Hi families,
Today we exited the backcountry! We had half of the group closer to the trailhead at Big Meadows Campground, with the other venturing further at Sunrise Campground. Both groups fished sections of the Tonahutu Creek and we had amazing success! Throwing a combination of dry flys, large terrestrials, and nymphs, not only were campers able to catch jaw-dropping numbers of wild brook trout, but significantly increased their fly fishing skills, with first time fishermen looking like seasoned pros by the second day.
The Big Meadows group set up camp on Monday and got fishing. There was some success that day for sure, but things really took off on the following day. Tuesday saw a full day of fishing. Tons of fish were caught, followed by delicious backcountry dinner, desert, and cards. It's great to see the guys ease into backcountry life and get more comfortable around camp.
The second group opted to hike an extra two miles in pursuit of more trout, and the results paid off! Every camper caught at least 20 brook trout and saw amazing wildlife including moose, deer, and elk. The upstream waters also proved to be even more picturesque with the mountains in the backdrop and different foliage. The guys were certainly tired after the day, but there was great energy and excitement about the fish they caught (and getting to see some awesome animals!).
Once we get to our next campsite, the group’s going to take some showers and get laundry done as we prepare for the final days of the trip. Tomorrow, the group will do their community service project to help improve the environment, and we will wade fish the Colorado in search of the largest fish on the trip. The group has been great -- eager to fish, excited to see new places, and building friendships. At the halfway point, we're pumped about where we've been and what we've done and looking forward to the next few days.
Best,
Colorado Leadership Team
