Trout Fishing In Utah

Guide to fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown, golden and lake trout in local lakes and streams.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Utah is a paradise for trout fishing enthusiasts, with its numerous lakes and rivers offering opportunities to catch various trout species. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and identify trout fishing waters in the state. Rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout are some of the most sought-after species in the state.

Trout Fishing Video

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Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most fished for trout species in the state, and can be found in numerous Utah lakes and rivers. Known for its tasty pink flesh, rainbows are a favorite among the vast majority of trout anglers in the state. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be caught on flies as well as other small baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. It is ideal for both sport and dining pleasure. More...

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Fishing For Cutthroat Trout

The natural home of cutthroat trout is the Pacific northwest where they flourish in mountain streams that eventually drain into the Pacific Ocean. It too can be taken on flies as well as other baits and lures. It also feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. They are stocked in several Utah lakes, and can be caught on the same methods as rainbows. More...

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Fishing For Brook Trout

Brook trout, with their stunning colors and willingness to bite, can be found in remote mountain streams and creeks across the state. These small but feisty fish can provide an exciting fishing experience for those willing to explore Utah's more secluded and scenic locations. The primary food source of brookies is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes. In lakes where brook trout are stocked, shade over shallow cover is a great place to start. More...

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Fishing For Brown Trout

Brown trout, another prized trout species, can be found in select Utah lakes and rivers. Many of these fisheries are attracting anglers from near and far. These elusive and wary fish offer a challenge to anglers, requiring stealthy presentations and precise casting to entice a bite. Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Larger browns can be taken on jerkbaits, small crankbaits and spinners. More...

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Fishing For Lake Trout

Lake trout are by far the largest of the trouts. They live in deep, cold lakes and feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which exist in its home waters. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite. During early spring, lake trout can often be found in the shallows of lakes, readily taking dry flies, wet flies, and other slow-moving presentations. As surface temperatures rise, these trout typically migrate to deeper waters, prompting anglers to employ trolling with heavier tackle as the primary technique using spoons and baitfish-imitating lures. More...

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Many of Utah's lakes and reservoirs are regularly stocked with trout, including lake trout to support recreational fishing. Some popular trout fishing destinations include Strawberry Reservoir, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and the Provo River.

Utah's state records for trout reflect the exceptional size and quality of fish that can be found in its waters. These records are a testament to the outstanding trout fishing opportunities that the state offers to anglers of all skill levels.

Whether you're a fly angler looking to cast your line in pristine mountain streams or a boat angler seeking the thrill of hooking a trophy-sized trout in a picturesque lake, Utah's diverse trout fisheries provide an unforgettable and rewarding experience for all trout fishing enthusiasts.

Trout Fishing Waters In Utah

Utah is home to excellent trout fishing. Plenty of waters and quality trout. Many of the rivers across Utah have one or more types of trout. Ice fishing for trout is popular in the state. The major lakes with healthy populations of trout include Bear Lake, Currant Creek Reservoir, Deer Creek Reservoir, Fish Lake, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Jordanelle Reservoir, Lake Powell, Navajo Lake, Otter Creek Reservoir, Pineview Reservoir, Piute Reservoir, Scofield Reservoir, Sevier Bridge Reservoir, Starvation Lake and Strawberry Reservoir.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

Utah State Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout came from Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

The state record cutthroat trout was taken out of Strawberry Reservoir.

The state record brook trout was taken out of Boulder Mountain.

The state record brown trout came from Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

The state record lake trout was caught in Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

The state record golden trout was caught from Marsh Lake.

The state record tiger trout was caught from Scofield Reservoir.

The state record albino trout was caught from Joes Valley Reservoir.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stocks trout in many waters across the state. Visit their website for details on trout stockings in Utah.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Additional trout information

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.