Estimated read time: 26-27 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Division of Wildlife Resources has helped develop 50 urban fishing ponds for fishermen young and old. The ponds are located within urban communities to make access easy and affordable.
There are 50 fishing ponds spread around the state, all within urban communities, that are open to those with a valid fishing license, a rod and reel and appropriate bait.
The program took root back in the early 2000s and continues to grow in angler interest, in part because of access and the variety of fish, DWR said. In most cases the ponds were already in place, they simply needed fish. Fishing opportunities now include trout, catfish, bass, bluegill and even wipers.
One of the more popular urban fishing ponds is Willow Pond in Murray and DWR said it drew 10,052 anglers during a six month period in 2011, the year of the latest survey. Anglers fished 29,454 hours, which is roughly three hours per angler visit. The majority of fish caught were rainbow trout, followed by catfish.
The pond has been stocked with 10,500 trout and 5,000 catfish this year and more are planned.
Back in 2001, there were 19 urban ponds and they were seldom planted with fish, were not well cared for and drew little attention, according to DWR former urban director Andrew Cushing.
Related Stories:
Utah fishing more accessible than ever with fisheries, resources
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."It was a struggle those first years," Cushing said. "It seemed like an impossible task. After talking and working with the various communities, we came up with a plan to get them involved ... and they responded. They found the ponds and the volunteers and introduced all of this to the people."
DWR wildlife recreation program coordinator Robin Cahoon said part of the struggle was due to the fact that many of the ponds aren't deep enough to maintain cooler water temperatures, which trout require. However, catfish, which average 18 inches in length when planted, are able to survive well in warmer waters.
The program calls for fish to be planted every two weeks during cooler months and every two to three weeks for catfish during the summer months. All community ponds have a two-fish limit for all the species. Some ponds require releasing all bass in hopes of created a pool for natural reproduction.
Cahoon said she encourages anglers to release all fish they don't plan on eating, "so they can be caught another day.'' She also reported that talks are underway to develop a new pond in the Plain City area near Willard Bay.
"People wonder, 'Why develop a pond so close to a great fishery such as Willard Bay?' We found not everyone wants to fish larger waters or has a boat. The pond in Garden City near Bear Lake, for example, is constantly packed with fishermen,'' she said.
#poll
The DWR has also introduced a new category of fishing license this year. Those 14 and over were required to buy a $34 adult license, but this year those between 14 and 17 can buy a one-year license for $16. Those 11 and under are still able of fish without a license and those between 12 and 13 need pay only $5.
Here is a list of the urban ponds in Utah:
Box Elder County:
Mayor's Pond is a 1.5-acre pond near the mouth of Box Elder Canyon in Brigham City on the north side of Highway 90. Boating and floating are not allowed. You may keep two fish. Anglers will most likely catch rainbow trout and possibly brown trout. Wheelchair access is limited. Pond hours are unrestricted.
This pond is located at 600 W. Forest St. in Brigham City on the east side of Pioneer Park. Plan to catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black bullhead, green sunfish and black crappie.
Access hours are unrestricted. This is a 2.5-acre pond with parking, a swimming pool, a playground, covered picnic tables, shade, restrooms and good wheelchair access. Pond rules prohibit boating and floating. Anglers may keep two fish.
Cache County:
This 1-acre Logan pond is located at 419 W. 700 South inside Willow Park. The pond is open during park hours. Wheelchair access is good. Extras include nearby picnic tables, restrooms and a fishing pier. The likely catch includes rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, green sunfish and channel catfish. Anglers may keep a total of two fish, but DWR asks you to release all largemouth bass.
Located at 100 E. 500 South in Wellsville, this 7-acre pond contains rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill and carp. Anglers may keep a total of two fish, but please release all largemouth bass and grass carp. There is no wheelchair access, but there are nearby picnic tables, restrooms and a fishing pier. Non-motorized watercraft are permitted on the pond. Pond hours run from sunrise to sunset.
Carbon County:
This recently opened 3-acre pond is located near the southeast corner of the Carbon County Fairgrounds in Price. After the pond freezes, it closes to winter fishing. Non-motorized watercraft may be used on the pond. Plan to catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. You may keep two fish, but please release all largemouth bass.
