We’ve been on a hawg hunting kick lately and have been putting in time exploring unfamiliar waters. We arrived a little later than we had planned so I eagerly decided to run over to the water to have quick look and see if anything was happening before wadering up. We arrived locked and loaded so I grabbed a rod and jogged over to the water while Nate wadered up.

Immediately a few fish were spotted and armed with a streamer, I threw some line out. On one of my casts I noticed what looked like a decent fish move in as I stripped in, the fish gave follow but didn’t seem interested in committing. As my fly neared the bank with little remaining room left I decided to kill it and let it sink, as soon as the fly touched the bottom a brown rushed in without hesitation and slammed the streamer off the bottom! Set the hook and the fish took off with a burst of speed racing for cover and deeper water. Putting all the pressure I could on him I realized the fish hadn’t been given proper credit. This was far bigger than I originally thought. I was on a stout 6wt. with 15lb. maxima tippet so I applied the heat. As the fish finally steered clear of debris and slipped into the “livewell” net in my outstretched hand I realized what an amazing male specimen I had been fortunate enough to hook. Nate dreams of color and proportions on trout and dubbed him “the perfect specimen”. Agreed! I admired the creature cradled in my hands in the cool morning water. With a strong flick of his tail he was off, back to terrorize smaller fish. Sleep deprived I sat on the bank and soaked in the fact that we had accomplished our mission.

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About The Author

Hawg Wrangler

Derek Olthuis, raised in the wilds of Montana like the Jungle Book's Mowgli. Totally obsessed with fly fishing, exploring and adventure. When not guiding he enjoys fly fishing and Squatching for Unicorns. Fishing is fun!

8 Responses

  1. Kyle

    Amazing Derek. You guys are leading the pack this spring. Keep the good stuff coming!

    Reply
  2. Kirk

    Agreed. Awesome fish. Spring in Utah was always the season I struggled with the most – apparently not your problem! Keep them coming.

    Reply
  3. Derek

    Thanks guys! It has been an awesome Spring for sure with more good things to come. We have put in a lot of work and late nights/early mornings but been rewarded with amazing fish. We appreciate all the support and positive comments. Hope everyone is getting into some fish!

    Reply

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