Anyone have first hand fishing knowledge? Or where we can get some detailed fishing maps of the area? Will be there in early September, and would appreciate a heads up! Thank you!
I’m not sure where the “north” fork of the Tongue is but I have fished the Tongue river west of Sheridan a few times. Access is easy via several pull offs right along the hiway near Burgess Jct. The Tongue there is a small, meandering, brushy stream with lots of cut banks with a riffle/pool configuration. Fish size is up to the mid teens. I’ve only caught Cutts from it and they are gorgeous.
If the “north” fork runs into Mt near the Tongue river reservoir I driven along it. I didn’t see any place I would consider fishing.
Thanks Jerry! It is exactly the section fairly close to Burgess Junction that Cary asked me to ask about. Sounds like it’ll be fun!
Bob, a long-time Sponsor here does guide on the Tongue. An email to him should get the info you need. Check Blue Quill Outfitters on the Sponsor Page. S
Betty, your signature would certainly hold true of the Tongue river valley near Burgess. Not an ugly place by any means.
There is an indian medicine wheel up the road from Burgess which is worth the hike from the parking lot to see.
The first time I fished there was also the first time I fished a new to me Orvis Far and Fine. Orvis must have had the Tongue river in mind when they designed the rod…it was perfect.
The stream that Jerry mentions is the North Tongue. Rt 14 A runs along it with easy fishing access. Be careful late in the day up there as the “Critters” visit for a drink in sizabe numbers then. Also stay off the trails through the tall Willows. They belong to the moose.
In September, even early, you can get some bad weather up there, so try to make it on a clear day.
The high mountain plateau cutts are delightful. Perfect little stream for a 2 or 3 wt. The fish are not too fussy. Try some Adams, PMDs, BWO, Black and Tan Caddis. Just use drys.
You can get a 1 day or longer fishing license at Bear Lodge just east of the fishing area on RT 14A. Bear Lodge also has some great breakfasts. Never stayed at their lodging or had dinner.
Enjoy
SSOOO, HRH BETTY, your coming to Wyoming, finally, to catch some TROUT.:rolleyes:
About what days in early Sept. will you be here???
We stayed one night at Bear Lodge. It seems there was a wedding party there that night as well. Because of a mix up in room assignments someone in the wedding party had a key to our room. Some time after 1 AM I was awoken when our door opened. I yelled “hey”. The intruder yelled “what do you mean - Hey?” I replied “I mean I’ve got a gun in here” (I did not)…He left, I went down stairs and raised hell.
The next morning they gave us our breakfast for free. A small penance for the horror Nancy felt.
We’ll probably never stay there again.
:shock: “Critters”?? Critters, as in WHAT!!! Bears? Skunks? Lions? Tigers? Give me a clue, please!!
Think this will be fun trip!
Betty -
I’ve heard of the Tongue River, but haven’t paid any attention to it. Your inquiry caused me to do a bit of research on it. Thought I would mention that the write up on the Angler Guide site on the South Tongue is mouth watering ( what else ??? ).
If you have enough time, you might want to give it a try. Take a look at http://www.anglerguide.com/wyoming/index.cfm?TR_ID=2310.
John
Thank you, John! Learning all kinds of things only wondered about before! Now … as to those critters …
Betty,
I fished there in July, '06, and a few times about 10 years ago. It’s a blast!
You really don’t need a map. Just drive west from Burgess Junction and watch for the parking areas. The river is parallel to the highway on the north side for about the first five miles, and then on the south side for another 5. In July, there were VERY heavy caddis hatches every evening. In September, there may already be October Caddis, so I wouldn’t be without some Orange Stimulators. One of the most productive flies in July was a size 16 Yellow Sally. Peacock Caddis worked well also. I caught a few Brookies near Burgess Junction, otherwise all Cutts. I wouldn’t fish anything but dries unless you see some refusals; then try a soft hackle on a short dropper. You will catch alot of 12-inch cutts in the middle of the river, but there are some nicer fish lurking under the overhangs along the banks. You’ll donate some flies to the trees and brush fishing for them, but it’s worth it.
As for critters, I saw alot of elk and moose. Was told of a bear poking around in a campground a few miles down the road, but the State Game and Fish people usually try to run them out of the well used areas.
Have a fun trip, and tell us about it when you get back.
Good fishing,
Arnie
HRH BETTY, let me know what days and I will try to be there to protect you from the CRITTERS!!
Betty,
And while you’re there near Sheridan, do a Southbound about 20 miles to Story, Wyo. and Piney Creek. It’s a small stream with little fishing pressure and that shows in the size and quality of the cutts and brookies that will take your dry fly.
The other reason to go there is the Piney Creek General Store and it’s little restaurant with mismatched hand hewn tables and chairs , the Waldorf A’Story. This little place is the passion of two local gals and their passion shows . Their “breakfast sammich” alone is worth the drive.
Good luck on the Tongue, we’ll be passin through there in late September.
Mark
Byron,
Not sure of the EXACT dates yet, but it will be within the first three weeks of September … probably closer to the end of the first week,beginning of the second. Will let you know as we get closer to time, and more sure of plans. (Gotta get through the next two weeks first!!:rolleyes:)
LOL Betty, Sorry for the “Critters” generalization. The potential danger critters in good numbers are Moose and Black Bears with their offspring coming to the N. Tongue to drink in the early evening.
We have been surprised by both on several occassions in the evening over the years.
On a different computer than used on my original reply. Here are a couple links that may be helpful:
http://www.bearlodgeresort.com/
http://www.wyomingfishing.net/riv_tong.htm
We have been going up to the N. Tongue for some variety for a day or two when we are on fishing trips to the Big Horn for over 25 years.