The Adventures of Flybum - Part 8

Well, it's been a few days now and I'm in between projects, so there's no better time than now to hit the next blog. It had been a great trip up to this point and quite honestly, we found leaving the Teton a tough proposition! Nevertheless, the thought of some Fine-Spotted Cutties (Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroats) was enough to entice us over the beautiful Teton divide and into the Snake River valley.

This was to be our last day before starting the trip back toward home, and we were already starting to feel the pain deep in our guts. You know the pain? It's that feeling of, the last cast is coming and I don't want to go home feeling.....yeah, it was starting to creep up on us.

Regardless, we were stoked to be fishing a new piece of water for the sixth day in a row! I love high adventure, especially when it's mixed with fishing the fly!

So, after a short drive over some beautiful mountains, we finally arrived in the well known city of Jackson, Wyoming. A tourist trap of sorts, it was cool to be there even if it was only for a little while. After a short stop at one of the local fly shops, we were on our way to a tributary of the monstrous Snake River to get our last of five species on our bucket list...this time those Fine-Spots...

Upon arrival, we exploded from the vehicle like little boys headed into a candy store. The race was on to see who could get the rod out and boots in the water first. Within seconds of arrival, the first Fine-Spots were in the net. The only problem was that they were small....really small! Like 6-7" small! Things would improve....right? Tell me they will improve Ben.....Don....Don.....Bueller......Bueller.....don't just stand there guys, say something. Tell me we didn't drive all this way for 6" fish in water we know has to hold much larger. What would become of our day? That is what we didn't know.

SAO GUIDE PATRICK ROBINSON UNHOOKS A

SMALL SNAKE RIVER FINE-SPOTTED CUTTHROAT

After fishing up stream for some time in search of some larger fish, we finally hit a point of frustration. We were seeing fish, but all of them were small. About the only thing we were seeing that was rewarding was wildlife. While fishing that upper section, we had a whole herd of mountain goats come down off the mountain to water right across the river from us. That was a real treat. I had the video camera out and filmed them at length, thus no photos to show at this time. If I get around to another video, perhaps I will throw some footage in so that you can see them up close.

There was only one problem at this point, as I saw it....and that was the thrill of mountain goats wore off way to fast and we were quickly back to the realization that small trout was our reality. We had to move and fast. The day was slipping away and with it our chance at some nicer fish. So, after a streamside meeting, we mulled it over and quickly decided to pull stakes and head closer to the confluence of the river with the Snake. Luckily for us, it didn't take but a few minutes of travel and walking and our luck would change. In the lower section we were treated much better by our swimming friends and we knew at that time that we had made the right choice.

DON HOLDS A NICE FINE-SPOT AS PATRICK

ROLLS FILM FOR FUTURE FLICS.

All week, Don had a way of getting us started on the big fish in each location that we fished and this day was no different. So, thank you Don for shaking off the small fish syndrome once again. After this, it was all good!

A GORGEOUS FINE-SPOT IN THE NET

Not long after Don got us started, it was time for me to get in the game. It was now or never and never was not an option. So, I stalked up on a nice deep seam (that you can see in the background) and worked what magic I could and ended up with one of the nicest specimens of a Yellowstone Cutthroat that we had seen in the last two days.

SAO GUIDE PATRICK ROBINSON HOLDS

A NICE YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT

A BEAUTIFUL CUTTIE IN THE HAND IS A GREAT EXPERIENCE!

We continued to fish that location and others and continued to pull fish. Some were small but others were quality fish. Although no toads were landed, we did stick plenty of fish for the last couple of hours we were there....and for that we were thankful!

PATRICK ROBINSON HOLDS A QUALITY FINE-SPOTTED CUTTHROAT

Many nice pools were stacked one on top of the other in this stretch of river. Each hole held fish and they would take a look at most flies presented in a decent manner. However, some of the fast and turbulent water created some very challenging drifts....I love a good challenge though!

