What is Fish Lake good for?
Fish Lake is Utah's largest natural mountain lake, sitting above 8,800 feet in Fishlake National Forest near Richfield.
Lakes
Fish Lake
Utah's largest natural mountain lake—boating and fishing
At a glance
- Drive time
- ~1 hr 45 min from the inn
- Difficulty
- Moderate — full-day drive from Duck Creek with high-elevation weather and winter access variables
- Parking
- Multiple campgrounds, resorts, marinas, and day-use areas serve the basin; campground operations are concession-managed.
- Pets
- Leash rules apply in developed campgrounds and recreation sites. Keep pets out of cold water, fish-cleaning areas, and wildlife habitat.
Fish stocking as of July 9, 2026
Last stocked: July 9, 2026 — Rainbow trout (50,193), Cutbow trout (43,050), Tiger trout (31,900)
Stocked every year since 2002. Typically 33 plants a season, from around May 6 to November 10. Usually rainbow trout, splake, and lake trout.
Stocked recently 0 7d132,943 30d313,655 60d 23,372 catchable-size 290,283 still growing
Access: Motorized boats · marinas & ramps · shore access
2026 stocking
| Date | Species | Number | Avg length |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 9 | Cutbow trout | 43,050 | 1.68″ |
| July 9 | Tiger trout | 14,300 | 4.02″ |
| July 9 | Rainbow trout | 50,193 | 3.29″ |
| July 9 | Tiger trout | 17,600 | 4.02″ |
| July 8 | Rainbow trout | 3,960 | 10.09″ |
| July 8 | Rainbow trout | 3,840 | 10.09″ |
| June 24 | Rainbow trout | 27,120 | 1.76″ |
| June 22 | Brook trout | 1,100 | 2.64″ |
| June 22 | Brook trout | 2,107 | 2.61″ |
| June 22 | Splake | 35,031 | 2.46″ |
| June 22 | Splake | 36,337 | 2.46″ |
| June 17 | Rainbow trout | 12,679 | 3.94″ |
| June 11 | Rainbow trout | 15,572 | 10.67″ |
| June 10 | Rainbow trout | 49,745 | 1.25″ |
| June 10 | Rainbow trout | 1,021 | 1.46″ |
| June 1 | Cutbow trout | 11,760 | 2.09″ |
| June 1 | Brown trout | 15,360 | 3.8″ |
| May 28 | Rainbow trout | 100,351 | 1.33″ |
| May 19 | Rainbow trout | 22,800 | 4.44″ |
| May 6 | Cutthroat trout | 13,839 | 7.66″ |
| April 30 | Cutbow trout | 19,106 | 1.32″ |
| April 28 | Kokanee salmon | 1,036 | 3.5″ |
| April 21 | Rainbow trout | 9,438 | 2.58″ |
| April 13 | Rainbow trout | 9,815 | 9.83″ |
| April 13 | Rainbow trout | 7,150 | 9.83″ |
| April 13 | Rainbow trout | 9,620 | 9.83″ |
| April 13 | Rainbow trout | 7,488 | 10.09″ |
| April 6 | Rainbow trout | 8,179 | 1.92″ |
| April 6 | Rainbow trout | 40,316 | 1.78″ |
| March 25 | Kokanee salmon | 25,689 | 2.72″ |
| March 23 | Kokanee salmon | 51,632 | 2.73″ |
| March 23 | Kokanee salmon | 49,173 | 2.73″ |
| March 23 | Kokanee salmon | 42,765 | 2.73″ |
| March 23 | Kokanee salmon | 37,008 | 2.73″ |
| March 23 | Kokanee salmon | 9,016 | 2.73″ |
| March 12 | Kokanee salmon | 93,518 | 2.43″ |
| March 12 | Kokanee salmon | 73,530 | 2.17″ |
No plants recorded yet this year. Stocking usually resumes around May 6.
Stocking data: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. See the full DWR record. · All lake stocking reports
A Utah fishing license is required to fish here — get one from Utah DWR.
Fish Lake is Utah's largest natural mountain lake, sitting above 8,800 feet in Fishlake National Forest near Richfield. From Duck Creek it is not a quick add-on; it is a deliberate full-day lake trip with deep water, marinas, developed campgrounds, lake trout known locally as mackinaw, rainbow trout, tiger muskie, splake, yellow perch, kokanee salmon, and the Lakeshore National Recreation Trail.
Activities
- Boating (marinas with rentals and ramps)
- Fishing for mackinaw, rainbow trout, splake, tiger muskie, yellow perch, and kokanee salmon
- Hiking and biking the Lakeshore National Recreation Trail
- Campgrounds, resorts, picnic areas, and high-country scenery
- Ice fishing in winter when safe ice and road access are confirmed
Tips
Plan a full day and check Fishlake National Forest updates before you leave. The Forest Service notes that OHVs and ATVs are not allowed within the Fish Lake Basin, so guests planning trail riding need to trailer machines to appropriate trailheads outside the basin.
When to go
Summer and early fall are prime for boating, camping, and comfortable high-country weather. Winter can be excellent for ice fishing, but safe ice usually forms later in the season and access can be interrupted by storms.
What to bring
- Full-day food, water, and layers
- Fishing license and current regulations
- Boating documentation and Mussel-Aware compliance
- Offline route plan for the longer drive
Official planning links
Use these source pages for current access, facility, water, fee, or condition details before you drive.
Stay planning
Once this stop is on your list, use Plan Your Days for itinerary ideas or compare our rooms and cabins to match the style of trip you want.
July 2026
Why trust this guide
Lake days can shift quickly with snowmelt, afternoon storms, and road conditions on the plateau. We pair guest-planning experience with the official updates below so you can confirm water access and the safest drive up.
Questions: Fish Lake
Distance, timing, and what to expect at the water.
How far is Fish Lake from Duck Creek Village Inn?
Fish Lake is about ~1 hr 45 min from the inn and sits in the 1+ hr drive band on this site.
When should I visit Fish Lake?
Summer and early fall are prime for boating, camping, and comfortable high-country weather. Winter can be excellent for ice fishing, but safe ice usually forms later in the season and access can be interrupted by storms.
Go up one level
Start from the broader lake hub if you want the full set of water-focused options before narrowing down this stop.
Related stops
Sideways links to nearby lakes and shoreline stops that fit the same kind of Duck Creek day.
Next steps
Use these next-step guides to turn a lake stop into a fuller Southern Utah plan.
Choose your stay
Pick the stay style that matches a quicker lake stop or a slower mountain weekend.
Stay Here, Visit Fish Lake Tomorrow
Book your room or cabin at Duck Creek Village Inn - ~1 hr 45 min from Fish Lake.