glorious colors of wild Brook Trout can be found on the willing fish of Obsidian Creek, the upper Firehole River, and the small waters of the Gibbon River above Norris Campground. Your favorite attractor should match the colors of the fish - catch as catch can!
.. Up on the park section of the Gallatin River there are still fish to dance with. The water is low and slow but the recent rains have finally added some substance to the flows.
.. This means additional terrestrial bits of chow as well as the occasional BWO hatch.

Bite Me.

.. The Madison River is providing a lot of exercise for fishers right now. The runners have dispersed themselves throughout the system and may be encountered just about anywhere. The further upstream you go the less dense the population, (with a couple of notable exceptions.)
.. Displaced resident fish are eagerly eating Prince Nymphs, Soft Hackles, and Shop Vacs. Stiff hackles and drowned and mashed caddis flies will also gather in the residents.
.. It's hardly fashionable to fish with patterns from the distant past. We do it because we're a bit of a slow learner.

Well Aged Meat

.. Several of the neighbors, (ourselves included,) have recently taken some good sized Brown trout on giant nymphs of the obsolete variety, and some wet flies. Shame on us!
.. The Casual Dress, Lead Wing - WET, and Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear - WET, are producing nicely for the retarded geriatric set.
.. It's a strange feeling to discuss these flies with visitors of the seasonal sort. They have read the books and bought the flies from the finest feather merchants across the land.

Silly Looking Fly

..They are here to participate in the Fall Frenzy. They never heard of the dumpy flies we use. Catalogs and seasonal counter clerks will out!
.. The Queen Of The West Side rivers is doing her finest right now.
.. The fall fishing and catching on the Firehole River has been,  (not to put too fine of a point on it,) SPECTACULAR.
.. Autumn weather has graced us with cooler days, intermittent rain showers, clouds to moderate the bright sun, and predictable bugs. White Miller Caddis are the staple with a smattering of BWO's, (or something similar.) The fish are perky. They are alert. They are plentiful.
.. Recruitment over the past few gentle winters has produced a pretty dense population of fish in the 10" - 14" range. A few monsters still live under the grass-draped banks just north of the parking lot in Biscuit Basin. Your footfalls will be heard if you go galumphing through these meadows.
.. By all means get here yesterday. There is a forecasted possibility of snow and blustery weather in the upcoming days and weeks. The cold and wet weather brings out the best in our west side rivers. Miss it at your peril. Have you reserved your room? The town has been full the last 5 days.

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Fish Here Only If You Know The Bears On A First Name Basis

The Insect Florescence

DEGREE DAYS

overlap with

DEGREE MONTHS

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR ENTOMOLOGY LESSON

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.. It's no large secret that right now there are bugs aplenty for the trout and the fly fisher to enjoy.

.. Whereas the earliest emergences of aquatic species are usually calculated by degree days for first appearance, those for terrestrial and arboreal species are generally subjected to the concepts of degree weeks or degree months.
.. Temperature and photoperiod bring on the bugs. We are now at, (or just a wee bit past,) the peak density of said bugs for our neighborhood. There is no time like the present to use "just any old fly" and have a good chance of poking a fish in the lip, (so to speak.)

.. As our neighbor Marybell has often said: "It takes not a trained observer to find out what bug to use, just check your car's grill." Thanks, gal.
.. Our upland meadows, transitional steppes, and vest-pocket grasslands are all lined with conifers, (Spruce Moths anyone?,) and other herbaceous plants of one sort or another. Where the myriad streams of Yellowstone National Park transect these environments, and their consequent edges, the diversity of fish fodder is immense.

.. It's all just another way of saying: pick your bug and pick your place, it's all good for now, (and a couple of more weeks.)
.. Just check the many merchant reports and fishing blogs for our region. The reports go something like this: "The __________, (pick your favorite stream or river,) is fishing well to _________, (pick your favorite aquatic bug,) and good activity with ____________, (pick your favorite terrestrial bug,) if neither works use _______________, (pick your favorite, nymph or streamer or attractor.)
.. This is not capricious reporting of what works. They all work. If anything it's capricious behavior of the fish with such a wonderful array of food to choose from.

