Phood 4 Phish

THE SUPERMARKET

A Broad Array Of Bugs

they trap 'em, we fling 'em

EVER SEE ONE OF THESE? 
FISH HERE.

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.. Hard as it is to believe, there are some folks as much, (or more,) interested in fish food as the fish. They capture insects and study the little critters. They trap them. They select places where they know the bugs to be in numbers sufficient for a good sample. Might that be a good place to fish - and catch? We think so.
.. Try it: you'll like it.

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.. Our neighborhood preferred fishery is in full bloom. It is seldom mentioned in the guide books: certainly not frequented by most of the seasonal counter help at the local feather merchants. It is scorned by those seeking to tell stories about the glory waters, and is absolutely full of bears and fish.

BEAR SPRAY IS MANDATORY

.. Most of the road to the parking area is not paved, (aw shucks.)..
.. Half of the road has potholes that will break a BMW's spring pack, (golly gee.)
.. Several small vans have been lost in those potholes, (salvage opportunity?)
 .. OOPS! [komputer krash - now using 6-year-old laptop and an antique server with Ubuntu with Samba - things will be rough and intermittent  for a short time.]
.. The water on this little creek is the only water in the neighborhood running at seasonal discharge norms. It is cold, clear and full of eager fish.
.. Fishing in this water requires both a Yellowstone National Park fishing permit and a Montana fishing license. A small price to pay for the catching that's involved.
.. We like it because it's quiet, usually elbow-free, and there are leviathans of untold dimensions and a bunch of eager smaller fish that keep us entertained.
.. Hope not to see you there.

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THE VIEW TO NOTELLUM RIVER. A FRIENDLY BIT OF WATER.

Incubator - 01

The Way It Is

Lonely Water

Medieval Knights

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

 



Requiescat In Pace

WALLY EAGLE

He Gave Us So Much

 

A Bit Of . . .

Snow, Rain, Drizzle, Sun,

Springtime In Yellowstone

waters still clear - won't last

Bison Graze At The Foot Of National Park Mountain.  Pinhole Image.

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.. As we await the coming high water induced by our warm days we pause to ponder the upcoming onslaught of fishers and the introduction of the latest and greatest flies to fish with.
.. The innovations of our species, and the creativity of our minds will not be stifled. New materials, new techniques, new visions, new flies; such a bounty. This sort of contemplation leads to a seminal question: "Why are there so many flies?"

.. And the fruitful answer: "Because they all work!" Since the fly fisher of today is trapped by the unwavering belief that newer is better there will always be new flies. And they all will work.
.. Read the blogs and verbiage of the feather merchants and their advocates. They capture us with an appeal to the inventive and adventurous side of our mind.
.. This year's new flies will also appeal to our aesthetic core. They are cute, killer, sophisticated, simple, awesome, outrageous, stupendous, and sometimes - even effective.
.. We look forward to reading about, hearing about, and seeing all the new flies. They are wonderful. We enjoy the virtues extolled in conversations and rants at the pub and at river's side. We don't participate much. We still fish a Scarlet Ibis, a Professor, a Dusty Miller, a Black Dose, a Lead Wing Coachman, a Royal Coachman, and a Feather Duster. We fish them because we like them. They are friends from our personal and collective past. They catch fish too.
.. Maybe we're not creative, adventurous, or innovative. We probably have no aesthetic sense. We certainly can't afford a new assortment of flies every Spring. Old Fartism is a comfortable joy, and does have some rewards.

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Confluence Meadow At Madison Junction On A Warm And Drizzly April Day

Salute

WORLDWIDE

Pinhole Photography Day

Pinhole image of sign on the Madison River.  Sensor dust and all!

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.. For the moment, we have dispensed with the arcane accouterments of fly fishing for the even more tedious tools of pinhole photography.

