.png)
Brook Trout by Kate Sorenson
A Legendary Fishery
Fortress Lake is home to genetically pure, world-record strain Nipigon Coaster Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), originally stocked in the early 1930s. This highly productive mountain lake is rich in chironomids, shrimp, and other invertebrates, leading to exceptional growth rates.
​Typical Size: 3-6 lbs, with larger fish present
Lake Record: 11 ¾ lbs
Average Length: 17-24 inches
Unique Traits: Heavy-bodied, powerful fighters
​Fortress Lake has been featured in renowned fishing shows like Fly Nation / Fly Max Films, Adventures North, and The New Fly Fisher, earning its reputation as one of the world’s premier brook trout fisheries.
Fortress Lake spans 11 km (7 mi) long and 1.5 km (1 mi) wide, offering pristine fishing opportunities in a breathtaking mountain setting. A short stretch of the Wood River is also fishable until its seasonal closure on September 1.
While it is a fertile lake, it is set in a fragile ecosystem at the continental divide. Please help us to preserve this pristine wilderness location by minimizing your impact on the fishery, the lake, and the surrounding environment. We are the only commercial operators permitted on the lake, no other guide, company, or services exist or are permitted. The fishing is as good now as it has ever been – let’s keep it that way! Fortress Lake Retreat is catch & release for guests, though we periodically keep a trout to serve. We are the only commercial operators permitted on the lake, ensuring an exclusive and well-preserved environment. The catch & release policy keeps the fishery thriving, though guests may occasionally enjoy a prepared trout.
Fortress Lake Patterns
When planning your trip to Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat the following patterns have proven extremely effective.​​
Streamers & Leeches
-
Black Head Black Woolly Buggers (Size 4-8)
-
Sparkle Leeches / Crystal Buggers (Black/Brown, Size 4-8)
-
Balanced Leeches (Black/Brown, Size 4-8)
Chironomids & Nymphs
-
Snow Cone Chironomids (White Bead Head, Size 10-16)
-
Black Chironomid Pupa (Size 12-18)
-
Chromies (Black Bead Head, Size 12-18)
-
Bead Head Pheasant Tail (Size 12-18)
-
Copper John (Size 10-14)
Dry Flies & Miscellaneous
-
Clouser Minnows (Size 6 & 8)
-
Dragonfly Nymphs (Size 8-10)
-
Elk Hair Caddis (Size 10 & 12)
-
Deer Hair Mouse (Size 4)
June – Early June is excellent for streamers, leeches, and spin fishing. Some very good sight fishing occurs in early – mid June. By the second week of June the chironomid fishing can get mind blowing. Stillwater author Phil Rowley was blown away in his many visits as he has never seen as many chironomids in a stomach pump sample as he has at Fortress Lake. The peak of chironomid fishing is the third week of June. This continues through mid July. The avalanche season rumbles through the valley all June.
​
July – Early July is awesome for chironomids, along with nymphing, streamers, and spin fishing.
​
August – Sight-fishing begins to really take shape and the fishing once again can be exceptional. Trout begin to get darker colors and show like pepper spots in the water. Dry fly fishing really picks up in the evenings with caddis, sedge, and mice patterns. Spin fishing can be exceptional. Pods of fish and fishing along structure is exceptional.
September – The lake is usually very clear and sight-fishing throughout the lake is at its peak in September. Pods of fish are strong and spotting along structure can be amazing. Dry fly fishing continues in the evening through late Sept. Some of the largest trout of the year are caught during this time. Spectacular fall colors of brook trout are at their peak.
October – Sight-fishing continues strong for fly/spin fishers. The water is gin clear and the fall colors are amazing in the autumn sun. Spawning occurs late October into November.
​
What are the daily fish limits?
All guests of Fortress Lake Retreat are Catch and Release. Replica mounts are available and good photos are available of your catch. We do periodically serve a fish or two for guests to have a taste.
Boats
We have 14 and 12 foot aluminum boats for you to use. Boats are used to travel to anchoring locations as anchoring and fan-casting is – by far – the most effective fishing method. Guests using power boats are required to adhere to our boat use policy and appreciate the cost of motor repair/maintenance should you drive recklessly or cause serious damage as we fly all fuel/supplies in to this remote location.