September 16, 2006

Up until 3 days ago, the heat continued - today it is snowing!  Yesterday it was cool and rainy, this morning when I got up it was rain mixed with snow, and now it is just plain snowing; great big huge flakes!  I guess our summer is officially over, and we will have cooler temperatures from now until it gets down right cold.  We lit the pilot in the gas fireplace last night, and had a fire right away.  Seems weird to go from 90 degrees to snow in such a short time, but we are ready for a reprieve.

Fishing has been slow.  I would imagine it will pick up now with this weather change - though most likely it will take a few days.  Everything is changing.  Even the colors - the chokecherry bushes are bright red, and the cottonwoods have a slight yellow hue.  It won't be long until the larch a showing golden on the mountain sided.  Joe says it's the perfect combination of colors for fall - Green and Gold, Packer football colors...

September is pretty packed with visitors to Rock Creek - typically a very good time to come and fish Rock Creek.  With the late cool off and rain, I expect the best of fishing will extend into October.  If you still want to fit in a trip this fall, give me a call.  If the fishing isn't as good as you want, the sheep watching will be spectacular as the rams move into the valley.  The only time you can witness this in October.

That's it for today.

Deb

August 29, 2006

Here we are - the end of August, and I have no real fire news - PRAISE THE LORD!  We've avoided anything of size here at Rock Creek (there were a few very small lightning strikes, but the FS got on them quickly).  The Gash Creek fire near Victor is still burning, though it's mostly contained.  Every once in awhile our valley will fill up with smoke because of that fire, but for the most part, it's been fairly clear air.

We're still in a pretty weird weather pattern that is bringing hot daytime temps.  I say that as were about to experience below normal temps - that's why I say it's weird.  Yesterday was in the mid-nineties, tomorrow it's supposed to be around 70.  Night times are getting into the 40's, and that's good for cooling off the streams.

Well, if that isn't a lead in to a river report, I don't know what is.  The Clark Fork has re-opened; in fact all but the Blackfoot are back to being 100% open (in our area).  The Blackfoot is still closed after noon, however, it shouldn't be long until it's back to normal too.

Fishing has been pretty good; hoppers are on, so that's always fun.  Rock Creek has been getting an evening hatch that is producing good using a parachute Adams. Seems like anything with a yellow body is working - probably due to the great population of the different strains of bees we have this year.  As a side note, if you have ANY tendency toward being allergic to bee stings, be sure to bring your bee sting kit.  It's probably the worst I've ever seen - and I ain't no spring chicken!

Let's see, I guess I should catch you up on our shop.  It's going well - we've got a good supply of flies, leaders, tippet material, floatant, etc. (you know, the basics).  We DON'T have rods, reels, waders, etc.  The shop is just too small.

We're going to host a fly fishing clinic on September 23, so if you'll be visiting from out of town and would like to be a part of this, call the shop and sign up.  Cost is $15.  If you're local, you'll need to sign up too.  It'll be a fun day, with lunch included.

I guess that's it for now.  If you want to come to Rock Creek in September, it's a great time - but we're filling up fast!  There are still a couple cabins that are available for Labor Day week-end though, so if you're thinking about it give us a call!

Deb and Joe

August 7, 2006

Just to catch you up on the fires - the latest one at Bearmouth is 100% contained and in mop-up.  There are other fires in our part of Montana, though none close.  There is a bit of a smoky haze in the air; not quite like the clear air we're used to having, but at least it's not like we endured in 2000 and 2003.

It's getting hot again - today is in the 90's.  I'm hoping this is short lived.  The rivers are still under closure regulations (early day fishing only), but Rock Creek remains cool enough to stay open.  If we can avoid lightning storms and too much more heat over the next couple weeks, we should be in the clear.  We just hope that a good drenching rain storm (without lightning) will come through. 

There's no new news (that I've heard) about the subdivision.  The mountain of gravel is gone - spread into a berm alongside the fence (it seems) to keep lookers from seeing in.  Who knows what the outcome will be.  The governor has gotten involved though, and maybe this will wake Montana up to the fact that there are those who don't care if Montana is the "Last best place" in their eyes it's the last best place to exploit.  My hope is that Rock Creek doesn't have to be sacrificed in order for the rest of Montana to be saved, but I guess it's a possibility.  We've been so fortunate up to this point - everyone that has purchased the large parcels of ground have loved this place, and wanted to keep it intact.  Realistically though, I guess it's just the nature of the "game" no matter how sad it is. 

