We backpacked into Goat lake, Between Cayuse Landing and Cayuse JCT off from Toboggan ridge rd and Black Lead MTN, Clearwater National Forest, Idaho. This Lake lies in the Wilson Range and separates the Lochsa Drainage from the NF of the Clearwater, Kelley creek, and Cayuse Creek. We were the first into this lake this year. It is a 3 mile hike into the lake on a fairly nice trail. We had a large wolf come through camp when we first arrived, mule deer visited in the evening, and every morning MT goats were out on the mountain above the lake.
The lake had a large number of cutthroat trout, mostly between 10 and 14 inches. I usually catch and release, but on backpack trips it is nice to bake a few trout over the coals in tin foil, and these were some good eating with a little lemon and Johnnys season salt. Here are a few pics of the lake.
All in all a very scenic lake, not the biggest fish, but they are plentiful, with the abundant wildlife (especially the goats) you Idaho Mountain lake guys should add this to your to do list. More pics and larger photo files on my blog.
High Mountain Lake Cut Throat Fishing Trip, Goat Lake Clearwater NT Forest Idaho
