The Best Places to Sup Fish in Utah: A Guide to Prime Locations, Lures, and Targeted Fish Species.

Utah, known for its stunning natural landscapes, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Among its many recreational activities, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) fishing has gained immense popularity in recent years. Combining the tranquility of paddleboarding with the thrill of fishing, SUP fishing offers a unique experience in Utah's serene waters. In this article, we will explore the best places to SUP fish in Utah, along with the recommended lures and the variety of fish you can expect to catch at each location. If you are looking for the perfect sup fishing board check out the Glide O2 Angler. We will be exploring the best lakes for SUP fishing in Utah. In the future we will explore the rivers and other locations for SUP Fly Fishing.

Key Highlights

  1. Diverse Fishing Locations Across Utah: Explore a variety of waters from tranquil reservoirs to lively rivers, each offering unique SUP fishing experiences.

  2. Recommended Lures and Techniques: Tailored advice on the best lures and fishing techniques for targeting specific fish species in Utah's waters.

  3. Spotlight on Target Fish Species: Insight into the fish species available at each location, enhancing your chances of making a great catch.

  4. Guidance for SUP Fishing Newbies and Pros: Whether you're new to SUP fishing or looking to expand your skills, find tips suitable for all levels.

  5. Conservation Tips and Best Practices: Emphasize the importance of respecting Utah's natural ecosystems and practicing catch-and-release when appropriate.

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Northern Utah:

    1. Pineview Reservoir:

      Located in Ogden Valley, Pineview Reservoir is a popular destination for SUP fishing due to its clear waters and diverse fish population. This reservoir is home to bass, trout, and crappie. To target bass, try using lures such as soft plastic swimbaits, jerkbaits, and inline spinners. For trout, opt for small spoons, spinners, or PowerBait. Crappie can be enticed with small jigs or live bait.

    2. Causey Reservoir:

      Situated in the picturesque Ogden Canyon, Causey Reservoir offers a tranquil SUP fishing experience. This location is known for rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and brown trout. The main attraction to target at this location is Kokanee Salmon. When SUP fishing at Causey Reservoir, there are several effective lures and techniques to attract kokanee salmon. Trolling with dodgers and small, brightly colored spinners or spoons is a popular method for enticing these fish. The flash and vibration of the lures mimic the natural movement of baitfish, enticing kokanee salmon to strike. Additionally, adding scents or bait oils to your lures can further enhance their effectiveness.

    3. Mantua Reservoir:

      Located near Brigham City, Mantua Reservoir is a hidden gem for SUP fishing enthusiasts. This reservoir is known for its largemouth bass, bluegill, and perch populations. Largemouth bass can be targeted with lures like topwater frogs, spinnerbaits, or Texas-rigged plastic worms. Bluegill and perch can be enticed with small jigs, inline spinners, or live bait such as worms or crickets.

    4. Bear Lake:

      Straddling the Utah-Idaho border, Bear Lake is a breathtaking destination that attracts SUP anglers from far and wide. Known for its turquoise waters, Bear Lake offers the opportunity to catch trophy-sized cutthroat trout, lake trout (mackinaw), and whitefish. To target cutthroat trout and lake trout, try using lures such as spoons, jerkbaits, or tube jigs. Bait such as worms or cut bait can be used for whitefish.

    5. Willard Bay Reservoir:

      Situated west of Brigham City, Willard Bay Reservoir is a popular SUP fishing destination in northern Utah. This large reservoir is known for its walleye and catfish populations. To target walleye, consider using lures such as crankbaits, swimbaits, or jigging spoons. For catfish, use cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits. Additionally, Willard Bay Reservoir is also home to bass, crappie, and wiper fish species.

    Western Utah:

    1. Strawberry Reservoir:

      Nestled in the Uinta National Forest, Strawberry Reservoir is renowned for its trophy-sized cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout. SUP fishing at Strawberry Reservoir can be fruitful when using lures such as spoons, spinners, or crankbaits to target trout and salmon. Varying the depths and speeds of your retrieve can increase your chances of success.

    2. Utah Lake:

      As one of the largest freshwater lakes in Utah, Utah Lake provides abundant SUP fishing opportunities. This lake is home to largemouth bass, walleye, white bass, and catfish. For bass, try using lures such as plastic worms, spinnerbaits, or lipless crankbaits. Walleye can be targeted with jigs, worm harnesses, or minnow-shaped crankbaits. Catfish can be enticed with stink baits, cut bait, or chicken liver.

    3. Yuba Reservoir:

      Situated in the Sevier Desert, Yuba Reservoir is a hidden gem for SUP fishing enthusiasts looking to catch walleye and wiper. This reservoir also offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. For walleye, consider using jigs, swimbaits, or crankbaits. Wiper can be targeted using swimbaits, spoons, or spinnerbaits. Largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill can be caught with soft plastic jigs, worms, or live bait.

