Journal
Explore The Journal
After years of journaling my days fly fishing the Greater Yellowstone region, I realized the value this information could bring other anglers. In the journal, I tell the story of my fishing trips and go into detail on what techniques worked for me. I detail the weather, water types, flies, and other important information that led to my success or failure. I go over what I learned from the trip and pose questions about what I left the water curious about.
Fly Tying a Green Drake (Part One)
As the snow starts to fall here in Bozeman (finally), my mindset has shifted to the vise. While I get out on the water a few times in December, I usually spend more time on the vise as I visit family and reflect on my year fly fishing in Yellowstone country. I have had a fascination the last few weeks with big mayflies. After experiencing some unbelievable drake hatches this year, I can finally
Fall Fishing Recap 2023
What a beautiful fall we had here fishing in the Greater Yellowstone Region. As I write this during Thanksgiving week, we have no snow on the ground. This time last year the rivers were frozen and I was ice fishing. When I got out last weekend it was 50 degrees and the baetis hatch was strong. Funny how different it can be year to year. While I am looking forward to snow, I’m not complaining about
A Few Things I’m Grateful For
I’m feeling blessed this evening and thought I’d share a few of the many things I am grateful for in my life as Thanksgiving approaches. I’m grateful for wild trout in cold rivers. The people who are passionate about protecting our rivers and lakes. The many fly fishermen who have taught and grown this sport. I’m grateful to live in the Greater Yellowstone Region. The old truck that gets me river to river. The
Fall Dry Fly Fishing The Madison River
The conditions lined up perfectly for fall dry fly fishing the Madison river. I envisioned writing this article talking about big fish rising behind every rock. The weather called for air temperatures in the 40s, clouds, and light rain. Exactly what you want for fall dry fly fishing the Madison river. As many of our trips so often go, it didn’t go as expected. I fell for my high expectations. Though it’s hard to
Fishing Close To Home
We all look forward to those grand fishing trips we plan each year. The long weekends, camping, and nothing but a full day of fishing on the mind. I’ve gotten used to these trips over the years. Often driving hours to fish one of the many blue-ribbon trout streams in the general area. In doing this, I drive over many trout streams that are much closer to home. Funny how we fishermen do this, drive
Summer Fishing Recap 2023
What a bittersweet time of year. It is beautiful to see the leaves changing colors and feel the brisk morning air, though it means the end of another summer fishing season here in the Greater Yellowstone Region (GYE). I realized this last weekend when wet-wading in Yellowstone. The air temperature that morning was 37 degrees. I tend to stretch the wet-wading season out as long as I can, but I was shivering by mid-morning.
The Fish That Left Me Heartbroken
I have lost many fish in my young fly fishing journey. It is part of the hobby and adds to the challenge that I love so much about this sport. If you landed every fish you hooked, it wouldn’t be as fun. Because of this, I am relatively unphased when losing a fish. While I will always feel the instant disappointment when the weight lifts from the fly line, I am quick to laugh it
Dry Fly Heaven- Fishing the Green Drake Hatch
I arrived home late Monday night still on a high from an unforgettable trip. I was sore, tired, smelly, and challenged. The truck dirty, fly boxes empty, and a few new friends to share time on the water with. As I settled down slowly unpacking the mess, I realized I spaced brushing my teeth that morning. Funny how much we sacrifice in our life just to fool some trout with a few feathers. Many may
Spring Recap 2023
What a spring it was. Inconsistent weather, spring runoff, and unpredictable hatches. Sounds like a typical spring fishing season here in Montana. That’s not to say you can’t find fantastic fishing here in the Greater Yellowstone region. There is always something fishing in the area, it just takes some thinking out of the box. From spring snow storms to the first sight of big bugs, here is a review of my spring fishing in the
Exploring Yellowstone Lake With a Fly Rod
June 3rd, 2023 Yellowstone Lake is not only the biggest lake in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) but is also the largest high-elevation lake in North America. It has an average depth of 140 feet and 141 miles of shoreline. Cold water temperatures will give you hypothermia in minutes and nasty weather is almost guaranteed. Why would I venture out on the lake in a small pontoon boat all alone? Yellowstone Lake is home to my favorite
Camping on Memorial Day Weekend
May 27 and 28th, 2023 Memorial Day and camping go hand in hand. It is also an important weekend in fly fishing as it signals the opening weekend for many of our western watersheds, including the opening of the Yellowstone National Park fishing season. I spent Saturday and Sunday camping and fishing at Hebgen Lake near the fishy town of West Yellowstone. This area is a fly fisher’s paradise. With so many legendary fisheries, fly
First Stillwater Trip of The Year
May 21, 2023 Sunday opened up and I was lucky enough to take the day to chase some trout. Some of my favorite lakes in the area are finally ice-free and fishing well, so I decided to try my luck fishing some Stillwater. Spoiler alert, it did not disappoint. I’ve grown to love fishing alone over the past few years. The solitude, freedom, and fishing on my terms is such a rewarding experience. I