Upcoming events

Do you want to fish in southern Utah and are not sure how to get started? Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council for a seminar on fishing at warmwater fisheries in southern Utah. This seminar will teach you the basics so you can feel confident fishing Utah's warmwater rivers, lakes and reservoirs!

What to expect:

• We will cover fishing at warmwater reservoirs like Lake Powell, Sand Hollow, Quail Creek and Gunlock Reservoir.
• Presenters will discuss target species and gear needed.
• There will be time for Q&A at the end of presentations.

Event contact:

Johnny Neil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 435-868-8756

Every year from February to June, great blue herons nest in a rookery near the Eccles Wildlife Education Center parking lot. Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for a chance to see these striking birds rearing their young!

What to expect:

• Viewing of great blue heron and their babies.
• Utah DWR staff will be on site to provide information on great blue herons.
• Family-friendly activities and crafts!
• We will having viewing scopes and binoculars available for use but you are welcome to bring your own too!

Event contact:

Hayley Pace | 385-515-6447 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and local anglers are teaming up to offer an introductory fly tying clinic. Spring is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby and prepare for warmer weather angling. If you have ever been interested in learning the art of tying flies, this is your chance!

We will discuss everything a beginner needs to know to get started tying flies. This clinic covers recommended equipment, materials, setup and hands-on instruction on tying two tried-and-true patterns that every angler should know.

This event will be held at the DWR office building in Cedar City. Capacity is limited to 15 participants, and we will provide equipment — vices, thread, and materials — for tying two basic flies. Instructors will coach you step by step through the fly tying process. Participants are welcome to bring their personal fly tying equipment if they choose.

Please note: This clinic will be recorded and uploaded on the DWR's YouTube channel for later viewing by the public.

What to expect:

• The class size is limited to 15 participants
• A presentation on the basics of fly tying
• A discussion of recommended equipment and materials for beginners
• Step-by-step instruction on how to tie two fly patterns

Event Contact:

JC Ballard at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 435-868-8205

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Blue Ribbon Fisheries invite you to come attend this free seminar and learn about catching catfish in Utah. We'll cover angling opportunities in Northern Utah, fishing technique and tackle selection tips to help you better target catfish.

This seminar will take place on Thursday, Apr. 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Education Center auditorium.

What to expect:

• Information on the biology of catfish.
• Areas to fish for catfish in Northern Utah.
• General how-to fish for catfish information (rods, reels, fishing line, hooks, bait).
• Catfishing techniques (bait presentations) - when and where to use them (Spring, Summer, Fall).
• Additional tips on how to fish from shore, boat, and kayak.
• Quick overview of how to clean/fillet catfish.
• Q&A with our passionate catfish anglers.

Presentors:

• Clint Brunson - Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
• Paul Arendtsen - Angler's Den.
• Guy Perkins

See you there!

Event Contact:

Clint Brunson at 385-389-4624 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join expert biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for an up-close look at one of the state’s most fascinating reptiles — the desert tortoise! The event will be held at the Chuckwalla Trail Head in Snow Canyon State Park on April 27th, from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

What to expect:

• Up-close encounter with desert tortoise.
• Biologists on-site to answer questions about the desert tortoise's natural history, behavior and biology.
• An educational, family-friendly event.
• A deepened appreciation for Utah’s wildlife.

Keep in mind:

• Participant attending the event will be given a parking pass in lieu of paying the Snow Canyon State Park Fee.

What to bring:

• Weather-appropriate clothing.
• Drinking water.

See you there!

Event Contact:

Johnny Neil t at 435-868-8756 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Scheels invite you to come attend this free seminar and learn about catfishing in Utah. We'll cover angling opportunities for Utah and Salt Lake County residents, fishing technique and tackle selection tips to help you better target catfish - particularly channel catfish in Utah Lake.

This family friendly seminar will take place on Monday, April 29 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. inside the Sandy Scheels training rooms — located on the 2nd floor — which are easily accessible using the elevator.

NOTE — this seminar will be recorded for future upload on our DWR YouTube channel.

