I don’t know the first thing about fly fishing, but it is something I always wanted to do. I’m 69 years old and disabled, so learning fly fishing is no longer an option for me. I found your channel on TH-cam and it is such a joy! Your vid’s are intelligent and thoughtful, as well as expertly filmed. It is so peaceful and relaxing to watch your fishing adventures. My dad was a fisherman, and I grew to love fishing from him. Carry on and keep your adventures coming!❤️
Fishing channels are dime a dozen on TH-cam and if I'm honest I gravitate to quiet a few for different reasons. Your channel IMO is the best one. Your genuine love of nature and fishing, your story telling and ability to share your life experiences with complete strangers is simply wonderful and a joy to watch. Keep on keeping on my friend :)
I just got back from an evening bite in the Iowa Driftless and tuned in as you were signing out. I was just outside of Decorah on a Sunday evening and had the water to myself. Sometimes the valley is a long hike in and sometimes it is 100 yards from the truck. Enjoy every chance you get in life.
I'm in a moment of blahh. I can't figure it out, somewhere between recreational fireworks-induced sleep deprivation, and stuck waiting for the phone to simultaneously ring and buzz, signaling that one project is done and the next is underway. I'm listening to this, tying a wingless Adams (too small for the wings and its thread to anchor it on tiny wire) on a barbless Timco 100bl, size 22. The Western brook trout, I can relate to, can't relate to reality. Summer is killing me; regular intervals of lightning keeps preventing me from actually casting a line on water. Much thanks for sharing this, my crutch for the afternoon. You should know how bad I want to go to visit Colorado. Dude, you are on the Continental Divide, which is "grand" on every level! Absolute beauty, even the beetle-killed trees. Here is one for reading and photos, 49 Trout Streams of Southern Colorado, by Williams and McPhail. I'd describe your perfect-weather trip and videography as simply 'candy.'
Always enhoy you trips. I'm 70 and playing the back 9. You take me back. After last year 6 eye surgeries and very little flyfishing, Iam on the verge of gettin in some serious outdoors. Thanks
Did that at your age. Age has flown by and I'm 70. Watching your adventures brings back so many memories. Keep doing what you do my man because before you know it you'll be sitting in my chair.👍
You have me hook line and sinker Mike!! Just moved to Colorado after my 48 year old husband died. I figured I better get busy living or get busy dying as I am 54. I went camping by myself twice in the last week and heading out again Monday. No better place to heal my heart than in the Rockies. Keep it movin my friend!!!
Hi there Mike. I am new to your channel, but have enjoyed some of your trips and fishing expeditions immensely. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I am new to flyfishing after about 30 years, and love every moment. Scenes such as yours inspire me to do more of it. Thanks, and tight lines 👊
Mike,you jave inspired me to stop waiting for a buddy or two to go out on adventures. Usually means I dont end up going... So, off I go out on my own for the next few months. Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona and who knows where else. Pretty much just winging it, figuring out where the fish are as I go. Watching your vids helps for many reasons. Your humour especially laughing at yourself is great and very entertaining! Thanks for the adventures!!
Love it. Get out and enjoy it while you can. I'm finally realizing and putting this into practice now that I'm in my 40's. Looking forward to my 2024 journey in the western states. Appreciate the great and inspiring videos Mike!
Getting out back packing in the actually wild country is true beauty and with the added fly fishing is awesome. I tend to bring my drone out with me to get a aerial view but never forget the beauty around you is just a blessing within itself. Outstanding video with outstanding wisdom. Packing in and Packing out. And that was a pheasant. Good eats. Very detailed video. I’m impressed.
I just came across this video but I grew up there! I have hiked, and rode horses on that exact trail a bunch!! So glad you enjoyed that area. It’s my favorite place on earth
Great video Mike! I keep telling myself I need to get out there and I tell you every time I see videos like this. It gives me a massive amount of motivation. So, thank you for the awesome content and showing everyone the amazing wilderness we have in this country.
