I look forward to spring every year. I find myself jonesin’ for a fix more on those first pleasant, warm days of early spring than almost any other time. Maybe it’s partially the thought of days on the water without frozen fingers and iceless guides. More likely it’s the anticipation of a wider variety of waters to chase hungry and eager fish. Regardless, we’ve had some eventful days on the water this spring. We had the opportunity to hit some familiar waters as well as begin exploring a handful of new ones. We’ve also been spending a good deal of time out in the dark this spring and you’ve gotten a taste as to why! (There’s more to come on that!) Hope everyone is taking advantage of the nice weather out there! Happy spring!

Gotta love Utah’s native species! I feel so lucky to have this beautiful strain here in Utah – I just wish they dominated more of our moving waters.
bonneville-cutthroat-trout

Another great species of cutthroat (not quite as cool as the bonnies!) are painted up to impress in the spring.
colorado-cutthroat
lola

This hybrid was quite a surprise in skinny water. Seemed a bit out of place to say the least!
cuttbow-hybrid

We made a quick stop out to Falcon’s Ledge and found some of the craziest rainbows ever! I kid you not, inch for inch they fought harder than any trout I’ve ever caught. They were a blast!
falcons-ledge
falcons-ledge-2

 

When spring rolls around you gotta make time to go chase tigers at least once!
spring-tiger-trout
patterned-triger-trout

This guy was pissed. He hit like I’m sure he’s used to doing…with authority!
bully-brown-trout
beastly-brown-trout

Cort wasn’t quite used to sight fishing like this! After a number of failed attempts (ya, I outed you!) he finally coaxed this scud-munching gold fish to eat as it grazed right off the bank. Nothing like it!
goldfish

We’ve been putting in time at night chasing beasts on various waters. We’ve been lucky to bump into a few of the fish we were looking for
night-fishing-brownie
night-fished-hawg

While I wouldn’t be mad to live at some other prime fishing locations, I feel blessed to have some amazing places to explore here in Utah.

About The Author

Chinese Boy
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The ringleader at OSF, Nathan likes well-proportioned fish, moonlit walks by the river, and stripping streamers through dark lies on the dreariest of days. View full bio.

9 Responses

  1. Kirk

    It goes without saying – amazing fish. Let’s see, this spring you’ve caught trophy bows, browns, tigers, and some beautiful cutties. You’ve got it tough.

    Comment about the Bonneville cutts. I believe that they evolved primarily in lake systems (like Bear Lake) and have tendencies to match. Being predominantly piscivorous, I would imaging they have a hard time living in smaller streams unconnected to large lakes or reservoirs. The only streams I have ever caught them in are connected to large reservoirs that are full of them. Have you guys found any stream dwelling populations that are isolated from a large body of water?

    Reply
    • Derek

      It has certainly been a great spring for us here at OSF. A lot of long drives, late nights, big hikes, no sleep and energy drinks but we have been paid in full! Always appreciated when people enjoy what we are posting. As far as Bonnies go we have found a few populations that are not connected to large reservoirs. Most are but there are a few populations we have come across that are not. Happy hunting!

      Reply
    • Nathan

      Thanks, Kyle! Been digging your stories lately. Looks like you’ve been having fun! That fish was a beauty no doubt but there’s one we’re gonna post soon that is the most perfect specimen I’ve ever beheld. I love me some brownies!

      Reply
  3. Phil

    Meaty fish for sure…… That kyped out brown…. those cutties….. the bows….the tigers… OH MY!!!!

    Kirk, I’ll second what Nate and Derek said about the reality of systems containing bonnies without connectivity to larger water bodies. There are in fact, quite a few smallish streams here in Utah that contain resident populations. I love throwing fluffy, big dries at them! Ahhhhhh… the slow take 🙂

    P.S. ……. Tell all your friends about this post….. It will prepare them for the “specimen” spoken of that is yet to come.

    Reply
  5. London

    As a utah native it is amazing to see these fish coming from some of our home waters. This blog is dope as f@$& I realize you don’t give out your secret spots. But I can’t help but ask where you caught that tiger. Even just a general area

    Reply

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