Posted this elsewhere, but thought I'd share here as well. In addition to the C Barclay Synthesis 66, the TFO Finesse 1-wt did yeoman's work on these streams.
Seven days. More than 2,100 miles and 10,000 feet in elevation gain. Lots of mosquito bites, dirt, and a hailstorm. One black bear, 60 or 70 elk, countless mule deer. My three sons, ranging in age from 7 to 20.
And lots of beautiful fish.
Apparently the second week of July is "head to the mountains time," I just missed Preast, got to catch up with Chris Barclay for a couple of hours, did not get to stop by and introduce myself to Aurelio and the gang (kids in tow, miles to hike, fish to stalk), though I drove right by the lodge, but hope to on a future trip, and snagged a day with a longtime fishing buddy who was vacationing with the family in a cabin over the pass.
I love our sport (pastime? hobby? vocation? lifestyle? obsession?), the community it brings together, and the places it takes us.
Did I mention the beautiful fish?
And (literal) hang time with the kiddos ....
There was even an impromptu casting lesson. Pretty cool when the guy who designed and handcrafted your fishing pole shows you how to use it.
The Synthesis 66 2-wt is *the* rod for these streams and fish, by the way.
Size 14 orange stimis worked well (thanks for the box, CB!). A fluffy little caddis pattern cooked-up by Chris Johnson at Living Waters Fly Fishing did well in the late afternoon. But these aren't super picky fish. Some, I know for a fact, had not seen anything but a natural since at least last October.
Public lands are awesome. I wish we had more in Texas.
Just ... beyond grateful for this past week and the memories.