Fly Fishing In Yellowstone National Park

Ready, Set, GO !

2009-12-26T08:38:00.009-07:00

A PAIR TO DRAW TO

Borger - Kennedy Square Off

flies aplenty for us all

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.. A new collaborative project has been cooked up by Jason Borger, [Fish, Flies & Water,] and Jeff Kennedy [Drawing Flies - 365.]
.. These two masters will draw one fly a week, (starting January 01, 2010,) and post them each Thursday for the next year.
.. They will draw the same fly, in their own inimitable style, on the same day, and limit themselves to 30 minutes of artistic expression. Neither will see the others fly until it is posted on their respective sites.
.. Aside from being a wonderful traffic builder, this should prove entertaining to the rest of us who have enjoyed the efforts of these gentlemen in the past. Is there the aroma of another book in the offing?
.. The first fly is going to be a Mickey Finn. Let the delights begin.

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It's Ho, Ho, Ho, time

2009-12-24T10:16:00.008-07:00

HO HO HO !!!

Forgot Someone ?

2009-12-23T10:45:00.012-07:00

EMAIL A GIFT CERTIFICATE

430 Possibilities

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.. Straight from Cafe Press: angler ornaments and charms and and throw pillows and coffee mugs and much more! Instant payment and instant email gift certificates.

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Excuse The Mess

2009-12-19T11:14:00.008-07:00

THE ECONOMY & THE PARK

The Yellowstone Syndrome

sit back and enjoy the depression

go fishing-------

.. A recent note in The Daily Reckoning by Chris Mayer lets us know that there are things too complex for our current understanding.
.. Hindsight should teach us much: like avoid bottom fishing for financials! Thank you Eric Fry.
.. Now then, why won't the trout eat my fly?

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2009-12-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

VIEW FROM WEB CAM

-- Thanks to the stalwart NPS employees the Mt. Washburn Fire Lookout Web Cam is back in operation. Spectacular views can be had by clicking HERE.

Wrasse The Night Before . . .

2009-12-14T08:14:00.011-07:00

A BIT OF CHRISTMAS STUFF

There's Some Catching To Do

empty streams beckon

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.. The neighbors love the Christmas season. There's a bit of snow and the fishing is grand. Holes in the ice are spewing forth fish like never in recent memory and the ice-clogged Madison River, (a rare occurrence,) sends them to the short stretch between the lakes.
.. Our sleepy little village is gearing up for the boisterous arrival of holiday merry maker's. The skiers and sledders and photographers and fishers and gawkers are arriving. They trickle in in droves.
.. The neighbor kids play "count the shivers" as lowlanders slide around looking for garments to augment their designer togs. 'Tis the season to be jolly."
.. We've adopted the Christmas Wrasse, (Halichoeres ornatissimus,) as the fish of the season. It reminds us of the Hawaiian surf and the fine fly fishing available on the reefs there.

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.. We stumbled across a list of the "20 most absurd Santas from 2008" and thought we'd share a couple with you.

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.. The catching has been good between the lakes. A small dip in the temperature has kept all but the neighbors from fishing in the glory holes of the Madison River between the lakes. Even the pros eschew the nuisance of frozen toes and the ice clogging of rod guides. They haven't learned that precision casting of a six-foot leader on the end of another six feet of fly line is about all that you need. Stealth, guile, and precision stalking will out!
.. Big nymphs, (6 - 10,) and small streamers are doing the job. Winter has finally decided to stay and the fishing is superb. WAHOO!

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Avoid The Rush

2009-12-10T10:13:00.006-07:00

DO IT NOW

Big Discount

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.. Jeff Kennedy over at Drawing Flies 365 has the book ready! If you hurry you can buy the book for 10% less than anyone else.
--> Click HERE to visit his site and get the discount code.
--> Click HERE to preview and order the book.

MONEY QUOTE:
Join Jeff on his visual journey as he draws a fishing fly a day for 365 days. This book chronicles an artists journey as he challenges his creativity on a daily basis. The book contains all of the full color images of every fly from the project. You will also venture into Jeff's head as he describes what was on his mind as he created some of his paintings.
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UFG Sighting

2009-12-09T09:00:00.005-07:00

FROM THE ROAD

Frozen Pipes

2009-12-05T06:12:00.010-07:00

IT'S JUST A LITTLE LATE

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.. The ground is very cold. The snow pack is thin. The neighbors call it a "Plumbers Winter."
.. At the recent -25 to -35 degree temperatures, & without the lovely covering of snow the frost line descends into the depths where the pipes are buried. It's a general nuisance for normal operations. It's a safety hazard if the water supply to fire plugs freeze. The anticipated 12"-18" of snow will be appreciated by the neighbors.
.. We hope that the Henry's Lake Flat Road is open when we get there. Should be interesting.
-> NWS ALERT
-> NWS URGENT UPDATE
-> Real-Time Radar Maps

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Goodbye Troy

2009-12-03T07:01:00.009-07:00

IT'S ALL OVER

Not Quite Skunked

no snow

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.. By comparison, West Yellowstone is a metropolis. Troy welcomes each visitor as a neighbor. The beer is cold, the fishing good, the views spectacular, and the stay was all too short.
.. For three days the hot fly seemed to be the "Spider Egg." We lost all of ours but they are available locally. Who knows what it is now!
.. On the road again!

