2021 Utah Fishing Guidebook

Utah FishingUtah • 2021 CONTACT US CONTENTS HOW TO USE THIS GUIDEBOOK 1. Check the daily limits on page 7. Some limits have changed, so be sure to look at the Turn in a poacher 3 How to use this guidebook chart before you go fishing. Phone: 1-800-662-3337 4 Know the laws 2. Review the general rules, starting on page 8. These rules explain the licenses you Email: [email protected] 6 License and permit fees Online: wildlife.utah.gov/utip 7 Daily limits need, the fishing methods you may use, and when you can transport and possess fish. 3. Look up a specific water in the section that starts on page 25. (If the water you’re look- Division offices 8 General rules: Licenses and permits ing for is not listed there, it is subject to the general rules and daily limits.) Offices are open 8 a.m.–5 p.m., 8 Free Fishing Day Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing Monday through Friday. 8 License exemptions for youth Salt Lake City groups and organizations WHAT’S NEW? 1594 W North Temple 9 Discounted licenses for Free Fishing Day: Free Fishing Day will be Using bait to catch crayfish: Starting in Box 146301 disabled veterans held on June 12, 2021. This annual event is a 2021, you may use bait to catch crayfish in Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301 10 Help conserve native great opportunity to share fishing fun with a waters where bait use is prohibited for fish, as 801-538-4700 cutthroat trout friend or family member. For more informa- long as none of your lines have hooks attached. 10 Fishing contests tion, see page 8. See page 12 for details. Central Region 11 General rules: Fishing methods 1115 N Main Street COVID-19 and fishing: Stay informed about Spearfishing changes: Changes to 11 How to measure a fish Springville, UT 84663 any COVID-19 pandemic-related changes underwater spearfishing opportunities at a 801-491-5678 15 Watercraft restrictions that might affect fishing regulations or access few waterbodies will go into effect in 2021. 16 Stream access in Utah in 2021. See the box on page 18 and visit The spearfishing season at Fish Lake will now Northeastern Region 17 Keep your license on your wildlife.utah.gov/covid. close on Sept. 9, 2021, and Kens Lake has 318 N Vernal Avenue phone or tablet been removed from the list of waterbodies Vernal, UT 84078 20 General rules: Possession and Fee increases for nonresident anglers: 435-781-9453 where underwater spearfishing is permitted. transportation Increases to license and permit fees for anglers At Red Fleet Reservoir, there is now a seasonal 22 Help protect Utah fisheries who are not Utah residents went into effect restriction in place on underwater spearfish- Northern Region on July 1, 2020. Some of those increased fees 23 Utah’s Walk-in Access program ing. For more information, see the Underwater 515 E 5300 S are listed in the tables on page 6. To see all Ogden, UT 84405 24 Fish consumption advisories spearfishing section that begins on page 14. 801-476-2740 of Utah’s license and permit fees, visit wildlife. 24 Utah’s boating laws and rules utah.gov/licenses/fees.html. Daily limit changes at Flaming Gorge 25 Rules for specific waters Reservoir: Starting in 2021, the daily limit Southeastern Region Kokanee salmon now part of trout 319 N Carbonville Road, Ste A 26 Utah State Parks Annual Pass for bass at Flaming Gorge Reservoir will be Price, UT 84501 28 Community fishing waters limit: Starting Jan. 1, 2021, kokanee salmon three fish (largemouth and smallmouth 435-613-3700 42 The best fishing in Utah will be considered part of the statewide trout combined). The kokanee salmon limit is also 44 Tiger muskie vs. northern pike limit, which is a combined total of four fish per changing. You may keep a daily limit of up to day. Anglers may not possess kokanee salmon Southern Region 46 Angler feedback drives changes four trout and/or kokanee salmon (a combined at any waterbody statewide from Sept. 10 1470 N Airport Road 48 Identifying Utah’s native and total), excluding lake trout. These changes through Nov. 30. See all of the statewide limits wildlife.utah.gov Cedar City, UT 84721 nonnative fish were made in coordination with Wyoming to 435-865-6100 in the table on page 7. ensure consistency across the reservoir. See 70 Definitions page 30 for all of the rules specific to Flam- Changes to wiper and northern pike Washington County Field Office ing Gorge Reservoir. 451 N SR-318 limits: Starting in 2021, the statewide wiper limit will be three fish, and the statewide Hurricane, UT 84737 On the cover: Zoe White holds a smallmouth Change to bluegill limit at Pelican northern pike limit will be 20 fish, with only 435-879-8694 bass she caught at one of Utah’s Blue Ribbon Lake: Starting in 2021, you may keep a daily one over 36 inches. See the complete table of Fisheries, Flaming Gorge Reservoir. She caught limit of 15 bluegill at Pelican Lake, but only five statewide fishing limits on page 7. wildlife.utah.gov it while fishing with her dad, Rick. 2 3 of those fish may be longer than 7 inches. See Learn more about the key physical differences Quagga mussel threat: Quagga mussels FishingUtah • 2021 KNOW THE LAWS page 36 for the rules specific to Pelican Lake. between these two species in the article on continue to spread within Lake Powell, and This guidebook summarizes Utah’s page 44. inspection technicians are regularly finding fishing laws and rules. Although it is a Change to panfish limit at Red Fleet quagga mussels on and in boats that have convenient quick-reference document for Reservoir: At Red Fleet Reservoir in 2021, Learn about Blue Ribbon Fisheries: only been in Lake Powell for a day or two. For Utah fishing regulations, it is not an all- you may keep a daily limit of up to 50 bluegill, Utah’s Blue Ribbon Fisheries include some of details on the situation at Lake Powell and encompassing resource. green sunfish, black crappie and yellow perch the best places to fish in Utah. Learn more how you can help protect your boat, please see For an in-depth look at Utah’s fishing (a combined total), but no more than 20 of about how these waterbodies are selected and page 35 or click “Heading to Lake Powell?” laws and rules, visit wildlife.utah.gov/rules. those fish may be black crappie. See page 37 improved in the article on page 42. at stdofthesea.utah.gov.

Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing You can use the references in this guide- for the rules specific to Red Fleet Reservoir. book—such as Utah Administrative Rule Help shape Utah’s future fishing regula- Corrections: If errors are found in the R657-13-6 and Utah Code § 23-20-3—to Change to panfish limit at Starvation tions: During the spring of 2022, the Division’s printed guidebook, the Division will search online for the detailed statute or rule Reservoir: At Starvation Reservoir in 2021, fisheries managers will be putting together correct them in the online version. Visit that underpins the guidebook summary. you may keep a daily limit of up to 20 bluegill, recommendations for Utah’s next two-year wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks to view all of the green sunfish, black crappie and yellow perch If you have questions about a particular fishing regulation cycle, which will be in place Division’s guidebooks and proclamations. (a combined total). See page 39 for the rules rule, call or visit the nearest Division office. from Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2024. We specific to Starvation Reservoir. welcome your feedback and suggestions dur- Protection from discrimination: The Who makes the rules? ing this process. To review all of your feedback Division receives federal financial assistance Portion of Red Butte Creek open to The Utah Wildlife Board passes the rules options, please see page 46. from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under fishing: Starting in 2021, a portion of Red Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section and laws summarized in this guidebook. Butte Creek in Salt Lake County will be open to There are seven board members, and Important reminders 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II fishing. For details, see page 37. of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, each serves a six-year term. Appointed by License purchase options: Fishing the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the governor, board members are not Divi- Tagged northern pike: If you catch a and combination licenses are available at the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. sion employees. tagged northern pike at Utah Lake, you must wildlife.utah.gov and from license agents and Department of the Interior and its bureaus The Division’s director serves as the release it back into the lake. Any untagged Division offices. You can also call 1-800-221- prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, board’s executive secretary but does not northern pike caught at Utah Lake must be 0659 to purchase your license by phone. The color, national origin, age, disability or sex. If have a vote on wildlife policies. killed immediately. For details, see page 40. line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a you believe that you have been discriminated Before board members make changes to week. (There’s an additional $2 transaction fee Seasonal closure changes: Changes to the against in any program, activity or facility, or wildlife rules, they listen to recommenda- for each item you buy over the phone.) seasonal closures in place at West Fork Duch- if you desire further information, please visit tions from Division biologists. They also www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/public-civil-rights.cfm. receive input from the public and various esne River and Wolf Creek will go into effect in Community fisheries: You can learn more interest groups via the regional advisory 2021. For details, see page 41. about Utah’s dozens of community fisheries Private lands: The Division cannot guarantee by reviewing the box on page 28 or visiting access to any private land. Under certain council (RAC) process. Change to Utah fishing records: Starting wildlife.utah.gov/cf. circumstances, you must obtain written If you have feedback or suggestions for in 2021, the Division is adding a new record permission from the landowner or the board members, you can find their contact category for non-native cutthroat trout. Previ- Fish throughout the year: Utah has a landowner’s authorized representative before information online at wildlife.utah.gov. ously archived cutthroat trout records will be year-round fishing season for most waterbod- accessing private lands. For more information, listed under this category. You can learn more ies. It runs from Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2021.

Wildlife Board members see Trespassing on page 15. wildlife.utah.gov about this new record category and view all of Byron Bateman, Randy Dearth Utah’s fishing records online at Utah Cutthroat Slam: The Utah Cutthroat Division funding: The Division is mostly Chair Wade Heaton wildlife.utah.gov/record-fish. Slam has raised more than $50,000 for native funded by the sale of fishing and hunting Kevin Albrecht, Karl Hirst trout conservation in Utah. For information licenses and through federal aid made possible Learn to identify tiger muskies and Vice Chair Donnie Hunter about the slam, see the information box on by an excise tax on the sale of fishing rods and northern pike: Yuba Reservoir is now home Mike Fowlks, Bret Selman page 10 or visit www.utahcutthroatslam.org. other fishing-related equipment. to both tiger muskies and northern pike, two Division Director & species that have very different daily limits. Executive Secretary wildlife.utah.gov 4 5 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES DAILY LIMITS The limits listed below apply to most Utah fisheries, but on some waters, specific bag or size Resident licenses Nonresident licenses restrictions apply. Please see the Rules for specific waters on page 25 for any exceptions. New this year: License and permit 365-day fishing license $5 (ages 12–13) fees for nonresident anglers increased Black crappie and white crappie 50 Kokanee salmon See trout 365-day fishing license on July 1, 2020. The increased fees are (a combined total) (Important: Kokanee limit $16 listed in the tables below. For a complete salmon are part of the total trout below (ages 14–17) Bluegill and green sunfish 50 list of Utah’s license and permit fees, visit limit.) 365-day fishing license (a combined total)

Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing $34 wildlife.utah.gov/licenses/fees.html. Largemouth and smallmouth 6 (ages 18–64) Bonneville cisco 30 365-day fishing license bass (a combined total) 365-day fishing license (ages 12–13) $6 Bullhead 24 (age 65 and older) $25 Nongame species (except No limit 365-day fishing license Burbot No limit prohibited fish; see page 17 365-day disabled vet- (ages 14–17) $29 (Important: Do not release for a list of prohibited fish) eran fishing license (see $12 any burbot you catch. All burbot Northern pike 20, only the box on page 9 for 365-day fishing license caught must be immediately details) $85 (New this year: Limit increase) 1 over 36 (age 18 and older) killed.) inches Multi-year fishing $33 per year, Multi-year fishing license $84 per year, Channel catfish 8 Sacramento perch 10 license (age 18 and up to five years up to five older) (age 18 and older) years Community fisheries 2 Striped bass No limit (The limit includes fish of most 1 over 40 365-day combination $20 365-day combination species, but you must release any Tiger muskellunge license (ages 14–17)* license (age 17 and $33 tiger muskellunge you catch. You inches younger)* are also encouraged to release 365-day combination $38 Trout, kokanee salmon and Arctic 4 license (ages 18–64)* 365-day combination all largemouth bass. See the com- grayling (a combined total). license (age 18 and older)* $98 plete list of community waters on 365-day combination Anglers may not possess page 28.) kokanee salmon at any license (age 65 and $29 $97 per year, older)* Multi-year combination Crayfish No limit waterbody statewide from up to five Sept. 10 through Nov. 30. license (age 18 and older)* years (New this year: You may now 365-day disabled vet- use bait to catch crayfish on wa- Walleye 10, only eran combination license ters where bait use is prohibited $28.50 3-day fishing license (all $28 1 over 24 (see the box on page ages) for fish, as long as none of the inches 9 for details)* lines have hooks attached. See 7-day fishing license (all page 12 for details.) Whitefish 10 Multi-year combination ages) $46 license (age 18 and $37 per year, White bass No limit older)* up to five years * A combination license allows you to hunt or fish in Utah and also allows you to fish with a second pole. Wiper 3 3-day fishing license (all (New this year: Limit decrease) ages) $16 Reciprocal fishing permits Yellow perch 50 7-day fishing license (all $20 wildlife.utah.gov ages) Wyoming residents: Flaming Gorge, Utah reciprocal permit** $12 * A combination license allows you to hunt or fish in Utah and also allows you to fish with a second pole. ** See page 8 for details. Other fishing permits Setline permit*** (residents and $20 nonresidents) *** To learn more about setline permits, please see wildlife.utah.gov page 13 of this guide. 6 7 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 GENERAL RULES: LICENSES AND states. To simplify the process of fishing across state lines, Utah has entered into the following Discounted licenses PERMITS agreements with Idaho, Arizona and Wyoming: for disabled veterans Utah Code §§ 23-19 and 23-20-3 To thank our servicemen and service- Obtaining a fishing license is the first step to fishing in Utah. The type of license you should Bear Lake women, the Division offers discounted purchase depends on many variables: how old you are, how often you want to fish, where If you have a valid Utah or Idaho fishing fishing licenses to Utah veterans who you want to fish and whether you’re a Utah resident. (To determine if you are a resident, or combination license—whether you are a were disabled in the line of duty. see the definition on page 71.) This section provides information about the different resident or nonresident—you may fish both The discounted license is $12—in- the Utah and Idaho portions of the lake, as licenses and permits that are available. stead of the $34 full price—and the Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing long as you follow the angling regulations that license is good for 365 days from the day Free Fishing Day • Seven-day fishing licenses allow you to apply to the state where you are fishing. you buy it. Discounted licenses are avail- Utah Code § 23-19-1 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-3 fish for seven consecutive days. It is your responsibility to know and follow able online or from all Division offices The one day you don’t need a license to fish • 365-day fishing licenses allow you to fish each state’s laws and rules for Bear Lake. listed on page 2. in Utah is Saturday, June 12, 2021, which is Free for 365 consecutive days, including the Reminder: Even if you are licensed in To purchase a discounted license, Fishing Day. Everyone in Utah can fish for free day you buy the license. both states, you may only take one daily limit you must be a Utah resident and have a that day, but please remember that all of the • Multi-year fishing licenses allow you to each day. qualifying service-connected disability of state’s other fishing laws and rules still apply. fish for up to five years. Lake Powell at least 20 percent. • 365-day combination licenses allow you To apply for a license online, please Under 12 years of age to fish, hunt small game and apply for If you have a valid Utah or Arizona fishing Utah Code § 23-19-21 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-3 visit wildlife.utah.gov/disabledvet and hunting permits. or combination license—whether you are a If you’re under 12 years of age, you do not complete the online form. If you need • Multi-year combination licenses allow resident or nonresident—you may fish both need a fishing license to fish in Utah. You can assistance, please call the nearest Divi- you to fish, hunt small game and apply for the Utah and Arizona portions of the lake, as fish without a license, use two poles, use a sion office. hunting permits for up to five years. long as you follow the angling regulations that setline and take a full daily limit. If you choose to visit a Division office When you buy a combination license or a apply to the state where you are fishing. It is your responsibility to know and follow to purchase your license, simply bring 12 years of age and older multi-year license, you also get a price break the verification of service-connected dis- Utah Code § 23-19-21 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-3 compared to buying your hunting and fishing each state’s laws and rules for Lake Powell. Reminder: Even if you are licensed in ability documentation that the Depart- If you’re 12 years of age or older, you must licenses separately. ment of Veterans Affairs issued to you. purchase a fishing license or a combination Fishing and combination licenses are avail- both states, you may only take one daily limit each day. You can find additional resources for license to fish in Utah. You can choose from a able at wildlife.utah.gov and from license agents hunters and anglers with disabilities at variety of licenses: and Division offices. You can also call 1-800- Flaming Gorge Reservoir wildlife.utah.gov/disabled-access. • Three-day fishing licenses allow you to 221-0659 to purchase your license by phone. To fish across state lines at Flaming Gorge fish for three consecutive days. You must have your license with you while Reservoir, you must have a valid resident you’re fishing, and you cannot alter your license you must purchase nonresident fishing licenses fishing license from one state and a reciprocal from both states. This change has been in or transfer it to another person. fishing permit from the other state. License exemptions Keep in mind that you can use the Utah effect since 2019. For example, if you buy a Utah resident For more information on obtaining a Wyo- for youth groups and Hunting and Fishing app to legally carry fishing fishing license, you can fish the Utah portion organizations licenses on a phone or tablet for all the mem- ming reciprocal fishing permit or a Wyoming of Flaming Gorge. After buying your Utah wildlife.utah.gov Are you a scout leader or a mentor bers of your family. To download the app, visit fishing license, call the Wyoming Game and license, if you decide you also want to fish the Fish Department at 307-777-4600. for a youth group? Many groups can hold wildlife.utah.gov/mobileapp. Wyoming portion of the reservoir, you must fishing events that don’t require a fish- Utah reciprocal fishing permits are avail- Fishing across state lines buy a Wyoming reciprocal fishing permit. able at wildlife.utah.gov and from authorized ing license for participants age 15 and You can also choose to purchase a Wyoming younger. To determine if you are eligible and reciprocal fishing license agents and Division offices. permits nonresident fishing license. It is your responsibility to know and follow and to complete the license-exemption Nonresident anglers: If you are not a form, visit wildlife.utah.gov/youth-org. Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-5 each state’s laws and rules for Flaming Gorge Utah shares Bear Lake, Lake Powell and resident of either Utah or Wyoming—and you Reservoir, and some of those changed this wildlife.utah.gov Flaming Gorge Reservoir with neighboring want to fish all of Flaming Gorge Reservoir— 8 9 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 year. Please see Flaming Gorge Reservoir on To see the new fishing contest GENERAL RULES: FISHING METHODS page 30 for the laws and rules specific to rules, please review Utah Admin. Rule Utah Code § 23-20-3 that fishery. R657-58 at wildlife.utah.gov/rules, visit There are laws and rules that govern fishing in Utah. By obeying these regulations and be- Reminder: Even if you are licensed in wildlife.utah.gov/fishingcontests or contact the ing an ethical angler, you will help keep fishing great for everyone. Please be familiar with both states, you may only take one daily limit nearest Division office. the following general rules for taking fish and crayfish. You’ll find some exceptions to these each day. If you plan to hold a fishing contest at a Utah State Park, you should also check with rules in the Rules for specific waters on page 25. More information about reciprocal the park to see if there are any additional rules While fishing, you must be within sight permits Taking game fish that apply to the area. You may take game fish using only the of the equipment you’re fishing with (this Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing • Utah reciprocal fishing permits are valid following methods: distance cannot exceed 100 feet). The only for 365 days from the day you buy them. Licenses for residents exception to this rule is if you have a setline • You must sign your name on your recip- with special needs Angling permit. Please see page 13 for more infor- rocal permit the same way you signed Utah Code § 23-19-36 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-12-3 Utah Admin. Rules R657-13-6, R657-13-7 and R657-13-11 mation about fishing with a setline. your name on your fishing license. If you’re a Utah resident and have certain If you are under age 12 or have a valid Utah There are a few additional angling rules to physical or mental disabilities—or a terminal fishing or combination license, you can fish keep in mind: Fishing contests illness—you may qualify for a free fishing with two poles at any water in the state during Utah Admin. Rule R657-58 • No artificial lure may have more than license. A child who has been placed in the its open fishing season. You may keep only one New this year: The Utah Wildlife Board three hooks. custody of the state by a court order may daily limit of fish. Using a second pole does approved substantial changes to Utah’s fishing • No line may have attached to it more also qualify. To learn if you qualify, please see not allow you to keep two daily limits of fish. contests that go into effect Jan. 1, 2021. The than three baited hooks, three artificial wildlife.utah.gov/disabled or contact your near- You may use additional lines or hooks when changes streamlined the rules and removed flies or three artificial lures. (This rule est Division office. you are: most of the discrepancies in the contests for also applies to those who are fishing for • Fishing for crayfish. Please see page 16 warmwater and coldwater species. crayfish.) Please see page 13 of this of this guide for more information about guide for more information about fishing fishing for crayfish. with a setline. Help conserve native The Utah Cutthroat Slam is a part- • Using a setline. See page 13 to learn • When you’re fishing through the ice, you cutthroat trout nership between the Division and Trout more about fishing with a setline. may not fish through a hole that’s more The Utah Cutthroat Slam offers an Unlimited, and it has successfully raised • Ice fishing at Flaming Gorge. Please than 12 inches wide. The only exceptions exciting challenge for conservation-minded more than $50,000 for native cutthroat see page 30 for the rules specific to are at Bear Lake, Flaming Gorge Reser- anglers. You must catch Utah’s four native conservation over the past five years. Flaming Gorge. voir and Fish Lake. For more information cutthroat trout subspecies—in their native To see a complete list of program requirements and learn more about waters—and provide visual proof of your How to measure a fish success. Utah’s native cutthroat trout, please visit 1. Place the fish on its side with the jaw closed. After you successfully complete the utahcutthroatslam.org. 2. Squeeze the tail fin together or turn it so you obtain the maximum overall length. slam, you’ll receive a stunning medallion to 3. Measure a straight line from the tip of the snout to the extreme tip of the tail fin. commemorate your achievement. You’ll also receive a slam-completion certificate and

online recognition at utahcutthroatslam.org. wildlife.utah.gov Your slam participation fee—only $20 for adults and $10 for youth under 18— helps fund cutthroat trout conservation projects in Utah. wildlife.utah.gov 10 11 about ice fishing at these waters, visit • Dead burbot from Flaming Gorge stuffs, chemical fish attractants or feeding Chumming is prohibited on all waters FishingUtah • 2021 the Rules for Specific Waters section that may be used as bait only in stimulants—may not be used where bait is except Lake Powell. Please see the Rules for begins on page 25. Flaming Gorge. prohibited. specific waters, Lake Powell on page 33 for Angling is permitted from boats and float • Dead shad from Lake Powell may Both PowerBait and scented jigs are con- more information about chumming at Lake tubes—and other motorized and nonmotor- be used as bait only in Lake Powell. sidered to be bait, and they may not be used Powell. ized watercraft—on any water where such use It is illegal to remove dead shad where bait is prohibited. is authorized. There are some waters, however, from the Glen Canyon National If the Utah Wildlife Board has declared that Setline fishing Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-8 where you cannot fish from a float tube or a Recreation Area. a water is infested with an aquatic invasive Setlines are lines that are anchored to a boat (see page 15 for more information). • Dead striped bass from Lake Powell species (e.g., quagga or zebra mussels)—or

Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing non-moving object and that are not attached Keep in mind that other agencies may have may be used as bait or chum only the water is subject to a closure order or to a fishing pole. placed additional restrictions on the use of in Lake Powell. control plan—you may not transport any Setline permits are available for $20 at float tubes and boats at certain Utah waters. • Dead, fresh or frozen saltwater species of fish (live or dead), including baitfish, wildlife.utah.gov and from license agents and species, including sardines and from that water to use in any other water. To Division offices. Bait anchovies, may be used as bait in determine whether a water is infested, visit Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-12 A setline permit is a 365-day permit. If any water where bait is permitted. wildlife.utah.gov/affected-waters.html. You may legally use or possess corn you are 12 or older, you must also have an • Dead mountain sucker, white while fishing anywhere in Utah where bait is unexpired three-day, seven-day, 365-day or sucker, Utah sucker, redside shiner, Restrictions on taking fish permitted. multi-year Utah fishing or combination license speckled dace, mottled sculpin, and crayfish While you are fishing, it is unlawful to: in order to use a setline permit. fathead minnow (all color variants, Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-11 • Use or possess live baitfish. If you obtain a setline permit, and a Utah including rosy red minnows), You can use artificial light while fishing, • Use or possess tiger salamanders (live fishing or combination license, you can use a Utah chub and common carp may but not when you are underwater spearfish- or dead). setline to take fish from the following waters: be used as bait anywhere bait is ing. There are two exceptions: • Use or possess any bait—including Bear River proper (downstream from the Idaho permitted. • If you’re underwater spearfishing for PowerBait or scented jigs—where state line, including Cutler Reservoir and outlet • The eggs of any species of fish burbot at Flaming Gorge. prohibited. canals); Little Bear River below Valley View caught in Utah, except prohibited • If you’re underwater spearfishing for carp • Use or possess artificial baits that are Highway (SR-30); Malad River; and Utah Lake. fish, may be used where bait is anywhere in the state. commercially imbedded or covered with These are the only waters where use of a permitted. You may not, however, You may not obstruct a waterway or use fish or fish parts setline is allowed. take or use eggs from fish that are any chemical, explosive, electricity, poison, • Use or possess bait in the form of fresh The following rules apply to setline fishing: being released. firearm, pellet gun or archery equipment to or frozen fish or fish parts, except as • You may not fish with more than one You may only use live crayfish for bait take fish or crayfish. The only exceptions are provided below: setline. if you are on the water where the crayfish found in Taking Nongame Fish (page 17), • Dead Bonneville cisco may be used • A setline may not contain more than 15 were captured. It is unlawful to transport live Fishing with archery tackle and crossbows (page as bait only in Bear Lake. hooks. crayfish away from the water where they were 14) and Rules for specific waters, Lake Powell • Dead yellow perch may be used as • When fishing with a setline, you must captured. (page 33). bait only in Big Sandwash, Deer be within 100 yards of the surface or the New this year: You may now use bait— You may not take or land a fish by snag- Creek, Echo, Fish Lake, Gunnison, bank of water you’re fishing from. without hooks—to catch crayfish in waters ging or gaffing, and you may not have a gaff Hyrum, Johnson, Jordanelle, in your possession while fishing. A fish hooked • One end of your setline must be attached where fishing with bait is prohibited. You may wildlife.utah.gov Mantua, Mill Meadow, Newton, to a non-moving object that is not not, however, catch fish using bait in waters anywhere other than the mouth must be Pineview, Red Fleet, Rockport, attached to a fishing pole. Your setline where bait is prohibited. released immediately. The only exceptions are Starvation, Utah Lake, Willard Bay must also have a legible tag attached to You may use commercially prepared and at Lake Powell (where you may use a gaff to and Yuba reservoirs. it that includes your name, address and chemically treated baitfish or their parts as bait land striped bass), Bear Lake (where you may • Dead white bass may be used as setline permit number. in any water where bait is permitted. snag Bonneville cisco) and any waterbody bait only in Utah Lake and the • While fishing with a setline, you can also Manufactured, human-made items that where there is a catch-and-kill regulation for Jordan River. fish with up to two fishing poles. may not be digestible—including items the fish you snag.

wildlife.utah.gov that have been chemically treated with food 12 13 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 Dipnetting Follow local ordinances Additional spearfishing rules Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-10 Please remember that archery tackle and There are a few exceptions to spearfishing Watercraft restrictions You can use a handheld dipnet to land crossbows are considered weapons and cannot regulations: Before you launch a boat at any wa- game fish that you’ve legally taken by angling. be discharged within 600 feet of a structure. • At Fish Lake (Sevier County), you may terbody, be sure to check with local, state However, you may not use a handheld dipnet Also, local communities may have ordinances underwater spearfish for all fish species or federal agencies about any watercraft as a primary method of taking game fish un- against the discharge of weapons within city from 6 a.m. on June 5 until official sunset restrictions that may exist. less you are at Bear Lake, where you may use a limits. If possible, please check with your local on Sept. 9. Regulations differ from one water to dipnet to take Bonneville cisco. city office to make sure you are following all • At Flaming Gorge (Daggett County), you another, depending on which munici- When fishing for Bonneville cisco at Bear the rules. can underwater spearfish for burbot pality or agency is in charge. It’s your Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing Lake, the opening of your dipnet may not If you have additional questions about from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 24 hours per day. responsibility to learn and follow the exceed 18 inches. If you’re dipnetting through bowfishing or the places you can bowfish, You can also use artificial light while rules for a particular water. the ice at Bear Lake, there is no restriction on please contact your local Division office. spearfishing for burbot at this reservoir. You can view a list of watercraft re- the size of the hole you can drill in the ice. Please see page 30 for rules specific to strictions at wildlife.utah.gov/watercraft. Please see Rules for specific waters, Bear Lake Underwater spearfishing Flaming Gorge. Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-9 on page 25 for more information. All possession limits and seasonal closures Underwater spearfishing hours are from Closed areas You may also use a handheld dipnet to take apply, regardless of the angling technique official sunrise to official sunset. It is illegal to Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-19 crayfish and nongame fish, except prohibited you use. (This includes the statewide seasonal use artificial light while underwater spearfish- All of the state’s fish hatcheries are closed fish. For a list of fish you are prohibited to pos- closure on kokanee salmon from Sept. 10 to ing, and free shafting is prohibited. to fishing, including the warmwater fish hatch- sess, please see page 17 of this guide. Nov. 30, 2021.) The waters listed below are open to under- ery at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Center. At all waters open to angling—during their water spearfishing for game fish from Jan. 1 All of the state’s waterfowl management Fishing with archery open seasons—you can underwater spearfish through Dec. 31. areas are closed to fishing, unless they’re tackle and crossbows for carp. Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-14 Unless otherwise noted, you may use posted open to fishing or they’re listed as open to fishing in Rules for specific waters on page Fishing with archery tackle—also called spearfishing to take any legal species within Restrictions on spearfishing for bass 25. bowfishing—is allowed in most Utah water- the daily limits, length limits and seasonal The waters listed below are open to All National Wildlife Refuges within Utah bodies but only for nonprotected, nongame closures that apply to each waterbody: underwater spearfishing for game fish from are also closed to fishing, unless declared open fish such as carp. And within that limitation, • Big Sandwash Reservoir (Duchesne Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, but you may not use by the managing authority. there are waters where you may bowfish for County) spearfishing to take largemouth and small- carp only (see page 17 for details). • Blue Lake, for pacu and tilapia only mouth bass from April 1 through June 26, 2021: Trespassing In most areas, bowfishing is allowed at (Tooele County) • Deer Creek Reservoir (Wasatch County) Utah Code §§ 23-20-14 and 23-20-3.5 night with the use of spotlights. There are a • Brown’s Draw Reservoir (Duchesne • East Canyon Reservoir (Morgan County) While fishing or engaging in wildlife- few notable exceptions: The tributaries of Utah County) • Echo Reservoir (Summit County) related activities, you may not—without Lake are closed to bowfishing at night (sunset • Causey Reservoir (Weber County) • Flaming Gorge Reservoir (Daggett County) permission—enter or remain on privately to sunrise) from May 1 until 6 a.m. on July • Electric Lake (Emery County) • Lake Powell (Garfield, Kane and San Juan owned land that is: 10. A few other lakes, including Lake Powell, • Grantsville Reservoir (Tooele County) counties) • Cultivated have closed areas. If you’re wondering about a • Newcastle Reservoir, for wipers and • Pineview Reservoir, except closed year • Properly posted specific waterbody, see the section that begins rainbow trout only (Iron County)

