Just returned from Yellowstone Lake
- Thread starter Yellowstone
- Start date
jkidd":1wtuvvra said:
If the ice is gone around the edge of the lake (that's what one of our passengers told us yesterday), I'd guess it will be clear in the next 3 days. I think the Park Service policy is to not allow boats on the lake until 48 hours after the ice is gone.
If anyone is in the Yellowstone vicinity and wants a real treat: go to Fishing Bridge when the ice is flowing out of the lake and into the Yellowstone River. You can feel the vibration while standing on the bridge and the ice crushing together and flowing sounds like a child crying. It is pretty awesome to see and hear.
jkidd
Active member
I was up at Strawberry Reservoir one year when it was gone around the edges. The fishing is pretty good about that time. Later in the day the wind came up and pushed the ice sheet into the shore it made great big piles of snow on the shore and boy was it loud. I remember thinking it would be a bad place to be in a boat when that happened.
Yellowstone
New member
Jody - Perhaps in four days or so. Just really a guess. When I looked the lake over with binoculars, large areas of open water were here and there. A few windy days will really get things moving. The Xanterra people say that the past May was the coldest on record, which slowed the thaw.
I'm confident that by June 15 (the day fishing opens on the lake), the ice will be gone. I know the Grady White guides are champing at the bit to get going. The lake trout should be in shallow water then and hitting on spoons.
The NPS has recruited a commercial enterprise to expedite the killing of the lake trout. How? Two newly constructed boats for setting and pulling nets have suddenly appeared at the marina. These have the appearance of small, ocean going seiners with forward deck superstructure. They join the non-descript boats setting nets these past several years. I must confess to some skepticism whether this will have a real impact on the lake trout.
John
I'm confident that by June 15 (the day fishing opens on the lake), the ice will be gone. I know the Grady White guides are champing at the bit to get going. The lake trout should be in shallow water then and hitting on spoons.
The NPS has recruited a commercial enterprise to expedite the killing of the lake trout. How? Two newly constructed boats for setting and pulling nets have suddenly appeared at the marina. These have the appearance of small, ocean going seiners with forward deck superstructure. They join the non-descript boats setting nets these past several years. I must confess to some skepticism whether this will have a real impact on the lake trout.
John
Yellowstone
New member
Jim - So you are back for another season. Good. Have a question for you on Jackson Lake. It appears that the lake trout and cutthroat trout have peacefully co-existed in Jackson Lake for decades. I haven't heard of concerns about the cutthroat there being in trouble. Any thoughts on that?
Take care. John
Take care. John
Yellowstone
New member
Bob - I'm going to block out the week of July 8 so I'll be around when you get to Yellowstone. Maybe Captain Jim can leave the man-made body of water he playing in and join us purists here in Yellowstone. Hope some others can come to the Thataway rendezvous and meet you.
John
P.S. Some Yellowstone Lake trivia for C-Brats who haven't visited the lake with an elevation of close to 8,000 feet. Yellowstone Lake is part of the headwaters on the longest (about 600 miles) river without a dam, the Yellowstone, in the United States. Trout fishing was good as far down the river as Miles City in 1876.
John
P.S. Some Yellowstone Lake trivia for C-Brats who haven't visited the lake with an elevation of close to 8,000 feet. Yellowstone Lake is part of the headwaters on the longest (about 600 miles) river without a dam, the Yellowstone, in the United States. Trout fishing was good as far down the river as Miles City in 1876.
Yellowstone
New member
Caw - Your July dates are good ones. June is a pretty fickle month in Yellowstone as you probably already know. Looking forward to seeing you folks again. John
Yellowstone":1m6rx3ee said:
Hi John,
The problem with the lake trout and cutthroat in Yellowstone is the food chain - there are 40+ species in Yellowstone that depend on the cutthroat as their food source (bear, eagle, etc.). They feed and exist closer to the surface than the lake trout, making them more accessible to the land species. Also, lake trout eat cutthroat. The lake trout are not native in Yellowstone and have really diminished the cutthroat population. In Yellowstone, there is concern that if the cutthroat goes away, so do all the other species up the food chain. Thus, the reason for the gill netting operation to do away with the lake trout. Frankly, and this is just my opinion, the best they can hope for with the gill netting is to try to control the lake trout. Lake trout are bigger and reproduce more. They are "hardier" than the cutthroat. They live longer.
