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John Mayer Concert Benefits Pine Creek Fireman

John Mayer Concert Benefits Pine Creek Fireman

As most of you know last August a wildfire broke out along the east bank of the Yellowstone River, near Pine Creek. It was a sight to see, with up to four helicopters whirling about and the ever-present bombers dropping retardent amongst the 400 plus firefighters. It was a terrifying reminder of how wild our Montana backyard can be. By the time it was contained it burned over 8,500 acres of ranch and forest land as well as destroying 5 homes. Fortunately, no lives were lost.

Our newest well-known resident and musician John Mayer, who recently moved to the Pine Creek area, was not present for the blaze but has certainly become a part of our little community. Mayer was extremely moved by the efforts of the community and particularly the firefighters and wanted to give something back. So with the help of a number of musicians Mayer took the stage on January 16, 2013, where he rocked the crowd and even sang a few songs (his first singing concert since 2011).

The benefit raised over $100,000 which will go to benefit the firefighters of the Pine Creek Rural Fire Department and locals affected by the wildfire.  In Mayer’s own words,

“Without the tireless effort and dedication of the firefighters of the Pine Creek Fire, many more homes and memories would have been destroyed, mine among them. I wasn’t in town when the fire broke out and I’ve always wished I could do my part to help, the way so many in the community did. Putting on a concert to raise some money for the departments is the least I can do for a town and a community that has welcomed me with open arms.”

From all of us at Montana Fly Fishing Guides, LLC and the community at large a big THANK YOU to the firefighters and John Mayer for helping raise funds for a great local cause.

Yellowstone River Fishing Report 2/16/2012

Yellowstone River Fishing Report 2-16-2012

Well, it’s two days after St.Valentines day and I’ve already fished about 15 days this year. The mild winter up here has kept most of the rivers ice free which is good for those of us who enjoy rising fish and solitude on the rivers. What a difference a year makes! Last year at this time we were waist deep skiing powder, this year we’re waist deep in the rivers.

We’ve been fishing the Yellowstone pretty much anytime the wind isn’t blowing. It’s a great time to be out swinging streamers or looking for rising fish. Dry fly fishing has been much more productive on cloudy days. When the sun is out we’ve been able to pick fish up on small zebra midges, blood worms, and emerging midge patterns.

We’ll be on the Upper Madison tomorrow with an update soon to follow! (We’re hearing reports of big fish being caught on midge dries!!)

Montana Wind Speed Map

Montana Wind Speed Map

We just found a great new wind speed map that might be useful to those of you who spend most of your summer days outside.

A few years ago I remember driving with one of our core guides, Russel Elwell.  We were mid-conversation while I was parking the truck, then without hesitation in our dialog, I spun the truck around to park facing into the gale force wind. Russell looked at me and said, “Do you realize how much time we (referring to Livingston locals) spend thinking about the wind.”  I didn’t even mention why I was re-parking the truck, but he already knew that I didn’t want my doors ripped off by the gusts.

He was right about how much we think of the wind around here.  While this map won’t deter us from being in Montana fly fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking or any of the other 100 great things to do – it might just give us a heads up.