round to the take of tiger muskie (Weber • Fenced or enclosed in a manner designed wildlife.utah.gov on page 25 or call the Division office that • Porcupine Reservoir (Cache County) County) to exclude intruders manages that particular fishery. • Recapture Reservoir (San Juan County) • Red Fleet Reservoir (Uintah County) In addition, you may not: • Sand Lake (Summit County) • Rockport Reservoir (Summit County) Using a crossbow • Enter or remain on private land when • Smith and Morehouse Reservoir (Summit • Starvation Reservoir (Duchesne County) directed not to do so by the owner or a You may use a crossbow to take carp at County) • Steinaker Reservoir (Uintah County) person acting for the owner. any open water statewide. You may not use a • Willard Bay Reservoir (Box Elder County) When you are spearfishing for bass at the • Obstruct any entrance or exit to private crossbow to take any other species of fish. • Yuba Reservoir (Juab and Sanpete above waterbodies, all daily limits and length property. counties) limits apply. “Cultivated land” is land that is readily wildlife.utah.gov 14 15 identifiable as land whose soil is loosened or You are guilty of a class B misdemeanor • You may not transport live crayfish FishingUtah • 2021 broken up for the raising of crops, land used if you violate any provision described in this away from the body of water where you Keep your license on for the raising of crops, or a pasture that is section. Your license, tag or permit privileges captured them. your phone or tablet artificially irrigated. may also be suspended. For additional information about We’ve made it easier for you to keep “Permission” means written authorization catching and preparing crayfish, visit track of your fishing license and know from the owner or person in charge to enter Native American Trust Lands wildlife.utah.gov/fishing/crayfish.php. when it’s about to expire. upon private land that is cultivated or properly If you’re fishing on land that belongs to With our convenient mobile app, posted. Permission must include all of the any of the Native American tribes in Utah, you Prohibited fish you can now download your license to a following details: must observe tribal regulations. These regula- Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-13 smartphone or tablet. Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing • The signature of the owner or person in tions are available from the Native American Possession of the following nongame fish If a conservation officer asks to see charge tribe that owns the land. is prohibited. If you catch any of these fish, you your license, you can easily produce the • The name of the person being given must release them immediately: digital copy, which is just as valid as a permission Taking crayfish • Bonytail paper license. Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-15 • Bluehead sucker • The appropriate dates If you’re under the age of 12, you do not If you use the app, you will also be • A general description of the land • Colorado pikeminnow able to see when your license expires. need a license to fish for crayfish. If you’re 12 • Flannelmouth sucker “Properly posted” means that signs years of age or older, you must have a valid The app is available for both Apple prohibiting trespass—or bright yellow, bright • Gizzard shad (except at Lake Powell, and Android devices. You can download Utah fishing or combination license to fish for where you may possess dead shad and orange or fluorescent paint—are clearly crayfish. it at wildlife.utah.gov/mobileapp. displayed at all corners, on fishing streams use them as bait) You may take crayfish for personal, • Grass carp crossing property lines, and on roads, gates When using these methods, please noncommercial purposes at any body of water • Humpback chub and rights-of-way entering the land. Or, they remember the following rules: where there’s an open fishing season. You may • June sucker are displayed in a manner that is visible to a • Seines (nets) may not exceed 10 feet in not take crayfish if the fishing season at that • Least chub person in the area. length or width. water is closed. • Northern leatherside chub You may not post private property you • Cast nets may not exceed 10 feet in You may take crayfish by hand or with a • Razorback sucker do not own or legally control or land that is diameter (a 5-foot radius). trap, dipnet, liftnet, handline, pole or seine. • Roundtail chub open to the public as provided by Utah Code • Nongame fish that are legal to take must You must also obey all of the following rules: • Southern leatherside chub § 23-21-4. In addition, it is unlawful to take either be released or killed immedi- • You may not use game fish or their parts • Virgin chub protected wildlife or its parts while trespassing ately after you remove them from the for bait, or use any substance that is • Virgin spinedace in violation of Utah Code § 23-20-14. water. You may not leave them on the illegal for fishing. • Woundfin • Seines (nets) may not exceed 10 feet in shoreline. length or width. Taking nongame fish Underwater spearfishing for nongame fish Stream access in Utah • You may not use more than five lines, Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-14 and R657-12-8 (other than carp) is only allowed at the waters In recent years, Utah’s stream access and only two of those lines can have If you have a valid Utah fishing or listed on page 14. laws have changed multiple times as hooks attached. (See the Angling section combination license, you may take nongame You may use a crossbow only if you’re a result of legislation, litigation and on page 11 for details.) On the lines fish—except those listed in the Prohibited Fish taking carp. judicial rulings. That may continue to be without hooks, simply tie your bait to section on page 17—for personal, noncom-

Taking common carp wildlife.utah.gov the case in the years to come. the line so the crayfish can grasp the bait mercial purposes, as long as you’re fishing at a You may use a variety of techniques—in- The Division is committed to with its claw. body of water during its open fishing season. cluding angling, traps, archery, dipnets, cast upholding the laws—however they • New this year: You may now use To take nonprohibited nongame fish, you nets, liftnets, seines, crossbow, a handheld change—and wants to help anglers bait—without hooks—to catch may use angling, traps, archery, dipnets, cast spear from above the surface of the water, or understand them. For more informa- crayfish in waters where fishing with bait nets, liftnets, seines or a handheld spear from underwater spearfishing—to take common tion and answers to common questions is prohibited. (You may not, however, above the surface of the water. carp in any water during its open fishing about stream access in Utah, please visit catch fish using bait in waters where bait season. wildlife.utah.gov/streamaccess. is prohibited.) wildlife.utah.gov 16 17 For more information on bowfishing rules, state line in Browns Park upstream FishingUtah • 2021 see page 14. to Flaming Gorge Dam, including Don’t lose your hunting and fi shing privileges You may also use artificial lights while Gorge Creek, a tributary that enters If you commit a wildlife violation, you could lose the privilege of hunting and  shing in Utah. bowfishing for carp. the Green River at Little Hole) The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources can suspend the license of Carp are the only nongame fish you may • Green River (from the confluence anyone who knowingly, intentionally or recklessly violates wildlife take in the following waters: with the Colorado River upstream laws. Your license can be suspended for a wildlife violation if: • Ash Creek to the Colorado state line in Dino- • You are convicted. • Beaver Dam Wash saur National Monument) • You plead guilty or no contest. • Colorado River • Hobble Creek • You enter a plea in abeyance or Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing • Diamond Fork • La Verkin Creek diversion agreement. • Duchesne River (from the Myton • Main Canyon Creek (tributary to Suspension proceedings are separate and indepen- SR-40 bridge to the confluence Wallsburg Creek) dent from criminal prosecution. The Utah Division of with the Green River) • Provo River (below Deer Creek Wildlife Resources may suspend your license privileges • Fort Pierce Wash Dam) whether or not the court considers suspension in your • Green River (from the Colorado • Raft River (from the Idaho state criminal case. You will be noti ed of any action against your privilege after criminal proceedings conclude. And line, including all tributaries) remember, if your license is suspended in Utah, you How will COVID-19 • San Juan River may not be permitted to hunt or  sh in most other affect fishing in 2021? • Santa Clara River (from Pine Valley states. (Visit wildlife.utah.gov/know-the-consequences.html to see a map of participating states.) Although the COVID-19 pandemic Reservoir downstream to the has drastically affected all of our lives, confluence with the Virgin River) there are currently no plans to change • Snake Valley waters (west and fishing regulations or access because of north of US-6 and the part of US-6 COVID-19. and US-50 in Millard and Juab With that said, there are federal, counties) state, county and local regulations • Spanish Fork River beyond our control, and we have no way • Thistle Creek to know exactly which regulations will • Virgin River (main stem and the be in place throughout 2021. north and east forks) You can learn about those regula- • Weber River tions—and stay informed about any • White River (Uintah County) other pandemic-related changes—by • Yellow Creek visiting wildlife.utah.gov/covid. Taking brine shrimp We will also use email and Utah Admin. Rule R657-52 our social media channels to com- Many people who visit the Great Salt Lake municate changes that may affect want to take some of the lake’s brine shrimp you and your fishing trips. Visit

home with them. You may take brine shrimp wildlife.utah.gov wildlife.utah.gov/stay-connected.html to from the lake without a fishing license, but you sign up for email updates and to follow may not take more than one gallon in a 7-day us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and period. YouTube. We hope you and your loved ones have fun, successful fishing trips throughout 2021—stay safe out there! wildlife.utah.gov 18 19 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 GENERAL RULES: POSSESSION AND Here’s another example. If you go to a Possession of fish community fishery and catch your limit in the obtained from other TRANSPORTATION morning, you cannot take those fish home to sources Utah Code § 23-20-3 your freezer and then visit another community Before you start catching fish or crayfish, it’s important to know how many you’re allowed You may possess or transport a legal limit pond in the afternoon to harvest additional fish. of game fish or crayfish caught by another to keep, take home or donate to someone else. Be sure to read this section carefully—and You may continue to fish while in possession person if you have a donation letter from that then double check the Rules for Specific Waters section on page 25—so you don’t miss of a full daily limit, but you must immediately person. Please see Donating on page 22 for any special regulations that may apply to the waterbody you’re fishing. release any additional fish you catch. more information. If you have purchased or obtained fish from Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing Season dates of device. Keeping fish at home Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-19 • Any fish that doesn’t meet the size Any fish species stored at your permanent a registered commercial fishing installation, Utah’s general fish and crayfish season is or species rules for the water you’re residence do not count as part of your limit. a private pond owner or a short-term fishing Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. Fish may be caught by fishing must be returned to the water Please keep in mind that this does NOT allow event, you may only possess or transport dead angling or setline 24 hours a day. Underwater immediately. you to take home multiple daily limits of fish fish if you have a receipt. The receipt must spearfishing is allowed from official sunrise to See page 7 for a list of daily limits that in one day. You may take home only one daily include all of the following information: official sunset. See page 14 for details. apply statewide, except as provided in Rules for limit per day. • The species and number of fish specific waters on page 25. • The date the fish were caught Daily limits Dead fish and crayfish • The certificate of registration number Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-19 Additional limit in the Utah Code § 4-37-305 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-16 of the installation, pond or short-term This section provides general rules for field The following sections provide important fishing event fishing in Utah. Many waters have localized You may possess up to two daily limits of information about when you can possess fil- • The name, address and telephone and specific rules, which are listed in Rules for fish as you travel within Utah—or if you leave leted fish and fish donated by other anglers. number of the seller specific waters on page 25. the state—as long as you meet all of the fol- To help prevent the spread of disease, On waters that have a specific rule, that rule lowing conditions: Possession of filleted fish fish and crayfish may not be moved between takes precedence over the general rules. • At least one of the limits in your posses- While you are in the act of fishing, it is waters, except as listed in the Bait section on You may possess a legal daily limit of dead sion was caught at a Utah water on a unlawful to possess filleted fish from the current page 12. game fish or crayfish as long as you have a valid previous day, and the fish were a legal day’s catch or fish that have had their heads fishing or combination license. Those who are species and limit for the waterbody or tails removed. This does not apply to fish Live fish and crayfish under 12 years of age may fish without a license where you caught them. processed for immediate consumption or from a Utah Code § 23-13-14 and Utah Admin. Rules R657-13-17 and R657-13-19 and take a full daily limit. • The fish from the previous day have been previous day’s catch. You may not release fish or crayfish into If you fish multiple waters in one day, you cleaned and gutted (entrails removed). At most waters, you may fillet harvested the wild except as provided in the Wildlife cannot have any fish in your possession that If you fish at a different waterbody on game fish, or remove their heads or tails, after Code, rule, proclamation or order of the Wild- violate the rules of the waterbody where you’re the second day of your trip, you may not have you have: life Board. For example, you can release fish fishing. any fish in your possession—from either • Completed the act of fishing caught at Scofield Reservoir back into Scofield, When calculating your daily limit, please day—that violate the rules of the waterbody • Arrived at camp but you cannot take live fish from Scofield and remember the following rules: where you’re currently fishing. You must always • Reached a fish-cleaning station place those fish in another water. Any person • Any trout, salmon or grayling not imme- comply with the size and species regulations • Arrived at a principle means of land

who illegally stocks fish in Utah waters may be wildlife.utah.gov diately released is part of your daily limit. for the waterbody where you’re fishing and transportation criminally prosecuted and could face license • Note: Kokanee salmon are considered not have more than two daily limits in your At Strawberry Reservoir, Scofield Reservoir, suspension and thousands of dollars in fines to be part of the total trout limit. Anglers possession. Lost Creek Reservoir and Panguitch Lake, you and restitution. may not possess kokanee salmon at For example, if you have been fishing at may not fillet trout and salmon, and you may You may use live fish stringers, livewells any waterbody statewide from Sept. 10 Joes Valley Reservoir, (which has a 4 trout limit, not remove their heads or tails while in the field or holding cages to store fish or crayfish while through Nov. 30. with only 1 fish over 18 inches), you may not or in transit. fishing on the water where you caught them. • A trout, salmon or grayling may not be stop at Scofield Reservoir (which has more re- Note: Do not dispose of entrails and A trout, salmon or grayling may not be re- released if it’s been held on a stringer or strictive size regulations) if you have fish from carcasses on the bank. Leave them in the water

wildlife.utah.gov leased if it’s been held on a stringer or in a fish in a fish basket, livewell or any other type Joes Valley that violate the rules at Scofield. where you caught the fish. 20 21 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 basket, livewell or any other type of device. You should expect to encounter conserva- in the Wildlife Code, rule, proclamation or order • San Juan River: burbot, northern pike, You may not transport live fish or crayfish tion officers and biologists checking anglers at of the Wildlife Board. smallmouth bass and walleye away from the water where they were caught. waters and at checkpoints across Utah. • San Juan River tributaries: burbot, north- If you meet a conservation officer, you Disposal of fish ern pike, smallmouth bass and walleye Utah Code § 23-20-8 Release of tagged or (see page 38 for a list of applicable must provide the items he or she asks for, In most instances, you may not waste any marked fish including any licenses required for fishing, any tributaries) Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-18 fish or crayfish or allow them to be wasted devices used to participate in fishing and any • Utah Lake: northern pike (unless the fish You may not tag, mark or fin-clip a fish or spoiled. Waste means to abandon a fish or fish that you’ve taken. These contacts allow is tagged—if the northern pike is tagged, and then return it to the water without prior crayfish or allow it to spoil or be used in a man- the Division to collect valuable information you must release it)

Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing ner not normally associated with its beneficial authorization from the Division. • Utah Lake tributaries: northern pike about fish populations in Utah. use. For example, using the meat of game fish After catching any of the above fish, you Checkpoints and Keep in mind that you can use the Utah as fertilizer or for trapping bait is not considered may consume them or dispose of them at one of Hunting and Fishing app to legally carry a beneficial use of the meat. officer contacts fishing licenses on a phone or tablet for all the the following locations: Utah Code §§ 23-20-25 and 77-23-104 In 2013, the Utah Legislature passed a law • In the water where the fish was caught The Division is the trustee and guardian of members of your family. To download the app, that allows anglers to dispose of carp and a • A fish-cleaning station Utah’s fish and wildlife. Division conservation visit wildlife.utah.gov/mobileapp. few other species—particularly species under • The angler’s permanent residence officers monitor the taking and possession of catch-and-kill orders at certain waterbodies— Disposal of aquatic • Another location where disposal is fish, check your catch to assess species and without violating the state’s wasting statute. If authorized by law size, and make sure you have the required wildlife you visit any of the following waters and catch licenses and equipment used for fishing. any of the species listed for those waters, you Donating Utah’s Walk-in Access Utah Code § 23-20-9 may dispose of them: The following are the only places where • All waters statewide: common carp program Help protect Utah Utah Admin. Rule R657-56-13 you may donate or give protected aquatic • Blue Lake: pacu and tilapia fisheries The Walk-in Access (WIA) program wildlife or its parts to another person: • Colorado River: burbot, northern pike, As an angler, you’re the first line of provides hunters, anglers and trappers • The permanent residence of the donor smallmouth bass and walleye defense for your favorite fisheries. access to privately owned land, streams, • The permanent residence of the recipient • Colorado River tributaries: burbot, north- Please call our hotline, 1-800-662- rivers, ponds or reservoirs. • A meat locker ern pike, smallmouth bass and walleye 3337, if you see someone who: If you use Utah’s Walk-in Access (WIA) • A storage plant (see page 27 for a list of applicable • Keeps more fish than the daily properties, remember to obtain your • A meat-processing facility tributaries) limit allows annual WIA authorization number. You may not donate fish in the field. • Deer Creek Reservoir: white bass and • Moves live fish or crayfish into a The Division issues authorization A written statement of donation must black bullhead waterbody numbers to track the use of WIA proper- be kept with the protected aquatic wildlife • Echo Reservoir: walleye • Leaves a waterbody with live fish ties throughout the year and to assess or parts that includes all of the following • Fish Lake: yellow perch or crayfish the program’s value to the public. information: • Flaming Gorge: burbot • Is towing or transporting a boat To obtain your authorization number, • The number and species of protected • Grantsville Reservoir: smallmouth bass with attached mussels visit wildlife.utah.gov/walkinaccess and aquatic wildlife or parts donated • Green River: burbot, northern pike, All of these activities are illegal and click “Authorization numbers.” Follow • The date of donation smallmouth bass and walleye could result in an angler: wildlife.utah.gov • Green River tributaries: burbot, northern the instructions and obtain your number. • Losing the right to fish in Utah and • The license or permit number of the pike, smallmouth bass and walleye You can also request a number by calling other states donor (see page 31 for a list of applicable 1-800-221-0659. • Being held financially liable for the • The signature of the donor tributaries) Also, remember that WIA proper- damage to a fishery Purchasing or selling • Gunlock Reservoir: smallmouth bass ties are private land and may have The Division appreciates your efforts Utah Code § 23-20-3 • Lake Powell: striped bass special restrictions on season dates, to help protect the places you love to You may not purchase or sell protected • Quail Creek Reservoir: smallmouth bass species and allowable activities. Visit boat and fish. aquatic wildlife or its parts except as provided • Sand Hollow Reservoir: smallmouth bass wildlife.utah.gov/walkinaccess for details. wildlife.utah.gov 22 23 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES RULES FOR SPECIFIC WATERS Go online for detailed information. Utah Code § 23-20-3 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-20 The rules below take precedence over the general rules listed earlier in this guidebook. The Fish are an important part of a healthy mental Quality (DEQ) obtain fish samples from diet, and most are safe to eat on a regular lakes and rivers across the state. Then, the DEQ seasons, limits and other restrictions in this section apply only to the waters listed below. basis. You should, however, limit your intake analyzes the samples and forwards the results General rules apply to all of the waters NOT listed in this section. (See Daily limits on page of some fish found in certain Utah waters. to the Utah Department of Health (DOH). After 7 to learn more about catching and harvesting fish at waters that areNOT listed in this Why? Testing has identified elevated reviewing the data, the DOH decides whether section.) levels of mercury and other contaminants in to issue a consumption advisory. American Fork Creek, Utah County Bear Lake, Rich County (continued) Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing some populations of fish. Over time, eating This partnership makes fishadvisories.utah. See Utah Lake tributaries. • Cutthroat trout or trout with cutthroat these fish may be unhealthy if consumed in gov your best resource for accurate, up-to-date markings with all fins intact must be large amounts. fish consumption advisories. Anderson Meadow Reservoir, Beaver immediately released. Only cutthroat Be sure to visit fishadvisories.utah.gov be- County Harmful algal blooms trout that have had one or more healed fore eating the fish you catch. The Utah Fish • Fishing from a boat with a motor is fins clipped may be kept. To learn how to In recent years, Utah has experienced Advisories website has the latest consump- unlawful. identify cutthroat trout in this water, see recurring toxic algal blooms. In the event of tion guidelines for Utah’s fish and waters. the description of Bear Lake cutthroat an algal bloom, you should visit deq.utah.gov Annabella Lake, Sevier County If you decide to share your fish with trout on page 50. and search “Harmful Algal Blooms” to see if • Limit of 8 trout from Aug. 15–Dec. 31. family or friends, be sure to communicate any • Cisco may be taken with a handheld waterbody access remains open. relevant advisories. Ashley Creek, Uintah County dipnet. Net opening may not exceed 18 If you fish in a waterbody where an algal From Steinaker (Thornburg) diversion up- inches in any dimension. When dipnet- Your best resource for bloom is occurring, be sure to avoid areas of stream to the water treatment plant near the ting through the ice, the size of the hole scum. information mouth of Ashley Gorge. is unrestricted. Three government agencies work Wear gloves while cleaning the fish and • Limit 2 trout. • When ice fishing for fish other than cisco, together closely to keep the Utah Fish Adviso- wash your hands with clean water. Discard all • Artificial flies and lures only. the size of the hole may not exceed 18 ries website current. entrails and eat only the fillets. Before cooking, inches. First, the Utah Division of Wildlife Re- rinse the fillets thoroughly with clean water. Aspen-Mirror Lake, Kane County • Any angler who possesses a valid Utah sources and the Utah Department of Environ- • Fishing from a boat or float tube is or Idaho fishing or combination license unlawful. may fish within both the Utah and Idaho Utah’s boating laws and Carry the required boating safety Badger Hollow, Wasatch County boundaries of Bear Lake. An angler may rules equipment. For a detailed list of safety See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. fish with up to two poles on all areas of Boaters have the responsibility to equipment, visit boating.utah.gov. the Utah portion of Bear Lake that are practice and advocate safe and ethical use Be courteous. While you are Barney Lake, Piute County open to fishing. Anglers must comply of our waterways. If you’re planning to take above a wake speed, keep your • Limit 2 trout. with Idaho regulations if they want to your boat out on Utah waters, you should boat at least 150 feet away from • Artificial flies and lures only. use more than one pole when fishing on take the following safety measures: other boats, people in the water, shoreline • Fishing from a boat with a motor is the Idaho portion of Bear Lake. Wear your life jacket. Utah law requires anglers, launch ramps, docks and desig- unlawful. • A person may not possess a multipoint

those under 13 to wear their life jacket nated swimming areas. hook with a weight permanently or rig- wildlife.utah.gov Bear Lake, Rich County when on a boat, and it is recommended By completing a Utah Boating Course, idly attached directly to the shank—or See Fishing across state lines and recipro- everyone wear one. you may reduce your boat insurance premi- a weight suspended below a multi- cal fishing permits on page 8 for license Let someone know where you are going ums. For additional boating information, point hook—unless the hook is on an requirements. and what time you expect to return. visit boating.utah.gov. unweighted dropper line that is at least • Limit 2 trout. three inches long. • Anglers may keep snagged Bonneville cisco that are taken through normal, Bear Lake tributaries, Rich County legal fishing activities. (a) Big Spring Creek from Lamborn Diversion wildlife.utah.gov 24 Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Am–Be 25 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 (approximately 500 yards below SR-30) down- • Only one fish may be over 15 inches. Calder Reservoir, Uintah County stream to Bear Lake and that area extending Utah State Parks • Bonus limit of 4 brown trout (total limit • Limit 1 trout over 22 inches. from the mouth out into the lake 1,000 feet, or Annual Pass of no more than 8 trout if at least 4 are • All trout 22 inches or smaller must be as buoyed. Consider purchasing a Utah State brown trout). immediately released. • CLOSED April 15 through 6 a.m. on the Parks Annual Day-Use Pass to access • Artificial flies and lures only. second Saturday of July. some of Utah’s best fisheries. Blue Lake, Tooele County • Catch and release only and artificial flies Annual passes are available for a • No limit for pacu or tilapia. Anglers Causey Reservoir tributaries, Weber and lures only (Jan. 1 through April 14 variety of customers, including Utah must not release any pacu or tilapia County and from 6 a.m. on the second Saturday residents, Utah resident seniors and out- they catch. All pacu and tilapia must be Right and left forks of the South Fork Ogden Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing of July through Dec. 31). of-state visitors. Utah State Parks also immediately killed. River, from Causey Reservoir upstream to the (b) Swan Creek from the headwater spring offers a Veterans with Disabilities Honor • Underwater spearfishing is allowed for headwaters. downstream to Bear Lake and that area Pass for qualified veterans with a 50% or pacu, tilapia and carp only. • CLOSED Aug. 15 through 6 a.m. on the last Saturday of September. extending from the mouth out into the lake greater service-related disability. Boulder Mountain lakes and reser- 1,000 feet, or as buoyed. Passes allow the permit holder, and voirs, Garfield and Wayne counties. Chicken Creek, Wasatch County • CLOSED April 15 through 6 a.m. on the up to seven guests traveling in the same • See specific water restrictions for See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. second Saturday of July. vehicle, day-use entrance to most of individual waters. Statewide regulations • Catch and release only and artificial flies Utah’s state parks. apply to those waters not specifically Chipman Creek, Wasatch County and lures only (Jan. 1 through April 14 Annual passes are available at all identified. See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. and from 6 a.m. on the second Saturday staffed Utah State Parks, in the Utah • Fishing from a boat with a motor is un- of July through Dec. 31). Department of Natural Resources Clyde Creek, Wasatch County lawful, except at Wide Hollow Reservoir, See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. bookstore in Salt Lake City and online at Pine Lake and Lower Bowns Reservoir. Beaver Creek, Cache County stateparks.utah.gov. See Logan River. Co-op Creek, Wasatch County You can see a map of all the Broad Hollow, Wasatch County See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. Beaver Creek, San Juan County state parks that offer fishing at See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. Tributary to La Sal Creek. stateparks.utah.gov/activities/fishing. Coal Canyon, Wasatch County Brown Duck Basin, Duchesne County See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. • CLOSED to the possession of cutthroat Uinta Mountains—all streams in the Brown trout or trout with cutthroat markings. Benches Pond tributaries, Sanpete County Duck Basin and the outlet of Clemments Colorado River, Garfield, Grand, San Juan • All cutthroat trout must be immediately • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the Reservoir downstream to the Lake Fork Creek and Wayne counties released. second Saturday of July. confluence. From the Colorado state line downriver to the • Artificial flies and lures only. Bicknell Bottoms, Wayne County • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the Hite bridge on SR-95 Beaver Dam Reservoir, Wayne County This area is along the Fremont River. second Saturday of July. • No limit for channel catfish. • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the • Open to fishing, except where posted • No limit for burbot, northern pike, small- Bryants Fork, Wasatch County mouth bass or walleye. Anglers may not third Saturday of April and Nov. 1 CLOSED. See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. through Dec. 31. release any of these fish, which must be Big Lake, Sevier County Bulberry Lakes, Wayne County immediately killed. • Limit of 8 trout from Aug. 15–Dec. 31. • Species of threatened and endangered Beaver River, Beaver County • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the wildlife.utah.gov From Minersville Reservoir upstream to the fish occur in the Colorado. If you catch Big Spring Creek, Rich County third Saturday of April and Nov. 1 bridge at Greenville. through Dec. 31. one of these fish, you must release it • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the See Bear Lake tributaries. immediately. See page 17 for a list of second Saturday of July. Blacksmith Fork River, Cache County Burraston Ponds, Juab County prohibited fish. From the first highway bridge (at the mouth of • Fishing from a boat with a motor of any Beer Creek, Utah County kind is prohibited. Colorado River tributaries, Garfield, Grand See Utah Lake tributaries. the canyon) of State Road 101 (Blacksmith Fork and Wayne counties Canyon Road) to the headwaters. Dolores River (Grand County) from the conflu- wildlife.utah.gov 26 Be–Bl Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Bl–Co 27 Currant Creek, Wasatch County obtain one at the following locations: FishingUtah • 2021 Community fishing and Woods Ranch Pond (Kids Pond) From the confluence with Water Hollow Creek the Outdoor Recreation Shop (Building waters Juab County: Burraston Ponds upstream to the headwaters, including all 1011, 435-833-3100) or the TEAD Physical The following rules apply to all the Rich County: Garden City Community tributaries to Currant Creek Reservoir, but not Fitness Center (Building 1002, 435-833- fisheries listed below: Fishery, Laketown Reservoir the reservoir itself. 2159). • The daily limit is 2 fish. (Common carp Salt Lake County: Cove Pond, Fairmont • Limit 4 trout. • Shore fishing only. do not count toward the daily limit.) Park Pond, Kidney Pond, Midas Pond, Mill- • Artificial flies and lures only. • Closed to the possession of tiger race Park Pond, Riverfront Pond, Riverton Donkey Lake, Wayne County muskie. All tiger muskie must be City Pond, Sandy Community Fishery, Cutler Reservoir, Box Elder and Cache • Limit 16 brook trout.

Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing Sunset Pond and Willow Park Pond counties immediately released. (For Dougherty Basin Lake, Garfield County information on how to properly Sevier County: Monroe Community • Limit 4 channel catfish. Fishery and Salina City Pond Boulder Mountain—the lake and outflow from catch and release tiger muskie, see Cutler Reservoir tributaries, Cache County Summit County: Deer Valley Lakes the dam downstream one-quarter mile. wildlife.utah.gov/muskie.) Little Bear River and all tributaries to Little Uintah County: Old Fort Ponds • CLOSED to the possession of cutthroat • Anglers are encouraged to voluntarily Bear River upstream to Mendon Road (600 S); Utah County: Bartholomew Pond, Canyon trout or trout with cutthroat markings. release all largemouth bass. Logan River and all tributaries to Logan River • Artificial flies and lures only. • Waters are open to fishing only when View Park Pond, Highland Glen Park Pond, upstream to Mendon Road (600 S); Bear River Jordan River Reservoir, Manila Creek Pond, • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the the community parks are open to the and all tributaries to Bear River upstream to second Saturday of July. public. Pole Canyon Pond, Salem Pond, Spanish Highway 218. Box Elder County: Mayors Pond and Oaks Reservoir, Spring Lake and Vivian Park • Limit 4 channel catfish. Dry Creek, Utah County Pioneer Park Pond Pond (Note: Spanish Oaks Reservoir and See Utah Lake tributaries. Cache County: Skylars Pond (West Willow Manila Creek Pond are closed Dec. 1 through Deep Lake, Sevier County Pond) and Wellsville Reservoir 6 a.m. on the last Saturday of February.) • Limit of 8 trout from Aug. 15–Dec. 31. Duck Creek Springs Lake, Kane County Carbon County: Carbon County Commu- Wasatch County: Wasatch Mountain • Fishing from a boat or a float tube is Deer Creek Reservoir, Wasatch County nity Fishery, Gigliotti Pond and Knight-Ideal State Park Pond unlawful. • No limit on white bass or black bullhead Community Fishing Pond Washington County: Grandpa’s Pond catfish. Anglers must not release any Duck Fork Creek and other tributaries to Davis County: Andy Adams Reser- (Stratton Pond), Razor Ridge Pond, Skyline white bass or black bullhead catfish they Duck Fork Reservoir, Sanpete County voir, Bountiful Lake, Clinton Park Pond, Drive Pond, Sullivan Virgin River Park Pond catch. All white bass or black bullhead • Limit 2 tiger trout. Farmington Pond, Jensen Nature Park Pond and Tawa Ponds (Upper and Lower) catfish must be immediately killed. • CLOSED to the possession of cutthroat (Syracuse Pond), Kaysville Ponds, Mabey Weber County: Fort Buenaventura, Glass- • Closed to the use of underwater trout or trout with cutthroat markings. Pond and Steed Pond mans Pond, Goode Ski Lake (21st Street spearfishing to take largemouth and • Artificial flies and lures only. Emery County: Green River State Park Pond), Meadow Creek Pond and Smith smallmouth bass from April 1 through • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the Golf Course Pond and Huntington Game Family Park Pond the fourth Saturday of June. second Saturday of July. Farm Ponds Visit wildlife.utah.gov/cf for specific site Iron County: Bristlecone Pond (Brian Head recreation rules. Deseret Reservoir, Tooele County Duck Fork Reservoir, Sanpete County Pond), Leigh Hill Reservoir, Parowan Pond The reservoir is located at Deseret Chemical • Limit 2 tiger trout. Depot, a U.S. Army facility. • CLOSED to the possession of cutthroat