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Grande Ronde Now

2009-12-01T06:32:00.003-07:00

JUNGLE DRUMS CALL LOUDLY

Quick Diversion Taken

good choice

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.. We said goodbye to the coast and decided to take the slow way back to West Yellowstone. Of course we were having trouble deciding on the route. After all it's hard to just drive past the two Umpqua Rivers, the Elk River, the Deschutes River, and many other streams this time of year. We flipped a coin and decided on the Clearwater River.
-- Then the jungle drums began to beat. We listened! The Grande Ronde River near Troy is cranking out catchable steelhead at obscene and ridiculous rates. RECENT PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REPORTS [HERE.] That's all.

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Oregon Wallpaper

2009-11-30T05:59:00.008-07:00

ENORMOUS IMAGE1600 x 1088
[click on image for high resolution copy]

Sneak To California

2009-11-29T18:36:00.006-07:00

IT'S WAY EARLY
FOR STEELHEAD

It's Just Right For Salmon

good bye Chetco / hello Smith

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.. Just a brief note: gone south of the border for a couple of days. The 30# salmon of the Chetco River are interesting - BUT; how 'bout some from the main-stem Smith River? (READ THE LATEST CHETCO REPORT HERE!)
.. Shameless plug: GET YOUR GUIDE HERE!
.. It's such an easy drive from Brookings, Oregon to Crescent City, California that we decided to spend some money on a ticket for the Bear Flag Republic.
.. Reports to follow.

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Grotesquely Sunny

2009-11-27T19:28:00.006-07:00

MOTHERS HIDING THEIR BABIES

Salmon Wearing Sunglasses

guides confused by lack of fog

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.. The "Chetco Effect" was absent for four days straight. Obscene sunshine permeated the conifers and they began to wilt. Neighbors saw who they were living next to for the first time in seven months.
.. Motorists discovered that Crescent City wasn't in Oregon. And, believe it or don't, there was no wind to speak of and the sky really is blue.

.. Salmon fishing slowed until yesterday afternoon, (a welcome Thanksgiving gift,) - the fog returned, it rained, the river came up, and the slugs came back to the roads.
.. There truly is a god, and the salmon sniffed their way back to the runs below the forest road. Just a mere 3 miles from Highway 101 there are 22# fish begging to be caught. We think it's worth another day or two.
.. The migratory fishers are already looking either north or south. Umpqua, Smith, and Gualala are on the lips of many. For now, and for us, it's still the Chetco River and the Coquille River. We won't tell if you don't.

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The 101 Connection

2009-11-25T06:04:00.008-07:00

CRUISIN' FOR CHROME

Vantage Points And Access

it's a social thing

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.. We were invited to an interesting social event along the Oregon coast. Of course we attended. The informal gatherings are pleasant, informative, and require an enormous amount of gasoline consumption.
.. The venues change periodically as the season progresses. Currently the big party is at the ELK RIVER bridge. Since Highway 101 crosses these rivers near the coast, and since the bridges are high above the water, and since the sun moves across the sky, (or so it seems,) - it's possible to anticipate the correct viewing conditions for spotting steelhead in their holding water.
.. In some instances the access from the bridge right-of-way coincides with good holding water.
.. Bridge pools along U.S. 101 are similar to bridge pools elsewhere. They are stable, predictable, and provide constrictions for aerated water and viewing for fisher folk.
.. Information is exchanged as the folks peer over the side at the fish. Where are the fish concentrated? What are they eating? Have you seen Hank's new girlfriend? Etc.
.. We enjoyed the experience. We also enjoyed the enormous prevarications, misinformation, and silly demeanor of the local guides as they did their best to protect their insight in the face of so much local "TRUTH."
.. We bypassed the Elk River and sallied down to the Chetco River. It proved to be worthwhile.
.. Time for some jelly donuts and green tea. It's the local equivalent of a healthy breakfast.

