THE GREAT OUTDOORS — With temperatures rising in the valleys, many Utahns are looking to escape to the high country (terrain over 6,000 feet) to cool off.

One of the best activities to do in the high country is to take your family fishing. Whether you're a veteran fly angler or just learning how to fish using a worm and bobber, Utah is full of greats spots to go fishing. Here's a look at five of the best ones for families.

Bonnie Lake

Located just off Highway 151 past Mirror Lake in the Uinta Mountains, Bonnie Lake receives very little pressure and provides fast fishing for anglers of all skill levels.

Bonnie Lake is full of brook trout, which aren't only fun to catch, but also great to eat.

In this particular lake, the brook trout enjoy wooly buggers in black and olive if you're fly fishing. Otherwise, try throwing flashy spinning lures like a Jake's or a Panther Martin.

Lost Creek Reservoir

This is a great fishery not too far from the Ogden area. A quick trip up I-84 and an exit at Croydon will put you right at the reservoir.

Cutthroat trout are the main draw in the reservoir, but if you and your family are more adventurous, you can catch brown trout as well in the surrounding feeder streams to this secluded fishery.

Spirit Lake

At 10,020 feet in elevation, Spirit Lake is a great weekend getaway spot if you want to spend some time in the secluded beauty of the Uinta Mountains. There's ample camping at Spirit Lake itself, as well as numerous other lakes nearby which you and your family can backpack into if you so desire.

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Someone once said that nothing grows faster than a fish from the time he bites until he gets away.

Rainbow and cutthroat trout abound in Spirit Lake, planted there frequently by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in an effort to support the lake as a put-and-take fishery. This means it's a lake where you're encouraged to harvest your limit of trout and cook them up for the whole family to enjoy.

Again, if you're feeling adventurous, Spirit Lake is a great starting point to explore some other lesser-known Uinta lakes that boast great weather and amazing fishing.

Lake Louise (Aberdunk)

Going by the name of Lake Louise or Aberdunk, depending on who you ask, this is a fishery set close to Fish Lake. It's a bit of a hike to get there, and a GPS is highly recommended. However, the scenery, seclusion and fish in this lake make the trip worth it. Rumors abound of large fish swimming in the emerald water. With it's position on top of the Fish Lake Plateau, Lake Louise is also a great place to cool off and enjoy the cool, high-country temperatures.

Monroe Mountain Lakes

Another secluded spot, the Monroe Mountain Lakes are near the small town of Monroe, just south of Richfield. These are all high-elevation lakes featuring a classic mix of rainbow, brook, brown, tiger and cutthroat trout.

Where's your favorite place to fish in the high country when you're looking to beat the heat? Let us know in the comments.

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