trout or trout with cutthroat markings. wildlife.utah.gov ence with the Colorado River upstream to the mouth bass or walleye. Anglers may not • Open to fishing on the first Saturday of • Artificial flies and lures only. Colorado state line; Mill Creek (Grand County) release any of these fish, which must be May through Oct. 31 during daylight from the confluence with the Colorado River immediately killed. hours. (A gate will be closed and locked from dusk to dawn.) East Canyon Reservoir, Morgan County upstream to headwaters; Dirty Devil River • Closed to the use of underwater spearfish- Cow Hollow, Wasatch County • Facility CLOSED Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 (Garfield and Wayne counties) from the SR-95 ing to take largemouth and smallmouth bridge upstream to the Hanksville Diversion. See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. and Jan. 1 through April 30. • Fishing at Deseret Reservoir requires bass from April 1 through the fourth • No limit for channel catfish. Saturday of June. • No limit for burbot, northern pike, small- an onpost fishing permit. You can wildlife.utah.gov 28 Co–Co Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Cu–Ea 29 East Fork Boulder Creek, Garfield County Fish Lake, Sevier County • Open to taking burbot by means of • No limit for channel catfish. FishingUtah • 2021 From the confluence with West Fork Boulder • No limit on yellow perch underwater spearfishing from Jan. 1 • No limit for burbot, northern pike, small- Creek upstream to the headwaters. • Limit 4 trout or kokanee salmon (a through Dec. 31, 24 hours each day. mouth bass or walleye. Anglers may not • Limit 4 trout, excluding brook trout. combined total), only 1 may exceed 24 Artificial light is permitted while release any of these fish, which must be • No limit for brook trout. inches, regardless of species engaged in underwater spearfishing for immediately killed. • Underwater spearfishing is permitted burbot. Artificial light may not be used to • Species of threatened and endangered East Fork Little Bear River and its tribu- from 6 a.m. on the first Saturday of June take other fish species with spearfishing fish occur in the Green River. If you catch taries, Cache County through Sept. 9. techniques. No other species of fish may one of these fish, you must release it From Porcupine Reservoir upstream to the • When ice fishing, the size of the hole be taken with underwater spearfishing immediately. See page 17 for a list of

Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing headwaters. may not exceed 18 inches. techniques between official sunset and prohibited fish. • CLOSED Aug. 15 through 6 a.m. on the last official sunrise. (b) From the Colorado state line in Browns Park Saturday of September. Fish Lake tributary, Sevier County • Closed to the use of underwater upstream to Flaming Gorge Dam, including See Twin Creek. East Fork Little Bear River, Cache County spearfishing to take largemouth and Gorge Creek, a tributary entering the Green From Porcupine Dam downstream to the Avon- Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Daggett smallmouth bass from April 1 through River at Little Hole: Paradise road (SR-165), second stream crossing County the fourth Saturday of June. • Limit 3 trout (2 under 15 inches and 1 below reservoir. See Fishing across state lines and reciprocal over 22 inches). Gooseberry Creek, Sanpete County • Limit 2 trout and salmon (a combined fishing permits on page 8 for license and • All trout from 15 to 22 inches must be From the confluence with Upper Fish Creek total). permit requirements. immediately released. upstream to Gooseberry Dam. • Artificial flies and lures only. • Limit 4 trout or kokanee salmon (a • No limit for burbot, northern pike, small- • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the combined total), excluding lake trout. mouth bass or walleye. Anglers may not second Saturday of July. East Fork Sevier River, Garfield and Piute • Limit 12 lake trout/mackinaw, only 1 release any of these fish, which must be counties may exceed 28 inches. Gooseberry Reservoir tributaries, immediately killed. (a) Feeder canal from the diversion near • Linwood Bay, west of a line from the Sanpete County • Artificial flies and lures only. Antimony down the channel to Otter Creek easternmost point of the south shore • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the • CLOSED to fishing from a boat with a Reservoir: of Linwood Bay (mouth of canyon) to second Saturday of July. motor between the Utah-Colorado state • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the easternmost point of the north shore of line and Flaming Gorge Dam. second Saturday of July. Linwood Bay (Lucerne Point), CLOSED Grandaddy Lake tributaries, Duchesne Green River tributaries, Carbon, Duchesne, (b) From the BLM boundary (about four miles to nighttime angling (sunset to sunrise) County Emery and Uintah counties south of the town of Antimony) upstream to the from Oct. 15 through 6 a.m. on the Located in the Uinta Mountains. Ashley Creek (Uintah County) from the conflu- confluence of Deer Creek: second Saturday of December. • All tributaries to Grandaddy Lake CLOSED ence with the Green River upstream to the • Limit 4 trout. • Limit 6 catfish. Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the second town of Vernal; Brush Creek (Uintah County) • Artificial flies and lures only. • Limit 3 smallmouth and largemouth bass Saturday of July. from the confluence with the Green River (a combined total). Echo Reservoir, Summit County Grantsville Reservoir, Tooele County upstream to Red Fleet Dam; Duchesne River • No limit for burbot. Anglers must not • Closed to the use of underwater spearfish- • No limit for smallmouth bass. Anglers (Duchesne and Uintah counties) from the release any burbot they catch. All burbot ing to take largemouth and smallmouth must not release any bass they catch. All confluence with the Green River upstream must be immediately killed. bass from April 1 through the fourth bass must be immediately killed. to the Knight Diversion; White River (Uintah • Anglers may use dead burbot as bait. wildlife.utah.gov Saturday of June. County) from the confluence with the Green • When ice fishing, the hole size may not • No limit for walleye. Anglers must not Grassy Trail Reservoir, Carbon County River to the Utah-Colorado border; Willow exceed 18 inches. release any walleye they catch. All walleye • CLOSED TO FISHING. Creek (Uintah County) from the confluence • A person may use up to six lines when must be immediately killed. with the Green River upstream to the conflu- fishing through the ice. If the angler is Green River, Carbon, Daggett, Emery, ence with Hill Creek; Price River (Carbon and Fish Creek Reservoir, Wayne County using more than one line, the angler’s Grand, San Juan, Uintah and Wayne counties Emery counties) from the confluence with the • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the third name shall be attached to each line, pole (a) From the Flaming Gorge Dam downriver to Green River upstream to the Farnham Dam/ Saturday of April and Nov. 1 through Dec. or tip-up, and the angler shall check only the confluence of the Colorado River: Diversion near Wellington; San Rafael River wildlife.utah.gov 31. their lines. 30 Ea–Fl Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Fl–Gr 31 (Emery County) from the confluence with • Limit 2 trout. Jordanelle Reservoir, Wasatch County • No limit on walleye. FishingUtah • 2021 the Green River upstream to the Hatt’s Ranch • Artificial flies only • Limit 6 bass • Fish may be filleted at any time. Diversion near SR-24; Range Creek (Carbon and (b) Left Fork (from the top of the USFS camp- • CLOSED to spearfishing. • Anglers may possess filleted fish. Emery counties) from the confluence with the ground, near the confluence with Right Fork, • Anglers may use dead striped bass as Green River upstream to headwaters; Nine Mile to the headwaters, including all tributaries: Kolob Reservoir, Washington County bait. Creek (Carbon and Duchesne counties) from the Scad Valley Creek, Rolfson Creek, Lake Creek, • Limit 2 trout under 15 inches or over 22 • Chumming is allowed, but you may confluence with the Green River upstream to Staker Creek, Millers Flat Creek and Paradise inches. chum only with legal baits or dead headwaters. Creek): • All trout from 15 to 22 inches must be striped bass, as specified in Utah Admin. • No limit for channel catfish. • Anglers are encouraged to harvest brown immediately released. Rule R657-13-12. Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing • No limit for burbot, northern pike, small- trout. • Artificial flies and lures only from Jan. 1 • Gaffs may be used to land striped bass mouth bass or walleye. Anglers may not • Artificial flies and lures only. through 6 a.m. on the third Saturday in only. release any of these fish, which must be May, and from the second Saturday in • Closed to the use of underwater immediately killed. Huntington Reservoir, Sanpete County September through Dec. 31. spearfishing to take largemouth and Near the top of Huntington Canyon. smallmouth bass from April 1 through Gunlock Reservoir, Washington County • CLOSED to the possession of cutthroat Kolob Reservoir tributaries, Washington County the fourth Saturday of June. • Limit 6 largemouth bass, only 1 may be trout or trout with cutthroat markings. • Archery and underwater spearfishing over 12 inches. From Kolob Reservoir upstream to the headwa- Huntington Reservoir tributaries, ters. are prohibited within all of the following • No limit on smallmouth bass. Anglers areas: must not release any smallmouth bass Sanpete County • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the Near the top of Huntington Canyon. second Saturday of July. • One-quarter mile of all existing they catch. All smallmouth bass must be developed areas, including shore- immediately killed. • CLOSED to the possession of cutthroat trout or trout with cutthroat markings. Labaron Reservoir, Beaver County line campgrounds, docks, launch Hobble Creek, Utah County • Anglers are encouraged to harvest tiger • Fishing from a boat with a motor is ramps, breakwaters and trailheads See Utah Lake tributaries. trout. unlawful. • One-quarter mile of any structure, • Artificial flies and lures only. including any building, shed, Hobbs Reservoir, Davis County Lake Canyon Lake, Duchesne County pump-out, boat dock, breakwater, • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the • Limit 2 trout, only 1 may be a cutthroat • Limit 2 trout under 15 inches. second Saturday of July. permanent harbor fixture, camper, • All trout over 15 inches must be immedi- trout over 22 inches. To learn how to motor home, trailer, tent or vehicle ately released. Huntington North Reservoir, Emery identify cutthroat trout in this water, • Rainbow Bridge National Monu- • Artificial flies and lures only. County see the description of Colorado River ment Near the city of Huntington. cutthroat trout on page 51. • One-quarter mile of Dangling Rope Holmes Creek Reservoir, Davis County • Limit 6 bass, only 1 may be over 12 • All cutthroat trout 22 inches or smaller Marina, including any land- or • Limit 6 largemouth bass, only 1 may be inches. must be immediately released. harbor-based structures over 12 inches. • Artificial flies and lures only. • One hundred yards (300 feet) of Indian Creek, Wasatch County • CLOSED near the inlet stream, as posted any boats (unless the person owns, Honeymoon Lake, Wayne County See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. for spring spawning operations. • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the rents, leases or lawfully occupies third Saturday of April and Nov. 1 Joes Valley Reservoir, Emery County Lake Powell, Garfield, Kane and San Juan the boat), or another boat moves through Dec. 31. • Limit 4 trout, only 1 trout may be over counties into the 100-yard perimeter after wildlife.utah.gov 18 inches. See Bait on page 12 for the use of dead shad the bow or spearfishing activity Horse Creek, Wasatch County as bait in Lake Powell. has commenced See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. Jones Hole Creek, Uintah County • Limit 20 smallmouth bass. Little Co-op Creek, Wasatch County • Limit 2 trout, only 1 may be a brown • Limit 5 largemouth bass. Huntington Creek, Emery County See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. trout over 15 inches. • Limit 10 crappie. Below Electric Lake. • Artificial flies and lures only. • Limit 25 channel catfish. (a) Right Fork (from Flood and Engineers Little Creek Reservoir, Rich County • No limit on striped bass. canyons upstream to Electric Lake Dam): • Limit 8 trout from Aug. 1 through Oct. wildlife.utah.gov 31. 32 Gr–Jo Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Jo–Li 33 • Limit 4 trout from Jan. 1 through July 31 Lost Creek Reservoir, Morgan County Mill Meadow Reservoir, Sevier County FishingUtah • 2021 and from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. • Limit 4 trout (a combined total). • Limit 8 tiger muskie of any size (no Ongoing quagga • No more than 3 trout may be under 15 size restrictions on tiger muskie on this mussel threat at Lake Little Dell Reservoir, Salt Lake County inches. water). Powell • CLOSED to the possession of cutthroat • No more than 1 trout may be over 22 Quagga mussels continue to spread trout or trout with cutthroat markings. inches. Minersville Reservoir, Beaver County in Lake Powell, and our technicians are • All cutthroat trout must be immediately • All trout between 15 and 22 inches must • Limit 1 trout over 22 inches. routinely finding mussels attached to released. be immediately released. • All trout 22 inches or smaller must be boats—particularly on anchors and • Artificial flies and lures only. • Trout and salmon may not be filleted, immediately released. sea strainers. We are working with the Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing • Artificial flies and lures only. National Park Service to take extra steps Little Reservoir, Beaver County and their heads or tails may not be • Cement outlet channel between the to protect other Utah waterbodies. • Fishing from a boat with a motor is removed in the field or in transit. • CLOSED to fishing 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. dam and spillway pond, approximately If you plan to boat at Lake Powell, unlawful. 55 feet long, is CLOSED. • CLOSED to spearfishing. be prepared for longer inspection and Logan River, Cache County Moon Lake, Duchesne County decontamination lines, particularly on Lower Fish Creek (Price River), Carbon (a) From Card Canyon Bridge upstream to the • Limit 4 trout, only 2 may be splake. weekends when wait times may exceed highway bridge at Red Banks Campground, and Utah counties an hour or more. We appreciate your including all tributary streams in between, but From the railroad bridge (approximately one Mountain Dell Creek, Salt Lake County patience. not including Tony Grove Lake: mile below the Scofield Reservoir dam) down- (a) From Mountain Dell Reservoir upstream to For details on what’s changed at Lake • Limit 2 trout and whitefish (a combined stream to the confluence with the White River. Little Dell Dam. Powell and how you can help protect total). • Artificial flies and lures only. • CLOSED TO FISHING. your boat, please see “Heading to Lake • Artificial flies and lures only. Mammoth Creek, Garfield County (b) From Little Dell Reservoir upstream to the Powell?” at stdofthesea.utah.gov. (b) From the highway bridge at Red Banks From the canal diversion (about three miles headwaters. • CLOSED to the possession of cutthroat Campground upstream to the Idaho state line, upstream from the Mammoth Creek Fish Newton Reservoir, Cache County trout or trout with cutthroat markings. including all tributaries, but not including Hatchery), upstream 7.5 miles to the end of • CLOSED to the possession of tiger muskie. • Artificial flies and lures only. White Pine Lake: Hatch Meadow and the beginning of summer All tiger muskie must be immediately • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the • Limit 2 trout and whitefish (a combined home sites. released. second Saturday of July. total). • Limit 2 trout between 10 and 15 inches. • Unlawful to use whole fish for bait. Cut • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the • All trout less than 10 inches or over 15 Mountain Dell Reservoir, Salt Lake County baitfish must not be larger than one inch second Saturday of July. inches must be immediately released. • CLOSED TO FISHING. in any dimension and no more than one Long Willow Bottom, Garfield County • Artificial flies and lures only. piece per hook. Mud Creek, Wasatch County • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the third Manning Meadow Reservoir, tribu- See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. Oak Creek Reservoir (Upper Bowns Saturday of April and Nov. 1 through taries and spillway, Piute County Reservoir), Garfield County Dec. 31. • Limit 2 trout, regardless of species. Navajo Lake, Kane County • Limit 16 brook trout. • Artificial flies and lures only • Limit 4 splake, brook trout or tiger trout Lost Creek, Morgan County • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the (a combined total), only 1 may exceed Ogden River, Weber County From the bridge (culvert) approximately From Pineview Dam downstream to the first second Saturday of July. 22 inches. wildlife.utah.gov one-quarter mile above Lost Creek Reservoir bridge, approximately one-half mile. upstream to the headwaters, EXCEPT Squaw McGath Lake, Garfield County Newcastle Reservoir, Iron County • CLOSED TO FISHING. Creek. • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the • Limit 2 wiper. • Catch and release only. third Saturday of April and Nov. 1 • Underwater spearfishing is allowed for Old Fort Ponds, Uintah County • Artificial flies and lures only. through Dec. 31. wipers and rainbow trout only. • CLOSED to the possession of tiger muskie. All tiger muskie must be immediately released. wildlife.utah.gov 34 Li-Mc Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Mi–Ol 35 Otter Creek Stream, Piute County • Any trout with cutthroat markings is con- Pineview Reservoir, Weber County through 6 a.m. on the second Saturday FishingUtah • 2021 From Otter Creek Reservoir upstream to the sidered to be a cutthroat trout. To learn • Limit 20 crappie. of July. Angle Diversion. how to identify cutthroat trout in this • CLOSED to the possession of tiger muskie. (b) From Olmstead Diversion Dam upstream to • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the water, see the description of a Bonneville All tiger muskie must be immediately Deer Creek Dam (Utah and Wasatch counties): second Saturday of July. cutthroat trout on page 50 . released. • Limit 2 trout under 15 inches. • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the • Tiger muskie may not be taken by means • Artificial flies and lures only. Pacer Lake, Garfield County second Saturday of July. of underwater spearfishing. (c) From Legacy Bridge on Midway Lane (SR- • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the • Closed to the use of underwater spearfish- 113) in Midway upstream to Jordanelle Dam third Saturday of April and Nov. 1 Paragonah (Red Creek) Reservoir tribu- ing to take largemouth and smallmouth (Wasatch County): Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing through Dec. 31. taries, Iron County bass from April 1 through the fourth • Limit 2 trout under 15 inches. • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the Saturday of June. • Artificial flies and lures only. Panguitch Lake, Garfield County second Saturday of July. • Limit 4 trout (a combined total). • Unlawful to use whole fish for bait. Cut (d) From Jordanelle Reservoir upstream to the • No more than 2 may be cutthroat or tiger Parleys Creek, Salt Lake County baitfish must not be larger than one inch confluence of the north and south forks of the trout under 15 inches, and no more than (a) From Mountain Dell Reservoir upstream to in any dimension and no more than one Provo River (Wasatch County): 1 may be a cutthroat or tiger trout over SR-65. piece per hook. • Limit 2 brown trout under 15 inches. • CLOSED to the possession of cutthroat 22 inches. • CLOSED TO FISHING. Porcupine Reservoir, Cache County • All cutthroat and tiger trout from 15 to (b) From SR-65 upstream to the headwaters. and rainbow trout and their hybrids. All • Limit 12 trout and salmon, only 4 may cutthroat and rainbow trout and their 22 inches must be immediately released. • CLOSED to the possession of cutthroat be rainbow, cutthroat or brown trout (a • Trout may not be filleted and the heads trout or trout with cutthroat markings. hybrids must be immediately released. combined total). To take 12 fish, you must • Artificial flies and lures only. or tails may not be removed in the field • Artificial flies and lures only. possess at least 8 salmon. or in transit. • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the • See East Fork Little Bear River. Quail Creek Reservoir (Quail Lake), • Any trout with cutthroat markings is second Saturday of July. • Operating a boat above wakeless speed is Washington County considered to be a cutthroat trout. To prohibited. • Limit 6 largemouth bass, only 1 may be learn how to identify cutthroat trout in Pelican Lake, Uintah County over 12 inches. this water, see the description of a Bear • Limit 15 bluegill, only 5 may exceed 7 Price River (Lower Fish Creek), Carbon • No limit on smallmouth bass. Anglers Lake cutthroat trout on page 50 and inches. and Utah counties must not release any smallmouth bass review the graphic on page 52. From the railroad bridge (approximately one Pine Creek Reservoir, Wayne County they catch. All smallmouth bass must be mile below the Scofield Reservoir dam) down- immediately killed. Panguitch Lake tributaries, Garfield • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the stream to the confluence with the White River. County third Saturday of April and Nov. 1 • Artificial flies and lures only. Red Butte Creek and Red Butte Reser- Excluding Blue Springs Creek upstream from through Dec. 31. voir, Salt Lake County Bunker Creek Road Bridge. (The bridge is ap- Provo River, Summit, Utah and Wasatch • Upstream of entrance to Red Butte proximately one mile upstream from Panguitch Pine Hollow, Wasatch County counties See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. Canyon Research Natural Area to the Lake.) Also excluding Clear Creek upstream (a) From Center Street Bridge (entrance to Utah headwaters: CLOSED TO FISHING. from the Panguitch Lake North Shore Highway, Pine Lake inflow, Garfield County Lake State Park) upstream to I-15 (Utah County): located approximately one-quarter mile Inflow, including the spawning channel. • All suckers must be immediately released. Red Fleet Reservoir (Uintah County) upstream from Panguitch Lake. • CLOSED TO FISHING. • CLOSED to the possession of walleye • Closed to the use of underwater wildlife.utah.gov • Limit 4 trout (a combined total). from March 1 through 6 a.m. on the first spearfishing to take largemouth and • No more than 2 may be cutthroat or tiger Pine Valley Reservoir, Washington County Saturday of May. smallmouth bass from April 1 through trout under 15 inches, and no more than • Fishing from a boat or float tube is • No limit on northern pike. Anglers must the fourth Saturday of June. 1 may be a cutthroat or tiger trout over unlawful. not release any northern pike they catch. • Limit 50 bluegill, green sunfish, black 22 inches. All northern pike must be immediately crappie and yellow perch (a combined • All cutthroat and tiger trout from 15 to killed. total) and no more than 20 of those fish 22 inches must be immediately released. • CLOSED to nighttime bowfishing (sunset may be black crappie.

