Continental Divide Trail Access Pointson Brooks Lake
What's working on Brooks Lake
- 01Intermittent Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are expected on calmer, overcast afternoons.
- 02The prolific October Caddis hatch is underway, providing a substantial meal for Grayling and Whitefish.
- 03Year-round staples like midges, scuds, and leeches remain critically important subsurface.
- 04Focus fishing efforts around submerged structure, deeper drop-offs, and along the edges of aquatic vegetation.
- 05A slow, deliberate retrieve or dead drift for subsurface patterns is key in cooling water.
What to tie on at Continental Divide Trail Access Points
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Balanced Leech (Black)
Leeches are a staple forage for predatory fish in stillwaters year-round. This pattern is highly effective in stillwaters, mimicking sluggish leeches that Lake Trout, Burbot, Kokanee, and various trout species will readily prey upon in cold early spring conditions at Brooks Lake.
Mysis Shrimp
Freshwater shrimp (Mysis shrimp) are a crucial and consistent food source in deep, cold lakes year-round. Fishing this pattern dead drift near the bottom can be incredibly effective for Kokanee, Burbot, and cruising Lake Trout, as well as the trout and grayling of Brooks Lake.
Buy at AmazonScud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in lakes, especially in areas with aquatic vegetation. A pink or orange Scud can be very effective in early spring, mimicking active prey in cold water for Grayling and Whitefish.
Buy at AmazonChironomid Pupa
Chironomids are a number one food source in lakes, especially in spring. This pattern effectively mimics the abundant midge pupae that Kokanee and various trout species (including those in Brooks Lake) will be actively feeding on subsurface.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a primary active insect even in cold water, making this a staple year-round pattern. It's highly effective for enticing finicky Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic Grayling, which includes Grayling, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout found in Brooks Lake.
Buy at AmazonIced Out Midge Pupa
Specifically designed for cold tailwater conditions, this pupa imitation matches the subsurface midge activity common in early spring. Ideal for the frigid conditions at Brooks Lake.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug (Orange)
Resident trout and char, including Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic Grayling (which includes Grayling and other trout species in Brooks Lake), remain keyed into egg patterns year-round, particularly with the upcoming spring rainbow spawn and lingering salmon eggs in the region.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish, especially in the colder spring flows of lakes like Brooks Lake, enticing aggressive trout, grayling, and whitefish.
Callibaetis Parachute
Callibaetis hatches are a staple on mountain lakes throughout the summer, providing consistent dry fly opportunities for Grayling and Whitefish.
Buy at AmazonWyoming season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.