Northwestern Colorado provides not only some excellent fishing, but can also offer a chance at solitude, something that is hard to find when living along the front range. With high mountain lake fly-fishing in the Flat Tops Wilderness and small feeder creeks to the Yampa and lower Colorado rivers there is something for every angler in this part of the state. We hope you enjoy your time here as much as we have. If there is someplace in the region that you would like to share email michaelmiller@wildtroutonthefly.com and he will help you get it out there.
Mike Miller hooks up with a nice cutthroat from Coffin Lake in the Flat Tops Wilderness.
Coffin Lake This small lake (6 acres) sits directly east of Trappers Lake and has some extremely good fishing for cutthroat when trout in the big lake are turned off. Coffin Lake is a great side trip when visiting the popular Trappers Lake, and with willing cutthroat to 20" that can be sight casted to, it is definitely worth the 10 minute hike. All cutthroat caught must be returned to the water immediately and only flies and lures may be used. Recommended flies; hares ear nymphs, prince nymphs, scuds, midges, pheasant tails, ants, beetles, Adams, griffiths gnat and copper johns are all effective for fooling trout. Though this lake is close to Trappers Lake, not many know about this smaller lake just next door. To get to Coffin Lake from Trappers Lake park at the lake parking lot and hike around the east side of the lake to trail #1814. Take trail #1814 east for approximately .4 miles to Coffin Lake. (USGS Trappers Lake Quad)
Crescent Lake Though you may see locals on a trip to this lake, you will not see many. Crescent Lake (38 acres) is nestled at the end of a 4WD road and is an excellent jumping off point for trips into the southeast side of the Flat Tops Wilderness area. With fishing for both cutthroat and lake trout and camping at primitive sites that are close by, this is an excellent place to go to get away from the crowds. Recommended flies; hares ear nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, scuds olive and cream, prince nymphs, streamers, midges, Adams, mosquitoes, griffiths gnats, ants, beetles, BWO, PMD are all effective flies. To get to Crescent Lake from Dotsero drive approximately 24 miles north to Derby Junction and go west on Derby Mesa Loop (CR 39). Drive approximately 6 miles to 4WD Forest Service Road 613 (FSR 613). FSR 613 is a high clearance four wheel drive trail, it is not recommended for vehicles with low clearance. Drive about 12 miles to Crescent Lake. This Lake is an excellent starting point for backcountry trips to Upper Island Lake, Shingle Lake, Mirror Lake and Shepard Lake. These are all within the Flat Tops Wilderness and are an excellent choice for backcountry exploration. (USGS Trappers Lake Quad)
Deer Lake Deer Lake (2.5 acres, 11,130 ft. elev.) is as off the beaten track as you can get. This small high mountain lake is the only lake at the end of a fairly strenuous hike, and due to it's size not too many hikers or anglers find their way to this gem. Deer Lake has a very nice population of cutthroat trout that are very willing to take a fly. With few camping choices that are often open, this makes for an excellent trip if looking for solitude and really decent fly-fishing. Recommended flies; Adams, Griffiths Gnats, hares ear nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, midges, ants, flying ants and beetles will all draw strikes from trout. To get to Deer Lake from Dotsero drive approximately 24 miles north to Derby Junction and go west on Derby Mesa Loop (CR 39). Drive approximately 6 miles to 4WD Forest Service Road 613 (FSR 613). FSR 613 is a high clearance four wheel drive trail, it is not recommended for vehicles with low clearance. Drive about 12 miles to Crescent Lake. Park on the northwest of the lake and take trail #1857 approximately 2 miles to Island Lakes. Hike to trail intersection and take trail #1802 north to Deer Lake. As with all trips into the backcountry we highly recommend the use of a topographic map. (USGS Trappers Lake Quad)
Island Lakes The Island Lakes (Upper 27 acres, Middle 15 acres, Lower 28 acres) are a great backpacking destination that allows for side trips to several other high mountain lakes in the Flat Tops Wilderness area. All three lakes contain good populations of rainbow and cutthroat trout and the surrounding area is absolutely beautiful. There are several spots around the lakes that allow for backcountry camping (please remember that all backcountry rules apply, please pack it in, pack it out.). With so many places to visit in the vicinity of these three lakes, this is a perfect place for multi-day backpacking trips. Recommended flies; hares ear nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, copper johns, Adams, Griffiths gnats, mosquitoes, midges, caddis, stimulators and ants are all effective flies when in this area. To get to Island Lakes from Dotsero drive approximately 24 miles north to Derby Junction and go west on Derby Mesa Loop (CR 39). Drive approximately 6 miles to 4WD Forest Service Road 613 (FSR 613). FSR 613 is a high clearance four wheel drive trail, it is not recommended for vehicles with low clearance. Drive about 12 miles to Crescent Lake. You can park at the northwest of the lake and take trail #1857 approximately 2 miles to Island Lakes. As with all trips into the backcountry we highly recommend the use of a topographic map. (USGS Trappers Lake Quad)
Lost Solar Lakes Taking a backcountry trip to the Lost Solar Lakes is one of the best ways to see the southern side of the Flat Tops Wilderness. With a fairly easy but long hike, this trip is best made over a period of days as opposed to an overnight trip. With fishing along both the South Fork of the White River and Lost Solar Creek, it can make it very difficult to make it to your destination. With beautiful scenery, practically no crowds and excellent fishing this is a great place to take a break from it all. Lost Solar Lakes consists of 3 lakes (#1 4 acres, #2 1 acre, #3 15 acres) and all have decent fishing for cutthroat. Recommended flies; hares ear nymphs, prince nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, caddis, stimulators, Adams, Griffiths Gnats, mosquitoes, ants and beetles will all work when visiting this beautiful lake. To get to the Lost Solar Lakes from the South Fork Campground (for information click here) hike east #1827 for 4 miles to trail #1828. You will hike about another 6 miles to Solar Lakes. We do recommend the use of a topographic map when traveling in the backcountry. (USGS Buford, Oyster Lake and Blair Mountain Quads)
Wall Lake Wall Lake (45 acres, 10,986 ft. elev.) is another lake that allows for both solitude and excellent fishing for cutthroats. The hike to this lake is a strenuous 5 miles, but definately worth the effort. Wall Lake has a nice population of cutthroat and an excellent selection of camping sites in the area to make for a great backcountry trip in the Flat Tops Wilderness. There are several smaller unnamed lakes that can be fished in the area, but useof a topographic map is a must. Wall Lake is a beautiful place to visit and highly recommended by wild trout on the fly.com. Recommended flies for Wall Lake; hares ear nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, scuds, mosquitoes, Griffiths gnats, Adams, caddis, ants, beetles and midges can all be effective at times at this beautiful high mountain lake. To get to Wall Lake from Trappers Lake hike south on trail #1818 approximately 5 miles. This is a very strenuous hike and should not be attempted if in poor health. (USGS Trappers Lake Quad)
