We decided about a year ago to make an effort to get out and fish for some Alberta Golden Trout. After months of planning and research we decided that Coral lake should be our destination of choice, and with the season opening on August 1st we planned for the long weekend to make a run to the lake.
We left from the Coral Creek staging area first thing Saturday morning with great spirits.
We followed the trail as best we could up Coral creek for hours, with beautiful views and great weather it was a great day to ride.
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After what seemed like the entire day rolling up the valley we finally got to the " Hearts and Diamonds" outfitters camp and headed up towards the lake. With tired horses the trip took a little longer then we planned.
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Finally after 10 solid hours in the saddle we broke over the crest of the hill and Coral Lake came into view. Possibly the most awe inspiring lake and view I have seen to this point, just the view itself was worth the ride.
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We arrived to the lake and got started on setting up camp and getting our horses unpacked and settled for the weekend. Once we got camp set up and supper cooking My daughter and I went for a quick walk to check out the lake.
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Once supper was complete and the horses were put to bed we decided it was time to try and catch some fish. We rigged up our #2 fly rods with what we had seen down at the waters edge and made our way down. We had anticipated many hours of fishing to latch onto one of these storied Goldens. On this day though this was not the case, by the 3rd cast I had hooked my first golden and several seconds later I had my hands on a years worth of planning and dreams.
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Quickly one trout turned into the most memorable evening I have to date fishing, we landed well over 20 within 45 minutes just before dark. My daughter and wife both getting in on the action and landing this amazing fish as well.
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As it got dark on us we decided to call it a night, barely able to sleep from the excitement from what just happened I was anticipating the morning (Wife and Daughter had no problems sleeping however).
At first light I was up and out of the tent with fly rod in hand again full of anticipation for the day. The day did not let me down, starting the day with around a dozen of these little beauties we took a break for some coffee and breakfast.
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The fishing slowed through the middle of the day but we still managed to land a few throughout the day. A quick break for some supper and some sight seeing around the valley found us ready again for the evening run. My daughter was determined that she wanted to get up to 10 caught on fly rod so we set out to get her some fish.
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We fished right until dark again with our fish total climbing well of 50 for time we were there. We retired to our tent for an evening beverage and recap of the days events, everyone was nothing but smiles. At first light we again were up but this time it was pack up camp and head home.
After a hearty breakfast we got everything packed up and hit the trail back to the truck.
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Five hours into our journey back we come around a corner in the creek bottom and come 10 yards away from a Grizzly Boar, with a brief but intense second the bear turned and ran away up the side of the mountain. Sitting and watching as we rode past. ( we did not get any pictures from this encounter) Not a mile further down the trail we came within 100 yards of another grizzly in front of us, with some load noises and singing we were able to alert him to out presence and he as well went up the mountain.
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One more brief Grizz encounter an hour later and it was all smooth from there. We arrived back to the truck 11 hours after we started.
With this amazing trip through I cannot wait to start thinking about our next location for an adventure.
Thanks for reading.
Golden Weekend ** pic heavy**
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