Guide to Utah's Lakes and Rivers

Hypertext will take you to the fishing conditions for that lake or river.

Baker Reservoir	Location: west of St. George, between Central and Veyo, one mile east of U-18 on the Santa Clara River. Facilities: BLM campground. No boat ramp.
Bear Lake	This lake is known for it's blue water and good fishing. Elevation: 5900 feet Surface area: 69,760 acres Facilities: camping, slips, fuel, beaches. Groceries and lodging available in nearby Garden City, Pickleville, and Lakeside. Bear Lake Marina State Park: 1 mi. N of Garden City on U.S. 89, season 5/1-11/30, 30 units, water, restrooms, campfires, swimming, boating, fishing. Day use $4, camping $11. Bear Lake Rendezvous Beach State Park: 3 mi. NW of Laketown on Hwy 30, season 5/1-11/30, 120 units, 40 hookups, water, showers, restrooms, campfires, swimming, boating, fishing. Day use $4, camping $11-$15.
Bear River	Noted for catfish up to 30 lbs. east of Brigham City near Corinne. Location: runs into to Utah east of Woodruff and out of Utah east of Sage Creek Junction along the Wyoming border. It circles around Bear Lake in Idaho and comes back into Utah near Cornish, flows into Cutler Reservoir west of Smithfield, and down to the Great Salt Lake west of Brigham City near the town of Corinne. Facilities: none -- most of the river is on private property. Please respect private property and keep it clean so access will continue.
Beaver River	Contains large numbers of trout in the mountains west of Beaver and where the river flows out of Minersville. Location: runs from the mountains west of Beaver along Hwy 153 past Beaver to Minersville and then north to Milford. Facilities: camping is available in the Fish Lake National Forest.
Big Sandwash Reservoir	Elevation: 5,900 ft. Location: 10 mi. east of Duchense, turn north at Bridgeland and about 12 miles to the reservoir. Facilities: There is a boat ramp and primitive camping.
Blacksmith Fork River	Location: along Hwy 101 east of Hyrum which is about 7 mi. south of Logan or take Hwy 89 east from Brigham City and turn east at Wellsville and go 6 mi. to Hyrum. Facilities: Forest Service campgrounds. Lots of private property.
Brough Reservoir	Noted for abundant population of smallmouth bass. Elevation: 5,000 ft. Location: about 15 mi. east of Roosevelt (7 mi. past Gusher) take S.R. 88 south from U.S. 40 (Ouray Road). Turn west at the 2nd dirt road past the high power lines. Follow this road about 2 mi. staying left at each fork. Facilities: There is no boat ramp but small boats can be launched on the north side.
Brown's Draw Reservoir	Take S.R. 121 north from Roosevelt to Neola, then about 6 mi. west near Boulder Blvd. Foot access only around reservoir. Please honor access agreement as posted.
Bullock Reservoir	Contains rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and lots of crayfish. Elevation: 5200 ft. Location: 5 mi. N of Gusher (east of Roosevelt) off U.S. 40. Facilities: There is no boat ramp but small boats can be launched in the SW corner near the dam.
Burriston Ponds	Turn off I-15 to Mona (just north of Nephi). Ponds are located at the south end of Mona Reservoir.
Calder Reservoir	Elevation: 7100 ft. Location: 20 mi. north of Vernal on Hwy 44. Turn off at Diamond Mountain Rd. and go 18 mi. east.
Crouse Reservoir	Elevation: 7100 ft. Location: 20 mi. north of Vernal on Hwy 44. Turn off at Diamond Mountain Rd. and go 19½ mi. east.
Current Creek Reservoir	Elevation: 7600 ft. Location and facilities: 40 mi. east of Heber on Hwy 44. Turn off at Current Creek Lodge and go 15 mi. north. Forest Service campground and boat ramp.
Cutler Reservoir	Reservoir is at the junction of the Bear River, Logan River, and Little Bear River and contains largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, and perch. Most of the reservoir is surrounded by private property. Location and facilities: on Hwy 30 approximately halfway between Riverside and Logan, turn north on Hwy 23. Turn east at the south end of the lake for Benson Marina (the largest) or continue on for some newer boat ramps and picnic areas.
