What to expect at Trial Lake

Trial Lake sits at 10,300 feet in the Uinta Mountains, about 30 miles northeast of Kamas, and holds a mix of cutthroat and brook trout in cold, clear water. The lake is small—roughly 20 acres—and shallow enough that fish are accessible from shore, though a float tube or small boat gives you more water to cover. The cutthroat here run 8 to 14 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 16 inches. Brook trout are smaller but more numerous, and they hit readily in early morning and late evening.

The hike in takes about 90 minutes from the trailhead, gaining roughly 1,500 feet through lodgepole pine and subalpine meadow. The trail is well-marked but steep in sections, and the last quarter-mile descends sharply to the lake. Water temperature stays cold year-round, so fish are active throughout the day during summer, but early and late hours still produce best. The lake freezes solid by November and does not thaw until late June.

Key Takeaways

  • Trial Lake holds cutthroat and brook trout at 10,300 feet elevation, accessible by a 90-minute hike from the Kamas area.
  • Small dry flies and nymphs work best, particularly in early morning and evening when fish feed most actively.
  • A float tube or small raft lets you reach deeper water and fish more efficiently than wading from shore alone.
  • The lake is open to fishing from July through October; check current Utah Division of Wildlife Resources regulations before you go.
  • No motorized boats are permitted, and the area has no developed facilities—bring all water and supplies from the trailhead.

How to reach Trial Lake from Kamas

From Kamas, take US-40 east toward the Uinta Mountains. Continue past Oakley and follow signs for the Uinta National Forest. The main access is via the Mirror Lake Highway (UT-150), which branches north from US-40 near Kamas. Follow UT-150 for roughly 20 miles until you reach the Mirror Lake area. The Trial Lake trailhead is marked and sits off the main highway; parking is available at a small pullout.

The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on road conditions. In early summer, UT-150 may have snow patches at higher elevations, but the road is usually passable by late June. Check with the Kamas Ranger District before you leave if you are traveling in June or early July. Cell service is spotty once you leave Kamas, so plan your route before you go.

Flies and tackle that work at Trial Lake

Cutthroat at Trial Lake respond well to small dry flies—Adams, Pale Morning Dun, and Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 14 to 18 work throughout the summer. Brook trout are less selective and will take larger patterns, including size 12 stimulators and small hoppers in late summer. Nymphs are equally effective, especially Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear in sizes 14 to 16.

A 4-weight or 5-weight rod is ideal for the small flies and modest wind at elevation. Bring a floating line and a sink-tip if you plan to fish from a float tube; the sink-tip lets you reach fish holding in the deeper basin near the center of the lake. Leaders should be 9 to 12 feet long, tapered to 4X or 5X tippet. The water is clear, so fine tippet and drag-free drifts matter more than at lower elevations.

When to fish Trial Lake

The lake opens to fishing in early July, after snowmelt clears the high country. July and August are peak season—water temperatures are stable, insects are hatching consistently, and the weather is most reliable. September remains excellent, with fewer anglers and continued good fishing, though afternoon thunderstorms become more common. By late October, the lake begins to freeze at night, and access becomes difficult.

Early morning, from first light until mid-morning, is the most productive time. Fish feed heavily during the first two hours after sunrise, particularly on dry flies. Evening fishing, from two hours before sunset until dark, is the second-best window. Midday can be slow, especially on calm, sunny days, but overcast conditions and wind often trigger feeding throughout the day.

Camping and facilities near Trial Lake

Trial Lake itself has no developed campground or facilities. The nearest camping is at Mirror Lake, about 5 miles away by road, which has a developed Forest Service campground with vault toilets and water. Campsites at Mirror Lake fill quickly in July and August, so arrive early or reserve in advance through Recreation.gov.

If you prefer to camp closer to Trial Lake, backcountry camping is permitted in the Uinta National Forest, though you must camp at least 100 feet from the lake and any water source. Bring a water filter or treatment tablets; the lake water is cold and clear but should be treated before drinking. There are no outfitters or rental services at Trial Lake, so bring all gear with you from Kamas.

Regulations and what to bring

Utah requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Trial Lake is managed under general statewide regulations: a daily limit of four trout, with no size restrictions. Check the current Utah Division of Wildlife Resources fishing guidebook before you go, as regulations can change. The lake is catch-and-release only during certain periods; confirm the current status on the UDWR website.

Bring more water than you think you need—at least three liters per person. The hike is steep and the elevation is high, so dehydration happens quickly. Pack a headlamp or flashlight for the hike out if you fish into evening. Bring insect repellent; mosquitoes can be heavy in July and early August. A rain jacket is essential—afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly at elevation, and temperatures drop fast after sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Trial Lake in June or October?

The lake typically opens in early July after snowmelt. In June, the trail may still have snow patches and the water is very cold. October fishing is possible early in the month, but the lake begins to freeze at night by late October, making access difficult. Check the UDWR website for the exact opening date each year.

Do I need a float tube to catch fish at Trial Lake?

No, you can catch fish from shore, especially along the inlet and outlet streams. A float tube or small raft lets you reach deeper water and cover more of the lake, which improves your odds. Shore fishing works best in early morning and evening when fish move into shallow water.

How difficult is the hike to Trial Lake?

The hike is moderate to moderately strenuous—90 minutes at a steady pace, with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well-marked but steep in sections, and the final quarter-mile drops sharply to the lake. Anyone in reasonable hiking shape can make it, but the elevation and distance mean you should start early and allow time to rest.

What is the best time of day to fish Trial Lake?

Early morning, from first light until mid-morning, is most productive. Evening fishing, from two hours before sunset until dark, is the second-best window. Midday can be slow on calm, sunny days, but overcast conditions and wind often trigger feeding throughout the day.

Are there other lakes near Trial Lake worth fishing?

Yes. Mirror Lake, about 5 miles away, is larger and holds similar trout species. Several smaller lakes sit within a day's hike of Trial Lake, including Lost Lake and Notch Lake. The Uinta Mountains have dozens of high-country lakes; the UDWR website and local ranger district staff can point you toward options that match your skill level and time.