Help me with the Uintas please!

[Urfishesdaddy]

Me and a buddy want to go on an overnighter to the Uintas later this week. We want to go somewhere somewhat remote, but not too far away.

I live in Provo and would like to drive less than 3 hours and hike in less than 3 hours to some good fishing. Any suggestions?

PLEASE HELP!
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[brookie]

Hey Daddy,
I live in Provo as well and looking outside right now it is raining. I looked at KSL weather and it predicts temps down to 37 tonight and rain tomorrow. All that likely translates to snow in the Uintas. Remember this is October.
All that said, the report is for better weather Thursday and Friday. Even so, going into the Uintas this time of year with the current weather, I would suggest staying on the pavement. That means the Mirror Lake Highway is probably your best (safest) bet. There are multiple lakes and campgrounds along the Highway including Trial, Crystal, Washington, Lost, Lilly, Teapot, Pass and Mirror. All are stocked regularly. If you are brave and want to hike a few miles, there are decent fishing lakes on the trails from the Crystal Lake Trail head.
Be careful and stay safe.
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[Urfishesdaddy]

brookie,

Thanks for the help. Our trip is contingent on the weather being right, but life has really been tough lately and I want to get out like nobody's business.

If it doesn't warm up a bit, we will probably go somewhere lower and warmer. I am dying to catch some brookies though. Thanks again.
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[Matador]

This time of year can be excellent for brookies in the Uintas, However, the warning of cold and winter conditions is accurate. I have been into Granddaddy Lake in early October. We walked in on a little snow. It was so cold even the trout were sluggish. But on other occasions this late in year the fishing was fantastic. At this time of year the brookies are attempting to spawn, even in lakes. That means that they are close in to shore and full of eggs. (And they are lousy for eating) We did real good one time fishing a worm about 4 feet from shore, casting down the bank a ways.

If you are serious about backpacking, you could try Clyde Lake and the other lakes in that area. Less than a 2 mile hike and not very steep. Lots of smaller fish on a fly and bubble. Worms are a guarantee.
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[Urfishesdaddy]

Matador,

Thanks for the info and help. I'm thinking about going up on a warmer day next week now, if one comes along. What is the typical temperature difference up there than here in the valley?

I have a cabin at 7,700 feet altitude near Scofield and it is usually 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley. What are your thoughts?

Thanks!
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[ParrMark]

I was up in Kemmerer on Tuesday and there was a lot of snow in the Uintas. I would be sure to check the highway conditions before you venture up there, and probably take some gaiters and or snowshoes. You'll probably be postholing.

Oh, and it was 9 degrees in Kemmerer Monday night - lower and just north of the Uintas.
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[brookie]

Daddy,
I just went outside and looked at Timp. Most of the snow melted on the south facing slope today. Tomorrow may be your bet. If it were me, I would take my back pack stuff with me and drive to the Crystal Lake trail head. KSL predicts decent weather (partly cloudy) tomorrow. Don't get there too early (as in before daylight). Make the judgment from there. If it looks like there is not too much snow go for it - according to the predictions it is unlikely to snow Friday night. It will be a cold night but with good equipment you will be fine. Don't go too far. Try Long Lake or Clyde (as Matador suggested) less than 2 miles. If there is too much snow, fish there at Trial, Washington or Lost Lakes and call it good. You will have a great time. If this week is out, look to next. This time of year you just have to watch the weather and make the decision right before you go. The weather predictions are pretty good for tomorrow. They are less reliable out a few days. Hope you make it up there - this may be the last chance this year. I always consider good days this late in the season a gift from God when you can still get into the high country. Good luck.
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[Matador]

One more tip if all you do is fish. Scout Lake (Camp Steiner - BSA) might surprise you. Short hike if you know where to start from on the highway. Northwest corner of lake, night-crawlers. You might find some nicer rainbows that were too smart for the scouts (that's not too tough[:p]).
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[Urfishesdaddy]

Thanks guys. I am going to see what I can do!
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