BACKCOUNTRY HIKE to a remote stream full of RARE and NATIVE trout based on a tip from a stranger!

I'm hiking into a remote cutthroat stream after I get a tip from a complete stranger in part 10 of the 2-month road trip. After driving to what I thought would be my access to this stream, a conversation with a stranger led me to another section which required a hike into the backcountry. The work to fish this stream was absolutely worth it...the native rio grande cutthroat trout were incredible! I'm road tripping through New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming on a 2 month truck bed camping adventure. See more from this and other trips on my channel or below...
Part 1 - start the 2 month road trip in NM - • Part 1 - 2 month campi...
Part 6 - Unbelievable stream in Colorado - • UNBELIEVABLE the size ...
My Truck bed build - • Video
All the flies I used on my 2 month road trip
• The ONLY FLIES U NEED ...
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#flyfishing #looknfishy

[@johnnywhite1681]

I enjoy the nature sounds in your videos. No over talking and no crazy music. All natural. Perfect!

[@number6bugger216]

There aren't many things more beautiful than a Rio Grande cutt and the places they live. Thanks for sharing with a conscious!

[@LooknFishy]

Couldn't agree more!

[@rtistmedia5636]

That shot at the end was so technical u made it look so easy

[@LooknFishy]

Nice when it works out!

[@garrisonkarr9445]

WOW !! ... a little bit of work for a whole lot of adventure! Keep Fishin'

[@caledoniankiwi6586]

Solitude, stunning country, clear running streams with hungry, healthy trout, and that feeling of "What's around the next corner?" It's a thumbs up from me! Thanks for sharing the journey.

[@troutmancraig]

Wow beautiful country and awesome perfect fishing.

[@lyndeen]

Enjoying these videos!

[@LooknFishy]

They were fun to make!

[@13jonnyray]

This is my favorite video of the series so far. The water and the fish were incredible. My favorite part though was the end when you have the view and then you hear the crack of the adult beverage 🤣

[@LooknFishy]

That was my favorite part too. That view was spectacular!

[@tundraoutlander3488]

Beautiful fish.

[@LooknFishy]

Dig the natives!

[@rickobrien4025]

I don't know exactly where you are , but I DO know that you are definitely in BEAR country . I didn't see a sidearm or even bear spray .You're a lot braver than me ! Also , It's a shame that all those dead trees can't be harvested since they're a major source of what could be a major forest fire . Whichever camera you're using , it's really top notch clarity .You're the MAN .!!!

[@LooknFishy]

I carry both lol!

[@rickobrien4025]

With all the grizzly stories I've been following lately , made me nervous just watching you walking those trails . I met a few buddies of mine up on Kelly Creek in the Clearwater in Idaho and he didn't tell me that the previous year he came across a grizzly on the narrow trail along the river .Every time I couldn't clearly see a hundred yards ahead of me , I had my 686 in my hand . Made me a nervous wreck . I'm done with fishing in grizzly country... @@LooknFishy

[@russelrogers2540]

"Not going back that way!" Looked sketchy going in and out. Been there and done that sixty years ago. Got to some streams that did not get any pressure due to the steep and rough terrain. Was it worth it? Heck yes! Beautiful country and great trout. Enjoy it while you can. Day will come when you will think two or three times before you start down, or not.

[@LooknFishy]

Don't I know it but I'm going to do it till I can't and then I fish near the near the super popular streams and be thankful for them!

[@stonefly69]

Spent many days in Montana and Wyoming, just like that: camped all alone with nature for company and a big sky. Nothing better! Great vid!

[@gulfcoastoverland6757]

I honestly believe you can pull trout from the ditch in front of my house! 🤣 great content! Love the places you explore

[@LooknFishy]

Haha, if you've seen my grass carp vids then you know I'd try!

[@67polara]

I'm somewhat of a newbit and I'm trying to figure out how to take him 'back hom' with me to Alaska he can guide me...What do you say Drew? I know the area. There's bears though...

[@thibod07]

You are really accurate with your fly! Pretty impressive how you can land it on précise locations. Good thing that you catch and release as you would empty that stream in no time.

