Part 2

Friday was bright and windy with the Funks, but that didn’t last long. That night I met up with my two younger brothers as the rain began to fall. We talked about the next couple days fishing and our options in case the storm was as big as projected. We had our sites set on big browns and ugly streamers, but with the rain turning the 30 mile dirt road to mud and a possible foot of snow on top of that. The plan was that we were gunna sleep on it and see what the morning brings. Its funny how in my early days of fishing I could care less about the weather, in fact I always wanted warm sunny days. Now its one of the most important aspects of my fishing and what really makes the difference in a good day and an epic day. The next morning I awoke sick from late night creamed filled donuts and Sunkist while catching up with my bros and watching FF Films. The trailer window was covered in frost, but I could see the white snow lining its sides. My first reaction was ”its not too deep to get there”. Then I opened the door and the inches of powder changed my thoughts to “we might be pushing it a little”. It was still snowing and supposed to throughout the day, but we’d probably get there, but getting back might be another story. So with that in mind we grabbed a tow rope and set off. As anticipated the roads were snowy(which helped in places) followed by patches of muddy slush. After an hour-half of white knuckle driving. We made it with only a few close calls and a couple mud covered vehicles and boat.

The best part about going out on days like these is you are usually the only one crazy enough to be on the water. (Which we were for two days) The fishing was fast from the put in, hucking meat was all we would be doing and over-sized browns were our mission.

The fishing was awesome, is an understatement. It was epic with chases, swipes, and eats consistent for two days straight.  But just like the day before we dealt with the freezing wind most of the afternoon. Until we had enough and pulled the boat on shore, positioned it as a wind block and got out the buddy heater to combat the freezing temps. After some warmth and frozen PBJs we continue our 13 mile float still cold, but not froze.

The wind calmed for another great evening and gave us a chance at a monster (which I missed) and a couple we can’t complain about.

When we reached the take out an hour passed dark:30. We were done! Throwing big heavy rods, lines, and flies for 13 hrs straight is hard on the body and mind. Plus add snow, wind and below freezing temps and we had had enough for ten trips. So what did we do? Cooked brats for dinner, recounted the day in stories, camped in our SUVs at the put-in and couldn’t wait for the next day and what it would bring. That’s why I love fishing with my brothers, It doesn’t matter how bad it is, we can make it the best time in the world when were fishing together.

The next morning came sooner than I had hoped, but with it came bright sunny skies and warmer temps. DANG, I thought. I was hoping for another overcast day of streamer tossing. But that’s UT weather. The change in weather had us mix our plans for the morning. We decided to take a steep hike and fish some of my favorite pocket water with big dries. Then we would float all afternoon and evening. The weather stayed nice all day and the fishing well, lets just say. Up to date, it was the best day I have had in 2011. The fish ate our dries, then on our float we stuck with brighter streamers and the fish were more aggressive then the day before.

The real bonus was the size of fish that were eating our flies with such confidence. 16-20s were the fish that were on the hunt and slamming our streamers, but a couple of there bigger bros came to net as well.

It was Epic to the highest degree of fly fishing.  Jordan summed up how we were feeling when he said “Guys lets never grow up”. Even though we are getting older, its trips like these that keep our spirits, hearts, and friendships young and alive. Fishing is truly a gift…