Trips to Wyoming

Memorial Day 1999: Twin sister Jen and I went to Missoula to check out the school.  At dawn, as we got past Gillette, I saw the Big Horns and decided that we had to go through them.  We went up US14. When we got to the Black Mountain (?) road we went up it until the snow got so deep that we backed out, and turned back. Rain on Granite pass. We continued on to Shell where it doesn't rain. Went north on what must have been US310 into Montana. Then we went through Livingston and onto Missoula; spent night there. Drove up to Glacier (Going To The Sun was closed due to snow at the spot they always close it), crossed on the road to the south. Went through the Blackfoot, where we drove on closed road and almost fell off bridge, back on I-90.

Sturgis 1999: Rode up with Andy, Kris, Ron, and Stretch. Left them in S Dak and continued on by myself to Sheridan. Bought beer at a drive-through bar, because gas stations not allowed to sell alcohol. Drove through cows and sheeps standing on US14. I stayed at Bald Mountain Campground on US14A. Next day drove through snow on dirt road over Hunt Mountain on way back to US14. Down Shell canyon and back up Ten Sleep canyon to Buffalo. This trip had no precipitation.

Thanksgiving 1999 Drove to Bozeman by myself: left Ames at 20:30. When I was past Beulah it started snowing hard, so stopped at a parking area 'til dawn. In morning saw several flipped SUVs, including one that closed the Powder River Bridge for about an hour. Went up US14, down Shell canyon; got sage brush. Stopped at rest area in Greybull and discovered the Air Tanker museum.

{I think that THIS was when i drove up 16 to Wapiti then turned back to Cody} I drove on the Chief Joseph Hi-way for 1st time. When I got into Yellowstone, it was snowing. I stayed at Gardiner. Went to Bozeman the next day (didn't find Tammy)) and then back to Gardiner. Next day drove on I-90 to Milwaukee to see Jen.

2001

June 2001: Went with Ben to Bozeman. Went up I-80 to Ft. Collins to stay with Missy, and see Big-D and Sandra. Went up US287 to the Ames Monument and then to Laramie. Went across Snowy Range Pass (filled cooler with snow), then through the Red Desert to Cokeville; camped on the Snake River (probably at Station Creek campground). Next day drove through Yellowstone, through Gardiner, down to Bozeman. We stayed in motel there. Next day drove to Glacier, stayed in KOA Kabin. Meanwhile, Bozeman was getting 10.5 inches of snow. Next day stayed in campground by big west Glacier lake (Mary?) after walking on Going To The Sun, which was closed. Next day Going To The Sun opened, so we crossed over and out. Drove back to Yellowstone, up US191; stayed at US Forest Service campground in snow. Next night stayed in Cooke City (Hotel parking lot had big piles of plowed snow). Next day got site in Yellowstone (Slough Creek) and went to Tammy's wedding. Next day drove out on Chief Joseph and US14.

2002

Week before Memorial Day 2002: Drove to Custer State Park, camped next to snow. Next day I drove on US14A to try to go to Bucking Horse Falls, dirt road to falls had what looked like about 10 feet of snow on it. Blizzard predicted for that night so I got a room in Cooke City. That evening, I drove up to Beartooth Lake and on past the Top of the World store. Since the road wasn't open yet AND they were predicting blizzard; turned back. Next day Yellowstone had gotten 8.5 inches of snow. No one was at gate, but once into park found that it was closed and couldn't leave.  The road to Jackson sounded open so I drove down there, was only car on road, which wasn't plowed, exit was open by the time I got down there.  Went down Wind River and up through the canyon to Thermopolis; where I found that US16 and US14 were closed due to snow. So I took US20 back down the canyon over to Casper and home on I-90.

2003

July 2003 : Up US16, then over to Greybull and back up the Shell to Bald Mountain. Hiked down to Porcupine Falls; which was beautiful; and then to Bucking Horse Falls. Rain that night at Bald Mountain campground. Up 16 to Yellowstone lake, then over the Beartooth Pass; then up the Boulder River. I stayed the night in Great Falls. In morning west through Glacier (foggy and rainy) and down 83. Stayed in Billings, then home.

2004

June 2004: Went up US16 to Circle Park backpacked past Long Lake to Ringbone Lake: windy and some snow, more likely for nightfall. Couldn't find a nice campsite, and turned back, waited 5min while a Moose blocked the trail.  Slept at parking area near Gillette. In morning radio said Yellowstone snowed in.

July 2004: Went up US16 to West Ten Sleep with Ben and Adam to climb Cloud Peak. Rained. Hiked to Lakes Helen and Marion (Camped at Helen: easy fish catching) then wimped out. Came home over the Beartooth and through Billings and Little Big Horn; camped at Devil's Tower

Friday after Thanksgiving 2004: Drove to Sheridan, stayed night. In morning drove up US14 and back US16. Hardly any snow in air, much on ground.

2005

Memorial Day weekend 2005:Rode new Sportster to Bear Lodge Mountains by Sundance. Heavy rain through Iowa, Flurries by Rapid City. Camped at Reuters and rode to Cook lake, Caught 5 trouts at lucky hole below dam, ate 3. Sunday night, radio announced cold and snow for Monday. Left that night, missed snow.  Heard on TV next morning, rain and snow in Wyoming

July 4th 2005:Drove back to Circle Park, backpacked to Sherd Lake. Some rain while hiking in. Set up camp at Sherd lake, fished (no luck). Got Bearphobia and decided to never backpack alone again. Hiked back out that evening (which, if you think about it; exposed me to far, FAR more bear danger than sleeping ever would have).

Aug 2005: Went with David and Dave to backpack in Rocky Mountain Park. Rain in Nebraska and EVERY DAY in Colorado. Didn't rain during the 3 hours was in Wyoming.

Labor Day 2005: Drove to trail head by Reuters in Bear Lodge Mountains. Drove down to Newcastle, across to Wright, down to Douglas, over to Miracle mile (no luck). Drove up Oregon trail to Riverton, Through Worland back to Sundance. Caught big Brown in Sand Creek above Beulah. Rain by Newcastle and again on Sand Creek.