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.. So then; the Gallatin River, Soda Butte Creek, Lamar River, and Firehole River, (above the falls,) are all fishing well to small hoppers. It is useful to trail a mayfly cripple or nymph on these rivers. Green and Gray Drakes are being eaten by fish on the Lamar River and on Slough Creek, you can also stick a good fish with a streamer or Prince Nymph if you choose.
.. If you persist in your endeavors on the Yellowstone River, a small yellow hopper or very large caddis should reward you with a fish or two per hour, (if you cover a lot of ground and water.) Fishing the Yellowstone River is akin to playing 18 holes of golf: walk a lot - hit a few.
.. Fishing Between the Lakes is always a good place to practice short casts between your friend's legs. Watch your backcast; the fedora you land may belong to a prized celebrity. Most terrestrials, aquatics, and attractors are catching the best fedoras.
.. Gulper fishing is steady on Hebgen Reservoir. Conventional Callibaetis Cripples are doing the job. A big Parachute Adams will also work. Floating a very light colored Feather Duster is also successful. If you find the right weed bed a small leech or Woolly Bugger will gather in a fish.
.. When in doubt tie on an Elk Hair Caddis followed by a Bead Head Nymph of your own choosing.

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CLICK ON IMAGE FOR ANATOMY LESSON

Interlude

THREE HOT DAYS

It Don't Mean A Thing

it's just a capricious mom

Empty Bridge Over The Firehole River

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.. The colors are Autumn: the temperature is Summer. Grasshoppers are loving the brief pause in the steady temperature decline into Fall.

Funny How They Look Gray From A Distance

.. They get to warm up earlier in the day. They get to display their surprising colors for all to see. They get to fly in squadrons around the amber meadows. They get to feed more birds and fish. They just know how to  live. The hot interlude is just mom being a sad comedian.
.. Fishing is still good in Yellowstone National Park. Terrestrials are claiming most of the attention from feather merchants and experts alike. Hoppers, ants, beetles, spiders, and sundry attractors are doing their thing as they entice fish to the hand.

Closed Means Closed

.. We headed to Nez Perce Creek in an effort to enjoy some solitude and cool water.
.. Surprise! The bear is being persistent and the trails along the river have been closed. The crowds are gathering along the road and over the bridge. The bear is nonchalantly providing entertainment as it enjoys the cool water, abundant ants, hoppers, berries and beetles.
.. For us, it's not a photo-op but rather a grave disappointment. We had to walk about twice the same distance up the Firehole River to find the cool water of the Little Firehole River.
.. It's a chore for our legs and the reward, (besides the dances with trout,) was a visit with a neighbor who was bitterly whining about the same things that we were.
.. Not a single fisher nor photographer that we talked to had bear spray. None considered themselves in any danger. None had heard of the recent death by bear. None could, apparently, read.
.. It's a sad state of affairs when the illiterate masses with $4,000 cameras and $12,000 lenses can't read, and believe that the National Park Service is just a cartoon force. Believe it or don't: this IS bear country.

Safety Tip: Put The Kids Between You And The Bear !

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.. Soda Butte Creek is attracting anglers without bear spray and, of course, the meadow bear is still there. Catching is very good on both Slough Creek and the Lamar River. Bugs is the fare when hatching. Terrestrials and attractors when no hatch is present. Sneaky and closed-mouth fisher folk are drowning big Woolly Buggers and Silli-Legs in the meadows of Slough Creek. We wonder why?
.. Up on the Gallatin River the same critters are being gobbled by the bears and fish alike. It seems, right now, that any old attractor, (size 8 or smaller,) will take fish.
.. There are three active bears along the Gallatin River inside Yellowstone National Park. Combine this fact with the interesting notion that only one feather merchant in town carries large canisters of bear spray. We wonder at the marketing forces at work given this condition.
.. Bear spray costs about the same as two days worth of commercially tied flies. Unless you lose less than 5 per day. It also costs much less than a ride in a medivac helicopter. Enough of that!

