There’s got to be some place to go fishing without smoke. Right?

My bet would be to head north and zero in on alpine lakes.

Right now any of the alpine areas around McCall, and north to Idaho’s Panhandle, would be good bets.

High lakes in the Seven Devils also would be a good choice.

I called over to the Joseph, Ore., area, and the skies were clear earlier this week. That makes the high lakes in the Eagle Cap Wilderness pretty inviting.

If you want to get out of the smoke and heat, it’s going to take a long drive and a long hike, but it’s worth it.

I was canoeing on Priest Lake and Upper Priest Lake last week and it wasn’t smoky. There had been one fire that left a light haze in the air, but it was nothing like it is down here in Southern Idaho.

On the drive home, the skies were fairly clear all the way south to McCall. Sure there was the typical summer haze, but at least you could breathe.

High-mountain lakes are prime now, and it’s time to get in as many backpacking or day hiking fishing trips as possible. This is one of the best months for the high country. Pack some Panther Martin, Roostertail or Mepps spinners and head out. I’ve had luck using black, brown or olive nymphs when fly fishing.

Good fishing, good hiking, and good breathing.

Pete Zimowsky: 377-6445, Twitter: @Zimosoutdoors