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Rock Creek News and Fishing
Reports
February 8, 2012 2:10 PM I'm frustrated...this morning I discovered that something is going on with our website, and all the photos have disappeared. To top it off, they've disappeared from my computer program as well...UUUGGGHHHH!!! First my old computer crashes, and now this as I'm trying to catch up all my book-keeping and remodel my office. Today's snow pack report is near or at normal for most places in Western MT, though we haven't really had any thing measurable in the valleys since the storm a couple weeks ago. We got rain on top of our 2 ft of snow, and that made for ice EVERYWHERE! We've still got close to a foot on the ground, and its as hard as a rock! Our hearts are heavy today, as we share sadness with our friends Gary & Linda Brown. Their old dog Rab was diagnosed with bone cancer, and will make his journey from earth to heaven soon, possibly today. Those of you that have stayed in the G-L cabin know Rab, and what a sweet gentle lab he is. The tears are close to the surface as I write this...its so hard to say good-bye to our 4 legged friends.. 4 PM UPDATE WITH GREAT NEWS!!! Rab's tumor is non-cancerous so it looks like he'll be spreading his joy for a bit longer. We're so thankful!!! Today is a "grey" day, overcast and cold. Tomorrow Joe, Brantley & Bill are going to take their chances one more time, and go ice fishing. Because we haven't had any arctic air this winter, the lake ice conditions have been questionable. Last week when Joe & Gary went, the fishing was just "so-so". But, they're gonna give it a try again tomorrow and hopefully they'll catch enough for another perch fish fry...something all the guys enjoy doing in the winter. That's it from the creek. It's hard to believe that we're already almost half-way through February. This winter has been so mild, its been easy to forget how tired we normally get of it. Spring will be here before we know it! Deb & Joe (and Molly of course)
Be true to your work, your word, and
your friend.
January 20, 2012 4:23 PM HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Yes, I know I'm about 3 weeks late, but good wishes are better late than never. My computer issues have been solved...by replacing the old one! It's hard to believe that one day they work, and the next day they don't...very frustrating! Oh well...the old one served me well since 2006, so I guess I can't complain too much. Winter has finally arrived to Rock Creek, and proved the weather forecasters that promised an "El Nina" winter correct. Since Tuesday evening at about 10 PM, we have received nearly 2 ft. of snow. This is the 7th largest snowfall on record, since the late 1800's. It finally stopped long enough for us to get plowed and shoveled out, but another storm is supposed to hit us tomorrow. We were getting a bit concerned - as of Tuesday, we had about 1/4 inch of snow on the ground. The only significant storm we'd had this winter was over Thanksgiving, but that only lasted a week. So, we are thankful that though it was 2 months late, winter has come to Montana with plenty of snow to provide moisture for the land and water in the streams. Joe is busily building me a nice work station for my office. Any of you that have witnessed my office know that it always looks like a bomb went off. I'm looking forward to having a more efficient space to work...and of course, it will be as beautiful as and match the rest of the cabinetry in our store. We'll have another small cabin available to rent this summer. The owners of the Valley of the Moon home have asked us to offer their place for rent. This is a historical property, originally owned by the governor of Montana. It was a fishing lodge visited by some famous people of old, with Theodore Roosevelt and Louis L'Amour counted among them. Over the years, the home was lived in by various families and eventually split into two units. The larger of the 2 units is still lived in by the family that currently owns it, and the smaller (1 bedroom) side is available to rent by the night. I don't have any pictures yet, but was excited to discover that the original woodwork is still intact. I'll have more information for you soon. This cabin will rent for $125/night. Thanks for checking in with us...check out our Facebook page for pictures of the recent snow. Until next time...we pray you are warm and safe from the storms of life. Deb & Joe
All endeavor calls for the ability
to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil.
The fight to the finish spirit is the one characteristic we must possess
if we are to face the future as finishers.
December 14, 2011 11:30 AM I've been battling with computer problems for quite some time, and I apologize for the long delays between posts. You can always catch up with us on Facebook, which you'll want to do from now until Christmas to participate in our contests. Just click the link to the right and you'll be able to read our Facebook posts...if you don't have a Facebook account, you can just e-mail me with your answers to the questions. Joe & Gary Brown went to Georgetown Lake yesterday to ice fish for the first time this year. It had been several weeks since either had caught a fish, and it was a good day for them. Very nice to have a few trout for the freezer to enjoy eating this winter. Nice firm pink (almost like salmon) flesh. The fish they caught yesterday weren't as big as they normally are, but they were still big enough to be worth filleting. If you're stumped for Christmas gifts, we've got a nice selection of Sharlene Leonard's Imagine Jewelry (Montana made!!) Huckleberry jams and pie filling, beautiful photo prints by Bill Delwiche, books, 2012 calendars and of course flies, t-shirts and hats. Give me a call...406.825.6146...WE SHIP! Joe is out collecting firewood for our campfire on Saturday, and later today we'll be gathering greens to finish our decorating, and cutting a tree to put on the deck. We're not putting one in the house this year, but have opted to follow the lead of our friends Mark & Martha who also have a small house. We're going to decorate a tree on the deck for the birds. I've made suet/seed ornaments to hang and am looking forward to watching our friendly chickadees & nuthatches enjoying their own Christmas treats. This Saturday (12/17) is our annual Christmas Campfire & Open House. We do hope those of you that are local will join us for some venison chili, corn muffins, sweet treats & hot cider. Children are always welcome as well as your well behaved canine friends. We'll be kicking things off around 3, planning to eat later in the afternoon...but the store will be open all day for any of you what want to come early and stay late. And for our long distance friends, we'll miss you. May this season of hope fill you with love and peace as we remember the true meaning of Christmas, our Savior Jesus Christ who came in the form of a little baby to live among us and show us the way to everlasting life.... Merry Christmas friends... Deb & Joe
November 7,2011 3:41 PM We received about an inch of snow a couple days ago, and it refuses to go away; I guess winter is settling in. We woke up to about 9 degrees this morning...I'm not ready for this yet!! Joe has not been hunting yet, though the conditions are getting better for it. He's been working on a project for one of our neighbors, along with Jim Brown, putting in a ceiling. Shouldn't be too much longer though, and he'll be able to get out and see if he can find an elk for our freezer. I sure hope so. Believe it or not, there's still some fishing to be had with streamers. It takes a hardy soul to be out there though, ready to put up with ice in your guides. I've seen a few people out there, and had a customer in this afternoon for some "flash fry". The rams are getting pretty active, finally. The warm weather really delayed the rut, and until about 3 days ago, there were only a couple of the big guys down in the valley. But now there are lots, and the sound of them butting heads is a regular attention getter, no matter how used to it I may be. I heard some loud coughing coming from a group of the sheep a couple weeks ago, and called FWP to report it. Their biologist came out and watched them for a few hours - sadly, it is this years young ones that are sick. There were 5 in the group, and 4 were coughing. I haven't seen all 10 of the babies that were playing out here near the house in August for quite some time, making me wonder if 5 of them have already died, and if it is possible that the rest of those that were born will not make it through the winter. Such a sad fact of nature... Well, I've talked about it for a few years, and now I'm finally doing it - I'm building an online store. Say a prayer for this old girl to be able to get it up and running without any glitches. You know the old saying about teaching an old dog new tricks! Molly is laying under my desk in front of the heater, wondering why things are so boring and cold around here all of a sudden. The chipmunks are all nestled down in their underground homes, refusing to come out for chasing. And though the squirrels are still out and about, they're too busy collecting pine cones and mushrooms to pay attention to this pesky dog. Poor Molly, the season went by much too fast for her liking... And so it is, life on the creek on this November day. We hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Deb & Joe
Whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who
has courage and faith will never perish in misery."
September 23, 2011 9:53 AM It's hard to believe today is the first day of autumn...where did summer go??? Though the calendar says autumn, the temperature still says summer. We'll be in the 80's for the next several days with no real chance of rain for another week. Streamflow is 269 cfs this morning, right about where it should be for this date. BWO's are hatching, October caddis are starting & streamers are working...fall fishing at it's finest? Not yet...but as soon as the temps drop to more "normal" we expect things to really pick up. It's not bad out there right now, just not stellar. That's been the tale for most of the summer, with periods of fantastic, mixed with ho-hum. It's been a good year for the fish. We woke up to the smell of smoke from the fires in the Bitterroot this morning. It'll be nice when we get a "season ending weather event", which means though they've spent many millions of dollars to fight fire, ultimately it will be nature that puts it "dead" out. Thankfully no homes or lives have been lost in this lightning caused 41 Complex Fire but it has closed the Skalkaho area since August 28. Our season in the shop is winding down. We'll be open regular hours until October 6; after that we'll be closed for 2 weeks while I go on vacation to see the kids. When I return in late October, we'll be open Thursday, Friday & Saturday all day, and Sunday afternoons until Christmas. We'll be closing up the cabins for the winter in late October...seems like just a couple weeks ago that we were opening them up for the season. That's it from the creek...not alot happening around here. Nice and quiet...filled with peace. Until later, Deb & Joe
“I only went out for a walk and
finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”
Tuesday, August 2, 2011 10:20 AM It's hard to believe August is already upon us...as usual, summer is flying by at the speed of light! Seems only yesterday that we were staring out our windows at mounds of white, and now it won't be long until we see snow again! In the meantime though, it has been a spectacular summer, though short. The few days of HOT, have been tempered with cool nights and sandwiched between days with temps in the 70's & 80's. This weeks we've had 3 days of 90+ degrees, but last night and the night before we had rain come in the night and now we're looking at the 80's again for the next several days. It really has been nice. As far as the fishing goes, the stream is FINALLY settling down and getting easier to wade. Streamflow this morning is 760 cfs, 57 degrees....a far cry from just 2 weeks ago, but still twice the "normal" volume. There are lots of bugs hatching, and the fishing is getting pretty good. No hoppers yet though...things seems to be about 1 month "off" as far as hatches go. In fact, just a few days ago folks were seeing salmon flies on the West Fork of Rock Creek! There are plenty of caddis, assorted stone flies (including yellow sallies) and mayflies in various sizes. Spruce Moths are starting too. We're coming into a good time to be on the stream! Fishing reports are varied, but pretty good. Fly patterns are varied as well...some folks have been swearing by nymphs while others are having great luck on dries. Seems the old traditional patterns are working best right now, including the royal wulff, parachute adams, and elkhair caddis. We're hosting the "First Annual Rock Creek Peddlers Fair and Tag Sale" this week-end in our field at the shop. Saturday August 6, from 9 am - 4 pm. We'll have Antiques, Photography, Art, Housewares, Furniture, guy "stuff", LUNCH and MORE!!! If you'd like to be a seller, give me a call at 825-6146 for the details. And if you'd like to be a buyer, just come on up!!! I think that's it for today. We hope you're enjoying summer where ever you are, and that Rock Creek is not far from your mind. Deb & Joe
Thursday, July 14, 2011 9:07 PM We received nearly 2 inches of rain in about 45 minutes yesterday afternoon. It was a gully washer!!! I was working on our new rental "The Barn at Spring Creek" and the rain came down so hard it eroded away portions of the driveway. Nothing serious, but it was definitely coming down hard! We had the window washer (Chris) there, and he was challenged for sure. Poor guy worked until after 8 last night to get them done. Today we pulled the finishing touches together for our first guests' arrival tonight. WHEW!!! We really put in some hours to accomplish everything, but I'm happy to report that WE DID IT!! We've got guests in there for the next week, then one of the owners will be here the following week...this cabin will be available to rent beginning July 29. You can view pictures on our Facebook page, as well as YouTube The Barn at Spring Creek Okay, fishing news...IT'S BEEN GOOD!!! Challenging, yes...streamflow is still over 2,000 cfs (normal for this date is 610 cfs) but its clear and there are lots of bugs hatching. If you search out the side channels and the "soft" water you can get in some decent fishing. Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes, Golden Stones, Caddis...all these are hatching. Today was overcast and cool...tomorrow the weather man says its going to clear up again. We've had a nearly perfect summer - late in starting to be sure, but wonderful since it decided to appear. The sheep seem to be bouncing back and though there are only 10 babies, they're healthy and active. Here's the link to a cute video one of our neighbors took a couple days ago - it was right near our house. Baby Bighorn Sheep Video Okay, its late and I'm tired. The Robins are singing their evening "good night" song and daylight is waning...time to hit the hay for this old girl. Good night, sleep tight and pleasant dreams to you... Deb & Joe
Friday, July 8, 2011 3:55 PM The dog days of summer descended upon us when July made it's 2011 entry onto the scene...no rain, only sunshine and blue skies. A welcome change to our long, cold, wet spring. Our Rock Creek Valley is absolutely stunning right now, with the long grass blowing in the gentle breeze today. The mountainsides are a lush green, and the mock orange is just beginning to bloom - a month late! And though the stream is still very high (2460 cfs, with normal being 665 cfs) its clear and fishing well in the "soft water" and side channel areas. Yesterday's fly of the day was the Oswald's Rastaman Golden in a size 10. Right across the way from our shop, in the Sawmill fishing access area. Had a boy from Georgia in last week...he was here with his Dad & Grandpa. What a joy he was, and full of excitement to be in Montana fishing. 13 years old, tying his own flies to fish with, and having success. He did some exploring in the meadow beyond Norton Campground & fishing access, and had some good success with a size 12 Stimulator in a sweet honey hole he came upon (braids of Ranch Creek). He gave me a report of his success in Rock Creek with Girdle bugs and pink San Juan worms, but his joy was in discovering that sweet spot in the meadow and seeing the fish popping their noses up - and then successfully casting to them and catching several on his dry fly. We're working on the Barn, getting it ready for our first guests. I was up there last night and a couple times today, and was awe struck at the beauty of that spot. Perfectly peaceful, with views that almost make you want to cry thinking about how God created such beauty for us to behold. The trickle of Spring Creek, the sounds of the birds, and the gentle breeze blowing...true bliss, even while working. Our guests are in for a treat they won't forget... That's the news for today. I sure hope you'll be able to come visit soon... Deb & Joe
Thursday, June 30, 2011 12:30 PM Well, the floating season for Rock Creek has come and gone, with little to no fanfare this year. Rock Creek is still running very high at 3420 cfs this morning after 2 days of rain storms. Normal for this date is 955 cfs. We expect it to drop again now though, as the forecast for the next week is sun with no rain. It's certainly been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs the past few weeks! Joe went up to East Fork Reservoir with his float tube yesterday, but it was windy and rainy so the fishing was pretty slow. He checked out all the forks of Rock Creek while he was up there though, and said that the East and West Forks are clear, but the middle (main) fork is still very off color. If we don't get any storms today, the middle fork should also clear up again. There won't be any wade fishing except in select areas for quite awhile, but folks fishing from the banks have actually been having some success. Yesterday's report was good with stimulators and pheasant tail nymphs (biggest on the nymph). Fish can still be caught, you just have to be creative in your approach. In cabin news, we'll be adding a great place to our line up in August. The Barn at Spring Creek will be ready for rental beginning August 1. If you know Rock Creek at all, you've most likely lusted after the little spring that flows into Rock Creek at about mile 5...and if you looked up on the hill you saw a green "barn/house" that overlooks the valley. The home, a barn, transported from the Eastern US, and reconstructed into a beautiful rustic home here at Rock Creek is filled with Americana. Fully modern, yet you feel as though you've stepped back in time when you look at the old beams and plank floors. This home will accommodate 6 comfortably, with 2 bedrooms in the loft (each with a queen bed) and the daylight basement bedroom with 4 twins. Introductory price per night for 2011 will be $475 + tax (sorry, the spring creek and ponds are trout breeding grounds and off limits). I'll have pictures online soon, but if you're interested in renting this place let me know soon - its going to book up fast! Well, I think that's all the news for today. Have a wonderful, and safe 4th of July as we celebrate our Declaration of Independence!!! Deb & Joe The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends. We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. Monday, June 27, 2011 2:28 PM The stream is starting to settle down a bit, and though it's still high we can tell the worst of run-off is behind us. Our annual indicator is the snow we can see up Sawmill Gulch - when that snow is gone, the stream will no longer be in the upward (or roller coaster) trend. That snow is nearly gone (YAY!). This is good news, coupled with the news that the stream is clearing. Rock Creek is at 3190 cfs, down about 600 cfs from just yesterday. Dry flies are working (finally) and there are alot of bugs hatching, including Green Drakes. If you plan to float you have 3 days...FWP just announced that they WILL NOT be extending the float season. Here's the announcement:
This is really unfortunate due to the fact that Rock Creek is beginning to fish exceptionally well, and the other streams in our area are still high and off color. I know it's a controversial issue, and there are people that will be glad, and still others that will be not only sad but devastated because this is their livelihood. My hope is that none of my fishing guide/outfitter friends goes under because of this decision. It's been a long spell without work. I noticed a comment from someone about other rivers being fishable...unfortunately, Rock Creek is traditionally the first stream to clear and be fishable while others are still blown out. When the water is high, it's not a decision of "which stream shall I choose today" it's a hope that there WILL be one that's not muddy. Hopefully the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot will come into shape quickly. Anyone that may think that the fishing industry is insignificant needs to rethink your stand. People come from all over the country and world to fish in Western Montana...they support the food and lodging industries as well as the airlines, car rentals, and gift shops. Flyfishing in Western Montana is big business, and benefits all of us in one way or another. Some more directly than others, but still it is important. Some folks, like our store, have businesses that are directly impacted...but for others it's more subtle. My housekeepers, typically running their tails off in June, have been lucky to get 1-2 days of work/week. The local restaurant, normally filled with guides and anglers at breakfast and dinner, noticeably slow...hard on the owners, yes, but it makes a huge dent in the pocket book of the waitresses hoping for tips after a long winter. Even the campgrounds...the District Ranger told me that the receipts from the campgrounds are down 90%. The high water has affected everyone, and there were hopes that it would be made up. Sure, people will still come...but this stream will not be safely waded for weeks. It could, however, be safely FLOATED. That's the point. The request to extend the season was not intended to be in conflict with wading anglers, but to take advantage of the opportunity to fish this stream when wading is not a safe option...now it looks as though we may lose July as well because just as June had water too high to float, July may be too high to wade - right now the streamflow in Rock Creek is 3 times normal for this date. Hopefully the other rivers will settle down quickly for the guides and those that have planned their fishing vacations. On another similar, but different note...if you're floating these last 3 days of June, please stop by to look at the guide notes that point out the stream obstructions. You need to be safe out there!!! That's it for today... Deb & Joe
Monday, June 20, 2011 5:30 PM Okay, here's what's going on...seems there's alot these days. Instead of fires we've got water issues...if it 'taint one thing its atother! First, as mentioned below, Rock Creek Road is no longer closed, and the road is in great shape!!! A miracle in light of everything, but they've done an awful lot of work on it this spring and thankfully it held during what has been the worst of this (to date). We're supposed to see mid-80's temps by Wednesday, and another high blast is expected. We're not done with this yet!!! Valley of the Moon Bridge is still closed, and I couldn't figure that out...so when I was at the Forest Service this morning visiting with the District Ranger Paul Matter this morning I asked him. He told me that the bridge is not closed due to water on the road, but the fact that the road on the opposite side of the bridge is eroding away. When I came home I looked, and sure enough, you can see that a good amount of fill is gone. The FS is afraid that the road will give way under the weight of a vehicle, and that looks entirely possible. So, it is important that everyone honor the "Road Closed" blockade until the repair can be made. I also met with Eric Ederer this morning to gather information about the obstructions in the stream. He has given me a list of the worst he encountered while floating last week, and I am gathering information from any others that have been on the stream in order to put a list together and get them mapped. I'm working on this now, and hope to have a fairly comprehensive (to the best of our ability and knowledge) idea of where the worst areas are, and advice for getting through or around those areas in a couple days. PLEASE call or e-mail me with any information you may have if you have floated the creek in the past week. If we all work together we can do our best to protect those that float this stream, and prevent another tragedy from happening. Obviously, the stream is ever changing, and there is always the chance that more debris will be coming down the stream...factors out of anyone's control...however, if we make note of all that we see folks will know to use extreme caution in those areas. That being said, there will always be a risk when floating Rock Creek, and one should never "assume" that any mapping that is done will be 100% accurate. None of us working on this project is doing it for profit or gain...only as a public service to be used in conjunction with common sense and preparation. All that being said, I should mention that the fishing has been improving and folks are beginning to catch fish from the banks. Eric had clients last week, and while floating they had 3 very good days. He'll be floating the creek again on Wednesday of this week. Gary Brown is floating with his son Glenn today, and I'll have a report from them tonight. The main thing for everyone to remember is to be careful. The stream is still very high, and if you're floating under a bridge, you need to put the seat backs down and get on your knees...and at that you will pass under some of the bridges with only about 6 inches to spare. This is nothing to mess around with!!! Today's streamflow reading is 3620 cfs, with normal for this date being 1220 cfs. It's remained fairly level the past 3 days, but the weather service is predicting another wave of flooding by the end of the week, so keep close watch and DON'T float Rock Creek if it's in an upward trend. That's what happened last year when the fatality happened. Things are just too unpredictable. Joe is on the Missouri with John Perry and John Wilcox today, gunning for some of those monster trout that come out this time of year. Any pictures will be on our FaceBook page tomorrow, so be sure to check it out. That's it for today...I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Deb & Joe Marilyn vos Savant
Thursday, June 16, 2011 5:02 PM Rock Creek Road Closure Order Rescinded Missoula, MT. –A Forest Service closure order for the northern portion of Rock Creek Road signed earlier this week due to flooding has been rescinded. The order had restricted traffic to residents only from Mile Marker 15 to the southern boundary of the Lolo National Forest. Granite County Commissioners also today opened the southern portion of Rock Creek Road. Water levels and flooding have subsided along Rock Creek and water is no longer flowing over Rock Creek Road. Officials with both the Missoula Ranger District and Granite County Sheriff’s office are still urging caution in the area. Water levels in Rock Creek can change rapidly and motorists should not attempt to drive through flowing water, officials advise. Valley of the Moon Bridge at about Mile Marker 3 and Wahlquist Bridge at Mile Marker 23 along Rock Creek Road remain closed to all traffic due to high water and potentially unsafe conditions. For more information please call the Lolo National Forest public affairs office at (406) 329-1024. Tuesday, June 07, 2011 11:38 AM We're still dealing with extremely high water, with no end in our sight!! I was just talking to Joe Cummings from "A Classic Journey Outfitters" this morning, and we both agree that even though the salmon flies have started to hatch, it will be at least a couple weeks before the stream can safely be floated. John Perry and I had the same conversation yesterday. Stream flow today is bouncing around, making us wonder if the gauge is working properly, but we do know it's over 4,000 cfs. I'm going to take another drive today and get some more camera footage. One thing is for sure...there's' alot of water in that stream!!! Joe took a bit of time and went to Georgetown Lake last week, and then to East Fork Reservoir yesterday. East Fork was slow, and Georgetown was "okay"...though others have been having good luck there. The only fishing West of the Divide is in lakes...all streams and rivers are just too high and/or muddy. Even the small streams are blown out!!! Had some nice young men in the store this morning that drove all the way from Iowa to fish...3 brothers on an adventure. They arrived just in time for the salmon flies to hatch, and a huge rain system to settle in (and put a damper on their camping!). But, they're not to be thwarted and after visiting with Joe this morning have headed off to do some exploring. So refreshing to see those young faces, and sense an attitude of "rolling with it" no matter what the conditions. They left, promising to check in and let us know if Joe's suggestions work out for them. What a blessing for us this morning... We're rolling with it too...no sense in trying to fight the weather. The past 3 days were sunny and warm, nicest of the year so far. I was able to get some yard work done, and a good portion of the garden in. Joe has been doing a variety of different things, especially helping out those with flooding issues. The ground water at Big Bear has come up so much that there was close to 2 ft. of water in the crawl space. So, Joe & Brantley (owner of Big Bear) worked at getting 2 pumps set up to get the water out. In the meantime, a natural spring popped up and water was coming through the yard like an additional creek!! So, Brantley asked another friend (Jim Brown) with a Bobcat to come and dig a trench to at least divert the water from flowing straight at the house. As of yesterday, the water was out of the crawl space, but we're getting more rain today so I don't know how long that will last. So, that's the news from the Creek today...we're hoping and praying that as the stream flows stay high, people use common sense. The last thing we need is a life sacrificed in order to catch a fish. Be safe out there everyone. Deb & Joe "God gave us a brain, and He expects us to use it" Wisdom from my friend Jean Talley :)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 10:27 AM Things have settled down for the moment, and the stream has dropped substantially (until the next blast hits us). It's so cool out that maybe we won't get a big hit; we hope it comes off slow and steady due to the huge amount of snow that's still to melt. Of course, slow and steady means an extended run-off...and an extended run-off means the obvious - the water will not be fishable until later. There will be those that say its okay, but realistically, even though Rock Creek is a little better than half of what it was last week, it is still VERY high, at 3400 cfs. This is still 1540 cfs higher than is "normal" for this date. To top it off, the stream temperature is 46 degrees...salmon flies will hatch at 48 degrees. It's hard to get excited that we are close to hatch time, when the water is so dangerously high!! We're supposed to warm to the 70's today and tomorrow, then another cool/wet system will move through on Thursday & Friday. The week-end is predicted to be warm again, so between the warmer temps and the additional rain I expect we'll see another bump up in the water levels, AND I expect to see salmon flies by weeks end. Hopefully I'm wrong...we really need everything to settle down before people start attempting to fish, especially from a boat! I don't believe anyone in their right mind would even think about wading, so those folks will be confined to the banks, where it is much safer. So, while we wait for the streams to settle down, we're catching up on projects that always get put on the back burner. Joe has been marking things off his list that have been there for a long time, and I'm doing the same. It's nice to get some of these things done finally - so if there's a positive in all this water, that's definitely it!! With all this in mind, we really think August and September are going to be the months for wade fishing this year. We've still got some availability in the cabins both months, but if you want to ensure a reservation, don't put it off too long. That's the news from the creek for today...we do hope things are good in your neck of the woods. Deb & Joe "On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow." Friedrich Nietzsche
