High Country Trout Trip

[Smokepole]

Been taking the kids on a few high country fishing trips before they leave the roost.  A couple lakes in particular have limited access, with roads that are in rough shape.  We decided to bust in before the roads wash out for good.

We camped at the end of the road the first night, since it was a long drive to get to the route.  The weather was pretty warm, so an early start would be good.  In the morning we cooked oatmeal on the campfire for breakfast.

[Smokepole]

The trails have gotten steeper in the North Cascades.  25 years ago, I could drive my pickup three miles farther up a logging spur to get high on the ridge.  Now you have to walk it.

[Smokepole]

We made it to the first lake for lunch.  Had some crackers & sardines.  We didn't do any fishing yet, wanting to make it another three miles before dark.  But it was a nice place to stop.

[Smokepole]

The trail went straight up.  We were able to make it to high camp & still have time to fish.  The kids caught us some dinner, while me & ma built a fire.  The dog just wanted to chill for a while.   

[Smokepole]

We spent the next couple days, just catching & eating trout.  Took some naps.  Had some nice campfires & I told stories about my old backpacking days.  Our kids are trout fishing machines & we had to tell them to release some trout for next time.  The trout averaged about 12", but we did catch some nice ones around 15".  My son was nice enough to pack in a 6 pack of suds for us old folks!   

It was a tough 6 mile hike.  So much blow-downs we could hardly find the trail in places.  Me & ma were glad we could still make it in.  The most fun was listening to the brother & sister chatter.  They're hooked.

[Skyvalhunter]

Nice pictures and story. You can thank the efforts of the Trailblazers for the fish stocking in the NCNP. Thru their efforts they got a bill passed thru that was signed recently by the President to allow stocking in the NCNP. Without this bill eventually all the lakes there would be killed off. The bill allowes some of the lakes to keep being stocked or allowed to still have fish in them if they were a reproducing lake. Thanks TB'ers.

[Marcoramius]

Looks like a great time was had by all. I'm guessing Jordan Lakes?

[zwickeyman]

That's what its all about right there

Hats off to the TB'ers

[hollymaster]

Nothing better than high country trout and lemon pepper. 

[Band]

Love it, this is the activity that strengthens the family bond.  All families should do such a thing.

I remember when I used to have the energy to pack in a frying pan like that.  If I ever did it again I think I would take a little tin foil and cook those trout on the fire coals.