Fishing in Bryce Canyon National Park


Of all the activities to try near Bryce Canyon, fishing is the one that is most inclusive, peaceful, and low-impact. If you can hold a fishing rod, you can spend the day fishing. This activity allows you to spend time near the water and truly enjoy nature. As you cast your line and wait to feel a bite, you will understand why so many people consider fishing to be the best hobby there is.

For some fisherman, the day spent fishing isn’t even about what you catch. There is a connection that comes along with spending the day on the water. Fisherman will go out with their buddies, talk about everything under the sun, and maybe catch a few fish in the meantime.

Both serious, professional fisherman and hobby fisherman can have a fantastic time on the waters in Bryce Canyon. There are many different types of fishing, places to fish, and other considerations that go into planning a fishing trip in Bryce. If you believe that casting a line is something you would like to do during your vacation to Bryce, read on to get an idea of all the different options you will have when choosing to go fishing.

Types of Fishing

There are many different types of fishing that can be done in Bryce Canyon. Some methods require much practice, while others are easy enough for anyone to do. No matter which type of fishing you would like to do, Bryce Canyon is the perfect place to do it.

Traditional fishing
Traditional fishing is what comes to mind for most people when they think of going fishing. This method of fishing can be done from a boat, on land, or by wading into the water. You can go fishing by traditional angling in any body of water. Usually, this type of fishing is done where the water moves more slowly, like in a lake or pond. However, it can also be done in rivers and streams. Whether you trawl along the top or sink your line deep, traditional fishing will bring you hours of fun.

Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is like the ballet of the fishing world. The cast required to land the fly in the water is beautiful and captivating. Fly fishing utilizes very small lures, called flies, that land on the water’s surface just like a trapped bug. This attracts fish, like trout, which mostly eat small bugs that land in the water. If you are an experienced fly fisherman, or it’s your first time practicing the cast, you will find many unique places to go fishing in Bryce Canyon.

Ice Fishing
In the winter time, the lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and other still waters freeze over as the temperatures drop. While some may think that it would make fishing impossible, the opposite is true. During the colder months, food is scarce for fish and they are looking to bulk up to keep warm. By going ice fishing, you are increasing your chances of catching a fish worthy of a trophy. The only downside of ice fishing is the temperature. Braving the cold to get out on the water is not something that many people enjoy doing. However, if you can brave the cold, you will reap the benefits in the form of countless fish.

When to Fish

Fishing is unique in that it can be done all year long. There is no wrong time to get out on the water. Though you can fish at any time, the changing seasons do impact many things about fishing. The winter, as stated above, is the perfect time to go ice fishing. Later in winter, once the surface has a layer of ice at least 12 inches thick, you can begin ice fishing. When the spring comes along and thaws the ice and snow, a new opportunity for fishing begins.

Fish start to be more active as their body temperatures warm up. This means that you can fish in various places and have great luck. The fish are very hungry at this time during the long winter, so you may have the best luck during spring. During the summer, there are certain fish that are more plentiful, because their mating seasons will often correlate with the warmer weather. The summer is also a fantastic time to fish because the temperature is so comfortable near the water. No matter when you plan on visiting Bryce Canyon, you will be able to fish and have a great time.

Where to Fish

Bryce Canyon is unique because there are so many different places to fish to choose from. While many areas may offer a river or lake, this area has countless places, and bodies of water, to fish in. From reservoirs to creeks, you will find the perfect place to do any type of fishing in Bryce you please.

Below is a list of some of the most popular places to fish in the surrounding area.

  • Tropic Reservoir
  • East Fork of the Sevier River
  • The Boulder Mountains
  • Mammoth Creek
  • Panguitch Lake
  • Pine Lake
  • Yankee Meadows
  • Navajo Lake
  • Otter Creek Reservoir
  • Duck Creek Pond
  • Aspen Mirror Lake

What you’ll need

The type of gear needed for your fishing excursion will depend on a lot of different things. The type of fish you would like to catch, the place you will be fishing, and the time of year should all play a role in your gear. One of the best things about fishing is the fact that, for traditional fishing, you do not need a lot of extra gear. Below are some of the things you will want to have with you depending upon the type of fishing you will be doing.

Basic Gear

Fishing pole
Your fishing pole type will change based on the type of fishing, and type of fish, you are hoping to catch. Most fishing can be done with a basic rod and reel; however, fly fishing requires a special setup. If you are not sure about what kind of pole you will need, ask one of the many friendly professionals at the local fishing shops near Bryce Canyon.

Tackle box
A tackle box can be as big, or small, as you would like. If you tend to travel light, you can fit most of what you will need in a small box. The basics that you should include in your tackle box are hooks, lures, sinkers, and bobbers. Consider what your trip will entail, that way you can be sure you bring everything you will need.

Bait
From nightcrawlers to can bait, the fish will bite at many different types of food. Sometimes, it will just depend on the time of day and area. The tried and true forms of bait are worms and small minnows, but it is worth it to try other baits if the fish don’t seem to be biting.

Proper clothing
No one has ever enjoyed an activity while being wet and cold. In addition to dressing for the weather, you will want to have some basic clothing to have a comfortable and safe fishing trip. Once you have dressed in weather appropriate clothes, consider adding some water proof or water resistant layers, as well. Things like jackets that keep out moisture, waterproof shoes, and even hip waders can make your fishing trip much more enjoyable.

License
Last, but certainly not least, you should make sure to have a proper Utah fishing license before heading out to fish. You can purchase one of these online or from a store once you get to the area. It is very important that you have a proper license because fishing without one is illegal. If you are caught fishing without the proper license, you could face criminal charges. If you are planning to keep your catch, make sure you have all the proper stamps on your license as well. If you want to be sure you are fishing legally, talk to a local professional about what you will be doing and they will guide you in the right direction.

Drop a line in Bryce

Fishing in Bryce Canyon will be an activity that is fun for the whole family. Once you have decided how and where you would like to fish, you will find yourself getting anxious to get on the water. Whether you are fishing for fun, and release what you catch, or are fishing for dinner, and eat what you catch, you will not be disappointed in the fishing in Bryce. Spend a day on the water or fish your entire vacation. There is so much fun to be had, and nature to be explored, on a fishing trip in Bryce Canyon.