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Utah is a haven for anglers, boasting a large number of rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs that sustain healthy populations of trout, bass, pike, wiper, catfish and other prized game fish. So whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice looking to cast your first line, there are plenty of fishing spots in Utah worth exploring. Here are some of our favorites…
The Provo River
The Provo River is renowned for its thriving brown and rainbow trout population, making it one of Utah’s premier fly-fishing destinations. Fly fishermen can enjoy year-round fishing on the lower stretches of the river, where you can find sizeable brown trout lurking in deep pools and undercut banks.
The Provo River offers more than 15 miles of angling access. There are two main spots to fish.
The Middle Provo River enters Heber Valley from Jordanelle Reservoir, winding through 12 miles through meadows, cottonwood groves and farm pasture until it ends at Deer Creek Reservoir Deer Creek Reservoir.
The Lower Provo leaves Deer Creek Reservoir, home to some of the biggest rainbow trout in the state. Fish on the lower are usually much bigger than the Middle Provo with a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout.
Green River
The Green River is a world-class trout fishery that attracts anglers from around the world. The river’s clear waters and abundant insect life make it an ideal spot for fly fishing. In addition, the Green River is home to huge trout, including brown, rainbow, and cutthroat.
The Green River is the chief tributary of the Colorado River, making its way through Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. There are three main sections:
- The first 7 miles below Flaming Gorge dam: There are an estimated 8,000 to 14,000 fish per mile!
- The 9 miles of the River immediately following the first stretch: This section features riffles and pools and large brown and rainbow trout populations. Red Creek fees into this area can go from clear to filled with sediment flows.
- The last 12 miles are downstream from Indian Crossing. The fish population is lower here, but it also receives less pressure.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a 91-mile-long lake straddles the border between Utah and Wyoming. The reservoir is known for its trophy-sized lake trout, smallmouth bass, kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout. This sprawling reservoir offers ample opportunities to catch other fish, including rainbow, brown, and largemouth bass.
Visitors to Flaming Gorge should also check out the Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Area, a protected wilderness area that runs along the reservoir. Here, anglers can find secluded spots to fish and enjoy the canyon’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, Flaming Gorge offers something for everyone. With its diverse fish population and unparalleled natural beauty, this Utah gem has become a favorite destination for fishermen throughout the Southwest.
Sevier River
The East Fork of the Sevier, just outside Bryce Canyon National Park, is one of Utah’s top fly fishing destinations, boasting a healthy population of cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout. The river is home to a diverse range of fish species, with reports of people also catching smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and northern pike.
One of the best things about fishing in Sevier River is the availability of public access points. Some of the popular public access points are in Marysvale, Richfield, and Elsinore. You can also fish the smaller tributaries like the Fremont River, the Tushar Creek, and the Clear Creek, which feed into Sevier River.
If you want larger fish, stick to the Kingston Canyon section below Otter Creek Reservoir. If you are looking for an experience off the beaten path the Black Canyon section south of Otter Creek is the place to be. The Black Canyon section of the East Fork is a great brown trout fishery, with the occasional cutthroat and rainbow trout. The Sevier is the longest river entirely within the state of Utah.
Strawberry Reservoir
Strawberry Reservoir in Utah is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the state. This well-known fishery covers over 17,000 acres and is located in northeastern Utah, about 22 miles southeast of Heber City. The reservoir supports a health population of rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout.
Strawberry Reservoir is also home to Kokanee salmon, which are known for their bright red flesh and delicious taste. These fish can be caught in the early summer by trolling with lures or by fly fishing. Kokanee salmon are catch-and-release, so you need to be careful when handling them.
The reservoir is over 17,000 acres and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. In addition to fishing, Strawberry Reservoir offers numerous other recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and boating. The reservoir is surrounded by scenic countryside and is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, picnicking, and photography. The lake is perfect for both boat and shore fishing, and there are several campsites and cabins available for rent.
Beaver River
One of our favorite fishing spots in Utah is the Beaver River and the lakes and ponds in the Tushar Mountains. The Beaver River is located in southwestern Utah, running for approximately 110 miles, from its source in the Tushar Mountains to its confluence with the Sevier River. The river is well-known for its abundant trout population, including browns, rainbows, and cutthroats. The river is stocked multiple times throughout the year, but it also contains a ton of native fish.
The Beaver River offers a variety of access points for fishing, including several pull-off spots along Highway 153 and Highway 21. Several campgrounds and day-use areas are located along the river, providing easy access and amenities like restrooms and picnic areas.
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is a huge natural lake that spans the border between Utah and Idaho. Bear Lake is well known for its trophy-sized lake trout, commonly called “Mackinaw.” These trout can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds, and put up a damn good fight. The lake is also home to Cutthroat trout, Rainbow trout, and Kokanee salmon. Bonneville Cisco, Bonneville Whitefish, and Lake trout also inhabit the lake.
Bear Lake can be fished year-round, but the best time to catch the most fish is in the early spring or late fall. During these months, the trout and salmon tend to congregate close to the shorelines in shallower water. As the weather warms up, the fish tend to move to deeper water to avoid the warmer surface temperatures.
Anglers can fish from boats or the shoreline, and several marinas and campgrounds are around the lake.
Lake Powell
Created by the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, Lake Powell is the second-largest man-made lake in the United States, covering over 160,000 acres.
The lake is home to several species of game fish, including striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and walleye. It’s a popular spot for both boat and shore fishing, and there are several resorts and campgrounds along the lake’s shores. For those who prefer to fish from the shore, Lake Powell offers several accessible fishing spots, such as the Antelope Point area, Lone Rock Beach, and the Glen Canyon Dam.
Lake Powell offers many other outdoor activities, such as boating, kayaking, hiking, and camping. The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area surrounds the lake, which provides many opportunities for other exploration and adventure opportunities.
Fish Lake
Fish Lake is a high-altitude lake nestled in the mountains of central Utah. Located in the Fish Lake National Forest, the lake covers an area of 2,500 acres and is teeming with rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, splake, and lake trout.
Fish Lake is a great fishing location and offers various activities for visitors, including boating, hiking, camping, or even horseback riding. There are also several cabins, lodges, and campgrounds around the lake for those who want to stay overnight.
Utah offers something for every kind of freshwater angler. Whether you’re looking to catch a trophy-sized trout or spend a peaceful day on a mountain lake, Utah’s has a fishing spot that will fit your needs!
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