New Fishing Rules In Utah: More Fish, More Fun For Anglers

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is proposing significant changes to the current fishing regulations in Utah and is seeking public feedback on these amendments. These changes aim to update fishery management at various waterbodies across the state and address angler feedback obtained through a recent survey. If approved, the changes would take effect on January 1, 2025.

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In southern Utah, several notable changes are proposed. At Manning Meadow Reservoir, the DWR suggests allowing bait and increasing the daily trout limit to four fish, up from the current limit of two. The seasonal closure to protect spawning cutthroat trout will remain in place. Similarly, at Barney Lake, the daily trout limit would also be increased to four fish. At Gunlock Reservoir, the DWR proposes a daily limit of six largemouth bass of any size and increasing the daily limit for black crappie to 100 fish, double the current statewide limit. Quail Creek Reservoir would see a daily limit of six largemouth bass of any size, while Sand Hollow Reservoir’s daily limit for largemouth bass would increase to eight fish of any size, up from six, with the previous restriction of only one fish over 12 inches removed. At Mill Meadow Reservoir, the daily limit of eight tiger muskie would be reduced to one fish over 40 inches, aligning with the statewide limit.

Statewide, the DWR is proposing several other changes. Spearfishing, currently allowed only between sunrise and sunset, would be permitted at any time of day or night. The use of artificial light while spearfishing for Utah chub would be allowed at any location. Additionally, spearfishing would be permitted at 15 high-elevation waterbodies in the Uinta Mountains, including Alexander Lake, Wall Lake, and Fish Lake, among others. The number of hooks allowed per setline would be reduced from 15 to eight, and setline tending would be limited to those with a setline permit. Mechanical retrieval of setlines would be prohibited, and setlines would need to be checked at least once every 48 hours and marked with the angler’s permit number.

Further proposed changes include allowing the use of airguns (archery tackle) to remove carp at any open waterbody, provided the airgun is pneumatically powered and pressurized through a separate charging device. The “bonus” brook trout limit at lakes and streams in the Uinta Mountains in several counties would be removed. Additionally, four community fishing ponds would be added across the state: Dry Creek Highland Pond, Provo River Delta Gateway Park Pond, Jordan River Big Bend Pond, and Willow Spring Pond. Anglers would also be allowed to kill and possess fish they catch from the prohibited species list, with a requirement to report these catches to the DWR.

The DWR is also proposing updates to the rule governing how the DWR may buy, sell, or exchange land. These updates involve restructuring the rule to create separate sections for acquisition, disposal, and exchange of properties owned by the DWR, providing clarity and consistency in these processes. Minor clarifications to the rule and associated definitions are also proposed.

Public meetings regarding these recommendations can be viewed virtually or attended in person. Biologists' presentations will be available on the DWR website and YouTube channel, with comments accepted through the DWR website only. The public comment period opened on August 6 for each of the five Regional Advisory Council (RAC) meetings and for the Utah Wildlife Board meeting. Comments submitted within the online-comment timeframes will be shared with the RAC and wildlife board members at each meeting. To comment during a meeting, one must attend in person, as online comments will only be accepted until the specified deadlines.

The southern Utah RAC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3rd, at the DNR Richfield City Complex at 2031 Industrial Park Road.