This was my fourth annual trip to this high mountain lake and truly a gem. Last year I went with my middle daughter, this year with my oldest daughter. Fishing is definitely secondary, spending time with loved ones is what counts. The hike is 4 miles one way, two miles up to the top at 9,000 ft then two miles down into the lake basin.
This lake holds some of the best trout I have seen in a high mountain lake. I started throwing a good size hopper pattern like usual and wasn’t getting much action. Switched to something smaller and started get hookups. Then decided to hike to the other end of the lake where I had never fished before. That was worth it because I tied into a couple of truly trophy size cutthroats, at least for me, especially for such a high altitude lake. About 8 fish total, definitely quality over quantity on this trip.
Wildlife seen included a bald eagle cruising around the lake, a black bear on the trail on the way. Flushed about a dozen blue grouse on the way back down too.
Such a great time with my daughter!