A Fly Fishing Guide To Colorado's Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

This special SCRIBD version of
provides a sneak peak of what’s inside the

complete 160-page book.
This free online version includes:

● The complete first section of the book:
ž Acknowledgements & Forewords
ž IPWA and Brainard Lake Maps
ž Section 1 - Wilderness Overview
ž Section II - Hiking & Camping in IPWA
ž Section III - Fishing in IPWA
ž Section IV - Trout in IPWA
● The first destination found in each of the 7 areas of IPWA discussed in the
book (a total of 27 fishing locations in IPWA)
● Complete Index
What’s not in this free online version:

● The remaining 100 fishing destinations
● The Appendix material:
ž 54 Effective Fly Patterns
ž Area Fly Shops
ž Trailhead Information
ž Trails Ranked By Difficulty
ž Hatch Seasons
ž Hatch Charts
ž Lakes Containing Fish
ž Complete data of Creeks, Streams & Lakes in IPWA
A Fly Fishing Guide to
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
The most comprehensive and fully illustrated guide
available, covering over 120 destinations
In clu d es
B ra in a rd L a k e R ecrea tio n A rea
By
Michael Kruise & Steven B. Schweitzer
Contributing Author
Benjamin Swigle
F ish B iolo gist
C o lo ra d o P ark s & W ild life
W a terco lo r illustra tio n s b y R ick T a k a h a sh i
F ish in g fly p h o to gra p h y b y M a rk T ra cy
S p ecia l A d d ition s b y
L a n d o n M a yer
D a n iel G alh a rdo
P h o to gra p h y, illustra tio n s a n d tex t b y th e a u th o rs

u n less oth erw ise n oted
PIXACHROME Publishing
A Fly Fishing Guide to Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
For more information about this book, TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY COPYRIGHT:
visit the online companion at Michael Kruise, Steven B. Schweitzer. All rights reserved.
www.flyfishthepeaks.com.
Others noted where applicable.
FISH ILLUSTRATION COPYRIGHT:

Rick Takahashi, 2010, 2014. All rights reserved.
EDITORIAL REVIEW:
Erin Block, Dick Shinton, Benjamin Swigle
CONTRIBUTORS:
Health and Safety: Kerry Evens, Chief Flight Nurse, North Colorado Med Evac, RN,
BSN, CFRN, CEN
Fish watercolor illustrations: Rick Takahashi
Fishing fly photography: Mark Tracy
Writing Contributions: Daniel Galhardo, Landon Mayer, Benjamin Swigle
STREAM, RIVER AND LAKE DATA:

Benjamin Swigle
PUBLISHED BY:
Pixachrome Publishing
www.pixachrome.com
PRINTING:
Friesens Corporation
Printed in Canada
Books.friesens.com
First Printing September 2014
No portion of this book, either text or photography, may be reproduced in any
form, including electronically, without the express written permission of the
publisher.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA:

Kruise, Michael and Schweitzer, Steven B.
A Fly Fishing Guide to Indian Peaks Wilderness Area / by Michael Kruise,
Steven B. Schweitzer
p. cm.
DESIGN AND LAYOUT:
Page layout created with Serif PagePlus
Includes index.
X7. Line art illustrations created with
Serif DrawPlus X6. Panoramic stitching ISBN-10: 0-9890180-0-8
created by Serif PanoramaPlus X4. ISBN-13: 978-0-9890180-0-5
www.serif.com. Library of Congress Control Number: 2014913203
PHOTOGRAPHY and EDITING:
Primary Camera: Nikon D7000 A NOTE OF SAFETY REGARDING BACK-COUNTRY TRAVEL AND FLY FISHING:
Secondary Camera: Nikon D70 With the exception of just a few roadside locations, fly fishing destinations listed
Primary: 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 in this book require various levels of physical activity including hiking, back-
Tele Lens: 18-300mm f/3.5-5.3 packing and off-trail travel. Every attempt has been made to discuss the
Wide Angle: 12-24mm f/3.5 potential hazards and level of physical activity required. It is the responsibility of
Prime: 50mm f/1.8
Panoramic head: Nodal Ninja SPH-1
the users of this book to assess their own capabilities and physical limitations,
Photo and HDR Editing: and learn the necessary skills required for safe hiking and back-country travel.
Adobe Lightroom 4 and Photoshop CS5 The authors and publisher disclaim any liability for injury or other damage caused
Panoramic Editing: Serif PanoramaPlus X4 by hiking, back-country travel and any other activity discussed in this book.
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS: The authors have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information
All topographic maps were created with
DeLorme Topo USA® 10.0 software with
contained within this book. From time-to-time, the information within can
permission. www.delorme.com. become out-of-date and require updating. If you find information in this book
that requires revision, please notify the publisher for correction in future
FRONT AND BACK COVER DESIGN: printings. As always, your comments and suggestions are encouraged and
Cortland Langworthy welcomed.
FRONT COVER:
Author Steve Schweitzer fishes some
Email comments to info@flyfishthepeaks.com
pocket water on Middle St. Vrain Creek
with a TenkaraUSA Iwana rod.
Photo: Mike Kruise
2
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
A comprehensive book of this nature requires diligence, perseverance, many hours studying
maps and of course, years of hiking and fishing. But it wouldn’t all come together without
the generous and encouraging help from many friends each having special talents in their own right.
First and foremost, the accuracy of the historical location data and fish management practices
within Indian Peaks Wilderness would not be complete without the invaluable contributions by
Benjamin Swigle, Fish Biologist, Colorado Parks & Wildlife. From both authors, we take a bow
of sincere gratitude - Thanks, Ben. And, the same level of gratitude is extended to Jon Ewert, Fish
Biologist, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, who manages portions of Indian Peaks Wilderness with Ben.
Without their professional guidance and unselfish sharing of mounds of data, this book would not
have the accuracy, detail and substance within.
As with the companion book, A Fly Fishing Guide To Rocky Mountain National Park, illustrations
and fishing fly photography has become an essential and valuable ingredient in the content of this
book. Noted author and illustrator Rick Takahashi provided beautiful watercolors of the fish within
Indian Peaks Wilderness. The reproductions in this book don’t do justice to the beauty of each
original work of art. A sincere thanks for all the time invested in creating the water-colored works
of art, Rick.
As both authors know, great photography, not just good photography, is essential to conveying a
message beyond the written word. Mark Tracy has taken fishing fly photography to a whole new
level with the photos he prepared for this book. Study them closely, you can tie a reproduction of
each fly without ever looking at the recipe - Mark has ensured the essential details of the fly is captured
in each plate. Mark, we know how much time it took to photograph the flies to the level of perfection
only you could master - our sincere gratitude for all your invested effort.
Creating an appealing design of the book’s front and back cover to convey the contents within
can be a difficult job. Again, we called on the insightful design eye of Cortland Langworthy to
create the companion cover to the award-winning design of A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain
National Park. Besides being one fine guitarist and musician, not to mention fly fisher, Cort’s design
certainly adds a professional touch that we couldn’t have done without. Cort - many, many, many
thanks.
Sometimes you have to call in the experts and when it comes to sight-fishing and fishing
tenkara-style, and we had to do just that. Noted author and guide Landon Mayer contributed his
insightful ability to visually find and cast to fish, and not just fish, but big fish. If you ever have a
chance to listen to one of Landon’s presentations, make a point to - you will learn something, that’s
for sure. And speaking of learning something, fishing with Daniel Galhardo, founder of Tenkara
USA, will humble you as he routinely and near-effortlessly picks out fish with tenkara gear and
techniques in spots you just fished and you’d swear were fishless. Daniel, thanks for sharing some
essential tactics on our hikes for fishing with this very effective technique. It has become part of our
primary fishing arsenal when fishing the high altitude creeks and streams in Indian Peaks Wilderness
Area.
When it was nearly all said and done, the book’s manuscript needed a thorough scrubbing. That’s
when the eagle-eyed Dick Shinton, guide and local authority on area waters, and Erin Block, noted
local author and one of this generation’s most insightful and creative writing talents, came to the
rescue. It’s essential that a book of this nature be critically reviewed by those with keen knowledge
of the subject; Dick and Erin read the text cover-to-cover many times over. Our humbled appreciation
goes to both of you for the countless hours invested in ensuring accuracy and readability.
It cannot go without mention the support of family and friends, including those who hiked the
hundreds of miles it took to complete research for the book. Noted hiking partners Josh Rickard,
Joe Johnson, Liz Yaeger, Chad Goodson, Hunter Umholtz, Renee Umholtz and Scott Bley
trekked through rain, sleet, snow and plenty of sunshine to support research for this book.
Finally, unending support of those closest to us became the inspiration to continue with the project
even when it seemed we couldn’t muster putting on our hiking boots another day. For Mike, the
unselfish support and motivation came from his wife, Vickie Kruise. For Steve, that support and
enthusiastic encouragement came from Renee Umholtz. Our combined thanks times infinity is not
near enough to give for the countless weekends we spent on the trail and in tents in lieu of family
obligation, but it is our hopes that this book serve as a lasting legacy that you inspired and have
become integrally a part of.
www.flyfishthepeaks.com 3
Contents
Figures & Tables 6
How to Use This Guide 7
Foreword 8
IPWA & Brainard Lake Maps 10
Section I – Wilderness Overview 15
Section II - Hiking & Camping 21
Section III- Fishing in IPWA 35
Section IV - Trout in IPWA 49
Area 1 59
Coney Creek
Coney Lake
Upper Coney Lake
Envy Lake
Gibraltar Lake
Little Gibraltar Lake
Middle St. Vrain Creek
Pony Lake
Red Deer Lake
Red Deer Lake Drainage
Area 2 71
Blue Lake
Upper Blue Lake
Lake Isabelle
Long Lake
Mitchell Creek
Mitchell Lakes
South St. Vrain Creek
Brainard Lake
Moraine Lake
Red Rock Lake
Left Hand Reservoir
Left Hand Creek
Area 3 & 4 85
Betty & Bob Lakes
Devil’s Thumb Lake
Jasper Creek
Jasper Lake
King Lake
Lost Lake
Middle Boulder Creek, South Fork
Rainbow Lakes
Skyscraper Reservoir
Skyscraper/Woodland Drainage
Storm Lake
Woodland Lake
4
Contents
Contents
Area 5 101
Banana Lake
Columbine Lake
Deep Lake
Diamond Lake
Upper Diamond Lake
Lake Dorothy
Lower Neva Lake
Meadow Creek
Meadow Creek Reservoir
North Fork Middle Boulder Creek
Area 6 113
Arapaho Creek
Cascade Creek
Crater Lake (aka Hyslop Lake)
Mirror Lake
Area 7 121
Buchanan Creek
Crawford Lake
Gourd Lake & Drainage
Island Lake & Drainage
Long Lake, Hell Canyon
Roaring Fork River
Round Lake
Stone Lake & Drainage
Upper Lake
Watanga Lake & Drainage
Effective Fly Patterns 133
Appendix 141
Trailhead Information
Hatch Seasons
Hatch Charts
Trails Ranked By Difficulty
Lakes Containing Fish
Creeks, Streams & Lakes in IPWA
Index 155
Figures and Tables

Figures
Figure 1. - IPWA & Surrounding Area Activity Participation Graph, page 18
Figure 2. - Fishing Hook Removal Methods, page 28
Figure 3. - The Four Steps of Fishing Gear Disinfection, page 39
Tables
Table 1. - Trout Distribution in IPWA - Lakes, page 54
Table 2. - Trout Distribution in IPWA - Creeks and Streams, page 55
Maps
Map of Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, pages 10, 11
Map of Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Summer, page 12
Map of Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Winter, page 13
Errata and Etcetera

Correction to errors and omissions can be found by visiting the book’s website at
http://www.flyfishthepeaks.com. Additional material mentioned in this book can also
be found at the book’s website.
Like the flames from a fire, the sunrise over Cascade Creek trail paints a rich pallet of blue, purple, yellow, orange
and red as the rising sun illuminates the clouds and silhouettes the tall spruces and firs.
6
How to Use This Guide
How to Use This Guide

Key to Symbols and Icons Used in this Book
ç - Easy (Slope Grade 0-3)
çç - Moderate (Slope Grade 4-7)
ççç - Challenging (Slope Grade 8-11)
çççç - Very Challenging (Slope Grade 12-15)
ççççç - Extremely Challenging (Slope Grade 16+)
ô - Location Meets Accessibility Requirements
Brook Trout
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Lake Trout or Splake
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout
Greenback Cutthroat Trout (or cutthroat that has historically been referred to as Greenback)
Cutthroat Trout (of hybrid genetics)
Using the Trail Maps and Profiles

Trails are highlighted in aqua-blue on a topographic map. Below each topographic map
is a trail profile, marked with key destinations along the route. The trail profile matches
the highlighted trail on the topographic map. Using the topo map and trail profile together
will give a clear picture of what to expect when hiking to a destination. Maps are provided
as reference - do not solely rely on them for navigation. Some maps have been rotated
to fit the trail for best viewing. Please note the map orientation indicator in the lower
right-hand corner of each topo. Use commercially available topographic maps for all
navigation. All data is known to be accurate at the time of printing.
Topographic Trail Map
Trail Route
(highlighted in blue)
Map
Orientation
Notable
Trail Profile Trail
Way Points
Note orientation and scale of map when

using for navigation planning
Foreword - Steven B. Schweitzer

On the heels of finishing A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain
National Park, Mike Kruise came to me and in a light-hearted, almost
sarcastically teasing voice asked if I had thought of writing a book in
similar fashion about Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. In fact, I had not
thought of doing such a book. Instead, I was relishing the thought of
having some long-awaited downtime from writing and deadlines.
Weeks later, Mike asked me again and saw I was procrastinating an
answer, even though I had given it some serious private thought in the
meantime. Then he said the magic words that enticed me to commit,
"I'll help you with the book." "Really?…", I replied, "Do you realize
how much work it's gonna take? It will take two or three years just to
do the research adequately, complete with ample photography." I
surmised. Almost interrupting, Mike said "I know, and I'm ready…let's
do it!" With that I became a sucker for more research and writing and
in the early days I often asked myself if I’d taken on too much with my
job, general life and such. Eventually, over the following months we
planned our research approach and the result is the book in your hands
today.
Now that the field research is done, writing finished, tents repaired,
gear washed, boots re-laced and bumps, bruises and scratches healed,
I admit it has been one of my most rewarding journalistic endeavors
yet.
While Indian Peaks Wilderness is essentially a southern extension of Rocky Mountain National
Park, they are worlds apart and draw scant comparison. Indian Peaks Wilderness Area is wilder,
having fewer roads and requiring more foot travel at higher altitudes. And it doesn't hurt that I
could hike many hundreds of miles with my border collie, Brookie. She knew where we were
going each time I packed a fishing reel and rod. Her excitement was almost uncontainable when
I laced up the hiking boots as she could smell the trail miles from previous journeys upon them.
I dedicate this book to her as she passed away only three weeks after the picture above was taken.
Over the years as I have hiked the trails of numerous national parks and wilderness areas, I
have learned that if I present myself as nature, in return nature comes to me. Hiking the trails
and pitching tents in the backcountry of Indian Peaks Wilderness Area gave me the opportunity
to integrate into nature again. That means walking the trails with purpose, taking each step in
stealth, constantly observing all around me, shrouded in silence, as I progressed deeper into the
backcountry. I have been repeatedly rewarded by visits with moose, deer, elk, fox, pine marten,
turkey, grouse, black bear, coyote, marmot, eagle, red-tail hawk, pika, badger and ant hills the
size of a one-car garage. I was intently an integral part of nature, acting not as an outsider, but
as one who was meant to be there. The wildlife went on about their jobs, knowing I was there,
and giving me no-mind otherwise. Each time, I slipped off into the wilderness, leaving those
natural inhabitants behind me to continue to whatever it is they do. The feeling of being accepted
by Mother Nature is overwhelming, reinforcing the fact that we become an insignificant part of
natural entropy when we take the first step beyond a trailhead.
Mike and I enjoyed many memorable hikes; too many to comprehensively mention. We were
soaked to the bone through Hell's Canyon on a three-day backpack. We jarringly rock hopped
and forded streams ATVing to northeast destinations, then hiked to five lakes and three streams
on a 25 mile trek in two days. We persevered through lingering leg and foot injuries to cross
over the Continental Divide in a twenty-eight mile three-day backpack. Of course, we had
off-the-chart fishing in too many locations to recall, although pressed to task, I could.
While the Acknowledgements section of this book illustrates how grateful we are, I personally
reinforce my gratitude to everyone’s unending support and encouragement - especially to Mike,
who encouraged me to start this whole process in the first place.
Northern Colorado, September 2014

