hidden lakes montana golden trout

Users have reported that the road leading to the trailhead might require 4WD with high clearance. The largest Golden on record is an 11-pound, 4-ounce fish that Madison Range On the west side of Gallatin Canyon is the Madison Range, broken up by the community of Big Sky. Veer right for Hidden Lakes. Success! adventures and follow local regulations. Although a lesser known area of the High Sierra, it offers sublime alpine country with an elevation from about 9,000 to 10,000 feet for most of the trip. There are currently about 20 golden trout populations in the high mountain lakes of western and southcentral Montana. Wyoming's record golden trout, which is also the current world record (an 11-pounder measuring 28 inches), was caught at Cook Lake in 1948. this is an awesome trail to a beautiful and quiet lake....there are a lot of great little streams and plenty of shade through many portions of the trail. One accesses Windy Pass (a nice hike in it's own right), the other heads off to the Golden Trout Lakes. Another sign about half way will point you toward the Hidden Lakes parking area and trailhead. The ponds at Hidden Lakes are stocked in April and October with trout. Not to be unexpected with all the snow! #NextTime, Buffalo Horn Pass from Tom Miner Campground, Swan Creek Trail to South Fork Swan Creek, Bozeman, MT, to West Yellowstone, MT: the West Entrance, Levinski Ridge via Porcupine Creek Trailhead, Hyalite-Porcupine-Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area. Rocky Basin Lakes: Series of 4 lakes at an elevation of 10,800 feet. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. It is very small and offers only basic amenities. The road in is really rocky but easily drivable with an appropriate car and tires- my explorer was fine- but plan on 30-45 minutes or so to drive the 6 miles from 191 to the trailhead. Took a while to get there in our truck. It was difficult driving up the road to get to the beginning of the trail, so I recommend a vehicle that can handle the rough road; preferably a truck or AWD. Rough roads to the Golden Trout Lakes It was difficult driving up the road to get to the beginning of the trail, so I recommend a vehicle that can handle the rough road; preferably a truck or AWD. A sign indicates heading left to Windy Pass and Golden Trout Lakes, but bear right at the fork and continue another 2.2 miles to the Hidden Lakes trailhead. Unfortunately, a storm blew in sent us back down the hill about a quarter-mile from the lakes. Road up to lake is nice however you need 4wd in some spots and there are no signs until you're right at the spot to park at the top of the mountain. A fit hiker can probably make it to either destination in an hour or so. The TripCome and explore the secluded and scenic northeastern section of the Golden Trout Wilderness, which is located on the expansive Kern Plateau south of Mount Whitney. Trail had snow on parts and a small lake from snow melting towards the last stretch of the hike that we had to go around but omg was it worth it!!! Golden Trout Lakes is a lake located just 11.9 miles from Big Sky, in Gallatin County, in the state of Montana, United States, near George Norman Trailer Court, MT. You might also find goldens scattered around in few other lakes, but they are not as widespread as many species of trout in Montana. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout, northern pike, rainbow trout and whitefish here. Windy Pass Cabin was built in 1934. Not true. The original Big Creek Cabin was built in 1907 and it still stands on this site. Also, the mosquitos were terrible, so wear bug spray and bring extra to reapply at the top! The California golden trout, or simply the golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita or Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita), is a species of trout native to California.The golden trout is normally found in the Golden Trout Creek (tributary to the Kern River), Volcano Creek (tributary to Golden Trout Creek), and the South Fork Kern River.It is the state freshwater fish of California. Road conditions leading up are tremendously bad. Eagle Head Mountain borders the lake to the south and provides a nice backdrop to this beautiful scene. The trailhead serves double duty as it's the jumping off place for two trails. Golden Trout. Catfish is stocked May and September. It had some steeper inclines but we were able to stop and rest by a beautiful stream. CODY, WYOMING'S FRIENDLIEST FLY SHOP AND FISHIEST GUIDE SERVICE. Bring bug spray! Didn’t catch any trout, but saw plenty grabbing bugs off the surface. Some of the best spots to cast a fly include Spanish Lakes, Hidden Lakes, or Golden Trout Lakes. All adults age 16 and older are required to have a Hidden Lakes permit. Hiked on Labor Day. Bring your fly rod, because some lakes hold a variety of fish like cutthroat trout or grayling. You might also find goldens scattered around in few other lakes, but they are not as widespread as many species of trout in Montana. These lakes were planted with Golden Hybrids from the Cottonwood spawning program. © 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Big, gorgeous, tucked up against a wall of rock, and with a little outlet stream to a smaller lake below it. The Hidden Lakes Trailhead is 6.0 miles from 191 and is located at approximately 8185 feet. Fishing too. Golden Trout Lakes Trail is a 4.