Thursday, May 26, 2011 6:22 PM I took pictures and video clips of the stream today and uploaded to YouTube...here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHNaPZni0b0 Thursday, May 26, 2011 9:27 AM It's getting serious out there. Last night Rock Creek touched 6000 cfs before dropping. This does not mean it has crested and will now subside - it means we had a break in the rain yesterday. It started raining again in the middle of the night, and is expected to continue for another several days. The record high streamflow for Rock Creek is 6500 cfs; that was in 1972. More recently, it peaked at 5530 cfs in 1997 - our last good snow year. This winter we received more snow up high than we did in 1997, and if fact today there is a winter storm warning for the Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains with an accumulation of 3-6 inches above 4000 ft expected. There is 185% of normal snow pack in the mountains still to melt, and a cool, wet June in the forecast. Flooding...it's everywhere. I hope to get out and about today to take some pictures. Rock Creek is like a raging river, with lots of debris. There are a few homes in the Sawmill Fishing Access area that we are concerned about ...hopefully they will be spared. I have not driven upstream to look at those homes near mm12, but Ed & Doris, if you're reading this I think you should come up and move your camper! Ranch Creek and Brewster Creek are also out of their banks as of reports I heard this morning. I will look at both today as well, and get photos. If you have a specific concern, please e-mail me. You can this "contact us" link, and fill out the form - I WILL get back to you. We have a couple early June reservations, that we are willing to move to later in June (or the summer) as availability allows, if this is you and you're concerned - please call me. I do want to say that none of the cabins are in danger of being affected by the flooding, so this should not be a concern. I am offering to change reservations because of the poor fishing conditions due to the flooding. Those of you with reservations in mid-late June should not be affected. Okay, that's the word for today. I would like to put this in perspective before I go though. We are NOT experiencing anything like the mid-section of the country has endured. We are not experiencing what the Billings MT area is experiencing with the flooding of the Little Big Horn River. We have water coming over the banks, and yes, it looks bad - but to this point there are no lives in danger and little chance of loss of homes; especially those built on high ground. There most likely WILL be some damage to those homes built in close proximity to the stream, but it is unlikely that there will be anything major. What we are experiencing is an inconvenience, and a disappointment at the loss of what is typically good fishing conditions. And while this certainly affects us, it is nothing compared to what is happening to others. Stay safe out there!!! Deb & Joe Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 12:00 PM WOW! Water water everywhere...and though the chart says it's leveling out, Rock Creek reached almost 3400 cfs yesterday. This morning the gauge reading was 3210 cfs, and 42 degrees. Normal streamflow for this date is 1320 cfs. I saw a graph on the USGS site that says as of May 17 (today) that we are still at 169% of average for snowpack in the Lower Clark Fork Basin. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/cgibin/snowup-graph.pl?state=MT Today's Missoulian had an article about flooding, and at the end of the article it said:
So, there you have it. No matter where you look, no matter where you go, there is lots of water...high, debris filled, muddy water. It would be nice if we would get a warm up, to get rid of the worst of it in one big push. That's not to say it won't be prolonged, but at least it would settle down a bit, and clear. Until then, even though this week-end is the opener for fishing season, I wouldn't expect to do much catching no matter what stream you may venture to. Yesterday some folks had to be rescued after their boat capsized on the Flathead due to the rough conditions. I know we've all been waiting for the weather to be nicer, and to cast a dry fly out to those hungry trout...but until things settle down, be safe. No fish is worth risking your life for. That's it from the creek. Be sure you make today a good day... Deb & Joe William Shakespeare
Saturday, May 14, 2011 10:00 AM It's easy to overlook this page, since Facebook is so easy to update from anywhere!!! Sorry to those of you that don't do Facebook, now that things are starting to happen around here, I'll try to do better!!! Rock Creek, and all local rivers are officially blown out!! Run-off started with a vengeance this week, and since it was slow in starting, with well above normal snowpack still to melt, we expect the above normal flows to extend well into June. This morning's gauge reading from the USGS site is 2440 cfs, with normal for this date at 1110 cfs. Stream temp is 45 degrees. Joe and I just returned from a week in Vermont visiting with his family. His parents both turned 80 this spring, and it was cause for a nice celebration. Our time there is never long enough, and we leave wishing we had more time to do more for them. It was good to see them though, and enjoy the beauty of Vermont in the springtime. And when we returned to Montana, spring had come in our absence! The grass is green, the flowers are starting to bloom, and the trees are beginning to leaf out...HALLELUJAH!!! We've got a new t-shirt vendor, so I'm running a sale on all the shirts we have in stock. The standard "Trout Bum" t-shirt that is normally $20, is now $14.95. The ladies version, normally $17.50 is now $12.95. Long sleeved shirts, normally $27.50 are now $20. Kids shirts, youth sized, normally $17 are now $12, and 18 & 24 mo sizes, regularly $12 are now $8.50. Shipping is extra. Give me a call if you'd like to order one, or a dozen :) 406/825-6146. All the cabins are ready for occupancy, and if you'd like a getaway at a discounted price, give me a call - we can still do 25% off in May! And even though there won't be any fishing, you can still hike and bike and enjoy our area. Rock Creek is a beautiful place to be and explore! Well, that's about it for today. We hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Deb & Joe
Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 11:02 AM Well, spring has finally come to Rock Creek...the snow in the valley is basically gone (there's still a bit in patches), the ground is no longer mud, and we're seeing the buds on the trees begin to swell. And the big news is...THE ICE IS OFF THE ROAD PAST MILE 12 (the end of the pavement)!! We're still below average for air temperature, and though there has been a brief window in the mid-afternoon that has allowed some BWO mayflies to hatch, and there have been a few sitings of the bigger March Brown mayfly, the reality is, the best action is still sub-surface. BUT, the fishing has been good! You'll have the best results using a DB Prince, a Russian River Special, or a big stonefly nymph. There are other things working too, but these seem to be the best. Streamflow today is 349 cfs, right where it's supposed to be for this date, and the stream temp is 40 degrees. It looks like they've finally fixed the temperature gauge because this is a more accurate temperature than what the USGS site has been reporting .... so, if you've been watching it and thinking the water was warm, this is not a dramatic drop. The reporting station had it wrong. Joe is anxious to spend most days fishing, but work is keeping him occupied! It was easy when it was snowy, but not that the streams are waking up he's getting a bit cranky. To top it off, we recently discovered that our 11 acres of forest have been infested with Mountain Pine Beetle, so we've had to take on a thinning project. This past week-end we took out 50 trees, and that was on less than 1/4 acre. We've definitely got our work cut out for us! The store is now open most days, and we're getting in new inventory most every day. We're also in the process of getting the cabins up and running.; right now Riverstone and Ranch Creek Ranch are available. Next week we'll finish with Cabin in the Woods and Golden Stone. The owner of Big Bear will be in it until late May, so it won't be available until June. If you want to sneak over here for some early season fishing, give us a call...April and May rentals come with a 25% discount! That's it for today - thanks for checking in! Deb & Joe
Saturday, March 26, 2011 7:40 PM Just a quick post tonight to let you know we've got new pictures posted on our Facebook page, as well as a video, of our fishing trip on the Bitterroot this past Thursday. Things are starting to wake up around here...slowly but surely. Deb & Joe Friday, March 18, 2011 3:52 PM There's a hint of spring in the air the past couple days...it's a possibility that winter may actually be waning even though our field still has about 1 1/2 ft. of snow, and mornings are in the low twenties. Under the trees the snow is gone, and I saw a robin a couple days ago...and Joe was working up at Brewster Creek, and saw some tiny little stoneflies crawling out of the stream. Yep, there is hope! We may not go into that 6th month of winter after all - HALLELUJAH!!! Welcome spring, we've been waiting for you and anticipating your arrival with great hope - see ya' in a couple days! We still have not had any reports of skwalla hatching at Rock Creek yet, though it should be any time now. They hatch at a little colder stream temp than the salmon fly does, which is 48 degrees. The temperature reading on the streamflow chart isn't working right now, but the flow is 250 cfs, right at normal for this date. Don't be surprised to see it spike on the warmer days because there's an awful lot of snow melt that has to take place, in addition to the 4 ft. thick ice on the edges of the stream due to the ice jam we had. Best flies right now are stonefly nymphs, including beadhead prince, and a purple colored stonefly nymph. The pheasant tail nymph is also working. There has been a little dryfly action as well on the little midges, but the window is short, and the stream is clear so you've got to use some finesse in your presentation and remember to use small tippet. If you're a streamer expert, the white flashfry has also been working for the bigger fish - not in numbers, but then things are just getting started. Joe has started work on the Spratlin's garage, and today the put up the walls and set the trusses. He framed the walls this week in spite of the snow and ice...yesterday he had to sweep 2 inches of new snow off everything before he could get started. But now the heaviest/hardest part of the job is done! Next week we're planning on fishing the Bitterroot River with Eric (Renegade Flyfishing) This will be our first trip of the year, and my first time fishing the Bitterroot (what do you expect, I've only lived here 53+ years). The skwalla hatch on the Bitterroot is killer, and I'm looking forward to it. Our hearts were broken last week upon receiving news of the death of our dear friend Carly Phillips. Some of you will remember her from our store; some will remember her from the Blue Damsel, and others will remember the work she did studying the Rock Creek community for her thesis. Here's the link to her obituary, and a place where you can contribute the scholarship fund set up in her name at the end of the column. Sweet Carly made an impact on all who met her, and she will be greatly missed... http://missoulian.com/news/local/obituaries/article_eee242d2-4d8f-11e0-829f-001cc4c002e0.html That's it for today...be sure to stop in if you're in the neighborhood. We're now open on the week-ends though all our new merchandise isn't in yet, and you'll have to try to avoid the ice/puddles/mud to get to the door. But we're here, and the coffee is brewing just waiting for you to come in and have a cup. Until next time... Deb & Joe
I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in
whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that
the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions,
and not upon our circumstances."
Tuesday, March 8, 2011 10:31 AM Today there will be a vote on HB309...this is a letter I sent to the committee working on it...
Thanks to any and all that contacted the legislature...if you haven't, there's still time to call Helena (the capital) and voice your opinion. Here's the contact information...By phone: Call 406-444-4800 and leaving a message indicating which Senator you want to contact, what bill you’re calling about (HB309), a vote ‘against’, and your comments. Comment on how HB309 would affect your business if access were limited by new definitions in the bill; * Talk about how your fishing on days off would be affected by limited access; * The existing Stream Access Law (SAL) already defines ‘ditches’ adequately; * The SAL was created cooperatively by many interested parties; * HB309 involved few, if any, parties other than a few irrigators and landowners; * The bill virtually guarantees lengthy, expensive legal wrangling over access on many rivers and streams; * The bill replaces current law that has satisfied many landowners for decades; * Urge a DO NOT PASS vote! Senate Agriculture, Livestock & Irrigation Committee Members and contact info: Sen. Donald Steinbeisser (R, Sidney): donstein@midrivers.com Sen. Gary Branae (D, Billings): garybranae@gmail.com Sen. Taylor Brown (R, Huntley): taylor@northernbroadcasting.com Sen. Bob Hawks (D, Bozeman): senator.robert.hawks@gmail.com Sen. Rowlie Hutton (R, Havre): hutton4senate@yahoo.com Sen. Cliff Larson (D, Missoula): cliff@larsenusa.com Sen. Eric Moore (R, Miles City): mail@senatorericmoore.com Sen. Terry Moore (R, Cardwell): murphter5@yahoo.com Sen. Rick Ripley (R, Wolf Creek): (406) 562-3502 Sen. Sharon Stewart-Peregoy (D, Crow Agency): apsaalookewomen@yahoo.com Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy (D, Box Elder): windyboy_j@yahoo.com Any legislator may be contacted via an online form at: http://leg.mt.gov/css/sessions/62nd/legwebmessage.asp Message limit:1250 characters; Do not use characters * ^ ; & > < / ‘
When I sent my letter using the online form, I had to condense it, but I just went name by name and pasted the same letter to each Senator, as well as one to the committee. It really doesn't take that much time...the hearing for this bill will take place TODAY at 3...Thanks in advance for doing your part! Deb & Joe
Monday, March 7, 2011 5:34 PM We're working away like elves getting ready for Christmas...only we're anxiously getting ready for another angling season! Joe is expanding our fly case, by just about double! I've been going through our shirt inventory and have discovered that we're DROWNING in a sea of gold colored t-shirts!!! So, I'm going to blow them out at less than what they cost ...price is $9/shirt + shipping. I've got pictures posted on our Facebook page, so just click on the link (above) and go there to check them out. I'll be posting more pictures of our store merchandise over the next few days. We'll also be running some fly sales, so keep watching! We'll be turning the "OPEN" sign on by March 17 and store hours will be 10-5 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:30 - 5. We'll keep these hours until the fishing starts to pick up - probably the first of May. That's it for today - be sure to check out our pictures on Facebook. Joe & Deb No quote today...I want to send Happy Birthday wishes to Joe's dad...Pierre Peltier is 80 years young today! Happy Birthday Dad!!!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 1:51 PM March has made it's 2011 entry to Rock Creek like the proverbial lion...we woke up this morning to nearly a foot of new snow...that, coupled with our already snow laden land adds up to well over 2 ft in spots, and over 4 ft on the edges where we have shoveled. We're a LONG way from spring it seems... I'm trying to convince Joe to take a couple days off and head over to the Clearwater in Idaho with our friend Bill to fish for steelhead. He won't get out of the snow, but at least it will be new scenery, and he'll be doing something he's always wanted to do. I'll stay home with Molly and Bill's dog, Ozzie. I hope he goes...some salmon would fit nicely in our freezer :) Eric Ederer has his first trip of the season next Monday...he's hoping his clients catch SOMETHING since this is truly the winter that wouldn't end. But, though he tried to get them to postpone their trip for even a week, they are determined to come now. With a high of 29 degrees and a low of about 6, the action will probably be pretty slow. We jokingly said today that this may be the year when we can ice fish until July. The prediction is for below normal temps and above normal precipitation through the end of May...it's gonna be a heck of a run-off when it does finally warm up!! The past 3 summers, and I expect the same for 2011, have been above normal stream flows for most of the summer...this has made wade fishing a challenge to say the least, especially in July. Normally folks avoid August because it's typically our hottest month, which in most years this past decade have equated to forest fires. That has not been the case in the most recent years though, and August has panned out to be quite good - we are anticipating the same for this year. Our snow pack in all reporting stations across the state are 100+% of normal. With the projected cool, wet spring it looks like the best fishing may actually be later in the summer. With that in mind, August is beginning to fill in the cabins...so, if you're thinking about coming then let's get you booked. It looks like this may possibly be the year we finally get our little cabin built at the other end of our property. It's going to be small, probably one room, and will rent for $125/night. I'll keep you posted as we progress with our plans. That's it for today...it's time to go shovel the deck before round two starts (can you believe that?!!!). Until next time... Deb & Joe
Friday, February 25, 2011 2:44 PM The cold winter continues...this morning we woke up to -10 degrees. However, it is clear, the sky is blue and the sun is shining. Each day is longer and last night I noticed that it was still light out when we sat at the table for dinner at 6:15...oh the small joys of those that live in the north! There is a great controversy happening with regard to stream access that we need to call your attention to. Next week a bill bill be discussed and voted on that would limit stream access as we know it. Here's the link for the bill http://foam-montana.org/downloads/HB0309.pdf ...and here's the latest word from And if that's not bad enough, another issue is rearing its ugly head and the Dutch Gold Resources, Inc is making plans to re-open a gold mine on upper Rock Creek! http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_7f473e9e-38bf-11e0-a9eb-001cc4c03286.html you should also bookmark this link http://willfishforwork.com/2011/02/18/gold-drilling-on-rock-creek/ to keep checking back as they are a good watch dog site. So, while there's not alot of fishing happening around here, there is still plenty going on. We'd appreciate it if you'd write your letters to all major newspapers in Montana concerning the stream access bill, as well as the gold mine. That's it from the creek today...we hope all is well in your part of the world. Joe and Deb Oh, these vast, calm, measureless mountain days, inciting at once to work and rest ! Days in whose light every- thing seems equally divine, opening a thousand windows to show us God. Nevermore, however weary, should one faint by the way who gains the blessings of one mountain day ; whatever his fate, long life, short life, stormy or calm, he is rich forever. - "My First Summer in the Sierra", John Muir (1911)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 1:30 PM It's easy for me to forget about updates to this page in the winter because it seems each day is really just "more of the same". It was -5 when we woke up this morning, couple that with about 2 ft of snow on the ground and a thick layer of ice everywhere we walk, you can safely assume that we are getting tired of winter. We are now in our 4th month with snow on the ground, and looking forward to spring. Yesterday was beautifully clear and sunny, but of course that brought the sub-zero temperatures overnight. Today is not as cold, but it's a gray day...I'd actually prefer the clear cold with sun. Joe has been busily working in his woodshop, catching up on projects that he's had on the back burner. He's only been ice fishing once this season - unusual for him. We heard that Georgetown Lake has been really good the past couple weeks, so maybe he'll take a day and go catch us some trout. They're really best for eating this time of year. Our friend Bill (originally from WI) has decided to get his guides license, and will be doing wade trips on Rock Creek this year. After visiting Rock Creek for 10 + years, and now living up here and fishing nearly every day, he knows this stream well. He'll also be spending some time behind the counter here at the store, as well as out taking his beautiful pictures. We're glad to have him working with us, and living on the creek. Not much else to share...it's pretty quiet this time of year. I hope you're wintering well, and thank you for checking in on us...won't be long until the days are longer and we'll be seeing spring on the horizon. Until next time, stay warm! Deb & Joe That man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had. ~Robert Louis Stevenson
Friday, December 31, 2010 12:00 PM We are preparing to bid adieu to 2010, and welcome in the new year under a blanket of about 18 inches of pure white snow, and clear COLD skies (-14 this morning). It hardly seems possible that 11 years have come and gone since the turn of the century...I am reminded today of just how quickly time passes, as a blink of the eye or a breathing in and out. With this in mind, I must ask myself if I made an impact in the lives of those that came across my path in these years that were here and then gone...I hope so. I know that I was certainly touched by many. 2010 bore sorrow that seemed to multiply here on the creek with the death of several friends and neighbors, as well as a fisherman...We seemed to be immune to death for so long, here in our little valley...but the reality is that it will touch each one of us in one way or another. I suppose that's why we are to live each day as if it could be our last, giving thanks to God above for the many blessings we enjoy, and caring for our neighbors as though we are caring for ourselves. And lest I overlook this fact and dwell on the pain, I must tell you that we weren't without joy in the midst of the sorrow, and we give thanks for yet another granddaughter born on July 20...funny how one new life can take away the sting of death, and show that there is hope for the future... We anxiously await the promise of life to come in the spring, as we look at the snow and bundle ourselves up in an attempt to ward off the cold. And, as the snow pack continues to grow we know that this next summer we will be enjoying normal streamflow, teeming with abundant life and plenty of fish to entice...another cycle of life to look forward to. Happy New Year to you all, and may God's hand of blessing be upon you... Deb & Joe Monday, December 13, 2010 4:46 PM Oh, the weather outside is frightful...but the fire is so delightful...and since we've no place to go...let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. After receiving about a foot of the white stuff over the past couple weeks, it is now raining and making an ice slick everywhere!!!! I just want it to get colder, and SNOW! Our friend Bill just stopped in after fishing for a couple hours...he said that he was standing on what he thought was the bank, and it gave way! He didn't look any worse for the wear, but it was obvious to him that the ice jam from earlier in the month is not stable at all! He did catch a trout and a few whitefish, so he was happy. Joe is busy working on Matt's place, hanging doors and installing trim. He finished Simpson's project up at mile 20, and will be finishing up Spratlin's odds & ends here shortly. I expect it won't be too many days until he heads for Georgetown Lake to finally get some ice fishing in...I hope so! I've got a hankerin' for some smoked kokonee!!! Right now we're planning to have our annual Christmas gathering this Saturday from 3-7 pm. If the rain keeps up and the ice in the driveway & walkways keep getting thicker, we'll have to postpone it. If you can make it, we'd love to have you, so keep an eye here for any changes to the plan. Well, that's about it for today. I hope your season has been merry and bright so far... Deb & Joe "A man of sense is never discouraged by difficulties; he redoubles his industry and his diligence, he perseveres, and infallibly prevails at last." Lord Chesterfield
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 3:46 PM It's winter...no two ways about it. We've been in a "Blizzard Warning" for the past 24 hours with snow, wind, and cold. Tonight is supposed to dip into the negative teens. We've got about 6 inches of snow on the ground, the creek has ice floating down it, and is frozen all the way across up at the Dalles. Joe, Gary, Bill, and Brantley went east to Malta for a deer hunt week before last...Bill hunted with his camera and got lots of great pictures. Joe, Gary & Brantley each came home with a deer. Normally they would also hunt for antelope, but this year none of them drew a tag. Joe & Brantley just left a bit ago to see if they could catch some elk moving now that the storm is settling down. It's hard to believe it's already winter again...seems like we just started summer! But it is, along with our winter rituals. I've just finished a couple batches of huckleberry jam (pint and 1/2 pint) as well as huckleberry pie filling. If you'd like either for your holiday gatherings, give me a call and I'll ship you some. I use the flat rate priority mailing boxes, and can fit 4 jars of jam or 2 jars of jam and 1 jar of pie filling, or 2 jars of pie filling for $10.70 postage. The pie filling is $25/qt; the jam is $13.50/pt or $8.50/1/2 pt. The pie filling will go fast since I don't make very much of it, so don't delay if you think you want some. Sure hope you have a great Thanksgiving, surrounded by those you love. Joe and I will be snug as a bug in a rug here on the creek with friends to share in the feast. We are blessed... Deb & Joe
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, Refrain Count your blessings,
name them one by one, Are you ever burdened with a load of
care? Refrain When you look at others with their
lands and gold, Refrain So, amid the conflict whether great
or small, Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1856-1922
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 12:10 PM Into the fall routine around here...very few people fishing as attention has been turned toward hunting. This week-end will bring rifle hunters in search of deer & elk to fill their freezers. All this being said, we're having an end of the season fly sale...25% off on orders up to $60...30% off on orders $61 to $75...35% off orders $76 - $100...40% off anything over $100. We've got a good selection, and if you want to stock up for next year now is the time! Joe had a fun time meeting his dad, brothers, nephews, a cousin an uncle and one niece in Green Bay, WI for the Packer game last week-end. The ending was not what they would've liked, but if there is any consolation, the winning field goal (for the Dolphins) was kicked by a former U of M Griz standout! Nights are getting pretty chilly here on the creek, dipping down into the mid-20's. Day temps are in the 50's or low 60's with nice sunshine. Makes working outside very pleasurable! I had tried to prolong the growing season by planting some pansies and mums - and they have survived the cold but between the sheep and the deer I'm now conceding defeat. Joe will be attempting to find some late season fishing tomorrow or the next day, before turning his attention to tracking the mighty wapiti...I think he and Gary Brown are going to head out with David Lee (another neighbor) for the Beaverhead. Of course, the last time he did this, he was a week late for the "fantastic" fishing! I'm wrapping things up in the office, concentrating on book keeping for now. My train of though will change the first week of November though, and I will be making huckleberry jam and pie filling again. So, keep this in mind if you are hankering for another taste of MT...we'll have plenty just in time for the holidays! That's it from the creek - don't forget about our fly sale. Thanks for checking in... Deb & Joe Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~George Eliot
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 1:51 PM The Forest Service is doing a controlled burn at Cougar Creek today, so if you see smoke...don't be alarmed. John Waverek said that it will most likely "skunk around" for a few days until the next wet weather system moves through. Unfortunately, that means we'll deal with smoke in the air - good thing though is that it will get rid of fuels and provide a good barrier against future fire. I've been gone the past few days, so my fishing info is sketchy. I did have a report from Matt this morning (he lives down the road from us) that he's done well in the late morning with streamers. Joe & Bill just headed out to a mountain lake to see if they can have some luck catching a late day hatch. The colors are in full swing here in our little mountain paradise, and I saw 2 rams in the valley yesterday when I was coming home. Still no frost, which is a total surprise since we had such cool weather...and it's warmed up to summer temps during the day (70's & 80's!). Streamflow is LOW, so it's good that we've had the cool nights to keep the stream temps down. Flow today is 156 cfs and should be running at 260...stream temp is 52, and that's a good healthy temp for the fish. That's it for today...things are winding down around here. It's so beautiful though, it's a shame for everyone to miss what our beautiful valley has to offer these next few weeks. If you can get away, give me a call and get in on late season fishing with discounted cabin rates! Deb & Joe
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 3:02 PM We've been doing some work on our website, and I see a couple of our posts got lost...oh well. Update for today is that it's been slow, though starting to pick up. October Caddis are hatching now, and yesterday's reports were pretty good. The BWO's are also hatching, and folks are having some success with assorted mayfly patterns. Streamflow is 201 cfs, 52 degrees. It's about 40 cfs lower than the norm for today, but it's clear and cold. Best fishing is late morning to about 4:30 PM. Hearty souls can get out early and wait for daylight - then plan to get a shoulder workout throwing some big white streamers. And if you know what you're doing, you just might catch the kind of fish our friend Bill D. did last week, when he landed a (measured & photographed) 20 inch brown! Definitely not the norm for Rock Creek, but it sure is nice to know that there are some bigger fish out there, if you know how to get them. We're coming into a warming trend that should prove good for some dry fly action - possibly even some late season hoppers! They're out there, but up to now they've been pretty lethargic. Well, I'm expecting Eric and Sarah Ederer to show up with their 2 little girls, so I'm gonna sign off for today. Be patient with us as we work on the site, and be sure to let us know if you see anything that needs to be fixed. And, until next time, be sure to have an "attitude of gratitude", and count your blessings each and every day. It'll do wonders for your psyche! Deb & Joe "Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all." Dale Carnegie
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 3:25 PM Cool and rainy the past few days...feels like fall already, instead of late summer. Lows have been in the upper 30's, highs in the 60's - in fact, it's only 58 degrees right now! Fishing has been pretty slow, especially with dries. Hard to believe we're already suggesting streamers, but those are the conditions right now! Streamflow today is 228 cfs, and 53 degrees - both a bit BELOW normal. A customer that was in earlier said he saw a callibaetis hatch last night, like a swarm, but no fish rising to it. Best success has been sub-surface for some time now. We ARE expecting a warm up to the 70's and even 80's the next 3 days, but then back down to the 60's again by Sunday. I fear the warmth of summer is behind us... A note to those of you who sent me thoughts about Doug Persico - I have printed them and passed them on to Carolyn. I'm sure she will enjoy reading your kind words. We are overjoyed to report that we have gone 3 summers now without a major forest fire in the Rock Creek drainage. There was a small lightning caused fire near Alder Creek, though on the Bitterroot side, that caused some concern, but the weather cooperated and it only burned about 650 acres - all in the wilderness. We are anticipating an early fall, and though it took so long for summer to "set in" we're thankful that we were spared the heat since we had such a low snowpack. This year "feels" different than last, and in fact it feels more like "normal". I expect that we will be looking at good snow pack - guess we'll just have to wait and see. Joe has started a new project at mile 20; this time he'll have helpers so they can get it completed before winter sets in. He is also anticipating a trip to Green Bay in October; he will meet his brothers, brother-in-law, & nephews, along with his Dad to watch the Packers play the Dolphins. As a Wisconsin native, and VERY vocal Packer fan, any who know Joe will understand how much he's looking forward to this. We enjoyed having visitors last week - Mike & Iris Peltier, along with another couple from Kansas City...as well as Gene & Jan Gautro from Birmingham, Alabama. We started out our week together in Philipsburg, listening to the "Mission Mountain Wood Band" at Philipsburg's new amphitheater - it was GREAT! The guys spent alot of time fishing while the wives entertained ourselves in a variety of ways. It was alot of fun, with good food, good laughs, and good company. One of the best meals we had was when Gene & Jan made gumbo - be sure to check out Gene's website http://www.gumbocooking.com/ for some great recipes! I guess that's it from the creek...be sure to stop in for coffee when you're up here! Deb & Joe
