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Cutthroat Trout

Fly-fishing Adventures with my Travel Rod, Part I

By: Lou Zambello

The Maine Fly Company offers a custom-build fly rod option whereby you get to handpick your own fly rod components and specifications. The cost is less than you would expect. They built for me a superb travel fly rod that breaks down into seven pieces (a mere 17 inches long) that can slip into a day pack or my briefcase. It has premium components such as agate stripping guides, a nickel-silver reel seat, and a thicker burl-wood grip (I have large hands).

This summer I took full advantage of my new rod. I was leaving for the West Coast to visit family and decided at the spur of the moment to take a few days on the way back and find some cutthroat trout. I grabbed my rod, reel, polarized sunglasses, a small box of flies, and a lanyard with tippet and clippers, tossed them into my carry-on, and off I went.

On the way back home, I flew from Los Angeles to Spokane, Washington, rented a minivan, and stocked up on provisions for the adventure ahead. I cruised through Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, and pressed on up the St. Joe River, towards its origin, high in the Bitterroot Mountains. The St. Joe’s is a pristine ribbon of waters cascading down between ridges of tall evergreens. It is home to abundant native cutthroat trout and the occasional bull trout. A good and scenic road parallels the river, and since it is National Forest land, you can park and stay overnight anywhere along the river.

Maine Fly Co Custom Fly Rod

I had packed quick-dry wading pants and sandals, so I just waded wet. I parked and fished at likely looking spots – translucent pools, deeper runs, or soft current seams. Sometimes I found cutthroats, but if I didn’t, I just moved on to another site.

When it became too dark to see, I retired to my van, ate sandwiches and snacks, reclined the seats back, and conked out until daybreak. After fishing for parts of three days and two nights and landing plenty of cutthroat, I navigated back to the airport and flew back to Maine uneventfully.

My versatile rod performed as expected; it cast and presented flies well, was sturdy enough to quickly land bigger fish, and easily nestled into my small suitcase when it was time to pack up. Traveling these days with long rod tubes is such a hassle. I am bringing my travel rod along everywhere I go. It enables me to seize fishing opportunities wherever the journey takes me.