Fishing for beginners
Fishing Fishing
Father and son standing at a pond, holding fishing poles

Fishing for beginners

How to get started

Fishing is a fun, relaxing activity at Utah's beautiful lakes and rivers. You can spend quality time outdoors with family and friends or enjoy nature in scenic solitude. If you've ever wanted to try fishing, here are the resources and links you need to get started.


Father and son standing at a pond, holding fishing poles
Step 1

Learn to fish

Check out TakeMeFishing.org's online beginner's guide, which provides detailed, step-by-step explanations and videos. You'll also find great tips and techniques by attending Utah DWR fishing events and clinics and reading fishing articles on our website. Kids can learn to fish by enrolling in fishing clubs at Utah's community ponds.


Little girl holding a fishing pole at a river; her mother kneeling beside her
Step 2

Buy a fishing license

In Utah, everyone under the age of 12 can fish for free! You will need to buy a Utah fishing or combination license if you are 12 or older. Fishing licenses are available online, and at retail stores. Once you have a license, you can store it on your phone with our convenient Utah Hunting & Fishing app.


Step 3

Know the rules and regulations

The Utah Fishing Guidebook contains the rules you need to know before you start fishing — including special regulations for certain waterbodies. If you want or need to release the fish you catch, here are some helpful catch-and-release tips.

Utah Fishing Guidebook Guía de pesca de Utah

Plan your fishing trip

Want to find a fishing spot close to home — or maybe up in the mountains? Know what baits, lures and flies to bring? We've made it easy to find the fishing experience you're looking for!

Man standing at a pond in the Unita Mountains, casting in a fishing line
Woman holding a fish she caught at East Canyon State Park

Work on your fishing skills

These useful tips and videos from TakeMeFishing.org cover many of the basic skills involved in fishing. Take a few minutes to watch them when you're getting started!

Family fishing with poles at a waterbody

Cook your catch

Two fish on a cutting board in a kitchen

These mouthwatering recipes provide a variety of delicious ways to prepare the fish you catch and keep!


Quick links
Wildlife Blog: Views from DWR employees
» Wildlife Blog
Report poachers — 1-800-662-3337
» Report poachers
Wildlife dates
» Important dates
Hunter, angler mobile app
Hunter Education: Sign up for classes
» Hunter education