08-04-2009, 04:00 PM
I think there are a few backpackers on this forum....
Did an overnighter July 31 - Aug 1 in the Rainbow Lakes area. This is a 5 mile hike that passes 8 fishable lakes. The trailhead is at Big Trinity Lake in Elmore County, above the hamlets of Pine and Featherville.
I couldn't have asked for a better trip. The first lake I stopped at, Fiddle, was alive with Cutthroat and they seemed to take anything I dropped in there. Conditions were crowded at Big Lookout Lake, Heart Lake, and the 3 Rainbow Lakes, so I turned around and camped at Fiddle. I didn't make it to Hideaway, which online reports claim has the largest fish.
Fished in the streams as well, with great success. Ended up catching about 30 cutts, 9 rainbows, and 1 brookie. All released. Fish mostly in the 10 - 11 inch size, like you'd expect in a small alpine setting. Biggest was 12". This area is actually pretty close to Boise and makes an outstanding "easy" hike with lots of fishing opportunity.
Hope to see you on the trails!
[signature]
Did an overnighter July 31 - Aug 1 in the Rainbow Lakes area. This is a 5 mile hike that passes 8 fishable lakes. The trailhead is at Big Trinity Lake in Elmore County, above the hamlets of Pine and Featherville.
I couldn't have asked for a better trip. The first lake I stopped at, Fiddle, was alive with Cutthroat and they seemed to take anything I dropped in there. Conditions were crowded at Big Lookout Lake, Heart Lake, and the 3 Rainbow Lakes, so I turned around and camped at Fiddle. I didn't make it to Hideaway, which online reports claim has the largest fish.
Fished in the streams as well, with great success. Ended up catching about 30 cutts, 9 rainbows, and 1 brookie. All released. Fish mostly in the 10 - 11 inch size, like you'd expect in a small alpine setting. Biggest was 12". This area is actually pretty close to Boise and makes an outstanding "easy" hike with lots of fishing opportunity.
Hope to see you on the trails!
[signature]