SOLO Backpacking and Fishing Adventure for BULL TROUT

Bull trout are an incredibly special fish that often require a lot of upfront work to put yourself in a position to catch them. This was definitely one of those trips. Follow me as I explore a river and hike through rugged terrain chasing the unique creatures. The hike was strenuous and it was hot, but this trip was a blast to film. I hope you enjoy!

[@johnhutton2500]

Thanks. I really love your videos. I’m an old man and you remind me of when I was young and in love with the rivers and the fish. I love that river. There’s quite the stonefly hatch there too and some absolutely beautiful rainbows, although the bullies will take the big dries well too. Remember these days, as the decades slip by you’ll not regret what you’re doing now. I sincerely wish you well.

[@jackcrawshaw9424]

Where did this like Idaho Canada Montana ?

[@johnhutton2500]

@@jackcrawshaw9424 it would be a sin to reveal. Dollie’s are very easy to catch and can’t stand up to a bunch of pressure. There’s quite a few good dolly rivers, you’ll just have to explore and discover. Half the fun and most the challenge.

[@jackcrawshaw9424]

@@johnhutton2500 well I live in Kansas so doubt they will be around where I live😂

[@johnhutton2500]

@@jackcrawshaw9424 well, they’re what’s called an “indicator species”, that is they need very specific conditions to reproduce successfully. Plus they’re extremely vulnerable to the introduction of brook trout as the Brookies reach sexual maturity quickly and are prolific spawners. Interbreeding does to bull trout what the indiscriminate introduction of rainbows did to out Westslope Cutthroat. They don’t do well in any watershed that has suffered much clear cutting as the eggs and fry demand very clean highly oxygenated water which is compromised by the increased temperature and turbidity associated with the wildly fluctuating flows and destruction of reparian vegetation associated with American and Canadian logging practices. That and their susceptibility to fishing pressure means they’re typically associated with wilderness. There’s some notable exceptions where they live in reservoirs and feed on Kokanee yet utilize a healthy tributary to spawn. Oregon’s Metolius River is a famous example. The bullies there are quite large and easy to target, it has easy access and would be a good destination fishery for those wanting to target bull trout. The wilderness of BC is difficult to access, especially if you’re wary of bears and remote wilderness. Yeah, the Metolius in winter is largely deserted, it’s beautiful and the fishing can be very excited. You will have bullies rush out to attack your hooked whitefish and trout. At that point they’re excited and you’ll probably enjoy immediate success. We use 5x tippets and size 22 nymphs. Others use large streamers and do well too. Have fun and be careful with the fish.

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you for the very kind comment. You seem extremely knowledgeable and conscientious about the resource and that is amazing to see. Something I strive to be like myself someday. I sincerely hope you do great as well.

[@nickp.2432]

Bull trout are a phenomenal fish. I once caught a 10" westslope cutthroat and was in the process of bringing it in on my flyrod when a bulltrout came slashing for it. I did the best job i could trying to save the little guy from the the bulltrout. I slid the cutthroat on a long flat rock that came out of the northern idaho river. That bulltrout came right up out of the water completely onto the rock grabed the cutthroat and slid back into the river. I was fishing 6x tippet with small dryflies at the time. Tried to land the huge bulltrout but it eventually brike me off. I will never forget that experience. 👍👍🇺🇸

[@TravisDuff]

This is pure gold!

[@erik-uo7ok]

I was literally fishing this river this morning. ( i was standing in the exact spot where you where cooking your dinner a few hours ago. ) Some of the comments make it sound like people watching this video will overrun the place. Honestly this is one of the most rugged and difficult places I have ever been to. There are hundreds of big downed trees every few yards in places and there is barely a trail at all for most of the way. If you know where it is and you can make it in there. You are in for an adventure!

[@liamkingsbury7438]

That first shot of the bull trout eating your streamer was amazing. Some of the best fishing footage I’ve ever seen!

[@SC-rh5yo]

Fantastic. Well done.

[@quintili1]

Looks like a great trip.

