Fish Lake

When you travel to the southwest, and especially to Utah's red rock country, you expect to see rock formations, Sonoran desert conditions, and ancient cultural ruins from people long gone from the continent. What you don't expect is to find a pristine alpine setting with a lake nearly five miles long, nestled in a valley on top of a mountain range.

A few miles from Capitol Reef National Park, situated literally on top of the Tushar Mountains and the Thousand Lakes Mountain area is the Fish Lake National Forest. Fish Lake and Johnson Valley Reservoir make up the headwaters of the Fremont River, which runs down the mountain through Capitol Reef.

At 8,800 feet, this little resort destination makes a great place to escape the hot summer's heat, but also provides a change in scenery that simply isn't expected in this land of red rocks and cactus.

Geologically, the lake appears to be formed from glacial actions, creating a series of moraines  and leaving a basin behind. According to geologists, however, the basin was formed by two close by faults that allowed the area that now makes up the Fish Lake area to sink over time, and form a basin where water collects for the lake.

Fish lake, as you might imagine, is home to reportedly some of the best fishing in Utah. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout and splake (a cross between brook and lake trout). In addition to these species, Fish Lake has lake trout (makinaw) and yellow perch. The makinaw can reach 30 pounds, and are a favorite among a small group of anglers searching for that one big one. Most people catch rainbows when fishing here.

Not long ago, moose were introduced to the Fish Lake National Forest, and people are seeing them from time to time in the Fish Lake and Johnson Reservoir area. It makes sense. When you look at the area, there are many places where streams feed the lakes from marshy meadows, perfect habitat for these large water loving animals. In addition to moose, some of Utah's largest deer herd roam the Fish Lake forest, along with elk, and even mountain goats. The mountain goats are not likely to be seen in the Fish Lake area, since they frequent other areas of the forest.

Fish Lake has several very nice forest service campgrounds and picnic areas, as well as three commercial RV parks. The usual services can be expected in the national forest campgrounds with at least three facilities accepting up to 22 foot long rigs. The RV parks are typical of a resort that's as isolated as Fish Lake. You can expect water, power, and sewer, but not cable or internet. Bring your own if you need it.

There are several boat ramps and small marinas along the lake, and most activity is limited to fishing. The lake water rarely warms to above 50 degrees F, so water skiing and swimming are not normal activities here.

The winter up here brings ice fishermen, snow mobilers, and others to this high altitude playground. There are usually several miles of groomed snowmobile roads, and wide open spaces to travel on your own.

Whether Fish Lake is a final destination for a complete vacation, or a diversion from the southwest's red rocks, canyons, and cactus, this is a recommended visit. Take your lunch for a day, or take your whole rig for a week. Either way, if you are in the area, you need to see this well hidden little paradise in the mountains.