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..The mosquitoes of Bechler seem to have taken a break during this warm spell. Boundary Creek, the Bechler River, and several not-to-be-named tributaries in the Cascade Corner are getting a fair amount of attention from fisher folk. Flying ants and beetles seem to be the predominant offerings that are taking fish. Bless 'em all: we hope bear spray is in attendance for the dances.

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The Last Days

AUTUMN STARTS IN AUGUST

Contrarians Of The High Country

neighbors are using streamers again

THUNDERSTORMS KEEP THE RIVERS AND AFTERNOONS COOL

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.. It's a well known fact that it takes something special to live where winter outlasts summer by 90 days. The neighbors enjoy their weird predilection for salmon-like behavior.

THESE CRITTERS IS HERE IN NUMBERS

.. Just when grasshoppers, microscopic midges, Tricorythodes, and small black beetles are being espoused by experts & peddled by the local feather merchants; they drag out the rubber-legs & streamers.
.. Fish the little flies and terrestrials if you choose: they work fine. But casting, working, retrieving, and back-stripping of streamers is a skill that takes some re-acquaintance for most folks. The neighbors are just getting a jump on the seasons and honing their skills, (and catching fish as a byproduct.)

SPRUCE MOTH OR CADDIS ?

.. The nights are cool, (an occasional 30° F is seen,) the afternoon storms are regular and the rain is cold.
.. Yellow and brown colors are gobbling up the vegetation in our neighborhood and leafy plants are sprouting curled and drying leaves.
.. The berries are ripe and ready; currently being savored by bears and brave neighbors alike, (the crop is early, huge, and juicy this year - spread your own old wife's tale.)
.. For those that need direction we suggest a squashed caddis imitation for the Spruce Moths on the Gallatin River, Madison River, Gibbon River, Nez Perce Creek, and the Firehole River.
.. The fish in Soda Butte Creek are eating their usual assortment of beetles, spruce moths, drakes, and big nymphs. A Green Beetle followed by a Shop Vac should provide more dances than is seamly! Avoid the elbow ridden meadow section and fish the pockets and pools of the little canyons and incised stream course. The bears need warning so sing songs.

GRAY BAETID IMITATION

.. Drag out your "A" game for Slough Creek. Drag out the big bugger box too. The hybridization of the native cutthroats does not seem to have 'dumbed-down' the cutbows. Slow drifted submerged flies, (near the grassy banks,) will catch some large fish - or scare them to the next pool.
.. When the Baetis are up, the fish are a bit less selective but still not a push over. The latest rage on Slough Creek is to squeeze a foam bobber over the first hook and follow it with a Bead Head Nymph, (your choice.)
.. The thundershowers are keeping the Lamar River in flux. When there's no mud and a hatch it may be the best attractor dry fly fishing in the park.
.. If there's a bit of color haul out the heavy artillery and sink a bugger and hang on. The continuous freshets have kept groceries at a high level in the river.

SNORTLE'S SCORING WITH BUGGERS

.. The short canyon section is known for bruisers this time of year. Be congenial and swap ring tones with the other 2,000 fishers in this short stretch.
.. The Notellum River, just outside of West Yellowstone has been getting very little attention this season. That's just fine with us. The Bridge Run, and the Esses are full of fish that are outsized for the little stream - they're lonely and need some company from the neighbors. Streamers and Snortle's are getting plenty of action near both the paved road and the county road. The recently closed USFS road has been mysteriously reopened, just in time for bow hunting season.
.. Catching is good right now, and promises to get better as the cool weather persists. The timely thundershowers will only keep you and your lightening rod off the rivers for a few minutes each afternoon. Take the opportunity for a bit of Havana and some amber liquids before dinner.

