Gallatin Bluster

A COUPLE OF INCHES

That's Good

catching steady at park line

SNOW SQUALS BLOW DOWN THE GALLATIN RIVER WITH REGULARITY

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.. The water is "too cold." So goes the expert wisdom. It just may be that the weather is not sweet enough for gentlemen fishers.


Yellowstone Sally

.. Granted, the fishing high up the Gallatin Canyon is not as easy or attractive as it is down low near  Gallatin Gateway. It is, on the other hand, an hour closer to our front door.
.. The snow of the last couple of days has served to reduce early fishing pressure on the Gallatin River. The fish seem to be a bit less cooperative as well.


Stiff Hackle

.. Subsurface attractor flies are the choice of the neighbors. A few large nymphs are also in the fly box of the brave fishers in the neighborhood.
.. Most of the catching activity starts immediatly north of the northern boundry of Yellowstone National Park - right at Snowflake Springs.
.. Catching along the upper portions of the Gallatin River requires a tedious persistance for covering every inch of water. The fish are there but they are not moving rapidly or with much gusto. "Hit 'em in the nose," is the manditory technique.

.. Along with the Yellowstone Sally a whole stable of Prince Nymphs is being used at the moment. The King Prince is a favorite with some folks down toward Big Sky and has made inroads into the psyche of some of the folks up here.


King Prince

.. Soft Hackles and Stiff Hackles also are getting a workout in the frigid waters. It looks like the trout are living up to their press clippings and are chomping anything that drifts by - within easy reach.
.. For an excellent overview of the varieties of Prince Nymphs check out the PRINCE NYMPH PAGE at  Fly Fishing The Sierra.
.. The tedium of cold water fishing in blustery weather with snow blowing into your eyes and nose and ears is not for the faint of heart. Braving the delays of road construction and the wreckage of disasters is a chore in itself. But if you need to catch a fish or two it is worth it.

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A HOT TAR DOUBLE TANKER RESTING ALONG THE GALLATIN RIVER ROAD

Dewpoint

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

Manicured Lawn

VERY BLEAK

JUST A QUICK LINK

The Recent Past

how about this year ??

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CLICK HERE

Some Indoor Entertainment

IT'S SNOWIN' & BLOWIN'

Fish If You Dare
you have been warned

 

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.. The NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE is our freind. The warning is posted below. We're loving it. The fish will appreciate it.
.. Just down the block is a nice indoor shooting range. We are going there - hopefully.

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST FRIDAY

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST FRIDAY.
* TIMING AND MAIN IMPACT: SNOW...HEAVY AT TIMES...WILL DEVELOP OVER THE REGION THIS MORNING. ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL WILL CONTINUE THROUGH TONIGHT AND INTO FRIDAY. AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW...ESPECIALLY ON FRIDAY...WILL ALSO REDUCE VISIBILITIES. EXPECT ROADWAYS TO GRADUALLY BECOME SNOW AND ICE COVERED TODAY.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: AT LOWER ELEVATIONS...EXPECT TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 7 TO 12 INCHES...WITH ISOLATED AMOUNTS UP TO 15 INCHES. IN THE MOUNTAINS...EXPECT TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 2 FEET...WITH ISOLATED AMOUNTS UP TO 3 FEET.
* WINDS AND VISIBILITY: NORTH WINDS GUSTING BETWEEN 20 AND 30 MPH AT TIMES WILL PRODUCE AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW. VISIBILITIES WILL BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE HALF MILE TIMES IN PERIODS OF HEAVIER SNOW.
* OTHER IMPACTS: ROADWAYS WILL INITIALLY BECOME ICY BY LATE THIS MORNING...AS COLDER AIR MOVES INTO THE REGION FREEZING WET PAVEMENT SURFACES...THEN SNOW WILL BEGIN TO COVER THE ROADWAYS. ADDITIONALLY...WIND CHILL VALUES WILL FALL WELL BELOW ZERO BY FRIDAY MORNING.
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED INCLUDE: ALL OF NORTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST MONTANA.
* TO SEE A GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF THIS HAZARD PLEASE VISIT: WWW.WRH.NOAA.GOV/WRH/WHV/?WFO=TFX
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL HAZARDOUS. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

