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 tiger trout stocked in the Uintah Basin!

Where to catch tagged contest fish

Fish at these three lakes stocked in 2026 with tagged fish:

• Spirit Lake - Daggett County (tiger trout)
• Big Sand Wash Reservoir - Duchesne County (rainbow trout)
• East Park Reservoir - Uintah County (rainbow trout)

What to do if you catch a tagged fish

This year, the trout are tagged with a yellow tag that says '2026 DWR WIN' with a corresponding number from 001-550.

• Tags can be registered and turned in starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 25 through Aug. 2, 11:59 p.m.
• You must have possession of the physical yellow 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 must be registered by 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 2 and received by the DWR no later than 5 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2026 to ensure you are entered for the 'Alive After Five' grand finale prize drawing! The prize drawing will occur on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, 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 yellow 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 yellow 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 yellow tag.
• • Screenshot or download your completed fish registration ticket and email it to: achristianson@utah.gov or tonyakieffer@utah.gov , then
  • mail the numbered yellow 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 yellow 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 Aug. 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Prizes and awards

Join us Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 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, Aug. 6, 2026, 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 2026 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 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
• Spirit Lake Lodge

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

Directions to participating waterbodies:

Spirit 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 3.1 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 10.7 miles. At the Spirit Lake sign, turn left onto FR 001. Follow FR 001 for 6 miles until you reach your destination. Spirit Lake Lodge is located at the southwest end of the lake which has cabins, watercraft rentals and a small general store.

Big Sand Wash Reservoir: From Duchesne, Utah: Take Highway 191 east for 9.7 miles and turn north on S 12000 W. Continue for 7.8 miles and turn left onto UT 87 for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto 250 N and continue 1.2 miles to the reservoir. From Vernal, take Highway 191 for 35 miles to the UT-87 turnoff in Roosevelt. Proceed 13 miles to the reservoir.

East Park Reservoir: From Vernal, take U.S. Highway 191 north for 19.4 miles. Turn left into East Park/Red Cloud Loop Road and continue for 8.5 miles. Turn right on the East Park road and continue onto the reservoir.

Contact us

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

Anthony Christianson | 435-828-0008 | achristianson@utah.gov

Tonya Kieffer-Selby | 801-995-2972 | tonyakieffer@utah.gov

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is hosting a free first shots clinic! This event is a hands-on class for beginners who have little or no experience shooting rifles.

What to expect:

• Learn from a certified shooting instructor with many years of experience.
• An introduction to safe gun handling and the fundamentals of shooting.
• Practice what you learn on the shooting range!
• Improve your shooting skills in a supportive, encouraging and comfortable environment.

Things to remember:

• This event is open to all participants who are 12 years of age and older. (Youth who are 12–16 years old must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event.)
• All participants must have a ticket and sign the waiver form provided. This includes adults attending to supervise youth. No one will be permitted at the event unless they have a ticket and have agreed to the online waiver.
• Dress accodringly. The entirety of the clinic will be held outdoors.
• Bring eye and ear protection. You will not be permitted to participate without these items. This includes observers as well.
• You are welcome to bring your personal .22 rifle and ammunition, but it is not required to participate. We will have rifles and ammunition available for attendees to use, though they are limited.
• Note: No magnum or handguns are allowed.
• This clinic is intended for beginners with little or no previous shooting experience, and the number of participants is limited.

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

Event contact:

JC Ballard | 435-590-6729 | jcballard@utah.gov

Learn some cool facts about the bats of Utah during an outdoor presentation and capture event at Alta Ski Area!

Join us for this fun and informative seminar to learn all about bat species found in Utah. You will also be able to observe our biologists during bat surveys as they capture bats with fine mist nets. You will be able to examine the bats up close as biologists collect data for ongoing monitoring of populations. You may even get to see some of Utah's rarely seen bat species!

What to expect

• The seminar portion of the event will take place outdoors at Alta's Wildlcat Parking Area. DWR biologist Shawn Pladas will be the featured presenter, talking about Utah bats on our outdoor screen and projector set-up!
• After the seminar, participants can walk over to our processing stations to observe different species of bats.
• Participants will be required to wear an N95 mask when near the bats to help prevent health concerns to the bats. Masks will be provided or participants can bring their own.
• Bring warm clothes, snacks, water and some camp chairs or blankets to sit on. We also recommend bringing a small flashlight or headlamp; it will be very dark outside!
• This event is weather dependent and subject to cancellation. Also, as with any wildlife, captures can't be guaranteed.

Disclaimer: This is a limited entry event. Once the event is full, we will not be able to admit additional participants due to permitting.

