Fish Lake: Opal Rockhounding in Sevier County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Fish Lake is a mapped rockhounding spot in Sevier County, Utah. Reported finds include opal. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Sevier County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Fishlake Scenic Byway
Coordinates: 38.56201, -111.70942

Geology at Fish Lake

This spot sits on volcanic rocks, undivided, mapped as felsic volcanic that formed roughly 28 to 12 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this is where agate, jasper, and other chalcedony typically form, filling old gas pockets and fracture seams in the flow rock.

Mapped unit: volcanic rocks, undivided
Age: 28–12 Ma (Late Oligocene to Middle Miocene)
Rock types: felsic volcanic
Elevation: 8,940 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Fish Lake

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 78°F in midsummer and 32°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 5°F. At about 8,940 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, KOOSHAREM station (10 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM Utah — Rockhounding overview
Utah Geological Survey — collecting guidelines
SITLA — surface use rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Fish Lake

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Opal Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Fish Lake.

Fish Lake FAQ

Where is Fish Lake?+

Fish Lake is in Sevier County, Utah, at 38.56201, -111.70942. Nearest road: Fishlake Scenic Byway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Fish Lake?+

Fish Lake is reported to produce Opal.

Is collecting allowed at Fish Lake?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Fish Lake?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Fish Lake?+

The most comfortable months at Fish Lake are March to October. At about 8,940 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Fish Lake?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.56201, -111.70942 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Fishlake Scenic Byway.

More rockhounding in Utah

See all 246 Utah spots →

Open Fish Lake on the map

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