A lightning-caused fire has burned approximately 30 acres near the Currant Creek Reservoir, according to recent reports regarding active wildfire locations in Utah. The Buck Basin Fire is burning in the vicinity of the Heber-Kamas Ranger District within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
Campground Status and Amenities
The fire's location places it near popular recreational areas, including the Currant Creek Campground. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the campground is currently open for the season, which runs from June 5 through September 20.
The campground is situated directly next to the Currant Creek Reservoir and is characterized by a landscape dominated by aspen, fir, and lodgepole pine trees. The site is operated by a concessionaire and provides various amenities for visitors, including paved roads, parking spurs, a boat ramp, and a dump station.
Facilities at the campground include fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and a playground. For those utilizing the site for fishing, there is also a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier available.
Fishing Regulations and Environment
The Currant Creek Reservoir, sitting at an elevation of 7,683 feet, serves as a significant destination for anglers. The reservoir is flanked by pine trees and quaking aspen, providing a scenic backdrop for fishing activities.
Anglers frequently target rainbow and cutthroat trout within the reservoir. Fly fishers often utilize sinking lines with patterns such as streamers, woolly buggers, and leech patterns to reach fish in deeper water. The area also supports pontoon boat use, facilitated by a boat ramp located on the smaller side of the lake.
While much of the fishing activity occurs within the reservoir, there are specific regulations for the surrounding waters. Fishing in Currant Creek below the dam is noted for being difficult due to thick vegetation, though certain pools and beaver dams hold trout. In the creek itself, from the confluence of Water Hollow Creek upstream to the headwaters and tributaries, fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures only, with a limit of four trout.
Recreational Access and Seasonal Use
The reservoir area offers diverse recreational opportunities beyond fishing, including hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, and horse riding. The U.S. Forest Service also notes that dispersed camping is a popular and permitted activity in the areas surrounding the reservoir.
During the winter months, the area transitions into a destination for ice fishing. Enthusiasts often travel to the reservoir on snowmobiles to fish the hardwater, with the best opportunities typically occurring when the reservoir first develops safe ice or when the first open water emerges during the spring melt.
Travelers accessing the campground from Heber City can take Highway 40 east for 45 miles to the Currant Creek Junction, then travel northwest approximately 17 miles. The route includes 10 miles of paved road followed by 7 miles of graded gravel. An alternate route exists via US Highway 40, traveling 22 miles southeast to FS Road 082 (Coop Creek Road).
Safety and Information
As wildfire activity continues in the region, visitors are enough encouraged to practice fire safety and regularly review the locations of active wildfires across Utah. The U.S. Forest Service recommends checking Recreation.gov for the most current conditions regarding campground amenities and availability.
