Fly Fishing a High Alpine Lake! (Dream Fish Pt. 1) || THE COLORADO SERIES

THE COLORADO SERIES Day 5 takes us to an alpine lake in search for a giant Colorado River Cutthroat Trout. The Colorado River Cutthroat get larger than the Greenback Cutthroat from the Threatened Fish mini series and have a bright red color.
Matt's Instagram: / freakeditonthefly
For an extra 15% off of your RISEN FLY order use Code "HFA" at checkout! Visit Risen Fly at www.risenfly.com
Rod: www.risenfly.com/collections/...
Reel: www.risenfly.com/collections/...
Line: www.risenfly.com/collections/...
Waders: dryftfishing.com/shop/s14-adr...
Wading Boots: www.simmsfishing.com/flyweigh...
Camera: amzn.to/2FdN2Nj
Mic: amzn.to/3kDv6vV
GoPro: amzn.to/3iMMtc7
Editing software: amzn.to/31J3Svj
Music: www.epidemicsound.com/music/g...
The Colorado River Strain of Cutthroat Trout grow much larger than the Greenback Cutthroat we caught in the previous few episodes. My personal goal was to catch a Master Angler cutthroat trout (20 inches) while I was in Colorado. In this video my brother and I fly fish for these trout in a high elevation alpine lake deep in the Rocky Mountains. The cutthroat were amazingly beautiful and the lake has to be one of the prettiest lakes in the world. I hope you enjoy!
Please like, comment, and subscribe!

[@michaelsmith7193]

I have enjoyed all of your videos, but this Colorado series is something really special. Your photography and editing have been outstanding; the fish and the scenery absolutely beautiful. The Colorado high country is such a magical place - your excellent series certainly underscores that.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!! I'm not even sure if the videos do the place justice but they at least begin to help people understand how amazing it is. I put a lot of work into the series and I'm just glad people have been enjoying it.

[@maddenconnor6113]

Colorado Native here... things are alittle more expensive now but the mountains are always free! Love the HQ vids bro!! Awesome to see my home state shown off in a magical way

[@AddictedFishing]

That lake looked pretty epic! Beautiful up there.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! And it was absolutely gorgeous!

[@jarrettlandreth285]

So sad that there’s only one more vid from this series, you guys really did experience what Colorado has to offer and it was amazing to watch!

[@hardmanfishing]

There is only 1 more vid in the Colorado Series unfortunately... But I do have 4 other Colorado videos. So it isn't completely over. But I'm glad you've like the series! A lot of work has been put into these so it really does mean a lot.

[@outasightgear]

Love fishing alpine lakes. Well done with those Cutthroats!! Impressive.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!

[@nativesflyfishing8779]

Fireeeeee ! As always. Been there and will agree it’s unexplainable.

[@hardmanfishing]

Yep, I don't even think the video does it justice. It's hard to explain. Thanks for watching!

[@flyfishingscotland863]

What a fish guys, bellissimo ❤

[@TheClcchristiankc1]

Man you really nailed it with this series

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!

[@aaronmiller6118]

I love your videos! Especially these Colorado ones and most of all the ones with cutthroat trout

[@hardmanfishing]

I'm glad you enjoy them!! I'll be making more in the future. It just takes money and time.. both of which I don't seem to have enough of these days. I 100% will make a similar trip next year and I hope people enjoy them just as much!

[@Syzygy77]

Wow what a gorgeous fish!

[@nigelkavanagh2048]

Great vid guys those are great looking fish! Well done👏

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@Osnyfishingadventures]

Oh my goodness😱😱😱😱. That is one amazing lake and the cutties out of there have some of the brightest colors I’ve ever seen on trout! What a crazy place, looks like another world out there in comparison to PA😂😂💯. Tight lines, and keep up the awesome videos! This Colorado series is insane!🎣💦

[@hardmanfishing]

Thanks man!! I'm glad you liked it! It is definitely another world.

[@TreyTheFisherman]

Coolest looking fish ever!

[@lyndeen]

Sweet video! Will be hiking to that spot in about a week. Didn’t take my rod 4 years ago. Will be this time.

