Tuesday, April 8, 2014

The Brown Zebra Midge Adventure - Revisted

Also affectionately called "The Three Amigo" trip each year, this is a yearly return to one of my favorite rivers in Montana.  And this year, it was trout feeding on midges again.  The "three amigos" (RD, Maynard, and Ernie) had two extras come along on this year's adventure.  We will call them the "two habaneros" (or Lenny and Squiggy).  We had four fishing buddies and for a couple of days and five for a couple days.  It all worked out fine and we all enjoyed each other's company.  The camaradarie on the water is shown by taking turns in holes and us cheering on each other's trophy catch. Also sharing what was working and handing out flies if necessary. 


For five days, we searched and destroyed.  Another trip to "slaughter alley" proved that it was named that previously for a reason.  Although a bit slower in the catching than previous years, I held out hope that there were a couple big fish to be had.  And I was right.  Just have to be patient!!!




 And RD is assigned the river lunches,  What was it this year?  Well, how about pastrami, corned beef, salami, turkey, swiss, havarti, and sourdough bread.  By the 5th day, I thought that we would be tired of all that, so I threw in some croissants and chicken salad... which turned out to be my personal favorite.  Throw in RD's snickerdoodles and oatmeal chocolate chip scotchies... and we weren't hungry in the least.  Oh yeah, turns out the guys don't like grapes.  We will have to change that up next year.  All in all... it was another great trip with lots of time on the water and braving the weather conditions once again.  WIND, rain, sleet... Just plain cold and grey outside.  But, that is March in Montana.  We persevered and fought against the odds of a poor barometric pressure reading. (Yes, I still do believe in the pressure system)  We just couldn't get it over 30.  



The fog came in as we rolled out of town.  But, the one other constant besides the crap weather was serving up brown zebra midges in size 16.  They caught half of my fish probably.  I also had success on pink soft hackle sow bugs and olive hares ears.  And one of my favorite moments was when I decided to play the dry fly game.  Since I don't do it much, this was very gratifying to say the least.


Yes, that would be a high visibility griffiths gnat.  Something that I can see!!!  Only way that I can follow those little bugs...

So, another "Three Amigo" trip is in the books.  Here is a quick recap of the events.  Enjoy in full screen and on 720 p HD (you might have to change it there on the bottom of the screen)... And now to get ready for Fish Tuesday...  = )  No, it never ends.


11 comments:

  1. What a fun trip even if it was a bit cold.

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    1. Yeah, we are used to it, Mark. We had heard rumors that it might be warmer this year. Negative.

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  2. You did not mention it in the post, but I am assuming, that those fish were caught on patterns that you tied up. Another great trip and friendship shared. I just miss the Cookies!

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    1. Mel, I tied up a dozen brown zebra midges size 16. And they caught fish,... yup yup. = )

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  3. Sounds like fun... and wow, that buttercup you are holding in the second pic is unreal! Fun stuff.

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    1. Butter Browns are the best!!! I will agree... And I'm lucky to know a few fisheries that hold a bunch of them!! Thanks for stopping by... = )

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  4. RD
    Montana, food, companionship, and of course the trout, what else could a fly fishing individual ask for, other than a little better weather. The Gnat has to be one of my favorite dries. I was wondering what happen to you, now we all know, fishing in one fantastic areas of the country. Thanks for sharing

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    1. Bill ~ If I ever go AWOL, I am usually on a fishing trip. Ha. The hi-viz gnat was my only chance for a top water catch. And I think that he was just as surprised as I was!!!

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  5. Sounds like a great trip! I wish I could do something like that but I have friends who I know will flake on me and friends who see no need in a long trip. haha Oh and that snow picture is fantastic!

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    1. Juan ~ I am very fortunate to have fishing buddies that like to travel as much as I do. Start with just a two day trip with your friends... At least you will get out of town and see something different than your local water! It is just as refreshing. Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Can you arrange a similar fun, fishy trip for Mel and I when you visit Colorado? I thing we need help.

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