    4. Steinaker Reservoir:

      Located near Vernal, Steinaker Reservoir offers a serene SUP fishing experience in western Utah. This reservoir is known for its largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and bluegill populations. To catch largemouth bass, try using lures such as topwater frogs, plastic worms, or spinnerbaits. Rainbow trout can be enticed with spinners, spoons, or natural baits. Bluegill can be targeted using small jigs, inline spinners, or live bait.

    5. Quail Creek Reservoir:

      Situated near St. George, Quail Creek Reservoir offers warm-water SUP fishing in western Utah. This reservoir is home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and bluegill. For bass, consider using lures such as crankbaits, plastic worms, or topwater baits. Rainbow trout can be targeted with spinners, spoons, or natural baits. Bluegill can be enticed with small jigs, inline spinners, or live bait.

    Eastern Utah:

    1. Flaming Gorge Reservoir:

      Spanning the Utah-Wyoming border, Flaming Gorge Reservoir offers SUP fishing amidst breathtaking scenery. This reservoir is known for its trophy-sized lake trout (mackinaw), kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. To target lake trout and smallmouth bass, try using lures such as spoons, swimbaits, or jigs. For kokanee salmon, small spinners, dodgers, or bait-tipped lures work well.

    2. Fish Lake:

      Nestled in the Fishlake National Forest, Fish Lake is an alpine lake known for its trophy-sized lake trout (mackinaw) and rainbow trout. SUP fishing on Fish Lake provides a serene and peaceful experience. To catch lake trout, consider using lures such as swimbaits, spoons, or tube jigs. For rainbow trout, opt for spinners, spoons, or natural baits.

    3. Starvation Reservoir:

      Situated near Duchesne, Starvation Reservoir is a hidden gem for SUP fishing in eastern Utah. This reservoir is home to walleye, smallmouth bass, perch, and crappie. To target walleye and smallmouth bass, try using lures such as jigs, crankbaits, or swimbaits. Perch and crappie can be enticed with small jigs, inline spinners, or live bait such as minnows or worms.

    4. Scofield Reservoir:

      Located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, Scofield Reservoir offers a picturesque setting for SUP fishing in eastern Utah. This reservoir is known for its tiger muskie, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout. To catch tiger muskie, try using lures such as swimbaits, spoons, or jerkbaits. For cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, opt for spinners, spoons, or natural baits.

    5. Electric Lake:

      Tucked away in the Wasatch Plateau, Electric Lake offers a secluded SUP fishing experience in eastern Utah. This small lake is home to rainbow trout, brook trout, and tiger trout. To target trout, try using lures such as spoons, spinners, or natural baits such as worms or PowerBait.

    Southern Utah:

    1. Lake Powell:

      One of Utah's iconic SUP fishing destinations, Lake Powell offers an unforgettable experience amidst its red rock canyons and expansive waters. This reservoir is home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and walleye. For bass, try using lures such as crankbaits, jigs, or swimbaits. Topwater lures, spoons, or swimbaits work well for striped bass. Jigs, swimbaits, or worm harnesses are effective for targeting walleye.

    2. Sand Hollow Reservoir:

      Located near St. George, Sand Hollow Reservoir is a popular destination for SUP fishing in southern Utah. This reservoir is known for its largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie populations. For bass, consider using lures such as plastic worms, spinnerbaits, or topwater baits. Bluegill and crappie can be enticed with small jigs, inline spinners, or live bait such as worms or crickets.

    3. Quail Lake:

      Nestled in the red rock canyons near St. George, Quail Lake offers a unique SUP fishing experience. This small lake is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, and rainbow trout. To catch largemouth bass, try using lures such as plastic worms, spinnerbaits, or topwater baits. Bluegill can be targeted with small jigs, inline spinners, or live bait. Rainbow trout can be enticed with spinners, spoons, or natural baits.

    4. Gunlock Reservoir:

      Situated in Gunlock State Park, Gunlock Reservoir provides a serene environment for SUP fishing in southern Utah. This reservoir is known for its largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish populations. To catch bass, try using lures such as plastic worms, spinnerbaits, or topwater baits. Bluegill can be enticed with small jigs, inline spinners, or live bait. Cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits are effective for targeting catfish.

    5. Kolob Reservoir:

      Located in the Kolob Terrace of Zion National Park, Kolob Reservoir offers a secluded SUP fishing experience in southern Utah. This reservoir is home to rainbow trout, brook trout, and tiger trout. To target trout, try using lures such as spoons, spinners, or natural baits such as worms or PowerBait.

    Central Utah:

    1. Fish Lake:

      Situated in the Fishlake National Forest, Fish Lake offers a peaceful SUP fishing experience in central Utah. This reservoir is known for its trout populations, including rainbow trout and brown trout. To catch trout, consider using lures such as spinners, spoons, or natural baits like worms or PowerBait.

