What Are The Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Utah?
Utah is home to a variety of lakes that are ideal for bass fishing. With landscapes ranging from the stunning red rock vistas at Sand Hollow Reservoir to the expansive waters of Lake Powell, each lake has unique characteristics that make it a prime destination for bass fishing.
Regarding bass fishing, Utah offers some of the most scenic and productive lakes in the western United States. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the sport, Utah’s diverse waters provide ample opportunity to reel in big catches. This guide highlights Utah’s best bass fishing lakes and offers practical tips to enhance your fishing experience.
The Top 5 Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Utah
- Sand Hollow Reservoir
- Lake Powell
- Utah Lake
- Bear Lake
- Holmes Reservoir
Learn more below about each body of water mentioned and what makes them the best bass fishing lakes in Utah.
Sand Hollow Reservoir
Sand Hollow Reservoir, located near Hurricane, Utah, is one of the premier bass fishing destinations in the state. Spanning approximately 1,322 acres, this reservoir is set against a striking red rock backdrop, making it not only a productive fishing spot but also a visually stunning one. With an average depth of around 35 feet and a maximum depth reaching 95 feet, Sand Hollow offers a variety of habitats perfect for largemouth bass, which thrive in the warm waters.
Water temperatures can reach up to 80°F during peak summer months, providing ideal conditions for largemouth bass, which are the primary species in this reservoir. The lake’s shallow coves, submerged trees, and rocky structures create excellent cover for bass, making it a favorite among local and visiting anglers alike.
The proximity of Sand Hollow State Park also makes it convenient, with easy access to boat ramps, fishing docks, and ample shorelines. With its blend of high bass populations and diverse fishing environments, Sand Hollow is well-suited for anglers of all skill levels.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Sand Hollow Reservoir: Target the early morning hours for topwater action near shallow coves. Soft plastic worms and creature baits are highly effective when fished near submerged vegetation and rocky drop-offs.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell, situated along the Utah-Arizona border, is an expansive and scenic reservoir known for its incredible bass fishing opportunities. Covering over 186 miles in length with a maximum depth of 560 feet, Lake Powell is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. The average depth of the lake is around 132 feet, and its clear waters, stunning red rock formations, and numerous secluded coves create a unique environment for bass anglers.
Lake Powell is especially popular for smallmouth bass, which thrive in the lake’s rocky underwater structures and can be found throughout its vast network of canyons. Largemouth bass are also present, though they tend to be less abundant than smallmouth. The lake’s remote locations and diverse underwater topography provide ample hiding spots for bass, making it an ideal spot for those seeking both adventure and abundant fishing opportunities.
Lake Powell’s accessible marinas, such as Wahweap Marina near Page, AZ, and Bullfrog Marina near Ticaboo, UT, make it a convenient destination for anglers. With over 2,000 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell offers something for every bass angler.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Lake Powell: Focus on rocky ledges and submerged trees with soft plastic baits like tubes and jigs. Early spring and late fall are prime times for smallmouth bass, which are particularly active in cooler water temperatures.
Utah Lake
Utah Lake, located just south of Provo, is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the western United States. Covering around 96,000 acres, it boasts a shallow average depth of only 9.4 feet, with a maximum depth of about 14 feet. Despite its shallowness, Utah Lake is a prime location for largemouth bass fishing, particularly in areas like Provo Bay and the various shallow flats around the lake. These shallow areas are filled with vegetation and underwater structures, creating an ideal habitat for largemouth bass. Although primarily known for its largemouth population, Utah Lake also hosts white bass, which can add variety to an angler’s experience.
The lake’s expansive shallow areas make it an accessible fishing spot for shore anglers and boaters alike. With numerous public access points and parks around the shoreline, including Utah Lake State Park, it’s easy to find a perfect fishing location. Anglers often enjoy fishing here due to the lake’s warm waters and healthy bass populations, especially during the warmer months when bass activity is at its peak.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Utah Lake: Focus on the weedy areas near river mouths and shallows using spinnerbaits and swimbaits. Bass are particularly active in murky waters here, so baits with strong vibration and movement are most effective.
Bear Lake
Bear Lake, known for its breathtaking turquoise waters, is situated along the Utah-Idaho border, near the towns of Garden City, UT, and Fish Haven, ID. This natural lake spans approximately 70,000 acres, with an average depth of around 94 feet and a maximum depth reaching 208 feet. Although Bear Lake is traditionally famous for its trout fishing, largemouth and smallmouth bass can also be found here, particularly in the warmer months.
The lake’s clear waters and rocky shoreline create an inviting habitat for smallmouth bass, which are commonly located near rock piles, submerged ledges, and other underwater structures. Largemouth bass, though less common, can sometimes be found in the shallower, more vegetated areas along the shore.
With over 160 square miles of surface area and various fishing spots to explore, Bear Lake offers ample opportunities for anglers seeking both solitude and great fishing action. Its unique ecosystem, picturesque setting, and quality bass fishing make it a hidden gem for bass anglers looking to experience Utah’s diverse fishing landscapes.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Bear Lake: Target rocky areas with crankbaits and jigs, especially during the warmer months. The lake’s clear water makes subtle, natural-colored baits highly effective when fished along deeper rocky ledges and drop-offs.
Holmes Reservoir
Holmes Reservoir, a smaller yet productive fishing spot in northern Utah, is well-regarded among local anglers for its peaceful setting and consistent bass population. Spanning about 200 acres, the reservoir reaches a maximum depth of approximately 25 feet, with an average depth of around 12 feet. Holmes Reservoir is known primarily for its largemouth bass, which thrive in the lake’s warm, nutrient-rich waters. The reservoir’s shallow areas, abundant aquatic vegetation, and submerged brush provide an ideal habitat for largemouth bass, especially during the warmer months when they are most active.
Located near Layton, Utah, Holmes Reservoir is easily accessible and offers a quiet escape for anglers looking for a more secluded fishing experience. The reservoir’s limited size makes it easy to navigate, whether fishing from the shore or a small boat, and its manageable depth allows anglers to effectively target bass in various spots around the lake. Holmes Reservoir remains a favorite among local bass anglers seeking a less crowded, relaxing day on the water.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Holmes Reservoir: Fish near submerged brush and vegetated areas using jigs and soft plastic worms. Early mornings and late evenings tend to produce the best results, especially when bass are active near shallow, shaded areas.
Why You Should Consider Bass Fishing In Utah
Utah is an exceptional destination for bass fishing, offering diverse waters, stunning landscapes, and abundant bass populations. With lakes like Sand Hollow Reservoir, Lake Powell, and Utah Lake, anglers can explore environments ranging from red rock desert scenery to lush, green shores.
Utah’s lakes cater to both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with ideal fishing conditions across various elevations. Sand Hollow, for instance, boasts water temperatures that average 70-80°F in the summer, ideal for largemouth bass, while Lake Powell’s extensive 186-mile length provides ample space for smallmouth bass to thrive.
In addition to its natural beauty, Utah has a robust fishing community and numerous resources for anglers. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources actively manages and stocks bass populations, ensuring healthy numbers in popular fishing spots. The state also provides accessible public fishing reports and detailed maps, helping anglers locate the best fishing locations and stay informed on seasonal patterns. For bass anglers, Utah’s combination of scenic lakes, varied habitats, and supportive resources make it an unbeatable choice.
