I think it’s fair to say that I’m a self proclaimed “trout bum”. From small pockets of high country water, to the variety of rivers running through Utah, trout have undoubtedly planted a seed of passion for fly fishing in my life. The more I fish, the more I learn about each individual species of fish along with their habits and history, and the more I fall in love with fly fishing as a whole.
Getting to know the different species of trout here in my home state, and then hiking into deep country hoping to find them, has brought a new sense of adventure to the sport of fly fishing for me. I want to share with you my favorite fish to catch, as well some of my favorite lady anglers.
These wonderful anglers shared their thoughts below:
Madison Hyde @madison.hyde
My favorite fish is the one that motivates me to get out on the water, to make that last cast, to put in the extra work so that just maybe it will end up on the end of my line. It’s the fish that haunts me on a day to day basis, that makes days at work and school that much longer. I would have to say my favorite fish is the one I haven’t caught yet, the elusive trout that remains in the river waiting for our paths to cross.
There is something special about a steelhead. The distance they travel with all obstacles that come in their way, yet they persevere through all that so they are able to make it to their waters to spawn. To have a steelhead on the end of my line is something that provides me with the adrenaline rush of being on a roller coaster. They put on a beautiful show, while packing some serious muscle behind their run and then once you bring them in and have the opportunity to bask in its beauty, to think of all they must have gone through, and yet they ended up in your hands. Not only is it an incredible fish, it also provides an example of perseverance that one can only hope to have.