Well, I guess that's it for now.  It's hard to believe that we're almost through our summer.  Soon the leaves will be turning, and the Bighorn rams will be back in the valley.  Another season come and gone...

Deb

August 3, 2006

Well, the heat wave has finally broken, and we're enjoying normal and below normal temperatures, with highs in the 70's and 80's - quite a change from the triple digits we endured last week.  However, even though the temperatures are more bearable, we still have not received rain and we are in dire need.  The fire danger is still extreme, and we have been holding our breath at the forecast of dry lightning storms. So far, none have developed - all fires thus far have been man caused.  There is a new fire at Bearmouth that originated near the rest area.  It's still under investigation. 

Okay, next thing to let you know about is the status of the rivers.  Because of the high temps, the water has warmed and there are fishing restrictions on the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot rivers.  You can keep up-to-date on this news at http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide/waterclosure.aspx  In a nutshell, fishing is closed from noon to midnight on the rivers so people have been going out very early (some meeting their guides at 5 am!).  The water temps are dropping, but so far the restrictions are still in effect.  Rock Creek remains open.

How has the fishing been?  Well, despite the warm temperatures, it's actually been pretty good.  I've had positive reports all the way around, which is surprising for this time of year.  If there's anything good about all of this, maybe it's that folks are learning to get out early in the day and finding out that the fish get up early on these dog days!

Well, I guess that's all the news for now.  Call or e-mail if you have any questions. 

Deb and Joe

July 28, 2006

July has been crazy!  We've had lots of visitors from all over the country; we finally got our little shop 100% up and running, and now we're dealing with thoughts of fire.  So far, only thoughts, but if you're familiar with summer in western MT over the past 6 years, you know that we actually have 5 seasons; Winter, Spring, Summer, Fire, Fall.  I was hoping to avoid the fire season this year, and if we can get through this week-end we may just do it.  However, the weather forecast is not favorable for that.

We are anticipating another 2 days of triple digit temperatures, and then a storm front is to move in on Sunday bringing dry storms and wind.  That mixed with the hot temperatures is a recipe for fire.  IF we can avoid the lightning, next week is supposed to cool off; they're saying mid-80's.  And even though there's still no rain in the forecast, the lower temps will mean higher night time humidity (a good thing in our neck of the woods).  So, for those of you that pray, please do so.

What does all this mean for fishing?  Well, obviously, it means higher water temperatures.  Restrictions have been placed on the Clark Fork (no fishing between noon and midnight) as well as the Little Blackfoot (near Helena).  Next week this may change for the better due to the lower temperatures during the day.  The lower portion of  Rock Creek is warming, but because of the tributaries keeping the majority of the creek cool, it's only a short section that is affected (no part has been closed).

Okay, let's talk about fires.  Gee, I was hoping to get through another year without becoming a fire information officer, and so far, that's true but I do need to let you know what's happening in Western MT.  The Packer Gulch Fire  (http://inciweb.org/incident/304/ ) near Bearmouth  is 90% contained after burning more than 3,000 acres.  This is the fire that was threatening Garnet Ghost Town.   They say that most of the work on the Packer fire is now considered mop up, and the fire is winding down; they expect it to be fully contained by the end of today.

On the other side of the mountain from us in the Bitterroot, the Woodchuck Fire ( http://inciweb.org/incident/351/ ) is at 950 acres, and has burned two homes.   This fire is in close proximity to the area burned in 2003, the Cooney Ridge fire; they consider it 40% contained.   The really upsetting thing about all of the fires burning in Western MT (there are others too) is that these were not due to nature, but the carelessness of man.  I don't believe any were intentionally set, but they WERE man caused.

How does all of this affect your reservations?  So far, there is no reason for you to change your plans.  But IF we get a fire at Rock Creek, you will be notified not to come if the Forest Service closes our road as they have done in the past.  Right now I don't anticipate that, but let's see what this week-end brings.  Keep close tabs on this page.  When there is important things for you to know I will post at least daily, and sometimes more.  If there's no new news, then you know that there is nothing to worry about. 