I wouldn't say that the cutthroat and lake trout "peacefully" co-exist in other lakes, but they may both be native. The fishing in Jackson Lake is very good, but there are WAY fewer cutthroat caught than lake trout.
I hope our paths will cross this summer.
Best wishes,
Jim
On swimming animals -
In BC and SE Alaska we had often seen bear and deer swimming fairly short distances across a channel, but last summer took the cake. We were near the middle of Chatham Strait in SE AK, at a point where it was 5-6 miles wide, and came across two deer swimming across.
We wondered - how do they decide to do that? How do they know where they're going? What if the weather kicks up while they're on the way? I'd guess it would take some number of hours for them to cross. Do they get exhausted and stop to rest?
In BC and SE Alaska we had often seen bear and deer swimming fairly short distances across a channel, but last summer took the cake. We were near the middle of Chatham Strait in SE AK, at a point where it was 5-6 miles wide, and came across two deer swimming across.
We wondered - how do they decide to do that? How do they know where they're going? What if the weather kicks up while they're on the way? I'd guess it would take some number of hours for them to cross. Do they get exhausted and stop to rest?
Pat Anderson
New member
Good advice I'm sure, John! You are so right that nobody knows what lies ahead. But what gives meaning to our lives is our three kids. Two are through college and Austin is finishing his sophomore year, and his graduation is our retirement driver for sure (that and the flat housing market, we have to sell a house that is now WAY too big for us).
Even though the job gets in the way (I love my job, by the way, that is not the problem) we have managed to get in some awesome cruising, it is just that hard deadline when I have to be back that gets me. In the meantime we travel lots more places vicariously through this site! I'm imagining the grizzlies!
A couple more years, like I say, I have a countdown widget on the Macbook. And every day will be Friday afternoon for us too!
Even though the job gets in the way (I love my job, by the way, that is not the problem) we have managed to get in some awesome cruising, it is just that hard deadline when I have to be back that gets me. In the meantime we travel lots more places vicariously through this site! I'm imagining the grizzlies!
A couple more years, like I say, I have a countdown widget on the Macbook. And every day will be Friday afternoon for us too!
Yellowstone":8rn2pnej said:
NewMoon":tbehuqjp said:
Here on Jackson Lake, there is an island named Elk Island. Seems pretty obvious, huh? :wink: It's well over a mile swim from the mainland. Some elk seem to know to come here to calf because it is away from predators. Interestingly enough, some bears know where there will be baby elk to eat. It's the food chain, and most things that these animals do is food-driven (eating or trying to keep from being eaten).
It is amazing to see an elk or moose in the water. They can stop swimming and just bob there. Mother Nature has given them all those natural flotation devices in their hollow hairs.
Best wishes,
Jim
NewMoon":1qymx3fb said:
Here on Jackson Lake, there is an island named Elk Island. Seems pretty obvious, huh? :wink: It's well over a mile swim from the mainland. Some elk seem to know to come here to calf because it is away from predators. Interestingly enough, some bears know where there will be baby elk to eat. It's the food chain, and most things that these animals do is food-driven (eating or trying to keep from being eaten).
It is amazing to see an elk or moose in the water. They can stop swimming and just bob there. Mother Nature has given them all those natural flotation devices in their hollow hairs.
Best wishes,
Jim
Nancy and I would like to try out Yellowstone this summer, but we never know when we can get away until the last minute - I read here where everyone is making "reservations" - a concept I'm not used to. If we were to just show up in late August, are we going to have problems finding a way to stay on the lake?
jkidd
Active member
Tom
The times I have been there in the last 2 years you could probably get a slip when you arrive or call and get a reservation right before you leave. You can only stay at designated camps out on the lake or at the marina. You can't anchor out anywhere at night. The times I have been there they were not full. Maybe John can tell us if they do get full at times on busy weekends. It is a beautiful place to stay and cruise at.
