A Friendly Stream For Summer

TAKE A WALK

Take Bear Spray

take humpies and ants and beetles
AND HOPPERS

SUCH A FRIENDLY LITTLE RIVER

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.. 'Tis the Nez Perce season. For the next three weeks, (and more,) Nez Perce Creek will fish as good as it ever does. Rain or shine, hot or cold, morning-noon-night, this is the neighbor's choice destination, (among two or three others.)

Confluence With Firehole River

.. The persistent hot weather may or may not give us a few more mornings and evenings on the Firehole River but the cognoscenti will be migrating to other waters. It's an annual ritual.
.. The Firehole River will fish well above the Kepler Cascades for the rest of the summer.
.. The Firehole River will fish well for about 300 yards below it's confluence with Nez Perce Creek for another 2-3 weeks. But Nez Perce Creek will do well for as long as you care to take the time to walk it's banks.

Not Much Of A Bridge

.. Heading upstream on Nez Perce Creek, the broken meadows and decaying geyserite aprons of the first meadow occupy about 2 1/3 miles of exquisite water.
.. Runs and riffles, pools and glides, and undercut banks. This is the most heavily fished stretch of this stream.
.. Use caution and avoid the thermal features in this region. You will see the decaying skeletons of animals that ventured too close and became DEAD! Don't let it happen to you.

Stay Away

.. Another 2 1/2 miles, (or so,) finds the creek constricted into a canyon, of sorts. This section is referred to as "The Narrows" by our neighbors. This section represents the maximum distance that is comfortably fishable in a day.
.. The narrows have the same sort of water as the first meadow but the fish are feistier and a bit more gullible. Local legend reports that the fish can be, in fact, a bit bigger in this section, (we can't verify it.)
.. Last Meadow extends to the foot of Mary Mountain. It's about an 8 mile grunt, (one way,) and is infrequently fished.

.. The fish here are just the most sociable of all the trout in the park. They will dance with anyone and eat anything. Forty years ago we would tie small twigs and bits of pine needles to hooks and catch them - ahhh, youth!

Lots of fine water if you walk a bit

click on image for detailed view

.. Most fishers seek one of two destinations for prime fishing on Nez Perce Creek.
==> Destination #1 is the glassy waters at the junction of the narrows and first meadow. (Hint: deep channels on the downstream end of islands.) 
==> Destination #2 is the similar water at the upstream end of the narrows. (Hint: downstream from the "restoration" sweepers.)
.. But, there are fish along the whole stretch and if a spot strikes your fancy - fling some!
.. The hopper nymphs are in their second molt now. Soon the lush meadows will lose their emerald green and change to a rich golden color.
.. It's not too early to think of hoppers. And it's not too early to take some ants and beetles. For most purposes on the surface a Humpy of this or that color will do fine.

THE DAY

Drakes On The Fork

HENRY'S THAT IS !

'Nuff Said

I wanna...

340 undecillion

THAT'S A BIG NUMBER

So What?

we're all involved

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.. Just so you know that your cell phone will still ring on the Firehole River; the implementation of IPv6 is underway. Soon your new $1,900.00 composite fly rod will have it's own address. So too will your favorite fishing location. Nothing is sacred.

***

 -- NEW YORK (CNN Money) -- One of the crucial mechanisms powering the Internet got a giant, years-in-the-making overhaul on Wednesday. When we say "giant," we're not kidding. Silly-sounding huge number alert: The Internet's address book grew from "just" 4.3 billion unique addresses to 340 undecillion (that's 340 trillion trillion trillion). That's a growth factor of 79 octillion (billion billion billion).

-- If it all goes right, you won't notice a thing. And that's the point. The Internet is running out of addresses, and if nothing were done, you certainly would notice. New devices simply wouldn't be able to connect. To prevent that from happening, the Internet Society, a global standards-setting organization with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland; and Reston, Va., has been working for years to launch a new Internet Protocol (IP) standard called IPv6. IP is a global communications standard used for linking connected devices together. Every networked device -- your PC, smartphone, laptop, tablet and other gizmos -- needs a unique IP address.

