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

Trapper's Lake

Trappers Lake is the largest natural body of water in the Wilderness and the 2nd largest in Colorado at 320 acres and a depth of 180 feet. It was created when a wall of ice piled rubble across the north end of the basin during the last ice age. It is the head waters of the White River. Trappers Lake has long been famous for its pure strain of Colorado River Cutthroat Trout. Bait is prohibited and fishermen are restricted to using flies and lures only. Flies are particularly effective early and late in the day. Cutthroat Trout over 10 inches must be released unharmed. In recent years, brook trout have made their way to Trappers Lake. Because they compete for food with the native cutthroat trout, there are no restrictions on brookies other than the method of angling. Fishermen are encouraged to remove all brook trout from the lake.

Trappers Lake is within the wilderness area and motorized boats are prohibited, but hand propelled boats and canoes are allowed and can be rented locally. Belly boats, long a favorite of fisherman and also allowed.

Started by lightening on July 19, 2002 the "Big Fish" fire destroyed some 17,000 acres in the upper White River drainage that includes Trappers Lake. This fire never came close to Ripple Creek Lodge. In June of this year we will have some pictures of the rebirth of the area.