8
Foreword - Mike Kruise
I have enjoyed the riches of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
all my life. I never fully tapped its resources until I started hiking as
part of my fly fishing adventures, and then the doors opened up. I
became an instant junkie. I owe most of that to Steve Schweitzer's
first book, A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park. After
reading it and doing a majority of the hikes the book outlined, I
wanted more.
The hikes and fishing for this book were some of the most
challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. We often walked
15-plus miles a day, hitting the trail at 4:30 or 5:00 am so we could
get to all the lakes and streams we planned to photograph and fish.
We often walked out in the late evening or after dark. We spent
many nights in tents after hauling heavy packs up steep trails. The
amazing beauty of Indian Peaks Wilderness Area (IPWA) will
captivate you as completely as it did me; I was awestruck on every
hike. Every step presented a different view that made me want to
take the next.
I have stood at what feels like the top of the world looking out
on both sides of the Continental Divide, knowing that my truck is
ten miles away. I was amazed to realize the beauty of the rivers that
many people walk by and don't see, the lakes that are still frozen the
second week of July, the hungry fish that only have a few short weeks to feed so they can
survive the coming winter and the mama moose with two calves standing 50' off the trail being
as silent as they can so we don't notice them as we hiked by. We hope the photos in this book
show the beauty, in some small measure, of IPWA as well as the excitement of the fishing we
experienced.
One of Steve's “rules” is that rods would not be rigged until we reached our final
destination for the day's hike. Steve made the mistake once of letting me rig up beforehand;
we almost didn't complete our hike because the fishing was so exciting, and getting me to leave
was a challenge to say the least.
What Steve and I provide in this book is a guide to all of the fishing destinations in IPWA.
The book is not just a reference - it's a guide to both the angling and scenic wonders of IPWA.
Steve and I hiked every mile mentioned in this book, so it is based on first-hand knowledge.
This book gives you the tools and information to hike safely at your own ability level. By taking
basic precautions - staying hydrated, hiking at your own pace and being prepared for adverse
weather-- almost anyone can reach these wonderful fishing destinations. You'll find difficulty
ratings and profiles for each trail so you know what you're going to encounter. The trail
introductions provide a general outline and a little personal experience and observations about
each hike.
For Steve's guidance, and help from several friends who accompanied me on many of my
hikes, I say thank you. Special thanks go to one of my closest friends, Scott Bley, who hiked
and endured many of the more grueling adventures with me. Finally, without the unconditional
support of my wife Vickie, I would not have had the extra encouragement to push on and write
more. Thank you, Vickie, for helping me achieve a life-long goal.
I have become more passionate about this book than I thought would be the case. It has
become my desire for everyone to experience what I have, and hopefully find the beauty that
I have seen. The invitation from Steve to co-author this book, to see IPWA from his
perspective, and to share his passion for backpacking and fishing has been an experience of a
lifetime, thank you my friend.
You have the tools - now go fishing!
Longmont, CO, September 2014

Map of Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
10
Map - Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
Map of Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Summer
12
Maps - Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Map of Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Winter
Section I
Wilderness Area Overview
“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall
be content with silence.”
- Ansel Adams
OPPOSITE: Middle St. Vrain Creek is a perfect picture of the prototypical creek in Indian Peaks Wilderness
Area.

Before The Land Was A Wilderness Area
The mountainous area west of Boulder, Colorado was native home to Arapaho Indians
with remnants of settlement dating back some 10,000 years, although more recent history
oft he past few hundred years suggests the Arapaho merely used the mountains as transient
hunting lands during the warmer months of the year.
In the late 1800s, gold and silver mining fever took hold and the land became peppered
with mining activity. Primarily along Arapaho Pass Trail, evidence of old mines and tailings
still exist. The mines were quickly abandoned as nothing more than mediocre ore could
be harvested.
Aside from a few visual clues to mining activity more than a century ago, the land is
essentially as raw and untouched as it has been for thousands of years.
The Area’s Beginnings

By the turn of the century, the area became part of Enos Mills’ master plan for a national
park. Mills included the area comprised by today’s Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and
James Peak Wilderness Area as part of the original Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)
proposal. But significant resistance came from local mine and mineral rights owners,
forcing Mills to re-draft the boundaries of RMNP to exclude IPWA. In 1915, RMNP
Mining and milling provided a majority of the jobs in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area during the mid-1800s
through to the early 1900s. Land today known as the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area was privately owned and
heavily vested with mining rights. Here, a group of mine workers poses in front of the Caribou Consolidated Min-
ing Company office in Nederland in Boulder County, Colorado, in 1882. The man at the far left in the doorway is
James Cowie, an assayer who later became the Colorado Secretary of State. Cowie holds a dog with one hand at his
side. Kneeling behind young Bessie Bryant (later married to Jack Clark) is William Bryant, Sr., who was the mill
superintendent for several years. (source: Denver Public Library, Western History Collection, K-357)
16
Section I - Wilderness Area Overview
History
became a national park without IPWA. Over the years, several special interest groups
unsuccessfully tried to annex the land now know as IPWA into RMNP, giving way to local
mining and water interests. In 1978 the 95th United States Congress, under President
Jimmy Carter, designated the Indian Peaks as a wilderness area under the guidance of the
Wilderness Act of 1964.
U.S. Wilderness Areas Defined

On September 3, 1964 the Wilderness Act was passed after 65 rewrites over the previous
nine years. The law, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, established the
National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS), a system designed to review all federal
lands for potential wilderness area candidacy. The National Park Service (NPS), U.S.
Forest Service (USFS), and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) were required to
review lands under their jurisdiction for inclusion as wilderness areas.
The following conditions must be present to be considered for inclusion as a NWPS
wilderness area: 1) the land must be under federal ownership and management, 2) the area
consists of at least 5,000 contiguous acres of land, 3) human influence is substantially
unnoticeable, 4) there are opportunities for solitude and recreation, and 5) the area
possesses ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic or
historical value.
Wilderness areas are part of national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests and public
domain land. They may be managed by the NPS, USFS, USFWS, collectively or
individually; however, the NPS manages the most acreage of wilderness area. In 1976,
the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was added to the land management team.
Most wilderness areas are in national forests, which extend in an out of many of our
national parks. Today, nearly 5% of the entire United States is managed as wilderness
areas, with half (2.5%) being in the 48 contiguous states. The current NWPS wilderness
areas total 109.5 million acres in 758 distinct tracts (as of FY 2014), located in 44 states
and Puerto Rico. The Great Swamp in New Jersey became the first designated wilderness
area. The largest wilderness area is Noatak and Gates of the Arctic Wilderness in Alaska,
comprising 12,743,329 contiguous acres. Colorado’s largest wilderness area is the
Weminuche Wilderness Area with 488,000 square acres.
Geography
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area covers 77,711 acres of montane, subalpine and alpine
terrain. An estimated 10% of the wilderness area is montane, hosting healthy stands of
aspen, Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and willow. The montane zone is generally below 9,000
feet in altitude.
Above the montane zone is the sub alpine zone (9,000 - 11,000 feet). Over half of
IPWA is comprised of sub alpine zone. Vegetation closely mirrors the montane zone,
with the addition of subalpine fir and a wider variety of colorful wildflowers. This zone
is very characteristic of the Rocky Mountains as a whole, providing a bounty of tall stands
of trees, dense vegetation undergrowth, rocky spires, micro canyons, cold streams and
lakes. Since the climate is temperate most of the year, much of the wildlife in the
Wilderness Area calls this zone its home.
Above 11,000 feet, the alpine zone covers more than thirty percent of the wilderness
area. From a distance, this seemingly barren terrain presents itself as inhospitable for
much of the year, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The alpine zone is teeming
with vegetation and animal life; everything is just smaller, almost microscopic. Flowers a

mere one-eighth of an inch wide and only an inch high subtly color the rock-strewn
landscape, paving the ground for picas, marmots, small birds and well -camouflaged big
horn sheep. Despite that the alpine ecosystem enduring the harshest of winter weather,
it is ironically the most fragile.
Of the 223 U.S. wilderness areas larger than 50,000 acres, IPWA ranks as 161st with
77,711 acres. Colorado has over 3.2 million acres of wilderness area, making it the fifth
ranked state in total wilderness acres. Alaska, ranked number one, has an incredible 57.3
million acres. Alaska is followed by California (9.7 million acres), Washington (4 million
acres) and Idaho (3.25 million acres).
Annual Visitorship
Indian Peaks Wilderness is commonly noted as one of the most visited wilderness areas
in the country. The Boulder Ranger District (encompassing Arapaho & Roosevelt National
Forests and Pawnee National Grassland) is responsible for its management and generally
limits any efforts that would increase use due to the ever-increasing popularity of the area.
While no formal visitation census is taken, annual visitation surveys by the Boulder Ranger
District estimates 1.5 million visitors per year. These figures are derived from the USDA
Forest Service National Visitor Use Monitoring Program (NVUM). According to recent
NVUM satisfaction and ‘crowding rating’ surveys, there’s a good chance you’ll see only a
handful of people overnighting in the backcountry during your visit. Most day use is
concentrated near developed sites and facilities. More detailed information on visitor
statistics can be found by visiting the NVUM website at
www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/nvum/. Pertinent visitor demographic data found
on the website are summarized below.
► Average group size is small: 2.6 persons per visit
► Overnight use by females is higher than day use: day use: 35%, overnight use: 43%
► Most visits are from locals: 75% of visits are from people driving 100 miles or less
► A majority of visitors are infrequent users: 41% visit the area less than 5 times per year
► Backpack trips generally last 2 days, one overnight (see chart below)
Figure 1. - IPWA & Surrounding Area Activity Participation graph
IPWA & Surrounding Area Activity Participation

3
(Average hours performing activity located above the bar)
hrs
4
hrs
3 16
hrs hrs
2
hrs 5
hrs
3
22 35
hrs
hrs hrs 3 49
hrs hrs
18
Section I - Wilderness Area Overview
Trails and Roads
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area has 28 maintained trails covering just over 130 total trail
miles. The trails range in altitude from 8,300 feet to over 13,000 feet. While most all trail
miles are expertly maintained, some far reaches of lesser used trails (note: the most difficult
ones) are rocky and more difficult.
Unlike Rocky Mountain National Park, there are no public access roads that traverse
across the wilderness area. This feature alone gives IPWA a more remote and wild feel
to it. Between IPWA and James Peak Wilderness Area, there is County Road 117, Rollins
Pass Road that approaches Rollins Pass, but does not allow vehicles to cross over the pass.
This road can be seen and heard from several points in the lower wilderness area. The
road is seasonal and demands a four-wheel drive vehicle much of the season when open.
Contact the Boulder Ranger district at 303-541-2500 for seasonal closure status.
Area Entrances, Parking Capacities and Fees

A majority of the Wilderness Area is accessed via fifteen trail heads. With the exception
of the Brainard Lake trail head, there is free parking at each trail head; space is limited,
however.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Although the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA) lies just outside the central eastern
part of IPWA, it is worth covering since it serves as an essential entryway for many trails
that lead into IPWA. Fees apply for parking in BLRA and camping at Pawnee
Campground within BLRA. At the time of publication, the standard passenger vehicle
fee is $10 for a 3-day pass. Other vehicle fees include vans ($25/1-day), buses ($40/1-day),
motorcycles ($5/3-days), hiker/biker/walker ($1/3-days). Interagency Annual, Military,
Senior or Access passes, Golden Age and Golden Access passes are accepted. No fee is
charged when the seasonal gate is closed (winter season).
Due to the altitude of BLRA, the open season is usually mid-June through October.
Expect to walk just over two miles from the nearest year-round parking area to access
Brainard Lake during closed season.
Pawnee Campground, within BLRA, has 39 first-come, first-served camp sites for RVs,
trailers, campers and tents. Campsite fees are $19 per night ($22 for oversized units).
Golden Age & Access Passports or Interagency Senior & Access Passes provide
cardholders a 50% discount on campground fees. Eight walk-in sites are available for
tent-only camping. Eight people are allowed per site with the exception of sites #12 and
#32, which allow twelve people each. There are no electrical hook-ups, dump stations or
showers. BLRA has vault toilets, several picnic areas and handicap access to the facilities
and Brainard Lake. Reservations for campsites 15 through 39 will be accepted a minimum
of four days prior to arrival (a maximum of 160 days) and cost an additional $10 per
reservation by phone or $9 for reservations online. Reservations can be made through
www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. All Pawnee Campground visitors are
subject to Brainard Lake Recreation Area fees.
Other BLRA regulations to note: dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times;
dispersed camping is prohibited. When open, camping is only allowed within Pawnee
Campground - no camping is permitted in closed campgrounds.
Section II
Hiking & Camping in the Wilderness Area
"In parks, we have provided for trees a refuge with ourselves. They are to live on, and with them we shall
build stately mansions for the soul."
- Enos Mills
OPPOSITE: Camp is set high on a flat area overlooking Crater Lake in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.

Backcountry Camping and Permits
The US Forest Service allocates backcountry permits for the wilderness from June 1
to September 15. A limited number of permits are available for each of the 17 backcountry
zones. Permits are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis and it’s
recommended that you request your permit as far in advance as possible before your
outing. At the time of print, permits are $5 per group and/or reservation. Specific
regulations include:
► Camping is not permitted between May 1 to November 30 in the Four Lakes

backcountry zone
► Permits are required for day and overnight use for organizational groups such as
scouts, churches, schools and hiking clubs
► Group size is limited to 12 people and pack stock combined
► In the Diamond, Jasper, Crater and Caribou Lakes backcountry zones camping is
allowed only at designated campsites
► Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of all lakes, streams and trails
Permits may be obtained by mail or in person from any the following locations:
Boulder Ranger District, USDA Forest Service

2140 Yarmouth Ave.
Boulder, CO 80301
(303)541-2500 Office hours: Mon-Fri 8-4:30
Estes Park Office USDA Forest Service

161 Second Street
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970)586-3440 Summer hours: 9-5, 7 days a week
(May vary based on volunteer staff)
Indian Peaks Ace Hardware

74 Hwy 119
Located behind Mutual of Omaha Bank
Nederland, CO 80466
(303)258-3132 8 am - 7 pm Mon-Sat, 9 am - 5 pm Sunday
Junco Lake Wilderness Station (Day of Trip Permits only)

8-5, 7 days a week during in-season
Monarch Lake Wilderness Station (Day of Trip Permits only)

8-5, 7 days a week during in-season
Sulphur Ranger District USDA Forest Service

9 Ten Mile Drive
P.O. Box 10
Granby, CO 80446
(970)887-4100 (V/TDD) (970)887-4101 Summer hours: Mon-Sat 8-4:30
22
Section II -Hiking & Camping in the Wilderness Area
It’s best to prepare meals without a campfire. Use a lightweight backpack stove to heat water and food.
Campfires
Campfires are prohibited on the east side of the Continental Divide, as well as west side
destinations Caribou Lake, Columbine Lake, Gourd Lake, Crater Lake and in the Cascade
Creek drainage above Cascade Falls.
Pets
One of the prime benefits of a wilderness area is the opportunity to hike, explore and
camp with a trusty canine friend. While hiking the trails of IPWA, you’ll undoubtedly
experience many conscientious hikers with dogs by their side. Pets, dogs specifically, are
required to be on leashes at all times. Keeping your pet on a leash serves many purposes:
to protect your dog from becoming lost; to protect your dog from animal hazards such
as mountain lions, porcupines, bears and rabid animals, protect the environment from
unnecessary impact; and most importantly, protects the right to continue allowing dogs
in the area. Common trail courtesy means keeping your dog on a close leash as you pass
each other to avoid adverse interaction between overly “alpha” dogs. But for the most
part, you’ll experience that dogs are like their owners, curious about the person they are
passing on the trail - and you’ll find dogs have their own friendly way of saying “hi” as
they pass each other. Respect the freedom of having dogs with you in IPWA by following
the area’s pet regulations.
Pack Stock & Motorized Vehicles

Pack stock are allowed in most areas of IPWA with the following exceptions - no pack
stock is allowed in backcountry zones Crater Lake, Cascade Creek and Four Lakes. When
using pack stock, only pelletized or steam-rolled feed grains or certified weed-free hay,
straw or mulch may be used. Do not hobble, tether or picket of pack stock within 100
feet of lakes, streams or trails. Motorized or mechanized equipment, including mountain
bikes, wagons, carts and chainsaws, are not permitted. Wheelchairs are allowed.

