Journeyed back up to the Beartooths on Tuesday with the 3wt. This area has hundreds of lakes, most with willing fish but of smaller size. After my long physically taxing trip into Little Moose I was ready for some easy access where I could get more water time than trail time. First stop was Island Lake, it’s fairly large for that area at around 140 acres and has two rocky islands towards the north, hence the name. There’s an easy road to the campground and gravel boat launch so I was in the water in no time. I explored the area around the launch but it was pretty shallow and weedy so I headed north along the shoreline. I had the Fishtrax with me and was able to find a shoal around 10-12‘ deep with a deep drop off. This area produced some decent action, landing half a dozen fish in a couple of hours. The wind started to pick up and I didn’t want to be out on this large of water as winds can get strong quickly here, so I headed in.
I had driven past Long Lake before, which was just a bit up the hwy and somewhat protected from wind by a large high rock shoreline on one side. The other side is about 50 yds from the hwy, so very easy access for the Cruzer. I found a path down, launched and headed over towards the rocks. The wind was manageable and the fish were willing. Spent about three hours here and had a variety of cuts, brooks and even one rainbow.
Before heading down the hill, I went to check out Rainbow Lake. I didn’t have a lot of time, but wanted to find it as it’s supposed to have Golden trout in it and it’s on my list for a future trip. It’s a small lake, around 20 acres and reported to be a short hike of about 1/4 mile from the end of a dirt road just off the hwy. I hiked around a bit and found it, then fished from shore for about 1/2 an hour with no success. I will definitely pack in the Cruzer next trip and spend some time here. It’s a beautiful setting and the chance at some Goldens makes it even better.
Island Lake
Long Lake
Rainbow Lake
…….and of course some fish.
I had driven past Long Lake before, which was just a bit up the hwy and somewhat protected from wind by a large high rock shoreline on one side. The other side is about 50 yds from the hwy, so very easy access for the Cruzer. I found a path down, launched and headed over towards the rocks. The wind was manageable and the fish were willing. Spent about three hours here and had a variety of cuts, brooks and even one rainbow.
Before heading down the hill, I went to check out Rainbow Lake. I didn’t have a lot of time, but wanted to find it as it’s supposed to have Golden trout in it and it’s on my list for a future trip. It’s a small lake, around 20 acres and reported to be a short hike of about 1/4 mile from the end of a dirt road just off the hwy. I hiked around a bit and found it, then fished from shore for about 1/2 an hour with no success. I will definitely pack in the Cruzer next trip and spend some time here. It’s a beautiful setting and the chance at some Goldens makes it even better.
Island Lake
Long Lake
Rainbow Lake
…….and of course some fish.
