Ready To Kick Some Bass? DWR Says Southern Utah Is The Place!

With the warmer weather rolling in, it’s the perfect time for Utah anglers to start planning their spring and summer fishing trips. If you’re looking to reel in some largemouth or smallmouth bass, there are three great spots in southern Utah that not only offer fantastic fishing but also could use a little help through increased harvest: Gunlock Reservoir, Sand Hollow Reservoir, and Lake Powell.

Gunlock and Sand Hollow, both located in Washington County, are hotspots for largemouth bass. Lake Powell, which stretches across parts of southern Utah and northern Arizona, offers fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth bass in the stunning Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

“We would like to see an increased harvest of bass at Sand Hollow, Gunlock and Lake Powell,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Southern Region Warmwater Biologist Jonathan Hudson said in a press release. “Increasing harvest at Sand Hollow will help improve the size, age structure and condition of the bass there.” He also pointed out that bass meat is mild and delicious — a great reason to take some home for dinner.

When and With What

If you're hoping to catch a few, your best chances are during the warmer months. In southern Utah, largemouth bass usually start spawning in mid-April. In general, April through June and September through October are the best seasons to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

When it comes to gear, plastic lures are a good, inexpensive choice. Stick to natural colors like browns and blacks if the water is clear, and go for bright colors in murkier conditions. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits can also work wonders. Just remember: largemouth bass like brushy, vegetative areas, while smallmouth bass prefer rocky spots.

Read More: DWR Makes Sure There Are Plenty Of Fish To Catch

“Bass are a really popular sportfish around the country and even around the world — and it is no different here in Utah,” DWR Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick stated in a press release. She added that keeping bass you catch actually helps the population stay healthy and balanced.

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Want to find even more bass fishing locations? Check out the Fish Utah map on the DWR website!