So the expedition today, yes expedition, started with a trip all the way across the North of the Park to check out some promising new meadow water. We had read about the upper meadows of Pebble Creek and thought the idea of seldom cast at Cutthroats up to 16″, was very inviting.
There was one catch. The hike in was about 2.2 miles and in the process you gain 1000′ in altitude and then drop 250′. To most this would be a deal breaker. But not us, we were up for the challenge, we thought. The hike began uphill immediately, and did not let up. The views along the trail were amazing and the trail itself was some what treacherous.
We kept pressing on with numerous re- encouragement sessions (air gasping breaks). The trail never seemed to let up until finally we saw light over the ridge. As soon as we topped out the descent began. Although the downhill was much appreciated, we could not help but think about the trip back out. The trail eventually opened up into a beautiful wildflower filled meadow.
align: center;”>The wildflowers are normally done blooming by this time of year, at least at normal altitudes. Shortly after stepping into the meadow we could hear water running, which really got our heart beating. Finally we had reached our destination, but no.
The stream was just a trickle and although enough water to hold trout definitely not enough to hold our sought after 16″ cutthroats. So, we started hiking some more. Probably another mile to where we could see another couple of streams join the flow. Now there was enough water BUT, two fisherman were fishing it. So off we went hiking some more.
— Joshua Garris – Curtis Wright Outfitters (828) 712-5896