In the heart of the White River National Forest and
adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness

Fishing

The White River is a beautiful freestone river that originates high in the Flat Tops Wilderness at Trappers Lake. which is a blue-ribbon cutthroat trout fishery. Some of the land along the White River is private, but there is access below Trappers Lake and at areas that have access from roads, campgrounds and picnic areas. Wade fishing is the most popular method on the White River as it is not quite large enough to float during most of the year. This picture was take just a few miles below Trappers Lake.

In addition to Trappers Lake and the White River, there are many high-mountain lakes and streams in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area that offer great trout fishing as well as terrific camping and hiking opportunities.

Mirror Lake — 5 acres, 54 feet deep, 10,010' elvation is 4 miles upTrail 1821 from the Mirror Lake Trailhead.  Excellent brook trout fishing with flies,lures and bait.

Sable Lake — 2 acres, 20 feet deep, 9,882 feet, is an excellent fly fishing lake for large cutthroat trout. From the Mirror Lake Trailhead go 3 miles on Trail 1821 a short distance past Shamrock Lake then 3 miles on Trail 1820 to Sable Lake.

Shamrock Lake — 2 acres, 14 feet deep at 9,820 feet is an excellent brook trout lake with flies and lures and bait. Access is from the Mirror Lake Trailhead. 3 miles on Trail 1821.

Trappers Lake, 320 acres, 180 feet deep, 9627 feet is the second largest natural lake in Colorado. This 9,627 foot high lake has been designated as a Wild Trout Water by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.  This is the wild strain of Native Colorado River Cutthroat Trout,the largest population in the world.  It offers the angler productive fishing throughout the summer. Canoes and float tubes will enhance your fishing experience.. Travel around the lake is restricted to foot or horse travel only. Dry fly fishing can be superb when the lake is calm. Access is a short 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot to the lake or from Scott's Bay Landing, two miles above the lake.

You can do as much (or as little) as you please on your Ripple Creek visits.

The Carhart Trail

Little Trappers Lake, 20 acres, 22 feet deep, 9,926 feet, is reached by a trail beginning on the east side of Trappers Lake. From there, it's a 3/4-mile hike.