The Fish Lake Perch Tournament draws anglers to Utah's second-largest freshwater lake each spring to compete for perch in a structured, community-focused event

Fish Lake, located in central Utah's Fishlake National Forest, hosts an annual perch tournament that typically runs in late April or early May. The event is organized by local fishing groups and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and it draws both serious competitors and recreational anglers who want to fish alongside others. The tournament focuses on yellow perch, which are abundant in Fish Lake and fight well on light tackle.

The tournament operates on a catch-and-release basis for most divisions, meaning you weigh your fish at the end of the day and return them to the water. Entry fees vary by year and division — typically ranging from $25 to $75 per angler — and the money funds prizes, lake management, and conservation work. You do not need to pre-register weeks in advance; most tournaments allow registration the morning of the event at the boat launch.

Key Takeaways

  • Fish Lake Perch Tournament takes place in late April or early May each year at Fish Lake in Fishlake National Forest, about two hours south of Salt Lake City.
  • The tournament is catch-and-release for most divisions, so you weigh your fish at the end of the day and put them back in the water.
  • Entry fees typically range from $25 to $75 depending on the division, and you can usually register the morning of the tournament at the boat launch.
  • Yellow perch are the target species; they bite consistently on small jigs, spinners, and live minnows in the spring.
  • You will need a valid Utah fishing license, a boat or access to one, and basic perch-fishing tackle to participate.

When the Tournament Runs and How to Register

The Fish Lake Perch Tournament typically begins in late April and runs through early May, though the exact dates shift slightly each year depending on ice-out conditions and water temperature. Check with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or the Fishlake National Forest website in March to confirm the current year's dates. Registration usually opens at first light on tournament day at the main boat launch — Mackinaw Boat Launch is the primary access point — and the fishing window closes at a set time in the afternoon, often around 3 or 4 p.m.

Most tournaments divide anglers into categories: youth (under 16), adult, and sometimes a family or team division. Each division has its own entry fee and prize pool. You will need to bring your Utah fishing license, a valid ID, and cash or a payment method the organizers accept. The registration table will give you a tournament number to display on your boat, a weigh-in slip, and information about the rules for that year's event.

What Tackle and Technique Work Best for Fish Lake Perch

Yellow perch in Fish Lake respond well to small jigs — typically 1/16 to 1/8 ounce — tipped with live minnows or soft plastic bodies in white, yellow, or chartreuse. Spinners in sizes 1 and 2 also produce, especially in the shallower areas near the shoreline and around submerged structure. In spring, perch move into water 8 to 20 feet deep as the lake warms, so you do not need to fish the deepest holes; a depth finder helps, but it is not essential.

The most consistent approach is to work the edges of drop-offs and weed beds with a slow jigging motion, pausing for a second or two between lifts. Perch often bite on the pause. If you are new to perch fishing, bring a variety of jig colors and sizes — what works one day may not work the next, and having options keeps you in the game. Light spinning or ultralight baitcasting rods in the 5 to 6-foot range work well; perch do not require heavy gear, and lighter tackle makes the fight more enjoyable.

Boat Access and Launch Information

Fish Lake has three main boat launches: Mackinaw Boat Launch (the largest and most popular), Johnson Valley Boat Launch, and Ponderosa Boat Launch. Mackinaw is where most tournament anglers launch because it has the most parking, the widest ramp, and the shortest walk from the parking area to the water. The launch fee is typically $10 to $15 per vehicle for the day, and the parking lot fills early on tournament day — arriving by 6 a.m. is wise if you want a spot close to the ramp.

If you do not own a boat, several local outfitters and guide services offer boat rentals or can arrange shared fishing trips. Contact the Fishlake National Forest visitor center or the town of Richfield (the nearest town with services) for current rental options. Fuel up in Richfield before you head to the lake; there is no fuel available at Fish Lake itself.

Rules, Licenses, and What to Bring

You must have a valid Utah fishing license to participate in the tournament. Licenses are sold online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at some convenience stores in Richfield. A one-day license costs less than $15; a full-year license is around $35 for residents and $65 for non-residents. The license is required even if you are fishing in a tournament.

Tournament rules typically include a minimum size limit (usually 7 or 8 inches for perch), a daily bag limit, and a requirement to keep all fish alive until weigh-in. Bring a livewell or aerated cooler to keep your catch fresh and healthy. Bring sunscreen, a hat, layers (spring weather at 8,000 feet elevation can be cold and changeable), and plenty of water. The lake is at high elevation, and the sun reflects off the water; sun exposure adds up fast. Bring a cooler with lunch and snacks, because there are no restaurants at the lake.

Lodging and Services Near Fish Lake

The nearest town with hotels, restaurants, and gas is Richfield, about 45 minutes south of Fish Lake. Richfield has a range of motels and a few small restaurants; book lodging in advance during tournament weekend because rooms fill up. If you prefer to camp, Fishlake National Forest has several campgrounds around the lake — Mackinaw, Johnson Valley, and Ponderosa all have developed sites with water and vault toilets. Campgrounds open in late April or early May depending on snow melt, so confirm availability before you plan to arrive.

The Forest Service visitor center near the lake has information about current conditions, fishing reports, and local regulations. Stop there when you arrive to ask about recent perch activity and any changes to the tournament schedule. The staff can also point you to the best launch and fishing areas for your skill level.

Why Fish Lake Perch Matter to Utah Anglers

Yellow perch are one of Utah's most reliable and accessible game fish, and Fish Lake holds a strong population that supports both tournament and recreational fishing. Perch are schooling fish, which means when you find one, more are usually nearby — this makes them forgiving for newer anglers and exciting for experienced ones. The tournament celebrates this abundance and brings together people who fish for the love of it, not just for the prize money.

The Fish Lake Perch Tournament is also a way to support lake management and conservation. Entry fees help fund habitat work, invasive species monitoring, and educational programs run by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. By participating, you are part of a larger effort to keep Fish Lake healthy and fishable for future seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the tournament, or can I fish from shore?

Most tournaments require a boat because the rules specify a weigh-in location and a defined fishing area. Check the current year's rules when you register, but plan on having boat access. If you do not own one, ask the registration table about shared boat opportunities or local rental services.

What is the difference between the youth and adult divisions?

Youth divisions are for anglers under 16 and typically have lower entry fees and separate prize pools so younger anglers compete fairly. Adult divisions are open to anyone 16 and older. Some tournaments also offer a family division where an adult and youth fish together as a team.

Can I keep fish from the tournament, or do all fish have to go back?

Most Fish Lake tournaments are catch-and-release, meaning you return all fish to the water after weigh-in. This protects the population and keeps the lake productive for future tournaments. Check the specific rules for the year you plan to fish, as rules can change.

What should I do if I have never fished for perch before?

Start with small jigs and live minnows, fish slowly near structure, and do not be afraid to ask other anglers for tips — the perch tournament community is welcoming to newcomers. Arrive early, watch how experienced anglers set up, and ask the Forest Service staff about recent fishing reports.

Is there cell service at Fish Lake?

Cell service is spotty or absent at the lake itself, so do not rely on your phone for navigation or communication once you are on the water. Download offline maps of the lake before you go, and tell someone on shore where you plan to fish and when you expect to return.