IPWA Rules & Regulations Summarized
The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA) and Forest Service manages a
website for the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Go to www.usda.gov and search for “Indian
Peaks Wilderness Area” to read the latest rules and regulations. Current regulations are:
► Campfires are prohibited on the east side of the Continental Divide, as well as
Caribou Lake, Columbine Lake, Gourd Lake, Crater Lake and in the Cascade
Creek drainage above Cascade Falls.
► Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times.
► Permits are required for all overnight campers June 1 through September 15.
► Permits are required year-round for day and overnight use for large groups (8 or
more people) and/or organized groups such as scouts, churches, schools, internet
outdoor groups and hiking clubs
► Group size is limited to a maximum of 12 people or people and packstock
combined.
► Camping is prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone from May 1 through
November 30.
► In the Diamond, Jasper, Crater and Caribou Lakes Backcountry Zones camping
is allowed only at designated campsites.
► Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams and trails.
► Motorized or mechanized equipment, including mountain bikes, wagons, carts
and chainsaws, are not permitted (wheelchairs are allowed).
► Packstock are prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone, in the Cascade
Backcountry Zone above Cascade Falls and on the Diamond Lake Trail #975.
► Hobbling, tethering or picketing of packstock is prohibited within 100 feet of
lakes, streams or trails.
► Only pelletized or steam-rolled feed grains, or certified weed-free hay, straw, or
mulch are allowed.
Essential Hiking Gear

Specialized hiking gear is not necessary for day hiking. A sturdy pair of walking or
athletic shoes are all that is needed for a trek to fishable waters. During the summer, a
durable pair of hiking shorts with plenty of pockets are perfect for wet wading and hiking.
During the fringe seasons of spring and fall, a comfortable pair of convertible travel pants
adds a bit of warmth during the chilly days. Consider wearing a thin layer of polypropylene
underneath for extra warmth when snow is in the forecast. When not wet wading, high-rise
Gore-Tex® lined hiking boots are perfect. One can carefully wade in 6-8” of stream
water or rock-hop shorelines of lakes to advantageous casting positions. It should be
noted that waders are usually not necessary to reach tantalizing fishing water.
A pre-stocked fanny pack is essential: an energy bar, a sandwich, a salty snack and a
piece of fruit, two liters of water, an area map (National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated
Map #102 - Indian Peaks/Gold Hill), a multi-tool, a lighter, a mini headlamp, a rain shell,
a compass, a notepad and pen, bug spray and a basic assortment of first-aid items such as
Band-Aids® and ibuprofen. Except for the perishables, this pre-stocked fanny pack can
be grabbed on-the-go without having to worry that any essentials are forgotten.
For extended trips of two or more days, pack in a tent, sleeping bag, extra clothes, water
filter, stove with fuel and dehydrated food commensurate to the number of days you plan
to be in the backcountry. A 4,000 cubic inch pack (60-65 liters) is quite sufficient for a
3-5 day jaunt, including fishing gear. Note that waders and boots are not part of the
24
Hiking & Camping in the

necessary pack list. Packing in waders and
boots only adds weight to the pack and
usually doesn’t yield any extra advantage in
fishing. With that said, when waders are
packed in, don’t pack boots. Instead, pack
Teva® sandals or Crocs® which make
adequate wading shoes to protect the
wader feet, not to mention they are light
weight, water-friendly and double as fine
camp shoes. Be careful however, when
wading in shoes that don’t have a felt
bottom, as they will be slippery on stream
bottoms.
Stewardship - It’s Responsibility

Leave No Trace (LNT) (a.k.a. Zero
Impact), hiking and camping operates
under one very important assumption -
that the hiker/camper knows, understands
and subscribes to the ethical principles
behind it. It is your serious
responsibility as a visitor to any national Contributing author Ben Swigle displays a healthy cutthroat
park or wilderness area not only to know gill-netted during survey work conducted on Lake Dorothy.
and follow LNT practices, but to be an Photo courtesy of Ben Swigle.
ambassador for the message, spreading
the sensible word to others that may accompany you on an adventure. Zero impact
practices are not new. In fact, the concept has been around as long as Native Americans
have occupied North America. Native Americans have long asked themselves how a
decision today will affect people seven generations from now. This Seventh Generation
concept is akin to and very influential on zero impact practices today. Coincidentally,
Leave No Trace has seven guiding principles:
1. Plan ahead and prepare

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Take out what you take in
4. Take extra precaution to leave the land as you found it
5. Minimize impact of campfires
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors
Some examples of good LNT practices are:

► Do not litter, period
► Do not use open campfires
► Practice EAT - Erase A Trace - and pick up previous visitors’ trash
► Stay within designated campsites to confine the degrading impact of repeat-use
overnight camping
► Stay on marked foot traffic trails, don’t use shortcuts

If you wish to become more involved in the stewardship of Indian Peaks Wilderness Area,
The Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance (www.indianpeakswilderness.org) offers numerous
education and volunteer opportunities.
Seasons of IPWA
The weather in IPWA can be unpredictable any time of the year, and you should always
be prepared for the worst a season can offer. This means a rain or winter jacket, extra
warm clothes (such as polar fleece), plenty of water and some extra energy bars or snacks.
During the peak tourist season, many folks not accustomed to the high altitude visit
IPWA through the town of Nederland noting that the temperature is moderate and
comfortable. They hit the trail wearing the same clothes they wore driving in - often shorts
and a t-shirt. However, as they gain elevation, temperatures plummet and eventually will
experience cooler winds or precipitation. The temperature gets cooler the higher one
goes. A rule of thumb to remember is the temperature drops approximately two to three
degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet in altitude gain. So, if it’s a comfortable sunny
70ºF at 7,500 feet in Nederland, it can be roughly 55ºF to 60ºF at 11,500 feet at tree line
under the same conditions. Prepare accordingly and don’t underestimate the power of
inclement weather on unprepared hikers.
SPRING: In the spring, warming weather entices many to hit the trails to shake the
‘cabinitis’ or ‘cabin fever’ from the bones. If you are looking for fishable waters during
the spring, stick to lower altitude streams that are thawing free of ice cover. Don’t waste
your time or put yourself in danger by seeking any lakes above 9,000 feet. Those will all
be frozen until mid-to late June. It is unusual to find a lake free of ice in May. Daily
temperatures can range from below freezing to the mid 50sºF, however higher
temperatures are rare. Expect temperatures in the high 20sºF to low 40sºF during the
day.
SUMMER: In early summer (June), the lakes start freeing themselves of their ice cover
and can offer some of the most exciting fishing of the season: ice-off fishing. Of course,
traipsing around looking for ice-out fishing may have you post-holing waist deep in snow
and forging past crowd-beaten snow paths on your own. Be prepared with proper gear
and extra food and water. Daily temperatures become more comfortable during this time
of year, ranging from the low 40sºF to the mid 70sºF.
Throughout summer, the fishing can be spectacular, especially when dry fly fishing heats
up. Be cautious though; the weather during the summer can be just as harsh and
unforgiving as in the winter. Daily bouts of rain showers and lightning strikes are common.
One can expect a rain squall, high winds, lightning and even sleet or hail most every day.
Daily temperatures become more consistent in the low 60sºF to mid 80sºF. Night time
temperatures can still dip down to the mid 40sºF, so be prepared for chilly nights if you
spend some time in the backcountry.
FALL: When fall arrives, the crowds recede and the fishing remains equally spectacular.
Fall also brings back the blustery and chilly days, even when the sun is shining. Expect
stronger winds, making lake fishing during the fall more of a hit-miss opportunity. It
won’t be uncommon to experience sleet, hail or even snow while hiking during this season
- prepare accordingly. Focusing on streams and rivers is a best bet. Daily temperatures
resemble early summer ranges with nightly dips into the mid to low 30sºF.
WINTER: Winter weather in IPWA is not conducive to fishing, although some open
water in any of the lower meadows can offer some fishing opportunities, albeit difficult.
26
Environmental Hazards in the Wilderness Area

What is more appealing in the winter months are the photo opportunities with most
destinations covered in pristine virgin snow. Even the most sunny days can still yield high
temperatures only in the high teens. As frequently as it rains in the spring and summer,
it snows during the winter. Be cautious of walking or snowshoeing over flowing water as
the snow may give way and you’ll end up wet and cold, which is extremely dangerous and
potentially life-threatening.
Hazards in IPWA
LIGHTNING is an ever-present hazard in IPWA, which can be as beautifully stunning
as it is dangerous. Lightning most often strikes in the afternoon; it can strike at anytime,
however. Close-quarters or approaching lightning creates a distinctive ‘electric’ smell in
the air. If you sense or see lightning, go below tree line and away from open low-lying
areas such as lakes, gullies and small crevices. It’s best to find the nearest dense thicket
of trees and find cover within, or better yet, find a valley or canyon with cover at the
bottom. And by all means, don’t fish during the threat of nearby lightning strikes.
Remember, a fly rod becomes a lightning rod.
TICKS can be present from early spring through mid-summer. They are most common
east of the Continental Divide. Most hikers never have problems with ticks. The best
way to prevent ticks from hitching a ride is to wear light-colored long pants and
long-sleeved shirts. After a day of hiking, especially if you go off-trail, do a thorough check
of your clothes and skin for any small ticks. They will be about 1/8” long and reddish
brown.
Lyme disease bacteria are found in Black-legged Ticks, which are specific to white-tailed
deer. There are currently no white-tailed deer in IPWA, only mule deer, however as
white-tailed deer populations continue to expand, the possibility of introducing the Rocky
Mountain Tick into IPWA becomes increasingly real. To date, no cases of Lyme disease
have been reported in the IPWA.
UNDERESTIMATING TRAIL TRAVEL TIME is an unspoken hazard. Each year,
many folks not accustomed to hiking in mountainous conditions temporarily find
themselves hiking back under the cover of darkness, which can be daunting to say the
least. When it gets dark, it gets dark and chilly. While this isn’t necessarily a hazard if sticking
to a trail, it becomes a hazard if you venture off trail while fishing your way up a stream,
for example. Generally, a hiker in reasonable health can cover one to two miles per hour
going uphill and two to three miles per hour going downhill. A seasoned hiker carrying
a good pace can average two miles per hour uphill and four miles per hour downhill. Be
sure to consider your travel time back when jaunting off in IPWA looking for fishable
waters.
DEADFALL FROM BEETLE KILL is a burgeoning issue in IPWA. The Mountain
Pine Beetle develops in Ponderosa, Lodge pole, Scotch and Limber pine trees. As they
mature, they transmit the blue stain fungi to the host tree. Once infected, there is nothing
that can effectively be done to save the tree. Infected trees rapidly die and become fodder
for wind-blown dead-fall and kindling for forest fires. The Colorado State Forest Service
has prioritized the removal of dead and infected trees near roadsides, campsites and trails
outside of IPWA. However, trees not removed pose an unpredictable hazard in the
backcountry. Be observant of the area around you and do not pitch a tent or stop for a
rest where you suspect an infected tree can be toppled over by a strong gust of wind. And
certainly be cautious when using camp stoves near a stand of infected pines.

Figure 2. - Fishing Hook Removal Methods
Three Fishing Hook Removal Methods Compared

Shallow Deep
Moderate Impalement
Impalement Impalement
Retrograde Method Advance and Cut Method String-Pull Method
Use this method for moderate Use this method for deep impalements
Use this method for shallow
impalements where rotating the hook where accessing the hook point and
impalements or with barbless hooks
point and barb outward is possible barb is not advantageous
Preparation Preparation
Preparation Cleanse the area with an alcohol wipe or
Cleanse the area with an alcohol wipe or
Cleanse the area with an alcohol wipe or hand soap and water
hand soap and water
hand soap and water Prepare a 12” section of small sturdy
Access a pair of wire cutters or a multi-
string, nylon thread or fishing
tool with wire cutting capability
monofilament
STEP 1 STEP 1 STEP 1

Carefully rotate the hook backwards by Carefully rotate the hook forward to Carefully rotate the hook backwards by
pushing down towards the eye of the expose the hook point and barb. pushing down on the shank of the hook
hook while pulling out on the bend. while pulling out on the bend of the
hook.
STEP 2 STEP 2
Using wire cutters, snip off the hook Attach a string to the bend of the hook
point behind the barb. If this is not by forming a loop. Position the hook
possible, flatten the hook barb with shank parallel to the skin. Firmly grasp
pliers. the string and pull snug against the
hook bend.
STEP 3 STEP 3
Rotate the hook backwards to remove While applying firm downward pressure
the de-barbed hook bend. Apply sting on the hook bend, quickly and
ointment immediately afterwards. confidently tug on the string to pull the
hook bend out of the skin. Apply sting
ointment immediately afterwards.
28
Health Hazards in the Wilderness Area

Removing an Impaled Fishing Hook
It will happen to the best of us at least once in a lifetime: you’ll stick yourself with an
errant cast or just plain grab a hook the wrong way and presto - it’s firmly planted in your
finger. Or worse, an over-eager cast drives the fly and hook firmly into your ear. The
initial pain is sharp and you are rendered helpless for a few moments until you collect
yourself and assess what to do next. You have to remove the hook somehow. There are
three primary ways to remove a fishing hook from impalement: 1) Retrograde Method,
2) Advance and Cut Method, and 3) String-Pull Method.
The best way to help prevent serious injury from hook impalement is to fish with
barbless hooks, which should be your standard practice. It’s more humane and healthy
for fish and it will make it much easier to remove from yourself as well.
Most embedded fishhooks occur in superficial tissue and may be removed streamside
without local anesthesia or special skill.• Be aware that larger hooks, ones that are deeply
embedded or in unusual places (i.e. nose, ears, eye area or genitalia) are best treated by a
qualified emergency physician.• A tetanus toxoid injection should be administered if it has
been longer than five years since being vaccinated.• As with any contaminated wound, any
signs of infection such as: redness of the area, swelling, pus drainage or skin that is hot to
touch should be treated by a physician.
If possible the wound should be disinfected with an iodine-based, hydrogen peroxide
or hexachlorophene solution prior to removal of the fish hook.• At a minimum, rinse the
wound thoroughly with clean water (bottled water or tap water is best) after removing the
hook.• If no method for cleaning the wound is available, letting the wound bleed freely
for a few moments will aid in removal of bacteria from the puncture wound site.•If the
hook is impaled in a location other than the face, neck, ears or eyes, you probably have a
good chance of helping yourself.
Figure 2 illustrates what to do for a shallow, moderate and deep hook impalement.
Retrograde Fish Hook Removal

This technique works the best with very superficially embedded or barbless hooks.• If
significant resistance is met while employing this technique, another method should be
utilized.
Downward pressure is applied to the shank of the hook while backing the hook out of
the point of entry.
Advance and Cut Fish Hook Removal

This tried and true method of hook removal is the one that is most legendary, but is
actually quite painful and does cause additional tissue trauma.• However, it may be the
most practical solution if a very large hook is embedded, particularly if the tip is close to
the surface of the skin.• It is necessary to have a good multi-tool or wire cutting plier to
utilize this technique.
Rotate the shank of the hook away from the barb, forcing the tip through the skin –
removed the barb with a wire cutter.• The now barbless hook is rotated back out of the
path of entry.
String-Pull Fish Hook Removal