-- With IPv6, there are now enough IP combinations for everyone in the world to have a billion billion IP addresses for every second of their life. That sounds unimaginably vast, but it's necessary, because the number of connected devices is exploding.
-- By 2016, Cisco (CSCO, Fortune 500) predicts there will be three networked devices per person on earth. We're not just talking about your smartphone and tablet; your washing machine, wristwatch and car will be connected too. Each of those connected things needs an IP address. Then there's all the items that won't necessarily connect to the Internet themselves, but will be communicating with other wired gadgets.
-- Developers are putting chips into eyeglasses, clothes and pill bottles. Each one of those items needs an IP address as well. The current IP standard, IPv4, was structured like this: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx, with each "xxx" able to go from 0 to 255. IPv6 expands that so each "x" can be a 0 through 9 or "a" through "f," and it's structured like this: xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx. (Yes, there was an IPv5, but it was a streaming multimedia standard developed in the late 1970s that never really caught on). The changeover is akin to when the U.S. telephone system handled soaring growth by increasing the digits in each telephone number -- except for one crucial difference.

-- While the entire telephone system was upgraded in the 1990s, the Internet will be upgraded gradually. IPv4 will continue to exist alongside IPv6 for quite some time, just as digital and analog TV were broadcast side-by-side for years. Though most of the major Internet players will be IPv6 compliant going forward, many routers, devices and operating systems won't be. For instance, Microsoft (MSFT, Fortune 500) Windows XP, the world's most-used PC operating system, is not IPv6-compliant. Just 1% of end users are expected to now be reaching websites using the IPv6 standard. The Internet Society expects that to gradually grow as users update their software and hardware. Most of the major websites and networks are already participating.
-- More than 2,000 websites, including Google (GOOG, Fortune 500), Facebook (FB), Bing, Yahoo (YHOO, Fortune 500), AOL (AOL) and Netflix (NFLX), as well as a number of network operators such as AT&T (T, Fortune 500), Verizon (VZ, Fortune 500), Comcast (CMCSA) and Time Warner Cable (TWC, Fortune 500), have begun enabling IPv6. But they'll all need to continue to support IPv4 until the entire world upgrades. That will take years.
-- There have been some grumblings about cyberattackers getting ready to pounce on Wednesday, taking advantage of potential holes in a new technology. But a year ago, on June 8, 2011, all those participating networks and sites turned on IPv6 for a day-long test run without a hitch. They reverted to IPv4 the next day. This time, the change is permanent. It'll be a slow transition, but it's a crucial one that will support the Internet's current rate of expansion far into the future.

-- First Published: June 6, 2012: 5:13 AM ET

P.S. Learn to say "BIG BUGS" "HENRY'S FORK" "NOT TOO SECRET"

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Time To Fish? Time To Catch!

ENJOY THE MORNING

Learn To Saunter

explore some tributaries

AFTER 7:00 PM WOULD BE BETTER

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Stiff Hackle

.. It's about time for the Firehole River to enter it's "TOOHOTTOFISH" phase.
.. We take this opportunity to remind you that the fish are still in the water. They don't plunk down under a tree and wait out the mid-day heat in the shade.
.. They find the shade under the banks. They move around with the sun and shade and the temperature. They find the spring holes in the river. They know where the cooler tributaries are, (or they soon learn.)

Little Mite

.. Morning is a perfect time to tickle a fish or two.
.. Grandma would always say: "Fish where the fish are." Wise woman, eh? For the time being most action will be subsurface and with the ever-present soft hackle, (or stiff hackle.)
.. The neighbors are now using a bit of nothing called "The Little Mite," or another silly creation called "The Little Wing." (LINK)

.. Of course they are fishing Nez Perce Creek, Iron Spring Creek, and the Little Firehole River.

Little Wing

.. Some have even headed up to the Gallatin River despite sage advice to the contrary from seasonal clerks at the feather merchants' counters.
.. Just so you know: some of the second molt hoppers are turning colors and there are reports of a few with wings near Black Butte, (some near Indian Creek too.)
..So, spend some time with your terrestrial fly box. Quickly now, get the hottest new imitations from your favorite retailer.
.. Gather up the Stupifindeously Majesticas imitations and you can give your colleagues fits. After all, the clerk said that they were the latest thing.