The times I have been there in the last 2 years you could probably get a slip when you arrive or call and get a reservation right before you leave. You can only stay at designated camps out on the lake or at the marina. You can't anchor out anywhere at night. The times I have been there they were not full. Maybe John can tell us if they do get full at times on busy weekends. It is a beautiful place to stay and cruise at.
Yellowstone
New member
Tom & Nancy - Am echoing Jason's comments. For the last two seasons, I have never seen all the slips filled, even on the busiest weekends.
The marina is organized with docks for government boats at one end and then docks for Zanterra cruise ships (one big one for short guided tours, and the other for runs on the lake to fish with say up to 8 persons. Five (5) Grady-White 22' boats where guides take fisherman out for hourly trips are berthed, and then 16' rental boats with 40HP Hondas and 14' rental row boats are also in slips.
The leased docks begin on dock B, which is called a transient dock, with slips on both sides. I choose to lease on B dock because it is rarely busy and affords more privacy.
The other docks C,D,E. etc. are usually filled up with bigger boats - maximum 40'. All the docks are beautifully constructed and each slip has its own electrical hookup and potable water from a lighted (at night) tower. Cleats are strategically located to assist in tying up.
Wheeled carts are available on the docks for moving supplies to the boats.
Cars and pickups of boaters are allowed to drive to the edge of the docks to help in unloading. Then the vehicles are required to return to the paved parking lot for parking. Also, after launching, your trailer can be dropped on one side of the parking lot. The parking lot is quite large and accommodating.
Xanterra provides security even at night time. Only boaters and their guests are allowed on the docks. Heated bathrooms (but only cold water) and flush toilets are near the launch site at the ranger station overlooking the slips. Also, the marina office is located along side with a well stocked food and supply store, coffee, etc.
Near the government dock is a separate fuel dock with tie ups on both sides. Hot showers are located at Fishing Bridge trailer court a few miles away. No generators are allowed to run after 10 pm, and the marina is very quiet at night because all the motorized tourists are gone. The dock area is immaculate - no discharge in the lake whatsoever is allowed including gray water. Fish must be cleaned at a nearby cleaning station.
Bridge Bay Marina office can be reached at 307 - 242 -3876 for reservations, 9-5. 2010 summer rates per night for 16'1" and over are $23.00. The monthly rate for 20'1" to 25' is $303.00.
If you should arrive after the ranger station and marina offices are closed, just find an open slip on B dock and berth. You can take care of the necessary paper work in the morning since the offices are open daily.
For meals, you can cook aboard, go to the lake hotel area (a few miles away) and dine fancy or go to a large cafeteria nearby. Also the lake area store has a fast food service, and marina store has fast food and is open to 9 pm.
Hopes this gives you some useful information in planning your trip and any other C-Dog coming this way.
John
The marina is organized with docks for government boats at one end and then docks for Zanterra cruise ships (one big one for short guided tours, and the other for runs on the lake to fish with say up to 8 persons. Five (5) Grady-White 22' boats where guides take fisherman out for hourly trips are berthed, and then 16' rental boats with 40HP Hondas and 14' rental row boats are also in slips.
The leased docks begin on dock B, which is called a transient dock, with slips on both sides. I choose to lease on B dock because it is rarely busy and affords more privacy.
The other docks C,D,E. etc. are usually filled up with bigger boats - maximum 40'. All the docks are beautifully constructed and each slip has its own electrical hookup and potable water from a lighted (at night) tower. Cleats are strategically located to assist in tying up.
Wheeled carts are available on the docks for moving supplies to the boats.
Cars and pickups of boaters are allowed to drive to the edge of the docks to help in unloading. Then the vehicles are required to return to the paved parking lot for parking. Also, after launching, your trailer can be dropped on one side of the parking lot. The parking lot is quite large and accommodating.