Deer Creek Reservoir	The once popular yellow perch were nearly wiped out. Larger trout are now being planted to improve their survival rates. Though fewer trout are being caught, their average size has increased. There is an abundant smallmouth bass population though most are small. Because the lake is so close to Salt Lake City and Provo, the lake is very popular for water skiing and sailing. Elevation: 5400 feet Surface area: 2076 acres Facilities: 2 state parks with launch ramps and day use areas. A private concession operator has a marina with a store and fuel. Deer Creek State Park: Day use $4, camping $10. Boat ramp, paved parking, showers, dump station.
East Canyon Reservoir	This lake is within 50 minutes of Salt Lake City. Though popular, fishing slows in the heat of the summer. There is a private shore development at the south end of the lake. Elevation: 5700 feet Surface area: 680 acres Facilities: launch ramp, camping with showers and dump station. There is a fast food concession. There is no nearby fuel. East Canyon State Park: 20 mi. S of Morgan on Hwy 66, season 4/1-11/30, 28 sites, water, restrooms, campfires, swimming, boating, fishing. Day use $4, camping $6 - $10.
Enterprise Lake	If you love scenery, this is a place you should try. In the background are pine and cedar covered mountains. Surrounding the lake and rolling down into the west side is a massive boulder field with unusual formations. The south side of the lake has wide open beaches that you can camp on. There are also many hills and jeep trails for some interesting exploring. Elevation: 5700 feet Surface area: approximately 600 acres Facilities: launch ramp, developed campsites in a unique honeycomb rock formation area, primitive camping on the beach. Fuel, groceries, and lodging are available in Enterprise 7 miles east of the lake.
Fish Lake	The lake is known for it's large lake trout and beautiful scenery. Elevation: 8700 ft. Facilities: 2 marinas, lodging, camping at developed campsites, fuel, limited groceries, restaurants.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir	Best known for monster mackinaw (lake trout), the lake also has a good supply of rainbows, kokanee, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crayfish. The scenery in the canyons is breathtaking. Because the lake is so long, running out of fuel isn't uncommon. Elevation: 6650 feet Surface area: 42,000 acres Facilities: many campgrounds, 4 marinas with fuel, slips, stores, and some boat repair. Hideout National Forest Campground: 10.7 mi. SE of Manila off Hwy 44, season 5/25-9/15, 19 units all with tent sites, restrooms, campfires, swimming, boating, fishing. Lucerne Valley National Forest Campground: 8.5 mi. E of Manila off Hwy 43, season 5/1-9/30, 157 sites all with tent sites, water, restrooms, campfires, swimming, boating, fishing.
Grantsville Reservoir	This reservoir, just south of Grantsville, was formed by piling rock in a U-shape on a hillside. From a distance, it looks like a cattle pond but is actually much larger than it appears. Spring fishing can be quite good but it's main appeal is that it can be reached in half an hour from Salt Lake. This is one place you can actually sit in your car while you fish. Location: 35 mi. W of Salt Lake City, 2 mi. S of Grantsville. Take 2100 South Freeway to westbound I-80. Turn off at exit 99 to Tooele/Stansbury Park. Turn right to Grantsville just before you reach Stansbury Park. Drive through Grantsville to the last road to the left just before the turn past town. About 2 miles from town, take the first paved road to the right. Stay on the pavement and it will take you right up to the reservoir. Facilities: 23 picnic tables with barbeque grills clustered in 3 groups with 24 RV pads, 1 pavillion, portable toilets in the summer, no water, unimproved overflow area. Small boat launching from beach (no gas boat motors). No fees.
Gunlock Reservoir	Noted for some of the biggest largemouth bass in the state. Also contains crappie, catfish, and plentiful crayfish. Location: 16 mi. NW of St. George off Hwy 56 Elevation: 3600 feet Facilities: boat ramp Gunlock State Park: season all year, restrooms, swimming, boating, fishing, off-road vehicles.
Joe's Valley Reservoir	The lake is know for fishing but the altitude limits some watersports. Elevation: 8900 feet Surface area: 1180 acres Facilities: camping and some other services. Call the Forest Service at (801) 637-2817 for more information.
