Idaho Exposure

Hiking, Climbing, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Backcountry Skiing. Photos by Thomas Oetzell; idahoexposure.com

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DSCF0820.jpg
DSCF0820.jpg2 viewsJust before arriving at Imogene Lake, the trail crosses stream descending from the outflow of a small lake (8400') northeast of Imogene Lake.
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DSCF0822.jpg2 viewsI arrive at the southeast end of Imogene Lake at 5 pm. The sun is low enough that I really needed to shade the lens with my hand. I want to find a campsite near the inlet. By the time I get the tent set up, the food hang in place, and filter water, I doubt I will have time to fish. I am not familiar with campsites here, aside from being tired.
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DSCF0823.jpg2 viewsFinally the sun reaches my camp. I was on the verge of being cold last night, and could have remedied that quickly by using that down jacket on my legs inside the sleeping bag, rather than as a pillow.
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DSCF0825.jpg2 viewsI see occasional trout surfacing to take a fly, but I want to head up to the three lakes higher and southwest of Imogene.
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DSCF0828.jpg2 viewsLooking west from my campsite across the inlet of Lake Imogene. I was not expecting to find a shallow, grassy inlet. I was hoping it would be deep here, allowing me to fish from rock walls, free of trees which make casting flies difficult.
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DSCF0834.jpg2 viewsA finger of the lake just east of my campsite; fall colors in morning sun. I could see trout cruising the shallows here.
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DSCF0836.jpg2 viewsThe waterfall just southwest of my camp descending from Lake 8556'.
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DSCF0840.jpg2 viewsAscending granite slabs above the waterfall cascading from Lake 8556'. These highways simplify alpine travel. I make use of them whenever I can; no stepping over downed trees!
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DSCF0843.jpg2 viewsRidge southeast of Payette Peak above outlet stream from Lake 8556'.
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DSCF0845.jpg2 viewsWaterfall below Lake 8700'.
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DSCF0847.jpg2 viewsNormally I would head to the inlet to fish, but I could see trout rising at the outlet. I fished the right (north) side of the lake, hooking into a nice rainbow on the first cast. It appeared there was a hatch taking place, as many fish were rising, some jumping. I crossed the inlet to the left side (south) to take advantage of the wind. Another rainbow managed to escape from my hand as I was trying to put it on the stringer. It dove down in a pool beside the lake, finding an opening under a big rock. I had it by the tail fin, but it wiggled loose, disappearing under the rock. I never saw it again! After releasing several smaller fish, I still had a nice 12" rainbow for dinner!
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DSCF0846.jpg2 viewsPayette Peak west northwest of Lake 8700'.
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