Upcoming events

Steinaker State Park, Disabled Outdoorsmen Utah and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources have partnered to host the 2025 Youth Ice Fishing Derby at Steinaker State Park! We aim to provide an avenue for youth of all skill levels to showcase their abilities. Even if your kids have never ice fished before, everyone is welcome to participate and have fun! Staff will be available to drill ice fishing holes for those who need assistance.

This event has moved again back to Steinaker State Park due to road conditions at Matt Warner Reservoir.

Prize categories include:

• Heaviest fish overall.
• Heaviest fish for each age bracket.
• Smallest fish in each age bracket.
• First fish turned in.

Registration:

• Registration will close on Wednesday,February 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. All participants (including supervising adults) MUST be registered before competing in the tournament.
• Tournament registration is FREE.

Rules:

• Participants must check in at the the registration station in the parkinglot near the boat ramp of Steinaker State Park area prior to the event. Check in will start at 7:30 a.m. A map of the lake with tournament and rules will be provided during check in.
• Fishing will start at 9 a.m. and end at noon. Fish must be turned in no later than 12:00 p.m. in order to be processed for the tournament results.
• All fish will be weighed when turned in. If there is a tie in weight, the fish turned in first will be higher in rankings.
• Fish turned in to be weighed and measured will count toward a participant’s daily bag limit. Participants can not turn in more than the individual daily bag limit.
• The tournament will be organized into three age brackets: 8 and under, 9-13 years old and 14-17 years old.
• All participants must possess a valid fishing license except youth under the age of 12.
• All rules of the 2025 Utah Fishing Guidebook must be followed: https://wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks/2025_fishing_guidebook.pdf
• Participants must provide their own personal equipment.
• Poor sportsmanship, cheating, any type of foul play or failure to comply with the rules will result in an immediate disqualification from the event.

Join us on the ice near the boat launch shortly after noon for the announcement of the results and prizes.

Event Contact:

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Join the Ashley National Forest U.S. Forest Service staff and UDWR as we partner up to host this up-close experience with one of the mountain's hardiest alpine bird species! We'll sit with Brian Maxfield, the area wildlife conservation biologist, and Natasha Hadden, a U.S. Forest Service biologist to observe and possibly band overwintering Rosy-finches. This event will take place 23 miles north of Vernal at Forest Service Road 217 off of U.S. 191.

During the event, the biologists will set out ground traps to capture the rosy-finches and if successful, they will be collected and given small leg bands. These aluminum bands are stamped with a unique number that identifies each bird throughout its lifetime. The information gathered from the banding efforts helps biologists learn more about migration patterns and other crucial data about the birds, as not much is known about rosy-finches.

What to expect:

• As long as the birds cooperate with the traps, you will closely witness wild rosy-finches being banded. Otherwise, you should see birds nearby in the neighboring trees.
• This will be a fun, family event and the banding portion will be free.
• You can also enjoy a self-guided tour as you drive the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway through the “TravelStorys” app. This app will play throughout your ride and explain everything from the wildlife you may see to the geologic history of the area.

Before the event:

• Download the "TravelStorys" app to your phone if you wish. Be sure and download it before embarking on your journey, as service along the byway may vary.
• Sign up early to reserve your spot. Space is limited per hour and you must be registered in order to attend this event.
• Dogs are not permitted. The birds are very shy, and any sudden movements or barking may scare them away from the viewing location.
• Dress extremely warm and appropriate for the weather conditions. The only amenity nearby is a vault toilet for public use.

Directions:

• From Vernal: Travel approximately 23 miles north on Highway 191. Then turn right onto FR 217.
• From Manila: Travel approximately 39 miles south on Highway 44/191, until you see the Watchable Wildlife signs. Then turn left onto FR 217.
• Look out for the Watchable Wildlife signs. Park in the lot right next to the road.
• Latitude/Longitude: 40.7157270, -109.4761309

Event Contacts:

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson Flat Reservoir provides a great opportunity to view a variety of waterfowl species as they migrate through our state. In years past our biologists have obsevered 15+ unique species on the reservoir during this time of year.

What to expect:

• DWR personnel on-site to answer questions and provide information about waterfowl species.
• We'll have some spotting scopes available at the viewing event, but you should bring your own binoculars if you have them.
• Dress warm!

This waterfowl viewing event is free and will be set up near the parking area at the reservoir.

Please note: weather will determine if the event is held. If we need to cancel the event, we will send a notice to the email address you provide when registering for the event.

Event Contact:

Contact: Johnny Neil 435-868-8756