Redfish reflections

Tucked below the Sawtooth Mountains' towering summits, Little Redfish Lake glows with alpine serenity. This high-altitude Idaho lake, fed by glacial runoff and surrounded by pine forests, is a haven for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts seeking a tranquil, motorboat-free retreat. The 'Redfish' name alludes to the sockeye salmon that once gathered here by the thousands during spawning season, seeming to tint the water with their pinkish-red coloration. Starting in the mid-20th century, the salmon run was decimated by environmental factors such as dams built upriver from the lake. However, healthy populations of bass and trout still attract anglers in ample numbers.