[@blakepumphrey8782]

Those are some beautiful cutties fellas. Nice work!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!!

[@gregfoster8830]

Loved it.... beautiful trout 🤘

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@jamesschmitter2643]

Ah yes, beautiful cutthroat trout. Awesome. I find it interesting that the ones you did catch were all males in the spawning colors. As Edi Mella suggested belly boats/ float tubes would of been awesome but you would of had to pack those up to the lake inflated then deflate them and all that goes with doing that. That being said, a sink tip or sinking line cast towards the bank or even trolled from the float tube with a leech pattern. What a great trip you guys have had, loved watching these and admiring your dedication to fishing. Good job.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! Yeah I'm not going to pretend to know exactly how to catch lake cutthroat consider it was my first time. We more so just site fished for them than anything else. But it worked so I can't complain! Thanks for watching man!

[@OpportunityFishing]

Those were some gorgeous cutthroat! I always forget about elevation being a factor when I fish with people from out of state. I've lived here my whole life so am acclimated. The flip side is going down to sea level I feel like I can run and hike forever.

[@hardmanfishing]

Yeah as someone not from the rockies I can attest to the elevation difference. It doesn't stop us, just makes it slightly more difficult. Thanks for watching!

[@OpportunityFishing]

Hardman Fishing Adventures of course! I have been enjoying the series! If you have the time I highly recommend checking out the channel Trout Soup. My buddy Matt is a High Lake guru and has some excellent videos on places to fish, and techniques for fishing the backcountry in Colorado.

[@anthonyarens797]

That water is beautiful

[@eduardogerman2854]

Man up sleeping on the ground is the best part the grueling grind of having to do everything showers/baths in the creek/lake eating what you catch popping squats it's my passion

[@michaellopez-lq5fn]

Srs, guys like the princess and the pea

[@lukewilson3271]

I don't want this series to end!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!! We put a lot of work into it so I'm glad you're enjoying it.

[@davelester3357]

Awesome trip guys, really nice cutthroats.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!

[@henryleslievermont6004]

Fun watch!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@tannermendel639]

Those are warm nighttime temps homie 😆

[@CasualGirlAdventures]

Hello, Wow! I have not caught a cut throat before, they are beautiful trout, Look at the red color on them, Colorado is so beautiful sorry you did not enjoy the camping so far, take care

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@FirstCastMedia]

When I first found your channel I never thought I'd be watching a series like this! AWESOME!

[@hardmanfishing]

And I never thought I'd be making a series like this!! Thank you for the support and I'm glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@aidananderson7812]

Colorado is so beautiful. I'm so thankful to live in such a great state. :)

[@hardmanfishing]

You are extremely lucky!!

[@quaaaaaaaar]

only problem is denver is a dump

[@carryingfire286]

@@quaaaaaaaar well its certainly better than pueblo lol

[@burkeylynnadventures]

Just found out about these lakes and found your vid. I hope to hike in there and fish it soon and hope my fly finds a nice Cutthroat like you fellas did! Great hike, great fishing, great story and great vid. Well done!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!

[@Justbaker2000]

What are the lakes called?

[@paultiplea]

@@Justbaker2000 don’t bother, people like to gate keep public land as if it belongs to them and would rather hoard these kinds of experiences for themselves. (Because publishing the location will really draw large crowds of fisherman from all over the nation to fly to CO and do a strenuous hike for some fish. Give me a break.)

[@richardhartley1426]

About dang time some lake fishing

[@hardmanfishing]

Well you apparently didn't watch the last couple of videos....

[@richardhartley1426]

Hardman Fishing Adventures that I did not I haven’t been receiving the notifications when you guys uploaded this is the first one in a long time I got the notification for

[@rightanglefishing]

Just subscribed, keep it up!

[@benedyktsliz2716]

man, a beautiful trout I have not seen before

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@edimella8844]

You should try some belly boats on a lake like that. There will be more fish

[@hardmanfishing]

Not a bad idea... although I'll be honest we saw almost all of the fish cruising the edges of the lake. But you never know!

