Utah’s Fishing Season Heats Up Just In Time For Summer

As temperatures warm across the state, fish become more active and anglers often find success at lakes, reservoirs and community ponds alike. The DWR is also encouraging people to take advantage of the strong early-season fishing opportunities this year because ongoing drought conditions could impact some fisheries later in the summer.

Free Fishing Day The Weekend Following Memorial Day

Just after Memorial Day weekend, anglers will also have another opportunity to get outside during Utah’s annual Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 6. On that day, anyone can fish at public waterbodies across Utah without purchasing a fishing license, making it a popular event for families and first-time anglers.

“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 in a press release. “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. With the drought conditions this year, we are also encouraging people who want to go fishing to do so early in the season — due to potential impacts later in the year — so these two weekends are a great time to get out!”

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For beginners, the DWR recommends Utah’s community fishing ponds. The state has 57 community ponds that are stocked with trout and catfish each year, while many also contain warmwater species such as bass and bluegill. These close-to-home locations are especially popular with families and young anglers learning the basics of fishing.

More experienced anglers may want to head farther south to Lake Powell, where fishing conditions are currently excellent for striped bass, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Anglers using boats are reminded to follow aquatic invasive species decontamination rules. Due to low water levels, boat launching is currently limited to the Wahweap Stateline Auxiliary Launch Ramp and the Bullfrog North Launch Ramp.

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Outside of Free Fishing Day, anyone age 12 or older must have a valid Utah fishing license. Anglers are also reminded to review catch limits and fishing regulations in the 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook and to help keep fishing areas clean by packing out all trash and gear.