Trout Lakes

I grew up in a family where fishing and camping took on an almost religious
significance. The best of both worlds happens when I am out on a trout lake with fly rod
in hand.

Fishing trout lakes

Lakes are considered still water. This means that the trout have to actively search out
their food, it doesn't come to them as is does on moving water. The exception is at stream
inlets or outlets. Currents there will carry insects to waiting fish.

If there is structure around the edge of the lake, try fishing there first. Large solitary trout
sometimes hold in areas where fallen trees and other debris provide cover.

If you see a lot of rises out in the middle of the lake you are probably watching smaller
trout. Larger fish tend to stay in the depths and will only be tempted to come to the
surface for a large hatch or a large insect.

In deep lakes it pays to use a fast sinking line to get your fly down to where the trout are
holding. A short leader will work on a fast sinking line. If you are fishing the surface a
longer leader, 10 to 13 feet is usual.

Alpine trout lakes

The fun part, and challenge, of fishing high country trout lakes is that they are all
different. One lake may be deep and almost structure free, another only shallow with lots
of weed and structure.

Trout sometimes hang out in the shallows where insects drop from bank side vegetation.
Cutthroat and rainbow trout in lakes will sometimes school and travel around the lake in
search of food.

Trout will come in close to the water's edge looking for food. It pays to thoroughly fish
the shallows. If there is a decent hatch going on, even big trout will be tempted.

Weather in the high country can change quickly so you need to be prepared for all
conditions. It seems to me that high country trout fishing is best when the weather turns
cool, wet and a little windy.

Fishing trout lakes from tubes

More and more trout lakes are being fished from float tubes. The main thing to remember
is that your fly rod needs to be long enough so that your back cast doesn't hit the water.

Trout lake fishing from float tubes can be very productive especially when fishing towards the
shoreline. Once you are used to maneuvering the tube, you can quietly close in on weeds
and structure where fish are likely holding.

The flies that work on trout lakes

If there is a large hatch on the trout lake and the fish are feeding, use a fly that imitates
what is hatching. Streamers work if you are searching for big trout. Use a streamer in
deeper water on a sinking line and short leader.

Nymphs, caddis flies and nymphs are commonly found hatching on lakes. Fish these
insects with a floating line. If you are fishing mid-depths, use a slightly weighted fly.

If you are looking for a change from rivers and streams, try fishing trout lakes. There are
lakes where you'll discover a variety of trout; cutthroats, rainbows, browns, and brookies.
Not all fishing lakes hold only trout, so don't be surprised if a bass or bluegill has a look
at your fly.

Tags: trout fishing, trout lakes

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