Drove a ways from the house in Gig Harbor to fish this one...but was it worth it? Every mile, folks!!!

Read about the fly fishing (the lake is fly only) for westslope cutthroat in Long Lake for a few years, had a few days and some wanderlust build up, so east I and my cartopper went...no motors allowed either, folks.

It was very windy for the two days fishing, but the trout (11 to 19") were striking cast/slow stripped flies nearly every cast around the lake edges. Used a 4wt, full floating line and either #8 green sparkle buggers or #8 orange bodied Montana stone patterns lightly weighted with copper wire (no lead...illegal!). Cast, wait 10 seconds and slow strip back an rise....WHAM!

Cast with the wind on anchor, so it was not too horrible. The cutts in Long are as colorful as goldens, no doubt. Seen some absolute pigs pushing 3 or 4 pounds rising, even had a few grab the fly but missed on the hookup. Biggest landed was 19"...that is a hell of a nice westslope. And oh yes... not another angler in sight both days.

Out....standing. I am going back, even if it is over 300 miles one way. Like I say, glad it's not 100 miles further, I'd still go! Great scenery, nice dirt road for 6 miles up to lake and fine campground next door at Fish Lake.

Next up, a lake near Colville for tiger trout!
The Landlord