Hunt for Gila | Fly Fishing New Mexico | Solo backpacking adventure

The extremely rare and beautiful Gila Trout has been living rent free in my mind for many years now. The Gila National Forest in New Mexico is one of very few places in the world where you can still find this precious trout. For a long time this little trout was on the endangered species list, and it was illegal for anglers to target them. Thanks to modern conservation efforts and years of proper habitat management, the worlds rarest trout is now well on its way to recovery. So it only made sense that my first major trip in my new home HAD to be chasing the Gila Trout.
Solo backpacking adventures are never a sure thing. You can do endless hours of prepping and research but once those boots hit the trail.. your plans usually tend to go to the wind.. This day in particular was rough because instead of our plans blowing away in the wind.. they were burnt up in front of our face. A massive forest fire started on the section of the Gila National Forest that we had spent months researching.. Needless to say we did not really have a solid plan B. But that's when you just have to roll with the punches and make lemonade out of some lemons. I hope you enjoy the lemonade.
Day 1 Adventure Summary:
-Playing hide and seek with forest fires
-Hiking a random canyon in the Gila National Forest
-Setting up a sweet camp
-Fly Fishing for Gila Trout
-Practicing backcountry first aid
-Mountain House Freeze dried meal review
Instagram: @fly_allszn
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[@blakepumphrey8782]

Respect that you made a move to NM. Follow your dreams buddy

[@FLYALLSZN]

I am trying my best! Thank you for your support!

[@michaelsmutz4232]

full send up that thing bro! be careful

[@FLYALLSZN]

Full sends only 💪🏼

[@antonioandrade8821]

Great video and also a great place to fish. I live in Long Beach California and make that 13 hour drive just to be with nature. I can always drive to Big Bear which is only two hours away but there is way too many people there. Gila is a National Wilderness that is why you pack your own trash out and there are not too many people living there. The Cliff Dwellings are cool too if you get a chance next time.

[@dugfern]

Last time I walked down the Powerhouse Trail is was washed out and impassable.

[@bighoss1592]

Man that was a great video, let me know when you are in this part of the country again I'll take you on a hike up to some granite pools and waterfalls to catch some Gila and rainbow both.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Oh man that would be amazing!!

[@bighoss1592]

Its a shorter but super steep hike but it is a really awesome part of the country and not many people go so the fishing is excellent.

[@davidspoonholtz6900]

Awesome new country. Great fishing as always. The scenery is awesome.

[@brianconroy9109]

Awesome job brother can't to see more

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!

[@rgonzales9382]

Scary as hell hiking back in the Gila. I did a 6 mile hike to get my Gila to complete my challenge. Saw a family of Kudamundi while getting where I was going. Along with an old mining shed that had HUGE round cast iron tops scattered along the trail and in the river. Definitely an adventure I’ll never forget and I’ve got video documenting the experience. The biggest thing I took from it all for me, NEVER HIKE ALONE. You never know what could happen. Keep them NM videos coming and Tight Lines

[@FLYALLSZN]

Kudamundi?! Omg I had no idea they were that far north! I’d love to see some! I totally agree solo is a bit sketchy.. I’ll Find a fishing buddy for next time!

[@markwinkel2771]

Mike. Another great video !! Your love of life and passion for the outdoors is something to be admired. You’re destined to be one of the greats ! Keep up the amazing work.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!! I am so glad other folks can dig it just as much as I do! There is so much to see and do out there!

[@WilliamAM43]

Epic man! Must admit little jelly besides the cliff of death march lol.

[@FLYALLSZN]

The cliff of death was very much NOT FUN.. The camera will never do it justice..

[@J.D.Supreme]

Absolutely Awesome to see you getting out there and learning a whole new fishery in a completely different environment then the driftless region! After seeing this vid, New Mexico is on the list of places to get to! Thanks for great content Mike!

[@FLYALLSZN]

New Mexico is so wild! It is so much fun to see and explore new places! Get down here asap! The fishing is starting to really heat up!

[@JonthaLinks]

Sick video Mike! 🤘🏾 And thanks for using our track "Duracell"! The full song is out now everywhere. Peace and Love ❤️

[@FLYALLSZN]

I found it on Epidemic sound and it fit in perfect!! Thank you for making dope tunes!!

[@michaelrickert7999]

I am really excited that you are back. This video takes you to new level.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much! It takes a lot of planning

[@stephenbrody2717]

Cool to see your new adventures. You inspired a lot of driftless anglers to get out and fish. I’m sure they will now all want to visit New Mexico. Mike great to see you grooving on the water. 💪

[@FLYALLSZN]

Gotta get out there while I still can! These legs will only carry this husk for so long haha Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support!

[@richardspurlocck5165]

Wow!! Outstanding--very happy for you in your new "home" waters

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!

[@ConnerCannonwhiteboy]

Epic fishing! Gila is on my bucket list. Small trout on a fiberglass rod is so fun

[@FLYALLSZN]

Doesn't Get much better!!

