Fly fishing & Packrafting Solo on the Blackstone - Aug 2023

This video is of a solo packrafting trip I did down the Blackstone River in the summer of 2023. I was primarily fishing for bull trout, but did catch a few cutthroat and whitefish. The paddling was enaging and the scenry was incredible.

[@jrjonesy]

Another great adventure AJ. I like that you added that the trip wasn't a float, as I was thinking that throughout the video. Because you won't say it, I'll add to those that read comments that Aaron has decades of experience navigating/running rapids in small craft and is exceptional at it (I'm his younger brother). Take care that you have the necessary experience to navigate the waters of your choosing.

[@kingpingist]

What kind of fly rod setups are you using? Are you using sinking lines, sink tip lines?

[@shawnyork9065]

Another terrific video. Thanks for sharing. Do you carry a gun or bear spray ?

[@flyfish-bowhunt-alberta]

I don’t bring a gun paddling. I bring bear spray if I remember but it seems I rarely do. None on this trip. You would think I would be smarter as I was charged by a grizzly 3 times (in one encounter) last year. Didn’t have bear spray. Really wish I had of.

[@reelisticoutdoors4358]

NIce.

[@dylanwurz9930]

This is so rad. What raft are you using??

[@flyfish-bowhunt-alberta]

I get this question a lot - unfortunately it's not easy to get a raft exactly life this. We got them custom built from a factory in China that makes them for a big named manufacturer. We ordered in bulk (6) so got a good price.

[@riverrockranger812]

Is your put in by the rec area? Trunk road take out? I want to canoe to the Brazeau reservoir. Best water levels? I dont want to walk a fully loaded canoe lol

[@flyfish-bowhunt-alberta]

You definitely would need higher water than what I had to canoe it without dragging ur canoe. Maybe mid July.

[@larrymortensen1528]

Another great video

[@flyfish-bowhunt-alberta]

Thanks!!!

[@greyjay8119]

That quad shuttle is a great way to go on a river trip by yourself! Of course it only works in the backcountry. Very nice bull trout too! I hear there's some really big bullies on the rivers to the north. Are you thinking of doing some of them?

[@flyfish-bowhunt-alberta]

Yep. Definitely want to explore the whole Smoky/Kakwa systems

[@justanotheryoutubeviewer]

Great video - too bad you forgot your hat though!

[@PatrickSeanEarl]

I just ran across this video today. I've fished those waters many times over the last 40 years. Now in my mid 60 it's getting harder harder to find someone to go with. So i truly appreciate you taking the time to to share your experiences . It brought back some fond memories. Thank You !

[@flyfish-bowhunt-alberta]

Thanks for the feedback - its truly appreciated. It's a lot of work self-videoing, so I do appreciate the kind words. Oh yea, I'm 62 (but got blessed with a good hair gene) 😀

[@PatrickSeanEarl]

@@flyfish-bowhunt-alberta Too funny ! That's what my brother says about me (good hair) If you're ever in the Sundre area, look me up .I'm always up to a day of fishing. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing more of your videos !

[@TheSilver9r]

Great trip! Congrats on the big bull! Was that early Aug? Beautiful river but little and few fish. How do you blow up your raft?

[@flyfish-bowhunt-alberta]

Thanks! Yep early August. Boat is blown up by a small rechargeable air pump. One charge can blow the boat up dozens of times.

[@TheSilver9r]

Cool! Thanks!

[@peirules154]

Never got any bulls that big on that river lol

[@flyfish-bowhunt-alberta]

Me either 😊