.. OR: big ratty caddis imitations, a few foam beetles, and some ants should do the trick.
.. We're still using the fly we got from a visitor from Hawaii. He called it "The Crinkled Leg Ant." It's a bit on the small side for our eyes - but it works.
.. Surprisingly, against all sane and rational fishing behavior we still enjoy the sights and sounds of Yellowstone National Park.
.. We pause frequently and take side trips to view the geyser basins, lush meadows, secluded tributaries, and other places in the park. Sometimes we do it without a rod or camera. But never without bear spray!
.. Enjoy the sights!

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pans on glass

Hey.
Slow down, speedracer. That is not one of those hot-shot rocket-launchers you kids throw these days. Understand? Take your time. There is no reason to rush things. The power comes through grace, my boy.

-Alex who occasionally likes it wiggly.

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

You Only Need Four Flies

be here now

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.. Sometimes everything is just perfect. For the Firehole River that time is now. The rapid discharge has subsided and some sun punctuates the beautifully monotonous gray days. The bugs and the fish are in sync, and all is well with the world.
.. At this very instant, and for the next few days, the Firehole River is adding more chapters to it's fishing legend. The BWO & PMD hatches are overlapping. The caddis, (at least three sorts,) are regular and persistent and growing more numerous by the day.
.. The water temperature is perfect, (but a mite hot during mid-day.) The fish are just where they are supposed to be - AND - yet, are not too terribly selective - they're getting that way though.
.. Fry are now beginning to move into the river from their shallow water hides. They just think that mom and dad are their friends.
.. Clarity of the water is suitable for postcards in tourist shops. Fish of all sizes are fair game for the birds, fishers, otters, and other fish. The feeding frenzy is well underway.
.. There are spinner falls for the morning, early hatches during mid day, late hatches in the afternoon, and twilight hatches for those that like the calm gentle evenings after the thundershowers. What more could you ask? Caddis all day? You got it!
.. Flies for the Firehole River are simple, the rest is up to you. PMD dry flies in size 16 - 18 will be necessary. BWO, (still hanging around,) drys in 18 - 20. Dark caddis in sizes 14 - 16, (and 18 - 20,) & light caddis in 12 - 14. Right now these four flies will give you all the surface action that you can handle.
.. Very soon the fish will wise up. Very soon the fishing will consume more time than the catching. Very soon a different chapter will be written. But for now, and this coming week, the glories of catching Firehole River trout will be easily accessible.
.. Even now, on the other hand, no sloppy drifts will be tolerated. Even now splashy casts will put the fish down. Even now, (as the water clears,) a heavy leader will spook a few.
.. There is opportunity for the technical fisher to test new flies. Emergers, spinners, cripples, hooligans, and such, from the winter's bench can be tried. Hatch and stage matching can be employed. All things good that the Firehole River has to offer are available now.

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.. We lied. You may need three additional flies should you choose to seek the giant submarines of the Firehole River.
.. Of course the ubiquitous soft hackle, (a flymph - if you choose,) will poke 'em in the nose. We need say no more.
.. Whisper it loudly, it's common knowledge right now: there are BIG BUGS in the canyon - but not too many any more.
.. Also, the high water of last week sent some of them as far down as 9-mile hole on the Madison River. Pick your favorite, (about 1 1/4" long; black or yellow,) and go for it.
.. Then too, for the contrarians amongst you all; a fry sized streamer or giant soft hackle will bring subsurface action of fable.
.. But for now the gentle glides, dancing riffles, dainty slicks, and beautiful pockets are the surface fishers paradise. Get here now, it won't last long.
.. And, finally, it's important to note that the caddis activity on the Madison River is just nuts! Can you say "WHITE MILLER?" Mornings and evenings these things have been fluttering everywhere. But then, again, you wouldn't want to avoid the party on the Firehole River.

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Wallpaper if you choose.

handoff

Shit happens when you rock a frog shirtless at the 'Vaca.

-Alex who got a buncha tan on one side of his hairy back and not the other and thinks the sun should pay more attention to what it's doing next time, geez.

Finished.

You say I might be cocky for getting the FGFF logo tattooed on me, I would agree. for years I had the outline done and never did shit with it but add stuff around it.

My dog is licking the floor right now, she is not too smart.

Jamie decided that I have to get it finished, so she sat me down for 3 hours and drilled color into my skin. It was well worth it.


One of my favorite methods of fishing saltwater is dropping jigs straight down off a boat. I don't know what it is about taking a 4 oz jig, dropping it down between 500 and 1000 feet, jigging it as we drift, and hoping for one of those big blue lipped bastards know as the ling cod that I love so much, but I just cant get enough of it.