I've been binging your videos since I found your channel recently and this has been my favourite so far. It's like sitting down to watch a brilliant feature length film. This one had a great mix of everything and told the whole story. What a trip. Respect to you for doing it solo, that takes real guts. That stream fishing looked absolutely perfect. Thank you for sharing. Good luck with growing the channel, I'm sure you'll get to 100k subscribers with this kind of content.
I agree with you. I felt almost part of the trip. Everything was interesting and the fishing looked terrific. Even though it was probably Mike’s longest video it really moved along
Have to say you have some of the coolest videos. I just watched this one all the way through and it was awesome. I now live in the Western Slope of Colorado, used to live in crowded California, and my daughter lives outside of Taos in an Earthship. I fly fish here in Colorado and am going to visit my daughter and son-in-law to fly fish on the Rio Grande. I would so much like to do one these wilderness trips like this video. There is nothin like being out alone with nature. Your New Mexico vidoes are some of the best. Tight lines to you and keep it real as always.
Thanks for a beautiful trip Mike. I wished I would have done what your doing when I was younger but I didn't. I'm quite happy now in my plier age to fish the driftless year in and year out. It's a beautiful place to fish.
I went to a bunch of lakes in this area this summer. West Ute was windy and the water was very cloudy when I went, didn’t even fish it. It’s out there though, hiked from flint lakes over by west Ute and out to the trailhead in one day. Lots of fishing in that area, Ide like to go back for a full week.
That looked like a hen blue grouse to me in regards to the unknown bird in the video! Such an awesome video man, I love that you enjoy the outdoors as much as I do. My son just turned 11 and I feel like he is finally at an age where I can take him out to experience stuff like this and I am beyond thrilled about it. I may have to add this area to my ever growing bucket list.
Any idea what type of fish population was in Black lake? Great video, I look forward to trying this with my son who lives in northern New Mexico. We fish the Valle Caldera and its outstanding
Ute Creek Trail is a tough haul and worth every mile. Blue Grouse, aka Dusky Grouse. Relatively tame and will scare the bejesus out of you when flushed! 59:18 White Crowned Sparrows. What "black box" are you using? Nice, sharp video! Finally, you're pronunciation of Weminuche is spot-on.
Great vid and damn we're lucky to be in CO. On those big hikes with weight, my buddy always says 'embrace the suck.' You always get better stories and memories putting in that work to get deep.
Great videos, love your enthusiasm. Great advice for some people looking to get out there, I appreciate educating the public about the fire danger and backcountry etiquette. Can you please also explain to people the proper processes for using the bathroom in the woods. Seeing poop on the ground is becoming an epidemic in Colorado. Someday show people how to use Wag Bags and pack it out when in popular areas and how to bury it if in a remote area away from water. We need more people with knowledge on what to do with their poop. Thanks
I really enjoyed this video. It was fantastic. I learned a lot from you in nature is my relaxation and fishing. There is nothing like that kind of life. Thank you again for everything maybe I live in Colorado so let’s let’s do some camping later.
This is outstanding content. I really enjoyed this and I'm glad you enjoyed this part of my home state of Colorado. The Weminuche (yes, you are saying it correctly) is indeed a special place. I was actually in that same area on my own solo trip just a bit later than you this summer. I did a 60'ish mile loop starting from the train drop-off at Elk Creek, dropped down into W. Ute Lake over a pass, went by all three Ute Lakes, Flint Lake and Rock Lake, then over to the upper Vallecito drainage and back up and down Elk creek. I had my Tenkara rod and did really well at Flint Lake and upper Rock Creek. It is a rugged area with big climbs, but like you said, it's worth every step and every mile. I made my own short video you might like on my channel. It's a different style than yours (and not nearly as good), but you might enjoy seeing some of my footage from the same area. Thanks for making a great video!