The string-pull technique is a highly effective modification of the retrograde technique
and is also referred to as the “stream” technique. It is commonly performed in the field
and is believed to be the least traumatic because it creates no new wounds and rarely

requires anesthesia.• A readily available “string” to the angler is the fishing line itself –
however, any type of lightweight, sturdy string will suffice.
Loop the string around the bend of the fishhook, holding the free ends tightly or
wrapping them around an object like a short stick.• Keep the hooked area of tissue flat
and stable while depressing the “eye” end of the hook shank.• When the angle of the string
and the shank of the hook are parallel give a quick yank on the string while keeping shank
depressed – it doesn’t take a lot of force, so be wary of the hook as it comes free and takes
flight.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness (also called Acute Mountain Sickness) encompasses a variety of
symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening, and results from the body’s inability to
adjust to the physiologic demands and decreased oxygen availability at altitude. Altitude
sickness is most common at elevations higher than 8,000 feet above sea level and when
the rate of ascent exceeds 1,000 feet per day. Research suggests that up to one in four
people that travel to Colorado will develop some form of altitude sickness.
Things that may contribute to development of altitude sickness include ascending too
quickly, over-exertion, dehydration, hypothermia, consuming alcohol or other sedatives.
Some of the symptoms of altitude sickness may include fatigue, headache, dizziness,
insomnia, shortness of breath during exertion, nausea, decreased appetite, swelling of
extremities and social withdrawal. Serious symptoms include shortness of breath at rest,
gurgling respirations with wet cough and frothy sputum, confusion, decreased coordination
and fever.
In general, most symptoms will subside after descending to a lower altitude. Slowing
the rate of ascent, keeping well nourished and hydrated, staying warm, and resting
frequently are ways to mitigate symptoms. Acetaminophen is generally recommended for
mild headache. Remember that although altitude sickness is simple to treat initially,
symptoms can quickly worsen and be potentially life-threatening. All serious symptoms
should be treated immediately by descending to a lower altitude and seeking medical
attention.
Dehydration
Almost 70% of an adult’s body weight is made of water, and a typical healthy adult
needs to consume between two and three quarts of water each day. Dehydration occurs
when there is a deficiency in the body’s water supply. This of course occurs more
frequently with exertion, heat, elevation and dry climate – all of which you might experience
while searching out that perfect fishing spot in the Rocky Mountains.
Symptoms of dehydration include lightheadedness, headache, rapid heart rate, dry
mouth, decreased urine output, weakness, confusion and, in extreme cases,
unconsciousness.
The best rule of thumb for remaining well hydrated is “drink before you get thirsty.”
Thirst indicates that you may already be dehydrated. It is best to be proactive and to plan
ahead for your fluid intake needs before you set out on your adventure. For an average
day hike, plan generously and bring two to three quarts of water, and a high quality water
filter for re-filling your bottles on the move. You may need up to six quarts of water on
a strenuous day. When filtering water, select clear streams and filter from moving water.
Hydration status can be gauged by assessing the color of your urine – the lighter colored
the urine, the better hydrated you are. Also be aware of your need to urinate, if you are
well hydrated, you should be urinating every 2-3 hours. Commercially made electrolyte
30
Health Hazards in the Wilderness Area

drinks may help in replacing valuable electrolytes lost through sweating. Caffeinated and
alcoholic beverages and antihistamines should be avoided as these will cause further
dehydration.
Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a micro-parasite that specifically targets the small intestine. It is quite
common in IPWA waters and is associated with the fecal contamination of water by grazing
animals, such as deer and elk. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal
pain, bloating and nausea. Vomiting and fatigue may also occur. Ingestion of an estimated
10 giardia cysts is all it takes to become infected. Giardiasis sneaks up on you. You won’t
know you have giardiasis right away as symptoms generally do not present themselves
until the 7th day following infection. And when you become infected, the symptoms can
last several weeks - including dehydration and frequent trips to the bathroom. The best
way to positively diagnose infection is to have a stool sample tested. The only effective
treatments include doctor-prescribed drugs taken for 5-10 days.
Frostbite
Frostbite refers to a family of cold-induced injuries, ranging from frost nip (common
and generally mild) to deep frostbite that may involve loss of tissue. Frostbite is literally
caused by tissue freezing to some degree and is typically accompanied by hypothermia.
Frostbite is often seen in alcoholics, smokers and those who are fatigued and/or
dehydrated. As the body cools in response to exposure, blood is shunted from the
extremities to the central core of the body to protect the vital organs. This leaves areas
like fingertips, toes, nose and ear lobes vulnerable to tissue freezing. Symptoms may
include numbness, tingling, itching/burning sensation, blue or white discolored skin and
hardened or blistered tissue.
At the first sign of frostbite, every effort should be made to increase circulation to the
affected areas and to generally get warm. Some techniques that may be effective are
applying friction like rubbing fingers and toes, or doing jumping jacks to increase
circulation to extremities. Remove any wet clothing, keep affected areas clean and dry,
and remove any constrictive clothing and jewelry. Stay well hydrated and drink warm fluid
if possible. Ibuprofen may help relieve the pain and decrease swelling to the area. If
frostbite is severe and there is a chance that that you might not be able to get and stay
warm, don’t attempt to re-warm the affected area, as the cycle of freeze-thaw-freeze can
cause even greater tissue damage.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening risk of adventure sports in the Rocky
Mountains. Fortunately, it is often preventable with some basic knowledge and
preparation. Hypothermia is a decrease in the core body temperature to a level at which
normal muscular and cerebral functions are impaired. Being wet, improperly clothed,
fatigued, dehydrated, or intoxicated can contribute to hypothermia.
It is important to dress in layers, as Colorado can have a wide range of weather in a
very short period of time. In cool temperatures, it is best to remove layers as you heat up,
preventing your clothing from being soaked with sweat. Evaporative cooling from wet
clothes can quickly lead to hypothermia in cool environments.
Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, which can become violent and later stop
when exhaustion sets in, decreased motor coordination, which can lead to coma and death,
slurred speech, decreased cognition, muscle rigidity, or skin discoloration.

Focused on warming up; increasing activity – run in place or do jumping jacks to
increase circulation. Get wet clothes off and get dry and sheltered. Build a fire – apply
heat (such as heated rocks, water bottles or towels) to armpits, groin and head. Stay
hydrated and eat carbohydrates or sugar. Share body heat with others and get out of the
wind.
Preparedness and Emergency Response

Getting away from it all comes at a risk, and the mountains can be dangerous. Be aware
of your resources in the areas where you are hiking – emergency care is available in the
mountains, but may be delayed due to lack of communication, remote access and limited
personnel.
When extreme emergencies arise and minutes count, the only way to be rescued is by
helicopter. Anyone can request helicopter transport to a known location or GPS
coordinate – experienced pilots will determine a safe area to land and coordinate with
emergency ground crews to bring the most appropriate care to you.
If you are in the backcountry, calling a rescue service may be difficult due to no cell
signal. There are some things you can do to help in advance. Prepare and leave behind
a hiking plan with friends or relatives and register at the trail head if it is available (there’s
a mandatory registration when you pick up your backcountry permit). Tell others what
trail you’ll be taking and how long you expect to be, including when you are expected to
return.
In the event you or a hiking partner becomes injured and cannot make it out under
self-power, there are several common-sense steps to take before leaving for help.
1. Ensure the injured is kept warm, dry and sheltered. Wrap them
in extra clothing, a sleeping bag or an emergency blanket. In extreme
conditions, building a fire near the injured to keep them warm is an
option, but comes with additional potential dangers. Typically, this
should be considered only during the winter. Fires also act as a location
beacon.
2. Ensure the injured has plenty of water to quench thirst and wash
injuries. Ibuprofen helps ease the pain. If the injury is extreme, help
them secure a comfortable position without moving them too much.
If the injury includes debilitating broken skin or bones, apply general
first aid by rinsing and covering the wound areas to help prevent
infection. Don’t attempt to ‘fix’ broken bones, you may make things
worse.
3. Leave the injured with a way to signal; a whistle or a mirror are
common items. Then go for help. Make sure you know how to get
back to the injured, mark the trail if necessary.
Off Highway Vehicle (OHV, 4WD) Use to Access IPWA

Some areas of Indian Peaks Wilderness can be accessed via off-highway vehicles such
as a 4-wheel drive truck, an ATV or a dirt bike. Being able to access trailheads via four
wheel drive roads significantly cuts down on the hiking miles and can be a fun way to
incorporate four-wheeling with hiking and fly fishing. There are three primary four-wheel
drive roads that provide access to trails and fishing within IPWA:
► Coney Flats Road (access to Beaver Creek and Coney Flats Trailheads)
32

► Middle St. Vrain Road (access to St. Vrain Glacier Trail)
► Coney Cutoff Road (connects Coney Flats Road and Middle St. Vrain Road)
Each of the roads mentioned above are discussed in more detail within the
Fishing Destination sections within this book, where applicable.
When using an OHV to access parts of IPWA, there are some basic guidelines
and rules worth mentioning:
► No motorized or mechanized vehicles are allowed within the boundaries of
IPWA
► All resident-owned ATVs and non-street dirt bikes are required to be
annually registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (cpw.state.co.us)
► Out-of-state residents who bring OHVs into Colorado must purchase a
Colorado Non-Resident OHV permit which is valid from the date of
purchase through the following March 31. These permits can be purchased
anywhere Colorado hunting and fishing licenses are sold, via mail-in request,
or online
► Any rider under 16 years of age must wear a helmet
► With rare exceptions, it is not legal in Colorado to ride an ATV on public
roads, highways or streets
► A good website for more information regarding OHV use in Colorado is
StayTheTrail.org. The website provides more detailed information on
licensing, motor vehicle use maps, seasonal closure information, safety and
proper trail etiquette
Author Steve Schweitzer crosses a stream while riding on the OHV Middle St. Vrain Road. The road is a popular
four-wheel drive route to access Beaver Creek Trailhead, Coney Flats Trailhead, Buchanan Pass Trail and the St.
Vrain Glacier Trail. The road can be accessed via the Middle St. Vrain Trailhead at Camp Dick. Note: There
is limited parking for vehicles and ATV trailers at the Middle St. Vrain Trailhead.
Section III
Fishing in the Wilderness Area
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
- John Muir
OPPOSITE: Author Mike Kruise finesses a dry fly through a small plunge pool. Moments after his second cast, a
lively brook trout came from the right side between the white water and the bank to aggressively take the fly.

Fisheries Management in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
Section contributed by Benjamin Swigle, Fish Biologist, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Fisheries management in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area in north central Colorado
is jointly held by the United States Forest Service and the Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Fish
management prior to the 1970s generally focused on the production of self-sustaining,
easily harvested populations of sport fish.
In the minds of our ancestors, stocking brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) filled this void.
Brook trout, native to northeastern North America, were intentionally introduced into the
wilderness territory by locals (1920s) and WWII veterans (1945-50) carrying large milk
cans filled with water and brook trout. The philosophy of early fish managers was simply
to stock as many waters as possible and determine at a later time what worked. Although
the last brook trout stocked in the Indian Peaks took place on August 1, 1977 (Rainbow
Lakes), natural reproduction continues to sustain a variety of brook trout fisheries in the
wilderness territory. Mentality slowly began to change in the 1970s as a movement toward
species conservation and production of trophy trout fisheries gained momentum. From
1978 through 1996, the waters within Indian Peaks Wilderness were almost exclusively
stocked with Pikes Peak Cutthroat Trout, a fast growing sub-species of trout that closely
resembled the greenback cutthroat trout. Finally, in 1999 hatchery production allowed
Colorado Parks and Wildlife to exclusively stock what were thought to be pure-strain
greenback cutthroat trout. Despite physically resembling historic stocks of greenback
cutthroat, advances in genetic testing technologies found that the stocked greenbacks were
a genetic mix of greenback and Colorado River cutthroat trout. Thus, it is believed that
our predecessors frequently transferred cutthroat back and forth over the Continental
Divide in addition to the robust brook trout stocking program. Although this story
continues to unfold, anglers in the Indian Peak Wilderness areas will routinely continue
to catch brook trout and ‘native’ Colorado cutthroat trout.
Bob Todd prepares to lead a high mountain lake stocking effort via horseback. Notice the constant aeration of the
saddle packs containing trout fingerlings. Photograph courtesy of Harry Crockett.
36
Section III - Fishing in the Wilderness Area
Fisheries Management
A stocking truck readies fish containers to be carried by the Cessna 185 fixed-wing, which will drop several thousand
trout fingerlings in high altitude lakes of Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Photograph courtesy of Ben Swigle.
Besides the modification of species stocking after 1999, the preferred method used to
stock high mountain lakes switched from backpacks and horses to the almost exclusive
use of fixed wing aircraft. Flying modified Cessna 185 airplanes, Colorado Parks and
Wildlife pilots semi-annually stock 50,000 fingerling size native cutthroat trout in 35 Indian
Peak lakes ranging in altitude from 8,500 - 12,000 feet. The pilots drop thousands of fish
out of one of 12 containers attached to the belly of the aircraft. Each container contains
a specific number of trout fingerlings determined by the fishery biologist based on surface
acreage and prior survey data from a given lake. Completing the stocking in the Indian
Peaks generally takes a total of three fish stocking runs.
Stocking rates for native cutthroat trout are primarily determined by high mountain
lake gill net surveys. Standardized gill nets (6’ x 150’) are set out of a belly boat and remain
over night. The basis for the surveys lies in the ability to accurately identify, measure and
safely return as many individuals as possible. Analysis of the data determines parameters
such as abundance, density and
species composition. In
general, if a particular lake is
dominated by brook trout,
native cutthroat trout stocking
will be reduced or eliminated.
If the existing crop of
cutthroat be deemed in poor
condition, future stocking rates
may decrease. On the other
hand, if catch rates are
particularly low and cutthroat
are found to be of acceptable
condition, stocking rates may
increase.
Jeremy Skaw hikes in to a lake in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area to
complete a gill net survey. Photograph Courtesy of Ben Swigle.

Fishing Licenses and Fees
A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to
fish Indian Peak Wilderness Area waters. With a few exceptions, virtually all streams and
lakes within the wilderness area are regulated under Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s daily bag
and possession limits. Current fishing regulations for the entirety of Colorado can be
found at: http://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Fishing.aspx.
Possession Limits
Daily bag limit refers to fish caught that are not immediately returned to the water. Fish
released are not part of the daily bag limit. Possession limit corresponds to the maximum
number of fish allowed at any time, including in the field, transporting, at home, or in
storage until those fish are consumed. Statewide daily bag limits for brook, brown,
cutthroat, lake, rainbow, and splake, and lake trout is four (4) fish in aggregate. The term
aggregate means the limit may consist of one species or a combination of various trout
species. Possession limit for trout in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is eight (8) fish in
aggregate. The collection, use or possession of live fish for use as bait is prohibited in all
water within Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.
Special Regulations
Anglers in the IPWA need to be aware of the following special regulations:
1. Como Creek (Boulder County): From the headwaters downstream to the
confluence with North Boulder Creek fishing is prohibited
2. Hamilton Creek (Grand County): Fishing by artificial flies and lures only,
cutthroat must be returned to the water immediately
3. Ranch Creek, North Fork (Grand County): Fishing by artificial flies and lures
only, cutthroat must be returned to the water immediately
Being Fly Fishing Stewards of IPWA

As a visitor to the area, you have two responsibilities: to thoroughly enjoy your time in
the wilderness and to leave it as you found it so it can be enjoyed again and again.
Leave No Trace (LNT) doesn’t just apply to backcountry campers. Indian Peaks
Wilderness is not immune to clues left behind by previous fishers. Consider picking small
bits of trash up and carrying them out with you - which abides by another rule of
backcountry camping, Pack It Out. Make a habit of carrying a gallon-sized zip-lock plastic
bag to stow any trash found while hiking. As you exit the trail for the day, either place it
in a trash canister or simply take it home to dispose of later. We are continually amazed
at the amount of non-compostable debris found at high altitudes.
Occasionally we all run into an unethical or disrespectful anglers, and at times we just
may be that person. The most prominent issue encountered is trash littering trails: trash
such as cigarette butts, leader packs, coiled leader material, candy wrappers and drink
bottles. We’ve even found broken reels and rods left behind. There’s a really simple
solution - if you pack it in, pack it out. It honestly doesn’t take any extra effort to pack trash
out. There are trash cans at most every trailhead that make it easy to discard trash as you
exit the trail.
Another issue occasionally seen is crowding another fisher. The rule of thumb is to
give another fisher plenty of space to fish the area around them including allowing them
to fish in solitude as much as possible. Generally on streams and creeks, if you can see
another fisher, you are too close. Move on and find another stretch of water that gives
38
High Altitude Fishing Tactics

you solitude. For lakes, use good judgement to stay out of range of a fellow fisher. Give
them or her plenty of casting distance on either side and then move down some more.
There’s plenty of fishing water in IPWA to allow every fisher on any given day plenty of
space to enjoy fishing in solitude.
An issue that sparks controversy amongst the best of anglers is “should one fish for
spawning fish?” As a practice, conservation-oriented anglers do not target spawning fish,
primarily because of the belief spawning fish should be left alone in order to create more
fish to catch in future years. It is, therefore, recommended to avoid spawning beds (redds)
so as to not disturb them while walking across streams or along lake edges. Brook trout
deserve special discussion; if you plan on keeping some brook trout (according to good
fisheries management practices), consider harvesting fish during non-spawning seasons.
See the section entitled “Possession Limits” for more detail on harvest regulations.
Aquatic Gear Guidelines

Several invasive species and parasites threaten the waters in which trout live. Anglers
must take extra precautions to clean gear to protect the waters of IPWA.
Whirling disease affects juvenile fish by causing skeletal deformation and neurological
damage. Spores are released into the water by infected fish upon their death. Some spores
are ingested by small tubificid worms. Juvenile fish are infected by free floating spores
through skin or by ingesting the tubificids. It takes only four months for an infected fish
to develop new spores to start the cycle all over again.
New Zealand Mud Snails propagate to alarming densities. The mud snail has no natural
predators or parasites in the U.S. and is quite adaptable to the harshest of conditions, even
living up to 24 hours out of water and up to 50 days on a damp surface (such as
felt-bottomed wading boot soles, around the tongue and laces, etc.). What’s more, they
can reproduce asexually, producing over 200 embryos annually. The snails out-compete
indigenous water insects for food, eventually displacing the insects which trout feed upon.
The snails are deceptively small, less than 2cm in length, blending in with the stream
bottom. And, since they are so small they are often overlooked when cleaning gear.
Cleaning fishing gear should be an important and essential part of a fisher’s regimen.
Required Fly Fishing Equipment

For most applications, a 3-4 weight, 8-foot rod is quite sufficient. Occasionally, a
5-weight, 9-foot rod will come in handy for windy conditions, especially when fishing
lakes, but often this is too much muscle for streams. For smaller stream fishing, a 7-foot
Figure 3. - The Four Steps of Fishing Gear Disinfection.
1 Clean 2 Wash 3 Sterilize 4 Air Dry

