Fishing at Blue Lake, Garfield County, Utah

• Overview

  Utah holds Blue Lake, in Garfield County. Country round the bank runs to rolling bush. A pocket of water where every cast reaches cover. Our Garfield County list holds plenty of bigger water. You are 34 miles from Panguitch. Beyond it, Beaver at 50 miles and Monroe at 51 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Blue Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Garfield County, recorded fish include brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, Arctic grayling and black-spotted cutthroat trout. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Read Blue Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 56°F and January near 20°F on the long-run figures. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early May. The water is typically free of ice between early May and mid November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. On Blue Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. There is a jetty half a mile off, worth knowing on a busy day. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Yellow Lake, 0.1 miles out. Signs at Blue Lake carry more weight than any list.