Silver Lake

The feel

Silver Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and has a small natural population of Dolly Varden. Getting to the water is on foot: park on McCarthy Road at Mile 10.8 and follow the foot trail to the lake.

The access is non-motorized, along a 1/4 mile private driveway to the north end of the lake. The easement there is only 20 feet wide, with limited fishing where it meets the water. The better sites are reached with canoes, small portable boats or pack rafts, and there are camp sites toward the middle and south end of the lake.

What to expect

Water and access

Non-motorized, via a 1/4 mile private driveway between milepost 10.8 of the McCarthy Road and the north end of the lake. The access easement is only 20 feet wide. Van Lake to the west can be reached by boat and a short portage.

Species and timing

Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and coho (silver). Fishing is good all year.

Methods and gear

Bring a canoe, small portable boat or pack raft to reach the good fishing sites.

Parking

Park on McCarthy Road at Mile 10.8.

Season and access

Year-round; the fish are non-migratory and fishing is good all year. Camp sites are toward the middle and south end of the lake.

Mingo says

Silver Lake fishes well all year, so pick your trip around your own schedule. Bring a boat of some kind, because the shore at the access is limited.

Before you go

• Pack a canoe, small portable boat or pack raft, since good fishing sites need one.
• Leave the vehicle on McCarthy Road at Mile 10.8 and walk in; motors are not allowed on the access.
• Stay within the 20 foot wide easement on the driveway, which is private land.
• Plan the short portage if you want to reach Van Lake to the west.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.