It’s Friday and I’m bored, so let me share a story
- This topic has 21 replies, 11 voices, and was last updated Oct 21, 2008 at 8:57 pm by
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I haven’t written anything in a while and was thinking about a favorite little stream just the other day, so here it goes.
The Western United States is a land of giants. Rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, and Missouri beckon anglers from every end of the planet. There is a fly shop on every corner and a rental car around every bend. As far as fishing destinations go, they don’t get much busier.Nestled in this busy land of giants is a quiet valley with a small meandering stream. There are no tourist attractions, nor is there even a paved road. In this remote setting, the Old West prevails. The only signs of civilization are a few scattered homesteads tucked in the folds where the mountains and valley meet. Cattle dot the hillsides. Ravens and hawks circle in the open sky.
At first glance, the little stream seems somewhat uninviting and perhaps a bit bland. Its banks are crowded with unruly willows and in many spots the water is shallow and featureless. But as you walk along its edges, a much more complex waterway is revealed. Shallow riffles give way to plunge pools and numerous oxbows provide deep cut banks. Aquatic vegetation carpets the streambed; bright green foliage waving in the current. Minnows dart in and out of the shallows. Tiny mayflies take flight.
Life in the stream is diverse. Brook trout and native cutthroat hang lazily in the current and surface for flies. But, they’re not the main attraction. What sets this little waterway apart is when the rise comes from a silvery fish whose sail-like dorsal fin and pastel colors flash brightly in the summer sun. When a native grayling comes to the surface, no other fish matters.
Not only does the little stream contain native grayling, but they can grow to respectable proportions. Hooking a state record fish is entirely possible, although most are smaller. And the cutthroat can be surprising too. Occasionally, catches are measured in pounds rather than inches. A couple photos tacked to the wall of a dusty bar down the road provide proof. You might learn a thing or two about local fishing by grabbing a stool at the bar, although don’t expect anyone to give up the farm.
Only a few native grayling fisheries remain in the West. Thankfully, the little stream has been overlooked by the masses. Most people don’t venture far from the beaten path in this corner of the West. Even during the summer season, chances of encountering another angler are pretty slim. If you do see a vehicle bouncing down the dusty access road, it probably belongs to a local.
So, if you ever find yourself in the land of giants and wandering off the beaten path, you might just stumble upon a remnant of the Old West, a quiet nirvana of native fish and solitude. They do exist, although sadly fewer in numbers every year. Revel in the unique experience, hold the secret close, and visit the bar down the road at the end of the day.
And, what’s a story about fishing without a few fish?
That’s not me! It’s Krai.
He hasn’t taken me there ever, or for bulls. He has taken Krai multiple times on both adventures I think, though…
Just start telling your friends you’ll attend their second wedding because the first one probably won’t work out.
;D
Micah I have a hunch we may have walked the same earth at some point. If it’s the one I’m thinking of, it’s one of our favorite places to visit each time we get out west. A friend of mine introduced me to this water some years ago and I was fortunate enough to introduce my wife to it last year. She had never caught grayling in a stream before, only lakes. Now it’s one of her favorite waters and insists we visit it every year. One of my fondest memories is last year a storm came up and the temperature dropped from the 70’s to the low 40’s. It hailed hard and large! We both sat it out in the back of a wagon we rented, rear door up, eating crackers and drinking a beer.
Thanks,
Rolf
Micah,
I think what know what place you’re talking about…I starts with an ‘H’ and ends with ‘eaven’!
Great story Micah! Next time I fish with Lando I will get him drunk (Man that is going to cost me a ton of money) and find out where this stream is! 🙂 Great photos as well. I love the way you tease us with just a little bit of back ground in the photos to keep us guessing where you are! Good stuff for sure!
Joel
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