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The southern Utah region is well-known for its excellent trout fishing in mountain lakes and streams. Less-known, however, is that its many streams and lakes teem with a variety of fish species and fishing opportunities, including striped bass so plentiful there is no limit, ferocious tiger muskie, as well as walleye, perch, crappie, channel catfish, and several other species. Visitors can fish on one of the region's large lakes or reservoirs or head to more hidden streams in the forest and mountain areas. Fishing is open year-round in most areas. Licenses are required and rules and regulations are available at fishing suppliers and Wildlife Resource offices or online
Lake Fishing in Southern Utah
Lake Powell is a hub for everything aqua-related; fishing is just part of the package deal. The lake is famous for its year-round bass fishing, containing largemouth bass, striped bass, and smallmouth bass, as well as channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, walleye, and northern pike. Boat rentals and bait and fishing licenses are available at the main marinas - Wahweap, Warm Creek, Hite, Bullfrog, and Halls Crossing. Be aware that Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where Lank Powell is based, lies within two states, so you'll need Utah and/or Arizona fishing licenses depending where on the lake you fish. You'll need an Arizona license for the southern five miles of the lake and a Utah license for the rest. March-November is the most popular season, but the fishing is good year-round.
Lake Panguitch is also a popular fishing destination. The lake is surrounded by rustic lodges and cabins that cater to fishing types. It was named appropriately by the Paiute Indians - Panguitch means “Big Fish.” Today you will find rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and brown trout plentiful in the lake. In the winter season, ice-fishing is quite popular.
About 40 miles southeast of the town of Richfield, Fish Lake is another appropriately-named place to cast your line. It has long been famous for its mackinaw, splake, and rainbow trout. South of Torrey, more than 100 lakes can be found at Boulder Mountain. Some favorite mountain lakes for trout include Pine Lake north of Bryce Canyon and Navajo Lake between Cedar City and U.S. Highway 89. Quail Creek Reservoir near St. George offers up bass and trout. The Oowah and Warner Lakes in the La Sal Mountains and Ken's Lake near Moab all have excellent trout fishing, too.
River and Creek Fishing in Southern Utah
If gigantic rainbow trout sound like a good catch, you are likely to find them year-round, especially from March-November on the Colorado River between the dam and Lees Ferry. Catfish can be found in the Colorado as well, in addition to the Green and San Jaun Rivers, especially after the spring runoff. The Virgin River east of Zion National Park is another popular spot to try and reel 'em in.
The region is also full of great streams and creeks for trout fishing. Parallel to U.S. Highway 89 is the Sevier River, a great spot for brown and rainbow trout fishing. North of Bryce Canyon, the east fork of the river is reportedly good for browns, cutts, and rainbows. Other popular fishing streams are Panguitch Creek below Panguitch Lake, and Beaver River.
The region also has many fly fishing streams, including Seven-Mile Creek near Fish Lake, Green River, and the Sevier River. Fishing trips can be organized throughout the year with local guides.
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