High Country Report 7-4-17

July 4, 2017

American Lake: You will find American lake nestled in the Elk Mountain range right outside of Aspen. You turn onto Castle Creek Rd, and travel 10 miles until you see the Elk Mountain Lodge, parking for the trailhead will be on your right. Your 6.4 mile round trip will start with a steep ascent through aspen groves, dense forest, and gorgeous meadows. You will then be rewarded with a stunning view of American Lake that is full of beautiful native cutthroats. Terrestrial dries and leach patterns should be a recipe for success at American.

Cathedral Lake: Like American lake turn onto Castle Creek Rd and travel 12.2 miles and turn right (shortly after passing Ashcroft) onto a gravel road, driving a 1/2 mile to the trailhead.: The trail climbs for 3/4 of a mile through an aspen forest before it enters the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness, then begins a steeper ascent, following Pine Creek cascading through the canyon just off the trail. It levels briefly at the top of the canyon then begins another ascent through spruce forests and rockslides, deadending at a series of short, very steep switchbacks. Cathedral is a large alpine lake, so stay on the move and look for cruising cutthroats. Hoppers, ants, beetles, caddis, and adams should all play well at Cathedral. If rising fish are not to be found, nymphing scuds and damsels could lead you into the cutthroat of a lifetime. 

Petroleum Lake: Drive ten miles east of Aspen on Highway 82 to Lincoln Creek Road. Turn right and drive 6 1/2 miles on Lincoln Creek Road to Portal Campground. From Portal Campground the road becomes very rough and a high clearance four-wheel drive is required. Either drive or hike the remaining 3 1/3 miles to a fork in the road. Take the right fork, cross the creek and park on the other side. In about 1 mile the trail forks. The left fork reaches Anderson Lake in another 1/4 mile. To access Petroleum Lake retrace your steps and take the right fork. Petroleum is 3/4 of a mile farther. The trail continues its ascent through alpine meadows and tundra before coming to an outlet stream for Petroleum Lake. Cross the stream. The trail then begins a very steep ascent for 200 yards before leveling out. Petroleum Lake is just ahead beyond the rise on the left. You will be surrounded in a beautiful alpine setting with breathraking views of the Collegiate Wilderness and native cutthroats. 

Dinkle Lake:  From Carbondale travel south on Hwy 133 for approximately 1.4 miles. Make a left turn on Prince Creek Road and go about 6 miles to the fork in the road. Take a right at the fork and follow it for 2 1/4 miles to Dinkle Lake.

Beaver Lake: Located in Marble CO. From Carbondale take hwy 133 for 22 miles and turn left onto County Road 3 and follow signs for Beaver Lake. You will find eager rainbows and cutthroats in a beautiful mountain setting. Make sure to stop by Slow Groovin BBQ for some of the best barbecue in the state.

Maroon Bells: Located just 10 miles west of Aspen or 16 from Snowmass up Maroon Creek Road off Hwy. 82. Being one of the most photographed areas in Colorado, the bells do see lots of traffic, but very few have fly rod in hand. Bring some of your favorite dries and streamers to fish one of the most breathtaking areas in Colorado.

Indpendence Pass: The pass is OPEN! Most of the lakes will should be unfrozen. Lost Man Reservoir, Lincoln Creek, and the upper Roaring Fork should all be fishing! Go take one of the most scenic drives in the state, and enter a winter wonderland.

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