End(ing) of Fly-Tying Bootcamp & The Madison

My self-assigned fly-tying bootcamp is coming to the end, at least seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. So far I have tied 48 dozens in 12 days. That may sound like only 4 dozen per day. However, 10 out of 12 days, I tied only half (or so) a day, in which either one or two of morning, afternoon, or evening session was not conducted for some reasons. I have about 10 dozens or so in my list, that can be done with a less-pressured leisurely pace now.

So on last Saturday, we hit the road for some fishing. Mother's Day Caddis on Lower Madison came and was gone. Most rivers and streams in our area are in the middle of runoff (give or take). Our options seem limited but then it's just that time of year. We decided to hit Upper Madison, perhaps one of a few doable flowing waters right now.

If you have been following this blog from early days, or if you have read some early (or old) posts, you would see how much I loved and fished Upper Madison. Time has passed since. Nowadays I fish much more than during those non-pro years at much more diverse destinations rather than one or a few favorite waters or sections......... As I drove, I kind of reminisced those days...........

Upper Madison is sweet to me! I guess we haven't forgotten each other!

Renee started to get a hang of this river and to pick up her rhythm.

These, plus two typical whitefish, were just practice for her.
Here's the first big one of the day!!

She started to catch larger trout!

Always learning............

I was having very satisfying actions through the day.

Then we spotted a locomotion at one particular spot. After a few adjustments, Renee hit the spot....... Rest of actions came and gone so quickly!! We knew it would be really a big one........!!!

In my own experience, this the biggest brown I've ever seen in this stretch!!

To add more flavors to our experience, this trout had one very particular upper jaw!!

Good-bye........

Entomology was also interesting.

Then she caught the best Rainbow of the day!!

The last fish of the day........ It wasn't the biggest but the way approached this one particular spot was really interesting!!

I would be busy as Master Breeder for next several weeks but she's gonna get me fishing report!?

The Annual

After successful and enjoyable "annual" East Idaho Fly Tying Expo, I'm following my annual cycle.

Trout Fly Tying Camp has begun!!!! - luckily it seems somewhat less loads than past two seasons. Perhaps 40 dozens or so in next 3 weeks!!

Then, in terms of fishing, it's the time to chase Mother's Day Caddis hatch!!
On Yellowstone River!!??........... actually just as I was leaving for Expo, there were reports on caddis but not certain about actual benefit for fishing. At the same time River was rising and losing clarity...... During the last week, cold weather subsided the volume of Yellowstone River. If, and ONLY IF, we can expect warm days with gradual temperature rises, it would be perfect...... But the weather forecast is calling for REALLY warm ones up for 70s or nearing 80s...........

So I venture Lower Madison, just outside of Bozeman - water conditions and hatches are more predictable and reliable than on Yellowstone. If you may recall, that's where & when I caught THE ONE last year..........

Renee and I drove along the Lower in Sunday afternoon. I was more than surprised. Lower was experiencing the same weather - caddis stalled instead baetis and March Brown were up - so I was wondering how caddis would react to the resurgence of warm weather......... As we drove, billions of caddis were flying and hitting the windshield!!

 March Brown is graceful!!

Playing in a group........

Here's one enormous storm!!!

Above being said & shown, REAL fishing commences later, when egg-laying flights start........
We waited, just spending a gentle afternoon/evening and this splendid phenomena........... Then it began......... I spotted a pod of rising trout...........

Just as I thought.............

I brought Renee, who was enjoying some actions with tiny ones, for REAL fishing!!

My turn........

It was great..............more than I expected............ We hope to pick up some more trout while actions last!!
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My frames of Atlantic Salmon Flies have been accepted as consignments at Livingston Center for Art and Culture. As you know, Livingston is known as a town with art galleries. It's quite an honor to be a part of community.

Unnamed Frame

Napoleon (Mr. Kelson)

Tippetwitchet (Major Traherne)

When you visit Livingston, besides fishing, come and visit Center!! There are many other artistic objects!!

Till the next season I'm working on these artistic objects, my trout fly tying camp, followed by fishing & guiding, will continue..........