Angler Feedback, Biological Data and You

How public input and scientific data informs management decisions at your favorite waterbodies.

Wherever you fish—whether it’s a big reservoir, a slow river or a bustling community pond—you probably have an opinion about fishing in Utah.

Each year, the Division conducts monitoring, research and public survey efforts to identify the needs and priorities for our fisheries. DWR fisheries biologists send survey requests to tens of thousands of licensed anglers. If are randomly chosen to take part in a fishing proposals survey, we strongly encourage you to respond and make your voice heard.

Additionally, the Division assembles management teams—which are made up of community stakeholders and anglers—to develop objectives for specific species and waterbodies. Combining all of this feedback and data, we determine what immediate and long-term actions should be taken.

In most cases, our fisheries are meeting the needs of anglers, while also meeting the goals of our fisheries managers. However, shifts in stocking, habitat improvement efforts, access improvements and/or regulation changes are sometimes required to provide the opportunities desired by Utah’s anglers now and into the future.

Your input and involvement is critical to the success of the process

Sharing your opinions to shape and review suggested management objectives, and proposed actions, is critical to the maintenance of quality fishing opportunities in Utah. We encourage you to let us know what’s on your mind.

When proposing regulation changes, the Division engages in a two-stage public review process. First, we survey the public regarding their support for proposed regulation changes. Then, we take the supported regulation change proposals through each of Utah’s five Regional Advisory Council public meetings and present the proposals to the Utah Wildlife Board. Board members must vote on and approve any regulation changes.

We recognize that the public process is rigorous and can take time. And we take this process seriously, understanding that the actions we undertake today are an important investment to ensure that quality fishing opportunities will exist for generations of Utah anglers to enjoy into the future.

Share your feedback

This guidebook outlines rules and regulations approved for a two-year regulatory cycle (2025-2026), and the next two-year cycle will begin in 2027. Your suggestions can help shape final recommendations for the fishing guidebooks, and can assist biologists in identifying issues that need more scrutiny and discussion.

Although we may not be able to implement every suggestion, we review all of them. Some suggestions are in direct conflict with each other and may require a compromise recommendation. In general, though, your feedback lets our biologists know which topics are your highest priorities.

Contact us with your ideas

There are three easy ways to share your suggestions:

1. Mail your idea to: Sport Fisheries Coordinator, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, P.O. Box 146301, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301
2. Contact fisheries biologists in your region.
3. Share your ideas while completing the Fishing Proposals survey, if you receive a survey request via email. There is a blank field at the end of the survey where you can submit ideas.

Participate in the public process

DWR biologists share recommendations with the public at a series of RAC meetings held each year in August and September. We encourage you to watch the proposals online, if possible, and share your opinions. For meeting dates, agenda items, and opportunities to provide feedback on proposals, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources public meetings page.

The Utah Wildlife Board will consider the RAC feedback and additional public input when it meets to approve the 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook at the end of September 2025.

Stop the spread of invasive mussels

Quagga mussels form dense, destructive colonies that encrust almost any underwater surface. Newly hatched mussels are microscopic invaders, and adult mussels can attach to your watercraft in as little as a day! They can easily be transferred to other waters without boat owners even knowing that these tiny but incredibly destructive mussels have hitched a ride.

Requirements for all motorized vessels

All boaters—Utah resident and nonresidents—with motorized vessels must: 1) complete the Utah Mussel-aware Boater course and 2) pay the AIS vessel enrollment program fee through the DWR each calendar year. The AIS fee is $20 for Utah residents and $25 for nonresidents.

To take the course and complete the AIS program enrollment for your boat, visit the Utah Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program page.

Aquatic invasive species funds are used to help prevent the spread of quagga mussels from Lake Powell—and affected waterbodies in other states—to more Utah waters.

If it floats, it’s a boat

Do you have a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard? Nonmotorized vessels are not subject to AIS vessel enrollment fee, but you are still required to: 1) complete the Utah Mussel-aware Boater course and 2) self-certify that you’ve effectively cleaned, drained (if applicable) and dried your vessel before launching in a Utah waterbody.

Why are quagga mussels bad?

They plug water lines, even lines that are large in diameter.

When they get in water delivery systems, it can cost millions of dollars annually to remove them and keep the pipes free, which can result in higher utility bills.

They remove plankton from the water, which hurts fish species in Utah.

Mussels get into your boat’s engine cooling system. Once they do, they’ll foul the system and damage the engine.

When mussels die in large numbers, they stink and the sharp shells of dead mussels also cut your feet as you walk along the beaches.

Learn more

Help stop the spread of invasive quagga mussels in Utah! Learn more about annual requirements for all watercraft in Utah and how to keep your boat free of this 'skiff-transmitted disease' by visiting the Utah Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program website.