Utah is home to many different kinds of bass, featuring largemouth bass, spotted bass, and smallmouth bass. There are also many kinds of bass fishing in Utah, including fly fishing, trolling, and casting.
Bass are found in most of the state’s fisheries.
Bass fishing in Utah happens in many kinds of water, including rivers, lakes, and ponds. The best time of year for bass fish in Utah is spring and early summer.
However, you can fish for bass all year round if you know where to look. We took the liberty to provide the top 10 bass fishing spots in the state that will give you the best fishing experience.
Going fishing in Utah? Then give a read to our Utah Fishing License guide.
Lake Powell
Bass fishing in Utah is fantastic, and Lake Powell is one of the best bass lakes in the state. Located in southern Utah, Lake Powell is famous for its clear blue water and stunning red rock scenery.
There are many different areas to fish on the lake, but some of the best spots for bass fishing are Antelope Point, Bullfrog Basin, and the Colorado River. Bass anglers can access Lake Powell by boat, kayak, or shore fishing.
There are many different types of bass in Utah, including Smallmouth bass and Largemouth bass. The best time of year to bass fish in Utah is during spring when the fish are spawning.
The spawn usually takes place in late April or early May. Bass are notoriously aggressive during the spawn.
If you want to bass fish in Utah, make sure you understand the biology of bass, know what type of water they prefer, and have the patience to wait for them to bite. You’ll be pulling in fish with a little luck all day.
Sand Hollow Reservoir
Sand Hollow Reservoir is one of the state’s top destinations for anglers. The lake is in the state’s southwest corner, and it’s known for its clear water and excellent bass fishing.
Several lake areas are perfect for fishing, and there are many ways to access the water.
If you’re looking to explore Sand Hollow Reservoir, you should know a few things. First, the best fishing spots are typically near the dam or shoreline.
Second, you’ll need a Utah fishing license to fish in the reservoir. And third, check the current conditions before you go – the water level can fluctuate, and certain areas may be more crowded than others.
Bass is the main fish species in the reservoir, but there are also good populations of catfish, Crappie, and bluegill.
The best baits for bass fishing vary depending on the time of year, but common choices include plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.
Pelican Lake
(Photo credit: https://www.visitutah.com/things-to-do/fishing/fishing-pelican-lake)
Enjoy the quiet at Pelican Lake as you fish for your favorite fish. The area is well-fitted with boat ramps, picnic areas, a pier, and docks.
Anglers enjoy fishing top species such as largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, rock bass, bluegill, and yellow perch.
To get the best catch, you should go fishing in the early summer. The warming water temperatures trigger bass, black crappies, and walleye.
For bass fishing, you should stick to the shorelines or rock piles. Bring your kids to catch sunfish along the shore.
Quail Creek Reservoir
Bass fishing in Utah can be pretty great, and Quail Creek Reservoir is one of the best fishing spots.
The lake is in Southern Utah, near the town of Hurricane, and it’s known for its clear water and scenic views.
You can fish from the shore or use a boat at Quail Creek Reservoir. Some also use a kayak or a canoe. The best time to fish is spring when the bass are spawning.
You can use different lures to bass fish, and you can also use live bait. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources often stocks the lake with bass, so there is plenty of fish to catch.
However, bass are one of many fish you can catch at Quail Creek Reservoir. Other species include rainbow trout, brown trout, and channel catfish.
Bass fishing is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors with family or friends. You can also enjoy the many camping and picnicking facilities available at Quail Creek Reservoir.
Utah Lake
This is the largest natural lake in Utah and one of the best places to fish for white bass in the entire state. The best time to fish for white bass is during spring when they are spawning.
The best fishing areas are near the River Jordan and Provo River inflows. There are several public boat ramps on Utah Lake and a few private marinas.
You can also fish from the shore in many areas.
Utah Lake is home to healthy populations of several other fish species, including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, Walleye, and channel catfish.
So no matter what your preferred method of fishing is, you’re sure to find a good spot on Utah Lake.
Jordanelle Reservoir
Jordanelle Reservoir is in northeastern Utah, about 30 miles from Salt Lake City. It’s also pretty close to Park City.
Home to Jordanelle State Park, the reservoir is approximately 3,300 acres with five miles of shoreline.
The lake’s depth is 109 feet, making it a prime destination for anglers who love fishing deep waters and steep banks.
Fed by the Provo River, you will find water enthusiasts swarming the lake during summer.
You will also not run short on any fish at the lake.
It’s a popular destination for bass fishing in Utah, as it’s home to large populations of largemouth bass and rainbow trout.
Crappies and tiger muskies are also in the reservoir, making it an excellent spot for anglers of all experience levels.
During your expedition, keep an eye out for big browns as you look out for smallmouth bass.
