Part 1
Last time out for the year, first time in the new wheels.
Top end of the Missions
chugging down 93
dukw season
Grizz den
get to add this to the (ever growing) list of places I’ve tasted skunk
they were friendlier and looking up on the other side of the Divide
the longest road in MT
microburst hit here end of July, 90+ mph winds; cleaned up pretty well
Part 2
heading towards the benches
things were hopping here (as it turned out a sign of things to come)
southbound and things start clearing out
end of the road, day 1; usually at least a three day stay but hatches weren’t hatching and hoppers were off-and-on (more off than on)
just enough lift to get over the hump
Washing Machine Charlie making his morning run; two baldies in the tree on the west shore (flushed before I could get a pic)
into the park; water temps supposed to be workable, but I was itching for some cutts
a bit of a delay through here
ignoring the “Full” sign, I scored a nice campsite
Part 3
bit of a walk to get here, usually worth it (it was ); hoppers not so much but drakes brought 'em up
I’ve looked at them from both sides now
surprisingly uncrowded here, and drakes trumped terrestrials again
reason for the lack of crowd; thought they were a mass gathering of wolfers but it turned out a grizz was sleeping on top of a dead bison right at junction meadow
let’s see what’s on the left side
these are truly sad times; used to be a whole tree, but with cutbacks in the Park Service…
Part 4
a bit early for run-ups and the locals were less than overwhelmed with my offerings
flora
fauna
back on the west side, hoping for Miller time; nope, not really
bit of a change from the previous 2 nights
hopper water, yes? a real one hit the water and barely made it 5’; foam ones didn’t draw a pass. tagged a few swinging softhackles
Part 5
crazy crowded (with schools back in session, folks coming here had more time to spend on the water)
time to hit the road and see where all this water comes together
cool ride, nice guy
next morning, time to visit some old friends (the yellow’s head was covered with pseudo duns); he fished with me for a while, helped me land a nice brown, then peed on my tires
shameless
people yes, crowds no, lots of places to play; a bit early for baetis but swinging softhackles was as productive as bobber fishing (and a lot easier with the wind blowing downstream)
Sisters on the Fly make a swing through MT; didn’t get a chance to warn them about the campground crapper (2nd worst in the state) before they found out the hard way
Part 6
last morning
Before I headed out my campground neighbor, a guide on a busman’s holiday, mentioned things had been crazy good on the hopper/dropper a bit down river the day before and I should give it a look; always listen when a guide makes a suggestion. Welcome to the pig farm
don’t think I moved more than 100 yards; they came in all the colors of the rainbow
and somber shades of autumn
hate to leave when they’re still biting but it’s 5 hours back to home base and only thing left in the beef jerky bag is the pack of silica gel; the sights makes the ride a breeze
a bit of fresh snow on top; Winter is coming
Regards,
Scott
HI Scott
Really enjoyed the “ride along”. Gets my morning off to a good start. Thanks for posting.
Bernie
Scott,based on the beauty a truly successful trip.Thanks
Scott, Thanks for the ride!! Enjoyed reading about your trip and seeing all the pics of the beautiful views.
Thanks, Ronnie