Chilly mountains

[JDP]

Headed into the mountains, air temp -5'c, water temp 2.5'c. Firstly I hate the cold which is the main reason for leaving the UK, however I still like the occasional reminder of how cold it can be and we aren't even in winter yet.

Target species were brown and rainbow trout which move upstream for the spawning this time of year. These fish are an introduced species first brought here by early European settlers.

It can be a busy time of year with many anglers trying their luck at the bigger up to 90cm 14kg specimens. I had decided to put the effort into hiking well upstream away from the crowds which involved quite some effort climbing some rock sections. Two other families had decided to join the party and all the youngsters were keen on heading upstream after I told them what a good session I had last year at a water hole well upstream.

 

Apart from really feeling my age on icy slippery rocks all went well and we all reached the magic spot!!!!!! I must admit feeling under pressure after talking the spot up around the campfire the evening before but the pressure soon faded away when we had a triple hookup on solid brown trout from the youngsters. I pretty much sat back and left it to them as they clocked up around 70 fish mostly in the 55-65cm size bracket. A truly magic session we will all remember, with even a large stag samba deer walking in on us and getting quite a shock.

One of the young lads had been working hard landing (netting) all the fish so had missed out on the rod action himself which made him feel disappointed, not helped by the teasing from the other kids.

Around the campfire that evening in freezing temps one of the parents was keen to do the hike, which meant the lad who missed out had his chance.

This day was even colder and my water bottle that I filled before I left camp had frozen solid before I got to the spot. My first nymph fly hit the water for a decent 60cm brown which I kept for the smoker. After that my gloves went on and I left it to the others, like I said I hate the cold!!!)

 

The young lad hooked several fish before he actually landed one but once he did there was no stopping him. At least another 50 fish were caught this day before we headed back with smiles on our faces.

 

While camping I sleep in my rooftop hardshell tent (Motop mk5 also available in the UK). This has a 12v electric blanket, led lighting and plenty of power points which are all run off my lithium battery and solar, I even have a DVD player for movies if it rains!!!!  So cold but still comfortable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 30, 2023 by JDP

[thejollysinker]

what a trip! sounds amazing 👌

[suzook12]

Looks idyllic, shame the fishing is so crap eh? 🤣🤣

[Andy135]

On 6/1/2023 at 9:50 AM, suzook12 said:

Looks idyllic, shame the fishing is so crap eh? 🤣🤣

I honestly don't know how he manages to stick it out down there 🤷‍♂️. If it were me I'd be on the first plane back to Blighty.

[thejollysinker]

2 hours ago, Andy135 said:

I honestly don't know how he manages to stick it out down there 🤷‍♂️. If it were me I'd be on the first plane back to Blighty.

Must be awful 🤔 umm, NO!

[JonC]

2 hours ago, Andy135 said:

I honestly don't know how he manages to stick it out down there 🤷‍♂️. If it were me I'd be on the first plane back to Blighty.

Let’s just be thankful that he does. 

[Andy135]

1 minute ago, JonC said:

Let’s just be thankful that he does. 

Come off it. If he were to return you'd be first in line at Heathrow arrivals, waving your "Welcome Home Jon" banner and wearing your best heels and lippy.

[JDP]

5 hours ago, Andy135 said:

Come off it. If he were to return you'd be first in line at Heathrow arrivals, waving your "Welcome Home Jon" banner and wearing your best heels and lippy.

Unfortunately I have no intension of returning but do hope the big man heads over here one day. Im thinking of a go fund me page to get him here. I won't be wearing heals and lippy for him though, more barefoot with brightly painted nails, we do things differently here!!!!!!