Uintahs

[nhancock]

I am taking a group of scouts on a 3 day trip to the Uintahs next month and I was wondering if any of you have any suggestions. It has been several years since I have been there and I am not familiar with the area. We are going to be doing some backpacking but the boys are in the 14-15 year range and I don't think we are going to do alot of hiking. Since we can't build campfires we will probably camp somewhere we can drive to. We have a campstove but it is big and heavy. We will probably do some day hikes after that. Places where the trail is fairly visible would help too. I would hate to have one get lost.

Any info you could provide would be helpful.

[Curtis]

Where are you going? North or south slope? I spent the last week on the North and it was fun but I personally like the south better. If you get down to the south, hit the uintah river for sure. I had a couple of beautiful days on there and the fish eat like there is no tomorrow. As far as the North goes- Most of the lakes along the mirror lake hiway are fishing very well and the upper provo is doing great. Dont bother with the bear as the water is kind of warm, I think from the fire in the area. Anyway, it did not fish very well at all. GOOD LUCK.

[Trout Hunter]

I'm also planning a trip in 2 weeks to the Uintas w/ Boy Scouts in the range of 12-17 years old. We're planning on the south slope, somewhere they can hike fairly close to the Mirror Lake Highway.

I haven't looked into it yet, but what are the exact Fire Restrictions for the Uintas? Are gas stoves, gas lanterns, or propane stoves allowed in primitive areas, or wherever we decide to set up "camp"? Any info would help.

Most importantly, any suggestions for teaching these boys flyfishing?

[Curtis]

The fire regs. are pretty extreme. No charcoal, wood, open fires in pits or otherwise. You may use a propane stove but not one of the gas ones. They are out in force checking too. Those uintas get pretty chilly at night w/o a fire.

[Teewinot]

Trout Hunter--

The fire restrictions can change at any time, and you are required to know them before you go -- so your best bet is to call the forest service department in your area now so you can start planning, then call right before you are ready to go and see if they have changed. I'm not positive, but I believe that stoves are still ok -- but I wouldn't take anyones word on it -- just call the forest service.

Have fun

You'll have to let us know how your trip went.

[ticketP1]

I just did a little digging and found that everything from Hwy 150 east to Meeks Cabin Res is closed along the North Slope. That would be the Evanston Ranger District. This sucks because it takes out my favorite stretch of Uinta water that I was looking forward to hitting. Presently the E Fk fire is 85% contained w/ about 15,000 acres burnt.

[mcgx2]

The closure includes the Mountain View Ranger District also. Was up there checking it out yesterday.

mcg

[ticketP1]

According to the FS gal I spoke to Mt View should have reopened today.

[RAW]

Trout Hunter,

As you are probably aware, the Boy Scouts now have a fly fishing merit badge. If you haven't already, get the new pamphlet and pretty much follow the outline in it. It would be a great camp and experience for all the boys. Don't forget the old spin rod, water bubble and fly technique.

[Trout Hunter]

Thanks for all the replies. I checked w/ the Kamas Ranger station, and only propane gas stoves are allowed. That is statewide, and could still change.

Fly-fishing merit badge? I'm going to go get the requirements for it immediately!

I still remember the first time I saw someone fly-fishing. A group of us 12-year-old scouts were bait-fishing when I saw this older gentleman fishing with what looked like an ancient "fishing pole". I actually felt sorry for the old guy, and wondered that perhaps he couldn't afford a good fishing pole. That memory is now extra special for me, since I have graduated to fly-fishing, and I don't call them "fishing poles" anymore, but fly-rods. Yes, I'll still help my young children bait-fish, but my 9 year old son and 7 year old daughter are now taking to fly-fishing. I just wish someone had been around to clue me in a lot sooner to this awesome sport.

[rob g]

I believe they are going to award a "Fire Starting" merit badge also:>)))