[Bullbuster]

Youngest boy and I hit a mountain lake, Lake Marie, yesterday. The pass is now open over the Snowy Range but lots of snow still. This lake sits around 10k’. Was in the mid 60s and fantastic weather.
Mirror lake, the one next to Marie, is still frozen over with snow on it. 6’ snow drifts on the road leading into it. Didn’t even bother hiking in to it.
Decided to make it a fly fishing day and what a day it was. Biggest fish about 12” with average 8-10” and lots of small 4-5”. We caught Splake (cross between male Brook and female Lake trout), brook and rainbow trout. The ice melted off Lake Mari this week so they were hungry and active. Still had some ice sheets floating around as you can see in the pics.
Between my son and I we landed over 40 fish snd lost at least another 20. I did mange a couple Tree-pounders as well. They hit on the back cast mostly. Fish wanted small black nymphs with a gold bead.
Spent a lot of time dumping snow from the knee high boots as well. Wet socks and cold feet by days end but worth ever moment.
Here’s a photo dump with snow for your 100* OK viewing pleasure.

 

[Archer22]

There are times I really love Oklahoma and the diverse terrain and animals. Then I see pics like these and remember that being in the mountains is definitely my favorite place in the world. Congrats on the successful fishing trip. Absolutely lovely scenery up there!

 

[Bullbuster]

The nymph of choice in the 1st pic. You can see (3rd pic) where I even had to drag fish over the ice to land them. Who knew you could fly fish/ ice fish lol.

 

[Bullbuster]

 

[Kelulu]

Beautiful pictures! When I was young I chased trout frequently with a fly rod and after I retire (2 more years hopefully) I plan to return to it. Thanks for posting!

 

[Bullbuster]

Beautiful pictures! When I was young I chased trout frequently with a fly rod and after I retire (2 more years hopefully) I plan to return to it. Thanks for posting!

Wished I was better with a cell phone camera.
In another month these lakes are great in the evening for dry flys at the peak of the hatches. Some trout hit like a bass on a plug.

 

[Bullbuster]

There are times I really love Oklahoma and the diverse terrain and animals. Then I see pics like these and remember that being in the mountains is definitely my favorite place in the world. Congrats on the successful fishing trip. Absolutely lovely scenery up there!

Thanks. When you have snow 9 months of the year you take advantage of the weather and opportunities. We plan to make another trip in 2 weeks for my sons birthday. Hopefully Mirror lake will be fishable.

 

[Bear Sits In The Woods]

I was really enjoy the photos until that last one I jumped back so hard I dropped my phone and cracked the screen!

 

[Wishbone]

Great pics! The boys are lucky to have an "engaged" Dad - kudos!!

 

[Bullbuster]

I was really enjoy the photos until that last one I jumped back so hard I dropped my phone and cracked the screen!

You must had seen your reflection in my polarized fishing glasses. Sorry about the phone but now with the cracked screen you won’t have to see your reflection anymore.

 

[Bullbuster]

Great pics! The boys are lucky to have an "engaged" Dad - kudos!!

Thank you. It helps they love the outdoors as well.

 

[diggler1833]

I remember fly fishing in my youth (Northeast Washington). I miss it sometimes. Great photos, and I'm glad you had a blast.

 

[dennishoddy]

You had a great day with the son. That was the most important.
Fished some of those same spots last summer when we visited. There was still snow in July on some of those mountains in the background when we were there.

 

[Bullbuster]

I remember fly fishing in my youth (Northeast Washington). I miss it sometimes. Great photos, and I'm glad you had a blast.

That’s right you once said you were from the Spokane area if I recall.
I was born and raised in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick). I grew up fishing the Blue Mountains of WA & OR.

 

[Bullbuster]

You had a great day with the son. That was the most important.
Fished some of those same spots last summer when we visited. There was still snow in July on some of those mountains in the background when we were there.

Some of those peaks have snow year round in pockets. Will be July before any of the campgrounds open up.