The time's right for fishing. In fact, consensus among many high mountain anglers is that there is no better time for a number of reasons, not the least being that the fish are bitting and the bugs aren't.
It's also true that nowhere are there more options open to fishermen than in the Uintas at this time of year.They can walk to close lakes or hike to more remote areas; they can throw flies or cast lures; they can go after easily-caught planters or well-schooled resident fish; they can camp, break away for a nature walk, or cook the day's catch over an open fire.
In lakes along Highway 150, where tanker trucks can easily reach, fish are planted regularly. In most cases, new batches of rainbow are put in about every two weeks.
These fish are used to regular feedings and cement runways. These fish, too, tend to hit anything that looks edible.
Attractor fly patterns, lures and baits all work well in these lakes. A fly trailing a bubble also works well.
In higher lakes, where fish have wintered a year or two, skills in presentation and lure selection comes more into play. Fish are a lot more selective.
One of the things that makes fishing in the Uintas better in the early stages of fall is that most of the inset hatches are over. But fewer flying bugs also signal to the trout that colder weather and famine are coming. Fish tend to become more aggressive in their feeding.
Fish caught last weekend were filled with crawling ants and beetles, not flies and mosquitos . . . a sure clue to fisherman regarding fly selection.
It is also a good indicator of where to fish. Fish pick up ants and beetles that fall into the water from trees.
"So," reported Byron Gunderson of Anglers' Inn, "you fish around trees near or hanging over the water.
"Most of the fish I caught (Monday) were within 5 feet of shore, and near trees. It took a little time to figure out what they were hitting, but once I did I did quite well. They were almost coming out of the water after the fly."
What the fish in the hike-in lakes were not interested in were caddis, damsel flies, Wolly Worms or attractor patterns, typically good choices for mountain lakes.
What they were interested in were ant and beetle patterns - preferably a small brown-color ant. A floating black beetle also worked.
Most of the fish caught in the lakes close to the highway are rainbow between 8 and 12 inches. Fish in the more out-of-the-way lakes are a mix of rainbow and brook were 10 to 11 inches, with some going over 12 inches.
Another part of a Uinta fishing experience is the tie with the outdoors. The Uintas present some of the most beautiful high-country terrain available. A short hike can be a very enjoyable break away from the shoreline.
Fall colors, which are just now starting to show, also add to the overall outing.
Nights get cool at this time of year and those planning to fish late or stay overnight should be prepared. Campers are waking up to a light coating of frost on the ground. Daytime temperatures have been warm and comfortable.
Fishing typically remains good in the high country through September.