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SignatureMT | 85 How to get there By their very nature, most mountain lakes are remote and accessing them can be difficult. A few outliers provide the exception to this rule (Park Lake, Wood Lake, etc.), but plan on hiking in over challenging terrain. Generally speaking, the more remote the waterbody and difficult the hike, the beer the fishing and solitude, so don't look past lakes perched high in the mountains with no established hiking trails to guide you. Plan adventures around your level of skill and conditioning while intelligently pushing the envelope to access some incredible country and enjoy a trip tailored to your desires. Accessibility & Travel Restrictions While many mountain lakes are open to hiking and horse traffic only, some "multi-use trail areas" exist that allow bikers, hikers, horseman and off-road motorcycle enthusiasts all access on the same trail system. While sometimes creating congestion and conflict, multi-use areas provide people of varying recreational interests opportunity to access the high country. A current National Forest Service Travel Plan map will delineate legal modes of transport throughout the mountains and is available through your local National Forest Service office. Montana's mountain lakes offer unique opportunities for folks of all skill and experience levels to immerse themselves in the magic of the high country and take in sights that few others will. That alone is worth the time spent researching, sore backs, and blistered feet it sometimes takes to get there and what keeps lovers of the high country returning year after year. Montana's mountain lakes are an excellent place for novice fly fisherman to get their feet wet. The trout found in alpine lakes generally experience very little fishing pressure and will readily strike dry flies and nymphs when fished appropriately. This mountain cutthroat was fooled by a first-time fly caster with a Settera Customs 5 weight rod and a grasshopper pattern.