Montana Autumn September 2006

Your humble RodMaker was such a good boy this year that he decided to treat himself to a special Autumn trip back to Montana. We heard so many stories of huge spawning brown trout climbing out of Hebgen, hoards of Baetis hatching in the snow and other tall tales, so we packed our long johns, GoreTex, Motrin and mittens and away we go . . .

	A quick visit up to the Soda Butte. In spite of a bright blue sky, we still managed to trick a few Yellowstone cutthroats into trying what we offered and had a great day up in the Lamar valley.
Still on the Soda - Johnny tries the fast water.
	One thing we did notice right away, a lot more of the animals in the park were on the move getting ready to do what comes natural. Who said polygamy is dead?
We also spent a little time on the Firehole. We were not alone - this big guy was leading the pack of about 50 more Tatanka which slightly delayed getting back to the car!

	One of those pretty little cutthroat made the mistake of showing his nose trying to pick off a couple rare #22 Blue Wings that actually had the nerve to hatch in the bright sunshine.
This was our first look at the Madison close to the lake. Michael seems quite happy to slightly delay this guy's trip up river for a brief photo-op.
	You can always count on the Madison and this float was no exception. My apologies to the guide and angler, but the fall colors of this Brownie warranted this tight photo crop.
Even though daytime temps were in the 70's, we got into the snow in the Dunraven pass. This little Grizz was scrounging a few last minute snacks before his long winter's nap!
	Al tricks another Madison river Brown (yes that was also him trying to get into the photo up above).

Another gorgeous Madison river Brown - rumour is a plastic replica of this guy might end up hanging in Pennsylvania.

Oh for God's sake Al -

An early morning look at the Madison in the Park. Photo courtesy of "ARV Before Dawn LLC".

Like father like son. We call this "the crouch" a posture that indicates a high level on concentration and angling prowess. Then again it may just be a genetic defect in the lumbar ??

This may have been an accident but I kinda like the effect - what do you think?

A last look at the Madison - See you all next time !

P.S. - Don't forget the video !