Crimson Red Sports

The big news at Yellowstone Park is WILDFIRES.  They surround the park, and several developed within it this week.  

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/thumbnail_IMG_2597_zpsvacj3hvt.jpg)

Much of the park is smoky.  But help came today.  I was fishing on Hebgen Lake, and the tanker planes chose it for water pickups.  They came in right over me.  VERY LOUD!!

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/thumbnail_IMG_2601_zps1vljbihe.jpg)

Caught 2 very big trout (one brown trout; one rainbow).

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Hebgen%20Lake%206-12%20%202.MP4_000220739_zpsnoolrcpa.jpg)

Better day fishing today.  The big tanker planes that thundered overhead yesterday were repacled by 2 smallish planes that were much more quiet.

Caught one brown trout, 6 rainbows, and 2 mountain whitefish.  Good day.  One of the bows was 22", very large for me!  I hooked another biggie, but it got into the grassbeds and tangled me, then got off.  All I caught on that one was salad.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Hebgen%20Lake%206-11%204.MP4_000092108_zpsokrgdhv0.jpg)

BTW, I'm fishing in a float tube, sorta like this.  I'm not as attractive as the lady in this pic, but I'm looking good enough for me!  I'm sitting in the water to fish, and using fins to paddle around.  It gets old, especially when the coffee runs it course!  :unsure:

(http://netdna.coolthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/tubular-float-tube-2.jpg)

Is it all catch and release, or do you eat some of them? Great Pics!

You are talking about the fish, right?  :lol2:

Great pics! Nice catch, Chech. The fish look good too.

 :lol:

It's legal to keep fish from Hebgen Lake, but I'm not keeping (or eating) any.

Maybe I shouldn't address the other issue!  :-X

One interesting note.  Back in May when NALT, 2, and I fished along the Gulf coast, there was a heron (Fred) who kept trying to get a free fish.  Well, Hebgen has a white pelican that flies over whenever you hook a fish and aggressively tries to eat it (while still hooked).  I managed to chase it away each time, but others told me it ate their fish and flies.
 :(

Apparently not rare!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep_e08lLzq0

Fred's cousin?

Fred's a rank amateur, that's for sure.  :lol2:

it happens down here a lot , this one had me on the floor of the boat trying to take a trout  for lunch  :lol2:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/FISHFINDER/reggieandthebanditt018.jpg)

 #+, man those are beautiful pics. I hear people say a lot of times how they don't know about God shoot just look at these pics and see the handiwork of beauty. Thanks so much Chechem for sharing. Be safe out there all of you. RTR!

Man, that is Gorgeous country, isn't it?

We were out there a few years ago and plan to go back.

It is beautiful indeed.  But the wildfires seem to be getting worse.  I watched the firefighting efforts yesterday from the lake.  Gone are the tanker planes, and yesterday a single helicopter with a bucket did the water hauling.

(http://media.emergencymgmt.com/images/770*1000/shutterstock_304950008.jpg)
web pic

Chech, I sure hope they can get that fire contained, but it doesn't look good if they've gone from 2 tanker planes to 1 helicopter with a bucket.

 :(

http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-montana-closes-yellowstone-river-after-thousands-of-fish-die-2016-8

 :o Time to change plans, Chech. Maybe drive to Belize?  :dunno:

I heard about that.  No problem, because that's outside the park and I've been fishing the Madison River and Lamar River.  Now if they close the Madison, ...  >:( >:( >:(

Finally took a trip across the park (90 miles) yesterday to the Lamar Valley to catch Cutthroat Trout.  They're native to this region (unlike rainbow and brown trout).  Beautiful area and fun fishing.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0578.MP4_000107709%20best_zpstrtepdgz.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0576.MP4_000122214%20best_zps6t5d7dmt.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Lamar1_zpswer2yxrh.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Lamar5_zps9xnt9nzx.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Lamar2_zps1q8djhoc.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Lamar5_zps9xnt9nzx.jpg)

That's not ole stinky net is it?  :lol2:

No.  But it's with me, and it left the stink in Pensacola!  No longer smelly.  :dunno:

A very good day on Hebgen Lake yesterday.  I caught 20 trout, including a biggie Brown Trout (biggest yet: 23").

