Are you planning your next fishing trip and looking for the best catfish locations in Utah? Look no further! Utah is home to some of the most beautiful and bountiful catfish fishing spots around, and we’ve done an extensive research to compile this list of top-notch places where you can find plenty of tasty catches.
From rivers and ponds to reservoirs, creeks, lakes, and more, our list has options for everyone—whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started! We’ll explain what sets each location apart from the rest when it comes to catching these succulent creatures so that you can figure out which one would be best for your needs. So grab a rod (and maybe a buddy) —it’s time to make memories out there on the water!
Best Catfish Fishing Locations in Utah
Utah is home to some fantastic fishing spots, especially for those looking to catch catfish. Here are some of the best catfish fishing locations in the state, along with details about each location and the fish species commonly found there.
Willard Bay Reservoir
Located 12 miles northwest of Ogden, Willard Bay Reservoir is a freshwater reservoir built in the 1960s as part of the Weber Basin Project. The reservoir spans over 9,900 acres and has an average depth of 14 feet, reaching a maximum depth of 26 feet. It offers excellent opportunities for anglers to catch catfish, particularly during the spring and summer months. Apart from fishing, the area also provides facilities for camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
Fish Species Commonly Found:
- Channel Catfish
- Black Crappie
- Walleye
- Wiper
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
Utah Lake
Utah Lake is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the western United States, covering an area of approximately 148 square miles. It is located in Utah Valley, just south of Salt Lake City. The lake has an average depth of 10.5 feet and reaches a maximum depth of 14 feet. Utah Lake State Park on the eastern shore offers fishing access points, boat ramps, and camping facilities. The lake is known for its diverse fish population, providing excellent opportunities for anglers to catch various species, including catfish.
Fish Species Commonly Found:
- Channel Catfish
- White Bass
- Walleye
- Black Bullhead
- Largemouth Bass
- Bluegill
Jordan River
The Jordan River flows through the heart of the Salt Lake Valley, stretching over 50 miles from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. The river is a popular spot for catfish fishing, offering numerous access points and fishing spots along its course. The lower section of the river near the Great Salt Lake is particularly known for its excellent catfish population. Anglers can also find several urban parks along the river, providing additional recreational opportunities such as picnicking and birdwatching.
Fish Species Commonly Found:
- Channel Catfish
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- White Bass
- Yellow Perch
- Bluegill
Cutler Reservoir
Cutler Reservoir, or Cutler Marsh, is located in Cache Valley, northern Utah. This 5,500-acre reservoir was created in 1927 by constructing Cutler Dam on the Bear River. The reservoir is a shallow, marshy area with an average depth of only 10 feet, making it ideal for catfish fishing. Cutler Reservoir is also a popular spot for waterfowl hunting and birdwatching, as it attracts a variety of migratory birds throughout the year.
Fish Species Commonly Found:
- Channel Catfish
- Black Bullhead
- White Bass
- Yellow Perch
- Largemouth Bass
- Bluegill
Little Dell Reservoir
Little Dell Reservoir is located in Parleys Canyon, just east of Salt Lake City. The reservoir was built in 1993 and covers an area of 249 acres, with an average depth of 70 feet and a maximum depth of 160 feet. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, Little Dell Reservoir offers a peaceful and serene environment for anglers looking to catch catfish. The reservoir is part of the Salt Lake City Watershed, so strict regulations are in place to protect the water quality, including no swimming or wading in the reservoir.
Fish Species Commonly Found:
- Channel Catfish
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Tiger Trout
Pineview Reservoir
Pineview Reservoir is located in the scenic Ogden Valley, approximately 8 miles east of Ogden, Utah. The reservoir was created in 1937 by the construction of the Ogden River Dam and covers an area of 2,874 acres. With a maximum depth of 110 feet, Pineview Reservoir offers abundant opportunities for catfish fishing. The reservoir is surrounded by three main recreational areas, including Anderson Cove, Cemetery Point, and Middle Inlet, which offer boat ramps, picnic areas, and camping facilities.
