Well I just got back from a late afternoon drive on the Mirror Lake Highway. Made it to about 300 yards from the summit. The machinery is parked just past the Bald Mt lookout parking in the road blocking it. Snow wise I would say we are ahead of the average year. There is only 3 to 5 feet of snow on the top. The state is getting lazy or are short on money because with that small amount of snow, it should be open all the way by now. Lost Lake is half open - there was a couple guys in a scanoe on the open water. I fished for about 45 minutes and caught 1 brookie on a bugger. Lilly Lake across the road is still iced but will be open soon. There were cars at Trial, but I did not hike up over the hill to see the water. On way down about a mile north of the Murdock Basin road I came across a young bear right in the road - made the whole trip worth the gas. I drove out the Murdock Basin road and made it clear to the Duchesne River. Things are opening fast - I would guess about a week ahead of normal. With continued good weather the ice should be off Mirror Lake in about two weeks. Sorry no pics this time (what a day to forget the camera).
Thats always worth any trip when you see wildlife! how big did you think the bear was? cub or older? I’ve seen 2 medium size ones last week while up there on my atv! pretty cool couldn’t get my camera out fast enough on either one but I think where going to have a alot of bear problems up there this year.
Sounds like you had better luck than me. I fished Lost Lake with my son and dogs early afternoon. I only got 20 minutes in as a storm with rain, hail and lightening quickly moved in. I had just figured out where the fish were rising and had 2 strikes but caught nothing before retreating to the car. I worry a lot more about lightening up there than the bears. 2 other guys were also fishing from the dam and they didn’t seem to be in much of a hurry to leave. Just kept fishing despite the lightening quickly approaching. Being the high spot out there they were pretty much lightening rods[crazy]. Be safe and don’t forget to teach your kids about the dangers of lightening as well.
The bear was medium sized and quite brown in color. He was in the middle of the highway and when he saw my truck he ran into the trees, stood and looked back. Really awesome experience.
Thanks for the report. I was wondering how it looked up there right now.
I missed the storm but the fishing was slow for me too. Just the one small one kept the skunk off. It was sure pretty up there though. Can’t wait to get back up.
It’s always nice seeing something as rare as a bear…
I was lucky enough to see a wolverine once in the Uintah’s… I don’t think there are very many but they are around…