Banff Backcountry Hiking And Fishing Trip

[reevesr1]

I was trying to figure out before I wrote this how many multi day fishing trips I've been on in my life. I couldn't seem to pin it down. Let's say more than 25, less than 50. The short answer is I've been on quite a few. I can honestly say the report that follows is from the best multi day trip I've ever been on. The fishing was nothing short of amazing, particularly on the second day. The scenery was what one would expect from a trip to Egypt Lake and surrounding area. Breathtaking views in every direction. But the best part was the company. Thanks to troutlover for setting this all up, with lots of help from Uber and his wife. And to dfb, foothills86, and biggyj for making it such a memorable time. Tons of laughs, lots of YUUUUUPPPssss, and a absolutely fantastic weekend.

 

Also, before I start, I'm going to editorialize for a minute (or get upon my soapbox, whatever you want to call it). I've been on this board pretty much since it started. I've met many, many great people because of it. Too many of them not around anymore because of all the negativity as the site got larger, and that seems to be getting worse (particularly right now. Is no one catching fish? Why is everyone so angry?). It's just not as fun anymore, and that is unfortunate. While I'm pretty sure that horse is out of the barn, and that the negativity is not going to end anytime soon, I would like to recommend to people that they try to use this site to meet up with someone new from time to time. My wife calls it "Rick's on line dating" and she is not far from the truth. The reality is that my enjoyment of the sport has been greatly enhanced by the quality of the people I've had the pleasure of meeting here, and this trip is a direct result of that. I had one of the best times of my life this weekend. To me, it would be such a great thing if others would be so lucky.

 

So the problem from this point is the shear volume of pictures. I'll do my best to edit to only the best shots, but I'm not making any promises.

 

A few statistics: We hiked three days, over the August long weekend. We did a total of 38 KM of hiking, with just a touch under 2K of ascents. We visited 4 lakes (1 unnamed and three named after Egyptian stuff!), fished three of them and also fished a couple of small creeks. Most of the lakes and creeks had about what you would expect. Smaller cutts and brookies, with the odd nice fish thrown in to keep you interested. The fourth lake however was a bit of a different animal. More on that later.

 

We started at the Sunshine parking lot, and it doesn't take long for the elevation gain to start:

 

 

 

Troutlover and uber, probably arguing about which route to take!

 

 

 

 

After about 9 KM and probably 600 or so meters of elevation, we get to "fish lake", an unnamed lake as far as we know. Fishing was pretty decent for smaller cutts, but they would get spooky pretty quick. Catch a couple, then they would move out. Was still a lot of fun and a nice way to break up the hike!

 

 

 

 

Looking down on fish lake after the climb out:

 

 

Our first look at Egypt with Scarab lake above it. Check out the waterfall. It is really cool to fish Egypt and hear the waterfall roaring the whole time, but be unable to see it from where you fish. We hiked up to the falls on day 2.....

 

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Some Lambic beer from Belgium cooling in the stream.

Way too heavy to pack, but way tasty. Soon to follow was some cherry whiskey from biggyj. The creek had lots of willing little fish, and did a great job of chilling your booze.

 

 

 

 

[ericlin0122]

looks like lots of fun to hike up. i wish someone i know is welling to do that kind of fishing with me :\

 

[Guest 420FLYFISHIN]

nooo, one of my fave fishing spots....oh well most of you wont make the 18k hike in lol

 

looks like you had a blast

[reevesr1]

Not to mention the overnight. So basically I increased the number of fishermen by 0!