Watching The REDS Run!

We went to the East Fork Smith Fork River over the weekend and found it full of Kokanee (land locked Sockeye Salmon). They were bright red making their way up-stream to spawn. It was a rad sight to see all the fish in such skinny water. Bad thing this meant no fishing just photos and wildlife viewing. We left them alone to do their thing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fly Fishing With Frogs

Sean from Dead Drifters and I went North to Wyoming for a couple of days of fishing this week. Thinking we would be throwing hoppers. We were wrong! To our surprise there were more frogs jumping around then hoppers. Luckily Sean had a couple bright green meaty streamers that looked kind of like a frogs. With only a few casts to the far bank and strips across the river the first fish was on. We worked the water pretty quick and searched out the fish that would take our frogs. We both hooked in to some hogs and both lost some monsters. The rainbow trout love the frogs.

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Brighton Anglers Limited T-Shirts

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We linked up with the crew at FRESH to make a limited edition tee. Available in Charcoal and Military, $32. Head over to the shop to pick one up. Or you may be able to call in an and order one over the phone. FRESH is located in the heart of the 9th & 9th Business District.        870 E. 900 S. SLC, UT 84105

Mon-Sat 10am-7pm Sunday 11am-5pm         (801) 532 3458

freshslc@gmail.com

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Goat Head Sole Spikes

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Last week I wrote about a near death fishing experience and how I almost drowned from slipping on a wet log and falling in to the river. After that experience I knew I needed to get me some more traction on my boot soles. I went in to Fish Tech and my friend Christian hooked me up with a pack of Goat Head Sole Spikes. I have used the cheap studs in the past but they don't last very long. Also when they wear out you can't remove them from your soles. I'm pretty stoked on the Goat Heads. They are made of cold-forged, heat-hardened, corrosion resistant stainless steel for maximum durability. I feel they may last as long as my boots. The set came with a magnetic socket and were super easy to install. I fished with them for the first time this weekend and oh what a difference. I would recommend for your safety that you go invest $20 and buy a set. They will keep you on your feet and may prevent some nasty slips. Pick up a set at www.solespikes.com

A Near Death Fishing Experience

It seems through out my life I have almost killed myself at least once a year recreating. My most recent scare was last weekend on the Frying Pan River in Aspen Colorado. I was with Jon (my bro) Luke and Jason. This was the first day on our weekend fishing trip. We were driving up the road to get to the gold medal public fishing spot and we saw this tasty looking hole. So we had to stop.

Luke and Jason decided to stick to the left side of the river while Jon and I took the right. I wadded through the river while fishing and  watched Jon and his dog walk across a fallen tree across the river.

We all fished a bit and only caught a couple small bows. Then we were over it and decided to head back to the car to get to a better spot. After wadding across the river and going up to my waist in water the first time crossing I wasn't ready to do that again. So I headed to the log crossing and started to walk the bridge.

As I got to the middle of the log looking to the left I started thinking this would be a sketchy place to fall. Then my worst thought happened. My right foot slipped to the left and suddenly I was in over my head in white water. I popped up a few feet down stream next to a rock wall. I couldn't touch! Scared that I was going to get pulled under the rock shelf by the current I swam as hard as I could to avoid the under tow. After avoiding the under water cave came the rapids. I hit a few small water falls and then went trough a bush and finely was able to grab some sticks on the side of the river to pull my self out.

I was alive! Soaking wet and happy that I didn't die I realized the last place I saw my rod was up-stream. I then started stressing out. $1500 in fishing gear was floating around in the river. I remembered the last place I saw my rod was in the first set of rapids. I decided to take off my fanny pack and shirt in case I had to swim and grab my rod floating by. No luck didn't see it any where. Jon heard me fall and by the time he got the river he saw me running around with my shirt off looking for my gear. We both frantically searched and after a 10 or so minuets we noticed my fly line in the water. The current had pulled it loose. Jon was able to grab a stick and pull the line to shore. He started pulling the line. But all this did was un wind it off the reel. He got all the way through the backing and felt a tug and suddenly the rod went free. I was down stream and was able to grab it as it came by. I was blown away that my 9' 4pc Sage One was still in tact. Not a noticeable scratch. I couldn't believe we found it let alone all in one piece.

I was so stoked! I cheated death! Not even my I-phone or Digital camera were harmed. I didn't lose a thing and came out with only scratches and bruises. We went back to the car shared some beers and laughed then went up-stream to have over a 100 fish day. This will be a day fishing I will never forget.

When I got home from our trip and went straight to the fly shop to grab some studs for my boots.

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Catch A Season Pass To The Canyons

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I grabbed this off the Canyons Resorts blog. Its pretty fun way to try to win a season pass.

Two days ago, we dropped 200 additional Tiger Trout in Alpine Lake. Not because we needed to. But because we wanted to. However, this time there’s a catch (no pun intended). The Tiger Trout will not be the only fish calling Alpine Lake home. There’s also one 4lb Rainbow Trout taking up residence. Catch this beauty and you become the proud new owner of a Canyons Resort season pass. I’m no mathmatician, but I’m pretty sure whatever monetary value you place on your time still comes in below the cost of a season pass. If not, you should probably reevaluate how much your time is worth to you. With that in mind, make your way to Alpine Lake, rent some gear and get to work catching yourself a season pass.

Why Tiger Trout? Here are a  few of the reasons:

  • Tiger trout are a hybrid (non-reproducing) of brown trout (higher tolerance for warm water) and brook trout (higher tolerance for cold water).
  • The fish get their name from their markings that are similar in appearance to tiger stripes.
  • Tiger trout are a favorite to stock because they are hearty and aggressive which make for an enjoyable catch and release experience.
  • The fish help reduce mosquito and other airborne insect populations. The fish also serve as a food source for predatory birds and animals.

All gear, fishing, and pricing information can be found here.

*The first guest to catch, and release, the Rainbow Trout will receive a complimentary Canyons Resort season pass for 2012/2013. The Alpine Lake attendant must be notified and verify any fish caught that is believed to be the Rainbow Trout. Due to verification being required, the fish must be caught during normal hours at Alpine Lake: 10am-5pm. 

 

Weekend On The Green River

It's been a while since Nicole and I went on a camping/fishing trip just the two of us. We only had a couple days and wanted to make sure we got to spend it with each other. We decided to grab the pontoon boats and head to the Green River below Fontenelle in Wyoming. We floated the river on Saturday and then waded the River on Sunday. We had great success and both of us really enjoyed ourselves. The Flies we had the best luck with were Platte River Spiders and SOS Nymphs. Here's a few photos to show you our mini vacation. Enjoy!

The Campsite

The Sunset From The First Night

The First Fish Of The Trip

Nicoles First Fish Of The Trip

The Sunrise

Nicole Taking A Break From Fishing

The Last Fish Of The Trip.