Was treated to a calm day on the Madison Friday which, given the changing weather patterns and significant winds that often accompany them, was a very pleasant change of pace. The midge hatch was strong throughout the day and while we did find an occasional riser, the bright sun seemed to keep most surface action [...]
Spent yesterday at Nelson's Spring Creek in paradise valley. Was a vivid reminder of why so many of us have become fans of early season fishing. With off season rates in place, my angler's rod fee was just $40 and we had the entire creek to ourselves. And because its March, we found the creek [...]
Perfect conditions today. Warm, overcast and CALM. Midges were pumping out of the river and the fish were on them. Perhaps it's just been a long winter but I swear each season that March produces some of the best dry fly fishing of the year. My old standby, the H&L Variant, fit the bill. Though [...]
Have had some fantastic midge fishing in the past few days on the lower Madison and Yellowstone. The hatches have been strong in both sun and clouds....the trick has been getting out of the wind. Today on the Madison was a perfect example - when the wind was down in late morning we found rising [...]
Though there is still snow on ground and in the forecast, winter is slowly but surely losing its grip. The days are longer and average temps are warming. Rivers that were choked with ice just two weeks ago have opened up. Though our winter fishing is generally good, it seems there is more energy out [...]
30 below this morning in town - perfect weather for tying and thinking of warmer days that should arrive at some point within the next 6 months. Working on Spruce Moths today...a pattern that has become a summer staple on many of our local waters. This particular version is easy to tie and has proven [...]
After some springlike weather in the past few weeks we were starting to wonder if winter was over.... Currently temps are -3f at Bridger Bowl and they've had 17" of new snow in the past day and a half. We have probably had a good 8" in town. Unlike the problems this weather has created [...]
Entering its 31st year on the water, the Pequod was in need of some serious repair during her annual winter refurbishing. Aside from a new bottom, we replaced the portside gunnel that had rotted out. With some paint and varnish and a bit of glue and duct tape, the trusty vessel should be ready for [...]
Last day of Christmas break...we've exhausted all reasonable activities and the temp is below zero outside. Time for fly tying lessons. Though Charlie is just 4 he learned some of the critical steps in creating black marabou jigs which can be lethal on local lakes in May and June. Hope that he'll be tying hoppers [...]