Aluminum Pinhole on Digital Camera

.. The slow pace, deliberation and preparation is, on occasion, good for the soul.
.. Be it a digital sensor, film, or paper that is exposed, the image is soft and often ethereal. Certainly it is not in keeping with the contemporary aesthetic of super sharp, violently colorful, and post processed to the point of crisp sterility.
.. There is a small resurgent community of photographers that are exploring the limits of the "portable camera obscura." Cameras range from beautifully made precision instruments to such items as Altoid tins, Oatmeal boxes, Sardine cans, and other 'everyday items.'

4x5 pinhole film camera. Photographed with a pinhole camera.

.. The pinhole camera phenomena are parallel to but separate from the toy camera craze that is sweeping the world, (other than the U.S.A., Japan, and a few other gadget-oriented cultures.)
.. Recognizable images of social events are produced and cherished for their spontaneity, crooked framing, soft focus, and idiosyncratic nature of poor or shifted colors.
.. For many aficionados the images are far more engaging than the postcard sterility of most of contemporary photography.
.. There is even a growing body of artists and "serious" photographers that has taken the form to extremes. Large prints and original images on paper are making their way into art galleries and salons around the world, (including the U.S.A.)

Pinhole Soup Can

.. The Museum of Modern Art engaged German artist Michael Wesely to capture the new building with a 34-month-long pinhole image of their new building, (LINK.)
.. Perhaps it's not too surprising that some of the same things that attract some people to fly fishing also attract some of them to pinhole photography.
.. No matter how good the caster of the fly, there is a certain indeterminacy about it's landing and result; the same for pinhole photography. No matter what the speculation about the fish on the end of the line, the same indeterminacy exists until it is landed; the same for pinhole photography. Etc.
.. Pinhole photography is frequently dismissed as: faux photography, gimmicky, diffuse, ethereal, poorly focused, or aimless - so too fly fishing.
.. For now, we're continuing our exploration of the technique. We've dabbled in it, (and fly fishing,) for over half a century - no need to stop now.
===> Pinhole Resource
===> Pinhhole Gallery
===> Handmade Photographic Images

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Firehole in Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park - Pinhole Image.

The Transmogrification

AWAKENINGS IN THE PARK

Waters Flowing Cold & Clear

the very same but different

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.. As winter's mantle lifts from the west side of Yellowstone National Park the waters look the very same as we left them - but different.
.. A couple of snags have shifted slightly, some banks have fallen in. a tree or two has been uprooted, a thermal feature has encroached into the Firehole River, and not a few boulders are in different places, OR GONE. Yet, on the whole, it's comfortably familiar.
.. Spring, so far, has been cool and the waters are clear. Visibility is easily as much as ten feet on the Firehole River. It's just a little less on the Madison River, and maybe just five feet on the Gibbon River.
.. As the weather warms changes will respond to the increased flows and there will be more to note. Already there are changed weed beds and new sand bars. The dynamics of the rivers ensure that change will be constant. Over the long winter the changes are are noticeable, but boarding on the insignificant. On a day to day basis they often go unnoticed. By the time a decade or two has been tucked under our belts, (if memory serves,) the waters are new and fresh and foreign.

.. We spent the weekend, on and off, cruising around the west side of the park.The low snow pack has given us access to the water's edge in more places than usual for this early in the year. Green is already spreading along river banks at the water's edge. The Artemesia, never completely buried in most places this winter, is already past the gray-green stage and moving toward the light olive color of Summer.
.. Fish were rising along most sections of the rivers. Midges and some big mayflies were on the menu. We watched for quite some time as the Spring Smorgasbord was devoured. The bugs seem bigger and earlier than usual - but then we wanted them to be.
.. The two-toned ants have already built hives as tall as a foot and two feet in diameter. Blue birds and cranes have taken up residence. The geese have consorts and some have nesting spots. As cool as it's been, Spring seems well along on the west side of Yellowstone National Park.
.. The bison have moved down to the fresh blades of grass along the roads and out to the periphery of Hebgen Reservoir. The sparse herd of elk is loosely scattered in the yet unflooded meadows along the Madison River. They look good with very few ribs showing.
.. Eagles and the first of the pairs of ospreys are already in place. No robins yet. very few visitors as well. The raimbow of spandex has sprouted and bicyclists are as numerous as the cars - more so perhaps.
.. We'll keep an eye on the park waters for the next month or so and then go a catching: runoff permitting.