Xanterra provides security even at night time. Only boaters and their guests are allowed on the docks. Heated bathrooms (but only cold water) and flush toilets are near the launch site at the ranger station overlooking the slips. Also, the marina office is located along side with a well stocked food and supply store, coffee, etc.
Near the government dock is a separate fuel dock with tie ups on both sides. Hot showers are located at Fishing Bridge trailer court a few miles away. No generators are allowed to run after 10 pm, and the marina is very quiet at night because all the motorized tourists are gone. The dock area is immaculate - no discharge in the lake whatsoever is allowed including gray water. Fish must be cleaned at a nearby cleaning station.
Bridge Bay Marina office can be reached at 307 - 242 -3876 for reservations, 9-5. 2010 summer rates per night for 16'1" and over are $23.00. The monthly rate for 20'1" to 25' is $303.00.
If you should arrive after the ranger station and marina offices are closed, just find an open slip on B dock and berth. You can take care of the necessary paper work in the morning since the offices are open daily.
For meals, you can cook aboard, go to the lake hotel area (a few miles away) and dine fancy or go to a large cafeteria nearby. Also the lake area store has a fast food service, and marina store has fast food and is open to 9 pm.
Hopes this gives you some useful information in planning your trip and any other C-Dog coming this way.
John
To add to what John wrote, there are a few restrictions on the lake that keep a lot of the recreational boaters off: no jet skis, no waterskiing, no pulling a float. The lake is large (and cold), but nothing like most lakes on weekends with crowds driving in circles.
We stayed there with the C-Dory several years ago over the 4th of July and were one of 4 boats on B dock. Not a guarantee that there are always slips available, but I've never seen the transient dock full.
We stayed there with the C-Dory several years ago over the 4th of July and were one of 4 boats on B dock. Not a guarantee that there are always slips available, but I've never seen the transient dock full.
Yellowstone
New member
Jim - Thanks for adding about the restrictions.
Jason mentioned about boat camping areas. On the western side of the lake are several docks for both day use and overnight mooring. Also there are land camp sites near the docks. Both overnight and camp site use requires permits issued by the NPS on a first come first serve basis.
The NPS has intelligently provided bear proof metal boxes for storing food. No bear poles needed here.
There is a small bay called Grizzly in Flat Mountain Arm which allows overnight anchoring, but often restricts going ashore because of bear activity. Grizzly Bay is the most protected area on the lake, but mosquito activity can be ferocious.
In mid lake there is a boat dock on the eastern side of Frank Island with toilet and area to picnic. The three major arms restrict power boating to 5 mph until the last 3 miles are reached. That is a hand propelled or sailing area. The 5 mph zone pretty well eliminates most boats, plus they must stay a quarter mile off shore when travelling up and down the arms.
Many times I will trail my 19' Grumman canoe with sail kit down the arms to the hand propelled area, anchor the Far West II off shore, and either paddle or sail depending upon wind conditions to the bottom of the arms.
Jim, you are probably correct about the lake trout issue. The NPS can only hope to control their numbers. With the new commercial boats netting, I'm wondering if they will be allowed to keep and process the lake trout. They are excellent eating, contrary to all the stories about them being oily. Current regs require killing them and throwing them back into the lake to replenish the bio-mass, unless the fisherman wants to eat them. I'll make enough inquiries and report later.
Jim, I hope you and the wife can come up here for a few days of socializing. Also, canoe sailing in the arms is a blast. Take care.
John
Jason mentioned about boat camping areas. On the western side of the lake are several docks for both day use and overnight mooring. Also there are land camp sites near the docks. Both overnight and camp site use requires permits issued by the NPS on a first come first serve basis.
The NPS has intelligently provided bear proof metal boxes for storing food. No bear poles needed here.
There is a small bay called Grizzly in Flat Mountain Arm which allows overnight anchoring, but often restricts going ashore because of bear activity. Grizzly Bay is the most protected area on the lake, but mosquito activity can be ferocious.
