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Fishing
Cool streams descend from rugged snowcapped mountains, feeding shimmering lakes or pausing in reservoirs where trout reach trophy proportions. Throughout the year anglers gear up in pursuit of experiences on waters that measure up to their passion. In fact, Utah has more than 1,000 fishable lakes and numerous fishing streams.
Saturday, June 8, 2024, marks Free Fishing Day in Utah, which allows anyone to fish at any public waterbody without a fishing license. It makes for a great day to get the family out and introduce kids to the long treasured pastime.
Fishing in Utah
Northern Utah
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Fishing Bear Lake
Garden City, UT
Bear Lake is the second-largest freshwater lake and one of the best places to fish in Utah. It offers excellent fishing, including the popular “Cisco Disco” every January.
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Fishing Currant Creek and Reservoir
Heber Valley, UT
Currant Creek is an alpine reservoir where sweet fishing holes and beaver dam make for great fishing of native cutthroat trout.
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Fishing Duchesne River
Duchesne, UT
The Duchesne River, a tributary of the Green River, drains the southwest slope of the Uinta Mountains, and has become a popular choice for local fisherman.
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Fishing Flaming Gorge
People travel to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area from around the globe to fish for record-breaking trout and kokanee salmon
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Fishing Green River
If you are in the Flaming Gorge area and fish, even just a little bit, you shouldn’t leave without spending at least one day throwing your line across the blue ribbon waters of the Green River.
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Fishing Jordanelle State Park
Heber Valley, UT
Just outside Salt Lake City and Park City, anglers at Jordanelle State Park love the blue ribbon waters that are home to a variety of fish.
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Fishing Lake Canyon Lake
Duchesne, UT
There is only one reason to fish Lake Canyon Lake, but one is all you need. OK, maybe there are two reasons. More on that later. Let’s start with the prime attraction: the Colorado River cutthroat trout.
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Fishing Logan River
Logan, UT
The Logan River offers vast swaths of fisherman access, inordinate insect hatches and a fantastic fly-fishing ambiance for brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout.
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Fishing Lost Creek State Park
Lost Creek State Park is located up a windy road 10 miles northeast of the town of Croydon. You'll see why this place has earned the name "Lost" as there is a huge reservoir hidden away in the mountains covering 365 acres. While the reservoir is wakeless, many people will take their boats here to fish.
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Fishing Ogden River
Ogden, UT
The Ogden River offers fantastic wildlife viewing and some of the best trout in Utah.
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Fishing Pelican Lake
Vernal, UT
Pelican Lake is the fishing pond you always wish your grandparents had on that farm in the country. It isn’t a big lake, but it is a productive fishery.
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Fishing Pineview Reservoir
Huntsville, UT
The Ogden Valley is a year-round recreation utopia. At the heart of the basin lies a phenomenal record-breaking, warm-water fishery — Pineview Reservoir.
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Fishing Provo River
Midway, UT
Provo River is Utahn’s “home water” and a top tailwater fishery for trout.
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Fishing Scofield State Park
Helper, UT
Scofield State Park is a peaceful, scenic reservoir with an uncanny ability to produce big fish in quick fashion.
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Fishing Starvation State Park
Duchesne, UT
Don’t let the name scare you away. Starvation Reservoir has top-notch fishing with plenty of walleye, bass, and even trout, to keep your belly full. Plan your trip now.
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Fishing Strawberry Reservoir
Affectionately referred to as “The Berry” by local anglers, Strawberry Reservoir is widely considered to be the top stillwater fishery in Utah — and likely one of the best in the country.
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Fishing Uinta Mountain Lakes
Close to the downtown Salt Lake area, and with upwards of 600 fishable lakes, the High Uintas is an angler’s dream fly fishing spot for escaping the city and catching a variety of fish.
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Fishing Weber River
Ogden, UT
Just a short 20 minutes northeast of Park City lies another of Northern Utah’s famous Blue Ribbon fisheries — the Weber River. The Weber humbly rises out of various lakes in the northeastern Uinta Mountains.
Southern Utah
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Fishing Boulder Mountain
Boulder, UT
From trophy trout to tiger trout and the Arctic grayling, all converge at Boulder Mountain for the catching. Enjoy the added bonus of Southern Utah beautiful scenery.
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Fishing Cedar City-Area
Cedar City, UT
Remote but beautiful, this high altitude region is an excellent destination for the adventurous angler. There are three lakes and a variety of fish just waiting to jump on your line.
