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Boulder Mountain Fishing OverviewBy John Campbell, Outdoor Source Guide Service The sheer variety of experiences offered in this region make this an ideal campus for anyone who loves the outdoors. Fishers will love the small, clear creeks that tumble off the mountain into some of the most unforgettable landforms on earth. And they will marvel at the high mountain lakes tucked up under massive volcanic cliffs. Those in search of large trout might visit Blind Lake, a beautiful one-mile hike from the trailhead on the east slope. Over 50 feet deep and the largest lake on the mountain, Blind offers something for everyone. It's everything a photographer could want. It makes a perfect camping area for those who just want to get away and let the mountains breath new life into their weary souls. And it contains an abundant population of rainbows, cutthroats, brook trout and splake. Splake in excess of nine pounds have been caught there and a record brook trout swims in its clear, cold water waiting for an angler smart enough or lucky enough to catch it. Southern Boulder lakes such as Deer Creek Lake are terrific for larger cutthroat. Posey Lake and Lower Bowns offer nearby camping and fun for families. All in all, there are about 60 fishable lakes on the mountain. Discovering them can be half the fun. Because of the popularity of this region, one should be aware of special fishing regulations and road closures. On most lakes the limit is four fish, with only two fish over 14 inches. These regulation should take a little of the pressure off the fishery and lakes. Check the current proclamation for specific details. The best access roads and the majority of the lakes are on the west side. Be aware of a number of road closures on the Boulder Top. It's best to check with the Forest Service about specific roads. Call 435-425-3702. Silting due to erosion from the many roads criss-crossing the top has caused some lakes to winter-kill, so the Forest Service is closing those roads. These were lakes that formerly provided a wonderful fishing experience but became essentially fishless because of erosion. Now, these lakes have the opportunity to come back. Some of the lakes on the mountain, containing only a few trophy-sized fish, are extremely challenging, while others just a few hundred yards away are full of pan-sized trout and are very simple to fish. These waters provide an excellent opportunity to introduce youngsters to a lifelong hobby. Fishing with dry flies during a massive mayfly hatch certainly has its joys but jig and spin fishers will generally catch the largest trout in the water. While typical lures (Mepps and gold Jakes spinners) and baits work well, this could be the time to introduce the kids to a catch and release ethics and the excitement of fly fishing. In our experience with teen groups, fly fishing offers challenges that keep teens interested. Fly fishing is fun whether using a spin-bubble combination or with one of the many nice entry-level fly fishing packages. Visit one of your local fly shops for their choices and recommendations. There is really nothing mysterious about the fishing techniques that work. Moderately long casts with short retrieves, punctuated by pauses, work almost everywhere. Sometimes, when searching for fish, let out line and just slowly troll around the lake in a float tube or kick boat. Allow the line to sink slowly to determine both the location and depth the fish are feeding. Not getting into a rut is vital when fishing streams as well as lakes. Keep trying different depths, retrieves and areas before you give up on the fish or a lure. Through the lakes contain basically the same insects, consisting of the standard mayflies, caddis flies, scuds, damsels and dragons, the insects come in vastly different concentrations from lake to lake. Popular nymphs are the prince and pheasant tail; usually 18s are best, but at times 16s work well. Three standbys found in streams or in lower lakes (damsels, dragons ad scuds), are found in surprising numbers on the Boulder because of the southern clime. At times, the lakes are littered with hundreds of the adult damsels and fish take them with a savage slash. Scuds are also important and they grow large in these lakes. When you find scuds you not only find fish, but big fish. A damsel fly nymph is indispensable up on the Boulder. The best dry fly is the black ant. Lake the scuds I described above, I have never seen winged black ants as large as those in the Boulders, some nearly an inch long. Next in importance are elk hair caddis and renegades, tied in size 16s and 18s. Finally, a well-tied adult damsel can often entice a large cruising trout in the shallows. Cast parallel to the shoreline into shallow areas. Many Boulder lakes are fed by underwater springs and have no apparent inlet, so you can't see water running into or out of the lake. Don't let that stop you from fishing the water. Take along the family and kids and visit the Boulders in Southern Utah. About the author: John and Carolyn Campbell own and operate the Outdoor Source, a guide service that specializes in corporate fly fishing retreats, families and groups, and family and teen programs with the University of Utah and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. See their website for more details.
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