Remove all large debris Wash all equipment (and Freeze gear overnight (the Allow all equipment to
from boots, waders, nets, tools used to clean most effective option) air dry in direct sunlight
etc. equipment) in tap water -or- for at least 4 hours
containing 10% Soak and agitate the gear before wearing to your
household bleach. Allow in a 1:1 solution of water next destination.
the equipment to soak and Formula 409™
for 10 minutes. Antibacterial formula for
10 minutes
-or-
Soak and agitate the gear
in 120° Fahrenheit water
for at least 1 minute (a
dishwasher works well)

3-weight or an eight foot four
weight will allow you to cast in
tight confines. We recommend
four piece rods which pack and
carry nicely on day or extended day
hikes.
A selection of leaders need not
be extensive; two basic types are
adequate. For stream fishing, a
seven to nine foot leader
terminating into 5X tippet is quite
sufficient. For lake fishing, longer
leaders and finer tippet might be
required - consider using a nine to
eleven foot leader terminating in
6X for dry flies in sizes 18 through
22. A 5X tippet is perfectly
sufficient for fishing lakes. For
ultra-finicky trout, before going
with a smaller sized tippet consider
lengthening the current tippet to
provide a bit of slack in the leader,
which allows the nymph or dry to
more naturally move with the
currents of the water. This is the
basic premise behind George
Packing frugally for a multi-day backpack into the high country will Harvey’s slack line leader concept.
help shed unnecessary pounds in the pack and still cover the four
principles of outdoor survival (in order): shelter, water, fire (or a way For more information on leader
to prepare hot meals) and food. Of course, make room in the pack designs, read “The Global Fly
for a fly rod, reel, flies and other fly fishing necessities. Fisher’s Guide to Hand-Tied Fly
Fishing Leaders”, found at
www.globalflyfisher.com/fishbetter/leadercalc/. If you want to try your hand at tying
your own leaders, download the accompanying interactive MS-Excel™ spreadsheet tool,
LeaderCalc, which contains over 120 different leader formulas for all situations.
Since the trout in IPWA have a short growing season, they are generally willing to take
any decently-presented fly. This means the selection of flies you carry need not be
extensive. Carry a few medium-sized fly boxes chock-full of hoppers, ants, para-adams,
hare’s ears, Tabou Caddis, San Juan worms, damsel nymphs, scuds, Pheasant Tails, egg
patterns, stonefly nymphs, drab colored Woolly Buggers and Elk-Hair Caddis. Also carry
nippers, 3x-6x tippet, an extra leader or two, floatant and a strike indicator or two. This
all fits into a small fly fishing pack which can fit in a backpack or fanny pack without taking
up too much room.
Wet wading is a popular option during the heat of the summer. Waders and wading
boots are optional as Tevas™, Crocs™ or wading sandals suffice just fine as light-weight
alternatives to lugging around heavy boots. Re-consider wading in lakes, as it just isn’t
necessary to access cruising fish - they come to you if you are stealthy. Wading in lakes
can damage the fragile micro-habitat necessary for producing small critters fish like to eat.
40

You will experience wind while fishing the lakes of IPWA, so a longer, heavier lined
rod is essential for casting any distance against the wind. An 8-½ foot five-weight rod is
ideal. You’ll find yourself wishing you had more if you take a three or four weight. Many
anglers carry two rods, a three weight and a five weight: the three weight for streams and
the five weight for lakes. Floating lines are all that is needed. It is not needed to get down
much below four or five feet from the surface to fish lakes in IPWA. Often times lake
fishing is pure dry fly fishing anyhow.
Float tubes are allowed on all lakes in IPWA and can be an effective way to reach fish
not otherwise reachable from shore, but not necessarily larger fish. Since float tubes are
bulky and heavy, and hungry fish tend to cruise the shorelines, most anglers forego carrying
float tubes and accessory gear. Lightweight float tubes designed for hiking are available.
High Altitude Creek, Stream & River Fishing Methods

There are two basic types of moving water to fish in IPWA - small creeks/streams, and
larger rivers. For purposes of discussion in this book, creeks are defined as the smallest
of drainages, with streams being mid-range in size and rivers being the largest in size. And
if you talk to an old-timer, the word “crick” might even enter the conversation. While
there are no formal guidelines to define these waters, we define them in the following
manner.
A creek can be characterized as being only a foot to four to six feet wide. It is usually
a foot or two deep at most with pocket water being small, essentially the size of a kitchen
sink. It can be rock-hopped and even leaped across with out ever getting wet. These
types of creeks most often drain surrounding land into a larger river system or into a lake.
They often are rock and/or boulder strewn and are in the open terrain. This is not to say
creeks don’t run through wooded areas; they do. When this occurs, they are choked with
deadfall and protected overhead with a canopy of living trees and brush. While this all
sounds cumbersome to the angler, particularly for navigating and fishing the stream, it
can be the exact structure that defines superb habitat for year-round resident trout. Trout
in these waters typically are in the 4” - 8” class and are eager for a well-presented dry fly.
But don’t let the small size of the residents keep you away looking for the larger brethren
- some of the largest fish, cutthroat in particular, seem to favor these small waters,
particularly around lakes, where they can migrate in and out of the security of the deep
water when they feel the need. Aside from spawning time each year when they migrate
into these small waters to make more trout, these larger fish tend to like the condensed
Daniel Galhardo works some slack water on the other side of some fast rifles. Tenkara style fishing is extremely
effective for fishing pocket water from distances, even over varied currents, avoiding the problem of line drag.

nature of a small creek funneling food to them - a big difference for them when living in
a lake and having to go seek food out.
A stream can be characterized as being too large to be a creek and too small to be a
river - how’s that for specifics?! Ambiguity aside, a stream typically is eight to 20’ wide or
so - a rod length or two wide is a good rule-of-thumb. They can be rock-hopped but
usually not leaped across unless you are an exceptional long jumper. The stream’s bends
are cut deeper and offer more hiding spots for larger trout. The boulders get bigger and
help carve out larger pocket pools behind them. A bathtub sized pocket, or larger, behind
a boulder is not uncommon. Sometimes, the outflow from a lake would be considered a
stream, while the inflow could be a creek. By and large, the flowing waters in IPWA can
be considered streams, although by name they may be called “XYZ Creek.”
It’s fun to partner up with a hiking friend and fish on either side of a stream, taking
turns working every pocket and rock, making sure to take photos of each other along the
way. Each can act as the guide for the other - spotting holding fish and helping your
fishing partner along. You’d be surprised what you learn by watching someone else fish
the same water as you.
A river then, is the largest body of flowing water by definition. It can be navigable and
can be too treacherous to cross, particularly during run-off in late June or early July.
Fly fishing tactics for creeks, streams and rivers vary. Let’s explore some effective
tactics for creeks and streams further.
Effective Tactics for Fishing Small Creeks

Trout in small creeks are the most wary of all. Oftentimes, the creek flows through a
meadow or rambles down a rocky gradient feeding some other body of water. The lack
of overhead cover makes these trout more easily seen and fished to, providing a stealthy
approach has been made. The angler must then make do with other forms of available
cover to mask his/her presence.
A boulder or a tuft of streamside vegetation can be the perfect blind, although making
yourself “small” is a must to take advantage of such tiny hiding spots. A trout in only a
few inches of water, to a few feet deep, has a limited cone of visibility above the water’s
surface. The deeper a trout is the more periphery the trout can see above the water.
Approaching small creek water is best done by silently walking the streamside, being careful
not to walk with a heavy foot. A heavy step acts like a drumstick, pounding and
reverberating the ground around the stream, ultimately sending non-visible warning signs
to trout nearby. Walk slowly, deliberately and keep a keen eye out for trout in all the
typical holding spots. Look for trout in holding spot locations in the following order:
1. In deep cuts along banks

2. In the deeper outer edge of a bend in the creek
3. In front of or behind boulders and deadfall
4. Before or after riffles and in tailouts (active feeding fish only need apply!)
5. In the classic “bubble line” between fast and slow moving water (most creeks won’t
have this type of water, but streams and rivers will)
Casting to small creek fish usually gives one or two opportunities, then the fish scatter,
as they are often the most skittish type of fish. The typical rule of thumb is to dry fly
upstream, nymph downstream. While this is certainly applicable to small creeks, there are
distinct advantages when dry fly fishing downstream is preferred. While fishing upstream
with a dry fly, if the sun casts a shadow over the water you intend to fish, switch it up and
42
Author Mike Kruise works a dry fly through a severe undercut bank - a prime location for small creek fish. Notice
how he is keeping all the fly line off the water and most of the leader, in an effort to reduce any adverse current drag
effects on the fly.
fish downstream. As mentioned above, if heavy footsteps are the number one alarm
system for trout, then shadows become number two. Don’t allow your body to cast a
shadow over the small creek water you intend to fish. In some cases, you just can’t prevent
a shadow from being cast over the water. When this situation occurs, make yourself small,
crouch down and fish low to the water, being cognizant of where your shadow is at all
times.
When nymphing a small creek, a strike indicator is rarely used. Instead, using a sturdy
dry fly such as a Madam X, small Stimulator or hopper pattern acts in place of of strike
indicator and offers the fish another option for food, just in case they decide to look up.
Twelve to 24 inches below the dry fly tie on a nymph that would represent something
living in that creek system. A small Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear, green caddis larvae, yellow
stonefly nymph are good choices to consider. More specific local fly patterns can be found
in the back of this book. Typically, with such small water we are discussing, heavily
weighted nymphs are not necessary.
Effective Tactics for Stream Fishing

Streams offer the angler more options for finding and fishing to trout. Just by virtue
of their size, streams provide larger pockets, pools, runs, riffles and eddies. Rainbows like
riffles and runs. Brown trout like pockets, pools and eddies. Brook trout and cutthroat
tend to be less picky and will seek out the best holding option for obtaining food.
Fishing streams becomes more of a finesse game, seeking out likely holding spots and
precisely putting a fly where it needs to be to entice a strike. In most cases, summertime
fishing in IPWA entails pure dry fly fishing. Nymphing is not needed. Drifting a dry fly
through a pocket or a run, or over a riffle, or behind a boulder is easier. Concealing
yourself behind trees and rocks is easier because of their size. But keeping line on the
water can be challenging. In an average 15 foot cast to float a dry fly over a pocket behind
a boulder, the fly line could span a riffle, current seam and slack water, for example. All
of these water types have different surface current speeds and challenges. If your rod and
arm are long enough to hold the fly line and leader out of the water, leaving the fly to float

naturally, then all the better. But many times this just isn’t in the cards. Either you
reposition yourself to limit the amount of water types you have to float over, or your move
closer to the subject water in hopes of keeping the line out of the water. In either case,
you risk spooking fish from their lair. The rule of thumb of fishing upstream certainly
applies here, working your way upstream picking apart the water systematically one holding
spot at a time. A summer of fishing IPWA stream water will make you an expert at
knowing how to effectively read stream water and how to be a more stealthy fly fisher.
The ideal rod and line for stream fishing in IPWA is an 8 ½ foot 4-weight loaded with
weight forward line. A seven to nine foot 5X leader is sufficient more most circumstances.
If it is a particularly windy day, a shorter leader becomes more manageable.
Invariably, you’ll spot holding trout in the locations that are most difficult to effectively
drift a fly or run a nymph - trout just seem to be masters at finding the most frustrating
locations for fly fishers. This is where casting a flyline with fly is inadequate. Enter the
Tenkara style of fishing in high altitude small waters.
Creek & Stream Fishing Tenkara-Style

Section written by Daniel Galhardo, Founder of Tenkara USA
There are different fishing methods and tools that can be successfully used to fish the
Indian Peaks Wilderness. There is one tool/method that readers of this book may not
know: tenkara.
Tenkara is the Japanese method of fly fishing that uses only a rod, line and fly. The
introduction of tenkara to the U.S. is a new and exciting development when it comes to
fishing equipment and techniques. For the Indian Peak Wilderness visitor it brings a few
advantages, namely: portability, quick setup, simplicity, and effectiveness.
Simplicity: Tenkara is a method of fishing that originated in the hands of commercial
mountain stream anglers in Japan, a fact that has significant influences in how simple and
effective it remains to this day. The original commercial tenkara angler kept things simple
out of necessity, but they learned how to make the simple things work very effectively.
Beyond the “only a rod, line and fly”, there are many lessons we can learn from tenkara.
For example, one of the main questions people have when going to a new area is “What
fly should I use?”. The tenkara angler will tell you, “any fly will work”. Tenkara anglers in
Japan are known to find their one fly pattern and stick with it. This is a very different
approach to the conventional “match-the-hatch” philosophy, however, many tenkara
anglers use one pattern in a great variety of waters and conditions and can confirm that
most flies will work as long as they are of reasonable size and shape.
Portability: The rods are quite portable, designed to telescope. A 12- or 13-foot rod
(the average and recommended lengths) collapse down into a mere 20 inches. This will
easily fit inside most backpacks. The minimalist nature of the method means one doesn’t
have to carry much equipment and a full setup may weigh as little as six ounces - appealing
to the ultra-light backpacking enthusiast.
Suggested Tenkara Equipment:

► Tenkara rod (the 13-foot/14-foot,7-inch Tenkara USA ITO rod is a very
versatile and highly recommended rod for IPWA).
► Tenkara line (there are two types of lines that may be used in tenkara, a
tapered and a level line. The level line will give extra flexibility in terms of
length of line used. It is recommended that one start with a line length that
is about the same as the rod, but lines as long as twice the length of the rod
44
Daniel Galhardo, founder of TenkaraUSA.com, fools an actively feeding brown trout from a perfect feeding pool
using a tenkara-style fly of his own design, the Oki Kebari (translates to ‘big fly’).
may be used. For most situations a 13-foot rod with 15-foot line and four
feet of tippet is a good start.)
► Tippet (four feet of 5X tippet is recommended)
► Tenkara line holder (this is a spool used to wind the line when not using it
or when moving through brush)
► Forceps and nippers
► A selection of appropriate flies
Quick Setup: The ease of setting up the tenkara rod, line and fly will be greatly
appreciated for the angler who likes moving from spot to spot, or the person who is
backpacking and wants to stop and fish a good-looking hole but doesn’t want to spend
several minutes setting up or taking the equipment down. In tenkara the line is tied directly
to the tip of the rod. Once the line is tied to the rod tip, the angler proceeds to extend the
rod, a process that takes roughly seven seconds. One can go from a fully collapsed rod in
his pack to casting to the streams or lakes of the Indian Peaks in less than one minute.
And, when ready to move to a new spot, it will take about 40 seconds to stow the 20-inch
rod back into a pack.
What fly should I use? Preference is given to a fly that
can be the most versatile (i.e. one fly that could be fished on
the surface, under the surface, or sunken deeply if desired).
Also, consider a pattern that will suggest just about anything
in the water, though it doesn’t try to imitate anything perfectly;
this adds to their versatility. Lastly, a fly that can be imparted
with some motion is advantageous. With these things in mind,
the traditional tenkara fly with a reverse hackle (or sakasa
kebari) is best to serve as the “one fly.” The Oki kebari is a highly
The consummate tenkara teacher Mr. Katsutoshi Amano, effective tenkara fly for fishing
favors the Amano Kebari, which is tied in size 12, with in IPWA.

light-colored sewing thread as the body, and pheasant hackle which is tied facing forward.
The softer hackle has a lot of motion if I pulsate my fly, the light color is easy to see and
works well with fish.
Effective Tactics for Lake Fishing

As you come upon a lake, resist the temptation to fling the fly right away. Take 10
minutes to peruse the immediate area at ground level near the shore. A good trick for
forcing this behavior is to arrive at the lake with the rod in the tube and the reel in the
pack. Putting it together, lining the rod and selecting a fly to tie on gives you time to scan
the area for clues. Look for cruising fish near shore. Most likely they will have a general
cruising pattern that repeats every few minutes and as long as every ten minutes. A few
fish will generally follow each other and in the same pattern, crossing a pod of a few more
fish circulating in their own cruising pattern. These shoreline cruisers are opportunistic
fish, looking for whatever food presents itself. Lead the cruising fish by four or five feet
so as to not spook their cruising pattern. If you lead with a dry fly, keep still...more often
than not the cruiser will spot your offering and at least do a drive-by to check it out. If it
looks natural enough, the fish will eagerly take the fly. Strike with a gentle yet firm uplift
of the rod and the excitement has begun! If you lead with a nymph, cast far enough in
front of the fish to let the fly sink to the fish’s cruising level. About two or three feet
before the fish gets to your fly, give it one small twitch and let it sit again. That will be
enough to catch a fish’s attention for a closer look.
If the fish doesn’t take your fly the first time around, don’t worry. That fish will be
back if you didn’t spook it with an errant cast - that’s the beauty of cruising fish. While
the fish is making his rounds, think about why the fish didn’t take. Is your leader to big?
Do you have the right fly? Was your cast less-than-stealthy? Correct the situation and
cast to the fish the next time it comes around. More often than not, any well-presented
fly will gain a fish’s attention and a take. On rare occasion, you will come across some
picky fish that are looking for a certain insect, size and color. These are well fed fish.
You’ll know when this is the case - a fish or two will act interested in your offering, but
turn away at the last moment. If this happens two or three times, then you should consider
trying a different size and/or color. A good rule of thumb is to go smaller and darker.
Not all cruising patterns follow the shoreline. Oftentimes, larger cruising fish will come
in from the depths, make a swoop in the shallow littoral zone and head back toward the
depths. These are prime candidates for a streamer cast out past the shallow area and left
to sink beyond the shelf. Time the fish’s pattern and begin stripping the streamer towards
shore as the fish is either going to or coming from to the depths.
Fishing Lake Inlets and Outlets