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/8-20b_zpssrftyyal.jpg)
The BIG brown trout.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/8-20a_zpssivqvdje.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/8-20d_zps7zryna1o.jpg)

LOTS of rainbow trout:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0579.MP4_000161831%20best_zpsxgioctcn.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/8-20e_zpsn0skbxqe.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0586.MP4_000071642%20Best_zpsbud13fvk.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0585.MP4_000095736%20best_zps5d2i7cea.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0579.MP4_000160851%20best_zps0ckyxpei.jpg)

BTW, the fires continue along the lake.  They're actually in the mountains of the western part of YNP.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/hebgen%20fires_zpsbn6cbhgh.jpg)

Wow, big day, Chech! Nice haul and great pics. Those fires look closer.

Gosh I know fires help clear out under growth that chokes but I hate to see so much damage to so much of the land. Thanks to you Chechem. RTR!

It's isn't much closer, but it's now HUGE.

 :(

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and a slimy Mountain Whitefish were among the cooperative fishies on Sunday.  Another good day.
The wildfires continue.  It's been windy with gusts to 25k every afternoon.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/48cd8c8d-78a7-4ffe-8564-e578512cf534_zpsddolrkbu.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0589.MP4_000063137%20best_zpsxrwswndf.jpg)
See the smoke in the background?

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0590.MP4_000076514%20whitey_zpszmof92tw.jpg)
Not a shark; just a fat whitefish.  Ugh!

More good pics!  #+

Thanks Chechem. Mrs Dottie and I enjoyed the pics but that smoke looks awfully close. She like I was wondering what happens if it gets down near the water does it affect your fishing because of rubbish or smoke or anything? RTR!

It is actually about 6-7 miles from the lake, and up in the mountains.  I wonder too if it hurts the fishing, because this time of year there isn't much oxygen in the air, and the smoke certainly doesn't help (most of the oxygen comes from the air, and about 20% from plants underwater).  The folks who normally fight fires are allowing it to burn, mostly because they are busy with more threatening fires elsewhere.

BTW, I saw a moose in a marshy area near the lake today!!  Cool.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Moose_983_LAB.jpg)
web pic

Wow that is a super pic. It looks like a big one. I wonder if it is an old Moose or young one? RTR!

I talked to a writer last night, Rachel Monroe, who is writing an article about the smokejumpers.  It's to be printed this fall in Oxford American.  Those guys are heroes for sure!  BTW, the fire I've been watching is the "Maple Fire".  It may eventually close the west entrance to YNP.  In related news, the YNP South Entrance is closed due to a fire in Grand Tetons NP.

Lots of fish again yesterday.  Here are a few of the best ones (all Rainbow Trout):

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/2dfbde57-84b7-4dc8-94d2-ffe65fbce4ab_zpsudqyatbt.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/c526e8fa-06b8-415e-af54-afb821b13d6b_zpsma3mz4bh.jpg)
This one was caught at daybreak.  It got windy by late morning yesterday, so I spent the afternoon watching moose, bison, and elk bulls.

You got pics, right?

Really sad about the fires. I hope they can get them under control soon. I guess some campers in those areas didn't get their Smokey the Bear hugs.  :(

The Maple Fire inside the park is huge now.  After fishing Hebgen Lake yesterday morning, and catching a bunch of Rainbow Trout, I decided to dribe 80 miles to the Lamar Valley to catch some Cutthroat Trout.  The smoke was there too, but the fish were biting.  