[@aleta5873]

Always have quality ground pads and sleeping bags to stay warm...otherwise you will be miserable. I learned that after I froze my butt off on the cold hard ground. Then you'll have a much better day. Beautiful, beautiful trout...

[@hardmanfishing]

Yeah we definitely learned a few things on this trip! Thanks for watching the video!

[@Nobodymidd]

Stunning fish hi from the uk

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@medtech1a]

Wow. What a site to see. 12,5 would kill me that’s for sure. I’m so impressed with just the view that you’ve shown but I know being there must be breath taking that’s for sure. Being prepared for a trip like this takes planning that’s for sure. Great looking cut throat. What weight fly rod are you using is my question? And what flies. I wish you had drone footage.

[@hardmanfishing]

I was using a 9 foot 5 wt rod and a little size 22 foam back gnat dry fly with 6x tippet. And I wish I had drone footage too but I unfortunately don't even have a drone. Thanks for watching man!

[@thomasmckenzie4584]

6:42 That fish looks like you gave a 5 year old some crayolas and let him color away. Incredible looking fish!!

[@hardmanfishing]

They are some incredible fish!! Some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. Thanks for watching!

[@johnthompson5409]

The Browns are Spawning.

[@sc928porsche8]

Tahoe is one of the most beautiful lakes and that includes fishing try it.

[@mountaingoatgreg1691]

Come brookie fishn with me once and I'll kick your butt into shape. I never complain about the hike when there's a big wide trail like that...jk That lake looks like a dream to fish (except the wind) and the quality of those fish is awesome!

[@hardmanfishing]

HAHAHAHAHAHA come up to 12,500 elevation and I bet you wouldn't make that statement. WV is a cake walk. But in all seriousness it was fun and something I won't soon forget. Thanks for watching man

[@briljantje9583]

I knoow perfectly what you guys went through. I do this myself altough not to 3.810 meters (12,500 feet) but to a lake at 2.300 meters (7,546 feet). Starting from 1200 meters, so a heavy and long walk. It surprised me you was wearing shorts at that altitude. Must have been pretty cold out there.

[@briljantje9583]

The fish are pretty big for that altutude, by the way. Beautiful colors.

[@thomasjones1778]

The purple flowers are Fireweed and make a great jelly.

[@hardmanfishing]

Really?? That's interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@YerpSZN]

they are so pretty

[@hardmanfishing]

Yes they are! Thanks for watching!

[@rs12599]

Come try out New Mexico for some Gila trout! They are a native species to New Mexico.

[@hardmanfishing]

I will one day for sure!! Thanks for watching

[@Cajun-Commando]

Lol, i camped up at that lake not too long before this video was shot. 10/10 do not recommend rucking a 60lb pack up that trail.

[@traditionallyuntraditional2032]

LoL 😂 40degree cold 🥶

[@hardmanfishing]

Listen I was used to 80+ degree days hahaha so yeah 35-40 degrees took a bit of getting used too. We also weren't really prepared. Thanks for watching!

[@traditionallyuntraditional2032]

@@hardmanfishing glad you guys had a good time

[@envNV]

I catch those on the daily. Nice to live in CO

[@dabnduramax7104]

Where at

[@carryingfire286]

@@dabnduramax7104 it looks like its somewhere around the Crested Butte/Aspen area. Im not 100 percent sure on that tho. Ive backpacked around there and it looks very similar.

[@Raver_S_Thompson]

Not gonna lie I about spit my drink out at the 40* night comment. That’s balmy.

[@OfficialParkit]

Hey do you remember the name of the campsite from the beginning of the video? I need some new areas to check out in the next few months

[@hardmanfishing]

Umm yeah I can probably find it. Send me a DM on IG and I can send it your way.

[@brianco2145]

That first fish is missing half its left gill plate. Interesting!

[@ryantish2416]

I recently found this lake did you drive to the trailhead and hike or did you hike the whole thing?

[@hardmanfishing]

Hiked the entire thing! I don't know if you can drive up to the trail head if it is the same lake lol

[@ryantish2416]

@@hardmanfishing ok thanks haha! was the hike pretty rough?

[@lucianosilvestri8561]

What were your fly's my friend??