Water flowing in a lake and out of a lake attracts trout for very different reasons.
Typically, trout positioned at the mouth of an inlet or outlet stream are staged to eat. They
are looking for a meal to be catered right to them by the current. In either case, they will
take a fly. When fishing to trout in an inlet or outlet, use dead-drift stream techniques.
Float an attractor dry fly with a small midge or Hare’s Ear 12”-18” under the dry; it’s a
deadly combination.
Another reason trout may be stacked in an inlet or outlet is to spawn. As discussed
earlier, it is advisable to leave spawning fish alone. Find other fish to torment.
46

Dealing with Wind
Every afternoon, you’ll experience some sort of wind. Mornings are usually calm and
quite conducive to dry fly fishing on mirror-smooth water - a prime reason to get out early.
But come midday, anabatic winds form which can create quite a ripple on a lake’s surface.
Remember this - anabatic winds are your friend. We have witnessed too many times
anglers leaving a lake when it gets windy - that’s when the fishing gets good! On summer
and fall days, anabatic winds are created from the quickly warming lower altitude landscape.
Those rising warmer air pockets carry insects en masse, mostly small terrestrials, up to
higher altitude lakes. As the wind picks up during the day, small ripples to full-on waves
might kick up on a lake. You can’t see them, but trout eagerly cruise just under the surface
looking for blown-in treats.
More advice for fishing lakes, including advanced sight fishing tactics, how to fish in
light winds, strong winds and for finicky trout, can be found in this book’s companion
“A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park,” by author Steve Schweitzer.
Advanced tactics discussed in that book are certainly applicable to waters in IPWA.
Sight Fishing for Trout in High Altitude Lakes

Section written by Landon Mayer, Colorado Guide, Author & Photographer
Sight fishing is one of the most intense experiences an angler can have. The most
common sight fishing experience is pursuing the art of dry flies to fool trout that are visibly
eating an adult food supply off the water's surface. The thrill of hunting trout will provide
you with many rewards fishing both on the surface and below. This leads me to one of
my favorite ways to sight fish in "still water encounters.” With a large number of reservoirs,
lakes, and ponds throughout Colorado, many of these fishing paradises go unnoticed;
especially in the high country where half the adventure for the day is the hike to reach the
gold at the end of the rainbow.
The difference with still waters at any elevation is in where the trout prefer to hold. In
lower elevation and larger reservoirs, between six and nine thousand feet, trout will disperse
as the weather and water warms producing great hatches. This can start as early as March
and last through as late as November. For higher elevation lakes, the transition to warmer
ice-free water is much later, June through September. Trout in high places will prefer the
edge for the warmest water and easiest shot at active food supplies. This makes sight
fishing on the edge one of the best ways to produce great results at higher elevation.
Dry dropper rigs (hopper with a nymph below) are the best rigs to throw at cruising
targets. It looks natural, and also presents a meal on top of the water as well as just below,
where the trout will be looking to feed. With so many lakes lying in a bowl or cirque setting
between peaks, one can literally sight fish 100 plus feet above the lakes edge. From there,
one can see the cruising pattern of the trout and time when the best window is to approach
the lakes’ edge without being seen. Once in position, remain low to the surface and wait
for the chance at casting to a cruising target. With this tactic, one can be challenged all day
with the art of sight fishing in high altitude lakes.
Section IV
Trout in the Wilderness Area
“Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take
an insect view of its plain.”
- Henry David Thoreau
OPPOSITE: A Colorado River cutthroat rises in front of the camera as author Mike Kruise fishes the opposite
bank (middle center of picture).
Rainbow Trout (RBT)

A member of the Salmon family, rainbow trout have an average life span of eight to
12 years. They average in size from eight to 24 inches. They sport silver bodies with
brightly colored rainbow band that spans the entire length of the body and may vary in
color depending on the water conditions and geographic drainage. Rainbows are native
to the Pacific slope of north America and have been introduced on almost every continent.
Some scientists purport over 100 varieties of rainbows including the more popular species
the common Rainbow, Steelhead, Kamloops, Golden trout, Red-Band trout and
Kamchatka rainbows in Russia.
Rainbows are a spring time spawning fish usually starting their spawn in mid to late
March and continuing into June. They feed heavily from ice-out until ice-in the late fall.
Rainbows thrive on the rich the aquatic life in Colorado, which is needed to support the
short growth cycles these fish endure.
Brown Trout (BNT)

Brown trout are a very close relative of the Atlantic Salmon and are documented in nearly every
U.S. state. They were first imported to the U.S. in 1883 into the Pere Marquette River (MI). They
were documented in Colorado as early as 1903 by T.H. Bean. Brown trout average a life span of
10 years but can live up to 30-plus years. They range in size from eight inches to 36 inches and up
to 20lbs The largest brown trout in IPWA can reach 20-24 inches.
Brown trout are known for their beautiful spots, butter yellow and bronze brown sides. Males
develop big hook jaws when full maturity is reached. Browns will start their spawn in early October
and continue through December. Browns, unlike their cousin the rainbow, can tolerate warmer
water temperatures. They love the excitement of the hunt as these veracious eaters prey on anything
they can ingest. Due to their aggressive and territorial nature, they have been accused of reducing
the native fish populations in many watersheds through out the US.
50
Section IV - Trout in the Wilderness Area
Trout in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
Brook Trout (BKT)

The beauty of the brook trout is unmistakable with the white wormlike markings on
its back to the bright orange fins with white leading edges. A rare mature mountain brookie
can grow up to 18-20 inches with the most common size range in IPWA between six and
12 inches.
The brook trout is a native to Canada and the eastern U.S. and was introduced to
Colorado in 1872 by James Broadwell of Wisconsin. Well known in the fishing world as
a prolific breeder, this fish out-spawns nay species. They have become the most common
fish found in the Rocky Mountain region reaching maturity by their second year, however
their life span is a short 4-5 years. They multiply so fast that they can be a detriment to
other fish populations by exhausting the available food sources. They are opportunistic
feeders and are not very selective. For this reason, they make for a good fly fishing starter
fish for beginners.
Colorado River Cutthroat (CRC)

Colorado River cutthroat is a beautiful trout with large spots distributed throughout
the body increasing in density to the tail fin highlighted by the classic bright crimson stripe
under the gill plate. Its chameleon-like ability to significantly change its degree of color
during a spring spawn, makes it one of the most beautiful of the trout family. They range
in size from eight inches to 20 inches, with a good chance to catch one 18 inches or more
in IPWA. Cutthroat are eager feeders, and are fond of looking up to take bugs off the
surface.
Several agencies and organizations lobbied to place the Colorado River cutthroat on
the endagered list in 1999. However, in 2007 the Fish and Wildlife Service determined
it was not an endangered species and the ruling was reversed. The U.S. Forest Service did
designate the Colorado River cutthroat as a sensitive species.
Lake Trout (LKT)

Lake trout are native to northern North America. They can be considered a nuisance
species in some cases due to their voracious appetite and propensity to devastate
other fish populations (e.g. - Yellowstone Lake, WY). They are the largest of the
chars, averaging 24-36 inches, reaching a whopping 50 inches and over 100 pounds.
Lake trout in IPWA are smaller, with 24 to 26-inches being large. They prefer
oxygen-rich, cold, deep lakes, as they prefer to live deep in the water column during
the summer months. The best opportunity to catch a lake trout in IPWA is early in
the summer, when they can be seen cruising randomly near the surface of the water,
not necessarily near shore. A large olive or black streamer pattern is the primary fly
Splake (SPL)
The splake is a hybrid cross of a lake trout and a brook trout. This very fast growing
fish can reach lengths up to 16 inches within the first two years. In IPWA, the splake can
reach 20 inches with the rare trophy reaching upwards of 24-26 inches. The splake has a
forked tail, not as forked as the lake trout, but certainly more defined than the square tail
of a brookie. The splake is considered sterile and generally does have reproductive
capabilities. The splake has a longer life cycle than the brookie, attributing to their size
potential. And because of its rare breeding the splake is typically controlled with targeted
water-specific stocking efforts. A very strong and aggressive fish, the splake is fun to catch
as they seek big morsels to eat, particularly in deeper water. Splake are eager to take
streamers and nymphs just off of the bottom and occasionally will take larger dries (e.g.,
hoppers and Stimulators) on top.
52
Trout in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
Greenback Cutthroat (GBC)

Recent scientific study reveals the genetics of the greenback cutthroat may not be pure
and thus populations of the fish in Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks
Wilderness area may not be genetically pure greenback cutthroat. For general purposes
of discussion, anglers continue to refer to the fish as greenback cutthroat.
Greenback cutthroat are often hard to distinguish from other cutthroat trout. As with
all cutthroat, they have the namesake red slashes under the jaw along the throat line. In
IPWA, greenbacks spawn essentially at ice-off, usually during mid-May through the end
of June. In late run-off years, greenback can be found in spawning colors well into the
month of July.
Greenback cutthroat thrive best when there are no other fish species competing for
food; they aren’t a particularly aggressive fish. They become out-competed for food by
more aggressive species such as brook trout or cutthroat.
Author Steve Schweitzer releases a small splake caught on a large hopper pattern well out from the shoreline. Don’t
expect to see lake trout or splake close to the shoreline when they cruise near the surface. There are only two lakes in
IPWA that contain splake: Crater Lake and Diamond Lake.
Author Mike Kruise displays a healthy brook trout taken from one of his favorite Lakes in IPWA.
Trout in Lakes
There are roughly 90 perennial lakes in IPWA. Only 81 are named. The remaining
unnamed lakes are more aptly characterized as ponds and can be considered barren for
fishing. They are too shallow to sustain fish year-round.
Sixty-two percent (62%) of the lakes are known to contain some populations of
year-round fish, either by stocking or by natural reproduction. By and large, generic native
cutthroat roam the lake waters of IPWA, with nearly half (49%) containing them. You’ll
often run into brook trout (23%) or Colorado River cutthroat (15%) as well. Indian Peaks
is known for the larger brook trout than typical in RMNP. Some lakes, like Mitchell and
Long Lakes, hold some high altitude brookies pushing 18 inches, but those are highly
educated and wary fish.
High altitude lakes offer the hiking angler a special reward. Indian Peaks Wilderness
Area has more high altitude lakes containing fish than Rocky Mountain National Park.
Indian Peaks has 46 lakes above 10,000 feet with fish while RMNP has 42 lakes over
10,000 feet high with fish. For more information on these lakes, see the Appendix page
entitled Lakes Containing Fish, Sorted By Elevation.
Table 1. - Trout Distribution in IPWA - Lakes
Lakes - Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Distribution of Trout Species by Map Area (n=81)
Total
lake # of # of
surface lakes lakes Total
Map Area acres barren with fish Lakes BKT BNT RBT CRC GBC SPL LKT CUT
1 49 2 7 9 2 1 6
2 151 5 10 15 4 2 6
3 14 5 4 9 4 4
4 90 6 9 15 2 9
5 170 2 9 11 2 1 1 2 2 6
6 40 3 2 5 2 1 1 1
7 75 9 8 17 8
TOTALS 588 32 49 81 16 1 3 11 1 3 1 35
23% 1% 4% 15% 1% 4% 1% 49%
54
Trout in Lakes and Streams in IPWA
A typical stream cutthroat is 8”-12” long. If you catch one larger than a foot in a stream, consider it a trophy fish.
Trout in Creeks and Streams

If you are hiking to a lake, chances are you’ll have to follow, cross or run into a creek
or stream. Of a total 42 creeks and streams, 27 contain fish, representing 64%. Sixty-two
percent (62%) of all fishable streams contain either brook trout or cutthroat, or both.
Often times cutthroat and brook trout can be caught in the same stream, in the same
section. While brown trout are prolific and wide-spread throughout the mountain west,
only two streams in IPWA are known to have populations. This is consistent with the
same scarcity in Rocky Mountain National Park. With exception of Middle St. Vrain
Creek in Area 1, all rainbow trout can be found on the west side of the Continental
Divide. In all streams with rainbows, you will also find cutthroat and/or brook trout.
There are only eight streams that have exclusively one fish species in them, and they all
contain Colorado River cutthroat.
Table 2. - Trout Distribution in IPWA - Creeks and Streams
Creeks & Streams - Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Distribution of Trout Species by Map Area (n=42)
Total # of # of
flow streams streams Total
Map Area miles barren with fish Streams BKT BNT RBT CRC GBC SPL LKT CUT
1 21 2 4 6 2 1 4
2 10 1 6 7 4 6
3 2 1 1 2 1
4 10 2 3 5 2 1 3
4/5 7 1 5 1 1 1
5 4 1 4 2 2 1 2 1
6 6 1 1 13 1 1 1
6/7 5 1 1 1 1 1 1
7 23 7 6 1 1 1 1 5
TOTALS 87 15 27 42 15 3 6 9 0 0 0 15
31% 6% 13% 19% 31%
56
Section V
Destination Listings
"In years to come when I am asleep beneath the pines, thousands of families will find rest and hope in
this park."
- Enos Mills
OPPOSITE: July of each year marks the pinnacle of colorful flowers in the high country. It’s hard to beat the floral
summer splendor of Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area Fishing Zone Map
58
Area 1
Coney Creek
Coney Lake
Upper Coney Lake
Envy Lake
Gibraltar Lake
Pony Lake
Red Deer Lake
Red Deer Lake Drainage
Gibraltar Lake, Envy Lake
Reprinted with permission from Topo USA® 10.0. © DeLorme 2014
Buchanan Pass Trail at end Allenspark

Trailhead: of Middle St. Vrain Road USGS Quad(s): Isolation Peak
Trail Rating: çç - çççç BCZ: Middle St. Vrain
Trail Overview
Access to the St. Vrain Glacier Trail is best via an ATV or 4-wheel drive vehicle from the Middle St.
Vrain Trailhead at Camp Dick parking area. From the trailhead, the Middle St. Vrain Road for
OHVs is 3.8 miles to the Buchanan Pass Trail intersect. The alternate is to hike the same distance on
the Buchanan Pass Trail on the north side of the Middle St. Vrain Creek from Camp Dick, making it
a 17 mile round-trip. At the IPWA boundary, there are limited places to park an OHV, as no OHVs
are allowed on the trail past the boundary. At the boundary, the trail starts as an old logging road and
consistently climbs through scattered meadows and tall pine stands. About a mile and a quarter before
Gibraltar Lake, the trail passes a series of unnamed ponds and a beautiful camping site; however, mosquitos
are plentiful, so be prepared with bug dope. In another quarter mile, the trail fades in and out of scree,
following the willow-choked and braided Middle St. Vrain drainage. While most maps suggest a formal
trail for the last quarter mile, it is faint at best and off-trail safe travel is rule-of-thumb. The approach
to Gibraltar Lake is the same for Envy Lake, but continue onward over the saddle to the east of Gibraltar
for 2000 feet to Envy Lake.
60
Fishing Destinations - Area 1
Fishing Gibraltar Lake and Envy Lake

The trail follows the creek closely for a majority of the hike and there is plenty of
opportunity to jump off-trail and fish a stretch of the creek before moving on. Fishing is
particularly good for brook trout below 10,500 feet in altitude and there is a good chance
that one will not even make it to Gibraltar Lake if the fishing is good on the creek, as it
usually is. As the creek gains altitude the brook trout are mixed and eventually replaced
with generic cutthroat trout. A series of crystal-clear unnamed ponds (not marked on
most maps) about a mile and a quarter from Gibraltar Lake marks the highest point for
brook trout. The ponds are fed from area run-off and the drainage from Envy Lake.
While less populous, cutthroat in the upper stretches are on the smallish size but show
excellent coloration.
Little Gibraltar Lake and Gibraltar Lake 11,188 ft
The hefty off-trail hike to the Gibraltar Lakes will keep some away, but for those wanting
adventure, the effort is rewarded. Like in the drainage below the lake, the fish are small
but plentiful. The steep shores can be a challenge to navigate and cast to rising fish. Focus
on fishing the transition between the limited littoral zones and deeper drop-offs for the
cruising hungry fish. A dry-dropper is a good bet on this lake. Amy’s Ant and a generic
searching nymph 18-24 inches below the dry, for example. Gibraltar Lake is the only lake
in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area to be stocked with what was formerly considered pure
Greenback cutthroat genetics (the species is listed here as Greenback cutthroat for fishing discussion,
but is considered to be a hybrid cutthroat genetically). From the unnamed ponds 1.25 miles down
trail, stay to the south side of the creek when the trail becomes faint and difficult to follow.
The north side is more difficult to travel.
LEFT: Middle St. Vrain Creek is one of the most beautiful creeks in all of IPWA, and a favorite of the authors.
RIGHT: Author Mike Kruise displays a hungry ice-out Greenback cutthroat caught in Gibraltar Lake.
70
Area 2
Blue Lake
Upper Blue Lake & Drainage
Lake Isabelle
Long Lake
Mitchell Creek
Mitchell Lakes
Brainard Lake Recreation Area:

