I figured I was close enough to Yellowstone Canyon so I'd head over that way. Water is RAGING!
3 of the 5 campgrounds in Yellowstone are closed. Water is dirty and cold. Then I had a crazy idea. I figured it was only 12:30 so I had plenty of time to go to Lily Lake. I knew there was a trail and it had been a long time since I have been there. I think it was in 97 or 98.
I got my pack set up, put on the fishing vest and headed up. That trail goes... STRAIGHT UP!
About half way up I jumped a 5 point bull elk. Unfortunately I couldn't get the camera out in time. The trail is tough to see at times but it is there. There are a few spots where you have to sit on the log blocking the trail and swing your legs up and around and the you're basically sitting on the ground when you're on the uphill side. It's a steep one. I was glad I had my hands free to grab whatever tree/rock I needed to to help myself up. It took me about an hour to hike up. And after a good little rest I was ready for fishing!
There's about a 5 foot patch of grass around the edges of the lake that you have to fish over. But it wasn't too bad with my 7.5' pole. A few fish were jumping and There were a couple beavers swimming around where I first started fishing the lake.
I ended up catching 5 good 12-14" brookies.
I brought 2 home. It was nice to be fishing and catching such beautiful fish.
It was only a 40 minute hike coming down. And even though it'll wear you out and give you a heart attack going up, I think I need to hit it again this year when I have more time.
