Broken flood gates on Hebgen Dam raised the flow of the upper Madison from approximately 900 cfs to 3,600 cfs in a matter of hours Sunday afternoon. All fishing access points from Ennis to the dam are now reportedly closed to recreation. Here on the Yellowstone we are bracing ourselves for the onslaught of Clackacrafts and bobbers headed our way.

OK, so the economy is in the crapper and gas prices are at an all time high. Here at Sweetwater Fly Shop we try and look at the bright side. Steelhead returns to the Skeena system in B.C. are twice the 10 year average this year, which is great for those of us able to make the trip north. Charlie however will not. So to compensate for this great injustice he had fried chicken for lunch while admiring the steelhead flies that he won’t be fishing. For more on Skeena steelhead returns check out the Skeena Fisheries Blog.

Our buddy Derek DeYoung and local fly tying guru Doug McKnight showed off their talent last week at Livingston’s art walk. Derek displayed many of his paintings which complimented Doug’s beautiful Salmon Flies quite well. The show will run through August 8th so if you’re in Livingston be sure to stop by the Livingston Center for Art and check it out.