What to expect at Lost Lake

Lost Lake sits at 10,400 feet in the Uinta Mountains, about 12 miles northeast of Kamas on the Mirror Lake Highway. The lake holds native cutthroat trout and brook trout, with cutthroats running 8 to 12 inches and brookies occasionally reaching 14 inches. The water is cold and clear, and the shoreline is rocky with scattered willows and alpine meadow. You will fish from the bank or wade the shallows—there is no boat launch, and the lake is small enough that you can work the entire perimeter in a day.

The trail in is 2.5 miles one way, gaining about 800 feet. The hike is steady but not steep, and the last half mile opens into meadow with the lake visible from above. Most anglers fish the inlet and outlet areas where trout concentrate, and the west shore holds deeper water and more structure. Afternoon wind can make the surface choppy, but it also brings insects and can push trout into shallower feeding zones.

Key Takeaways

  • Lost Lake holds cutthroat and brook trout in the 8- to 14-inch range, with cutthroats more common and brookies larger on average.
  • The 2.5-mile hike gains 800 feet and is open from late June through September, depending on snow melt and weather.
  • Small dry flies and nymphs work year-round; cutthroats will take attractor patterns like stimulators and royal wulffs in summer.
  • The lake sits on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, and a valid Utah fishing license is required; no special permit is needed.
  • Afternoon wind is common, but it often improves fishing by pushing insects and moving trout into shallower water.

Getting to Lost Lake from Kamas

From Kamas, take the Mirror Lake Highway (Utah State Route 150) northeast toward the Uinta Mountains. The highway climbs steadily and passes several smaller lakes and trailheads. Lost Lake trailhead is marked and sits on the north side of the highway, roughly 12 miles from Kamas. Parking is a small pullout with room for 4 to 6 vehicles; arrive early on weekends or come on a weekday to avoid parking conflicts.

The road is paved and open year-round, but snow closes the highway above 9,000 feet from November through May. Check the Utah Department of Transportation website or call the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway office before you go, especially in spring and fall. Cell service is spotty once you leave Kamas, so download offline maps or write down directions before you leave town.

The hike and what to bring

The trail climbs through lodgepole pine and spruce forest, then opens into alpine meadow as you approach the lake. The path is well-marked and maintained, but it is rocky in places and can be muddy after rain. Bring trekking poles if your knees are sensitive—the descent is harder on the joints than the climb. The hike takes 45 minutes to an hour each way for most anglers, depending on fitness and how often you stop to look at the view.

Bring more water than you think you need—there is no reliable water source on the trail, and the altitude makes dehydration sneaky. A light rain jacket is smart even on clear mornings; weather can turn fast at 10,400 feet. Sunscreen and a hat are essential because the sun reflects off the water and the rock, and there is almost no shade once you reach the lake. If you plan to fish into evening, bring a headlamp—the trail back down is dark by 8 p.m. in late August.

Flies and tactics for cutthroat and brook trout

Cutthroats at Lost Lake respond well to small dry flies, especially stimulators, royal wulffs, and parachute adams in sizes 14 to 18. They will also take small nymphs fished under an indicator—pheasant tails and hare's ears in the same sizes work throughout the day. Brook trout are less selective and will chase attractor patterns, but they also respond to small terrestrials like ants and beetles in late summer.

Fish the inlet first—trout stack up where fresh water enters the lake, and the current brings food. Work the outlet next, where the water narrows and deepens. The west shore has more structure and deeper water; wade carefully and fish the drop-offs where the bottom falls away. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but cutthroats will feed all day if you match the hatch and keep your presentation quiet.

The lake is not heavily fished, so trout are not leader-shy, but they are spooky in the clear water. Use 4x to 5x tippet and keep your shadow off the water. Wade slowly and cast ahead of where you see fish rather than directly at them. If the water is flat and calm, fish nymphs under an indicator; if there is wind and surface activity, switch to dries.

Regulations and seasons

Lost Lake is on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and is managed under Utah Division of Wildlife Resources rules. You need a valid Utah fishing license, which you can buy online or at any sporting goods store in Kamas. There is no special permit required for Lost Lake. The general season runs year-round, but the lake is only accessible from late June through September due to snow and road closures.

Cutthroat trout have a 6-fish daily limit and a 12-inch minimum size; brook trout have a 10-fish daily limit with no minimum. Bait is allowed but not recommended—flies and lures work better and are easier to pack in and out. Check the current Utah fishing guidebook before you go, as regulations can change.

When to fish and weather patterns

July and August are the most reliable months. The trail is snow-free, the weather is stable, and the water temperature is warm enough that trout feed actively. June can still have snow patches on the trail, and September brings afternoon thunderstorms and colder water. If you go in late June or early September, start early and be off the lake by mid-afternoon to avoid lightning.

Afternoon wind is nearly may provide in July and August. It usually picks up around 2 p.m. and can make casting difficult, but it also brings insects to the surface and pushes trout into shallower water. Fish the morning calm if you want easy casting; fish the afternoon wind if you want more active trout. Mornings are typically 15 to 20 degrees cooler than afternoons, so dress in layers and shed as the day warms.

Nearby water and alternatives

If Lost Lake is crowded or the hike feels too long, Mirror Lake itself is just off the highway and has a developed campground and boat launch. Mirror Lake holds larger cutthroats and brook trout, but it is more heavily fished. Butterfly Lake is another 2 miles past Lost Lake on the same trail and offers similar fishing with fewer people. Kidney Lake is a shorter hike (1.5 miles) and holds cutthroats, though the fish are smaller.

If you want to stay in the area, Kamas has a few small motels and a grocery store. The nearest full-service town is Park City, about 20 miles south, which has restaurants, lodging, and fly shops. The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway has several campgrounds along the highway, and many anglers camp and fish multiple lakes over a weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lost Lake good for beginners?

Yes, if you are comfortable with a 2.5-mile hike. The fish are not leader-shy, the water is clear so you can see what is happening, and there are no technical casting challenges. The main difficulty is the altitude and the hike itself, not the fishing.

Can I fish Lost Lake in winter?

The Mirror Lake Highway closes above 9,000 feet from November through May, so the trailhead is not accessible. The lake itself does not freeze solid, but you cannot reach it by car or on foot during those months.

What size rod and reel do I need?

A 4-weight or 5-weight fly rod is ideal. The fish are small, the lake is small, and you will be casting short distances. A 3-weight works fine if you have one, but anything heavier than a 5-weight is overkill and will tire you out on the hike.

Do I need a guide to fish Lost Lake?

No. The trail is marked, the fishing is straightforward, and the lake is small enough that you can explore it on your own. If you want to learn more about the area or improve your technique, guides based in Park City or Kamas offer half-day and full-day trips.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but cutthroats will feed all day. If you hike in early and stay until evening, you will have the best chance of connecting with larger fish during the calm morning hours and the active afternoon wind.