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Area Lakes
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The lakes of Boulder Mountain range in elevation from 7,000ft. to over 11,000ft. above sea level. Those lakes on the "Top" or Aquarius Plateau are likely to winterkill during harsh winters. As you might expect, the winters at 11,000ft. are typically harsh. However, those lakes found on the slopes below the rim are more likely to contain holdover trout. Trout in these lakes often survive for many years without any significant losses due to winterkill. Cutthroat trout and brook trout thrive in the cold clear lakes and beaver ponds hidden within the dense forests below the rim. There is one feature common to virtually every pond or lake in this area....ROCKS! Every lake and beaver pond on this mountain is surrounded by and is full of basalt boulders. In fact, everywhere you walk, on the trails through the aspen and spruce forests and scattered about in the meadows you will see these boulders. There many lakes and ponds on Boulder Mountain and the Aquarius Plateau. Locals will always argue over the actual number. Where fishing is concerned, there are certainly not hundreds of lakes. There remains between 50 - 60 lakes and ponds on this mountain that the UDWR considers viable fisheries able to sustain trout. For those who will continue to dispute the actual number of lakes here on Boulder Mountain, you may want to consider satellite imagery.
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| Some lakes, like the lake shown at the top right are surrounded by boulders and dense spruce / fir forest. Others, like the lake shown at right are surrounded by lush grassy meadows extending out into the lake. This wide grassy border seems to incircle the entire lake making it difficult if not impossible to cast from the shore. If you walk around the lake, and that can be quite a hike on some lakes, you will usually find a boulder field extending into the lake making casting much easier. These rock slides are indicative of the deeper area on most lakes. However, some of the best opportunities for hooking many large trout with a flyrod are found along the grassy shoreline. Trout, and especially large cuuthroat will constantly cruise very close to the grassy edges. That is where much of their food source originates. Terrestrials and emerging insects such as damselflies and the much larger dragonflies are abundant in this grass. |
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| Having breathable chestwaders and felt sole or even studded felt sole wading shoes will usually pay off here. Don't be fooled by the harmless appearance of these grassy areas. The boulders are always there, hidden under the grass. Wading here can be tricky. Always use caution when wading in these areas where the water often changes from shallow to deep very suddenly! In the event that travel restrictions prevent you from bringing your waders, don't worry. Your guide will provide waders and all necessary equipment for you. |
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© 2008 Steve Stoner All Rights Reserved
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