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ALPINE COUNTY TROUT FISHING
Releasing a Fat Rainbow

ALPINE COUNTY FISHING

Catch and Release, Secret Spot
Hiking into Secret Lake

Every fisherman has a "Secret Spot", shared only with close friends. Here I am with my friend Ron, after backpacking our float tubes in. I was going to tell you a little about this small public-lands lake, but not give you its name or location. Why? It's NOT Catch and Release! Then my buddies threatened to lynch me if I gave too many clues as to its location. Here, we photograph and release fish to fight again, but others come in and take every fish they can (which is their choice, but depletes the fishery). Many guides will not take people in who intend to keep fish (nor will I!). Last year I enjoyed days of landing a dozen Rainbows or more, many to 2 lbs, some up to 3 lbs (with other hooked fish escaping in the weeds), and a 3 lb Brook Trout too! The icing on the cake was watching wild animals like bears and mule deer coming to the lake, apparently unconcerned about humans paddling around in float tubes!

Releasing a Rainbow

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

  • There are a half-dozen of these out-of-the way lakes, requiring hikes of 1 mile to 4 miles each way.
  • Elevations range from 6400 ft to 9400 ft, with Golden Trout in the lakes above 9000 ft.
  • Fishing is best for a month after ice-out (late April to late July, depending on elevation and weather).
  • Weeds, rock cliffs, and winds preclude effective flyfishing from shore...float tubes are a must!
  • Scuds, #16 tan Hare's Ear, #14-16 olive Damselfly and #14 Callibaetis nymphs work well if you cast and let them sink slowly, with an occasional twitch, and slow retrieve. A fast retrieve seldom works.
  • I have seen 4 bears at one time at one of these lakes. Mountain lions roam here too. So leave the kids at home, keep your lunch with you on your float tube, and be alert if arriving early or leaving after sunset!

  • PLEASE PRACTICE VOLUNTARY CATCH-AND-RELEASE IF YOU FISH THESE GEMS !

    • Back To Heenan Reservoir Back to Choices List To Upper East Carson
    No rights reserved..Feel free to use the info or photos!. . . .last Updated 3/12/00
    Created by Dennis Morgan (Click on my name to send me email)