Fish Lake in Summit County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Fish Lake is one of the Summit County waters in Utah. It sits in pine and birch country. Roughly 53 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. Bank access stretches around 1.3 miles in total. On our Summit County list it sits near the top for size. The nearest town is Mountain View, 28 miles away. Further out sit Evanston (28 miles) and Lyman (32 miles). No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Fish Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Across Summit County, recorded fish include brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout and Utah sucker. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. At Fish Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 21°F to 56°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Break-up comes around mid May, and the run that follows is short and strong. From about mid May to around mid November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Time your trip to Fish Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. The nearest alternative is Little Lyman Lake, 1.9 miles out. Nothing here settles the position at Fish Lake for certain.