The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, in partnership with Vernal's The Fox 98.5 FM radio station, holds this annual family-friendly fishing contest to encourage anglers — local and far — to fish at designated Uintah Basin waterbodies. Grab your fishing tackle, make sure to bring along your valid Utah fishing or combination license (for anglers aged 12 and older) and get outside for a fun day on the water. You could catch one of the hundreds of tagged rainbow trout and largemouth bass stocked in the Uintah Basin!

Where to catch tagged contest fish

Fish at these three lakes socked in 2025 with tagged fish:

• Browne Lake (Daggett County) (rainbow trout)
• Lower Stillwater Pond(Hourglass Pond)(Duchesne County)(rainbow trout)
• Steinaker Reservoir(Uintah County)(largemouth bass)

What to do if you catch a tagged fish

This year, the trout are tagged with a green tag that says '2025 DWR WIN' with a corresponding number from 001-550.

• Tags can be registered and turned in starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 18 through Aug. 3, 11:59 p.m.
• You must have possession of the physical green tag to win. You can catch-and-keep any fish with the tag or catch-and-release the tagged fish. If you choose catch-and-release fishing, please swiftly pull or clip the tag from the fish, then release it.
• Register for the contest. Register here on this Eventbrite page to enter your contest registration information; once registered for the contest, you'll be prompted to print out or download the "tagged fish registration ticket," which must accompany all tags submitted.*

*If you do not have a printer, call the Vernal DWR office at 435-781-9453 (or visit during office hours), and staff will assist you with getting your tag(s) registered. Once tags and registration tickets are received, a confirmation email will be sent from the DWR to the registered party's email address confirming your entry for the grand prize finale.

How to register your tag

All tags registered by midnight on Aug. 3 are automatically entered for the 'Alive After Five' grand finale prize drawing! The prize drawing will occur on Thursday, August 7, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at the Uintah County Library park (204 E. 100 North, Vernal).

You must be present to win OR register an alternative person to represent you at the grand prize drawing.

1. If you haven't already, register here on this Eventbrite page to enter your contest registration information; once registered for the contest, you'll be prompted to print out or download the "tagged fish registration ticket" which must accompany all tags submitted.*
2. Submit your tagged fish registration ticket and physically turn in the green tag for verification. Important: Make sure your tag is secured to the registration ticket somehow — use staples, tape or place them in a ziplock bag.
3. There are several ways you can turn in your tag and registration:

• Option 1 – Mail in your tagged fish registration ticket and attached yellow tag (both must be included). Attn: Fishing with the Fox contest, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 318 N. Vernal Ave., Vernal, UT 84078
• Option 2 – Drop off your tagged fish registration ticket and attached green tag (both must be included). Stop by the Vernal DWR office lobby during office hours (M-F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) or Stewart’s Ace (245 US-40, Roosevelt) gun counter and drop off your tagged fish registration ticket and attached yellow tag in a designated "Fishing with the Fox" dropbox. Remember to make sure your tag is firmly secured somehow — by staples, tape or sealed in a ziplock bag.
• Option 3 – Email your fish registration ticket and then mail or bring in your green tag.
• • Screenshot or download your completed fish registration ticket and email it to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., then
  • mail the numbered green tag (along with your name, phone number and email address) to the Vernal DWR office — Attn: Fishing with the Fox contest, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 318 N. Vernal Ave., Vernal, UT 84078
  • or turn in your green tag (along with your name and email address) at the Vernal DWR office lobby during office hours (M-F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)

The deadline to register your tag is August 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Prizes and awards

Join us Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 from 6–8 p.m. for the prize drawing!

All tags registered are automatically entered for the 'Alive After Five' grand finale prize drawing! The prize drawing will occur on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at the Uintah County Library park (204 E. 100 North, Vernal).

You must be present to win OR register an alternative person to represent you at the grand prize drawing.

Even if you don't catch a tagged fish, going fishing at one of the three designated locations will get you a stamp in the 2025 Uintah County Dinosaurland Passport to Summer!

All state fishing rules and regulations apply

Reminder: Utah fishing rules and regulations apply throughout the contest.

• You must possess a valid Utah fishing or combination license if you are aged 12 or older. Children ages 12-17 get a discounted rate on their license. You may purchase or renew your Utah fishing license at any DWR office, online or at a licensed vendor.
• All bag and possession limits apply; please see the current Utah Fishing Guidebook for details.
• See the DWR website for more information on fishing regulations, and download the Utah Hunting and Fishing app to store your license on your mobile device.
• Check on conditions, regulations, fishing reports and emergency closures specific to any Utah waterbody by visiting the Fish Utah interactive map.

Thank you to participating sponsors

• Wildlife Conservation Foundation
• Basin Recycling
• Heaton Tire and Wheel
• Mort's Car Wash
• Red Mountain Cycle
• Stewart's Marketplace/Ace Hardware
• The Fox 98.5 radio station
• Special Service District 1 - The Recreation Center
• Basin Sports

Please watch your email and follow the DWR on social media for the latest updates.

Directions to participating waterbodies:

Browne Lake: From Vernal, go north on U.S. Highway 191 (Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway) for 34 miles. Continue straight (north) onto UT-44 for 14 miles. Turn left onto W. 3240 South/W. Sheep Creek Geological Loop for 3 miles (FR 218). Follow the U.S. Forest Service signs to Hickerson Road(FR 221), take a quick left-then-right jog, and follow Hickerson Road/FR 221 for 4 miles. At the Browne Lake sign, turn left onto FR 096. Follow FR 096 for 2 miles until you reach your destination. There is a forest service campground located at this reservoir. Note: All forest service applicable fees will apply.

