Utah · Fishing
Fishing in Brighton, Utah
Brighton sits at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains, and the fishing here is almost entirely alpine lake fishing — no rivers, no reservoirs down in the valley.
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Brighton sits at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains, and the fishing here is almost entirely alpine lake fishing — no rivers, no reservoirs down in the valley. The lakes clustered around the Brighton area are small, high-elevation stillwaters tucked into glacial cirques, and they fish accordingly: short seasons, cold water, and trout that tend to run on the smaller side but are willing to bite if you show up at the right time. Lake Mary, Lake Martha, Lake Catherine, and Lake Solitude form a connected chain you can reach on foot from the Brighton Lakes trailhead, while Silver Lake sits right at the base of the resort and is accessible without much of a hike. Twin Lakes Reservoir is another option in the same general drainage. Most of these waters are managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and receive periodic stocking, primarily with brook trout and rainbow trout. The hiking distances are modest — most lakes are reachable in under two miles — but the elevation sits well above 9,000 feet, so the ice-out date matters more than the calendar. Plan your trip for July through September if you want reliable open water and active fish.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Brighton lakes typically open up for fishing?
Ice-out varies by year and by lake, but most of the Brighton area lakes are fishable by early to mid-July. Silver Lake, being the lowest and most exposed, tends to open a bit earlier. Higher lakes like Lake Solitude and Lake Catherine can hold ice into late June or even early July in a heavy snow year, so checking recent trip reports before you go is worth the effort.
What species can I expect to catch at these lakes?
Brook trout and rainbow trout are the primary species across Lake Mary, Lake Martha, Lake Catherine, Lake Solitude, Silver Lake, and Twin Lakes Reservoir. Brook trout in particular are common in the higher cirque lakes. Fish tend to run 6 to 12 inches in most of these waters — don't expect trophy-sized fish, but numbers can be solid when conditions are right.
What gear should I bring for fishing these alpine lakes?
A light or ultralight spinning setup handles most situations here — small spinners, spoons, and PowerBait work consistently for stocked rainbows, while small wet flies and nymphs fished under a bobber can be effective for brookies. If you fly fish, a 3 or 4-weight rod with a floating line is plenty. Pack light since you're hiking in, and bring more tippet than you think you need.
Do I need a Utah fishing license, and are there any special regulations for these waters?
Yes, a valid Utah fishing license is required for anyone 12 and older. These lakes fall under standard Utah DWR statewide regulations, but it's worth checking the current Utah Fishing Proclamation for any water-specific rules before your trip, as regulations can change season to season. The Utah DWR website has the most current information by water body.
What time of day is best for fishing the Brighton lakes?
Early morning is generally the most productive window, especially in midsummer when midday sun warms the shallow water and pushes fish deeper or into shade. Evening can also be good, particularly on Silver Lake and Twin Lakes Reservoir where there's more surface area. On overcast days, fish tend to stay active through the middle of the day.
