Fly Fishing Trek Alice Lakes Loop

4-Day Fly Fishing Trek Alice Lakes, Pettit, Toxaway, Loop in the Sawtooth Mountains

Thinking about a 4-Day Backpacking and Fly Fishing Trekking the Pettit Toxaway Alice Lakes Loop in the Sawtooth Mountains? You are in the right spot. This trip is something special, a premier backpacking trip in the Sawtooth Mountains Idaho. Nestled in Idaho’s rugged Sawtooth Mountains, this hike loop offers incredible alpine views and fantastic fishing. If you want adventure, this 4-Day Backpacking and Fly Fishing Trekking the Pettit Toxaway Alice Lakes Loop in the Sawtooth Mountains will deliver memories for a lifetime.

This journey blends tough hikes with chances to cast into pristine alpine lakes. Maybe you are a seasoned angler aiming to fool wary trout. Or perhaps you just like waving a fly rod amidst amazing scenery in the Sawtooth Wilderness. You will learn about trails, the best flies for these mountain waters, and maybe share a laugh about common trail mishaps, because everyone makes a few out there.

So, get your boots ready and that fly rod assembled. Let us explore this Sawtooth Mountains adventure together, focusing on the celebrated Alice Toxaway loop. As I sit and recall, for a it’s been a few decades since I have done this trip. If you backpack It’s an incredible trip. Fly fish as well, you have hit a home run.

Preparation and Planning: Gearing Up for the Wild

Before you hit the trail for your backpacking Alice Toxaway loop, we need to discuss planning. The Alice-Toxaway Loop, a classic lake loop, often starts at the Tin Cup Trailhead. This trailhead is near Pettit Lake and the Pettit Lake Campground. It is about a 2-hour drive from Ketchum, Idaho, through stunning landscapes leading to the Sawtooth National Forest.

A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays; you can usually get this free at the trailhead. Just fill it out completely, as this information helps the Forest Service keep track of visitors and assist in emergencies. Check current regulations before you go, as fire restrictions or other rules may be in place.

Some hikers choose to do this loop clockwise, but the counter-clockwise direction described here (Tin Cup to Alice Lake first) is popular. This route tackles the climb to Alice Lake early. A habit I formed early when I first started backpacking, If possible do the hard climbs early in the trip. Proper food storage is mandatory to protect wildlife, especially from black bears.

What to Pack

For backpacking, think light but thorough; your total mileage will be significant. You will need a lightweight tent suitable for mountain conditions, often three-season. A sleeping bag rated for chilly mountain nights, perhaps 20°F (-6°C) or lower, is smart, paired with an insulated sleeping pad. A comfortable backpack, properly fitted and between 50-65 liters, makes all the difference on a multi-day backpack trip.

A reliable water filter or purification system is crucial because streams and lakes are your drinking source. You should also bring waterproof boots for the trail and perhaps sandals or water shoes for creek crossings. A small backpacking stove, fuel, and cooking pot are essential for hot meals and morning coffee. And a bear canister or sufficient rope and knowledge to properly hang food is very important; black bears are active in the Sawtooth Mountains and are very clever about accessing improperly stored food.

For fly fishing, a 3 to 6-weight fly rod, about 7.5 to 9 feet long, works well for the trout here; a 4-piece rod is easiest to pack. Pack your reel and a weight-forward floating line. A tapered leader, about 9 feet long ending in 4x to 6x tippet, is standard. Bring a selection of flies too; we will cover those soon. Polarized sunglasses are indispensable for spotting fish and protecting your eyes. A small, lightweight net makes landing fish much easier and gentler on them if practicing catch-and-release.

Essential Backpacking Gear Checklist

Category	Item	Notes
Shelter	Lightweight Tent	3-season, appropriate for number of hikers.
Sleep System	Sleeping Bag & Pad	Bag: 15-20°F rating. Pad: Insulated for warmth.
Pack	Backpack	50-65 liter capacity, with rain cover.
Cooking	Stove, Fuel, Pot, Utensils	Lighter/matches in waterproof container.
Water	Filter/Purifier, Water Bottles/Reservoir	Carry at least 2-3 liters capacity.
Food	Meals & Snacks	High-energy options, plus bear canister/Ursack for food storage.
Navigation	Map, Compass/GPS	Know how to use them. Download offline maps.
Safety	First-aid kit, Headlamp, Knife/Multi-tool	Sunscreen, insect repellent, emergency shelter.
Clothing	Layering system, Rain Gear, Hat, Gloves	Wool or synthetic fabrics. Extra socks.
Fly Fishing	Rod, Reel, Line, Leaders, Tippet, Flies, Net, License	Forceps for hook removal. Polarized sunglasses.

Always carry the Ten Essentials for safety in the backcountry. Your preparedness can make a challenging situation manageable. This list isn’t exhaustive but covers the main items for your Sawtooth adventure.