That's it for now; e-mail me if you have any questions troutbums@blackfoot.net

Deb

July 17, 2006

It's officially HOT!  Seems like the hot weather arrived about 2 weeks before normal, and my age is keeping me from adapting like I could when I was young.  I'm hoping that we'll get cooler weather 2 weeks earlier (since we're ahead of schedule), so that August will be comfortable. 

I just had a good report about spruce moths early in the day.  Fishing was great this morning, using a caddis (about a size 12).  The guys staying the Trout Bum cabin were pretty happy when I talked to them at noon.  So, even though it's hot, the fishing is still good.  And, even though I can't adapt to the heat, that doesn't mean we can't adapt to the changing fishing conditions.  What do I mean by that?  Normally, it doesn't do you any good to get up early to fish Rock Creek - it just doesn't wake up until about 11 am.  This summer has been different though.  We haven't seen spruce moths for several years, and now we are.  It's hotter that normal.  So, you need to get up early, and on the stream by 7am.  Fish until lunch time, find a bit of shade to catch and afternoon siesta, and then hit it again after 7pm until you just can't see any more.  It's not completely dark until just after 10, so that gives you plenty of evening fishing time.

We've finally gotten the shop open.  We can serve coffee (and espresso drinks); we have lots of neat "stuff" to take home with you, and we even have a good selection of flies.  Don't forget that we've got wireless internet too, so if you're bringing your laptop, you don't have to go all the way in to Missoula to link up.

Okay, that's it for today.  If you're thinking about coming in August there's still plenty of availability.  If you're considering September, it's filling up so you need to think fast.

It's been a great summer for fishing, We hope you can make it!

Deb and Joe

By the way, RFR means "Running from reality"

May 29, 2006  Memorial Day

The stream is dropping fast (1920 cfs as I type this) and clearing up; Salmon flies are on the lower mile - sounds like it's getting primed for some good fishing!  If you've been waiting for this news before you book your June trip, now's the time.  We still have some availability, especially at the Elkhorn, but that won't last so don't wait too long.  At the beginning of the month (June) there is good availability in Riverstone and Trouthaus.

We are hoping to have our new shop open by next week.  I have my office set up there now, and inventory is coming in for the gift shop.  I still haven't gotten the official "okay" from the health dept. for selling the espresso drinks yet, so we may be open but not able to offer the drinks right away.  The name of our shop will be Trout Bums, RFR at Rock Creek...  You will have to ask us what RFR stands for when you come in.

Well, it's time to get back to work.

Deb & Joe

 

May 18, 2006  If you're trying to keep up with the subdivision news, visit www.missoulian.com and read the headlines.  Actually, you'll want to read yesterday's headline - a judge has granted a temporary injunction and ordered the developer to cease work (for the time being).

In other news, run-off has begun with a vengeance!  Last week we were still wondering when it would warm up; we got our answer this week.  The past few days have been in the 90's - a far cry from the 50's and 60's we've been having!  Of course, when you put it in the perspective of fishing, this also means that (hopefully) the worst of it will be over by the time the salmon flies come on and we'll have some decent fishing.  HOWEVER we haven't had rain since April, so we need it badly.  Snow pack is good, but now with this heat it'll come off fast.  That's not a good thing when you're not getting rain.

We're almost done with our new office/gift shop at the Elkhorn.  Our hope is to be open by Memorial week-end; realistically we'll probably still be working on things through the following week, but we'll be open!  It's been hard trying to work in both places, so this will be a good move.  We'll have an ABUNDANCE of new t-shirts, as well as hats this year.  We're also going to offer local photographs as well as other art work - including beautiful pine needle baskets.  You'll have beautiful mementos to take back home with you. 

We will also have a selection of flies that work on Rock Creek.  No longer will I be allowed to rob Joe's fly box for those of you who are looking for flies, but we will have a decent selection of the flies that are specific to Rock Creek.

Another thing we will be offering is coffee.  We will still carry the Classic Caster's coffee that I've offered for several years, but we will be expanding and doing espresso drinks at the shop.  We're still waiting for the final approval from the county, but hopefully we'll be ready to offer coffee by the time you're here to fish the salmon fly hatch.

