Uinta Lakes Fly Fishing Info

Known as the “roof of Utah,” the High Uintas are the tallest mountain range in the state and are known for rugged peaks and countless lakes—most of which contain either brook trout, cutthroat trout, tiger trout, grayling, or rainbow trout. Fishing opportunities in the Uintas are abundant and diverse, ranging from hike-in lakes above treeline to float tube and shoreline fishing at drive-in access lakes. The lakes near Mirror lake Highway are by far the most popular and are managed accordingly with hatchery-bred trout being the norm. Alternatively, more remote lakes in the Uintas provide a more wilderness experience, along with the opportunity to catch more wild, opportunistic trout that rarely see fishing pressure.

Access

With the vast majority of the Uintas being split between the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests, public access points are abundant across the range. From Kamas, the Mirror Lake Highway (SR 150) grants entry to the western half of the Uintas and is a great jumping off point to explore the near-limitless fishing opportunities within this unique mountain range. Crystal, Trial, and Mirror Lake Trailheads are all great introductions to the area and are located about 26 miles east of Kamas on SR 150. If you’re headed to the Uintas and want more information on the many stillwater fly fishing opportunities in the area, be sure to stop by the Fishwest Fly Shop in Kamas to learn more.

When to Fish

Due to its high elevation and lingering snowpack, the High Uintas typically aren’t accessible until June or even July during high snow years. As ice recedes from these high mountain lakes, fish are generally eager to feed before winter sets in again. This makes summer a great time to catch aggressive, opportunistic trout at high elevations!

Fishing Regulations

For more detailed information, please visit the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources.

Weather

Uinta Point Forecast

Current Conditions:

  • Beat the heat and head up the The Mirror Lake Highway (SR-150) the roadside lakes are fishing well in the early mornings and late afternoons. If you have a float tube, you will find a little more success fishing deeper in the lakes using a sinking line and small leeches, buggers, and other streamers Our staff has also seen success as well as chironomids, damsel nymphs, and small midges. We are seeing great success with dry flies. Mainly a mix of attractor patterns such as parachute adams, royal wulff, purple haze and small terrestrials in the form of ants. Like the CDC Ant, Triple Double, Renegade, Bionic Ant, and Chubby Chernobyl. Stop by the shop before you head up for the latest info on the Uinta Lakes!

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