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Gallatin Gateway, Montana that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The drive is doable, we were in a pick up truck with four wheel drive and it took about 35 mins. Lake is frozen over as of 10/15/17. Golden Trout Lake – The hike to Golden Trout Lakes begins at the Upper Portal Creek Trailhead. It was the first of several dozen that I would end up catching in the 3 days we were there. We were just hiking in for fun! It wasn't very big or very bright, but it was a golden! The Golden Trout Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada, in Tulare County and Inyo County, California.It is located 40 miles (64 km) east of Porterville, California within Inyo National Forest and Sequoia National Forest.. They provide a unique opportunity to catch a beautiful fish in a pristine environment. These popular lakes contain a salmonid diversity that includes Yellowstone cutthroat trout, golden trout, and arctic grayling, says Ken Frazer, FWP regional fisheries manager in Billings. The golden trout is a California species that was introduced in Montana in 1907. The trout grow large here. Beautiful fish! With multiple peaks over 12,000 ft. elevation and hundreds of backcountry lakes, the Beartooth Wilderness/ mountain range is a premier destination for incredible high alpine lake fishing. Like Cottonwood Lakes, the portion of the Kern River where golden trout can be found is extremely tricky to get to. Since these fish put Golden Trout Creek at risk in maintaining genetic purity, they have been removed by gill netting in 2001 to 2003. The last mile is rough - very steep. The fly fishing options in Big Sky country are endless. If this lake isn't enough, there are two other lakes to the east and west that are accessible and only a distance of 0.3 miles to loop all three. My first ever! Easily in anything higher than that, I would say. In looping around the lake, many fish were noted rising to the surface; however, none were caught. Please explore responsibly! A sign indicates heading left to Windy Pass and Golden Trout Lakes, but bear right at the fork and continue another 2.2 miles to the Hidden Lakes trailhead. After passing a large open field (possibly a marsh, depending on weather and time of year), the trail hits a steep section before leveling off for the final approach to the lake. Ran into hikers that made the mistake of following the arrow pointing right rather than straight and ended up in the wrong location. There were 2 water crossings, plus a field that was pretty much just marsh, so be prepared to get your feet wet if that hasn’t dried up. Lots of evidence of bears being in the area so be on alert!!! One accesses Windy Pass (a nice hike in it's own right), the other heads off to the Golden Trout Lakes. Some of the best spots to cast a fly include Spanish Lakes, Hidden Lakes, or Golden Trout Lakes. Recommend bait is half a worm on a small hook with a weight 20-26 inches up your line. The trail starts off easy and winds past a few small ponds before reaching the cutoff to Hidden Lakes Trail (approx. Beautiful Alpine Lake. In early July 2012, my mom and I headed up into the Gallatin Mountains for our next hiking adventure: Golden Trout Lakes. (Hiking) Golden Trout Lakes, Near Big Sky, Montana By danwgoodman on June 27, 2012 • ( 3 Comments ) Stifling heat and choking smoke may define the legacy of Montana’s 2012 summer, but the state’s high altitude mountain lakes have so far remained havens for outdoor seekers of … Golden trout are on the smaller side. The Montana state record brown trout was caught in … The meadow and wildflowers were awesome! BULL TROUT. Very few people on the trail for a Saturday in August. 06/23/2018. Glad I borrowed a friends truck. While not as rugged as the Sierra to the north, this Once we go to the actual trail head it stated 2.5 miles to the lake. We walked 1 1/2 + miles from the closed road to the sign that states 3 miles to trail head. The lake is beautiful in a nice place to relax. This hidden gem sits at 9075′ and is a perfect lake to catch a fish or take a dip. About an hour and 20 minutes to get to the lake at a moderate pace, so calculate that into when you want to start fishing. The California golden trout, or simply the golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita or Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita), is a species of trout native to California.The golden trout is normally found in the Golden Trout Creek (tributary to the Kern River), Volcano Creek (tributary to Golden Trout Creek), and the South Fork Kern River.It is the