Oct 10 2005: Drove up North Platte to Fort Laramie, over to Bosler, up through Shirley Basin (slept at Rest Area) to North Platte; caught 19 inch Rainbow at Sechrist. Drove up past Ft Reno (and onto gravel) to Buffalo and up Crazy Woman to Meadowlark (2 Rainbows): West Ten Sleep road snowed over. Stayed at Sheridan hotel. In morning; rain, which had been hard enough to get mud off of car. Rain all day, went down to Midwest and over to Upton and up to Cook Lake with steady rain (no fish).

2006

Memorial Day weekend 2006 Rode Sportster to Tie Hack campground in Bighorns, fished in Tie Hack reservoir, caught 1 trout, tasty. That night heard weather report on Buffalo station:

            "And for tomorrow, well what would Memorial Day be without Snow"

Next morning noticed 'ash' in the air; realized it was snow when i got back to the bike and saw flakes on seat. Rode up and over the pass into 10sleep canyon. As soon as I got across to other side, i realized that the road was ENTIRELY snow coved: turned back. Survived; I guess.

Aug(?) 2006:  Drove to Rutgers trailhead by Sundance, hitting a deer in South Dakota. Stayed at Trailhead. Next morning went up to Meadowlark lake and down Ten Sleep canyon (and back up gravel road). Through Worland, Meeteese and Cody and up and over the BearTooth to Red Lodge. Saw burned out mine by Washoe. Back over to Lovell and stayed at Dead Swede (nice hole, but got skunked). Left early to get car fixed. Don't remember any rain this trip.

Sept 14, 2006: Drove up I-90 to Buffalo, went up to West Ten Sleep lake and stayed in campground. Didn't catch fish (but tried). Rain and Snow. Got woozy and went left early (4am). Went down Crazy Woman creek and across gravel roads to I-25. Went home.

2007

May 17, 2007 Drove across I-80 to Medicine Bow (camped at Ogallala, Neb). Torrential rain in Neb. Next morn, rain until Wyo border.  Fished at Sechrist on the North Platte: 17"er on a worm. Slept in Worland, Up and over (MeadowLark lake mostly ice). Fly fished below Cook lake at my lucky hole: 6 trout in 12 minutes. Home up the Spearfish and over to Rapid City. Rain started as soon as in South Dakota. No precip in Wyoming at all.

June 08, 2007 Drove across I-80 to the Summit. Camped at Yellow Pine. Fly fished at Sechrist: skunked. Dome Lake: skunked. Saratoga Lake: skunked. Back across Snowy Range. Rain on I-80 around Cheyenne.

Aug 25, 2007 Drove across I-80 to the Summit. Camped at Yellow Pine. When I got to Sechrist, the water was several feet higher than usual, 'cause they'd had torrential rains earlier that week. Many Many weeds in water. Seemed impossible to fish: it was. Went up to the Big Horns, and camped at South Fork; very nice campground. Got skunked in the creek, went down it to Tie Hack lake and had two strikes, but no hits. Next morning walked up to Sherd Lake, saw two fish rise out in middle of lake: no strikes, no hits, no fish. Went home on I-90, stopped on Sand creek by Beulah. Total skunkage: saw ONE fish. No precip in Wyoming at all.

2008

July 16,2008 Drove up I-90 with Nephew, stayed in Wall. On Thurs, camped at Sibley Lake. George caught a trout. Rained. On Fri, drove down the Shell and up the 10sleep all the way to West 10sleep lake; walked to the waterfall. Camped at Cook lake by Sundance, strong thunderstorm. Caught bluegills and small bass after the rain.

Aug 13,2008 Drove across I-80 to the Summit, rain at Cheyenne. Camped at Yellow Pine. In morning drove through Colorado to Six Mile Gap: skunked. Went down the Platte, fished the two access points below Saratoga (Peck Bridge? Foote?); skunked at both. While in Saratoga, heard that snow was predicted for Friday. Found out my brother had died; headed home. Fished Sechrist on way back, water high and strong wind from downstream; skunked. Drove home down I-25, rain by Glendo.

2009

May 16,2009 (Sat Morn) Drove up to Reuters. Was going to take gravel road across to Cook lake, but snow covered. Went back down and went through the Grand Canyon of the Sand Creek to Ranch A. Went to lucky hole below Cook lake and caught 5 trouts on 4wt Helios with a beadheaded softhackle (2), and a darkgreen nymph (3).  Next day went down US85 to Chugwater and back up to Casper. Skunked at Sechrist and at Government Bridge. 

On Mon. me and my guide Mickey drifted from Lusby to the Trappers Route (Clarkson Hill?) (on left bank below Government bridge).  Caught one 14" trout; and Twenty-Eight others from 18" to 20.5" on Mickey's Sage 5wt  Used a thingamabobber, 9' of 3X leader(8lb), an egg fly, 18" of 4X tippet(6lb), a Red Rock Worm, 18" more 4X, and  a smaller Red Rock Worm.  Most on the middle Worm, except below spawning beds, where it was all egg. No precip in Wyoming at all; just Fish Fish FISH. Back through Shirley Basin and I-80. Slept at rest area at Sidney SD.

June 23, 2009 (Tues night) Dad and I stayed at Mitchell SD. Much rain in iowa on way.

Weds, went to Missile Silo in Bad Lands and had lunch in Sundance. Learned about the Nuclear Radar Base. Up Crazy Woman to camp at West 10sleep. Walked to waterfall, too tired to fish when back at camp. 

Thurs, broke fast at Lisa’s in Greybull. Drove across Chief Joseph and up Beartooth to Red Lodge. Montana people suck!

Fri, drove 14A up to Dead Swede. Steady gentle rain the whole way. Big Horn Lake was Overfull!  Fished at Dead Swede: water high, skunked. Took 26 across the forest, and down into Big Horn City. Gravel road was awesome. Ate at Silver Spur (hippy diner) in Sheridan. Through Spotted Horse to Gillette; rain whole way. Camped at Cooke lake, rain quit right as we got there. Dad caught 5 rock bass in lake.

