Field Notes
In the Clearwater River Watershed alone there are over two-dozen lakes that provide opportunities for anglers and recreationalists. While some are more well known and exceedingly popular during the summer months, you may not have remembered some of these lakes that could provide the quiet escape you've been looking for!
Just miles north of the Seeley Lake community lies lakes Alva and Inez.
Lake Alva has 'no wake' boating restrictions, making it a popular destination for non-motorized watercraft. Lake Alva boasts a diverse opportunity for anglers including westslope cutthroat trout and kokanee as well as yellow perch and pumpkinseeds.
Lake Inez has easy boat access and numerous camping and day-use locations and northern pike fishing. Both lakes support an important population of migratory bull trout which must be released immediately if caught.
If you're looking for something a little less popular, you may consider a short hike into Colt Lake, a mid-elevation glacial lake less than ¼ mile of an open US Forest Service Road. Colt Lake supports a self-sustaining westslope cutthroat trout population. The fish are best accessed by carry-in/packable watercraft as shoreline topography and thick forest canopy make shoreline angling difficult.
Lakes Dinah and Elsina are located northwest of town near a popular snowmobiling area and are accessed through the Marshall Creek Wildlife Management Area. Lake Dinah is accessible via a mile and a half mile hike from the Lake Elsina parking area and boasts a rainbow trout fishery of decent quality. Lake Elsina is easily accessed from USFS Road #465 and has shoreline fishing opportunity for cutthroat trout.
If you're on your way to the Bob Marshall Complex via Pyramid Pass, you may consider stopping at Trail Lake, a small, high elevation glacial lake. Trail Lake supports a quality wild rainbow trout population and there's good shoreline access for angling along most of the lakes' perimeter. And if you're interested in an overnight trip, there are several established dispersed camping locations around the lake.
Last but certainly not least is Crescent Lake, a high elevation subalpine glacial lake located near Crescent Peak and just west of the Bob Marshall Wilderness boundary. While a winter-kill event decimated the fishery in 2015, Crescent Lake has since been re-stocked with westslope cutthroat trout which has provided a quality fishery. Reaching the lake requires a two-mile hike or horseback ride with significant elevation gain- not for the faint of heart! Upon reaching the lake, gentle topography and trail access welcome you and allow for easy shoreline angling.
Reminders:
Life jackets are required to be worn by all youth under the age of 12. A properly fitting life jacket is required to be onboard for everyone over the age of 12 on any watercraft, even paddleboards.
No wake zones are in affect within 200 feet of shore.
The new red Validation Decals for motorized watercraft are required. The previous decal was green in color and expired in February of 2020. Failure to register a vessel or to display the necessary boat identification and decals may result in fines.
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