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Look around. The weather is warm, the snow in the mountains is melting and local ponds have been stocked with fish. Now is the time to start off the summer right with a relaxing, fun family adventure.
The truth is, more than 50 percent of Utahns say they want to go fishing this year, according to a Division of Wildlife Resources survey completed in February 2014. And according to the same survey, the top reasons Utahns like to fish are:
1) To enjoy nature and be outdoors.
2) To spend time with family and friends.
3) To relax and disconnect from technology and the busyness of life.
Surprisingly, only 25 percent of Utah residents actually buy a fishing license and go fishing each year. Why the disparity? For some it’s a proximity thing. Others it’s a time issue. Either way, this Memorial Day weekend might be the perfect time to discover that Utah fishing is quicker and closer than you think.
The DWR manages more than 50 community fisheries throughout Utah, including new ponds opening this year in Iron and Wasatch counties. Most Utahns have many fishing options within a 30-minute drive of their home.
Amber and Jim Hansen of Plain City are one example. The parents of three children—ages five to 10—they take their family fishing at least once a year. They say there are plenty of options close by for people who live along the Wasatch Front.
“There are more places to fish within communities than there have ever been,” Jim says. “Almost every city along the Wasatch Front has a community pond, a stream or a river you can fish in. You can buy a license and fish almost anywhere.”
Amber took their six-year-old son fishing last Friday. She and Jim like to fish at community ponds because they’re an easy place to teach their kids how to fish. “Our kids don’t even care what size fish they catch,” Amber says. “In fact, they think it’s pretty neat just to see the fish in the water!”
Before planning a fishing trip with his kids, Jim always checks the fishing portion of the DWR’s website. “The site has fishing reports for waters across Utah,” he says. “The Utah fishing guidebook is also available, so you’ll know what the fish limits and the rules are.”
Here are five ways to connect with your family through fishing:
1. Find a fishing spot near you on FishUtah.org
A fishing outing does not need to take an entire weekend or even an entire day. Most Utahns live within an hour’s drive of numerous fishing options. To help you locate nearby fishing getaways, the DWR created FishUtah.org, a microsite with an easy-to-use locator tool. Just enter your address and zip code to find the closest ponds, rivers and lakes.
2. Take a friend or family member on Free Fishing Day (June 7)
On Saturday, June 7, everyone in Utah can fish for free without a license. All other state fishing laws and rules still apply.
3. Enroll your child in a youth fishing club
Most Utah community fisheries sponsor a youth fishing club for children ages six to 13. Volunteers who are trained by the DWR run the fishing clubs, which meet once a week for six weeks. Children spend the first 30 minutes of each two-hour class learning about fish, where fish live, and how to catch them. Then, adult volunteers spend the remainder of the class helping the kids use their new skills to catch fish.
Though many clubs started in April, registration is still open for clubs in Kaysville (Utah Botanical Center) and Midway (Wasatch Mountain State Park) that start June 11.
4. Kids under 12 fish for free in Utah
Children under 12 years of age do not need a fishing license to fish in Utah. They can also take a full limit of fish. The only exceptions are kids who want to fish with a second pole or a setline, in which case a fishing license and a second-pole or setline permit is required. Starting July 1, however, anyone with a fishing license in Utah can fish with two fishing poles. A second-pole permit will no longer be required.
5. Pick up a Utah Fishing Guidebook
In addition to explaining Utah fishing rules and regulations, the guidebook offers helpful information about season dates, water bodies and Utah’s native fish. The guidebook also covers fun programs like fishing contests and Free Fishing Day. Guidebooks are available online. You can also get a printed copy at DWR offices and from fishing license agent locations.
