I had a Golden Opportunity....

Steven Noel · #1 08-29-2011, 11:18 PM

...and I capitalized!

On this past Thursday a friend and I went for a bit of a stroll (more to follow) into Michele Lakes in search of a Golden Trout, leaving yesterday. And what a trip it was...

We hiked up the Owen Creek Valley and over an unamed pass, through some of the most beautiful country I have ever seen in my life.

We departed from the trailhead, 100 meters inside the Banff park boundary on Highway 11 around 7:15 A.M.

The trail originally followed Owen Creek as is cut through a gorge so narrow you could step across it in places, yet still 100-300 feet deep. When it wasn't buried in the gorge, it was just as beautiful, streaming through moss covered rocks and deep blue runs.

The trail became increasing rough and patchy as it passed through a recent burn, complete with plenty of fresh deadfall. Once we passed it however we managed to pick the trail back up.

After about 5km the creek forked, the left fork coming down from the magnificent Wilson Icefield.

We however took the right fork and worked a rough route boulder hopping up the creek bed. It proceeded up an exhausting 30-45 degree grade for several kilometers as Owen Creek plummeted down what amounted to a series of waterfalls.

Looking Back Down After a Little While:

After many hours we broke the treeline and made a push for the pass. By this point the trail had long since dissolved to a route and we were just aiming for the pass.

After additional time (and exhaustion) we summitted. Based on topo maps we had gained well over 1000 meters in elevation.

We picked our way down the other side of the pass and around the east ridge.

Fianlly, we arrived on the shores of the upper lake, exhausted, 13 and one half hours after departing the trailhead. In other words.... a very long day. We pitched our tents and went to bed.

Steven Noel · #2 08-29-2011, 11:18 PM

Editing with second portion of thread.

ArtVandelay · #3 08-29-2011, 11:24 PM

Looks like a great adventure Steven. That last picture is awesome...makes me want to be there

Thanks for posting.

BGSH · #4 08-29-2011, 11:28 PM

unbelievable man, awsome place, great pics, thx for sharing.

Steven Noel · #5 08-30-2011, 12:26 AM

Woke up very early Saturday morning as I only had one day to fish and refused to waste it (though my muscles suggested otherwise).

The scenery was absolutely awe-inspiring. Michele Lakes is enclosed within an alpine basin with towering peaks on three sides and a bit of a drop on the other (more to follow on that).

We worked our way down to the lower lake as we had read that it had the better fishing. Soon after getting there we could see Goldens sitting just a few feet from shore where the braids of the stream coming off the glacier in the picture above enters the lake.

After a bit of effort my friend managed to land a couple of Goldens, one on a bead-head nymph and another on a black gnat.

I however couldn't manage to do so. Never in my life have I had so many fish lazily swim towards my flie and then break to a complete stop and turn away in disgust. This was using 7x tippet and #16-20 flies. I did however manage a few hits on a #20 BWO but couldn't hook up.

As the day progressed, we worked our way around the side of the lake, fishing as we went, though we saw no furth fish for the time being. We arrived at the outlet and walked down the short lived creek before it plummets over the 1200 foot Michele Falls. The Vista was spectacular.

After some pictures we returned to the lake near the outlet where I decided to try my luck with my ultra-light spinning rod as the intensive winds were playing havoc with my fly cast.

After just a few casts I hooked into and landed my first and only Golden Trout, measuring in at a massive five inches.

Gust · #6 08-30-2011, 12:33 AM

you, lucky magick stick, bobloblaw and dace should get an award for the most enlightening posts on ao,,, you guys make the ranters become invisible, it's great.

Steven Noel · #7 08-30-2011, 12:41 AM

We fished our way back around the lake, and my friend managed another Golden near the glacial inlet.

This left our final tally at four fish. Despite reltively small size and low number(s) I had an absolutely fantastic trip and loved every minute of it. The absolute beauty of the Golden Trout is unlike any other trout I have ever caught and the location is just as gorgeous. Very suiting.

That evening I narrowly avoided a swim after a confrontation with some not so friendly Bighorn rams. My friend had seen them rutting earlier so they were already rallied up when I surprised upon them coming over a ridge. One in particular was acting very aggresively towards me but all worked out in the end.

We also had the frequent company of marmots and a mother ptarmagin and her chicks who were very unafraid of us and walked through our camp several times.

This plaque stood guard near a waterfall entering the upper lake. I found it touching.

Sunday morning we packed early and were on the trail by 6:20. We managed to shave 5 and half hours going down, with a time of about 8 hours.

As we reached the trailhead, exhausted and drained, I looked back up the valley and smiled knowing I'd be back sometime soon.

Snag · #8 08-30-2011, 07:01 AM

Wow, what an unbelievable adventure. Congrats on getting the golden trout and thanks for sharing

honda450 · #9 08-30-2011, 07:23 AM

Looks as if you had a great adventure Steven. Nice pics.

What no Inukshuk's?

WayneChristie · #10 08-30-2011, 07:26 AM

Awesome story and pictures, thanks very much for sharing. A trip like that, the fish are just icing on the cake.

Ken07AOVette · #11 08-30-2011, 08:35 AM

Awesome Steven! Thanks for the pics and narration.