Jordanelle Reservoir	One of Utah's newest reservoirs less than an hour's drive from Salt Lake City. There is fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. Activities include camping, picknicking, boating, watersports, swimming, hiking, and mountain biking. Snowmobiles and off-road vehicles not allowed in park. Surface area: 3300 acres Elevation: 6200 feet Facilities: camping with modern restrooms, showers, store and restaurant. A trail surrounds the entire lake for use by hikers, mountain bikers, horses, and cross-country skiers. Boat ramp and personal watercraft ramp at Hailstone, float tube launching at Rock Cliff. Boating is limited to 300-vessels. Hailstone Campground: exit 8 on US 40 between Park City and Heber. Day use $5, camping $9 - $13. Day use: visitor center, children's play area, boat launch ramp, personal watercraft launch ramp, 3 group-use pavilions, 41 day-use cabanas, 2 mini-laundromats, beach house, marina store and restaurant, fish cleaning stations, and outdoor amphitheater. Keetley Point Campground: walk-in only, modern restrooms, 41 tent sites in a scub oak draw NW of park entrance road. Each site has a concrete pad, an 8-foot aluminum table, stand-up grill and fire pit. 5 sites are accessible to disabled campers. McHenry Creek Campground: 42 tent/recreation vehicle sites with no utilities. Campground is sheltered between scrub oak stand and a quiet, perennial creek. Each site has a concrete pad, 8-foot aluminum table, stand-up grill, fire pit, and tent pad. Parking is available for 2 vehicles or 1 vehicle and a detached trailer. A camp service center provides modern restrooms, hot showers, mini-laundromat, and children's play area. RV Campground: 103 campsites overlooking the reservoir. Each site has a concrete pad, 8-foot aluminum table, stand-up grill, fire pit, and electric and water hookups. Access is by a paved, pull-through drive or single spur. The campground is serviced by 2 modern restrooms and a camp-service center with children's play area. Rock Cliff Campground: 13 mi. NE of Heber and 2 mi. W of Francis on Hwy 32, season all year, hours 7am to 8 pm, 50 tent camping units (no RVs, motorhomes or trailers) reached by elevated boardwalk or trail through the aspens, 2 group-use pavillions with group camping available by advance reservation, Nature Center, water, showers. Day use $5 per car (up to 8 people), walk-in $2, camping $11. Execellent area for fishing from float tubes as you just walk down a paved road which goes right into the water. The bay is in a sheltered canyon. Parking is somewhat limited. The launching of boats with trailers is prohibited.
Lake Powell	Contains largemouth bass, striped bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, walleye, and northern pike. MAP Elevation: 3820 ft. Facilities: Lodges, motels, trailer courts, picnic areas, campgrounds, marinas, boat rentals, and baits. Beginning this year, the National Park Service will charge $5 per vehicle for entrance to the Wahweap Marina. In 1998 a $5 fee goes into effect for entrance to the Bullfrog and Hite marinas. In addition, anyone staying overnight on the lake must have a porta-potty. Bullfrog: The National Park Service will require reservations for camping over the Memorial Day Weekend. The number for reservations is (520) 608-6200.
Mantua Reservoir	Even though the lake is just outside of Brigham City, it is largely overlooked. This is a good place to go to get away from the crowds. Elevation: 5,000 feet Surface area: 500 acres Facilities: launch ramp, fuel near the lake, camping, private RV park, limited groceries.
Millsite Reservoir	This lake is known for majestic buttes at the north edge of the lake. Location: 4 mi. W of Ferron off Hwy 10 Elevation: 6100 feet Surface area: 435 acres Facilities: launch ramp, campground with partial hookups, and day use area. There is a golf course nearby. Fuel and groceries, etc., are available in nearby Ferron. Millsite State Park: season all year, restrooms, campfires, swimming, boating, fishing. Day use $3, camping $10.
Minersville Reservoir	Location: 12 mi. W of Beaver off Hwy 21 Facilities: Minersville State Park: season all year, 29 units, water, restrooms, campfires, swimming, boating, fishing. Day use $3, camping $9 - $11.
Navajo Lake	This is a beautiful lake with good fishing but the high altitude makes it hard for boat motors to breathe. Location: 25 mi. SE of Cedar City off Hwy 14 Elevation: 9200 feet Surface area: 1500 acres Facilities: camping on the south side, 2 lodges with fuel, slip, groceries, boat rentals, cabins. Navajo Lake National Forest Campsite: season 6/15-9/15, 42 units with water, restrooms, campfire, swimming, boating, fishing.