Thanks For sharing another great adventure! Try the PEAK: Chicken Alfredo & Breakfast Skillet, hella good meals for your trips. Keep them vids coming! From 🇨🇦🤙🏾 Tight Lines Brotha!
You have a great show and are very knowledgeable about what,is pertinent but think about editing the narration. Your time with us all wishing we were there has been great thanks again and tight lines
Nice video. Haven't hiked or fished in the Weiminuche in years. I'm bummed to see the amount of beetle kill. Yikes! That place is going to go up like a match stick one of these days. I live in NOCO so I've seen beetle kill like that lead to immense fires. Keep up the good work though and keep catching those troots!
@@FLYALLSZN Hey Mike ... trying to hide this comment about another video I enjoyed. On the Colorado video you filmed with your Kansas buddy (Conejos County, back country meadow stream, for large browns), have you ever fished the canyon stretches between the meadows? How about the creek stretch near the campground before it dumps in to the main river? Blessings, Gary R, USAF-Retired
Hi Mike! New subscriber here. Just loving your videos here! Back many decades ago while in the military I fished the beautiful Conejos and Platoro Reservoir. Absolutely fell in love with stunning Colorado in general and the San Juans in particular. Always hoped to get back- never did. Now at my age I doubt I will. Nevertheless I can do it vicariously watching you. Keep up the great work! God bless. -tim/winchendon ma
inReach mini linked to iPhone, along with GAIA app……I love mine. I won’t go backpacking without it. Slightly pricey, but seems cheap when you’re able to text or SOS from almost anywhere on the planet regardless of cellular coverage. *note: I don’t work for Garmin, nor Apple.
You sure those are rios? If you’re in the south San Juan’s I’d believe it but don’t recognize the lake. If you’re in the weminuche they’re probably colorado rivers. There’s only about 30 rio lakes in colorado
@@FLYALLSZN awesome man you’re definitely right! Didn’t mean to come off as confrontational. I’ve spent the last week binge watching your videos your content is unreal!
I don’t know the first thing about fly fishing, but it is something I always wanted to do. I’m 69 years old and disabled, so learning fly fishing is no longer an option for me. I found your channel on TH-cam and it is such a joy! Your vid’s are intelligent and thoughtful, as well as expertly filmed. It is so peaceful and relaxing to watch your fishing adventures. My dad was a fisherman, and I grew to love fishing from him. Carry on and keep your adventures coming!❤️
Fishing channels are dime a dozen on TH-cam and if I'm honest I gravitate to quiet a few for different reasons. Your channel IMO is the best one. Your genuine love of nature and fishing, your story telling and ability to share your life experiences with complete strangers is simply wonderful and a joy to watch. Keep on keeping on my friend :)
That might have just made my week.. thank you so much Jeff that really means a lot! Taking the time to even express this is much appreciated 🙏🏼
I just got back from an evening bite in the Iowa Driftless and tuned in as you were signing out. I was just outside of Decorah on a Sunday evening and had the water to myself. Sometimes the valley is a long hike in and sometimes it is 100 yards from the truck. Enjoy every chance you get in life.
I miss the Driftless! I could not agree more!
I'm in a moment of blahh. I can't figure it out, somewhere between recreational fireworks-induced sleep deprivation, and stuck waiting for the phone to simultaneously ring and buzz, signaling that one project is done and the next is underway. I'm listening to this, tying a wingless Adams (too small for the wings and its thread to anchor it on tiny wire) on a barbless Timco 100bl, size 22. The Western brook trout, I can relate to, can't relate to reality. Summer is killing me; regular intervals of lightning keeps preventing me from actually casting a line on water. Much thanks for sharing this, my crutch for the afternoon. You should know how bad I want to go to visit Colorado. Dude, you are on the Continental Divide, which is "grand" on every level! Absolute beauty, even the beetle-killed trees. Here is one for reading and photos, 49 Trout Streams of Southern Colorado, by Williams and McPhail. I'd describe your perfect-weather trip and videography as simply 'candy.'
