Kurt and Dan looking for one more.
How does a fishing guide of 30yrs spend his birthday? Going fishing, of course.
I have been lucky enough to have spent 49 years (bloody hell – that sounds pretty old!) surrounding myself with friends that are smart, rugged, worldly, outdoor folks. Driving a coupla hours for a days fishing with ten of these guys is less like a fraternity reunion and more similar to elite college symposium on politics, world affairs, and conservation.
Crockett wielding machete – bad idea in an inflatable.
As brilliant as they are, a couple of them are more renown for their blundering accidents and this trip was no different. As our boat rounded the corner not a half mile below the put-in three of our pals were strategically spread out across a great run but, additionally, we noticed the buck-n-rail fence leading up from the river resembled those photos of Everest base camp. Instead of brightly colored flagging, closer inspection brought home the reality that these were clothes wrung out to dry in the 34 degree weather. Bummer! Cam had apparently tested both the river depth and strength and didn’t fare to well. He started the day with a cool side stroke in six feet of water back across to the ice covered bank. Ah yes, it will be a typical day with these guys.
They may have a knack for blunders but they can all fish – really fish – and typical was not the word of the day for the fishing. Big brown after big brown readily ate our offerings of ridiculously large bunny bugs followed up with brightly colored San Juans and double bead stones. So rather than bore you with more trip details we will let the pictures do the talking:
Matched pair of 21′s
Farling getting the party started with brother 22″
Leo Larson and 25″ Stud!
With hunters in the woods the time is now to get your fall fly fishing fix in. The big game season has been rolling for a few days now while the upland bird and waterfowl seasons are in full swing. For the fly fisher that equates to riverside accesses devoid of others and the potential of delightful dry fly fishing. Your best chance to fish to risers is sliding down the lower Clark Fork below the confluence with the Root or fishing the lower Bitterroot itself. Don’t worry about getting on the water early but you want to be ready to fish around 1pm and expect to cut off around 4pm. For those hoping to lock horns with a big nasty fall brownie – look to lower Rock Creek or the upper Clark Fork (don’t take my word for it just check out the fish below!). Pitch double bunnies, JJ’s, or the sparkle minnow down and across and hang on. Lastly don’t forget to check out Georgetown Lake – that is only if you like the idea of catching 14-22″! brookies!… good luck.