Located just off Highway 6 in Helper, this small 1-acre pond has a wheelchair access trail, a parking lot, shaded fishing stations and a bike rack. Anglers may keep a total of two fish, but please release all largemouth bass. Anglers are likely to catch bluegill, largemouth bass and rainbow trout. The pond is on private property so please respect the property to ensure that free access continues.
This new pond is located in Wellington at the site of the former Knight-Ideal Coal plant, just off Highway 6 at 850 E. 300 South. This 3-acre community fishery is stocked with rainbow trout. Anglers may keep two fish. The pond is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but is closed November through April. Future city plans for the site include a skate park, playground, restrooms, walking trails, baseball fields, bench, pavilions and picnic tables.
Davis County:
This 50-acre reservoir is next to Adams Park at 1725 E. Gordon St. in Layton. Park rules prohibit non-motorized watercraft. Please respect the private property around the reservoir. A likely catch might include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish and common carp. Anglers may keep two fish, but please release all largemouth bass. There is no wheelchair access.
These four ponds, totaling over 5 acres, are located at 725 S. 50 West in Kaysville, just east of I-15. Please park in the parking lot. Small non-motorized watercraft, like float tubes and canoes, are allowed. Anglers might catch rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, wipers and bluegill. You may keep two fish, but release all largemouth bass. Extras include a pavilion and restrooms, but wheelchair access is limited. Hours are from sunrise to sunset.
Located at 310 S. 500 East on the southeast side of Lakeside Square shopping center in Clearfield, this 3.8-acre pond holds largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. You may keep two fish, but please release all largemouth bass. The pond is wheelchair accessible and has a fishing pier. Keep dogs on leashes and pick up after them. Pond rules prohibit motorized watercraft. Hours are from sunrise to sunset.
This 2.5-acre pond is located in Clearfield at 300 N. 1000 W., just north of Steed Park. A likely catch includes largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, rainbow trout and common carp. You may keep a total of two fish, but please release all largemouth bass. Keep dogs on leashes and pick up after them. There is no boating or floating and only minimal wheelchair access. The pond is open from 5 a.m. until midnight.
Just west of Legacy Highway in Bountiful, this 42-acre pond holds largemouth bass, bluegill, black bullheads, channel catfish, walleye, yellow perch, white bass, trout, wipers, green sunfish and common carp. Anglers may keep a total of two fish, but please release all largemouth bass. The pond includes wildlife observation areas, restrooms, picnic areas, parking, a trail system, fishing piers and a boat ramp for non-motorized watercraft only. Wheelchair access is available.
This 4-acre pond is located at 3000 W. 2415 North in Clinton. Anglers might catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish at Clinton Park Pond. A total of two fish may be kept, but please release all largemouth bass. Dogs are not allowed, and boating and floating is by permit only. Pond hours are from sunrise to 10 p.m.
Located near the mouth of Farmington Canyon at 750 N. 100 East, this 3.5-acre pond holds rainbow trout, channel catfish, wipers, perch and largemouth bass. Anglers may keep a total of two fish, but please release all largemouth bass. Facilities include restrooms, benches, a fishing pier and a fish-cleaning station. There is shade, parking and wheelchair access, but please keep pets on leashes. Pond rules prohibit boating and floating. The pond is open from sunrise to 11 p.m.
The pond is located at 3176 S. Bluff Road in Syracuse. Extras include covered picnic areas, a trail system, restrooms, parking, a fish-cleaning station and wheelchair access. Anglers are likely to catch channel catfish, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill and yellow perch at this 7-acre pond. Please release any largemouth bass or grass carp.
Anglers may keep a total of two fish. Please pick up after dogs and always keep them on leashes. Park rules prohibit camping, fires, swimming and alcohol. Boating and floating require a Syracuse City permit. All city ordinances apply.
Emery County:
In a unique setting on the golf course, this 1-acre pond is stocked and fishable. The golf course and the pond are south of I-70, along the Green River, at 450 Green River Blvd. A likely catch includes rainbow trout, largemouth bass and bluegill.
You may keep a total of two fish, but please release all largemouth bass. The golf course is operated by Utah State Parks so park regulations apply. There is parking, picnicking, camping, restrooms and, of course, golfing. The day-use fee is $5 and the overnight fee is $20.
The main pond is about 3 acres. To get there from Huntington, on Highway 31 turn north onto Huntington North Loop Road. Travel .9 mile, then turn onto the dirt road at the place where the pavement bends sharply to the west (left). Continue on another 3/4 miles to the gate signed as DWR property. Cross the fence and travel 1/4 mile by foot to the ponds.
