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Utah fly fishing

East Fork Bear River

The East Fork Bear River in the Utah Uintas is a Gold Medal stream with brook trout, cutthroat and tiger trout.

  • 14 miRiver length
  • 4Game fish
  • 2Access points
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About the East Fork Bear

The East Fork Bear River rises in the Uinta Mountains of northeastern Utah. It is a freestone stream with cold water and a quiet feel. It runs about 14 miles and is a Gold Medal water. It flows toward the Bear River.

The road in is the Mirror Lake Highway, Utah 150, from Kamas or Evanston. An East Fork Bear River campground sits beside the stream. The further you go into the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, the fewer people you see.

Brook trout, cutthroat trout, Bonneville cutthroat trout and tiger trout live in this water. Stoneflies, caddis, pale morning duns, midges and hoppers are all listed as helpful. Summer is the best known season, once runoff has calmed.

A Utah fishing license and a day use access pass are required in the forest. Many roadside lakes get pressure, so a hike can help you find quiet water. Check Utah DWR rules before you go.

Fish you'll catch

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Hatching in November

What's on the water in the Upper Bear watershed this month, and the fly to match.

Midge
Midge
#22-28, WD-40
34–65°F
Blue-Winged Olive
Mayfly
#18-22, Comparadun
44–58°F
All 11 hatches this year
Midge
Midge
#22-28, WD-40
34–65°F
Blue-Winged Olive
Mayfly
#18-22, Comparadun
44–58°F
Skwala Stonefly
Stonefly
#8-10, Chubby Chernobyl
44–54°F
Mother's Day Caddis
Caddis
#14-16, Elk Hair Caddis
48–58°F
Pale Morning Dun
Mayfly
#16-18, Sparkle Dun
55–68°F
Salmonfly
Stonefly
#4-6, Chernobyl Salmonfly
50–60°F
Golden Stonefly
Stonefly
#6-8, Stimulator
55–65°F
Green Drake
Mayfly
#10-12, Paradrake
55–65°F
Hopper Season
Terrestrial
#8-12, Dave's Hopper
65–78°F
Trico
Mayfly
#22-26, Trico Spinner
60–72°F
Mahogany Dun
Mayfly
#16, Comparadun
52–62°F

Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.

Tips for fishing the East Fork Bear

  • Wait for runoff

    Mid summer is the best known season on this stream.

  • Hike for quiet water

    Fish near the highway get pressure. A longer walk finds fewer anglers.

  • Use stonefly and caddis dries

    These patterns suit mountain freestone water.

  • Carry the passes

    A Utah license and day use pass are required.

  • Camp at the East Fork campground

    It is a small campground right by the river.

Every access point on the East Fork Bear, in your pocket.

  • 2 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
  • Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
  • Bite forecast for the days ahead
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East Fork Bear River FAQ

Where is the East Fork Bear River?

It is in the Uinta Mountains of Utah, reached from the Mirror Lake Highway.

Can you wade the East Fork Bear River?

Yes. It is a small mountain stream that most anglers wade.

What is the best time to fish the East Fork Bear River?

Summer is the favorite season, after runoff settles.

What flies work on the East Fork Bear River?

Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, stonefly patterns and hoppers are good classics. For what is hatching and working today, check the FlyFishFinder app.

What fish are in the East Fork Bear River?

The stream holds brook trout, cutthroat trout, Bonneville cutthroat trout and tiger trout.

Are there special rules on the East Fork Bear River?

A Utah license and day use pass are needed in the forest. Check current Utah DWR regulations.

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