Sat, went to SD Air & Space Museum and did base tour at Elsworth AFB. spent night in Kadoka.

Aug 29, 2009 (Sat Morn) Left Ames @ dawn. Went up I-80 to the Ames monument across US287 to Laramie. Continued to 6 Mile Gap on the North Platte.  Camped there and tried to catch fish: skunked AGAIN.  Thunder and rain.

Sunday, left early; went through Encampment and around Flaming Gorge Reservoir, thunder storms on way back from dam; stayed in Rock Springs.

Mon, went up the Green through LaBarge to the Green River lakes.  Rain in afternoon. Tried fishing in lower lake: skunked. 

Tues, Walked up to Upper Green Lake: Pretty – Pretty damn far! Steady rain all the way back to campsite; Stetson soaked. While getting ready for bed, noticed i was the Only one in the campground; Bearphobia struck again!  Broke camp. Left shortly after dusk

            Wed Sept 2 after midnight: Through the South Pass to Lander. Bathed in hot springs at Thermopolis before lunch. Went up 14 (by way of Meeteetse) into the Bighorns.  Fished North Tongue; caught fish in Rain.  Stayed at Buffalo. Thurs {I 'think' that this was when I looked at Muddy Guard #2} fished Clear Creek below Tie Hack dam. Caught a fish on a (Red Rock Worm) fly I tied (first time ever), Rain on way back to car.

            Fri, went to Fort Phil Kearny, and up fr26 to Spear-O-Wigwam; stayed there until

Mon (Sept 7). Caught small trouts in stream.  Many strikes in Park Reservoir but no hooks.  Rain every day.

2010

May 18, 2010 (Tues Afternoon) Left Des Moines after work. Went down I-80 to Scotts Bluff (camped at Ogallala, Neb).

            Up to Fort Robinson, and entered Wyoming at Van Tassell. Rain all the way.  Stayed in Casper. 

            Fished Thursday with Mickey and his dog Rick from Gray Reef to Lusby.  Beautiful day; sunny and lots of fish. Caught 21 incher on 6wt Helios with one of my red rock worms.  Caught many other big ones.  Lost even more. Stayed in Buffalo.

            Friday, drove to Newcastle for breakfast; rain at Moorcroft, snow reported in Jackson. Home through Custer, and I-90.

July 3, 2010 (Sat morn) Left Ames at 3 am Rain at Beulah, drove up to the North Tongue.  Fished Quill Gordons in the beaver ponds. Along with several rainbows, caught my first Cutthroat! Misty and Cold. Stayed at Arrowhead lodge.

            Sun, fished (in Rain) at beaver ponds again; some success.  Drove through Bighorn Basin down to Casper.  Heard that all four reservoirs on the North Platte above Casper were full and spilling over!!  Fished with Krayfish on the Miracle Mile during Golden Stone Fly hatch.  Rod bending action!!  Caught big trouts. Lost HUGE ones!  Went to Sundance, Thunderstorms Monday night and Tues morning 

Sept 10, 2010 (Fri evening) Left Des Moines after work, stayed in Mitchell and entered Wyoming Sat morn. Fished below Cook Lake: Lucky hole almost dry; caught Big(6") minnows.  Slept at Buffalo, and fished Muddy Guard #1at dusk; had numerous strikes on Woolly bugger: Only landed one fish (14").  Saw a spinner fall; it was like snow!

            Sun, fished the North Tongue; at the beaver ponds and had enthusiastic refusals!

            Mon, stayed at Jenny Lake in the Tetons (skunked).  Rain Tues early AM. 

            Tues, noticed more Snow on Tetons. Fished the Snake below Wilson with Mickey and Rick; Caught 3 whitefish, and numerous cutThroats.  Rain and Thunder at lunch; heavy (cold) Rain as we were taking out.  Tetons were steaming on our way back to Wilson, Mickey said that meant they got more Snow. Drove to Rock Springs.  Rain along the Hoback. 

            Weds morn Light Rain on way to Treasure Island above Saratoga (skunked) Lunch at Centennial on way to Fort Collins to visit big-d and Sandra.

Thanx to my trips, the State of Wyoming admits that the Drought is Over!

2011

March 4, 2011 (Fri evening) Left Des Moines after work, stayed in Cozad 

Sat, went up the Platte from Oglala to Scotts Bluff.  Found a great Mexican Radio station around 88.5ish (seems to be 91.5 beb20140303).  On up through Hartville to Keeline, and over to Freemont Canyon (had a strike, but no hookups); beautiful canyon.  Stayed at Red Butte Ranch with Krayfish and Khrystin.  Sat night went to the Walleye banquet with all the trout guides; what fun! 

Sunday, fished with Greg from Gray Reef to Lusby.  My Best Day of Fishing; EVER!  Greg said he'd "never seen" the river so hot.  Light Snow and NO wind. Caught about 30 trouts.  Knocked off early to beat snow to Cheyenne.  Moderate Snow and Sleet when i got there. 6"s on car in morn.  Snow on way home on Monday.

May7, 2011     (Sat morn) left Ames @ 3am, drove to Sand Creek by Beulah.  Hooked a small brown on my first cast (big soft hackle), lost him; nothing else all day.  Rain by Gillette. Slept at Buffalo.  

Sun morn, practiced casting at Connor Battlefield (now able to throw 6 rod lengths (54') of line).  Hooked what felt like an okay fish on a vanilla woolly bugger; lost him while trying to get on the reel; nothing else all day. Crossed on US14: snowy wonderland.  Plow cuts higher than my car.  Stopped north of Thermopolis and fished the Bighorn; no luck.  Tried again at the Wedding of the Waters; no luck.  Stayed in Riverton. Rain all night.

Mon, went through Lander (broke fast at the Big Noi restaurant: yumm), then up to Ft. Washakie, and back down through Ethete (this was when i saw the three legged guard dog). Fished the Little Popo Agie in the Red Canyon.  Beautiful.  Caught two Brown trouts in light to moderate Rain. Drove to Casper in Torrential Downpour.

Tues, fished Gray Reef with Mickey.  20mph winds and 48 degrees.  Light spitting Rain. Caught few (10?) fish, but with one 19" one 20".  Drove to Sidney; Rain most of the way.

