Trout Lake, Big Fisher Lake Camping Trip

July 24th, 2006

On Thursday night I headed up for two days to Trout and Big Fisher Lakes, in the Selkirks west of Bonners Ferry. These are two fairly popular lakes with good fishing and excellent hiking. Because of my rudimentary (non-existent) fishing skills I was unable to nab even one of the trout that were constantly jumping the entire time I was there. However, I did get some excellent hiking in.

Trout Lake is about 3.7 miles from the trailhead, up a moderately challenging slope which was made even more so by my overloaded pack. Why do I always bring twice as much food and water as I'll really need? Anyway, my Jansport Bivouac pack is only 35 liters so I added a small daypack and loaded that thing down. Quite a sweaty climb in the upper 80-degree heat, at least for me. There are several excellent camping sites which I had all to myself. After setting out my tent and tying up the bear bag it was time to turn in.

That night I slept fairly well, considering that at least three or four large mammals made their way through the camp, loudly stomping and in one case playing with my fishing pole (the claw marks on the handle seem to indicate that a bear was involved). The next day I tried my luck at fishing and then hiked up to Big Fisher Lake, which is about two miles further along the trail. I didn't actually descend to the lake, but the view from the top was spectacular! I ascended the ridge directly south and could see quite a ways. The view included the unnamed peak which is the highest point in the Idaho Selkirks, just southeast of Fisher Peak.

Overall this was an excellent trip. The mosquitos were bothersome but for a more experienced angler these look to be excellent sites for a multi-day fish fest.