Jordanelle Reservoir habitat project aims to improve fishing during low-water years

A fish habitat structure being installed in Pineview Reservoir. Photo: Utah Department of Natural Resources

JORDANELLE STATE PARK, Utah — Anglers at Jordanelle Reservoir could soon see improved fishing conditions thanks to a new habitat enhancement project funded through Utah’s Blue Ribbon Fisheries program.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources announced this week that more than $446,000 has been awarded to 13 projects across the state during the 2026-27 fiscal year, with $22,000 earmarked for new fish habitat structures at Jordanelle Reservoir.

The Central Region project will fund the purchase, assembly, and installation of artificial fish habitat structures in Utah Division of Wildlife Resources-managed waters at Jordanelle Reservoir. The work is part of Phase 2 of a five-phase effort to improve habitat throughout the reservoir.

The structures are designed to protect young yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass while also creating productive fishing areas where anglers can target adult fish, particularly during years when low water levels reduce natural habitat.

The project received $22,000 from the Blue Ribbon Fisheries program, with additional funding provided by the Utah Habitat Council and donations from Muskies Inc.

Jordanelle is one of 41 designated Blue Ribbon Fisheries in Utah, a designation reserved for waterbodies that offer exceptional fishing opportunities and high-quality recreational experiences.

“The program was created because Utah’s leaders recognized that fishing is one of the state’s most popular and economically valuable recreational activities,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said in a statement. “There was a need to recognize the best angling opportunities in the state and to provide additional funding for further improvements to keep them at that level.”

Established in 2001 and formalized through a governor’s executive order in 2005, the Blue Ribbon Fisheries program helps fund projects that improve fish habitat, increase public access, and maintain the quality of Utah’s premier fisheries. The projects are supported by a portion of annual Utah fishing license sales.

In addition to Jordanelle, this year’s largest Blue Ribbon-funded projects include riverbank restoration on the Duchesne River, fishing access and habitat improvements at Starvation Reservoir, and a water quality improvement project at Panguitch Lake designed to reduce the risk of fish kills.

Utah wildlife officials say the investments benefit more than anglers.

“These waters are among the best fishing spots in Utah,” Hedrick said. “They provide not only great fishing, but also ideal habitat for the fish, economic benefits to the local communities, and an overall high-quality experience in the outdoors.”

The 13 projects will be completed during the 2026-27 fiscal year.