“Make hay while the sun shines!”
This is the old saying for farmers, ranchers and fly-fishing guides around the west. During primetime guide season days off are few and far between. Near the end of August I ended up with few unexpected free days in a row. Instead of using the days to refuel and relax on the couch; I decided to take the opportunity to explore the backcountry and Glacier National Park.
First, I made the expedition to a beautiful alpine lake in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area.
After a long hike, approaching the base of Warren Peak, I found the lake with lots of big Cutthroat cruising, rising and searching for food. I quickly got geared up and tied on a size 10, Olive Woolly Bugger. On the first retrieve I watched a healthy 18 inch cutthroat follow my streamer all the way up to the bank. With the crystal clear water, I watched the fish take my bugger about 2 feet away from my feet.
After releasing that first fish I decided to tie on my favorite ant pattern to see if these beautiful cutties would eat a dry fly. After landing a few more big fish the echo of my childish giggles rang throughout the basin.
Once I got back to the truck at the end of the day I was extremely exhausted. Thankfully, I had my first trip to Glacier National Park upcoming the next day to keep me motivated. Gwyneth and I had an amazing trip exploring Glacier, Polebridge and the surrounding areas.
She is not only beautiful, but is a much better writer! Checkout her full description of the journey: One long drive for a bear claw.
McKinnie Fly Fishing Outfitters of Montana 