Utah Lake is located in North Central Utah with the major cities of Provo and Orem on the eastern shore. It is the largest freshwater natural lake in Utah and in the United States, west of the Mississippi. Utah Lake has the picturesque Wasatch Mountains to the east and the Lake Mountains to the west. With its extensive shoreline, climate and an area of nearly 100,000 acres, Utah Lake is a utopia for the Utah residents and visitors that seek out its recreational opportunities. Boating is THE major drawing card. Fishing, boating, water sports, and camping are just some on the recreational possibilities. Open year round, many Provo and Orem residents come to escape the cities and relax in the boating activities. With historic downtown Provo, Brigham Young University (museums), Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Bridal Veil Falls, Hutchings Museum of Natural History and Sundance Ski Resort nearby, Utah Lake is an ideal location to head out for a day's sightseeing and play.
Prehistoric Lake Bonneville inundated much of Utah ultimately gradually disappearing and Utah Lake was formed by its remnants. As large as Utah Lake is, it is in a decidedly arid area, receiving only 15 rainfall inches annually. Utah Lake's major sources are the Provo River, Hobble Creek, American Fork River and the Spanish Fork River. Its outlet is the Jordan River flowing north to the Great Salt Lake. Man's first use of the lake and plains was from American Indian peoples roaming Great Basin valleys. These were followed by the Piutes, Utes and Shosone living in and around the area. Fur trappers were followed by Mormon explorers and, in 1849, Provo became the first permanent settlement on the shore. Resident leaders (particularly interested in boating) filed an application in 1933 for the Civilian Conservation Corps help in developing facilities for boat launching, which resulted in a completed marina. Finally, Provo City began building camp and picnic facilities along the shore. This eventually became Utah Lake State Park with facilities covering camping, a visitor center, boat rentals, day use/picnicking, boatslips, food service, swimming and RV hookups. In addition, Saratoga Resort, near the Jordan River outlet offers fine resort amenities. Wet and dry periods are common on Utah Lake and, in 1992, the lake fell by nine feet.
Utah Lake is a fine 'fishing hole'. Bullhead catfish, channel catfish, black crappie, largemouth bass, walleye and white bass are found in the most likely spots. Fishing is open year round except for posted areas. Also, there are more than 50 geocaches situated nearby for new 'finds'. One has been placed by State Park personnel! Many are relatively easy to find, log and add to your total.
All in all, Utah Lake is a spectacular setting to enjoy all of the wealth of outdoor activities and sightseeing. A trip to Utah Lake will agreeably fill your memory book.
Background on Utah Lake (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Fishing Information (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Geocaching Information (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Utah Lake levels (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Utah Lake State Park (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
This lake was last edited by Ron Gordon (rongordon) on 6/7/08.
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