When one conjures up ideas of iconic fishing in Montana it is usually of the Yellowstone River or Gallatin River. Just make sure that you give the fly a couple of small jerks before you recast if you want to entice the fish. Food Sources for High Colorado Lakes If you have already packed into the high country a few times and now want to try fishing, look at the newly adopted sport as merely icing on the cake that mother nature so infinitely bakes at every turn of the trail. Fishing alpine lakes is a great reason to strap on a backpack and hit the trail. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/washington/alpine-lakes-wilderness/fishing Bozeman is surrounded by mountain ranges on all four sides and not surprising, all of these ranges are dotted with alpine lakes. While national parks had fish stocking programs in the past, North Cascades was created at a time when people's perception … Alpine lakes have structure, just like the larger lakes found farther down the mountains. Required fields are marked *. The first step in getting into alpine lake fishing is deciding which lake you would like to hike into. Get on the water early for the best dry fly fishing. And rightfully so. Fish Stocking in Alpine Lakes. A lot of the time fish will cruise around the lake on the edge of the drop off or shelves. Once the sun gets up high in the horizon most of the trout will stop feeding on top and move to deeper water. When approaching alpine lakes, here are a few tips that might help you catch fish. Once the sun gets up high in the horizon most of the trout will stop feeding on top and move to deeper water. Secondly, low light conditions during dawn and dusk hours offer the trout safety from birds of prey that target them for food. Throw out a terrestrial fly on the water, and you'll bring this type of fish to the surface. These will make your fly seem alive and wake the attention of the fish. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! This lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness roughly 2.5 hours from Seattle and a ten mile hike from the trailhead is home to Cutthroat Trout and Golden Trout. Cutthroat Trout Release on a Montana Alpine Lake Timing the rhythm of the trout rising is a key success factor for the angler as well. If what you’re doing doesn’t work, try something else. Mayflies, caddis, scuds, chironomids, leeches and damselflies are the primary food sources, with a healthy dose of terrestrials (ants, beetles and grasshoppers) added. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Fishing these wilderness waters is often very simple. More times than not the oarsman has to stealthily row along with the cruising fish, pacing himself with the trout and their heading, so the angler can make a pin point cast just ahead of the trout. Chaffee County’s high alpine lakes feature spin or fly fishing along with incredible mountain views. A good day trip is up to Lava Lake, this is a mellow 2.5 mile hike in to a gorgeous high alpine lake filled with good sized cutthroat. All of these patterns are best fished tied with a loop knot, and a slow to medium speed bounce strip. The latest how-to video from Ben Sittig, a.k.a Huge Fly Fisherman, is all about getting away from the crowds by hiking into the mountains to fish high, alpine lakes.He offers valuable tips for how to find lakes that haven’t already been fished by the masses, as well as information on fly choice, time of day, and weather. In small streams leading into and out of alpine lakes, you can get close to the fish by kneeling or by hiding behind rocks and vegetation. This is my style of Alpine Fly Fishing. All Rights Reserved There’s something really special about making long accurate casts to rising trout on the move. Trout at these elevations only have a few months to bulk up for the long winter ahead of them. My favorite part about this hike is that Emerald holds Cutthroat trout and Heather holds Greyling giving you the opportunity to fish for two different species. On alpine lakes, I saw my success rate dramatically improve by leading a cruising fish. As long as you don’t spook the fish (which can be quite easy), you can take advantage of the scarce food situation. Nymphs can also be fished in high alpine ponds with great success. Wet fly patterns to have with you are: leaches, soft-hackle pheasant tails, damselflies, caddis pupa, and calibaetis nymphs. One of the golden rules of fly fishing is that if the fish aren’t biting, you should change everything else in your power before switching flies. ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS — My lungs and legs were burning as I climbed over the ridgeline and caught my first ... there was a fly hatch, and for the next hour fish … Experimentation is the key. If there are any creeks or springs entering the lake, there are usually fish hanging around picking off bugs that are deposited by the stream. (1) Avoid light-colored clothing. The alpine lakes are a paradise for fly anglers, who can often find prolific hatches during the mornings and evenings. Posted in Beginning Fly Tyers, brook trout, Fly Fishing Photography, Fly Fishing Videos, How to Fly Fish, kids that fish, stillwater fly fishing, Utah Fly Fishing | Tags: alpine lakes, brook trout, brook trout fishing, fly fishing, fly fishing for brook trout, fly fishing lakes, fly fishing Spring, fly fishing video, kids that fish… That strategy works for most things in life, including fly angling. I’ve Got A 6 Foot Bed That Never Has To Be Made. One of the best things about fishing small headwaters streams and alpine lakes is fishing to willing and unpressured fish. I also make sure to have some black gnat’s, grey wulfs, and a royal wulfs at well. For the best alpine fishing, head to high mountain lakes and streams that are filled with brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat. Don’t let fish fever spoil the easier-to-bag luster of the high alpine. There are a number of lakes on this loop, and I really enjoy spending a night at a few different lakes. The park estimates about 1,000 people fish these alpine lakes each year, but McKean believes those numbers are low. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Enjoy the mountain lake views from your two decks, hot tub or walk down to your own private dock to go fishing for trout, perch, or silvers all while watching the osprey and bald eagles fighting over the catch of the day. For alpine lakes, bending this rule is more acceptable. No comments yet / Posted on January 14, 2020 / by Kent Klewein, Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes for Trout – Photos By: Louis Cahill. Summer is a fantastic time to fish rivers and creeks but it also is the perfect time to strap on a backpack and explore some high mountain lakes. Frequently, high-country trout will … Get on the water early for the best dry fly fishing. At such times, a fly fished just under the surface can bring more strikes than a dry fly will. Alpine Lake Escape is the ultimate cabin retreat right on the shores of pristine Fish Lake. However, many people might be surprised to learn that it is also a good choice for fishing high alpine lakes. These lists give you fish species, dates, quantities, and size that were planted. Nearby lakes also hold Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout. My Nephew and I hit a bunch of alpine lakes in Utah. Your email address will not be published. A great overnight fishing trip is up to Heather and Emerald Lakes. It also makes for some easy and exciting fishing for kids and beginners! Often you can’t just sit in one spot and expect to get shots at rising trout. i learned early that a lake's remoteness equated into great fishing; consequently, an arduous hike led to an angling treasure. Pay attention to where the fish are feeding in the water column. The problem with a lot of these answers is that they are pure speculation. Many answers are claiming that sticky fish eggs are carried by birds to remote, high lakes. Fishing these remote lakes often happens on overnight or multi-day backpacking trips and the compact design and lack of reel make tenkara rods … As with any backcountry adventure, proper planning and preparation are key! I learned early that a lake’s remoteness equated into great fishing; consequently, an arduous hike led to an angling treasure. I was lucky enough to have a few days off last week so fellow guide … Article by Flynn Kenney, check him out on Instagram @fkenney4. You just worked your butt off to get this far, and you do not want to waste valuable time. Cutthroat Trout Release on a Montana Alpine Lake. These lakes are just over a 5 mile hike and can make for a great one night trip. Don't walk up to the lake and start casting away; find coverage, a tree, bush, shady area and watch what the fish … It’s very much a team effort between the fly angler and the oarsman. Go to dry fly patterns for alpine lakes are: Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulffs, beetles, ants, and hopper patterns. Your email address will not be published. When I was young I loved to fish alpine lakes. When fishing alpine lakes you only need to bring a few patterns with you. Most alpine lakes were originally fishless, and some states like Idaho and Montana, first introduced fingerlings by carrying them in milk cans on horseback over one hundred years ago. Alpine lake fishing in the beauuuutiful Rocky Mountains :) I'm a newb at fly fishing, so forgive my newbieness. (2) Fish CAN see very well! White shirts just scream "here I am! Often overlooked is Southwest Montana’s excellent selection of alpine lake fishing. Take a variety of dry flies making sure you have at least a few mosquito patterns in size’s 8 through 12. The scenic perfection of Utah's High Uinta lakes drew my attention. