Where To Fish in Utah This Spring
We've got your Northern and Southern Utah recommendations for where to fish this spring.
It's time to pack away the snow shovels and grab those fishing poles. We talked with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and below are their location recommendations for this year's best spring fishing. For a list of all Utah fishing opportunities, visit fish.utah.gov.
In Utah, anyone under the age of 12 can always fish for free — and Saturday, June 10, 2023, is Free Fishing Day for everyone. Otherwise, a license is required, but it's affordable and easy to obtain. And before you hit the lake, river or stream, be sure to check the fishing rules for your destination.
Anglers should also be aware that due to this year's unprecedented snow pack, some lakes may still have ice cover and some rivers and streams may be experiencing flooding. Remember to practice ice safety and always stay out of fast moving water.
Southern Utah Waters
Fish Lake is located just 43 miles northwest of Capitol Reef National Park.
Photo: More Than Just Parks
Fish Lake
Fish Species: Lake Trout, Splake, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, Yellow Perch
The largest natural mountain lake in Utah, Fish Lake sits at more than 8,800 feet of elevation. Located near Richfield, Utah, in the Fishlake National Forest — about 43 miles northwest of Capitol Reef National Park — Fish Lake makes for a very scenic fishing getaway with lakeside lodging options. The best fishing will be from a boat and there are aluminum motor boats and pontoons available to rent at the three boat marinas on the west shore.
Lake Powell offers world-class fishing and incredible scenery.
Photo: Wayne Gustaveson
Lake Powell
Fish Species: Striped Bass, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Catfish
Lake Powell is a world-class destination for fishing, whether it’s sport fishing or the zen-like fly fishing. Here, the waters are clear, the fish are abundant and your best fishing will be from a boat. The area offers accessible lodging, easy boat rentals and other excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. Learn more about Lake Powell's fish and how to catch them.
Northern Utah Waters
The Provo River is home to some of the most renowned fly fishing in the state.
Photo: Explore Utah Valley
Middle and Lower Provo River
Fish Species: Brown Trout, Whitefish
A Blue Ribbon stream, the Provo River offers more than 15 miles of angling access, prolific hatches and stunning views of Mount Timpanogos. Both the Middle and Lower Provo maintain healthy stream-flow year round, enabling consistent dry fly, nymph and streamer fishing opportunities. A popular place to fish, you'll find great options for guided fishing tours and easy access from the Wasatch Front and Heber City. It's urban proximity also promises nearby lodging and great dining opportunities.
Flaming Gorge is known for record-breaking trout and kokanee salmon.
Flaming Gorge
Fish Species: Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, Smallmouth Bass
People travel to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area from around the globe to fish for record-breaking trout and kokanee salmon. When they arrive, diverse and colorful landscapes greet them — and then stick around for the entirety of Flaming Gorge Reservoir’s 91-mile length. Late May to early June are great months to get a grand slam on species. Come for the trophy fish, beautiful scenery, guided fishing opportunities, easy boat rentals and accessible area lodging.
Scofield Reservoir has an uncanny ability to produce big fish in quick fashion.
Photo: Utah State Parks
Scofield Reservoir
Fish Species: Rainbow, Cutthroat and Tiger Trout
A scenic byway passes through a Wasatch Plateau basin, only a few miles from U.S. 6, but Scofield State Park and Reservoir feels like a far-away land, a human-made paradise tucked away in time and space. About two hours south of Salt Lake City, this peaceful, scenic reservoir has an uncanny ability to produce big fish in quick fashion. And ice off fishing in the spring is always great from shore or boat.
Like most hybrid fish, tiger muskie grow very large, very quickly.
Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Cottonwood Reservoir
Fish Species: Tiger Muskie, Wiper
Cottonwood Reservoir is located in Gusher, Utah, near to Fort Duchesne. It’s a small irrigation reservoir where you can target big fish from a paddle board or kayak. Look for wiper in the evenings on top water. Just 23 miles west of Vernal, the reservoir is a lesser known water and offers a quieter, less crowded fishing experience.
Read the Stories
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The Wayward Path of a Utah Fly-Fishing Guide Led Straight to the Green River
Colby Crossland isn’t quite sure how he ended up a guide on one of the country’s best fly-fishing destinations, but he knows the perks are worth the tangles.
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The Story of Utah Women Flyfishers
Get to know Heidi Lewis, founder of Utah Women Flyfishers. More than 300 women meet monthly to tie flies, practice casting at the park, plan trips and more.
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Fishing Fish Lake
The largest natural mountain lake in Utah, Fish Lake sits at more than 8,800 feet of elevation, which makes for pleasant weather all summer long. Located near Richfield, Utah, the lake has everything you need for a relaxing summer getaway.
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Panguitch Lake's Literal "Big Fish"
People have been traveling to fish at Panguitch Lake for a long time. Legend has it this popular high mountain fishery in Southern Utah was named by the Paiute people who once frequented the area and it translates to mean “big fish.”
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Fly Fishing the Uinta Mountains
The Uinta Mountains are one of Utah’s top fly fishing destinations. Learn where to go and how to land that trophy trout, then plan your own fly fishing getaway.
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Fishing Northern Utah's Logan River
Why do serious fly fishers flock to Northern Utah’s Logan River? Fishing spots with rainbow and brown trout in our freestone dream streams. Plan your adventure!
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Angling Secrets: How and Where to Catch Fish on Lake Powell
Read expect advice on when and where in Lake Powell to get the prized fish you're chasing.
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An Old Favorite Fishing Hole at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Visit Utah columnist Dan Potts takes us to his "secret" fishing hole on Utah's Flaming Gorge Reservoir, one of the world's most diverse fisheries set among the brilliant red rock walls of Red Canyon in the easternmost corner of the state. Along the way, Dan takes us through some of his favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City.
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Alpine Fishing Above the Red Rock Landscapes of Southern Utah
Sitting just outside of Capitol Reef National Park, this 11,000-foot peak offers views of the surrounding red canyons and desert-like region. In contrast, Boulder Mountain is heavily forested and home to more than 80 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. With an average rainfall multiple inches more than the lower regions, the area makes for some surprisingly good fishing.
