Details: Last Updated: Monday, April 29, 2024, 3:11 pm

Father and son standing at a pond, holding fishing poles

Fishing for beginners

How to get started

Fishing is a fun, relaxing activity at Utah's beautiful lakes and rivers. You can spend quality time outdoors with family and friends or enjoy nature in scenic solitude. If you've ever wanted to try fishing, here are the resources and links you need to get started.

Step 1

Learn to fish

Check out TakeMeFishing.org's online beginner's guide, which provides detailed, step-by-step explanations and videos. You'll also find great tips and techniques by attending Utah DWR fishing events and clinics and reading fishing articles on our website. Kids can learn to fish by enrolling in fishing clubs at Utah's community ponds.

Little girl holding a fishing pole at a river; her mother kneeling beside her

Step 2

Buy a fishing license

In Utah, everyone under the age of 12 can fish for free! You will need to buy a Utah fishing or combination license if you are 12 or older. Fishing licenses are available online, and at retail stores. Once you have a license, you can store it on your phone with our convenient Utah Hunting & Fishing app.

Step 3

Know the rules and regulations

The Utah Fishing Guidebook contains the rules you need to know before you start fishing — including special regulations for certain waterbodies. If you want or need to release the fish you catch, here are some helpful catch-and-release tips.

Plan your fishing trip

Want to find a fishing spot close to home — or maybe up in the mountains? Know what baits, lures and flies to bring? We've made it easy to find the fishing experience you're looking for!

Man standing at a pond in the Unita Mountains, casting in a fishing line

Woman holding a fish she caught at East Canyon State Park

Find where to fish

You'll find great places to fish in reservoirs, lakes and rivers throughout Utah. On our Fish Utah map, you can search by waterbody name, species type and more. Fishing is a favorite activity at Utah's state parks, community ponds and Blue Ribbon Fisheries.
Receive seasonal fishing forecasts

Sign up to receive emails about fishing forecasts at many popular waterbodies, and visit the online fish stocking report to see the latest details about where and when we've stocked fish around the state!
See helpful fishing articles

Check out our fun, info-packed blog posts for more information about learning to fish and for insights about where to go and what to catch!
- Learn to fish series
- Crayfishing for fun and food

Work on your fishing skills

These useful tips and videos from TakeMeFishing.org cover many of the basic skills involved in fishing. Take a few minutes to watch them when you're getting started!