First off, Happy New Year from West Yellowstone, Montana. The past 12 months was filled with wonderful memories on and off the river. Thanks to those of you who diligently return to fish with Big Sky Anglers each season, and to those first timers who trust in our...
Down, but not out….
We are five days into 2013 and I have been so busy, that not enough time has been spared to write much at all. After recording nine straight of 10-12 hour days guiding in YNP, I contracted the bug. When the touristas arrive to view Yellowstone in all it's splendor,...
YNP
YNP is has been open for almost a week. However, those which live with in the Park's bounds, never knew it was closed. The wolf below, infected with mange, has been cruising the roads from Mid Way Geyser Basin all the way north past Gibbon Falls. With any luck, it...
It’s $#*@# Cold!
We hit the sack last night around 10:30pm. Beforehand, I slipped out to the front porch to grab a few more logs for the fiery beast which warms our little cabin. It was cold. Yes, it's always cold here in West Yellowstone, but this was different. This cold hadn't...
BC Steel
A little more Monday morning madness. I have watched this three times already. Another good friend of mine, Justin Spence, (in the red jacket) just got back from a BC steelhead trip. The day they were supposed to fly out for the USA, their plane was delayed because of...
New York Steel
Jin Park (above) fishes a lot. More so than most folks I know and I'm a fishing guide. Jin is not a fishing guide, but somehow manages to squeeze in mass amounts of time on rivers throughout the country. Jin & Co. come out to fish with Greg and I on the...
The doors are almost open
Yellowstone's Winter Season, over the snow, begins tomorrow. We traveled in this morning, guides only, for a day with YNP personnel and a trip to Old Faithful. This day provides us with the opportunity to break in new drivers, for the rules to be laid out once...
Freestone flyrods
Some of you were able to fish Freestone flyrods this past season while on guided trips with Big Sky Anglers. A few folks pulled the trigger, others are still on the fence. Currently, I have the 905 and 906 graphite models and there is a slight chance of getting a 907...
That new boat smell…….
....is coming to my house in 2013. No photos just yet. Some of you are pondering, those who have been in my Ro Deville, "why get a new boat, I like fishing from the Deville?". Yes, I thought the same, but since the accountant is telling me to put some money back...
Winter Fly Fishing in SW MT
Winter is back in Montana for the next 5-7 months. Most of the locals are the hill in BS for another powder day.......West Yellowstone narrowly missed getting pounded with the snow. Shit, we needed it. While November can feel like Winter, there is not one...
time not spent fishing
At this point in the year, I have not caught a fish since late October. No complaints here, however I did feel the urge this morning. Throughout the fishing season, Molly and I don't get much time to hang out. Sure, we see each other most nights (except for road...
Upland days
Leaving West Yellowstone before first light allows us to arrive in camp by dark. The days are short, getting shorter by the day - it's damn near impossible to drive six hundred plus miles and arrive with light in the sky. Big Karl and his Father had been there for...
In Praise of………
............a great river and nasty weather which provides solid angling in late October. Thirty five some odd miles of trout stream with spectacular scenery and minimal pressure. Gritty folks who enjoy the elements of snow and wind - cold temps, which push most...
Snow on the Mo’
The day started out a bit sunny with little to no clouds. Sometime around 11am, the clouds trickled in and then just down stream of the Prickly Pear, snow began to fall. At times it was a little Western out there on the river with the north wind blowing icy crystals...
Headed North
The weather in the photo above is on it's way out. As I sit here in West Yellowstone, the clouds are hanging low with moisture not too far away. In a hour, my rig is heading north, back to the Missouri for a few days of guiding and with any luck a little fishing of...
Back and forth
A few days on the Missouri, a few on the Madison and back again to the Mo'. The commute from West Yellowstone is beautiful and a boat ride on one of greatest rivers in world is not to be missed during Fall. It's October and while most local anglers are hanging...
Brrrrr……now it’s Fall
Smoke has been billowing out of our chimney the past two mornings, as the first dose of cold weather is upon us. Ten degrees yesterday morning and twelve degrees right now at 7:15 am. A mound of fire wood (we need more) is sitting out the front door waiting to be...
October is near…..
One month down and two more to go. Where did September go? Probably the same place that June, July and August went - right down the river. Bob (above) and his crew came out for a late September Montana fishing trip. We fished the Madison within YNP, the Madison...
Madison River Report – YNP – 09.25.2012
Making my way down Barnes Hole #1 this afternoon was worth the time spent. I have a few days off and then a run of trips, so I figured some R & D was not only good for me, but for the days to come as well. Walking the Madison in YNP is pretty nostalgic. Having...
Fall….three months is not enough
It's September, one of three months I can't live without. Ivan the Slayer and myself have been out chasing elk the past fours mornings. Elk are, by far, the hardest quarry to nail down during archery season. Both of us have drawn back an arrow this week only to be...