Panguitch Lake is
located in south central Utah and sits at an elevation of 8,400 feet and
is adjacent to Scenic Highway 143 between the towns of Panguitch and
Brian Head, Utah. The word "Panguitch" comes from the local native
American Indians and means "Big Fish". The Lake has approximately 10
miles of shoreline and is ideal for year-round fishing. In the summer
you find excellent fishing for some of the largest rainbow trout in
Utah. In the winter the lake is easily accessible.
PANGUITCH CREEK, Garfield County. Panguitch Creek originates
at the outflow from Panguitch Lake and extends downstream to the town of
Panguitch where it enters the Sevier River. The stream follows along
Highway 143 for several miles below Panguitch Lake, and flows through
both private land and portions of the Dixie National Forest. The area
along the highway is stocked with hatchery rainbow trout. Further
downstream, it leaves the highway and flows through a road less canyon
for about 5 miles, mostly on National Forest lands. The lower reach
supports a population of wild brown trout.
BLUE SPRINGS CREEK, Iron and Garfield Counties. This stream is
the primary tributary to Panguitch Lake. A 1.5-mile section on National
Forest land can be accessed by a dirt road off of Highway 143, about 2
miles south of Panguitch Lake. The upper portion of Blue Springs Creek,
as well as the lower sections of tributary streams (Deer Creek and
Bunker Creek) lie on private land. The upper reaches on the National
Forest, can be reached by continuing up the lower Blue Springs Creek
access road. Brook trout are the predominant fish found in all of these
streams.
Location: 20 miles south of Panguitch on Route 143 on the
Markagunt Plateau