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Kibitz

2009-11-24T08:28:00.004-07:00

IT HAPPENS

Into The Fog

2009-11-23T06:18:00.002-07:00

THERE'S THIS BIG LAKE

The Trout Swim In Muddy Rivers

right past the bass

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.. A night in a motel between the Umpqua Rivers is not conducive to sleep when one is going farther south. We ignored the possibilities and pushed on.
.. Made it to the mystic river. It's full of mud - usually is - steelhead don't care.
.. They head upstream past the cranberries and the bass. They figure it out and end up in some interesting places.
.. The middle fork of the Coquille River is pretty brown and fishing is hard for those without a bit of flash in their gear - not flies, mind you.
.. We arranged a bit of sight seeing, and a visit with our local informant. Then a brief time out for food. We pause now for a piscatorial adventure. Pictures to follow - words maybe.

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No Cholera

2009-11-22T06:45:00.006-07:00

FORT BOISE TO ROSEBURG

A Few Simple Rations

fish tomorrow

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.. Fort Boise was the largest city along the old Oregon Trail. It still is! We made it across the northern Great Basin on a quart of chocolate milk and three jelly donuts.
.. No cholera was contracted, every river crossing was dry, and the natives we encountered were not hostile.
.. The high point of the trek was the Millican Store - it's for sale! It would make the perfect fly fishing emporium for sand trout.

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.. By the time we encountered Willamette Pass another quart of milk had been consumed - along with a 1/2 dozen Twinkies. The pass was an instructive experience. We'd never before seen a tractor/trailer rig on an escape ramp in 18" of snow. We would show you a picture of the strange sight but we were too busy sliding sideways to find the camera.
.. From what we could see through the fog, and the snow, and the clouds of diesel exhaust, it looks like pretty country. The stench of burning brake linings spoiled the experience though. The elk we saw reminded us of home - even if they were DOSR.
.. There does not seem to be a recession in the Oregon gasoline business. No self service here. Swarms of eager pump jockeys descend on the vehicles to put gasoline in the correct orifice. It seems that the state legislature figures that people who drive their own automobile, (not motorcycle or airplane,) are too stupid to find the correct place to shove the nozzle. Interesting in a state that does allow self-serve suicide!
.. This day will bring a journey down the mysterious Coquille River. From it's headwaters to the Pacific Ocean It should provide some beautiful scenery, and probably several more dead elk. After driving past all the renowned fisheries on the road here - this had better be good!

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'Sno Snow

2009-11-21T05:01:00.004-07:00

PLENTY OF GRAY

Sky, Water, Day

great for fishing

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.. Gentle drive across Idaho. Nothing but wind and a song to keep us company; and that's just fine.
.. The spuds are in: the Fork is fishing nicely, the hay is stacked, the sky is vast, and we'll have breakfast in about an hour - somewhere in Oregon.
.. Just for Ed - stopped to see if downtown Jerome was still the hot spot of southern Idaho. Report in 12 days.

*****

.. Click on over to ART CREEL for a special deal on limited edition prints from some of fly fishing's more renowned artists - (including Jeff Kennedy.)

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'Tweeners

2009-11-19T05:37:00.012-07:00

DA ONES IN BETWEEN

Summer Run & Winter Run

salmon, steelhead, cutthroat

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.. There's a host of less well known streams in southern coastal Oregon that provide exceptional fishing between the last of the Summer run fish and the first of the Winter run fish.
.. When local residents are asked about the catching possibilities, a response, (with just a small - nearly undetectable smirk,) is offered, that directs visitors to the Chetco, Umpqua, Rogue, and Elk rivers. They seldom mention the Coquille River.
.. We won't say much either -- BUT -- The South Fork of the Coquille River hosts a "whisper run" of interesting fish. We're inclined to be suspicious about the lack of conversation surrounding a river of this size, in this geographic setting.
.. With our interest piqued, we're off to investigate the possibility that there is still a place where neither elbows nor egos get in the way of winter fishing.
.. Prognosis HERE and HERE. And, of course there's just a bit of controversy surrounding the fishery too. After all the Coquille River System is the third largest in Oregon. We'll let you know.

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Number Two

2009-11-17T07:57:00.010-07:00

NEW AND IMPROVED

Fish Can't Read

you should

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.. The new issue of FISH CAN'T READ has hit the electrosphere. There's a fine note about fishing hoppers.
.. John Juracek lets us know about fishing hopper patterns, and the reasons for owning many of them.

MONEY QUOTE

My favorite reason to own a variety of hoppers however, is for the fun of it.

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Wild Trout Synposium

2009-11-16T10:16:00.011-07:00

BACK IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

September 28-30, 2010

call for papers

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..The Wild Trout Symposium is returning to West Yellowstone next year. A call for papers has been issued. Read about past meetings HERE. Read our early announcement HERE.

