Fishing At Glacier National Park

The dead of winter is a good time to plan next year’s fishing trips out West. And here’s a suggestion….Why not bypass Yellowstone next summer and try this park’s younger sister, Glacier National Park (*)? No, the fishing is not as good as Yellowstone’s, nor as predictable. As with most mountain lake fishing, action is hit or miss here-fantastic one day, nonexistent the next. On the plus side, it is much less crowded. In fact, it can be downright adventurous to head down many of this park’s trails. Consider Grace Lake, for example, which has excellent fishing for large cutthroats. To reach this fishing, you will need to hike 24 miles roundtrip from the trailhead. That’s quite a stroll if the fish decide not to cooperate, especially when you consider that most hikes in Glacier are difficult e.g. steep! For me, the real reason for traveling to these lakes is to fish, of course, but also to enjoy the solitude and scenery and watch wildlife, such as mountain goats, sheep and grizzlies.

A pack rod of 8 1/2 to nine feet that will handle No. 6 line is ideal for Glacier National Park. Dries like the Adams, Goddard Caddis, Royal Wulff and Mosquitoe in sizes 12 to 20 will cover most situations. A few Muddler minnows 8 to 10, olive Woolly Worms 8 to 12 and Hare’s ear nymphs 10 to 14 will round out a general selection for the park. To plan for a trip next season, order the following materials: Hiker’s Guide to Glacier National Park, Fishing Glacier National Park and the topographical map of the park. They are available from the Glacier Natural History Association (*). A check for $15 will cover the cost, including shipping for all three. John Holt.