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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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Fishing Fremont River
Fremont, UT
Fish Lake Plateau rises a few miles north of the hoodoos, pinnacles, and arches of Capitol Reef National Park. Nested within the high desert uplift are a few stillwaters that give life to the desert valleys below — this is where the Fremont River’s story begins.
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Fishing Kolob Reservoir
Virgin, UT
The 250-acre Kolob Reservoir sits above 8,000 feet and is surrounded by aspens and evergreens. It is about as close as you can get to a real fishing experience at one of Utah’s Mighty 5® national park destinations.
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Fishing Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a world-class destination for fishing, whether it’s sport fishing or the zen-like fly fishing. The waters are clear and the fish abundant.
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Fishing Minersville Reservoir
Beaver, UT
Located about 15 miles west of Beaver and six miles east of Minersville, the Minersville Reservoir is a roughly 900-acre body of water (when full, that is) that’s home to a trout fishery, which produces some really excellent trophy-sized trout fishing.
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Fishing Otter Creek State Park
Antimony, UT
Surrounded by the Parker Mountains to the east, Monroe Mountain to the west and the Sevier Plateau to the southwest, Otter Creek State Park is a popular, yet remote, spot for boating, camping, birdwatching, riding ATVs and especially fishing.
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Fishing Panguitch Lake
Panguitch Lake, UT
Panguitch Lake is one of Utah’s most popular fishing destinations, and some of the state’s largest trout are pulled right from its waters.
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Fishing Sevier River
Sevier, UT
The East Fork of the Sevier, just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park, is a river of contrasts.
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Fishing Southwest Bass
Hurricane, UT
St. George and the surrounding area are a mecca for adventure in the Southwest. But it’s not just hiking, mountain biking and motorized recreation on tap here: Enthusiastic anglers, too, will find plenty to keep them busy.
Top Fishing Basecamps
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Boulder
Boulder, UT
Boulder, Utah, is a remote, charming town full of scenic beauty. This gateway to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park offers relaxation and outdoor adventure.
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Heber Valley
Between the destination towns of Heber and Midway, Heber Valley astonishes with its alpine splendor and access to endless outdoor recreation.
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Ogden
Ogden, UT
Ogden is an outdoor recreation mecca. It has also worked to restore its historic Art Deco architecture and buildings and blend in new development toward a charming and vibrant downtown.
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Park City
Park City, UT
Park City is the perfect mountain town. The winter slopes were once featured in the Olympics, and in summer the mountains and nearby state parks and reservoirs transform into a hiking, mountain biking, fishing and camping mecca.
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Planning Resources
Fishing Regulations
You don’t need to be an expert or have expensive gear to enjoy fishing in Utah, but you do need a fishing license. Visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website for information about purchasing a license.
Fishing with bait is allowed at most Utah fisheries, but there are some special regulations to note in certain locations. Make sure to check for special regulations on waters you plan to fish during a trip.
Fishing Reports
The Division of Wildlife Resources also maintains an interactive map showing the latest fishing report for all of Utah's fisheries, including types of fish you can catch and directions to each location. The map is filterable or you can zoom out and evaluate rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs near you or your vacation plans.
"Utah has more than 1,000 fishable lakes and numerous fishing streams."
Go With a Guide
Whether you’re picking up a pole for the very first time or you’re an experienced angler hungry to try a new fishing hole, one of the most rewarding ways to see Utah’s rivers and lakes is by going with a guide. Guides and outfitters allow you to deeply experience the outdoors, without any planning or wayfinding stressors. They also know Utah’s lands intimately, offer local perspectives and geological insights, and make sure your trip follows the ethic of Forever Mighty.
Utah Cutthroat Slam
Utah is home to four distinct subspecies of cutthroat trout — the Bonneville, Bear River, Yellowstone and Colorado River. Join the Utah Cutthroat Slam and try to catch, photograph and release each of the four subspecies in their native waters. It's a great way to have an angling adventure and support our native trout legacy. (Read: In Search of the Yellowstone Cutthroat)
Pursue 18 species in 12 states (including three in Utah) as part of the Western Native Trout Challenge, a multi-state program hosted by the Western Native Trout Initiative.
Read the Stories
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10 Top Stops Along the National Pioneer Mormon Heritage Area
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Here are 10 of the best stops along Utah's Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area’s backroads and byways. Explore rich Mormon historic sites, awe-inspiring canyons and mountains and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
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15 Non-Technical Slot Canyons
Written By Whitney Childers
7 minute read
You don’t have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards
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5 Places You Can Try Glamorous Camping in Utah
Written By Melissa McGibbon
Experience the fun and adventure of camping with a side of luxury.
