Matthew from Goat Head Gear took me out to the Provo River yesterday in search of browns that would eat gargantuan streamers and possibly some dry flies. I was empty handed for the day, but Matthew ended up catching a few on a circus peanut.
Hungry for circus peanuts (Matthew’s photo)
I had 4 or 5 solid hits, but they just wouldn’t keep a hook it their mouth and even pegged at least 2 trout in the head with giant streamers. Even after not catching anything, I had a blast.
Matthew chunking streamers
Things I learned:
- I’m not used to wading in swift water like the Provo
- Wear sunscreen in Utah
- Giant, articulated streamers are a workout to throw with a 5wt
- Barefoot shoes are terrible for wet wading in swift water
- Utah has more mosquitos than I ever would have thought, and they do not care one bit about a citronella wristband
- Fishing with Matthew involves a lot of hiking/trailblazing through Jurassic Park-style raptor grass. (you’ll learn why he makes Sole Spikes)
- Tacos always make you feel better about not catching fish
Utah is beautiful and I may try to fish again on Saturday. Supposedly there is a mountain stream close to where we are staying that is dry fly city.
Utah looking awesome
Matthew posted quite a few pictures from the trip on the Goat Head Facebook, check it out. Matthew brought me some Sole Spikes in a goodie bag and I can’t wait to try them out.
Glad you were able to get out & fish. I fished the lower Provo with the Tenkara guys on Sunday and you ain’t kidding about the swift water. Damn stuff beat me up…my quads & calves are still aching today! Hope you’re able to get out again before you leave.
I’m super sore from it today and then I walked probably 5 miles on the show floor today running circles.
I had a blast too! I was so glad that a raptor or that frilly-necked spitting dino thing didn’t pop out of the grass to devour us. That totally would have sucked. Instead it was the devouring of a thousand bites, thanks to those rotten mosquitos. It was great meeting you and have a enjoy the rest of your visit to Utah!
I am covered in mosquito bites, they were terrible