Boulder Mtns. 2013

There comes a time when you just have to cave and say yes.  I don't know how many times Jerome invited me to go fishing in the Boulder Mountains, but it spanned the course of years.  The problem being is that every time he wanted to go, there was a hunt going on.  I'll be honest, the Boulders were a blast, but truth be told I'll continue to choose big game hunting over fishing 10 out of 10 times.  There's something about hunting that gets the blood flowing a little faster.

Here is an excellent shot of us leaving the valley below.

and then our campsite.

Don't let the pines fool you.  Yes they're awesome and very picturesque, but the problem is that we were still low enough in elevation that is was freaky warm if you were to stand in the sun.  Another 1000+ feet in elevation and I think it would have been ideal.

The Boulder Mtns. get their name for a reason.  I highly recommend an ATV when traveling to the lakes in the Boulders.  We were able to drive the truck pulling ATV's to the campsite, but shortly thereafter the 'boulders' start.  We did see some trucks / jeeps on the trails, good for them, but you won't catch me taking my rig up there.

Here's Jerome now, getting ready for a small hike to a more secluded lake.  Turns out it wasn't all that secluded, but such is the case a lot of the time when you're fishing.  Just for kicks I decided to leave my fishing tackle back at the ATV, thus requiring myself to make the hike twice (so I could go back and get my gear)

As well as large trout, there is some excellent scenery to be had in the Boulders.

The Boulders has the reputation for being the secret fishing spot that everybody knows about.  I think that is partially true.  There are really nice fish to be had there, the secret is landing the lunkers.  While we did find the lunkers, I wasn't able to land any.  Jerome landed a few 6+ lb tiger trout.  They were a beaut.

While i wasn't able to land the lunker I did manage to land some really nice cutthroat.  Excellent fighters, and they tasted great cooked on my grill, smoked with a little apple wood.

There was one fish I had to cook up there.  It was the first splake I've ever caught.  Unfortunately I don't have the before photo, where the colors are nice, but I do have the after photo where I decided to cook it the old bushman way by threading it down a stick and cooking it over the open fire.  The fish was a little oily, probably due to the fact that it is a laketrout hybrid, but it was still very tasty.

Lastly we have Jerome and his can of beans.  It was hilarious to watch.  They sure did enjoy them, so who am I to criticize.  It's not something I care to try, so I'll just leave it up to him and his boy.

I'd love to back to the Boulders.  I plan on it...............as long as it doesn't conflict with hunting season.  :)