Utah fishing more accessible than ever with fisheries, resources

Utah fishing more accessible than ever with fisheries, resources

(Tom Ogden, Division of Wildlife Resources)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has more than 600 lakes, reservoirs, streams, rivers, creeks and ponds with more than 500 being routinely stocked with fish, according to the Utah Division.

Fish Stocking is the practice of raising fish in a controlled environment, often referred to as a hatchery, and releasing them into a body of water. According to the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) website, the DWR provides “Utah’s streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs with more than 12 million sportfish annually”.

Access to one these fishing areas may be closer than you think.

Community Fisheries

Urban fisheries are located within city boundaries and often include walking and biking trails. Utah currently has 52 community fisheries with two new ones planned for Wellington and Santaquin this year.

The fisheries are regularly stocked and often times with large fish. The community ponds of Bountiful, Salem, Payson and Murray were all recently stocked with 500 rainbow trout each with an average length of 20 inches.

Urban fisheries allow anglers to practice new techniques and learn how to catch different species before traveling longer distances.

Fishing at community ponds is only allowed when the parks are open to the public. The daily limit is two fish.

Youth Fishing Programs

Most community ponds also offer youth fishing clubs. These clubs are sponsored by participating cities and are taught by adult volunteers who provide fishing education to children ages 6 to 13. Fishing clubs usually begin between April and June.

For a list of youth fishing clubs or to become a volunteer click here.

Blue Ribbon Fishing Areas

Blue Ribbon fisheries are water areas that meet the highest standard of fishing quality, fish habitat, beautiful vistas and quality recreational amenities. Utah currently has 46 Blue Ribbon fishing areas.

Fishing Reports

While many locations may be close to your area, you can check what ponds are generating the most success for catching fish. Local sporting goods stores provide fishing reports and tips. One only needs to call and ask.

Online reports and tips are also available. KSL.com recently launched a fishing report service that allows anyone to report fishing conditions. Select ‘Fishing’ from the activity menu drop down and select the area you want information about.

DWR also posts weekly updates for roughly 147 fishing areas and the local Sportsman’s Warehouse websites provide regular online fishing reports.

“2014 should be a banner year for fishing. . . It’s as good as it’s ever been, if not better,” said Paul Birdsey, a Cold Water Sportfish Coordinator for DWR.

Lengthy travel time or lack of fishing reports is no longer an excuse so get outdoors and enjoy Utah’s excellent fishing.

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UtahOutdoors
Brett Atkinson

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