Best Utah fishing spots open Memorial Day weekend, free day planned June 7

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah wildlife officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of prime fishing conditions during Memorial Day weekend, with warm weather bringing active fish populations to waters across the state.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources highlighted several top fishing destinations as Memorial Day weekend approaches Saturday, noting that many locations are warming up with hungry, biting fish.

“All of the fish in the state, both warmwater and coldwater species, are active and willing to bite this time of year, making early June one of the best times to fish in Utah,” said Trina Hedrick, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator.

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The state will host Free Fishing Day on June 7, allowing anyone to fish at public waterbodies without a license. The annual event aims to introduce newcomers to the sport and reconnect experienced anglers who haven’t fished recently.

“Because you don’t need a license to fish on Free Fishing Day, it’s the perfect time to take someone with you and introduce them to this incredible activity,” Hedrick said. “If you’ve ever wanted to give fishing a try or if you haven’t been in a while, Free Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity!”

For beginners, the state maintains 57 community ponds stocked annually with trout and catfish. These locations provide accessible, close-to-home fishing opportunities ideal for children and inexperienced anglers.

Advanced anglers have numerous options across Utah, including Joes Valley Reservoir in Emery County, which offers trophy tiger muskie fishing along with splake, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Lake Powell provides excellent fishing for striped bass, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish.

Other recommended destinations include Fish Lake in Sevier County, Strawberry Reservoir in Wasatch County, and the Middle Provo River, where the green drake hatch creates prime fly fishing conditions through July.

Bear Lake, stretching between Idaho and Utah, features unique fish species found nowhere else in the world and offers prime cutthroat trout fishing from boats.

Wildlife officials warn that melting snowpack has many Utah streams and rivers running higher and faster than normal, urging caution for those planning to fish during runoff conditions.

Fishing licenses are required for anyone 12 or older, except on Free Fishing Day. Licenses cost vary and are valid for 365 days from purchase date. They can be bought online, at DWR offices or from licensed agents.

The 2025 Utah Fishing Guidebook, available in English and Spanish, contains daily fish limits and location-specific rules for all Utah waterbodies.