[@WildBlueDiscovery]

Congrats on a crazy awesome bull trout trip!! Spectacular video! Tightlines!

[@prolificnorthwest]

Great video! I love your low impact approach. That's what keeps these places around for generations to come. Cheers!

[@glenndotter5065]

Nice job. Great trip. Beautiful place and fish.

[@Mtn_Fly]

Dude this was insane. Bucket list trip 🔥

[@liamkingsbury7438]

This was probably one of the best fishing videos I’ve ever seen! Just the amount of quality bull trout is insane. I’m really curious on what your setup was to catch these guys. As far as rod, reel, and the line and leader setup. I would really appreciate as I’m trying to figure out a streamer setup. Thanks, man! Cheers!

[@tim_butcher]

An epic set of sessions. Stoked for you, dude. Really inspired by your passion, knowledge and ethics. Tight lines 🤟

[@Fly557ing]

Your trip and camera work was Epic !

[@zachguillaume5256]

This video truly is incredible man. Keep ‘em comin! Love the solo vids

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you!!

[@MrJTime]

Fantastic video!! Thanks for putting this together.

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@randalltom9750]

What an adventure... I thoroughly enjoyed your video. I live here in Idaho, and have venture into some very remote streams. I still have a grin on my face, and I'm planning another trip this next week. Thanks again for an expertly crafted video.

[@ScottJLake1]

Prime example of what wilderness areas can provide. Nice video.

[@JB-tz9pi]

I would love to go fishing like this before I get too old. Nice video. Its one thing to make the hike and another to do the back forth with the filming. sweet!

[@jordanwade3877]

Phenomenal video man! Good job! What a experience and beautiful country

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you! It really is amazing country.

[@pecosnick45]

Seeing that streamer eat underwater was awesome! What I would also do in that situation if you ever find yourself going back is to bring a muskie rod and flies. If you size up enough you might be able to eliminate all but the biggest and most aggressive trout.

[@tomrivera8480]

Wow that was one heck of a fishing trip! Just subscribed after watching a few of your videos especially this one. great content, great fish, great videography, great scenery, and a conscious awareness of our wonderful resources!👍👍 looking forward to more stuff!

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you very much!!

[@RodtipCali]

Really enjoyed this video of course the fish but the filming and philosophy are great too. Thanks!

[@user-jv5qf2vt9l]

Prime example of what wilderness areas can provide. Nice video.. Incredible! Congrats, your hard work paid off big time..

[@CarlileFlynFowl]

Kick ass film! Love the unique shots and how well it was put together! Keep up the great work!

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the compliment!!

[@Trucha801]

Such a sick trip!!

[@Raevenswood]

Thats insane fishing...dream fishing. Getting quality fish on every cast. Great stuff.

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you!

[@cdub47d]

Someday I might be as cool as you… Another great video!

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

You've always been cooler than me man haha!!! Without a doubt. Thank you very much for the kind comment though buddy.

[@NHWildscapes]

That looked epic and thanks for sharing. As long as the temps are good and the fish stay in the water keep on catching. Your in a pretty low pressured area, the most important factor 👌

[@timkern177]

Incredible! Congrats, your hard work paid off big time.

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thanks a ton!

[@justanotheryoutubeviewer]

Fantastic video. Educational, responsible checking water temps and telling people why that's important, and great fishing. Keep up the amazing content. Other creators should be taking notes from your book.

[@TezukuriLure]

Awesome 🤩 great addicts you are 👍

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you!!

[@loopsoutdoors]

Man, that underwater footage is 🔥

[@DougieBFishing]

Excellent video

[@adamg7984]

I would stab a person to get that opportunity lol. I just can't say how both fortunate you are and great you did. The conditions were for whatever reason just as good as you could hope. Tons of bull trout, a fish I will likely never get to catch but I'll always hope I do some day, just packed into a handful of quality areas, competitively eating. You'll rarely find conditions like that and rarely is any condition better than that. That was awesome to see and a big tip of the hat for limiting your impact on them. It would definitely be hard to not keep fishing for them, 99% of people would have caught every fish they could but you knew better. I see that a lot more often in fly fishermen and women, the joy with the respect for the animals. If everyone went as hard as they could every time, then you may never see situations like this again so, thank you for that. I hope some day I can visit the west and mid-west to catch a bull trout and cutthroat but until then, I can enjoy videos. And you're without a doubt a rising personality and video maker in fly fishing. Your stuff is great and entertaining and captures the beauty of the sport well.

