What a difference a week makes. My previous report from last week was titled "Amazing Weather", describing the incredible run of weather that the inter-mountain west had been experiencing for weeks. Since then, a fast moving, cold weather system moved in over the weekend and has dropped over 40" of snow in the high country, and a good 6 inches in the valley as of today. People are actually skiing Teton Pass already.
Our first day on the Missouri River last week had us basking in abundant sunshine and warm weather; local guides we spoke to at the boat ramp were still talking of hopper activity. By the end of the trip, we were chucking streamers in foul weather, and sight-fishing in thick Baetis hatches. We had a great time traveling through the "Last Best Place", covering water on the Missouri and Beaverhead Rivers.
If you're ever up that way, don't miss Montana River Outfitters in Wolf Creek for great lodging options, The Trout Shop in Craig for bugs, and Izaak's in Craig for a great steak. The drive home was rugged through snow and wind. Anglers here are all now flocking to their favorite Brown trout spots looking for aggressive fall feeders. This weather should certainly do the trick. With the "La Nina" weather pattern settling in, forecasters are calling for a big winter. Good news for the rivers and the skiers. I can't remember ever seeing so much snow fall, so early in the season.
Here's a few shots from our trip. Stan and I holding the typical Missouri River Rainbow. A great shot of the sunset below Craig, and a view of the broad 'Mo from the Wolf Creek bridge.
No comments:
Post a Comment