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.