August 9, 2011 (Tues Evening)         Left Des Moines after work, stayed in Cozad.

Weds; went up the Platte through Scott's Bluff. Hear on radio Oglala had 6" of hail, had to get out snow plows! Through Guernsey to Fremont Canyon: Skunked.  Went up to Miracle Mile: Skunked. Tried to take gravel that goes East; got turned, took gravel to Medicine Bow.  Drove pavement back to Casper. Light Rain in Basin. 

Thurs, fished lower Platte down to Casper with Greg.  Fishing so-so; only about 20 caught.   Drove down to Rawlings and over to Evanston hotel.  Nice Mexican Restaurant in Evanston.

Fri, drove to Escondido Ca for Aunt Ellen's b-day party.  Came back through Colo on i-70

2012

March 1, 2012 (Thurs) Left Des Moines at 11am, up to i-90; stayed in Buffalo. Inch of Snow overnight.

Fri morning drove down to Casper and picked up Greg at Red Butte Ranch. We fished from Gray Reef to Lusby. Best fishing EVER no idea how many fish.

Sat, fished from Gray Reef down to Government Bridge (no back paddles).  Decided to count landed fish. Two Browns (17" and 18") and 20 Rainbows by lunch (3 over 20").  Was hard fishing in wind on lower section; only landed 7 more fish.  Sat night, Walleye banquet: excellent! 

Sunday; Home through Scotts Bluff. Broke fast at Midtown diner in Bridgeport; good food, cute waitress.

May 4, 2012 (Friday afternoon) Left Des Moines at 3:30, across on I-80, stayed in Cozad.

Saturday up the Platte, brunch at the MidTown diner in Bridgeport, took back road to Glendo and Orin (pretty). Dinner at Sunset Grill with Mickey, camped at Gray Reef (one small rainbow). Scattered light showers.

Sunday morn was 28 degrees, with heavy frost.  Fished with Mickey and Rick from Lusby to the washing machine hole (which is downstream from Clarkson's hill).  Fishing so-so; it took nearly 5 minutes to land a fish ('cause i lost the one from the second cast (Mickey won't let you fish the first cast)).  Lost count at 14 around 11am.  Mickey said it was ~30 by the end of the day.  Weather beautiful once the sun came up.  Caught several cutbows.  Had a fish strike, hook up; then get off the hook before landing; nine times: IN A ROW!  Mickey didn't count these.  On way home, took US34 from Grand Island to Lincoln to avoid construction on I80. Found a great restaurant, the Cafe on the Square in Seward.

July 7th,2012 (Saturday) Left ames @ 3am, broke fast in Beresford, drove up I90 to lunch in Sundance, up fr26 (the red grade road) to the south tongue. Dead Swede campground was full, so stayed in the Arrowhead in a rustic cabin. It turns out, that the south tongue comes out just east of lodge; fished beadhead green& parts: 5 browns. 

            Sunday, broke fast at the Cafe in Red Lodge and went up the Bears Tooth.  Fished upstream from Red Lodge (skunked), and again just west of the park  (caught 2 tiny brook trouts on yellow& parts); first fly action in Montana; first trouts caught in Montana. Through the park and out West gate.  Down us20 and Mesa Falls byway to Warm River and Three Rivers Ranch; fished Robinson creek on the ranch before thunder; 2 tiny browns on green&Parts; 1st fly, 1st trouts in Idaho.

            Monday, fished with Mickey and Rick down the Henry's Fork from Warm River to Ashton: 5 whitefish, 5 cutthroats, 5 browns. Few and small (14-16"); i miss Casper.  The Ranch was wonderful, but full of billionaires.

            Tues, fished the South Fork Canyon with Mickey and Rick; VERY beautiful! very few fish. 1White, 1 rainbow, 4 cutts, 2 browns.  Rain Tues evening

            Weds morn Left Ashton and drove the gravel to Flagg Ranch.  Rain started before i got out of Jackson's Hole.  Soft Hail and heavy Rain all the way down the Wind River, and on down to Rawlings.  Ate at the Elk Mountain hotel, and the Rain passed over me. Wet all the way to the Summit, where i slept at Yellow Pine until woke by animals @ midnight. Left wyoming in light rain.  Drove down I80 and broke fast at the cafe on the Square,

Sept 21st, 2012(Friday) Left Des Moines @ 3:30, across on I-80, dinner at Cafe on Square; stayed in Cozad,

Saturday, left at 5:30 cdt, drove through Rock Springs and the Big Empty to Pinedale (Ate  McD's).  Went over The Rim, and down the Hoback by 3:30. Fished where Granite creek comes in; one strike, which i missed.  Went for dinner at Nora's Fish Creek Inn (waited for them to open at 5:30), and up and over the Teton pass. Stayed in Super-8 in Driggs.

Sunday, fished section 1 of the south fork (from right below the dam) with Mickey and Rick.  Made a point of NOT counting fish. Did count species: Browns (17"er on my 1st run below dam (3 mins in boat), Whitefishes, Rainbows, CutBows, and a CutThroat for a Grand Slam.  Mickey called it 30 fish, seemed more like 20 (without counting). Mostly on zerbra midges, some on my Green&Parts.   River was beautiful: Fall is the time to be in the mountains! Drove past Palisades and up the Snake back to Hoback Jct. and back to Rock Springs (Ate McD's in hotel room)

Monday, drove to Baggs, & across the Sierra Madres to Treasure Island.  Caught 2 browns on yellow&parts: first time catching fish at Treasure Island. Slept in Cozad, and home on Tues.

2013

March 16th, 2013 (Saturday Morning) Left Ames at 4am, across on I-80, broke fast at Cafe on the Square. Went up the Plate from Roscoe.  Midtown diner in Bridgeport is now the Main Street Diner, and was closed for the day.  Ate Mexican in Torrington; watch out for blonde teen waitress.  Tried fishing at Secrist: skunked AGAIN, have i ever caught a fish on the fly at Secrist?  Stayed at Red Butte, fished the shelf until dark. Hooked and put my hand on a Big (20"?) fish, line broke when tried to pick him up.

