Utah wildlife officials highlight top fishing destinations ahead of Memorial Day, Free Fishing Day

Utah officials are encouraging anglers to start the season early with unpredictable summer temps on the way. Photo: Utah Department of Natural Resources

PARK CITY, Utah — With Memorial Day weekend and Utah’s annual Free Fishing Day just around the corner, state wildlife officials are encouraging Utahns to grab a rod and reel and take advantage of what could be one of the best fishing windows of the year.

Memorial Day weekend, which begins Saturday, May 23, traditionally marks the unofficial start of summer recreation across Utah. According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, warming temperatures and active fish make late May and early June an ideal time for anglers of all skill levels to get outdoors.

It might also be worth taking advantage of the early season, as expected high temperatures this summer may limit fishing opportunities later in the season.

Just two weeks later, on Saturday, June 6, Utah will hold its annual Free Fishing Day, allowing anyone to fish at public waterbodies across the state without purchasing a fishing license.

“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 fishing,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said. “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.”

Hedrick also noted that ongoing drought concerns could impact fishing conditions later in the season, making spring and early summer especially important opportunities for anglers.

For beginner anglers and families, DWR recommends starting at one of Utah’s 57 community fishing ponds, many of which are stocked with trout and catfish throughout the yea and are often located close to neighborhoods and parks.

Strawberry Reservoir continues to be one of Utah’s premier fisheries for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout.

Deer Creek Reservoir, designated as a Blue Ribbon Fishery, is well known for rainbow trout fishing and also offers opportunities to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Meanwhile, fly anglers looking for river fishing may want to head to the Middle Provo River, where the annual green drake hatch typically peaks in June and early July. DWR says brown trout and mountain whitefish fishing can be especially productive during the hatch.

Other recommended fishing destinations across Utah include Bear Lake, Fish Lake, Lake Powell, Starvation Reservoir, and Joes Valley Reservoir.

Officials are reminding anglers that aside from Free Fishing Day, anyone 12 years or older must carry a valid Utah fishing license. All other fishing regulations, including daily fish limits and gear restrictions, still apply during the free fishing event.

More information about Utah fishing locations, regulations, and licenses can be found in the 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook.