Bear Lake, Utah: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Garfield County, Bear Lake is a Utah water. Elevation runs to 9,701 feet. This is a pocket water of some 13 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Supplies mean a trip to Panguitch, 52 miles off. The big place round here is Provo, 152 miles distant. Nearest other option: Cuddyback Lake just 1.6 miles, West Fork Reservoir 1.7 miles away, Sawmill Lake just 1.7 miles, Dry Lake 2.1 miles away and Five Lakes just 2.6 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Bear Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Across Garfield County, recorded fish include brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On Bear Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 55°F in July and bottoms out near 20°F in January. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid May. Expect the water usable from around mid May until roughly mid November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. That is the shape of the year on Bear Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Cuddyback Lake sits 1.6 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Bear Lake locally before you travel.