From the Blue Ribbon Flies (West Yellowstone) shop newsletter this morning…
I need your help. Long story today but please read on.
Last evening I spent a delightful time with fishing friends Cliff and Kathy Schaeffer of Livingston, MT. We arrived on the Madison just after a hailstorm passed through. The sun attempted to peak through the thick clouds as we enjoyed sandwiches at a favorite pool with eyes on the water hoping to see rises to a sparse emergence of size #22 Baetis duns. A few fish began working a sparse hatch of duns as we quickly gulped down our late afternoon lunch and prepared to fish the risers. As things often go by the time we tied on fresh tippet and flies the sun came out full-force, which turned the hatch off and the fish went down.
We sat watching the water for rising fish discussing the amazing view upstream and down from our spot in the Madison Valley. We talked of the wild trout population the river holds, the wildlife migration corridor for elk, pronghorn, moose, and deer that the valley is world famous for, the 2 grizzlies recently seen below $3 Bridge and the fact that the river from Raynolds Bridge downstream to Snowball is mostly open to the public for angling and wildlife viewing. Over 7 miles of river valley open to all of us, forever.
Cliff, Kathy and I shared our thoughts as thunderstorms rumbled in the distance and a cold, soft rain began to fall on us. To the east a double rainbow popped up, as intense in color as I’ve ever seen. The benches of land overlooking the river coming in and out of late sunlight and shadow as clouds broke free in high winds aloft allowing golden glow of sunshine to peak through.
I thought of our friend Alex. Here’s where I need your help.
The Madison Valley beginning at $3 Bridge Ranch on Raynolds Pass north-east to the Olliffe Ranch at Highway 287/87 Junction (Raynolds Pass Bridge) then continuing downstream on Highway 287 north for nearly 30 miles is mostly protected by conservation easements. Fishing access is guaranteed as is other public uses such as hunting, hiking, etc. FOREVER. The man behind much of this conservation success is my buddy Alex Diekmann. Too, Alex ramrodded the Taylor Fork Project on the Gallatin River side that put into public ownership thousands of acres of land that would have been developed there. He completed this even after groups and agencies like the US Forest Service had given up on it saying, “this will never happen”. Alex made it happen along with the thousands of acres and miles of Madison River he was influential in protecting and preserving for all of us and our kids and grandkids to enjoy forever.
Alex is having a health issue at this time, one he is conquering and recovering from. Alex feels, as many of you and I do, that friends and family are important to making this full recovery. Here’s where I need your help. Would you do me a huge favor? Please send a note or card to Alex via my home address expressing your good wishes and appreciation for what Alex has worked on so hard for all of us. I cannot thank you enough for this, it means a lot to Alex and me. Send them to: Craig Mathews, 80 East Horse Creek Rd. Cameron, Mt. 59720. I will get them to him as he undergoes treatment in Salt Lake City. Thank you in advance.
Next week I’ll be taking his young son, Liam, on a fishing day trip. Liam and his older brother Logan miss their dad. Both are world-class cross-country skiers and fine young men. I’ll keep you posted here…