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Most rivers I fish, the bull trout are so spread out it becomes very difficult to catch more than several (nice ones) a day. This was definitely a unique experience and amazing to witness. I really appreciate your kind comment, it means a bunch and I hope you are doing well!

[@alexalbin1187]

Amazing videos dude! I feel ya, when the fishing is too easy you almost feel guilty, but it’s just making up for the times when fishing is slow! Keep it up buddy! 🇺🇸

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

That's a great point! Thank you for the comment!

[@chuckmorgan3049]

Absolutely amazing trip and great to see you thinking about limiting your impact on the fish! These areas are not only amazing but extremely fragile systems and it's wonderful to see you understand and respect that. Understanding what you're asking us about regarding hooking these fish is something me and a buddy encountered here in our area on the Olympic Peninsula. It's something you have to weigh the impact on the fish and your conclusion was proper. Sometimes it's hard to make the right decision when your in the heat of the moment, great decision and thoughts to put in your video! Cheers my man and please be careful out there alone! Chuck

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you, I appreciate the thoughtful comment and knowledge of your area! I try my best, but I don't think I'm perfect sometimes so I appreciate others opinions and constructive criticism on different/more proper etiquette

[@David-uj2ms]

It was fun watching you have the best day of your life fishing! I love your content and more importantly I love how you carefully handle and respect the fish. I subscribed!

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you, that means a bunch!

[@dominicnonnenmacher9260]

Fantastic shots! You deserve way more subscribers and viewers. I fly fish for native brook trout in pa and striped bass on the NJ coast but bull trout are definitely a bucket list fish of mine. Awesome video man

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you! I appreciate that. You live in an incredible place! Native brook trout and striped bass are definitely on mine as well!

[@BT-is4zb]

Don’t worry about hurting Bulltrout! I’ve had a streamer, broken off by a bull trout, retired, cast in the pool, and caught the same bull trout and got my fly back lol

[@isaacelliott472]

I know that juniper tree haha me and some buddies were about to die from the heat under it at the peak of summer. Great spot brother. Great video

[@avid.venture]

Sweet video my dude! I appreciate the angles you gave us just being a one man show on the cams... I understand all too well the effort that goes in to solo trips 🤣. Keep at it 👌🏻

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Haha thanks!! It's definitely a bit challenging sometimes and can definitely limit your fishing time, but it's slightly more interesting to watch lol! Still working on it for sure though

[@kriyashivajiva]

bully heaven. good on ya mate

[@thewonderwok]

Nice!!!!

[@sacred4844]

excellent video well done

[@CameronMorrison-]

SOLID video bro, Great production quality!

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you very much!

[@themidnightrider6805]

Awesome!

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Awesome video

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thanks!

[@Fisher_Munro]

Wow. That's crazy. The fishing was the same for me. The fish were in the same places. Like, slow tailouts in the deep pools, but also like, the exact same pools. Dead serious, I'll do it again in September. Having a fishing partner to do it with would be killer.

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

That's very cool! It's super interesting to learn about the particular areas they hang out in and use that knowledge on separate rivers with potentially similar results.

[@UncleClammer]

I did something like this recently and it was an amazing experience!! So sick

[@ak.cici907]

New sub here! Amazing video-makes me antsy to get my line in the water 😩 🎣

[@holdenyoung9017]

dude just keep catching fish. That's what we all do it for. Finding a honey hole like that is what we all dream for

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Yeah, sometimes it's difficult to find a right way to do things in my mind. Sometimes I'm wrong, sometimes right. Just wanna be careful I guess

[@drewjansen5322]

Easily one of the best bull trout films out there. Not a tun left in Washington.