Friday, August 13, 2010 8:37 AM This summer has proven the "experts" wrong...because of our low snowpack, a terrible fire season was expected with low stream flows. Then, a long wet spring was expected to just make the "fuels" grow, and we'd have a terrible fire season because "spring rain is not the same as winter snowpack". Finally, it warmed up in July and we were supposed to be prepared for fires...but here's what happened. With every thunder storm came good rain. Yes, there have been a few fires in Western MT, but no big ones and all were managed swiftly. Last night another good storm moved through, and we received almost 3/4 inch of rain over night...WOW! We never get rain in August! Couple that with the nearly one inch we got last week and I think we can safely say we have made it through the summer of 2010 without a real fire season! The grass is green and beautiful, and when you look up to the slopes on the mountain sides, you see green (not the typical yellow we see this time of year). Today's high is expected to be 72 degrees! There's a crispness in the air that has a hint of fall; I heard on the radio this morning that there is a winter storm warning for the Glacier/Seeley Lake/Potomac areas above 7,000 ft with 3+ inches of snow expected!!! Streamflow for this morning is 407cfs; normal for today is 285! Stream temp this morning is 57 degrees; air temp as I type this is 56 degrees. Spruce moths have slowed down, though we expect it's because of the rain. This happened last year too, and after it warmed up they became active in numbers again. Hoppers are getting active too (unfortunately for my garden). Weather guy last night said these next couple weeks are supposed to be warm and dry, so that should equate to good bug hatches and ultimately awesome fishing! Joe fished Ranch Creek yesterday and had some good success; our friends Bill D., along with Josh H. (both from Rock Creek) camped and hiked in the NF of the Blackfoot area and had some good fishing the past couple days too. Haven't had many reports on the main stem of Rock Creek these past several days; seems folks are used to fishing the smaller streams this time of year and giving the fish in Rock Creek a break. That doesn't mean the fish aren't biting up here...however, this time of year they do get more selective and you need to use a bit more "finesse" in your presentation. The other thing to remember is that unless you see big bugs on the water, you'll need to use something smaller or (heaven forbid) go subsurface with nymphs or emerger patterns. Some folks are hesitant to do this, but you must remember that the biggest percentage of a fish's diet is not on the surface, but below it. It is quite an art, fishing below the surface with a bug that matches the natural that is swimming alongside it. I have not mastered this technique, but have great admiration for those that have (most notably my husband). Today we'll close just after noon to attend the memorial service for our friend Jack Mackie - Linda Brown's dad. Jack lived a long, full life heaped with good deeds and service to the LORD. Adventures to Peru had him sharing the gospel while helping with humanitarian efforts. This quiet man found ways to get Bibles into the country and while that's impressive, my favorite story was when he told of himself and others smuggling in enough airplane parts to build an entire plane! That plane was then used to transport humanitarian supplies to different parts of the country! Jack was a wood-worker, and after his hands became too unsteady, he had to give it up. But, he loved to come and sit in Joe's shop while he worked, just watching and listening to the sounds of the saws. We'll all miss Jack, and his presence here on the creek and in our lives. At the same time, we know that his "ticker" is now good, his feet and hands steady and that he's heard the words "well done"... yep, he's "up and runnin'" and we all take comfort in that. I don't want to forget to share the information about Doug Persico's service. It will be August 28, at 6PM (at the Merc). Here's the link to his obituary http://missoulian.com/news/local/obituaries/article_f5d4257e-a308-11df-9744-001cc4c03286.html On that note I'll close with a question...each of us has many people come into and out of our lives. Some leave a lasting impression - whether good or bad. What kind of impression are YOU leaving in the lives of others, most importantly those that are close to you? It's something to think about... Deb & Joe
Sunday, August 1, 2010 11:00 AM How do I begin to describe the loss this community of Rock Creek will feel? We're a close knit bunch, and when "one of us" passes from this life into eternity, we're all impacted. Yesterday morning, a third cog in the wheel that turns Rock Creek was lost. First, Jerry Olson...second, Jim Nash...third, Doug Persico. Jerry died the last week in May of lung cancer - he had been here at Rock Creek since 1976 and was the bridegroom in the epilogue written at the end of "Up the Creek...History of Early Settlers on Rock Creek, Bonita and Quigley", husband of Darlene, writer of the book. Jim Nash was another "Criker"...I think he and his life partner Shelly moved to the creek about 12 years ago. They lived quiet lives, devoted to one another; Shelly was a true testimony of devotion, caring for and continuing to partner with Jim after he developed a brain tumor several years ago. The original tumor was removed, leaving Jim permanently disabled and unable to "work" any longer. He didn't give up though, and for several years was the most reliable newspaper delivery person we'd ever had. We were all very saddened last winter to receive word that the tumor had returned, and just last week Jim lost the battle he had so valiantly fought. And then there is Doug...owner of Rock Creek Fisherman's Mercantile with his wife Carolyn. Many people knew only Doug as the testy "curmudgeon" at the Merc, known to regularly tell people to "get out" if they only wanted to get a fishing license or ask for free advice without making a purchase...regularly going on a "rant" on his website about different topics. That's only one side of Doug, and the other side must be shared. When my husband, Joe, was a newcomer to Rock Creek, Doug and Carolyn generously gave an open ended nightly dinner invitation - which Joe embraced with true appreciation. Many of us have been guests at numerous "pig-outs", as well as the annual birthday party for Doug, holidays, and the yearly super bowl party... Doug and I shared a love of good music...especially blues, which I am listening to as I type this. I remember looking over at him as he sat on our couch listening to something he was particularly enjoying, with his eyes closed and lightly swaying back and forth. The quiet Doug... Doug also loved good food - of course, anyone that knew him understood this. He loved it when I would pick strawberries from my garden and make old fashioned homemade shortcakes, and bring them with freshly whipped cream to contribute to any gathering we were having at their place. I will never forget the phone calls..."pigout this week, hope you can come". Another thing people may not know about Doug is how much he enjoyed young people. I will never forget his greeting to my daughter, then 13 now 32, every time he saw her...he would break out in song "Mareseatoats"...and ask her how she was doing. Mary would smile and share her day with Doug - always so kind and interested. Unfortunately, about 2 years ago, Doug was diagnosed with cancer. He fought the fight, and though it wasn't the cancer that got him I wonder if that's what weakened him... Yesterday we woke up to an absolutely beautiful morning...the sun was shining and the air was filled with the scent of pine after receiving a hard, driving rain the evening before. Our friend Bill volunteered to watch the shop while I went to Missoula, and the farmer's market. While driving between Rock Creek and Clinton, I saw the red flashing lights...heading east. First, the Clinton Fire emergency responders, then not far behind, an ambulance from Missoula. I wondered...is it going to Rock Creek, or is there an accident on the high way? Later in the morning, Joe received word that Doug had passed at home...I can't say it was unexpected, but then, how do you "expect" something like death? Doug had been in the hospital with a failing heart...his 70th birthday was on the 28th, and though friends and family congregated to celebrate the long planned gathering at the Persico home, Doug wasn't able to leave the hospital until the 30th...and then the next morning, he left this earth. It is the characters that make up the personality of any place that is "special", and Doug was one of those characters. We'll all miss Doug, and the unique man that he was. Our hearts are saddened, as we think about our loss...and especially as we think about the loss Carolyn has suffered now, to lose her "Douglas"...our thoughts and prayers are with her and their family as they learn to live life without him...and the reason they ended up here at Rock Creek. And that brings me back to Darlene's book...something all of us that live here and most that have spent any time here feel:
So, as in any story about history, it never really ends...because time just keeps going on and this place called "Rock Creek" is continually changing just like the stream. It is the lives of those that live here that ultimately make this place what it is...and just like "Tilt" said in the quote written in Darlene's book..."you see, we all know how it was in those days"...yes, today we say good bye to Doug - and feel it's the end of an era...but ultimately we know it was one more chapter in the book. Many come, and go without leaving a mark - but not Doug. We'll remember him always. May the sweet scent of "Peace" fill this place, and the hearts of all who loved him... Deb & Joe "There may be other Rock Creeks in Montana, but this one outclasses them all..." Darlene Olson, "Up the Creek"
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 5:30 PM It's hard to believe we're knocking on the door of August...spring was so long, cold, and wet that when it finally got warm (about 2 weeks ago) it seemed like it should be the end of May instead of July already. And last winter with our snowpack so bleak, we were certain we would have streamflow problems, and though the "experts" said that rain does not make up for snow pack, here we are at the end of July with nearly twice the streamflow as is normal for this date. The graph online is crazy! They must've had some problems because last Tuesday it spiked from just over 800 cfs to over 1000, though we had no rain. It dropped, but not significantly and we have all been wondering what in the world is keeping it so high, with a reading this morning of over 800 cfs. Now I look at it and there is what seems to be a "correction". It shows last week's "spike" at just over 700, and the flow now at 589. Who knows what it really is...I can say that folks are still finding it difficult to wade. Bugs are plentiful, but we've had this wicked wind that has lingered since last week, and we can't seem to shake it though today is not as bad as it has been. All that to say dry fly action has been slow - best results have come from nymphs or emerging patterns. I HAVE seen a few spruce moths the past couple days, so it won't be long until they're upon us - right on time! Last year we had plague like numbers of hoppers, but that is not the case this year. I don't know if our below zero October temperatures killed them, or if they're just delayed because of the cooler summer. At any rate, there are a few small hoppers to be seen, but nothing that the fish are keying in to yet. There are plenty of different sizes and colors of stoneflys as well as caddis, PMD's and some lingering Green Drakes. Yellow Sallies are still on and you may still find some of the big goldens, but they are waning. Noticed that the royal patterns are working well (stimulators, trude, wulff), especially in cutthroat water. Joe was fishing up Ranch Creek on Sunday afternoon, and the good old parachute adams was the fly of the day. Joe, Gary, and Bill (from WI) journeyed to Georgetown Lake early this morning for the first time this summer; Blue Damsels are starting and they have been anxious to get up there. Joe has had his nose to the grindstone on the project he's been working on at Brewster Creek, but today the fishing bug got the best of him and he decided to take the day and fish. I suppose tomorrow he will continue tacking up log siding but today he floats in a tube listening to the birds and the sound of his reel. The next 10 days are supposed to be sunny, with temperatures in the 80's (and 2 days in the 90's)...no rain on the horizon. That's it for today...I think I'll go in the house and make some shortcakes to go with the fresh strawberries I picked from the garden. I'll share if you want to stop by... Deb & Joe
Make rest a necessity, not an objective. Only rest
long enough to gather strength.
Monday, July 12, 2010 3:00 PM We had a great time fishing Ranch Creek yesterday afternoon, and though it's still at least a week from being good for wading, we were able to connect with about 20 fish in about 2 hours of fishing. Streams (even tribs) are still rolling pretty good, and that makes it not only difficult to wade, but not much holding water for the trout. Streamflow on Rock Creek is at 892 cfs, and a warm 63 degrees...well, warmer than it has been! While fishing yesterday we watched as so many different species of bugs hatched...yellow sallies, PMD, green drakes, and even had a BLACK Caddis crawling on my white shirt. We had our best luck with a good, old fashioned Royal Trude. Rock Creek Road is closed again between Bitterroot Flat campground (mile 22.84) to Cougar Creek (mile 23.84) while the Forest Service continues building a retaining wall. They expect it to be closed today, tomorrow, and possibly part of Wednesday. Next on the docket is some road work that will cause delays, but will not close the road, although I'm not sure of the dates yet. Pretty windy today, and predicted again for tomorrow. Most likely will make for a slow down in the fishing until this system moves through and it calms down a bit. Probably the best bet for those determined to get out there will be sub-surface. Looks like we're going to have lots of water throughout the summer, which will most likely mean some awesome hopper fishing in August - we're seeing good sized hoppers already, in spite of the rainy spring...and for the first time in many years the fire danger arrow is pointed at "LOW". We've got lots of availability in August, and it would be a shame for you lovers of Rock Creek to miss a golden opportunity for some great fishing! That's it for today... Deb & Joe "Gather the crumbs of happiness and they will make you a loaf of contentment." Anonymous
Sunday, July 11, 2010 9:07 AM It's a very beautiful morning here on the creek...55 degrees with blue skies and a promise of low 80's in the forecast for the day. The stream dropped below 1000cfs on Thursday, and this morning's flow is 917. Funny to think that at 57 degrees, the water is warmer than the air right now! The bug hatches are too numerous to name...most important thing to note is if you're planning to fish anything yellow you need a bit of red on it too...even if you have to use a sharpie! Learned a trick from a Kiwi visitor (New Zealand) yesterday...well, not actually a trick, but in the heat of the day with the brightest of sun (when you normally choose a nap over fishing because its so slow)...he put on an emerging caddis pupa dropped off a yellow stimulator and caught about 30 fish! With the number of caddis that are coming off in the evening, this makes total sense. Our friend Bill, from Wisconsin, decided to make the ultimate move and instead of arriving for a visit 2 days ago, came with a loaded U-Haul trailer and is now officially a "Criker". He did have to unload the trailer on Friday, but yesterday he and Joe took off on an adventure to the upper end of Rock Creek while Ozzie (Bill's Golden Retriever) stayed at the store with Molly and me. The fishing was good, until a cloud burst filled with hail sent them running through a meadow looking for any kind of cover! They got soaked to the skin, but lived to tell (and laugh) about it. My sister Shala, along with her husband Boyd and oldest daughter Kayla came to stay with us last night from LIbby...they are running in the Missoula Marathon today (doing the half). It was so nice visiting with them and Joe garnered information to embark on a new fishing adventure - TO THE YAAK! I expect to be sharing some of that in August, when we experience slow times here on the creek it's really hopping up there near the border between MT and Canada. In the meantime, it's a great time to be on Rock Creek...in fact, this afternoon I think I'll hang the "gone fishing" sign on the door and go wet a line myself! This morning we're both working... but, I expect I can talk Joe into some fishing fun for the rest of the day... Until next time... Deb & Joe "Success seems to be connected with action. Successful men keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." Conrad Hilton
Wednesday, July 7, 2010 1:14 PM The creek has dropped 20 cfs since I checked it earlier this morning; it was 1070 cfs at 6:15, and it is now 1050 cfs...stream temp is 52 degrees. Anticipate seeing the 900's tomorrow... Unbelievable caddis hatch last night at about 7 PM! We're coming into a very "buggy" time, which should translate into some good fishing. PMDs in the morning, stoneflies in the afternoon, and caddis in the evening...something to make everyone happy. The Forest Service is working on a retaining wall in the middle section of Rock Creek Road, and have it closed between mile marker 22 and Cougar Creek (about mm 23) until July 10. So, if you're planning to fish that middle section be aware of this and plan accordingly. You can park and walk from mile 22, or you will want to drive in from the upper end. This does not affect those people living at Miller Flat - the beginning of the closure is just beyond your property. Real summer temperatures are supposed to begin today...up to this point it's been pretty chilly - even had 36 degrees 2 mornings ago! Today it's supposed to warm up to the mid-eighties, and into the 90's by tomorrow. After all the cool temperatures for so long it's gonna be tough to adapt! Anticipating the arrival of grandchild #11 most any day now...and am joyous over the birth of a beautiful daughter to my niece Cassie and her husband Kelly in Iowa just last week. Another niece, Maria (Peltier), will marry her sweetie Brendan August 1 in Pennsylvania...sure wish we could be there. Without a doubt, there are lots of joyous activities happening in the Peltier family this summer! May your summer be filled with joy, as you look for the good in each and every day... Deb & Joe "Few men during their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used." Richard E. Byrd
Monday, July 5, 2010 10:46 AM Rock Creek is steadily dropping, and is running at 1180 cfs, 51 degrees this morning. Normal flow for this date is 753 cfs, so its still pretty high. Wade fishing is still a challenge, but folks ARE having some luck...lots of bugs hatching; various stoneflies, caddis, green drakes... It was great to meet some of the Jutila family over the week-end. They've been camping at Bitterroot Flat on the 4th of July for 44 years! 12 years ago they set up a trust to help maintain the campground, because they love that spot and want to make sure it is always cared for. What a wonderful testimony of people caring for the land, and appreciating this very special area we call home. We went to Gary & Linda Brown's for campfire last night...in spite of the rain, it was a wonderful gathering of both permanent and seasonal neighbors....a nice way to celebrate the 4th of July on Rock Creek. Good conversation mixed with plenty of laughter. Thanks! Well, here it is almost 2 and I'm still not finished with this post! Its been a busy morning, in spite of the rainy/cool day (65 degrees). Funny how it seems the "real" beginning of summer is the 4th of July...it gets alot busier up here, and more people stop in...some to make purchases, and others just to say "hi". It's always nice, no matter which. I'm reminded of the old song I learned when I was a child "make new friends but keep the old...one is silver and the other gold". That's it for today...thanks for stopping in! Deb & Joe Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching? ~Dennis and Wendy Mannering
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 6:41 AM Lots of rainfall over night...first storm came around 3:15 yesterday afternoon; it was brief but the winds were powerful and knocked a tree across the power line that provides Rock Creek with electricity. We were without power until 8:30 PM; then at about 10:30 another storm came through with wind, hail, and pounding rain...this was the pattern throughout the night. This morning the rain gauge shows that we received over 1/2 inch of precipitation...I'm surprised it wasn't more than that! I had an early morning (5:15) trip down Rock Creek today, and though the stream has come up a bit, it wasn't as muddy as I expected it to be. It's still sprinkling right now, but not the hard downpour that we saw for most of the night. Streamflow is1500 cfs and 58 degrees. Yesterday's fishing report for Rock Creek from Brooks (one of Joe Cummings guides) was "so so"... best results came from nymphing with a girdle bug type pattern. I did have some folks in that had been wading; they had good luck with dries before the storm came in. Today is the last day of floating Rock Creek for the year...unfortunately this afternoon we're supposed to see more thunder/lightning/rain. It's hard to believe that it's already 4th of July week! Be careful out there! Deb & Joe
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 1:32 PM Streamflow today is 1410 cfs, and 57 degrees...it's dropping quickly and warming up! Only today and tomorrow remain in the Rock Creek float season...July 1 begins wade fishing only. Yellow stimulators of various sizes seem to be working better than anything else...there has been a green drake hatch, and the fish are finally taking an imitation. Up to this point they've been keyed in on the naturals and totally rejecting anything but. Joe went to Georgetown Lake with Mike yesterday, but came home dissatisfied with their day. It was hot and bright; not a good combination for catching fish. Today is overcast and a bit cooler. I expect some good reports tonight. Mike left just a bit ago to return home to Kansas City...always sad to see him go. Next visitors will be Jim & Michel from Nebraska, and Guy from Seattle...all anxious to get back to their places on Rock Creek, if only for a brief time. There certainly is no place else on earth quite like it! Time to haul more straw to cover the new topsoil/grass seed while there is a lull in the store. There are great advantages to living and working on the same property! Now that the stream is shaping up, we hope YOU will journey to Rock Creek and see us... Deb & Joe "He who asks of life nothing but the improvement of his own nature is less liable than anyone else to miss and waste life." Henri Frederic Amiel
Sunday, June 27, 2010 10:14 AM The creek is dropping in anticipation of much warmer, drier conditions. We're expecting mid-80's air temps today and into the 90's tomorrow. It'll be hard to get out of the sweatshirt habit, we've been cold for so long! Rock Creek is running at 1590 cfs, 52 degrees this morning. TJ and Chris (guides) just met their 4 clients from Washington here at the shop...all are anticipating a good day. We'll have a report from them tonight. Joe and Mike gave the ultimate sacrifice yesterday...they gave up fishing to do some much needed excavation/grading work here at our place. They have torn up alot of ground around our 2 building, and regraded so that the snow/rain won't pool right in front of the door and cause an ice slick in the winter. They've also laid out that big pile of flagstone that we collected several years ago, and have formed a very nice walkway between the house and store. Today they'll spread some topsoil and finish it all off...we've picked what seems to be a ton of rocks, and filled in lots of low spots. They're repairing portions of our original walk-way (that Mike & I hastily built about 18 years ago!). I told Joe last night, I won't know how to act when it's growing and my mowing is so much easier! Well, it's gonna get awfully warm here so I'd better get back outside and water the garden. Stay tuned for tonight's fishing report! Deb & Joe "A man of sense is never discouraged by difficulties; he redoubles his industry and his diligence, he perseveres, and infallibly prevails at last." Lord Chesterfield
Wednesday, June 23, 2010 10:53 AM Streamflow this morning is is 1710 cfs, and 50 degrees. Yesterday's fishing was good, though not as good as the day before. Today "feels" like it's going to be better... Ray & Robin Spratlin from Atlanta, Georgia AND Rock Creek headed out to fish with Jed Fiebelkorn as their guide today. They were scheduled last week on a day when it was raining and the high was expected to be 48 degrees so decided to postpone their trip until this week. Today's high will be in the upper 70's and no rain...much better conditions for being out on the stream in a raft! We enjoyed meeting some new "Georgia Boys" this week...Joe and Jack floated with Eric Ederer yesterday and had a great time; they were just in the shop with grins on their faces and said they figured they caught nearly 100 fish! Joe is nephew to one of our long time guests Trip Martin from Atlanta...we've been missing our group from Georgia the past couple seasons due to Trip's cancer diagnosis and treatments. Thankfully he's on the mend and we look forward to their return (hopefully) next year - and think the new Georgia Boys we met this week should be a part of the group! By the way, to those of you in the group that are normally here, I cooked venison and quail last Saturday for 6 more friends from Georgia and thought of you all! It's a beautiful day here on the creek! The birds are singing and the air is warm...no rain in the forecast for the next several days! We've been officially declared "out of the drought"...HALLELUJAH! The mountains and valleys are a lush green, and the wildflowers are blooming. There are lots of bugs hatching (for the fish) and the tanagers are here in great number...the turkeys have migrated from the mouth of the creek all the way up to mile 11, and the deer are bringing their newly born fawns out to graze in the luscious tall meadow grass. The sheep seem to be recovering from their bout with pneumonia last winter, and though their numbers are down significantly, those that have survived look strong and healthy. Unfortunately, it looks like only 3 ewes carried their babies through the winter to give birth this spring...but they are frisky and look great! Well, that's the news for today... Deb & Joe
Monday, June 21, 2010 3:56 PM After FINALLY going below 2000 cfs Sunday morning, it looked like it was going to be a bluebird day! We drove up the creek; Joe & his cousin Mike were going to float and I went to do their shuttle. We got to their put-in point and there were yellow sallies (stoneflys) flying everywhere. The sun was warm, and as they prepared the boat to launch, I put on a size 12 yellow stimulator. After a few casts, I hooked and landed a small brookie, and they were ready to launch. I waved good-bye to a shirtless Mike (gotta get rid of the farmer tan) casting away while Joe rowed the boat. I made my way home, and shortly after arriving it started to cloud up while I was outside visiting with some customers. PING...one hail stone...PING...another and then the sky opened up in a literal downpour of rain mixed with hail. In about 1 1/2 hours it rained over 1 inch! The thunder boomed and the lightning cracked...and I felt bad for the Peltier cousins, out in the boat with no place to find cover. I fully expected them to row downstream, and cut the float short...and was surprised they stayed out as long as originally anticipated. I said "did you get wet?" "No...we saw clouds and a storm all around us, but nothing on us...we had a great day!" I asked what they used, all dries (golden patterns)...how many fish...about 100! Today's streamflow is 1890 cfs, stream temp is 50 degrees. It's cool and a bit drizzly today, but tomorrow begins 10 days of sun and warm weather - and we're ready for it! That's the news for today...come see us - the water (and fishing) is just fine! Joe and Deb "People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to." George E. Allen
Thursday, June 17, 2010 7:32 AM Well, the creek is up again after another 1/2 inch or so of rain. This morning we're looking at 2710 cfs and climbing; all the rivers in the area are doing the same thing. The Blackfoot is up from 3600 to 3700, the Clark Fork is up from 4000 yesterday AM to 5100 today, with more rain in the forecast. Joe is floating today; we'll see if the higher water brings out big fish or if it just means everyone gets wet! I'm hoping for a good report tonight...on a positive note, it's supposed to start getting nicer by Saturday and be beautiful next week! Deb & Joe
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 8:54 AM Just a quick note this morning because I'm heading to town. We received 1/2 inch of rain over night and are expecting more of the same until Thursday night. The creek rose 300 cfs over night and is at 2360 cfs this morning, 51 degrees stream temp. Air temperature right now is 48 degrees - so that makes for a foggy morning! Gonna be some slow fishing for a few days... Deb & Joe
Monday, June 14, 2010 7:22 AM Welcome to another day in paradise...clear blue skies, warm (but not hot) temperatures, clear dropping stream, lotsa bugs, and cooperative fish. Really, does it get much better than that??? Streamflow this morning is 2040 cfs and 50 degrees. We had a high temperature yesterday of 75 degrees, and today will be similar. All guides I spoke with last night had good fishing, though the larger fish are still holed up - expect the bigger guys to start looking up in about 2 weeks. Wade fishing has been challenging, though it should improve daily with the flow dropping. It's still pretty difficult to get a good drift on your fly with so much water moving so fast. Joe, Gary Brown and David Lee left last night for a 2 night camping trip to the Sun River, by Choteau. They caught some nice ones up there last year when they made the trek for the first time. They won't be roughing it too bad though...David has a nice trailer/camper set up so it'll be some pretty comfortable "camping". Maybe we should call it glamping (glamorous camping). I guess that's it for today...time to get with the day. Be careful out there! Deb & Joe
Saturday, June 12, 2010 9:26 AM Joe floated Rock Creek yesterday with a friend (David Lee), and they had a great day of fishing. They boated nearly 100 fish, though most were small they had a great time. There is a plethora of bugs hatching; salmon flies, golden stones, green stones, green drakes...and the fish are looking up. Joe tried to entice some bigger fish with a yellow streamer, but was unsuccessful; the fish want dries. They (Joe & David) will most likely float again this afternoon. Streamflow is dropping, and is running at 2350 cfs this morning; stream temp is 47 degrees. I just spoke with one of Joe Cummings' guides while he picked up his client here a the shop, and he said that Andrew Hanson (Complete Fly Fisher) has cancelled all his Rock Creek trips for the year due to the accident and fatality. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of them. It's hard to believe that life just picks up and goes on. But, that's just it...it does. Hundreds of people will float past the spot where the man lost his life this week, and will be none the wiser. And after the end of the month, wade anglers will stand in the spot where he was found, casting to fish pooled up behind the log jam....and they will not know. And as all this happens, there will be a grieving network of friends and family that will only know Rock Creek as the place where their loved one lost his life. For the rest of us, Rock Creek is a place of solace and rest...and thinking of the many hours of angling pleasure we have experienced on this stream many would say that they would prefer to "go out" that way - fishing. And I suppose there is merit to that thought, though I'm sure it brings no relief to those that grieve. I find myself personalizing it; knowing the number of hours my own husband spends on the stream; I remember also the devastating news we received almost 2 years ago of his brother Steve's diagnosis of colon cancer...and I know the pain of losing someone you love. The reality is, death is certain - we are all born and we will all die. The time we get in between is the unknown and we must live it to the fullest. I know that each time I kiss my husband good-bye and tell him I love him before he heads out on a river, there is the possibility it may be the last. Not because he is careless, but because there are always unknown factors. The reality is though, I would rather lose him to the river doing something he loves than to anything else. It is a part of who he is, and who WE are. My hope is that we will be old fogies together; so I pray always for his safety and that the LORD will keep His hand of protection on Him. But, as always, I am reminded of the scripture that is a reminder to each of us "You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Be safe out there... Deb & Joe