Fish Species Commonly Found:
- Channel Catfish
- Black Crappie
- Tiger Muskie
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Bluegill
Deer Creek Reservoir
Deer Creek Reservoir is situated in the southwest corner of Heber Valley, approximately 16 miles northeast of Provo. The reservoir was built in 1941 as part of the Provo River Project and spans over 2,965 acres. The average depth of the reservoir is 85 feet, with a maximum depth of 137 feet. Deer Creek Reservoir is an ideal location for catfish fishing, and the surrounding Deer Creek State Park offers amenities such as boat ramps, fishing access points, and camping facilities.
Fish Species Commonly Found:
- Channel Catfish
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Walleye
Bear River
The Bear River is the largest river in the Great Basin, flowing through parts of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. It stretches over 350 miles and offers numerous fishing spots along its course. The lower section of the river, particularly near the Cutler Reservoir, is an excellent location for catfish fishing. The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge near the Great Salt Lake offers additional recreational opportunities such as birdwatching and nature photography.
Fish Species Commonly Found:
- Channel Catfish
- White Bass
- Yellow Perch
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
East Canyon Reservoir
East Canyon Reservoir is located in the mountains northeast of Salt Lake City, approximately 30 miles from the city. The reservoir was built in 1968, covers an area of 684 acres, and has an average depth of 65 feet. The reservoir is surrounded by East Canyon State Park and provides a serene environment for catfish fishing and amenities such as boat ramps, picnic areas, and camping facilities.
Fish Species Commonly Found:
- Channel Catfish
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
- Wiper
Quail Creek Reservoir
Quail Creek Reservoir is situated in southwestern Utah, near the city of St. George. The reservoir was completed in 1985 and covers an area of 600 acres. With a maximum depth of 120 feet, it offers excellent opportunities for catfish fishing. Quail Creek State Park, located on the southern shore of the reservoir, provides amenities such as fishing access, boat ramps, picnic areas, and camping facilities.
Fish Species Commonly Found:
- Channel Catfish
- Rainbow Trout
- Largemouth Bass
- Bluegill
- Black Crappie
Fishing for catfish in Utah is an exciting outdoor activity with plenty of potential for success. The landscapes and habitats offer a variety of spots to capture these fish and provide hours of entertainment. From the bright green waters of Willard Bay to the high rocky walls of Lake Powell, there is something unique to find no matter where you decide to go.
Wherever the journey might take you, practice safe fishing techniques and research any regulations or restrictions for the area. Above all, have fun and make sure your adventure will last a lifetime! Read our other articles to learn more about catfish fishing locations in Utah or other parts of the country. Whether it’s learning about different types of tackle and bait or discovering your ideal spot, we have you covered! Happy fishing!
FAQ
Q: What is a walking catfish?
A: The walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) is a species of freshwater air-breathing catfish native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its ability to “walk” on land by using its pectoral fins and wriggling motion, allowing it to move from one water body to another.
Q: Where are walking catfish found?
A: Walking catfish are native to Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They have also been introduced to other parts of the world, such as the United States (particularly Florida) and some Caribbean islands, where they are considered invasive species.
Q: What do walking catfish eat?
A: Walking catfish are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of food sources such as insects, smaller fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and plant material. They are known to be opportunistic feeders, eating whatever they can find in their environment.
Q: How do walking catfish breathe on land?
A: Walking catfish have a special respiratory organ called the suprabranchial chamber, which allows them to extract oxygen from the air. This adaptation enables them to survive on land for extended periods, as long as they remain moist.
Q: Why are walking catfish considered invasive species?
A: In areas where they have been introduced, walking catfish can disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for food and habitat. Since they can move between water bodies, they can also spread diseases and parasites to native fish populations. Additionally, their voracious appetite can lead to the decline of other aquatic species, affecting the balance of the ecosystem.
Q: How do walking catfish reproduce?
A: Walking catfish are known to be prolific breeders. They lay eggs in shallow water, and the male guards the nest until the eggs hatch. The hatching process usually takes 2-3 days, after which the fry becomes free-swimming.
Q: Are walking catfish dangerous to humans?
A: Walking catfish are not directly dangerous to humans, as they do not have venom or pose a significant physical threat. However, they can negatively impact local ecosystems and fish populations when introduced to non-native areas, indirectly affecting humans relying on these resources.
Q: Can walking catfish be kept as pets?
A: While it is possible to keep walking catfish as pets in an aquarium setting, it’s essential to consider the potential environmental consequences should they escape or be released into local waterways. In some places, it is illegal to possess or transport walking catfish without a permit due to their invasive status.