The pond holds rainbow trout, largemouth bass and bluegill. You may keep a total of two fish, but please release all largemouth bass. Fishing supplies are available in Huntington.
Iron County:
This pond is located at 2210 W. Royal Hunter Drive in Cedar City, across the street from Cedar Middle School. A likely catch might include rainbow trout, channel catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. You may keep a total of two fish, but please release all largemouth bass. Amenities include a ramp for small, non-motorized boats. Current wheelchair access is limited.
This small, half-acre pond is located at 400 W. 100 North in Parowan. Catchable-sized rainbow trout are stocked in the spring and fall. Channel catfish are stocked during the summer. Anglers may keep a total of two fish. A small nature center is located at the pond. Disabled anglers will find some access on the gently sloping dirt banks.
This pond is located in Cedar Canyon, 10 miles east of Cedar City on Highway 14. Although the pond is not in Cedar City, it is still managed as a community fishery because of its proximity. The pond provides good summer fishing for catchable-sized rainbow trout. Although there are no restrictions on angler age at Woods Ranch Pond, adult anglers are encouraged to defer to kids.
This 4-acre pond is located in the town of Brian Head. It is surrounded by a half-mile walking trail plus picnic tables and grills. The pond is stocked with rainbow and tiger trout. There is no boat ramp and only non-motorized boats may use the pond. There are three beach areas and a floating fishing dock.
Juab County:
Travel south from Mona on Highway 4 for about .25 mile and then turn west at the sign. Then proceed for about .25 mile to reach the ponds. Burraston Ponds cover about 30 acres in a rural, uncrowded setting. There are picnic tables, trash receptacles and some shade. You may keep a total of two fish. Plan on catching rainbow trout, brown trout, sunfish and common carp.
Rich County:
The DWR stocks this 3-acre pond in Garden City with rainbow trout. Anglers may keep two fish. Amenities include restrooms, parking and benches. From the junction of highways 30 and 89 in Garden City, head south about .8 mile, then turn west on Buttercup Lane. Proceed about 1/4 mile then turn right (north) on Buttercup Boulevard.
Salt Lake County:
Riverfront, Midas and Kidney Ponds
These 1-acre ponds are located at 920 W. 11200 South, along the Jordan River, in the southwest part of River Front Park. Neither boating nor floating are permitted. South Jordan city ordinances apply. Enjoy covered picnic areas, trails, restrooms and wheelchair access.
Anglers can catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, black bullhead and channel catfish. You may keep two fish, but please release largemouth bass. Hours are from sunrise to 10 p.m.
Located just west of the Jordan River at 1200 W. 5400 South in Taylorsville, this 3-acre pond holds bluegill, green sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish and rainbow trout. There are nearby picnic areas, restrooms, a fish-cleaning station, fishing pier, wheelchair access and more. The pond is open during park hours, but the northern half of the pond is a wildlife sanctuary with "No Trespassing"signs. You may keep a total of two fish, but please release any largemouth bass you catch.
This 7.6-acre pond is located at approximately 3200 W. 13680 South, just north of Bangerter Highway in Old Farm Park. No boating, floating, swimming, alcohol, ice fishing, ATVs, overnight camping or horses. Keep pets on leash. Do not clean fish on site. You are likely to catch rainbow trout, channel catfish and bluegill. You may keep two fish, but release largemouth bass.
Located just east of the Jordan River at 1000 W. 9800 South, this 3-acre pond holds bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish and rainbow trout. You may keep two fish, but please release largemouth bass. Pond hours are from sunrise to 10 p.m. Extras include parking, restrooms, playground, pavilion, fish-cleaning station, fishing pier and good wheelchair access.
This 1-acre pond is located in Draper at 898 E. Riparian Drive (11815 South) inside Mehraban Wetlands Park. Anglers will likely catch rainbow trout, bluegill, green sunfish, channel catfish, pumpkinseed and black bullhead. Hours are from sunrise to 10 p.m. and you may keep a total of two fish. Respect private property. Motorized watercraft are not allowed. Amenities include park benches, lots of shade and a fishing pier. There are no wheelchair accommodations.
