Lily Lake Yurt 2012

 

 The Lily Lake Yurt Tour 2012 was one for the ages. It took a while to finalize the group because of conflicting schedules but it became apparent really quick that we had a really solid group. Pat Giles, Jon Dalton, Chris Downing, Mike Morgan, Ryan Frisch and I set out for the 3 mile ski in. We all had various methods of transport that included- cross country skis, split board/skins and back country skis/skins. We also had various methods of carrying gear and we all seemed to get there no matter the method. It was cool to see everyone's take on the best possible gear options...

 It was a hot day and we took a few breaks in the shade...

 Downing was rocking his really green suit...

 Pat having a go down a pretty good incline.

Morg on the same incline. This was his first time on cross country skis and he caught on quick. One of his only falls...

 Downing's turn. Frisch got it all on camera just in case of an epic fall.

 A long morning getting to the Yurt calls for some brats. Check out the back pack sweat lines!!!! 

 The dogs were tired once we got there and took a load off.

 Starlyn got to close to Banjo and he took a swipe. Good thing he only got hair. Check out the white haired bottom lip. It has to be said that Banjo was a trooper and spent the night outside (by choice) barking off any would be intruders...The night air was so nice the Yurt door was left open all night leaving the dogs free to come and go. No need to stoke the fire this trip because the weather was so nice...

 Once we settled we went up to the lake to have a look around. I brought my fly rod in case the ice was off. Sadly it was not...

 The dogs had fun running around on the ice though...

 We decided to tour up to the head of the lake. It was such a nice day, why not?

 Lennon, Abbey and I.

 Frisch and Dalt discuss. 

 Back to the Yurt.

 My view from the deck of the yurt.

 Frisch, Brody and Pat catch an afternoon nap...

 1-2-3-4-5-6 dags

 Plenty of fetch

 Morg's turn on fire wood.

 Pat's turn

The fire burned hot and we were singing like birds on the guitars and harmony.

It sure is great to get out with some good friends and enjoy the mountains. Next year will be no exception...

Thanks,

Chris Giles

Some Cool Shots From 2011

 A Nice Rock.

 Who Needs a Jeep?

 Root Ball

 Yellow Bloom

 Indian Paint 

 Red Rock Tunnel

 Big Sky Lunch

 Logan Canyon

 Sayulita Sunset

 Fly Fishing With Grandma

 Wedding Party on the Weber

 Downing Checking His Fly

 June on the Fiddle

 Cabin

 Flower Girl Running Late

 View From a Deck

Cabin Drive Way

Cabin

Dogs

Abbey Kiss

Ashley

Frisch is Home!

The last two Sunday's in a row have been spent with Frisch on the Weber River. He was new to the bounce rig but he caught on fast and he was slaying them all day on Sunday.

It's great to have him back in town and I look forward to many more days on the river. Enjoy a few shots.

 First fish of the day came quick... Third cast and Frisch was stoked!!!

 We caught 15 fish between us. 50-50 whitty's to browns.

 For those in the know... RV and Long Horns.

Way up river.

 The joy of fishing...

The fishing is okay and the Weber had an off year in my opinion. Let's hope for bigger trout this next season. Fish have been plentiful but nothing in the monster category that we are used to. In years past we have had great success this time of year with big "Reservoir Dogs" coming out of Echo and big resident browns but they have been few and far between. It was a record year for run off and maybe it cleaned a few out.... Or maybe they are hiding in new haunts. Fish on.

Thanks,

Chris Giles

Fishing is Good-Private Property Sucks!!!

I have been out twice on the Middle Provo and once on the Lower Weber in the past week and the access couldn't be more different.

The fishing is great but there are big changes to one of our favorite spots near Morgan. It's been a while since I have fished this section and I was surprised when there was an official sign in box and an extensive map highlighted with what is fishable and what is now off limits. You also had to take a carbon copy receipt to show the land owner, if stopped, that you had signed in appropriately. We used to have absolute hay days on this stretch and as I worked my way up stream I was met with several signs on both sides of the river.

The river was a dismal trickle and the fish were few and far between which brings me to another important point. The Lower is blown out almost all year and then it slows to almost no flow at all for a few winter months. I have never seen it this low though... The land owners yield to much power, exercising their "water rights". Most of this section is diverted into irrigation canals (year round) and the main stem is left in limbo. Evidence of a blown out river were everywhere with logs, grass chunks, a deep channel with no features and blown out "J-hooks". You have got to wonder... if this stretch was managed like the Middle Provo what would it be like? A lot better in my opinion. But at the same time a lot more crowded. Catch 22?

I found myself looking over my shoulder and walking carefully trying to avoid any confrontation (I have been confronted by both land owners and DWR in this valley before). When I finally reached my favorite hole it was "end of the line" so to speak. Three signs clearly posted told me I was leaving "walk in access" and expressed written permission was required to trespass. I sat and starred at my favorite hole (affectionately named Proto Call) where I remembered all of the great fish my buddies and I have caught over the years. The name Proto Call stems from a system we invited in order to keep the fish flowing. The Proto Call went like this- hook a fish and pull him down stream to a big pool so the next guy could cast and hook a fish... we would do this for sometimes 30 fish before the hole cooled off. We would then eat a sandwich and do it all over again. Beautiful days indeed.

I reluctantly turned and walked back to the car as to not rock the boat. Maybe once the land owners realize we are not there to litter and keep fish they will lighten up.

I also know the DWR put a lot of work in on this stretch of river. countless boulders and "J-hooks" were put in to improve trout habitat but once "the law" changed or the owner had a change of heart he closed his land even though tax payer dollars went to improving his land for the enjoyment of the occasional fishermen. Sad.

Bottom line- Respect private property (for now) and fight the good fight with conservation, showing respectful behavior towards land owners and  eventually access will be granted out of good will or the law. hopefully the latter....

On my way out I did run into a land owner (the nice one) removing some downed trees. I yelled across the river "how's it going?" he replied "great" I yelled back "thanks for letting me in here to fish!" he replied "no problem!".

Randy lands a fish of a life time...

My Father in Law Randy Morgan caught this beauty on the Green River with his buddies.

22 inches and 6 pounds.

What a fish!