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Previews Of Coming Attractions

LOST WEEKEND

Slow Cruising

we'll let you know

Speingtime In The Neighborhood

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.. We're in Yellowstone National Park for the next three days. Checking on the waters - they're still there.
.. It's tough work but we're compelled to do it. Reports as time allows.

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A Bit Of Winter

WARM WET SNOW

Lots & Lots & Lots Of It

waters looking good for now

TOPS OF GHOST TREES ARE NEARLY BURIED BY THE HIGH ELEVATION SNOW PACK

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.. With the addition of another two feet of snow over the last few days we are beginning to feel reassured about our winter snow pack.
.. Snow depth measurements in the surrounding river basins are at, or slightly above, the seven year sliding-average. The early snows of winter were low in water content and our snow-water-content still leaves something to be desired. The mid elevation pack is below average while the very high snow fields are deep and wet. This bodes well for our summer stream flows.


RED DEVIL NYMPH

.. We took a brief survey of the western waters in Yellowstone National Park that produced some nice pictures and views of the streams running high - cold - and - clear.
.. Some shaded parts of the Madison River still show a bit of shore ice. However, the last few warm days have started the gentle melt that feeds the early season runoff.
.. Midges are hatching in profusion and a few early mayflies have been seen. If we were to fish the Madison River in the park right now it would be with a Red Devil Nymph. It's just a simple brassie with peacock herl head - tied with red copper wire in size 16 - 18.
.. This is also the current neighborhood favorite Between The Lakes on the Hebgen Tailwater. It's tied as small as 22 by the folks who believe that size  matters - they catch more fish too.


POPULAR FISHING LOCATION - YELLOWSTONE PARK

.. We paused long enough at a couple of runs on the Madison River to ascertain that the fish indeed were rising. Neighbors with sharper eyes than ours verified that the midges were airborn and thick as midges.
.. A winter visit to Yellowstone National Park affords an interesting insight into the fishy waters and the hatches that are not written about in the books authored by experts.
.. Flow rates of the Madison River at West Yellowstone, Montana are at or, slightly above the 85 year average. The Gibbon River is at it's seasonal average flow. The Firehole River is running faster and deeper than usual for this time of year. What else would you expect?

FLASHING SHADOWS AND STEAM - GIBBON RIVER

.. This is the time of year that some of our neighbors abandon the neighborhood and head to balmy climes in search of a warmer experience.
.. Dissatifaction with the homeland reflects their year-round perspective. Strokes and folks!
.. For those of us fortunate enough to enjoy our surroundings through all seasons there is, right now, a magic time each evening.
.. At this time the wind settles to a gentle breeze. The sun dips behind looming prominences and casts rapidly moving shadows over the landscape.
.. Hides for the fish change, and it's possible to watch them flee from shadow to shadow through the bright spots on the rivers. This is an interesting bit of adaptive legerdemain that  serves the observant fisher well at any season.
.. Fishing has slowed in the lowlands due to regulations and the conscientiousness of anglers during the spawning season. The Hebgen Tailwater remains open and keen anglers fish from shore and avoid the redds. Double fly rigs are the current strategy in this section of the Madison River. A bright small nymph is the preferred dropper and a small mangled caddis is the forward fly. Works just fine.

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SUNSET BRINGS A STILLNESS TO THE HIGH COUNTRY ALONG THE MADISON RIVER

Hoary Beasts

nps photo

We Call It Spring

TWO MILESTONES LOOM

Close It Down

Open It Up

it's getting close

A COLONY OF ICICLES FORMS AS SNOW MELTS AT OLD FAITHFUL

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.. The calendar in a tourist town is skewed toward the arrival of hoards of visitors and significant activities pertaining thereunto. Conventional calendric milestones sometimes coincide with with local significance; often not.

