When anglers think about Bass fishing, states like California and Texas most often come to mind. Utah rarely tops the list, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in Bass fishing opportunities. While you won’t find them everywhere, Largemouth and Smallmouth are populated across the Beehive State, offering incredible rewards for anglers willing to hunt for them.
Utah is somewhat of a unique fishing climate, so I’m here to break down everything you need to know about Bass angling here. From the why, through the what, how, where, and when, I’ve got you covered for your next fishing adventure. Let’s take a look at what’s in store…
Why go Bass fishing in Utah?
Tourists flock to southern Utah for iconic national parks like Arches and Zion, but the Bass fisheries in the state tend to fly under the radar. The southern region has quite a few productive Bass spots and there are some in the north as well.
Utah offers some of the most attractive landscapes on earth and it’s a fun place to fish in general. With huge reservoirs like Flaming Gorge and small farm ponds, there are some exciting and diverse Bass fisheries to enjoy on your next trip. It’s also one of the most scenic states in the west, and many of the top fisheries are in the middle of picturesque landscapes!
Top Bass Species in Utah
With four Bass species to chase, anglers will enjoy variety throughout the state. While Smallmouth may be the most popular target here, there’s plenty more to target. Let’s take a closer look…
Smallmouth Bass
The number of excellent Smallmouth Bass fisheries in Utah will surprise you. The massive Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a top spot but there are quite a few others, including many lakes and reservoirs in the Heber Valley. The fishing is generally seasonal but the numbers are strong, and anglers will find Smallmouth Bass in a range of sizes.
Largemouth Bass
There’s some overlap between Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass fisheries in central and northern Utah, but a good chunk of the Largemouth fishing takes place in southern Utah. The warmer southern climate helps create a significant growing season and also a longer season for anglers. In the bigger reservoirs, abundant forage leads to some trophy-sized Largemouth Bass.
Striped Bass
Don’t overlook Striped Bass in the southern region. A big section of Lake Powell lies within Utah and it’s an insanely productive fishery. The lake is massive and anglers can spend a lifetime exploring the remote bays and hidden shorelines by boat or on foot. Striped Bass here reach large sizes and fight like crazy.
White Bass
One of the best eating species in the state also has liberal catch-and-keep limits. While these fish don’t reach huge sizes, you can catch a pile of them for the frying pan. Opportunities are largely localized to Utah Lake and a few other spots that are worth your efforts. Come in spring to maximize your chances and head home with your buckets full!
How to Go Bass Fishing in Utah
A wide variety of techniques will get the job done when fishing for Bass in Utah. Some lakes have shallow, weedy bays while others are deep with ledges and drop-offs. Finding the food, depth, and prime holding places is the key to your Bass fishing success. Once you find the fish, choosing the best rig and retrieve is the next step. These are just a few of the best ways to go Bass fishing in Utah:
- Texas and Carolina rigs. Run these with a real bait or soft plastic. Both of these rigs are simple and effective at a variety of depths. With a weight and quality soft worm or crayfish imitation, you can catch Bass anywhere.
- Spinnerbaits. When summer hits and you want to run through shallow bays and weed-ridden Bass hot spots, break out the spinnerbaits. They work everywhere and are a go-to for some of the most successful Bass anglers around.
- Bobber and bait. Keep it simple and drop a worm or other bait off a bobber. Every species of Bass is partial to this time-tested technique.
- Deep jigs. I love running swim jigs and football jigs off muddy ledges in reservoirs. Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell are both great candidates for a deep, skirted jig.
Where to Go Bass Fishing in Utah
As I’ve already mentioned, there are a ton of options for Bass in Utah. But a few fisheries and regions really stand out. Use the following as a starting point for your Bass excursions and keep exploring to uncover some of the less popular and more secret fisheries scattered across this big state.
Heber Valley
Anglers flock to the Heber Valley for Trout fishing on the Provo River, often not knowing great Bass fishing is also an option in the area. Deer Creek Reservoir is one of the major fisheries and it has both Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass available, while the former are prevalent in many other lakes in the region, too.
Lake Powell
This massive reservoir feels more akin to an ocean at times! Lake Powell is home to some of the state’s biggest Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass – and they can hit some truly impressive sizes here. However, Striped Bass are the real draw. They school up and anglers can troll or cast into feeding groups. It’s like fishing in saltwater for one of the most powerful species around.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
The stunning Flaming Gorge Reservoir feeds the famous Green River Trout fishery. Many anglers come for the river and overlook the highly productive and fish-rich reservoir above. While you can chase big Lake Trout, Kokanee Salmon, and a number of other exciting species, the Smallmouth Bass here are worth pursuing, too. Populations are strong with fish ranging from less than a pound to over 5 pounds.
Southern Utah
While the northern region has some great Bass fishing, look to the south for longer seasons and abundant opportunities. Places like Sand Cove Reservoir and Quail Creek Park are fantastic. While Lake Powell is the big attraction, many other reservoirs and lakes also offer great fishing.
Bass Fishing Seasons in Utah
Bass seasons are more regulated by temperature and seasonality of climate zones than regulations in Utah. In the north, for example, the cold weather will slow Bass fishing in the Heber Valley and Flaming Gorge fisheries. Look to summer for the best Bass fishing in northern Utah.
In the southern region, fishing runs year-round and you can even catch Bass in the middle of winter. Fishing methods change based on water temperature, but the waters remain open and you can catch Bass anytime of year.
Bass Fishing Regulations
The Bass fishing regulations in Utah are generally water-specific, with the fish being regulated on an individual fishery basis in most cases. For example, Stansbury Lake is catch and release for all Largemouth Bass, while other lakes have a six-fish limit. In some areas, Smallmouth Bass have a mandatory catch and keep regulation to regulate populations and to prevent growth stunting. Meanwhile, in Lake Powell, there are no limits in place for Striped Bass. Of course, this can always change based on population shifts.
Other than knowing the rules for where you’ll be fishing, you’ll just need to make sure that you have a valid Utah fishing license before you cast your line. The process is pretty simple, and you can get your permit online.
Utah Bass Fishing FAQs
Go Catch a Lunker in Utah!
When you start looking at destinations for Bass fishing, don’t overlook Utah. It’s known as a Trout state in many circles, but the warmwater fisheries and diversity of species are not lacking. The majesty of Lake Powell and the Flaming Gorge Reservoir is pretty spectacular, and I strongly encourage everyone to check them out!
Have you ever been Bass fishing in Utah? We’d love to hear about your experience and fish stories from the state. Get in touch in the comments below!
