Utah Lake FISHING

Utah Lake Fishing Regulations

Know the rules before you go. Fishing license requirements, species limits, special regulations, and important protections.

Important: This page provides a summary of common regulations for convenience. Always verify current regulations in the official Utah Fishing Guidebook published by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Regulations can change — check the guidebook for the current season.

Fishing License Requirements

All anglers 12 years and older must possess a valid Utah fishing license while fishing at Utah Lake. Licenses are available online, at authorized agents, or through the Utah Hunt/Fish mobile app.

  • Resident annual license: Available for Utah residents
  • Non-resident annual license: Available for out-of-state anglers
  • 1-day license: Available for both resident and non-resident
  • Youth (12-13): Reduced-price license required
  • Under 12: No license needed when fishing with a licensed adult

Purchase licenses at wildlife.utah.gov.

Species Limits at Utah Lake

Species Daily Limit Size Limit Notes
Channel Catfish 8 None
White Bass No limit None
Walleye 10 Only 1 over 24" Tributaries closed Mar 1 – 1st Sat of May
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass 6 Only 1 over 12" Combined limit
Common Carp No limit None Invasive — harvest all you can
Bluegill/Green Sunfish 50 None Combined limit
Black Bullhead 24 None
Northern Pike No limit None MUST KEEP — cannot release
June Sucker PROTECTED N/A Endangered — illegal to harvest

Source: 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook (Utah DWR). Verify limits before your trip — regulations may change.

Special Regulations

Northern Pike — Mandatory Harvest

Northern pike were illegally introduced into Utah Lake. They are predators that threaten native fish species, particularly the endangered June sucker. If you catch a northern pike at Utah Lake, you are legally required to keep it. Releasing a northern pike back into the water is a violation. There is no limit — keep every pike you catch.

June Sucker — Fully Protected

The June sucker is an endangered species endemic to Utah Lake — it exists nowhere else on Earth. It is fully protected under the Endangered Species Act. Targeting, harvesting, or possessing June suckers is a federal offense. If you accidentally hook a June sucker, carefully release it immediately, ideally without removing it from the water.

Walleye — Tributary Closure

Utah Lake tributaries are closed to walleye possession from March 1 through the first Saturday of May. During this period, any walleye caught in tributaries must be immediately released. Only 1 walleye over 24 inches may be kept per day.

Bass — Combined Limit

The daily limit of 6 bass applies to largemouth and smallmouth bass combined. Only 1 bass over 12 inches may be kept per day.

Carp — Liberal Harvest

Common carp are an invasive species causing significant ecological damage to Utah Lake. There is no limit on carp. Anglers and bowfishers are strongly encouraged to harvest as many as possible. Every carp removed helps improve the lake's water quality and native fish habitat. Dispose of harvested carp properly — do not leave on shore. Learn more at utahlakecarp.com.

Fish Consumption Advisories

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issues fish consumption advisories for Utah Lake due to elevated levels of PCBs and other contaminants. Channel catfish and common carp in particular may contain elevated PCB levels.

  • Channel Catfish: Limited consumption recommended due to PCBs.
  • Common Carp: Limited consumption recommended due to PCBs.

For current advisories, see the Utah DEQ Fish Consumption Advisories.

General Fishing Rules

  • Two poles may be used simultaneously with a valid two-pole permit (in addition to fishing license)
  • Anglers may use setlines at Utah Lake — check guidebook for specific rules
  • Bowfishing is permitted for carp and other non-game species only
  • Clean, drain, and dry all equipment between water bodies to prevent spread of invasive species
  • Fishing hours: 24 hours/day, 365 days/year (no closed season at Utah Lake)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Utah Lake?
Yes. All anglers 12 years and older must have a valid Utah fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online at wildlife.utah.gov, at license agents throughout Utah, or through the Utah Hunt/Fish app. Children under 12 can fish without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult.
What are the catfish limits at Utah Lake?
The daily limit for channel catfish at Utah Lake is 8 fish.
Can I release northern pike at Utah Lake?
No. If you catch a northern pike at Utah Lake, you MUST keep it. Releasing northern pike is illegal because they are an illegally introduced invasive species that threatens native fish, particularly the endangered June sucker. There is no limit on northern pike.
Is there a carp limit at Utah Lake?
No. There is no limit on common carp at Utah Lake. Carp are an invasive species and anglers are strongly encouraged to harvest them. Every carp removed helps the ecosystem. Visit utahlakecarp.com for information on carp fishing and removal efforts.
What happens if I accidentally catch a June sucker?
The June sucker is a federally endangered species found only in Utah Lake. If you accidentally catch one, immediately and carefully release it back into the water. Do not remove it from the water if possible. Targeting, harassing, or harvesting June suckers is illegal and carries significant federal penalties.
Is there a fee to fish at Utah Lake?
Access from Utah Lake State Park requires a $15/vehicle day-use fee or a Utah State Parks annual pass. Some harbors and ramps may have separate launch fees. Shore fishing from public access points outside the state park is generally free, though a valid fishing license is always required.
Can I bowfish at Utah Lake?
Yes. Bowfishing is legal at Utah Lake for carp and other non-game species. Bowfishing is an effective method for carp removal and is increasingly popular at Utah Lake. You still need a valid fishing license. Do not bowfish for game species (bass, walleye, catfish, etc.).
What are the bass limits at Utah Lake?
The daily limit is 6 largemouth or smallmouth bass combined. Only 1 may be over 12 inches. Always check the current Utah Fishing Guidebook for the latest regulations.

Carp Fishing Regulations

Detailed carp fishing and bowfishing regulations, including removal program information.

Carp Regulations