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The Eddy Line: Angling through the masses
Published
11 years agoon
Summertime means sharing our waters
By Patrick Straub Explore Big Sky Fishing Columnist
Cut to the scene: local fly shops. It’s early morning, barely room to move on the sales floor; guides’ rigs with boats trailered fill the parking lot; eager anglers finger the hot flies stuffing their goodie cups; and all the while, phones are ringing constantly with inquiries from incoming fishermen and women.
One thing is certain: Summertime is here and our mountain town is humming with activity. Because we’ve got it pretty darn good here in Big Sky, our home waters are filled with locals and visiting anglers who are most likely fishing in all the best spots. For the next several weeks, enjoying the sport might take a little extra effort in the etiquette department. Here are a few tips:
Practice what you preach. If you’re concerned with being crowded or feel others might be in your favorite hole already, find another place to fish. If you start fishing near someone else, you’re probably encroaching on them. Do unto others…
Respect landowners and private property. Know the law: It’s public property BELOW the MEAN high-water mark. If you are uncertain, move on or find other place to fish or wade. If you’re fishing with your dog, leash it or keep it under control. Always, always, always obtain permission before crossing private property. Your actions can affect future opportunities for other anglers.
When floating, be very conscious of wading anglers. Give wading anglers a wide berth, and do not float through their fishing zones. As our rivers continue to drop, and low water becomes a forthcoming reality, common courtesy goes a long way. A polite “hello” helps all parties enjoy the encounter.
Be boat ramp ready. If you’re at the boat launch putting in or taking out, be ready to get in and get out. Have rods rigged, coolers loaded, and backing skills honed. Inflate rafts away from the ramp. When taking out, pull your boat then unpack the gear once out of the ramp area.
Share the love. This may sound crazy coming from a fly shop owner, but if you’re in the best hole in the river, feel good about sharing it. We’re lucky to live in Big Sky where we’re great at welcoming folks from all over the country – and the world – into our hamlet for the few months of our short summer. Get your fish on then head to your next favorite hole. Remember, those fish will still be there when the summer crowds leave.
Leave it better than you found it. Pretty simple here. Don’t leave trash. Pick up after others. Yada, yada, yada … all the things you learned in kindergarten.
I tell the clients in my boat and in our shop that Montana is the land of 10 months of winter and two months of friends and relatives. This sentiment is amplified by the presence of our many summer visitors. Fortunately there are dedicated people who work tirelessly to preserve and protect the resources that brought us here or continue to keep us here.
Our summer season is upon us, and that means we have to share the love.
Pat Straub is the author of six books, including The Frugal Fly Fisher, Montana On The Fly, and the forthcoming Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fly Fishing* *but were afraid to ask. He and his wife own Gallatin River Guides in Big Sky.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
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Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
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Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
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Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm