Hey Dan you’re FINALLY coming to the dry fly side! Great job on hiking Thunder Lake. Best fly fishing on planet earth and I see you visited Ouzel too. That’s Vol 2 of my RMNP series I did!! We gotta do a collaboration one of these weeks. Hope to see you soon my friend

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, it was about time to throw some fries 🤣 that’s how I started off, but nymphing got the best of me for a long while!!! Had such a blast up at Thunder. And that view from up there is just out of this world. Such a special place! Felt like something out of a dream honestly!! And yes, we do need to get together here someday soon for a video. Would be a blast man! Thanks for the comment and I still have some of your rmnp videos to catch up on!!

Another GREAT video!

@WhatMyLensSees

3 жыл бұрын

This was such a memorable trip. I'm so thankful to have wild places like this to explore so close to home. Thanks much for the kind words and channel support my friend! dan

That was truly enjoyable. Thanks for the video !

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Ryan, really appreciate that my friend. Something about backpacking and fly fishing at remote mountain lakes that's just truly hard to beat. Hope you get a chance to do that someday soon :) Thanks for the channel support and kind words! dan

Awesome video n the beauty of mother nature.

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Kumbo! It's really a special place and one that remains peaceful and calm due to the length of the hike to get there.

Yes Brother.. certainly a Beautiful morning!!! Your Filming is truly phenomenal Brother!! Good to see you again!

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Man, so good to hear from you! Life has been getting in the way lately, but promise I'll be back to check out your channel here soon enough. Thanks as always for the kind words and channel support ... and for the compliment on the filming (helps justify hauling all my camera gear 20 miles all around the rocky mountain backcountry!!!). take care and thanks again, dan

@fabfishing7422

4 жыл бұрын

@@WhatMyLensSees Absolutely Dan! Thank you Brother!!

Epic trip on the lake. The area we live near Dan is better then most in Colorado id say way more work then any 4 hour drive them out in the dry west.. plus we are closer to Wyoming. Those are some beautiful cutties! Gorgeous views!

@marialee9095

4 жыл бұрын

Colorado Fisher How and why do you nymph fish without strike indicators and weight?

@MountainStateAngler

4 жыл бұрын

I feel like the indicator throws off the drift of the flies, by letting it drift without an indicator I let the flies naturally flow under water to the end of the run. It’s paid off for me and Dan in the past. :) As to how I basically cast to my 3 o’clock and let it drift to my 9oclock

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Hey buddy, I couldn't agree with you more. We are so blessed to live in a place that's so close to wild/beautiful places. It just takes a little extra effort to hike in, but the payoff is just ginormous!! I hope we can get up to a place like this one day because it's transformative in every way. Thanks as always for the support man, and look forward to getting back out on the water with you this Fall, dan

VERY nice thank you for sharing! I caught some nice greenies out of Isabel lake this year on beatles. Need to work harder and get to Thunder.

look like u walked up the hill n down to the fishing hole.

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Good hike for sure. 7 miles up to Thunder, plus an extra side trip to Ouzel ... Total of 21 miles hikes altogether packed into one night of camping. Slept well when I got home!

It's killing me watch you do this Dan!! love to see you combining the fishing with the hike, so many opportunities to combine your love for hiking, showing the world how much more of the world there is to see and getting to beautiful untouched lakes.

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Every time I bust out the jetboil, you're in my thoughts my friend 🤣 Definitely miss our time up in the mountains, but we'll get 'er done soon enough once all this pandemic stuff eases up (thinking that will start getting better around early November!!!) You were the original pioneer when it comes to making videos of our backpacking trips ... so I guess some credit is due 👊

Great video! Digging the 4k too. Was the recording via gopro 8 or iPhone? I microspiked Ouzel during a sunny winter day in shorts and Merrell sandals with plans to hit Bluebird but reports I was getting and the split to Ouzel from people heading down from Bluebird, was there was too much snow and snowshoes were a must due to all the post holing occurring. So, I went to Ouzel and that lake looked big but snow covered so wasn't sure about fish! Glad I came across your video because now I know! I was also curious about Thunder Lake. Both lakes look incredible!! Next day adventure will be Thunder Lake for sure. Thanks for the video!

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Oh man, I can't even imagine how exhausting it must be doing that hike in the snow! Great adventure and bet it's beautiful. Solitude is pretty easy to find once you're a couple miles from the trailhead in Summer, so can only imagine what's it's like in Winter!! I also have Bluebird Lake on my ever growing list ... looks like a spectacular setting! As for the filming, I use my iphone 11 pro max, a gopro hero 8 with media mod, and a Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera. The Z6 costs me some extra weight when hiking/backpacking, but it's worth it because it works so well in low light situations like sunrise/sunset. Really appreciate your kind words and channel support, and hope you make it up to Thunder Lake for some scenery and fishing. Just an awesome spot! Take care, Dan

@swashbucklingadventures9929

4 жыл бұрын

@@WhatMyLensSees Yeah! Snowshoeing and breaking trail is brutal! Once it's packed down by some poor soul however, slap some microspikes on for ice etc. and it's just like hiking. Only difference being is EVERYTHING is white and quiet! In shorts when the sun is out and no wind, it's hysterical just due to the looks and comments I get🤣🤣🤣. So all the 4k is with all 3 of those mentioned?

