We are blessed to have so many great bodies of water to fish in Utah. Each one bringing something different and unique. With so many great options, it can be overwhelming deciding where to go. In this article we go over our top trout fishing spots in Utah.
The following list includes 12 of the best trout fishing waters in Utah. These destinations offer great fishing and some world class views. This list takes in consideration both size and quantity of fish as well as variety of trout species.
These lakes and rivers are in no particular order and are all worthy of your time in search of some great trout fishing in Utah.
The 12 Best Trout Fishing Locations in Utah:
- Green River
- Flaming Gorge
- Strawberry Reservoir
- Fish Lake
- Provo River
- Otter Creek
- Bear Lake
- Logan River
- Minersville
- Ogden River
- Uinta Mountains
- Boulder Mountains
Green River
The Green River is a world famous fly fishing stream and is located below the Flaming Gorge Dam in northeastern Utah. It’s clear waters supports a large population of trout and has been called the top fly fishing trout stream in the lower 48 based on the numbers of large trout.
The crystal clear Green River can be accessed at three sections (A, B, C). Section A is the dam to a place called Little Whole, Section B is from Little Hole to Indian Crossing in Browns Park and Indian Crossing to the state line, also in Browns Park is section C.
The size and large population of trout along with its’ scenic, steep-wall canyons makes this rugged stream a must visit for all trout anglers. You won’t be able to find a place quite like the Green River.
Key Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout and cutthroat trout
Best Ways to Fish: Flies, spinners, lures and jigs
When to fish: All year-round
Make sure to check out My Recommend Gear and Tackle Guide to ensure you have the right gear for your next fishing adventure.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Flaming Gorge is the premier lake trout destinations in Utah. This famous reservoir straddles the Utah Wyoming state line and has produced more lake trout over 30lbs than any other fishery in the entire United States. Monster lake trout can be caught all year round.
Of course giant lake trout are not all that the Gorge has to offer, healthy populations of small mouth bass and kokanne salmon also attract anglers throughout the state. Flaming Gorge offers spectacular scenery and great fishing.
Key Species: Lake trout, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, channel catfish and kokanee salmon
Best Ways to Fish: From the shore and a boat
When to fish: All year-round
Strawberry Reservoir
Strawberry Reservoir is one of Utahs premier trout fisheries. No other Utah reservoir is more consistently productive year over year. Its consistency and large population of trout, makes it one Utah’s most popular fishing destinations and a must visit for all Utah trout anglers.
Anglers enjoy both size and quantity at Strawberry Reservoir as it supports a healthy population of both rainbow and cutthroat trout as well as kokanee salmon.
This reservoir is located between Heber City and Duchesne, about 90 minutes from Salt Lake City.
Key Species: Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon
Best Ways to Fish: Flies, spinners, lures, bait, trolling
When to fish: All year-round
Strawberry Reservoir Resources
- Fall Fishing at Strawberry Reservoir
- Strawberry Reservoir Fishing – Kokanee Salmon
- Ice Off at Strawberry Reservoir
Fish Lake
Fish Lake may perhaps be the most popular and scenic places to fish in all of Utah and is one of the state’s best ice fishing destinations. It has also been one of Utah’s legendary trophy trout waters.
This blue water lake is located in south-central Utah at the base of Central Utah’s Mytoge Mountains, at an elevation about 8,800 feet.
Fish Lake provides anglers with multiple fishing opportunities including big lake trout and nice sized splake, rainbows as plenty of perch.
Key Species: Lake trout, rainbow trout, splake, brown trout, tiger muskie, and kokanee salmon
Best Ways to Fish: Trolling and Ice fishing
When to fish: All year-round
Provo River
The Provo River is one of Utah’s great gifts and will truly give you a blue ribbon experience all year-round. It’s arguably one of the best fisheries in the west. The Provo Rivers provides anglers with the chance to catch monster browns and numerous fish between 14 and 18 inches.
The Provo river is divided into three sections: lower, middle and upper.
- Upper – Trail Lake to Jordanelle Reservoir (largest)
- Middle – Jordanelle to Deer Creek Reservoir
- Lower – Downstream from Deer Creek Reservoir
It’s close proximity, great fishing and fantastic views makes it a must visit for any angler.
Key Species: Brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and white fish
Best Ways to Fish: Wading with Flies, lures and spinners
When to fish: All year-round
Otter Creek
Otter Creek is a great place to catch some
Key Species: Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout
Best Ways to Fish: Jigging and Trolling
When to fish: All year-round (best in the spring and Summer)
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is very well known for its annual cisco run every January. In fact, Bear Lake is the only place in the world where you can find bonneville cisco. Anglers throughout the west gather each January and it has turned into quite the event.
Key Species: Bonneville cisco, lake trout, cutthroat trout
Best Ways to Fish: Jigging and Trolling
When to fish: All year-round (best in the spring and fall)
Logan River
Key Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout
Best Ways to Fish: Flies, lures and baits
Best time of the year to fish: All year round
Minersville
Key Species: Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and smallmouth bass
Best Ways to Fish: Flies and artificial lures
Best time of the year to fish: Spring and Fall
Ogden River
This river is loaded with brown trout and can be one of the best placed in Utah to catch them.
Key Species: Brown trout
Best Ways to Fish: Bait, lures and flies
When to fish: All year-round
Unita Mountains
The Unita Mountains is truly one of Utah’s most precious fishing gems. These mountain ranges are an anglers dream in the summer. When other trout fisheries start to slow down the Unita’s offers solitude, scenic views, and great fishing.
There are over a 1,000 natural lakes in the Unitas and most of them support fish. These unique mountains make any fishing trip well worth it.
Key Species: Brook trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, grayling and golden trout
Best Ways to Fish: Flies, lures and spinners
When to fish: Summer and Fall
Boulder Mountains
Much like the High Unita’s, the Boulder Mountains offers a beautiful back country experience especially if you are willing to hike. These mountains provide anglers with over 80 lakes and streams to choose from.
Key Species: Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, tiger trout, grayling and splake
Best Ways to Fish: Flies, bait, spinners, jigs and spoons
When to fish: Summer and Fall
Honorable Mentions
- Weber River
- East Canyon
Other Trout Fishing Resources
- Best Lures for Brook Trout
- Best Trout Lures for Rivers and Streams
- Fishing a Drop Shot Rig for Trout
- Fishing a Ned Rig for Trout
- 7 Best Ways to Catch Trout
Final Thoughts
Utah is one of the premier place to fish for trout and provide some incredible angling opportunities. It’s provides anglers with a diverse lineup of great rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. As well as a variety of trout species to target. Wether you are fishing on the Green River chasing some monster browns or at Strawberry Reservoir reeling in a nice rainbow, Utah is a great place to fish.
Hopefully this article gets you excited about the trout fishing opportunities that exist in Utah. Now go grab a rod and hit the water! Best of luck , and be safe out there.
Tight Lines!