Zion National Park in southern Utah, along with the Virgin River and its tributaries, provides a habitat for a number of naturally occurring fish populations as well as species that have been introduced and thrived in the environment. For experienced anglers or first-time fishermen, the area in and around the park provides a number of places to both enjoy the desert scenery and catch some fish.
The Virgin River, which runs through Zion Canyon, is home to a number of species of fish and is open for fishing to people who have a current Utah fishing license; you can get a license at most sporting goods stores or online. Children younger than 16 years old do not need a fishing license. The river is not stocked, and the population is dependent on the water levels, which shift from year to year.
The East Fork and North Fork have healthy populations of several different types of trout, which is the only fish that can be taken. The river is home to the Virgin River spinedace, an endangered species that cannot be caught.
Zion National Park consists of Zion Canyon and a completely separate area, Kolob Canyon, worth a visit of its own. It also is home to Kolob Reservoir, which is part of the headwaters of the Virgin River. The lake is stocked and also has a natural population of fish, primarily trout. It is difficult to access in late winter and early spring, but from April to December it is a favorite fishing spot with fly fishers, boat fishers and shore fishers. Access the 250-acre reservoir by taking State Road 9 from Virgin to Kolob Road; follow the road for 23 miles.
Sand Hollow Reservoir in Hurricane is right between Zion and St. George, and is a good place to go when the fish aren’t biting in the park. The 1,300-acre lake has bluegill, largemouth bass and bullhead catfish. The Division of Wildlife Resources website says fish are so abundant that even the novice should be able to reel one in, and you’ll also enjoy simply passing the time on the boat in the middle of the lake. Be aware of the state’s limits on harvesting fish before you take your entire catch home.
The lake is a favorite for water recreation, so arrive early in the summer months to avoid some of the water ski traffic.
Neither of these are part of Zion National Park, but if you’re in the area and want some good fishing, both are likely to be better options than what’s available in the park. Navajo Lake, about 60 miles away from Zion in Kane, is a 1,500-acre natural alpine lake and is stocked with trout. You can also rent a boat at the lake, and enjoy the views of Zion, Kolob and Cedar Breaks. Duck Creek is on Cedar Mountain, about 65 miles west of Zion; it is stocked with trout, open for fishing all year and with 10 miles of shoreline is a busy fishing spot. You won’t have views of Zion Canyon, but you will be surrounded by pine trees and won’t be disturbed by boats, which are not allowed on the lake.