Otter Creek Reservoir	Known for unusual PH in the water that produces record breaking fish (see bulletin board at the bait shop). Additional restaurants are at Koosharem to the north and additional groceries at Junction. The drive into Otter Creek from U.S. Highway 89 is very scenic. Elevation: 6400 feet Surface area: 3120 acres Facilities: Fuel, slips, launch ramp, shore camping sites with showers, primitive camping, private RV park with full hookups and night cabins, limited groceries and small cafe for lunch and dinner, bait shop. Otter Creek Campground: 4 mi. NW of Antimony, open all year, 30 units, group camping, water, showers, dump station. Day use $3, camping $8 - $10.
Palisade Lake	Elevation: 5800 feet. Facilities: Golfing, non-power boating, water sports, hiking, year-round fishing. Palisade Campground: 6 mi. S of Manti on Hwy 89 then 2 mi. E of Sterling, open all year, 53 units, group camping, water, showers, dump station. Day use $3, camping $11.
Panguitch Lake	Great for spring and fall fishing. The lake has a lot of structure under the surface including a large rock "reef." This is good for fishing but also a hazard when the lake level is low. The lake is located 20 miles sourth of Panguitch which has motels, cafes, etc. Location: 19 mi. SW of Panguitch Elevation: 8400 feet Surface area: 500 acres Facilities: public and private launch ramps, lodging, cabins, RV park with full hookups, 2 restaurants, limited groceries, fuel close by. Panguitch Lake North National Forest Campsite: season 6/1-9/15, 49 units, water, restrooms, campfires, boating, fishing. Panguitch Lake South National Forest Campsite: season 6/1-9/15, 18 units, water, restrooms, campfires, boating, fishing.
Pineview Reservoir	This warm water lake gets quite crowded on summer weekends and so the number of boat launches is limited to 300. The lake and large numbers of bluegill and crappie as well as trout, bass, catfish, and tiger musky. Elevation: 5,000 feet Surface area: 3,000 acres Facilities: fuel, slips, pump out, 2 launch ramps camping, day use area, and sandy beaches. Anderson Cove National Forest Campground: 2.5 mi. SW of Huntsville on Hwy 39, season 5/15-10/31, 57 sites with RV/trailer parking, water, restrooms, campfires, swimming, boating, fishing.
Piute Reservoir	Is not well developed in facilities but it has lots of beach and very little traffic, even on holiday weekends. Elevation: 5900 feet Surface area: 3360 acres Facilities: Launch ramp, tables, vault toilets, prmitive camping. Nearest fuel and groceries to the south at Junction and to the north at Maryvale.
Quail Creek Reservoir	Ideal for early and late season boating because of its close proximity to St. George. Surroundings are similar to Lake Powell. The north arm of the lake is set at wakeless speed to accommodate fishing. Elevation: 3300 feet Surface area: 640 acres Facilities: launch ramp, day use area has large sandy beaches with tables. Fuel is available at Harrisburg 3 miles north and 2 miles south towards Hurricane. RV accommadtions are available in Harrisburg and Washington. There is a golf course and water park nearby. Lodging is available in St. George 12 miles south. Quail Creek Campground: 14 mi. NE of St. George, open all year, 23 units, group camping, water. Day use $5, camping $8.
Rockport Reservoir	Although not as popular as other lakes for it's trout fishing, this lake is popular for water skiing and afternoon sailing. Ice fishing is more successful, especially for yellow perch. Elevation: 6000 feet Surface area: 1080 acres Facilities: launch ramp, day use area. Fuel is available in nearby Wanship and Oakley. Groceries are available in Coalville and Kamas. Rockport Campground: 5 mi. W of Wanship and I-15, open all year, 86 units, group camping, water, vault toilets, showers, dump station. Day use $4 (year-round), camping $6 - $11.