“Lord,
remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Psalm 3:4-5 from the Holy Bible NLT
Thursday, June 10, 2010 3:53 PM The body of the missing angler has been recovered. 55 year old male; please pray for his wife and family as well as the guide that was rowing. Such a sad way to start this fishing season...may we all learn from this and be extra cautious. WEAR YOUR PFD and WADER BELT!!! The inflatable PFD's are expensive, but losing a life is even more costly. Anyone that is interested in obtaining a PFD, I am willing to order and sell them to you at wholesale price - in order that this would not occur again. Life is precious, and we must do all we can to preserve it in order that we may live out all our days... Thursday, June 10, 2010 9 AM Here's the latest...details were sketchy last night and though they are not clear yet, we do have more information. The raft flipped around mile marker 27 - this has been a bad area for a few years. As of right now it sounds like it was not the oarsman that is missing (we thought it was last night) but one of the others in the boat. I have contacted the Forest Service (once again) to insist on a map showing the obstructions so that people can be warned. Search and Rescue will be out sometime this morning to comb the area... Streamflow this morning is 2630 cfs and is in a downward trend - stream temperature is 47 degrees. Snow on the top of Sawmill Gulch is gone; our typical indicator of the peak of run-off. We'll see if that holds true this year since we know there is still plenty of snow in the Pintlars, where Rock Creek originates. My heart is very heavy this morning, so I'm gonna close this for now. There have been plenty of overturned rafts up here over the years, but to our knowledge there has never been a fatality. My hope and prayer is that the missing man will be found alive but as each moment passes that seems less likely. Is this a wake-up call to all? I expect so. This stream is nothing to take lightly...even the experienced will say that. This accident happened to a fishing guide...did he do his homework? I don't know. All I know is that he hit a log jam, his raft flipped and there is now a missing man. Such a tragedy... Deb & Joe
There are seldom, if ever, any hopeless situations, but
there are many people who lose hope in the face of some situations.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 7PM EMERGENCY PRAYER NEED!!!!! We have just received a call that there is a man that has fallen into Rock Creek from a raft, and is missing. It is 7 PM, the stream is very high and it is raining. John Perry was called by Life Flight to take his raft and help them look. John just stopped by here to pick up Joe and Gary Brown to help look. They will be floating from mile marker 20 downstream, and this will take them through the Dalles, which is very dangerous during the daylight, but they will most likely be through there in the dark. Please pray for the man that is missing, that he will be found and alright. Pray also for the safety of Joe, John, and Gary as they look from their vantage point in the raft. Wednesday, June 9, 2010 6:53 AM Well, the fishing news is not so great...after a MAJOR weather event Monday, the creek was up to 3270 cfs yesterday. Bugs are hatching, and don't care that the stream is blown out! Wind storm blew through and caused alot of damage on the lower end of Brewster Creek. Lots of trees down...weather man said we are now almost 1/2 inch ABOVE normal for moisture for the year. We had a dry day yesterday (Tuesday) so this morning the graph is in a downward trend showing a drop of just about 500 cfs! As of 6:15 am the streamflow is at 2760 cfs, stream temp is 49 degrees. We are supposed to get more rain today and tomorrow and that seems to be what causes the erratic nature of ups and downs in flow. When Rock Creek is in that pattern, it is just not safe to be on - in a boat or otherwise (unless you stay on the bank!). There have been several rafting mishaps, fortunately none have been serious. Salmon flies have hatched at least as far up as concrete bridge - possibly higher by now since it's remained warm. We will be seeing Golden Stones any time now, and hopefully the creek will settle down enough for us to take advantage of that hatch... Check out the YouTube video I made of the wind damage up Brewster Creek...with a bit of humor at the end. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hupyYjTkuY8 Deb & Joe
Monday, June 7, 2010 7:46 AM Rock Creek peaked at about 3000 cfs on Friday night, and is now in a downward trend. This morning we're looking at 2590 cfs, even though it rained a good portion of last night. If it doesn't spike up again (due to rain) we should be seeing some great fishing within 2 days. Salmon flies are already up past mile 20, and though the visibility is bad and the flow raging, the fish are already looking up. It should be clear visibility within a couple days. We've received significant (for us) rain this past week, and we're nearly caught up for moisture to date. Good news, since our snow pack was so lousy this past winter. Though we've been longing to see the sunshine, it really has been good to have this long, cool spring. I anticipate some first hand fishing reports for you by the end of the week...Joe is chomping at the bit to get out there! Deb & Joe
Friday, June 4, 2010 3:30 PM Well, it's happened...the ground is saturated and all this rain needs somewhere to go...so the most logical place is in the waterways - including Rock Creek. It has come up fast! The stream is running at 2170 cfs in a very dramatic upward trend; stream temperature at this hour is 48 degrees. We're supposed to get more rain today, clearing off tomorrow but then another system is supposed to move in and linger through next week. There is limited clarity. All pretty lousy news for fishing lower Rock Creek during the salmonfly hatch...the good news is that with the cooler temperatures, the hatch is moving very slowly and Rock Creek is traditionally the first to clear during run-off, so "stay tuned"... I had a fellow in a little bit ago that had a near miss on Rock Creek yesterday. He was floating, and in the area of mile 13 or so there is a split in the creek - they took the left fork and found they had made a terrible mistake. There is a large cottonwood that has fallen across the stream and plenty of debris caught up against it. They plowed into the tree and became hung up...after getting pretty scratched up, they were able to free the boat by pushing the front end under the tree, where it then became lodged again - they pushed the back end under and were free. They were pretty shook up when they came in and wanted to make sure people know about this dangerous obstruction. We do not anticipate fishing to be productive until the flow stabilizes...right now it's like a roller coaster. As soon as the flow stabilizes, it will start to clear and the fishing will pick up. Sorry to be the bearer of bad fishing news, but I'd much rather tell it like it is than have anyone come before it's time... That's the news from Rock Creek today... Deb & Joe
There are three ingredients in the good life: learning,
earning and yearning."
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 12:54 PM THEY'RE HERE!!!!! The big bugs crawled out of the stream last night, and have shed their skins to take flight today. There are lots of them on the lower mile of Rock Creek as of this morning! Stream flow has been pretty level the past few days and is at 1290 cfs right now...stream temp is 47 degrees; air temp is 65 degrees. So, I guess it's time to point your vehicle toward Rock Creek, and get up here! Let the games begin!!!!!!!!!!! Deb & Joe "It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it." John Wooden Monday, May 24, 2010 7:00 AM Rock Creek looks BEAUTIFUL! Yesterday it was high and clear, totally floatable (and many did). It was running at about 1250 cfs, but in a downward trend due to the cooler night and daytime temps. This morning it's at 1130 cfs, pointing downward but we're getting some good rain so I expect we'll see that line start to point up later in the morning. Stream temperature this morning is 43 degrees...yesterday it did get up to 48 degrees, but we need some consistency in the air and stream temps (about 48 degrees) to see the salmon flies hatch. Okay, that being said - the fish are already seeking out orange! Joe Sowerby, John Perry and Tom-boy floated yesterday, and the orange thingamabobber got the most hits, hands down. Joe P. and I were talking about the different flies, and when they work best - he said that cat puke is an awesome fly, but it produces the best early. Meaning, just after the salmon flies start, and before the fish have seen a jillion cat pukes floating above their noses. Our ladies fishing clinic on Saturday was great, in spite of the weather. Stacy Jennings is an awesome teacher, and between her power point presentation teaching us about the bugs and their cycles of life, reading water, and different techniques to use during the different cycles....coupled with getting out the rods and casting (on the lawn for first session, and then on the water for the second session) she was able to help fine tune everyone in their casting abilities. It was a unanimous "YES" when asked if we should hold a series of these classes, so be watching for a summer schedule soon. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for pictures later today. Time to put the petal to the metal and get the day underway. It's hard to believe that Memorial Week-end is coming up this week. I'm looking forward to many members of my family coming to spend the week-end with us for a family reunion. And my brother Chris is looking forward to FINALLY having the opportunity to fish Rock Creek during salmon flies...we'll see if the bugs cooperate with his dream. That's it for today - be sure to make it a good one! Deb & Joe
Thursday, May 19, 2010 10:43 AM Well, it's official...run-off has begun! This morning the stream is running at 1560 cfs, and 46 degrees. Yesterday afternoon it was at 1500 cfs and 52 degrees. It has cooled off, and we're getting rain. In fact, night before last Missoula got over an inch of rain! Keep in mind that salmon flies need a sustained stream temperature of 48 degrees to hatch. I heard that someone saw some on the lower end of the creek, but I have been looking the past 2 days, and didn't see anything. The bugs WILL hatch in spite of stream clarity; however, we're in a cooling trend so it is possible that the stream may clear at the same time the bugs hatch. Wouldn't THAT be a dream come true! Joe fished the Clark Fork yesterday and came home disappointed. It was a beautiful day and he was anxious to get out but the river was coming up, and the fishing was not worth the time. So, today he's focusing on his building project and trying to get finish on some boards before he puts them up. The rain/damp conditions are causing him to seek out a sheltered area...another case of necessity being the mother of invention! Looks like our women's clinic is just about full, even after increasing from 10 to 20! The beginner's session is full, and there are 2 openings in the advanced/intermediate class. It's gonna be a fun day, in spite of the rain and cold! Time to close for the day and put on my cooking cap...I think we need some cookies for our clinic! Deb & Joe
"On the mountains of truth you can never climb in
vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be
training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow."
Friday, May 14, 2010 5:14 PM Exciting week-end! Opening day of fishing season, U of M graduation, it's finally warmed up, there is no run-off yet and there are LOTS OF BUGS!!!! How much better can it get? Our sweet Carly has finished her masters degree program and will be graduating tomorrow...her folks have come for the week-end and are very excited that she's procured gainful employment (other than housekeeping for Trout Bums or Blue Damsel) and will be staying in this area. Stream is low and clear...had a neighbor in this morning that told me there were 5 different hatches yesterday. Skwalla, March Brown, Grey Drake, Mother's day caddis, and something red (couldn't figure that one out). He's been catching lots of fish, and was excited that a good number of them were decent sized. Streamflow today is 543 cfs - that's about half of normal for this date; the reason is that cold nights have delayed run-off! Stream temp was 45 degrees this morning, and is 54 right now. Those are temperatures that are prime for salmon fly nymphs to start hatching...of course, the warmer water has to linger for longer than a few days, and though our week-end is supposed to be warm, next week will bring another front that will cool things off. Next week-end (May 22nd) we will be hosting two Stacy Jennings Women's flyfishing clinics. The morning session will focus on beginners, and teach the basics of flyfishing. Afternoon session is for intermediate to advanced fly fishers, and will mostly focus on casting techniques. Each session is $75, and includes lunch; please call to reserve your slot. This spring is providing some of the best early season fishing in years...if you can get away, you should take advantage of the opportunity. Give us a call and we'll get you set up - and if you're looking for the full deal (including a cook) we've got that going too for June. That's it for today...stop in and see us, the coffee is hot and we're anxious to see you! Deb & Joe "Pay as little attention to discouragement as possible. Plough ahead as a steamer does, rough or smooth - rain or shine. To carry your cargo and make your port is the point. " Maltbie Davenport Babcock
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 11:02 AM I'm not one to complain much, but I gotta say I'm ready for it to get warmer. This weather system is cold and WINDY! A tree went across the road yesterday at about mile 10, keeping anyone from being able to pass through. Gusts were in the 50+ MPH range! Then it started to snow in the early evening, mixed with rain, and this morning everything is covered with ice. I looked at the streamflow chart this morning, and see that Rock Creek is flowing below normal for this date - all due to the cold weather. One week ago it was 850 cfs, today it is 673 cfs (normal for this date is 848). Stream temp this morning is a chilly 40 degrees! Extended forecast shows it staying pretty chilly for the next 6 days and then warming up into the low 60's . One thing about it, the cooler temps slow down the runoff, as well as the chance of salmon flies hatching early. Joe and the guys did awesome on Rock Creek last week - they floated the mid-section of the creek, and had a great day. On the days when it's not too blustery, it's worth it to get out there with a bugger, or a double bead prince in tandem with a pink SJW. Even though the air and stream temps have been cold, the fish are still moving around and hungry! Rivers Perry spent this past Saturday with me while her Dad guided. She is an amazing little girl...only 9 years old, but so bright. I had her making labels for the fly display, and only had to show her once how to use the label maker. She made labels for all the flies, with sizes and names. We also watched Marley and Me...I sobbed my eyes out! I keep wondering when the grief from losing Tasha will subside. I do miss her so... In the meantime, little Miss Molly gives us joy and makes us smile. She has made the transition easily and loves being the official greeter for Trout Bums. She enjoys having canine visitors, though she is VERY bossy. I constantly think about getting her a yellow companion...but know I can't replace Tash and only want one that has the same sweet disposition she had. That is a tough assignment... Joe is really close to finishing up the inside of the project he's been working on. It's so beautiful...I know the Spratlins will love it. Then it's on to the outside; log siding, deck, screen porch...still a ways to go, but it's coming along. That's it from the creek...we look forward to seeing your faces and sharing a smile and a cuppa coffee soon. Deb & Joe "In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins- not through strength but by perseverance." H. Jackson Brown
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 5:09 PM Sorta cool and windy today...Joe is floating the creek with Gary Brown and David Lee - I'm happy to be here in the office where it's warm and dry. Stream conditions are good though, and I expect a fairly decent report tonight. We'll be hosting a Stacy Jennings' Women's Fly Fishing School at our fly shop, May 22nd. There will be 2 sessions; beginners in the morning and intermediate in the afternoon. Check out our special's page for more information. We are also offering a full package special for June, and the salmonfly hatch to include lodging, guided fishing, and meals. It's a heck of a deal! Sunday we saw the creek drop to 936, yesterday it was 824, and today it's at 786 cfs, 46 degrees. Thankfully, it's cooled off substantially and the run-off has been slowed down. We can only hope that it continues to come off slowly and that there will be plenty of water when the salmonflies hatch. Molly (the Jack Russell Terrier) has decided to nap behind me on my chair as I type this - I think she must be trying to get warm since I didn't start a fire today. I'm literally on the edge of my seat, but not because there's anything exciting going on! New flies have been arriving, and we're gearing up for the season. Had one of our sales reps in today, and another will stop by tomorrow to peddle their wares. Did you know I can order you just about any type of fishing related gear? If you're looking for something in particular, give me a holler and lets see if I can get it for you. Well, that's it for today. I'll catch up with you again tomorrow and let you know how Joe & the boys did on the stream... Deb & Joe
Saturday, April 24, 2010 10:21 AM WOW, I don't know where this week has gone, but it certainly flew by quickly!! We're scampering around here trying to get everything done after the long winter. Last week there were still patches of snow and ice here and there, this week the grass is starting to green up! It got pretty warm (upper 70's) so now all the streams & rivers are blown out. Rock Creek is running at 1010 cfs this morning - about 430 over normal, but down 100 from yesterday. It's cooled off, so that's helped, but it looks like runoff has already begun unless it cools off alot more to slow it down! The Clark Fork is also high and brown. I've heard the Missouri is fishing well, which is typical for this time of year when things blow out on this side of the mountains. So, in the meantime we catch up. We're almost finished getting the cabins ready and now that the snow and ice are gone we can start on the yards. Our store is open...even if you can't fish you can still take a drive to Rock Creek and stop in for coffee while you're counting deer... They're grading the road this week; whew! Man, it was bad when we went up last Sunday to fish. Oh yea, I guess I didn't tell you about that...Joe taught me to nymph fish last Sunday! Our intent was to get in on some dry fly action with the March Browns & Skwallas coming off, but they didn't come off in any numbers, and the fish were just not looking up. So, Joe said "Deb, this is a good time for you to put on a nymph"...so, having the best teacher one on one and spending time with my husband on the stream I was doubly blessed - and I caught fish too! Today I'm trying to get some cleaning in the shop as well as the house done. Joe is working on his project at Brewster Creek, putting the last coat of finish on the beautiful floor he just installed. Ray & Robin's retirement retreat is moving right along! It's a wonderful life, here on the creek... Deb & Joe "It's not what you do so much that matters, but how much love you put into it." ~Mother Teresa
Saturday, April 17, 2010 3:23 PM If you don't like the weather in Montana...wait 10 minutes! Yesterday it was 75 degrees, today it's nearly that. Yesterday was bright and sunny, today is overcast and rained lightly for a bit this morning. Bugs are hatching, and the fish are biting!!! Stream flow today is almost normal for this date, at 385 cfs; stream temp is 47 degrees. We're open for the season; store hours are 8 am until dark Monday - Saturday; Sunday we're closed unless you see the flashing open sign doing it's thing. The coffee pot is always going, and the brewed stuff is free. We've also got espresso drinks for those with a more sophisticated palate... We're running a special on a selection of flies in April & May; $1.25/ea or a bakers dozen for $15. We're also offering a 10% discount on our books. Joe is busy installing flooring in the cabin he's adding on to for our friends from Atlanta. Today's sky and conditions are making him wishin' he was fishin', but alas the pounding of nails is keeping him from the stream. Well, John & Rivers Perry have just arrived for a visit so I'll close for today. We're looking forward to seeing all of you real soon...be sure to stop in and say hi when you're on the creek. Deb & Joe
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 11:22 AM It's snowing...huge, wet flakes...since before we got up this morning.
April snow brings May....? Well, hopefully
it’ll supplement the snow pack in our local mountains, provide water
to our lakes and rivers and lush grasses and beautiful wild flowers to
our valleys. This snow is kind of like a prank on us humans who’ve
been thinking that spring has sprung.
It's hard to believe the stream temp has risen, but it's 40 degrees, and the flow is 244 cfs. Air temp is right about 35 degrees...they say it's supposed to get up to 40 today, but that's doubtful by the looks of things! HOWEVER, this is the worst of it for this week anyhow. Tomorrow will be in the 50's, and then by Friday it's supposed to be 70 degrees! Hmmm, do ya' think there might be some dry fly action to look forward to this week-end????? We're working hard to get the cabins up and running this week. Yesterday Karly & I took all the beds out of Riverstone to get ready for the carpet cleaners and NEW MATTRESSES! We've still got lots to do this week, but we'll be ready for those of you chomping at the bit to come to Rock Creek and stay with us. That's it for today...be sure to check out our Facebook page, that's where I'll be posting all the fishing pictures. Until next time, have a great day. Deb & Joe
Monday, April 12, 2010 12:13 PM It's been rapid fire around here! The stream is shaping up, and good fishing has begun. Joe's brother John, & brother-in-law Rick were here the past week and their timing was perfect. The weather was cold, snowy, rainy, sunny and warm - sometimes all on the same day! The started off their journey at the upper end of Rock Creek last Tuesday...finding a "honey hole" and midges hatching. The fish were not easy to catch, and were in fact, quite fussy HOWEVER, something unusual happened. After putting on a small (size 18) trico and sizing down the tippet to 6X, the fun began. That day, they caught between 20 and 30 fish and there were grins all around. Next day (Wednesday) they decided to take the raft on the Clark Fork and throw some streamers...unfortunately, they were not aware that FWP was shocking fish ahead of them, so it was not a productive fishing day. Wildlife viewing was outstanding though. Thursday took them back to Rock Creek, and the same area they were before. Proving even more productive, but still needing the small flies and tippet, they happily told of even more fish hooked & landed. Friday, back to the Clark Fork...with better fishing this day and more outstanding wildlife viewing. Saturday, a different spot on Rock Creek, with the declaration "the march brown hatch has begun" and an exciting 100 fish day! Rick was excited to tell me of having a fish on and trying to land it while having an immature bald eagle flying over his head! Sunday took them back to the Clark Fork for slow fishing, but exciting wildlife viewing. They saw a herd of elk being harassed by a golden eagle. I have also had my first angling customers of the season in the shop the past 3 days...they've been camping up at the Dalles campground. Yesterday they had some decent fishing on the lower end of Rock Creek, with their best fly being a skwalla pattern. Today's stream temp is 39 degrees, and the flow is a bit below normal at 224 cfs - normal is right around 300 cfs, but we've had such cool days/nights that nothing is really melting yet. The stream is cool and VERY clear (no SJW needed). All in all, the excitement has begun. We'll have the store open regularly beginning April 16, and look forward to the new season. Hope to see you soon... Deb & Joe
Saturday, April 3, 2010 9:49 AM Things are starting to wake up around here with the promise of new life and those things that have seemed dead are beginning to show signs of life. And even with the blanket of new snow this morning, there is a song in the air from a plethora of birds shouting the good news! There is a promise and a hope of a new season bursting with life abundant... As I type this, it is pretty chilly...only 1 degree separate the air temp from stream temp (air is 39, stream is 38). Stream flow this morning is 216 cfs, which is a little lower than the norm for this date, though I'm sure it's because of the cold the past 2 nights. As far as fishing goes, the only action of any type is with nymphs...and that's been just fair. However, watch out when it finally starts to warm up and the dries begin to hatch! This cool weather has been good for keeping the snowpack in the mountains, and in fact, we've gotten a bit of new snow up high over the past several days. Since we've had such a terrible snow year, this is indeed good news! The cooler the spring (with moisture) the better for the streams as well as the forests...maybe we'll get enough to ensure against fires! We're in the process of spring cleaning the cabins and getting them ready for the season...we'll have them up and ready for business mid-month. We'll have regular hours in the store beginning April 16 - until then it will be hit-or-miss catching us here while we do the work that needs to be done at all the cabins. Beginning that week-end though, we'll be ready for you to stop in on your way up the creek, open 7 am until dark Monday - Saturday. I guess that's it for today - have a wonderful Easter week-end, and remember the sacrifice that was made in order that we may live... Deb & Joe
Thursday, February 18, 2010 2:03 PM It's hard to believe we're midway through February already...it won't be long until we start seeing some hearty souls up here braving the road and testing their fly casting skills around the icy banks of Rock Creek as the March Brown hatch comes off...not long, but not yet. Our snow pack is still very low, hovering around 50% now. If I said we weren't concerned, I'd be stretching the truth. It seems the brunt of the snow storms miss us, and we end up with a skiff here and there. Don't get me wrong, we've still got snow and ice, but nothing like we should have - especially up high. Our latest area of concern about Rock Creek is a gold mine that could be starting on the upper end of the creek. Here's the article http://www.missoulian.com/news/local/article_172b5e7e-13b0-11df-8f79-001cc4c002e0.html and the map http://www.missoulian.com/pdf_5ac94cb4-12b5-11df-9366-001cc4c03286.html A quote from the article says:
I do believe though, that since this is in the beginning stages, any and all that have an opinion about the granting of such an "exploration license" should let their voice be heard. I agree with a letter to the editor that said "I know people are hurting, but at what price do we sell our land? At what price do we trade the future of Montana, the one our kids will inherit? Just look at the history, folks." Beyond that, we're just shuffling around here on the ice, waiting for spring. One part of me longs for green grass and to see the budding of the leaves...another part (the practical one) hopes we get about 3 ft. of snow dumped on us! While we wait, we'll just keep plugging along with our winter chores and looking forward to seeing all of you again soon... Deb & Joe
Monday, February 1, 2010 11:25 AM We continue to be in the clutches of winter around here, though snow has not been as plentiful as we need. We are in the middle of a storm system right now, but even though it's been steady it is just not piling up. Although the statewide average is at about 76% of normal, the Bitterroots and lower Clark Fork regions are at 56% - in short, we need snow! If you'd like to take a look, here's the link http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/data/comparison.html The creek is not iced over, which is unusual for this time of year. Typically there is just a small area in the middle that you can see running through the ice. It's kind of neat to look at, as there are always tracks all over the snow covering the ice made by the different critters. This year is different though, and it's wide open. There have been fishermen regularly trying their luck at nymphing. We found out last week that some of the sheep in our valley have pneumonia. http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_28cee718-0ad2-11df-b5b9-001cc4c03286.html Some have been destroyed, and others will probably need to be. It's so sad, but I guess that's the way nature works. Joe has been working on a project only about 1/4 mile from home. He's moving right along on an addition for friends of ours from Atlanta. Today he's in his shop putting finish on the boards that will go on the ceiling. I think he, Gary, and Brantley will go ice fishing on Thursday. Last week they went to Upsata Lake (in the Seeley chain) and caught a mess of perch...they're hoping to do the same thing again. It's hard to believe February is already here...won't be long until we're enjoying the warmth of spring. Today though, the fire is crackling in the stove and Joe has just finished plowing the driveway. I'm trying to get the year end books closed out, and Carly is counting the fly inventory...and amidst all of this, Molly is curled up under my desk dreaming of chasing chipmunks and squirrels... That's the news from our little piece of heaven on earth... Deb & Joe
Thursday, January 14, 2010 10:48 AM Winter greetings from the creek. We've had plenty of frigid cold temperatures, but not as much snow as we need. Last week we saw 2 days at -14, and plenty others since early December that have been well below zero. The problem is, though we've had winter temperatures, the snow has not been piling up, and we are at only 63% of normal for this date. That will be a real problem this summer if the El Nino doesn't provide us with a cool, wet spring. I was just out on the porch of the shop to get a few sticks of firewood, and heard the cheery song of the chickadee "chick-a-dee-dee-dee". It always makes me smile just to hear it. There is a nuthatch that has decided to use the little bird house that's beside the fishing report board on the porch. That's never happened before...the only thing that's EVER used that house is the squirrel, for storage. But, this winter there is a stash of peanuts in the bottom and every time I walk onto the porch the nuthatch flies out. I haven't seen my Stellar Jays at all this winter; maybe they found a more consistent host, and gave up on me and my hit or miss peanut supply diner. Oh well... Joe was able to go to Phoenix for the wildcard game this past week-end. It was a very exciting game, but unfortunately the ending was not what Packer fans hoped for. He did enjoy getting out of the cold for a few days though, and hitting some golf balls - it was a nice diversion from ice and snow! We drove to St. Ignatius yesterday to pick up some lumber for the job Joe is doing right now. We didn't make it back to the creek until 7:30 pm or so, but by that time we were in the midst of a sort of Chinook warm up. When we hit the area of Spring Creek, a couple of winter caddis were flying around! The creek has opened up, so fishing IS possible, and maybe until it cools off again a person just might get some dry fly action...who would've thunk it in mid-January?! Well, I'd better go poke my fire again since it doesn't sound like it's taking off. Thanks for checking in... Until next time, Deb & Joe A good example has more value than good advice...
