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Fishlake
| Established: |
1899 |
| Location: |
Central Utah (150 mi S. of Salt Lake City) |
| Acres: |
1,461,228 |
Fishlake is the second largest National Forest in Utah and centrally
located in the middle of Utah's mountainous forests
due east of the juncture of I-15 and I-70 about 150 miles
south of Salt Lake City. A variety of ecosystems from
desert through alpine are located within its borders. At lower elevations
are cottonwood, juniper, pinyon pine, and sage. While
towering on the slopes of its 12,000 foot mountains are aspen,
spruce, and Douglas fir. There are 700 miles of streams
and 4,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs at Fishlake.
Big game hunting for elk and deer is
permitted in-season with a hunting license. Fishlake's
mule deer population is the largest of any National
Forest in the United States totaling 25,000 animals. The
elk population presently stands at 2,000. Black bear and
endangered mountain lions are also present. As are bald
eagles, osprey, and a limited number of peregrine
falcons. 
One of the most scenic highways in Fishlake is Rt 25 the Fishlake Scenic Byway. Extending from the Johnson Valley Reservoir 10 miles
southwest along the shores of Fishlake. There are five
National Forest campgrounds on this byway that border the lake. With 2,500 acres the lake that is a favorite site among
area fisherman who regularly catch brown trout, rainbow
trout, and Mackinaw. The Mackinaw Campground (67 sites,$10 a night)
is arguably the most scenic of the lakeshore sites.
Nestled in aspen at 9000 feet it remains relatively cool here even in the summer.
Deer are common with moose and elk doing well
since their recent reintroduction into the area (maps courtesy USFS).
In total there are 20 campgrounds in
this national forest with over 400 campsites that are open from May through
October. Since most of these campgrounds are above 5,000 feet be prepared for nighttime temperatures to be in the
50s even in summer. The Fishlake-Johnson Valley Area
(located on the eastern edge of Fishlake) is the most
developed with a full range of year-round services.
Fishlake National Forest, 115 East 900 North, Richfield,
UT 84701 (435) 896-9233. www.fs.fed.us/r4/fishlake, Mackinaw Campground Reservations, www.reserveusa.com/nrrs/ut/mack
All text and photos copyright ©1994-2006 Charles A. Read and ScenicUS.
Comments or Suggestions, Contact the Author Charles A. Read.
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