I kept stepping it up....I fished every tough lie I could find hoping for that one trophy to explode all over my offering. Unfortunately, it never happened. However, I was out west...I was fishing some amazing water with a stunning view....I was living the dream. So, I really couldn't be all that disappointed! I mean, what was there to complain about? Wading great water, casting a Helios for Fine-spotted Cutthroats....Don't worry, be happy comes to mind : )

ANOTHER NICE FINE-SPOTTED CUTTHROAT

IS BROUGHT TO HAND BEFORE THE DAYS END

SNAKE RIVER FINE-SPOTTED CUTTHROATS ARE

GORGEOUS FISH IN THEIR OWN RIGHT!

The day ended as fast as it started and soon we were headed back to eastern Idaho to prep for our last day of fishing....this time in an undisclosed location.

Next time, we will go to some high desert water loaded with TONS of HUGE Brown Trout. We hadn't had an opportunity at slob butter bellies up to this point, so we couldn't wait....but you will have to.

Until next time...

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson

Head Guide

Steelhead Alley Outfitters

The Adventures of Flybum - Part 7

The last time I wrote, I promised we would head upstream on the Teton in my next blog. Well, I'm keeping my promise although it has been a number of days since my last entry. The delay in getting you up river was due to the fact that I wanted to do so through the avenue of video. So, I make my return in this western adventure series with another Flybum Media short.

This section of river will be forever burned in my memory for a couple of reasons. The first being that it was the first time I had ever come across a mountain lion den (yeah, I was standing right in front of it before I realized it...pretty daunting really), second because that is where I lost the biggest fish of the day, and last but not least, it was the place where I caught my first Rattlesnake....Oh Yeah....It was a rush! You'll see more of this in the video.

Until then, here are a few more photos of fish that we caught on our day on the Teton.

SAO GUIDE BEN BARGER WITH A HEALTHY

YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT

SAO GUIDE PATRICK ROBINSON HOLDING

A NICE CUTTHROAT OF HIS OWN

Toward the end of our day, we headed back downstream to a confluence and decided to fish it up. It was a great piece of water! I only wish we had more sunlight so we could have explored it further up.

AN AWESOME FIGHTING FISH IN FAST

WATER ON A 5WT!

As we fished upstream in the last few minutes of light in the canyon, yet another first presented itself, and I wasn't gonna pass this one up. Some call it a bit crazy....some completely insane. I call it cool and living on the edge : )

Below is a photo of the Rattlesnake I noticed trying to climb the vertical rock face in the background of the photo above. I noticed him swimming along the wall and then he disappeared into the only crevice for quite some distance. I hollered out to Ben, "Rattlesnake" and pointed across the river. He said, "How do you know?" I said, "Just trust me, I know my snakes" and headed off for the other side of the river to see if I could get a look at him. The following photo is all I could take considering I had left all cameras but my iPhone downstream. It was the end of the day, the sunlight was disappearing and so we decided to wrap up the filming for the day....ughhh. Always happens when you need the camera(s).

FIRST RATTLESNAKE I HAVE EVER SEEN IN

THE WILD IN ALL HIS GLORY! TRULY AN AMAZINGLY

BEAUTIFUL REPTILE. I GUESS YOU HAVE TO APPRECIATE

SNAKES TO AGREE WITH ME ON THIS.

Wow, that was really cool to see! However, I always wanted to catch a poisonous snake and here was my opportunity and a good one at that. Please keep in mind that I don't advise this. I spent a large part of my childhood catching snakes, learning about snakes, visiting serpatoriums, and educating myself on what makes snakes tick. That being said, this was the best opportunity one could have. Snakes are cold blooded reptiles which means they rely on the warmth of the sun to increase their metabolism. That means if they are cold, they move slow, if they are hot, they are lighting fast. This snake had just come out of 55-60 degree water, had been in the shade, was climbing straight vertical, and could not achieve a coiled position if he tried which is the position they need to be in for an optimum defense/strike posture. So, his ability to defend himself was extremely limited and his metabolism was very slow due to being in the water (and this was proven in the fact that he could barely shake his rattle). So, again, please understand that I know what I am doing, read all the available signs, and proceeded knowing the inherent risks.

