Utah County is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, offering a plethora of pristine lakes, reservoirs, and ponds teeming with various fish species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice looking for a fun outdoor activity, this comprehensive guide will lead you to the top 14 fishing spots in the area.

From the tranquil shores of Vivian Park Pond to the scenic Diamond Fork River, each location promises a memorable fishing adventure. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of sustainable fishing practices and protecting the local wildlife, ensuring the preservation of these natural wonders for generations to come. So grab your fishing gear, discover new waters, and let the angling escapades begin!

1. Vivian Park Pond

Vivian Park Fishing

  • Location: Up Provo Canyon
  • Fish: Brown trout and rainbow trout
  • Recommended Bait: Spinnerbait, dry flies, or salmon eggs under a bobber

2. Utah Lake

The Epic Utah Valley Spring Bucket List

  • Location: Near BYU
  • Fish: Bullhead catfish, common carp, channel catfish, black crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and white bass
  • Recommended Bait: Chartreuse, pink, or white curly tail grubs, paddle bugs for white bass. Chicken livers, hot dogs, stink baits, or nightcrawlers for catfish.

3. Tibble Fork Reservoir

  • Location: Halfway between American Fork Canyon and Utah Valley
  • Fish: Rainbow trout
  • Recommended Bait: Woolly buggers, nightcrawlers, and dry flies under a bobber

4. Spanish Oaks Reservoir

  • Location: Mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon
  • Fish: Rainbow trout
  • Recommended Bait: Rainbow PowerBait, salmon eggs, nightcrawlers, or soft plastic jigs tipped with a nightcrawler or mealworm

5. Deer Creek Reservoir

Sundance Fly Fishing on the Provo River Winter

  • Location: Southwest corner of Heber Valley
  • Fish: Largemouth bass, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye
  • Recommended Bait: Garlic Rainbow Powerbait or Nightcrawlers for rainbows. Rapala DT 4–10, Bomber 6A, or Yellow Perch Rapala Rippin’ Rap for smallmouth bass.

6. Salem Pond

  • Location: Heart of Salem City, south of Provo
  • Fish: Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout
  • Recommended Bait: Spinners and Powerbait for rainbows. Gary Yamamoto Senkos or purple, black, or brown pepper jigs for largemouth bass.

7. Burraston Ponds

  • Location: Known for the famous Mona rope swing
  • Fish: Rainbow trout
  • Recommended Bait: Nightcrawlers, Powerbait, Panther Martin Classic Regular Gold spinner, or Panther Martin Holographic Rainbow Trout spinner

8. Highland Glen Park

  • Location: Highland
  • Fish: Channel catfish and rainbow trout
  • Recommended Bait: Spinners and Powerbait for rainbows. Marabou jigs or 1/8-ounce white and pink curly tail grubs for bluegill.

9. Payson Lakes

Payson Lakes Under a Starry Night

  • Location: Day-use fee area
  • Fish: Rainbow trout
  • Additional Info: Offers a campground, a beach, and a trail for exploration.

10. Manila Creek Pond

  • Location: Heart of Pleasant Grove, with scenic mountain views
  • Fish: Rainbow trout
  • Additional Info: Beach on one side, rocks for fishing on the other.

11. American Fork Creek

  • Location: Part of Tibble Fork Reservoir, American Fork Canyon
  • Fish: Rainbow trout and brown trout
  • Additional Info: Great spot for introducing kids to stream fishing. Exercise caution during early spring when water levels may be higher.

12. Diamond Fork River

  • Location: Spanish Fork Canyon
  • Fish: Brown trout and cutthroat trout
  • Additional Info: Popular camping destination, recommended for fly fishermen during summertime.

13. Spring Lake Trout Farm

Fly Fishing Fish Provo River Utah Valley

  • Location: Payson
  • Fish: Various, controlled environment
  • Additional Info: Perfect for families and beginners, no license required, catch and release available.

14. Canyon View Park Pond

  • Location: Spanish Fork
  • Fish: Trout, largemouth bass (release encouraged)
  • Additional Info: Family-friendly, offers a fishing pier, birdwatching, nature trails, and more.

As we embark on our fishing expeditions throughout Utah County, let's keep in mind the importance of sustainable fishing practices. When fishing in the streams and rivers, it's essential to respect nature and the diversity of fish species we encounter.

From the brook trout with their striking black spotting to the black basses, easily distinguished by their adipose fin, each species contributes to the ecosystem of these beautiful waters. Utilizing appropriate baits such as Mepps Aglia, Rooster Tail, Blue Fox, and understanding water temperatures, flash, and vibration, we can optimize our fishing success while ensuring responsible fish handling.

Let's cherish the stunning waterways of Utah County, leaving them as thriving havens for the magnificent micropterus dolomieu and other aquatic inhabitants. For more information on wildlife conservation and sustainable fishing practices, visit fws.gov (Fish & Wildlife Service). Let's unite in safeguarding the natural treasures of North America's fishing paradises! Happy fishing and tight lines!