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Swashbuckling Adventures gonna have to give that shot this Winter! Yeah, all 3 cams shoot 4K and I usually shoot 60 frames per second so I have the ability to slow things down in post processing if needed.

@swashbucklingadventures9929

4 жыл бұрын

@@WhatMyLensSees Just a heads up brother, if and when you do winter travel, be VERY mindful of avalanche danger and check the avalanche reports before heading out ✌

WOW!! Thanks for taking me along on that journey. That place is truly a treasure.

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Wayne, thank you sir. This is a special place, and glad you could see that coming thru in my video. It's crazy how a place so close to such a big city can feel so far away. Almost felt like being on a different planet. And the best part was, I basically had it all to myself. I didn't have to seek out a fishing spot that contained zero other people in the frame ... that's just what it was like that day ... empty ... finding that kinda solitude and peace in today's world is just really tough, so I soaked up every second of it! thanks again for the kind words and channel support man, dan

Really enjoyed the video even though I'm two years late at this point. I'm doing a few RMNP fishing trips this season and have been looking for a more light weight option to replace my standard rod tube and was intrigued by yours. Do you happen to remember the brand or where you got that tube? Looks like I could possibly shave off 7 or 8 ounces with one of those...

All I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW! You're fishing in breathtaking country and getting breathtaking footage too! New friends and subscribers here from Philly! We are jealous, both of your scenery and fishery! Have never caught a cutthroat trout, but they're beautiful fish and on our list!

@WhatMyLensSees

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for the kind words. Definitely feel fortunate to get a chance to fish places like RMNP. The setting alone makes the hike so worth it ... but then you add on the solitude, wildlife, and beautiful fish ... and it's honestly a once in a lifetime kinda thing. Really truly appreciate your comment and welcome to the channel! take care, dan

That’s so cool! Those fish were awesome! Were there any brook trout in the first lake?

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Maria for the kind words and channel support. That first lake supposedly has Brook Trout and also regular Cutthroat trout ... but I only got into greenbacks during my short time there. So much fun and amazed at those views and the solitude. Hard to find that kinda solitude anymore (especially during Covid!). Really appreciate it, dan

@marialee9095

4 жыл бұрын

What My Lens Sees that’s really cool! Have you tried fly fishing the dream stream and Cheesman canyon? Those are my favorite places to fly fish.

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve been to the Dream Stream and hoping to go back this Fall to chase some big lake run browns! And believe it or not, I’ve never done Cheesman. Crazy because I know how awesome it’s supposed to be back there, but always just get lazy and opt for Deckers. Will also have to hit the Chees this Fall or Winter because I know I’m missing out on a special place!

@marialee9095

4 жыл бұрын

What My Lens Sees I always used to go to deckers but I tried Cheesman canyon once and I really liked it. Did you catch any fish at the dream stream?

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Maria Lee hey there Maria, I’ve caught a few nice ones at the Dream Stream but it’s been one of the few places I’ve struggled more often than not. But I’m not giving up and will be back there this Fall for sure!

Awesome video man! Love catching beautiful Colorado cutthroat trout. Keep up the great work! Tight lines!!🎣🎣🎣

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Hey buddy, thank you so much for the kind words! I've been checking out some of your videos on your channel and you're quite the fisherman. Keep it up ... you've got some mad skills and some great filming and editing skills. Love the passion and can't wait to see how you grow your channel!

What an amazing video Dan! Welcome to the world of dry fly fishing, it’s my favorite way to fish.

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Hey there Noah, really appreciate it man. I'm a nymph-head for sure, but tossing some dries felt really really good I gotta admit. That's how I started off learning how to fly fish, and man, when the fish are rising, there's nothing better.

Beautiful footage as always sir...you don't disappoint :-)! Those shots w/ the mountains reflecting in the lake....epic! Thanks for sharing!

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

comments like yours help me justify carrying all that heavy camera gear up the side of a mountain!!!! thank you for keeping me motivated guys!!!

Any fly suggestions for Ouzel and Thunder Lakes for 1st week in October?

