Great Alpine Trout Lakes in the West

The American West boasts an embarrassment of possibility for an alpine trout angler. This list could include 500 destinations, but I’ll keep it to an essential top seven.

1. Dream Lake, Colorado

This may not be the best alpine lake in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, but it’s the easiest to reach. Fish near shoreline trees for decent-sized cutthroats.

2. Alice Lake, Idaho

One of the many jewels of Idaho’s Sawtooth Range, this lake has it all: scenery, good fishing and lots of space, especially if you push on to the Toxaway Loop.

3. Beartooth Lake, Montana

There are two dozen lakes on Montana’s Beartooth Plateau, but the first one you’ll encounter is this lake just below Beartooth Butte. Catch a fish or two, then move on to the rest of the lakes beyond.

4. Legore Lake, Oregon

The fishing can be fickle in this gem in the Eagle Cap Wilderness and the highest lake in Oregon. If that’s the case, descend to Wallowa or Minam.

5. Lake Helen, Wyoming

It’s a toss-up whether the Powell lakes or this spot in Wyoming’s Cloud Peak Wilderness is best, but it’s hard to beat the trout action and the scenery in any.

6. Wind River Range, Wyoming

This is a cop-out because there are a full two dozen fishy destinations in this rock-and-ice empire of central Wyoming. But for fun, head to Upper Saddlebags for golden trout.

7. Cave Lake, Montana

This lake deep in Montana’s Crazy Mountains has given up the state-record golden trout. It’s a classic hot-and-cold water; budget 4 days to get there and back.

HIGH-COUNTRY CONSIDERATIONS

• Keep these things in mind when planning a trip to an alpine lake.

By definition, anywhere alpine trout live is fragile, susceptible to changing weather and open to the public. Let’s take each of those considerations in turn.

The elements that make alpine lakes so appealing also make them vulnerable. They are above the treeline, so there’s limited space for camping and visitation. Don’t expect any paved boardwalks or designated camping areas. This is generally true wilderness, where you’re on your own. Plan to pack out anything you pack in, and plan to release all the fish you catch, unless you’re camping nearby and are interested in a trout or two for the pan.

The elevation and exposure of these mountain cirques mean that the weather changes not only over the course of a single day but sometimes hour to hour. Pack rain gear and insulation like a vest or lightweight jacket. And pack enough food and water to spend an unexpected night in the high country. Essentials, besides your fishing gear, include a good headlamp, a fire starter and tinder and maps. It’s a good idea to throw an emergency shelter in your kit, too.

Lastly, alpine trout are maybe our most universally public resource. These high-country lakes are often in National Forest lands, and many are in federally designated wilderness areas. That means no mechanized gear is allowed, including cars, motorcycles and chainsaws. Respect these restrictions; they’re what keeps these places pristine, productive and uniquely American.

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• This article was featured in the August issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe.

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