Last Day

Kinda uneventful.  Decided to return to the Main Street channel since I hadn't been back there in a few weeks.  Needed to see new water, and some challenging spots.  More bear sign than before, but didn't see him this time.  The hatch was late, and there were only a few good fish up here and there, but I got some nice takes on precise drifts.  The north wind made things challenging, and discouraged rises in all but the protected banks.  Caught a few just above the bridge in the salad lane late this afternoon too.  The whole river is a salad bar.  Some huge clumps that can knock you over too.  Today was a good way to say goodbye to the river until next summer.  (Or will I sneak back one last time?)

Been debating SE to the creeks, or south to the Beav.  Forecast has moderate winds for the next two days, at least.  Never a good idea to bet against the wind in Livingston, although it can be different on the creeks up the valley vs. in town.  I didn't like the generally windy and shitty forecast for 6X, midge/baetis, creek fishing.  Dillon it is.

MO Hatch Time, That's what it says.

The zone

A couple doin' it an inch from the moss

This ugly guy, another one of those clipped-dorsal stockers. (How do they get in here, over the dam?)

And then

This 20-incher with all fins intact

I think he wants to go

Works even with the biot body all gone and the thorax springing out

He's under the sticks next to the moss.

How the hell am I gonna get it in there?

Right there

Got it in there.  Shit ya!  Another beauty not clipped.

Passed 6 or 8 of these piles on the way in today.

This is more rare than a bear.  Only one I've seen all season.  Big bastards.

Turned out a nice quiet place to camp for a few nights.  With Internet "borrowed" from the neighboring house!  They have a Network Extender, which lets their mobile phones and data work over their broadband.  The campground is close enough to the house to work just enough.  Who knew?  Hope they have unlimited broadband!