Well I've been wanting to get up to Payson Lakes for the first time ever and it looks like I'll finally be able to this week. Just one quick question, is there any walk-in access up there or do you pretty much have to drive in and pay the fee? I don't want to hike for miles but I'm up for a decent walk to save the money. If there is access, would someone be kind enough to explain to me like a five year old? Like I said, I've never been up there in my adult life. Thanks ahead of time. You guys are awesome!
By the way, anybody ever fished that Pete Winward Reservoir up on Nebo Loop? Just curious as to what's in there. Thanks again.
[#ff0000]I live in payson and my suggestion would be if you want to go catch planters payson lakes are the place. If i were you i would stay down at the lower box lake and fish there. I dont think there are any fees there and you will have a chance at some brookies not just plater rainbows. As far as i know pete winward doesnt have much fish in it that i can remember.[/#ff0000]
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I hate that fee too, it's one of the reasons I rarely go...I like to think of Payson lakes as 4 lakes (lowest being Maple Lake)
Maple is a bit of a hike from the nearest none pay...I try to time it when the golf cart won't be cruising by (first thing in the am, or later at night and only for a short 1.5-2 hrs).
The lowest lake of the top 3 lakes is McCelland Lake, pretty decent fishing in a few areas from shore.
Middle lake is Box Lake, often them most overlooked of the three.
The biggest is Big East, most popular and can be accessed near the dam, just past the first "Payson Lakes sign" without pay, but very few parking areas there and a short hike.
Favorite ways to fish these lakes is flies on a bobber for me, or worms for keeping planters-and float tubes help.
Pete Winward and the other lake back there...red something or other hold some salamanders and I believe that is all.
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