[@LooknFishy]

Fortunate to fish often!

[@1Troutguy]

The places you throw that fly, I think there is no fish in there, then you pull one out, I pay attention to where you throw your flies, it has helped me throw in places I would have not before. Great Videos. Love the creeks, most are not willing to work them but they are worth the effort.👊

[@schadowolf]

Love trout fishing but not enough to act like a mountain goat LOL. Great videos!

[@derekspace]

Dude, that was some sketchy terrain! Thanks for risking life and limb to show us some really crazy pretty cutts! I've been going back to places I fished in my youth and said the same thing..."Not going back that way" and also said the usual "man, if I was 25 again" LOL. Love the content bro. Love the small flows that don't get pressured. That was some wild country. I'm impressed.

[@LooknFishy]

Haha, yea it's nice not knowing what you're getting into sometimes!

[@kadenleeper4795]

This video deserves some more love, it's incredible!

[@lenzflyfishing]

Wild and treacherous. Looks unscathed by man. Trout are beautiful and the water looks so clean.

[@LooknFishy]

Just the way I imagine it was a hundred years ago!

[@RandallW20]

Love the vids. Especially love that you don’t name the waters. Specifically this one 😉

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u, these are way to special!

[@RandallW20]

@Drew LooknFishy, happened to find myself watching this video again today and dreaming of summer. Anyhow, if you ever happen to find yourself back on this water, it opens a bit further up and meanders through a beautiful meadow lined in a high wall valley. If you get the itch to do a long day in or perhaps an overnighter back there, you will not be disappointed. I love seeing many of my favorite little places in CO and NM on your vids. It’s almost like we travel together 😂

[@morty412]

Appreciate the work it takes to get these vids to us Drew! That did NOT look easy!

[@LooknFishy]

Thank you. I enjoy making the videos and sharing the adventure.

[@davesmith7906]

Reminds me of time I’ve spent in NM, this is a great respite for our busy days, if it’s not me I’m glad it’s you Drew.

[@rononthewater1523]

I know I say this every time, but I am impressed with the small water you pull these fish out of and by watching your casting and drifts, and then where the fish hits, I learn a lot about the types of stream features to target. I am headed up to the BTNF next month and plan to do a lot of this small stream backcountry fishing, so keep em coming.

[@LooknFishy]

Glad to show how I do it! Sounds like a good time...definitely time for me to get out again! Will do.

[@shawnbaird2015]

Been places like that that I just don't spread the word! Sometimes the hike is better than the fishing! Idaho has some great waters...so does the ...well I can't say! Agian great content

[@LooknFishy]

It's great seeing places like this are still out there! Idaho was pretty incredible!

[@josephmarietta4135]

1st of all.......who the hell gave this video a thumbs down???? Love the content man. It is just raw footage of what true fly fishing is. Its nice to see that other people have slips, get hung up, etc....instead of these super edited videos that are out there. I was bummed out sitting in ohare Airport after a 5 hour delay that caused me not to get any fishing in today and then I got the notification for your video and lived vicariously through you. Stunning fish and scenery. Amazing as always!

[@LooknFishy]

Haha...just the one, doing good then! Dude that's a bummer but glad to help pass the day!

[@fishduckdog]

Got my SPAM and Sardines! Hitting the road for some trout streams in CO with an Army buddy in 8 days!

[@LooknFishy]

Haha, solid menu items! Those are the best trips!

[@okplayerflyfishing4176]

Such an amazing to hike to a ridiculous stream. That’s dream fishing right there

[@LooknFishy]

It was a great time no question!

[@stonefly4894]

Just read a comment and your reply...I’m pretty much confined to the easy to get to,popular,pressured places now but still catch a bunch of fish and get to baffle the bait fishermen with how “that little bitty thing” will out fish six inches of night crawler, I actually enjoy that maybe a little more than catching fish anymore 😄... Keep making em and I’ll keep watching 👍🏻

[@LooknFishy]

I look forward to that feeling also! Will do!

[@coyotearrowheadhunting3083]

.Wow friend, most beautiful place they could not recommend, it is incredibly beautiful, to go fishing, camping, walking, OHHHHHH. GOOD RECOMMENDATION FROM THAT STRANGE.

