Utah Lake
A large, shallow freshwater lake west of Provo and Orem, with an average depth of about 9 feet. It is known for channel catfish, white bass and walleye, and is home to the endangered June sucker.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Channel Catfish
Abundant and often big. Fish cut bait or nightcrawlers on the bottom near harbor mouths and river inlets, especially at night.
White Bass
Spring runs near tributary mouths and harbors. Small jigs and spinners; dead white bass are legal bait here.
Walleye
Spring run toward the Provo River and other inlets, then scattered across the lake. Troll crankbaits or jig rocky areas.
Largemouth Bass
Harbors, marinas and weedy edges. Only one over 12 inches may be kept.
Black Crappie
Inside harbors around docks and rock, including through the ice.
When they bite
Month-by-month activity for each target species.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | ||||||||||||
| White Bass | ||||||||||||
| Walleye | ||||||||||||
| Largemouth Bass |
Boat launches
5 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Utah Lake State ParkFeeProvo. Largest marina on the lake, boat launch, day-use entrance feeDirections ↗
- Saratoga Springs City MarinaPublicCity marina with docks and one boat rampDirections ↗
- American Fork Boat HarborPublicRun by American Fork city. Boat ramp and upgraded docksDirections ↗
- Lindon MarinaMarinaPrivate marina with two launch ramps, slips and a convenience storeDirections ↗
- Lincoln BeachFreeUtah County park near Spanish Fork. Free entry, boat ramps, campingDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass Combined; only 1 may be over 12 in | See Utah rules book ↗ | 6 / day |
| Northern Pike Must be killed; may not be released | See Utah rules book ↗ | No limit |
| Suckers All suckers must be released immediately | Catch & release | 0 |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Utah Division of Wildlife Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Sportsman's Warehouse ↗Nearby1075 S University Ave, Provo(801) 818-2000Directions ↗
Local tips
- The lake is shallow, so wind can build steep, dangerous waves very quickly. Watch the forecast.
- Check for harmful algal bloom advisories in summer before fishing or launching.
- Utah Lake tributaries are closed to walleye possession from March 1 until 6 a.m. on the first Saturday of May.
Angler reports
Water temp, what's biting, and anything else other anglers should know about Utah Lake.