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Showing posts with label Yellowstone History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yellowstone History. Show all posts

Monday, May 20, 2013

Blue Collar Bamboo

THE ROD FOR THE REST OF US
Gentle On Ingrained Muscle Memory
as cheap as a bottom end modern rod
FUNNY NUMBERS ARE UNDER THE CLEAR PAINT - WE'LL SAND THEM OFF
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.. We're not much of a gear junkie. We fish anything that gets the job done. We're embarrassed when conversations turn to the latest and greatest. We have so little to add.
.. The fancy materials continue to proliferate. The weights and actions and lengths, and designs seem to fascinate so many folks today that we're plumb out of the loop when the conversations turn.
.. We dusted off this old piece of bamboo in front of one of the "wise ones" in the neighborhood. The reaction was a bit much. It seems that we should be impressed that this old stick has in it's genealogy some names that grab others deep in their ichthio-id.
.. This old whip hearkens back to the Cross Rod Company, by way of Wes Jordan and Paul H. Young. Golly - Gee - Whizz, all of that and it catches fish too.
.. It's a post-war model, (probably late 40's,) that we picked up cheap in Pocatello, Idaho during the transition to fiberglass, (about '64 or '65.) It's been fished ever since - fancy names be damned. It caught a lot of fish on the Portnueff River back then. The South Fork too.
.. The little 7 1/2' rod sings with a six or seven weight line and feels just fine to us, given the way we cast. Either from a boat or from the bank it hits the water most of the time. And catches fish too.
.. The wise-one was quite taken aback at the thought that we found the great hoary divot in the handle, (we've been told to say 'grip',) was a bit grotesque. He explained that the divot was in fact a bit of fly fishing controversy and that the great names had all claimed it at one time or another. Wow that too and it catches fish?
.. The tip-tops are blued like a cheap gun. It has a cute pinkish reel seat and the cork handle, (oops - again,) has nifty blood grooves carved into it every so often. Probably helps to catch fish.
.. This stick sold for $9 or $10, (as much as $16 later in it's production,) and was considered a mid-grade rod. We have since fished it in over 20 states: and will fish it in one more come Thanksgiving time. It'll catch some fish too.
.. In keeping with it's blue collar heritage we're going to paint it with some shoe polish to get rid of the very twinkly finish. Dark cordovan or black should do the trick. Maybe we'll use some flat green acrylic left over from the patio table. There's a smidgen left in a spray can around here somewhere. It should still catch fish.
.. We might just sand it down to get rid of the writing and the black spots that look like candle burns, and paint it with some brown and green and black splotches so it's camouflaged a mite better than it is now.
.. And, certainly adding a fancy red or blue rubber handle, (oops - grip,) will dress it up. And, for sure, get rid of the divot in the handle - that should make it look pretty snazzy too. It may catch more fish if it gets all fixed up.
.. Maybe after we get it all customized we can sell it on eBay for the same price that it fetched when new. We'll take it to the Firehole River on Opening Day in Yellowstone National Park next weekend. Perhaps there is an unsuspecting buyer to be found there.

South Bend History, ===> LINK
The 209, ===> LINK
Comficient Controversy, ===> LINK
Big and revered names, ===> LINK

