What Twin Lakes Offers and How to Fish It

Twin Lakes sits in the mountains above Juneau, accessible by a steep trail that climbs roughly 3,000 feet from sea level. The two connected alpine lakes hold cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char in cold, clear water — a completely different fishery from the saltwater and river systems most Juneau anglers know. The trail is the main barrier to entry, which means fewer people and healthier fish populations than you'll find in lower-elevation waters around town.

The lakes themselves are small and shallow, which makes them responsive to weather and season. Spring and early summer bring the best fishing, when the ice clears and fish move into predictable feeding zones. By mid-summer, the water warms and fish move deeper or become less active during daylight. Fall fishing can be excellent again as water cools, but the window closes fast — snow can arrive in September, and the trail becomes dangerous.

Both lakes reward light tackle and small flies or spinners. The cutthroat here are not large — most run 8 to 12 inches — but they're eager and willing to take a fly on the surface. Dolly Varden tend to be slightly bigger and more aggressive, especially in the deeper water between the two lakes.

Key Takeaways

  • Twin Lakes is a 3,000-foot elevation gain hike from the Juneau valley, making it a full-day commitment but also keeping crowds light.
  • The fishery holds cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char in alpine water that fishes best from May through early July and again in September.
  • Light fly rods, small spinners, and surface flies work well; fish are eager but small, typically 8 to 14 inches.
  • The trail is steep, exposed in places, and snow can block access from October onward, so timing and weather awareness matter more than technique.

The Trail: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The Twin Lakes Trail starts near the Juneau area and climbs steadily through forest before breaking into alpine tundra. The full hike is roughly 5 to 6 miles one way, but the elevation gain is what makes it feel longer. Most anglers plan a full day: 2 to 3 hours up, 2 to 3 hours fishing, 1.5 to 2 hours down. Starting early — before 7 a.m. — gives you light all day and time to fish both lakes without rushing back in fading light.

The trail is well-marked but steep and rocky in places. Bring sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support; the descent is harder on knees than the climb is on lungs. Water crossings are usually minor in summer, but spring snowmelt can make them tricky. A walking stick or trekking poles help on the way down and save your knees.

Weather changes fast at elevation. Bring a rain jacket and a fleece even on clear mornings — clouds roll in from the ocean, and temperature drops 3 to 4 degrees for every 1,000 feet you climb. The exposed alpine section offers no shelter, so wind and sudden weather are real hazards. Check the forecast before you go, and be willing to turn back if conditions deteriorate.

When to Fish Twin Lakes

Late May through June is the prime window. The ice clears by late May in most years, water levels are high from snowmelt, and fish are actively feeding after a long winter. Days are long — you get nearly 18 hours of daylight — so you can fish late into the evening. The water is still cold, which keeps fish active even in midday.

July and August are fishable but less reliable. Water warms, and fish move deeper or become less active during the day. Early morning and evening fishing works better than midday. Afternoon thunderstorms are more common, and the exposed alpine offers no shelter.

September can be excellent as water cools again and fish return to shallower feeding zones. But the window closes fast — snow can arrive mid-month, and the trail becomes dangerous. By late September, most anglers stop going.

Gear and Tackle for Alpine Cutthroat and Char

A light fly rod — 4 to 5 weight — is ideal, but a spinning rod works just as well. The fish are not large, and they're not leader-shy in alpine water. If you fly fish, bring a floating line and a few small dry flies: Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and small Stimulators in sizes 12 to 16. Nymphs work too — Pheasant Tail and small Hare's Ears — but the cutthroat here prefer surface action.

Spinners are equally effective. Small Panther Martins or Mepps in sizes 0 and 1 catch both species. The Dolly Varden especially respond to spinners, and they're less fussy about presentation than cutthroat. Bring a few in silver and gold.

Pack light: you're carrying everything up 3,000 feet. A small backpack with your rod, tackle, rain jacket, water, and snacks is all you need. Leave the heavy gear at home. Waders are optional — the water is cold, but you can fish the shallows without them if you wear water shoes or old boots.

How to Fish the Two Lakes

The lower lake is easier to reach and often holds more fish. Start there, working the inlet where the upper lake drains in and the shallow bays along the shore. Cutthroat often cruise the shallows in early morning and late evening. Cast near the rocks and let your fly drift, or strip it slowly. The fish will take.

The upper lake requires a short scramble over rocks and a brief walk. It's smaller and shallower, but the fish can be less pressured if other anglers are around. The inlet between the two lakes is a natural funnel — fish move between them, and the current concentrates them. Fish the current seams and the deeper water just below the inlet.

Dolly Varden tend to hold in deeper water and are more aggressive. They'll chase a spinner or take a streamer fly. Cutthroat are more selective but still willing — they prefer smaller flies and slower presentations. Both species are active in low light, so fish early and late in the day if you're there in summer.

Regulations and Catch Limits

Twin Lakes falls under Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations for the Juneau area. Cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char are managed under the same rules as other Southeast Alaska waters. Catch limits and season dates vary by year, so check the current regulations before you go — the ADFG website has the specific numbers for the current season.

No special permit is required to fish Twin Lakes. A valid Alaska fishing license is required if you're a resident or nonresident. Residents can purchase an annual license or a short-term license; nonresidents have similar options. Licenses are available online through the ADFG website or at sporting goods stores in Juneau.

The lakes are not stocked — these are wild populations. Practice catch-and-release to keep the fishery healthy, especially for cutthroat. The fish are small and not worth keeping for a meal, and the population depends on natural reproduction.

Getting There and Logistics

Twin Lakes Trail is accessible from the Juneau area, but the exact trailhead location depends on which route you take. Some trails start from the road system; others require a short boat ride or a walk through town. Ask locally or check with the Juneau Ranger District office for current trail conditions and the best starting point.

There are no facilities at the lakes — no cabins, no outhouses, no water treatment. Bring all your water or filter it from the lake. Pack out everything you pack in. The alpine environment is fragile, and the small population of anglers who visit Twin Lakes depends on everyone leaving no trace.

Weather and snow can close the trail without notice. If you're planning a trip in May or September, call ahead or check recent trip reports. Local fly shops and the ranger district can tell you whether the trail is currently passable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Twin Lakes in winter?

The trail is not maintained in winter and becomes dangerous with snow and ice. The lakes freeze over, and access is not practical for most anglers. Spring and fall are the realistic seasons.

Do I need a guide to fish Twin Lakes?

No guide is required. The trail is marked, and the lakes are straightforward to fish. If you're uncomfortable with steep terrain or navigation, a local guide can make the trip easier and more productive, but it's not necessary.

What's the difference between the cutthroat and Dolly Varden here?

Cutthroat are smaller, more selective, and prefer small flies and surface action. Dolly Varden are slightly larger, more aggressive, and respond well to spinners and streamers. Both are fun on light tackle, and both are common in Twin Lakes.

Is the hike difficult for someone who doesn't backpack?

The hike is steep but short — most people can do it in 2 to 3 hours. You don't need backpacking experience, just reasonable fitness and good boots. The descent is harder than the climb, so take your time and use trekking poles if you have them.

What should I do if I get caught in bad weather on the trail?

The alpine section has no shelter. If a storm rolls in, descend immediately — don't wait for it to pass. The exposed terrain is dangerous in lightning and high wind. Turn back if conditions look threatening, even if you haven't reached the lakes yet.