Hosmer Lake

Hosmer Lake sits off the Cascade Lakes Highway at about 5,000 feet, a small, shallow lake of two parts joined by a narrow channel through the reeds, with Mount Bachelor above it. It is fly fishing only and catch and release for every species, and it is known for stocked Atlantic salmon and brook trout that cruise water so clear you can watch them take.

It is sight fishing: small nymphs, damsels and callibaetis, fished slowly to cruising fish from a canoe, pram or float tube. The upper lake and the channel hold fish through summer, and callibaetis hatches on calm mornings bring fish to dries. Wind and bright sun make the fish wary, so early and late are best.