Sunday, tried to fish with Greg; too windy for boat (60mph gusts), so wade fished by Clarkson's hill.  Caught 12 trouts; two were big, rest 16ish.  Monday, boated with Mickey and Rick from Lusby to Government bridge. Lost count at 7 fish (about 9am); Mickey counted 25.  While he was up the hill looking at the outhouse, i hooked, retrieved AND LANDED a 19" trout All By My Self!  Thank you 3X tippet!!.  After fishing, drove down to Cheyenne for the night.  Tues, left early and made it to Seward by 11: Meatloaf very good).  Home by 4

May 2nd,2013 (Thursday Evening).  Left Work @ 3:30, dined at Seward. Stayed in Cozad.  Went up the north platte to Bridgeport; tried renamed diner: still good, same owner.  Went south of Courthouse rock and into LaGrange on Neb88.  Passed TWO minuteman silos, and one launch control site (B-0?). Went across the Laramies on wyo34.  Johnson creek reservoir (if it exists) is on a dirt road in Edna Wilkins wildlife area (or some such).  Went down past Laramie, fished the river at (???) ranch access just north of town.  Saw ONE fish. Went on down to Fort Collins, had dinner with big-D and Sandra.  Stayed at a road way inn (pretty nice).

Saturday, picked up brother in law steve at airport, and drove up to Casper (lunched at Chugwater soda fountain). Showed fremont dam and canyon to steve. Ate at J's grill in Casper (nice), met Leah.. Borrowed waders from greg and showed steve the platte at the red butte ranch.  He hooked a fish, but didn't land him.

Sunday, fished with mickey and rick from grey reef to government bridge.  I had told steve that our goal was for him to catch 5 trouts.  After a 10 minute lecture from mickey, we got in the water.  Steve casted ok, but had problems hooking up.  It took him nearly five minutes to land his first trout.  I lost count for him at 7 trouts (about an hour and 30 minutes into it). Mickey said we caught 55 trouts. Steve caught a 19 incher (I caught a 20").  There were three doubles; including one past the bridge to end the day.  We had to show our licenses (first time ever in wyo).  We went down through Shirley's Basin, and had dinner at Elk Mountain Hotel, which opened JUST FOR US.

Stayed in Laramie, and took steve to airport on Monday, I was home by 8:30pm.

May,25th,2013 (Saturday morning) Left ames @ 3:30 am in torrential rain, broke fast at Beresford (+4hrs). Crossed S Dak, to Gillette and down through Wright to Casper.  Dinner at J's, Leah was working again.  She said she had 'gone off the deep end' that afternoon and started fly tying.  Told her she should fish with me on Sunday; she had to work.  Swung soft hackles at the Red Buttes, and caught 3 small (12-16") rainbows.  Sunday fished with mickey and rick from Grey reef to lusby.  Fishing so-so: only caught 2 cutbows (one 20"), and FORTY-TWO rainbows (one 21") in 6.5 hrs on fishing (8:30 to 3). Water so clear (900cfm) that FINALLY i could see the trouts lined up to snack on my flies.   Treated mickey to J's, where Leah was back working.  Told her she should come with next time; she gave me name (Juarez) and email.   Drove through heavy rain and stayed at Cheyenne. Memorial Day Monday drove home. 

June, 29th, 2013 (Saturday Morning) Left ames @3:30. Broke fast at Seward. Had dinner in Laramie (which sucked; everything closed except hippy restaurant).  Went up Laramie River to Woods Landing: Pretty, had a strike but lost it). Went around to 6 mile gap; caught 2 big minnows! Sunday, went down the Platte and saw Ft Steele; nice ruins!  Mexican restaurant in Rawlings appears to be closed at least on Sunday; but the Thai place was good, and when i drove back through Sinclair, their mexican place was open (but wasn't at 11am).   Drove on down the Platte to Miracle Mile and across to the Shirley Basin on the gravel; road was gorgeous!  Stayed at Red Butte. 

Monday, fished with Greg; Grey Reef to Government Bridge.  Didn't count fish after 10 trouts, which took nearly 45 min. Reef fishing best ever.  Fat Fish. Twice I thought my drag had slipped, since so much line was coming out; but it was just burly trouts. Ate at J's with Greg, our server had all sorts of tattoos. Someday, i'll see a bad waitress there: maybe?

Tuesday, drove up into the Big Horns.  Prune creek campground was full (but looked nice), i stayed at Owen Creek.  The North Tongue was fishing great, caught 3 cut throats on purple mayflies.  Walked up Bull creek, and saw trouts in the low part, but didn't catch any. It was most gorgeous.  While at Owen Creek, walked down stream and caught a rainbow, could have caught many more up there, but was tired.  Went to bed at dusk, couldn't sleep, and left at 1am. Drove straight home (with TWO naps), and got my mail. Spent the 4th of July at home resting.

Sept, 20, 2013(Friday Noon) Left work @1pm. Drove straight to the Summit by Laramie, stopping for gas at Gretna and North Platte. The Platte was flooded until the South Platte split off; from the Colorado floods.  Camped at Yellow Pines. 

Saturday, drove to Rock Springs, and up to campsite #3 off the Warren Bridge on the Green river; had 2 strikes at my hopper pattern, but no hook ups.  Had brunch at Nora’s Fish Creek Diner: yum.  Up and over the Teton Pass, and down to Warm River, and stayed three nights at the Three Rivers Ranch.  Fished Robinson creek, and caught a little brook and a nice brown.  Lost a bigger one.

Sunday, drifted the South Fork with Mickey and Rick; some wade fishing too.  Caught several cutthroats and a few whitefish; first on hopper droppers (zebra midge), then on a hopper dry (red spinner). 

