Fishing in Utah

Nestled in the heart of the Intermountain West, Utah’s landscape features everything from the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the vast, arid expanses of the Great Basin. This diverse topography creates a rich tapestry of fishing opportunities, from the high-altitude lakes of the Uinta Mountains to the warm waters of Lake Powell and the verdant streams of the Wasatch Range. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of catching a trophy-sized trout in the Green River, exploring the crystal-clear waters of Bear Lake, or fishing the expansive reservoirs in southern Utah, the state promises an exceptional and memorable fishing experience. Fishing in Utah is regulated by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR), which ensures sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of fish populations. Anglers aged 12 and older must have a valid Utah fishing license, which can be purchased online through the UDWR’s website or at authorized vendors. The state’s regulations include specific rules on bag limits, size limits, and seasonal restrictions for various fish species. For example, there are designated seasons for catching kokanee salmon and special regulations for fishing in the Green River and other protected areas. Always check the latest regulations before your trip to ensure compliance and to contribute to the preservation of Utah’s rich aquatic ecosystems. Utah’s rich fishing opportunities, diverse environments, and robust regulatory framework make it a top destination for recreational anglers. Whether you’re drawn to the expansive waters of Lake Powell, the serene streams of the Uinta Mountains, or the dynamic rivers and lakes of the central and southern regions, Utah offers an exceptional fishing experience that caters to all preferences and skill levels. Plan your fishing adventure in Utah today and explore the angler’s paradise that awaits in the Beehive State.

Utah is particularly renowned for its trout fisheries. Rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout, as well as lake trout and kokanee salmon thrive in the clear, cold waters of Utah’s rivers and lakes. Four distinct varieties of cutthroat trout - Bonneville, Bear River, Yellowstone and Colorado river - all together make the Utah Cutthroat Slam, that requires to catch, photograph, and release a representative of each subspecies in its native waters. Other fish that you can catch in Utah include smallmouth, largemouth, striped and white bass, as well as burbot, crappie, catfish, yellow perch and walleye, offering diverse and productive fishing opportunities.

Trout fishing is a cherished tradition in Utah, with fly fishing perhaps the most iconic and widely practiced technique for targeting this fish. The state’s scenic trout streams offer some of the best fly fishing in the world, providing challenging and rewarding experiences for fly fishing enthusiasts. Spinning is a popular technique for bass and panfish, as well as crappie and bluegill in the state’s numerous lakes and ponds, providing plenty of action for anglers of all ages. Trolling is widely used in Utah’s larger lakes and reservoirs, while drift fishing is commonly practiced in the state’s larger rivers, such as the Green River and the Provo River. Ice fishing is another popular technique in Utah’s lakes in winter, providing a unique and enjoyable way to fish during the colder months, with the state’s frozen lakes offering productive fishing grounds for hardy anglers in pursuit of lake trout and burbot.