Scofield Reservoir	Best known for fishing, water-skiing is common in mid summer but V8 engines are recommended because of the altitude. Location: 17 mi. W of Soldier Summit off U.S. 6 on Hwy 96 Elevation: 7600 feet Surface area: 2800 acres Facilities: 2 campsites both with showers, dump stations, fish cleaning stations, and launch ramps. Fuel and groceries are available in the town of Scofield at the south end of the lake. There is also a private RV park with full hookups. Madsen Bay: 4 mi. N of Scofield, season 5/15-9/15, 40 units, water, showers, restrooms, campfires, swimming, boating, fishing. Day use $4, $8 - $10. Mountain View: 3 mi. N of Scofield, season 5/15-9/15, 34 units, water, vault toilets, showers, dump station. Day use $4, $8 - $10.
Soldier Creek Reservoir	This is really an extension of Strawberry Reservoir as the 2 lakes are connected. Facilities: Aspen Grove National Forest Campground: 37 mi. SE of Heber City off Hwy 40, season 5/25-/10/31, 51 sites with RV/trailer parking, water, restrooms, campfires, boating, fishing. This is a beautiful campground in a grove of quaking aspen. It is also near the dam and boat ramp. Soldier Creek National Forest Campground: 34 mi. SE of Heber City off Hwy 40, season 5/25-/11/5, 165 sites with RV/trailer parking, water, restrooms, campfires, boating, fishing.
Starvation Reservoir	Location: 3 mi. NW of Duchesne off U.S. 40 Elevation: 5700 feet Facilities: Swimming, boating, fishing, off-road vehicles. Lower Beach: all year, 24 units, water, showers, dump station. Day use $4, camping $6 - $10. Mountain View: all year, 30 units, 15 tent sites, group camping, water, showers, dump station.
Steinaker Reservoir	Location: 6 mi. N of Vernal off U.S. 191 Elevation: 5500 feet Facilities: Swimming, boating, fishing, off-road vehicles. Steinaker State Park: season 4/1-11/30, 31 sites, 15 tent sites, water, restrooms, dump station. Day use $3, camping $8.
Strawberry Reservoir	Known as Utah's premeire trout lake, the lake contains rainbows, cutthroat trout, and kokanee and receives heavy pressure, especially on holiday weekends. Ice fishing is also popular with larger fish being taken at this time. The fish limit has been reduced to 4 so fish will be more plentiful later in the season. Elevation: 7400 feet Surface area: 17,000 acres Facilities: 3 launch ramps with stores and fuel, improved campgrounds, lodging at Strawberry Marina, boating, fishing. Strawberry Bay National Forest Campground: 29 mi. SE of Heber City off Hwy 40, season 5/25-11/5, 372 sites all with RV/trailer parking, water, restrooms.
Utah Lake	Noted for water skiing and fishing for walleye, white bass, and large channel catfish. Location: 5 mi. W of Provo Elevation: 4500 feet Surface area: 96,600 acres Facilities: American Fork Boat Harbor: Lindon Boat Harbor: 2 boat ramps, pinic tables, water, portable toilet. Watch for notices of summer events. Future expansion will include sailboats for rent, fishing ponds stocked for kids, and a BMX track. Fee: $3 per car, $1 per adult walk-in, children walk-ins under age 16 are free. --Directions: I-15 exit 276 (Lindon, North Orem) west to Geneva Rd. Turn right and go under freeway to railroad tracks at 200 South. Turn left and go to the end. Turn left at 2000 West. The road makes a sharp turn to the right and will take you straight to the harbor. Utah Lake State Park: 125 units, group camping, water, restrooms, showers, dump station. Fee: day use $4, camping $8 - $10.
Willard Bay	Popular for walleye, channel cat, and crappie. Fishing is usually best at night around the dike. Location: 20 mi. N of Ogden on I-15 Elevation: 4200 feet Surface area: 9900 acres Facilities: 2 campgrounds with dump stations, slips, 1 launch ramp at the north end and 2 at the south end. There is fuel at north end on the other side of the freeway. Groceries are available in Brigham City. Willard Bay State Park: season all year, 77 units, water, showers, restrooms, campfires, swimming, boating, fishing. Day use $5, camping $11.
Yuba Reservoir	Location: 30 mi. S of Nephi Elevation: 5500 feet Facilities: Warm warm water, sandy beaches, boating waterskiing, water sports, year-round fishing, close to OHV riding areas. Yuba State Park: open all year, 27 sites, group camping, water, vault toilets, showers. Day use $4, camping $6 - $11.

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