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 62 Having a small boat or kayak is an upgrade from the handicap of shore and can give ac- cess to remote stretches many anglers don't get to. It also allows the an- gler to fish much deeper water where larger fish typically hide. Beyond the depths, the outflow on the opposite side of the lake coming down from Night Lake holds trout sitting at the creek mouth sipping on any- thing that comes floating by. LITTLE BEAR CREEK On the way out of Island Lake, one must stop at Top of the World Store. It's a great place to pick up a cold refreshment or any last minute items if you are camping. It also has trinkets and souvenirs for anyone who wants a memoir or bumper sticker from their venture on the pass. Lastly, it is also a great place to pick up a Wyoming fishing license if you haven't already. Just behind the store is Little Bear Creek. Though the name is somewhat appropriate for its size and the necessity to carry bear spray any- where you fish off the highway, it does hold numerous cutthroat and brook trout for the angler that values quantity over quality. On nearly every cast in late summer, an eager trout will hit any type of popular dry fly that lands in the slow moving pools. There is easy access directly off the highway or you can hike and follow the stream to corners of un-fished water. The creek does eventually flow to the next major and most popular lake of the highway. BEARTOOTH LAKE Another turn off the highway on a paved road leads you to the lake, picnic area, and camp- ground. A highlight for many passing anglers and visitors is this lake for its scenic and reflective vista of Beartooth Butte. Below it lies a mosqui- to-laden lake that hosts a very healthy population of trout. Anywhere on the lake can be successful for the fly fisherman, but near the inflow of Little

• Cover