Trophy Fishing, Lodging at LC Ranch

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World Class Fly Fishing At LC Ranch

Hidden away in a juniper woodland at the base of the High Uinta Wilderness Area, the 28 stillwater lakes of LC Ranch offer world-class guided fly fishing. I was up there over the Fourth of July weekend with my wife, chasing steelhead that thought they were marlins, gulping down Ann Stevenson's tasty home-cooked meals, and soaking in the Honeymoon Cabin's heart-shaped hot tub.

LC Ranch is located near Altamont at the southern border of the Ashley National Forest. It is surrounded on all sides by some of the best fishing waters in Utah, lying as it does within the shadow of the Uinta Mountains, a short 30-minute drive from Rock Creek and Moon Lake access areas. Just an hour away from the blue-ribbon Green River. But perhaps the best fishing of all can be found within the ranch itself, on its carefully maintained ponds and lakes.

I'd never used a float tube before, but I decided one of the LC Ranch lakes was as good place as any to try. Floating out thee in the cool water, I felt like I was in a Laz-E-Boy, only without the remote control. But who needs a big-screen TV when you have 16 to 22-inch steelhead exploding four feet out of the water?

These are beautiful, hard-fighting fish. They seem born to run your out of line.

It's going to sea, and surviving there, that makes them tough. Everything about the steelhead - the way it hits, how hard it runs, how high it jumps - is unique. If the rainbow is the domesticated milk cow of the trout world, then the steelhead is the wild bull. And LC Ranch is one of the few places in Utah where you can get in the right with them.

My guides were Buddy Knight and Tad Pope of Spinner Fall Guide Service in Salt Lake City. Great and knowledgeable fly fishermen, they are part of the reason the fishing quality of these lakes is so high. The policy of catch and release is strictly adhered to, ensuring that the fish grow to an average length of 17 inches, with some up to 26 inches long. But this doesn't mean the fishing is too easy. LC Ranch offers an authentic mountain lake experience, with big, wary trout full of attitude.

Beyond the great fishing, LC Ranch is a terrific place to view wildlife. All the water attracts thousands of birds. You name the bird, it can probably be seen there. The juniper forests, natural springs and sagebrush meadows make great habitat for deer and elk. It's fun to put the fly rod away sometimes and just relax, waiting to see what beautiful animal appears next.

LC Ranch is owned and operated by Nick and Ann Stevenson. They brought the ranch in 1971 and have lived on it for the past 27 years. This is their 15th season offering guided fly fishing. They have created a retreat that is perfect for family reunions, weddings, business retreats, honeymoons and anniversaries.

The lodging is first class, with six luxury cabins available for rent. Each is equipped with satellite systems and Jacuzzi tubs. My wife and I stayed in the Honeymoon cabin, which was formerly the original Mountain Home schoolhouse built in 1904. Nick traded a video camera for it and hauled the logs down out of the Uinta Mountains. Today it stands fully restored on the banks of a large pond, complete with valuted ceiling, fireplace, sun deck, and heart-shaped hot tub for two.

World class fly fishing, comfortable lodging and Ann Stevenson provides delicious home-cooked meals upon request. The complete package - that's what you can expect from this idyllic mountain get-away.

LC Ranch is located 2.5 miles east of Salt Lake City, near the town of Altamont. To get there take I-80 eastbound to the Hwy 40 exit. Stay on Hwy 40 through Heber City and on to Duchesne, then turn left on Hwy 87 and drive to Altamont.

Once in Altamont, keep your eyes peeled for Stevenson's Store, a Conoco on the east end of town. Stop there and ask for directions to the ranch, which is just past the east edge of town.

World Class Fly Fishing At LC Ranch

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