Panguitch Lake

Panguitch Lake is the result of geological faulting and volcanic eruption which occurred just about one thousand years ago. The lake is about 1248 acres in size, about 9000 feet above sea level and maximum depth is 60 feet. It contains Rainbow, Brook, Brown and Cutthroat Trout.

Fish need cold water and Oxygen. In spring the temperature of the lake water becomes constant from top to bottom. This is caused by melting of ice, warming of the surface waters, and the mixing of the water by the wind. This called spring overturn. As the water temperature increases the fish become more active. The result is great fishing. In summer surface temperatures become warmer which fish does not prefer. At the bottom dead weeds and algae from the previous year start to decay. This decay consumes available oxygen and makes the bottom oxygen - poor. To the fisherman, this means that from late June thru August, most fish are suspended at depth of 20 to 30 feet from the surface. In fall surface begin to cool and wind mixes the water until the lake achieves the same temperature throughout. Since the temperature and oxygen levels are evenly optimal, fishing can be great at any depth and in any area. In winter the surface temperature becomes clod and freezes which fish do not prefer. At bottom the algae and other organic materials continue to shrink but decay process still continue (and hence the oxygen depletion) but at lower rate. For best results, fishermen should fish no deeper than 30 feet.