"rw" wrote



Maybe, but I'm skeptical.


I would be too if I hadn't seen it a few times. When the Hebgen fish
really get into "gulpering" ( which is different than merely rising for
food ) it is often very clear where a fish is likely to rise next. But,
don't assume that makes it "easy" even at short ranges, as they are huge
spinner falls and many times your fly will be an inch or 3 from the one the
fish actually chooses next. Craig Matthews has described it as "the most
frustrating thing known to anglers" or something close to that. I've not
seen this in fish elsewhere to any thing like the same degree .... if I
manage to be there mid-August I'll try and remember and let you know when
it's "happening" Note: early in August and in Late July ( average of
course) there will be lots of risers but not "real gulpers" .... i.e.
crusing fish feeding in a pattern ... when you ask long term locals about
Hebgen they will make a clear distinction at this eary time and say
something like, "There are lots of rising fish, but they haven't started
gulping yet." ... it's easy to believe you are being sold a line of BS, but
imho "real gulpers" are a 'must see and do" experience for any serious fly
fisher to put on his B4 I Die list

One other Hebgen note for those that might go there ....if the wind blows
hard one day, don't bother the next even if it's dead flat ... seems the
waves churn up everything and upset the fish for a day or two, not just
during the actual blow ( you can still catch fish in more normal stillwater
ways, but you won't see gulpers )