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Mud
Lake
 Location: 4th Mud Lake
Nearest Town: Pablo, MT
USA
Target Species: Westslope
cutthrout
Best Months to Fish: Summer and
Fall
Contact: Matt Wenzel
Access: Take Minesinger trail Rd off
of Hwy 93 One mile North of Pablo, MT. Head due East until you cross a
canal and cattle guard. Proceed ½ mile on Tribal logging road # and take
the first right. Stay to the right at the next "y" and follow until the
road dead ends at the trail head. This is not the trail head shown on most
maps. However the old trailhead is no longer accessable.
Best Flys and Methods: Casting dries
is the preferable method if the weather is good. Anything fluffly and
buggy looking will catch fish. Flies with orange, yellow, black, or red
tend to catch more. Nymphing is possible if the weather is poor. Beadheads
and such produce better.
Overview: This is a high mountain
lake that is not easy to access as you have to know where the trail is. If
you can't find it you can't get there and there is no trail between the
3rd and 4th lakes. You can contact me for personal instructions on where
to find the trail. Once you reach the first lake there is a trail on the
south shore that takes you above the falls, then cross the creek and on
the North side of the creek you will find a trail that takes you to the
third lake. There are some places where you must watch lest you lose the
trail. As I said this is remote and very few people fish here. If you like
solitude on top of the world this is it. I take the north route around the
third lake to the fourth. Some people go the south route, but there is a
dangerous glacier to cross with a plunge into icy water if you slip. This
lake is nearly at the very top of the Mision Mountains. There are
spectacular panoramas, great cuts that average 14inches, lots of ice cold
clear water and more than ones share of fresh air. There are a few
locations for a tent, but are limited. Fishing is great and you can expect
to catch quite a few if the weather is good. This lake does lie on Tribal
land and therefore a tribal recreation permit (approx $8) a tribal fishing
license (approx $30) and a tribal camping permit (approx. $10) if you are
camping is required. You will not be able to reach or fish this lake at
least until the middle of June, sometimes not until the first part of
July. The cuts are feisty and of decent size. There are plenty of places
to make room for a back cast. With a pack this hike takes me 5 ½ hours as
it is not an easy hike and some terrain navigation is necessary. This is
not for the weak of heart or legs. But for those that attempt and achieve
it you will be greatly satisfied. The first lake is an easy 2-4 hour hike
(depending on the person) and has some decent fishing with limited areas
for backcasts. It does however have a more suitable area for camping and
is good trail all the way to the first lake.
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