What to expect:

• Information on the biology of channel catfish.
• Areas to fish for channel catfish in Utah and Salt Lake Counties (Utah Lake being the primary focus).
• General how-to fish for catfish information (rods, reels, fishing line, hooks and bait).
• Fishing techniques (bait presentations) — when and where to use them (Spring, Summer, Fall).
• Additional tips on how to fish from shore, boat, and kayak.
• Quick overview of how to clean/fillet catfish.
• Q&A with our passionate catfish anglers.

Presentors:

• Chris Crockett, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
• Daniel Oler, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

See you there!

Event Contact:

Michael Packer at 385-225-4322 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Come work on your shooting skills in this friendly and informative free hands-on shotgun shooting clinic for women! Instruction includes shotgun shooting safety and practical experience handling and firing shotguns at clay targets, also known as trap shooting. Open to female participants ages 12 and older of all skill levels!

What to expect

• Firearm safety instruction given by Jenny McGowan, Spanish Fork Gun Club manager.
• Straight away trap - clay targets will be thrown for shooters to practice and gain experience.

What to bring with you

• Participants will need to provide their own shotgun, as well as their own eye and ear protection.
• If you do not have the above equipment, you may pay a fee to rent those items at the facility.
• Ammunition and entrance to the park are provided by DWR.
• Dress prepared for the weather, including closed-toe footwear appropriate for the field.

This event is designed to give women a supportive, encouraging and comfortable atmosphere where they can learn more about handling firearms and improve their shooting skills.

Participation is limited to the first 50 women, ages 12 and older, who register online.

For questions about this event, please contact:

Derek Murdock at 801-400-4909 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Michael Packer at 385-225-4322 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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 stocked in the Uintah Basin!

Where to catch tagged contest fish

Fish at these three lakes socked in 2024 with tagged fish:

• Moon Lake (Duchesne County)
• Paradise Park Reservoir (Uintah County)
• Long Park Reservoir (Daggett County)

What to do if you catch a tagged fish

This year, the trout are tagged with a yellow tag that says '2024 DWR WIN' with a corresponding number from 001-550.

• Tags can be registered and turned in starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 27 through Aug. 6, 11:59 p.m.
• You must have possession of the physical yellow tag to win. You can catch-and-keep trout with the tag or catch-and-release tagged trout. If you choose catch-and-release fishing, please swiftly pull or clip the tag from the trout, 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. 6 are automatically entered for the 'Alive After Five' grand finale prize drawing! The prize drawing will occur on Thursday, August 8, 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 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: 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 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 August 6, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

*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.

Prizes and awards

Join us Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 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 8, 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.

Even if you don't catch a tagged fish, going fishing at one of the two designated locations will get you a stamp in the 2024 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

• Basin Sports
• Esquire RV
• Mort's Car Wash
• Red Mountain Cycle
• Stewart's Marketplace/Ace Hardware
• Strategic Diesel
• The Fox 98.5 radio station
• Wildlife Conservation Foundation

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

Directions to participating waterbodies:

Moon Lake Reservoir: From Duchesne, take State Hwy 87 north for 19 miles. Turn north onto to 20780 W towards Mountain Home, then continue north 13 miles to the Forest Boundary and Forest Road 131. Follow road 131 for 5 miles to the lake. The lake is about 37 miles from Duchesne on paved roads - although some spots have potholes.

Long Park Reservoir: From Manila, at the intersection UT 43 and UT 44; turn south on UT 44. Drive 13 miles to the upper (second) road to Sheep Creek Geological Loop. Turn right onto the Loop, drive 2 miles to FS 221 and drive to FS 014. Turn north for .6 miles to boat launch area.

From Vernal, turn north on US 191. Drive 34.8 miles to Greendale Junction. Continue onto UT 44. Drive 14.7 miles to the upper (first) road to Sheep Creek Geological Loop. Turn left onto the Loop, drive 2 miles to FS 221 and drive to FS014. Turn north for .6 miles to boat launch area.

Paradise Park Reservoir: From Vernal, travel 16.5 miles west on UT 121. Go 15.25 miles north on county road, then 8.75 miles north on Forest Road 104.

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.