Monday, fished the Teton River; starting at the ruins of the Teton dam disaster. Caught 5 whitefish and 24 cutthroats; including a 21.5” on the hopper pattern: my largest trout on a dry.  I didn’t think I would land him, but I did. Thank you 3x!!! {Later that float, while mickey was tying on a new fly; i watched a trout rising.  When mickey was done, he said; "now we'll fish down there"; and I said: not 'til i catch that Trout!. I showed mickey the trout, and without him moving the boat; i got him on the second cast. This fish I take full credit for :}

Tuesday, drove the Flagg Ranch road, and missed the spot I was supposed to fish on the Snake. Up and over the Togwotee, and down into the Wind Rivers.  Fished a little creek (cranney?) at the hatchery below Dubois to no avail.  Couldn’t find the East Wind river access (note: turns out the Whole river is access), so continued on to Casper because Alma! Was back at work.  Fished at Red Butte, and caught 2 rainbows on Green&Partridges; one Very small.  Stayed in Evanville after eating alone at J’s

Wednesday, Greg said; “Too windy for Dries, Too Windy for this afternoon.” So, we left at 6am, and fished ham and eggs (egg and red rock worm) from Lusby to Government Bridge.  Landed 19 trouts. We were back at the shop by 11am. I thought that Greg would charge me for a half day, since it was Windy; but that was NOT his plan.  He gave it to me for free!!  Alma was at the shop, and told her she should have come with. She said; “I WOULD HAVE, if I’d KNOWN.” As usual, Everything is MY fault :(

Left Casper @ 1pm, and drove to Cozad.  The Midtown Dinner in Bridgeport is closed and for sale; Mexican restaurant there not as good as one in Torrington.

Thursday, slept in until 7, and drove home.  Friended Alma on Facebook, haven’t proposed…. Yet.

2014

February 26, 2014  (Wednesday) Left work @ 10am, had lunch at Seward.  Drove up the Platte, took US26 instead of Neb92. 26 was nearly as pretty.  Scottsbluff Mexican evangelical radio station 91.5FM. On up to Torrington: GrandPa Chuey's restaurant was closed maybe just for the day :(    Red Butte at 10pm MST.

Thursday, fished with Greg; Grey reef to Lusby. Temp about 40-45, little wind. One Brown Trout; about 21 rainbows.  Many foul hooked fish :(

Friday, fished same stretch; Temp 25-30, light snow. Only caught about 15 trouts, all rainbows.  Left after fishing; 'cause there was a blizzard expected @5pm.  Drove on to Cheyenne ahead of snow. Korean restaurant was good (closed Saturdays and Sundays).

Saturday, drove home: Left Cheyenne @ 4MST, got home 19:30 CST.  14.5 HOURS! SNOWY

May 3, 2014 (Saturday) Left Ames by 3am. Drove US20 across Nebraska to Casper (12hs).  US20 is beautiful: Doesn't look like Nebraska at all! Hit a pheasant on the way out; which made me Sad :(

Saw Fort Robinson (again), and went up the canyon road; very nice.

Sunday, Fog and mist in morning. Fished with Kray from the Reef on down to Lusby.  Very Crowded, 'cause at 500cfs, it was the only section fishable. BOY was it fishable!  Best day: Ever. It looks like i have learned how to cast.  Temps hit 80, and Kray said warmth was making the trouts 'angry'. Quit counting at 6 trouts, while still on the boat ramp hole (Kray counted 77 while we were still an hour above Lusby). Caught TWO Trophy Suckers!!   Starting a new group; SU Suckers Unlimited (Suck U!).  Ate at Panchos: very good!  Drove back to Chadron, and stayed in super8 

Monday, left Chadron at dawn, and 40 minutes out of town saw a flying turkey for the first time. Watched as he flew into my car, denting the hood and shattering the window and denting the hood; which made me terrified

May 16, 2014 (Friday) Left Ames at 5pm (after getting repaired car back from Shaefers Auto body).  Drove to Roadway Inn in Ainsworth on US20.  Nice hotel.

Saturday, drove to Fort Robinson, where I fished south Solider Creek on the Forest Service Wilderness.  Caught a 6" brook trout and scared several others.  Went downstream (out of the Wilderness) to the confluence with north Soldier creek, and caught a 12" brown.  Passed through rain into Wyoming.

Sunday, Foggy. Fished with mickey and rick from the Washing machine hole (by Clarksons hill) on down to Sechrist. Great fishing.  Tried not to count; but quite a lot of fish, hardly Any people. Temps started around 40, went up to 78. VERY light wind.  Thunderstorms Sunday night. Note: somewhere around now, mickey decides that my beadheadGreen&PartridgeWithPeacockAndWire need a better name: we pick Green Retros.

Monday, rains quit around dawn, Fished with mickey and rick from Grey Reef to Lusby. Awesome fishing, fairly crowded.  Cloudy and cool in morning, light winds and low seventies in afternoon. Mickey counted 71 trouts; And a Trophy Sucker!!! Drove ahead of rain to Chadron.

Tuesday, drove in rain all the way across Nebraska

June 6th 2014 (Friday) Left Ames at 2pm after leaving work early.  Drove to Ainsworth. 

Saturday, drove to Casper, got skunked at Sechrist (again!) then hung out at shop with the guides.  Ate at Panchos, and stayed in town.  Thunderstorms starting as I went to sleep

Sunday, Rain. Fished with Mickey and Rick in the Alcova afterbay; Slade and a client fished up there with us.  Caught 3 cutbows and about 50 rainbows before quitting early (1pm) due to steady Rain.  Drove to Lander; the rain stopped about Sweetwater station. Thai restaurant still good.  Stayed in Rodeway Inn.

Monday, woke up feeling woozy; cut trip short and headed back to Ainsworth.  Home on Tuesday

June 30th, 2014 (Monday) Left Saint Louis Park Mn at 11am.  Drove in rain down US-169 diagonal to I-90. Across S Dak to Sundance.  Stayed in Roadway.  Old fashioned TVs.

Tuesday, drove to Bighorns, got stonefly flies and breakfast in Sheridan.  Stayed at Prune Creek, campground and caught brown trouts (4) on stoneflies in South fork of Tongue at campground.  Fished Bull creek and caught a cutthroat there in beaver ponds north of road.  Broke camp @ 3am, because of cold (30 degrees).

