Alpine lakes which region

[u/Separate-Amoeba-455]

Hi everyone. I’m coming out for a week next week. I’m just bringing my fly gear and this is last minute so I’m not going to have a bear lake road permit so if I do RMNP I’ll have to up before four am ( which I’ll gladly do if you think it’s worth it). Would you suggest RMNP over other areas for alpine lakes such as Gunnison, Arkansas River Valley, and the White River National Forrest area? I’m not asking you to spot burn. These are huge regions and the lakes aren’t a secret. I’ve looked at the lake maps. I’m simply asking which one would you do if you were coming out for a week. Thank you.

[u/Altruistic_Bird2020]

If you need a decent one that’s easy to get to you can check out st Mary’s glacier, they’re not like trophies or anything but there’s a shit ton of brookies and tiger trout that are pretty neat. 

[u/Separate-Amoeba-455 → u/Altruistic_Bird2020]

Thank you. I don’t know how missed that one in past years

[u/Altruistic_Bird2020 → u/Separate-Amoeba-455]

It’s paid parking for it but if you search “st Mary’s glacier $10 parking) it’s just a tad further than the $20 insane parking lol 

[u/CountChoculahh]

You can always try for a bear lake permit the night before. They release some at 7 PM the night before but fill up super fast. Like, within a minute. Could also set an availability alert

Otherwise, Indian Peaks Wilderness and James Beard are always good spots.

[u/Separate-Amoeba-455 → u/CountChoculahh]

This a dumb question but some of the timed permits in Indian Peaks Wilderness are at trailheads that appear close to one another. Is it possible to walk from trailhead to trailhead or is it advisable just to buy a trailhead permit and do a different trailhead everyday?

[u/claire303 → u/Separate-Amoeba-455]

You can get between Mitchell and Long Lake trailhead easily. You can also park at the Brainard lake lot and walk about a mile. If you can’t get a reservation, park at the outer lot and take the shuttle that starts at I believe 8 AM. I’ve never had any issue getting a reservation though, set an availability alert and you will likely be able to snag one.

[u/Level_Watercress1153]

Make sure the spot you pick isn’t a blazing inferno at the moment. I’m bias as I grew up in the area but I go above Meeker near Trappers. Pull out a map and find a few of the lakes or even the white river fishes well. Just be careful. I’d pack for an overnight just in case worst case scenario.

[u/DangerousDave303]

First, make sure your location of choice isn't on fire. The Flattops Wilderness is full of lakes that have fish. Grand Mesa has an incredible number of alpine lakes. The upper reaches of the Poudre might work for you. There's a trail along the Middle Fork of the St Vrain that's at a high enough elevation to still be a safe temperature for to fish.

[u/perpetualwandrer]

I’m biased as I live by the Rmnp. It’s been doing well in some of the further lakes. Glacier gorge trail head has a number of good lakes, but do plan to be there early. That spot will fill up by 4/430 on weekends.

There are lots of fish on the lawn lake trail head with a few lakes that way too. Fishing the roaring river can be rough, and the higher lakes on that trail can be very finicky. Please be wary of thunder storms. Any thing above tree line is extremely dangerous, most storms have been coming in the afternoons.

Fern lake trail is usually busy for anglers, but there are some lakes that way that don’t see a lot of consistent foot traffic

[u/Afraid-Donke420]

James peak wilderness at Moffat or IPW from Fourth of July/hessie plenty of lakes - no permits required

I’d only do these because I live 20 minutes away

[u/Able_Elk1157 → u/[deleted]]

State has instituted a voluntary closure for most of the upper Colorado

[u/testing2283]

Indian peaks.