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you! Thats very kind of you. Hopefully Wa can improve their fisheries, I really hope to see healthy populations of these fish in more states

[@drewjansen5322]

@@FlyAddict_Fishing seems like they are rebounding in most places! Seeing a lot more small ones in my areas. I need to find a spot like that one tho haha!

[@israelsoto4608]

Great video dude! Keep ‘em comin, I subscribed brother

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you very much!

[@steveneddy9492]

The Magic hour or half hour before Dark can be insane Fly Fishing

[@royolstad8532]

Around here, the bullies are heading toward their spawning streams in Aug. It's usually one of the coldest streams they can find upstream where it's still deep enough to make cover for them. Of course, when they're congregated for the spawn, you want to leave them alone.

[@ethansmith6346]

Great video man! What was your rod setup?

[@thomastero4662]

So nice when you make a plan, bust your ass getting into the spot and then it all falls together. Nice job. Also, kudos for taking the care to make sure the water was cool enough to catch these fish. Also love your philosophy of not sticking too many fish. I think you would be justified to just move to another hole and catch fish there. You're being pretty low impact and it doesn't seem like this place gets fished too hard.

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thanks! That's kinda what was running through my mind.

[@inventoryking]

This is beyond Cool! Somewhere in Oregon? New Sub

[@oystacrew]

Love your videos brother. What camera are you using im in market to upgrade and your shots looks butter!

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thanks! It's the Sony A7iii with a Sigma 24-70 f2.8. I really like it and it has been a fun tool to learn on despite missing a few features! I definitely recommend for the price.

[@hyrumprince5383]

What streamers are you running? I’d love to try and tie some of my own. Do you have a tutorial you could point me to? Or the name of the fly? Awesome videos man. Once in a life time kind of fishing right there!

[@westyfliez]

He’s throwing Kelly Galloup’s sex dungeon fly

[@jordancemulini6161]

Hey dude, love your channel. Was curious of what glasses you wear?

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you! They are the Smith Barras with the glass. Definitely nice glasses but can be slightly fragile unfortunately :/

[@Mattytube18]

Beautiful holes! Is this in the Sierras?

[@JoshEthanJohnson]

fun video. i think i missed what state / country this is?

[@Fisher_Munro]

No shit. I just did a 5 day through hike, top to bottom, on this river. 2 weeks ago. Wow. I don't know very many people who are capable of doing this trip.

[@liam14daly73]

Took me like a day and a half 😭

[@Fisher_Munro]

@@liam14daly73 you had a lot of time to stop and fish then?

[@liam14daly73]

Not that many holes that hold fish this time of year and I don’t see reason to pound a hole for long what was your biggest fish from that trip?

[@1Troutguy]

The camera on your head would get best angle, great videos.

[@steveneddy9492]

They look what I call Brook Trout in the Northern New York Adirondack Mountains

[@koshonispell6963]

Nice video! Was that filmed this year or last year?

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thanks! It was filmed early/mid July this year

[@PB-ny4hu]

Maybe I missed it, but I think the videos would be more interesting and helpful if you showed the streamers you were using and talked about how to use them.

[@BlueMountainBandit]

What kind of flies are you using???

[@daveschlom4033]

As for your question, the fact that you ask it indicates that you are a fine angler. Follow your heart.

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

Thank you. It's difficult sometimes and I may be wrong in how I approach these fish. I just honestly don't know, so it's something I try to better educate myself on.

[@freshwatercowboy403]

I think if you fish a hole and it's constantly producing, just move on and try another spot. It's not every day you hit a honey hole lile that.

[@Dsinsley1]

If you don't mind my asking but where is this? I know you fish Idaho and am hoping this is Idaho so maybe I can give it a go.

[@tharp42]

Looks like Idaho to me.

[@anthonyrobinson5658]

Bro, this is a great video but.... You should be fishing UPSTREAM! WHAT are you doing!

[@nickmcgarvey6463]

You found Idaho.

[@Lochsa89]

That’s not Idaho.

