Fishing in the Uintas (Gradaddy lakes area)

[Jeremypalms]

I will be taking a scout group up to Grandaddy Lakes area, we will be leaving next week. I was looking for help on fishing spots or which lakes to hit up there, and if there are any natural springs and if there are good camp grounds.

I know I am asking a lot but I have never been there before ( so anything helps ) and I want the boys to earn there fish badge and fly fishing badge.

Does anyone also know the DWR phone listing for that area? I am having a hard time figuring out witch one I should call for rules and fire rules.

Thanks everyone for your help!!
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[WaveWolf]

[#484848]Go the Evanston way and stop by the Bear River ranger station. They have maps, directions and all the advice you need.[/#484848]
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[akammerman]

If you are coming to the basin from the South, make sure you fish Heart Lake, the small lake you see on the right just as you enter the basin. Fly and bubble with small flies. Went to the GD Basin last year with scouts and that was the hottest lake we fished. Granddaddy lake was pretty good fishing, too.We got skunked at Ruth Lake.

I'm still a beginning angler, but I might suggest that you bring a fair amount of smaller spinners and spoons, too. Mepps, anglias, rooster tails, and jakes. Fished reservoirs last week with spinners and had a ton of success.

Beautiful area. Have fun!
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[hookngrinin]

The Grandaddy Basin is on the Ashley National Forest and in the High Uintas Wilderness. You should call the Duchesne Ranger District (435) 738-2482 for info on wilderness regulations and fire restrictions.
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[Jeremypalms]

Thanks so much for this info! BTF really makes planning great!
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[lurechucker]

There's a lot of fun to be had up there--fishing varies from year to year, so if one lake/tactic/shoreline/etc isn't working, just keep changing it up. You'll be fine

Regarding regulations, be sure that you follow the campsite and campfire rules. Of note, groups cannot be larger than 14 individuals, and camps must be at least 200 feet from any water source, trail, or other campsite. A general list of rules can be found [url "http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/uwcnf/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsem_035477"]here[/url].

Also, this area (and many others) have been under special campfire restriction since 2005. You cannot build a campfire within 1/4 mile of Grandaddy Lake or any other lake in the basin. More info, including specific rules and maps of which areas are affected can be found [url "http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/uwcnf/alerts-notices/?aid=17443"]here[/url]. Be sure to click for the PDF with all the info. (Shortcut [url "http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5424815.pdf"]here[/url].)

I took a Scout group up there a few years back and we had a blast. Forest Service Rangers were actively patrolling and we were inspected--I was glad I had researched the regulations and we passed with flying colors!
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[brookie]

If you get a chance take a trip over to Mohawk about 1.5 miles beyond Grandaddy. There are some decent brooks there. Of course morning and evening are best fishing. Over on the west end there is a big rock out in the lake. You can wade out to it and fish off into a fairly deep hole. Old school red and white daredevils work pretty well there. You can always catch fish there on bait (worms). The fly and bubble often work okay as well. For flies I suggest a grey hackle peacock, renegade or black knat in size 16. A wooly bugger in size 6 can work well too. Some of the best campsites are on Besty, between Grandaddy and Mohawk but the fishing there is not the best. You can get some cutthroats along the shore with a fly and bubble. Have fun.
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[Jeremypalms]

I am truly grateful for all the advice I have received! Here is what I have so far;

Camping:
no groups larger then 14, 200 feet away from water and 1/4 away from water or trails to have a camp fire.

Best campsites are at betsy

Good lakes:
Lakes I should fish at are ; Heart lake, Mohawk Lake, Grandaddy lake, Rainbow Lake

Thing I should use fishing;
Grey hackle peacock, renegade, black knat in size 16. A wooly bugger in size 6. small spinners and spoons, repps, anglias, rooster tails, red and white daredevils and jakes

Am I missing anything else? This is all great advice!

last questions; some people have mentioned to these ares to go off but I am not sure nor do I know where they are?

should camp on the south slop

should use the grand view trial?

Any more tips or ideas please let me know!

Thanks!
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[Jeremypalms]

One more thing.

Is it worth it to hike up to Pinto lake and fish? in my head I think not very many people will be there so the fishing should be better but I am not sure if thats good logic or not. Has anyone fished up that far?

Thanks again.
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[Uintaman]

Pinto Lake and Governer Dern Lake awesomely beautiful. Fishing fair, crowded. Best lakes are the out of the way lakes, Lost, Powell, Sonny Marshell. Jeff Ranger. etc.

The rule is confusing, no camping within 200 feet of Lakes, stream, trail. But No Campfires within 1/4 mile of all the lakes in the Grandaddy basin. So you can camp close if no fires, use backpack stoves. Really there is a reward for you and others when you move more than a 1/4 mile from lakes. Solitude, Firewood.

I really like Pine Island to fish, fish are healthy, very pretty lake.

Great area. Hit as many lakes as possible.

Fly and bubble, fly fish shore line to active feeding fish, DareDevils, Mepps, nightcrawler, if barbless,
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[brookieguy1]

Lodgepole Lake, Fern Lake, Bedground Lake.
Maribou jigs. Float tube.
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