Utah, with its picturesque landscapes and diverse trout species, is a paradise for anglers. From the tranquil rivers to the expansive reservoirs, and from the majestic mountains to the outskirts of national parks, Utah offers a plethora of fishing spots. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best trout fishing locations in Utah, the different trout species you can find, the regulations regarding fishing licenses, and some great spots for ice fishing during the winter season.
Utah Trout Fishing Map
Best Fishing Spots in Utah
Utah is home to numerous stunning fishing spots teeming with trout. Here are some of the top picks:
Green River
Located in eastern Utah, Green River is renowned for its brown trout fishing, with fish averaging between 15 and 17 inches in length. The largest brown trout caught in the Green River weighed almost 30 pounds. The best access point for fishing is just below the Flaming Gorge Dam, with Browns Park and Little Hole also offering good access. Fly fishing is the most popular method here, with artificial lures and flies being the only valid bait. Special regulations on the Green River restrict the daily bag limit to three trout, with two measuring under fifteen inches and one measuring over twenty-two inches in length.
Flaming Gorge
Flaming Gorge, located in the northeastern corner of the state and extending into Wyoming, is a family-friendly fishing spot. Brown, lake, rainbow, and tiger trout are abundant in shallow waters. In the spring, larger lake trout migrate to the shallow waters to feed. The daily bag limit here excludes lake trout, allowing up to twelve lake trout to be caught in a day, with only one measuring over 28 inches in length.
Strawberry Reservoir
Strawberry Reservoir, southeast of Salt Lake City, is home to the state record for the largest cutthroat trout caught in 1930. Rainbow and cutthroat trout are abundant here, especially in the fall and spring when the trout migrate to shallower waters for food.
Provo River
Located about an hour outside of Salt Lake City, the Provo River offers some of the best rainbow and brown trout fishing in the state. Stocked by one of Utah’s blue-ribbon fisheries, the trout typically measure over eighteen inches in length and can be as abundant as 3000 fish per mile of the river.
Penn Battle III Surf Spinning Combo
Weber River
The Weber River, due east of the Great Salt Lake, boasts trophy-sized brown trout all year round. Some of the best access points include Spring Chicken and Creamery Lane.
Uinta Mountains
The Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah offer beautiful scenery and great locations for trout fishing. Cutthroat and brook trout are especially popular throughout the lakes and streams of the mountains.
Zion National Park
While Zion National Park has some great fishing spots, the reservoirs and lakes just outside of the park often provide better trout fishing opportunities. Some of the top spots include Panguitch Lake, Otter Creek Reservoir, Kolob Reservoir, and Navajo Lake.
Utah Trout Species
Utah is home to five main species of trout: brook, cutthroat, brown, lake, and rainbow trout. Golden trout, hybrid tiger trout, hybrid splake trout, and rare albino trout have also been caught in Utah waters, although they are not as common as the other five species.
Utah Fishing License
Any angler over the age of eleven, whether resident or non-resident, is required to possess a valid Utah fishing license while fishing in state waters. You can purchase fishing licenses from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or one of the many license vendors including Walmart and other sporting goods stores.
| License Type | Resident Price | Non-Resident Price |
|---|---|---|
| Three Day | $16 | $28 |
| Seven Day | $20 | $46 |
| Annual (ages 12 to 13) | $5 | $6 |
| Annual (ages 14 to 17) | $16 | $29 |
| Annual (ages 18 to 64) | $34 | $85 |
| Annual (ages 65+) | $25 | $85 |
For Wyoming residents who fish Flaming Gorge, which covers both Utah and Wyoming, they can purchase a reciprocal fishing license for $12.
Utah Trout Fishing Regulations
The daily bag limit for trout is four fish. This goes for a combination of any trout species, including Arctic grayling and kokanee salmon.
Where to Ice Fish in Utah
Ice fishing for trout in the wintertime in Utah can be just as rewarding as fishing in the summer. Some of the best areas include Scofield Reservoir, Mantua Reservoir, and East Canyon Reservoir.