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 12:08 PM The transition from fall to winter, from the season of harvest and Thanksgiving to the excitement of the Christmas season was greeted this first December day with a beautiful snow storm, and a coating of white blankets the Rock Creek Valley. The fire is crackling in the wood stove, and spices mull in the water on top. Glen, the UPS driver, stopped in for a hot drink and quick conversation this morning, and Joe is out in his wood shop. Hunting season ended Sunday with more disappointment than success this year - many blame it on the wolves. Joe was able to get a mule deer on his trip east of the mountains, but no elk for the Peltier family freezer again this year. Soon the lakes will be freezing over, and the ice fishing jigs will come out of storage. I can almost taste the white meat of perch now, and the beautiful pink flesh of freshwater shrimp eating trout! Maybe this year he'll fish for some of the kokanee salmon from Georgetown Lake, and smoke up a batch... Little Miss Molly (the Jack Russell) is now a permanent resident and official greeter here at Trout Bums - so, those of you that met her this past summer can rest assured that she'll still be here when you return. We do miss Tasha so, but the hurt of our hearts is eased a bit by the love of this little white dog! She's sleeping under my desk right now, snoring quite loudly! I never thought I would have a small dog, but she does have a big dog attitude, and has buffaloed most of those larger than her into believing that she's the boss! I've made up alot of huckleberry jam, so if any of you are hankering for a taste of Montana it's available for sale. I've also developed a great pie filling that I've canned, and it's ready for you to put in your own crust. It's one way for you to enjoy huckleberry pie or use for a cheesecake topping no matter what part of the country you live in. Give me a holler if you're interested. Well, I guess it's time to brave the snow and go out and collect evergreens...I'm ready to put on our Christmas face! And, for our local friends, be thinking about joining us for our Christmas Open House on Saturday afternoon, December 19. We'll have campfire, chili, hot cider and good conversation - we hope to see you here! Don't forget the reason we celebrate this season - it's about more than getting presents under the tree. I have become disenchanted with the commercialism of Christmas, and how our children are brainwashed into such self absorption, and what they want to receive. How about this - how about instead of making a list of what we'd like to receive, we make a list of those things we'd like to give...how about if we focus on giving instead of getting, and teach our children the same...how about if we give gifts of the heart...things made with our hands, or the gift of time... how about if we stop spending money we don't have, and giving "gifts" that have no meaning...how about if we shovel a walk, read the Christmas story out loud, bake some cookies, visit an elderly neighbor or prepare a meal? How about if we give of ourselves...the way the first Christmas showed us? How about if this is the year we start a new tradition - a tradition of keeping things simple, and from the heart... Happy Holy-days from 824 Rock Creek Road...we pray many blessings be upon you and yours during this most blessed of seasons... Deb & Joe
Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:20 AM There's not alot happening here on the creek. Winter is settling in, with cool days and cold nights. Ice is even beginning to form on the creek at night, and you can see it floating down stream in the mornings like slush. The rams were here in numbers, but now even the sheep are gearing up for winter and have mostly congregated at the Handley place to eat what grass is still not covered by snow before they head up, and out of the valley until spring. Joe is working on a new project only about 1/4 mile from home - he was able to finish the "drying in" on Monday (with the help of Jim Brown) so that he could head east on Tuesday to hunt for mule deer. He's been gone 2 days now, and I've had no word of success yet, but hopefully there will be soon. The flu hit the grandkids and their parents with a vengeance, but somehow (though we were exposed) neither of us got it. All are on the mend now, and we are thankful - they have been sick since the beginning of October! I've been busy making huckleberry jam - lots of it! I'm also going to see if I can come up with a huckleberry pie filling that can be canned - if so, I will have that to offer for sale as well. I do have jam now though, for anyone that "needs" a huckleberry fix! Well, I think that's our news for today. It's a cold morning (18 degrees) and I'm in my office typing at 48 degrees - maybe I should start a fire in the wood stove... Have a wonderful Thanksgiving - we do have much to be thankful for. Deb and Joe
Thursday, October 22, 2009 6:57 PM It's been a weird fall...We had gorgeous weather, in the 80's, up until September 25. Then, it changed - the frost came (which is normal) and then the rain - but then the snow...we got 3 inches of snow on October 9, and the temperature plummeted! It got down to 3 degrees here at Rock Creek (yes, you read that correctly) and below zero at Seeley Lake. It froze all the leaves before they could turn color, so our beautiful fall colors were destroyed before they had a chance to happen. It has warmed up to seasonable temperatures, but the leaves are all black or brown. No beautiful yellow on the Aspens, no reds of the Mountain Ash or Chokecherry... The fishing was also most definitely affected, and has just started to be productive. The most reliable fly has been either streamers or buggers. It's been slow though, and pretty tough. The rams are just now starting to make their way into the valley - I saw 2 this morning; those are the first. The herd has come together though, and it won't be long until the rest of the big guys make their appearance... My friend Martha (from Bozeman) was fishing on the Yellowstone last week, and had some good luck. Here's a picture of the nice brown she caught on her first cast of the day:
Not bad for a girl, huh??? That's it from the creek... Deb & Joe
Monday, September 14, 2009 10:17 AM Indian summer is upon us with cool nights and warm days. Funny how you need a jacket in the morning, and a tank top in the afternoon! Stream flow is at 305 cfs (normal is 261) and the water temp is at 53 degrees this morning! It's getting easier to wade, though only the hearty are going without waders! The October Caddis nymph is very active now though there have been very few dries yet. There has also been a cream colored mayfly - this is not a "normal" hatch for Rock Creek - Joe thinks the Genus is Epeorus. The hare's ear nymph has been working well; for the dry a Light Cahill (or something similar) would be the ticket. I had a guy in the other day that was fishing up by Siria, and had some good luck with a red humpy early in the day. Others that have caught the caddis hatch in the early evening. Some that are swearing the only way to catch fish right now is with a black bugger. None have had any stellar reports using hoppers. Mountain lions have been something to take seriously this summer. There have been more sightings here in the inhabited area than I have heard of in all the years I've lived up here put together! If you are reading this and can also say that you saw a lion between mile 4 & 12, let me know - I'm trying to encourage FWP to keep closer tabs on what's happening. We've always had lions, but they are just getting more bold. I'd hate for someone to lose a child before they decide to pay attention. It's hard to believe that our season is nearing the end...it seems like we were just gearing up and getting ready! Yesterday I was cutting back the flowers in the bed around the pine tree (in front of the office) thinking "it feels like I just planted this". It won't be long until the rams make their way to the valley and the cycle of life comes full circle again. That's the update for today - life goes on here on the creek... Deb & Joe
Thursday, August 20, 2009 5:20 PM Thank you, all who e-mailed with your thoughts of Tasha. It's hard to put into words the empty feeling, of not having her here but she was ready to move on... By the time we left home last Thursday, all strength was gone from her legs. She had been able to get around that morning, but after falling in an attempt to get up the steps to the store, I think that was it. She was happy though, and spent the morning on her front porch perch. When it was time to go, Joe had to carry her to the truck and she laid with her head in his lap all the way to town. We went to Dairy Queen and though she didn't make an attempt to get up, she was happy to lap up every last bite of the cone from Joe's lap. When we got to the vet, they had her room waiting, and Joe carried her to the blanket covered bed on the floor; I laid on the floor beside her and held her in my arms until her eyes could see no more, and her spirit was set free... Last week-end was quite rainy and cool causing the stream to raise dramatically again. Air temperatures remained cool until yesterday; in fact 2 nights ago we had a low of 39 degrees! Yesterday warmed up though, and today is a hot 90 degrees! Streamflow is still pretty high at 452 cfs (normal for this date is 257 cfs). Stream temperature is 63 degrees. The weird weather has also messed up the fishing - on all the rivers! What should be dry fly weather has been nymph weather, and even some streamers! Bill D. from Wisconsin was here the past 3 weeks; his normal visit time is late September/early October. He was using his October tactics and catching some nice fish! Everyone that's come into the shop has said that they've had to work hard for the fish they've caught. We should be getting back to normal now, and I expect that by early next week it should be fishing good with dries again. September should be FANTASTIC! There are tons of hoppers, and great streamflow. I think we're going to have some of the best fishing we've had in a very long time. Until then - well, I guess it's time to get caught up on everything that's been put on the back burner... Joe is working on a couple places at the same time; one at Brewster Creek and one at mile 22 (again). Today he's at mile 22 and hoping he makes it back home tonight without incident. He got a flat tire last night and because the road is so bumpy he didn't realize it until the tire was completely destroyed. He's got to go to Missoula tomorrow to pick up the metal roofing for both of these projects, so he decided to take his chances and go to work today - even though he has no spare - and get tires tomorrow. The squirrels are starting to harvest pine cones, and the pack rats have started getting active; my tomatoes are loaded, and the potatoes are blooming; the fawns have come out of hiding, and the chickadees are visiting the feeders again - all signs that Autumn is not far off. It won't be long until the rams make their journey into the valley and another summer season will be behind us. Sounds like life doesn't it? A constant series of changing seasons... Do come and see us soon! Deb & Joe Ecclesiastes 3A Time for Everything 1 There
is a time for everything, 2 a time
to be born and a time to die, 3 a time
to kill and a time to heal, 4 a time
to weep and a time to laugh, 5 a time
to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 6 a time
to search and a time to give up, 7 a time
to tear and a time to mend, 8 a time
to love and a time to hate,
Thursday, August 13, 2009 8:00 AM A tribute to our faithful friend... Unforgettable...I don't know how many years ago - 10 or 11 I suppose - my Grandma Millie knew her health was failing, as was that of her sister Ethelyn. Grandma lived in Plains, and Ethelyn was in a nursing home in Bozeman. Grandma had long since lost her ability to drive after losing a leg to diabetes, so when she told me she longed to see her sister one more time before one of them died, I decided to make it happen. I drove the 2 hours from our place at Rock Creek to hers at Plains and picked her up. I always take my dog with me, and figured she would be a good addition to the trip. So Grandma, Tasha and I hit the road for Bozeman the next day. It's a long drive from Plains to Bozeman, 4 hours or so...When we arrived at the nursing home, I got Grandma in her wheel chair and to her sister's room. I then asked at the desk if it would be okay for me to bring Tasha in to visit. After receiving permission, I walked in with my sweet yellow girl, and it was as though each of those old folks that saw her was injected with new life. They wanted to pet her and talk to her. She was a willing recipient of all the attention, and seemed to know that she was giving joy to them. After Grandma and Ethelyn had a nice long visit, we knew we had to say our good-byes. It was dark when we drove by Butte, and you could see all the radio towers blinking. Grandma said "see all those blinking lights? Those are microwave towers, and that's what makes your microwave work" I attempted to disagree (though I should've known better) and she said "Well! You never saw microwaves before those towers went up". You have to admire her reasoning - she did have a good point. Anyone that spent much time with Grandma knows how draining it was - she was quite vocal in her opinions, and it was exhausting. So, after spending 2 long days with her I was wiped out. One of Grandma's complaints was that she didn't get enough visitors. As I was driving home I was thinking about this. I understood WHY people didn't visit her often, but it still broke my heart. I started thinking about the fact that love and affection from humans always comes with a "condition". We must be deserving of love or it is withheld - it's a heartbreaking thought, but it is true. I determined that the only unconditional love comes from God, and though that is comforting it is still sometimes very lonely. When I got home, and was telling my daughter that story I tearfully shared the part about the fact that there is no love that is unconditional, not that of our spouses, children, family or friends; as I was talking and crying, my dog came up and put her head in my lap. She looked up at me as if to say "I love you without condition". As my eyes overflowed, I realized this truth! Today I am preparing to say good-bye to my faithful companion, and the tears are flowing once again. She HAS loved me without condition, and I wonder if that is why God gives us these pets. They are here to love us with the love of God, in a furry body. Just minutes ago I heard the song "Unforgettable" and as I listened to it I closed my eyes and saw my "unforgettable" girl all through her life. The day Tasha was born, Carolyn (the owner of Tasha's mother) called me and said "Seely is having her pups". Joe and I rushed over there to see that 2 black ones had been born (clones of Herman); then Carolyn and I watched as the next 8 were born. Joe immediately picked out Tasha as ours; she was already so beautiful - a darker yellow than any of the rest and easily distinguishable. Herman (our male, and the father of the pups) and I would walk over every day to play with the puppies and bond with Tasha. When we brought her home, there was no adjusting; she knew that she was created just for us. Every day of Tasha's life has been on Rock Creek, and she has always been "my" girlie girl. The years have gone by with her by my side; she works with me, plays with me and even prays with me. She has greeted every guest that has come to stay in one of the cabins, and has insisted on pets from each one (by nosing her way between their knees!). She has chased gophers and squirrels, rolled in really stinky stuff, and eaten things that she shouldn't have. She has loved all of our grandchildren, and patiently allowed them to crawl on her, ride her, and poke and prod her - all with a wagging tail... She has been a good fishing companion, not wanting to be too far from me...wading out into the stream, knowing to stay behind so as not to spook the fish. She has brought back her share of grouse, pheasants and ducks hunting with Joe; a couple years ago she even decided to hunt by herself here on our property and bagged a big blue grouse with no assistance! Tasha has always known her purpose - without a doubt she was sent by God to love and serve this family. She has faithfully fulfilled her purpose and now, as much as it breaks our hearts, it's time for us to let her return to heaven... The comfort is in knowing that there will be no more seizures, and her joints will again be strong. She will be able to see and hear again, and run - as fast as she can, just because she can. She will be free from the bondage of old age, and she will be there, waiting at the gate, for the day when we join her... Until then, dear sweet Tasha, you will remain Unforgettable... Thanks for showing us what unconditional love is... Deb & Joe
Tasha Peltier 6/9/1995 - 8/13/2009 Unforgettable (click to play) We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet: and, amid all the forms of life that surround us, not one, excepting the dog, has made an alliance with us. Maurice Maeterlinck
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak and pain should keep me from my sleep. Then you must do what must be done, For this- the last battle – can’t be won. You will be sad I understand, Don’t let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest, Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, What is to come can hold no fears. You’d not want me to suffer, so. When the time comes, please let me go. Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree it is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don’t grieve that it must be you who has to decide this thing to do. We’ve been so close – we two – these years, don’t let your heart hold any tears. --Author Unknown
Saturday, August 8, 2009 1:53 PM So much for the downward trend in the stream - we had a crazy weather system that came through this week and dumped record rain! August typically receives less than 1 inch of rain in the entire month - we got over 2 inches in a day & a half! The streamflow today is over 800 cfs!!!!! All the rivers in our area are blown out as well, so most likely the fishing is going to be messed up for a couple days. Up to this point the spruce moths have been the "bug of choice" this week. They have been out in numbers, though this cool weather (yesterday's high was about 60 degrees) has shut them down too. I'm seeing a few beginning to fly again this afternoon, but until we reach 80 degrees again, it'll probably be pretty slow. I had a guy in early this afternoon that told me he caught some on hoppers this morning, but he was the only one that said that. Everyone else has been struggling. This next week should bring some good fishing though - temperatures are supposed to be in the low - mid eighties, and there is no rain in the forecast. All the bugs should be active again - it'll just take a couple days for the stream flows to settle down so folks can safely wade. We're heading to the Blackfoot this afternoon for our friend Leonard Carpenter's 90th birthday party. He lived here on Rock Creek at mile 20 for over 30 years, and is still beloved by all of us here. He grew a big garden, with lots of strawberries and raspberries. When he had ducks he used to bring me their eggs to use in my bread. I've missed having him live up here, and the real "Americana" that his life represented. So, happy birthday to Leonard - 90 years is certainly worthy of celebrating!!! Well, I've got guest paperwork to get ready so will close for today. Looks like August is going to be a good month for fishing; if you can get away we've got good availability from the 17th to the 27th - give me a call! Deb & Joe
Even to your old age and gray hairs Isaiah 46:4 Holy Bible
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 11:19 AM I don't know how a week goes by without me realizing it, but sure enough it's happened again - sorry about that... This morning the stream flow is at 505 cfs and in a downward trend - it's still above "normal" for this date, but becoming more manageable for wading. Stream temp continues to be nice and cool at 58 degrees in the morning though it will warm up a bit in the afternoon. The fish are healthy, especially as a result of 2 years now of good flows and cool water temps. The fishing has been good - the catching depends on the time of day and the ability of the angler to get a good drift on their fly. Almost everything is hatching; spruce moths are on in number and the fish are tuned into them. The hopper fishing is starting, and I've had reports of fantastic fishing from a few. BWO are starting, PMD's are still going, caddis are active in the evening, stoneflys of varied sizes and colors are still hatching and there are flying ants... The fish are in the stream and the bugs are on the water - sounds like a good combination to me! Joe's been having great days on some of the tributaries and lakes. Today he and Gary have gone with their pontoons to East Fork to catch some of those nice cuts. Bill D. from Wisconsin is off on an adventure to Fuse Lake - hoping to catch some grayling. Both of these lakes are in the upper Rock Creek area. Heard a story yesterday about some fishermen & their dog on the stream by the Elkhorn (mile 4) and a mountain lion encounter. The lion went to pounce on the dog but the man and boy saw it all happening and ran aggressively toward the lion - the man hit the lion with his fly rod and I'm not sure exactly everything else they did but the lion released the dog and ran off. The dog is fine, and so are both of the people. That's the 3rd time a lion has been seen in that area within the past couple weeks, but the only "encounter. If you're coming to Rock Creek be sure to be cautious. All in all it's been a good summer. Fishing has been as fishing is - constantly changing, but always fun. The past few days have been pretty warm (in the 90's) but there's been a haze from a couple Bitterroot fires - that's made the fishing good. We're supposed to get a cold front again by this week-end so that will disrupt the fishing for a few days probably. I'm going to head to Idaho for the week-end of August 15; my oldest grandson is turning 16! I've decided to surprise all the kids and take them to Silverwood Theme Park. I'd much rather be on the stream in the quiet, but since it's not MY birthday I'll think about their definition of fun. Hopefully Mary & Leif (and the kids) can make the drive from Ft. Lewis. They've only been on US soil for a few days now, so the thought of getting in a car and driving after flying for 11 hours with 3 young children is not exactly an easy one. It would be nice though, to have my whole family together for the first time since the last 3 babies were born. Well, I guess that's all the news from the creek for today. Be well, and be safe... Deb & Joe Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined. Patrick Henry (1736 - 1799)
Monday, July 27, 2009 2:35 PM The heat snap has broken, with a cold front that came through last night and dumped over 1/2 inch of rain here on the lower end of Rock Creek - I think Philipsburg must've received more because the creek went up dramatically. Streamflow right now is 596 cfs - up from under 490 just yesterday! Stream temp is 61 degrees. Air temperature at this time is 74 degrees - much more comfortable than the 99 degrees we had on Saturday!!! Fishing report is good - folks have been doing well on small hoppers, mayfly patterns, caddis, yellow stimulators (small), royal patterns, and spruce moths. Yes, the spruce moths are starting so there is yet another bug to add to the fish's diet!!! Today's rise in flow will probably affect the fishing for a couple days, but as soon as it settles down again it should get back to "more of the same". Joe fished a high mountain lake a few days ago; he and Gary hiked in to one of the lakes in the Blackfoot region. Joe carried his float tube on his back so he could get out in the lake, and it was worth it! He caught some nice fish. Yesterday he went up Ranch creek and had some good fishing with hoppers, so that's turning on now as well. Our friend Mark e-mailed a report from Bozeman - he said he fished the Middle Fork of Rock Creek last week on the 24th and had a great day fishing with golden stone patterns all day. Bill and Sue (from Ohio) are back for their annual Rock Creek visit; Bill was in last night with a good report of nice big fish on upper Rock Creek caught on hoppers. So, there you go - more Rock Creek fishing news... come and see us, the water is just fine! Deb & Joe There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart. Celia Thaxter
Thursday, July 23, 2009 10:20 AM Another hot one - things are getting so dry; we really need rain! I was just moving sprinklers, and noticed that one of my trees is wilted! That's not a good thing... There are a few forest fires in the Bitterroot, but nothing big - we did have smoke in the valley as a result of them yesterday. Streamflow is at 543 cfs this morning, 59 degrees. It's still above normal for this date, but if we don't get some rain soon I expect we'll see below normal flows before long. Fishing has been "okay". Nothing stellar, but not bad either - you just have to work for them. The heat of the day is a good time to forget about fishing and take a nap (or go shopping). We have guests in Barb-less Hook that are in the second week of their 2 week stay. The other night Kevin decided to do some late evening fishing and take advantage of the caddis hatch. He was fishing the portion of stream that is accessed across the road from the cabin. The water has been pretty difficult to cross, but he did find a place and though the fishing was slow he caught a nice trout (I think he said about 20 inches!). It was getting dark and he decided he'd better get back across the stream, but in the quickly dimming light it was difficult to see - he lost his footing and got swept downstream for quite a ways. He did finally get across, and said it was worth it - because of that one good fish he caught! I'm glad he wasn't hurt... Joe went up Ranch Creek a few days ago, and it's starting to "turn on". There is still quite a bit of water in it, but he caught several trout in just a couple hours. Yesterday he went to East Fork Reservoir with Ray (from Atlanta) and they had a decent day from the one man pontoons. I think tomorrow Joe & Gary Brown plan to head up to a mountain lake for another adventure. Today though, Joe is working in the heat on your place Guy... The dogs are wiped out after our walk this morning - both are snoring away! Tasha is getting more tired by the day; I don't know if she'll make it to the end of summer. I thought I was going to lose her a couple days ago - she just didn't want to get up. She'd raise her head and then let it plop back down. I'd pet her and talk to her, and her eyes would roll back; I thought "well, this is it". But then after about 40 minutes she struggled to get up and was done with that! I guess she just decided it wasn't a good day for dieing after all... That's it for today - a little snippet of life on the creek... Deb & Joe The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object. Thomas Jefferson Saturday, July 18, 2009 9:03 AM Today will be a scorcher - its supposed to hit almost 100 degrees! As I said to the customer that was just in, that's hard on a northerner! This morning the stream is at 57 degrees, 702 cfs. There are high clouds causing a haze, just like yesterday. The clouds will break the intensity of the sun and make for decent fishing in the morning (up until about 1) and then again after about 4:30 or 5 until dark. Mid-day is pretty tough right now, with the conditions continuing to change almost daily. I saw a few spruce moths on my walk last night - they're right on time! They always seem to be out in great numbers around the 20th of July - if that holds true they should be in full force in just a few days. I'm working with Montana Fly Company on developing a new spruce moth pattern - they are in production now, and hopefully we'll have them by the end of next week. Just had 2 different guests in with 2 different fishing reports. One fished the afternoon and it was really slow until about 5 (when they quit). The other guest started fishing at 4:30 and fished until late evening and had fantastic fishing. Same day, different times, differing reports... Timing is everything. The Zundels (staying in Riverstone) saw a nice brown bear on their way down the creek yesterday afternoon. They were pretty excited. They said they saw everything but a bull moose on their stay - maybe today they'll see that... The skunk scent recipe worked pretty good, though Molly still has a faint odor about her. She's been on restriction ever since then, and is not too happy about being cooped up instead of able to run around and chase chipmunks! Only 2 weeks until Mary & Leif arrive on US soil; Gracey (2 1/2 yrs) gets on the phone regularly to ask "how's Molly doing?" She misses her dog now, and I'm going to miss her when she goes back to her family. Yep, in spite of the skunking, her obsession with culverts, high pitched barking and all that goes with a Jack Russell terrier, I will miss her. I will miss how she greets the customers and makes them smile; I will miss hearing her pad up the stairs in the morning (after Joe gets in the shower) to jump in bed with me; I will miss her curiosity and her affection. I will miss seeing her and Tasha snuggled up together, and I will miss watching her lick Tasha's face as though she knows this will be her last visit with her surrogate Mama. Molly has been good for Tasha this summer; she's been good for all of us... Well, I've got to go out and get the garden watered before the temperature starts to rise. Looks like the dog days of summer are upon us... Deb & Joe It's funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn't it? Eleanor H. Porter,
Pollyanna, 1912 Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:39 PM Monday's fishing was pretty slow (after the big storm) but yesterday was great for the folks staying in Riverstone. Other guests reported "not so great" fishing, but they had not been willing to go underneath the water with nymphs - that's where the bigger fish are, especially if the weather puts a stop to any hatches. Joe & Mark's fishing on the Clark Fork Monday was slow; however there were a couple guides out that day that fished different stretches than he did, and their clients did well. The creek spiked yesterday as a result of the weather system that came through; it went from Monday's 794 to 924 cfs and is holding at that. It's warm today, and supposed to be in the upper 90's by week-end so this should be the end of the ultra-high water and we should see it steadily go down now. Stream temperature today is 55 degrees. Well, Molly the Jack Russell found her first skunk today - now the whole neighborhood stinks! I've just scrubbed her down with a concoction of equal parts baking soda/hydrogen peroxide and just enough dawn dish soap to make it suds up; now she's tied up to a tree squeaking while she sits in her bubble bath for 1/2 hour. Joe & Gary Brown are out on the river today to see if the fishing is any better than it was on Monday. I've been trying to do book-work in between customers and skunk baths. Tasha is laying on the porch watching the world go by, trying to stay awake until the mail lady gets here (and she gets cookies!). It's a good life... Deb & Joe Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he'll buy a funny hat. Talk to a hungry man about fish, and you're a consultant. Scott Adams, Dogbert;
Dilbert cartoons Monday, July 13, 2009 9:59 PM I don't know where the week went, but here I am a week later with lots to tell you. First, the streamflow is down to 794 cfs, and is 58 degrees. There are a TON of bugs hatching, different varieties and sizes. Fishing has been very good. Yesterday Joe and I decided late in the morning to venture out; we drove the creek all the way over to the West Fork. Once there, we decided to take a drive up the Middle Fork, and then Copper Creek. There were alot of people pretty much everywhere we looked. We did notice that the West Fork was quiet, so we found a place just above the Forks to park and finally got a fly on the water by just after 3. I immediately hooked a nice brown, probably 14+ inches, that was strong and fat - both of us could see him under the crystal clear water. Unfortunately, he knew to head for a rock and I didn't land him. It was still an exciting start to our fishing! The stream was not alot wider than the building our shop is in, and the water was beautiful! There were lots of runs, logs sticking out loaded with fish; log jams, boulders, cut banks - we fished about 1/2 mile and between the 2 of us we caught upwards of 50 9 - 12 inch fish (mostly cutthroats); all this by 5:30 when we had to dash for the car because of a huge storm bearing down!!! The wading wasn't easy for me though - my short legs and little feet struggled in the rock covered stream bed, and the current was swift. At one point I was trying to catch up to Joe (he fishes alot faster than I do) and lost my footing - down I went! My fanny pack with all my flies and digital camera got soaked; I did too, but it's alot easier to dry me! I learned the importance of using a wading staff, that's for sure! I hope my camera can be saved, but right now I'm doubtful. The downpour last night, coupled with another big downpour this morning resulted in about 1/2 inch of moisture! Last night it rained so hard after we left the stream that the wipers couldn't keep up and we couldn't see. Luckily we were near Philipsburg by this time and pulled over at the Sunshine Station to have dinner and wait out the storm. I would imagine that they got over an inch of rain in that one storm. Joe is off on another adventure today, and is meeting his friend Mark from Bozeman. They will be floating on the upper Clark Fork, hoping for some of those big browns. The dogs are worn out this morning, though they spent the day in the kennel yesterday - you'd think THEY had been out on a journey. Tasha is laying by the door, sacked out; Molly is under my desk snoring. The air outside is pungent with the smell of pine after the downpour this morning. The sun is peeking through now though, the birds are singing and it looks like it's going to be another beautiful day here on the creek... Deb & Joe And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow. Jerry Chin
