10 Monster Brook Trout

Whenever you see the broad back of a monster Brook Trout pushing through shallow, glassy waters, a fly fisherman quickly remembers the great respect for a wily old foe.  A fish that has survived many years of fishing pressure and has all the best genes to become the “big one”.  Sometimes these huge Brook Trout live in waters somewhat isolated from humans as well. 

It seems like just yesterday that my buddy and I rode our four wheelers past a lake that we initially thought was void of fish.  During this same trip my fly fishing buddy and I caught so many football shaped Brook Trout that we became bored.   A pending storm was coming so we left.

It was during our ride back that we accidently stopped at that lake we thought to be void of fish.  To our total amazement right there near the inlet stream was an unmistakable Brook Trout.  The red belly and the white leading edges on all fins give a male Brook Trout away every time.  At that point it took literally seconds to rig up our rods and gear.  I’ll never forget how we moved through the bushes with extreme stealth so as not to scare the fish.  Once we got closer, we could see about 20 or so large trout in slightly deeper water just waiting to move into shallow water to spawn.  Most serious fishermen understand that Brook Trout spawn in the Fall and the males become especially aggressive during this time.  Both of us knew that as long as we didn’t do something stupid, make a loud noise, or become visible…we would have a memorable day.

When the fly fishing ended, there were 10 Brook Trout caught and every single fish weighed over 5 pounds.  In fact, there was one fish that was considerably larger.  We knew it was probably the state record.  As snow began to fall so heavily that fly fishing wasn’t an option, we packed the largest fish up and headed downhill to the nearest certified scale.  At the time, the state record for Brook Trout was 7 pounds 3 ounces.  To our disappointment the fish fell short of the record by just a few ounces.  In my personal opinion the one hour trip to the scale easily caused a significant weight loss.

In my family, we never have had a traditional Christmas meal (turkey and all that stuff).  That year was no different because it involved the bright orange meat of a huge Brook Trout J

Even though I missed out on several ounces , the “10 Monster Brook Trout” day will live in my memory forever.

Golden Trout Summer

Two summers ago my husband and I went on a fishing trip that I will never forget.  He has always wanted to show me where he calls “Paradise On Earth”.  My husband always has a fishing destination for his hikes and this time was no different.  He had a lake in mind that was full of trophy Golden Trout.   During our camping trip we literally took hundreds of photos of beautiful flowers and scenery.  I have lived amongst mountain ranges for most of my life but even I was amazed.

Once we hiked 16 miles, we lived in total isolation for 5 days.  No television, kids, work, and absolutely no phone calls.  The only noise was the occasional fish jump and rock falling from the nearby cliffs.  Since my husband makes fly rods, fly boxes, landing nets, and his own flies at www.pciflyboxes.com  we didn’t have any shortage of fly fishing equipment.   Even though the fish were skiddish to an unknown object above water (humans), the Golden Trout would viscously attack a fast sinking scud.  Golden Trout like the 21” monster shown were common.  Thank you for taking me honey…we can look at the videos and photos as often as we want.  Next time don’t forget the tin foil ;-)

Fly Fish In Style

I guess I’ve been slinging a fly of some kind or another since before I can remember.  You also could say that most of my life has included something to do with fishing equipment.  In fact, in 1996 I started a business making wooden fly boxes and landing nets.  At the time, I was one of the very few businesses that made exotic wood fly boxes and my company was the original designer of the “Premium Fly Box”.  Our business can be found at www.pciflyboxes.com It didn’t take long for Prize Catch Fly Boxes to become known all over the world and many notable organizations

use our products for events, contests, and charitable events.  Throughout our history, we have promoted the idea that our products are specially made for the traditional fly fisherman that wants to “fly fish in style”.  Exotic wooden products that are made with precision while photo quality laser engraving combine for heirloom quality.  Even though our products look like “heirlooms”, we encourage our customers to enjoy them on the river.

Hey, The Trucks On Fire !

After parking our little truck at a popular trailhead near our house, I noticed right of way that the engine compartment was on fire.  Within seconds, it was too late to do anything but stare in total amazement.  Then both of my boys and I remembered that a great deal of equipment was in the back seat and rear of truck.  Items including backpacks, sleeping bags, very expensive gold detector, and other hard to replace items.  By the time I got the equipment out of the truck, the truck was fully engulfed and soon after tires and windows started blowing out.  To our best luck, I had my cell phone in my pocket and there happened to be service in the area :)  Help and a ride home was on its way.  We don't know what started the fire but it was a good little truck.

Backpacking the "Winds"

Its a place where you can get away to find yourself amongst incredible craggy granite mountains while its possible to visit with a Grizzly Bear, Wolf, or even a Hippie from Germany...all in the same trip.  Voted by Backpacker Magazine, the Titcomb Basin within the Wind River Range of Wyoming is the #1 hike in America.  For a few months each year, backpackers and climbers from all over the world congregate to the "Winds" to see the gorgeous vistas, fly fishing, and difficult climbing.

Fishing In Montana

If you can find the patience to overcome the amazingly long and brutal winters of Montana then you may be rewarded with some of the best fly fishing in the Rocky Mountains.  With five blue ribbon trout rivers all within 100 miles of my house, my waders don't get a chance to dry for a few months.