Fish Lake
Fishlake National Forest, Utah · 8,848 ft
Utah's largest natural mountain lake sits in a basin rimmed by aspen, including the Pando clone on the southwest side. Calm early mornings lay the gold hillsides on the water, and the shoreline pullouts face the color across the lake.
Typical peak
Sep 19 – Sep 27
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Crowds
moderate
Fills up mid-morning. Arriving for first light is usually enough.
Getting there
Follow SR-25 northeast from SR-24 at Fish Lake Junction; pullouts, boat ramps, and campground lots line the west shore for the length of the lake.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 23Typical color progression for Fish Lake. No change from Aug 16 to Sep 2. First color from Sep 2 to Sep 11. Approaching peak from Sep 11 to Sep 19. Peak from Sep 19 to Sep 27. Past peak from Sep 27 to Oct 7. Bare from Oct 7 to Oct 21.
Color starts around Sep 2.
Light at peak
Fish Lake on September 23, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:49 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 89° | 7:15 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:50 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:19 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:48 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 270° | 7:23 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:49 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 8m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.