Fish Lake Recreation Area
The Fish Lake Basin offers visitors a chance to escape the heat of the summer and enjoy the forested mountains with some of the finest outdoor experiences in central Utah. The largest natural mountain lake in Utah, Fish Lake sits at more than 8,800 feet of elevation, which makes for pleasant weather all summer long. Fish Lake is known for its large Lake Trout, or Mackinaw. These fish can grow to over 50 pounds and can put a stretch on an angler’s line. In addition to the Mackinaw, Fish Lake is home to rainbow trout, tiger muskie, splake, yellow perch and even Kokanee salmon.
Fishing opportunities vary by season at Fish Lake. This is one of the most popular places to ice fish in Utah. In fact, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife, during the last decade, annual ice fishing pressure has surpassed summer fishing. Because of its depth, safe ice usually forms at Fish Lake around the New Year but may take until mid-to-late January during mild winters. Safe ice will usually last through March. Access to the lake on Utah Highway 25 is maintained through the winter, though it can be limited temporarily by heavy snowstorms. Click here for fish stocking reports, regulations and more from the DWR.
The Fish Lake recreation area offers various trails that provide beautiful scenery. The scenic Lakeshore National Recreation Trail extends around the eastern side of the lake, providing stunning lake views, and the Pelican Canyon Trail will lead you to Fish Lake Hightop. Pando Aspen Clone is also located within the Fish Lake Basin, and can be found on State Highway 25, approximately 1 mile southwest of Fish Lake.
Come and enjoy all the area has to offer!
Camping in the Fish Lake Basin
Visitors can enjoy one of six developed Forest Service Campgrounds or stay in one of the cabins or lodges available for rent at one of three resorts located along Fish Lake.
Campgrounds at Fish Lake
Please Note: All campgrounds on the Fishlake National Forest are managed by High Country Recreation under the terms and conditions of a concession permit that was issued to them by the Forest Service in 2020.
Fish Lake Resorts & RV Park
Please Note: Resorts, RV Parks and cabins surrounding Fish Lake are third-party businesses, not owned or managed by the Forest Service. They must be contacted directly | (435) 638-1000 | [email protected]
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs), and ATVs are not allowed within the Fish Lake Basin to avoid damaging wildlife and fisheries habitats, soils and clean water, as well as to avoid blocking or interfering with roads and trails. This restriction applies to all areas within the basin, including parking and drive areas around Campgrounds, Lakeside Resort and Fish Lake Lodge. If you want to use an ATV on trails surrounding the basin, you must transport it to the trailheads and not ride it within the basin.