You might come across other species: cutthroat trout, Kokanee, tiger muskie, walleye, salmon, and yellow perch.
There are several ways to access Jordanelle Reservoir, including by boat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. Fishing from the shore is also possible in some areas.
The best entry points for the park are Ross Creek, Rock Cliff, and Hailstone.
The most popular entry point is the Hailstone. You will find boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and a store where you can purchase fishing gear.
Starvation Reservoir
Starvation Reservoir is an artificial reservoir located in the southeastern part of Utah. It is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Salt Lake City.
The lake is approximately 30 miles long and 8 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 250 feet, making it one of the best fishing spots in Utah.
The reservoir is best known for its excellent fishing and is home to various fish, including brown trout, cutthroat trout, and Kokanee salmon.
However, the lake is primarily known for walleye and bass fishing. The fish heavily rely on the yellow perch and crayfish for forage.
You will find numerous local bass tournaments at the lake throughout the year.
There are several different areas to fish in the reservoir. Make sure you check the regulations before you start your fishing expedition.
The best time to fish is typically early morning or evening. During the day, the sun can be too hot, and the fish tend to be less active.
However, it all depends on the temperature.
Spring fishing is best between April and June. When the lake’s temperature hits 56 degrees, the fish migrate to the shallows for spawning. You can use crankbaits, soft plastic baits, or jerkbaits to catch big bass.
Some anglers go fishing during summer; they rely on search baits to locate the fish. The lowest yields are during winter and fall.
The best bait to use is jigs, which you can find at any bait shop. Nightcrawlers or minnows also work well. You can access Starvation Reservoir by boat or foot, and several hiking trails offer great water views.
Deer Creek Reservoir
This picturesque bass fishing lake is just south of Salt Lake City, and it’s known for its excellent fishing opportunities.
The fishing region attracts a lot of different types of anglers due to its proximity to Wasatch Front.
It is about 10 miles south of Herber, near Provo Canyon. You will find other amenities at the reservoir, such as a picnic area, boat rental, RV hookups, lodging, parking, trails, piers, and docks.
Deer Creek Reservoir is a great place to cast your line, whether you’re looking to catch some largemouth or smallmouth bass.
However, the lake is popularly known for smallmouth bass and Rainbow Trout.
There are also other fish species, such as rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch.
There are a few regulations that Deer Creek Reservoir has for anglers interested in exploring the species in the lake. One of the most popular regulations is no limit on fishing white bass and black bullhead catfish.
However, once you catch any of these species, you cannot return them to the water. If you catch any of these species, you must keep them.
Several specific areas on the lake are popular for producing big fish, and numerous boat ramps and public access points make it easy to get out on the water.
The best time to fish is during the summer. You can fish from the shore along the south side or from the highway.
If you are in the market for trout or walleye, you should fish during April. Anglers usually swamp the area during this time. For smallmouth bass, you should fish in June.
You can also enjoy good ice fishing in the winter.
Colorado River
Situated in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the river is famous for its abundance of trout and scenic beauty.
There are various ways to access the fishing destination, including by boat, foot, and car. The most popular method of fishing on the river is trout fishing.
There are several different areas to fish, including the Crooked River, the Blue River, and the Gunnison River.
In addition to trout fishing, the Colorado River is a popular ice fishing destination. There are many ice fishing spots on the river, including the Summit County Reservoir and the Williams Fork Reservoir.
The Colorado River is a popular destination for both trout fishing and ice fishing, and it is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Lower Green River
Bass fishing in Utah in the 12,000-acre lake is an angler’s paradise. Lower Green River is one of the top spots to catch these feisty fish.
The lake is in northeastern Utah, just south of the Wyoming border. It’s known for its clear water and abundant bass population.
There are many significant areas to fish on Lower Green River, but some hotspots include Buckboard Marina, Cedar Point Campground, and Millsite Reservoir.
There are several public boat ramps and numerous smaller creeks and bayous that provide access to the lake.
Bass aren’t the only fish you’ll find in the lake – there are also catfish, trout, and crappie.
Access to the water is easy, with boat ramps located at several different spots around the lake.
So, whether you’re a bass pro or just getting started, Lower Green River is a great place to wet your line.
Lower Green River is a popular destination for fishing tournaments and boating events. It is also a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and water skiing.
Last Cast
Utah has an abundance of lakes, small ponds, streams, and reservoirs. Bass fishing in Utah includes some other scenic sites, like the Mantua Reservoir and the Pineview Reservoir, and the fish themselves are large and plentiful.
Many professional bass fishermen consider Utah the best state for bass fishing. Florida may have more bass fishing spots, but Utah’s bass are large and easier to catch.
In addition to its abundance of fish, Utah also boasts scenic views and ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
In short, it’s the perfect place to spend a weekend (or a lifetime) pursuing the elusive trophy bass.