An Idiocy Of Snowmobiles

.. Our neighbors can feel the upcoming improtant days and events in their bones. Right now their bones are tingling and they've become antsy. Two coincident events, (and yet a third,) are imminent.
.. The world snowmobile expo is just 10 days away. That chaos is a bit of calendric hoopla that we endure because of it's proximity to the official end of the winter season in Yellowstone National Park, which is on March 15, 2013.
.. Meanwhile, as the sleds zoom around town frightening the constabulary, residents, dogs, cats, children and wildlife; quiet preparations are being made inside Yellowstone National Park for the opening onslaught of early season visitors.

An Unkindness Of Ravens

.. Insulation, (placed there to keep snow on the grround for over-the-snow vehicles,) is being cleared from the warm sections of roads. Cavernous pot holes, (the result of numerous freeze-thaw cycles,) are filled.  Repairs of leaky roofs and frozen pipes are undertaken and, 'seasonal staff' are gearing-up for their stint in Wonderland.
.. And, of course, plowing of the lowland roads begins with a vengeance.

A GANG OF ELK

.. As soon as all the roads are clear enough for bicycle, (and administrative,) travel, the neighbors begin their pilgrimages into the accessable parts of the west side of the park. By foot, by ski, by skateboard, by roller blade, and by bicycle the neighbors and nearby residents enter the park. Right past the vehicle barriers, down the roads and into the park for free. It's a local thing and it brings out the best in folks.
.. They visit with each other about the soon-to-be summer chaos. There will be freezing rain, (going on right now,) there will be snow, there will be ice and mud and mating coyotes and flocking ravens and elk sunning themselves. There will soon be babies. Young of the year is an anticipated event in this part of the world. All these actualities and eventualities come to the fore about now.

GAS UP & CLEAN THE STREETS

.. Although the conventional calendar is mindless of our local happenings, we call it Spring. The specific definition of the exact timing of  "Spring" varies according to local climate, cultures and customs - certainly! Ours is an event based definition. It's a time of quietude. Rebirth and rejuvination are still far in the future. Up here it's when the hoards have thinned and we have the place to ourselves. It's a short respit from the chaos of destination travelers. There are no tulips: not a daisy will be found. The grass will be brown and matted, and frequently covered with fresh snow. But it is Spring and it is getting close.
.. Elk antler shedding, snow pack status, fishing prospects, picnic plans, day trips, camping, and other topics fly through the air. At the Post Office, in convinience stores, in the hardware store, in the aisles of the grocery stores it's Spring - despite the sleet and snow beating against the windows and doors. We now have time to cater to each other's concerns rather than strangers with urgent, (or - more often less than urgent,) needs.
.. Spring is when the neighbors gather and enjoy each other and the wonderful place in which we live. It has very little to do with the calendar or the weather. We call it Spring nevertheless.
.. AND THEN THE PARK OPENS - they call that Spring.

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THE INANITION OF SPRING ROADS IN YELLOWSTONE - A TRUE MARVEL

Stylin'

Wishing You A . . . .

Merry Christmas

THE REEL SANTA

Au Revoir Yellowstone

IT'S RESTING NOW

Let The Fish Grow

let the lies begin

Looking Back: It Was A Very Fine Year.

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.. What a wonderful last week of the legal fishing season in Yellowstone National Park. The predicted blustery weather has died with a whimper and some thin clouds. Sunshine drenched the afternoons on most days and the bugs continued to hatch.
.. As we look back over the year it seems that this was a year of many fish and healthy fish. Of course during this coming Winter the fish will grow in the retelling of tales in the dim pubs of town.
.. There's still plenty of fishing in the neighborhood. Rest assured that we will manage to get to it and to the other not-quite-so-neighborly waters as well.
.. Now that we've stopped saving our daylight it's time to make use of what little there is left. There are things to do, places to go, people to see. We're practicing using words like: Chetco, Umpqua, Grande Rond, Clearwater, and Snake. More to come.

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View Of The Chetco River From The Front Porch.