Gila Country

I’ve been planning this trip for a while now. The fishing on Rainy Mountain hasn’t been great this spring, so I decided to head south and try my luck at catching a Gila trout. That way, I can add it to my ‘Grand Slam’ prize list with our New Mexico trout species. I missed taking this trip last year, so this got put on my trip list at the beginning of the year.

Since this is a 2wt fishing year (see my January 1st post, A Winston 2wt Year), I only packed one rod. It’s a Winston WT 7’ 2wt rod that will work on any stream I’m fishing in Gila Country. I’ve paired it with a Bauer SST3 reel, and based on past trips down here, I find it the perfect kit for these streams.

Upon my arrival on the first day, I drove through the village where I have a motel room reservation and went straight to the stream for a "look see" regarding flows and conditions. The flow was great, the temp was cool, but warm enough that I only wore a long sleeve shirt and left the jacket in the truck. The flows were low enough that I slipped on my 15" high rubber boots and began working the stream. The gin clear water was a turquoise green color and flowed under a mostly clear blue sky. A beautiful day to fish a little canyon creek in Gila country.

You know what? I got a big surprise when I captured two personal bests for me. I landed my largest Gila trout ever. A 17" beauty that was so fat I couldn't grab it securely with my hand. I had a difficult time netting it because my net was too small. The fish's head and tail stuck out of the hoop and as soon as I removed the hook, he leaped out of the net and shot off like a rocket. Nope, I didn't get a chance to shoot a photo. But, that big guy will be in my memory forever. Beautiful, big, golden Gila that left me in shock when it was all over.

The other PB is my Winston WT 7' 2wt fly rod landing its largest trout ever at 17 inches. A fish that size on a two weight is an absolute thrill! And, the fact it's a Gila trout makes that record even sweeter! I stood in the stream for a moment savoring the catch and then told myself to begin fishing again. As I worked upstream, I had some fun action with several little Gila's who were surprised to find themselves in the bottom of my net. And then, I remembered I still need to check into the motel. Yup, I left the stream with a big grin knowing the trip was already worth the drive! Did I mention it was a beautiful day? And, best of all there are more adventures to come today!!!

Gear: Winston WT 7' 2wt fly rod; Bauer SST3 fly reel; Winston Energy fly line; Simms sling pack; Brodin landing net; Orange Stimulator and Black Caddis.

Streaming: At Last by Etta James

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