Let's dive into the world of fly fishing and explore a unique river adventure.
The Quest for Solitude in Crowded Waters
I've always been a fan of solitude when it comes to my fishing adventures. The idea of combat fishing, with lines of anglers clogging the banks, is enough to deter me from any river. So, when I decided to venture out to the Bighorn River, a renowned busy fishery, it seemed like an intriguing challenge.
The Bighorn River: A Busy Fishery with a Twist
Despite my initial reservations, the Bighorn River delivered an experience that surpassed my expectations. The river is teeming with trout, offering a unique opportunity to test one's skills. The guides at Kingfisher Lodge, where I stayed, were exceptional, ensuring that even those with varying levels of experience, like my son-in-law on his third day of fly fishing, could land impressive catches.
A River of Challenges and Rewards
One of the most memorable aspects of the Bighorn River is the moss. It's an ever-present challenge, requiring anglers to master the art of the 'Bighorn Slap' and 'Bighorn Banjo' to keep their flies free from the ubiquitous weed. While it may be a nuisance, it's a testament to the river's fertility and the thriving insect population that sustains the trout.
My personal catch included a brown trout and a rainbow, both of which showcased the fighting spirit of the Bighorn's fish. It was a rewarding experience, especially considering the river's reputation for being crowded.
Lessons from the Guide
As with any good fishing trip, I walked away with some valuable lessons. One of our guides used a unique setup, employing 3X fluorocarbon tippet with size 16 or 18 sow bug patterns, which resulted in plenty of takes. It made me question our usual obsession with leader size. Additionally, the guides' use of barrel swivels in their nymph rigs to prevent line twist was an innovative technique I plan to adopt.
A Return to the Bighorn?
Despite being on the 'back nine' of my life, I'm hopeful that I'll get another chance to visit the Bighorn River. It's an experience I'd love to repeat, and with the lessons I've learned, I'm confident I could improve my catch rate. The Bighorn River is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most rewarding adventures are those that challenge our expectations.
So, until next time, Bighorn, I'll be dreaming of those chunky trout and the unique challenges they present.
