I am back from one of the most memorable Dude Ranch trips of my life. I will get myself back on the “stream report horse” as soon as I put some time in on my local streams. Looks like the Tricos are starting to hatch and I will add some Trico Gallery Schools in in August for $60.00 a head as soon as I identify  the reliable stream locations. But first………………
The second half of the trip was incredible. Riding horses in this country, just to ride, or to ride to fish is an experience you will never forget. For the novice or the experienced horse rider the folks at the T-cross were nothing but solid and professionals. The wranglers, the food, the fishing, the hosts and the accommodations were top notch. Wednesday’s ride was epic. We climbed mountains, perched on the edge of canyons, swam through rivers and were in the saddle for 8 hours. No fishing this day, but there was no need, the stimulation was out of this world.  I cannot express how overwhelmed I was as I took myself back to the excitement that first travelers must have felt as they forded these rivers and rode this country to chase their dreams. Fly fishing is my passion, but this overall package is special and I was assured if more than 50 people see this country in a year that would be a stretch. T-Cross offers different length rides every day and you make the choice how long you wish to stay in the saddle.
The fishing was very, very good. The Creek that runs through the ranch provided exceptional fishing for Rainbows and brook trout. Brown trout existed in the wider slower down stream sections of the river but were not my target. The Rainbow fishing got better each day as the waters continued to recede and the fish moved from the slow water back channels to the main river. Two 21″ ‘Bows were the highlights of my trip, leaping and fighting with incredible strength in very fast water. A challenge to any fly angler. The water was in the 40’s and the fish were feisty as all get out. A 5 minute walk put you on this prime rainbow water behind the ranch. Upstream from the ranch the water turns to high quality, high gradient pocket water. This water was raging throughout my trip and although a few brookies were caught here, I am told the big boy brookies live here . From the mounts on the wall at the ranch and the discussions with the owner,,,, I believe. The fish pictures are few. I had forgotten how slippery, strong, and misbehaving these high mountain fish were. My concern was to get them back in the water rather than ground pound them trying to get a photo. Even with a net they were difficult to hang onto for pictures.  Nymphing was the most effective method because of the high water, but I am told that during a normal year, the hopper and the large dry are king. The cutthroat trout in this area exist in a high lake whose valley we could not enter this year because of heavy snows. I am told that Cutt’s of over 20″ are not uncommon. We are booked for next year already.