North Cascades Trout Backpacking Trip

[Smokepole]

Been many years since we fished up in the lakes.  My wife and I used to pack the kids everywhere in the wilderness when they were babies, but when they got older our packs became too heavy.  So it's been a few years.  I wasn't sure how good I would feel, being old & out of shape.  Sort of surprised myself.

The kids are good hikers, yet a little green.  My son Forrest was pretty fired up to reach the lake.  He fished pretty much non stop.  We spent 4 exquisite days at the lake.  So relaxing, we didn't want to leave.  Ate fish every night for dinner.  Hot coffee & oatmeal in the mornings.  It didn't take us long to remember why we used to hike & fish so often.  Got the bug again, for sure.  And it helps put things into perspective when there aint no phones ringing, no work schedule, or background noise.

We caught several cutthroat that were big as your arm.  Maybe 16"-17" and fat as a cow.  I played one for 15 minutes, landing it without a net, up to my arm pits in tag alder & salmon berry.  It was one of those fish that you just had to enjoy & let it tire out.  My son had several of these fish on, and went berserk.  He's a gamey kid who loves to hunt & fish.  Get's excited and the outcome aint too harmonious sometimes. 

We fried 'em and roasted 'em, and they were just great.  Lure of the trip....  The Thomas Cyclone.  Not sure where to get more.  Need some.  They are chunky enough to cast & painted up to look like minnows.  Bam!!!

It was a great trip my family won't soon forget.

[buglebuster]

looks like an awesome trip beautiful country and beautiful fish!

[johng]

Awesome pictures and nice looking fish!!!

 

Just wondering... does this lake start with a "P"?  You can just say yes or no... I would rather it not be posted in its entirety.

 

It is a sweet spot indeed and the fishing is good there if it is the lake I am thinking about.

[Harborhunter]

Cool pictures, looks like a lot of fun.

[MtnMuley]

Sweet!  Good times right there.

[Smokepole]

Awesome pictures and nice looking fish!!!

 

Just wondering... does this lake start with a "P"?  You can just say yes or no... I would rather it not be posted in its entirety.

 

It is a sweet spot indeed and the fishing is good there if it is the lake I am thinking about.

Not with a P.  Now you got me curious.  Can't think of any high lake starting with P.  Shucks.  This one doesn't start with P, but you know the type of lake.  It's under 5,000 ft elev. and it's a bushwhack getting in.  Made a two day trek out of it, since it was so hot out.

[Smokepole]

I aint hill hardened any more.  Just all calloused up.  Got to take off my boots & lick my wounds.

[Smokepole]

Even the gals like fishing in the lakes.  We would cook up four big fish at night, and fight over it once it was fried.  Nothing left but the bones.  Like a bunch of vultures at dinner. 

[farmin4u_98948]

Great times... Alpine lakes are my favorite. Even if the fish dont bite its still awesome... 

[Smokepole]

Great times... Alpine lakes are my favorite. Even if the fish dont bite its still awesome... 

Yup.  It didn't matter if we caught fish or not.  It was just awesome the entire time.  The weather was great, just one morning with showers.  Here's a couple of trout pics.  Got to get out the more often!

[Whitpirate]

That last pan was a nice meal waitin'.  Great pictures.

[Kola16]

I love the red belly cut in the first pic. I really need to get up into the lakes again. By the way, your dog has that awesome, "It wasn't me" look  I love it 

[singleshot12]

Yup good times, life is good!

[ICEMAN]

I miss that stuff!

Hey Kevin, did you pack enough butter along on that trip? 

[Smokepole]

I love the red belly cut in the first pic. I really need to get up into the lakes again. By the way, your dog has that awesome, "It wasn't me" look  I love it 

Yeah, well that ol' dog is spoiled rotten  She don't like her picture took and she likes to lay around camp in the sun.  Wants chowtime twice a day.  Sleeps inside the tent.  Whimpers if she don't get to.  She a funny old pup!  Always scheming!