What is Panguitch Lake good for?
Panguitch Lake sits at 8,212 feet on UT-143 in Dixie National Forest, source of Panguitch Creek and the most serious trout-fishing lake in the Duck Creek day-trip orbit.
Lakes
Panguitch Lake
Large mountain lake for trout fishing and camping
At a glance
- Drive time
- ~35 min from the inn
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate — drive-up lake access, but facilities and shoreline conditions vary by site
- Parking
- Public boat ramps and parking are available around the lake, including South Shore and Wildlife Point. Forest Service campgrounds and private lakeside services operate seasonally.
- Pets
- Dogs must be leashed in Forest Service campgrounds; keep pets away from algae or discolored water.
Fish stocking as of August 11, 2026
Last stocked: August 11, 2026 — Splake (7,976), Tiger trout (2,802), Brook trout (50)
Stocked every year since 2002. Typically 19 plants a season, from around May 4 to October 18. Usually cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and tiger trout.
Stocked recently 0 7d0 30d10,828 60d 10,828 still growing
Access: Motorized boats · two public ramps · shore access
2026 stocking
| Date | Species | Number | Avg length |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 11 | Brook trout | 50 | 3.23″ |
| August 11 | Tiger trout | 2,802 | 3.37″ |
| August 11 | Splake | 7,976 | 3.14″ |
| May 26 | Tiger trout | 10,081 | 3.18″ |
| May 26 | Tiger trout | 10,002 | 3.25″ |
| April 22 | Tiger muskie | 5,000 | 1.98″ |
| March 16 | Cutthroat trout | 3,300 | 8.36″ |
| March 16 | Cutthroat trout | 22,075 | 8.36″ |
| March 9 | Cutthroat trout | 6,000 | 8.36″ |
| March 4 | Rainbow trout | 23,432 | 10.36″ |
| March 3 | Rainbow trout | 16,284 | 10.19″ |
No plants recorded yet this year. Stocking usually resumes around May 4.
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.
Panguitch Lake sits at 8,212 feet on UT-143 in Dixie National Forest, source of Panguitch Creek and the most serious trout-fishing lake in the Duck Creek day-trip orbit. The name is commonly traced to a Paiute word meaning "big fish," and Utah still manages it that way: it is a designated Blue Ribbon fishery with above-average catch rates for rainbow, Bear Lake cutthroat, and tiger trout — the cutthroat and tigers pulling double duty by keeping the chub population in check since a 2006 reset. Motorized and non-motorized boating, Forest Service campgrounds, and a genuine winter ice-fishing scene round out the year.
Activities
- Blue Ribbon trout fishing (rainbow, Bear Lake cutthroat, tiger trout)
- Boating (two public boat ramps, fish cleaning station)
- Camping at North and South Campgrounds (Forest Service)
- Ice fishing (typically roughly December–March) and snowmobiling in winter
Tips
Know the special regulations before keeping fish: the limit is four trout total, with no more than two cutthroat or tiger trout under 15 inches and no more than one over 22 — every cutthroat or tiger between 15 and 22 inches goes straight back, and no filleting in the field. Check Utah DEQ's Panguitch Lake monitoring page before swimming or letting pets in the water; the lake sees periodic harmful algal bloom advisories, so treat current notices as part of the plan. Reserve campground sites early in peak season and keep a backup plan for windy afternoons.
When to go
Summer and early fall are the most practical for boating, camping, and shore fishing. Ice fishing is a real winter scene, typically roughly December through March, but only with confirmed ice, snow, and road conditions. Dam reconstruction has been underway since late 2025 (cracking found in 2024 caused only a brief closure), so check current UT-143 and Forest Service notices before you drive.
What to bring
- Utah fishing license and current regulations
- Boating gear plus Mussel-Aware requirements if launching
- Drinking water and sun protection
- Backup plan if algae, wind, or campground closures affect the day
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: Panguitch Lake
Distance, timing, and what to expect at the water.
How far is Panguitch Lake from Duck Creek Village Inn?
Panguitch Lake is about ~35 min from the inn and sits in the 30–45 min drive band on this site.
When should I visit Panguitch Lake?
Summer and early fall are the most practical for boating, camping, and shore fishing. Ice fishing is a real winter scene, typically roughly December through March, but only with confirmed ice, snow, and road conditions. Dam reconstruction has been underway since late 2025 (cracking found in 2024 caused only a brief closure), so check current UT-143 and Forest Service notices before you drive.
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
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Stay Here, Visit Panguitch Lake Tomorrow
Book your room or cabin at Duck Creek Village Inn - ~35 min from Panguitch Lake.