@WhatMyLensSees

3 жыл бұрын

Hey there Paul, I'd love to answer your question with confidence, but I've never been up to Thunder that late in the season. But here's my best guess based on other fly fishing that time of year up in the alpine....early mornings will be cold ... maybe even thin sheet of ice along the lakes edge. Best time window for fishing likely 10am-3pm when it warms up a bit. May still be some caddis and mayfly hatches going on during warmer parts of the day, so I'd have both my trusty Elk Hair Caddis and Parachute Adams size 16-18 as well as ARF Midge Adult patterns. I would probably hang a dropper off that first dry fly and go with some basic midge nymph patterns (zebra, blood, tube, thread, UV, etc.) I'm sure you're already planning to do so, but would definitely stop by one of the fly shops in Estes (I typically go to Kirk's) before hiking in to pick their brain and buy a few specific flies that they recommend. They always point me in the right direction! Should be an amazing trip and hope you can report back with some photos and videos afterwards! Thanks much for the comment and channel support! dan

@paulbrown9574

3 жыл бұрын

@@WhatMyLensSees Thank you for the suggestions. Your video was timely as we were limited on backcountry sites this year and it's our first time in Wild Basin. We are planning to stop by Kirk's to get our bear-proof canisters and some advice. We went same time last year but didn't really fish it much. We were fortunate for good weather too last year, but not sure how cold it will be this go around. Heard CO is expecting early snow next week so it could be quite a change from last year. I've been told that terrestrials will work as late as October, but will be prepared for the dry-dropper option for sure. Will share trip notes when we get back.

This is my favorite kind of fishing! Hiking several miles in and working for your fish. Also I agree, that feeling when you first see the lake is amazing! Great video Dan!

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah buddy! Backpacking has always been one of my most favorite things to do ... it really makes you appreciate all the little things in life that much more! It's crazy that a place like this is so close, and yet I struggle to get up there more than a couple nights a year. Really gotta make it my goal to get at least a week in the backcountry every Summer because it is so damn worth it! Thanks as always for the channel support and kind words my friend! dan

@OpportunityFishing

4 жыл бұрын

@@WhatMyLensSees agreed. My parents took me backpacking for my birthday every year starting when I was 5 or 6. The passion stuck. I have not been able to do it for the past few years because of having little kids, but in a few years I will be taking all my family deep into the woods.

Dan, watched many of your videos.....contact me....if not, understand....but....Observations, Recommendations, Demonstration, Opportunity Revealed. D. O.

@WhatMyLensSees

3 жыл бұрын

Hey there Dick. Will definitely reach out. Just trying to survive this week, but will reach out soon. Thank you 🙏🏻

Looks like a beautiful area to hike, fish and camp. I am sure you had a pretty good elevation change over the miles on those hikes.

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

It’s really an amazing park to explore. It’s busy on the trails in the first half mile or so, but most people turn around and the rest of the trip can provide that solitude and quiet that’s nearly impossible to find anymore!!! I covered almost 25 miles in a little over 24 hours with a full pack on and gotta admit I slept pretty hard the night I got home. Not as young and spry as I used to be 😂 appreciate the comment and channel support as always my friend! Dan

magnificent Dan. Ever think about carrying a tube in, instead of camping gear?

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah. Gonna have to do that one of these days for sure!!! Might be the only way to top what I did in this video! Thanks as always for the kind words and channel support :)

Awesome work Dan! Remy was actually over hanging out and we watched this together...Both agreed your videos are stunning! Crazy this is your first dry fly video! It's all I enjoy doing so far, I hate using the indicator. Tight Lines man!

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Team COFF. Don't worry, the day will come when you become a nymph-head like me. Mark my words 🤣 But until then, enjoy the dry flies because it looks to be working quite well!!!! Keep it up and promise I'll get back to your channel to catch up here soon enough. Thanks as always for the support you guys, dan

@teamcoff

4 жыл бұрын

@@WhatMyLensSees I know i'll like it more on moving water, just didn't like it at all on still water...I hate bobber fishing and it's all it reminded me of lol. I'll be explaining in a channel update/announcement video on Tuesday...No promises necessary, I'm sure you're busy just like I am. I appreciate the fact that you even put forth the effort to watching my stuff...Thanks for all you do and thanks for always making awesome videos!

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Always glad to support you guys, your videos are awesome and I'm learning a ton about how to catch fish not using a fly rod from you guys. Funny how I skipped the ol' spincast reel and just went straight to the fly fishing ;) glutton for punishment I guess!

I was wondering when you were coming back lol.. dude that scenery is the best!!😍 your crazy doing all that hiking lol but I guess imma fat boy🤣 awesome video man, love it!!

@WhatMyLensSees

4 жыл бұрын

Imma fat boy too and that hike damn near killed me 🤣 it’s a pretty epic scene up that ... definitely worth it, but gotta admit I was pretty comatose the day after! Thanks man for the kind words and channel support! Dan