August 2005 Short Reports
compiled by
From the number of emails, it appears that my review of the new waterproof Pentax Optio WP was well received. Several PFF'ers wrote to tell me that they've purchased the camera and several more asked for more details. In any event, if you have recent pictures of your fishing adventures, whether or not they were taken with a new camera, why not share them with us. Adding a bit of background (where, when, fly, purported size, actual size, etc.) adds a lot too. The majority of us spend most of our time tied to jobs and other chores, so a quick report does a lot for us vicarious fly fishers.
Leafa In Montana
Missouri River, Montana,
10 July The cover photo this month comes from Leafa who, "had to be
in Great Falls for work." The 20-inch rainbow fell for a
Lightening Bug (dry) but storms moved in and put a damper on the dry fly fishing
shortly thereafter. A river runs through it, but that's the only good thing
in Great Falls. I can't recommend it as a tourist destination.
– Leafa
Goldens on the Way to Mt. Whitney
Rock Creek, Near New
Army Pass, 9 July Not surprisingly, the benefits of PFF membership
extend beyond fly fishing. My friends and I tried to get hiking permits
for Mt. Whitney last year through the lottery system with no success. Mike
McGuire suggested that it might be easier to get up the mountain, not to
mention more scenic and with more fishing opportunities, by doing an "open
jaw" route starting in Cottonwood Lakes, hiking west to pick up the
Pacific Crest Trail which turns into the John Muir trail running up the
western flank of Whitney. The only permit difficulty is getting the exit
permit at Whitney Portal (the Crest trail permit). To our amazement, when
we called in February, there were plenty of exit permits. While this was
mainly a hiking expedition, I had my collapsible fly rod and managed to
fish for a total of 15 minutes on Rock Creek. The result was three of these
spectacular golden trout on a parachute ant pattern. All of the streams
and creeks we crossed were just teeming with fish.
– Rodney
Friends in Montana
Lamar Valley, Yellowstone
National Park, 1 August Sometimes I can't believe how fortunate I
am. One of my friends bought a cabin overlooking Hebgen Lake in Montana.
It is 15 minutes to the Madison, 20 minutes to the Gallatin, and 0 minutes
to Hebgen. I recently spent a few days visiting him with a third friend,
and together we got a guide from Arrick's Fly Shop in West Yellowstone.
We were discussing where to go when I casually mentioned that we didn't
mind hiking. Our guide, Justin, lit up and said that if we didn't mind a
walk, he knew a place in the park off the beaten path full of large cutthroats.
Well, it turned out to be about 5 miles (10 miles round trip) from the trailhead,
but worth every step. We fished tiny dry flies (ants and hoppers) all day
to these enormous native Westslope Cutthroats. Their rise is very subtle,
and if you are not paying attention, it's game over before you can blink.
This was probably my most satisfying and enjoyable day of fishing I've ever
experienced. But I think I'm going back next year!
– Rodney
Hmmm, it seems that the usual flow of reports has slowed to a trickle. Unless you want to continue seeing materials from my own trips, please send in photos and reports. I know you're out there fishing! Don't be shy; just do it!
Rodney