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 Nate Harrison - 10.13.26
Temperatures have dropped substantially and fish are schooling up around the edges of lake. Look for deeper water and structure where the fish will be holding. You’ll see them swimming around looking for food.
They’re getting ready for winter and they are very opportunistic and looking for protein packed meals.
Using Balanced leeches, Woolly Buggers with a Chironomid, egg patterns, San Juan worms or sow bugs tied off the bend of the hook under an indicator has been working really well. Put you indicator around 4 to 5 feet and adjust from there if we’re not hitting bottom every 3 to 4 casts will move are indicator up.
Look for fish rising, the Grayling have been pretty eager to take a dry flies, Try small parachute Adams in Purple and Gray sizes 16 to 20 and Elk hair caddis in tan, olive and orange Sizes 14 to 18. Don’t hesitate to put a nymph under your dry fly about 24” under a bigger Adams, Caddis or stimulator. Sow bugs, Chironomids, Egg patters, Rainbow warriors, Caddis pupa and San Juan worms have been working well.
The reservoir should fish over the next 6 to 8 weeks until ice starts to form.
