After a great morning of fishing, the wind started to really gust and the temperatures started to climb, so Jason and I opted to try something else. Sitting on the tailgate while eating some lunch, we deliberated our options and finally sped our way to a fairly well known creek that offered more shade and a break from the wind. We walked our way to the upper end of the stream where the plunge pools and short runs hold mostly small hand size wild trout. The scrambling and tight quarters makes for some interesting casting but the rewards came in brilliant colors and bent fly rods.
I briefly switched to a foam posted parachute Adams which brought a few fish to hand, but I was having to skip over some great looking runs that were just too short and fast for a dry fly. I re-rigged a mini-hopper with a pheasant tail about 8 inches behind and fish were throwing themselves at both.
The creek was in beautiful condition and the water was crystal clear. I was very happy that we were able to check out the upper part of this creek as I had mainly only fished in its lower reaches. I will admit that the small stream scrambling did a number on my body as it has been some time since I fished these conditions.
Fish continued to take both flies although most favored the brown mini-hopper by about 2:1. Most of the inhabitants that I pulled from this stream were 6-8 inches but I missed one that probably went 13 or 14 and would have been a real prize. I laid the double fly setup right next to a good size bolder and saw an open mouth coming towards the mini-hopper. In my excitement and haste, I lifted a little too soon and the hookset was poor and allowed the fish to easily throw the fly.
By this point in the day, I had lost track of the number of fish I had caught and was more enthralled with the secret behind each bend in the creek. I fished higher until the creek split in two and ended my day by fishing one final pool in which I pulled at least 10 small brightly colored rainbows. With nothing left to prove or possibly gain, we turned our steps back to the truck
To truly describe the joy and satisfaction that the whole day gave me is impossible. The sights of a green shoots pushing their way through the ground or the cold water filling one’s boots while standing in a mountain creek is something that must be experienced with one’s own senses and is difficult to put into words for someone else to appreciate. I am already counting the days until I can pack up the fly rod and head back to these small streams.
While I’ve never been there, I recognize that water sure enuf. Thx for the stoke- mike
It’s one of those classic little streams. Gotta love it. You’re more than welcome. Thanks Mike.
Ben
Hey man those are some great looking fish.
I went camping up on the rim this weekend and had a great time catching tiny rainbows on dries. Got a sweet 10 inch brown too. I think i know the name of that creek, and If it is what i think it is we fished it a bit on the way down. Got a 6 inch bow on a hares ear nymph, couldn’t fish for long because i still had some homework to finish.
Thanks Nelson. Must have been a gorgeous time up there camping. Congrats on the brown. The Rim is already in great shape and I just hope the water levels stay strong through this summer. Thanks again for the kind words. Tight lines.
Ben
looks like a good time in the cool pines.
We had a good time. Didn’t have your number or you would have gotten my mass text looking for a partner. Next time. Thanks for the kind words.
Ben
Wow! Nice! Those fish have some great coloration! Makes me want to head to the high mountains… Good inspiration/motivation. Good luck out there!
Thanks David. It definitely got me fired up to get back to those little creeks.
Ben
Beautiful stream, beautiful fish.
I found your blog from Tenkara on the Fly (and I’ll definitely be back).
I think your report really underscores how great a fly the mini-hopper is. Looking at the surroundings of that stream, those fish have probably never seen a real hopper in their lives.
(You’ve got to try that stream with a tenkara rod someday! It would be perfect.)
Thanks Chris. I know that I need to try the Tenkara route. Everyone says it is perfect for those drop and plunge creeks. I appreciate the compliments on the mini-hopper. It is a great little fly and will probably stay rigged up on my fly line for most of the rest of the summer. Thanks again for the thoughts and one of these days I’ll give the Tenkara a try.
Ben
What a great site. It was nice to run into you and jason on this little stream. Ordered some micro-hoppers from you. Looking foward to trying them out.
Barry,
Great to meet you up there as well. I was bummed not to be camping up there as I would have enjoyed talking a little more and sharing a beer. Thank you so much for supporting AZWanderings and I’ll get those bugs out to you very soon. I would enjoy getting back up there and doing a little fishing together. Thanks again. Tight lines.
Ben