Mike Carey
7/19/2010 4:55:00 PMhttp://www.washingtonlakes.com/MemberSite.aspx?id=5
I would give a 2 thumbs up for the Lake Serene/Mt Index hike. Definately worth it for the view alone and within 1.5 hrs of Seattle off Hwy 2 by Index.
Available Fishing Guide:
Website: YJ Guide Service
This was my first Alpine Lake Fishing experience as I've recently moved to WA from the Texas coast. Went Halibut fishing in May (amazing!) and have a salmon charter booked in August but sometimes it's nice to go off by yourself... So I went to my local outdoor shop and chatted with a real helpful guy who got me geared up for some Alpine Lake fishing with an Ultra light spinner rod & reel and a few lures/flies.
I picked Valhalla 'cuase that I knew it was stocked and had a nice hike to keep my girlfriend and 2 friends entertained. It was a beautiful hike on the Smith Brook Trail then south on the PCT. Lake has very clear water and I saw lots of 6-10" trout hanging out by the outlet of a little brook. Threw flies at first with no luck then switched to a blue/silver spoon and immediately landed a beautiful little 8" trout. Pretty sure it was a cutthroat due to the red markings under the gill. After releasing the little guy I hooked and lost a couple more but by then the fish had gotten a bit wary. Water is so clear that these fish spook easily so I will learn to be more stealthy next time...
Such a great experience and I can't wait to go again and hopefully do a little better! Any recommendations on Alpine Lakes within an hour or two of Seattle?
I think I'm going to like living here... :-)
Cheers