Fishing is a popular sport for many, especially in Utah. It provides a rich connection to nature that can be enjoyed alone or with loved ones. Many gravitate towards this pastime to relieve stress and spend more time outdoors. With all these great benefits, many beginner and seasoned fishermen are lured to Utah’s bodies of water every year.
Both must read Utah’s fishing regulations to ensure the longevity of our diverse fish populations.
Why fishing licenses matter
Fishing is wonderfully accessible, but many jump in unquestioningly. You must be aware of the laws, whether you are just along for the ride or embarking on your first planned trip.
The first step before casting is to purchase a Utah fishing license. The state of Utah, like many others, requires most anglers to purchase a fishing license.
Buying a fishing license gives back to the environment before taking a piece of it home. A fishing license is a must for fishing sustainably. Each angler’s fee goes toward conservation funds and efforts to preserve the environment and biodiversity of Utah’s water bodies. In 2024, Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) allocated $3.4 million from hunting and fishing licenses to conservation efforts. DWR utilizes funds generated from wildlife licensing for habitat restoration.
Trina Hedrick, the cold water sport fish coordinator for Utah DWR said, “There’s a huge portion of people (DWR employees) on the ground. They’re making sure that the fish numbers are good, that fish condition is good, the habitat is good and that fish are stocked. That’s the vast majority of what license sales go to.”
These projects are crucial for combatting rapid urbanization in Utah and ensuring fish and wildlife conservation in our state.
Use your resources
It is essential to take the time to research the rules and regulations for fishing in Utah.
DWR has up-to-date information on their website which every angler must use. It is valuable to read the Utah Fishing Guide posted on this site to cover all the bases of ethical fishing.
For more location-specific information, visit DWR’s map-based Fish Utah page. This tool can be accessed online or on the DWR app for a refresher on the go. This is a great tool for the new angler as well as those with experience but new to Utah.
When asked for advice to give a new angler in Utah, Hedrick said, “They can go to the Utah Fish Planner, which allows them to look for a place to fish by species, by name and by rating. What is really great for families is they can search by amenities.”
These resources are highly accessible yet advanced, making the learning experience as easy as possible. Furthermore, by using these state-provided resources, anglers can avoid some frustration.
“Another thing that is really important … and can be a real issue for anglers, is distance to a water body. You can use the Fish Planner to take a look at where you are and find somewhere that is nearby,” Hedrick said. This simple yet effective use of this website is breaking down barriers to fishing in Utah.
Access to updated information is the best tool for recreating sustainably. The DWR website and app are beneficial for every angler. They can help them find a new fishing spot or stay up to date on stocking data at their tried-and-true spots.
Utah’s DWR officers patrol the state’s water bodies to check for fishing licenses, enforce regulations and educate patrons. These officers are well-versed in Utah’s rules and regulations and can offer you some fishing recommendations and refreshers. Using these resources is essential for accessing all the information every angler needs to fish responsibly.
Stay up-to-date
The sport of fishing constantly evolves in response to its environment. It is essential to be aware of the environmental factors in Utah that may impact your outing. This awareness is vital during the summer months as we enter drought-prone conditions.
“If water levels decline too much in a water body it definitely will affect where fish are found in that water body. Don’t just go to a water body and assume it will be the same this year as it was last year,” Hedrick said.
To stay informed about the changing conditions, check the DWR website regularly. Furthermore, it is essential to regularly check for emergency regulation changes, as water levels are expected to fluctuate this summer.
Before you go
There is an endless amount of information available about the wonderful world of recreational fishing. Remember to be a compassionate, ethical and informed angler. There are simple yet crucial habits to develop to keep your catch happy and healthy. This is especially true when you intend to release your catch.
“Practice catch and release best management practices … like when you handle the fish make sure you always have wet hands. If you handle that fish with dry hands you’re going to start removing scales and make them susceptible to fungus,” Hedrick said.
Furthermore, be ready for your catch. Keeping the fish in water as much as possible is critical for its wellness. Although this may seem obvious, being unprepared can lead to unintentional harm to the fish.
“Be ready with all of your gear. You don’t want to get your pliers and then go get your camera … that delays everything. It’s better to be prepared to get that fish back in the water,” Hedrick said. Keeping your gear close by, such as when walking the shore, sets you and your catch up for a successful release.
Overall, fishing is a great and accessible sport that everyone can enjoy. With an appropriate amount of research and compassion, every angler can be a sustainable one.