Lower Stillwater (Hourglass Pond): From Duchesne, Utah: Take Highway 87 north for 15 miles to the Mountain Home turnoff. Turn left and continue 2.5 miles north to the Rock Creek Store. Turn left at the stop sign, toward Rock Creek Canyon and proceed approximately 15 miles. From Vernal, take Highway 191 to the UT-87 turnoff in Roosevelt. Proceed 22 miles to the Mountain Home turnoff. Turn left and continue 2.5 miles north to the Rock Creek Store. Turn left at the stop sign, toward Rock Creek Canyon and proceed approximately 15 miles.

Steinaker Reservoir: From Vernal, take U.S. Highway 191 north for 7 miles. Turn left into Steinaker State Park to enter into the park to fish. Note: All state park fees will apply. You may also fish at several locations along the east side of the reservoir.

Contact us

For more information about this event, please contact the DWR event organizers:

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join us for our annual Osprey Watch! This free event will be held July 12 next to the parking lot at the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center. Viewing will run from 9 a.m. to noon. The visitor center is located at the south end of Flaming Gorge Reservoir in northeastern Utah.

What to expect

• You'll have a high chance of sighting osprey using the spotting scopes and binoculars provided, but we encourage you to bring your own!
• DWR and U.S. Forest Service biologists will be on hand to answer questions and identify osprey and other wildlife.
• Educational displays will be available so you can learn more about these unusual fish-eating birds.
• Some of the osprey nests and great blue heron rookeries are located on the backside of the nearby islands, so they are best viewed from a kayak or paddleboard.

What to bring

• We suggest bringing a lunch/snacks and sunscreen.
• Binoculars or a scope (we will have some provided).
• Kayaks or paddleboards with your life jackets.

See you there!

Flaming GorgDam Visitor Center info:

The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information on scheduling tours of the dam, please call the visitor center: 435-885-3135.

Event contacts

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources staff and local experts for a tiger muskie clinic focused on how to catch this exciting species at Scofield Reservoir.

What to Expect:

• This event will be held at the Historic Scofield Public School in Scofield, Utah.
• Learn about tiger muskie fishing, including recommended equipment, lure selection and fishing techniques.
• All ages are welcome! Youth under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What You Will Learn:

• Information about the Scofield Reservoir fishery
• Tips and tactics for catching tiger muskie at Scofield Reservoir
• Proper fishing equipment recommendations
• Tiger muskie handling and release techniques

Thank You to Our Participating Sponsors:

• Mtn West Muskies
• Sportsman’s Corner
• KJ’s Catch and Snack
• The Town of Scofield

Event Contact:

Ashley Kennedy at 435-630-2484 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Calvin Black at 435-650-5106 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join the Ashley National Forest, Red Canyon Lodge, and UDWR staff as we partner up to host this up-close experience with one of nature’s most fascinating birds! We've invited Terry Tolbert, a retired Bureau of Land Management biologist from Escalante, and Lisa Young, a Dixie National Forest Service biologist to band wild hummingbirds at the Red Canyon Lodge in Dutch John, Utah, on July 19, starting at 7 a.m.

During the event, the hummingbirds are captured and given small leg bands. Placing a tiny band on the leg of a hummingbird requires a lot of focus and careful handling. These aluminum bands are stamped with a unique number that identifies each bird throughout its lifetime. The information gathered from the banding efforts helps biologists learn more about migration patterns and other crucial data about the birds.

What to expect:

• You will closely witness wild hummingbirds being banded.
• This will be a fun, family event and the banding portion will be free.
• There is a high possibility of seeing bighorn sheep from the Red Canyon Visitor Center.
• You can also enjoy a self-guided tour as you drive the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway through the “TravelStorys” app. This app will play throughout your ride and explain everything from the wildlife you may see to the geologic history of the area.

Before the event:

• Download the "TravelStorys" app to your phone if you wish. Be sure and download it before embarking on your journey, as service along the byway may vary.
• Sign up early to reserve your spot. Space is limited per hour and you must be registered in order to attend this event.

Directions:

• From Vernal: Travel approximately 40 miles north on Highway 191. Then turn right onto Highway 44. Go four miles until you see the signs for Red Canyon Lodge. Turn right, and the event will be held outside of the lodge restaurant area.
• From Manila: Travel approximately 25 miles south on Highway 44, until you see the signs for Red Canyon Lodge. Turn left and proceed 4 miles to the Red Canyon Lodge.

See you there!

Event Contacts:

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the National Shooting Sports Foundation are hosting a free First Shots Clay Targets Trapshooting Clinic! This event is a hands-on class for beginners who have little or no experience shooting clay targets and will take place on August 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m..

What to expect:

• Learn from Ed Wehking, the former vice president of the Amateur Trapshooting Association and a certified shooting instructor with many years of experience.
• An introduction to safe shotgun handling and the fundamentals of trapshooting.
• Practice what you learn on the shooting range!
• Improve your shotgun skills in a supportive, encouraging, and comfortable environment.

Things to remember:

• Participants must be 12 years of age or older.
• Dress comfortably. The majority of the clinic will be held outdoors.
• Bring eye and ear protection. You may purchase some at the event if you would like, but there will not be any available for free use.
• You are welcome to bring your personal shotgun and ammunition, but it is not required to participate. We will have shotguns and ammunition available for attendees to use.
• This clinic is for beginners with little or no previous trapshooting experience, and the number of participants is limited. If you are a proficient shooter looking to hone your skills, please stay connected with us for information about more advanced classes in the future.

Please register in advance for this event. Space is limited!

Event Contact:

Daniel Gutierrez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.