So, with a little encouragement from my friend Ben, it was on! Just a minute later, I was proudly in control of one mean looking set of teeth! But to be quite honest, and I hate to say it, because it takes the "macho" out of the story.....this could very possibly have been one of the easiest snakes I have ever caught.

PATRICK SMILES WITH HIS FIRST

RATTLESNAKE IN HAND

THE BUSINESS END AND A BEAUTIFUL

RATTLE ADORNED THIS AWESOME SNAKE!

So, without further delay, here is the latest film I worked on. I wish I had more to offer, but when you are torn between filming and fishing, sometimes you come up short on the footage you really would have liked. Regardless of what I didn't get, it turned out decent in the end and will always be on my shelf as a part of "The Adventures of Flybum - Volume 2." Also please note that in the flick, some censoring has been done to protect names of those who shared information and also to protect the names of specific locations. I think we all understand that YouTube videos and blogs on the world wide web can be a place that puts a lot of unneeded pressure on some of our favorite haunts. Therefore, for conservation reasons as well as the need to respect the wishes of others who so selflessly helped me build a successful trip, I have added the censors early in the flick. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I did fishing it, filming it, and editing it down.

Next time, we will take a trip across the Teton divide and check out a brief stint on a tributary to the Snake River in the area of Jackson, Wyoming....home of Snake River Fine Spots!

Until then,

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson

Head Guide

Steelhead Alley Outfitters

Westward Bound Part III; Yellowstone's Lamar River

In Pursuit Of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

Theresa and I decided to get up, have breakfast, and check out of our hotel pretty early this morning. We would be pulling out of Buffalo, Wyoming and heading to Livingston, Montana to spend a couple of days fishing for Yellowstone Cutthroat with Scott and Nathan McClintock.

Some of you had the pleasure of fishing with Scott this past steelhead season, and he quickly has become a welcomed and popular addition to the Steelhead Alley Outfitters team. Scott and his family have spent many years out west fly fishing for trout, and in recent years Scott has been guiding clients through his RSM Fly Fishing Services and Sweet Water Travel. We'll have more on Scott and upcoming trips opportunities with our services in the very near future.

After a decent haul we pulled up to Scott's summer home in paradise. After a few old man jokes and complaints about the unseasonable heat, we unpacked and settled in for the next two days of trout fishing. We decided to start the weekend off with a good old fashion grill out. The steaks had to be at least 16 ounces and a heart attack waiting to happen, but heck we were living the good life right?

Where's The Beef!

After dinner Scott had plans for us to travel a short distance over to Yellowstone National Park. We would be hiking into the Valley and fishing the Lamar River for Cutthroat. I can say I was pretty excited, as this would be my first chance at this species of trout. My wife on the other hand had bulging eye balls after overhearing our conversations. While Scott and I were talking about the area he loves to fish there may have been a little mention of Grizzly Bears.

It seems the bear activity was at an all time high, and that the park bears were a little more confrontational than usual. Just a few days prior to our arrival Scott and Nathan were fishing the same area and came a little too close for comfort with a bear fighting with a few wolves over a dead buffalo carcass. Just recently a Grizzly with cubs attacked campers just 12 miles from where we were, killing one person and wounding several others. During our visit to the park we took every precaution to respect the wildlife and still be able to enjoy such an amazing landscape.

Navigating through a buffalo road block

Everyone rose early and was ready to hit the road before 8am. After a pit stop at Sweet Water Fly Shop for a few last minute items and a quick fishing report we were officially on our way. The drive through the park was absolutely stunning, and after a quick buffalo road block and a few pictures we reached our destination.

Scott and Nathan pose for a father & son shot. Nathan hit the

first fish of the day with an attractor dry.

Scott poses with one of several nice Yellowstone

Cutthroats he coaxed to the surface.

A close up of the amazing colors these trout display.

