Day 2b: Fishing, Catching, Getting Lost in Idaho

The photo above is the Jarbidge River upstream from the town of Jarbidge. The guidelines from the authors of the Western Native Trout Challenge indicate that one should fish upriver from the town in search of the wily Bull Trout. The river was a creek, with a lot of rock hobbling to find a few pockets of deeper water. Unfortunately, that type of fishing was / is off limits to me right now, due to lack of conditioning, lack of balance, and lack of courage.

I headed downstream to drive up the road along Jack Creek. The Internet stated that Jack Creek had a greater population of Bull Trout than the Jarbidge River. The road was passable by motorcycle only, so Jack Creek was out of the question for fishing.

However, I did find a pool in the Jarbidge river, about 6 feet down from the road. After almost breaking my leg, I worked the pool with my trusty hoppers to a few rises, two hookups that I lost, and visible fish enjoying my presence.

I put on a dropper below my hopper, and landed a beautiful 7+ inch Redband Trout. Since it wasn’t a Bull Trout, I released it WITHOUT TAKING A PICTURE. The first fish caught during this quest / challenge is lost for posterity, and only found in my mind. After the pool was dead to me, I drove upstream, then downstream, then tried to hike up Jack Creek, then tried to find Pine Creek, then decided to drive downstream to check out the deeper water, then back to Jarbidge.

aaaaarrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhh

As the afternoon got closer to 4:00 PM, I realized that getting a Bull Trout today probably wasn’t in the cards for me. My text quest was to drive along the Jarbidge River into Idaho and catch a Redband Trout in Idaho. As I drove downstream, the river became more and more beautiful, accessible, and fishable.

And then Stupidity and Lack of Internet and Tiredness (up since 7:30) hit me. I will string the evening’s events in one long list to save time (No pics, too exhausted)

1. Drove 15 miles downstream (North) along the Jarbidge River looking for a sign that I entered Idaho so I could fish.
2. The road turned east from the river and I was upset that I hadn’t mapped out the road to Idaho better.
3. The road climbed high to a plateau and changed into a paved road that went straight on into the horizon and continued on.
4. I drove 20 miles on this road, lost, until I found signs that gave info: 40 miles straight to a new named highway, turn left for 60 miles to get somewhere. No cell signal.
5. Drove back to Jarbidge, frustrated that I couldn’t find the Jarbidge River Idaho Campground that I envisioned.
6. Drove 3.5 hours along the dirt roads (2.5 hours on dirt) to Elko.
7. Found a Truck Stop that would let me stay for free.
8. Did research on the Internet as all was goofed up now. Really Shane? Really?

I planned to catch a Bull Trout in Nevada, a Redband in Idaho (Easy Peasy, just up the river DUH!), and Lahontan in Oregon. Now I needed to catch a Lahontan in Nevada, a Redband somewhere else in Idaho, and Bull Trout in Oregon,

And Then I Check My Google Maps before bed.

I drove 10+ miles along the Jarbidge River while IN IDAHO. I never saw a sign stating the change of the name of the road or that I WAS ENTERING IDAHO.

I am now 3.5 hours one way and a horrible drive over and back from the Redband home in the Jarbidge River in Idaho.

So: With a little humor in my heart and a lot of humility, I’m heading out today to catch a Lahontan Trout in Nevada, then up to Idaho, somewhere, to catch a Redband Trout. My Bull Trout will have to wait until Oregon.

Take care,

Tight LInes!