If You’re Into That Sort of Thing

“They hang in the demersal zone and generally, will stir up substrate and gravel to break loose hiding invertebrates and varying larva. Something I’ve noticed in my efforts however, is their love for amphipods which, is exactly the vice you might exploit in an effort to target these large scaled critters. You know… if you’re into that sorta thing.”

It’s finally Spring and the Green River is an absolute bumper crop of Mountain Whitefish right now. You know.. If you’re into that sorta thing. 

Now, now, hold on. I’m not judging you. I’m an ally. Personally, I feel that what a fella likes to do in the privacy of his river bend is his own business. Besides; Lord knows I’ve experienced a few phases of erm… let’s call it experimentation. Yessir, I can’t deny that I too have been a little confused and simultaneously curious at the same time in different periods of my life. Most notably, I remember a time shortly after “the one that got away” when my heart was hurt and vulnerable. I had just lost O. Mykiss in the unforgiving current after our tumultuous entanglement concluded in a gradual distancing between us, and a final abrupt break in the line by which we were connected. I was devastated. I thought I might never experience a feeling quite like that one again and, in those moments of uncertainty and loneliness, P. Williamsoni was there for me. Though, admittedly, his embrace wasn’t quite the same. While satisfied physically, my soul was left hungry and wanting. That’s just my take on it, though. For me, O. Mykiss and all her wild attributes are the catalysts that light my fire but, people have their own preferences. What you like to do with your rod on the weekend is not for me to judge. As I always say, “live and let fish.”

So again, if you’re into that sorta thing, the pickin’s are plenty in the cold waters of the western states these days. The brutal ambient winter conditions are finally beginning to subside so access is improving and, in the meanwhile, trout are migrating to open water. If you’re in the mood for linking up with a few of these short snouted salmonids, the bottom is where you’ll aim to drift. They hang in the demersal zone and generally, will stir up substrate and gravel to break loose hiding invertebrates and varying larva. Something I’ve noticed in my efforts however, is their love for amphipods which, is exactly the vice you might exploit in an effort to target these large scaled critters. You know… if you’re into that sorta thing.

In the mid-day, when the sun is high and the big Browns have retreated from the typical water column for feeding, you might venture to link up with 10-20 Mountain Whitefish. If so, an orange brass-bead-headed scud in sizes #12-16 would do you just fine on these waters. Smaller patterns garner the most success simply due to P.W.’s semi-subterminal mouth. The little port isn’t made for slurping large transients out of the current but, this doesn’t diminish his ambitions to try. Typically, an angler can tie one on with a non-slip loop knot, under 16-20” of fluorocarbon leader and place split shots just above the triple surgeon’s knot used to tie onto the tapered leader. Then, an indicator can be used to set the drift’s hang.  

Now, there’s a recipe for some freaky afternoon action.

As for eating the damned things; I couldn’t speak from experience, even if I wanted to. I’ve been told they are a fantastic eat if you smoke them. Surgarfoot chatted with a Game & Fish stocker a few weekends ago who celebrated “Whities” for their flaky consistency when smoked. This is a sentiment that echos across the angling community. Brody Henderson, over at Meat Eater, suggests in a blog post from 2018 that the meat can be mixed with cream cheese, chives and lemon juice to make for a delicious Whitefish Dip on crackers. Thinking about it, it actually sounds pretty tempting. I’m not much for cooking freshwater fish but, if I were to stumble into the combination he describes at a Saturday party surrounding college football, I’d definitely dip my Ritz for a sample. A contributor over at Troutser who writes under the pseudonym “Brook Trout” described his experiences with beer-battering and frying them in a pan. Apparently he made a video depicting this and another way he prepared his harvest from the Snake River in 2021 however, it seems the video has been made unavailable as of late. The overall consensus I’ve gathered about them is that they are a seriously underutilized resource and they are fine eating. If any of you readers have any input on the topic, I’d love to hear it! Comment below. 

So, there ya have it. A little information that might help you target these funny looking, torpedo shaped dorks. They make for an amusing fight and apparently a decent dinner. You know… if you’re into that sorta thing. 

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this story and all the content associated with it. As an avid sportsman, I hope that this tale inspires you to get outside to enjoy the wild with the ones you love most. I write these stories as a supplement to my lifestyle as a sportsman and guide, and with them comes a certain accountability. The details of my stories are purely based on my recollection alone and in no particular way do they reflect a chronologically factual, indisputable timeline of events. They are in no way intended for official use or as a reference for official purposes. These are simply tall tales meant to entertain the tired mind; best served with a clear evening, a warm fire and, a strong whiskey.

All the photos and content featured in my tall tales are my own, unless expressly cited otherwise, and the unauthorized use or reproduction of them is strictly prohibited. 

That’s all for now, my friends. If you enjoyed this content and would like to see more like it, I can be found on Instagram by searching “Authentically Wild Out West” and on YouTube by searching the same phrase. Until the next campfire, stay safe out there and look after each other.

On another quick note: I’ve launched a new publication on Substack, specifically to showcase my serialized fiction and poetry! 

I hope you’ll join me there! Follow THIS LINK to have a look. 

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Come experience this prestigious place with me. 

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