Fish Lake
lake in Utah
A significant fishery in the Fishlake National Forest, providing diverse angling opportunities amidst stunning scenery.
Water temperatures are steadily dropping
- 01Water temperatures are steadily dropping, encouraging subsurface feeding behavior.
- 02Key forage includes Mysis shrimp, leeches, scuds, and baitfish.
- 03Fall spawning activity means egg patterns are highly relevant.
- 04Midge activity remains a year-round staple for all trout species.
- 05Deeper sections, drop-offs, and areas of structure will hold the most active fish.
What to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Zebra Midge (Black)
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round in stillwaters, effective for all target species in cold fall water.
Mysis Shrimp
A consistent food source in lakes for Lake Trout, Splake, and Rainbow Trout, especially when fished dead drift near the bottom in fall.
Buy at AmazonBalanced Leech (Black)
Mimics sluggish leeches, a staple forage for all target species in stillwaters during colder fall conditions.
Blood Dot Egg
Essential for targeting Lake Trout, Splake, and Rainbow Trout as they key into fall spawning efforts.
Buy at AmazonPerch Pattern
Perch are a common baitfish in Fish Lake, and fall is a prime time for Lake Trout to feed on them.
White Woolly Bugger
Imitates baitfish in cooler water, appealing to predatory Lake Trout and Rainbow Trout as they transition into winter feeding.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp are a consistent food source in Fish Lake, especially in areas with aquatic vegetation, appealing to all trout species.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Fremont River Inlet
The major inlet where the Fremont River flows in, attracting various species.
Johnson Valley Reservoir Inlet
Where Johnson Valley Creek enters, often good for cruising fish.
Lakeside Resort Area
Primary access point for boats and shore fishing near the resort.
Fly shops within 40 miles
The Quiet Fly Fisher
Quiet Fly Fisher Fly Shop and Guide Service
Get Fish Lake reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Utah season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Quick answers
Common questions about Fish Lake.
What flies work best on Fish Lake?
Our top scored fly patterns for Fish Lake right now are Zebra Midge (Black) (80% confidence), Mysis Shrimp (80% confidence), Balanced Leech (Black) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Fish Lake?
Fish Lake holds Splake. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Fish Lake fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Fish Lake each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.