Uinta Rivers & Streams Fly Fishing Info

The High Uintas Wilderness, spanning over 460,000 acres is the largest wilderness area in the State of Utah. Known for its rugged peaks, picturesque lakes, and countless miles of rivers and streams--most of which contain either brook trout, cutthroat trout, tiger trout, grayling, rainbow trout, or even the rare golden trout. Anglers will find abundant and diverse opportunities to wet a line in the rivers and streams within the range. From roadside rivers and streams to high elevation backcountry "blue lines" there is a little bit of something for everyone. One visit to the Uintas and it will be easy to see why the area is regarded as one of the best fly-fishing destinations in the state.

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 Scenic Byway (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. Alternatively, anglers can take SR-35 up and over scenic Wolf Creek Pass or US-40 for easier access to the eastern most reaches of the Uintas.

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 streams, 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

Please reference the Utah Fishing Guidebook for further details.

A valid Utah Fishing License & Day Use Access Pass is required to fish all bodies of water in the Uinta National Forest.

Please note: The Uinta National Forest is home to many bodies of water with special regulations regarding their fishing season. Most of these fisheries are closed to fishing util the 2nd week of July. Prior to fishing, please refer to the Utah DWR Fishing Regulations for more information.

Notable Uinta Rivers & Streams Include:

  • Hayden Fork
  • Uinta River
  • Stillwater Fork
  • Bear River
  • Duchesne River: Access to all forks of the Duchesne are currently closed due to the Yellow Lake Fire
  • Strawberry River
  • Currant Creek
  • Rock Creek
  • Yellowstone Creek

Don’t see the river you plan on visiting? Give us a call at 435.783.6791 and our shop staff can answer any questions you may have!

Weather Conditions:

Please refer to the National Weather Service – Uinta Mountains Forecast. Please Note: Weather conditions in this area change rapidly and sometimes without warning. We strongly recommend that you always pack a waterproof rain jacket and additional layers of warmth should you be caught in a rainstorm. Storms often don’t last long but they will often pack a good punch.

Water Conditions:

Please reference the USGS Geological Survey – Streamflow table for up-to-date water levels.

Current Conditions:

  • Check back soon for current conditions. Access to the Uintas is extremely limited during the winter season.

Shop All Fly Gear