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The Killer Midge

THE FLY OF THE HOUR

Even At -6 F

bring your woolies

SIZE 22 IS THE "LARGE" SIZE FOR THE KILLER MIDGE

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.. It's a bit brisk outside right now, (-19 F.) Keeps the Hoi Polloi down. Some of the neighbors too!
.. On the other hand, the young lions of the neighborhood are making hay while the temps are low.
.. There's a certain bit of stuff in the fiber of 5 or 6 of our younger neighbors that demands that they fish, weather be damned! They are courageous, immune to the cold, and very facile in the art of tying "fun flies."
.. The KILLER MIDGE is one of the current favorites of these folks. It's a size 22, (or 24, or 26 - yikes,) standard, blue-black midge pattern with a couple of simple, (they tell us,) modifications. The upright fan wings made from very small chicken feathers are the most noticable modification. Outriggers made of fibers from chuckar partridge rump feathers is another added accoutrement.
.. The body is made of black Antron. The tail is pheasant fibers. Everything is way too small to see if you're of the mature variety of fisher.
.. Well greased, (or the contemporary equivalent,) these little dumplings float high, are easy to see, (relatively,) and are irresistable to the trout on the Madison River between the lakes in the Hebgan Tailwater.
.. The neighborhood jargon refers to midges that hatch on the sunny days during the winter as 'snow flies.' Bright sun brings them out in the late morning or early afternoon. Catching is best on still days - of course. It's been perfect for about a week now.
.. Two nights ago it was -26 F, last night it was -22F. The cold air bothers neither the fish nor the flies, nor the kids. We watch.

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At -20 F particulates leave the air, the clouds thin out and the sky gets real big.

Cyclone Evan

We dodged a bullet where I live. This one was a Cat 4, but hit the other side of the Island. What you see is what we got for 36 hours. 

All is well now. The sun is out and the sky is blue

Tight Lines

Time To Burrow In

IT'S GETTING DEEP

That's A Good Thing

more good news on the horizon
[Montana DOJ administrative message below]

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Urgent - Immediate Broadcast Requested
Administrative Message
Montana Department Of Justice
Relayed By National Weather Service Great Falls MT
1152 AM MST Tue Dec 18 2012

The Following Message Is Transmitted At The Request Of The
Montana Department Of Justice.

The Sheridan County Sheriff Office Is Activating A Missing
Endangered Person Advisory For Eric Zinke. He Is Described As A 17
Year Old White Male...Who Is 5 Feet 11 Inches Tall...153
Pounds...With Brown Hair And Blue Eyes.

He Is Possibly Driving From Sheridan County To Livingston In A
White 1999 Chevrolet Malibu Two Door...Bearing Montana License
Plate Number: 34-3568a.

Eric May Be In Possession Of A Gun.

If Located...Contact The Sheridan County Sheriff Office At
406-765-1200.

A Missing Person Poster And Additional Information Can Be Found At
The Department Of Justice Website: Doj.Mt.Gov

.

. . . But You Can't Hide

BIG WIND - BIG RAIN

Big Flood ?

all in a day's work

MUD OUT  -- WEATHER IN

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.. So, it's supposed to be wet when you're chasing steelhead. It's supposed to be dreary and damp and dank and miserable. It's supposed to be thankless, tedious, exhausting, and frustrating. But, is it supposed to be dangerous?
.. Slick roads, trees down, flooded roads, and Sasquatch are thrown into the current mix. Not high adventure but it keeps one alert.
..Well, so it's been. But, at least it's a warm deluge and the snow level is staying at about the point where the upstream fish should be. Roads will be on the dampish side. Small creeks will be "out-of-bank." The Chetco river will be full of whitecaps and mud. Glad we're here to see it.
.. We're constantly checking the NOAA river watch sites. Try THIS LINK for current conditions and predictions. There is also a high surf warning. The kids are loving it. Maybe we should try it.
.. A day or two away from the fish is standard this time of year. It looks to be a little more than that. we'll see. Rumors abound about sea-run cutts in the harbor. Maybe tonight.
.. The crabbing has been good and the neighbors are going to burn a few. This is a rare pleasure and you can bet that we'll need some cold one's to get it all down.

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THE STORM COMETH

UP_n_DOWN

CATCHING RATE UP

Degrees Down

it was warm last week

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And so it goes.

