Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 60 way. That being said, the fishing is equally as good no matter where you cast and Gardner Lake is just over the border. A large dirt turnout on the eastern side of the highway gives you the first view and access of the lake. Though it will take a fun and easy hike down to the shores of the lake, the hike back up at nearly 10,000 feet of elevation will be a different story. Once in the basin, the casting will be very distracting with the surreal beauty that surrounds you; wildflowers paint the alpine tundra, marmot scurry about, and trout splash your fly while you miss the hook set gazing at the snow-lined peak just up from shore. One can fish the shores of this somewhat small lake and circle it chasing trout sipping dry flies, or the adventur- ous angler can continue down trail and follow the ten-mile or so loop of the Beartooth Loop Trail. ISLAND LAKE Shortly after Gardner Lake is Beartooth Pass. With a large dirt turnout and an elevation sign marking 10,947 feet. Stepping out of the car and taking in the view of the infamous Bear's Tooth and seeing the numerous lakes that dot the landscape really paint the possibility of what the fishing can behold on the highway and beyond. Meandering down the pass, the next body of water is Island Lake. A short drive off highway on a paved road leads you to the boat ramp and the campground. The fishing on this lake can be both incredible and annoying. Fish often swirl the surface in the summer months all day but don't manage to hit your fly. All the while, mosquitoes attack in organized form. But when things do line up, an angler has the opportunity of catching multiple species of trout in an alpine setting and with minimal trees for easy casting. CONTINUED

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