What to expect at Trial Lake

Trial Lake sits at 10,400 feet in the Uinta Mountains, about 45 minutes northeast of Kamas, Utah. It is a small alpine lake — roughly 10 acres — that holds native Bonneville cutthroat trout and is stocked periodically with additional cutthroat. The water is cold and clear, and the lake rarely gets crowded because the trailhead is not well-marked from the main highway and the hike in is steep enough to discourage casual visitors.

The cutthroat here are typically 8 to 12 inches, though fish in the 14- to 16-inch range show up regularly. They respond well to small spinners, flies, and live bait. The lake sits in a cirque basin with rocky shores and some shallow areas near the inlet, making it accessible for wading or fishing from the bank. The season runs from late May through October, depending on snow melt and weather.

Key Takeaways

  • Trial Lake holds native and stocked Bonneville cutthroat trout in the 8- to 16-inch range, with the best fishing from July through September.
  • The trailhead is accessed via Forest Road 143 from the Kamas area, and the hike is steep but under two miles one way.
  • You need a valid Utah fishing license and must follow the Uinta Mountains regulation of a two-fish daily limit for cutthroat.
  • The lake is above 10,000 feet, so weather can change rapidly; afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and early fall.
  • No motorboats are allowed, and camping is available at nearby Mirror Lake or in dispersed sites along Forest Road 143.

How to reach Trial Lake from Kamas

From Kamas, head east on Highway 150 toward Mirror Lake. Continue past the Mirror Lake turnoff and look for Forest Road 143 on your right, roughly 30 miles from Kamas. The road is gravel and passable in a standard vehicle during summer and early fall, though it can be rough after rain or snow. Follow FR 143 for about 3 miles until you reach the Trial Lake trailhead parking area on your left.

The trailhead is not prominently signed, so watch for a small pull-out with room for 4 to 6 vehicles. If you reach the Mirror Lake Campground area, you have gone too far. The hike itself is steep and gains roughly 800 feet over 1.5 miles. The trail is rocky and can be muddy in early summer when snow is melting. Most people reach the lake in 30 to 45 minutes depending on fitness and trail conditions.

Fishing seasons and what works

Trial Lake opens to fishing when the ice melts, typically in late May or early June. The best fishing window is mid-July through mid-September, when the water has warmed enough for consistent activity and the trail is dry and safe. Early season (June) can be productive but the lake is often still partially frozen and the hike is muddy. Late season (October) sees fewer fish active, though the weather is more stable.

Small spinners in silver or gold work well, as do size 12 to 16 nymphs and dry flies. Cutthroat here are not selective, and live bait — small minnows or insects — will catch fish if you have a way to keep them alive. Wading is possible along the inlet and the eastern shore, where the bottom is rocky but stable. The lake has no outlet structure that concentrates fish, so cover the entire shoreline rather than focusing on one spot.

Regulations and licensing

You must carry a valid Utah fishing license. A one-day license is available at most sporting goods stores in Kamas or online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website. The daily limit for cutthroat trout in the Uinta Mountains is two fish. Cutthroat must be at least 8 inches to count toward the limit.

Bait restrictions apply in some Uinta lakes, but Trial Lake allows both live bait and artificial lures. Check the current Utah fishing guidebook or the UDWR website before you go, as regulations can change year to year. The guidebook is free and covers all the lakes in the Uinta Mountains with their specific rules.

Weather, water conditions, and timing

Trial Lake sits above 10,000 feet, and weather at that elevation is unpredictable. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms between 2 and 5 p.m., so plan to fish in the morning and be off the water by early afternoon. Snow can fall any month, though it is rare after mid-September. The water temperature peaks in August and early September, when cutthroat are most active.

Early season (May and June) means the trail may have snow patches and the lake may still have ice along the edges. Mosquitoes are heavy in July and early August, so bring insect repellent. By late August, the bugs thin out and the weather becomes more stable. October brings clear skies but cold nights and shorter daylight hours, so plan accordingly.

Camping and nearby alternatives

Trial Lake itself has no developed camping, but Mirror Lake Campground is about 5 miles away via FR 143 and offers 60 sites with water and vault toilets. Mirror Lake is a larger, more developed destination with a boat launch and day-use area. Dispersed camping is also available along FR 143 and other Forest Service roads in the area, though you will need to pack out all waste.

If you want to fish multiple lakes in one trip, the Uinta Mountains have dozens of alpine lakes within a few hours of Kamas. Trial Lake pairs well with a day trip to Mirror Lake or a longer backpacking loop that includes Notch Lake or Kidney Lake. The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (Highway 150) is open year-round but can be icy in winter, so check road conditions before heading out in fall or spring.

What makes Trial Lake different from nearby options

Trial Lake is smaller and less crowded than Mirror Lake, which sits just a few miles away but receives far more traffic. Mirror Lake is easier to reach and has better facilities, making it the choice for families or anglers who want a quick outing. Trial Lake rewards the extra effort with solitude and a more intimate alpine setting. The cutthroat fishing is comparable, but the smaller lake means you can cover all the productive water in a few hours.

If you are looking for larger fish or more variety, the Uinta Mountains have lakes that hold brook trout and lake trout as well. But if you want native cutthroat in a quiet setting with a manageable hike, Trial Lake delivers. The steep approach keeps the pressure light, and the fish are not educated by heavy angling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Trial Lake in winter?

The lake is typically frozen from November through May, and the road to the trailhead is usually closed by snow in late fall. Winter access is possible only with snowshoes or skis, and the hike becomes significantly more difficult. Most anglers fish Trial Lake from June through October.

Do I need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the trailhead?

No. Forest Road 143 is passable in a standard car during summer and early fall. After heavy rain or early snow, the road can be rough and muddy, but high-clearance is not required. Check road conditions with the Kamas Ranger District before you go if the weather has been wet.

What is the best time of day to fish Trial Lake?

Early morning (sunrise to 10 a.m.) is typically most productive. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan to be off the water by 2 p.m. Evening fishing (after 5 p.m.) can work in late summer when storms have passed, but the cutthroat often slow down as the sun sets.

Are there fish in Trial Lake year-round?

Yes, but the lake is frozen most of the year. Cutthroat survive under the ice, and the lake is stocked periodically to maintain the population. Once the ice melts in late May or early June, fishing resumes and continues through October.

Can I bring my dog to Trial Lake?

Yes. Dogs are allowed on Forest Service trails and at the lake. Keep your dog under control and pack out all waste. The steep trail can be hard on older dogs, so consider their fitness before making the hike.