    2. Joe's Valley Reservoir:

      Located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, Joe's Valley Reservoir is a popular destination for SUP fishing in central Utah. This reservoir is known for its splake (a hybrid between brook trout and lake trout), cutthroat trout, and tiger muskie. To target splake and cutthroat trout, try using lures such as spoons, spinners, or natural baits. For tiger muskie, opt for swimbaits, spoons, or jerkbaits.

    3. Huntington Reservoir:

      Situated near the town of Huntington, Huntington Reservoir offers a diverse SUP fishing experience in central Utah. This reservoir is home to walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and perch. To catch walleye, consider using jigs, crankbaits, or swimbaits. Largemouth and smallmouth bass can be enticed with plastic worms, spinnerbaits, or topwater baits. Perch can be targeted with small jigs, inline spinners, or live bait.

    4. Millsite Reservoir:

      Located near the town of Ferron, Millsite Reservoir is a lesser-known SUP fishing destination in central Utah. This reservoir is known for its rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill populations. To catch rainbow trout, try using spinners, spoons, or natural baits like worms or PowerBait. For largemouth bass, opt for plastic worms, spinnerbaits, or topwater baits. Bluegill can be targeted with small jigs, inline spinners, or live bait.

    5. Scofield Reservoir:

      Situated in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, Scofield Reservoir is a popular SUP fishing destination in central Utah. This reservoir is known for its trophy-sized tiger muskie, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout. To target tiger muskie, try using swimbaits, spoons, or jerkbaits. Cutthroat and rainbow trout can be enticed with spinners, spoons, or natural baits.

      Ekko's Hidden Gems:

      These locations are places that Ekko loves to fish at, while they may result in smaller fish than the other locations they offer gorgeous backdrops and hiking trails nearby for him to explore.

      1. Mirror Lake:

      Tucked away in the Uinta Mountains, Mirror Lake is a picturesque alpine lake that captures the essence of untouched beauty. The pristine waters of Mirror Lake are home to a variety of trout species, including rainbow trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. SUP fishing at Mirror Lake offers a serene experience, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. To entice the trout, consider using lures such as spinners, spoons, or natural baits like worms or PowerBait.

      1. Mill Hollow:

      Located in the scenic Uinta National Forest, Mill Hollow Reservoir is a hidden gem that provides a peaceful SUP fishing experience. This reservoir is known for its healthy populations of trout, including rainbow trout and brown trout. The tranquil ambiance and picturesque surroundings make Mill Hollow an ideal destination for anglers seeking solitude. To target the trout, try using lures such as spinners, spoons, or natural baits.

      1. Tropic Reservoir:

      Nestled near the town of Tropic in southern Utah, Tropic Reservoir is a charming location for SUP fishing. This small reservoir is home to rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout. The serene waters and scenic surroundings add to the allure of Tropic Reservoir, making it an idyllic spot for a peaceful SUP fishing adventure. When targeting trout, consider using lures such as spinners, spoons, or natural baits like worms or PowerBait.

      1. Tony Grove Lake:

      Situated in the Cache National Forest, Tony Grove Lake is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking SUP fishing tranquility. This alpine lake boasts crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, including rainbow trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. The breathtaking mountain backdrop and serene atmosphere create a perfect setting for a memorable SUP fishing experience. To attract the trout, try using lures such as spinners, spoons, or natural baits like worms or PowerBait.

      1. Whitney Reservoir:

      Whitney Reservoir, located near the town of Junction, is a lesser-known SUP fishing destination that offers a unique experience. This reservoir is known for its largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill populations. The calm waters of Whitney Reservoir provide an ideal setting for SUP fishing enthusiasts seeking a peaceful and secluded adventure. When targeting bass, consider using lures such as plastic worms, spinnerbaits, or topwater baits. Bluegill and crappie can be enticed with small jigs, inline spinners, or live bait such as worms or crickets.

    Conclusion:

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    Utah is a paradise for SUP fishing enthusiasts, with its diverse landscapes and abundant waterways. From the picturesque northern regions to the stunning southern deserts and the central lakes, each area offers unique opportunities for SUP fishing. Remember to adhere to fishing regulations, and obtain necessary permits. So, grab your SUP board, pack your fishing gear, and embark on an unforgettable SUP fishing adventure in the magnificent waters of Utah.

    SUP Fishing Tips:

    Check out our blog for awesome tips, guides, and how-tos when SUP fishing. To get you started here are some amazing articles. The Ultimate Guide to Light vs. Dark Colored Lures: Maximize Your Fishing Success. or Best SUP Fishing Knots: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Every Angler. And Paddle board fishing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts. Dive on in to our blog and explore the wonderful world of sup fishing.