Grayling Galore w/ Pics! Uintas 9/24/09 Report

[RyanCreek]

Yesterday I took a bit of a break and decided to hit a nice Uinta mountain hike before the snow comes. I have been looking at a good area to try for Grayling, since I had never caught one before, despite spending a lot of my youth in those mountains. As usual, did my internet research and found a place a little out of the way. The hike was only 8 miles round trip, but going up it was very steep and rocky, not exactly what I’d consider an easy hike, and I had to ration my water and hurry out before sundown.

I had the bigger lake on my GPS, but arrived to the small lake first and decided to stay put rather than hike another ½ mile. Got into the fish right away using the old fly and bubble method on a spinning rod (good for me because I don’t have to worry about those flyfishing back casts). Used renegade flies mostly. First couple fish were Cutthroats, pretty, but not what I was after. 3rd fish was a feisty little, drab colored grayling – Yes, first grayling! Ended up catching over a dozen fish in a little over 2 hours including a few good sized, bright shiny blue ones (spawning colors?). Overall, I was impressed with the size of these grayling because most people seem to report catching only very small ones. Also, I found that they were spunkier and fought better than what I’ve heard people report.

One Cutt was a beautiful bronze gold color, the most colorful Cutt I have ever (yes, it was a Cutt). Unfortunately, as I was taking the picture he came unbuttoned and fell into the water. Oh well. There was some great scenery hiking back down (or rather jarring my knees and ankles back down, like I said – steep). When I was driving back out of the area there were three good sized bucks.

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[Leaky33]

Once again I'm jealous. Good on ya. Wish I were younger. Just curious, is this spot conducive to a float tube, or are they all pretty much in the shallows? If I were to do it, I think I'd camp overnight. Any problems with doing that besides the extra pack in weight? Just dreaming, I ain't got the energy at my age anymore, which by the way, pisses me off. [mad] I need to regain at least 30 years.. [frown]
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[tlspyder13]

I'm jealous. Wanted to try for a Grayling this year but it just didn't work out. Those are some pretty fish. With a hike like that I'll bet you had the place all to yourself.
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[albinotrout]

Looks like he went to Round Lake. Round, Fish, and Sand Lakes are all within 1/4 mile of each other full of grayling. Camping overnight is great in the area and yes you can use a float tube but you do have to haul it in with you. Min 3 mile hike one way depending upon the trail that you take. It is in the Weber River Drainage. Very nice area. Never made it to Fishlake but did get to Sand. Here are two pics from then you might enjoy.
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[albinotrout]

Nice pics, you chose a really nice area to goto. Last time I was there I took some 11 year old scouts overnight back in 1999
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[RyanCreek]

Yeah I didn't see a single person the entire time. I don't know if it gets busier on the weekends though. The entire trail was marked by fresh horse prints, and I found two missing horse shoes as well as the top of a package of swedish fish candy and a gatorade bottle. Besides that, there was no sign of civilization, which I liked. Going solo like that, it was a bit of a spiritual getaway. And to answer the others, yes, it was Round Lake. Looks like I didn't mention that in the post, but you see the trail sign.

My GPS showed sand lake was 0.45 miles away from Round Lake. The trail that I started at and the only trail I saw began just under 4 miles away from the lake as the crow flies. 2 hour and 15 minute hike, and I'm in fairly good shape for hiking and sore today. I think most people could make it (even kids) if they just take the time. I was in a hurry. Anyway, anybody can PM me if they want more info. I found out about it just searching Uinta Grayling in google.
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[RyanCreek]

Well, that age thing happens to all of us eventually. The fish were mostly very shallow, so you don't really need a tube. The best way to get in would be with a good rugged trail horse. But man, there were oh so many places a horse could slip or get a foot stuck. I've never done a trail like that with a horse.
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[lavaman]

You just can't beat the Uinta Lakes. No place quite like it.
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