The Cove at Herriman Springs Pond
Just off Rose Canyon Road at 7200 W. 14200 South in Herriman, this 1.2-acre pond has a fish-cleaning station and is wheelchair accessible. There are nearby restrooms, gazebos, picnic areas, BBQ grills, parking, a trail system, a playground and more. No ice fishing, alcohol, fires, swimming or watercraft. Expect to catch channel catfish and rainbow trout. Bluegill and largemouth bass are also in the pond. Please release any largemouth bass you catch. You may keep two fish. Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Located at 6059 S. Murray Parkway Ave. (1080 West) in Murray, this 4-acre pond is just east of the Jordan River Parkway and north of the Murray Golf Course. The park includes restrooms, picnic areas, a fishing pier, parking, a trail system, a fish-cleaning station, a playground, wheelchair access and more. Expect to catch rainbow trout, channel catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass and pumpkinseed. You may keep two fish, but please release largemouth bass. Park hours are from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sevier County:
Drive south on Monroe's Main Street and then follow the road to the 2-acre Monroe Pond at the mouth of Monroe Canyon. You may keep a limit of two fish and will likely catch both rainbow trout and channel catfish. There are no amenities other than the scenery and no accommodations for anglers with disabilities.
To get to the pond, head south on 300 East in Salina (Old Highway 10). The road curves to the east and heads up the canyon. The 3-acre pond lies at the mouth of Salina Canyon about 3/4 mile past the park. You may keep two fish and will likely catch rainbow trout. There are no accommodations for anglers with disabilities.
Summit County:
Located north of the Deer Valley Resort parking lot (2250 Deer Valley Drive), this series of three 1-acre ponds provides a great opportunity for beginners to catch rainbow trout, tiger trout and wipers. Anglers may keep two fish. Amenities include walking paths, a gazebo, great scenery and nearby grocery and cafe.
Utah County:
This pond is located in Spanish Fork at 3300 E. Powerhouse Road (near the Spanish Oaks Golf Course.) The park closes at dusk. No motorized watercraft are allowed. The pond is stocked with rainbow trout and wipers. Anglers may keep a total of two fish. There is parking, restrooms, shade, wheelchair access and a playground and picnic tables nearby.
This 3-acre pond in Highland is west of Lone Peak High — anglers should enter from 4800 West via Knight Ave. Amenities include playground, restrooms, picnic areas, tables, fishing pier, wheelchair access and a pavilion that can be reserved by calling 801-756-5751.
Rules prohibit camping, fires, motorized watercraft and unleashed dogs. Anglers will likely catch rainbow trout and channel catfish but might also catch black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and green sunfish. You may keep two fish, but please release largemouth bass. Park hours are from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This Pleasant Grove pond, located at 3300 N. 900 West, holds rainbow trout, brown trout and the occasional bluegill. You may keep two fish. Rules prohibit pets, boats and floatation devices at this 7-acre pond. Swimming is permitted at the beach area where fishing is not allowed.
Extras include restrooms, a fish-cleaning station, a beach/swimming area, benches, parking and wheelchair access. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, but is closed from September through the last Saturday in February.
Wayne Bartholomew Family Park Pond
This new 3.28-acre pond is accessible via 2900 East on Canyon Road in Springville. The pond is located directly south of Burt Spring Pond. Expect to catch rainbow trout and you may keep two fish. Swimming is allowed. Non-motorized watercraft are permitted from May through October. Ice fishing, pets, smoking and alcohol are prohibited.
Located at 300 S. Main in Salem, this 11-acre pond holds rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass and bluegill. You may keep two fish, but please release any largemouth bass or grass carp. Extras include parking at 200 W. 300 South, restrooms, tables, shade and a fishing pier. No horses or vehicles on paved paths. Motorized watercraft need permits from the city and can be aquired by 801-423- 2770. Non-motorized boating and floating are allowed from May through October.
In the foothills above Spanish Fork, this 5-acre reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout. Located at 2931 S. Spanish Oaks Drive, the reservoir has restrooms, a picnic area, RV hookups, a fish-cleaning station and a beach area. It's also wheelchair accessible. Pond rules prohibit pets, ice fishing, alcohol, boating and floating. However, swimming is allowed. Hours are from sunrise to sunset. The pond is closed from December 1 through the last Saturday of February.
