Vics Blog

About five weeks ago I was invited to join Andy Leslie, Bob Younger and Braun Mincher of Ft. Collins to photograph them and several others floating and fly fishing the Madison River in Montana. It took me about two seconds to make the decision to go and ten days later we were on our way. The Madison is noted as one of the premier fisheries in the world producing large rainbow and brown trout as it flows through spectacular scenery just west of Yellowstone National Park. I was told we were going to stay at one of Braun’s friend’s cabin which was nestled on a small rise about thirty yards from a premier fishing hole called the aquarium.
We arrived about seven in the evening and proceeded through the front door, past a big stone fireplace, and out to a giant rear deck which overlooked a glowing campfire and the singing river. We were making introductions as the sun set when a bald eagle flew in from somewhere, circled directly above us, hovered, and then dove sharply into the water. It snagged a large trout in its talons and to my chagrin stood there for what seemed minutes while everyone gave me grief for not having the camera ready. The sight is still burned into my brain. The night ushered in thick steaks, wine, new friends, and as we gathered around a crackling fire we talked fishing and photography until midnight.
The next morning arrived cold and steam was brewing over the warmer water in the river. Andy and Bob were up early and I took pictures while they cast their lines through the ghostly mist. As the sun began to rise, it silhouetted them against the shimmering water and made for incredible images. The day began to warm, so we all headed to the local hangout for breakfast and made plans for the rest of the day. Fishing was the agenda and as they beat the waters I snapped the shutter. One thing that’s distinguishable about photographing in Montana is that just about everyone packs a firearm. Grizzlies abound in that part of the country and I was always looking over my shoulder to see if one of them might be interested in me as an easy meal. As much as I wanted to photograph one, I was relieved that they never showed up.
The next day we floated the Madison in small drift boats. The country was striking and so where the fish. Sitting on a swiveling rear seat, I was able to capture the action as fly lines, osprey, eagles and the sparkling river darted by for hours. In the evening we gathered once again around the dancing firelight, roasted marshmallows, and as the evening tired, watched satellites pass by in the starlit sky.
They fished and I photographed for two more days and then it was time to head out. I’d had the privilege of making friends and capturing another fantastic adventure in thousands of images that I will always remember.