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GODAWFUL DIVOT IN HANDLE - RED OR BLUE RUBBER HANDLE WILL FIX IT
 


Saturday, November 3, 2012

Countdown

PERFECT BLUSTER COMING
Today Was Too Nice
. . or forever hold your piece . .
THE SUN SETS OVER ANOTHER SEASON IN YELLOWSTONE
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.. Just a note to remind you that if you're not here, it's too late. Although Yellowstone National Park closes "officially" at 8:00 AM on Monday, November 5, 2012, you can't fish on Monday . . . or so we've been told.
.. Today was way too gentle for a November day. Happily, the bluster will pick up this evening and should be full blown by Sunday.
.. The neighbors and remaining visitors that fish are catching with astounding regularity. This year the west side rivers are showing off for the late season faithful. There are little bugs all over the surface of the Firehole River, (the Madison River, Nez Perce Creek, the Gibbon River, and the Gallatin River also!) But it's the Firehole River that is really alive with hatches. It's living up to what the neighbors call "the river of no tears." If you're not catching fish - - - your fly is not in the water.
.. Like a broken record, (now there's an anachronism,) we continue to note that the runners are showing off all the way to Gibbon Falls and are taking any fly that is outsized, splashed in their face, or swims by with a bit of action.
.. We wish every year had ended this wonderfully.
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THE LOWLAND MADISON IS STILL DOING NICELY  --  THANK YOU.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Just For The Neighbors

AUTUMN READING LIST
Beer + Fly Fishing
bedtime stories
FIND OUT HOW TO CATCH FISH LIKE THIS
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.. Fly fishing blogs are full of it: Beer & Fishing.
.. Coming soon to a fly shop or book merchant near us is an expert on both.
.. Montana author, acclaimed fly fisher, beer quaffer extraordinaire, journalist for the New York Times and Village Voice, and lead singer for The New Heathens will be skulking around the neighborhood soon.
PRACTICING THE "REACH CAST"
.. Nate Schweber, world renowned contortionist and author of "FLY FISHING YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK: An Insider's Guide To The Fifty Best Places" as well as "INDIANA BREWERIES" will be interrupting his field research and pub crawling to appear at a few book signings, readings and mini-concerts.
Brew Guide
.. This is our chance to pick the brains of a fly fisher that has the tough job of spending months at a time in Yellowstone - and calling it research.
.. Mark your calendars for the dates and times listed below:
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**Reno, NV -- Friday, Aug. 17 at 1 p.m. at the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show (Signing)

REACHING THE PRACTICE CAST
 **Missoula, MT -- Saturday, Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. at Shakespeare & Co. (Reading plus little mini-concert at the end featuring Mr. Chip Whitson on guitar)
 **Jackson Hole, WY -- Tuesday, Aug. 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Valley Bookstore. (Signing)
**Bozeman, MT -- Tuesday, Sept. 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Country Bookshelf. (Signing)
**Livingston, MT -- Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. at Elk River Books (Reading)
.. There may be a few other dates and places, depending on the author's tough schedule of fishing and imbibing. You can keep up to date on the latest schedule HERE.
.. See what OUTSIDE BOZEMAN has to say HERE.
.. Order on-line HERE or HERE.
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DISCOVER BIG FISH SECRETS