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A Van Lifer’s Guide to Responsible Travel in Southern Utah
Written By Kristen Bor
2 minute read
When Utah’s dirt roads are calling you, it’s time to plan your van life road trip. Here’s what you need to know to travel safely, support Utah’s rural communities, and help preserve the delicate desert landscapes.
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A Winter’s Desert: Visiting Southern Utah in the Slow Months
Written By Brinley Froelich
7 minute read
Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own.
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Cycling Scenic Byway 12: Escalante to Boulder
Looking for scenic bike rides in Utah? Scenic Byway 12 has all the breathtaking views (and riding) you could ever hope for. Get the scoop and get ready.
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Devil's Garden Outstanding Natural Area
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Dog-Friendly Utah: The Road to Mighty
Written By Visit Utah
7 minute read
Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Check it out and plan your trip!
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Escalante River Canyon Trail
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Escalante River Canyon river trail winds and knots its way east and south.
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How to Stay Safe and Stoked as a Solo Woman Traveler
Written By Elisabeth Brentano
3 minute read
Tips to help keep solo women travelers safe on road trips and outdoor adventures in Utah and beyond. From a gear checklist to suggestions about where to camp and how to handle stressful situations, writer and photographer Elisabeth Brentano shares her experiences.
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It’s About Time We All Unplugged
Written By Megan Michelson
4 minute read
In Utah, you can find far-flung places to reset, wellness resorts that promote digital detox, and destinations where you can swap screen time for much-needed adventure time.
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Kiva Koffeehouse
Kiva Koffeehouse is a welcome stop for fresh food and espresso tucked on a hillside down a dirt driveway near milepost 73 on the scenic byway.
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Llama Trekking Through Canyon Country
Written By Ryan Salm
6 minute read
Reconnect with yourself, history and Utah's landscape on a guided llama trek through canyon country.
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Make Your Next Trip A Volunteer Vacation
Written By Megan Michelson
5 minute read
At the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, you can enjoy a getaway to stunning southern Utah while also making a difference in the lives of rescued animals.
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Ofland Escalante
Airstreams, cabins and RV sites on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater near Bryce Canyon and Escalante.
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Paradise and Slickrock
Written By Stephen Trimble
Utah's national parks seen through a lifelong relationship with Capitol Reef
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Soil Sleuth: Protecting Utah's Living Landscapes
Written By Kristen Pope
5 minute read
Visit Utah writer Kristen Pope met Dr. Jayne Belnap, one of the world’s top experts on biological soil crusts, to learn about the importance of biocrusts to Utah's desert landscapes, and how to protect them.
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Southwestern Utah's Legendary Panoramas
Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. Plan a photographic getaway today!
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The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
Written By Visit Utah
4 minute read
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
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The Creature Comforts of Kanab
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Visit Kanab, a welcoming town with classic Western roots and modern-day amenities sitting smack in the middle of Southern Utah’s greatest outdoors.
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Tropic, Utah: Bryce Canyon Coffee Company and The Stone Hearth Grille
Get an introduction to the best-known restaurants in Tropic, Utah — The Stone Hearth Grille and Bryce Canyon Coffee Company. Prepare your appetite!
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Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
Written By Melissa McGibbon
5 minute read
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
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Walking The Line Between Risk and Responsibility
Written By Chelsea Yamase
Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah — yet.
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Why You Should Ditch I-15 on Your Way to Zion
Written By Melissa McGibbon
6 minute read
If you’re not in a rush to get to Zion National Park from Northern Utah, consider taking a long, meandering route that features historic sites, adventure breaks and out-of-this-world scenery. Hop off I-15 and take Highway 89 and four nearby scenic byways to see and do as much as you possibly can on your way to Zion.
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Winter Road Trip: Where to Stay, Hike and Eat When Traveling from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
Written By Jeremy Pugh
Need winter break ideas? Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season.

3 Days
Fishing Between The Mighty 5
Anglers overlook Southern Utah as a fishing destination inappropriately assuming red rock country and fish don’t get along. Big mistake.
Fishing, Adventure, Kid-Friendly, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Solitude, Camping & Backpacking
Highlights
- Views of Zion National Park
- Pristine Panguitch Lake
- High-elevation Boulder Mountain
- Scenic Fish Lake