Fishing at Dons Lake, Grand County, Utah

• Overview

  Within Grand County, Utah, you have Dons Lake. The country round it is pine and birch from end to end. At 2 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Supplies mean a trip to Moab, 20 miles off. Redlands is 46 miles away, with Fruita at 48 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Dons Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. County-wide records name green sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Dons Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 60°F; by January the average is down near 22°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early May. From about early May to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Dons Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Hidden Lake is 0.9 miles off. Confirm before you fish Dons Lake.