Wildcat Canyon - Platte River 18Oct15

I hiked into Wildcat Canyon of the South Platte River today from the southern access near Lake George. October continues to deliver stellar weather. Finding the trailhead was the first challenge... after sketchy turnarounds in some folks' backyards, and an overshoot toward Tarryall, I found it. Take #24 through Lake George westbound, take right onto #77 to Tarryall, take right after 2 miles onto #112 toward Happy Meadows CG (go right at T on #112 immediately to stay on it), take #112 past CG till parking for Platte River Trail #654 on the left. Roads are fine for any vehicle but trailhead parking is very small (3 cars).

Hike in is ~2.5 miles to river and another .5 mile to get deeper into canyon. I did about 3 mi/hr so took me 1 hour in (and again 1 hour out). Elevation is +/- 400 ft or so. I think the trail is basically there to skirt continuous private property from the TH parking to the end of the road... if one could take the road it'd save the hike. I saw evidence of the Hayman Fire but not a lot - I followed blue diamonds on trees marking trail. I knew I was risking it a bit given hunting season is on and I did see a family with weapons right off my trail.

River changes from runs and rocks near where trail meets the river ultimately to plunge pools and waterfalls further downstream. I toted in my Chotas leg waders and Korkers wading sneakers and used light hikers for the hike... I brought my whole vest not knowing what I'd need. The 3 weight GLoomis was perfect for this water. And yes, that apple is 2X the size of my reel - an entire meal. My Osprey winter pack is perfect for this stuff as it has a wet and dry compartment for the hike back out.

I took a couple dozen fish in several hours with 75% browns and 25% 'bows... many things worked including orange stimis up top, BH gold ribbed hare's ear, rainbow warrior and WD40s. Saw some BWO hatches. I didn't catch any big fish and I don't know if they're in there or not; it looks possible but I didn't see any either.

Wildcat Canyon 30May14

Nick and I took a trip to Wildcat canyon via Metberry Gulch. It requires a pretty good 4x4 to get in there. I was in 4 low for most of the drive as there are several pretty good obstacles to get over. Took us about an hour after leaving pavement shortly past Divide CO to get down to the So Platte. The views on the drive in are incredible most of the drive is in the Hayman burn area, but boy is it greening up.

The water was running pretty high and was off color. Probably due to recent rains and some run-off, so I wasnt expecting an epic fishing day, but we managed to net a half dozen 10-12 inch browns and I caught one nice rainbow before the rain really started. I did well on a BH Hares Ear and Nick caught his on a rather large BHPT.

We had to hide out under a rock for about 30 minutes as the rain/hail/lightning chased us off the river, and pretty much ended our day early in the afternoon, but its an amazing canyon. Looks much like Cheesman/11 mile canyons but much bigger vistas, plus the burned trees give it a surreal feel.
Plus you really feel like you are in the wilderness, barely any sign of another person and we only saw one other family in a Jeep on the road.