Yellowstone Fly Fisher / blog

get famous

.. The secret is out. Giant Fish exist in the Snake River near Hog’s Head Island, south of Jackson, Wyoming.
.. We’re trading in our collection of trout rods for some more substantial gear and planning a safari to the nether regions of Wyoming.
.. It seems that a new guiding industry has sprung up in the region based on the possibility of catching Atlantic Salmon that lurk in the depths of this fabled river.
.. One of the more famous guides is an old Africa hand and experienced in those things that make for an excellent safari.
.. He is renowned for finding women, congenial watering holes, game of all sorts, and having a good time. It is also rumored that he once caught a cold fish.
.. We’ve already procured our safari outfit from the local outfitters and feel that we cut a fine figure of the salmon hunting genre.
.. We plan to nose around the local pubs for information about the location and methods for taking this monstrous invasive species.
.. Many people doubt that the Atlantic Salmon exists in the Snake River and believe that the sightings and captures are of it’s cousin the Kokanee Salmon, that do reside in the river.
.. A little known fact, however, is that Atlantic Salmon were, in reality, introduced into Yellowstone Lake in the early 1900’s.
.. Most trout fishers and biologists poo-poo the thought that the fish could have gotten out of Yellowstone Lake and survived in the Snake River.
.. On the other hand, a small cult of fishers has been spawned and they are currently stalking the river banks and the shadowed coves in an attempt to capture this elusive prize.
.. When the capture happens, you’ll have to take our word for it, because we believe in strict ‘catch and release’ of all salmonids; invasive or not.
.. On very rare occasions the veracity of our reports has been questioned. However, in this instance, independent confirmation is a precursor to our report. Read all about it in the Planet Jackson Hole Online article HERE.

FISH ON!

Click On Over
of gear whores and crystal balls

.. Pete over at FISHING JONES has revamped the blog again. Apparently not receiving the support he anticipated from his ISP. It’s been just about a year since we noticed the other change in format.
.. As blogs come and go, (and sometimes come again,) Fishing Jones has provided a constant source of entertainment and information. We wish Pete better luck with his new ISP. If you’d like to see some fine photos — check his Flickr Photostream.

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.. Tom over at the TROUT UNDERGROUND has taken the time to pen a note about his gear whore policy and glance into his crystal ball about the future of fly fishing media.
.. From the early days to the present this blog has also been a source of insight and delight. The transformation to commercial blog has not dampened the wit or wisdom.

.. Tom sees the ‘plain ol’ blog’ as a dead end and views the future of blogs as traffic magnets for larger entities. Guess we’ll have to fold our tent.
.. We, prompted by his post, take this opportunity to announce our very own gear whore / advertising policy:
1} send lots of money, you will not be acknowledged,
2} send lots of gear, we’ll keep it and you will not be acknowledged,
3} send lots of requests for ad space, you’ll join our spam file,
4} send requests for link exchanges, you got it figured out by now?
.. As we fade into oblivion we leave you with this sage insight:

.. As Tom would say: “See you in the welfare line.”

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A Sight For Sore Souls
( wallpaper edition - 2272 x 1704 )——-

but it will disappear
brief fishing report(1458×1600)

.. Just as we were beginning to feel the claustrophobic crunch of a gentle winter, the temperature spiked. Forty-seven degrees above zero is not a record for the first of March; but it’s a welcome surprise.
.. The neighbors have taken the opportunity to go shopping at the few stores that are still open.
.. It’s nice when the visitors thin out for the thaw. There are places to park. The sidewalks begin to clear. The fashion statements sprout like weeds, and everyone takes the opportunity to show off their “tanning-bed tans.”
.. We snapped a few pictures on the way out of town. The empty streets are a sight the neighbors love and the Chamber of Commerce despises.
.. Puddles bring hope and optimism. Spring in the high country is not so much the weather as an attitude.
.. We know there will be more snow. We know that there will be more rain and sleet.
.. We know that the thermometer will still see some silly temperatures. But we also know that our behavior is about to change. The neighbors have a saying: “If it aint spring, it ought’ta be!”
.. The work of cleaning up the town will take about 6 weeks. It’s a spring ritual.
.. The ignorant folks, (visitors and neighbors alike,) believe that if the snow covers it — it’s gone.
.. What is “IT ?” Beer cans, cigarette butts, old newspapers, maps, mittens, gloves, cell phones, etc., etc. This is the price we pay for inviting people to our town. This is the price we pay for ignoring stupidity, gross negligence, and visitation inconsideration. We endure because it’s spring — or ought’ta be.
.. As the snow matures to slush, and the sun returns from it’s vacation, a few of the neighbors are already doing “Summer Things.”
.. Saddle up the horses, (those that stay here.) Get the convertible out of the garage, (if you have one.) Find the shorts, (or buy some new ones.) Go fishing, (or pay the piper when the snows return.)
.. We went fishing. There’s a friendly gas station that sells licenses - we got ours. The day was glorious. There was just a gentle intermittent breeze and the sun was blindingly reflected off the fresh snow.
.. The ice fishers on Hebgen Lake are still dragging in large trout and whitefish. Trout to 23″ on worm bits or maggots are the norm. Bigger whitefish are also taken on the same — or with a meal worm.
.. We got to the first bend in the Madison River below the dam about 3:00 PM. It was dead still and, surprise of all surprises, we were the only ones there.
.. The snow flies were already in the air and in our grill. There was time to chat with the dam keeper, and get an update on the head gate monitoring program.
.. We donned our summer togs, (there are June days colder than 47 degrees,) and made new postholes in the well worn trail.
.. We rigged up with a floating Feather Duster (size 16,) and a ragged Yellowstone Badger (size 12,) for the subsurface takers.
.. We never bothered to use any other flies. The new redds are still visible and we fished from the shore, or very shallow water. The fish were eager and took both flies willingly. Pray for sun!
.. We note that the Montana Department of Transportation has their signs up with the “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers” message.
.. Thanks go to Butch and Jake for their heroic efforts in getting these signs up for this year’s visitors.
.. That’s gotta be a thankless task in a winter storm.

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