Friday, July 27, 2012

Published Tomorrow

OFF THE HOT PRESS
A Prose Tapestry
some fly fishing stuff too

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.. It's not just another, (of the myriad,) Yellowstone Fly Fishing books. It is one in a long line of books about fishing in the park.
.. It's not just another, (of the myriad,) "I did this and so should you!" books.
.. If anything it's a book that highlights and celebrates Yellowstone National Park. It's a tapestry woven of history, anecdotes, personal experiences, interviews, rumors, legends, and fish stories.
.. Offered up are fish stories from people who, have fished, and some who continue to fish in Yellowstone National Park. The stories serve to illustrate the rich diversity of any fishing experience in the park. They are the delights of their tellers and their enthusiasm, reverence, joy and pain are all there for us to read.
.. The intriguing title touts the "50 Best Places." The book covers many more than that.
.. Fishers who love specific river segments or lake localities are used to illuminate the lore of any single piece of water. The famous and infamous have come forth to share insights and delights: you will recognize many of the names and places - some you won't !!
.. If this were an early 19th century work it could just as easily be titled "The Personality of Yellowstone's Fly Fishing." It's all there! Bears, Wolves, Monster Fish, Native Americans, Mountain Men, Explorers, Early Visitors, Bandits, Outlaws, Rapine, Tragedy, and Fishing.
.. Of course there are plenty of illustrations. Certainly there are quite a few tips and tricks about the various waters and the fish inhabiting them. There is even the expected hatch sequences, recommended flies, secret tips and tactics, where to, how to, etc. - it really is all there.
.. This is a "FAT BOOK" and we strongly recommend that you properly break-in the binding. We also suggest that you buy two. If you love the park and it's fishing you'll quickly wear out the first one.
.. If you view fishing in Yellowstone National Park as just another catching destination you should avoid this book. If you would like your experiences in the park to be enriched and informed by it's long history and traditions then this is the book for you. It will even help you catch fish.
.. It's an easy read and one full of everything from gossip to fact. It is readily apparent that the author, (a Montana native son,) is not quite done with the 50 best places. We're sure he'll be back. Perhaps he'll treat us to a sequel.
OFFICIAL DETAILS
English
ISBN: 0811710513 EAN: 9780811710510Category: Sports & Recreation / Fishing/Travel / Parks & Campgrounds
Publisher: Headwater Books, Release Date: 08/01/2012
Author: Nate Schweber
Synopsis: The most important hatches and recommended patterns, along with key fishing techniques and the best times of year to fish there. Interviews with a stunning collection of Yellowstone Park veterans in the know, including fly shop owners Bob Jacklin, Craig Mathews, John Juracek, Richard Parks, and John Bailey.
Writers, including; Tom McGuane, Wild Bill Schneider, and The Drake magazines' Tom Bie. The best spots for Yellowstone cutthroat, westslope cutthroat, Snake River finespotted cutthroat, grayling, rainbows, cuttbows, brown trout, brook trout, mountain whitefish, and Mackinaw lake trout
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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Records -- AGAIN !

JUST A NOTE:

Firehole River:  [LINK]
===> CURRENT = 564 cfs
===> OLD         = 481 cfs

Madison River:  [LINK]
===> CURRENT = 1,000 cfs
===> OLD         =  855 cfs

-- Check the upcoming weather: some clouds, some rain, some snow, moderate temperatures continue. [LINK]

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Way Too Soon

ONE DAY - 2 RECORDS ?
Can It Be Happening Now ?
runoff increasing rapidly
(P.S. The Firehole River is at 70° F)

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.. With just three days, (four counting today,) of record and near-record temperatures the neighborhood rivers have, in one day, set nearly two discharge records, (the Gallatin shoud see one tomorrow.) Gadzooks! It's still April
.. The Gibbon is probably at record flows too. The gauge is gone now so we can't give detailed figures. We'll cruise in there and see what it looks like.
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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Native Fish Get Boost

$1,000,000 = $2,000,000
Grant Matched By NPS
just a start
SEE THE LAKE TROUT?  SEE THE CUTTHROAT?  YUM, YUM !!
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..The Yellowstone Park NATIVE FISH CONSERVATION PROGRAM has been given a boost by the finalization of the $1,000,000 grant from the Yellowstone Park Foundation.
.. Last December we noted that Yellowstone Park was embarking on a comprehensive program to protect and preserve native fish stocks. That program is now underway with the infusion of funds and the implementation of the plan.
.. The recognition that the native fish and their abundance and distribution and behavior constitute a vital link in the ecology of the park has led to this action. As a food source for grizzly bears, birds, coyotes, otters, and other animals the native species are vital to the health of the ecosystem.
.. This effort is designed to address all aspects of the concerns about the dwindling populations of native fish and will guide management for the next two decades and beyond.
.. A major concern, of course, is the impact of Lake Trout on the native cutthroat population. Efforts to ameliorate this impact will include stepped-up gill netting efforts, research, and plans to create a resiliency in the native fish population.
.. It will probably take six years to accomplish the major goals of the project. During this time future strategies and management plans will also be developed to insure that the native fish population can be successfully managed in the face of:
** Predation by non-native fish such as Lake Trout and Brown Trout,
** Hybridization with non native Rainbow Trout,
** Drought, climate change and fishing pressure.
.. The top priority of this action is to decrease the number of Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake.
.. Additionally the project aims to:
+ Restore Yellowstone cutthroat trout to waters within the northern portion of the park;
+ Develop a westslope cutthroat trout brood source;
+ Continue long-term restoration efforts of westslope cutthroat trout; and
+ Begin to restore Arctic grayling within the Gallatin and Madison drainages.
.. Information Resources:
-- Yellowstone Park Foundation Announcement,
-- Yellowstone Park Information Document (PDF),
-- FONSI Native Fish Conservation Plan (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA;  Chapters 1-5 (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA; Appendices A-F (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA; Appendix G (PDF).
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