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Winter May Arrive

IT JUST MIGHT HAPPEN

We're Mostly Ready

giant fish in the south fork

THE FUTURE IS UPON US

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.. Here's what the NWS thinks is about to happen:
....WINTER STORM WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING.
* TIMING: SNOW IS EXPECTED DEVELOP OVER THE MOUNTAINS OF SOUTHWEST MONTANA WEDNESDAY NIGHT. FOR THE SOUTHWEST VALLEYS...PRECIPITATION WILL BEGIN AS A RAIN/SNOW MIX THEN CHANGE TO ALL SNOW BY MIDDAY THURSDAY. SNOW COULD BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: ONE TO TWO FEET IS POSSIBLE IN THE MOUNTAINS WITH 5 TO 10 INCHES POSSIBLE IN THE VALLEYS.
* WINDS: NORTH WINDS 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 25 MPH ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS SOUTHWEST MONTANA. THESE WINDS COULD RESULT IN AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW...ESPECIALLY IN OPEN AREAS.
* VISIBILITY: VISIBILITIES OF LESS THAN ONE MILE ARE POSSIBLE IN HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW.
* OTHER IMPACTS: HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE. MOUNTAIN PASSES WILL BECOME SNOW-COVERED AND ICY AT THE ONSET OF SNOWFALL. LOWER ELEVATION ROADWAYS COULD BECOME ICY AND SNOW- COVERED AFTER SUNSET THURSDAY. THOSE SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR RAPIDLY CHANGING AND WINTER CONDITIONS. COLD TEMPERATURES AND WIND CHILL VALUES AROUND 0 CAN CAUSE FROSTBITE IN LITTLE TIME.
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED INCLUDE: BATTLE RIDGE PASS...BOZEMAN... BOZEMAN PASS...TARGHEE PASS...WEST YELLOWSTONE...BOULDER... BOULDER HILL...ELK PARK PASS...HOMESTAKE PASS...WHITEHALL... TOWNSEND...BIG HOLE PASS...CHIEF JOSEPH PASS...DILLON... MONIDA PASS...ENNIS...NORRIS HILL...RAYNOLDS PASS... TWIN BRIDGES
.. We'll let you know on Monday.

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.. Can't pass up this opportunity to mention that the Fall run of giant Brown and Rainbow Trout is headed up the South Fork of the Madison River. It's a wee bit early this year and the access has been by wheeled vehicle rather than by snowmachine. A rare treat that may be truncated by the impending storm.
.. Standard streamers are the fare being offered by the neighbors. A few of the adventurous are throwing mashed-up Hornberg flies in sizes up to 6-2xl. Works for them.
.. We'll have a full report after the storm -- or during it if the fish are jumping into the nets; sans hooks.

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Last Sunset Of Fall ??

One very rough Sunday

The weather Gods have not been kind to us this year. There has been two kinds of weather, rain with wind or sun with more wind. This day was sun with more wind. 

OK enough whining, we still went fishing.

As I said it was windy so jigging was on tap for the day.

Now typically when the weather acts up the fish like to bite, after all, the surging water just brings more food to them. Today was that way, the fishing was good, but a lot of work for the skipper, me.

When bottom fishing it is important that you have a good fish finder and transducer. Reading the bottom is everything with this type of fishing.

I use a Garmin 4010 GPSMAPS with a 2kw transducer, I'll post a photo later. 

We fished as long as we could until the wind and wave became unbearable. At one point we were taking waves over the transom and engine while trying to hold a position long enough to drop to the bottom.

We caught lots of fish and lots of species of fish so no complaining. No one is listening anyway. 

OK enough chatter on with the photos.

Brendan with a nice Lyre tail Grouper.

Wayne with a Sand Grouper. This is a first for us.

Billy and Renee braving the weather, not for long.

Brendan with a High fin Grouper

Wayne and a Green Job fish

Nice weather.

Tight Lines

A Blessed Deluge

SNOW ON THE WAY

Fish Now

bring layers

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.. It couldn't be more welcome - - OR - - timely.

Unbelievable

A GLORIOUS WEEKEND

Fishing Great

catching slowed a bit

TOO PRETTY TO FISH

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.. The neighbors ditched their rods for a full three days. We succumbed to only a single day with rod in hand. The cause? JUNE IN OCTOBER.
.. Bright sun, gentle breezes, wispy clouds, short pants and thongs. What more could one ask? Temperatures in the 50' & 60's? You got it.
.. Plans for the weekend were hastily arranged around outdoor meals, football at the school and in the city park. Bicycles were dragged out of storage and roller blades received an unexpected late season round of exercise.
.. The weather gurus are calling for a full week of spectacular visitation weather. Crisp nights in the 20's and days continuing in the 50's and 60's. A few clouds should buzz through the neighborhood and the ever-so-slight chance of a bit of precipitation may visit us.
.. Submarine sightings on the Madison River have been regular but fewer than expected. On the other hand the caddis on the Firehole River have erupted into clouds of afternoon dive bombers starting about 3:30 or so. There are even a few hoppers still gamely fluttering around in the afternoon rays. SUCH A DEAL!
.. Several Conga Lines have formed in the usual places and fishing has become a more social event than sporting event. Conversation, stories, lies and jokes are the fly of choice at the Barns Holes now and for the foreseeable future. It's all good.

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Conga Line etiquette: carefully fish through the pool, stroll back to it's head, get in line, tell stories!