We're looking forward to a good season.  If you haven't made your reservations yet, give us a call.  The availability calendars are up to date and filling up.  Oh yea, you can still call any time.  The phone still rings in my office at home, as well as the new office at the Elkhorn.

Well, that's it for today. 

Deb

May 4, 2006

Lots happening here at Rock Creek.  The sheep have returned to the valley, the wildflowers are beginning to bloom, and the trees are leafing out.  It's been a cool spring, and the snow up high is slow in melting.  Run-off has not yet begun.

In other news, there is a proposed sub-division that is causing quite a stir around here.  Just as you pass over the river, if you look to the right you will see a HUGE pile of gravel where a 5 acre "pond" is being constructed.  This is on the old Sousa ranch (where the Clark Fork and Rock Creek come together).  There is a story on the front page of today's Missoulian (click this link http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2006/05/04/news/local/news02.txt )  You can also get more information, as well as view the map at the Rock Creek Protective Association's website www.blueribbonrockcreek.org  .  If you're local and reading this, there will be a meeting tonight at 7:30.

We're moving right along with our office at the Elkhorn.  Not only will my office be there, we will also have a small retail store in the same space.  You'll be able to buy hats, t-shirts, and items from local artisans.  In addition, espresso will be available, with tables outside so you'll be able to sit and use our wireless internet!  I think you're going to like it...

That's it for now.

Deb

 

March 6, 2006

Well, you can smell it and you can sense it - you can't see it yet, but we know it's coming...  SPRING!!!!  The juncos are back, and the deer are coming out in numbers.  We had another "well below zero" cold snap a couple weeks ago, and snow over the week-end, but spring is definitely in the air.  Joe went ice fishing today for most likely the last time this season.  Soon, the river will be fishable and the early hatches will start.

Okay, the snow pack situation.  Last report I read was that we are at 116% of normal - this is good news for stream flow this summer.  We're not only encouraged, but excited!  We're anticipating a good year of fishing.

Our first cabin guests arrive this week - the season is starting early!  These folks are hoping to get in on the last of the beauty of winter at Rock Creek.  Here are a few other little Rock Creek "secrets" you should know:

So, for those of you who think the "only" time to visit Rock Creek is summer, keep these "secrets" in mind.  We'd love to share our secret with you...

Deb

February 2, 2006 9 pm 

At just about 1:15 this afternoon, our faithful friend went to heaven. I had prayed hard that the Lord would allow Herman to just go to sleep - however, his going to sleep was not as I thought it would be. Our vet is so wonderful though; first she gave him a little sedative and allowed him to eat as many "cookies"  out of her hand as he wanted until he dozed off. After he was asleep, she administered the overdose, and he was gone within seconds. He went into eternity very peacefully, laying on the blanket with his tummy full of cookies...

 

It was hard to say good-bye, but it was time. He was just plain tired. To Herman, we say "thanks for the memories" there certainly are a lot of them...

February 2, 2006 8:30 am  It's time for us to make a decision.  When we took Herman to the vet on Monday, he seemed better.  She prescribed an anti-inflammatory to see if that would help with his joint discomfort; maybe he would be able to walk better.  He was doing better, until this morning.  Today, he walks worse than ever; almost as if he is drunk.  There is no strength left in his legs.  The hard part is, he seems to be hanging on for us.  We've cried so many tears, and he tries to comfort us.  He wags his tail, and puts his head in my lap; that's his cue for "give me an ear rub Mom".  But as he stands there, his legs slowly go out.  It's so hard to watch.  How do you say good-bye to an old buddy that is content to stay, no matter how hard living has become?

In the meantime, life goes on around us.  The snow continues to fall, giving us the promise of good stream flow for the summer.  Our winter work is in full swing, and we're making good progress.  The gift shop/office at the Elkhorn should be up and running by May 1.  Ranch Creek Ranch will receive new paint and carpets this month; and maintenance issues on the other cabins are taking place now too.  Often I have had people ask me "what do you do in the winter?"  Well, that's when the hidden work is taking place, to get ready for you all to visit!

I hope you're thinking about your vacation plans, and that Rock Creek is included in them...

