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Utah’s shimmering lakes and rushing rivers—from the trophy trout waters of Flaming Gorge Reservoir to the alpine beauty of Bear Lake—offer world-class fishing opportunities. But before casting a line in these iconic waters, anglers must navigate Utah’s fishing license requirements. This guide delivers a comprehensive breakdown of 2025 license costs, purchase methods, discounts, and regulations, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your next fishing adventure.
Understanding Utah Fishing License Costs and Types
Utah’s fishing license fees vary by residency, age, and duration. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) structures licenses to accommodate everyone from weekend anglers to multi-year fishing enthusiasts. Below are the 2025 rates, verified through the Utah DWR Licensing Portal.
Resident Fishing Licenses
To qualify as a resident, you must have lived in Utah for six consecutive months. Discounts apply to seniors, disabled veterans, and youth:
| License Type | Cost | Key Eligibility Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual (Ages 12–13) | $5 | Must be purchased by parent/guardian |
| Annual (Ages 14–17) | $16 | Includes combo hunting option |
| Annual (Ages 18–64) | $40 | Most common license for adults |
| Senior Annual (65+) | $31 | Proof of age required |
| Disabled Veteran Annual | $12 | Requires VA disability certification |
| 3-Day Short-Term | $19 | Ideal for weekend trips |
| 7-Day Short-Term | $30 | Covers week-long vacations |
Multi-year licenses offer savings for frequent anglers:
- 3-Year Fishing License: $111 ($37/year)
- 5-Year Fishing License: $185 ($37/year)
Nonresident Fishing Licenses
Nonresidents pay higher fees but gain access to Utah’s 1,000+ fishable waters:
| License Type | Cost | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual (Ages 12–13) | $10 | Parent/guardian purchase required |
| Annual (Ages 14–17) | $34 | Includes trout and salmon species |
| Annual (Ages 18+) | $94 | Valid for all public waters |
| 3-Day Short-Term | $31 | Popular for holiday weekends |
| 7-Day Short-Term | $51 | Covers extended stays |
Cost-Saving Tip: Nonresidents planning multiple trips within 5 years can purchase a 5-Year License for $465 ($93/year), a 15% savings over annual renewals.
Where to Purchase a Utah Fishing License
Utah offers three convenient purchasing methods, each catering to different needs:
1. Online via the Utah DWR Website
The fastest option for tech-savvy anglers:
- Visit the Utah DWR Licensing Portal.
- Select “Fishing” and choose your license type.
- Enter personal details (e.g., birthdate, residency proof).
- Pay with a credit/debit card ($2 processing fee applies).
- Download or print your license immediately.
Pro Tip: Save your license to your smartphone using the Utah Hunting and Fishing App, which also provides real-time regulation updates.
2. In-Person at Authorized Retailers
Over 300 vendors statewide sell licenses, including:
- Bass Pro Shops (250 N. Redwood Rd, SLC)
- Fish Tech Outfitters (3939 S. 1100 E, Millcreek)
- Walmart Stores (select locations; verify availability via Walmart Fishing Licenses)
Required Documents: Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license) and proof of residency (for residents).
3. By Phone via Utah DWR
Call 1-800-221-0659 to purchase licenses Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM MT. A $4 processing fee applies.
Additional Permits, Fees, and Reciprocal Agreements
Beyond standard licenses, specialized permits may apply depending on your fishing activity:
1. Reciprocal Fishing Permits
Anglers holding licenses from neighboring states can fish certain border waters without a Utah license:
- Wyoming Reciprocal Permit: $30 for access to Bear River and Flaming Gorge (purchase via Wyoming Game and Fish).
- Idaho Reciprocal Permit: $25 for Bear Lake (details at Idaho Fish and Game).
2. Setline Permits
Required for fishing with setlines (e.g., trotlines):
- Resident Setline Permit: $22
- Nonresident Setline Permit: $44
3. Federal Duck Stamps
Mandatory for fishing in Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge:
- Federal Stamp: $28.50 (purchase at USPS).
Pro Tip: For a comparison of multi-year licenses across states, see Comparing Maine’s Lifetime License with Other States.
Key Regulations and Restrictions for Utah Anglers
Utah’s fishing regulations are designed to protect fish populations and ensure sustainable angling opportunities. Below are the 2025 rules, verified through the Utah DWR Fishing Guidebook and Utah Hunting and Fishing App:
1. Fishing Methods and Bait Restrictions
- Prohibited Methods:
- Use of live fish as bait (e.g., minnows, crayfish) in all waters except Lake Powell and Bear Lake .
- Snagging, except during designated seasons for certain species like kokanee salmon at Strawberry Reservoir.
- Bait Limitations:
- Artificial lures only in Blue Ribbon Fisheries (e.g., Logan River, Green River).
- Chumming is illegal in all public waters.
2. Daily and Possession Limits
Limits vary by species and waterbody. Key examples for 2025:
| Species | Daily Limit | Possession Limit | Notable Waters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (all types) | 4 | 8 | Provo River, Flaming Gorge |
| Walleye | 6 | 12 | Willard Bay, Utah Lake |
| Bass | 6 | 12 | Quail Creek Reservoir |
| Tiger Muskie | 1 (≥40″) | 1 | Pineview Reservoir |
Note: Catch-and-release is mandatory for Bonneville cutthroat trout in designated streams (e.g., Blacksmith Fork River) .
3. Special Waters and Seasonal Closures
- Flaming Gorge Reservoir:
- Lake trout under 28″ must be released from July 1–December 31 to protect spawning populations.
- Bear Lake:
- Cisco dip-netting is permitted only during a 10-day season in January (dates vary annually).
- Jordanelle Reservoir:
- Ice fishing prohibited within 200 feet of dam structures for safety reasons.
Free Fishing Days and Discount Programs
Utah offers opportunities for cost-free fishing and discounts to promote accessibility:
1. Free Fishing Day (June 7, 2025)
- No license required for residents or nonresidents on this day.
- Participating Waters: All public waters except privately stocked ponds.
- Family-Friendly Events:
- Learn to Fish Clinics at community ponds (e.g., Liberty Park Pond, SLC).
- Free gear rentals at state park booths (first-come, first-served).
2. Discounted Licenses
- Lifetime Licenses:
- Resident Lifetime Fishing License: $580 (valid for all species, no renewals).
- Compare lifetime options across states using Comparing Maine’s Lifetime License with Other States.
- Youth and Veterans:
- Disabled Veterans: 50% discount on annual licenses (requires VA documentation).
- Active Military: Free short-term licenses (3-day) during leave periods.
3. Educational Exemptions
- Complete the Utah Fishing Ethics Course (free online) to qualify for:
- 10% discount on annual licenses.
- Priority access to limited-entry waters (e.g., Boulder Mountain lakes).
Using E-Tags and Digital Permits
The Utah Hunting and Fishing App streamlines compliance with modern tools:
- E-Tagging Harvests:
- How It Works: After catching a regulated species (e.g., lake trout), open the app, select your license, and enter the fish’s length/weight. A digital tag is generated instantly .
- Validity: E-tags are legally equivalent to physical tags but require smartphone access for verification.
- Real-Time Regulation Updates:
- Receive alerts for sudden changes (e.g., emergency closures due to wildfires).
- Offline Functionality:
- Download boundary maps and regulations for remote areas (e.g., Uinta Mountains).
Conclusion
Utah’s fishing licenses and regulations balance accessibility with conservation, offering anglers diverse opportunities across its iconic waters. By leveraging multi-year licenses, digital tools, and discount programs, you can maximize your time on the water while supporting sustainable practices. For updates beyond 2025, regularly check the Utah DWR website or app notifications.