12 - 4 - 12

A FISH PER MONTH
Across The Nation
we're jealous

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.. Last summer we noted that there was a Montana-born itinerant fly fisher spending the whole summer in Yellowstone National Park.
.. He's still at it and has taken a fish, across the nation, in each of 12 months. There's a concept for you - "COAST-TO-COAST" - trout hunting. Read about it HERE.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Your Tax Dollars At Work

NEED WATER DATA ?
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NEED VOLCANO DATA ?

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How much oil is there in the BAKKEN FORMATION?
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Monday, October 31, 2011

Fising Denied

GIANT ERUPTION AT BISCUIT
Well, Not Too Giant
three pools made into one
FIREHOLE RIVER LOOKING NORTH:  OUTWASH FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
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.. We took our fishing gear into Yellowstone National Park and caught no fish. Instead we took several hours to wander around the thermal features of Biscuit Basin.
.. A thermal explosion and eruption occurred a couple of days ago and rearranged the topography of the three most visited pools along the boardwalk.
.. The debris field, scoured outwash area, and boiling muck now clouding Opal Pool give testimony to the forces at work just below the feet of wading fisher folk: or for that matter, any folk in Yellowstone.
.. Eyewitness reports place the vertical displacement of water at about 70 feet. It was a large single column of water the erupted with a violent explosion and showered debris into the three previously separate pools along the boardwalk.
.. Boiling water, scalding mud, and boulders the size of watermelons were ejected from the newly expanded vent. The amount of water expelled was sufficient to remove vegetation and some subsurface sand all the way to the Firehole River, about 300 feet away.
.. Only a few faithful geyser gazers were present for the eruption. Hoards of visitors are now not streaming to the area to view the scene. After all, this is the last week of the "Summer Season." There are very few folks around to enjoy our protracted salubrious weather. So be it.
.. We're going to make up for not fishin' by going fishing. Golly gee, there's only seven days left.
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VIEW TO THE WEST SHOWING SCOURED AREA AND EJECTA:
Salt & Pepper Spring on the right was filled with debris and is now a pepper & pepper spring.
VIEW TO NE: SALT & PEPPER SPRING,
CURRENTLY SHOWING MUD FROM BOTH VENTS
VIEW TO NW: SHOWING DEBRIS AND SCOURED AREA
SKETCH MAP OF ERUPTION AREA IN BISCUIT BASIN
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Monday, October 10, 2011

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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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

PRETTY PLEASE !!

BE BEAR AWARE
They're Dangerous
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.. These videos speak to the native intelligence of two distinctly different species. We could go on . . . . .
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.. Read about the bears in:

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Worth The Walk ??

THERE'S STILL BIG CUTTS
You Need Young Legs
camp with the grizzly

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.. The secret is out. There are big Yellowstone Cutthroat to be caught. You can walk to this fishing hole.
.. You can cast from shore. And, you will release them swiftly. We won't tell, but you can read about it HERE.
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Sunday, July 17, 2011

Monster Cutthroats

STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE
Happening Right Now
no wading necessary
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.. Should you care to walk about a 1/2 mile, there are some fine fish in a little hatchery pond in the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park. The hatchery is gone but the fish are there and just waiting for dance partners.
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.. Spawning should be done but the action isn't. Enjoy the scenery and stroll around the lake. For more music from Nate Schweber, click HERE.
.. For complete information about Nate's wonderful Yellowstone Fishing Adventures click HERE.
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