Amongst cliffs, highland meadows and shifting geology, a very interesting place lusters a turquoise green shimmer. You can see objects in the lake short distances from shore, but after that the turquoise abyss shrouds all into mystery. Rises of Westslope Cutthroat Trout were visible all across the lake, yet you can never spot a trouts body under the concealment of the murky blue water. This lake is one of the very few that merits such a color to behold and not test toxic. The southern side of the lake receives excess amounts of loose minerals in the form of landslides, snowmelt contamination, and spring washes that this mineral collects in then disperses into the lake making it a beautiful turquoise to green appearance.
My father and I had planned to visit this lake about a week before on my birthday, only to be unfulfilled to find that the trail has been closed for near a month for dam construction. Lack of research and poor coincidence left one trip unfulfilled. Through patience and proper planning, we set out once again to the same trailhead three days after the closure was lifted. Eager to see what work had been done and to see a new lake, we putted up the mountain trail on our motorcycles. About halfway up the mountain, we had to stop because the last piece of excavation equipment was blocking the road, on its way down the road. We sat and chatted with the backhoe operator and his wife for a bit, making a friendly aquaintence. We moved back down the road a short distance to let the large backhoe pass safely, then it was all ours to enjoy.
We were the first ones to enjoy the trail and lake after a long month of no recreation up there. The trail was a cakewalk up to the lake due to road maintenance necessary to get large equipment up the mountain. Unlike the rough, rocky trails were used to, this trail was mostly packed mud all the way up. Zooming up the trail with ease, breathing in mountain air that's clean and pure, we found ourselves looking at a pretty, turquoise lake. Across the dam and onto a wavy, sandy beach, our bikes crawled across the steep sand bank that plummets into the lake. We stopped where a cliff halted us from going any further, enjoying the unique scenery this lake rewards us with. Trout rise to insects in great numbers, inspiring me to rig up a tenkara rod for some playful action.
Simple flicks of a lightweight dry fly across a mysterious plane provides exciting trout angling. My fly floating across the turquoise surface, a silvery flash shoots out of the depths and takes the fly in a gorgeous rise form. These fish dance with the music of Montana, as their grace resembles where they live. A fine example of something so elegant and distinguished rising out of nowhere to be explored and cherished.
A spring still flows into the lake providing a perfect inlet for hungry trout. Trying to stay afloat the very soft banks, I cast my fly right into the feeding chute and watch it close. It wasn't long before three cutthroats rose to my fly in attempt to steal it from one another. Three trout body's lunging out of the water, portraying a satisfactory display of natures gifts. Able to experience the fish's cooperation, I leave each area, coexisting without impact. A long walk along sandy beaches provides for effortless views and humbling trout. Mountain goats walk along the eroding mountainside searching for edibles to forage. Vast mountain meadows shine their grit in their alpine setting. The swish of a light wind through cliffs and trees and nothing else, is a experience that overrides the senses and puts the soul first. A wonderful time going to a bucket list lake that I researched for so long, it was worth the wait!….. Sky Pilago Joyner