[@LooknFishy]

These are the gifts I value most, such a great experience!

[@lkerh1]

Best video yet from my standpoint! Amazing spot.

[@LooknFishy]

Thanks you that was definitely a great trip!

[@tigersteamer]

Mountain goat edition 😎 my knees hurt just watching.

[@LooknFishy]

It was an adventure for sure...just glad nothing was injured during the filming of tis episode lol!

[@tigersteamer]

Hey Drew, have you had any trouble with the local wildlife? Or locals?

[@LooknFishy]

@@tigersteamer no, saw several but never any issues...unless the black bear and moose that jumped in front of my truck did that intentionally lol!

[@jimpyle560]

Wow. Another great chapter of the trip. Looked pretty sketchy repelling some of the terrain. Thanks for letting us come along for the ride.

[@LooknFishy]

Thanks Jim, definitely some rugged terrain which probably keeps some of the traffic down! I dig these type of streams...really feel like you earn it!

[@chrish8294]

Awesome video! Loved the channel before the long trip but these last several videos are on a whole other level!!!

[@LooknFishy]

Great to hear and thank u...definitely using the positive and constructive criticism to improve my videos!

[@driftstone]

Those were some fantastic fish you pulled out of there! Love it!

[@LooknFishy]

That was a great day!

[@dfzurichch]

Nice stream, beautiful trout…… nice hike….

[@southoutmcknight3263]

Wow the hike in and out. Some Awesome places you are finding. Great stuff

[@LooknFishy]

Been a great trip!

[@rgt321]

Wow great vid again!! That one run in front of the downed trees near the end was packed with them. Love watching that dry go under so cool.

[@LooknFishy]

That was definitely a nice run!

[@garykolanda5208]

SPECTACULAR VIDEO!

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u much!

[@jamesmurphy4431]

Awesome! Watching the climb out made me tired, and inspired to get out on a fly fishing adventure.

[@LooknFishy]

Me too! I was like, nope I'm done for today lol!

[@danmassaviol8646]

Looks like heaven on earth

[@LooknFishy]

Can't argue that...it was magical!

[@danmassaviol8646]

@@LooknFishy next week I’ll be in the Big Horn Mountains, hitting it hard

[@Trout_Bum]

You must be part mountain goat. Loved the solitude at the end. Another awesome video.

[@LooknFishy]

Haha...I fall too much! That was a great place to camp!

[@WildBlueDiscovery]

Some nice cutty fishing! Some beautiful and rough terrain! Tightlines

[@LooknFishy]

Was a great day for sure!

[@JKonstanzer]

Wow that 1 pool at about 11 to 12 minutes was sure productive. I was thinking that hike down was a bit sketchy too

[@LooknFishy]

Yea, I need to reevaluate the way down...definitely not the way! That was a great pool!

[@JKonstanzer]

@@LooknFishy I did a nice hike down a while back and almost died on the way back up. Well done on getting in and out and on the great stream and pool.

[@toddrspear]

Is that New Mexico or CO? It looked like there was only Rio's in that stream. amazing that it wasn't over run by brookies.

[@LooknFishy]

Was in CO!

[@CA-qv2ux]

What a super cool spot.. and, you got to hone your rock climbing skills!

[@LooknFishy]

Haha, worth it too!

[@jimmymani]

This is my kind of adventure! Glad I found your channel. You have another subscriber. I was feeling that slip. My scabs are still healing from my last slip heading down to a creek a couple weeks ago. Was glad to not have damaged my gear or the phone that was in my back pocket. I'm glad you didn't end up sliding down the whole hillside!

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u much! Yea, that was a little fall compared to the one in the "Unbelievable" video part 6 in the road trip...my shin is still healing from that one! But it is worth the scars...had such a great time!

[@gtoutdoorexcursions2938]

What a stream! I know a few "secret" rgc spots and a few not so "secret" but that's nice flows and quality fish ya got there! Of course all my favorite rgc streams are like the small section you hit in this video.I definitely prefer catching on the drift than getting em up in alpine lakes though so definitely appreciate the share!

