So many Fishing Accesses and so little time? Not on this day! With a lofty goal of stopping often at every access that tickled our fancy, we drove through the countryside East of Kalispell, MT doing just that. I must confess I did discover Echo Lake last fall on a rainy and cold day. I promised myself I would come back once I learned the Lake has hot springs under it that make it one of the warmest lakes in the State.
Echo Lake is only 5 miles from Big Fork, and 25 miles from Kalispell. It has a large number of coves and islands to enjoy. The main fish species are perch, bass, northern, and pumpkinseed. On the way in you will notice more housing than I typically prefer when playing outdoors, but the way the lake is shaped sort of hides everyone from each other. Even though you have shoreline with homes and it doesn't quite feel like the wilds, it is easy to get past that. Once your toes touch the warm water and the fish get on your line the world becomes just you and the lake. Beware! The lake is aptly named for how sound travels and your voice will echo...echo...echo.
Memorial Weekend made this visit to the Lake a little busier than the previous, as is to be expected, however the fishing access has good parking and is a loop so it is a pretty smooth process for boaters to launch and park and make room for the next. There is also a restroom at this site with vault toilets.
Our Kayaks were easy to set in the water (make sure you have had any water craft inspected prior to putting it in any body of water to prevent the spread of invasive species) and and we included our poles as well. I noticed lots of people shore fishing for bass. We ended up having so much fun we did not catch any fish at all, mostly since we were only halfheartedly trying. The depth chart indicated the waters get up to 70-80 feet deep. It is a good idea to utilize these charts when mapping out where on the lake YOU plan on fishing.
Bring your camera as this picturesque lake does not disappoint. It feels like you are in a bowl surrounded with mountain peaks and evergreen trees that touch the sky. The glory of creation echos in the wilds and certainly is painted all around in this underestimated location. With so many options for recreation in close vicinity I suspect this lake is often forgotten during non-peak times.
After around 4 hours here, as a family we decided to explore another site. On the way we passed a fishing access named "Sportsman's Bridge". This access is directly off the road and parallels a nice little creek. There is a grassy knoll to settle on, or you can venture under the bridge for some shade and big rocks.
I think in the prime hour right after sunrise or before sunset this might be a hoppin spot to catch some fish, but we were not feeling it today. Without much ado we moved on to another spot. Perhaps the theme of the day was to absorb as many future possibilities as possible subconsciously. Often as a family we do that. We will stop and assess and make plans for future visits, mournfully departing as we accomplish our responsibilities. Sound familiar?
Our final stop of the day is super inviting; Teakettle Fishing Access. The water is a beautiful blue green color moving slow and swirling like the massive snake it is. A home to many species of fish and bug and bird. This spot is beside the road too but has a completely different feel. There are more trees and brush and Glacier National Parks gateway rises up in the distance, a beacon of the promise of these lands.
A man was walking his husky here and he had an easy smile. I like to think he lives nearby or was adventuring just like us. It was a peaceful way to bring in the evening. Close enough to the cities that Bears were not at the forefront of my mind, just the lunchable my son and I shared and whether to use a worm or lure. Later, we would go to our tiny cabin home at a local KOA and make a fire, gaze at the stars, and sleep like babies (That will be a separate blog since that experience in itself was worthy of its own post. I will put a link here.)
Always check your local weather as it can change fast in this region.
For Road Conditions Click Here.
Anytime you are in the wilds prepare for events much bigger than the trip you are going on so you and your loved ones are always safe. Below is a suggested list of Survival Gear.
SURVIVAL GEAR
Gas Can Filled
Sharp Strong Pocket Knife
Fishing Pole and tackle.
Large Caliber Handgun/Ammo (always be aware of and follow local laws regarding weapons)
First Aid Kit
Axe
Non-perishable Food like trail mix, oatmeal, nuts for an emergency situation.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Solar Cell Charging Station
Extra blankets. I carry a zero degree sleeping bag.
Proper shoes for a long walk out if it came to that.
A Paper Printed Map. There is no signal here.
Rope
Bug Spray (I have never needed it here, but it is a good idea to have just in case.)
Extra Food for your Pets
Multi Tool
Extra medication for those in your group who depend on it, like insulin or blood pressure meds.
Whistle
Duct Tape
Rain Gear
Warm Coat, Socks, Gloves
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