Deb

January 29, 2006 4:30 pm  Almost 2 months since I written - gosh, I didn't think it had been that long. 

Well, our winter has been interesting so far.  We had snow, then the extreme cold I mentioned in the last message, then it warmed up and we've had daytime temps in the 30's since mid-December.  It's been snowing alot in the higher elevations; with snow pack at 106% of normal in the Bitterroots.  Today we woke up to about 5 inches of fresh snow here in the Rock Creek valley.  I was just thinking that if we got that much here in the valley, this most recent storm must've dropped over a foot in the mountains last night.

This past week we've been working on getting the office space in the Elkhorn up to snuff so that the Trout Bums office can be officially moved down there.  It will be a bit of a transition for all of us, since I've enjoyed working at home, and you all are used to the routine of checking in here.  But, I think this will be a good move all the way around.

On a more personal note; those of you that have been our friends over the years have also known our dogs.  A year ago this past October, Herman (our black lab) had a stroke and we thought we would lose him.  He miraculously rallied, and this past year has been a good one for him.  However, we are now seeing his age is overtaking his spunk.  He has trouble walking, and can no longer leap; he patiently stands there until one of us lifts him in.  This past week he has gone downhill rapidly, and we know the end of his time on this earth is quickly approaching.  Our hearts are heavy thinking about the void we will feel; Herman has been our buddy for almost 15 years.  Tomorrow we will go to the vet and see what she thinks.  Today, he is full of life, and we have renewed hope of a bit longer with the old codger.  But the reality is, though his eyes still have life, and his tail still wags, his old body is just plain worn out.  My own prayer is that we won't have to make the decision, but that God will be merciful, and allow Herman to just go to sleep and wake up in heaven where he can chase gophers forever - his favorite thing to do in this life...

Deb

                                                                                                                                                                        

December 7, 2005 8 am  Well, if there was any doubt that it is winter, you should be here this morning.  It is     -17 degrees (yes, that's BELOW zero!).  We'll be working hard to keep everything from freezing up.  Thankfully, this cold snap isn't supposed to last beyond a couple days. 

What this extreme cold means is that the ice will be forming on the lakes, and soon we'll be able to go ice fishing.  Well, Joe will anyhow.  I join him occasionally, but only if we use the ice shack.  I'm a wimp when it comes to the real cold weather.  But, I do like to fish for perch through the ice!

I don't think I shared that Joe was not successful in "the hunt" this year, but 2 others he hunted with were.  Because he helped pack their animals out, they shared and we have a freezer full of elk.  No venison this year though, so those of you that have enjoyed that venison tenderloin I make will have to wait for 2007!

I guess I'd better bundle up and get to work.  There are not many days left until Christmas - please take time to enjoy the season, and remember the REASON we celebrate.

Deb

December 5, 2005 8 am  Thanks for being persistent, and checking this on a regular basis.  Well, it looks like the squirrel and the wooly worm were definitely sending a message this fall.  We've got close to a foot of snow on the ground right now.  Here's the weather report for this week:

MTZ001>007-043-060130-
WEST OF THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE-
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
639 AM MST MON DEC 5 2005

...HEAVY SNOW WARNING UNTIL 11 PM MONDAY FOR FLATHEAD/MISSION     
VALLEYS...
...HEAVY SNOW WARNING UNTIL 8 PM MONDAY FOR WEST GLACIER REGION...
...SNOW ADVISORY FROM 7 PM MONDAY TO 7 AM TUESDAY FOR     
BITTERROOT/SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS...
...SNOW ADVISORY UNTIL 11 PM MONDAY FOR POTOMAC/SEELEY LAKE    
REGION...

.REST OF TODAY...SNOW SHOWERS. HIGHS 18 TO 28.
.TONIGHT...SNOW SHOWERS. LOWS 2 TO 12.
.TUESDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW SHOWERS. PARTLY CLOUDY THEN
CLEARING. HIGHS 12 TO 22.
.WEDNESDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW SHOWERS IN THE EVENING. MOSTLY
CLEAR. HIGHS 5 TO 15. LOWS 6 BELOW TO 16 BELOW ZERO.
.THURSDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW SHOWERS. PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS
14 TO 24. LOWS 10 BELOW TO ZERO.
.FRIDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW SHOWERS AFTER MIDNIGHT...THEN
CHANCE OF SNOW SHOWERS. PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 16 TO 26. LOWS
1 BELOW TO 8 ABOVE ZERO.