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u, I'm more of a stream guy myself...dig the constant changing of sights and sounds you get on a river!

[@NJNGaming]

Love your videos. They really capture the experience and I like the small water, but the fish are really nice quality. Your hook sets have taught me a lot and you’ve showed flies I hadn’t tried before. Keep it up and stay safe

[@LooknFishy]

Thank you, really having fun with it and dig sharing the adventure!

[@pauldonnellan6799]

Well done my Brother…what a Beautiful Spot..well filmed..Pauly at Wilderness Coast on Fly in Australia 🇦🇺👍🤓

[@LooknFishy]

Thanks dude, definitely a good time!

[@markstott6689]

Cutthroat are a feisty little fish. I guess with that type of water they don't grow much bigger?

[@LooknFishy]

They are indeed. Yea, these are rio grande cutts...not known to get very large plus this stream is above 12k feet...very short growing season. But they are native and this stream is truly wild which makes it incredibly special!

[@markstott6689]

@@LooknFishy Very special indeed.

[@BlackRail33]

Love it. Hope there's more of that stream in the next one.

[@LooknFishy]

Don't want to spoil it but no, I get the itch to explore another stream the next day. But I'll definitely check it out again!

[@alanseim9801]

Just found your channel. It's great!

[@LooknFishy]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@alanseim9801]

@@LooknFishy I was just up lake fishing @ the wind river range rez. Caught some quality fish despite a fluke summer cold front.

[@rschreck876]

I hate said stranger. That is one of my favorite spots in the state.

[@jimgollach6202]

Wow! Pretty country and cuties. How high were you in elevation? The stream looked to be moving awful fast. What a dinner time view. Enjoyed watching, thanks for sharing. 👍👍👍

[@LooknFishy]

That view was worth it alone! Over 11k and it was June so it was definitely running a little high.

[@jimgollach6202]

Nice.

[@43lbcat]

Gorgeous cutts for that water. You fish what I like to fish out here in CO. Love your content and thanks

[@LooknFishy]

Thanks man, these streams are awesome!

[@billschlafer]

Wow! Stunning country. You could use some mountaineering equipment to get down and back up from that stream. Terrific stuff. Stay safe and good luck!

[@LooknFishy]

Was a nice surprise and definitely would have been easier lol!

[@KaliAndy2]

Excellent video. Epic fly fishing, beautiful scenery. Just kind of sad seeing all those dead trees in some areas. Not very familiar with Idaho forests thought might have been bark beetle and drought like in many lower Sierra elevations. Guess tussock moth, budworm and drought causing havoc this way?

[@LooknFishy]

This was in Colorado part of my road trip before I made it to Idaho. Beetle kill has devastated CO forests!

[@KaliAndy2]

@@LooknFishy didn't realize it was CO, watched couple of your other vids that were in ID. I visit CO every winter for 2-3 weeks but didn't see it this bad. Maybe cause higher elevation. See lot of Aspens where I go and evergreens for most part look healthy. Thanks for sharing your journeys. Nice to watch when can't get out there, love to do similar stuff just a bit more west.

[@bmceowen2]

Love it, thanks for sharing the beauty with us. Can't wait to see your Idaho vids. your climb down this one reminds me of the Bitch Creek slide just north of Tetonia. trecherous but amazing fishing

[@LooknFishy]

Appreciate it! Such amazing country to see and fish. Idaho is maybe part 20 in the series...just started editing that part of the trip.

[@tomdwyer8974]

Another great video. Wish you would show the fly you are using. I’ve seen your video on the flies you normally use, but would like to see you just give a quick shot . Thanks again for all that you do showing us your great adventures.

[@LooknFishy]

Sorry I know I did several times but when I start editing them I can't find them in the footage...sometimes it's 2 seconds of an 8hr day which was 2 months ago lol. Just did that with a stonefly from the last video that I shared on IG...found where I showed the stone...but never saw it editing the yt vid. But that's why I did the flies video and shared it sooner. I was fishing that big ugly bug and sz 16 black perdigon with a sz 4 shot about 6 inches above the fly.

