Driving toward the Red Fork of the Powder River, I felt like a big'ole fat Labrador sticking his head out the window and slobbering down the side of the jeep. At this point I didn't have a care in the world... I was just smiling! The history of this place is as intriguing as the wild trout that inhabit the water running through its red canyons.
Where we would be fishing is located in the middle of no-man's land between the towns of Sheridan, Kay-Cee, and Buffalo. It was here in these hills that the famous Butch Casity and the Sundance Kid would make their escape from deputies and local law enforcement after repeated robberies of the towns local banks, and by just looking at the terrain I could almost imagine how crazy the outlaw horses must have been during the chase, and why they were so successful at getting away!
Traveling to the Red Fork of the Powder River, and admiring
the hills and canyons in the back ground that made history
by the fabled outlaws Butch Casity and the Sundance Kid.
The Red Fork of the Powder River ranges from a width of 20 to 40 feet, and is littered with runs and pools from 3 to 6 feet deep. The river banks are virtually all undercut several feet back providing excellent cover for holding trout. The area was also covered in bug life. Everything from caddis and golden stones, terrestrials such as ants, grasshoppers, and cicadas were also present and abundant.
Even during the heat of the day the water ran cold, and the rivers resident trout are always looking up... Big dry flies are the preferred offering here, and there is no need for a dropper! As long as the presentation was good the fish would eat. Foam flies such as Chubby Chernobyl's, Cartoon Hoppers, Foam Golden and Brown Stone flies, Chernobyl Ants, and Fat Albert's are a perfect choice. The Red Fork's clarity and size offers you an up close and action packed dry fly take, where you have the best front row seat to watch it all go down!
The Red Fork of the Powder River as it winds through the red canyons.
A beautiful Red Fork Brown Trout that took an orange/brown
foam stone fly imitation.
The Brown Trout here are spectacular fighters on fly tackle.
The orange markings on the Red Fork are some of the most vivid I have ever seen.
The Red Fork also boasts a healthy population of Rainbow Trout and Cut-bows. Even though the primary species where I was fishing seemed to be primarily Brown Trout, it was great to see the occasional Rainbow Trout or Cut-bow eat your fly and go completely airborne on the take.
A fat little Rainbow Trout from the Red Fork Powder River.
Stivey with a solid Cutbow that smacked a large foam hopper.
Another awesomely colored Brown Trout! Most of the fish we
caught on the Red Fork averaged 14- 16 inches, with several
opportunities at fish between 18-20 inches.
A Head shot of an 18 inch Red Fork Brown Trout, that fell for
a Golden Chubby Chernobyl.
Another brilliantly colored Brown Trout! The Red Fork provides
excellent opportunities at beautiful fish on big dry flies.
Stivey poses with another hopper caught Cutbow.
A Close up of an average Red Fork Brown Trout.
After an epic day it was time for a burger and a beer!
Stay tuned for part III and pictures of our biggest fish of the trip!
