Located in a spectacular wilderness setting among a backdrop of huge pines and majestic mountains lies this often deserted, high-elevation lake. A more perfect paddling destination could scarcely be imagined. It is one of my personal favorite lakes to paddle.

 There is a picnic area, restrooms and parking lot with a boat launch near the spillway on the northwest corner of the lake.  A hand launch access is located at the parking area near the dam and at the marina at Caples Lake Resort.

Caples Lake covers 600 surface acres and has a good fishing action starting around the month of June when the snow pack melts, up until about mid-October. This superb kayak angling destination provides fishermen with a good quantity rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout. There are a few mackinaws as well.

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This destination is a premier kayak fishing, and paddling location due to the 5 m.p.h. boat speed limit. Trolling from your kayak for brown, brook and rainbow trout with minnows is your best. bet. Mackinaw can be taken while trolling either minnow lures or spoons. Fly fishing is often successful too.

Open: The lake is closed from about mid-October to June due to heavy snowfall. Although early or late snowfall can alter lake closures. The boat speed limit is 5 m.p.h. The campgrounds are open between June 15th to October 15th depending on snow melt-off.

Fees: There is a fee to camp and a self pay fee to launch.

Facilities: There is fishing, swimming, power boating, windsurfing, hiking, boat rentals and a boat launch. Jet and waterskiing are not allowed. Pets are permitted on a leash.