[@3pdad]

Do you have an episode where you show all your gear and what you take to the stream? I saw the one where you show everything in the truck, but was interested to know what type of pole, supplies and water shoes/boots/waders you are walking and entering the water in.

[@LooknFishy]

Got one coming up where I go thru what I pack in my backpack for hike in trips! Will also do one on the pants I use for wet wading. Love my orvis ultra light boots...I only wet wade in the summer. Save the waders for cool seasons!

[@caseycravens7062]

Great video, Drew. You found a new place by being curious and friendly. Great native trout! What strain?

[@LooknFishy]

And it happens two more times while I'm in Idaho! These were rio grande cutts!

[@henrynewton7217]

So many beautiful fish in this one. How many fish did you pull out of the deep hole with the logs crossing the river at the rapids? What size of rod are you using?

[@LooknFishy]

Several but I don't count. 7.5ft 3wt but my 8.5ft 4 wt would have been a better option for that fast water.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Stunning scenery and trout! Ditto what Roger Russell said. I tend to avoid hills that can be a Rag Doll decent. Rods aren't the only thing that I can break easy these days... Kudos all the way around 👏 !!

[@LooknFishy]

No kidding...breaking a rod wasn't even on my mind lol!

[@Thesamonwar]

Doesn't get any better than native cutthroat.

[@LooknFishy]

Always great to find them in their native waters!

[@tomhairston9557]

One of my first trout limits I ever caught on a flyrod, when I was 10 y/o, was a 13 inch cutthroat..on Henson creek about 10 miles of Lake City..seeing you catch those today brought back lots of food memories...thanks for the great videos you share

[@williamsoni]

Do you still go back to Lake City? We visit every couple of years for a family reunion/fishing vacation. Beautiful part of the world.

[@tomhairston9557]

@@williamsoni yes, my Dad had a summer house, just south of Lake City...at Vickers Ranch..he passed away in '17, and my half-brothers and sister sold it...mt wife and I are heading out there in a couple of weeks

[@LooknFishy]

Sounds like a great memory! Glad to add something positive to your day!

[@budfahnestock2418]

6:54 i would love to hear you break down exactly how in the holy name of crap you were able to pull a fish out of that 2ft run standing 8 ft away from it. I wouldn't even have looked at that stretch twice, let alone think that i could get any form of a presentation to a fish

[@mitch858]

damn pine beatles

[@LooknFishy]

they suck!

[@thomastero4662]

What were you using in that little pool around 12:00? A single nymph with indicator? Must be using a little heavier tippet to keep them from going downstream on you. Looks amazing!

[@LooknFishy]

Big ugly bug and a perdigon, with some shot. I fish 4x unless I need to go lighter which wasn't much in Colorado. If you haven't seen it I walk thru the 9 flies I used in this series in part 8....kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6rKfmOvZZmkqNU

[@rickowens6238]

Sir, I need the CC, Closed Captions, in order to know what you say. I am hearing impaired and just cannot hear or keep up. Thank You

[@LooknFishy]

The CC is always on in my videos. But I think that YT just doesn't understand what I'm always saying either. I speak fast and tend to mumble lol!

[@stephenbrody2717]

Dude that was a crazy climb out. I have done that before and put my rod at risk more times than I should have. Glad that went well. I love the camera veiw when you are bushwhacking to and from the stream. Pocket water can be frustrating but you always find the seams. Great video

[@LooknFishy]

Yea, I was hoping to just drop over and keep going but decided a broken leg would be a bummer! Was definitely a great day!

[@itsobvious5835]

SOLO. 👍

[@LooknFishy]

The way I roll!

[@kimnielsen7449]

They are stunning, it’s a hostile place to live, and fish

[@LooknFishy]

Very true!

[@markbump9192]

How much were the fishing licenses for each state you went to?

[@67polara]

Ummm on the way in those trees are TORE UP I think the big bears have been marking them.

[@dfzurichch]

What was your rig..

[@Tenkara_Retiree]

Do you carry a personal location device? Just in case you run into trouble?

[@LooknFishy]

Definitely do, I carry a spot!