Monday, July 6, 2009 1:48 PM It's a windy day, good for catching up on work around home so that's what Joe is doing. The week-end was pretty good, though the fishing wasn't stellar; it was bright sun and warm temperatures. Joe went up to Georgetown Lake on Friday with his one man pontoon and did pretty well fishing with damsel nymphs; we enjoyed eating a couple of them that night. Rock Creek is FINALLY below 1,000 cfs! Today it is at 952 cfs, 57 degrees. Still pretty cold for wet wading, but at least it's getting closer to normal for this date, and wadable. We had a rain storm move through last night so there's a blip on the graph showing that it came up a bit, but for the most part it's in a downward trend. Creighton, from Florence Alabama, is the 11 year old boy that I wanted to tell you about. I believe he's going to be a great fly fisherman before long! He has the desire as well as the "sense"; he was excited after floating with TJ and landing 8 fish the other day. He and his dad went out on their own a couple days ago, but were unable to land any although Creighton said he got several hits. Unfortunately, their time in MT came to an end and they had to head back to Alabama. I do hope he practices his fly casting though, and is able to get out on a stream near home. Thank you Creighton, for trying out my new fly and for the good review on how to fish it! We've had a couple guys from Wisconsin stop in the past 2 mornings; Nate and Jeremy are living out of the back of Jeremy's VW wagon for an undetermined amount of time. They've been having fun and catching fish in pretty good numbers. They're not afraid to try anything; dries, nymphs, streamers - whatever it takes to bring them in and it's working. They've headed up to the microburst today... Well, I've got a t-shirt order to put together as well as book-keeping to tend to so I'll close for now. I just heard thunder, and the wind is blowing; temperature today is in the 70's. Just another day in paradise... Deb & Joe Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither. C. S. Lewis
Thursday, July 2, 2009 3:56 PM Fishing has been good this week, in spite of the bright sun and warm temperatures. There are so many bugs hatching, and the fish are hungry - that's a good combination. I've had several people tell me that Monday was unbelievable from the rafts, but even those wading that have taken the time to figure out the stream are giving good reports. There are 3 guys from PA staying in one of the cabins that have had fantastic fishing since their arrival last Saturday - and they are wading. I had a couple guys stop by on Tuesday and they made my day. It was a father/son duo (Bill and Bruce) from East Missoula. Bill told me he is 75 years old and has lived all his life in Missoula; he has been fly fishing Rock Creek for 66 years! I asked him what his favorite fly was, and without hesitation he said "Lady mite and Sandy mite", but you can't get them anymore. I knew he was talking about Pott's flies, and told him those were my grandma's favorites as well. It brought back good memories of fishing with my grandma when I was young, and then when she was old having her ask me to try and find her some more of her favorite flies (though she was no longer able to fish). After Bill and Bruce left I went online to read more about Pott's flies, wondering why production had stopped. It's an interesting story about an amazing fly tying technique that has unfortunately died due to its complexity. I enjoyed meeting Ethan & Leeza from Oregon just a bit ago; they're camping up the creek. Leeza is just learning to fly fish and is anxious to add to her numbers (she's caught 1 so far). It makes me smile to think of all the fun times Joe and I have had over the years sharing time fishing; we didn't meet until we were in our 30's and I don't know if he ever thought he would meet a woman that shared his passion. The first time I came to Rock Creek to visit him (I'm from a little town 90 miles west of here) I walked into his little cabin (now our fly-shop & office) and he was on the phone with his sister-in-law in Upstate NY. I heard him say "she's perfect - she even likes to fish". After we were married, we waited until late summer to take our honeymoon (we were married in May) because we wanted to go camping at Kelly Creek in Idaho and knew that's when the fishing would be good there. We loaded up the dogs, took a week and found a wonderful spot in the cedar trees right next to the stream. We caught fish, picked huckleberries (and made pancakes) and enjoyed the solitude and time together. That was alot of years ago, and I always think of it when I see a wife desiring to share fishing time with her husband, and her husband WANTING her to - definitely good for marriage growth... The creek continues to drop, though it is still above normal for this date. It is at 1060 cfs, and 62 degrees as I write. It was about 56 degrees when we got up this morning. The warmer stream temperature causes alot of bug hatching to go on! There are many different species, in various sizes happening all at once but the one to especially take note of right now is the green drake, which is what the fish are keying in on if you happen to catch them hatching. We had a good conversation about this early this morning, so if you're up here and want more info stop in.. Joe is off on an adventure to upper Rock Creek today - the big cutthroats are starting to get active and the water level is more manageable up there (for wading). I was out in the garden watering this morning, and noticed there are lots of little tiny grasshoppers - if that's any indication, August should be great for hopper fishing so keep that in mind. That's it for today - I'll write more tomorrow; I still need to tell you about the 11 year old boy and his dad (another Alabama family) that went on a float with TJ Tuesday... Deb & Joe Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish. Ovid (43 BC - 17 AD)
Sunday, June 28, 2009 8:12 PM Joe's cousin Mike left this morning - it's always sad to see him go. They had some great fishing this past week; 2 days ago they did another late float on Rock Creek and caught about 100 fish between the 2 of them. Yesterday they intended to go to East Fork Reservoir, but ended up at Flint Creek. It's still too early for Flint, though they did catch a few. I'm listening to Joe & Gary B. talk as I type this and hear them discussing upper Rock Creek near the forks as the place to be now because the weather report is for hot and sunny days. That cutthroat water should be prime... I finally got away to go fishing myself today. In a couple hours I caught 5 cutthroat and 1 brook trout. I took the dogs with me; Tasha wanted to be in the stream just like old times. Poor thing is so weak now that she started floating downstream. It was hard to concentrate on fishing when my old dog is caught in the current! I tied Molly to a bush on her retractable leash and she was fine - she's much too short for wading in Rock Creek. After too much time trying to keep track of Tasha, I loaded them up and headed for Brewster Creek; that's where I had my success. I was surprised at how tall the brush is and how many trees went over this winter/spring. I practiced Joe's "bow & arrow" technique (the only way to get in those tight places) and am getting pretty good at it - didn't catch my finger even once Guy! I'm happy to report that the Alabama Boys had some success yesterday, so all of them caught at least one trout before the end of their stay. It warmed my heart this morning to hear them say they have discovered their "new favorite place" and hope to come back again soon. The creek continues to drop and is at 1210 cfs right now, and 53 degrees. For those of you that know me, you know that I am short but in the little bit of fishing I did on Rock Creek today I was able to get into the stream and wade - at least out about 8 feet - with no problem. I was at Harry's Flat. It's still pretty high for wading everywhere, but there are some places where you can get out far enough to get a good cast. I saw lots of bugs (golden stones) flying, but didn't see any rising trout. Of course, the trout I did catch weren't rising either, but came up to a royal wulff passing over their heads... Well, that's it for today. It was a beautiful day here on the creek; I was talking to some guests from Minnesota about just that, and shared how fortunate we feel that the LORD decided to plant us here; we are blessed... Deb & Joe Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies. Charles E. Jefferson (1860 - 1937)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 2:31 PM Just a "PS" to the earlier posting - I forgot to mention that the July issue of Cooking Light Magazine is now out, and there is a story titled "The summer pleasures of fresh trout". That story was done here at Rock Creek, based at Ranch Creek Ranch, using Joe and Carroll Anne Sowerby and their dog Cody as the models. It was a fun time for all of us, and hard to believe it's already been a year since they were here. The pictures are beautiful, and the recipes are great - be sure to pick up a copy! Wednesday, June 24, 2009 11:49 AM It was a beautiful day yesterday, though tough for fishing early on. Joe & Mike put the raft in the water at about 4:30 PM and did well for the couple short hours they fished, but those that fished all day and got off before 7 had a hard, slow day. It was good for gardening and mowing, but not for fishing... Joe's time on Georgetown Lake was interesting! We just realized that summer is officially here, and on the second day of summer while Joe was in the middle of the lake it snowed 2 inches on him! He did catch some fish, though it was slow. Darn weather, it surely does mess up the recreating doesn't it! Last night a great caddis hatch came off in the early evening. The fish were not keyed in to the dries yet though, but maybe today. The PMD's are another good hatch happening from mid to late afternoon, and the stoneflies are still happening, though not as heavily. Today the streamflow is at 1690 cfs - quite a drop from yesterday morning's 2600! Stream temp is 52 degrees. Though the creek is dropping, it's still very high and difficult to wade. Tough fishing for those on the shore, and that's a shame because the conditions are good for great fishing. The rest of the week is supposed to be dry and warm, so it should continue to drop. If a bit of cloud cover comes in, the fishing should be "sick"... The folks from Florence, Alabama (staying in Big Bear) learned just what "Big Sky Country" meant yesterday, and exactly how big this state is. They left the cabin at about 4:30 AM for a day trip to Glacier Park. They made many stops along the way to take in "everything"; they drove as far as they could up "Going to the Sun" road - from both directions. By the time they made it back to the cabin it was about 2 AM - the couple that came in this morning were moving pretty slow, but the husband was determined to get some flies and do some fishing (and hopefully catching) today. Their week is passing by quickly - hopefully he'll have a fishing report for me to write about... It's sunny and supposed to reach about 85 degrees today (a far cry from our high of 54 just 2 days ago!). Yesterday morning it was 38 degrees. Rivers spent the day with me again yesterday, and we finally got the garden planted with the help of my friend Rory. I was telling someone this morning that we planted yesterday, and they asked how long our growing season was - Joe piped up and said "15 minutes". He was joking, but he wasn't far off! I guess that's it for today - stay tuned for the ever changing conditions on the stream and stories of life here on the creek - the closest to heaven on earth you can get... Deb & Joe Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse... Revelation 22:1-2 Saint John
Monday, June 22, 2009 12:26 PM It absolutely poured down rain all through the night - the rain gauge measured almost 1 inch when I looked this morning. The creek went up substantially, and is at 1810 cfs this morning with a temperature of 51 degrees. There are only 9 more floating fishing days on Rock Creek, and today will be pretty tough. Joe, his cousin Mike, and their friend Dave fished yesterday. It was a decent day with about 50 fish landed. The weather change really slowed things down compared to the previous 3 days, though late in the day Joe started throwing a streamer and was having good luck with that. PMD's are hatching from mid to late afternoon now, so there is yet another menu choice for the now stonefly gorged trout. The golden stones are still pretty active, with the best results coming from a smaller (10-12) stimulator pattern. We've got a new pattern that is working well, in fact better than most yesterday. It was good to spend time with John & Susan Taylor from Atlanta, GA. We had dinner with them last night, as well as several others of us from Rock Creek. It was a fun evening of fish talk and reminiscing about our mutual friend Tom Hall. All that led up to talk of when JT and Tom were convinced by Tom's YOUNG caretaker that they should each get a tattoo. Tom had a tattoo of a royal wulff put on the top of his foot (makes me cringe to think of it) and JT had a marine emblem put on his upper arm. A few short years later, Tom passed away and JT has missed his friendship. This past week, JT decided to get a second tattoo - the same one that Tom had, in memory of their friendship and their day of 2 "mature" men giving in to peer pressure... Joe has taken his little one man pontoon boat up to Georgetown Lake to see how the fishing is up there today. Most every one else has headed to the Blackfoot for the day - it's the only river that wasn't affected by the rain last night. It's cool today (in the 50's) and I think I'll light a little fire in the stove to take the chill off; a cup of coffee sounds good too. Molly is snoring under my desk (a nap sounds good too!) and Tasha is out on her perch on the porch. There you have it, another day of life on the creek... Deb & Joe
Charles Lamb (1775 - 1834)
Sunday, June 21, 2009 5:00 PM This morning, a little after 8, we heard a siren - that's not a normal happening here at Rock Creek. Soon we saw the Clinton Fire Rescue truck go racing past our house with its lights flashing. We wondered what had happened, but had no way of finding out. It was too early in the day for a raft mishap, and there hadn't really been much traffic yet so it wasn't likely to be a vehicle accident. We thought maybe it was for one of the elderly residents up here, but we just didn't know. A few minutes ago I found out. An attractive young woman just came in asking for a strong coffee drink. She said it had been a rough day that started out early. As we visited, she told me that she had been camping at Siria Campground and was awakened by her dog at about 6 AM. She got up fast because she didn't want her dog to wake up any of the other campers. She was walking toward the creek, and passed a picnic table with a man face down on the ground; it was obvious that he had been there for awhile, was in trouble and near hypothermic. She spoke to him, but couldn't get a response. His head was bloody from his fall, but she couldn't see any other injury. She ran to her truck and drove to the homes at mile 22; fortunately, she ended up at George and Karen's place - they have a satellite phone and were able to call 911. She then went back to the campground to stay with the injured man. I'm not sure when he woke up, but when he did he looked at her and was convinced that she was his angel. He said he was certain he had "met" her the day before (though this was not the case). The young woman, Angela, then told me that she hadn't intended to come to Rock Creek yesterday. A last minute decision had her load up her camping gear and some beer and head up the road. It was dark when she reached Siria and she was tired. She didn't camp in a campsite, just put her sleeping bag out on the ground and fell asleep with her dog Callie by her side... The ambulance from Philipsburg arrived to treat and transport the injured man (also named George) to a hospital in Missoula. He was unable to move, and seemed paralyzed - most likely a result of mixing medication and alcohol. Hopefully he will recover. Angela just graduated from college and is trying to decide which direction she is supposed to go with her life. I think the LORD led her to Camp Siria last night, up early this morning, and to the only cabin in the area with a satellite phone. George, though in and out of coherency, sounds like a man alone in the world. Could it be that God was showing him that he is not alone? Could it be that Angela, whose name contains the word "Angel" was used to help someone else as she searched for the purpose of her own life? I smile as I think about my own prayers for this creek and the people that visit it. And I know that He is here, sometimes in a form we would least expect... That's the only report for this Sunday afternoon... Rivers Perry is spending the day with me and it's time for us to make a huckleberry pie. I'll give you fishing news tomorrow. Deb & Joe Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. Psalm 73:22 (Holy Bible)
June 20, 2009 10:05 AM Yesterday's fishing report was good, though not red hot like the day before. The fish seem to be moving out away from the banks a bit, and instead of the Rogue or Gould's patterns the stimulator seemed to be working better toward the end of the day. No twitching, but a good drift was producing fish of decent size (13 - 15 inches). Joe's boat landed about 90 fish altogether. Joel & Roseann Holliday (owners of Riverstone) had a good day of fishing with TJ from Concrete bridge to Red bridge. The streamflow today is at 1710 cfs, 51 degrees. I haven't had any good reports on fishing the upper end of Rock Creek yet, though all it will take is a sunny day probably. It seems the middle section is still fishing the best. Wading is still difficult, though I think it will help that the fish are moving out away from the banks; that will make casting a little easier. A good drift and a fly that floats will be key though. Well, I've got to mow between raindrops today so I'd better get outside while I've got a chance. Enjoy all the moments of today... Deb & Joe The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone. George Eliot (1819 - 1880)
June 19, 2009 11:02 Joe floated again yesterday and the day before. Both days were good, though yesterday was outstanding. He caught close to 100 fish mostly with dry flies (golden stone pattern). We've got a new pattern in called "Gould's Half Down Golden" that is not only working well, but it holds together! Joe caught 60 fish on one fly! That's pretty amazing! Today he's out on the stream again, but this time he's manning the oars taking two Browns down the creek (his friends Gary & Jim). Hopefully it'll be another day of great fishing. Streamflow this morning is at 1800 cfs, and 52 degrees. It's still high, but it's clear and there are lots of bugs. Those wading are having a hard time because there is just so much water, fishing from the raft has been outstanding. Tasha had another seizure last night. This was by far her worst - it seemed like it went on forever though in actuality, it was only a few minutes. Then, when we went outside she kept falling down as we walked with her for about an hour - it breaks our hearts to watch her go through this, and I always think we're going to have to make a decision - but then when she gets up the next day she acts as though nothing has happened, and that's how she is today. She's manning her post on the porch and letting me know when someone drives up. She harassed the UPS driver a minute ago, and is watching the road for anyone moving too slow for her taste - Molly and I are wiped out! Molly sat up and watched wide eyed as everything was happening - I suppose it was near 3:30 AM before Tasha settled down and we could all go back to sleep. 6 AM came pretty darn quickly after all that! It won't be long now until Mary & Leif (and the little munchkins) are back on US soil - I'm anxious to have them closer, but don't know how I'm going to be able to let them take their dog back. She has become a fixture around here. I smiled as one of the guides got out of his rig this morning and greeted both dogs by name. There are many of you that read this who believe in the power of prayer - if I could ask you to pray for a young woman in the Army, stationed in S. Korea. She is one of Leif's soldiers and has become very sick with something they cannot diagnose. She has been in a coma, though is now out of it. She still cannot speak. Her condition is improving, but without a diagnosis they don't know what they're up against. Her name is Sandy, and she is from Hawaii - this is her first duty station, and she has been there only 2 months. She is only 18 years old. Thanks for reading, and thanks for your constant concern with things that are happening here on the creek. We appreciate it, and we appreciate you... Deb & Joe I heard this yesterday, in the context of those that are easily upset and angered - it certainly fits Rock Creek... Life is short, and winter is much too long... UNKNOWN
June 16, 2009 8:54 AM A storm system came through on Sunday afternoon, and lasted all day yesterday. It slowed the fishing down considerably. Joe floated yesterday as a guest of John Taylor, guided by Perry. They had a fun day and caught fish - though not as many as will probably be caught today. The storm system has moved through and the conditions feel "fishy". Streamflow today is 1610 cfs, 53 degrees. It spiked a little bit yesterday with the rain, but is now in a downward trend again. The weather looks great for the rest of the week - not too hot or cold, and a little cloud cover - perfect fishing conditions! The chipmunks have worn Molly out, and she's laying under my desk snoring! Since Herman, Yeller (both now in heaven) and Tasha got old, the population of chipmunks & golden mantles (they look like chipmunks on steroids) has exploded. There are days when I will count 50+ around our deck, in the trees under the bird feeders, as well as on our window screens trying to get to the bird feeders hanging in front of the windows. I thought Molly would thin them out, but she's too excited and they're too smart to be caught by an over anxious white dog. So I decided to live trap them and turn them loose at the fishing access. One day I didn't have time right away to head to the access, but had to get the chipmunk in the cage out of Molly's reach. So, I hung it on a bird feeder hook and if you watch this video you will get a good laugh and see how to exercise a Jack Russell Terrier named Molly... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I6yL9WV-wY . I can't believe June is already half gone - if you're still thinking of coming to Rock Creek for the salmon fly hatch, and need a cabin, we had a cancellation that makes Rock Creek Meadows available beginning Wednesday. We've also got another little cabin that we're working on and should have ready by this week-end; we're calling it "Little Bear" since it's only 1 driveway up from Big Bear. It's a quaint little cottage that sits right next to Brewster Creek. The housekeepers are working on it today and hopefully we'll have it ready for pictures by tomorrow. It's got one bedroom which we're setting up to accommodate 3. There are no extras in this cabin (no TV, phone) but if you're looking for a place to get away from the world, this is the spot! Well, I'm going to try and get out in the garden for awhile so will close for today. Thanks Ray, for sending this quote... Deb & Joe
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
June 13, 2009 6:32 PM It's been a very busy day! I just had a guy in that has been fishing up in the microburst area, and having fantastic luck. He's up here camping, and wade fishing (for those of you that don't float) in the areas that are more spread out & braided. He was pretty excited and couldn't have been happier with his success. Fishing from the boats was great yesterday, and the guys fishing with John Wilcox & James Quigley said this morning that they had the best fishing day of their lives yesterday. Good reports all around... Streamflow today is holding steady at 1550 cfs, and warming up to 54 degrees. Sorry so short, but like I said, it's a busy day. More tomorrow... Deb & Joe I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it. Thomas Jefferson
June 12, 2009 9:36 AM Well, it's official - THE HATCH IS ON!!! Not only that, it's moving fast and is already beyond mile 22! Gary Brown and David Lee had fantastic fishing from the raft yesterday afternoon, all on dries. I've had 2 guys from Minnesota (Derrick & Aaron) stopping in the past few days - they have been here to camp and wade fish. Night before last they were fishing until almost dark in the Hogback area when a crazy thing happened. All of a sudden the salmonfly nymphs started crawling out of the water and onto the bushes by the thousands; they said it was crazy! Yesterday morning the bugs were already out of their shucks and hanging on the bushes enmass! Unfortunately, Derrick and Aaron have to head back to Minnesota today so they will miss the salmon fly frenzy fishing - hopefully they will be able to come back next year. The stream continues to drop, and is at 1680 cfs, and 51 degrees this morning. There are salmon flies, golden stones, and green drakes all hatching. The stream is clear and the flow is at normal for this date - stay tuned for tomorrow's report! Deb & Joe Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free. Ronald Reagan (1911 - 2004)
June 11, 2009 8:21 AM Yesterday, thankfully, what could've ended in tragedy didn't. I've mentioned the log jam at mile 27, but have failed to mention the danger at mile 4. I guess because it's been there for so long, it's easy to assume that everyone knows about it. In the late morning a fellow stopped by the shop - he had his rowing frame on top of his rig. John & Rivers Perry were here; the fellow that stopped by said he was going to float and asked about the take-out at mile 4. John told him to be sure to get out and physically walk it so he was aware of how he would need to approach it because if he missed it he would run into trouble. The fellow said he had looked as he drove by and it looked like an easy approach. John again told him it was not as easy as it looked and stated that he should go walk it. The guy stated that he was experienced and didn't think he would have any problems. Last night I received a call that someone had missed the take-out at mile 4, and had flipped his raft. Life Flight & ambulances were there, and a person was missing. It took until this morning before I could find out what happened, and if everyone was safe. The missing person had floated downstream, and was picked up by the guy that lives next to John Perry; the other 2 in the raft were safe. No one was injured. And yes, it was the same guy that had stopped in earlier in the day. Thankfully, all are okay. His raft is still hung up on the log jam, and I suppose all his gear is gone. But, no lives were lost. The obvious moral to this story is that no matter how experienced an oarsman a person may be, this creek is ever changing and what may have been good last year (or even last week) is not necessarily so today. The few minutes it takes to assess a situation is worth the time to keep from getting into a predicament that you may not be able to get out of. Okay, now that I've said that, it's time to let you know about the bugs. 2 days ago there were none - yesterday morning when Joe drove up to mile 22 they were EVERYWHERE, so they emerged overnight. I had several people in the store yesterday, and there were salmon flies, goldens, and green drakes hatching. The fish were not tuned in to any of them yet though, although that will change quickly too. I'm sure this week-end will be a zoo up here, once folks find out that the bugs have finally appeared and they are moving fast! Action yesterday was still best on the SJW thrown in to the calmer (if it could be found) water. Stream flow this morning is 1770 cfs - that's about half what it was 4 days ago! Stream temp is 49 degrees - warm enough for the bugs to hatch, but still very cold if you go in the drink! Joe has run into a little snafu on the job, and ran out of materials just when he thought he would be able to finish. So he was out of the house by 6 AM heading to St. Ignatius for more siding material. The salmon flies are tormenting him - he NEEDS to get finished! That's it for today. Be sure to stop by if you're in our neck of the woods... Deb & Joe No one tests the depth of a river with both feet. African Proverb
June 9, 2009 9:11 AM PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION ABOUT FLOATING - THERE IS NEW INFORMATION ABOUT THE DANGER AT MILE 27! The creek is dropping and warming up just a bit - the salmon flies stopped hatching as the stream temperature dropped to 46 degrees, but it is now at 48 degrees again and they should start again. Streamflow is at 2360 cfs, and is in a downward trend - this is due to the cooler temperatures we've had since last week-end. Clarity is good. Fishermen (from rafts) had good fishing yesterday on SJW, though there was no dry fly action - we need dem bugs to hatch! Jo & Harry fro Arkansas had great fishing with Eric yesterday - Jo told me she caught an 18" pure rainbow (she was thrilled!). Brian & Elizabeth from Alabama had a good day with Heffe, and also caught alot of fish. Brian said that Elizabeth out fished him - the truth to beginners luck! Both couples were happy to be out on the creek in spite of the cold rainy conditions! Today is Tasha's 14th birthday. The old girl is still hanging in there, though her age is definitely slowing her down. Her highlight of each day is cookies from Susie, our mail lady. She mostly sleeps now, but every now and then will give a half hearted bark when someone drives up. Nothing like she used to do, but she still takes her job as "dog on duty" seriously and has not retired yet. We are surprised that she has lasted this long, having survived cancer and now enduring grand mall seizures, but she keeps on going and giving us joy each day. She's a good dog and all of you that have known her over the years can rest assured that she's still manning her post for yet another summer. Joe is just about finished with the little cabin he's been working on at Mile 22. I think he figures he's got about 3 more days and then he can GO FISHING! I expect that over the next few weeks I'll see very little of him other than for early breakfasts and late dinners - and of course fishing reports for all of you. We're looking forward to some good fishing from now on to the end of the season - if you haven't booked your cabin yet you'd better do it. If you're hoping to get in on some salmon fly action I've still got a bit of availability this month. Something that doesn't usually happen - Rock Creek Meadows is open the last 13 days of the month - prime time for the end of salmon flies & the beginning of the golden stones. It's the only cabin that sits right on the banks of the creek. I guess that's it for today. I hope to see you soon... Deb & Joe Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in. I drink at it; but while I drink, I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is. Its thin current slides away, but eternity remains... Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)
June 3, 2009 3:39 PM The creek is dropping like a rock!!!! You know they always say that Rock Creek is the first of all the streams to clear up - well it just may be fishable by this week-end! Stream flow 2 days ago was nearly 5000 cfs; last night it was just above 4000, and right now it's at 3480! If you look at the graph it looks like someone pulled the plug on a bath tub! Stream temp is 51 degrees, and the salmon flies are hatching! Okay, now that we know things are shaping up that doesn't change the warning I posted at the head of this page. Rock Creek is extremely dangerous this time of year, so please be careful. Okay, a fishing report from Benny R.; he was discouraged when he arrived with his family at the end of May. The water was blown out and it didn't look like he'd get in ANY fishing. However, his last 4 days did produce some fish from the shore in the microburst area. He left with a grin, knowing that he was one of the few who had any luck in this high, muddy water! It looks like Joe may finish up his job at mile 22 just about the time the salmon flies are in full swing. I sure hope so - he's anxious to catch a fish instead of swing a hammer! If any of you are thinking about making a last minute trip, I still have a bit of availability. Give me a call and lets see what we can make work for you. That's it for today - it's time to get off the computer and outside. It's a beautiful day! Deb & Joe