(O u tside of IP W A B ou n dary)
Brainard Lake
Moraine Lake
Red Rock Lake
Left Hand Reser voir
Left Hand Creek
South St. Vrain Creek (east of Brainard Lake)
Mitchell Lake, Blue Lake
Trailhead: Mitchell Lake Trailhead USGS Quad(s): Ward
Trail Rating: çç - ççç BCZ: Four Lakes
Trail Overview
The hike to Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake along Mitchell and Blue Lakes Trail is one of the most
popular in IPWA due to its ease of access and proximity to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Expect
to share the trail with many other day hikers and dog lovers. The trail itself is modest and well-defined,
particularly to Mitchell Lake. From Mitchell Lake, the trail becomes somewhat more steep and rocky,
but still an easy hike. The Mitchell Lake trailhead has parking for approximately 20-25 vehicles, so
getting there early will save an additional ¼ mile one-way hike from the Brainard Lake parking overflow
area, although the hike around Brainard Lake is picturesque and level. While the map above suggests a
two mile hike to Blue Lake, signs near the trailhead indicate the hike is three miles to Blue Lake. It is
the authors opinion that the hike is somewhere between two and three miles, but not more than three. It
always has been a quick hike to Blue Lake, although never officially measured using GPS technology.
72
Fishing Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake

Mitchell Creek (below Mitchell Lake)
The road from Brainard Lake to the Mitchell Lake trailhead crosses a fast and rapid
section of Mitchell Creek, mostly un-fishable due to the steep grade of the river, but above
the trailhead area, going up to Mitchell Lake, there are some stretches of fun pocket water
laced with boulders where some fine cutthroat live. Below the trailhead, expect to find
brook trout that most likely have come up from Brainard Lake. The willows hug the
stream bank, making fishing challenging in spots, but the brook trout are generally eager
to take a well-presented dry fly, such as a Royal Wulff, Humpy, Orange Asher or Para
Adams.
Mitchell Lake 10,700 ft
Mitchell Lake, and the surrounding pond to the northeast, is a relatively shallow meadow
lake mostly inhabited by brook trout, although generic cutthroat have been surveyed. Late
in the summer, brook trout rise to small terrestrials and midges. Even when the brookies
aren’t rising, fishing a small nymph under a dry fly can easily catch cruisers. Odd as it may
seem for a lake that has no measurable weed growth, a scud or damsel nymph under an
attractor dry can be an alternative presentation that triggers strikes when nothing else
seems to work.
Upper Blue Lake 11,847ft
The traverse to Upper Blue Lake is quite steep over boulders and alpine grasses, gaining
520 feet over four-tenths of a mile. Follow the drainage into Blue Lake up to Upper Blue
Lake for the most foolproof route. Upper Blue Lake will ice-out later later in July, being
one of the highest lakes in IPWA. The effort up to the lake is worth the reward of larger
than average cutthroat. It is semi-annually
stocked with native cutthroat. Hunter Umholtz fishes the inlet to Mitchell Lake
#2 below Blue Lake during a foggy morning.
Blue Lake 11,311 ft
Blue Lake is one of the most scenic of all lakes
in IPWA and Rocky Mountain National Park (see
panoramic next page). Sitting in a cirque
surrounded by Pawnee Peaks, Paiute Peak and
Mount Audubon, the large alpine lake is deep and
cold, often not fully iced-out until well into July
of each year. As such, fish any fly presentation
deliberately slow. When the fish are rising, select
a small midge or Griffith’s Gnat. When they
aren’t, a slow-stripped dark wooly bugger is your
best bet.
Blue Lake Drainage (upper Mitchell Creek) &
Mitchell Lake #2 & #3
Fishing the Blue Lake drainage and Mitchell
Lakes #2 and #3 can be productive fun for risers
near the inlets and outlets. The ponds are shallow
and usually don’t holdover fish from year to year.
Thus, fish populations can be unpredictable.
84
Areas 3 &4
Betty & Bob Lakes
Devil’s Thumb Lake
Jasper Creek
Jasper Lake
King Lake
Lost Lake
Middle Boulder Creek, South Fork
Rainbow Lakes
(T h e on ly series of lak es in A rea 3 )
Skyscraper Reser voir

Skyscraper/Woodland Drainage
Storm Lake
Woodland Lake
King Lake, Betty & Bob Lakes, South Fork Middle Boulder Creek
Hessie Trailhead, follow Nederland

Trailhead: King Lake Trail spur USGS Quad(s): East Portal
Trail Rating: ççç - ççççç BCZ: Middle Boulder
Trail Overview
The shortest route to these three lakes is to take CR-81 out of Winter Park, CO to Corona Pass Road
149 to CR-80, which takes you to Rollins Pass and the Corona Trailhead on top of the Continental
Divide. However, this is a 4-wheel road and nearly inaccessible much of the year. When open, using
ATVs or off-road vehicles is your best bet; warning - don’t attempt taking a vehicle not suited for off-road
use. The more common approach is to start at the Hessie Trailhead near the Eldora Ski Area and trek
the 5+ miles to the three lakes area, taking the King Lake Trail spur, the southern-most trail in IPWA.
This route offers you fishing on both streams and lakes. The trail traverses a mix of tall pines and open
meadows offering spectacular unobstructed views of the valley flanked by Woodland Mountain to the south.
The paths to Betty and Bob Lakes can be tricky to follow as they are faint in areas, but following the
outflows from the lakes is an easy way to navigate. There are several small bodies of unnamed water north
of King Lake that are barren. Lost Lake can be accessed via this hike and is described in the Skyscraper,
Woodland and Lost Lake section of this book.
86
Fishing Destinations - Areas 3 & 4
Fishing King Lake, Betty & Bob Lakes, S. Fork Middle Boulder Creek
South Fork Middle Boulder Creek
The first mile of this creek from the Hessie trailhead is described in the Skyscraper,
Woodland and Lost Lake section of this book. From the junction of Devil’s Thumb Trail,
take the King Lake Trail spur to the south, which closely follows the remainder of the
South Fork Middle Boulder Creek to its Betty Lake origins. One could get lost in time
fishing the creek all the way up to the lakes, there is that much good water to explore.
Brookies and cutthroat live harmoniously together in the same stretches of water. For
much of the way along the trail, tall stands of evergreens and classic small pocket water
characterize the creek as it follows steadily rising incline. About a mile before the lakes,
the creek runs through a small open area and braids out. Not only do the brook trout call
this area home, so do moose.
King Lake is one of the deeper lakes in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, reaching a maximum depth of 65 feet. Only
about half of the shoreline offers really accessible fishing since the Continental Divide ridge line abruptly and steeply
meets the western side of the lake.
100
Area 5
Banana Lake
Columbine Lake
Deep Lake
Diamond Lake
Upper Diamond Lake
Lake Dorothy
Lower Neva Lake
Meadow Creek
Meadow Creek Reser voir
(ou tside of IP W A bou n dary)
Diamond & Upper Diamond Lakes, Banana Lake, Deep Lake
East Portal
Trailhead: Fourth of July Trailhead USGS Quad(s): Monarch Lake
Trail Rating: çç - ççççç BCZ: Diamond Lake
Trail Overview
This is an exemplary day hike in IPWA and thus is one of the most visited remote sites in IPWA.
Getting to the Fourth of July trailhead will require patience and perseverance, not to mention sturdy shocks
and good tires. County Road 130 from Nederland, CO whisks you past Eldora Ski area and through
the minuscule town of Eldora, and soon after there the road forks. Take the right fork, County Road
111, a.k.a. Fourth of July Road. After the fork, the road becomes gravel and increasingly more difficult
to navigate with a low-clearance vehicle. A high clearance SUV or truck is recommended. The trailhead
is at the end of a four mile teeth clattering ride. Once on the trail, a few short stair-step sections are broken
up by convenient flat sections weaving through gorgeous pine tree stands and heavily wooded areas. Most
of the trail is shielded from sun and wind. There are plenty of designated camping spots along the trail
and at Diamond Lake. The trail to Diamond Lake is modest, with no one section being too steep to
make it a 4-hiker rating. The off-trail hikes to Deep and Upper Diamond Lakes demand a 5-hiker
rating, particularly the trek to Deep Lake. Accessing Deep Lake, Upper Diamond Lake and Banana
Lake is discussed in more detail in the following lake descriptions.
102
Fishing Diamond & Upper Diamond Lakes, Banana Lake, Deep Lake
Along the entire drive up the bone-jarring ride on Fourth of July Road, the North Fork
Middle Boulder Creek parallels the road. If you get a late start on the day and find the
crowds thick and the parking spaces thin, pull over the first chance you have and take
advantage of fishing a beautiful mountain stream of perfect size and suitable for all skill
levels. Note that there are some private properties along the road. For the most part,
private land and State land are clearly marked. During mid-summer, fishing a dry fly such
as a caddis or floating ant or beetle is all that is needed for some small stream fun. Rainbow
trout are rare in this creek; if you catch one, consider it a trophy fish.
Diamond Lake Drainage

The outlet of Diamond Lake has classic pocket water, albeit small in size. Look closely
for holding cutthroat and the occasional brook trout. The drainage quickly becomes too
steep to fish comfortably, although primarily brook trout inhabit the stretch down to the
confluence to the North Fork. Along the way, look for the large beautiful waterfall in the
steep gradient section.
Diamond Lake 10,946 ft
In the prime of summer, cruising cutthroat roam throughout the expansive flats present
on much of the lake. At ice-out and in the fall, expect the fish to hover more closely to
the drop-off edges, occasionally cruising in towards shore looking for blown-in insects.
The eastern edge of the lake is the deepest, with the remaining lake shores having the most
expansive littoral zones. The entire shoreline is accessible to the fly fisher on unmaintained
foot paths. In low water years, the southwest section of the lake is rather shallow and can
expose an old creek bed winding towards the deep middle. Diamond Lake is one of only
two lakes in IPWA that has splake (Crater Lake on the East side of the Continental Divide
being the other), although populations in Diamond Lake are small.
The North Fork Middle Boulder Creek fishes best with an upstream cast targeting small pocket water and edges
along the overgrown banks.
112
Area 6
Arapaho Creek
Cascade Creek
Crater Lake (aka Hyslop Lake)
Mirror Lake
Crater Lake (aka Hyslop Lake), Mirror Lake, Cascade Creek
Trailhead: Monarch Lake USGS Quad(s): Monarch Lake
Trail Rating: çç - çççç Cascade Creek

BCZ: Crater Lake
Trail Overview
Cascade Creek Trail is a very typical trail in Indian Peaks Wilderness, following a narrow canyon channel
carved out by the parallel Cascade Creek. The sometimes narrow and rocky trail is partnered mostly with
tall stands of pine. After the Arapaho Pass Trail spur, the trail winds through a few switchbacks before
leveling off just prior to the Buchanan Pass Trail spur. After the trail spur, a bridge marks the confluence
of Buchanan Creek and Cascade Creek, a good spot to refill water bottles with crisp, cold mountain run-off,
filtered of course. Soon thereafter, you’ll start to see a series of beautiful waterfalls, for which Cascade
Creek is known. These are not the Cascade falls. As the trail inclines another ¾ mile or so, you’ll come
to a long wooden footbridge spanning a deep chasm where Cascade Creek runs. From that point for nearly
¾ mile is a series of four stately and impressive falls giving Cascade Creek its namesake. From the falls,
the trail becomes more uneven and steep, making the trek to Crater Lake healthy exercise but worth it
as you pass unparalleled beauty in the scenery and views to Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Pawnee
Lake over the ridge to the east is fishless.
114
Fishing Crater (Hyslop) Lake, Mirror Lake, Cascade Creek

Cascade Creek
Cascade Creek has many looks and personas. The lower section from the trailhead to
the trail spur of Arapaho Pass Trail has primarily resident brook trout along with seasonal
rainbow and browns that migrate upstream to spawn. From Arapaho Pass Trail to
Buchanan Creek, Cascade Creek wanders through dense forest and the creek becomes
smaller in places, but shaded, offering quality cool habitat for Colorado River cutthroat.
About four and a quarter miles from the Monarch Trailhead, just after Cascade Falls, the
creek bed meanders in an open area and offers good fishing for cutthroat. It’s another
two steep miles from here to Crater Lake. Cascade Creek upstream of Mirror Lake has
limited populations of fish.
Crater Lake (aka Hyslop Lake) 10,320 ft
Crater Lake is arguably one of the most awe inspiring settings in all of Indian Peaks
Wilderness. Its crystal clear aqua-green waters mirror the stark green tundra growth that
carpets the surrounding mountainside landscape. While lake trout have not been officially
stocked since the 1970s, some natural reproduction occurs. Some old stocks of brook
trout have hybridized resulting in an unusual hybrid - splakes. (See a picture of a Crater
Lake splake in Section IV - Trout in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area). The lake is well protected
from the winds that develop each midday making the surface generally calm to fish.
Terrestrials and larger
attractor mayflies will catch Chad Goodson pauses by one of the four waterfalls that make up the
the attention of the cruising Cascade Falls on Cascade Creek.
cutthroat. The lake does
not have much of a littoral
zone, so casting 10-15 yards
out from shore tends to
keep a good distance
between you and the wary
fish.
Mirror Lake 10,308 ft
Mirror Lake is small and
rather shallow. It is
suspected the sparse
population of brook trout
primarily come from Crater
Lake upstream a hundred
yards. The connecting
stream between Mirror
Lake and Crater Lake has
some resident brook trout
as does the outflow from
Mirror Lake.
120
Area 7
Buchanan Creek
Crawford Lake
Gourd Lake & Drainage
Island Lake & Drainage
Long Lake, Hell Canyon
Roaring Fork River
Round Lake
Stone Lake & Drainage
Upper Lake
Watanga Lake & Drainage
Roaring Fork River, Lakes: Upper, Stone, Crawford, Long, Round
Shadow Mountain
Trailhead: Roaring Fork Trailhead USGS Quad(s): Isolation Peak
Trail Rating: çççç - ççççç Roaring Fork
BCZ: Hell Canyon
Trail Overview
Take the Arapaho Bay Road from US 34 following the road around the south side of Lake Granby to
the north end of Arapaho Bay to the Roaring Fork Trailhead. After a short stroll along an alluring flat
section amongst tall aspen and pine, the Roaring Fork Trail gives a false impression of an easy hike.
Within five minutes from the trailhead, the trail begins a steep uphill climb gaining 1,200 feet of altitude
in only two-thirds of a mile. For the next 2.3 miles to the junction of Stone Lake Trail, the trail gains
a modest 620 feet of elevation. From the junction of Stone Lake Trail, the trail ascends an even steeper
1,350 feet over the next one mile of trail. While Stone Lake is only 300 feet lower than the highest point
in the trail, one must traverse up and down several times to the lake over the final 2-¼ miles.
NOTE: this trail combination is not for the unconditioned and is not recommended as a day hike, unless
you are confident you can manage an aggressive 13-mile round trip hike that includes 6.5 miles of uphill
climbing.
122
Roaring Fork River, Lakes: Upper, Stone, Crawford, Long, Round

Roaring Fork River
The lower quarter mile of the river which
dumps into Pete’s Cove and Arapaho Bay
of Lake Granby contains some Colorado
River cutthroat, but it is regarded as more
of a fishery for migratory spawning rainbow
and browns from Lake Granby. That is,
when the water levels in the lake support
fish moving upstream. Midway up the
Roaring Fork Trail, the river takes on a
classic mountain river look, with pockets
and pools between stair-stepping falls.
Some of the deeper pools can be home to
16-18 inch cutthroat, but expect an 8-10
inch cutthroat to be the norm.
Upper Lake 10,730 ft
Upper Lake is nestled in a small valley
head surrounded by Hiamovi Mountain to Upper Lake glows as sunshine breaks through after a
the west, Cooper and Marten Peaks to the brief storm of sleet and rain in mid-summer.
east and the Continental Divide to the north.
The impressive size and massive surroundings make this lake majestic in its own right.
The lake is stocked annually with Colorado River cutthroat as there is not sufficient habitat
for spawning. The lake has several deeper channels, clearly visible on a sunny day. Fish
will move around the lake using these channels as highways. The water is essentially the
headwaters for all flowage to Stone Lake, Crawford Lake and Long Lake in Hell Canyon.
Stone Lake 10,649 ft
Stone Lake, like Upper Lake, is nestled in a small valley head, just a ¼ mile below Upper
Lake. The lake is unimpressively small, but has a large population of Colorado River
This small stream near Stone Lake is abundant with cutthroat trout. How many fish can you spot in this picture?
132
Effective Fly Patterns

