One of the things I love most about Fly Fishing is the fact that I can never quite seem to master it. There is always something else to learn, fine tune, or perfect. Just when I think I’ve got it all figured out, mother nature intervenes to remind me there is no scientific formula for consistently outsmarting wild creatures.
Here at Crystal Ranch, we meet fly fisherman from all walks of life, each with their own passion for the sport. Some focus on catching as many fish as they can. Others just want to catch the biggest fish possible. Fortunately, our diverse waters provide a full spectrum of angling opportunities to ensure each guest leaves happy. What many don’t know is that there is one quest here on the southern slope of the Uinta Mountains, which stands supreme. What is this holy grail of fly fishing accomplishment? It’s called the “Utah grand slam” and is achieved when an angler catches four different species of trout—brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook—in a single day. If you’re really good, you might be able to catch them all from the same river. Only a few fisheries are capable of supporting healthy populations of four different trout species. Fortunately for you, the upper stretch of the Yellowstone River, which flows through Crystal Ranch for two pristine miles, happens to be one such place.
Getting a grand slam isn’t just a matter of fishing a stream with four kinds of trout
Even on our private stretch of the Yellowstone, (arguably one of the most historically private and unpressured streams in the state), landing all four different species of trout on flies in one day is a true accomplishment. So much so that we offer a custom plaque to commemorate the achievement.
If you’re up for the challenge here’s what you need to know
The Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)– The Brown Trout has earned a reputation as the wariest and wiliest opponent a river angler can face. Whereas a brookie or a cutthroat will often attack flies with gullible abandon, browns are usually more discriminating. Here on the Yellowstone, this cautious behavior has paid off, resulting in a good population of mature brown trout exceeding 20 inches in length. Brown Trout generally prefer slower water and are often found in back eddies and slow undercut banks. Some of the best Browns taken at Crystal Ranch have pounded large dries right in the middle of fast choppy runs. Don’t make the mistake of thinking there won’t be any browns in a fast choppy run. The choppy waves that comprise these runs are created from water flowing over large submerged boulders. Browns love to hold in the pockets that form behind submerged structures. The fast current provides good cover and a steady stream of food while the slower moving water in the pocket allows the fish to conserve energy. If you do hook into a Brown, it will likely head for the nearest logjam in an attempt to get you tangled.
Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)– Although not native to Utah, the brook trout is established in many of Utah’s cold higher-elevation lakes and streams. The brilliant coloration of the species, including the red and yellow spots on the sides of the body, make the brook trout incredibly beautiful. On average brookies reach 6-13 inches. Exceptional specimens can reach up to 19 inches. Brookies are most active near dawn and dusk. During mid-day hours, they often retreat to deeper waters or shaded areas as they seem to prefer more overhead security during daylight hours. Brookies are aggressive and will readily take a well-presented streamer or dry fly but spook easily.
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)– Rainbows are easily recognized by the colorful reddish-pink stripe running from their gills back to their tail. They can be found anywhere in the river but will often hang out in well-oxygenated riffles and tail outs. If you hook one be prepared for some acrobatics as the fish leaps and thrashes in an attempt to spit the hook. Rainbows at Crystal Ranch range from 10-18 inches although some as large as 26 inches have been landed in our private stretch of the Yellowstone River.
Colorado Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clarki)– Cutthroats take their name from the distinctive red coloration around their throat, and they were first described by the Lewis & Clark expedition. Cutthroats are most similar to Rainbows and also need cool, oxygenated water. They are opportunistic and will rise for just about any dry fly with a natural drift. The Colorado strain of Cutthroat is particularly beautiful and sometimes has a reddish tint across its entire body in addition to the bright orange slits under its gills.
Are you up for the challenge? Book your trip today!