What does all this mean?  Well, it looks like we're in for a real winter this year!!!  I'll try and get some pictures on here within the next few days - it really is quite beautiful right now.  It also means that we've got driveways to plow and all the cabins have to be winterized to ensure that we have no frozen pipes.  We stay busy with guests in the summer, and just keeping up with the elements in the winter (for those of you who always wonder what we do in the winter).

Well I guess that's it for this morning.  Keep praying for our men and women in the military, as well as for our country.  May God bless you during this HOLY-day season...

Deb
 

November 11, 2005  8 am Today is Veteran's Day, and as my son-in-law (Leif) spends time away (this time in Afghanistan) I think of him and all the others who place their own lives on hold to fight for the cause of freedom.  It's no small sacrifice, and is brought very close to home as I watch Mary and Gabe learn to live mostly without Leif.  There are families all over the country making this same sacrifice, and I ask that we all please, remember them in our prayers.  When I visited Landstuhl Medical Center, in Germany I was able to speak to a few soldiers who had been wounded in Iraq.  One of those was a Chaplain.  I asked him how I could best pray for the men and women serving, and he said "please, pray for the marriages and families; this is the biggest need".  So, today, I pass this message on, once again.

News on the creek is it's been COLD!  Our low was 15 degrees yesterday morning, though today it's warmer and we're supposed to see more snow.  Joe and Gary Brown went hunting yesterday, and Gary got a spike elk.  The fresh snow is a great asset to the hunters.

Well, the little munchkin (Gabe) is crawling around under my desk so I'd better pay attention to him.  That's the news from the creek for today...   Deb

November 8, 2005  It looks like winter around here!  We received about 3 inches of very wet snow last night, and so far it remains.  Joe heard that it's supposed to drop down to zero at Butte, so it'll be cold here too (hopefully not quite that cold) though it's only 25 degrees as I write this at 8:30 pm.  I was hoping for a little bit more Indian Summer, but it doesn't look like I'll get it.

Joe spent all of October in Vermont building a deck for his parents, and spending time with them.  His Mom has some serious health issues going on, so we do appreciate any prayers we can get.  I'm glad he was able to get away.

Mary and Gabriel (15 months old) are here visiting right now.  Many of you know Mary, and always ask about her.  Her husband is "on assignment" right now (again) so she, the baby, and the dog have been with us since mid-October.  Gabe is a true joy to have around.  Each day when Joe gets home from work, Gabe meets him at the door to be lifted up so he can touch the elk hanging in the living room. 

Believe it or not, some folks are already making their reservations for next year, so if you've got specific dates in mind the sooner you can let me know, the better.  I will also have an ad in American Angler magazine, coming out in the January 2006 travel issue.

I guess that's it for tonight - hopefully it won't be 2 more months before I write again!  Now that it's slowed down, it should be easier to keep you updated on what's happening on the creek (other than no fishing because it's winter).  Deb

                                                                                                                                                                       

September 3,2005  I guess it's time I got you caught up on the latest.  Here at Rock Creek, we made it through August with no fires - HALLELUJAH!  However, our valley is pretty smoky today due to the fires in other areas.  The wind is blowing, and the barometer is dropping, so maybe we'll get some much needed moisture.

The fire at Alberton is virtually out.  The devastation left behind is unbelievable.  I drove to Seattle last week-end, and passed by Alberton on the way.  It's hard to imagine how the town was saved.  I saw one place that the fire burned everything around the home, but the home was not touched.  In fact, it's like looking at a miracle.  Even though there was so much burned, no homes were lost - even though you can see that the fire surrounded them.  It's amazing.

Night time temperatures have been down in the upper 30's and low 40's consistently.  It won't be long until the leaves start to turn, and the Bighorn rams arrive back in the valley.  Fishing has been pretty good, though we're still somewhat in the late summer doldrums, as it remains pretty warm during the day.  It's hard to believe that we're on the tail end of summer, and another winter is not far off.  If the wild life is truly an indicator, as old folklore tells, we're in for a hard winter.  The squirrels are working harder than I've ever seen - they're even burying their harvest of pine cones in my flower pots!  I remember something as a kid, about a wooly worm.  While I was on my walk this morning I saw one, and thought it must be another sign that we need to be prepared.  Maybe I'm just getting old, believing all that stuff...

