What Utah's Free Fishing Day Lets You Do
Utah sets aside specific days each year when you can fish in most public waters without buying a license. On these days, the normal requirement to hold a valid fishing license is suspended — you can fish legally as long as you follow all other state regulations, including catch limits, season dates, and gear restrictions.
Free Fishing Day is designed to let people try fishing without the upfront cost of a license. It's a real opportunity to test whether fishing fits your interests before you commit to buying a year-round license or a short-term permit.
Key Takeaways
- Utah typically offers two Free Fishing Days per year, usually in spring and fall, though the exact dates change annually.
- You still must follow all other fishing rules — catch limits, season closures, gear restrictions, and water-access rules all remain in effect.
- Free Fishing Day applies to most public waters, but some private waters and special-use areas may have their own restrictions.
- The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources publishes the official Free Fishing Day dates on their website each year.
When Free Fishing Day Occurs in Utah
Utah's Free Fishing Days are announced by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) each year. The dates vary, but the state typically designates two days — often one in spring and one in fall. You need to check the DWR website or contact them directly to confirm the exact dates for the current year, because they are not fixed to the same calendar date annually.
The DWR publishes the upcoming year's Free Fishing Days well in advance, usually by late winter. If you're planning a fishing trip and want to take advantage of a Free Fishing Day, confirm the dates before you go, since missing the window means you'll need a license to fish legally.
What Regulations Still Apply on Free Fishing Day
The license requirement is suspended, but every other fishing rule remains in force. You must still follow Utah's catch limits — the number and size of fish you're allowed to keep varies by species and water body. You must also respect season closures; if a particular water is closed to fishing on that date, you cannot fish there even on Free Fishing Day.
Gear restrictions also apply. If a water body is fly-fishing only, or if certain lures are prohibited, those rules hold on Free Fishing Day. The same goes for water-access rules: if you need permission to cross private land to reach a public water, or if a water requires a special permit, Free Fishing Day does not override those requirements.
Which Waters Are Open on Free Fishing Day
Most public waters in Utah are open for Free Fishing Day fishing — reservoirs, rivers, streams, and ponds managed by the state or federal government. However, some waters have their own restrictions that remain in effect regardless of the Free Fishing Day designation.
Private waters, including private ponds and sections of rivers on private land, are not automatically open on Free Fishing Day. Some private landowners may allow it; you need to ask permission. Waters managed under special-use permits or conservation agreements may also have their own rules. The DWR website lists waters with specific restrictions, and calling the regional office for your area can clarify whether a particular water is open.
How to Find This Year's Free Fishing Day Dates
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources maintains the official Free Fishing Day information on their website. You can search for "Utah Free Fishing Day" or visit the DWR's main site and look for the fishing section. The announcement typically includes the exact dates, a list of any waters with special restrictions, and a reminder of the regulations that remain in effect.
You can also call the DWR directly or visit a regional office. The phone number and office locations are on the DWR website. If you're planning a trip to a specific water body and want to confirm it's open on Free Fishing Day, calling ahead takes five minutes and prevents a wasted trip.
Preparing for Free Fishing Day
You don't need to register or sign up for Free Fishing Day — it's automatic. On the designated day, simply show up and fish. However, you should still bring identification and be prepared to show it if a wildlife officer asks. Carrying your ID is standard practice on any fishing trip.
Before you go, check the current regulations for the water you plan to fish. Download the Utah Fishing Guidebook from the DWR website or pick up a printed copy at a sporting goods store. The guidebook lists catch limits, season dates, and gear rules for every major water body in the state. Knowing these details in advance means you won't waste time on the water trying to figure out what's legal.
After Free Fishing Day: Getting a License if You Want to Fish Again
If Free Fishing Day sparks your interest and you want to fish beyond those designated days, Utah offers several license options. A year-round resident fishing license covers you for the full calendar year. Short-term licenses — valid for one day, three days, or five days — are available if you fish occasionally. Non-residents can purchase licenses for the same periods.
You can buy a license online through the DWR website, by phone, or in person at sporting goods stores and other vendors throughout the state. Prices vary by license type and residency status. Having a license in hand before your next trip means you're legal to fish any day of the year, not just the two Free Fishing Days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring anything special on Free Fishing Day?
No special permit or registration is required. Bring your fishing gear, a valid ID, and knowledge of the catch limits and season rules for the water you're fishing. A printed copy of the Utah Fishing Guidebook or the DWR website on your phone is helpful for checking regulations on the spot.
Can I fish at a private pond on Free Fishing Day without a license?
Free Fishing Day suspends the license requirement on public waters, but private waters are not included. You still need the landowner's permission to fish on private property, regardless of whether it's Free Fishing Day. Always ask the owner before fishing on private land.
What if I catch a fish that's too small or too large on Free Fishing Day?
You must release it immediately. Catch limits and size restrictions apply on Free Fishing Day just as they do any other day. The DWR Fishing Guidebook lists the legal size range for each species in each water body, so check before you fish.
Are there any waters closed on Free Fishing Day?
Most public waters are open, but some have seasonal closures or special restrictions that remain in effect on Free Fishing Day. The DWR website lists any waters with restrictions. Calling your regional DWR office or checking the Fishing Guidebook before you go is the safest way to confirm a specific water is open.
How much does a fishing license cost if I want to fish after Free Fishing Day?
Prices vary by license type and residency. Resident licenses cost less than non-resident licenses, and short-term licenses cost less than year-round ones. Check the DWR website for current pricing, or ask at a vendor when you're ready to buy.