After a short walk into the valley, we pushed downstream to a section of the Lamar River Scott was very fond of. While walking the river banks, Wolf, Grizzly, and Bison tracks littered the ground around us. I must say it was pretty cool walking by small groups of bison and fishing for trout in this wild setting. I almost felt like I was back on Margot Creek in Alaska, but instead of seeing strictly Grizzly in Alaska, we were surrounded by buffalo.

As we arrived at the section of the Lamar we intended to fish, Scott and Nathan wasted little time putting the first couple of fish in our nets. I kind of felt like the "home field advantage" was definitely kicking in. Soon after Theresa and I were also on the board with a pair of our first Yellowstone Cutthroats. We were fishing primarily small hoppers on this day, and it was really different watching the Cutthroat rise and take flies. Unlike the sipping brown trout and rainbows I have caught in the east, the Yellowstone cuttie would rise slow, and take the fly on a roll back down beneath the surface. I missed my first couple of takes by being a little to quick on the hook set.

Theresa and I pose with a nice cutthroat that took a small hopper.

This is probably my favorite picture of the trip! The solitude

and peaceful setting made the fishing unforgettable.

There was zero sense of urgency or the need to rush!

Here's a closer view of Theresa's first Yellowstone Cutthroat.

and then the release....

We spent the remainder of the afternoon sharing good water, laughing, and enjoying all the reasons why we pursue trout with a fly rod and reel. Time flew by and before we knew it, evening was setting in. To the pleasure of my wife, we didn't see any bear on the river, and as we neared the car she let out a relaxing deep breath, and the constant looking over your shoulders was over at least for the remainder of the day.

Fishing a nice run on the Lamar River

One of the beautifully colored Yellowstone

Cutthroats I was able to glance at.

Hooked up in the Valley...

A good fish to end a great day...

I had to add this little rant and one last picture of my experiences in Yellowstone National Park! Everyone knows that the park is a vast and very wild place, many signs and warnings are posted about the wildlife here. To my amazement there were so many people that have no common sense or concern for their own personal safety, or that of their families. Anyone who would willingly run after and continue to follow a Black Bear for a simple picture is just plain retarded. So below is my Dumb *** photo of the trip! Just for the record this is why people get attacked by Buffalo, and mauled by bears each year.....

This photo was taken from the road. The people are at least fifty

yards off the road, with this bear being about 40 yards further yet.

I hope you can run in sandals when this bear finally

gets tired of being followed....

In my next blog I will be focusing on fishing a small out of the way mountain stream for small rainbows and cutbows.

Until Next Time,

Greg Senyo

Owner/Operator

Steelhead Alley Outfitters

The Adventures of Flybum - Part 6

The last time I left you, we had fished the Madison and Firehole Rivers of Yellowstone National Park and were headed back south to one of the most anticipated rivers of our trip westward....the mighty Teton River.

The Teton River hit my radar after talking to friend Jim Lampros. Jim had spent some time working with World Cast Anglers during his adventures out west, and this put him in the backyard of the Teton. After hearing his stories and seeing the awesome photos of him traversing this river plastered all over Orvis catalogs, I just had to see it with my own eyes. The fact that it held stellar populations of Yellowstone Cutthroats, one of those species I had never caught, was just icing on the cake.

After meeting with Jim and making careful notes we were within a short drive of the river. Leaving Ashton, Idaho, we were soon on a dirt two track headed for the place that I had been told about. At first, I wasn't sure if I had the right road (I was a bit gun shy after some of our previous adventures), but we did and in short order we were overlooking an awesome body of water. It may take us a while to find our water, but we always find the fishing hole!

THE MIGHTY TETON RIVER WINDS

THROUGH THE IDAHO COUNTRYSIDE

The view looking up was just as stellar as the one we had looking way down into the canyon. In fact, when we first got there, I didn't know which way to look. I said wow so many times, that I think the guys thought I had found a new favorite word.....DUDE.....WOW!!!!

THE MIGHTY TETON RANGE STANDS OVERLOOKING THE

PRODUCTIVE TROUT WATERS THAT SURROUND IT.

