the great Knoll Lake escape

[te_wa]

What: Babe Haught trail starting at the Tonto fish hatchery and climbing the ridge to the top, stopping at the lake. 5 miles each way, moderate difficulty.
What else: fishing, dining, good times with friends before the Rim camping season kicks off. we'll likely have solitude, see some wildlife, and catch some trout.
When: end of April
Why: this is a great, moderate hike. not an easy stroll, but not gonna kill you either. trail climbs the Mogollon rim over the course of 3.5 miles and switchbacks are in place to ease the pain. its 6000 ft elevation will provide great temps, a bit on the cool side for most, but the views both off the rim and into the canyon that houses Knoll lake are superior.
Who: YOU!

come join us. we'll leave saturday and hike up to stay the night with beverages, good food and a fun crowd. road is paved all the way in. trail is in good shape. return to the valley on sunday with a belly full of Beeline malts and a sd card full of jpegs. do it!

please prepare for temps found on the forecast popup,
please be willing to meet at 8am at the eastern side of the Fort McDowell Casino. look for the 'outdoorsey' types.

[allanalxndr]

man i looked around for info on the rim road.. not much there even on COCO website.. do you have a link?

Update today: April 5

Today we opened the following roads: FR300 from Hwy 87 to the Apache Sitgreaves border (access from the Coconino side on FR300 to A-S is not possible at this time), FR141 (but not FR141H), FR147, FR149, FR144, FR142, FR616, FR81, FR229 and FR305.
Previously we opened FR 95 ONLY to East Clear Creek, FR 95 and FR 96 on the other side of the creek have barricades in place, there is still lots of snow out on the rim; FR 211 from Highway 87 and FR 82 is open ONLY to Long Lake; FR 751 is open to Blue Ridge Reservoir.

ALL side roads from these roads are still CLOSED!

This was the Coconino's update on April 5th from their website that chumley posted for us in this thread: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5089&p=69423

[chumley]

but you should have plenty of room to yourselves!

"Yourselves"? Join us Chumley!

I would be all over this one, but Mom and aunt from Norway are here for a week ;) so that's gonna keep me sorta busy.

[ineedtoeatnow]

Oh bummer, I was planning on doing this backpack the weekend after you guys, because I have plans on the 30th I look forward to getting to meet some of you eventually though. I hope you guys have a good time and can't wait to hear about the trip!

[PaleoRob]

Any special regs for fishing Knoll Lake? I don't have a fly rod, but could pack in one of my regular kits.

[te_wa]

ive decided to save some $ and bring my spin rod. all i need is new 4# line.
with my fly rig, i'd need to replace the line, get some leaders, floatant, etc..
$4 or $40.

im bringing an eagle claw 4' 6" pack rod, 4 piece. breaks down really tiny.
a mini spin reel for it and some spinners and spoons.

if you guys want to get the ultimate ultralight spinning kit, here are two kits
ok for the money: http://www.basspro.com/Daiwa%C2%AE-Mini ... 4/-1016645
better quality: http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/spor ... /cat101052

[allanalxndr]

I have a Fly/Spinning rod combo:
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 00_175-1-3

and I have been using this kit the last few times: Shakespeare Medium Action Travel Mate Pack Kit Combo (6-Feet 6-Inch) - http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Mediu ... B001H2RXB4
Its a bit overkill for 90% of the fishing I do as I really like the ultra light rods but its been working great and compacts down nice and small.

@PageRob
Valid AZ fishing license and trout stamp is believe is all that is needed. Also a Combo Hunt/Fish License (trout stamp not required with this combo) will work as well.

What's everyone's tackle for backpacking fishing trips?

[PaleoRob]

Already have the hunt/fish, just wondering if it was anything like Lee's Ferry - artificial lures only, barbless hooks, etc.

[allanalxndr]

Already have the hunt/fish, just wondering if it was anything like Lee's Ferry - artificial lures only, barbless hooks, etc.

These are the only Special Regulations for Knoll Lake:

AZGFD:
Knoll Lake Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from Sept. 1 through
March 31. Note: from April 1 through Aug. 31 the limit is 6 trout.
Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and
flathead catfish.

[PaleoRob]

Sweet, I can dig that.

[PaleoRob]

What time is the trailhead meetup? I have to pick up glasses in Flag at 8am for my wife (part of my being able to go on this trip).

[te_wa]

everybody good with 8 am in Ftn Hills?
that puts us at t/h by about 9:30, +/-
Rob should be able to make it near that mark, from FH 3

[PaleoRob]

That sounds good to me.

[JoelHazelton]

Fountain Hills 8AM works for me.

[Alex]

8am sounds good.

[PaleoRob]

8am sounds good.

Are you an AR-toting Morlock? What is the meaning behind your user name?

[te_wa]

http://www.armorlockandsafe.us/

[Alex]

yeah, I really need to change my user name, It's my work email.

[PaleoRob]

Ah, I feel reassured now.

[Dschur]

Rob should be able to make it near that mark, from FH 3

It takes about one hr and 45 min from Payson to Flagstaff on FH3 just for info we have timed it quite a few times so that we can get to Running events in the Flag area...

[te_wa]

committed as of today:
Joel
Kate
Roger
Me
Felecia
John
Alex
Allen
Colton
Liz
Kyle

updated to reflect current 11 (?) member count. good showing!