Always enhoy you trips. I'm 70 and playing the back 9. You take me back. After last year 6 eye surgeries and very little flyfishing, Iam on the verge of gettin in some serious outdoors. Thanks
Thank you Glenn! I am sending big fishy vibes your way! Tight lines!
Did that at your age. Age has flown by and I'm 70. Watching your adventures brings back so many memories. Keep doing what you do my man because before you know it you'll be sitting in my chair.👍
I am so glad these videos can do that! I plan on doing this as long as I can!
You have me hook line and sinker Mike!! Just moved to Colorado after my 48 year old husband died. I figured I better get busy living or get busy dying as I am 54. I went camping by myself twice in the last week and heading out again Monday. No better place to heal my heart than in the Rockies. Keep it movin my friend!!!
I am so sorry to hear that! I hope Colorado treats you well!
Hi there Mike. I am new to your channel, but have enjoyed some of your trips and fishing expeditions immensely. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I am new to flyfishing after about 30 years, and love every moment. Scenes such as yours inspire me to do more of it. Thanks, and tight lines 👊
Glad to have you along for the ride Darrel! Tight lines!
Mike,you jave inspired me to stop waiting for a buddy or two to go out on adventures. Usually means I dont end up going... So, off I go out on my own for the next few months. Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona and who knows where else. Pretty much just winging it, figuring out where the fish are as I go. Watching your vids helps for many reasons. Your humour especially laughing at yourself is great and very entertaining! Thanks for the adventures!!
Love it. Get out and enjoy it while you can. I'm finally realizing and putting this into practice now that I'm in my 40's. Looking forward to my 2024 journey in the western states. Appreciate the great and inspiring videos Mike!
I will do my best! Thank you so much!
Like you, the Brook trout bring back fond memories. The eyes on those cut throat, how cool. Great job on the video, I loved it.
Love those meadow brook trout! Thank you so much!
Getting out back packing in the actually wild country is true beauty and with the added fly fishing is awesome. I tend to bring my drone out with me to get a aerial view but never forget the beauty around you is just a blessing within itself. Outstanding video with outstanding wisdom. Packing in and Packing out. And that was a pheasant. Good eats. Very detailed video. I’m impressed.
Thank you so much Christopher!! It is truly amazing out there
I just came across this video but I grew up there! I have hiked, and rode horses on that exact trail a bunch!! So glad you enjoyed that area. It’s my favorite place on earth
Great video. I really enjoy the flora and fauna info and your enthusiasm for that aspect. The piping on the fins of the brookies is amazing
Amazing scenery my friend, you always find the most beautiful places for hike 😍👍best regards Up'n'Down-Traveling
Thank you so much! Gotta use these young legs while I still got em!
Great video Mike! I keep telling myself I need to get out there and I tell you every time I see videos like this. It gives me a massive amount of motivation. So, thank you for the awesome content and showing everyone the amazing wilderness we have in this country.
Hell yeah! Thank you so much for the support! We gotta get out there and get after it while we still can!
I've been binging your videos since I found your channel recently and this has been my favourite so far. It's like sitting down to watch a brilliant feature length film. This one had a great mix of everything and told the whole story. What a trip. Respect to you for doing it solo, that takes real guts. That stream fishing looked absolutely perfect. Thank you for sharing. Good luck with growing the channel, I'm sure you'll get to 100k subscribers with this kind of content.
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your support!
Great video, Mike! Love this longer form content, makes me feel like i’m there with you.
I agree with you. I felt almost part of the trip. Everything was interesting and the fishing looked terrific. Even though it was probably Mike’s longest video it really moved along
Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing your adventures Mike. This was a fantastic watch.
Thank you so much!! Trying to soak up as much as possible!
