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Utah · Fishing
Bicknell sits at the edge of the Aquarius Plateau, and the fishing options closest to town reflect that high-country setting.
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Bicknell sits at the edge of the Aquarius Plateau, and the fishing options closest to town reflect that high-country setting. The three lakes covered here — Cook Lake, Lost Lake, and the waters accessible from the Aquarius Ranger Station — are all lake fisheries, meaning you're looking at still-water techniques rather than river wading. That matters for how you pack and plan. The Aquarius Plateau lakes typically sit well above 10,000 feet, so the season is compressed: ice-out can run into June, and conditions can turn by late September. Access to some of these lakes involves forest roads that require a high-clearance vehicle and may not be passable until midsummer in a heavy snow year. The Aquarius Ranger Station is a practical first stop if you're unfamiliar with current road conditions or want to confirm which lakes are fishable on a given date. Crowds are light compared to the Fremont River corridor, and the trade-off for the short season is genuine solitude on the water. If you're driving in from out of state, Bicknell is a reasonable base — small, no-frills, and close enough to the plateau that you're not burning an hour of daylight just reaching the trailhead.
The activity listings identify these as lake fisheries on the Aquarius Plateau, but don't specify stocked species. Stop at the Aquarius Ranger Station or check the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stocking report before your trip — high-elevation plateau lakes in this region are commonly stocked with trout, but confirmed species and stocking schedules come from UDWR, not this page.
Utah's general fishing season runs year-round on most waters, but that doesn't mean these lakes are accessible year-round. At plateau elevations, ice and snow typically keep the roads closed until late May or June, and some years later. Check current road conditions with the Aquarius Ranger Station before planning a trip before mid-June.
Aquarius Ranger Station
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
Cowpuncher Guard Station
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
Otter Creek, Tamarisk Point Rec Site
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
Lower Bowns
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
Fremont River Ranger District
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
Otter Creek, Fishermans Beach Rec Site
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
Posey Lake Campground
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
Escalante Ranger District
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
Otter Creek, South Point Recreation Site
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
Barker Recreation Area
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
Koosharem Day Use site
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
Mackinaw
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near UT.
A valid Utah fishing license is required. These lakes fall within the Dixie National Forest, so no additional state park fee applies, but confirm current regulations with UDWR since rules on bag limits and gear restrictions can vary by specific water body.
For still-water trout fishing at altitude, a light to medium spinning rod with 4-6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon covers most situations. Small spinners, PowerBait, and dry flies (if you're fly fishing from shore or a float tube) are standard choices. Wind can pick up quickly on exposed plateau lakes, so bring layers and weight your line accordingly.
Early morning and the two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for lake trout fishing. Midday sun at high elevation can push fish deeper, especially in midsummer. If you're making the drive up from Bicknell, plan to be on the water by sunrise rather than arriving at midday.