After making our destination, we jumped out to snap some photos. I remember the moment I got to the trail heading into the canyon and looking over the edge! Insert one of those "WOW's!" Wow is all you could say! It was a huge drop into this canyon stretch of the Teton and when I say huge, I mean roughly 1000 vertical feet at about a 45 degree angle and sometimes steeper! This insertion point wasn't for sissy's! And if you weren't going to take a boat down with you and float out, then you had better make sure your heart was in good condition, because coming out is not for the faint of heart...This I guarantee!!!

SHOOTING SOME PHOTOS OF THE TETONS

SAO GUIDE BEN BARGER PREPARES GEAR

FOR THE DAY ON THE RIVER

We took our time getting down to the river for two reasons...safety and for filming. We couldn't just blaze down the trail without capturing it on video, so roll film we did! Hopefully I can put together a sequence from our day on this river. Of all our days on the water, this one definitely got the majority of my time. From big fish caught to heartbreaks to rattlesnakes, we got it all on this day! So, keep your fingers crossed and maybe I will show you some more film.

Once we got down to the river, the guys started packing gear for the trek along the river. I just couldn't wait to fish and catch that next species, so right then and there, I got the rod out and started fishing. It wasn't any time at all and the first Yellowstone Cutt was in hand. Just a moment later, a monster fish exploded on my fly and here is where the first heartbreak occurred! You see, I broke one of my own rules. The long story made short is that I forgot to loosen my drag...yeah, oops! The cast was made, the float was drag free, the rise came, the explosion ripped the water apart and it was fish on!!! The problem was that with fast water, a big fish, and a tight drag, disaster was looming. I rushed to get to the drag as the fished turned down stream. With a less than graceful staggering few steps down stream and every attempt to keep my rod up, the fish was gaining ground. I got the drag...I got it....The rod tip was dropping, dropping, in the danger zone, still dropping......OH CRAP, No, I can do this......rod pointing as fish....I could feel the tippet stretching...then all at once.....BANG!!! It was over! My second fish of the day and one pushing twenty inches was now only a story! Oh well was all I could say! After all, it was early in the morning and no worries! I mean, no phone was going to be ringing telling me I needed to be anywhere....ahhh, what a feeling!

It wasn't long after this failed attempt at a trophy, that we were up river and into fish after fish.

SAO GUIDE PATRICK ROBINSON HOLDS A

HEALTHY TETON YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT

DON FISHES AT A CONFLUENCE POINT IN THE TETON

During our time at the confluence that you see above, Don and I were doubled up. Although the waters were slightly stained, the fish were more than willing to look up and since we don't get to fish the dries all that often back home, we opted to throw the big dries!

SAO GUIDE PATRICK ROBINSON AND FRIEND DON

LAND A DOUBLE ON YELLOWSTONE CUTTIES

AND THE SMILES......OH SO SWEET!

We continued to fish the morning away in this general area. We fished up the Teton and up a smaller tributary and more fish came to hand than we could count. It was getting to be mid day and we wanted to fish a lot more water as long as it was accessible in the rough terrain. So, to insure we would have enough fuel in the furnace to make the continued push, we paused to grab a streamside lunch.......

SAO GUIDE BEN BARGER GETS THE FIRE GOING

FOR SOME STREAM SIDE HOT DOGS

After cramming our faces with fine pork products, we decided to head up stream a bit further. There's always a big one just around the corner right?

Well, up stream did treat us very, very well and we captured a lot of film and photos of fish on this stretch. However, I had to get the fish in front of that rock first.

SAO GUIDES PATRICK AND BEN WADE THE EDGE OF

THE FAST WATER CATCHING FISH IN ALL THE

SLACK WATER HOLDS ALONG THE WAY.

In the next adventure, we will head up stream to see what the waters offered us. This was one of my most memorable afternoons I have ever had and I look forward to sharing it with you!

Until next time,

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson

Head Guide

Steelhead Alley Outfitters