Late Summer Rivers
Yellowstone Association E-Newsletter August 2011
In This Issue
Make a Fun Statement About Wildlife Watching
A GIft for New Guardian Members
Still Opportunities for Special Yellowstone Getaways

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High Water Leaves Mark on Park, Has Up and Down Side for Anglers


The last of last winter's record snowpack is just now rushing through Yellowstone National Park. At its peak that water flooded trails and campsites, and set records for high water. A record flow of 15,700 cubic feet per second was set on the Lamar River on June 24, and the July 9 water level under Fishing Bridge reached 8.7 feet, just shy of the record (8.9 feet) and flood stage (9 feet). The Boiling River swimming area near Mammoth Hot Springs didn't open until July 30; the Firehole swimming area, near Madison Junction, remains closed.  

 

The high, rushing water also kept large numbers of fishing enthusiasts off park rivers and lakes until the end of July, especially in north Yellowstone, said Richard Parks of Parks Fly Shop in Gardiner, Montana, who has observed every fishing season since 1953. "If you're contemplating a fall fishing trip, though, this is the year to do it," anytime after the equinox, he added. Water levels should still be more than 50 percent higher than normal. This year, the fishing season runs through November. 6.

 

About 3 percent of all park visitors, some 75,000 people, fish in Yellowstone each year. The required Yellowstone fishing license can be purchased in the park or at fishing outfitters in gateway cities. State licenses are not required.

 

Yellowstone has a barbless hook rule, and all native species (cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling, and mountain whitefish) must be released. As part of an NPS effort to rid Yellowstone Lake of invasive species, lake trout caught there and on lake tributaries must be killed. This summer, NPS and contract crews have already removed 114,860 lake trout, a 50 percent increase over last year's total at this time. For complete regulations, current conditions, permitted guides, and more information, click here...

Make a Fun Statement About Wildlife Watching

Wildlife T-ShirtLocal artist Mimi Matsuda has created this clever, colorful design on an organic cotton T-shirt exclusively for us. Wear it to tell others more about one of your favorite places, or give one to a friend who loves Far Side and New Yorker cartoons. The artwork is on the back, the Association logo on the front. Men's and women's cuts  for YA membersn sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL for $22.00 ($18.70 for YA members). 
A Gift for New Guardian Members
Chico BagLooking for a convenient way to support Yellowstone? Consider joining the 750 Yellowstone Association members who provide consistent funding for educational programs and projects as Yellowstone Guardians. The contribution can be as little as $10 per month, automatically billed to your credit card. You don't have to remember to renew your membership, and you help us save on paper, printing, and postage. If you join before August 31, 2011, you'll receive a ChicoBag, a collapsible bag made from recycled plastic bottles. Add the code: Aug11 e-news in the comments field when joining online. Limit one per new Guardian membership.

Join or upgrade now...

Still Opportunities for Special Yellowstone Getaways
Autumn Wildlife WatchingNothing enhances a park visit like a Yellowstone Association Institute class-touring the park with an expert and digging deep into special interests. August and September classes with openings include Hot Springs, Mudpots, and Geysers; Walkabout Yellowstone (6 miles daily); Protecting Yellowstone's Hydrothermal System, Fall on the Northern Range; Elk: The Fall Rut; and Autumn Day Hikes in Yellowstone (8 to 12 miles daily). Visit the Institute calendar and click on the class for details. No matter the topic, you'll enjoy the fact-filled, easy-going learning style, and class camaraderie.

Learn more...

Yellowstone Association
 
Phone: 406-848-2400