A Magical Alpine Lake & Wild Native Cutthroat Trout | Backpacking & Dry Fly Fishing in Colorado

Mid August, 2026. I backpacked 6 miles up 2000+ feet to meet my son and his friends at an alpine lake deep in the Colorado wilderness. The route took me along a small creek that eventually leads to a lower lake and after another mile or so to my final destination - a pristine mountain lake that holds wild self-sustaining population of Colorado River cutthroat trout.

My son with his boss and his son left a day earlier and took the longer route along the ridge - 12 miles. That was not for me:). So I opted to meet them at the lake.

The hike was shady, really beautiful, and very steep.

When I reached the first lake the clouds already started rolling in, so I had to hurry and throw a few casts with my Tenkara fly rod. I ended up catching and missing a couple, and was tempted to stay a little longer, so I can land one, but luckily I decided to continue before the rain comes.

My final destination was a magical place with glassy water, amazing views, magical sunrises and sunsets, and very picky wild native trout.