I stayed at the Lamar River until sunset, and watched a herd of bison approach.  Just at sunset they walked along the river bank, on the opposite side from me.  It was a long drive back to West Yellowstone, so I got there late; at 10PM.  Here are pics of the day:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0596.MP4_000142592%20best_zpstj1q0tvv.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0593.MP4_000147104%20best_zpsnrpkbao5.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0595.MP4_000068461%20best_zpsixellcel.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0597.MP4_000211217%20best_zpsin99gdgf.jpg)
Whopper Cutthroat.  See the smoke in the background?

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0598.MP4_000166743%20best_zpsgbno4xur.jpg)
I tried to get fancy.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0601.MP4_000012810%20best_zpsgpjbfiom.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0602.MP4_000105267%20best_zps1axojrxi.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0603.MP4_000266597%20best_zps2ljmwaio.jpg)

Another nice haul, Chech! Boy, that smoke looked pretty thick in some of those pics.  :o

Yep, it's always here.  It's especially thick during mornings; the cool air seems to make it hug the ground/lake.

Yesterday at Hebgen lake I watched a pair of Bald Eagles soar over the lake with their 2 young.  They stayed for an hour, and once one landed along the shore to eat a fish (not one of mine  :lol2: ).

Caught 13 fish yesterday, including 8 Rainbows, 2 Brown Trout, and 3 Mountain Whitefish (a weird fish to be sure!).

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/5f4bf94d-8b00-4361-87d3-8025fc1e069b_zpsdzsqkrco.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/1e9f4fbf-0e21-4909-8c80-3f59d1b148c5_zpss4mc3o1y.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/8fda45da-62ee-4371-8759-1f9b7d70053b_zps4rnfsfam.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0610.MP4_000218557%20whitey_zpslhty5syz.jpg)
I don't even allow those slimy whitefish into the boat!!   :lol2: :lol2:

 :wave: :wave:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0610.MP4_000218557%20whitey_zpslhty5syz.jpg)

Now that's what I call waders!  :lol2:

Yeah, the oars are great for getting around the lake, but flippers are needed for maneuvering around the chosen spots.

Of course, YOU knew that.   :-*

That's just me smoking Usain Bolt.

 :lol:

All these new varieties of weed, who can keep up??   :dunno:

 :lol:

(http://www.index.hr/images2/usain_bolt_afp34344343%20copy988.jpg)

:lol2:

Good news, the smoke was blown in the other direction yesterday, and Hebgen Lake was clear.  It was also cold: 26 degrees when I arrived before sunrise.  And foggy!  The fog listed when the sun rose, but it was so dense that initially I couldn't see the shore from my fishing spot!

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Hebgen20fog208-25-16_zpsket01opz.jpg)
Fred-the-fish-eating pelican was there waiting when I arrived.  That's him hiding in the fog.

Lots of fish again yesterday, all biggies:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0613.MP4_000059851%20best_zpsngbhjvc5.jpg)
Best of the day!!   :clap:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0615.MP4_000121620%20best_zpsipenkqyf.jpg)
Friendly rainbow trout!  :lol2:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0614.MP4_000141743%20best_zps8bcit0gu.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0614.MP4_000135658%20best_zpscxuy3cw7.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0612.MP4_000135299%20best_zpson0ii9j8.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0615.MP4_000120283%20best_zps1g2mz4xz.jpg)

Saw the bald eagles again (over the lake), and a loon was calling through the fog.  Nice day on the lake.
 :-*

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0613.MP4_000059851%20best_zpsngbhjvc5.jpg)

Nice one.  :clap:

Yeah, 22" and a custom paint-job!   :clap:

Man that some nice catches. I know your having fun with your Fly Rod. Hey Chechem, I noticed you said 26 degrees? Do you ever encounter any water snakes of any kind on your trips? RTR!

I've seen several garter snakes along the shore.  They eat little fishies!   :lol2:

You know that is quite funny because I never figured a Garter Snake for eating fish. Do you ever see any signs of muscles or crawfish or anything like that along the shore? RTR!

