Known as the “roof of Utah,” the High Uintas are the tallest mountain range in the state and are known for rugged peaks and countless lakes—most of which contain either brook trout, cutthroat trout, tiger trout, grayling, or rainbow trout. Fishing opportunities in the Uintas are abundant and diverse, ranging from hike-in lakes above treeline to float tube and shoreline fishing at drive-in access lakes. The lakes near Mirror lake Highway are by far the most popular and are managed accordingly with hatchery-bred trout being the norm. Alternatively, more remote lakes in the Uintas provide a more rugged wilderness experience, along with the opportunity to catch more wild, opportunistic trout that see minimal fishing pressure.

With the vast majority of the Uintas being split between the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests, public access points are abundant across the range. From Kamas, the Mirror Lake Highway (SR 150) grants entry to the western half of the Uintas and is a great jumping off point to explore the near-limitless fishing opportunities within this unique mountain range. Crystal, Trial, and Mirror Lake Trailheads are all great introductions to the area and are located about 26 miles east of Kamas on SR 150. If you’re headed to the Uintas and want more information on the many stillwater fly fishing opportunities in the area, be sure to stop by the Fishwest Fly Shop in Kamas to learn more.

Public access is limited to the portion of the river within National Forest boundaries, with multiple access points easily accessible along the Mirror Lake Highway (UT 150) near Kamas. Once the Upper Provo exits public land, it flows primarily through private land, with only a few opportunities for public access with walk-in access authorization between the Utah DWR and landowner. To get authorized with a WIA Number or for more information on Walk-in Access please visit Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Due to its high elevation and lingering snowpack, the High Uintas typically aren’t accessible until June or even July during big snow years. As ice recedes from these high mountain lakes, fish are generally eager to feed before winter sets in again. This makes summer and early fall a great time to catch aggressive, opportunistic trout at high elevations.

Updated by Travis Vernon 3.10.26

The Mirror Lake highway remains closed at the Soapstone Basin. Snowpack is quickly disappearing throughout the area due to our abysmal winter in the area. Most south and west facing slopes of the Uintas range are free of snow.

Now is the time to break out the ice fishing gear as all of the lakes are currently frozen solid.