SalmonFly Tour 2008

Here we go again! Something a little interesting this year - after near record 150% snow accumulation and a pretty wet early June, we arrived to find a banner snowmelt. Lots of whitecaps and mud in the rivers, not too many dry flies anywhere around but fortunately, the high flows pushed the trout up against the banks (clinging for dear life) so were still able to collect a few memorable photos in spite of the challenging conditions. Thanks again to the very capable guide staff at Blue Ribbon Flies and some old friends from SlimyTrout.com, the seasoned veterans as well as the two Rookie (first time on the Spring SalmonFly Tour) couples all had another great adventure in Yellowstone country.

	All humility aside, your humble rod maker hefting a pretty nice Brown trout taken off the banks of the Madison River just a little down from Raynolds Bridge. Two items of interest - note the bright blue sky, this is known as the "Burhart Curse". A meteorological condition that usually follows me to Montana intended to frighten the wily trout and minimize surface feeding activity. Also note the whitecaps in the background. We arrived just in time for a banner, old-fashioned runoff which kept us out of the driftboats as well as concentrating an awful lot of fisherman in the few rivers that were semi-clear and still within the banks. Oh well, maybe next year!
Vengeance is mine! Here's our poster girl with one of Blue Ribbon Flies finest guides showing off one of those near record Brown Trout. Sorry, but after seeing her haul in those fatties year after year, I couldn't resist - more to follow.
	Your humble rodmaker gives the new kid a chance. It was our first chance to fish with Tommy, and we had a great time - sure appreciate him keeping that Clackacraft right-side up.

A classic shot of the Three Dollar Bridge. Quite a history attached to this landmark section of the Madison River; it was one of the first places I fished in Montana and it still gets the job done. Once again, note how close the river is to the bottom of the bridge and the gentle chop that made our ride down just a little more exciting.
Our poster girl is at it again, this time with a spectacular Montana Whitefish. Also known as Montana Bonefish, Wanabe Grayling or Old Cheerio Lips, I'm not sure if the guide is wearing the solar gear to prevent sunburn or to disguise his true identify - right Geoff?

I'm almost finished picking on her (almost). Now pictured with a new guide (rumored to be the "Old Master") they proudly lift a fine Firehole River Rainbow. I have to say, the smiles are genuine, in spite of the less than record size, we all still had a great time mixing more ample fish with some of these feisty little guys. You have to be impressed with their enthusiasm - like I always say, "Any Trout that eats my fly is a beauty".
	Searching for a little larger trophy, our poster girl strikes pay dirt. You gotta love casting in that Montana breeze! She heard a rumor that treating the fly with a little blood often triggers a massive strike.


One of the new kids, Andrew shows a little love to another Three Dollar Rainbow. It must have been that lucky new hat and T-Shirt that turned him into a real Madison River angler. (No compensation was received for that sartorial commentary)

Another happy camper - a sweet little brown out of the Madison gently held for a photo op.
	The usual photo is an Upside Down Brown, but the setting was to good to pass up so the Rainbow had to fill in.

Drew with another fine Madison River Rainbow. Rumor has it his thoughtful guide parked him below the brushpile to rekindle fond memories of his home waters back in Michigan. Seemed to work just fine.

An interesting memory of the river above Three Dollar Bridge. The Mrs. is hanging on for dear life while hubby is upstream holding down that rock. Thanks for your help and support, Honey!

Cynthia's maiden voyage. Geoff hooks her up with a fine Brownie. Pay no attention to the pink worm dangling from his lanyard. This could be you Ralphie - get out of the desert and back to the good ol' U.S.A.
Another classic head shot. Geoffrey has this pose down pat, or is it just that after that last photo something more modest was appropriate.
	It had to happen somewhere! Mike's got a grip on a nice Brown out of the Madison - this time in YNP near Madison Junction where a few Salmonflies were still flapping about, not to mention the one stuck in that trout's lip!

I knew you were looking for something artsy - here's one from Cynthia with the Tetons

As usual another fantastic adventure - thanks again to our excellent guides Cam, Geoff, Mike, Tommy and of course the Pope out of Blue Ribbon Flies and not to forget to folks in the shop, Craig & Jackie, Jen for her language arts assistance, Patrick for his new and unusual fly patterns and BUCKY for his mastery of swiping my VISA card!