Event Contact

Nicole Passeri | 385-277-2966 | npasseri@utah.gov

Michael Packer | 385-225-4322 | michaelpacker@utah.gov

OVERVIEW:

Join the Utah Division of Wildlife, the North Springs Shooting Range and local experts to get ready for hunting season with our Youth Hunting Prep Clinic! This is a free clinic where young hunters (ages 12-17) can sight in equipment, practice skills and ask all their questions. Whether you are new to the sport or just want to sharpen your shot, you'll have a blast and gain confidence. Don’t miss out on tips, hands-on practice and meeting other young hunting enthusiasts.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Sight in equipment (Firearms or Archery)
• Practice proper shot placement
• Hunting and firearm safety
• Gear and field preparedness

EVENT DETAILS:

• Location: North Springs Gun Shooting Range, Price UT
• Date: Aug. 1, 2026
• Time: 10:00 am
• Who: Youth ages 12-17 (Participants must bring an adult)
• Participants must have taken Hunter Education to attend
• Cost: This is a free event
• What to bring: hunting equipment, ammo, eye and ear protection

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNER

• North Springs Shooting Range

EVENT CONTACT:
Ashley Kennedy | akennedy3@utah.gov | 435-630-2484

Join us for an exciting night to see one of the state's coolest nighttime creatures: bats!

Join Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologist for an up-close look at some of the state’s most amazing nighttime creatures: bats! at this free, family friendly event, you will be able to observe biologists during bat surveys as they capture bats with fine mist nets. Participants will then be able to examine the bats up close as biologists identify the bats, collect data and then release them unharmed.

What to expect

• We will start with a presentation by DWR biologist, Josh Fife, talking about Utah bats. This will take place in the parking lot on an outdoor screen, so bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on.
• After the presentation, participants can join us at the processing stations to observe different species of bats.
• Participants will be required to wear an N95 mask when near the bats to help prevent health concerns to the bats. Masks will be provided or participants can bring their own.
• Bring warm clothes, snacks, water and camp chairs or blankets to sit on. We also recommend bringing a small flashlight or headlamp; it will be very dark outside!
• This event is weather dependent and subject to cancellation. Also, as with any wildlife, captures can't be guaranteed.
• Meet at Christensen Ranch/Cottonwood Glen (39.78587, -110.41151) on Nine Mile Road

Event Contact

Ashley Kennedy | 435-630-2484 | akennedy3@utah.gov

Join us for an exciting waterfowl workshop!

Are you new to waterfowl hunting or just looking for a refresher? This is the first part of a two-part series to help waterfowl hunters prepare for the season! Join an expert to learn more about waterfowl identification.

What you'll learn:

• How to identify common Utah waterfowl species
• Key field marks, behaviors and tips to tell ducks apart
• Hands-on practice

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in waterfowl hunting! Whether you're just starting out or looking to brush up on your technique, this workshop is the perfect place to begin.

Event Contact:

Hayley Pace | 385-515-6447 | hayleypace@utah.gov

Learn some cool facts about Utah bats!

Go deep into the world of Utah bats at Mammoth Cave! Join us for a fun, free and informative field night on Aug. 21 to discover the incredible bat species that call Utah home! You’ll get a front-row seat to active research as the team uses specialized fine-mesh nets to safely catch these fascinating mammals. After we collect some data, all bats will be returned to the wild. If we're lucky, we might even cross paths with some of Utah’s rarest, seldom-seen bat species!

What to expect

• Participants will be required to wear an N95 mask when near (within 6 feet) of the bats to help prevent health concerns to the bats. Masks will be provided or participants can bring their own.
• Bring a small flashlight or headlamp; it will be very dark outside!
• Bring warm clothes, snacks, water and some camp chairs or blankets to sit on.
• If weather permits, our biologists will be using mist nets to capture bats, identify species types and examine the bats.
• Since this event is weather dependent, it is subject to cancellation. Also, as with any wildlife, captures can't be guaranteed.

Hopefully, you'll get a close up look at a wild Utah bat or two!

Event Contact

JC Ballard | 435-590-6729 | jcballard@utah.gov

Join us for an exciting waterfowl workshop!

Are you new to waterfowl hunting or just looking for a refresher? This event is for you! Dive into the world of waterfowl hunting with our comprehensive workshop, designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge.

What you'll learn:

• General waterfowl hunting tips: Discover key strategies and techniques to enhance your hunting experience.
• Hunting regulations: Get up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations to ensure you're hunting legally and ethically.
• Field dressing demonstration: learn how to clean and dress your bird.

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in waterfowl hunting! Whether you're just starting out or looking to brush up on your technique, this workshop is the perfect place to begin.

Event Contact:

Hayley Pace | 385-515-6447 | hayleypace@utah.gov