Wednesday, went down us14 and up shell creek road to ranger creek; then back on us14 to Greybull.  Lisa's is now closed until 11am: no breakfast there. Went to Diner in Greybull instead.  Nice, but sat in smoking section by mistake.  Over to Ten Sleep, and up us16 (and gravel).  Ten sleep creek VERY high.  Fished Meadowlark Lake by the dam (caught a trout in Washakie county, and one a little further north in Bighorn county). Then down i25 (now 80mph!) and on to Red Butte Ranch. Took greg to J's, we were served by Jessikah (with a K), who i invited fishing with after she shamelessly flirted with me. But her 11 year old daughter needed to come with, and the boat would have been full. 

Thursday, fished with greg in the Alcova afterbay (which is the New Secret spot).  Water so high that we could get up and over the ledge; fished from Dam to Lake without a shuttle.  Fished redrock worms and nothing else. Stopped counting at 6 (15 min), a while later counted another 10, then stopped; then Later, counted 10 more, then stopped.  Three separate counts before lunch (with trouts in between).  After more fishing, greg said "let's go back up to the bridge and do one more run.  I jokingly placed an  limit of 25 more trouts for that run (counted closely thereafter).  Trout#16 was about 21" long, and FAT. greg said; let's stop on a high point. So we did. Probably ~70 trouts.  No Suckers :( Went to J's and asked for Jessikah with a K's section. I'm smitten.

Friday July 4th), left Red Butte @ 5, and drove us20 home by 7.  NO RAIN IN WYOMING THIS TRIP

August 16, 2014 (Saturday) Left Ames @ 3am drove Us-20 to Casper.  Stayed in Town.   Went to J's, and asked for Jessikah with a K: no luck :( My waiter (Kyle?) said that he thought she'd quit: RATS!) 

Sunday, fished from Government Bridge to Sechrist with a new guide named: Oliver.  It was fun, but the water was warm and mossy; only caught about 20 trouts.  After a few hours, i had Oliver tie on a Green Retro (which he didn't think would work).  First Cast: Strike! Then the trout leaped: INTO THE BOAT.  Oliver pointed out that it was on the Green Retro; i pointed out that it Jumped Into The Boat!   Oliver added that it landed in the net (which was laying on the deck).  First Cast!  Jumped Into The Boat!! Landed in the Net!!!  Go Green Retros Go!  Got off the water about 3pm (in Rain), drove to Ainsworth in Heavy Thunderstroms; got there after 10cdt.

Monday, drove across the Omaha Reservation and across the Toll bridge (no charge); home on US 30;  Norfolk had lots of traffic lights, and land was flat. Reservation was pretty-ish; road construction in Iowa

2015

February 13th, 2015 (Friday) Left ames @4am, napped at Ainsworth airport; Ate dinner @ J's.  Stayed at Red Butte; hooked a small trout while fishing in short sleeves (62 degrees) at dusk. 

Saturday, fished Gray Reef to Lusby with Greg (who's left arm hurts him; that why he wants to motor everywhere).  We hit the water a little before 7am; and were the first boat there.  37 degrees and Dead Calm when we started (pretty Good; for February!).  Quit counting at 10 trouts (while still at the boat ramp hole). Nine trouts landed in the first nine runs of the cable hole (which Greg accused me of knowing :) Winds picked 'up' to about 12 mph at Wind Island; was 57 degrees when i got back to my car (first trip to Wyoming in FIT).

~55 trouts pretty good for February :)  Drove to Chadron (had cheaper gas than Casper). Super8 

Sunday, drove home; where it was 14 degrees at 3pm Stupid February!! .  No Precipitation this Whole Trip!!!

May 16th, 2015(Saturday) Left ames @3am, napped at abandoned rest area; Fished Long Pine (nice water, but skunked) and Johnson lake at Fort Robinson (caught MANY little bluegills).  May 16th was free day in Nebraska. Scattered showers into Wyoming. Stopped at Ayer's Natural Bridge: VERY crowded (couldn't fish).  Stayed in Casper: ate at J's. Rain that night in Casper.

Sunday, cloudy, fished with Mickey and Rick at the Alcova after bay. Some trouts (~50), but big and fat; one got down on the backing (1st time ever).  Met Danielle (the new girl, Mrs. Slade).  Ate at J's. Good meatloaf.

Monday, fished Gray reef to Lusby. Windy (~25mph), cloudy and cold (40 degrees).  Drag bearings burnt out on reel :( Lost huge trout when drag froze and snapped 3x.  Only landed about 30 trouts (8 after lunch; not including the one that broke the 3x leader after the bearings in my reel's drag burnt out); but was fun.  Drove to Valentine to stay at econo lodge.  Home on Tuesday.

May 30th, 2015 (Saturday) Left ames @5, drove straight through.  Stayed in Casper. 

Sunday, met new breakfast girl, Miss Felon, who nicely got me bacon for rick. Floated Grey Reef to Government Bridge, fished down to Bolton Creek, where the river was blown. Reel working better after cleaning bearings.  Counted 76 fish on the line, which then shook off.  Only landed about 45 trouts (about 15 were Cutbows!); but landed TWO Trophy Suckers!!  One, a Tiger Sucker (over 3lbs!) on a Green retro!!.

Monday, woke up in Valentine, went on home. No Rain fell on me this trip, but scattered thundercells Sunday

June 20th, 2015 (Saturday) 5am, Left ames, US20 to Rte10, The restaurant in Beresford is closed. Drove straight west on SD46 to Fort Randall dam. Very busy by Beresford, pretty by the dam.  North on SD47 to Oacoma; Very gorgeous.  Skunked at Sand creek, and stayed in Sundance; rain that night.

Sunday; broke fast at the lesbian diner in Sheridan, and fished Bull creek below the highway, Northwest Wyoming was as green and wet as I’ve ever seen it. Drove the Chief Joe, then up the 212 to the Top of the World; fly fished Bear Tooth lake (skunked). Drizzle on the Bear Tooth.  Stayed in Cooke City and was reminded of how much I Don’t like Montana.