I've seen mussels along the rivers; otters eat them.  But no crawfish.  They're probably here; just haven't looked for them under rocks, etc.

Friday's fishing was better than Thursday.  Lots of biggies.  And while catching them, a boat approached.  It was a minister (Jim) and his wife (Diane).  They hadn't caught anything, and asked what "bait" I was using.  So I gave them a lesson in 'nymphing'.  Off they went!

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0621.MP4_000095147%20best_zpstvdibrzb.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0620.MP4_000166488%20best_zpsvwxemyth.jpg)
The midge nymph is still in his mouth.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0620.MP4_000163257%20best_zpsn0xdbonk.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0619.MP4_000109186%20best_zpsremdc9ey.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0618.MP4_000072438%20best_zpsivez2cod.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0617.MP4_000088325%20best_zpss2zvkzvf.jpg)
Big brown trout.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0617.MP4_000026743%20best_zpsq7mmqr7q.jpg)
Leaping in head-first after a flip.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0617.MP4_000010665%20best_zpsqiramaht.jpg)

Man, you caught some nice ones, Chech! Now you've got me wondering if the preacher and his wife went off nymphing.  :dunno:

It's not a big place.  I'll likely see them today.
BTW, when asked about his line of work, he said: "I'm a minister and provide comforting and blessings."
So after giving the lesson I asked, "Don't I get a blessing or something?"
He said, "Follow life's roads."
I think maybe he got the better deal!!   :lol2:

Sounds like you got Carl Spackler's deal from the Dalai Lama.  :lol2:

Or maybe, he stole it from a fortune cookie.

Indeed, the preacher and his wife showed up about 9AM, slowed their motor, and came over to chat.  I invited them to fish nearby.  Jim hooked 2, and Diane one.  They were thrilled, despite 2 of the fish breaking the lines.

We had fun chatting, but I didn't get any more free advice.

 :dunno:

Change of Pace:

I spent a couple of hours in the park (YNP) this afternoon.  Watched fires burn the park (they're right next to the Madison River now) and chatting with a bull Bison.

"This is Chech for CRS, on the road in Yellowstone."

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Fire%20in%20YNP%205_zpsmtfo4x6m.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Fire%20in%20YNP%2016_zpsypkbqpyl.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Fire%20in%20YNP%2018_zpser26w80h.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Fire%20in%20YNP%2021_zpszatrqs9j.jpg)

Look at that terrain.  How could you send smokejumpers into that??   :dunno:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Fire%20backfire%20YNP%201_zpscm8zpxze.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Bison%20along%20Madison%20R%2024_zpshkfpajn9.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Bison%20along%20Madison%20R%2022_zpskuvqdtus.jpg)
"Um, excuse me.  I'm driving on this road!"

E-cred for the spectacular pics!  #+

I had no idea the fires were that close.  :o

Saturday at Lake Hebgen:

Despite being too windy to fish yesterday afternoon, the trout were snapping all morning.  Lots of biggies.

AND the preacher (Jim) and his wife (Diane) returned to fish alongside me.  Both actually caught a fish!!  Nice to see them finally catch something.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0622.MP4_000013980%20best_zpsqremnvq6.jpg)
It began as a cool, foggy morning.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0623.MP4_000065441%20best_zpsj1nxgcra.jpg)
Soon a rainbow appeared!

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0624.MP4_000093997%20best_zpsdhtkgmql.jpg)
A real biggie.  :worship:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0625.MP4_000112491%20best_zpsd17g7icx.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0626.MP4_000182775%20best_zpsqhoeqxbd.jpg)
Another biggie (yes, that's the happy couple in the background)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0626.MP4_000192048%20best_zps3pvb1u92.jpg)
Again!

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0627.MP4_000004370%20best_zpsajibfmhd.jpg)
A medium-sized brown trout (and the couple is closer in the background)

Love the pics, some nice trout you have caught. #+

Thank you, my friend.   :worship:

Nice haul, indeed! Just curious, have you kept count of how many you have caught so far?

