In this article
Do You Need a Fishing License in Utah?
Yes. Anyone age 12 or older needs a fishing license to fish in Utah. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) issues all licenses and sets statewide fishing rules.
Anglers under 12 fish free but their catch counts against the adult's bag limit unless the child has a free youth permit. Residents must hold a valid Utah ID showing six months of residency.
Disabled veterans with 20 percent or higher service-connected ratings qualify for discounted licenses. Active-duty military stationed in Utah fish at resident rates.
How Much Does a Utah Fishing License Cost in 2026?
Resident annual fishing license costs $40. Youth resident (12-13) annual is $5, and youth (14-17) is $16. Resident senior (65+) annual costs $25.
Nonresident annual fishing license costs $90. Short-term nonresident options include 1-day at $9, 3-day at $25, and 7-day at $40. Youth nonresident annual is $16.
A second pole permit is required to fish with two rods on most waters and costs $20 resident, $25 nonresident. Licenses are valid 365 days from purchase, not calendar year.
Where to Buy a Utah Fishing License
Buy online at wildlife.utah.gov or through the Utah Hunting & Fishing app. Digital licenses are accepted by conservation officers across the state.
In-person retailers include Sportsman's Warehouse, Walmart, Cabela's, Smith & Edwards, and DWR offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Springville, Price, Vernal, and Cedar City.
Phone orders go through 1-800-221-0659. A small convenience fee applies to phone and online sales.
Utah Free Fishing Day 2026
Utah Free Fishing Day is the first Saturday of June. In 2026, free fishing day is Saturday, June 6. No license is required for anyone fishing public waters in Utah on this day.
DWR runs free fishing events at urban ponds and community fisheries throughout June with free loaner rods and bait. Check wildlife.utah.gov for the event schedule.
All bag limits, size limits, and gear restrictions remain in effect during free fishing day.
Utah Fishing Regulations You Should Know
Statewide daily limits include 4 trout (any species combined), 6 bass (largemouth or smallmouth combined), 6 walleye, and 6 channel catfish. Many waters have stricter water-specific rules.
Utah enforces strict mussel decontamination rules to protect waters from quagga and zebra mussels. All boats leaving Lake Powell or Sand Hollow must be inspected and may require decontamination.
Some waters are artificial-lures-only or single-hook only. The Green River below Flaming Gorge and the Provo River have special tackle and bag limit rules. Check the DWR Fishing Guidebook before you go.
Best Fishing Spots in Utah
Lake Powell straddles the Utah-Arizona border and offers world-class striped bass and smallmouth fishing. The Green River below Flaming Gorge is one of the best trout streams in the country.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir holds trophy lake trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. Strawberry Reservoir is famous for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, with strict slot limits to protect the trophy fishery.
The Provo River, Weber River, and Logan River are top tailwater trout streams. High Uinta lakes hold native cutthroat, brookies, and Arctic grayling in alpine settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
A resident annual fishing license costs $40. Nonresidents pay $90 annually. Short-term nonresident licenses range from $9 for 1 day to $40 for 7 days.
Yes if they are 12 or older. Anglers under 12 fish free but their catch counts toward the accompanying adult's bag limit unless they hold a free youth permit.
Free Fishing Day falls on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the first Saturday of June. No license is required to fish public waters in Utah on that day.
Buy online at wildlife.utah.gov or through the Utah Hunting & Fishing mobile app. Digital licenses are valid immediately and accepted by DWR officers.
Yes to fish with two rods on most Utah waters. The second pole permit costs $20 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. Some waters allow only one pole even with the permit.
Utah fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, not by calendar year. Buy any time and get a full year of fishing.