Best Places to Fish in Park City
Where to Go Fishing in Park City
You may already know Park City as a winter sports destination, but surprisingly enough, this mountain town has a laundry list of summer activities to participate in, with fishing being chief amongst them. In fact, Park City might have some of the best fishing waters in the state, if not the entire country, with a huge assortment of different species in the various rivers and reservoirs near town.
Curious about the best places to fish in Park City? We’ve chosen our 5 favorite spots for you to check out, whether you’re an avid fly fisherman with years of experience or a novice angler who is just starting out.
Visit the Provo River to Fly Fish For Huge Trout
If you are a fly fishing enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to take the 45-minute trip to the Lower Provo River, whose waters originate from Deer Creek Reservoir. This Blue Ribbon river contains some of the biggest Rainbow and Brown Trout you’ll find in the area, mainly because the fish in this area feast year-round on their favorite insect snacks. And because Provo River parallels Highway 189, it’s incredibly easy to access, with numerous developed and undeveloped fishing areas dotting its banks.
However, if you were hoping to find something a little closer to Park City for a quick fishing trip, try out the Middle Provo River, which stretches from Jordanelle Reservoir to Deer Creek Reservoir and is accessible with only a 15-minute drive from town. Here you’ll find incredible Blue Ribbon Trout, and with more than 3,000 fish per mile of waterway, you won’t have any trouble scoring at least a few catches.
Have a Fly Fishing Adventure at the Weber River
Only a 20-minute drive from Park City is yet another Blue Ribbon fishery: the Weber River. This river originates from alpine lakes in the Uinta mountains, and its crystal-clear waters are always teeming with a variety of trout, including Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Grayling Trout.
One caveat of fishing the Weber River, however, is that much of its course is located on private land, but the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources came up with a clever idea they call the “Walk In Access” program. This program gives fishermen, hunters, and trappers the opportunity to participate in these activities on private property without having to worry about trespassing, as the land is leased by the Division of Wildlife resources especially for these purposes.
Fish Nearby Jordanelle Reservoir for Smallmouth Bass and Trout
Anyone who wants to get out on the water and enjoy some boat fishing for bass and trout will have a wonderful time at Jordanelle Reservoir, located in Jordanelle State Park, just a 15-minute drive from Park City.
Although this spot can get a bit crowded at times, it boasts some of the best fishing in the area, with the opportunity to catch Smallmouth Bass, various types of trout, Perch, and even Largemouth Bass as well. The size of the fish in this reservoir is often impressive, with large catches of up to 10lb being reported during the warmer months.
The most accessible fishing area is Hailstone, which offers not just a boat ramp and fish cleaning station, but also a tackle store so you can stock up on supplies. The quieter Rock Cliff area is also a great choice for those who want to enjoy the natural scenery without the hubbub of the crowds. Finally, if you’re hoping to stay on foot, walk the Perimeter Trail around the reservoir to find your perfect secret spot.
Get a Big Catch at Strawberry Reservoir
If you’re up for a bit of a drive through the gorgeous mountains surrounding Park City, you’d enjoy the hour-long trip to Strawberry Reservoir for some incredible trout fishing. One of Utah’s largest reservoirs, this lake is well-known to produce some of the biggest trout and salmon in the state as well, and anglers flock to its shores during the summertime to land some of the largest catches of their lives.
Like Jordanelle Reservoir, boat fishing is very popular and a great way to land catches that those on the shore wouldn’t even dream of. However, if you do like staying onshore while you’re angling, try fishing Strawberry Reservoir during the spring or fall.
Enjoy Some Mountain Views and Great Trout in the Uinta Mountains
Those who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a trip into the mountains will have an amazing time fishing the myriad backcountry lakes, rivers, and streams of the Uinta mountains. No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, whether that’s just stepping out of the car at a great angling spot or hiking many miles for the perfect lake, you can find it in these mountains.
However, one of the drawbacks to exploring these mountains is that you won’t find many big fish. That’s because this mountain range is high in elevation and the summer season is incredibly short, lasting from late June into mid-September. But for those who just want to enjoy the scenic vistas while angling for a quiet afternoon, the Uintas are the perfect backdrop.
Dive Deeper into Park City Activities
Fishing in the Utah mountains is a dream come true. Next time you’re planning a trip to Park City while the weather is warm, try to schedule some free time to fish the many rivers and reservoirs surrounding the area.
Want to dive deeper into more Park City activities? Take a look at our guide to the best Park City breweries or check out some Park City art galleries to visit.