Booker T. Washington June 1, 2009 10:35 AM Rock Creek is still very high, at 4660 cfs and 49 degrees. The first salmon flies were spotted yesterday, but they are not out in numbers. The stream is still too high to fish - it is muddy and there is alot of debris. This week is supposed to be cooler (in the 60's) so that should help to settle it down and by early next week it should be fishable. It's been VERY warm - unlike last year at this time. We have been in the 80's for several days now - the snow up Sawmill Gulch is melting fast - that is our runoff indicator. Once it's gone, runoff is over. We'll be offering a new cabin soon - it's a small place up Brewster Creek built in the 50's or 60's. It's a cute little cabin that sits right next to the creek. There are no extra amenities, but it's a nice place for someone that wants to leave the world behind (no TV or telephone). I should have pictures by the end of the week. This cabin will fit 2 nicely, and will rent for $125/night plus tax. We had a nice BBQ yesterday to kick off the season and a late celebration of Joe's birthday. The day was perfect, and it's always fun to share time with fishing friends. We hope this was the first annual, and do it every year at the end of May (when the rivers are blown out). I'll be picking up our new sign today - look for it! That's it for today - time to go out and water the flowers... Deb & Joe It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation which give happiness. Thomas Jefferson
May 23, 2009 9:56 AM The cooler days and nights have helped to settle down the rising waters. This morning Rock Creek is at 3560 cfs, and 7 ft. on the flood gauge (8 ft. is the flood mark). Stream temp is 48 degrees, so that means we could see salmon flies hatching any time now if it stays that warm. What does that mean? Well, it could mean that the salmon fly hatch will come when the water is blown out - we'll just have to wait and see. I did see a raft go up today, though I didn't recognize it. Hopefully they know what they're doing because there are ALOT of new log jams. On another note, there are about 20 bighorns out by our mailbox right now, so everyone is stopping to take a look. We haven't seen any babies yet - the beautiful fall we had extended the breeding season, and it seems like the birthing is later this spring. Even our trash collectors noticed and asked why there weren't any babies yet. They'll make their appearance soon though - the ewes are in their regular spot at the end of our property. I call that the "birthing room". The part of the herd that hangs around our neck of Rock Creek always give birth in the same area. It's an awesome thing to watch. I've got to drive up to Rock Creek Meadows to check the road, but was encouraged yesterday that the water was no longer running down it. The cooler nights helped to tame the melt, even though Ranch Creek is still not in it's own banks, at least it's just making it's way to the meadow now. Well, I've got lots to accomplish this morning so will keep this short. Have a safe Memorial Day week-end, and in case you don't know the history or reason behind this day, I have posted the original order below. Deb & Joe Memorial Day Order
May 21, 2009 1:02 PM It got cold last night (27 degrees) so the creek settled down a bit. It topped out yesterday at about 4800 cfs; right now its at 4300 cfs, 44 degrees. I walked Ranch Creek between RCR and the bridge and took some good video last night, but there was a problem when I put it on my computer and now it is neither on my computer nor in my camera so I'll have to try it again. At any rate, Ed Miskiv got his camper out before the water overtook it. Ranch Creek has made a pretty powerful turn to the West, and is now flowing in that direction alongside the road that heads to Rock Creek Meadows. It has come over the road in one area and if the force picks up I'm afraid it will wash out. Today though, things are a bit calmer. When I talked to the Forest Service guy this morning, he said he didn't know if he agreed with my synopsis that the stream channel changed because of the beaver dams. He thinks it may just want to change direction on its own, so he's going to have the hydrologist look at it. If that's the case I'm not sure if anything can/will be done. Maybe we can sandbag the area where it wants to wash out the road - I'll have to go up and take another look. Well, since I have no fishing news I'll close for now... Deb & Joe
May 20, 2009 10:52 AM The past 2 days were very warm, with temperatures above 80 degrees - just what the mountains were waiting for to let loose of the snow load! Today the stream flow is 4530 cfs - the highest its been on this date since 1976! Water temp is 46 degrees and muddy with lots of debris coming down. According the the USGS site, flood stage for Rock Creek is 8 ft, and as of 6:15 this morning, it was at 7.35 ft. Today is cool, but I don't think it will affect the melt much now that it's started. I guess all we can do is wait and see. I was just up to the Childers property (Rock Creek Meadows), and discovered that Ranch Creek is flooding terribly because of the beaver dams on Ranch Creek at the base of the hill between Ranch Creek Ranch & the bridge. I’ve called FWP, and they are contacting the Forest Service to get permission to trap the beavers. This is happening FAST! I was just up there 2 days ago, and there was no flooding at all, but 2 days ago began our warm (hot) weather that started runoff. None of this would be a big deal if it was only flooding in the meadow, but it’s threatening to take out Miskiv’s camper trailer, and is running down the road to the Childers property. I’m going to walk Ranch Creek between Hall’s and the bridge this afternoon to see how many dams there are, and the locations. I can see at least 3 below Hall’s, but the way it is flooding above Miskiv’s place I suspect there must be a big one somewhere in that area. Miskiv's are in the direct line of the flooding, and then Childers’ driveway access already has water running down it, and is in danger of washing out. Water everywhere is RAGING; I've never seen Rock Creek this high – it is only about 6 feet from the top of the bank below Rock Creek Meadows, and has only just begun to rise. Will keep you posted. Deb & Joe Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters. Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It
May 14, 2009 2:07 PM Our crazy weather continues, with snow and rain breaking up the sunshine. I was just reading last year's blog, and it looks like a carbon copy, in fact opening day of fishing season last year was 80 degrees - the same is predicted this year. Previous to that it was very cold. That week-end brought the beginning of run-off, and I expect the same this year. The next week is supposed to be warm (70's) and sunny. Last year the salmon flies didn't really start until mid-June; unless we get some consistent warm weather we'll most likely be looking at the same pattern. Streamflow is at 1290 cfs, 45 degrees. Salmon flies hatch when the stream gets above 48 degrees, so keep an eye on that. Last year the water temp stayed low until mid June, so the hatch was delayed. Keep in mind though that the nymphs are active, and just waiting for that warmer water. Our trip to Fairmont was great! When we passed Georgetown Lake we were surprised that it is still entirely iced over. The ice is keeping the water level from coming up, so the rainbow trout that we normally watch in the side streams were not able to get to them. We saw very few (in comparison to previous years) in the little stream that we always watch. However, there were some, and I got some good video - well, I should qualify that; I'm no professional so I should just say I got some video that will let you see some fish - it's pretty neat. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CDD5w7fGuE We had hoped to get in a bit of fishing on upper Rock Creek when we took our drive, but it was a very windy day with no bugs. Of course, all fishing reports for the day before were of good fishing - isn't that just the way it goes?! "Ya should'a been here YESTERDAY" oh well, we had a nice time anyhow even if we didn't even get out our fly rods. Joe is working in the rain again today; thankfully it's supposed to be nice after today. He's determined to get that cabin done before the fishing gets good - even if it means working in rain, snow and wind.. Hi cousin Mike is coming in late June for a week and he wants to fish every day from early until late - I'm sure the "11 o'clock rule" will be in effect! That means they will fish until dark and I shouldn't be look for them before 11! Well, I guess that's about it for today. Yes Guy, you are just like one of the bugs! You show up when the hatch starts, and we look forward to your arrival just like we do the big bugs! See you all SOON! Deb & Joe
May 7, 2009 9:38 AM Gosh, where is the time going? It's not going to be long before the salmon flies are hatching! Our roller coaster weather continues - rain, snow, sleet, cold with patches of sun mixed in. Today is miserable, and the creek is up again. It's been in a pretty dramatic upward trend since the 3rd, and is at 1270 cfs this morning. Stream temp is 45 degrees. On the days when it's sunny (few and far between it seems) there have still been some pretty good March Brown hatches. Sunday a friend of ours was up by the swinging bridge and got in on a great hatch, but then a storm blew in with thunder, lightning and hail - and everything that had been happening turned off completely. Joe went to work as it was pouring rain and blowing hard this morning. He and Jim set the ridge on the little cabin yesterday, and they were afraid it would blow over. So, they set out to get it braced good and hope that they can actually put up some rafters. It's a miserable day though, so I don't know how much they'll be able to accomplish. He's so sore from the long hours and heavy work, but he keeps plugging along. He is trying very hard to get this project done before the salmon flies are starting. The day and night temperatures are now consistently above freezing, so runoff will be starting any time. All the rising water now is just from the rain we've been receiving - nothing up high has started to melt yet. In fact, I could see that it was snowing pretty good as I looked out my window toward the mountain on the other side of Rock Creek - it was pouring rain here, but the snow line was only about 500 ft. above us. Sunday is not only Mother's day, but also our anniversary. We got married at St. Timothy's Chapel, in the Georgetown Lake area. Every year we take the day and drive up that way to see the big rainbows spawning in the little tiny streams that feed Georgetown Lake - it's an amazing sight! Our destination used to be the Georgetown Lake Lodge for dinner; that was where we went with our families after our wedding. But, it's been demolished and is no longer in business so we've been at loose ends for a few years and have ended up in Philipsburg the last couple. This year I'm going to surprise him though - after we drive to Georgetown Lake, we'll continue on to Anaconda and then over to Fairmont Hot Springs - maybe a soak in the mineral water will sooth his aching bones. I know 2 days off from work will help too... Just a reminder that today is the National Day of Prayer first decreed by President Abraham Lincoln in April,1863. Two months after the people set aside that first day to repent for the sins of the nation, the battle of Gettysburg was fought and the war between our states began its end. Abraham Lincoln said "I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side." We should never forget the lessons learned, nor the battles fought on behalf of what is right... Well, I think that's it for this rainy day. The dogs are laying here lazily by the stove, and I've got some sort of rainy day blusey music on. Should be a good day to get some inside work done. Won't be long until the craziness starts so I guess I'd better take advantage of the time while I can... Deb & Joe Patrick Henry (May 29, 1736 - June 6, 1799): "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
April 30, 2009 9:06 AM Sorry it's been so many days since I last posted - I was having some computer problems. It's been snowing! Our daily high temps have been in the upper 30's, and lows have been in the 20's. On Monday Joe took a break from working and walked over to the creek to see what was happening. It was a fairly nice day, not warm but not snowing and cold either. He said the March Browns were hatching, and the fish were taking them like piranhas! The only problem was that they were on the other side of the creek, and it's much too high to wade. So, that night he put his pontoon on top of the truck so he could make his way to the other side on the following day. We woke up to it snowing frantically! The stream flow was great - it had gone down to just over 1000 cfs, and was clear though cold! So, Joe made his way up the road to work and then fish for a bit in the afternoon. Well, the snow didn't quit until yesterday, but Joe still fished that afternoon. And in spite of the wind and snow he still got about 18 fish, some of them even on the March Brown (dry) pattern. So, now that the snow has stopped and it's actually supposed to warm up a bit we are anticipating some good fishing over the next several day. The streamflow is at 900 cfs and 40 degrees as it continues in its downward trend until the warm weather arrives to begin the real runoff. In the meantime, while the water is still dropping and clear (and the March Browns are hatching) there should be some excellent fishing. Well, I've got some guys doing some demolition work for me at one of the cabins so I'd better get up there and check on them. Just a reminder - the late June and July calendars are starting to tighten up, so if you're pondering a trip to Rock Creek and know your dates give me a call while there is still availability. And if you don' need a cabin be sure to stop in and see us on your way up the creek! Deb & Joe In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. (Thomas Jefferson) April 25, 2009 9:00 AM Things are changing quickly around here, and will continue on a daily basis so keep an eye on this blog. The creek was over 2,000 cfs yesterday morning, but instead of continuing to rise, it started to drop due to our return to cold nights. The creek is now clearing, setting up for some good floating over this next week as it drops before the main part of run-off starts. This morning the flow is 1570 cfs, 41 degrees. It's pretty cold, and will remain that way if the weather report is accurate. So, there probably won't be much in the way of hatches (and dry fly action) but with the clearing water conditions there should be plenty of nymph and bugger action. This window of opportunity won't last long because once run-off starts, it'll be over until June, so if you have the opportunity - jump on it! The other thing I want to mention is ticks! They are out in full force - and with this wind they have a great way to travel! So, if you're in a raft don't "assume" that just because you're not walking in the woods you won't gather ticks - they transport themselves from the trees by the wind. If you're in their path, you're a good host! I was working out in my garden yesterday and when I came in the house felt something inside my pant leg. Sure enough, not only was there one, but 2 of the dirty buggers climbing up the inside of my pants. Joe was awakened in the night with one biting him on his lower back - I warned him before bed to make sure he didn't have the same shirt on that he wore during the day, but he didn't listen. So, put on the song by Brad Paisley and have some fun (I want to check you for ticks), that's what we should've done! Our night time temperatures have been cold, down to the mid-twenties! The flowers I bought are wondering why they were taken from their tropical home in the greenhouse to suffer like this. As my daughter says though "what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger" and that is definitely the case with hardening off flowers. They do need to be tough to survive at Rock Creek! Well, I think that's it for this morning. I suspect that Joe and Gary will find a way to float tomorrow, and if so I'll have a first hand fishing report for you. Stay tuned... Deb & Joe Never be entirely idle; but either be reading, or writing, or praying or meditating or endeavoring something for the public good. (Thomas A. Kempis)
April 22, 2009 11:16 AM Rock Creek is officially "blown out"! This morning it is flowing at 1,450 cfs - which is about 1,000 cfs above normal for this date! The past 3 days have been very warm (in the upper 70's) so that continues to melt the mid-level snow. The high mountains are still snow encased, and the "real" run-off has not begun yet. The weather will change soon, with the highs Thursday and Friday supposed to be in the 40's then warming to the 50's by Saturday. With this next system we're supposed to get a rain/snow mix. Hard to believe, as I sit here in my sandals and short sleeves! Joe has been working hard on the project at mile 22. Lots of hand digging and moving rocks - though he had a machine to do the worst of it, he still had to use old fashioned muscle power to do much. While working on that project, one of the neighbors arrived to his cabin for the week (it's a place that Joe built several years ago). John fired up the water pump, and discovered he had broken pipes in the house. So, Joe has been working on getting those fixed as well and all thoughts of fishing went out the window for Joe as well as John & his buddy. Now the stream is too high and muddy. It's hard to picture winter on Rock Creek, since it's so nice when everyone is here in the summer and fall - but every now and then we get an especially long cold snap and if pipes weren't totally drained before winter set in, even those that "never" freeze, do. That's what's happening this year as folks return to their summer cabins they're discovering that winter plays no favorites, and their first visit of the season is spent doing repairs... Several of you have e-mailed to ask if I knew how Doug Persico is doing - Joe stopped by to visit with him and Carolyn a couple days ago. He's doing well, and the cancer treatments seem to have worked. Well, I've got alot to accomplish today so I'll close for now. Deb & Joe How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. (Anne Frank)
April 19, 2009 5:24 PM Well, Rock Creek leveled out a bit over night with the below freezing temperature, but now continues on in its upward trend and is at 732 cfs. Last night Joe spoke with a group of guys that floated yesterday - they said they had an outstanding day on both dries and nymphs. I asked if their number was believable (100+) and Joe said that yesterday it was possible, since the water temp as well as air temp was perfect for the hatch as well as the fish. So, it looks like finally "the hatch is on"; well, at least the March Brown hatch anyhow... That's it for today - I'm picking up pine cones in the yard and want to enjoy the warm temperatures (and accomplish something) while I can. It's supposed to be nice through Tuesday, and then back down into the 50's again... Deb & Joe Determine never to be idle...It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing. (Thomas Jefferson)
April 18, 2009 3:49 PM The creek continues on its rollercoaster cycle, and is on an upward trend as the temperature climbs. It is at 673 cfs, and the water temp is 46 degrees - still pretty darn cold! Today is nice (60 degrees), but very windy! I had a few different fishermen stop in yesterday, each with similar stories. They all saw a FEW Skwala, and they all saw March Browns hatching and doing their water dance. They didn't have much luck fishing dries, though none were skunked. I just took a drive into Clinton and saw lots of people fishing up to mile 4 - no rods were bent though... Joe started his job at mile 22 yesterday. It takes him 1 hour 15 minutes to drive from our place (mile 8.5), so that should give you an indication of how bumpy the road is! At least the snow and ice are gone and the mud is not a factor. Its much like a mogul course in many areas though, so any of you planning to head up the creek be sure to take it slow so your vehicle remains intact. We're supposed to see temperatures in the 70's starting tomorrow, and lasting for 3 days. That should blow the rivers out pretty good, but then after Tuesday its supposed to go back down into the 50's to things should settle down again. I'm hoping to take advantage of the warmer weather and get out in the yard and garden. By the time winter ends my hands long to get in the dirt - I plan to get my garden going again this year. It's been several years since I've been able to have a vegetable garden but this year I should be able to. Not only do I enjoy it, but so do those that I share with - maybe even YOU, if you happen to be here when things are ready! Well, my bird feeders are empty so I'd better get them filled. There really are things we must do, here in paradise... Deb & Joe How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong -- because someday you will have been all of these. (George Washington Carver)
April 14, 2009 11:21 AM I don't really have much to report today, the creek is on a roller coaster cycle at 778 cfs right now. Lots of water and not much fishing. I just had someone send me the following article, and thought you all would be interested to read it as well:
Posted: April 13, 2009 WASHINGTON – It's called the Clean Water Restoration Act. Sounds innocuous enough. After all, who could oppose clean water? But the bill introduced earlier this month by Sen. Russ Feingold and 23 co-sponsors, ostensibly to protect Americas wetlands, lakes and streams, was running into opposition even before hearings begin. The Montana Senate overwhelmingly voted to oppose the legislation because it removes control of all of the state's waterways, including temporary ones like seasonal ponds and swamps, from local officials to those in Washington. The 29-19 bipartisan vote of the Montana Senate was meant to send a clear signal to Washington – "get your hands off our water." The new legislation would bring federal oversight to all waters in the U.S., going further than the original Clean Water Act, which was limited to navigable waters. Montana legislators say the bill would potentially run roughshod over the rights of property owners. "It's why I call it the goodbye clause, or the goodbye private property clause," Sen. John Brenden, R-Scobey, said about the new legislation. The original Clean Water act, they say, was sold as an effort to reduce pollution in the nation's rivers, lakes and streams, but expanded to include regulatory control over ponds, wetlands, dry lakebeds – even drainage ditches. Aside from the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act has sparked more lawsuits than any other piece of environmental legislation. Two Supreme Court decisions ruled the federal government had exceeded its mandate in attempting to control isolated wetlands through the law. Opponents of the new law say it pushes the limits of federal power further than perhaps any other law in U.S. history – a grab for power heretofore left to the states. The Competitive Enterprise Institute says the bill would put the Army Corps of Engineers in charge of a nationwide land permitting process – removing authority from the people and properties actually affected by decisions it would make. I'm glad to see the State of Montana is on top of this, and recommend that all who read this contact their legislators in Washington DC, to see "what's up?" with regard to this legislation and their own states . That's it for today... Deb & Joe The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object. (Thomas Jefferson) April 13, 2009 11:10 AM Holy Cow, Rock Creek is high! Today it is at 818 cfs (normal is in the 300's). The mid-level snow is melting and causing this big push. Lot's of debris working its way down the stream as well. This is NOT the big runoff though - if temperatures stay where they are, as soon as the mid-level snow melts, things will settle down again for probably 2 weeks before the main runoff starts. The fishing should be good for those 10 - 14 days, but right now it's off color and really high. Today we're getting rain and its chilly - feels like spring though (not winter!). Joe decided today that he would try to finish up the stone patio project he started last fall - so he's out in the rain while I sit here by the fire sipping lattes and answering the phone... We had guests in Rock Creek Meadows this past week - they come every year at Easter time. The dad goes fishing while Mom Lisa & Daughter Kelly stay at the cabin reading and doing crafts. At any rate, Dad Dave floated with a guide and had good fishing on all the rivers, but especially enjoyed his day on the lower Clark Fork by Superior. That's it for today; be sure to be a blessing to someone... Deb & Joe It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation which give happiness. (Thomas Jefferson) April 11, 2009 Here's the headline from the Montana section of today's Missoulian: "Rock Creek developer pulls project" http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2009/04/11/news/local/news05.txt this is good news, for sure!!! Joe and Gary had a good day yesterday - especially Joe, since Gary rowed all day! He said he caught about 25 fish, mostly on streamers. When they first started it was very slow, but once it warmed up a bit (after noon) it turned on and was good until about 5:30. The sheep arrived this morning - it's kind of funny. One day there are none, and the next they are here. I'm not sure where their winter range is, but once we get snow that stays they disappear. And just as abruptly as they leave, they reappear in the spring as soon as the snow is gone from the valley. That happened this week. We had a ewe and her twins (from last year) behind the house this morning. Next month will begin this years birthing process at the South end of our property. It's always fun to watch the new season begin... I'm working on the last unfinished little corner of our shop today. Joe is outside digging holes by the road for a new sign. Tomorrow is Easter and we've invited John & Rivers Perry to join us for dinner. There you have it, another day of life on the creek... Deb & Joe I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (Jesus Christ) April 10, 2009 FINALLY, spring has come to Rock Creek. We've been about a week since our last snow; Sunday (April 4) was almost 70 degrees with nice warm sunshine - something we hadn't seen for a very long time! The snow in our field is almost gone, and it's warm enough for just a light jacket now. Joe & Gary went up the creek yesterday. They went up as far as about mile 25 - the ice is now off the road, though the normal washboard and potholes make for slow going. There are reports of a few Skwala on the lower end, but Joe & Gary didn't run into any dry fly action where they were (mile 20-25). The best bet was for nymphs (pheasant tail, copper john, prince; w/a pink SJW dropper). The creek had come up a bit and was somewhat off color, but they still caught around a dozen fish each in about 3 hours of fishing. The ice on the edges (from the big ice jam) is slushy and melting (that's what's causing the stream to rise). Today's streamflow is 596 cfs and climbing; temperature is 42 degrees. Today they are fishing the upper Clark Fork since it seems to have settled down a bit. I'll have a report for you tomorrow. If you travel up the creek, Joe says to be especially careful through the Dalles - the road is the worst in that area. That's it for today - stop in for a cup of coffee and conversation if you're up the creek. Deb & Joe In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock... (Thomas Jefferson) March 30, 2009 12:03 pm Spring continues to be illusive; we received about 7 inches of new snow yesterday, have a break today, and another system is supposed to move in tomorrow. The snow plow comes up every day (well, except the week-end). This is normally when the county is fixing the potholes in the road with hot tarred gravel - nothing like that is going to happen for awhile! Because of the snow, the road above mile 12 continues to be horrible and we don't suggest anyone tackle it just yet. Once it warms up, it shouldn't be long but until this snow and the ice (on the road) melt, it's really not safe to drive. Our friend Glen stopped in the other day and said he had been to upper Rock Creek last Sunday and had some good fishing. He said the fish are ready to take a bugger, and were pretty aggressive in their takes. He had a good time and saw only a few people out there. So, that gives another option for those wanting to fish Rock Creek - you can still fish the lower 12 miles and the upper is accessible (Glen got in at Guilles bridge & fished upstream). Just avoid the middle section until the road gets better, which shouldn't be long now. We finished with all the lighting hook-ups on Saturday, except what Joe is putting on the t-shirt display today. Today we're finishing that up; hopefully by the end of the day I'll have it full - and then I can take pictures of our finished product! Well, that's it for today. Thanks for reading. Won't be long now until we've got some real fishing reports for you, but until then we'll just keep on keeping on... Deb & Joe Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it... (Thomas Jefferson) March 26, 2009 11:15 am Yesterday morning we woke up to new snow, it continued throughout the day and last night. All told, I suppose we only got between 3 & 4 inches, but that is ENOUGH! The mountains are getting significant snow, which is good for our late winter snowpack. Thankfully, it cleared off and the sun is shining today; it's cold though at only 15 degrees! I just finished putting "phase 2" of our project on YouTube - here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AVrQxGXDVA&feature=channel_page ; the next video will show our finished product, with the shop all put back together. That's what we're working on today. Joe's 50th birthday is on April 1; he's been so caught up with work I don't think it's crossed his mind. I DO know he's anxious to get out and fish, though the weather has just not been good. His cousin Mike is trying to get a flight out from Kansas City to surprise him; I hope that can happen. At any rate, if anyone wants to send a card to remind him how old he's getting, that would be great! Our address is 824 Rock Creek Road, Clinton, MT 59825. Unless it's snowing, I'm sure he'll be on one of the rivers that day... Well, it's time to get back to work. Lots to do before spring REALLY gets here... I just thought of a bumper sticker I saw years ago; it always gave me a smile and I think it will you too: "If you don't have any wrinkles, you haven't smiled enough!" Be joyful today, and smile... Deb & Joe
March 23, 2009 10:57 AM I guess its time to get serious - there are lots of folks making their way to Rock Creek with rod in hand. Fishing has been SLOW, because the water is COLD! In fact, its so cold they don't have it on the USGS site yet, so figure it to be in the 30's. Some folks are having a bit of luck with nymphs and SJW, but nothing stellar. In addition, I need to mention the road above mile 12 (above the pavement) ITS DANGEROUS! Remember, they don't plow above mile 12, so its a bit like a luge run. Joe had to go up to mile 22 on Saturday to look at a job, and he said it was bad. You just get in the ruts and hang on for dear life - and hope that another car isn't coming from the opposite direction. Its icy and with the rain, that makes it worse. So, if I'm not making myself clear I'll put it in plain words - don't go above mile 12 yet. Joe talked to a couple of the guys that did brave it, and they said it wasn't worth it - the fishing was just not good. The snow is melting quickly, and the robins have returned. It's nice to hear their morning songs, and lets us know that soon we'll get some warm weather and feel the sun shine again. Right now everything is just muddy and not very pretty looking. Soon though... We should have our shop all put back together by the end of the week. I think you'll like it... We've moved the flies to a more central place in the room, so there is easier access if more than one person wants to look at them. We extended the counter, and moved the other things around. All in all, it should make this small building easier to move about in. Well, that's it for today. Deb & Joe March 18, 2009 11:50 AM Well, I survived my surgery and today am making an attempt to do a bit of work. All went well, though recovery is a slow process. Laying around has never been part of my make-up, but I'm learning there are times when it is a necessity. It is still very much winter here in Western Montana, and especially Rock Creek. There are reports of skwalla on the Bitterroot, and some good fishing. I haven't heard from anyone fishing Rock Creek - the ice on the edges is still pretty thick (from the ice jams we had earlier). I have seen a few people fishing on the lower end, but just haven't talked to anyone. Our project is nearing completion. Joe is putting up lighting today - everything looks great. I'll get pictures online soon. I was going to try and get it done before I went to the hospital, but my computer crashed on that Tuesday. What a pain! Obviously, I'm up and running again but it will take me awhile to get everything done that I'd like to. Well, spring is just a couple days away but you couldn't tell it by looking around here. I got a kick out of this poem I received yesterday, and thought you would too:
BLESSED MONTANA Be blessed today, and always... Deb & Joe March 9, 2009 9:49 AM Oh, what wishful thinking my last post was when I said there was a hint of spring in the air... We have since received another 6 inches of new snow, the temperature dropped to almost zero (yes zero) the past 2 mornings, and will remain cold for most of the week. I had an e-mail from my brother in Great Falls this morning; they woke up to -5! The trouble with Great Falls is that they also have wind, so that -5 feels much colder with the wind chill (which they predict to be -20). Ahhh, springtime in Montana!
