7 Days Up a River in the Wilderness | Trout Fishing Catch and Cook

Seven days out in the wilderness, moving with Colton and his dog Bandit through remote country, working a river in the backcountry where it stays quiet and a little more wild. We began by backpacking into a steep gorge, following a desert stream lined with waterfalls and rough trail. The miles added up before we settled into our first camp and let the place set in. Early on we focused on fishing for trout, working smaller water and finding plenty of action. We were able to catch what we needed, keeping one to cook later, letting the rest go. At times we worked it with a fly, staying with it until things lined up. From there we moved into new water, pushing into high mountain terrain and setting up again near another stretch. The mountains held more than just fish—sign of bear, lion, wolf, and coyote reminded us we were in their country. One long stretch tested us, hours of fishing with nothing to show for it until things finally turned. We landed two solid fish, releasing one and keeping one for a simple meal, taking time to eat as the light dropped. The next days settled into a rhythm—working water, finding a few more fish. Those nights of camping and cooking what we kept brought everything together, eating what we earned, each meal marking the effort it took to get there. This one had everything—slow stretches, strong finishes, and time spent out there with good people, staying with it until it came together.