wildlife.utah.gov to sunrise) from the first Saturday of May 36 Ot–Pi Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Pi–Re 37 Right Fork of Logan River, Cache County the San Juan River upstream to the Recapture Sheep Creek Lake, Daggett County • Closed to the possession of bluegill and FishingUtah • 2021 See Logan River. Reservoir dam. • Limit 2 trout, only 1 may be a cutthroat green sunfish. All bluegill and green • No limit for channel catfish. trout over 22 inches. To learn how to iden- sunfish must be immediately released. Road Hollow, Wasatch County • No limit for burbot, northern pike, tify cutthroat trout in this water, see the This change will remain in effect until See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. smallmouth bass or walleye. Anglers description of Colorado River cutthroat Dec. 31, 2020. may not release any of these fish, which trout on page 50. Rockport Reservoir, Summit County Strawberry Reservoir, Wasatch County • Closed to the use of underwater must be immediately killed. • All cutthroat trout 22 inches or smaller must be immediately released. • Limit 4 trout or kokanee salmon (a spearfishing to take largemouth and Santa Clara River, Washington County combined total). smallmouth bass from April 1 through • Artificial flies and lures only. Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing • No limit on smallmouth bass. • No more than 2 may be cutthroat trout the fourth Saturday of June. • CLOSED near the spawning trap and portions of the lake and canal, as posted under 15 inches, and no more than 1 Scofield Reservoir, Carbon and Utah may be a cutthroat trout over 22 inches. Round Willow Bottom, Garfield County counties during spring spawning operations. • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the • All cutthroat trout from 15 to 22 inches • Limit 4 trout (a combined total). Soldier Creek, Wasatch County must be immediately released. third Saturday of April and Nov. 1 • No more than 2 may be cutthroat or through Dec. 31. See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. • Trout and salmon may not be filleted, tiger trout under 15 inches, and no more and the heads or tails may not be than 1 may be a cutthroat or tiger trout Solitaire Lake, Garfield County removed in the field or in transit. Sage Creek, Wasatch County over 22 inches. • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the third See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. • Anglers are encouraged to voluntarily • All cutthroat and tiger trout from 15 to Saturday of April and Nov. 1 through Dec. release all cutthroat trout. 22 inches must be immediately released. 31. Sand Hollow Reservoir, Washington • Any trout with cutthroat characteristics • Trout may not be filleted, and the heads County (not necessarily jaw slashing) is con- or tails may not be removed in the field Spanish Fork River, Utah County • Limit 6 largemouth bass, only 1 may be sidered to be a cutthroat trout. To learn or in transit. See Utah Lake tributaries. over 12 inches. how to identify cutthroat trout in this • Any trout with cutthroat markings is • No limit on smallmouth bass. Anglers Spring Creek, Utah County water, see the description of Bear Lake considered to be a cutthroat trout. To must not release any smallmouth bass See Utah Lake tributaries. cutthroat trout on page 50 and review learn how to identify cutthroat trout in they catch. All smallmouth bass must be the graphic on page 52. this water, please see the description of Spring Run Creek Utah County immediately killed. cutthroat trout on page 50. See Utah Lake tributaries. Strawberry Reservoir tributaries,

Wasatch County San Juan River, San Juan County Scofield Reservoir tributaries, Carbon, Squaw Creek, Wasatch County (a) Indian Creek and all tributaries to Indian From Lake Powell to the Utah-Colorado state Sanpete and Utah counties See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. Creek, Squaw Creek, the Strawberry River from line. Including Gooseberry Creek. Strawberry Reservoir upstream to USFS Road • No limit for channel catfish. Starvation Reservoir, Duchesne County • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the 124 (Bull Springs Road), Co-op Creek from the • No limit for burbot, northern pike, small- • Closed to the use of underwater second Saturday of July. confluence with the Strawberry River upstream mouth bass or walleye. Anglers may not spearfishing to take largemouth and to US-40, and the Central Utah Project Canal release any of these fish, which must be Scout Lake, Garfield County smallmouth bass from April 1 through the (commonly known as the “steps” or “ladders”) immediately killed. • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of June. third Saturday of April and Nov. 1 • Limit 20 bluegill, green sunfish, black from the fenced-in upper concrete step struc- wildlife.utah.gov San Juan River tributaries, San Juan through Dec. 31. crappie and yellow perch (a combined ture upstream to the tunnel at US-40. County total) • CLOSED TO FISHING YEAR ROUND. Comb Wash (San Juan County) from the Sheep Creek, Daggett County (b) The Strawberry River and its tributaries confluence with the San Juan River upstream From Flaming Gorge Reservoir upstream to the Steinaker Reservoir, Uintah County upstream from USFS Road 124 (Bull Springs to headwaters; Montezuma Creek (San Juan Ashley National Forest boundary. • Closed to the use of underwater Road) to the headwaters, Co-op Creek and its County) from the confluence with the San Juan • CLOSED Aug. 15 through 6 a.m. on the spearfishing to take largemouth and tributaries upstream from US-40 to the head- River upstream to headwaters; Recapture Creek last Saturday of November. smallmouth bass from April 1 through the waters, Soldier Creek, Coal Canyon, Cow Hollow, (San Juan County) from the confluence with fourth Saturday of June. Trout Creek, Sage Creek, Chicken Creek, Little wildlife.utah.gov 38 Ri–Sh Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Sh–St 39 Co-op Creek, Clyde Creek, Mud Creek, Bryants US-40 to Vernal, Utah; then north along SR-44 • No limit on northern pike. Anglers must upstream to SR-39 (approximately one-quarter FishingUtah • 2021 Fork, Horse Creek, Chipman Creek, Trail Hollow, to Manila, Utah; then west on SR-43 to the not release any northern pike they catch. mile). Broad Hollow, Pine Hollow, Badger Hollow and Wyoming state line; and then west and north All northern pike must be immediately CLOSED TO FISHING. Road Hollow. along the Wyoming state line back to the killed. • Catch and release only. (All fish must be beginning point at I-80. • CLOSED to nighttime bowfishing (sunset White River, Uintah County See Green River immediately released. It is illegal to fish • Limit 4 trout. to sunrise) from the first Saturday of May tributaries. if you have any fish in possession.) • Bonus limit of 4 brook trout (total limit through 6 a.m. on the second Saturday Whitney Reservoir tributaries, Summit • Artificial flies and lures only. (The use of no more than 8 trout if at least 4 are of July. County or possession of bait while fishing is brook trout). (b) Provo River: See Provo River, Summit, Utah • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing illegal.) and Wasatch counties. second Saturday of July. • CLOSED May 15 through 6 a.m. on the UM Creek, Sevier and Wayne counties second Saturday of July, and from Sept. From Forsyth Reservoir upstream to the head- Virgin River, Washington County Willard Bay Reservoir and inlet chan- 1 through 6 a.m. on the second Saturday waters, including the right and left forks. • No limit on smallmouth bass. nel, Box Elder County • Artificial flies and lures only. of October. Weber River, Summit County • Limit 10 crappie. Upper Bowns Reservoir (Oak Creek (a) From the first I-80 bridge upstream from • Limit 6 walleye, only 1 walleye may be Strawberry River, Duchesne and Wasatch over 24 inches. counties Reservoir), Garfield County Echo Reservoir (near Exit 164) upstream to the • Limit 16 brook trout. I-80 bridge near Wanship (near Exit 156). • Limit 3 wiper. From the confluence with Red Creek, near Pin- • Possession and use of commercially sold nacles, upstream to Soldier Creek Dam. • Limit 2 trout. Upper Kents Lake inflow, Beaver County • Artificial flies and lures only. and preserved gizzard shad is allowed. • Artificial flies and lures only. Inflow, approximately 900 feet, from the Otherwise, possession of gizzard shad, • No overnight camping on Division land. (b) From the Great Salt Lake to Echo Reservoir mouth up to the waterfall. dam. dead or alive, is unlawful. Swan Creek, Rich County • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the • All cutthroat trout—or trout with cut- second Saturday of July. Wolf Creek, Duchesne and Wasatch counties See Bear Lake tributaries. throat markings—must be immedi- • Limit 4 trout, only 2 trout may be Utah Lake, Utah County ately released. To learn how to identify cutthroat trout or trout with cutthroat Temple Fork, Cache County cutthroat trout in this water, see the See Logan River. • Limit 6 largemouth or smallmouth bass markings. To learn how to identify (a combined total), only 1 may be over description of Bonneville cutthroat trout cutthroat trout in this water, see the Trail Hollow, Wasatch County 12 inches. on page 50. description of Colorado River cutthroat See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. • No limit on northern pike. Anglers must West Fork Duchesne River, Duchesne trout on page 51. release any tagged northern pike they and Wasatch counties • Artificial flies and lures only. Trout Creek, Wasatch County catch. All untagged northern pike must • CLOSED May 15 through 6 a.m. on the See Strawberry Reservoir tributaries. From the confluence with North Fork upstream be immediately killed. to the headwaters, including Wolf Creek. second Saturday of July. Twin Creek, Sevier County • All suckers must be immediately • Limit 4 trout, only 2 may be cutthroat released. Yankee Meadow Reservoir inlet, Iron Tributary to Fish Lake. trout or trout with cutthroat markings. County • CLOSED TO FISHING. Utah Lake tributaries, Utah County To learn how to identify cutthroat trout • CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the in this water, see the description of Colo- Uinta Mountains lakes and streams, (a) Including but not limited to tributaries west second Saturday of July. of I-15: American Fork Creek, Beer Creek, Dry rado River cutthroat trout on page 51. wildlife.utah.gov Daggett, Duchesne, Summit, Uintah and • Artificial flies and lures only. Wasatch counties Creek, Hobble Creek, Spanish Fork River, Spring Creek and Spring Run Creek. • CLOSED May 15 through 6 a.m. on the Includes streams and lakes in Utah within the second Saturday of July. boundary beginning on I-80 at the Utah- • All suckers must be immediately Wyoming state line southwest of Evanston, released. Wheeler Creek, Weber County Wyoming and continuing southwest along • CLOSED to the possession of walleye From the confluence with the Ogden River I-80 to US-40 (near Park City); then east along from March 1 through 6 a.m. on the first Saturday of May. wildlife.utah.gov 40 St–Ut Indicates this waterbody is a Blue Ribbon Fishery Ut–Ya 41 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 THE BEST FISHING IN UTAH A closer look at the Blue Ribbon Fisheries Program and its advisory council If you’ve fished in Utah—even for just a Blue Ribbon backstory short amount of time—there’s a good chance and advisory council you’ve already been to one of the state’s Blue The driving force behind Utah’s Blue Rib- Ribbon Fisheries. bon Fisheries Program is an advisory council These waterbodies provide high-quality made up of a diverse group of volunteer fishing experiences in exquisite settings. High-

Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing anglers. The council’s members have decades mountain lakes, turquoise blue water, stunning of collective fishing expertise, and they advise red-rock canyons and lots of big fish—these the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources on are all possibilities, depending on which Blue how to improve Utah’s fisheries. Ribbon Fishery you visit. The Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Where are Utah’s Blue Council started in 2001, when a group of pas- Ribbon Fisheries? sionate anglers took Gov. Mike Leavitt fishing. Some of Utah’s most popular, scenic lakes They convinced him that Utah’s fisheries are a The council’s responsibilities the restoration of Pelican Lake and marina valuable resource and that the state should do and reservoirs are Blue Ribbon Fisheries, One of the council’s main responsibilities is improvements at Fish Lake. more to protect, enhance and promote waters including Bear Lake, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the designation of Utah’s Blue Ribbon Fisher- Finally, the council helps promote Utah’s with the best fishing opportunities. Jordanelle Reservoir, Lake Powell, Panguitch ies. The DWR nominates potential Blue Ribbon fisheries. The council sponsors several seminars An informal Blue Ribbon Fisheries Lake and Strawberry Reservoir. Notable Blue Fisheries, and then the council members rigor- each year where anglers can learn more about Program was created shortly thereafter, and Ribbon rivers include the Green, Logan, Provo ously evaluate the nominated waters. They various fishing techniques (such as ice fishing) the program was formalized by an execu- and Weber rivers. consider a wide variety of criteria, including: or learn how to fish for certain species, includ- tive order from Gov. Jon Huntsman in 2005. And these are just some of the state’s most • Quality of fish caught ing walleye and kokanee salmon. This order provided funds for the program well-known Blue Ribbon Fisheries. There are • Availability of user amenities and established the Blue Ribbon Fisheries many hidden gems on the full list, and you • Habitat quality Learn more and plan a Advisory Council. won’t know how incredible they are until you • Aesthetics of the area trip take a trip and give them a try. The evaluation process forces council mem- You can learn more about Utah’s Blue You can find a map of all Blue Ribbon bers to consider many factors that contribute Ribbon Fisheries, the advisory council and the Fisheries online at wildlife.utah.gov/blueribbon. to a good fishing experience and, as a result, projects it has funded—and also view record- When you click on the individual waterbodies, Blue Ribbon Fisheries are among the best ings of past Blue Ribbon seminars—by visiting you can learn more about which species they fisheries that Utah has to offer. wildlife.utah.gov/blue-ribbon-fisheries.html. contain, see special regulations and even view Another primary responsibility of the coun- This is the year to try fishing some- other anglers’ most recent trip reports and rat- cil is the allocation of approximately $450,000 where new. Spend some time checking ings. Blue Ribbon Fisheries are also highlighted in funding that is intended to improve Utah’s out all of the Blue Ribbon Fisheries at in the Rules for Specific Waters section that fisheries. This funding comes from a portion of wildlife.utah.gov/blueribbon and read other anglers’ ratings to see what’s biting and which

begins on page 25. every fishing license sale. wildlife.utah.gov Every year, council members review project lures and baits are working best. proposals submitted through Utah’s Watershed Then, head out and visit a Blue Ribbon Restoration Initiative program and then choose Fishery you’ve never tried before. You can catch to fund the projects that deliver the greatest some great fish, enjoy the spectacular view benefits to Utah’s anglers. The council col- and leave your own rating on the success of laborates with other funding partners and has your trip! recently funded a variety of projects, including wildlife.utah.gov 42 43 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 TIGER MUSKIE VS. NORTHERN PIKE Why do these similar-looking fish have such different regulations?

Anyone who looks closely at how Utah reproduce. Their populations can grow out of manages its fisheries will notice that two control and threaten established fisheries and similar-looking fish species have vastly different fish conservation efforts. regulations. As a result, the illegal movement (or natural From an angler’s point of view, tiger muskies escape) of northern pike can result in the and northern pike are both greenish, large, creation of new populations with potentially Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing hard-fighting fish. So why is there a difference in disastrous consequences, ones that take many the rules that oversee them? More importantly, years and millions of dollars to fix. how do you tell them apart if both species live in In many instances, the damage done by the same waterbody? newly established northern pike populations cannot be repaired. For these reasons, Utah’s Tiger muskies and fishery fishery managers do not see northern pike as a management viable option for controlling undesirable species Tiger muskies are an important biological or for providing trophy fishing opportunities. tool for Utah’s fisheries managers. Biologists deliberately stock these top Different rules and predators, using them to control populations of identification basics less-desirable fish like Utah chubs. The Division will begin to address the Additionally, because tiger muskies are northern pike threat in 2021 by increasing a sterile hybrid species—resulting from the statewide northern pike limits to 20 fish, with cross of northern pike and muskellunge—they only one over 36 inches. Fishery managers need cannot reproduce. They pose no threat to the anglers’ help to control existing northern pike long-term survival of native fish populations. populations. Fisheries managers can stock muskies to The Division will also continue to limit the precise levels in a variety of waterbodies and harvest of tiger muskie in order to address never worry that the populations will grow to fishery-management needs and those of anglers threaten other sportfish and tip the fishery out who want trophy fishing opportunities. of balance. The drastic differences between the daily Maintaining muskie populations at desired limits for northern pike and tiger muskie make levels not only allows managers to control it critical for anglers to be able to tell the differ- unwanted fish, but also provides anglers with a ence between these species, especially at waters valued opportunity to catch a true trophy fish. like Yuba Reservoir, where northern pike and Some muskies grow to be more than four feet tiger muskie coexist. Please use the illustra-

long! tions provided here to learn more about the wildlife.utah.gov key characteristics of each species and prevent Northern pike and fishery misidentification. devastation The Division’s fishery managers appreci- Although northern pike look very similar to ate your help in whittling down northern tiger muskies—and even provide half of the pike populations and in carefully handling tiger muskie’s DNA—they do not provide the any tiger muskie you need to release. You can same benefits. find tiger muskie catch-and-release tips at Unlike tiger muskies, northern pike can wildlife.utah.gov wildlife.utah.gov/muskie. Fish Illustrations © Joseph R. Tomelleri. 44 45 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK Some regulation changes come directly from anglers. Wherever you fish—whether it’s a big Contact us with your ideas reservoir, a slow river or a bustling community If you want to see a fishing regulation pond—you probably have an opinion about change in Utah in 2023, there are three easy fishing in Utah. ways to share your suggestions: This is your chance to let us know what’s 1. Mail your idea to: on your mind. Sport Fisheries Coordinator, Utah Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing Division of Wildlife Resources, P.O. Box Share your feedback 146301, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301 Utah just started a new two-year cycle 2. Contact fisheries biologists through the for fishing regulations, and the next two-year spring of 2022. cycle will begin in 2023. Your suggestions can 3. Share your idea while completing the help shape final recommendations for the Fishing Proposals survey, if you receive 2023 Utah Fishing Guidebook and can assist the survey. There will be a blank field biologists in identifying issues that need more at the end of the survey where you can scrutiny and discussion. submit ideas. The survey will be sent In spring 2022, the Division’s fisheries out by the middle of May 2022. biologists will conduct a random survey of anglers. Participate in the public If you receive the Fishing Proposals survey, process we encourage you to take it and to write in any After assessing public feedback, Division suggestions you have for additional changes. biologists will finalize their recommendations Even if you don’t receive the survey, you for the 2023 fishing season in early summer can share your recommendations through May of 2022. 2022. Our biologists will continue to gather The biologists will share those recom- public input through phone calls, emails and mendations with the public at a series of Internet forums, as well as more formal creel Regional Advisory Council (RAC) meetings surveys, the Fish Utah website and targeted held in September 2022. We encourage you email questionnaires. to watch the proposals online, if possible, and Know that we’re listening share your feedback. The Utah Wildlife Board will consider the Although we may not be able to imple- RAC feedback and additional public input ment every suggestion, we review all of them. when it meets to approve Utah’s 2023 Fishing Some suggestions are in direct conflict with Guidebook at the end of September 2022. each other and may require a compromise

recommendation. In general, though, your wildlife.utah.gov feedback lets our biologists know which topics are your highest priorities.

wildlife.utah.gov Fish Illustrations © Joseph R. Tomelleri. 46 47 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 IDENTIFYING UTAH’S NATIVE AND Bonneville cisco NONNATIVE FISH When you catch a fish, you need to be able to identify it quickly and accurately, especially if you’re at a fishery with size or species restrictions. The illustrations and descriptions in this section should help you identify fish across Utah. All illustrations in this section are the copyrighted work of artist Joe Tomelleri. Fishing records: The list of Utah fishing records is extensive and changes multiple times each year. To ensure accuracy, that list is now available online only. You can see the cur-

Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing rent list of records—or download the forms you need to submit a new record—by visiting wildlife.utah.gov/record-fish.html. New this year: Starting Jan. 1, 2021, a new non-native cutthroat trout category was added to the online fishing records. See page 4 for details. The Bonneville cisco is a long, slender, pearly-silver fish found only in Bear Lake. It rarely grows beyond seven inches. It has a dusky blue back and a brassy band along its flanks at spawning time. Native coldwater sportfish The snout is sharply pointed. It is noted for its mid-January spawning concentrations along a rocky Bonneville whitefish and Bear Lake whitefish beach on the east side of Bear Lake, where it is dipnetted in large numbers.

Mountain whitefish

This fish is light brown on its back and fins and silver to white on its belly and sides. The lower jaw and snout are short and blunt, with a flap on each nostril. wildlife.utah.gov

These two fish are indistinguishable at sizes of less than 10 inches in length. Both species may have gray-blue spots along their sides. These whitefish are elongated, relatively cylindrical fish. They are typically silvery-white along their sides, grading into charcoal gray to black on their backs. Bonneville whitefish may reach four pounds and grow to a length of 20 inches, but Bear Lake whitefish do not grow larger than 10 inches. Both species occur only in Bear Lake. wildlife.utah.gov 48 49 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 Cutthroat trout Colorado River cutthroat There are three primary subspecies (strains) of native cutthroat trout in Utah: the Bonneville cut- throat trout, Colorado River cutthroat trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The Bear Lake cutthroat trout is a lake-dwelling form of the Bonneville cutthroat trout. Except for the Bear Lake cutthroat trout, cutthroats are best distinguished by their crimson slash along the lower jaw. Cutthroat trout lack the iridescent pink stripe or the white-tipped pelvic and anal fins of the rainbow trout. Bonneville cutthroat Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing

Colorado River cutthroat trout are native to the Green and Colorado River watersheds and are noted for their brilliant coloration. The males, in spawning condition, have bright crimson stripes along the sides and the stomach. Spotting is usually concentrated toward the tail area.

Yellowstone cutthroat Bonneville cutthroat trout originally inhabited the Bonneville Basin. They have sparsely scattered, large and very distinctive round spots over the upper body, with few spots on or near the head. Bonneville cutthroat trout are a subdued silver-gray to charcoal color on the upper body, with shades of bronze and pink on their flanks during spawning.

Bear Lake cutthroat

Yellowstone cutthroat trout are native to the Snake River watershed in northwestern Utah, including the Raft River Mountains. Yellowstone cutthroat trout are lightly spotted, with distinctly round spots concentrated toward the tail area.

Bear Lake cutthroat trout often lack the bright crimson jaw slash, which may at times be yellow, wildlife.utah.gov gray or non-existent. Deep orange pelvic and anal fins and the presence of few, if any, spots on the head readily distinguish Bear Lake cutthroat from rainbow trout (see rainbow trout description). Bear Lake cutthroat can exhibit a variety of spotting patterns, but spots are generally sparsely scat- tered, large and rounded in outline. Spotting is typically more concentrated near the tail. During the spawning season, Bear Lake cutthroat (particularly the males) take on a bronze color along the sides and lower body, and often develop rosy-colored gill plates. wildlife.utah.gov 50 51 Brook trout FishingUtah • 2021 Nonnative coldwater sportfish Trout, char & salmon Rainbow trout Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing

This species of char may be olive to blue-gray on its back and white on its belly. Red spots, usually with bluish halos around them, are present on the sides. Colors can vary greatly, depending on whether the fish lives in a stream or a lake. Characteristic light wavy marks on the back are a A rainbow trout is dark green to bluish on the back with silvery sides. The pinkish to reddish distinguishing feature. The obvious white-and-black striping pattern along the front edge of each horizontal band typifies the species. The belly may be white to silvery. Irregular and profuse black of the lower fins makes it easier to distinguish brook trout from other trout species. The caudal fin is spots are usually present on the head, back and sides. The pelvic and anal fins are translucent pink squared or lightly forked. to gray-green and tipped in white. The coloration of a river-dwelling rainbow trout is often more vibrant than that of a lake dweller. Rainbow trout also tend to have a fairly blunt snout. Golden trout (not illustrated) The golden trout has a golden belly with red, horizontal bands along the lateral lines on its sides. Lake trout Golden trout also have about 10 dark, vertical, oval-shaped marks (called parr marks) on each side.

Arctic grayling

This species of char has a background color of gray-brown, overlaid with light spots that vary in intensity with age and environment. The background color covers the back, sides and fins, highlight-

ing the lighter gray spots. Lake trout in large lakes are sometimes so silvery that the spots are wildlife.utah.gov difficult to see. Spotting is usually more intense on small fish. The caudal fin is deeply forked. The mouth is large and features strong teeth on both jaws.

Arctic grayling are silvery to light purple on the sides and bluish-white on the belly. They are rela- tively slender and are most easily distinguished by their long, high, sail-like dorsal fin. The dorsal fin is brilliantly colored with shades of pink, green and purple. wildlife.utah.gov 52 53 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 Brown trout Nonnative cool and warmwater sportfish Walleye Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing

Brown trout generally have golden brown hues with yellow underparts. During spawning, the males often have brilliant crimson spots circled with blue halos. The upper body is usually dappled with large, irregular, dark-chocolate spots. Brown trout are carnivorous and have stronger, sharper teeth than most trout. Prominent sharp teeth distinguish this big perch from its smaller cousin, the yellow perch. Walleye are a brassy olive buff color that sometimes shades to yellowish sides and a white underbelly. There is a large, dark blotch at the rear base of the first dorsal fin, and the lower lobe of the tail is white- Kokanee salmon tipped. The tail is moderately forked.

Yellow perch wildlife.utah.gov

Yellow perch are yellowish with dark vertical bars. The caudal fin is forked, and the dorsal fin is Kokanee are bright silvery fish with no definitive spotting pattern. Kokanee have a dark blue back divided. with silvery sides. As the spawning season approaches, kokanee turn from silver to orange to deep red, and the male develops the characteristic hump on the back, elongated head and hooked jaw common to the Pacific salmon. A deeply forked tail also distinguishes them from rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout. wildlife.utah.gov 54 55 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 Striped bass Smallmouth bass Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing

The snout is long and bluntly pointed, with the lower jaw slightly longer than the upper jaw. Striped bass coloration ranges from bluish-black to either dark grey or olive-green above. Their Smallmouth bass vary in color, depending on their habitat, but are normally dark olive/brown on sides are silvery and their bellies white. Striped bass have seven to nine unbroken stripes along the back. Their sides and belly are lighter and yellowish. There are 8 to 15 (average 9) dark vertical each side. The body is somewhat streamlined. The mouth is oblique, and the lower jaw longer bars on the sides, which distinguish them from the largemouth bass. The anterior dorsal fin has 10 than the upper. The dorsal fins are clearly separated. The caudal fin is forked. spines and is strongly joined to the soft dorsal. The anal fin has three spines. Largemouth bass White bass

The head of a largemouth bass is large and long. Its mouth is also large, with an upper jaw that The back of a white bass is usually grey, charcoal or green. It typically has silvery sides and a reaches past the center of the eye in adults. The upper parts of the body and head are greenish, with white belly. It also has five to seven longitudinal stripes on each side. The body of a white bass a silvery or brassy shine. The belly is white to yellow, and there is an irregular dark stripe along the

is deeper and less streamlined than that of the striped bass. sides. The eyes of a largemouth bass are brown. wildlife.utah.gov wildlife.utah.gov 56 57 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 Bullhead Black crappie Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing

Adults are blackish, dark olive or dark brown on the back. The belly is greenish-white or bright yel- low. The tail is not forked.

