Full-Day Uinta Mountains Fly Fishing Guide
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday guided fly fishing in pristine Uinta Mountain watersExpert instruction provided for both beginners and experienced anglersPrivate singleguest experience with professional mountain guide
When you're looking for world-class trout fishing in Utah, the Uinta Mountains deliver everything you've been dreaming about. This 8-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive alpine waters in the West, where crystal-clear lakes and streams hold healthy populations of wild trout that'll test your skills and reward your patience. You'll have the entire day to work these waters with a seasoned guide who knows every bend, pocket, and feeding lane that matters.
This is a full-day commitment that starts early and rewards you with access to remote alpine fisheries most anglers never see. We're talking about pristine mountain lakes sitting at elevation, fed by snowmelt and springs that keep the water cold and oxygen-rich year-round. The trip accommodates just one angler, which means you get personalized instruction and won't be competing for the best spots. Whether you prefer throwing dry flies to rising fish or working streamers through deeper pools, your guide will adapt the approach based on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The Uintas offer both still water and moving water opportunities, so you'll experience the full spectrum of mountain fishing techniques during your day out.
Mountain fishing in the Uintas requires a different approach than your typical tailwater or freestone river. We'll be matching the hatch with classic alpine patterns like Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and various midge patterns when fish are feeding on the surface. Subsurface work involves a lot of nymphing with Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, and local favorites like scud patterns in the lakes. Your guide carries a full selection of proven flies, but if you tie your own, bring along some size 14-18 BWOs and small streamers like Woolly Buggers in olive and black. The key up here is reading the water and understanding how trout behave in these high-altitude environments where the growing season is short but the fishing can be absolutely stellar when you time it right.
Rainbow Trout are the workhorses of these waters, and Uinta rainbows are something special. These fish average 12-16 inches with some real bruisers pushing 20 inches or better. They're aggressive feeders that'll smash a well-presented dry fly or chase down a streamer with attitude. Peak activity happens during the warmer parts of the day when insects are most active, typically late morning through early evening. What makes Uinta rainbows so fun is their willingness to fight in the thin air – they'll jump, run, and test your drag system like few other trout.
Brown Trout in the Uintas are the smart money fish that separate experienced anglers from weekend warriors. These browns are incredibly selective and spook easily, but when you connect with one, you're looking at fish that commonly exceed 18 inches. They prefer deeper pools and undercut banks, and they're most active during low-light periods. Fall is prime time for browns when they're feeding heavily before winter, but a skilled guide can put you on them throughout the season by targeting the right structure with precise presentations.
Cutthroat Trout are the native royalty of these mountains, and catching a wild Bonneville cutthroat is like holding a piece of Utah fishing history. These fish are gorgeous with their distinctive red slash marks and golden sides. They're typically more forgiving than browns but can be just as challenging in pressured waters. Cutthroats respond well to terrestrial patterns during summer months and will often cruise shallow areas looking for food, making them perfect targets for sight fishing when conditions align.
Brook Trout might be the prettiest fish you'll catch all day, with their vermiculated backs and orange fins that look like they were painted by hand. Don't let their beauty fool you – these char are aggressive predators that'll attack almost anything that moves. They tend to school up in certain lakes, so when you find them, you can often catch several before they wise up. Brooks prefer cooler water and are most active during the shoulder seasons when temperatures drop.
Arctic Grayling are the unicorns of Uinta fishing, and not every lake holds them. When you do find grayling, you're in for a treat. These fish have that distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and fight differently than any trout you've caught. They're surface feeders by nature and will often rise to dry flies with reckless abandon. Grayling populations are limited, so your guide will know which waters currently hold fish and what techniques give you the best shot at connecting with one of these unique salmonids.
A full day in the Uintas with a top-rated guide gives you access to fisheries that would take years to figure out on your own. You're not just buying a fishing trip – you're investing in local knowledge, proven techniques, and the kind of personalized instruction that makes you a better angler. The one-on-one format means every cast matters and every fish teaches you something new. These high-country lakes and streams fish best from late June through September, but your guide knows which waters produce during different conditions throughout the season. Don't wait on this one – the best dates fill up fast, and you don't want to miss your chance at some of the most rewarding trout fishing Utah has to offer.
Thymallus ArcticusGrayling are true mountain jewels with that massive sail-like dorsal fin - when you see one, you'll never forget it. They run 10-18 inches typically and show off amazing colors in our clear alpine lakes. These fish love cold, well-oxygenated water at higher elevations where most other species can't thrive. Summer months from June through September are prime, especially when they're surface feeding on insects. What makes grayling special is their unique beauty and that prehistoric look - they're like catching a piece of history. They're willing biters but have small mouths, so keep your flies sized accordingly. The fight is different too - more of a steady pull than explosive runs. They actually smell like thyme when fresh. Key tip: use small dry flies or nymphs, size 14-18, and don't be surprised if they follow your fly several times before committing. Patience pays off with these curious fish.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrookies are small gems, usually 8-12 inches in our high country streams, but their colors are stunning - olive backs with those signature red spots circled in blue. These guys need the coldest, cleanest water you'll find, so they're indicators of pristine conditions. They're scrappy little fighters and surprisingly aggressive for their size. Fall is when they really shine as spawning approaches and colors intensify. What anglers love is how willing they are to hit flies and small lures - great confidence builders. They taste excellent, sweet and delicate. You'll find them in small mountain creeks, beaver ponds, and pocket water where bigger trout can't survive. Here's my trick: use tiny presentations and don't be afraid to fish the tightest spots under logs and overhangs. They're not leader-shy, so focus on getting your fly into their hideouts rather than perfect presentations.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart ones - typically 8-24 inches but can push much bigger in our deeper lakes. They love hiding under cut banks, fallen timber, and rocky ledges during daylight hours. These fish are wary and prefer low-light conditions, making early morning and late evening your best bets. Fall is when they really turn on, feeding aggressively before winter. What makes browns special is their fighting ability - they'll test your skills with powerful runs and head shakes. The golden-brown coloring with black spots makes them beautiful fish, and they're excellent eating with firm, flavorful meat. Here's the key: they spook easily in shallow water, so approach quietly and cast upstream from a distance. In our mountain waters, they often hold in the deepest pools during midday heat.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroats are Utah natives with that distinctive red slash under their jaw - they're the original mountain trout here. Size varies wildly depending on water, from 8-inch creek fish to 20-inch lake monsters. They love cold, clean water with rocky bottoms and plenty of structure like beaver dams and undercut banks. Unlike other trout, cuts are pretty aggressive and less spooky, making them great for beginners. They hit dry flies hard and fight well for their size. Peak season runs June through September when insect hatches are strong. They're excellent table fare with sweet, delicate meat. Best technique up here is matching the local bug life - they're not as selective as browns but still respond better to natural presentations. Look for them in the deeper runs during hot afternoons, but they'll move shallow to feed when temps drop.
Oncorhynchus MykissThese beauties run 8-24 inches in the Uintas, with that signature pink stripe and spotted sides that make them easy to identify. You'll find them in our cleaner mountain streams and lakes where water temps stay cool - they're picky about water quality. Rainbows are scrappy fighters, jumping and running when hooked, which keeps things exciting for anglers of all levels. They taste great too, with that mild, sweet flavor. Best fishing happens early morning or evening when they're actively feeding on insects. Spring through fall gives you solid action, but summer mornings are prime time. Pro tip: keep your flies small and natural-looking - these fish get educated fast in our clear water, so match what's actually hatching and you'll double your success rate.
Kamas, UT