Went up to Mirror lake today and fished for about 4 hours and it didn't go as planned. Hiked in the raft to access the whole lake but it was a fail. Couple things about the lake. WDFW website shows they have stocked it with golden trout in the early 2000s along with some rainbows but didn't get a single bite. Saw 3 trout in about 4 hours of fishing. Tried everything I could think of but nothing. The lake is EXTREMELY deep. I was letting my lure sink for 30 seconds and still not hitting bottom. Was curious to see how deep so put on some serious weight and got spooled trying to reach the bottom in a couple spots. My reel is a shimano 2500 serious with 6lb maxima ultragreen and about half full on the reel and couldn't touch bottom so be prepared. Beautiful lake though and I am sure there is fish but only had spoons and spinners with me so couldn't really fish past 40+ft. Will be back.

However, Cottonwood lake is amazing fishing. You pass the lake on the way to mirror lake. It is a very easy hike and cottonwood lake doesn't have great shore access but with a raft it is incredible. Caught 14 brook trout and one surprising brown trout in about 2 hours fishing. Largest brookies were 12-14" inches with the brown measuring 15". Probably had another dozen bites that came unbuttoned. These brookies are feisty and fight like hell for there size. Numerous times I thought I hooked into much bigger trout based on there fight but when I reeled them in they were 12-14" on average. Lots of fun. Lots of trout and they were aggressive. All were caught on 1/4oz kastmaster red/silver. Cottonwood lake in my opinion is around 20ft deep at the most but loaded with trout. I strongly encourage everyone to catch and release as the lake is not very big and very easy to get too. Don't everyone go at once now. Picture of lake is mirror lake with the fish from cottonwood lake.

---