Hiked back 4.3 miles, stopped at 2 hrs from trailhead. Water cold, gin clear. Fished pools, fish were AGGRESSIVE! Just bounced from hole-to-hole back towards TH. Actually quit cuz got tired of catching fish. Used 2 flies - Auburn stimulator (see pics) and #12 EHC - killed them.
Saw 2 bull trout ~ 30+ inches - one tailing like a Spot in the marsh. Totally not equipped to take those monsters on, but damn they were HUGE. The Cutts were bigger fighters, very, very colorful. Few bit the fly, most inhaled the fly, slamming it on the surface. 2 bows attacked from below like 'Air Jaws', launching clear out of water when hit fly.
Took ~4 hrs 15 min from doorstep to trailhead.
Not many camp sites available (rugged terrain) so wiser to stay in Cascade?
Can never go wrong on Big Creek, regardless the drive or hike.
