What's New
 What's Happening in Yellowstone Country

We are gearing up for a fantastic summer here. Now that the longest day of the year has come and gone, we are ready to send you out fishing. Call, stop by, or book a guided trip with us, and we'll send you off with a smile and a handful of effective flies with a map in one hand and a license in the other. Sign up for our Lamar River Horse Trip (more on this later in the newsletter) and we'll send you off with a whole lot more.

The Madison River Foundation's Annual Benefit Gala will be held Saturday evening, June 23rd. The Sun Ranch Partners will host the elegant banquet in the beautiful lodge set amid a sprawling 26,000-acre ranch that features spectacular panoramic views of the Hilgard Peaks and the Madison River Valley. The banquet will be catered by the Sun Ranch's Executive Chef Daniel Wendell. Live music will be provided by the Steve Hulse Jazz Trio. Once again the Foundation will present the annual Friend of the Madison Award to a person or organization who has made a significant contribution to the Foundation or to conservation work on the Madison watershed. The evening will feature special receptions, gourmet dining, a short video presentation on the Foundation's first decade, as well as live and silent auctions. Contact the Foundation for additional information.

A few odds and ends - a rod was found this weekend along Highway 20 and the Henry's Fork. If you lost one, give the shop a call and let us know what kind and where. The fellow who found it is taking good care of it until he hears from you. He is going to have some good fishing karma for this.

We will be carrying a few pieces of Ibex merino wool outdoor clothing in the shop this summer and fall - if you haven't heard about it or tried it yourself, you'll be amazed at how comfortable, good looking, practical, durable, and luxurious these pieces of base layer and layering sportswear are. We are big fans, and think you'll want to join the fan club too. More about Ibex in upcoming newsletters.

Also, we'll be getting more women's t-shirts in just a few weeks. Whether you're buying for yourself or a certain someone who agreed to stay home and tend the garden/house/kids/dogs/etc. while you went fishing, we hope you'll like the new colors.

As usual in the rest of this issue, you'll find fishing news from Yellowstone Country in the weekly Fishing Report. You can see what's hot off the vise in the Fly of the Week, get a sneak peek at some of the best materials on our tying bench in the Fly Tying Material of the Week, and stay up to date with the guide staff and their trips in the Guide Trip of the Week.

You'll be seeing a new email newsletter most every week throughout the spring and summer to keep you tuned in to all things fly fishing and fly tying in the greater Yellowstone area and beyond. Throughout the seasons, we'll keep sending you news of hatches and fishing holes around West Yellowstone. So without further delay, go ahead and jump right into the newsletter. And as always, don't hesitate to give us a call or shoot us an email if you have any questions, or if you just want a little fish talk.

Read more from Blue Ribbon Flies... 

 Fishing Report
 Weekly Conditions and Tips

21 June 2012
Blue Ribbon Flies Weekly Fishing Report


Byron Haugh on the Henry's Fork

Things are getting busy here, so we'll get straight to the report.

Firehole River: Afternoon and evening Caddis fishing is best on this river. White Millers predominate the caddis and a White Miller X-caddis or White Miller Soft Hackle have been best. 6:00pm to dark has been best. As the temperatures warm this week, early mornings may become the time to be on the river. This is also the time to start looking for Damselflies. A Damsel nymph or dry fished along a grassy bank can produce an explosive take. Try this just as the sun begins to warm the water.

Madison River in the Park: Evening caddis have been best on this river too. This caddis has been mostly the Hydropysche caddis and there have been quite a few. 6:00pm to dark is also the time for this river. From 9 mile hole to the junction has produced best for us. There are a few PMDs lingering in the morning hours. This hatch is just about over and will not be everywhere on the river each day. Look for spinners around 8:00 am or so.

Gibbon River: The pocket water from the falls to the junction has been quite good. Attractor patterns like our Royal Trude Cripple have worked very well along with a golden stone pattern. This is also the time we begin looking for the Brown Drakes in Gibbon Meadows. This is not a reliable hatch, but one that brings the big browns out and has them rising. Late evening is the time to look for the big bugs. I will stress this hatch is a gamble at best, but if encountered the rewards can be great.

Gardner River: The Gardner has begun to clear and we expect the Salmon Flies and Golden Stones to begin any day. Any of the water from the north gate to the high bridge outside Mammoth can be good. A rubber leg nymph should be a sure bet. We'll be taking a ride over this week, so stop by the shop for current info.

Madison River below Quake Lake: The nymph fishing continues to be very good and we are expecting caddis to start bringing the trout up any day.  There have been good numbers below Pallisades and the hatch should begin in the wade stretch any day. A size 16 x-caddis or Iris caddis will work great. A few Salmon Flies have been seen around Ennis, so get your big bugs ready. This week is going to be warm and we should see good numbers in the Ennis area. Rubber legs will be a good call anywhere from Varney to town.