[@seanbennett3180]

Wanna trade a winter ST trip for a Canadian Rockies BT trip

[@jonhenke1504]

Like so many guys who narrate their journey down into a river to fish, you call it that river that canyon and never say which river which state you're in for that matter I'm not even sure if you're in America or even on Earth?? I wish when you start these narration she would say which river it is by name what state you're in make it at least do some research after that???? Really enjoy the fishing & beautiful countryside but it's frustrating to not know where you are!!!

[@tharp42]

He doesn't say the river because he doesn't want too many people to go there. The general etiquette with these vids is to not reveal too much about the spot, though I don't think it's too much to tell us the state. From the looks of it, also given he's targetting bull trout, he's most likely in Idaho.

[@daveschlom4033]

Climate change, planetary heat, are making things harder. On Fish, Water, and People. Anglers who hope to preserve their wonderful pastime need to start fighting for their fish harder than the fish fight us on the end of a tight line.

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

Never heard of fighting the fish , U just bull them in ,no injoyment in fighting them ha Between hooking an net what 3 seconds

[@chrsgodby]

Can I ask what state or province. What stream please?

[@clayedwards6527]

I know what River you’re on and this is one of the last special fisheries in the West. I hope you will delete this video, for respect of the fishery. You talk about Ethic when fishing these for these fish at the end of the video, but you’re exploiting this rare resource for what is only your own personal gain (KZbin views and Glory). These fish cannot take intense fishing pressure, and if more videos get out it will ruin this River. Please reconsider. Talk about Ethics but take a threatened species out of the water.

[@jackcrawshaw9424]

Yeah idk how you can figure out where this stream is just by the video I legit don’t even know what country he is in

[@FlyAddict_Fishing]

I understand the fear about ruining a river through a video, but I was careful to not give any river names or locations. The vast majority of people noticing where this is at have already been here before and I question how much additional damage is being done. In regards to this comment of yours, and your other comment regarding my ethics, fish handling, and timing of fishing for these fish, you're definitely grasping for straws. This video was filmed in early/mid july which will be at near a month and a half removed from when the fish begin spawning. Tell me, if this is an inappropriate time to fish for them here, when is the appropriate time? Im genuinely curious. You also criticize how I removed the fish from the water, which could be more of a form of constructive criticism, but still I disagree. These fish were not played out and never held out of the water for extended periods of time. None were even in my care for more than 30 seconds including being in the net. This I was careful of.

[@zachkahl5278]

What an unbelievably grumpy comment. If you actually watch the video, rather than just criticize it, you’ll hear that protecting this fishery and not overfishing each pool is paramount. You might ever learn a thing or two? Don’t take this video down, because there are lifelong fishermen like myself and others who maybe can’t get out on a multi day trip like this. Being able to watch at home with my kiddo is very appreciated. Keep making videos. Keep posting them. Your subscribers appreciate it. Don’t listen to grumpy trolls.

[@clayedwards6527]

@@FlyAddict_Fishing Those fish are not resident bulls they’re migratory fish. They don’t live there all the time, they migrate there from a larger body of water to spawn. Their journey is several months long and you were there during the pre spawn. Just to me man, you’ve found the goldmine. Congratulations. One of the last few wild places on earth. When you find a special place like that you don’t put it on the internet, period, some places are best kept close to the chest. You’ve been there so you know what I mean. It took me several trips, interviews, word of mouth, and research to find this place. If you want to get there you have to work for it. Now some Joe Shmoe can pretty easily find out where you just by looking at the video, taking a short cut. It will never mean as much to that person when they find it compared to if they did the actual work! Delayed gratification is key to everything. If you’re gonna go to buoy 10 or the snake sure put that on the internet. Well known fisheries should be used for entertainment, not tiny ones like this. What kind of fisherman do you want to be? A true steward of the environment? Or an exploiter of a natural resource for personal gain?

[@clayedwards6527]

@@FlyAddict_Fishing right now you have 11k views. I want you to imagine 11k people fishing this river next time you visit it. Why do you think bull trout are nearly extinct? Overfishing.