In mid lake there is a boat dock on the eastern side of Frank Island with toilet and area to picnic. The three major arms restrict power boating to 5 mph until the last 3 miles are reached. That is a hand propelled or sailing area. The 5 mph zone pretty well eliminates most boats, plus they must stay a quarter mile off shore when travelling up and down the arms.
Many times I will trail my 19' Grumman canoe with sail kit down the arms to the hand propelled area, anchor the Far West II off shore, and either paddle or sail depending upon wind conditions to the bottom of the arms.
Jim, you are probably correct about the lake trout issue. The NPS can only hope to control their numbers. With the new commercial boats netting, I'm wondering if they will be allowed to keep and process the lake trout. They are excellent eating, contrary to all the stories about them being oily. Current regs require killing them and throwing them back into the lake to replenish the bio-mass, unless the fisherman wants to eat them. I'll make enough inquiries and report later.
Jim, I hope you and the wife can come up here for a few days of socializing. Also, canoe sailing in the arms is a blast. Take care.
John
Pat Anderson
New member
So if there is no discharge including gray water, how do you deal with it? We do not have a gray water holding tank, it just discharges overboard if we run the water...just curious, obviously you have all figured out something.
Yellowstone
New member
Pat -There is a pump out station for boats with holding tanks at the marina. Also, for porta potties, there is a dump station (a huge flush toilet) just off the docks. We use small plastic tubs to wash dishes and then transfer the water to jugs and carry them off. It is just a short walk to the dump station. It is a small inconvenience but it is worth keeping the water clean. Occasionally, a boater will dump gray water, but a stiff fine awaits anyone who does and is caught. I consider it a high privilege to be on the lake and believe that with that privilege goes a set of responsibilities to the environment. Interesting enough the NPS allows two strokes on the lake. Lake Tahoe today doesn't.
Last summer a fellow came in with a big catch of lake trout and preceded to clean them on the dock (took fillets)and then threw the remains overboard where they could be seen easily in fourteen feet of water. He had a ranger visit him, and believe me, that practice stopped. Cleaning lake trout in the main body of the lake is OK.
What is acceptable practices on the ocean simply doesn't fit in the scheme of things here in Yellowstone. I know that you folks understand all that.
The NPS has this delicate balancing act of providing for visitor access and yet protecting the environment. A number of years ago, a big development at Grant Village took place with a marina. But it was abandoned because boating became too popular. Boating is allowed on only Lewis Lake and Yellowstone. Shoshone Lake is reserved for hand propelled craft.
I know this may sound like a lecture (not intended), but IMO unless every boater treats the lake like it is a valuable jewel, the day may come when power boating will not be allowed.
In the summer of 1953, I pumped gas at the Fishing Bridge station. The Fishing Bridge campground was mostly tent camping in those days. I witnessed the canning of cutthroat trout. Mom with the three burner Coleman stove going and Mason jars stuffed with fresh trout. The kids would ferry the freshly caught trout from the lake to the campsite and make return runs.
Take care.
John
Last summer a fellow came in with a big catch of lake trout and preceded to clean them on the dock (took fillets)and then threw the remains overboard where they could be seen easily in fourteen feet of water. He had a ranger visit him, and believe me, that practice stopped. Cleaning lake trout in the main body of the lake is OK.
What is acceptable practices on the ocean simply doesn't fit in the scheme of things here in Yellowstone. I know that you folks understand all that.
The NPS has this delicate balancing act of providing for visitor access and yet protecting the environment. A number of years ago, a big development at Grant Village took place with a marina. But it was abandoned because boating became too popular. Boating is allowed on only Lewis Lake and Yellowstone. Shoshone Lake is reserved for hand propelled craft.
I know this may sound like a lecture (not intended), but IMO unless every boater treats the lake like it is a valuable jewel, the day may come when power boating will not be allowed.
In the summer of 1953, I pumped gas at the Fishing Bridge station. The Fishing Bridge campground was mostly tent camping in those days. I witnessed the canning of cutthroat trout. Mom with the three burner Coleman stove going and Mason jars stuffed with fresh trout. The kids would ferry the freshly caught trout from the lake to the campsite and make return runs.
Take care.
John