'However' Is An Angling Word

I hope that some of the questions some of you asked of me (directly and via e-mail) worked out. Sorry I did not post these "technical" questions to the Flyfishing site but I thought they might bore the novice angler to death and THAT is not my intention. However, during the course of this past summer, many campers made the long trip from their hometowns to visit Yellowstone National Park.

Upon their arrival, they immediately take to the water to seek a "life's dream photo opportunity" and to ultimately fill their walls with fish pictures. However, I usually get to see them after several days of frustration (as they stumbled into my shop glossy eyed, unshaven and seeking humble help to resurrect their trip). Undoubtedly I would hear that the fish would rise to their fly but turn away without inhaling it. It didn't matter where in the Park they had fished just that it seemed their stories were alike on different waters.

Now just to make another point, sometime ago I read a report published (I believe) by the Dept of the Interior stating that; the trout in the Firehole River live for an average of four years and during this life span they are caught (on an average) of fifteen times a year. Well, you can do the math but that would lead me to believe these fish do feed with a certain amount of scrutiny.

However, anglers presenting flies that are NONCONFORMING to local food stocks or use lines with HEAVIER test material then what is actually needed; will ultimately stumble into my shop after several days of whipping the water to a froth. However, not all areas of the Park are tough to fish. Waters just out of sight of the nearest road or trail will yield numerous fish and make any vacation a warm winter's thought provided you use the right flies as well as leader material.

However, I continually see anglers standing in the same location as the last angler to fish the section of stream. I believe the Park's daily "musical locations" are switched on an hourly basis. However, just one extra thought of encouragement. When I fish the Park I fish with a buddy and when a fish is hooked we yell, "fish on!" This echoing cry (and it will come often) will certainly keep any "thought of" bears from lingering near you. (Yes, I know this thought handicaps many anglers from venturing to the "unfished" areas which lie several hundred yards from the sight of their vehicle.) Bear bells are another item used to forewarn a bear that "one of those humans" is nearby.

So now you can begin to dream of that vacation next summer in Yellowstone knowing that you have a little more practical knowledge on what to expect.

However. . .

Doc Knoll Knoll's Yellowstone Hackle (Yes, we raise the feathers that make the flies.)