.. Here's the deal:

Call for Papers, Posters, and Award Nominations
Wild Trout X
"Conserving Wild Trout"
Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone, MT
September 28-30, 2010

The Wild Trout Symposium brings together a broad and diverse audience of governmental entities, non-profit conservation groups, media representatives, educators, anglers, fishing guides, and business interests associated with trout fisheries to exchange technical information and viewpoints on wild trout management and related public policy. Held every 3 years, each symposium has led to innovative wild trout management approaches.

Wild Trout X offers a unique forum for professionals and anglers to interact, and where participants will to be exposed to the latest wild trout science, technology and philosophies. This conference will equip participants to better manage, preserve, and restore these significant but declining resources. The symposium will focus on the needs of working-level wild trout professionals, conservationists, and trout anglers.

The Wild Trout X Program Committee is soliciting abstracts for presentations and posters. Please send brief abstracts (300 words or less) to Committee Co-chairman, Kevin Meyer no later than April 1, 2010.

Abstracts on all aspects of wild trout research, management, conservation, education, and recreation are welcome and will be considered. However, the following topics are of particular interest:

* Climate change and wild trout
* Whirling Disease 50 years later
* Resource extraction and wild trout resources
* The role of the Endangered Species Act in wild trout management
* Genetic considerations for managing wild trout
* Understanding interactions between wild trout and invasive species
* Sustaining interest in wild trout in our youth and urban citizens

Additional session topics will be added based on the papers that are submitted. Presentations will be accepted in oral or poster format, so please specify your preference and whether you would be willing to present in either format. Please note the authors who are selected for oral presentations at the symposium must submit a complete manuscript ready for Symposium Proceedings publication by August 31, 2010. Successful applicants will receive further information upon acceptance of their paper.

Abstract submission should be sent electronically to Kevin Meyer (address below) by April 1, 2010 using Word Perfect or MS Word file format. Guidelines for abstract, poster, and manuscript preparation can be found at the Wild Trout X web site: http://www.wildtroutsymposium.com

For additional information and inquiries, contact the Program Committee Co-chairs:

Kevin Meyer
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Tele: 208-465-8404
Fax: 208-465-8434
kevin.meyer@idfg.idaho.gov

Doug Besler
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Tele: 828-659-3324
Fax: 828-652-3279
doug.besler@ncwildlife.org

Nominations are also invited for the Aldo Starker Leopold Wild Trout Medal. Two medals are conferred at each symposia in memory of this distinguished naturalist: one natural resource professional and one nonprofessional who, in the eyes of their peers, have made long-time and significant contributions to the enhancement, protection, and preservation of wild trout. Please send nomination letters and a brief rationale including complete recipient contact information no later than April 1, 2010 to Wild Trout X Awards Chairman:

Jim Daley
New York Division of Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources
Tele: 518-402-8959
Email: jgdaley@gw.dec.state.ny.us

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.. Se ya in September.

The Big Sleep

2009-11-14T05:02:00.004-07:00

MADISON RIVER UNMOLESTED

fish rise to midges in steam

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..Took a quick Armistice Day trip to the enclave at Madison Junction to visit some friends & tell war stories.
.. The park is quiet. The snow has fallen. The fish are on the surface. They can tell what they are eating. We can't see a thing.
.. We'll be back here - rod in hand - in the Spring.

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.. In the meantime we're going to keep tabs on CASTING OUTLOUD.com. He's having a good time letting us know the haps. This is a wonderful 'participation board.' Check it out; there's some substance.

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Big Fish Radio

2009-11-12T09:00:00.003-07:00

100% INTERNET RADIO

Right Here In Montana !!

give it a listen

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.. Almost as good as iTunes radio & it's local. Click on over to BIG FISH RADIO.
.. It's a full service "radio" station on the Internet.
.. It's straight from Whitefish, Montana and it's loaded.
.. Just run it in the background and keep up to date on all the fine happenings in Whitefish, Montana.
.. It will add spice to the uneventful happenings in the Mt. Shasta region - eh Tom?

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-> Community page - HERE.
-> Explore music - HERE.
-> Contact & comment - HERE.

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A Little Weather

2009-11-11T06:53:00.006-07:00

THE WORM IS TURNING

Red Sky At Night - Hmmm

storm warning for about 36 hours

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.. The neighbors continue to gather up fish along the shores of Hebgan Reservoir.
.. Hot spots include: Rainbow Point, The Narrows, Madison Arm Resort, Lonesomehurst, Denny Creek: and too, Beaver Creek on Quake Lake.
.. Streamers around the snags and downfall are producing good fish. Chamois leaches are a favorite of some of the neighbors. Walk a ways and fish some and then walk some more. Midges are still good if it gets sunny in the next day or two.
.. The impending storm looks to be fairly potent, soooo - woolly long johns on top of silk undies with some very foul weather outer wear should be in the kit.

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