Not really.  But it's been about 8-10 per morning, with a high of 20 and a low of 6.
You a math major??  Calculate!

Great photos.   #+

Worthy of free advice (and not to be outdone by the minister):  Cross life's bridges.

Nope, sorry. A political Science major with a Basket Weaving minor.  :lol2:

Went to Hebgen Lake early.  Not much happening for Hebgen.  Caught a few biggies, but not the numbers of usual, and there weren't many fish gulping.  It got windy about noon, so I went to Lamar.  Got there by 4PM, and fished 2 hours.  CRAZY.  I only fished the run twice; caught 9 cutthroat trout in those 2 passes.  Never tried any other flies except the (very successful PMD = pale morning dun).  Fun fun.

Hebgen:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0628.MP4_000007008%20best_zpsthjo0ccb.jpg)
Smoky and chilly

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0629.MP4_000153379%20best_zps2twsuthk.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0631.MP4_000149004%20best_zpso2408dqc.jpg)

Lamar River:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0635.MP4_000117050%20best_zpsqzq7hb1g.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0632.MP4_000083934%20best_zpsayynkvno.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0633.MP4_000012564%20best_zpsvpyxufvk.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0634.MP4_000084679%20best_zpstvvsydiu.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0636.MP4_000060115%20best_zpsbelbzgra.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0637.MP4_000056428%20best_zpsg4cs4nsm.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0638.MP4_000167092%20best_zpsjn6z4gsd.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0638.MP4_000169437%20best_zpsmyymtrif.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0639.MP4_000083734%20best_zpsxhaghl8t.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Bison%20in%20Lamar%20Valley1%203_zpsknvteewe.jpg)
Smoky even in Lamar Valley

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Fire%20in%20Lamar%20near%20wolves_zpsptq5spdv.jpg)
Not a great pic, but this is a fire near Slough Creek (Lamar valley).  Yes, that hill to the right is the wolf den, where they established after being release into YNP.

Chech, are the fires still just as much out of control as they have been?

There were 2 new ones in the Lamar Valley area that I saw yesterday (lightning?).
Out of control?  They just let them burn in the park unless they threaten something.  The firefighters are mostly working elsewhere, except I saw a series of backfires set along the Madison River.  The hillsides were burning; I drove past them on the way home about 8:30PM last night.  Firefighters were standing and watching (calm winds by then).

Just now catching up on these. Some great shots, Chech. Looks like you are having a ball out there.

I guess it's true .... you can't roller skate in a Buffalo heard  :lol2:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Bison%20in%20Lamar%20Valley1%203_zpsknvteewe.jpg)

Since it's now football week, I'm moving this thread to the Ferguson Forum.

Yes, CB and X, having a great time.  Just wishing I'd brought my roller skates!  :lol2:

Bob (who I met 2 weeks ago at YNP) and Dave (his hunting buddy) arrived Monday about 11AM to fish with me.  They'd seen me catching fish and wanted to return to learn the technique I use (deep-water nymphing).  They live in Red Lodge, MT.  Nice folks.  Today my goal is to help them each catch at least one fish.  Both are nearing 80 years, so ....

Yesterday's fish from Hebgen Lake (all rainbow trout):

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0657.MP4_000094000%20best_zpsv8useg6k.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0656.MP4_000169959%20best_zpsum8ty2jo.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0655.MP4_000127561%20best_zpsxllykqwd.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0655.MP4_000022021%20best_zpshqaiq9yy.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0654.MP4_000132495%20best_zpslwdvknm9.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0653.MP4_000197013%20best_zpsezulbhpr.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0640.MP4_000079587%20best_zpspe5w6md3.jpg)
Custom paint job on this bad boy!   :lol2:

More big ones! Yep, I see a statue in your future.  :lol2:

Man I get a huge smile every morning when I see these pics of some really beautiful fish. It looks as if there is a light fog in the background, is that the smoke from the fire or fog? RTR!

