Sawmill Lake Fishing in Garfield County, Utah

• Overview

  Sawmill Lake is one of the Garfield County waters in Utah. It stands 9,682 feet above sea level. At roughly 5 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Panguitch is the closest place, 51 miles off. Then Monroe, 53 miles, and Richfield, 61 miles. Others close at hand: 0.4 miles away is Dry Lake, Cuddyback Lake 0.5 miles off, 1.1 miles away is Black Lake, Bear Lake 1.7 miles off and 2.1 miles away is McGath Lake. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Sawmill Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Fish documented in Garfield County include brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, Arctic grayling and black-spotted cutthroat trout. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Sawmill Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 20°F in January to roughly 55°F in July. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid May. Ice usually gives way near mid May, and forms again about mid November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Expect Sawmill Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Dry Lake, 0.4 miles out. Check the position at Sawmill Lake before loading the car.