Fish Lake is Utah’s largest natural mountain lake, a cool, deep-blue basin at about 8,800 feet in the Fishlake National Forest between Richfield and Loa. Aspen-covered slopes and the Mytoge Mountains frame its shores, three marinas line the west side, and it’s one of the few forest lakes in the area big enough for motorized boating — a refreshing escape when the valleys bake in summer.
Lake Boat Rental brings the fun to Fish Lake with MasterCraft wakesurf boat rentals, Sea-Doo jet ski rentals, private boat tours and lessons, water toys and ATV and side-by-side rentals for the mountain trails all around the lake.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Fish Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Fish Lake with no towing required. Prefer to haul it yourself? You can also pick up from our Utah locations.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Fish Lake, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Fish Lake.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Fish Lake.
- Water toy rentals – add tubes, floating lily pads, paddle boards or a water trampoline to your day.
- Side-by-side and ATV rentals – Can-Am UTVs for the trails and backroads near Fish Lake.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Fish Lake at a glance
| Location | Fishlake National Forest in Sevier County, off Utah Highway 25 between Richfield and Loa |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 8,848 feet |
| Size | Roughly 2,500 acres, about 5 miles long and up to a mile wide |
| Drive time | About 2½ hours from Provo and 3 hours from Salt Lake City |
| Marinas | Lakeside Resort, Fish Lake Lodge and Bowery Haven, all on the west shore |
| Season | The resorts generally open from Memorial Day through Labor Day; winter brings ice fishing |
| Fishing | Famous for big Mackinaw (lake trout), plus rainbow trout, splake and yellow perch |
| Pando | The 106-acre quaking aspen clone, often called one of the largest living things on Earth, grows about a mile southwest of the lake |
| Best months | Late June through September; mornings stay cool even in midsummer |
Best things to do on Fish Lake
- Cool-weather wakesurfing – when the valleys hit 100°F, the mountain air at Fish Lake stays mild. Take a MasterCraft surf boat out early for smooth water, and bring wetsuits — the lake stays cold.
- Jet skiing the shoreline – cruise a Sea-Doo along aspen-lined coves under the Mytoge Mountains.
- Trophy fishing – troll deep for Mackinaw that can top 20 pounds, or work the weed beds for perch and rainbows.
- Pando – walk among the famous quaking aspen clone just southwest of the lake on Highway 25.
- Lakeside trails – hike or bike the Lakeshore National Recreation Trail, or climb from Bowery Haven to Pelican Point for sweeping views of the lake.
- Fall colors – late September turns the aspens gold, and a boat ride on a calm fall morning is unforgettable.
- Johnson Valley Reservoir – Fish Lake’s quieter neighbor, just up the highway, also allows motorized boats.
- Charters and lessons – book a private boat tour and let a local driver handle the boat while your group learns to wakesurf.
- Paiute ATV Trail – nearly 1,000 miles of trail wind through the mountains around Fish Lake; ride them with ATV and side-by-side rentals.
Where to launch at Fish Lake
- Lakeside Resort Marina – on the west shore, with a launch ramp, seasonal docks, a store and boat rentals.
- Fish Lake Lodge Marina – next to Fish Lake Lodge, with a ramp and seasonal slips.
- Bowery Haven Marina – on the northwest shore, with a ramp, docks, cabins and an RV park.
- Bowery Creek – a Forest Service campground with a boat ramp and picnic area along Highway 25.
Docks at Fish Lake are seasonal, and the resorts mostly run from Memorial Day through Labor Day. With Lake Boat Rental, your boat or jet ski is ready at the lake — no long mountain tow.
Tips for a great day on Fish Lake
- Dress for altitude. At nearly 8,850 feet, mornings can feel like fall even in July, and the water is cold — pack layers and wetsuits.
- Watch for afternoon storms. Summer thunderstorms build quickly over the plateau; head for shore at the first rumble.
- Double up on sunscreen. The sun is stronger at high elevation, and you’ll burn faster than you expect.
- Share the lake with anglers. Fish Lake is a serious fishing lake — give trolling and anchored boats plenty of room and keep your wake down near them.
- Book lodging early. Cabins and RV sites at the resorts fill fast on summer weekends.
- Mind the wind. Afternoon wind can blow down the long, narrow lake and stir up chop — ride early.
Utah boating rules to know
- Utah requires every boater, including renters and paddleboarders, to complete the free Mussel-Aware Boater course each year and carry proof.
- Anyone riding a jet ski or being towed behind a boat must wear a life jacket.
- Jet ski operators under 18 need a Utah youth PWC certificate. For our rentals, the operator must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license; passengers of any age are welcome with a parent or guardian's approval.
- Towing your own boat in? Pull the drain plugs when you leave and stop at every open inspection station.
- Towing a skier, tuber or surfer isn’t allowed inside the wakeless area around a marina or launch ramp.
- Fish Lake is in the Fishlake National Forest — follow the rules posted at the ramps, docks and campgrounds.
Map of Fish Lake
Fish Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Fish Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, captained boat tours with lessons, plus Can-Am side-by-sides and ATVs for the trails.
Will my boat be at Fish Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Fish Lake, so there's nothing to tow. Pickup from our Utah locations is also available.
Do I need a boating license to rent at Fish Lake?
Adults don't need a boating license in Utah. To rent from us, the operator must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license. Everyone on the water must complete Utah's free annual Mussel-Aware Boater course.
Can you take a boat or jet ski on Fish Lake?
Yes. Fish Lake is one of the few lakes in the Fishlake National Forest big enough for motorized boating. Powerboats and jet skis are allowed, and Utah has no horsepower limit there.
How cold is Fish Lake?
Even in midsummer the water stays cold because of the lake’s 8,800-foot elevation. Plan on wetsuits for surfing, skiing and tubing, and bring warm layers for the ride back.
How far is Fish Lake from Salt Lake City?
About 3 hours from Salt Lake City and 2.5 hours from Provo, by way of I-15 and Utah Highways 24 and 25.
When is the best time to visit Fish Lake?
Late June through September is best for boating, when the resorts and marinas are open. Late September brings golden aspens, and winter draws ice anglers.
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