The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) issued emergency changes to increase daily fishing limits at seven Utah waterbodies. DWR Director Riley Peck stated that the changes were intended to allow for increased angler harvest due to drought-related low water levels and construction causing further decreases in water levels.
Peck noted that increasing harvest has proven successful in the past for increasing the survival of remaining fish in many fisheries. The emergency changes became effective starting Thursday.
Several waterbodies saw specific limit adjustments. At Pineview Reservoir in Weber County, limits were increased to a combined total of 12 largemouth or smallmouth bass, one tiger muskie over 40 inches, and no limit for all other species. Peck mentioned that Pineview Reservoir might not be boatable by the end of July, suggesting anglers target the reservoir during July holiday seasons.
Canyon View Park Pond in Utah County and Palisade Reservoir in Sanpete County both saw daily limits increased to no limit for all species because those waterbodies were being drained for maintenance or dredging. These changes for both locations were set to remain in effect until October 1.
At Red Creek Reservoir in Duchesne County, the daily limit was increased to eight trout of any species, with the reservoir also opening to spearfishing. This change remains in effect until December 31.
Other reservoirs also experienced changes due to environmental factors. Minersville Reservoir in Beaver County saw its daily limit increased to four trout of any size and opened to spearfishing, though bait remained prohibited. This change was effective from July 2 until October 1.
Otter Creek Reservoir in Piute County saw limits increase to 16 trout of any species and six wipers, with the reservoir also opening to spearfishing through October 1. Vernon Reservoir in Tooele County increased its limit to eight trout of any species and opened to spearfishing due to drought-related losses and fire-related impacts to the watershed, effective until October 1.
The DWR previously issued emergency changes in May to increase fishing limits at Crouse Reservoir and Nine Mile Reservoir because of poor snowpack and low water levels. All other rules from the 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook remained in effect.
