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QUAIL CREEK STATE PARK — If you are itching for some good fishing and a fun weekend getaway filled with outdoor activities, head to Quail Creek State Park near Hurricane, Washington County.
Quail Creek Reservoir was originally built in 1985 as a culinary and irrigation supply source for eastern Washington County, according to Sand Hollow Complex Park Manager Laura Melling. It was established as a state park in 1986 and boasts some of the “warmest waters in the state,” according to the park website.
Two dams form the reservoir, and the west dam failed and was breached on New Year’s Day 1989. The flood resulted in some property damage and loss of livestock, but no people were injured in the breach, Melling said. The dam has since been rebuilt and the reservoir now offers more than 600 surface acres with some areas 150 feet deep.
“It is our oldest reservoir so it has the best fishing,” Melling said of Quail Creek State Park. “There are largemouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, bluegill and catfish.”
The reservoir currently holds the state catch-and-release record for the largest sunfish. It was caught in 2014 and measured at 11 ¼ inches, according to the Division of Wildlife Resources records.
There is a fish cleaning station available at Quail Creek, and motorized and nonmotorized boats are allowed for fishing and other recreation.
Melling said along with the excellent fishing, the park is also very popular for paddleboarding and kayaking. Paddleboards are rented at the park and lessons are offered.
The park also offers camping at 24 dry camping units. Firewood is sold at the park entrance, and two large pavilions are available for day use. Coin-operated showers are also available for day visitors and campers.
For those wanting to explore, there are roughly 5 miles of trails available for hiking and mountain biking. The hiking trails are located at the south end of the park by the river and hikers can see petroglyphs along the trail. The biking trail is located on the west side of the park.
If you go explore Quail Creek State Park, be sure to send photos or video of your outdoor adventures to fjolley@ksl.com to be featured in our monthly outdoor photo gallery.
