Taste of Fall

Fall weather is starting to set in in Southern Utah and my urge to go fishing is high. Fall is one of my favorite times to fly fish. Cooler days, colorful autumn leaves, spawning aggressive fish- what could be better? To me, mostly nothing. This particular trip, my wife and new baby (4 months) and Mike and his family decided to set out for a high alpine remote lake. This lake is hidden and off the beaten path. The hike into this lake includes a steep (3000+) elevation climb. I knew going in that it would be interesting carrying a 17 lb baby along with fishing gear. However, I didn't pay much attention to that because I knew what this lake had to offer. My thoughts were toward the fish and beautiful scenery.

With baby and gear ready, we set off for the tough and treacherous climb. After many stops along the way, and some re-adjusting with gear, we made it to the lake. The lake from now on which will be known as "Hell Lake" according to my wife. Lets just say she wasn't too fond of the hike. 

Connor was a champ

Fall is approaching

"Hell Lake" 

The first fly I chose was a small black leech pattern that Mike and I developed. This fly has proven to be quite effective on high alpine lakes so I was confident it would produce. However, with only subtle strikes and no fish to count for, I decided to switch to an olive damselfly nymph. First cast, and only two seconds in the water, bam! Fish on. This was going to be a great day.

Blue Halo

I eventually made my way onto a small grassy island on the lake hoping to target deeper water. Upon arriving, I looked over the edge from where I was standing and discovered a nice deep drop off. There was a rock ledge I could see under the water where I knew would hold fish. Positioning my fly just right, and getting it to drop below the lip of the rock was the plan. I tossed my damsel a few feet from where I was standing and let it sink. As soon as the fly dropped below the rock ledge,along with a couple quick strips, a brookie bolted out and grabbed my fly with lightning speed. Never before have I had such fun fishing close proximity with only a few feet of leader. I caught fish after fish with this technique. 

Happy to have rod in hand after a brutal hike

The allure of brook trout in the fall is worth any hike and/or obstacles in my opinion. With crimson red tip fins and under-bellies, and dark yellow marked bodies with blue halo markings, the brook trout in my opinion is the most beautiful trout. Combine that with the beauty of where bookies reside, and its the ultimate package. 

First Video

On Father's day weekend in 2015 my dad, Mike, his dad and I set out to central Utah in search of high alpine brook trout and arctic grayling. This video I put together is my first video edit. For those of you who put together these types of videos you know that they take LOTS of time. My hope is to get better each time with both filming and editing and make them more enjoyable for everyone watching. Please comment below on what you think, I would love your feedback.

Introduction

Welcome everyone to Tightline Pursuit blog. This blog is geared towards fly fishing, fly tying and photography. My intent is to provide fun and quality material to all of you. I am very passionate about this sport and am looking forward to sharing my passion in the form of a blog. 

Ok, now a little information about myself:  

My name is Sam Fetzer, and I live in Cedar City, Utah. I have been fly fishing consistently for about five years, and first picked up a fly rod when I was around six years old. I credit my father who first introduced me to the sport. He taught me the basic principles of fly fishing on a northern Utah stream. I cherish my memories with him tossing dries to hungry cutthroat.  I credit my brother-in-law, Mike Anderson in broadening my skills of the sport and teaching me the art of fly tying. Tying flies has greatly expanded my interest in the sport and made me want to be a better angler.  Living in Southern Utah I have had the opportunity to fish many streams and refine my skills. My goal is to share my fishing stories with you through photography, video, and writing.

Thanks for taking the time to read, feel free to comment below.