As we left the town of St. Regis and headed up the mountain, we stopped at an exit that said ‘Fishing Access’. It also had a temporary sign that stated, ‘Mandatory Watercraft Inspection’. Basically, any boat, Jet Ski, etc. needs to be inspected for hydrilla, zebra mussels or anything else that could negatively impact their bodies of water or environmental balance. This is also one of the areas that crosses the Continental Divide, so it’s even more critical. In my opinion, a great idea and not much of an inconvenience for the person trailering the vehicle.
The area listed as the fishing access point was down the same road as the inspection station. We were the only people there with the exception of the two rangers. The ranger was extremely nice and obviously a little bored due to the lack of traffic. He said, ‘sir, I’m not sure if you’re aware, but you lost your boat’. We both laughed and then briefly chatted. I asked about a place to fish and camp for the night and if we were allowed to camp at the fishing access point 200 yards to his west. He said, ‘sir, it is illegal to camp there’, with a semi-serious tone. He then said, ‘however, if you go between the two signs before the freeway entrance, there’s a dirt road that will take you to the river and that’s perfectly legal’. The road, more like two tracks with grass on either side, would have been impossible to see due to the slope if you didn’t know it was there. The spot where we couldn’t camp was 200 yards behind him and the entrance to the dirt road 200 yards in front of him. He didn’t have to volunteer that information, but we’re glad he was kind enough to do so. The access to the river was only another 100 yards past that, so we could literally still see the inspection station. Although 50 yards off the freeway technically, we were 75 yards down below the slope of the highway and with the wind coming from the south, we couldn’t even hear the road noise.
The next morning, we drove up the dirt road, waved to our new ranger friends and went the additional 200 yards to the fishing access. Trigger was outside with me while I was putting on my waders. I heard a noise in the woods literally 10 yards away. It was a moose. Trigger is getting older and doesn’t notice things as quickly as he used to and wasn’t aware of the presence of a moose, but I was. Without hesitation, I picked up Trigger and in one motion, tossed him into the camper. He seemed a little shocked and offended, and I don’t blame him. Apparently, dogs and moose are not a good mix. Truth be told, he doesn’t even know he’s a dog and thinks everyone including other animals are his friends willing to throw his toys. Meg saw the moose from the window and knew exactly why I tossed Trig back in the camper and I immediately followed. Maybe I overreacted, I but wasn’t willing to take a chance.
The moose came around to the front of the camper for a quick video and photo opp.
I know some people are thinking, that’s not even a full-grown moose. There aren’t even antlers?!
Yes, it’s an adolescent moose. I’m no moose expert by any means, but I heard teenage moose can be more unpredictable and dangerous and the logic kind of makes sense. I can’t speak for everyone, but I’ve certainly become more tolerant and mellow as I get older… sometimes…
Even though the sign said, ‘fish access’, ironically there wasn’t much fishable access to the river. I caught one trout and we decided to head down the mountain two exits to the east.
I’ve mentioned secret spots before, and I’m gonna’ give this one up. And it’s a good one. You might be thinking, it’s right off the freeway so ‘thanks for the obvious spot’, but it’s much more than that… The reason I’m giving it up is to make a point.
I broke up this river access into three sections: ‘First Run’, ‘Main Pool’ and ‘Meg’s Run’:
We camped there free for two nights. We watched people drive up, hop out of their trucks and hurry down the hill to access First Run. We’d watch them work the stretch from the freeway down to the end of the run, walk back up the hill and move on. Occasionally, we’d see some more adventurous fishermen work the First Run then move down to the large, deep Main Pool. It’s not like First Run and Main Pool should be ignored. They both hold a tremendous amount of fish and I was successful in both areas. However, both runs are hit by every fisherman on a daily basis.
First Run: It’s absolutely picturesque and exactly what you would hope for; ignoring the fact the picture was taken from the exit ramp of a freeway.
Main Pool: This pool is classic and, although beautiful, extremely obvious. You either need to get your fly deep towards bottom of the pool, or wait for the insects on the surface later in the day.
Main Pool Trout:
Meg’s Run: It’s appropriately named because as I was fishing Main Pool on day one, she and Trigger noticed a path on the other side of the river leading there.
The best thing about this run… of all the fishmen trying their luck at the first two obvious spots, no one was apparently willing to walk the additional quarter mile to this run. Within the first ten casts, I caught five fish all well above average. I caught an 18” Cutthroat and to this point, the largest of the trip.
Dry fly fishing: There’s nothing more exciting than watching a trout come up and take the fly on the surface of the water. During the first morning hatch or evening bite, the only thing these trout will eat are insects either landing on the water or coming close enough where the trout can nab them with a quick leap.
My view of a gorgeous Rainbow Trout, Meg videoing and the freeway…
Meg’s view of the same Rainbow. It’s a much more elegant background and without audio, no proof the freeway even existed.
18” Cutthroat Trout
I hated to leave this river, but Meg needed to fly out for work, so we headed towards the airport in Spokane the following morning. I then set my path towards the Olympic Nat’l Forest in Washington.
