Pasayten River

Went backpacking with the scouts this past week (56 miles--Brian 64 miles since he went back two days to help others into camp and carry their packs--he usually gets extra miles).  We entered dropping 3,000 feet in elevation into the West Fork of the Pasayten River.  Found small rainbows  (Renegade) at one of our stops while Brian and I waited for the other 8 in our group to catch up with us.  Beautiful stream with gentle gradient throughout almost its entire course.

West Fork Pasayten River

West Fork 

West Fork

Fording the Pasayten River after West, Middle, and East Forks converge

Small Pasayten River rainbow

Then at the end of day two after fording the Pasayten River (larger now) found some small rainbows on a small Humpy.  The next morning missed a nice cutthroat (red belly in spawning colors) that hit the Humpy but I had on very briefly, but knew he wouldn't hit again.  Changed to a bead headed pheasant tail and got him on the next cast. A solid 13" fish.  I hoped there were more in there!

Pasayten River cutthroat

Then proceeded to find this nice rainbow of 15".  There appear to be fish throughout the entire system.  It is a real grind to get into it, but was worth it.

Pasayten River rainbow

Hidden Lakes chain and Cougar Lake all held rainbows, brooks, and cutthroats.  We passed through quite quickly on our way out of the Pasayten River drainage.  One family at Big Hidden Lake lost about a 5-pound beast into a stump.  Big, healthy fish in this lake.

Had to cross Eightmile Pass and Lucky Pass on the way out--1,400 up then 1,200 down, then 1,000 up, then 800 down--so lots of elevation as well as distance. Maybe this is where I will hike the scouts next summer?