In our conversations with Derek, he asked if we had fished for/caught any Arctic grayling. Since we had only read about and seen pictures of them, Derek offered to give us the opportunity. He shared with us that he derives special pleasure from treating friends to first-time experiences with new species caught on a fly-rod. So the next morning we got an early start with the Hyalite Reservoir as our destination. This is a mountain lake in a very picturesque setting seven miles outside of Bozeman. Charlcie and I were to experience several firsts from Derek's driftboat on this day: catching grayling, learning strategies for stillwater trout fly-fishing, and having our catch inspected by a fearless watchdog. We were observed most of the time by two adult and one juvenile bald eagles perched on the shore right next to our fishing spot.
Derek was a great guide and fishing companion and we learned much from him - also enjoyed stories of his many fishing and career experiences. We have confirmed that he truly has a passion for fishing and enjoys showing new friends new experiences - and it is obvious that this is conveyed in his other love, his art (and livelihood). He was excited with each fish brought to net, whether his or our catch. Of course he was also proud to catch the Hyalite Grand Slam; arctic grayling, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. Derek was the top fisherman of the day, Charlcie topped me with two 12-13" grayling, but I won the prize for the largest, a 17" grayling.
We found out that Derek shares our love of Cajun food, so he suggested stopping at a nice little place (didn't catch the name)in Bozeman for Po-Boys in the courtyard. I know, Cajun food in Montana? - yep and it was ummmmmmmm good!
Posing with fearless watchdog, Sandy II. She napped most of the day, but when a fish was caught, she perked up to observe the catch coming to net, and then back in relaxation mode.
Underwater shot of grayling, with reflection from water surface
Fine brook trout specimen - enlarge and note the white tips on the fins
Arctic grayling - enlarge and notice the blues, pinks, and purples on the fins and gill plates
Derek and the first grayling of the day
In our conversations with Derek, he asked if we had fished for/caught any Arctic grayling. Since we had only read about and seen pictures of them, Derek offered to give us the opportunity. He shared with us that he derives special pleasure from treating friends to first-time experiences with new species caught on a fly-rod. So the next morning we got an early start with the Hyalite Reservoir as our destination. This is a mountain lake in a very picturesque setting seven miles outside of Bozeman. Charlcie and I were to experience several firsts from Derek's driftboat on this day: catching grayling, learning strategies for stillwater trout fly-fishing, and having our catch inspected by a fearless watchdog. We were observed most of the time by two adult and one juvenile bald eagles perched on the shore right next to our fishing spot.
Derek was a great guide and fishing companion and we learned much from him - also enjoyed stories of his many fishing and career experiences. We have confirmed that he truly has a passion for fishing and enjoys showing new friends new experiences - and it is obvious that this is conveyed in his other love, his art (and livelihood). He was excited with each fish brought to net, whether his or our catch. Of course he was also proud to catch the Hyalite Grand Slam; arctic grayling, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. Derek was the top fisherman of the day, Charlcie topped me with two 12-13" grayling, but I won the prize for the largest, a 17" grayling.
We found out that Derek shares our love of Cajun food, so he suggested stopping at a nice little place (didn't catch the name)in Bozeman for Po-Boys in the courtyard. I know, Cajun food in Montana? - yep and it was ummmmmmmm good!
Posing with fearless watchdog, Sandy II. She napped most of the day, but when a fish was caught, she perked up to observe the catch coming to net, and then back in relaxation mode.
Underwater shot of grayling, with reflection from water surface
Fine brook trout specimen - enlarge and note the white tips on the fins
Arctic grayling - enlarge and notice the blues, pinks, and purples on the fins and gill plates
Derek and the first grayling of the day
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