Fish Lake
Fishlake National Forest, Utah · 8,848 ft
Typical peak
Sep 19 – Sep 27
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunrise
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.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
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.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Sep 2.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 13
15 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
47°F / 31°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Fish Lake on September 23, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| 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.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
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.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.