News and Fishing Reports

The month of March arrived like a lion. We have had two really substantial snow events over the past two weeks adding greatly to our winter snowpack. Presently, Island Park is reporting in at 95% of average precipitation and over the divide in Montana the Madison is coming in at 95%, the Gallatin at 104% and West Yellowstone at 103%. Combine this with the fact that Henry's Lake is at 97% capacity and Island Park at 87% and you have a formula for excellent water conditions for the coming fishing season. We still have another month in our snowpack reporting period but snow or no snow we are in good shape for summer 2009. Since my last report there have been very few opportunities to get out and wet a line except for the very hardiest of souls. As for myself, I have spent the last two weeks getting all of my gear ready for the rapidly approaching Spring season. All of my rods have been inspected and cleaned, ferrules waxed, old and worn out fly lines replaced with new ones, flies inventoried and organized, wading shoe laces replaced and waders completely checked out. I have also put in some time at the tying bench building up my supply of midge and baetis imitations. The weatherman is predicting mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the high forties by this weekend so I'm looking forward to getting out on the river. I'll let you know how I do.
Please feel free to call us at the shop.
-Rick Smith