In addition to the 117 unique guide and local expert patterns found in the companion
book, A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park, an additional 45 patterns are
included in the following pages. These highly effective patterns were created by some of
the Colorado Rocky Mountain region’s most creative fly tyers, including:
E rin B lock
F rank D rum m ond
D aniel G alhardo
G reg G arcia
Joe Johnson
B arbara L uneau
John M ajerus
T im N eering
M ark R aym an
Josh R ick ard
S teve S chw eitzer
D ick S hinton
Jon S piegal
Jay Z im m erm an
140
Appendix
Area Fly Shops
Trails Ranked By Difficulty
Hatch Seasons
Hatch Charts
Lakes Containing Fish
Creeks, Streams & Lakes in IPWA
OPPOSITE: Lake Isabelle is guarded by Shoshoni and Apache Peaks in the background. The silhouette of a
hiker, backpack and fly rod with is of author Steve Schweitzer.
Appendix
* - fly pattern
Index (ph) - photo
A C
Altitude sickness 30 C.D.C.B. * 135
Amano, Katsutoshi 45 Camp Dick 60
Anabatic winds 47 Caribou Consolidated Mining Company (ph)
Apache Peak (ph) 141 16
Aquatic gear guidelines 39 Caribou Creek 91
Arapaho Bay 123 Caribou Lake 106, 108, 118
Arapaho Bay Road 122, 130 Caribou Lake (ph) 109
Arapaho Creek 108, 119 Caribou Pass 107
Arapaho Creek (ph) 119 Caribou Pass (ph) 107
Arapaho Glacier Trail 110 Caribou Pass Trail 108
Arapaho Indians 16 Caribou Trail 110
Arapaho Pass 108, 109 Cascade Creek 6, 114, 115
Arapaho Pass Trail 16, 106, 108, 110, 114 Cascade Creek (ph) 115, 116
Arapaho Pass Trail (ph) 109 Cascade Creek Trail 114, 128
Area Fly Shops 142 Cascade Falls 115
Cascade Falls (ph) 115
B Cherry-Limeade *
Clown Shoe Caddis *
139
134
Back country camping permits 22 Colorado Parks & Wildlife 36, 90
backcountry cooking (ph) 23 Colorado River cutthroat (illustration) 51
Backpacking light (ph) 40 Colorado River cutthroat (ph) 49, 127, 131
Baetis Emerger * 138 Columbine Lake 107
Banana Lake (ph) 105 Columbine Lake (ph) 107
Banksia Bug * 136 Coney Creek 66, 67
Barbie * 137 Coney Creek (ph) 67
Beaverkill Ant * 135 Coney Flats Trailhead 66
Beetle Kill 27 Coney Lake 66, 67
Beetle X * 135 Coney Lake (ph) 69
Betty Lake 88 Coney Lake Trail 66
Bley, Scott 3, 9 Cooper Peak 123
Block, Erin 3, 134 Copper Caddis * 135
Blue Lake 72, 73, 111 Coyote Park 109, 118
Blue Lake (ph) 74 Crater Lake 103, 115
Blue Lake Drainage (upper Mitchell Creek) Crater Lake (ph) 21, 116
73 Crawford Lake 124
Bob Lake 88 Crawford Lake (ph) 125
Brainard Gateway Trailhead 80 Creeks, Streams & Lakes in Indian Peaks
Brainard Lake 76, 81 Wilderness Area 149
Brainard Lake (ph) 83 Cruising fish, patterning and casting to 46
Brainard Lake Recreation Area 19, 72, 80 Cupcake Midge * 138
Brook trout (illustration) 51 Curmudgeon Crumpler Cricket * 134
Brook trout (ph) 54, 65 Cutthroat (ph) 55
Brown trout (illustration) 50
Buchanan Creek
Buchanan Creek (ph)
114, 128
129 D
Buchanan Pass Trail 64, 114, 128 Deep Lake 104
* - fly pattern
Index (ph) - photo
Deep Lake (ph) 105

Deer, Mule 27 G
Deer, White-tailed 27 Galhardo, Daniel 3, 44, 135
Dehydration 30 Galhardo, Daniel (ph) 41, 45
Devil’s Thumb Bypass Trail 96 Garcia, Greg 134, 137
Devil’s Thumb Lake 98 Giardiasis 31
Devil’s Thumb Lake (ph) 98 Gibraltar Lake 60, 61, 64
Devil’s Thumb Peak (ph) 97 Gibraltar Lake (ph) 61, 62
Devil’s Thumb Trail 87, 93 Global Fly Fisher, The (globalflyfisher.com)
Diamond Lake 103 40
Diamond Lake (ph) 105 Goodson, Chad 3
Diamond Lake Drainage 103, 104 Goodson, Chad (ph) 94, 115
Dickster Damsel * 138 Gourd Lake 129
Dickster Hopper * 138 Gourd Lake (ph) 129
Drummond, Frank 135-136 Gourd Lake Trail 128
Green Lake 65
E Greenback cutthroat
Greenback cutthroat (illustration)
61
53
Effective Fly Patterns 133 Greenback cutthroat (ph) 61
Eldora 102
Eldora Ski area
Emergency response
86, 102
32 H
Envy Lake 60, 63 Harvesting fish 39
Envy Lake (ph) 62 Hatch Charts 146, 147
Errata and Etcetera 6 Hatch Seasons 145
Ethics in Fishing 38 Hell Canyon 123
Ewert, Jon 3 Hell Canyon (ph) 126
Hessie Trailhead 86, 92, 96
F Hiamovi Mountain
Hiking gear recommendations
123
24
Fish stocking 37 Hiking plan 32
Fish stocking (ph) 37 Hi-Vis Caddis * 135
Fisheries management 36 Horseshoe Creek 90
Fishing hook removal 29 Hot Wire Caddis Emerger * 138
Fishing lake inlets and outlets 46 Hot Wire Chirono * 137
Fishing licenses and fees 38 Hypothermia 31
Fishing Methods, High Altitude Creek, Hyslop Lake 115
Stream & Rivers 41
Fishing Methods, Lakes 46
Flaming Moh * 139 I
Fly recommendations, general 40 I.O.B.O. * 136
Fly rod recommendations 39 Ice Blue Midge * 138
Fourth of July Road 102 Ishigaki Kebari * 135
Fourth of July Trailhead 106, 110 Island Lake 128, 129
Frostbite, frost nip 31
J
James Peak Wilderness Area 16, 19
156
Index
* - fly pattern
Index (ph) - photo
Jasper Creek 93 Luneau, Barb 137

Jasper Creek (ph) 98 Luneau, Barbara 137
Jasper Creek (upper section above Devil’s
Thumb Bypass Trail)
Jasper Lake
97
97 M
Jasper Lake (ph) 98 Majerus, John 135-138
Joe’s Tungsten Pteronarcys * 136 Map of Brainard Lake Recreation Area -
John’s Skinny Nelson * 137 Summer 12
Johnson, Joe 3, 134, 136, 138 Map of Brainard Lake Recreation Area -
Junco Lake Trailhead 106 Winter 13
Map of Indian Peaks Wilderness Area 10
Marten Peak 123
K Mayer, Landon 3, 47
Key to symbols and icons 7 Meadow Creek 107
King Lake 88 Meadow Creek Reservoir 106, 107
King Lake (ph) 87 Meadow Creek Road 106
King Lake Trail 86, 88 Middle St. Vrain Creek 61
Kruise, Mike 8 Middle St. Vrain Creek (ph) 15, 61
Kruise, Mike (ph) 9, 35, 43, 49, 61, 62, 88, 94, Middle St. Vrain Creek (ph, front cover) 2
125, 131 Middle St. Vrain Road 60, 64
Kruise, Vickie 3 Middle St. Vrain Road, OHV use (ph) 33
Mills, Enos 16
L Mini Hot *
Mini Hot Green *
134
134
Lady You * 139 Mini Hot Purple *' 134
Lake Dorothy 107, 109, 110 Mini Hot Tan * 134
Lake Dorothy (ph) 25, 111 Mini Hot Yellow * 134
Lake Granby 119, 122, 130 Mirror Lake 115
Lake Isabelle 78 Mirror Lake (ph) 116
Lake Isabelle (ph) 78, 141 Mitchell Creek (below Mitchell Lake) 73
Lake trout (illustration) 52 Mitchell Lake 72, 73
Lakes Containing Fish 148 Mitchell Lake #2 & #3 73
Langworthy, Cortland 3 Mitchell Lake #2 (ph) 73
LeaderCalc 40 Mojo Midge * 139
Leaders 40 Monarch Lake 108, 118, 119
Leave no trace 38 Monarch Lake Trailhead 118
Left Hand Creek 83 Monarch Trailhead 115
Left Hand Reservoir 82 Moraine Lake 81
Lightning 27 Mother’s Day Caddis * 134
Lightning Larvae * 136 Mount Achonee (ph) 116
Lime Trude * 139
Long Lake
61
77 N
Long Lake (Hell Canyon) 124 National Park Service 17
Long Lake (ph) 77, 127 National Wilderness Preservation System 17
Lost Lake 95 Neering, Tim 135, 139
Lower Neva Lake 111 New Zealand Mud Snails 39
Lower Neva Lake (ph) 111 Niwot Cutoff Trail 76
* - fly pattern
Index (ph) - photo
Niwot Ridge (ph) 77 Roaring Fork River 123

North Fork Middle Boulder Creek 103, 110, Rojo Midge Black * 137
111 Rojo Midge Chartreuse * 137
Rojo Midge Red * 137
O Round Lake
Round Lake (ph)
125
126
Off Highway Vehicle (OHV, 4WD) Use 32
Oki Kebari (ph) 45
Oki Kebari * 135 S
Orange Aid * 137 Sailboat Trico Spinner * 134
Schweitzer, Steve 9, 139
P Schweitzer, Steve (ph) 8, 33, 53, 126, 141

Schweitzer, Steve (ph, front cover) 2
ParaAdams * 139 Shampow PMD * 136
Park Entrances & Fees 19 Shamwow PMD * 136
Patterning, casting to cruising fish 46 Shinton, Dick 3, 138, 139
Pawnee Campground 19 Shoshoni Peak 78
Pawnee Lake 114 Shoshoni Peak (ph) 141
Periscope Callibaetis * 138 Sight fishing 47
Pete’s Cove 123 Silly Juan * 139
Pine beetle 27 Skaw, Jeremy (ph) 37
Pony Lake 66, 67 Skyscraper Drainage 95
Possession limits 38 Skyscraper Lake (ph) 94
Preparedness, hiking 32 Skyscraper Lake/Reservoir 95
Puterbaugh Sallie * 135 Skyscraper Reservoir (ph) 95
South Fork Jasper Creek 93
R South Fork Middle Boulder Creek 87, 92, 97
South Fork Middle Boulder Creek (ph) 88
R’s Red * 137 South St. Vrain Creek (below Long Lake) 76
Rainbow Lakes 90 South St. Vrain Creek (between Long Lake
Rainbow Lakes (ph) 91 and Lake Isabelle) 78
Rainbow Lakes Drainage 91 South St. Vrain Creek (east of Brainard Lake)
Rainbow trout (illustration) 50 83
Rainbow Warrior * 139 South St. Vrain Creek (ph) 78
Rayman, Mark 135, 138 Spawning fish 39
Red Deer Creek 65 Special regulations 38
Red Deer Lake 64, 65 Spiegel, John 136, 138
Red Deer Lake (ph) 65 Splake 103
Red Quill * 135 Splake (illustration) 52
Red Rock Lake 81 Splake (ph) 53
Red Rock Lake (ph) 81 St. Vrain Glacier Trail 60
Redds, spawning 39 StayTheTrail.org 33
Regulations, general 24 Stewardship 25, 38
Regulations, motorized vehicles 23 Stone Lake 123
Regulations, pack stock 23 Stone Lake drainage to Crawford Lake 124
Regulations, pets 23 Stone Lake Trail 122, 125
Rickard, Josh 3, 137, 139 Stone Lake Trail (ph) 124
Rickard, Josh (ph) 78 Storm Lake 98
158
Index
* - fly pattern
Index (ph) - photo
Storm Lake (ph) 97

Swigle, Ben 3 W
Swigle, Ben (ph) 25 Watanga Creek 131
Watanga Lake 131
T Watanga Lake (ph)
Watanga Lake Trail
131
125
Tabou Stone * 136 Weather in IPWA 26
Takahashi, Rick 3 Wee Wooly Caddis * 136
Tarheel Caddis Nymph * 139 Whirling disease 39
Tenkara 44 Wilderness Act of 1964 17
Tenkara (ph) 41 Woodland Lake 93
Tenkara fishing 44 Woodland Lake (ph) 94
Ticks, Black-legged 27 Woodland Lake Trail 93
Ticks, Rocky Mountain 27 Woodland Mountain (ph) 95
Todd, Bob (ph) 36
Tracy, Mark 3, 137, 139
Trail travel time, underestimating 27 Y
Trailhead information 143 Yaeger, Liz 3
Trails Ranked by Difficulty 144 Yoosta B Emerger * 138
Translucent Scud * 136
Trout in Creeks and Streams 55
Trout in Lakes 54 Z
Turkey Baster Baetis Emerger * 137 Zimmerman, Jay 134, 136
U
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 17
U.S. Forest Service 17
Umholtz, Hunter 3
Umholtz, Hunter (ph) 73, 131
Umholtz, Renee 3
United States Forest Service 36
Upper Blue Lake 73
Upper Blue Lake (ph) 75
Upper Coney Lake 66, 67
Upper Coney Lake (ph) 68
Upper Diamond Lake 104
Upper Diamond Lake (ph) 105
Upper Lake 123
Upper Lake (ph) 123
Upper Neva Lake 110
USDA Forest Service, Boulder Ranger
District 22
USDA Forest Service, Estes Park Office 22
USDA Forest Service, Sulphur Ranger
District 22
Using the Trail Maps and Profiles 7

A Fly Fishing Guide To Colorado's Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

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A Fly Fishing Guide To Colorado's Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

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W a terco lo r illustra tio n s b y R ick T a k a h a sh i

F ish in g fly p h o to gra p h y b y M a rk T ra cy

P h o to gra p h y, illustra tio n s a n d tex t b y th e a u th o rs

FISH ILLUSTRATION COPYRIGHT:

STREAM, RIVER AND LAKE DATA:

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA:

Effective Fly Patterns 133

Figures and Tables

Errata and Etcetera

How to Use This Guide

ô - Location Meets Accessibility Requirements

Using the Trail Maps and Profiles

Note orientation and scale of map when

Foreword - Steven B. Schweitzer

Northern Colorado, September 2014

Longmont, CO, September 2014

Map of Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Map of Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Summer

Map of Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Winter

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

The Area’s Beginnings

U.S. Wilderness Areas Defined

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Figure 1. - IPWA & Surrounding Area Activity Participation graph

IPWA & Surrounding Area Activity Participation

Area Entrances, Parking Capacities and Fees

Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

► Camping is not permitted between May 1 to November 30 in the Four Lakes

Boulder Ranger District, USDA Forest Service

Estes Park Office USDA Forest Service

Indian Peaks Ace Hardware

Junco Lake Wilderness Station (Day of Trip Permits only)

Monarch Lake Wilderness Station (Day of Trip Permits only)

Sulphur Ranger District USDA Forest Service

Hiking & Camping in the Wilderness Area

Pack Stock & Motorized Vehicles

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Essential Hiking Gear

Hiking & Camping in the

Stewardship - It’s Responsibility

1. Plan ahead and prepare

Some examples of good LNT practices are:

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Environmental Hazards in the Wilderness Area

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Three Fishing Hook Removal Methods Compared

STEP 1 STEP 1 STEP 1

Health Hazards in the Wilderness Area

Retrograde Fish Hook Removal

Advance and Cut Fish Hook Removal

String-Pull Fish Hook Removal

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Health Hazards in the Wilderness Area

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Preparedness and Emergency Response

Off Highway Vehicle (OHV, 4WD) Use to Access IPWA

Hiking & Camping in the Wilderness Area

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Being Fly Fishing Stewards of IPWA

High Altitude Fishing Tactics