Have to say you have some of the coolest videos. I just watched this one all the way through and it was awesome. I now live in the Western Slope of Colorado, used to live in crowded California, and my daughter lives outside of Taos in an Earthship. I fly fish here in Colorado and am going to visit my daughter and son-in-law to fly fish on the Rio Grande. I would so much like to do one these wilderness trips like this video. There is nothin like being out alone with nature. Your New Mexico vidoes are some of the best. Tight lines to you and keep it real as always.
Oh wow thank you so much!! I am so glad you enjoy these videos!!
Fantastic brotha. Thanks for the journey. I know this area very well. You picked a great part of CO!
Thank you so much!
Best TH-cam vids ever! Thanks for taking us along Mike!
Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
“My-lanta!!”
Just another phrase picked up from my cross country travels!
man don't know how I have missed your channel for so long, seems like you're close to me in Idaho (maybe?). Awesome channel man, keep it up!
Thank you so much!!
Thanks for a beautiful trip Mike. I wished I would have done what your doing when I was younger but I didn't. I'm quite happy now in my plier age to fish the driftless year in and year out. It's a beautiful place to fish.
I went to a bunch of lakes in this area this summer. West Ute was windy and the water was very cloudy when I went, didn’t even fish it. It’s out there though, hiked from flint lakes over by west Ute and out to the trailhead in one day. Lots of fishing in that area, Ide like to go back for a full week.
You and me both brother!! You could spend a lifetime of summers exploring everything it has to offer
The packaged meals look real good! I'm going to try that brand. Great fishing trip/video.
Thank you so much!!
That looked like a hen blue grouse to me in regards to the unknown bird in the video! Such an awesome video man, I love that you enjoy the outdoors as much as I do. My son just turned 11 and I feel like he is finally at an age where I can take him out to experience stuff like this and I am beyond thrilled about it. I may have to add this area to my ever growing bucket list.
That is fantastic!! You need to make it out there asap! I am sure y'all will love it just as much as i did!
This is such a great video and thank you for sharing the tips and your route. I will probably try this trail one day.
Any idea what type of fish population was in Black lake? Great video, I look forward to trying this with my son who lives in northern New Mexico. We fish the Valle Caldera and its outstanding
Thank you! Hard to say!
Ute Creek Trail is a tough haul and worth every mile.
Blue Grouse, aka Dusky Grouse. Relatively tame and will scare the bejesus out of you when flushed!
59:18 White Crowned Sparrows.
What "black box" are you using? Nice, sharp video!
Finally, you're pronunciation of Weminuche is spot-on.
Great video! Thanks for the effort put forth to self-film!
You have a great personality for it, too.
Thank you so much! It is all worth it to capture up those memories!
great info, I think you would be a great back pack hike and fish guide
Great vid and damn we're lucky to be in CO. On those big hikes with weight, my buddy always says 'embrace the suck.' You always get better stories and memories putting in that work to get deep.
I have told myself more than a few times! You have to embrace the suck!!
Great videos, love your enthusiasm. Great advice for some people looking to get out there, I appreciate educating the public about the fire danger and backcountry etiquette. Can you please also explain to people the proper processes for using the bathroom in the woods. Seeing poop on the ground is becoming an epidemic in Colorado. Someday show people how to use Wag Bags and pack it out when in popular areas and how to bury it if in a remote area away from water. We need more people with knowledge on what to do with their poop. Thanks
I really enjoyed this video. It was fantastic. I learned a lot from you in nature is my relaxation and fishing. There is nothing like that kind of life. Thank you again for everything maybe I live in Colorado so let’s let’s do some camping later.
