FLY FISHING COLORADO | Native Cutthroat Trout | Alpine Lakes

In the middle of Summer 2023, my wife and I hiked up to one of my favorite clusters of alpine lakes in western Colorado. With heavy winds and quite a bit of snowpack still on the peaks, the day wasn't without its fair share of challenges, but thankfully the hard work paid off and I was rewarded with some beautiful fish and some great memories.
Instagram: trout.addiction

[@MopFlyProductions.]

Some pretty lakes!

[@Lee-bo1wp]

Oh my, this scenery is out of this world … and the fish too! Glad to see your wife with you.

[@romaniincalifornia6925]

Superb , Paul ... Imi aminteste de Colorado cand am fost vara trecuta si mi-a placut enorm . God bless you !

[@kirkrasmussen9629]

Some beautiful fish there. When I was there in July 2021 further up the shelf alone the steep bank is where they were hanging out. Tight back cast forced you to use a roll to get out there. They weren’t more than 25-30’ off shore so doable. Looks like you had a beautiful day. 👍. Some really great fish you caught that day.

[@SanJuanMountainBob]

Well, I might have to try that middle lake. I've fished the lower one and caught a few and been surrounded by hoards of people. The amount of people have kept me away from that area for several years. I think I might be due to go back, though I know it's even more congested now. I've hiked around the middle and upper lakes but never wet a line up there. Looks like you had a great day!

[@trout.addiction]

Yup, it's definitely gotten quite crowded. The middle lake has always produced fish for me, can't say the same for the lower lake. I've never fished the top lake, I'd like to try and make it up there again this year before the summer's over. I'm thinking about coming into the basin from the OHV trail on the other side.

[@mikekelley8291]

Those alpine lakes are awesome. I have hiked up to a couple not thinking about taking fishing gear. Big mistake. It has been many years. I left the crowds behind. I hope it is still that way.

[@trout.addiction]

I can't imagine seeing all those fish rise and not having a rod with me!

[@lidiatiplea-ub5os]

Wow, this is so awesome!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks for sharing! My dad and I are hitting that lake this summer! What month did you hike there?

[@trout.addiction]

Nice! The hike in this video was the first week of July. I think mid July - August are probably the best times to head up there.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

@@trout.addiction nice! We were planning on July 4th weekend, so we will see how it turns out 😄

[@trout.addiction]

@@FJX2000_Productionsthings for you might not be too different from this video, then! It’s worth mentioning that there was quite a bit of snowpack to navigate when making my way up to the second lake.

[@jbreezyfishing]

Superb cinematography! What reel is that? Been looking around for a new outfit and I like that reel quite a bit ... kind of looks like a Galvan Brookie

[@trout.addiction]

Thanks! I believe the reel is a Redington Rise

[@thenewbohemian5779]

Ive never fished an alpine lake, but recently moved to Salida, CO and am gunning for It this summer. Do you usually fish streamers? or any dries? I imagine terrestrials might be productive.

[@trout.addiction]

All of the above. If the wind isn't too bad you can usually see the fish cruising the banks and slurping flies off the surface. BWOs have done really well for me as far as dry flies go, and you can never go wrong with a wooly bugger.

[@GaryChang1959]

I am planning to go to this lake in July. Please tell me where to park. How far is it to walk to the inside of the lake? Thanks.