[@Tenkara_Retiree]

@@LooknFishy that’s good cause that looked a little dicey! Stay safe man!

[@Jboogie314]

Good videos man. Any suggestions on places to fish near Pagosa Springs?

[@LooknFishy]

Thanks man! Lots of water in that area...almost can't go wrong!

[@bulltusker]

Wow really sweet. won't they let you keep just one a day for a top off meal. I'll keep watching

[@LooknFishy]

Nah, gotta put the rare and native fish back...they are barely hanging on as it is! Plenty of other "invasive" fish to take home if that's your thing!

[@mountainman78629]

What kind of fish were they?

[@LooknFishy]

Rio Grande Cutthroat!

[@mountainman78629]

@@LooknFishy a friend told me they were supposed to go bear hunting for a few days and he was wanting to fly fish in a place that might get 10 people a year and catch rare golden trout, I think is what he said. I’ve never heard of them. I’ll ask him if that’s correct. What I thought was amazing about the fish in the video was they were caught in such small spots.

[@josiechas]

Were you at all concerned about bear or rattlesnakes?

[@LooknFishy]

I keep my eyes open for bear and did see some sign but not so much for the rattles snakes. They do a good job of warning me when I get too close.

[@trentonbratz4395]

Is this in Colorado?

[@LooknFishy]

It is!

[@sylviawelsh9518]

So many dead trees 😫

[@LooknFishy]

Unfortunate for sure!

[@imcurious2731]

I've guided through this kind of Country, Only when, my clients and I could catch 8 to 20 Lb. Summer Steelhead and 20 to 35 Lb. Chinook Salmon!!

[@LooknFishy]

That would be super fun in a small stream like this!

[@kevincraig6407]

Very nice video! take some of thea youtube cash and buy yourself a walking stick lol

[@LooknFishy]

Gonna need a lot more YT money to afford one of those lol! I look for a good ole stick every now and then!

[@michaelaldrich8994]

Would love to see an uncut trip without the B Roll of hiking in. I want to see you pull your flies out of trees, stepping in spots where you spook a trout. You know. The other 99% of fly fishing.

[@LooknFishy]

Haha...I can promise you 99% of my fly fishing isn't in trees or spooking trout. And I did include some of that in the last video, where I miss several fish in a row then on a shake off find the tree...and when I'm freeing it...stab myself in the face. I feel like this video actually captures 99% of what this day was...a random conversation that had me hiking an unknown trail to a stream I had never seen or fished. The falls, getting lost, f-bombs, the climbing and all the other stuff is fly fishing! I spent nearly as much time hiking to it as I did fishing...and I never snagged tree, broke off or spooked any fish. But trust me...there some fails coming up in the series and I'm sharing the trip as it happens...good, bad and ugly!

[@tomhairston9557]

West of Lake city...lol

[@1werewolf]

What state is it?

[@jred5153]

Colowydaho...

[@LooknFishy]

This series started in NM, then headed to CO, ID and ended Wyoming! I was in CO here.

[@ericrollins4607]

@@LooknFishy Lookin forward to seeing Idaho

[@LooknFishy]

@@ericrollins4607 Idaho was amazing and frustrating, I'm excited to share it!

[@scottnock5241]

Crazy remote!!! That’s some steep you know what!!! Be careful bro!!! What kind of wadding boots do you ware? And what soles?? I hope you carry a gun too!!! Keep em coming!!!

[@LooknFishy]

It definitely was! I wear Orvis ultra light wading boots with vibrum soles. I wouldn't trade them for anything...waiting on a new pair now! Never head into the backcountry w/o one!

[@scottnock5241]

@@LooknFishy how do those boots handle in slippery streams? I’ve never had good luck with rubber soles I tried them with studs I just keep going back to felt. I carry every trip as well there’s really nothing to be afraid of in Pennsylvania! LOL Going next week on like a five day adventure like yours North Central PA! I’m going to give filming a shot! Again

[@stovepipehahaha272]

Bottom line...saddens me all these people doing you tube videos catching tiny trout in these mountain streams for money.....And Drew is a saint ! None the less ....what lies ahead ? Troubling ....