Gorgeous. And rainbow trout is some REALLY good eating, too, and I am usually not much of a fish guy.

Can anyone say for sure that all those different pics of fish aren't the same fish?  Are those really Chech's hand holding the fish?  :dunno:

Seriously, those are really cool and I'm glad that you are getting to enjoy yourself doing that... :worship:

Actually they are the same fish; different hands.   :lol2:

Fished a different area of the lake yesterday (Tuesday); spent much time looking for fish and not catching as much.  Then it got windy and we had to leave.  Still, the ones here are the biggies; also caught some small browns and mountain whitefish.

Back at it today.  Last day on the lake.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0661.MP4_000093565%20best_zpsh3ovax7w.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/7c450caf-af2d-493f-9378-bdc1df354037_zps5z0odtbw.jpg)
Beautiful fish

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0658.MP4_000042223%20best_zpsuxnlum0c.jpg)
Less beautiful (but a great personality)
 :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

After fishing I watched the planes and a helicopter scoop up water from Hebgen to drop on the fires.  Cool stuff.  Once the planes passed just overhead and skidded along the water just 100m offshore.  WOW.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Firefighting%20in%20YNP%202_zpsbu7obm55.jpg)
Ironically, the plane is passing a firetower that sits above Hebgen Lake.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Firefighting%20in%20YNP%201_zpsby0qfewk.jpg)
Just doesn't look very efficient.  Takes 3-4 minutes to fill the bucket, and several minutes to fly to the fire.   :dunno:

I don't guess there can be an efficient way to fight fires in the wilderness.  :dunno:

More good pics and good fish. So, the ugly one won Miss Congeniality?

I bet those guys that fly water to these fires make a lot of money cause that has to be dangerous job I would think. I hope they get them put out. RTR!

Thanks to our wonderful government filters I can't see Chech's pics while at work.  I'm guessing Miss Congeniality was a selfie?   :-X

Wow! big nice fish, or Trump hands.....?

 :lol2: Miss Congeniality was an ugly trout.

Oh, you meant the fish was ugly.  My bad!  I thought you were talking about Chech... :-X

 :lol: :lol: :lol:, you guys craking me up. RTR!

 :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

 >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(

On the road asap, so I only fished a couple of hours this morning (early).  Lots of big fish being left behind this year.  Dang, wish I could stay!

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0662.MP4_000024862%20best_zpsxwlm76ne.jpg)
The boat was rockin', it was smoky from fires, chilly, and the fish wanted to win!  Maybe he did.   :dunno:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0663.MP4_000056220%20best_zpsqblbotmd.jpg)
Kind of a square jaw on this one. 

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0664.MP4_000113129%20best_zpsbnzf30ki.jpg)
Slimy, but a fine fish.

 :wave:  Off to Colorado to find bigger fish!   :wave:

You gotta start naming these fish. That one could be "Rocky". The ugly one could be "Ezmerelda". Gives 'em a little personality.  :lol2:

Man, I can finally see those pics now that I'm on line at home.  Those fish would surely make a skillet stink... I wish you would start keeping the limit each day and one weekend this fall you could meet several of us for a fish fry in T-town...  ;)  I'd be happy to bring the napkins...  :-[

(http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lm3c9nr7jM1qedb29o1_500.gif)

Yum Yum, eat em up!

Just packed my car.  I bought a pontoon boat while here, so packing my little RAV4 was quite an exercise.  NO WAY I could fit an ice chest of fish in that car; NO WAY!   :stop:

It's all in there!!   :-*

Good job. Safe travels!  :wave:

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.mandatory.com/media/2012/09/overloadedlorry.jpg)

Yep.   :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Any pics of the day?

