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

Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and local angling pros for an action-packed Scofield Reservoir Fishing Clinic. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious beginner, this is your ultimate guide to fishing for tiger muskie, cutthroat and tiger trout at Scofield Reservoir.

What To Expect:

Located at the Historic Scofield Public School, this clinic dives deep into everything you need to know to conquer Scofield’s premier fishery. Our experts will break down:

• Pro tactics: Proven tips and techniques specifically for Scofield Reservoir.
• The right gear: Expert recommendations on rods, reels, and lure selection.
• Conservation: Essential training on proper handling and safe release.

Event Details

• Location: Historic Scofield Public School, Scofield, UT.
• Who: All ages are welcome! (Anglers under 16 must bring an adult).
• Cost: Free to attend—just bring your passion for fishing!

A Huge Thanks to Our Partners

This event is made possible by the support of Mtn West Muskies, Ghirardelli Outfitters, KJ’s Catch and Snack, Mike Christensen and the town of Scofield.

Event Contacts:

• Ashley Kennedy | 435-630-2484 | akennedy3@utah.gov
• Calvin Black | 435-650-5106 | calvinblack@utah.gov

Don’t miss this chance to level up your fishing game and connect with the Utah fishing community. See you there!

This free clinic is designed to prepare you for target shooting or hunting with a rifle. The class includes instruction in the classroom and plenty of hands-on practice time at the shooting range.

What to expect:

• During the classroom portion of the clinic, we will discuss firearm safety, sight alignment, shooting positions and breathing. We will then go over the best ways to shoot your rifle safetly.
• At the shooting range, we will conduct a range safety briefing, verify sight-in and have range time on paper.
• You'll also learn how the skills presented at this clinic can apply directly to your Utah Hunting Skills Challenge milestones!

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.)
• You may bring your own .22 rifle and the correct ammunition (no hyper-velocity ammunition). If you do not have your own rifle we will have a limited amount to use during this class.
• 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.
• Dress comfortably. We have an outdoor range, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
• All participants must fill out an event waiver when signing up.

Event contact: Daniel Gutierrez | 801-972-1326 |dgutierrez@utah.gov.

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

Join the Ashley National Forest, Red Canyon Lodge, and DWR 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 18, 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 that is free to attend.
• 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 | 801-995-2972 | tonyakieffer@utah.gov

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

Millions of birds. A multimillion-dollar global industry. One tiny shrimp.

We know Great Salt Lake is vital, but the real powerhouse of the ecosystem is a creature you can barely see. Led by Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program biologists, this upcoming seminar uncovers the global footprint of Utah’s native brine shrimp.

What to expect

You’ll get to view these tiny, living crustaceans up close, and learn how they:

• Sustain millions of birds during critical migratory stops along the Pacific Flyway.
• Balance the lake by acting as the ultimate natural algae managers.
• Fuel global food supplies through a massive aquaculture market that ships brine shrimp cysts worldwide.

Come see how we manage this incredible resource and why a healthy planet relies on a healthy lake!

About the presenters: The bright minds who comprise the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program manage the avian and aquatic communities of the lake.

Kyle Stone — wildlife biologist and project leader — has been with DWR for 16 years. He earned degrees from USU and WSU and feels most alive when he is knee-deep in the mud of Great Salt Lake’s wetlands.

Jessalyn Bowman — wildlife biologist — earned a MS in Psychology and a BS in Zoology. She's passionate about wildlife conservation and bridging the gap between human and wildlife relationships. She takes pride in contributing to the preservation of the Great Salt Lake and its entire ecosystem.

Conner Simon — wildlife biologist with a passion for aquatic systems — earned his B.S. and M.S. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and Georgia Southern University, respectively. He feels incredibly fortunate to participate in the conservation of Great Salt Lake and to have access to such a globally unique ecosystem outside his backdoor.

This event is free, but we ask that you bring a non-perishable canned food item to donate. We have partnered with the Bountiful Food Pantry to support those in our community facing food insecurity.

Event Contact:

Crystal Ross | 385-566-5802 | csross@utah.gov

On Saturday, July 25, Ruth Carmona-Murray with the Wasatch Audubon Society will lead a beginner-friendly Birds 101 workshop for participants of all ages. Attendees will learn about the migratory birds that travel through Utah, discover the vital role the Great Salt Lake and its wetlands play in their survival, and enjoy a guided walk along the nature trail to observe birds and their habitat.

The workshop will be held in the L.S. Skaggs Discovery Classroom at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center and will last approximately 90 minutes. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Registration is required for this event. There is no cost to attend. However, participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable canned food items to donate to the Bountiful Food Pantry. This optional donation provides an opportunity to support local individuals and families in need while enjoying an educational experience about Utah's migratory birds.

For questions about the workshop, please contact Ruth Carmona-Murray at ruthcar@hotmail.com.

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