Pac8541 Report post Posted October 13, 2015 My annual fall trip to SW CO went off HUGE! Last year I was 2-3 weeks too late to catch the full glory of aspens getting cold but this year I nailed it. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect trip and environment to spend a full week out of a tent. This year's focus was solely on creek fishing. I made several trips into the back country as far as 9.5 miles and fished creeks and streams that I'd like to think hadn't seen a human for a long time. I'm sure that's not true but the fact that I got a few closely held tips regarding prime locations meant I saw no one while on the water at any point. Elk were bugling in the evenings, a few rain showers and some hail on the last day, but otherwise gin clear water and plenty of cutthroat looking for their last few meals until spring. I tried using the bike to get into the wilderness, something I specifically bought it for. This worked well to an extent. The trail I thought would be the most awesome experience ever turned out to be about 70% hike a bike and 30% actual riding. I ditched it behind some trees about halfway in and learned some valuable lessons regarding bikepacking. Foremost of these is its absolutely worth the investment to buy bike packs made for this kind of thing. Trying to ride rutted up, rocky, rooty singletrack across the side of a steep slope that falls a hundred feet or more down to the creek with 25 lbs on your back is not a wise idea. On the way out I took a header right over the bars and wound up with a black eye and a ruined lens on my best fishing sunglasses. I purchased a new rod on the first day of this trip. I gotta quit doing that cuz it really drives up the cost of these trips! I'm a Scott guy so naturally this was one of theirs, a F2 glass model about 2 feet shorter than anything else I've got. The damned thing fishes like a dream on this kind of water and makes even the smallest cutty feel like a king salmon. It certainly won't replace my 6wt on big water but my 4wt rod may be seeing a little less action... The fun factor is completely off the chart. Anyway, hope you all enjoy the photos. I was 3 days into this trip before I began thinking about the next one; something I've tried hard to keep myself from doing because it takes away from what I'm experiencing right now. But in this country, its impossible to control my emotions, desire, and the thoughts of how I can get here forever. One day, mark my word. 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SO I HUNT Report post Posted October 13, 2015 Very nice, lots of great looking country.... Thanks for sharing .... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hoghntr Report post Posted October 13, 2015 Great pics! Looks like a blast Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4Falls Report post Posted October 13, 2015 Great pics. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Will K Report post Posted October 13, 2015 Awesome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesPursuit Report post Posted October 13, 2015 Always enjoy your adventures Pac, thank you for sharing!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Non-Typical Solutions Report post Posted October 13, 2015 DANG......that is cool Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Browns Report post Posted October 13, 2015 AMAZING adventure!!!! You da man!!!!!!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mocha1545 Report post Posted October 13, 2015 That's some Beautiful Country. Looks like a great time. Those are some nice fish. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lonne Report post Posted October 15, 2015 Looks like a total blast!!! Thanks for sharing!!!! Very unbelievable pristine looking mountains, lake, creek!!! Definitely a good thing no tumble was taken down one of those ravines and glad to hear you are OK there on the black eye, yikes. What bullet is that by your paracord bracelet? Looks like a fun side excursion to one of the awesome Colorado breweries also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heat Report post Posted October 15, 2015 Outstanding photos! Great Advice on the bikepacking by the way! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pac8541 Report post Posted October 16, 2015 Looks like a total blast!!! Thanks for sharing!!!! Very unbelievable pristine looking mountains, lake, creek!!! Definitely a good thing no tumble was taken down one of those ravines and glad to hear you are OK there on the black eye, yikes. What bullet is that by your paracord bracelet? Looks like a fun side excursion to one of the awesome Colorado breweries also. Gift, overseas stuff you earn. The "brewery" was actually a small pub, the only one in town and one that I've passed about a hundred times and never stopped in. Perfect place for a couple beers, a great burger, and a corner booth to look over the next day's battle plans. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
