WAPITI RIDGE OUTFITTERS ”SUMMER FUN IN THE BEARTOOTHS”
We met Justin Jarrett of Wapiti Ridge Outfitters in February of 2007 at the Western Hunting and Conservation Exop in Salt Lake City. The conversation naturally started with big game hunting and all the trophy hunting packages Wapity Ridge Outfitters offers. The talk turned to fishing as I thumbed through the photo albums. “J.J.” had out to view. I asked about the summer pack trips they offered and the next thing we knew, we had a trip booked for the beginning of August.
We do several trips throughout the various seasons and I asked J.J. “what sets your trips apart from all the rest?” He assured me that we would have a great time aboard experienced mountain horses in some of the most beautiful country in God’s Creation. “Everybody catches fish on this trip” he claimed and “nobody has ever left our table hungry.” “We will ride beautiful mountain trails, see lots of game and all of this at a leisurely summer pace.” The date was set and I couldn’t wait to get in the saddle and see if it was all he boasted about.
We flew into Cody Regional Airport August 8th and were greeted by J.J. and his wife Amanda. Having just come off of a few days rest following their last Thorofare River Pack trip, they were eager to get back to the mountains as we were. J.J. explained that the Beartooth camp was already set and all we were to do was meet in the morning and hit the road. As I settled down for the evening, I couldn’t help but wonder what makes people like the Jarrett’s love what they do so much? I was more than eager to find out in the morning.
Justin met us at the historic Irma Hotel “Buffalo Bill’s Hotel in the Rockies” for breakfast in the morning and we departed on the adventure I had been so eagerly awaiting. One hour and forth-five minutes later, we pulled into the trail head and were greeded by Mr. Mike, Wapiti Ridge’s “right hand man” and full time guide. We couldn’t help but buzz over the drive we had just taken over Dead Indian Pass and all the history and tremendous natural beauty of the Beartooth Plateau. With a wry smile, Mr. Mike exclaimed “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!” As the dozen or so horses were saddled and packed with all the provisions we would need for the week, I marveled at the organization and skill it took to put such a trip together. These guys love their business and they do it well. In less than two hours in the saddle, we passed four high mountain lakes over flowing with brook trout and some of the most amazing scenery imaginable. As we pulled into camp, I could see a comfortable wall tent for cooking and dining, with smoke already drifting lazily into the high mountain air. Several sleeping tents spread out among the trees lining a beautiful meadow. A lake was less than 100 yards behind camp. While our hosts unpacked and unsaddled the horses, I along with the other guests in camp, got to know each other and our camp cook for the week, Bernice. She offered us hot soup she had been preparing in expectation of our arrival.
With the horses taken care of, our gear stowed and a full belly, I was eager to get some fishing in before dark. Mike grabbed me and a few of the other guests and brought us only a few yards behind camp to Stockade Lake, where we were into fish right off the bat. With a 10,000 foot elevation, these fish have a short season to get their fill before the ice sets in, and they are hungry! We coundn’t believe the amount of georgous brook trout we caught.
That evening around the campfire, we all expressed our excitement to J.J. and Mr. Mike about all we had seen and done in just the first day. Our head guide again said with that familiar wry smile “you ain’t seen nothin yet.”
He was right. Over the next week, we explored several high alpine lakes on beautifully scenic trails. We fished three different mountain streams, all busting at the shores with voracious brook trout. We saw a majestic mountain goat, several heards of elk and even a cow moose, with her curious young calf. We ate like kings in a ranch style atmosphere, with outstanding beef steaks cooked over an open fire, fresh bread and desserts baked daily and of course, ‘smores around the campfire in the eveings for the kids, (Okay, maybe one or two for the expert fishermen in the group).
Every evening around the fire we would talk about the upcoming climax to the excursion, the tough horseback ride and hike down to Deep Lake. Not for the faint of heart, but at the end of this challenging jouney was maybe the most spectacular, untouched high mountain lake I have ever been witness too. We spent several hours that day coaxing in one or two pound brookies. This lake is almost never disturbed by humans and I have rearely had the opportunity to be challenged by brook trout that large. Throw in a bunch of three pound cutthroats and it is hard to think of a day fishing that could top this one!
Safely back at camp and tomorrow was our pack-out day, I laid awake, now understanding why these guys love what they do. Just take a look at their office! The next morning while we were packing and starting for home, I told Mr. Mike “As good as this fishing trip was, I can’t wait to get out here to hunt with you guys”. A small giggle, that same wry smile and “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet” was all he said.
Justin and Amanda Jarrett, along with their three young boys, own and operate Wapiti Ridge Outfitters out of Cody, WY. They are a full service hunting and fishing outfitter. With several different summer trips available in two different wilderness areas, they can custom deliver the trip you need. Families or serious fly fisherman or any combination in between. Wapiti Ridge Outfitters delivers. Give Justin or Amanda a call.
By “Sportsman’s News” staff