Channel catfish The black crappie has two closely joined dorsal fins, with seven or eight dorsal fin spines. Black crappie are silver-olive with numerous, random black or green splotches on their sides. Vertical bars—more prominent in young black crappie or white crappie—are absent in adult black crappie. Their sides are light, iridescent green to silvery. The belly is silvery to white. Pelvic fins are opaque with some black on the tips of the membranes, and pectoral fins are dusky and transparent. White crappie

Channel catfish have a long anal fin and deeply forked tail that distinguish them from other catfish. The body is pale bluish-olive above and bluish-white below. They usually have spots but lose them with age. Both the dorsal and pectoral fins have strong, sharp spines. The mouth is short, wide and horizontal with chin and snout barbels. wildlife.utah.gov

The white crappie has two closely joined dorsal fins, with only six dorsal fin spines. White crappie are silver-olive with numerous black or green splotches on their sides, often arranged in vertical bars. Their sides are light, iridescent green to silvery. The belly is silvery to white. Pelvic fins are opaque with some black on the tips of the membranes, and pectoral fins are dusky and transparent. Utah only has a few populations of white crappie. wildlife.utah.gov 58 59 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 Green sunfish Northern pike

Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing Northern pike are characterized by a long, slender, torpedo-shaped body. They have a pattern of light-colored markings on each side of the body that form seven to nine horizontal rows on a dark background. The tail fins are rounded at the ends. The northern pike differs from other similar spe- cies in having fully scaled cheeks. Hybrid sportfish Wiper Green sunfish are brassy-green or blue-green on the back, sometimes with metallic-green flecks and dusky bars on the sides. The flap over the gills is a dark color. Bluegill

The wiper is a hybrid cross between a female striped bass and a male white bass. Its appearance re- flects both parents. It has six to eight dark, horizontal broken stripes over a silver-white background, with a dark charcoal to black back. It has two dorsal fins, the anterior with eight to ten sharp spines. It is slightly heavier bodied than the striped bass and grows up to 12 pounds in weight and 24 inches in length. wildlife.utah.gov

Bluegill are shorter, deep-bodied fish, whose name comes from the dark flap over the gills. The body is olive-green with vertical bars, and some blue and orange may be present. wildlife.utah.gov 60 61 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 Tiger muskellunge Splake

Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing The tiger muskie is a hybrid cross between a muskellunge and northern pike. It features character- istics from both parents. It has a very elongated torpedo-like body. Its most notable features are the grey-green vertical bars along its sides. It can reach lengths of more than 50 inches and weigh more than 30 pounds. A splake trout is the hybrid cross between lake trout and brook trout. It has a dark background with white spots. Its tail fin is not as deeply forked as that of a lake trout. Tiger trout Nongame fish Nonnative nongame fish Carp

The tiger trout, a cross between a brown trout and a brook trout, has a unique, dark maze-like pattern all over its brownish, gray body. The belly is yellowish-orange as are the pectoral, pelvic and anal fins. The tail fin is square.

Carp have deep, thick bodies that are gray to brassy green or yellowish green. The body is normally covered with large scales, and carp have fleshy barbels on each side of the mouth. A large spine is present at the front of the dorsal (top) fin. wildlife.utah.gov wildlife.utah.gov 62 63 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 Burbot Utah chub

Burbot, or ling cod, were illegally introduced into Flaming Gorge, where the population is rapidly Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing expanding. Burbot are a slender, smooth-skinned fish with a large barbel in the middle of the chin and two dorsal fins, the second of which is half the length of the body and matched by an anal fin of about the same length. The coloring ranges from yellow to light brown with a wavy pattern of dark brown or black. Despite the odd, eel-like appearance, burbot have flaky white flesh that tastes excel- lent. All burbot caught in Flaming Gorge must be immediately killed (see page 30). Utah chub have robust bodies and large scales. Their coloration ranges from dark olive green or black on the upper back to silvery, brassy or golden sides. They can be distinguished by the way their fins Native nongame fish align. The front edge of the dorsal fin (on the fish’s back) aligns with the front edge of the middle fin Utah sucker on the fish’s belly. Utah’s sensitive and endangered fish Bluehead sucker

The Utah sucker is dark olive to copper, with dusky fins and a downward-facing mouth.

Bluehead suckers are native to the Green and Colorado River watersheds as well as portions of the Lake Bonneville Basin. They feed on algae and bugs they scrape off the rocks and, for this reason, they prefer swift rocky waters. Adults can grow to be 16 inches long. They have dusky blue heads, and the area just before their tail fin is often very slender. wildlife.utah.gov wildlife.utah.gov 64 65 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 Flannelmouth sucker June sucker Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing

Flannelmouth suckers are native to the Green, Colorado and Virgin River watersheds. Individuals can live up to 30 years, reach lengths up to 30 inches and sometimes migrate more than 150 miles to spawn. Their lips are large and fleshy, and their backs can range in color from light olive to dark The June sucker occurs in Utah Lake and the Provo River. Although once abundant in Utah Lake, it is brown. Flannelmouth suckers live in a variety of habitats. You could find them in the depths of the now rare. The June sucker is listed as endangered, and efforts to help recover the June sucker popu- Colorado River in Cataract Canyon or in a small tributary like the Strawberry River. lation are ongoing. Although June suckers are members of the sucker family, they are not bottom feeders. The jaw structure of the June sucker allows the species to feed on zooplankton in the middle Roundtail chub of the water column.

Bonytail

Roundtail chubs are native to the Green and Colorado River watersheds. They prefer turbulent streams and rivers, where they feed on drifting bugs and small fish. Their feeding patterns are very similar to those of trout. Their bodies are streamlined, and they have olive-colored backs and silver The bonytail is currently found in limited stretches of the Green and Colorado mainstem riv- sides. Like other chubs, they are true minnows and do not have teeth. Individuals typically live for ers, where the species is stocked by the Upper Colorado River Recovery Program. The species is

10–15 years and can grow to be 20 inches long. endangered and, if caught, should be returned immediately to the water unharmed. The body is wildlife.utah.gov highly streamlined, with a bluish, dusky color above to pale below. The head is short and noticeably concave. The area just in front of the fish’s tail fin is exremely narrow. Bonytail can reach lengths of 22 inches and weigh more than two pounds in the wild. wildlife.utah.gov 66 67 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 Colorado pikeminnow Razorback sucker Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing

The highly predacious Colorado pikeminnow is found in the Green, Colorado and San Juan rivers and their tributaries. The pikeminnow is an endangered species, and efforts are underway to The razorback sucker is found in the mainstem Green, Colorado and San Juan rivers. Razorback protect the fish throughout its native range. The pikeminnow’s body is long and slender, with a suckers prefer shallow, off-channel habitats for spawning in the springtime. The razorback sucker gray-green back and silver sides. The head is long and conical, with a large, horizontal mouth. is endangered and is stocked in many portions of its native range, including Utah, by the Upper The tail fin is large and deeply forked. The pikeminnow can reach lengths up to six feet and can Colorado River Recovery Program. The species normally has an olive-colored to brown or black back, weigh 80 pounds. It should be returned to the water immediately if caught. brown to pinkish sides, and a white to yellow belly. Adults have a sharp-edged keel or “humpback.” Humpback chub The mouth faces downward, and the lower lip is widely separated into two lobes by a deep groove. The razorback sucker can reach lengths up to 36 inches and can weigh up to 13 pounds.

The humpback chub is endangered and is found in canyon-bound habitats of the Green and Colorado rivers. The humpback chub has a streamlined body, with a dark, olive-gray back and silver sides. The head is small. The area in front of its tail is slender, although thicker than that of the bonytail. The fatty hump that is thought to keep the fish on the stream bottom and stabilize

it in fast, flowing waters. The humpback chub can reach lengths up to 18 inches and can weigh wildlife.utah.gov up to two pounds. wildlife.utah.gov 68 69 Utah FishingUtah • 2021 DEFINITIONS Float tube means an inflatable floating taken in a straight line and not over the curve Utah Code § 23-13-2 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-2 device less than 48 inches in any dimension, of the body. capable of supporting one person. Aggregate means the combined total of Commercially prepared and chemically Liftnet means a small net that is drawn two or more species of fish or two or more treated baitfish means any fish species or Free shafting means to release a pointed vertically through the water column to take fish size classes of fish which are covered by a fish parts which have been processed using a shaft that is not tethered or attached by or crayfish. limit distinction (i.e., trout and salmon in the chemical or physical preservation technique physical means to the diver in an attempt aggregate). other than freezing (including irradiation, salt- to take fish while engaged in underwater Motor means an electric or internal combus- ing, cooking, or oiling) and are marketed, sold spearfishing. tion engine. Angling means fishing with a rod, pole, tip- Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing or traded for financial gain as bait. up, handline or troll board that has a single line Gaff means a spear or hook, with or without a Nongame fish means species of fish not with legal hooks, baits or lures attached to it, Daily limit means the maximum limit, in handle, used for holding or lifting fish. listed as game fish. (Also see Prohibited fish on and is held in the hands of, or within sight (not number or amount, of protected aquatic page 17 for more information.) to exceed 100 feet) of the person fishing. wildlife that one person may legally take Game fish means Bonneville cisco; bluegill; during one day. bullhead; channel catfish; crappie; green Nonresident means a person who does not Artificial fly means a fly made by the sunfish; largemouth bass; northern pike; qualify as a resident. method known as fly tying. Artificial fly does Dipnet means a small bag net with a handle Sacramento perch; smallmouth bass; striped Permanent residence means, for purposes not mean a weighted jig, lure, spinner, attrac- that is used to scoop fish or crayfish from the bass, trout (rainbow, albino, cutthroat, brown, of this guidebook only, the domicile an individ- tor blade or bait. water. golden, brook, lake/mackinaw, kokanee ual claims pursuant to Utah Code 23-13-2(13). salmon, and grayling or any hybrid of the Artificial lure means a device made of Domicile means the place: foregoing); tiger muskellunge; walleye; white rubber, wood, metal, glass, fiber, feathers, • where an individual has a fixed perma- Possession means actual or constructive bass; whitefish; wiper; and yellow perch. hair or plastic with a hook or hooks attached. nent home and principal establishment; possession. Artificial lures (including artificial flies) do not • to which the individual if absent, intends Handline means a piece of line held in the Possession limit means, for purposes of this include fish eggs or other chemically treated to return; and hand and not attached to a pole used for tak- rule only, two daily limits, including fish in a or processed natural baits or any natural or • in which the individual and the ing fish or crayfish. cooler, camper, tent, freezer, livewell or any human-made food, or any lures that have individual’s family voluntarily reside, other place of storage, excluding fish stored in been treated with a natural or artificial fish not for a special or temporary purpose, Harvest means to catch and retain in posses- an individual’s permanent residence. attractant or feeding stimulant. but with the intention of making a sion for personal use. permanent home. Protected aquatic wildlife means, for Bait means a digestible substance, including Immediately released means that the fish To create a new domicile an individual purposes of this guide only, all species of fish, corn, worms, cheese, salmon eggs, marshmal- should be quickly unhooked and released back must: crustaceans or amphibians. lows or manufactured baits including human- • abandon the old domicile; and into the water where caught. Fish that must made items that are chemically treated with • be able to prove that a new domicile has be immediately released cannot be held on a Reservoir means the standing water level food stuffs, chemical fish attractants or feeding been established. stringer, or in a live well or any other container existing at any time within a reservoir basin. stimulants. or restraining device. Unless posted otherwise, a stream flowing Filleting means the processing of fish for inside or within the high water mark is not Camp means, for the purposes of this rule, human consumption typically done by cutting Lake means the standing water level existing

considered part of the reservoir. wildlife.utah.gov any place providing temporary overnight ac- away flesh from bones, skin and body. at any time within a lake basin. Unless posted commodation for anglers including a camper, otherwise, a stream flowing inside or within Resident means a person who has a domicile campground, tent, trailer, cabin, houseboat, Fishing means to take fish or crayfish by any the high water mark is not considered part of (fixed permanent home and principal establish- boat or hotel. means. the lake. ment) in Utah for six consecutive months im- mediately preceding the purchase of a license Chumming means dislodging or depositing Fishing contest means any organized event Length measurement means the greatest or permit, AND DOES NOT claim residency for in the water any substance not attached to a or gathering where anglers are awarded prizes, length between the tip of the head or snout hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state hook, line or trap, which may attract fish. points or money for their catch. and the tip of the caudal (tail) fin when the fin or country. wildlife.utah.gov rays are squeezed together. Measurement is 70 71 An individual retains Utah residency if he type of net is used to enclose fish when its ends or she leaves Utah to serve in the armed forces are brought together. of the United States, or for religious or educa- tional purposes, and does NOT claim residency Setline means a line anchored to a non-mov- for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other ing object and not attached to a fishing pole. state or country. Single hook means a hook or multiple hooks Members of the armed forces of the United having a common shank. States and dependents are residents as of the date the member reports for duty under Snag means to hook a fish anywhere other Utah Fishing • 2021 Utah Fishing assigned orders in Utah, if: than its mouth. • the member is NOT on temporary duty in Utah and does NOT claim residency for Spear means a long-shafted, sharply pointed hunting, fishing or trapping in any other hand held instrument with or without barbs state or country. used to pierce fish from above the surface of • the member presents a copy of his or her the water. assignment orders to a Division office to verify the member’s qualification as a Spearfishing (underwater) means resident. fishing by a person swimming, snorkeling, or A nonresident attending an institution of diving and using a mechanical device held in higher learning in Utah as a full-time student the hand, which uses a rubber band, spring, may qualify as a resident if the student has pneumatic power, or other device to propel been present in Utah for 60 consecutive days a pointed shaft to take fish from under the immediately preceding the purchase of the surface of the water. license or permit and does NOT claim residency Take means to hunt, pursue, harass, catch, for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other capture, possess, angle, seine, trap or kill state or country. any protected wildlife; or attempt any of the A Utah resident license or permit is invalid aforementioned actions. if a resident license for hunting, fishing or trap- ping is purchased in any other state or country. Tributary means a stream flowing into a An individual DOES NOT qualify as a larger stream, lake or reservoir. resident if he or she is an absentee landowner paying property tax on land in Utah. Trout means species of the family Salmonidae, including rainbow, albino, cutthroat, brown, Second pole means fishing with one addi- golden, brook, lake/mackinaw, kokanee tional rod, pole, tip-up, handline or troll board salmon, and grayling or any hybrid of the that has a single line with legal hooks, bait or foregoing. Trout does not include whitefish or lures attached to it, and is held in the hands of, Bonneville cisco. or within sight (not to exceed 100 feet) of the person fishing. (A valid fishing or combination Underwater spearfishing (see Spearfish- license is required to use a second pole.) ing underwater.)

Seine means a small mesh net, with a Waste means to abandon protected wildlife or weighted line on the bottom and float line on to allow protected wildlife to spoil or to be used the top, that is drawn through the water. This in a manner not normally associated with its beneficial use. wildlife.utah.gov 72