Gallatin River: This river is still a bit high and cold, but should clear and warm within the next 7 to 10 days. Good fishing can be had below Big Sky with rubber legs and San Juan worms.

Henrys Fork: The "Ranch" opened with a bang this past weekend with good numbers of PMDs in the early afternoon and heavy caddis in the evening hours. There have been a few Green Drakes coming off and this bug should begin in earnest within the next week. All the reports have been very favorable for big healthy rainbows up and eating.

Hebgen Lake: We have been seeing a few of the early Callibaetis hatching, but this is not a hatch that is wide spread. A craft that can cover some water is needed to find where the bugs are coming off on any particular day. Once found the fishing can be very good. Midges are still around too and can make for some truly challenging fishing.

Come by when you get to town for up to the minute advice and fresh coffee. We'll see you soon!

Read past fishing reports and archived newsletters... 

 Fly of the Week
 Green Drake Floating Nymph

Now Appearing at the Henry's Fork

Looking for some fantastic fishing? Don't miss the Green Drake's world tour. Currently on stage at the Henry's Fork, the Green Drake will show up soon on our other area waters. You should have a few emergers, cripples and sparkle duns ready for their appearance.

Even the best can be improved. Last year we shared the Green Drake Floating Nymph. As Steve tried to keep these in the bin throughout the summer, he started tying them with a heavily dubbed, picked out thorax and without rubber legs. Size 12.

Here's a couple of other flies you should check out... 

 Fly Tying Material of the Week
 Zelon Dubbing

In Green Drake and 250 Other Colors

Ok, 25 colors. But still.

A few years ago, we created this dubbing to replace a discontinued favorite of ours, the Oregon Upstream Series. What we came up with was something even better, a blend of natural furs and various shades of shredded zelon. You should see our Green Drake dubbing.

This is our go-to dubbing for every fly from sparkle duns to Iris Caddis. Whether you want Hendrickson Pink or Scud Orange, or maybe a slightly more subtle color in between, check our selection of zelon dubbings.

For this and other fine materials check here! 

 Recycled Waders
 A Company We Stand Behind!

We have a new line of packs and wallets from a company we really believe in. We can't say enough good things about their concept and their work, much less their products, so we'll use their words instead, including a little colorful language. Caveat Emptor.

First, from the company founder:
"After nearly a dozen years of chasing king salmon with a vest full of whatever the hell I could pack in it, I had an epiphany: I'm only using a pattern or two, in a few colors, a small spool of 20lb. Maxima, Deep Woods OFF, a hook file and a pair of nippers, so why the hell am I carrying all this #%*! on my back for 12 hours a day! Ironically the same day of this glorious realization I had just ripped an enormous hole in my first pair of breathable waders. There wasn't enough patch material and aqua seal in King Camp to fix this gaping hole, so I finished the week with soggy socks, plenty of fish to hand, and a little inspiration.
Like you, I couldn't bear the thought of throwing away my very first pair of breathable waders, especially since they were pretty pricey to begin with! After a long drive back home, I sat down and sketched out a pack I that would simplify my king fishing. I enlisted my mom's sewing skills, and a few weeks later the prototype was born! It held 2 large fly boxes, nippers, leader, fishing license, bug spray, hook file, and pliers.
Since the creation of the original 'Nook Sack, I have blown through several pairs of waders. But I've repurposed them to design other prototype bags and packs along the way. Recycled Waders brings my vision to life, turning leaky throw away waders into functional products."

And from their website: "Recycled Waders products organize and transport your fishing/personal gear. They're water resistant, lightweight and durable - which makes them the perfect carry along for your next fishing trip or around town - you decide. Each creation is assembled in Seattle, WA by hand,, guaranteeing its uniqueness. And before any of our products leave the shop, we make sure each one is something we'd be proud to call our own."

And here's what we're carrying:

Greenback Wallet - $22 The namesake is a subspecies of cutthroat trout that has been isolated to the eastern Rockies in Colorado. Keeping true to form, isolate all of your greenbacks in one location. Two main pockets have plenty of room to keep your big bills separate from your small bills; two layers of card pockets provide quick access to business cards, debit/credit cards, ID cards and two hidden pockets keep your favorite punch cards at the ready. Approximate dimensions are 9 "W x 3.5"H; card pockets are 8"W x 1.75"H.