[@kevinsimmons7243]

What a beautiful place! God's creation...nothing more to say!

[@hardmanfishing]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching

[@zipngo1]

If you are going for big find Pyramid lake in Nevada.

[@hardmanfishing]

Different species of cutthroat man! These are Colorado river cutthroat, pyramid lake has Lohanton cutthroat which get much larger. Although I do hope to make it out there one day!! Thanks for watching

[@mikecooper822]

where in colorado was this

[@troyottosen8722]

You obviously haven’t seen Alaska!😂😉👍

[@hardmanfishing]

You guessed it correctly! Or BC. Both on my bucket list of places to go and fish. It's just so expensive! Thanks for watching

[@josiahmenako2484]

Get warmer weather gear and you'll have a much better time. I'm cozy down into single digits.

[@hardmanfishing]

Yep we learned our lesson. Honestly didn't expect it to get down to 35 degrees in August. Thanks for watching!

[@jacobgriffin4697]

What is the name of the lake?

[@zachm5703]

What lake is this?

[@thetroutfisherman1500]

I want to know where this is ssooooooo maddsdssddddddd

[@Dmanths]

What lake was this 😬😬

[@aklags]

Lol “camping sucks low key, we are sleeping on rocks...” get yourself some 29 degree Enlightened Equipment quilts and some thermarest x therm wide size air mattresses and you’ll sleep like a baby. Or try a hammock with a 20 degree under quilt ✌️

[@hardmanfishing]

I'm going to be honest you're probably right but I couldn't even fit what I had in the truck, let along even more equipment HAHA Thanks for watching!

[@tightliningmd]

Buy an ATV and make it work. No need for a two hour hike. I am confident you can afford it :) Camping in 40 degrees is super tough. I do that in the fall at the Savage. Brutal for sure. Gotta have good insulated sleeping bag, and dress appropriately. Still hard regardless. Love the fish, and well worth all the work put into it. Thanks for sharing another banger!

[@hardmanfishing]

HAHAHA I wish I had an ATV. Would have but the hike into maybe 1/4 of what it was. Not sure if I could afford to drive the ATV out there for one trip though!! Thanks for watching man!

[@tightliningmd]

@@hardmanfishing You got it!

[@michaelhuntington29]

Well it's getting late and I'm tired of searching google earth for lakes above 12500. What an amazing place! Update: I'm going there this weekend!!

[@hardmanfishing]

HAHAHAHAHAHA I wonder how many people are actually doing this?? Just wait until everyone sees the video on Friday....

[@nicholaspittman2238]

I've also been searching Google earth after watching this series. Haha!! Now I'm on a mission.

[@hardmanfishing]

@@nicholaspittman2238 hahaha good luck!!

[@mikeroll9868]

Me too I think I found the area, but I can’t get there. Beautiful fish.

[@michaelhuntington29]

@@mikeroll9868 I almost had it near mt meeker but not quite, what area did you search?

[@johnthompson5409]

It's cold in the Rockies and you're in shorts. P.S.*Note to self* If you can see the bottom of the Lake, Stream, River, the fish can see you*.

[@debio1135]

You are in the middle of a pine forest and you say you are sleeping on the rocks... haven't you ever heard of grabbing lots of pine needles from the surrounding area nd putting them down as a mat for both insulation and softer area to sleep on?

[@hardmanfishing]

I mean we probably could’ve done that but we didn’t have that much time. I think in the future I’ll just get a cot or small air mattress to elevate myself off the ground a bit. But to be fair camping isn’t supposed to be that comfortable! Thanks for watching

[@puprilla]

Did i miss what lake this is? Or did he not say?

[@hardmanfishing]

I did not say. It was requested that I do not mention the name of it.

[@puprilla]

@@hardmanfishing forsure kinda weird since its no ones property but i understand some ppl don't like to share. Nice video tho forsure

[@hardmanfishing]

@@puprilla Yeah man someone else gave me the spot so I don't think it is mine to give away. Bu thanks! Hit up freakeditonthefly on IG if you really want to know. He is the one who showed me the spot. Tight lines!