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NOTELLUM RUN ALONG THE SECRET SECTION OF NOTELLUM RIVER
(Note: no foot path here.)

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It's All Hot !

TEMPERATURES SOAR

Sweaty Anglers Rejoicing

catching beyond belief

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.. Now that there's no place to sleep in West Yellowstone, and no place to avoid the heat, it's time to go fishing.
.. There is no cool place in town this evening. The pubs have the best air conditioning. Guess where the fisher folk are congregating? Guess what they are talking about? The best fishing possible on the west side of Yellowstone National Park. Guess what's about to happen? The heat will melt more snow. Then what?

.. The National Weather Service has issued both a FLOOD WATCH AND HEAT ADVISORY for our area. The Gallatin River may flood near Gallatin Gateway and Yellowstone Park may experience record breaking heat over the next two days. It may cool down just a bit for the Fourth of July.
.. Here's the current river status:
==> Firehole, about 225 cfs above seasonal average, colored & clearing, temp. spiking to 68° F, heavy bug activity, highly catchable.
==> Gibbon, about 100 cfs above seasonal average, colored & clearing, temp. spiking to 68° F, bug activity picking up, meadows drying, little water producing well, big water attracting stealthy fishers.
==> Madison, about 300+ cfs above seasonal average, surprisingly clear, temps holding in mid 60's, heavy evening White Miller and other caddis activity, ignored by many because of crowds and bison activity.
==> Gallatin, 300+ cfs above recorded max for the day, out of bank in some canyon sections, temp. at about 60° F, muddy and dangerous.

==> Lamar, about 200 cfs above recorded max for the day, still eating the road at confluence meadows & rising, Wild and Woolly Froth, some bugs seen running down the road to escape the muddy rampage, suicide wading discouraged,
.. [[ Road Press Release #1, Road Press Release #2, Hotline for road closure and conditions: (207) 344-2117.]] There is a distinct possibility for additional closures or heroic delays. Please use the hotline before you travel in the Lamar Valley.

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.. You won't need too many bugs in your box. Your favorite big bugs for the rocky and riffled areas of the Firehole Canyon and riffles near shore on the Madison River, (Yellow Sally, Golden Stone, Salmon Fly.)
.. White Miller Caddis & small Elk Hair Caddis for the afternoon and evening along the Madison River and Nez Perce Creek, (make noise and sing to the bears.)
.. Baetids in a few forms: emerger, spinner, dun, stillborn [mangled,] for any hatch you may encounter on the Firehole River below Biscuit Basin. If you are more picky than the fish use a PMD imitation.
.. Nymphs and streamers will be the way to go for those that want to catch astronomical numers of fish. King Prince and standard Prince should do, beadheads if you like. Two-toned Feather Duster, and Rock Worms should be enough for the upper Firehole River, Nez Perce Creek, the small meadows of the Gibbon River and all over the Madison River.
.. We're just back, (our orifices were clogged with caddis,) and can report that more fisher folk are reporting success than we've heard for many a Fourth of July. Veracity is never questioned when we chat with visitors!
.. There's a new watering hole in town and we're going to see if anyone besides the neighbors have found it yet.

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Cold Water

FIREHOLE DIPS DOWN

Frost On The Pumpkin

there go the tomatoes

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.. The Official temperature dip for last night on the Firehole River was 59° F. The rain and clouds have brought us a fine September eve.
.. Air temperatures will warm toward the weekend and the water temperatures will follow. We're keeping an eye on the river and the fish activity. It won't be long before the feather merchants begin to push the match-hatchers in their fly bins. Soft hackles are always a good bet.
.. The Lamar River is too thin to plow, but just barely. It'll be 2-4 days before it clears. Pebble Creek is clearing quickly, however rain is in the forecast until the weekend.

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Lamar River Is A Lovely Shade Of Brown

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Firehole River Currently Running Cold & Clear

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