Licenses and Permits

Utah Code §§ 23A-4-201 and 23A-5-309

Obtaining a fishing license is the first step to fishing in Utah. The type of license you should purchase depends on many variables: how old you are, how often you want to fish, where you want to fish and whether you’re a Utah resident. (To determine if you are a resident, see the definition.) This section provides information about the different licenses and permits that are available.

Free Fishing Day

Utah Code § 23A-4-201 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-3

The one day you don’t need a license to fish in Utah is Saturday, June 7, 2025, which is Free Fishing Day. Everyone in Utah can fish for free that day, but please remember that all of the state’s other fishing laws and rules still apply.

Under 12 years of age

Utah Code § 23A-4-601 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-3

If you’re under 12 years of age, you do not need a fishing license to fish in Utah. You can fish without a license, use two poles, use a setline and take a full daily limit.

12 years of age and older

Utah Code § 23A-4-601 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-3

If you’re 12 years of age or older, you must purchase a fishing license or a combination license to fish in Utah. You can choose from a variety of licenses, which are listed on the License and Permit Fees page.

Fishing and combination licenses are available on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website and from license agents and Division offices. You can also call 800-221-0659 to purchase your license by phone. Reminder: When you buy a combination license or a multi-year license, you also get a price break compared to buying your hunting and fishing licenses separately.

Note: There are restrictions on fishing and hunting license purchasers for nonpayment of child support. For additional information—or to arrange a payment schedule—please contact the Office of Recovery Services at 801-536-8500.

You must have your license with you while you’re fishing, and you cannot alter your license or transfer it to another person.

Keep in mind that you can use the Utah Hunting and Fishing app to legally carry fishing licenses on a phone or tablet for all the members of your family. To download the app, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources mobile app page.

Fishing across state lines and reciprocal fishing permits

Utah Admin. Rule R657-13-5

Utah shares Bear Lake, Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge Reservoir with neighboring states. To simplify the process of fishing across state lines, Utah has entered into the following agreements with Idaho, Arizona and Wyoming:

Bear Lake

If you have a valid Utah or Idaho fishing or combination license—whether you are a resident or nonresident—you may fish both the Utah and Idaho portions of the lake, as long as you follow the angling regulations that apply to the state where you are fishing.

It is your responsibility to know and follow each state’s laws and rules for Bear Lake.

Reminder: Even if you are licensed in both states, you may only take one daily limit each day.

Lake Powell

If you have a valid Utah or Arizona fishing or combination license—whether you are a resident or nonresident—you may fish both the Utah and Arizona portions of the lake, as long as you follow the angling regulations that apply to the state where you are fishing.

It is your responsibility to know and follow each state’s laws and rules for Lake Powell.

Reminder: Even if you are licensed in both states, you may only take one daily limit each day.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Utah and Wyoming resident anglers: To fish across state lines at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, residents of Utah or Wyoming must have a valid resident fishing license from their state of residence and a reciprocal fishing permit from the other state.

For example, if you buy a Utah resident fishing license, you can fish the Utah portion of Flaming Gorge. After buying your Utah license, if you decide you also want to fish the Wyoming portion of the reservoir, you must buy a Wyoming reciprocal fishing permit. You can also choose to purchase a Wyoming nonresident fishing license.

Nonresident anglers: If you are not a resident of either Utah or Wyoming—and you want to fish all of Flaming Gorge Reservoir— you must purchase nonresident fishing licenses from both states.

For more information on obtaining a Wyoming reciprocal fishing permit or fishing license, call the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at 307-777-4600 or visit their official website.

Utah reciprocal fishing permits are available on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website and from authorized license agents and Division offices.

Reminder: Even if you are licensed in both states, you may only take one daily limit.

Discounted licenses for disabled veterans

The Division offers discounted fishing licenses to Utah veterans who were disabled in the line of duty.

The discounted license is $12 - instead of the $40 full price - and the license is good for 365 days from the day you buy it. Discounted licenses are available online or from all Division offices.

To purchase a discounted license, you must be a Utah resident and have a qualifying service-connected disability of at least 20 percent.

If you choose to visit a Division office to purchase your license, simply bring the verification of service-connected disability documentation that the Department of Veterans Affairs issued to you.

You can find additional resources for hunters and anglers with disabilities on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website.

Fishing contests

Utah Admin. Rule R657-58

If you would like to hold a fishing contest or tournament, you must apply online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources fishing tournament application portal.

To see fishing contest rules, review Utah Administrative Rule R657-58, visit the Utah fishing contests page, or contact the nearest Division office.

If you plan to hold a fishing contest at a state park or federally-administered waterbody, you should also check with the appropriate land management agency to see if there are any additional rules that apply to the area.

Licenses for residents with special needs

Utah Code § 23A-4-305 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-12-3

If you’re a Utah resident and have certain physical or mental disabilities—or a terminal illness—you may qualify for a free fishing license. A child who has been placed in the custody of the state by a court order may also qualify. To learn if you qualify, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources disability information page or contact your nearest Division office.

License exemptions for youth groups and organizations

Are you a scout leader or a mentor for a youth group? Many groups can hold fishing events that don’t require a fishing license for participants age 15 and younger. To determine if you are eligible and to complete the license-exemption form, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources youth organization page.

Help conserve native cutthroat trout

Utah Cutthroat Slam

The Utah Cutthroat Slam offers an exciting challenge for conservation-minded anglers. You must catch Utah’s four native cutthroat trout subspecies—in their native waters— and provide visual proof of your success.

After you successfully complete the slam, you’ll receive a stunning medallion to commemorate your achievement. You’ll also receive a slam-completion certificate and be recognized online on the Utah Cutthroat Slam website. Many anglers have completed the slam multiple times!

Your slam participation fee—only $20 for adults and $10 for youth under 18— helps fund cutthroat trout conservation projects in Utah.

The Utah Cutthroat Slam is a partnership between the Division and Trout Unlimited, and it has successfully raised more than $100,000 for native cutthroat trout conservation since its launch in 2016.

To see a complete list of program requirements, visit the Utah Cutthroat Slam website.

Western Native Trout Initiative

Looking for a fishing challenge while you travel the Western U.S.? Catch at least 6 (and up to 18) native trout and char in 12 participating states through the Western Native Trout Challenge.