Larry L wrote:
Like most of us I've come close to buying the farm a few times ....
and in manners that would have embarrassed my survivors at my
stupidity .... after it was all over, I could see the headlines in the
Montahoming papers .. "Dumb **** Californian Drowns"

Yep, been there done that. I've been in serious jeopardy in ways
that would have been nominated for the Darwin Awards.

Fred, from Mid-May to late Oct there is almost always "someplace" to
fish, with reasonable success, within day trip distance of West
Yellowstone. But, you may have to alter your expectations.

There's someplace to fish year round in that area. I've had
glorious days on the Gallatin outside the Park in February and
the Gallatin tribs fish well on Jellystone opening day if you're
willing to hike a ways.

I don't fish the Madison ( below Quake ) very much, not my style, but
one of the very best days I've had there it was so high I was
literally scared to get very close to it, let alone wade, 'cause a
collapsing bank could have been fatal. I fished big nymphs tossed
from back up on the shore to land an inch or two from the shore,
caught a few very special Browns.

Again, not "my style" but sometimes one plays the game available
realizing that it makes the game of choice even more appreciated,
later.

I used to feel the same way but anymore if the game of choice isn't
available I'll usually just take the day off. Maybe I'm getting
old and cranky.

--
Ken Fortenberry