Catching Catfish in Utah: What to Know

Are There Catfish In Utah?

Yes, there are most certainly catfish in Utah! I have to admit, for a while, I had no idea that catfish were even found in the state. But since I discovered that they were, I’ve made it a regular thing to go out and fish for them. It may not be overly technical, but it is a fun and rewarding experience – there’s nothing like the excitement of feeling a catfish nibble on your bait and then reeling it in. The catfish in Utah are also delicious – I love to cook them up in all sorts of different ways. So if you’re a fan of catfish fishing, or if you’re just looking for a new and exciting outdoor activity to try, give catfish fishing in Utah a shot! You won’t be disappointed.

What Kind of Catfish Are in Utah?

Channel catfish are probably the most common species of catfish found in Utah. They can be found in quite a few lakes, reservoirs, and even rivers, including the Green River, Utah Lake, and Lake Powell. These fish are known for their hard-fighting nature and delicious taste. They can grow up to 30 inches in length and weigh up to 30 pounds.

Another species of catfish in Utah is the bullhead catfish. Bullheads are usually smaller than channel catfish and can be found in many of the same bodies of water. Even though they are generally smaller, they still give a good fight, for sure.

It is always important to check the local fishing regulations for each body of water before fishing, as there may be limits on the size and number of catfish that can be caught. Additionally, certain catfish species in certain bodies of water may have specific guidelines on how much or how frequently they should be eaten. For the most part, they are perfectly fine to eat and can be really yummy.

Here’s a pitcture of my brother holding a channel catfish he caught at Utah Lake.

Where Are the Biggest Catfish in Utah?

While you should be able to catch decent-sized catfish all around the state’s lakes and community fisheries, Utah Lake has the record for Utah’s largest catfish. It was a channel cat almost 40 inches long and weighed just under 33 pounds.

Even though catfish are a popular target for many anglers at Utah Lake, the lake is still full of monsters. Personally, I have had a lot of success with large cats in Provo at the state park as well as near the knolls. Both the Lindon and American Fork Marinas are good places to find some nice catches. At any of these places, your methods are likely going to be the same.

How to Catch Catfish in Utah

From personal experience, there are two ways to catch catfish from the shore in Utah:

Shallow, near the shore: I usually use this technique when it is a bit cooler and especially at night. With a floating bobber attached to your line 2-3ft. above a larger treble hook, cast between 7-12 feet out from the bank, sometimes even less. Let the bait sit out for a maximum of 15 minutes before recasting and checking your bait. Slightly vary your location and cast distance till you find your honey hole. If you are fishing a lake with a dense catfish population, such as Utah Lake, you’ll find them pretty quickly.

Deep, far from shore: As you could guess, I usually fish this way when it’s pretty toasty out. The technique is going to be pretty similar other than you’ll now be casting further out and I also add a bit more distance between my bobber and my hook. You can also switch the bobber out for weights and sink your bait when casting further. When I am sinking my bait I almost always notice the fish bring my bait in before taking it out. Always set the hook when the fish is running out or you will pull it right out of its mouth.

Best Bait for Catching Catfish in Utah

Several types of bait can be effective for catching catfish, including:

Bait, such as minnows, worms, or nightcrawlers

Cut bait, such as store-bought shad or white bass caught in one of the state’s lakes.

Prepared baits, such as dough balls or catfish stink baits

Processed meats like hot dogs or beef sticks

It’s important to remember that catfish are opportunistic feeders, so they will bite on pretty much anything if it is stinky. Experimenting with different types of bait can help you determine which one is most effective in a particular body of water.

It is sometimes easy to forget about catfish here in Utah, as there are so many other great game fish available to target. However, since catfish are accessible from many lakes and community ponds around the state, they are easy to find and make for a great opportunity to catch big fish.