This is outstanding content. I really enjoyed this and I'm glad you enjoyed this part of my home state of Colorado. The Weminuche (yes, you are saying it correctly) is indeed a special place. I was actually in that same area on my own solo trip just a bit later than you this summer. I did a 60'ish mile loop starting from the train drop-off at Elk Creek, dropped down into W. Ute Lake over a pass, went by all three Ute Lakes, Flint Lake and Rock Lake, then over to the upper Vallecito drainage and back up and down Elk creek. I had my Tenkara rod and did really well at Flint Lake and upper Rock Creek. It is a rugged area with big climbs, but like you said, it's worth every step and every mile. I made my own short video you might like on my channel. It's a different style than yours (and not nearly as good), but you might enjoy seeing some of my footage from the same area. Thanks for making a great video!
Thank you so much Doug! That area is so beautiful I can’t wait to go back!
Thanks For sharing another great adventure! Try the PEAK: Chicken Alfredo & Breakfast Skillet, hella good meals for your trips. Keep them vids coming! From 🇨🇦🤙🏾 Tight Lines Brotha!
It is now on my list! Thank you for the heads up! Tight lines to you too!
You have a great show and are very knowledgeable about what,is pertinent but think about editing the narration. Your time with us all wishing we were there has been great thanks again and tight lines
Awesome video man! Definitely inspired me to get out and plan a trip like yours! Keep up the great work and content🤝
Enjoy your content.
What wt. Rod and reel are you using
Nice video. Haven't hiked or fished in the Weiminuche in years. I'm bummed to see the amount of beetle kill. Yikes! That place is going to go up like a match stick one of these days. I live in NOCO so I've seen beetle kill like that lead to immense fires. Keep up the good work though and keep catching those troots!
The beetles have certainly done a number which is super frustrating.. The area is still gorgeous though!
nothind sounds better than this
Great video's and even better locations! Learning so much with every video, thanks. Tight Lines
I love that wilderness area
Great video Mike! BEAUTIFUL!! Glad you saw no bear but just curious if you carry any protection in event you were to need it??
Nevermind Mike. Wrote question before seeing entire video! Thanks!
No worries! I always carry bear spray!
Another great video. Nice work!
Thank you so much David!
@@FLYALLSZN Hey Mike ... trying to hide this comment about another video I enjoyed. On the Colorado video you filmed with your Kansas buddy (Conejos County, back country meadow stream, for large browns), have you ever fished the canyon stretches between the meadows? How about the creek stretch near the campground before it dumps in to the main river? Blessings, Gary R, USAF-Retired
Look at Colorado. Fish Lake. Just a suggestion.
Thank you so much!
Hi Mike! New subscriber here. Just loving your videos here! Back many decades ago while in the military I fished the beautiful Conejos and Platoro Reservoir. Absolutely fell in love with stunning Colorado in general and the San Juans in particular. Always hoped to get back- never did. Now at my age I doubt I will. Nevertheless I can do it vicariously watching you. Keep up the great work! God bless. -tim/winchendon ma
Thank you so much for the support! That area is absolutely gorgeous!
At least YOU DID IT!!!!!!!
Amazing work brother. Truly inspirational. GOD SPEED!
Craig Connor
Nice video fas.
Thank you!
Do you carry a compas
inReach mini linked to iPhone, along with GAIA app……I love mine. I won’t go backpacking without it. Slightly pricey, but seems cheap when you’re able to text or SOS from almost anywhere on the planet regardless of cellular coverage. *note: I don’t work for Garmin, nor Apple.
You sure those are rios? If you’re in the south San Juan’s I’d believe it but don’t recognize the lake. If you’re in the weminuche they’re probably colorado rivers. There’s only about 30 rio lakes in colorado
That is what every book, usgs report, and USFS survey said! Just relaying the information I gathered.
@@FLYALLSZN awesome man you’re definitely right! Didn’t mean to come off as confrontational. I’ve spent the last week binge watching your videos your content is unreal!
Well, that's the best!
Thank you John!
What combo do you use?
Did I see a Notre Dame sweater?
You did indeed Anthony!
Go Irish! Great video
You work SO hard for your fish! Try lower the lower section of that creek next time.
That is the point Gary! I like to work a little bit harder