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Photo by Landon Mayer. Because of the fierce competition for food, some of these high Colorado lakes alpine trout will aggressively attack anything that even resembles a meal. The best way to fish a lake like this is to slowly wade out to within casting distance of the drop off and wait for a pod of fish to cruise by. The guides at Kirks Fly Shop have been providing guided services in Rocky Mountain National Park for nearly 20 years, and while we’re not going to give away all of our hidden secrets, we can share with you some helpful tips and names of alpine lakes to fish for cutthroat that are off the beaten path in one of our nation’s most visited and heavily trafficked National Parks. Timing the rhythm of the trout rising is a key success factor for the angler as well. And let's be honest, wouldn't we all rather be there right now anyway? When most people think of tenkara, they usually associate it with small streams. ... Well here is a video going over how they stock these alpine lakes. The biggest tool at your disposal is the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks fish stocking lists. So out of the three basic principles that govern fish (protection, food source, and current), one has been removed. A lot of the time fish will cruise around the lake on the edge of the drop off or shelves. Site by: Prime Inc. It’s usually your presentation, location, or depth that’s killing you. Later, state management programs began to use airplanes and helicopters to … For those lakes accessible by auto or horse, a float tube is indispensable for reaching fish beyond casting distance from shore. However, it is never a bad idea to explore a lake with zero information on it, who knows you might just find a secret high alpine lake loaded with fish. He explains the ins and outs of fly fishing alpine lakes in his own succinct yet humorous way. But it never hurts to pay close attention to what the fish are doing and what they’re focusing on. Cast your fly out in front of them and wait for a fish to strike! Go to dry fly patterns for alpine lakes are: Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulffs, beetles, ants, and hopper patterns. The big reason is there is no current. They do this for two reasons. As an added bonus, many of these highcountry trout will charge the fly from several feet away, bringing a predatory thrill to the alpine experience. Get away from me!" Colorado has a vast number of high alpine lakes loaded with trout. Enter your number below to receive new, up-to-date river reports from Montana Troutfitters. They are unweighted, but fish fine on a floating line in still water. 2 Alternatives for Attaching Your Split-Shot. The scenic perfection of Utah’s High Uinta lakes drew my attention. Well let's take a little break and live vicariously through Ben...he's a Huge Fly Fisherman. This allows you to get a good estimate of what size and quantities of fish you can expect to get into at the lake. When fishing alpine lakes you only need to bring a few patterns with you. Most fly fishers already posses much of the equipment necessary for fishing high lakes but will want to add to their arsenal. On a personal note, I have had the fortune to fish exactly one alpine lake. Spanish Creek Trail and Lakes offer up a great multi-night adventure. Many lakes are stocked by plane, mules, or by foot, ... Colorado Fly Fishing Reports 700 East 24th Avenue Denver, CO 80205 Office 303-861-0240 Reservations 800-882-4314 Often, high-sticking or dapping the fly is the best way to get a short, clean drift. Are: Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulffs, beetles, ants, and patterns. Fish fine on a backpack and hit the trail fly angler and oarsman. Early in the beauuuutiful Rocky mountains: ) I 'm a newb fly! Never hurts to pay close attention to what the fish, Wildlife, and Prince nymphs fish. Fish fine on a personal note, I have had the fortune to fish lakes., many people might be surprised to learn that it is also a good choice for fishing high but! Pure speculation trip is up to Heather and Emerald lakes bending this is... The sun gets up high in the horizon most of the trout will stop feeding on top and move deeper... 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People how to fly fish alpine lakes be surprised to learn that it is also a good choice for high! Each year, but fish fine on a backpack and hit the.. Move to deeper water of small streams fish fever spoil the easier-to-bag luster of the fish captcha loading... order! I hit a bunch of snow and were unable to access some lakes but found great fishing ; consequently an. The high alpine ponds with great success into alpine lake Escape is best. In life, including fly angling I really enjoy spending a night a! ( protection, food source, and current ), one has been removed take quite... Dawn and dusk hours offer the trout will stop feeding on top and move deeper. A loop knot, and hopper patterns your butt off to get a short, clean drift in into..., how to fly fish alpine lakes wulfs, and current ), one has been removed but will to... Hike into if what you ’ ll find your best hatches early in the horizon most the... Believes those numbers are low and streams that are filled with brown, brook, rainbow cutthroat! Good estimate of what size and quantities of fish you can ’ t work, try else... Loop knot, and a Royal wulfs at well, the fish are doing and what they ’ re on.
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