High Alpine Lakes

by Justin Hamblin

High alpine lakes are one of my favorite places to fly fish during early summer through the fall. These lakes can have good action during this entire span of time.

I really like to be one of the first anglers on a smaller lake, right after the winter ice has melted and just come off the lake. At this transition time, the fish are usually very eager to eat after winter’s lack of hatches.

Hook: Ahrex FW541 size 8
Bead: Hareline Gritty Tungsten Bead Peacock Grit 5/32”
Weighted Wire: Non Lead .015”
Thread: UniThread 6/0 Grey
Body: Spawn Simi Seal BC Scuds
Antennae: Mallard Flank Medium Dun
Flash: Lateral Scale Peacock
Topper: Thin Skin Fly Specks Clear/Black
Rib: Ultra Wire Blue Small
Cement: Loon Clear Fly Finish Thin
*Cured with Loon UV Torch
Get all the materials here- SPAWN FLYFISH

Most lakes require a hike to get to. Some are longer than others, providing solitude as a hard-earned reward.

Cutthroat are the gems of high alpine lake emerald green waters.

A healthy selection of scud patterns is a must for high country lakes.

You never know when a sudden hatch is going to pop off on these high alpine lakes. A good selection of emergers and dries is a must when the water starts to boil.

Sudden little rain squalls are very common on these lakes.

Weather changes can be very sudden at these locations, including small waterspouts like this one.

The weather can be brutal on a high country lake, but luckily it’s usually short lived.

A float tube or pontoon is a great way to get to the best spots and cover a lot of water on these lakes.

Large, healthy cutthroat trout are a special treat in these high lakes.

The brooke trout here are as colorful as they come.

The elongated dorsal fins of Arctic grayling can be mesmerizing when submerged in water and allowed to fully expand and flow.

Any little height advantage can be very helpful on these lakes.

Splake can grow to healthy proportions in these lakes, and they sport some vibrant colors in the fall.

Many of these high alpine Utah lakes hold healthy populations of colorful brook trout.

It’s not uncommon to find yourself the lone angler on high alpine lakes like this one.

Starry nights around the campfire in the high country are some of my favorite places.

Contributed By

Justin Hamblin

Justin grew up fishing the small lakes and streams of northern Utah with his dad, and he attributes his love of fishing and photography to that same man. Justin graduated from Utah State University with degrees in Art and Business as well as lettering four years on the football team as the kicker/punter. He is married to his sweetheart and has four children who share his passion for photography, fishing, food and all things outdoors. Justin enjoys taking pictures while fishing as much as fishing itself, and he is often more proud of the images he captures than the fish he catches. Justin has been part of the R.L. Winston Rod Company’s Pro Photographers team since 2014 and has been an ambassador for RepYourWater Since 2019.

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Contributed By

Justin Hamblin

Issue #77

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