Fishing in St. George, Utah

Premier bass and bluegill fishing just 15 minutes from St. George. Warm water year-round. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Boat ramp and shore access. State park fee required.

Large warm-water reservoir with excellent largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Beautiful red rock setting. Boat ramp, kayak access, and plenty of shore fishing spots.

Mountain reservoir stocked with rainbow trout. Cooler temperatures at 8,000 feet elevation. Float tubes, small boats, and shore fishing. Scenic mountain setting near Cedar City.

Quiet reservoir northwest of St. George with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Less crowded than Sand Hollow. Good shore access and peaceful setting.

Small mountain lake stocked with rainbow trout in the pine forests above St. George. Peaceful setting at 6,800 feet. Shore fishing only, no boats. Great family destination.

Fly fishing opportunities along the Virgin River and its tributaries. Brown trout in upper sections near Zion. Scenic canyon settings. Wading and bank fishing.

Local guides offer half-day and full-day trips to top fishing spots. Instruction for beginners, gear provided. Bass, trout, and fly fishing options.

Local shops carry fishing gear, live bait, lures, and tackle. Staff can recommend spots and current conditions. License sales available.

What are the best fishing spots near St. George?

Quail Creek Reservoir (15 min from town) offers excellent bass and bluegill year-round. Sand Hollow Reservoir has great bass fishing in a scenic red rock setting. Gunlock Reservoir is quieter with good bass and catfish. For trout, head to Kolob Reservoir or Pine Valley Reservoir in the mountains. The Virgin River offers fly fishing for brown trout near Zion.

Do I need a fishing license in Utah?

Yes, anyone age 12 and older needs a valid Utah fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online at wildlife.utah.gov or at local sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs around $12, and an annual resident license is about $34. A second rod permit is available for an additional fee.

Which lakes are stocked with trout near St. George?

Kolob Reservoir is regularly stocked with rainbow trout by the Utah DWR. Pine Valley Reservoir also receives stocked rainbow trout. Both are mountain lakes at higher elevations with cooler water temperatures suitable for trout. Lower elevation reservoirs like Sand Hollow and Quail Creek are too warm for trout.

Can I fly fish near St. George?

Yes, the Virgin River and its tributaries offer fly fishing for brown trout, particularly in the upper sections near Zion National Park. The best fly fishing is in fall and winter when water temperatures are cooler. Guided fly fishing trips are available through local outfitters.

What is the best season for fishing in St. George?

Fishing is productive year-round in Southern Utah. Spring and fall offer the best bass fishing at Quail Creek and Sand Hollow. Summer is excellent for early morning and evening sessions. Winter fishing is surprisingly good thanks to mild temperatures. Trout fishing at mountain reservoirs is best from May through October.

Are the fishing spots family-friendly?

Yes, most reservoirs have easy shore access, picnic areas, and restrooms. Quail Creek and Sand Hollow state parks have developed facilities. Pine Valley Reservoir is especially family-friendly with a flat shoreline and nearby campground. Bluegill are abundant and easy to catch for young anglers.

St. George, Utah offers surprisingly diverse fishing opportunities across warm-water reservoirs, mountain trout lakes, and scenic river corridors. Quail Creek Reservoir, just 15 minutes from downtown, is the go-to spot for largemouth bass and bluegill with warm water year-round and excellent shore access. Sand Hollow Reservoir delivers outstanding bass fishing in a dramatic red rock setting, with boat ramps, kayak launch points, and miles of shoreline for bank fishing. Gunlock Reservoir northwest of town provides a quieter alternative with good bass, bluegill, and channel catfish in a peaceful desert canyon. For anglers seeking trout, Kolob Reservoir at 8,000 feet elevation is regularly stocked with rainbow trout by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and Pine Valley Reservoir offers a serene mountain fishing experience surrounded by ponderosa pines.

Fly fishing enthusiasts find rewarding water along the Virgin River and its tributaries, particularly in the upper sections near Zion National Park where brown trout inhabit scenic canyon pools and riffles. The best fly fishing is during fall and winter when cooler water temperatures bring trout to the surface. Local guide services offer half-day and full-day fishing trips to top spots throughout the region, providing gear, instruction, and local knowledge for beginners and experienced anglers alike. The region's mild winter climate is a major advantage — while northern Utah lakes freeze over, Southern Utah reservoirs remain fishable year-round with comfortable daytime temperatures. Local tackle shops provide live bait, lures, fishing licenses, and up-to-date reports on what's biting where, making it easy for visitors to get on the water quickly.