Hey Chechem? I don't see Milly on top waving or looking for Buffalo in the road. RTR!

Most of today's pics are on the "Daily Thread).  Here are others:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Utah%20packed%202_zps7ctqkwfp.jpg)
It all fit (and I should get a Nobel Prize for geometry).
Look, 2, the stinky net on the bottom right.  It's cured of its stink!

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Utah%20packed%204_zpsyzon12km.jpg)
Pic out my sunroof.  Never seen these windmills in a valley.   :dunno:

Great pics, both threads!  :clap:

FRIDAY:

I met with a buddy last night, and we watched the Tennessee game at Wings.  Today we meet with our fishing guide at 6AM, then we'll fish the Gunnison River in western Colorado by drift boat.  Beautiful river with mountains surrounding it.  WOOT!

(https://www.adventurecentral.com/user/ClientMedia/RIGS/lower%20gunnison%20river.JPG)

(http://www.minturnanglers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/boat.jpg)

Beautiful!

The boat is not adrift, right?  :unsure:

ANCHOR    HTH

The scenery is beautiful! Catch a bunch more today!  :wave:

 :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Gunnison River (Colorado) in a drift boat on Friday:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0673.MP4_000020307%20scene_zpsrjfmqyxn.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0674.MP4_000098219%20best_zpseqzhydjj.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0677.MP4_000003227%20scene_zpscwf6egfj.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0679.MP4_000099872%20best_zpspgwvuygq.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0680.MP4_000020886%20best_zpsb5irfcys.jpg)

Beautiful!!!!!!   #+

Such beautiful scenery. If a man looks at this there is only one person who could make such peace, and beauty that is God. RTR!

You are referring to the fish and not Chech, right?   :-X

DUH!!!  :lol2:

(http://bullgatorslounge.com/images/smilies/whew.gif)

Saturday fishing at the "Bar ZX" ranch in the mountains near Grand Junction, CO.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/d708618e-b757-4125-9a5b-e9187f6d86c0_zps7mwmwxho.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/640068f4-179a-47ac-b60f-e060d282ac7d_zpsfuislwkf.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/678da77f-3d50-49d6-a36c-09f85e46c1d8_zpshexyjtor.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Clouds%20near%20Delta%20CO%201_zpsycv4lmnp.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/2a81627f-de65-4a47-900c-e744fb02c106_zpsaizurkd5.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0697.MP4_000029799%20best_zpshsfngw7i.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0698.MP4_000023424%20best_zpsy7yo09ov.jpg)
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0699.MP4_000087500%20best_zpsih9bnfct.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/2a81627f-de65-4a47-900c-e744fb02c106_zpsaizurkd5.jpg)

Now that's a nice sized fish there!  :clap:

Truly.  This one from Friday was actually a bigger brown trout:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/GOPR0680.MP4_000020886%20best_zpsb5irfcys.jpg)

You got that right! That's a big boy!

Wow Chechem you got the best of both worlds huh? Great fishing and the peace with it, and an Alabama fan, you can't lose.  #+, Hey I noticed the sky looked sort of cloudy, do the fish bite better on cloudy days or not so much? RTR!

Generally yes; fish bite best when it's overcast.
It was drizzling when we arrived at the ranch yesterday, so we were giddy.  Turned out well.

More pics from the Bar ZX Ranch:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Bar%20ZX%209-16%204_zpsinlvx4fp.jpg)

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/Fishing/Bar%20ZX%209-16%202_zpsc4x0cjug.jpg)

The Rainbow Trout there are very dark and beautiful.

Finished with a bang, I see!  #+

Hey Chechem do you wade out in the water at times and fish for the trout? They look like they a really nice size. Thanks for the pics. RTR!

I wear waders when fishing in rivers and streams, and wade to fish.
But at the BAR ZX the fish are in small lakes/ponds, so the only time I waded in was when the fish got tangled in limbs of downed trees (and wish I'd worn my waders).

 :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: