Smith and Morehouse Reservoir is a scenic high-mountain lake located in Summit County, Utah, on the western edge of the Uinta Mountains within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Situated roughly 12 miles east of Oakley, the reservoir sits at an elevation of about 7,600 feet, surrounded by dense forests with expansive views of the Uinta Mountains.
Because of its relatively small size, easy shoreline access, and proximity to the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding areas the reservoir is ideal for fly fishing from shore, float tubes, kayaks, and small non-motorized boats.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources regularly stocks the reservoir, and anglers can encounter several species, including:
Rainbow trout
Cutthroat trout
Tiger trout
Brown trout
Arctic grayling
Kokanee salmon
The reservoir lies at the end of the Smith and Morehouse Road east of Oakley, making it one of the more accessible mountain lakes along the western flank of the Uintas. The area sits in a beautiful alpine basin surrounded by forested slopes, open meadows, and smaller creeks that feed the reservoir.
Despite its relatively small size—approximately 44 acres—the lake offers impressive scenery and a peaceful atmosphere compared with busier destinations like the Mirror Lake Highway.
Two primary campgrounds, Smith & Morehouse Campground and Ledgefork Campground, provide lakeside access for visitors looking to stay overnight and explore the lake and surrounding creeks.
Updated by James Weeks 7.6.26
The reservoir is fishing fairly well right now. Anglers should try fishing small nymphs under an indicator near the inlet for the best chance at catching fish. Evenings are producing as well with small dry flies in a variety of different patterns. Again, focus on the inlet, or closer to the boat ramp as that area has a fair amount of trees and taller grasses. Fish tend to congregate in that area during the evening to feed on bugs that are blown into the water.
We recommend the following patterns in size 18-20 for this setup:
Rainbow Warrior, Phesant Tails, Perdigons, Mayhems, WD-40's, Frenchies, Red Necks, Zebra Midges, RS2's, Hare's Ears, Copper Johns, Barr's Emerger, Ice Cream Cone Chironomids.
For those who want to fish dries, try the following (Sizes from 16-20)
Stubby Chubby, Purple Haze, Parachute Adams, Triple Double, Skater Tot, Orange Asher, Flying Ant, Amy's Ant, Zelon Midge, Royal Wulff, PMX, Bionic Ant
Sub Surface: (Size 18-20)
Rainbow Warrior, Phesant Tails, Perdigons, Mayhems, WD-40's, Frenchies, Red Necks, Zebra Midges, RS2's, Hare's Ears, Copper Johns, Barr's Emerger, Ice Cream Cone Chironomids.
Dry Flies:
Grifffith's Gnat, Mother Shuckers, Orange Asher, Parachute Adams, X-Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis, PMX, Stimulator, Stubby Chubby, Triple Double, Renegades