This small 6-acre lake lies south of Payson and immediately north of the town of Spring Lake at 12240 S. Spring Lake Road. A likely catch might include rainbow trout, channel catfish, bluegill and largemouth bass. You may keep two fish, but please release any largemouth bass you catch.
Extra amenities include picnic tables, benches and trees that provide shade. Pond rules prohibit ATVs and overnight camping. There are no wheelchair accommodations. Floating and canoes are allowed. Pond hours are from sunrise to sunset.
Head 9 miles up Provo Canyon and on the south side of the road find Vivian Park Pond. This pond is small — about an acre. Fishing at the pond is mostly meant for children younger than 12 and people with disabilities. Amenities include parking, bike locks, restrooms, tables, benches, shade, canyon scenery and wheelchair access. You may keep two fish. Anglers might catch either rainbow or brown trout. Swimming, boating and floating are not allowed. Park hours are from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Wasatch County:
Wasatch Mountain State Park Pond
This 1.5-acre pond is located at Wasatch Mountain State Park at 1281 Warm Springs Road. The DWR stocks the pond with rainbow trout from mid-May to mid- July. Anglers may keep a total of two fish.
Amenities include parking, shade, picnic tables, a playground and lots of great scenery. Restrooms are in the visitor center, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park hours run from dawn to dusk. Park rules prohibit watercraft on the pond, and no fishing is allowed from the golf course.
Washington County:
Just southeast of Quail Creek Reservoir, 15-acre Grandpa's Pond is located at approximately 3700 W. 350 North, west of Hurricane. Extras include restrooms and a fishing pier. A likely catch includes rainbow trout, which are stocked in the cooler months from November through April. You may keep two fish.
Virgin River chubs are present in the pond. These endangered and federally protected fish occur only in the Virgin River drainage. The law requires immediately releasing Virgin River chubs. Photos of these fish are posted at the pond.
These two small ponds are located on opposite sides of Snow Canyon Parkway at 2200 West near the Canyons Softball Complex in St. George. A likely catch might be largemouth bass, bluegill and green sunfish. The DWR stocks catchable-sized rainbow trout from mid-November through April. You may keep two fish, but please release any largemouth bass you happen to catch. Plenty of parking exists on the north side of the parkway.
Located in Washington on Telegraph Street, just south of Highway 9, this .9-acre pond has restrooms, benches, picnic tables and a pavilion. It's surrounded by a concrete walkway with wheelchair access. You may keep two fish. Expect to catch largemouth bass and bluegill. Rainbow trout are stocked from November through April. Please release all largemouth bass.
Looking down over St. George from above Skyline Drive (at 600 East near the animal shelter), this 1.2-acre pond holds largemouth bass and bluegill. The DWR stocks the pond with rainbow trout from November through April. You may keep two fish, but please release largemouth bass. The pond also has a fishing pier and restrooms.
Sullivan Virgin River Park Pond
Located in Sullivan Virgin River Soccer Park on the corner of 300 East and Industrial Dr. in Washington, this small, 0.4-acre pond comes complete with restrooms, a pavilion, benches and picnic tables. The concrete sidewalk that surrounds the pond is great for wheelchair access. Anglers can expect to catch the rainbow trout that are stocked from November through April. You may keep two fish.
Weber County:
This 2-acre pond and fishing pier is at 1126 E. 4600 South in Ogden. Enter via the hospital entrance on 4400 South. Expect to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, rainbow trout and green sunfish. Release bass and grass carp. You may keep two fish. Motorized watercraft are not allowed. Please respect private property. There is no wheelchair access.
Located on 2100 South, one mile east of I-15, this 29-acre lake holds rainbow trout, largemouth bass, wipers and bluegill. Boating by permission only. Some areas are off limits to fishing, so pay attention to signs at the lake. Please show courtesy to water skiers using the lake. There is no wheelchair access. You may keep two fish, but please release largemouth bass.
Located in Roy at 4200 W. 5075 South, this 4-acre pond holds channel catfish, rainbow trout, bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass and carp. You may keep two fish, but please release all largemouth bass. Keep pets on leashes and respect the surrounding private property. Pond rules prohibit glass containers. No boating or floating. All Roy City ordinances apply. The pond is open during daylight hours only.
Ray Grass was an employee of the Deseret News for 47 years. He produced weekly articles for the outdoor section, as well as stories/photos for other sections. He has won several writing awards, including Outdoor Writer Association of America's Best Outdoor Section in 2005.
