Island Park (Henry’s Fork, The Ranch, Box Canyon) Trip with the https://facebook/TroutChicks I just returned from Island Park, Idaho. What an awesome experience. I met and fished with 10 beautiful ladies (Aileen, Rachel, Shelly, Michelle, Holly, Heidi, Tara, Emily, Brittany). Some of us knew one or two of the women previously, however, for most of us this was our first face-to-face introduction outside of being Facebook friends. We met up at the Moose Hollow Lodge and began the welcoming process and introductions on Friday evening. Aileen and myself were the first to arrive. Holly is fortunate enough to have a second home in the area so pulled up right behind us. Rachel and Michelle joined Heidi and Tara along the way and arrived shortly thereafter. Then we greeted Emily and Brittany, who started their day by stopping to fish in Yellowstone National Park. Shelly was the last to arrive, as she was pulling her boat from Helena, MT, and was lucky enough to be greeted at the door by the largest welcoming party. Her film crew, Tim and Chris from Arkansas were right behind her. They had to stop and film the moose along the road. Saturday was filled with an awesome day of drift boat fishing on the Henry’s fork on https://facebook/adipose.boatworks?fref=ts 4 boats filled the brim with lady fisherman, a 5th boat with our film crew, https://facebook/tim.bull.10?fref=ts and https://facebook/profile.php?id=1454575645&fref=ts followed up with our personal photographer, .facebook/jb.mccollum?fref=ts on his pontoon. I have so much to learn. Patience truly is a virtue. I am still learning the techniques required to fish from a drift boat. This was only my second opportunity and once again we had 3 ladies fishing at the same time. The first time I fished with 3 women in a drift boat went smoothly as at least one of us was nymphing the entire trip. This time that was not the case. I have to admit I struggled a lot at the start and even had a short, but intense melt down. I have to send out a very heartfelt thank you to my boat mates, Tara and Aileen and especially our guide, Justin. I so appreciated their patience and understanding. Tara came to the rescue with a little shoulder rub and a few swigs from her private stash. Deep breaths, count to 10 and start all over again. Ended up being a slow fishing day for everyone, however, I was fortunate enough to land two fish before coming upon the take out. Holly and her husband, Jared (one of our rowers) were back at the lodge preparing the most delicious dutch oven dinner and desert. We were filled to the brim and chose to call it an early night to rest up for the next day’s excursions. Sunday morning came with a beautiful Idaho sunrise and cool temperatures. We all gathered once again at the https://facebook/pages/TroutHunter-Lodge/109735795752123 to re-group and get are daily itinerary. First destination sent us off to the ranch for a little wading. Very technical waters and very particular fish. Upon arrival we were all in awe of the rising fish. By the end of this little get together we were all shaking our heads saying, “Where’d they go”? I know Heidi hooked into a couple of good ones as I believe I heard a few choice words coming down the river as the finicky fish spit out her fly on at least two occasions. Now back to the Trout Hunter Lodge to pick up boats and regroup for our float down Box Canyon. Unfortunately we were short a boat so 3 of the ladies opted out and followed Holly to see where the big fish were. Aileen was brave enough to team up once again. Totally different water from the previous days float. Much swifter with a lot of weeds. Once again the fish were scares, however, I landed two small ones. Albeit little, they still made it to the net. Then came the clouds, and the wind, and the rain. First (and only time) I left my rain gear in the car. Oops, wet and nothing else to do, Aileen and I opted to streamer fish. Oh what fun that was. I remember Michael telling me that if I ran into trouble casting from my side of the boat, use my back cast. Sure wish I had thought of that the day before ☹. Worked wonders, on my cast – not the fish ☺. Did not get the opportunity to experience a fish taking my streamer, however, it was the most fun I had the entire trip. Back to the lodge for a smorgasbord of taco salad fixings and beverages of ones choice before calling it a night. It was a very late night of camaraderie, telling stories and reminiscing about everyone’s personal experiences and confirming new friendships. Monday morning came way too soon for all of us. After packing our cars and closing up the lodge we all headed to the upper dam to wet our lines together one last time. Heidi and Tara landed a fish or two before we all got in our separate vehicles to begin the long trek home. I was driving, however, know that in my car, Aileen and Michelle were already posting and receiving photos from our new and special friends, the Trout Chicks. Michael and I are looking forward to a few days on the Clearwater with our spey rods next week as we head up to redshedflyshop/CLAVE.html. Hope to see you all there. Happy trails! Until next time . . .
Posted on: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 23:09:49 +0000
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