'Nook Sack - $33 The pouch that started it all. Named after the King Salmon it was designed to chase, the 'Nook Sack keeps your fish chasing essentials slung close by without all the extras. Roomy enough for 2 large boxes of flies, a large spool of leader, hook file, nippers, bug dope, and license. One main pocket to hold your large fly boxes; a smaller internal pocket, and an external zippered pocket. Approximate dimensions: Main Compartment: 11"H x 7"W x 3"D External Pocket: 8"H x 7"W Internal Pocket: 6"H x 6"W

Big Fanny Pack - $50 Designed to be roomier than the 'Nook Sack, the Big Fanny adds more volume and can hold damn near anything you need for a full day chasing fish. Sling it, wear it around your waist, or both! The comfortable waist strap helps stabilize your load, the comfortable shoulder strap helps distribute added weight. The large main pocket keeps your largest fly boxes together, a zippered internal pocket helps organize your leaders and indicators and a zippered outer pocket keeps your tools handy. Approximate dimensions: Main Compartment: 14"W x 9 "H x 4"D. Internal Pocket: 7 "W x5 "H External Pocket: 14"W x 9"H

See what Recycled Waders can do... 

 Guide Trip of The Week
 Fish With The Best!

We have a unique opportunity this year for a handful of anglers who are interested in seeing the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park and fishing in places most folks will never see. Our Lamar horse trip is scheduled for August 21-27, 2012, and is a once in a lifetime chance to fish some of the most beautiful water in the world.

This trip will begin at Pelican Creek and conclude at the confluence of the Lamar River and Soda Butte. This trip will have three separate campsites, cover 35 miles, and seven awesome days in the backcountry! Here's the catch: you need to call us THIS WEEK if you're interested in going. We must make these reservations right away for the backcountry permits and horse reservations.

Fishable water will include: Mist Creek, Little Lamar, Lamar, Cold Creek, and Miller Creek. A day hike (which obviously includes fly rods) into Hoo Doo Basin is an option on this trip for we will be living in the headwaters of Lamar River for a couple of days. Our own Patrick Daigle will host theses trips and will be there to guide you and help with all your fishing needs.

Space is limited to a total of 8 people on these trips so sign up today.

Blue Ribbon Guides - nobody does it better! 

 The Yellowstone Park Foundation
 Invites You to Elk Meadows Ranch

Join the Yellowstone Park Foundation for an opportunity to fish with fly fishing legend Craig Mathews! July 21, 2012 at 5:00 p.m., and optional July 22

Hosts Annie and Bob Graham invite you to Elk Meadows Ranch, a privately owned ranch that sits in the spectacular Madison Valley south of Ennis, Montana, for dinner, special presentations, and an evening of fishing with Craig Mathews. You will joined by special guests Dan Wenk, Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, and Todd Koel, Ph.D., Supervisory Fisheries Biologist for Yellowstone, for a gourmet and locally-sourced dinner by Reel Food on the Fly. They will share the latest updates on Yellowstone! You are also welcome to stay for the night and fish some more!

Saturday package - $1000 per couple, $600 per person - This includes dinner, presentations, and an evening of fishing with Craig Mathews and his guides.
Overnight package - $1500 per couple, $800 per person - Includes all of the above, and an overnight stay at Elk Meadows Ranch, a day of fishing Sunday with Craig Mathews and his guides.

This event is exclusively offered by the YELLOWSTONE PARK FOUNDATION and all proceeds from this special opportunity will directly benefit projects in Yellowstone.

To reserve your place for this unique opportunity, please contact Sarah DeOpsomer at the Yellowstone Park Foundation, events@ypf.org or 406.586.6303, x 107. This opportunity is offered to a limited number of guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

To learn more about the Yellowstone Park Foundation... 

 Hatch Reels and Burkheimer Rods
 A Match Made In Heaven

So maybe it's too late for Father's Day and too early for Christmas, but if you are looking for a perfect gift or a perfect way to celebrate yourself or someone else, do it with a Hatch reel and Burkheimer rod. Fishing has never been so beautiful or fun.

Bucky's favorite rod in the world is the Burkheimer Deep Action Load (DAL). These rods were designed for the caster who prefers a more relaxed stroke, and offer full flexing blanks, firm tips and fast recovery.

You want a light presentation with a #18 PMD? This rod series will do it. How about deep nymphing with a stonefly or ripping a streamer through a logjam? These rods will do that too. DALs are highly versatile with a forgiving flex that still provides strong performance.

The CF Burkheimer Trout rod is light in the hand, but heavy in performance. If they don't cast 80 feet with good turnover right after they dropped a fly on a quarter at 25, they're not Burkheimers. They want to build rods that you'll love to fish with, because you deserve it and the trout deserve it.

Now for the perfect reel? Check out Hatch. Even Burkheimer himself recommends Hatch as a great match. Hatch Reels set out in 2003 to design the most high performing, reliable, and stylish fly reels the world had ever seen. The Finatic is their newest offering, and combines a silky smooth big-game drag system with refined styling and ergonomic feel. With a full range of sizes and colors, a powerful brake, and a bombproof finish, Hatch has set a new standard for the modern fly reel.

With a range of sizes to accommodate everything from the 7'9″ 2wt to our 15'5″ 11wt, we can fit the appropriate Hatch reel to any Burkheimer rod. Ask us about the perfect reel to complete your setup.

See what we're talking about...