About ten years ago, minus one wife and two kids, I used to do a fare amount of hiking. I had a job which gave me weekdays off, working every weekend. So I got to see a lot of country. One lake that stays in my memory because of the outstanding cutthroat fishing is Trap lake. Trap is reached from Hwy 2 going east, take the FR 6095 exit. This is about three miles before Steven's Pass. It's on the right side of the road at a curve in the road. The hike begins on a steady climb about 2 miles to two small lakes, Mig and Hope. There are fish in these lakes but I don't know what kind. The hike to Trap continues south about 2 1/2 miles. You are now traveling on the Pacific Crest Trail. The views open up to incredible vistas and it feels like you are on top of the world. The effort going up to Mig and Hope lakes is well worth it at this point. After traveling the ridges you will come to a trail on your left that drops down into Trap lake. The descent is about 500 feet. The lake itself is 11 acres at 5150 feet. It has a rocky shoreline that circles the lake. There are a couple camping spots close to the lake. You can work all the way around the lake, but watch your step on the big boulders! I fished the entire lake, working my way around. When I got to the south shore where the big boulders are, I began catching one after another nice 9-12" cutthroat. I used simple spinners, nothing fancy. I was amazed by the number of fish I caught. It was a glorious day of solitude and fish caught. Someday I will return to this lake, if only to see if the fishing is still as good as that day.

Remember, minimal impact hiking and camping and leave some fish there for others!

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