Panfish, Perch & Sunfish Fishing In Utah

Guide to fishing for sunfish in UT lakes and ponds.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Throughout the state of Utah you can find waters with populations of sunfish, including bluegill, green sunfish, white bass and yellow perch. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about panfish fishing and identify popular sunfish fishing waters in the state. Ice fishing for perch and sunfish draws anglers of all ages during winter.

Utah offers great panfish fishing opportunities, making it a great destination for anglers of all ages, including youth. Panfish are a diverse group of species that are fun to catch and can be found in various bodies of water throughout the state. Some of the popular panfish species in Utah include sunfish, bluegill, green sunfish, white bass, and yellow perch.

Bluegill Fishing Basics Video

The core principles shown in this video will work for most sunfish, perch and other panfish.

Sunfish and bluegill are among the most sought-after panfish in Utah. They are abundant in many lakes, reservoirs, and ponds, providing ample opportunities for young anglers to enjoy a day of fishing. These species are known for their aggressive bites, which make them exciting catches for kids and beginners.

Green sunfish are another panfish species found in Utah's waters. They are known for their fighting spirit and can be found in slower-moving waters such as ponds and small lakes. While not as abundant as sunfish and bluegill, they are still a favorite among youth anglers for their feisty nature.

White bass and yellow perch are also considered panfish in Utah. They are often found in larger reservoirs and offer a different fishing experience for young anglers. White bass, in particular, are known for their strong runs and acrobatic leaps, providing an exciting challenge for kids on the water.

Utah's youth fishing programs and family-friendly fishing events encourage young anglers to participate in the sport. With the state's diverse panfish species and various fishing locations, kids have plenty of opportunities to develop their fishing skills while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether it's casting a line from the shore of a quiet pond or joining a youth fishing clinic, panfish fishing in Utah is an excellent way for kids to experience the joys of fishing and create cherished memories with family and friends.

Panfish & Perch Lakes

Panfish seem to be found everywhere. Ponds, creeks, rivers and small lakes generally have one or more species of panfish. Major Utah lakes with a significant population of sunfish include Deer Creek Reservoir, Fish Lake, Jordanelle Reservoir, Lake Powell, Pineview Reservoir, Sevier Bridge Reservoir, Starvation Lake and Utah Lake.

Top Producing Panfish Lures & Bait

Check out the top producing lures and bait for bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass and warmouth, as well as other smaller sunfish. Click here for the best lures for white bass, yellow bass, white perch and yellow perch.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Utah State Record Sunfish

The state record bluegill was caught from Mantua Reservoir.

The state record green sunfish came from Glassman Pond.

The state record white bass came from Utah Lake.

The state record yellow perch was caught from Yuba Reservoir.

The term "panfish" comprises many species, each called by a variety of names. The bluegill tops the list and is the most common.

One or more species of sunfish populate virtually all warm water streams, ponds and lakes throughout Utah, and around the world for that matter. They can survive in waters that provide their natural food source of minnows, insects, crustaceans and worms. Their competitive nature amongst themselves, for food, makes them relatively easy to catch.

Panfish are prolific spawners and repopulate the waters as fast as they are harvested. A common problem with panfish fishing is that the waters are under-fished causing panfish to overpopulate. As a result they tend to stay small in size due to lack of food source.

Sunfish information in other states.