I'm in the process of planning my 3rd backpacking trip this year into the Uintas for Monday-Wednesday next week. I would like to get into some big fish, or a group of lakes that I could try. I've looked into areas like Bluebell/Spider in the Yellowstone and the Farmer/Timothy lakes in Swift Creek. Where are some favorite spots for bigger fish? I don't care about species. PM's are fine if you don't want word to get out.
Thanks
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if it were me, and you had the time, i would skip the uinta's all together and drive 5 hours south and hit those mountain lakes. quality fish, typically lake to yourself, dont have to hike a massive number of miles, and you can fish multiple lakes in one day.
i only say this because i am vaguely familiar with that are opposed to hiking in the uinta's.
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PM me. Did the place I suggested not pan out?
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A Couple of thoughts, the Uintas have a difficult time producing large fish. Short season, many sterile lakes lacking feed, overpopulation and they are managed not for trophy fishing or even large fish, but catchable fishing. That being said ( and you knew that anyway) A 14 inch or even a 16 inch fish is very very good and satisfying. I have caught only handful of fish in the over 2 lb catagory, at a handful of lakes. Nothing consistent, changes from year to year.
Heres a couple of recomendations, Mcpheters had some over 16 Cuts, but I think they are planting something else. Would be interesting. There is a shortcut up over from the Highline Trail Head.
There are several lakes in the Grandaddy area that can produce nice fish.
Red Castle, Fox, Samuel, nice, maybe 16 inch depending on cycle. Five points, and maybe the a couple of lakes around Spirit Lake.
Part of the intrique for me is to try many lakes, and see what secret they hold. Then when you get a surprise, it is kind of cool.
It would be interesting to get the DWR to implement a trophy or larger fish type management at a few lakes that can produce.
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Here's 3 things I consider when finding a fish growing lake/basin.
[ol][li]Scuds in the water. Year round grazing.[/li][li]Damsels/Dragon flies present, again year round food.[/li][li]Brookies with Cutts. If the cutts can somehow get to 14 inches they start preying on the little brookies, look for lakes that have both, then look for the big shoreline cruising Cutts. I guess same applies to the Tigers starting to show-up in some waters.[/li][/ol]Nothing scientific, just experience and observation
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Suggestion. Read the stocking reports. Find a lake that only recieves a few (5-600 or less) brook trout every 4-8 years. Then go to this lake. Usually the first fish you catch will tell the story. If it has a big head and a body like a snake, and there are lots of them, you might as well leave because all the fish in the lake will look the same. It's usually one or a combination of several things that cause this.
1. Overstocking
2. Lack of feed
3. The ability to reproduce. You don't want them to reproduce, or if so, at a low success rate
The things you DO want are:
1. Scuds. Brook trout in particular can grow to impressive dimensions even in the Uintas above 10,000 feet if these crustacians are present in high concentrations.
2. Deep enough areas in the lake for overwintering plus feed-rich shallows.
3. Low fish density. Fewer fish means more food per fish. You need factors in place that keep the numbers in check yet a few fish need to live long enough to grow large on plentiful feed.
The conditions required to grow bigger brookies in the Uintas are what make them so rare. And when you find one, cherish it because they can change drastically in just a little time. But, others that were full of stunters can suddenly in a season or two become producers of good brooks. Such is our Uintas, dynamic and forever changing. Makes it challenging though!
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All cutts and loads of people. Beautiful nonetheless.
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Add Teds Lake and maybe even a couple of others in the Whiteforks drainage.
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