Monday; crossed Yellowstone, many animals. Fished the Gibbon in Virginia Meadows, caught a couple small brooks b4 scared away by buffalos.  Arrived Three Rivers Ranch around 3pm.  Marti and Steve got there ~6pm

Tuesday; Tamales, blueberry cakes. Henry’s fork to reservoir.  Caught small trouts with BJ: Marti did good with mickey.  BJ taught me to roll mend; which works good! (20151201 I Wish I could remember how I did those!)

Wednesday, S. Fork of Snake, put in at Cottonwood (1^st below campsite): much better .A 18” Cutthroat, a 17" brown and many others. After lunch (cold fried chicken) Marti rode with us; learnt how much guides do.  Steve enjoyed being alone with mickey.  At dinner, found that Bobby was Ambassador to Luxemburg (but still nice). 

Thursday, left 3RR, fished Madison by west gate (skunked, Did slip, fall and nearly drown (thanx wader belt!)). Out of park on US16 (pretty). Light Rain by Cody, Rain on 16 through the bighorns, stayed back in Sundance.

Friday, broke fast at Donna’s in Newcastle (roads there still wet).  Left Wyo on US18 in Fog, Mist and light rain.  Never saw fog in Wyo before!  US18 through South Dak was very pretty.  Home on US20

September 5^th, 2015 (Saturday) 4am, Left ames, I80 all the way to Evanston (many naps on way). Turns out; Evanston has a HUGE Labor Day rodeo; town packed.  Stayed in econo lodge. 

Sunday, drove down to Kamas Utah (ate at Mirror Lake diner: Nice!), and fished the upper Provo (skunked). The I in Uintas is apparently silent; they were gorgeous; but packed full of people.  Drove down the Bear River, where I caught a small brook trout before leaving Utah, fished it again in Wyo, and was skunked).

Monday, I drove up the Star Valley, which is gorgeous in the daytime. Fished Salt River; which looks like the water I'd do best in: skunked.  Blueberry pancakes and roasted trouts at Nora's (packed), and up and over the Teton pass. Got to 3RR early, and was going to stop at Upper Mesa falls, but it was sooo busy that they were limiting one in, one out.  Went to Warm River Springs (awesome!), and then back to the Three Rivers Ranch.

Tuesday fished the Teton river from the dam site down.  ~30 trouts; All Cutthroats; ALL on dries. Yea!

Wednesday mickey said we'd fish for "Quality over Quantity" on the lower Henrys Fork. Fishing only 'So-So'; caught 5 trouts all day: a 10" rainbow, a 13" brown; a 20" inch rainbow, a 19 inch, 5 pound brown (on a Michigan hopper), and a TWENTY-SIX INCH, SEVEN POUND Brown on a size 18 mercer micro may nymph !

Thursday, fished down the South Fork to the Sleep over camp; yelled at mickey, 'cause I'm an ass :(

Friday, fished out of the South Fork (campsite was nice), and stayed at Rock Springs (Long Drive: Sleepy)

Saturday, drove home!!

2016

February 27^th, 2016 (Saturday) ~5am, Left ames, US-20 still under construction by Correctionville.  Arrived Red Butte Ranch around 5:30 mst.  Ruth made me Dinner: Thanx ruth!. 

Sunday, Greg drove to Wedding of the Waters; beautiful day, only a little Rain Nice Trouts. Stayed in Thermo.

Monday, Fished again from Wedding of waters this time only to 8^th street bridge. Fishing was much better in morning then Sunday; Windy afternoon with little Rain.  Caught 2 20+" male Browns: 1 nearly 22". Rode back to Red Butte Ranch; ate at J's with Greg.

Tuesday, checked out and drove on home.  Was 15 degrees when I got back home: Stupid Iowa

May 14^th, 2016 (Saturday) ~6 am, Left ames with Ben; US-20 now has a DETOUR by Correctionville (not too long).  Ate at J's @ 5pm.  Rode up to the after bay, tried to catch some trouts (skunked); stayed at Red Butte. 

Sunday, fished with Mickey (but left Rick at home) from Grey Reef to Government bridge. Windy and Cold (high was 52). Ben is a natural fly guy. I caught some too. No rain until past Bolton creek, then heavy rain all night.  Drove up to Pathfinder, then ate at the Sunset Grill.  New waitress Chrystal is pretty. A lady with a silver belt was in town, looking to made bad choices: I could have BEEN one of those choices; but chickened out. Damn!

Monday, still raining; got coffee at the Bikini Coffee shop. Rain until almost Iowa.

June 23^rd 2016 (Thursday) Left work @3:30, and drove to Cozad [Never take I-80 again!]

Friday, Drove to Rock Springs, up through Pinedale, eating Hard Tack and Slim Jims. Road VERY pretty. Stopped at Emporium to buy Mickey a Huckleberry shake. Skunked on Robinson creek; 1st night at 3RR

Saturday, the Teton River fished great.  Not many guests, spent time talking to Diana and Isabel

Sunday, fished the Teton River again, it was So Good!

Monday, fished the Railroad Ranch; where I caught a trout.

Tuesday, fished up in the park at Cave Falls with Isabel (1^st fly fishing) Watched Thunderstorms go into Park

Wednesday, drove across the Reclamation road and down the Wind River to Lander.

Thursday, went up to the Sinks, and across to South Pass. Little Popo Agie is new favorite river! Rain started there, and continued 'til Alcova. Stayed in Casper; Rain that night

Friday, fished 1^st time with Ryan; Fun!  Lightning!! Torrential Rain! Huge Sucker!!  Back in Casper (new bbq)

Saturday, fished with Greg, on 1 run on the after bay, caught a Rainbow, 2 Browns, and a Cutthroat: hat trick! Greg said he couldn't remember the last cutthroat he'd seen up there. Drove to Chadron

Sunday, Drove home.

October 1^st, 2016 (Saturday) 5:30am, Left Ames, US-20 new pavement being poured: Road Still Closed. Arrived Casper Quality Inn around 6ish.  Some sprinkles around Lusk.

Sunday, fished Casper to below Edness Killball St Park with Greg. Beautiful day (45-70, sunny). Some dry fly fishing (but mostly Caddis larva) to Many rising trouts. Moderate Rain around Van Tassell. Slept in Chadron.

Monday, drove home.  Sleepy