Today we got out to a new spot which has a reputation for beautiful views and chunky trout. We pulled in to the trail head around 10:00am under bluebird skies. The Basin lies in the Flathead National Forrest and is just over the crest of the Swan Mountains about 25 miles east of town.The hike began in the trees offering scant views of the surrounding mountains. After a mile or so the view really opens up.
Here's Joy on her way to a precarious ledge.
This lake came before the one that we fished...you can see the valley in the background.
This is the view of Flathead Lake from the ridge.
The destination!
We fished here for a little over an hour. I caught three on a big deer hair stimulator fly and one nicer one on a prince nymph. He hit hard in a spot where a waterfall flowed into the lake.
This westslope cutthroat had a purple hue. After fishing only a short time we headed back.
If you blow this picture up you can see the trail falling off the side of the rocky mountain in the background. This spot got steep as it rounded the bend.
The wildflowers are in full bloom along the trail sides, in the alpine meadows, and near avalanche shoots.
This pic was taken from near the top of the ridge line. This hike was a moderate 6 miles round trip. We will definitely be back to explore more of the twenty some alpine lakes in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area.
Montana's National Forests hold some of the best waters!
No comments:
Post a Comment