Washington Lake is one of the larger and more accessible fishing lakes along Utah's Mirror Lake Highway in the Uinta Mountains. Located at about 10,000 feet in elevation, Washington Lake offers high-country trout fishing surrounded by pine forests and some of the most beautiful and scenic mountain country in Utah.
If you are looking for some iconic Mirror Lake Highway fishing at the largest lake of the mix, you can catch several different trout species here, including rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout and tiger trout. The lake is easy to reach by car during the summer season, has a campground right on the shoreline, and sits next to the Crystal Lake Trailhead, making it a good place to combine fishing with a day of exploring the Uintas.
Washington Lake is surrounded by spruce, fir and pine forests. It has the look you would expect from a high-elevation Uinta lake, so don't for get your camera. The summer temperatures in the area rang from 50 to 85 degrees, making the area especially comfortable to visit during the hottest parts of the summer.
Fish Species in Washington Lake
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are going to be your primary target at Washington Lake. Recent stocking records show rainbow trout being stocked in Washington Lake in 2026, including approximately 1,500 fish in June and another 1,499 fish later that month.
Albino Trout
The Forest Service also lists albino trout among the fish available at Washington Lake. These aren't a separate species, but rather a distinctive color variation of the rainbow trout that makes for a exciting catch.
Brook Trout
Brook trout are another common high-country species and have been stocked in Washington Lake. Brook trout are often willing to take small spinners, spoons, flies and bait.
Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat trout are also found in Washington Lake.
Tiger Trout
Tiger trout add another interesting possibility to Washington Lake. Recent stocking records show tiger trout being stocked here in June 2026.
Arctic Grayling
Washington Lake has also been stocked with Arctic grayling. Current Utah DWR records show Washington Lake as an approved source/location for Arctic grayling, and recent stocking information reports more than 1,600 grayling stocked in June 2025.
Fishing Washington Lake
A light spinning rod and reel is ideal for most trout fishing in the Uinta Mountain lakes.
In the Uintas your basic fishing kit should include:
Light Rod & Reel
4–6 pound fishing line
Variety of small spinners, lures & flies
Casting bubble setup
Power bait/Power eggs
Shore fishing is the natural way to approach Washington Lake. When you arrive, don't automatically pick the first convenient spot. Take your time and search out a decent point to setup a camp chair. I found success from the dam as well.
For rainbows use a single power egg below a casting bubble. If you're interested in Tiger Trout you can swap the power egg out for a worm. Try inflating the worm with a small amount of air, using a syringe, to float the bait off the bottom. Also try a small lure, spinner or run a small fly behind the casting bubble. A renegade or prince nymph should work well. The same techniques should work well for Brook Trout and Cutthroat. For Grayling you should find success using the flies behind the casting bubble.
Fishing Washington Lake With Kids
Washington Lake makes a fantastic family fishing destination. The nearby campground contains the largest pull in spots along highway 50, so pull up the trailer and enjoys some solitude. After setting up camp take some time to explore the area with your kids. There is are fantastic hiking trails near by and lots of shoreline to explore.
There are plenty of spots to relax and tend lines while your kids real in a limit for dinner. Power Eggs behind a casting bubble will do the trick here. An evening meal of tin foil fish on the camp fire followed by a desert of s'mores is just the ticket to build lasting memories with the family.
Washington Lake Campground
The campground includes single, double and group sites. The Forest Service lists five accessible group sites, with four accommodating up to 50 people and one accommodating up to 100. There are also single and double-family sites.
Facilities include:
Picnic tables
Campfire rings
Grills
Vault toilets
Trash collection
Paved campground roads
Tent pads at some sites
Final Thoughts
Washington Lake provides a fantastic combination of camping, fishing and high Uintas hikes perfect for a long weekend. It is scenic, accessible during the summer season, supports a variety of trout species and provides a unique family camping opportunity in a scenic forest landscape. Don't miss out on this one.
Regulations
Fishing regulations can change, so always check the current Utah Division of Wildlife Resources fishing guidebook before your trip.
The current 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook contains the rules governing fishing methods, limits and special regulations throughout Utah.
Washington Lake Location
Washington Lake is located along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (Utah State Route 150) in the Uinta Mountains, east of Kamas, Utah. From Kamas, follow the Mirror Lake Highway east toward the Uinta Mountains. Washington Lake is located directly along the highway and is signed.
A recreation pass is required at fee sites along the Mirror Lake Highway. Passes are available at self-service stations along the highway.
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