Hidden Sanctuary

Colorado is a fly anglers paradise. Boasting miles upon miles of quality trout waters spread throughout mountains, valleys, and canyons. Few places can claim such ease of access to cold water trout habitat. It truly makes the state a wonder for fly anglers. A place people travel to from all over the world to experience the rich beauty and catch a few trout while they are at. This makes it easier for new fisherman to find their space on the water and learn. Easier for those who can’t hike miles into a stream to continue their passion. All of this is great. However sometimes you need time alone among the pines, time to listen to the rippling of water among timeless boulders and endless seams. Time to find yourself and breathe in mountain air. Many would tell you that these spaces are no where to be found among the pressured streams of Colorados Rocky Mountains. I couldn’t disagree more. You might have to work for them. You might have to spend hours behind the wheel of a car and hike miles in, but they can be found. Among the busy streams secrets remain to be found. It is In these truly wild landscapes where I feel mu soul is unwound and my sprit is released to run free. I find sanctuary in these places.

I pull my car into a dirt lot, parking for a campground. Its early spring, snow still clings to the landscape as I cast foggy breath in the chilly morning air. I stretch and zip up my jacket. Its early. The sun has just begun to rise, casting light to the sky bit not to the canyon all around me. No one is out, I am all alone. With no stream in sight I take one more look at my map. A hike among the pines on a lonely trail to nowhere, leading to a blue line cutting through the topographic lines displaying the epic changes of elevation among these western mountains. Route in mind I strap on my gear, waders, boots, rod, and vest. As I take my first steps along an animal trail leading deep into the unknown I can hear the pine needles crunching under my heavy boots. The rhythmic crackle of my steps blends in to the sounds all around. Song birds chirp and sing, waking the forest for the day ahead. A breeze whistles through the trees, casting eerie whispers to my ears as leaves rustle and pine needles fall. I walk through the forest greeting the life teeming all around, restless and restful all at once the forest speaks to me. Among the tall pines I spot a shape in the distance and as I get closer the shape begins to move, now I can see the antlers as the deer turns to face me. We share a quiet hello as he slips away, descending into the forest, surely to find his friends near by. I journey further and soon a faint sound begins to blend with the forest, the ripple of a stream. I press on as the trees begin to thin opening to a quiet meadow and a river. The river bends around the meadow bordering the peaceful landscape like a frame around an elegant painting. With no one else in sight I am truly alone. Alone and free. Free to explore this untapped landscape of immense beauty. Free to connect with the world around me like some only imagine. This is what trout fishing is all about, this is why we journey so far, drive so long, to find our own hidden sanctuaries.