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Free Fishing Day is Saturday. Here are 15 places in Utah to check out

‘Early June is one of the best times to fish in Utah. All of the fish in the state, both warm-water and cold-water fish, are active and willing to bite this time of the year.’ — Randy Oplinger, sport fisheries coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

By Lottie Elizabeth Johnson Lottie Elizabeth Johnsonlottiejohnson@deseretnews.com
SHARE Free Fishing Day is Saturday. Here are 15 places in Utah to check out
Viktor Stulishaiko helps his grandson Tristan Epperson as they fish with another grandson, Sebastien, in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018.

Viktor Stulishaiko helps his grandson Tristan Epperson as they fish with another grandson, Sebastien, in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. In Utah, Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 6.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is honoring Free Fishing Day — the one day of the year when you can fish at any public waterbody without a fishing license — on Saturday, June 6. 

“Because you don’t need a license to fish that day, it’s the perfect time to take a family member with you and introduce them to the sport,” Randy Oplinger, sport fisheries coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, said in a statement on the division’s website. “And, early June is one of the best times to fish in Utah. All of the fish in the state, both warm-water and cold-water fish, are active and willing to bite this time of the year.”

While the requirement for having a fishing license is lifted Saturday, entrance fees to state parks and other areas may still apply, according to wildlife.utah.gov. Although COVID-19-related restrictions are easing up in many parts of Utah, people are still encouraged to practice social distancing outdoors, remaining at least 6 feet away from others who may be fishing in the same area, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

The division also recommends visiting a different waterbody if it looks crowded, and staying home if you’re feeling sick.

Here are 15 locations the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recommends exploring (all information is pulled from wildlife.utah.gov). 

Northern Utah

  • East Canyon Reservoir (Morgan County)
  • Mantua Reservoir (Box Elder County): This is a good place for beginners, since bluegill are usually near the shore in June, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Northeastern Utah

  • Flaming Gorge Reservoir (Daggett County)
  • Moon Lake (Duchesne County)

Central Utah

  • Utah Lake (Utah County):
  • Yuba Reservoir (Juab County)
  • Jordanelle Reservoir (Wasatch County)
  • Strawberry Reservoir (Wasatch County)
  • Deer Creek Reservoir (Wasatch County)

Southeastern Utah

  • Scofield Reservoir (Carbon County)
  • Millsite Reservoir (Emery County)
  • Recapture Reservoir (San Juan County)

Southern Utah

  • Kolob Reservoir (Washington County)
  • Paragonah (Red Creek) Reservoir (Iron County)
  • Kent’s Lake (Beaver County)

For additional information about Utah waterbodies — and the fish they carry — visit wildlife.utah.gov.