Spring snow, however hard for us to take, is "a good
thing" though. Our snow pack is at 99% of normal, and 105% of what
we had last year. Having a cold March also delays the melt, which is
good as well. In addition, it keeps me inside working on the
computer instead of outside messing around
A few days ago Joe said "it all seemed so innocent when I started this project"; as we enter our 3rd week, we're both more than ready to be done! We ARE moving right along though and have 1 side finished. Today we will start the West side. It's amazing how much the lighter wood changes the look of the room. We painted the walls kind of a sand color; Joe was afraid it was too dark (he thinks Navajo white is the only color to paint walls), but now he concedes that we made the right choice since the blue pine is so light. In fact, it looks like there is no finish on it though there is. He used a clear coat so that when it ages it will be the beautiful golden tones that pine gets. Right now though, it looks almost pickled. Several of you have e-mailed asking about Doug Persico. Last I heard he has finished his treatments, and they (the doctors) believe it was successful. Well, it's time to get back to work - I'll try to post something again tomorrow, but then will be out of the office for awhile. I've got to have a medical procedure done that is going to keep me out of commission for at least a week - hopefully no longer. In the meantime, I read this quote that I wanted to close today with: "Enjoy the little things in life for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things..." Be blessed, and be a blessing! Deb & Joe
March 4, 2009 11:59 AM Even though we've been getting a bit of snow, you can feel a hint of spring in the air. They say it's supposed to rain today; you know spring is close when they say rain instead of snow. Well, Brantley left this morning with his lip sticking out. He didn't want to leave; can't say as I blame him. Rock Creek is a much quieter place than Memphis, TN. His dogs protested and refused to get in the car. Riley (the biggest of the 2) kept taking off as soon as Brantley got him close to the rig. Eventually he got them both loaded up, but they weren't happy either. All 3 have been quite content to be at the cabin on Brewster Creek (Camp Big Bear). We're going to miss them. I put a short video clip this morning of our remodel project so far. It's not real exciting, but if you're interested you can see what we've done so far. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3e0f0NvZaY&feature=channel_page I'll post another video toward the end of the week. It won't be long now until I'll have some fishing news for you. I know it'll be soon - Joes getting pretty grouchy! That always means we're getting close to fishing season! We're both suffering from cabin fever - winter seems to last forever here on Rock Creek. Until next time, take good care, Deb & Joe February 26, 2009 2:49 PM We woke up to about 6 inches of fresh, wet snow. It's not cold - low 30's. I'm sure the lower elevations are probably getting rain - but the mountains are getting lots of good snow pack, with plenty of moisture in it! Lookout pass was supposed to get 2 ft + today - it's a good thing (as Martha says). Joe is up to his eyeballs in wiring and insulation while I sit back here in my little cave. I like my job much better than his! Tomorrow he should finish all that up, and then the next step is the new T&G for the ceiling - who knows, maybe all that will be finished by the time I get back home on Sunday; that would be nice. Then I can start to paint on Monday and (hopefully) we can finish all this up by the end of next week. Probably wishful thinking on my part, but it never hurts to think positive! Well, our friend Brantley is heading back to Tennessee next week. We're going to miss him around here! Joe came home last night after an evening of eating perch at Brantley's house, saying what a great cook he (Brantley) is, and how much he's enjoyed their weekly perch feeds. Then, he was bummed out when he figured out this was the last week they would be doing that until he returns. Well, it's time to sign off and get back to my filing project. One of these days I'm going to be caught up, that will be a miracle for sure... Until next time, remember "give and you will receive" it's a good lesson for all of us... Deb & Joe February 24, 2009 11:16 AM The ceiling project is moving along - as with any remodel, there is always more to do than originally intended. I think Joe is wondering why he decided to start this! We had someone stop by on Saturday, and when Joe told him we were remodeling (and he looked around at our mess) he asked "how will you sell anything?". Well, hopefully we'll only be torn apart for a couple weeks and all put back together by the time the spring hatches start. Once the ceiling T&G was torn off we could see the ends of the house where the vents are - the insulation is very dirty looking in those areas, and we figure it must be due to the smoke from the forest fires. Once you get away from the vent areas, the insulation is clean. I know that I clean up soot & dust for months after a forest fire. Now starts the wiring; our friend Chuck (the electrician) came out yesterday to brain storm with us, and today Joe is getting everything figured out. It takes alot of brain power; I'm glad I'm not the one that has to make it all work. I'm good at handing tools, and carrying wood - the rest is beyond me... Its warmed up and is raining right now. All the areas of ice are REALLY slick now. Hopefully it will warm up a bit more to finally get rid of those areas, but right now walking is interesting again. The snow is slowly melting, and under the trees I can see patches of grass starting to show up. Friday 2 of my brothers are meeting me in Missoula (one from CA, and one from Great Falls) and we're going to drive over Lolo Pass to a little town in Idaho called "Weippe" where our Mom & step-dad live. Mom has no idea we're coming over, so it will be a big surprise. The ride is nice, and follows the Clearwater river for quite a distance. I think it's still too early for the steelhead salmon run, but that's where lots of people go to take advantage of some great inland salmon fishing. I guess I'd better get back to helping Joe. I'm taking pictures of our project progress, and will put them together soon and post on YouTube - maybe by Monday...
I thought I'd close with some cowboy poetry my brother
sent me: And the moral of the story is - it's best to stay in touch! Hey, be a blessing to someone today! Deb & Joe February 20, 2009 11:55 AM It's absolutely, stunningly beautiful today. The sun is shining and it feels like spring. I noticed when I walked out to the mailbox this morning that the road is finally free of ice - even our driveway is getting easier to walk on. Soon Tasha will be able to catch her sunbeam in the spot under the tree that is always the first to melt away (and dry). She'll be laying there sunning for most of the day - not yet, but soon... Our drive to P-burg was nice, though we only saw one baby. I guess it's a little early, but that doesn't make me any less anxious for spring. We also drove up to Discovery Ski area (Georgetown Lake area) and watched the skiers for awhile. That was fun, especially to watch the children. We saw one that couldn't have been more than about 3 years old skiing away, with her Mom behind her - that was cute. After we left the ski area we drove down to the lake and watched the ice fishermen near the pump house. At the same time there were people that were "kite skiing" on the lake - that was pretty neat as well. It was nice to get out of the Rock Creek Canyon and see something different. We've begun the process of re-doing the store portion of our office. In addition to re-doing the ceiling, we're re-arranging it for a more natural flow, so when you come this year it will look alot different. I've got everything all packed up and moved out. Joe is in his wood shop pre-finishing the boards that will go on the ceiling. I think he'll start tearing into the existing ceiling either later today or tomorrow. We've still got to decide on our lighting scheme so that after he gets the ceiling torn out he can re-wire. Then, since we've got a clear area we've decided to paint. In addition to all that, he wants to expand our fly selection and double the display size. So, he's got another cabinet to build. Lots to do in the next couple weeks!!! Gotta get it done now though, before the fish start to wake up again and I lose Joe to the river's seducing call... Those of us that have lived on Rock Creek for any length of time were saddened on Valentine's Day to hear of the death of Ron Hilmo. The Hilmo family has a long history here on the creek; Ron's parents had a house up on the hill at mile 20 (now owned by Dennis Simpson from WA) back in the 60's. The Hilmo's also had a ranch in Turah, where their family was raised; sometime in the 60's, Grandpa Hilmo was heading down Rock Creek road with Ron's 2 young sons in the car. Somehow, the car ended up in Rock Creek, and all 3 were drowned; sometime after Grandpa Hilmo's death the place on Rock Creek was sold. Ron and his wife raised 3 more children on the ranch in Turah. In spite of the horrible tragedy, Ron never forgot his children, and never lost his love for Rock Creek. Every day of the year, no matter what the weather, Ron made the journey up the creek to fish, hunt, hike, or get firewood. Once in awhile he'd stop in to visit with us - he never stayed long, but we always enjoyed "shooting the bull" with him. Last Saturday Ron was on upper Rock Creek getting firewood with his son, and one of the trees he had cut hung up in another tree. While trying to cut the tree out, it came down on Ron killing him instantly. As sad as this story is, it only seems fitting that Ron would breathe his last breath on Rock Creek - the place he held so dear to his heart. Our sympathy goes out to the family; the large network of people that have called Ron "friend" will miss him and his constant smile - as well as his consistent presence here on the creek. Ron was 65 years old - seems too young to die, but then, God says we don't know the of the number of days we'll have on this earth. We just need to make each one of them "count"... Be blessed today, and always. Deb & Joe February 14, 2009 10:38 AM It was 7 degrees when we woke up this morning - I'm surprised since we've got a good cloud cover (the cold usually means clear skies). We're going to take a ride over by Philipsburg today - it's one of my favorite things to do this time of year, and is usually our Valentine date. The reason I like to go is so we can see the babies! There should be calves and lambs being born now. It's like the true "first sign of spring" for me, and is an encouragement that though everything looks "dead", new life is on it's way! The creek has made its way through the ice jam "bank to bank" but there is still about 5 ft. of ice on the banks! It's quite a sight! There are still some persistent (crazy?) folks that have been finding their way to the stream to try and catch some trout - no one has made it this far up the road though, so I don't know if they're actually catching anything. Gary Brown was by the creek last week with his dog, and was surprised when a guy floated by in his one man pontoon! Hopefully he made it to his take-out with no problems because a dunk in the creek at this time of year would mean nearly instantaneous hypothermia. Joe, Gary, and Brantley had a blast catching perch a couple times since I last wrote. A couple weeks ago on a Friday they came home with 140 perch to clean! The following Friday (last week) Joe & Gary went out and came home with 75 or so! They're not very big, but they only keep those big enough to clean. The ice is still thick, so this may go on for awhile though it's normally over by now. It's a good way for them to get their "fishing" fix, though it's not fly fishing for trout - it's still alot of fun! Speaking of trout fishing though - Joe and Brantley decided to go up to Rock Creek Meadows (to the pond) and drill a couple holes. This was a catch and release afternoon, and they had alot of fun - especially when Joe pulled a HUGE (18+) inch brook trout out! I'm sure THAT fish was surprised! Well, I guess I'd better get my focus on book-keeping again. I've got a bunch of stuff I want to finish before Monday - when Joe wants to start tearing into the ceiling of our store! It's a long story, but the short version end is that when he's finished I'll have better lighting. In the meantime I've got to pack everything in the store so he can work. But, before I can do that I've got to finish up what I'm working on. It's never dull around this place - even in winter... Hey, it's Valentine's Day - be sure you smooch your sweetheart and tell those you love that you do. And remember John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..." the best example of love, and the sacrifice given for and to each of us. Be blessed today... Deb & Joe January 30, 2009 1:35 PM Well, the winter roller coaster is definitely up and running! Yesterday our high temperature was 41 degrees; quite a change from the -13 of just 5 days ago! We got a bit more snow, but not alot. It sounds weird, but the warm up mixed with the snow has made the ice "sticky", so there is more traction. I can actually walk from the house to the cabin without my snow cleats on. The sun is shining through my window, and it's about 25 degrees outside. Joe, Gary & Brantley went ice fishing again today and it should be a nice day out on the ice. Last week the wind was blowing and it was very cold. Hopefully they'll come home with a mess of perch! It's time to start hoping for more snow storms, in spite of the winter we've already had. If you look at the snow pack link you'll see that it's actually going down now. On January 12 we were at 120% of normal for that date - on the 26th we were at 102% of normal, with the trend going down. Statewide we are at 92% of normal. I know this is short but it's time to get back to work. If you're not aware, Doug Persico needs your continued prayers for healing as he battles cancer. Thanks for remembering him. Until next time, thanks for continuing to read my little blurbs. Keep thinking toward spring and your next visit. We look forward to seeing you again! Deb & Joe January 25, 2009 11:54 AM The sub-zero temperatures are back. This morning is was -13 degrees when we got up. Yes, that was actual (not with wind chill). One thing about it though, when it's this cold the sky is vibrant blue and the sun is shining brightly - it's absolutely beautiful. I should be out taking pictures instead of working on the computer! Joe, Gary, and our friend Brantley (from Memphis) went ice fishing on Friday. They caught about 35 perch, which we will consume on Super Bowl Sunday. I think they're going to go again this week, after this cold snap breaks. Joe said there was almost 3 feet of ice on the lake - I'm glad I didn't have to drill those holes! No, he doesn't have a gas powered auger - it's muscle powered, and if you've ever been ice fishing you know that you don't drill just one hole. Tasha is laying by the door, bummed out right now. She wants to go outside but she doesn't understand that it's too cold for an old dog to hang out on the porch all day. So she's pouting. She tried to convince Glen (the UPS driver) to let her out, but no luck. So, she just lays by the door - poor Tash... Joe's work truck wouldn't start this morning (the cold killed the battery). A sign I guess that he didn't need to work today, so he went to town with Brantley - he (Brantley) is determined to find a trailer to haul 4-wheelers. I guess he wants to be ready when it's finally warm enough to ride them. It won't be long now until Mary & Leif are back on American soil, and for that I am thankful. Their time in Korea has been a blessing though; they welcomed the birth of Tucker James in August, and it has been nearly 3 years since Leif has been deployed so he has been home to be a part of the children's young lives. At the same time, Korea is not like the United States and they long to live with Americans again. So, as their assignment in Seoul winds down it looks like their next post will be in North Carolina. Not quite Montana, but a whole lot closer! Well, it's time to get back to work. The fire in the stove is crackling away and I'll be feeding it constantly today as I try to focus on book-keeping and office work. I guess the cold of winter is a good thing, since that's the time I must spend on the computer. There are no flowers to tend or lawns to mow. No warm sun rays dappling through the trees, breaking up into wonderful cooling shade over the hammock, tempting me to lay there listening to the breeze going through the aspen leaves and the birds as they sing. This is the time we bundle up, shovel snow, haul firewood, and work inside - if not for winter, I'd NEVER get this office work done! Yep, winter has it's place - just like it says in Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven"... May you be blessed today, and always, Deb & Joe January 21, 2009 10:50 AM It's been cold and icy. I've been wishing that Mary and Leif still lived in Florida - a visit there right now would be wonderful. We've been in a high pressure system for about 10 days - Missoula has had an inversion to go with it. I'm thankful we're high enough in elevation to avoid that! At least when it's cold, we see the sun here on Rock Creek - unlike the Missoula Valley that gets socked in. Things are changing today though, and it's begun to snow. That layer of snow on top of the ice in our walkways and driveway makes walking pretty difficult. Joe says he' s going to put the chains on the 4-Wheeler and drive around to see if that will rough up the ice enough to give a little traction. Each winter I think about the conversations I've had with folks in the summer, asking how much snow we get and how our winters are. I think about my winter walking stance - it strongly resembles Artie Johnson in the skit he did each week on Laugh-In, when he was the little old man. Some of you reading this may be much too young to remember or even know what I'm talking about, but those of us over 50 know exactly what I mean. At any rate, it's a whole different world up here in the winter, that's for sure! Now that I'm figuring out You-Tube, I'll try to put together a slide show of pictures from this winter. I've put a new link on the links page of our website - it is titled "Snow Pack" and is the USGS site. I thought is was interesting, and figured you would too. We're a little over 100% of normal for this time of year - in fact, we had more than that but it's been a couple weeks since we've had any measurable snow, so its gone down a bit. I think it'll start going up again now that we're out of that high pressure system. I'm hoping to get an online store up and running within the next couple weeks. Besides flies, we've really got some neat stuff in our store. Of course, we've got t-shirts and hats, books and cards; but we've also got some antique fish decoys, shore birds, pictures, snow shoes, fishing creels... Good stuff for decorating. In addition, we've got some beautiful quilts as well as aprons (for adults and children) that are locally made. So, keep watching for the online store coming soon! Joe hasn't even gone ice fishing this year; hopefully he'll get to do that soon. Tasha is still doing well and hasn't had any more seizures - we're thankful for that! I think that's about all the news I can think of for now. We hope all of you are hanging in there during this hard winter of many extremes. We think about you often, and look forward to warmer weather, green grass, leaves on the trees and some good fishing. Spring'll be here before we know it.... Bless someone today! Deb & Joe January 2, 2009 8:26 PM There is no doubt - it's winter! We have lots of snow, ice and cold. Tonight it's supposed to get down to 7 degrees, which will nicely freeze all the slush that formed today when it decided to rain on top of the nearly 1 foot of new snow we got last night. Yep, it's winter. I just remembered that I never did actually tell you the story about the grouse that decided to adopt us in October. Joe named him "Bucky" the Blue Grouse. Bucky, the Blue Grouse, visited Trout Bums in October of 2008. This is the story of a grouse that forgot that he was a game bird, and decided to hang out with us for a couple weeks. He was not afraid of us, or the dog. He would strut around the yard eating grass & dandelion greens, and in general just "hang out". His main attraction to our property was not food, or good company though he did seem to really like us - to the extent of accompanying Joe to collect rocks. No, what he was attracted to was our vehicles - especially the trucks. He liked to fly up on the top, and would even go for a ride - that's what he did the day he collected rocks with Joe. Then one day, a 65 ft. "big rig" had a delivery for us. Bucky was pecking around the yard unaware until he looked up and spotted the biggest vehicle he'd ever seen. His neck got long, and he ran to get a closer look. Pretty soon he was up on top of the tractor trailer, strutting the full length from the back to the front - peering over every now and again, with a happy look on his face. We never saw Bucky fly from the truck, and we never saw him after that day - we assume he chose life on the open road... I decided to give Bucky some air time, and have posted some pictures on YouTube for your viewing pleasure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT6DnHn1p_U should get you there. Joe finally made it home on New Year's Eve after a cancelled flight the day before. I'm happy to have him back and in the driver's seat of the snow plow - well, I'm glad to have him home for company too, but I gotta say that plowing snow is hard work! With the warmer temperatures, the creek was able to make it's way through the ice jam. There is still plenty of residual glacial formation, but at least the creek can now flow. I'm sure the fish are happy! That's it from the creek. We hope your New Year is blessed. Joe & Deb
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The Granite County Sheriff, Steve Immenschuh, says the victim is James Dewhurst, 55, of Pickering, Ontario Canada. The Missoula County Search and Rescue team found his body Thursday, about 200 yards from where the boat capsized. Immenschuh says Dewhurst was found in the water, tangled up in a tree. He says the accident happened just after 5 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.
The boat flipped over near the old Micro Burst, about 25 miles up stream from the interstate. All the fishermen and guides made it to safety, but Dewhurst didn't. They tried looking for him, but couldn't find him. Immenschuh says on Wednesday crews searched for by land and by air, but couldn't find the victim.
The search was called off last night when it got dark, but resumed Thursday morning.
The sheriff says Dewhurst was wearing fishing waders, but didn't have a life jacket.
Immenschuh says the creek is cold, very high with numerous rocks and downed trees along the banks.
The fishing guide company is out of Wise River, MT which is between Dillon and Anaconda.