The hike down doesn’t seem so bad. Gravity helps the descent, as does lively conversation with like-minded friends. You’re at the water in no time, wanting to hike in even a bit further to prolong the time spent fishing back upstream.
The hike up and out on the other hand is hellish. A precipitous vertical incline. The kind where it’s almost impossible to fall down. Rather, one falls forward. Switchbacks are clearly forbidden in this Appalachian holler. Probably best that way, discourages the riff-raff from returning.
And for good reason. The wild, native brook trout fishing can be as stellar as the fish are beautiful. Tiny, technicolored jewels, hiding in plain sight. Fragile in nature, but here, thriving, largely protected from external pressures.
On this day however, it was a bit cool and (as I’m told) a few weeks before things get “really good.”
That was okay, sharing the water with a skilled fishing partner, we ended up doing just fine after a bit of experimentation. Leap frogging pocket and plunge, we found wet flies successful, but beadhead nymphs invaluable.
After about six hours of fishing, that hike back out bellowed in a taunting, sadistic tone. It had let us in to sample some of its treasures, now we had to pay the steep price of admission upon exit.
Almost five full days following, my knees and thighs remain in debt.
Oh, the places we go for brook trout.
IMHO…..there is no better fishing to be had than catching brookies from a thin blue line away from it all.
If you hike up from the bottom it's longer but easier and downhill back to the car.
MichaelThe hike is worth the effort to be able to land quality brook trout like that. Just wonder how many files these trout have seen besides the ones you guys showed them? Great post thanks for sharing
Yes! I have since heard that bit of info. I was with a group, so simply played follow the leader, but something to definitely check out the next time! I'm more intrigued than ever to go back.
Mike what a fine post. I know just how you feel, bad knees hold me back from some streams. Once in awhile I'll do it and like you we pay the price. Well worth it though.
I remember a day, many years ago, fishing on the North Fork of the Yuba River. A half hour down into the canyon and an hour and a half coming out. I was a lot younger then and could handle the hike. Did I mention it was 100 degrees out? Got to the top and bought a beer from a guy who had it on dry ice. Best beer of my life. Won't tell you what it cost. I sympathize with your knees and thighs.
There's something to be said for convenience… But the stories (or fishing) are never quite as good!
I'm sure enough. But only from those that are dedicated. There's a hardy bunch of anglers in these parts…
Thanks Alan. I'm definitely going to concentrate a bit more on fishing fitness. Can't do much for the joints, but taking some stress off of them probably couldn't hurt any.
I could go for one of those beers… Regardless of price tag!
I wish that I could hike into brook trout streams. I do have one that I can get into close by. My knees can't to it anymore. And the rocks in those pictures… nope. I love those beautiful trout though!!!
Look forward to the next time!
I'm glad I stumbled upon your blog. This looked like a thoroughly good adventure. Mountain slopes keep the masses away, but the reward of remoteness comes at a price as your knees discovered!
It's okay RD. The fish you catch these days… I'd keep doing what you're doing!
Absolutely Peter. There or elsewhere, would welcome another outing with you guys.
Thanks for stopping by Justin! I'm now following your blog as well. Very interesting topics you cover.