Learning the Twitch for Trout Fishing

Some days, trout need more than just the perfect fly and a drag-free drift to convince them to bite. When you're trying to catch trout and none of your standard tricks are working, try imparting subtle movement on your fly to get the job done. You can do this by using well-timed rod tip twitches during the drift. These twitches will give your fly a life-like appeal that will tell trout that it is a natural prey and not an impostor.

The goal isn't to pop, skate, or splash your fly on the surface. All you need to do is move it just enough to twitch its rubber legs and make the material of the fly “breathe” in the water. With a little practice, you'll soon get a good feel on exactly how strong or gentle the twitch needs to be, depending on the type of water you're fishing in.

One important tip: this technique works exceptionally well for a fly that imitates big food sources such as a salmon fly, although it has also been proven to be effective for smaller flies. Some anglers particularly like to occasionally twitch their flies when trout fishing in deep or slow moving water. Doing so seems to attract trout in from farther distances more than usual.

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Tips for Safety When Whitewater Rafting

Maneuvering a water vessel across an unforgiving river of roaring waves and treacherous rocks is one of the many adrenaline-pumping activities that so many people are getting hooked on. The amazing scenery and the presence of danger are what makes rafting such an exhilarating experience. When you equip yourself with these simple rules, you can easily stay safe and enjoy at the same time:

Keep your water shoes handy. While you might not need them right in your boat, there will be a time when you will be forced to tread on the water. Not only will the shoes keep your feet insulated while you walk, it will also protect you from any sharp objects lurking in the murky water, thereby keeping your feet safe as you step in or out of the boat.

Class 1 and 2 rivers are pretty tame and mild. For class 3 to 6, however, you'll be needing a helmet and a life vest if you want to be completely safe. Your best bet would be to ask your guide the class of river you will be rafting in and follow his instructions on gearing up.

Whitewater rafting is never a solo activity. It should always involve more than one person in more than one boat. This way, you can be assured that should anything happen to one group, the second one is nearby, ready to give aid and rescue support in case of emergency.

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Gardiner, Montana: The Entrance to Yellowstone

Gardiner, Montana is situated in the Northern border of Yellowstone National Park, and is renowned because it's north entrance to Yellowstone is the only one that's open all-year round. Of all the words that best describes Gardiner, “quaint” seems to be the most appropriate. Indeed, Gardiner exudes many of the qualities that whisper “western.”

During summers, visitors can enjoy exciting activities like fishing trips, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The destination can be explored on foot or via automobile, and these excursions allow visitors to experience and appreciate breathtaking natural sceneries. When the weather permits, white water rafting, biking, and cookouts can add a dimension of wholesomeness to any vacation.

Many tourists look forward to visiting Gardiner and nearby Yellowstone National Park during winters. During the colder months, visitors can engage in wildlife viewing; wolves and other rarely glimpsed endangered species can be seen wandering the area. The scenery assumes a serene, winter wonderland atmosphere, making it ideal for winter activities and sports like snowshoeing and skiing.

In spring, different kinds of animals can be viewed by visitors exploring the wonders of Yellowstone National Park. The sight of big horn sheep, coyotes, elk, bears, and antelope throttling by are an ordinary sight during this season. This modern day wildlife sanctuary is barely a mile away from Yellowstone National Park, where the wonders of nature can be explored. 

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Lodging Options When Staying at Yellowstone

Housing half of the world's geothermal features and covering an area of 3,468.4 square miles, one day is never enough to discover all the wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Fortunately, with millions of tourists visiting the park each year, vacation packages and accommodations aren't too hard to find. In fact, here are some of your lodging options as you explore and enjoy Yellowstone's natural beauty:

Small Group

For one to six people, there are several inns with single and double beds. Some lodges even have small living rooms, full bathrooms, and full kitchens. Whether you're celebrating your anniversary or simply enjoying with close friends, there are also cozy log cabins located near the park's entrances.

Big Group

If there's more than seven people in your group, you'd love the affordable lodges that feature three to four separate bedrooms. You could choose to stay in lodges near Yellowstone River or in mountain cottages where you can enjoy utmost peace and privacy.

Multiple Families / Reunion

Your family reunion doesn't always have to be held in banquet halls or grandma's house. Families that wish to spend quality time in Yellowstone can stay in cabins that are located adjacent to one another. With enough negotiation, you may be able to get huge discounts and other perks. 

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Angling in Yellowstone: A Brief Overview

While best known for its geothermal features such as the famous Old Faithful Geyser, the Yellowstone National Park is also host to numerous bodies of water. Due to the park's proximity to a caldera formation, the bodies of water are linked conveniently, providing numerous locations for fish to gather. Where there are fish, there's bound to be sport fishers, and every year from May to November, hundreds of amateur and professional anglers alike come to catch game in Yellowstone.

Various fish species inhabit Yellowstone's waters, but the most prominent are the cutthroat trout, whitefish, and grayling varieties. Sport fishers who catch any of these species are mandated to release them back into the wild, according to park rules. However, the park highly encourages angling enthusiasts to catch and keep invasive species such as rainbow and lake trout, as these varieties are notorious for ruining the park's aquatic ecosystem.

Those planning to angle some game in Yellowstone should remember that aside from fishing restrictions, there are also strict general regulations in place. For example, fishing hooks aren't allowed, and only artificial lures are permitted. Fly fishing is allowed, however, and actively encouraged. Those new to using flies as bait can hire any of the local instructors for guidance on how to best utilize these lures.

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Unpredictable Fun in Yellowstone National Park

When it comes to thrill-seeking adventures, some settle for the predictable fun of extreme theme park rides. You'll know what to expect, but these rides still manage to get your adrenaline pumping each time. Then there are places where you can read about what you can expect to see or experience, but no amount of research can prepare you for the excitement that awaits you.

One such example is the Yellowstone National Park, located right in the heart of Montana. Here, you'll find a plethora of choices for exciting outdoor activities that can offer you fresh experiences each time. If you have a penchant for the great outdoors and don't mind getting a bit dirty, you can go hiking and backpacking and enjoy scenic sights throughout your stay.

If you prefer the kind of adventure that takes place on water, then you can go whitewater rafting down a wild river. With professional guides to help ensure a safe adventure for you and your companions, you can get a real taste of Montana's wet n' wild outdoor scene. After you make your way downstream, you can make a quick stop to dip your hands and feet in relaxing hot spring waters.

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