 After  looking over other ling cod, rock cod, and sea bass jigs, I came up with my own, I painted the head, used some EP fibers, rubber legs,  and deer hair, to make this ugly fella. The colors will work, I hope.

It's The Little Things

TRIBS YOU STEP OVER

They Do Hold Fish

just ask mom

..

.. Yes this is Yellowstone. Yes this is right next to the road. Yes you've probably stepped over it.

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Briefly

WATERS HIGH

But Not Too High

fishers sleeping in

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.. The annual run off in Yellowstone National Park has been a smidgen gentle this Spring. On the other hand, for a change, the Firehole River, (after an early scare,) has enjoyed cooling melt water and has maintained a bank-full puddle so far.
.. There have been the standard batch of hatches; some fairly dense. So, what's the point? There has been a consistently dense spinner fall. And, it seems that, for the fly folks,  the early morning is better suited to a second third cup of coffee rather than the catching of fish. So be it. Get on the water by 11:00 AM and enjoy the congenial gatherings of tour buses, other fishers, elk lovers, bison lovers, tree gawkers, and various sundry other visiting mobs in Yellowstone.

.. Or, hit the water at first light, catch a couple of dozen fish by 8:00 AM, have a monster brunch, a brief nap, and return to the water by 1:30 PM to enjoy the salubrious weather and gentle road traffic. Your choice.
.. The Madison River is enjoying consistent salmonfly action. This, coupled with a bit of streamer fishing, and the highly successful soft hackle swinging is drawing the neighbors to the holes of old. Not too much visitation, yet, from the pink and yellow shirt crowd.

.. We sauntered north over the weekend. Obsidian Creek and Indian Creek are high and clear. Fish right by the bridge at the Indian Creek Campground. Catch as many Brook Trout as you care to.
.. The Gibbon River in the big meadows is at bank, and has picked up just a hint of color,) - and the bank is just plain pudding.
.. If you choose to fish here be careful on two counts: 1) soggy soil transmits vibrations very well, 2) be sure you know where the edge is. Small streamers will do the trick. A double drowned caddis will also work.
.. Down canyon on the Gibbon River you will have to look for protected water, and gentle feeding lanes. There is a bit more color, the discharge is up, and the fish are being very picky about where they are hanging out. On the other hand they are not picky at all about what they are eating.

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4 hours of driving

4 hours of driving, 3 hour of fishing, 1 fish to show for

.Well at least I wasn't working.

Worth the drive and slow fishing to catch just 1 koi.

Blew up the bathroom as soon as I got home

Snow Gone, Rain Coming

A SEASONAL THING

June Is The Wet Month

sporadic fishing = sporadic catching

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.. The west side rivers are now at their average seasonal discharge rates. They are cool and clearing. There will be afternoon thundershowers all week. How usual - for June.
.. A bit of rain never hurt the catching. A bit of lightning can grab that $700.00 whip in your hand and blow holes in your socks. Be bear aware and be lightning aware.
.. Although the sage advice from the experts blames the spotty nature of catching on the current water conditions, it's as much due to the avoidance of inclement weather by fishers as it is the water.

.. Some notes to get you started:
- Firehole River = PMD's in the morning, Caddis after the thunder storms in the sunny afternoons: BWO's starting and Stoneflies in the canyon.
- Madison River = Woolly Buggers under the banks, stonefly nymphs in the riffles,
- Nez Perce Creek = walk the Mary Mountain Trail and enjoy the scenery. Nymphs in the tail-outs, surface attractors in the smooth glides and pillows, carry bear spray,
- Gibbon River, (small  meadows,) = any thing that floats in a size 14 - 18. Any thing that sinks in a size 10 - 16. Below the falls = small stoneflies and big nymphs.
- Specimen Creek = Elk Hair Caddis on top, Shop Vac down below.
.. There are still some fine fish to be caught in Solfaterra Creek. It's worth the walk and the kids in campers.
.. By the way: the sinuous waters of the Madison River, around Bakers Hole, that weave into and out of the park are providing serious catching opportunities. Be sure that you have both a Montana fishing license and a Yellowstone Park permit in this productive water. Try something big and wiggly too.

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