Houndogn · #12 08-30-2011, 08:43 AM

AWESOME .....love the mountains

genoel · #13 08-30-2011, 09:16 AM

Great pics again Steven. You've had quite a month. First we drove up to the Hangingstone River and caught some greyling. Then we hopped a flight to Ryan Lake where we caught pike and walleye. When we returned we headed over to the trunk road for some creek fishing and caught rockies, Athabasca rainbows, bull trout, brook trout and cutthroats. And finally you got a chance to catch your first golden trout (which is one up on me!) You really should grow up and get a job so you don't have so much time on your hands. And a special thanks to Rick for hauling you up there and giving you this wonderful opportunity. Maybe next time you can drag your sorry old father along with you.

BobLoblaw · #14 08-30-2011, 09:42 AM

Congrats on your first Golden, Steven.
It's always nice to add a new species to your list; even better when you can look back and feel like you earned it.
Great pics of the scenery & wildlife, as well. Looks like a gorgeous place.
Well done!

Rockymtnx · #15 08-30-2011, 10:17 AM

Looks like it was a great adventure. Some really pretty country out there.
Congrats on your Golden!

Rumtan · #16 08-30-2011, 10:46 AM

Great job, you have a knack for great pics and great stories. Looking forward to more of them.

Dust1n · #17 08-30-2011, 11:22 AM

awsome pics steven

Albertadiver · #18 08-30-2011, 11:36 AM

Sweet pics dude. Thanks for sharing.

BigRackLover · #19 08-30-2011, 12:07 PM

great post - thanks for sharin'

lucky_magic_stick · #20 08-30-2011, 12:47 PM

Great post! Great Pictures! Looks like an unreal adventure! I hope to capitalize on golden trout in the near future! Then hopefully when I do I can put together a great thread like yours!

Good luck on the rest of your adventures!
Brett

timsesink · #21 08-30-2011, 05:08 PM

Great post, I'm hoping to get there soon! Love the Ram shot!

Daceminnow · #22 08-30-2011, 05:25 PM

what an awesome trip. one you'll remember for years to come no doubt. great story and pics as mentioned. was the ram you caught on camera the biggest of the group? great, great shot. thanks steven.

Dace

Flyfisher87 · #23 08-30-2011, 06:02 PM

All I have to say is WOW!!!! Great story! Excellent pics! Remarkable scenery! Beautiful sheep! Congrats on your first golden. Might have to experience that trip myself. Even if I leave the rods at home. Well done!!

The Fisherman Guy · #24 08-30-2011, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GustavMahler

you guys make the ranters become invisible, it's great.

Couldn't have said it better myself Gustav!

Awesome pictures Steven, looks like it was an incredible trip. You really have put on the miles this year!!

Congrats on your goldens!

Steven Noel · #25 08-30-2011, 08:23 PM

Thank you everyone for the kind words in reference to my little adventure and my posts, it is very much appreciated. I'm still in a great mood several days later and rearing to go for the next one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daceminnow

was the ram you caught on camera the biggest of the group? great, great shot. thanks steven.

Dace

There were a couple of much larger rams higher on the ridge that never decended with the main group. I'm no sheep hunter (or hunter in general) but I would say they were definately full curl plus. I think that's what you guys call them. It was getting very late and my zoomed pics at 200mm didn't turn out with the limited light

87stocker · #26 07-08-2013, 09:04 PM

I know this is old, but man you have inspired me. I have this trip planned for late this summer. Its nice that you took the time to get in there the unlazy way. Im betting you even cleaned up your garbage unlike most of the lazy ones. Did you ever find anything to burn for a small fire?

PS. Oh to those wondering, yes the "Lazy" comment were necessary. The type and mass of the garbage that I have seen and carried out would not have been brought in by hikers.

tight line · #27 07-08-2013, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87stocker

I know this is old, but man you have inspired me. I have this trip planned for late this summer. Its nice that you took the time to get in there the unlazy way. Im betting you even cleaned up your garbage unlike most of the lazy ones. Did you ever find anything to burn for a small fire?

PS. Oh to those wondering, yes the "Lazy" comment were necessary. The type and mass of the garbage that I have seen and carried out would not have been brought in by hikers.

So have you been up there??? Ive been up there the "lazy way" and sure didnt leave ANY garbage or see any...

Eye'ee · #28 07-09-2013, 07:02 AM

Wow that was a great trip and pictures. You had to work to get up there.
Most people can only wish they could hike in like that and never do it.

iamkorean · #29 07-09-2013, 10:25 AM

simply amazing !! thanks for sharing

TROLLER · #30 07-09-2013, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87stocker

I know this is old, but man you have inspired me. I have this trip planned for late this summer. Its nice that you took the time to get in there the unlazy way. Im betting you even cleaned up your garbage unlike most of the lazy ones. Did you ever find anything to burn for a small fire?

PS. Oh to those wondering, yes the "Lazy" comment were necessary. The type and mass of the garbage that I have seen and carried out would not have been brought in by hikers.

Darn nice of you to go and sabotage a real great posting.

Much appreciated, and great to know you are such a do gooder as well.