It's labor day week-end, and there's really not much happening on the creek this year.  Seems the price of gas really has made a difference.  Our hearts are aching for those on the gulf coast who have lost everything due to Hurricane Katrina.  We are counting our own blessings, and praying for those in need...  Deb

August 16, 2005 8 pm  Well, the fire at Alberton is pretty much contained and so are the others in our area.  Night time temps have gotten down into the 30's, with frost in some areas (including Rock Creek).  Parts of the Bob Marshall Wilderness even got 1 inch of snow the other night!  We're not out of the woods yet, but each day that we go without another fire is another day closer to the end of the season.

Okay, to the REAL business at hand - in the words of the guy staying in our cabin right now, as well as Joe (both went fishing today) "catching fish today was not a problem".  Mark (our cabin guest) fished the West fork of the Bitterroot with Damian from the Kingfisher.  Joe wade-fished near the Micro-burst here at Rock Creek.  Water temps are good; Rock Creek is holding at about 50 degrees.

With August winding down, you need to be thinking about a September/October visit to Rock Creek.  If you haven't done that, you're really missing something.  The fishing is typically good, and the scenery is spectacular with the gold tones of the aspen and cottonwoods to go along with the red of the chokecherry bushes.

October brings the Bighorn Rams out of the mountains and into the valley for mating season.  It's an amazing spectacle to observe as they vie for the attention of the ewes - it's like living in a National Geographic special.  They raise up on their hind legs and ram heads right here in my own front yard!

Well, until next time - that's it for now...  Deb

 

August 11,2005 5 pm  Where does the time go?!  I didn't think it had been this long since I've posted.  Oh well, here I am again.  Let's see, you need a fishing report.  On Monday, Joe and Dan went to Flint Creek, which typically fishes pretty well when it's hot out.  Well, not so this time.  The  most interesting part of the journey was Dan experiencing the quick-sand like sediment that builds up and makes it next to impossible to escape!  He did though, and the only casualty were his once white socks that will never be the same!  Oh yea, another high-light was the Sunshine Station and the Moose Drool t-shirt he picked up.  I noticed he wore that when he left yesterday...

Tuesday they fished Rock Creek by the micro-burst and had a good, productive morning.  They returned home by early afternoon, and we went in to Missoula for some shopping and the Western Montana Fair.  Dan's week was over Wednesday, and he returned home to New York with some really neat belt buckles and a cowboy hat.  I guess we can call him cowboy Dan now...

After dropping Dan off at the airport, Joe and I went to a friend's house near Condon to pick raspberries.  For those of you that are faithful jam customers, I'll be making ALOT!  We picked about 7 gallons!  We also checked out the river there, and it looks great! 

The drive was about 1 1/2 hours from Rock Creek, and though we didn't fish (raspberries took first priority yesterday) in talking to our friend we found out that it's loaded with trout.  So, I'm sure it won't be many days until Joe heads back that way to wet a line!  I'll let you know the results.

I guess I'd better catch you up on the fires.  All is still well here at Rock Creek, and we are thankful for that.  Firefighters are making progress on the fire near Alberton, but the other fire near Tarkio is still causing them problems.  Today has not been a firefighters friend, as the wind has been steadily blowing all day.

Newspaper and radio news today reported an arsonist starting a fire on Plum Creek land outside Missoula near Gold Creek.  Thankfully some loggers were working in the area and spotted not only the fire, but got a description of the arsonist's vehicle.  Unfortunately, they weren't able to catch him. 

That's it for today.  We appreciate all the prayers we can get; not only for rain, but for continued protection.  The fires in Alberton, though severe, have burned up to homes, around homes, but have destroyed NO homes!  For that we give thanks and praise God - He has enabled the firefighters to do a good work.  May God bless and keep them safe...

August 8, 2005 5:00 pm  Still no fires in the Rock Creek Valley, and really no smoke either.  You can see a little haze, but nothing like we've experienced in the past.  We did have a bit of rain last night, and some this morning, but we definitely need alot more.  As far as I know, I-90 remains closed between St. Regis and Missoula, except for one east-bound lane.

