Fern Lake 1999
In July, 1999, Jim, Steve, and Michael hiked the Odessa-Fern loop with an overnight at the Fern Lake individual sites. A side trip to Spruce Lake produced an incredible number of greenback cutthroat (all of which were released unharmed and apparently no smarter).
The fish were very picky that day, refusing to strike any fly that required them leaving the water and crawling for more than 6 feet. Similarly, we found that only flies between size 6 and size 28 were effective.
Great trip, and perfect introduction to high country lake fishing for Michael.
Click on picture to get larger image.
 Notchtop mountain from the trail near Joe Mills pass. |
 The Odessa-Fern gorge, looking from the trail just below Joe Mills mountain. |
 Beautiful Odessa Lake, with Notchtop Mountain and Flattop Mountain in the background. |
 Steve and Michael take a short break after setting up camp. Jim's (favorite) Starlet tent is in the foreground. |
 Michael brings in one of many greenback cutthroat at Spruce Lake. |
 A beautiful Spruce Lake cutthroat just before being released. |
 Michael with yet another cutthroat ready to be released. |
 "The Pool" at the confluence of Spruce Creek and the Big Thompson River. |