[@adamgeezy2000]

Right on bro. People fish in New Mexico all their lives and never sniff a gila!! Good stuff!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@FlickyFlies]

Sick adventure. The story and the way you filmed the progression of the day felt really tight and well put together. Awesome trout and loved the clear water releases. Good stuff man, looking forward to day 2.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much! I’m glad to see the editing skills are paying off haha

[@stevenschoppmann4946]

Great stuff. Inspires me to explore more. Keep it coming.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!

[@johnwilkes4090]

Love the video, Mike. Glad you are acclimating to your new environment. I really appreciate the backpacking emphasis especially in light of our trip next month to Thunder Lake. A bit of foreshadowing for your audience.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much! Consider it an outline of what to bring for CO!! I can't wait to get back to RMNP!

[@triumphrider9396]

Great content, Mike. Keep it up! You're in fly fishing heaven. NM is such a hidden gem. Don't reveal too many secrets spots! 😀

[@FLYALLSZN]

The internet has no secrets! All my adventures are straight out of every states fish and game website! So anyone and everyone can find what I find

[@robperry9065]

Great video Mike! Loving the “all in” approach to getting up to speed in this new environment. Keep on keepin’ on! Tight lines and stay safe!!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!! It sure is different but I am really enjoying it all so far!

[@jhongarza450]

Have you thought about doing the New Mexico Trout Challenge? Would love to see it

[@FLYALLSZN]

It might be a cheeky challenge worth doing... think a weekend make it happen?

[@jhongarza450]

@@FLYALLSZN I think it's way worth a shot !

[@wulgar9648]

Great video! Please keep them coming. I can’t wait to get out to New Mexico.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!

[@tigersteamer]

DUDE - how freakin cool!!!. Gilas are amazing fish in an amazing Fishery. GREAT GREAT VID brother. Congrats on your move, and stay safe down there with all the fires.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!! It was epic! Day one was just the top of iceberg!!

[@tigersteamer]

@@FLYALLSZN looking forward to the rest!

[@elisjournal4435]

Mate let’s go fishing sometime!

[@FLYALLSZN]

You in the area??

[@elisjournal4435]

@@FLYALLSZN yes sir - Albuquerque!

[@jhongarza450]

Welcome to our waters ! I'm so glad that you had a good time. Brother there's a lot more

[@FLYALLSZN]

Shoot I am so overwhelmed! There are so many places to hit!

[@fish_dude5190]

Well said my friend! 🔥 keep the videos coming man, great footage

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!

[@of_the_stone]

Best part of these waters.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Looked like an awesome trip! Beautiful area. Very impressive editing.. inspires me to up my editing game 😀

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@thegrosspeach]

Its only a matter of time until you just embrace the grime, id also recommend cooking farther away from camp

[@davidstakston1950]

Where is your gold panning equipment? Catch gold fever and you might find the Mother Lode in New Mexico on one of your fishing trips.

[@mikebbb30]

ALRIGHT MIKEEEEEE!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Finally got one!!

[@markvallejos4497]

Hey man, just found you're channel and I love it. Would love to go fishing with you, I live in a small town and we have a small mountain stream, where many native trout are. Would love to show it too you sometime and get some fishing in. My two boys would love to get more fishing pointers.

[@markvallejos4497]

Oh and this is in new mexico west of Albuquerque.

[@FLYALLSZN]

HOLY COW! That would be amazing thank you so much for the offer! I hear there is some nice fishing out that way!

[@alexanderc988]

I use ace tape for rugby and jujitsu. I type my wrists than if I jam my finger I will split the tape into a small piece and wrap the finger so it bends properly

[@FLYALLSZN]

It is seriously the best! I’ll always keep some on lock 🔒

[@GrizAdams111]

Maybe you address it later in the video...What are you gonna do if a bear gets into your perimeter?

[@FLYALLSZN]

Do my best to not get completely mauled...

[@TylerV73]

Too cool!

[@FLYALLSZN]

It was epic!

[@austinkokin8043]

Anyone know where the trailhead is where he is?

[@allexkowalsky4168]

LFGGGGGG

[@nickwestin8444]

Dehydration and fishing tip: Grayl GeoPress. Water PURIFIER not just a filter. Built in purifier and water bottle basically. Changed my hiking and fishing game. Also Peaked > Mountain House

[@FLYALLSZN]

Going in MH is good… let’s just say day 2 was rough.. peaked is now in my bag haha

[@brettfowler5114]

What’s the reel set up for your new ant #3??

[@FLYALLSZN]

It is just some super old martin classic reel i picked up when I was a kiddo! Couldn't tell you the first thing about it unfortunately..

[@brettfowler5114]

@@FLYALLSZN gotcha gotcha, sweet video man!

[@Jodyfuckingjo]

Yuhhhhhhhhh

[@michaelwoehrl1746]

You should learn the proper pronunciation of Gila.

[@allexkowalsky4168]

I’m assuming the same person who created the spelling for bologna also spelt Gila.

[@michaelwoehrl1746]

@@allexkowalsky4168 The Apache ?

[@michaelcoleman9182]

Ehhh for someone who just moved out there i'd cut them some slack - how else would you pronounce it if you had only seen it written?

[@allexkowalsky4168]

@@michaelwoehrl1746 i am 1/4 apache and i cant spell so that would make sense haha