Wandering Words

Posted By Heather on August 30, 2009

Hiked to Moraine Lake today. Took the 3wt bamboo rod to fish the small mountain stream that follows the trail. The stream was so full of waterfalls and hard to reach that we skipped fishing it on the way up thinking we would try it on the way back down. That trail was packed with people. I had heard that Green Lakes Trail is the most popular around, but dang, no other trail I’ve been on has had the kind of crowds that I saw up there. It was like being on a downtown street.

It was a relief when the Moraine Lake trail forked off and the crowds disappeared. Moraine Lake sits at the treeline zone on South Sister. Most of the hike is in the trees, but then crosses over a spectacular lava flow full of vents and bits of obsidian.

At the lake, no fish were caught or even seen. (had heard rumors of fish, but no first hand knowledge from anyone.) That’s okay, I still had a chance to get acquainted with the new rod in spectacular location. Can’t believe how much line that thing can cast. Even at only 6′6″ (my other graphite 3wt is 9′) this rod could throw 60 feet. It definitely matches if not exceeds my exceeds my graphite 3wt. I used the same reel and line, and it’s just a bit too light to balance the rod comfortably, but the line weight was perfect.

Gary getting the camera stuff ready, with Broken Top in the background.

Gary walked around the lake taking photos while I froze my feet fishing.

Even after I stood in the lake fishing, my feet still hurt, and the dog apparently thinks they stink. Oh well.

A last look at the new bamboo on the way out. There were a few pockets of pretty looking water, but it was going to take some climbing gear to get down to it, and I just didn’t have it in me after the climb up to the lake. Oh well.

Category: Central Oregon, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Lakes
Tags: Bamboo Rod, Flyfishing, Moraine Lake, South Sister