state freshwater fish of California. Golden Trout Lakes Trail: Rough roads to the Golden Trout Lakes - See 4 traveler reviews, 3 candid photos, and great deals for Gallatin Gateway, MT, at Tripadvisor. Others are the perfect place for a … Definitely coming again to try to catch some golden trout. Was much colder at the lake so didn’t stay long. Sylvan Lake’s golden population is so pure that the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks regularly uses the eggs laid by goldens at Sylvan Lake for stocking other lakes in Montana. It is 303,511 acres (1,228.3 km 2) in size and was created by the US Congress in 1978 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It was a beautiful blast in our eyes but if you are looking to fish, look somewhere else!! Good hike, rough road getting up there. I just went fishing in the western Sierra and caught a Golden trout even bigger than the one in the picture. A few streams cross the trail but are easily maneuvered over via rocks. We will be back to see the lake! Golden trout are most often found in remote, alpine drainages over 9,000 feet in elevation. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Like a Peacock and a Goldfish Combined in a Dream, Simply Beautiful! Turned around .5 miles in on the trail due to snow. If you’re still not sure where to begin your Big Sky fly fishing adventure, check out MontanaAngler.com or better yet, hire one of Big Sky country’s world class fly fishing guides. The entire hike covers 1300′ of elevation gain and is 5 miles round trip. Catfish is stocked May and September. We've found that both lures and flies work excellently in the little known lakes in the Crazy Mountains. Most lakes in this area can be reached in a few hours on a day hike, while others are best enjoyed with a wilderness camping trip. I went last spring, there was a lot of water over the path and some post holing to be done. The map also shows hotspots where our fishing junkies have caught lunkers and posted photos and stories. Beautiful short and easy hike. It is absolutely beautiful but I can imagine it is much more manageable when you can drive to the trail head and hike. The trail is rough if you have a lot of weight on you. Generally you can’t just do a quick day trip for these ornate fish. Fox Creek Cabin is a former ranger station located in a remote area. Thread starter mcnerney; Start date Sep 27, 2018; mcnerney Administrator. One of the best in Big Sky. Definitely worth the hike up there! Beautiful hike! A fit hiker can probably make it to either destination in an hour or so. Nice n easy hike. Golden trout lakes is a 5-mile rout trip hike with the opportunity to fish for Golden Trout. The Golden Trout Lakes fishing map contains information about some of the best fishing spots this lake has to offer as well as the nearby cottages, campgrounds, and bait and tackle shops. Neither trail is terribly difficult. Once you get to the beginning of the trail, the hike is a nice little workout until you reach the final location of Golden Trout Lakes. Call ahead to see if its open. A Hidden Lakes permit is needed to fish at Hidden Lakes. Rocky Basin Lakes: Series of 4 lakes at an elevation of 10,800 feet. The trail starts at the Gallatin River and continues upward through dense evergreen forest. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. The big myth about Golden Trout is that you have to go on some backbreaking hike to 11,000 ft to catch a Golden Trout. At this point, there is a decent sized parking area. The trailhead is easy to find, and has a vault toilet and a decently sized parking lot. The last mile is pretty tough, but I’d label the rest as moderate. Hiking to an alpine lake is a rewarding adventure. At this fork you can go to Windy Pass and Golden Trout Lakes or Hidden Lakes. There are some different options for starting and ending this hike, but the route I did started at Buffalo Horn Trailhead and ends at the Hyalite Creek Trailhead, and is approximately 42 miles total. Fishing Permits . At this fork you can go to Windy Pass and Golden Trout Lakes or Hidden Lakes. If you’re still not sure where to begin your Big Sky fly fishing adventure, check out MontanaAngler.com or better yet, hire one of Big Sky country’s world class fly fishing guides. Lastly, we made it to the top in 2 wheel drive, it’s not too bad of a drive, and really the biggest time clearance came into question was coming back down and honestly, if you’re a good driver, you could make it in something like a Subaru Outback. Fly-fishing for golden trout is a time-consuming, obsession-creating adventure of a time. These lakes were planted with Golden Hybrids from the Cottonwood spawning program. Reapply at the bifurcation to Hidden Lakes are found close to the actual trail head just above Montana Cabin.. Get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and is very small and offers basic. Great place for two trails current Cabin, a former ranger station located a... 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