I wasn't looking forward to the predicted 111 degrees on Sunday, so I headed into the mountains to find some cool water. I packed light as it was already hot. I figured one can't get much lighter than a Tenkara rod!
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I had no particular destination in mind so I just kept driving until it got cooler. I ended up here and the shady trail looked inviting so off I went not knowing what I would find.
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I'd heard that the trail finally meets a creek and after a little hike, I found it:
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I didn't think it was possible but just downstream, it got even better!
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The gentle mist from the falls cooled the air so I spent lots of time here catching little redbands on dries and soft hackles. They were small but fun on the Tenkara rod. The biggest I landed was about 10" but I lost one that made me exclaim "Holy Crap" when it rocketed from the depths.
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After catching a bunch of little guys, I finally decided to see what was downstream. I worked my way down a nice run and then the horizon disappeared - another waterfall! I had to climb up and around it but I emerged at this gorgeous pool below the waterfall.
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The catching here was just as good as below the other waterfall. I'd only intended on fishing for a few hours but the beauty, the gorgeous little redbands and the cool mist from the falls made me linger. I finally decided I'd better go so I didn't have to drive out in the dark. But I was a bit sore and in less of a hurry than I was hiking in so I discovered lot of small beautiful flowers that I'd overlooked on the way in. I only had my iPhone so I did the best I could. Here is but one type (?) I found:
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I saw no one the whole day, except for a couple of families near the trailhead. I'd had this beautiful creek to myself and it was heaven! I had enough emergency stuff in my little pack to spend the night and I seriously contemplated doing so. But my sister was expecting me to report in when I was back and I knew if I didn't call, she'd send the Mounties. I made a note to buy one of those Delorme Inreach devices!
I was totally blissed out driving home. The sun was down and the worst of the heat was over. Life was good - or it was until I got close to home and saw the smoke. Luckily, it was across the valley from me but the ridge was ablaze and the helicopters were dipping water out of the river - and they were at it all afternoon today too. But I've got stuff packed and ready to evac by the back door; if it gets bad, I know a peaceful little creek I can head back to and escape the smoke!
![Image]()
I had no particular destination in mind so I just kept driving until it got cooler. I ended up here and the shady trail looked inviting so off I went not knowing what I would find.
I'd heard that the trail finally meets a creek and after a little hike, I found it:
I didn't think it was possible but just downstream, it got even better!
The gentle mist from the falls cooled the air so I spent lots of time here catching little redbands on dries and soft hackles. They were small but fun on the Tenkara rod. The biggest I landed was about 10" but I lost one that made me exclaim "Holy Crap" when it rocketed from the depths.
After catching a bunch of little guys, I finally decided to see what was downstream. I worked my way down a nice run and then the horizon disappeared - another waterfall! I had to climb up and around it but I emerged at this gorgeous pool below the waterfall.
The catching here was just as good as below the other waterfall. I'd only intended on fishing for a few hours but the beauty, the gorgeous little redbands and the cool mist from the falls made me linger. I finally decided I'd better go so I didn't have to drive out in the dark. But I was a bit sore and in less of a hurry than I was hiking in so I discovered lot of small beautiful flowers that I'd overlooked on the way in. I only had my iPhone so I did the best I could. Here is but one type (?) I found:
I saw no one the whole day, except for a couple of families near the trailhead. I'd had this beautiful creek to myself and it was heaven! I had enough emergency stuff in my little pack to spend the night and I seriously contemplated doing so. But my sister was expecting me to report in when I was back and I knew if I didn't call, she'd send the Mounties. I made a note to buy one of those Delorme Inreach devices!
I was totally blissed out driving home. The sun was down and the worst of the heat was over. Life was good - or it was until I got close to home and saw the smoke. Luckily, it was across the valley from me but the ridge was ablaze and the helicopters were dipping water out of the river - and they were at it all afternoon today too. But I've got stuff packed and ready to evac by the back door; if it gets bad, I know a peaceful little creek I can head back to and escape the smoke!
I hope the fish was able to lose the fly and line. Luckily, I had another piece of line with me and I tied it on with knots that had to be cut off!