[@puprilla]

@@hardmanfishing its fine if someone wants to keep it low profile i understand. we have plenty of great fishing here for everyone all over. I caught a 4lb largemouth bass in the city 2 days ago im not worried about far away spots. Just looked like a nice hike.

[@stonefly69]

Millennials...the new Yuppies. So cold at 40F? Ever hear of a camp pad? Thermorest? Sheesh. Best stay in the city...And two rules for releasing fish: don't touch them and leave them in the water. Use a tool like a Ketchum Release and you can do both, easily. Tight lines!

[@hardmanfishing]

I mean just because I complain about something doesn't mean I don't enjoy it HAHA I am well aware of how to catch and release fish, but taking them out of the water for a moment to show them off won't hurt them if done properly. Tight lines!

[@matthewwesley2179]

Depending on where you are, those might be Rio Grande Cutthroat instead Colorado.

[@hardmanfishing]

This was northern Colorado. I'm not necessarily an expert but my buddy knows his stuff and he says they are Colorado river cutties. Thanks for watching!

[@matthewwesley2179]

@@hardmanfishing If you are in northwestern Colorado then they are most likely Colorado Cutthroat. It is dictated by the watershed you are fishing. I.e, if the alpine lake you are fishing drains into a creek/river/tributary which then feeds into the Colorado River, it is a Colorado Cutthroat. If the alpine lake eventually drains into the Rio Grande, it is a Rio Grande Cutthroat.

[@TroutCRAZY]

Chat decide what's beautiful the fish or the scenery

[@hardmanfishing]

Yes.

[@jesseh9174]

Next time throw a night crawler

[@hardmanfishing]

I mean that almost makes it too easy... also are there night crawlers at 12,000 feet??? I have no idea

[@austinedrington2011]

40 is cold enough to be miserable? Lol

[@hardmanfishing]

It is when you come from 90 lol

[@austinedrington2011]

Hardman Fishing Adventures fair enough!😂😂

[@hardmanfishing]

@@austinedrington2011 HAHA thanks for watching man!

[@buddygillum7305]

Where in Colorado was this lake

[@hardmanfishing]

Northern CO

[@buddygillum7305]

North of I 70

[@ryancampbell6448]

Looks like shelf to me. Could be wrong. So many places look so similar.

[@hardmanfishing]

@@ryancampbell6448 I have no idea where that is... but yeah I agree. A lot of lakes do look similar.

[@rockymountaintrout2689]

Can u tell me where this Is lol, I need a alpine lake to fish and I live in colorado

[@traditionallyuntraditional2032]

Thanks for not naming this lake.

[@jackulman1523]

fancy pass?

[@hardmanfishing]

No.. But should I check out fancy pass?

[@cooperhproductions4421]

"Camping sucks low-key" :(

[@michaellopez-lq5fn]

Guy just needs the right sleeping pad and bag or is like the princess and the pea

[@karstonferrier4135]

This lake isn't a secret lol, the fish aren't even big there

[@ramrod273]

What is the lake called?

[@karstonferrier4135]

Not gonna say the name to send a thousand people up there but its named after a small dog😂

[@googanman3674]

Can someone else make your videos for you please!

[@hardmanfishing]

Man I wish! It would make my life easier

[@waukertate4607]

Camping sucks!?

[@hardmanfishing]

Low Key sucks... yep. I mean I love it to death but I'm not choosing camping over a nice bed that's for sure! Thanks for watching

[@waukertate4607]

Hardman Fishing Adventures I feel you.. great content brotha

[@hardmanfishing]

@@waukertate4607 Thanks man! Glad you enjoy it

[@thomasjones1778]

ewww. You shouldn't release a fish like you did. Their slime is easily removed from their skin and when you squeeze down the length of their body..........

[@hardmanfishing]

Well that's why you should wet your hands. That way the slime isn't taken off of the fish.

[@renebotelho2494]

Here in Bolivia we have many lakes better with more large fish

[@josephmercurio1024]

Dude, you complain alot, negative attitude, and less talk, more fishing is in order.

[@anthonyarens797]

That water is beautiful

[@hardmanfishing]

I agree! Thanks for watching