Anglers at Highland Glen Pond will be required to release every largemouth bass they catch starting in the 2027 fishing season, according to a September 22 report. The Utah Wildlife Board approved the new regulation during a meeting on September 18, transitioning the pond to a catch-and-release-only fishery for bass.
The decision by the Utah Wildlife Board sets a zero daily limit on largemouth bass at eight community ponds across the Wasatch Front. In addition to Highland Glen Pond near Lone Peak High School, affected locations include Spring Lake, Salem Lake, Dry Creek Pond, and the Old Provo Channel in Utah County; Sunset Pond in Salt Lake County; Andy Adams Reservoir in Davis County; and Goode Ski Lake in Weber County.
Previously, the pond operated under general community pond rules that included a two-fish daily limit. While the Utah Division of Resources (DWR) had previously encouraged anglers to voluntarily release largemouth bass at the location, the practice was not required until this new rule was approved.
According to ABC4, the DWR has not yet specified an exact start date for the 2027 season. The DWR stated that the stricter limits were proposed to protect heavily fished water bodies, following a statewide angler survey conducted earlier in 2026 that showed broad support for the proposals.
During the same September 18 meeting, the board reclassified 14 native fish species as game fish with a zero daily limit to increase conservation protections. These species include bluehead sucker, Bear Lake sculpin, and Virgin spinedace. Additionally, the board listed zander, burbot, and golden shiner as prohibited species in Utah.