Today has been overcast, and the fishermen that I spoke with mid-afternoon said they had good fishing this morning.  Joe and Dan are still out, so I'll have a report from them for tomorrow's update.

Joe and Dan returned safely from their back-packing trip last night.  Dan didn't see a bear, but they did see a mountain goat.  It was too far away to get a good picture, but that lets you know they were at a pretty high elevation (over 8,000 ft!).

They caught a number of fish, and had a great time.  The hike was not an easy one, and they were surprised that they saw no less than about 25 other people during the two days they spent at lower Rumble Lake.  There were a couple other things that surprised them - someone lit off fireworks over the upper Rumble Lake the first night they were there!  Not something you would expect in the wilderness during severe fire danger.  The other thing they saw were campfires (also not allowed right now).  Thankfully no forest fires started because of the careless behavior of a few.

Here's a few pictures you might enjoy:

August 6, 2005  8:00 am  The hot, dry weather continues, and we're bearing down for the long haul.  Here's the link to Lolo National Forest's Fire Situation Page http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/lolo/fire/2005releases/0805i-90-fire.htm  that was put out last night.  I spoke with the information officer this morning (Sharon Sweeney) and she said that they are finally getting a grip on the fires near Alberton, though I-90 West bound remains closed, and East bound has only one lane open.  There is a miracle in all this - the fire burned up to and around several homes, but no structures have been lost.  AMAZING!

Rock Creek remains smoke free at this time.  It's actually hard to believe there are fires so close because it's so clear and the air is fresh.  Of course, we don't know how long it will remain like this.  We hope and pray that visitors to our area will be extra careful and sensitive to the dry conditions.  The fires near Alberton were man-made; we certainly don't need any more like that!

I want to lighten things up a bit.   Our nephew Dan is here from upstate New York to visit for a week.  Dan is 21, and this is his 2nd trip to Montana - the first was in August of 2000, when he came with his family for Mary's wedding (and the terrible fires!)

Anyhow, the first evening he was here Dan mentioned that he'd never seen a moose.  That next afternoon, he and Joe were fishing up Ranch Creek (yes, the fishing was good) and Dan got to see his first moose.  The other thing on his "hope to see" list  is a bear.  He may just have that opportunity as he and Joe are back-packing in the Seeley area this week-end.  I'll keep you posted...

August 5, 2005  This page is back by request - I hope to post on a regular basis, and not for the reasons it was on the site before (fires).  However, you should know that it is VERY dry, and the fire danger is at the extreme level.  No campfires are allowed on public or private lands at this time.

Last night I-90 between the Wye and St. Regis was closed because of several man-made fires that started along the highway.  As of this moment, the little town of Alberton is in grave danger of burning.  For more information, please go to www.missoulian.com .

Fishing has been decent this year.  We had alot of rain until the end of June, so in spite of our lack of snow-pack, run-off lasted until almost July.  Water levels are still "okay", though not what they normally are for this time of the year.  As is usual for August, fishing in the main portion of Rock Creek is getting slow, but the tributaries are fishing well.

If you want to fish Rock Creek, afternoons have been best spent napping.  I should mention though that the fishermen that have been getting up early to hit Rock Creek have been having good luck.  Our night time temps are in the 40's, so the stream cools off nicely over night.  My suggestion would be (for those rabid fishermen) to get out of bed, and on Rock Creek early.  Most folks have been saying that the main stream just shuts off as soon as the temperature heats up (and the sun gets bright).  If you're not in the mood for a nap, hit one of the forks (West usually fishes well this time of year) or one of the tributaries.  Ranch Creek (though pretty brushy and a bit difficult to fish) has some nice fish in it, and the water temperature has stayed below 50 even when the air temp is in the 90s.

Okay, that's it for now.  I want to re-enforce that there are NO FOREST FIRES ON ROCK CREEK at this time, but the fire danger is still there.  If you're getting ready to visit, please keep that in mind.  If you're thinking about visiting, check out the availability calendar; there should be something that will work when you want to come - after all, we do have 13 cabins available.

Tight lines...

Deb