Out & About for the Summer

Places to Go Fishing on Free Fishing Day 2023 in Utah, June 10

Higher Spring Runoff Raises Lake Powell Levels Approx. 1 Ft Per Day

LAKE POWELLGlen Canyon National Recreation Area is pleased to announce that due to a high snowpack, a higher spring runoff continues to affect Lake Powell water levels. The lake level has been rising approximately one foot per day. As of May 19, Lake Powell’s elevation is 3543.3 feet (above sea level). An overview is available of projected water levels and potentially concurrent re-opening of visitor access points at this link: https://www.nps.gov/ glca/learn/news/20230428.

htm year,

SALT LAKE CITY -

If you’d like to catch a fish in Utah’s beautiful outdoors but you don’t have a fishing license, Free Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity to give it a try.

This year, Free Fishing Day will be held on Saturday, June 10, and it’s a day when anyone can fish at any public waterbody in Utah without a license. It makes for a great family activity and offers an easy way to get outdoors and introduce your kids to fishing (or your neighbors and friends)!

It’s an ideal day not only for beginning anglers to give fishing a try, but is also a fun time for experienced anglers, too.

“Because you don’t need a license to fish that day, it’s the perfect time to take someone with you and introduce them to this fun sport,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Day

Sportfish Coordinator Randy Oplinger said. “Early June is one of the best times to fish in Utah. All of the fish in the state, both warmwater and coldwater species, are active and willing to bite this time of the year.”

If you are taking someone fishing for their first time, you can commemorate their first catch with a fun DWR certificate. You can print out the certificate at home and fill in the details to document the occasion.

Anglers should note that while Free Fishing Day waives the requirement for having a fishing license, entrance fees to state parks and other areas will still apply.

Where to go fishing

Local community ponds are a great option for a quick, close-to-home fishing spot. These ponds are a particularly good place to take kids and other less experienced anglers. There are 57 community ponds located around Utah, and more information about each one can be found on the DWR website. Many of the community ponds will be stocked with rainbow trout a few days before Free Fishing Day. To help maintain good fishing through the hot, summer months, the DWR will also stock channel catfish into several community ponds around the state.

In addition to the community ponds, Utah has hundreds of lakes and reservoirs and thousands of miles of streams that offer great fishing. If you prefer a fishing experience that is more remote—or at a larger waterbody—you can visit the Fish Utah map on the DWR website to find a fishing spot with the qualities you're seeking. Learn the rules

You don’t need a license to fish on June 10, but the other fishing rules in Utah will still be in effect. Make sure you know the catch limits and other rules for the waterbody you are fishing. The rules are available in the 2023 Utah Fishing Guidebook. And wherever you go fishing on Free Fishing Day, remember to recreate responsibly by packing out what you pack in and keeping the area free of trash. Buy a license

Although you don’t need a fishing license on Free Fishing Day, a fishing license is required to fish any other day of the year. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase and can be purchased online, at any DWR office or from a DWR license agent.

—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation Will Award Over $20 Million in Grants to Boost Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

SALT LAKE CITY -

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) is awarding over $20 million in grants to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Utah—the most to date awarded by the state.

The division will award more than $16 million in Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant (UORG) funds to 90 outdoor recreation infrastructure projects in 24 counties across Utah, and $4.2 million in Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation grants to 51 OHV-related projects in 28 counties.

“We are thrilled to invest more than $20 million in Utah's communities and outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Jason Curry, Director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. “The grants will enhance the quality of life for Utahns and visitors alike and will continue to bolster Utah as a premier outdoor recreation destination in the world. Utah is leading the way in how we invest, support and plan for one of our greatest resources, access to our natural spaces.”

The OHV Recreation grants support projects that improve OHV trails, increase user access, promote safety and education, and enhance the overall OHV experience for Utah residents and visitors. Meanwhile, the UORG funds are used to support a variety of outdoor recreation projects and initiatives, such as park development, trail maintenance and conservation efforts.

In addition to infrastructure for water recreation, OHV use, climbing, and other recreational activities, this year’s grant funding will help restore nearly 800 miles of existing, multi-use trails and help build nearly 150 miles of new, multi-use trails throughout the state.

The grants will benefit communities across Utah, from rural areas to urban centers. The projects supported by the grants are expected to provide a boost to local economies, as well as enhance the state's reputation as a premier outdoor recreation destination.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support from the state’s leadership, our grant scoring committee and our partners in the outdoor recreation industry,” said Curry. “Their support has been instrumental in allowing us to continue to grow these opportunities and provide these critical grants to communities throughout Utah.”

Since 2015, the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant has awarded over $50 million to 489 projects for building or restoring outdoor recreation infrastructure across Utah. The OHV Recreation Grant has funded more than $10 million to 270 projects since it was created in 2020.

The bi-annual OHV

Recreation Grant is open for the summer cycle from Thursday, June 1 through July 31 at 5 p.m. For more information and to apply, visit recreation.utah.gov/ grants/ohvr/.

For the complete list of 2023 UORG recipients and for more information on the Division of Outdoor Recreation and available grants, visit recreation. utah.gov.

—Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

1. Spring Run-off

Debris: Due to the spring runoff, the San Juan and Colorado Rivers are experiencing a large amount of debris flow. Boat operators need to use extreme caution while navigating the lake, as large debris is present.

Specifically, above Halls Crossing (at buoy 100), the park’s Aids to Navigation (ATON) crew reported logs and limbs beneath the surface of the water.

2. North Lake PowellBullfrog Main Ramp Spur: This ramp is closed for safety reasons because it is being used as a construction zone for dismantling dilapidated components of the Dangling Rope Marina. It was previously announced the park would re-open this ramp to small, motorized vessels (25 feet or less) and become the takeout for Colorado River runners when lake levels reached 3540, but that is being delayed. Until further notice, all motorized vessels and Colorado River rafters are asked to continue using the Bullfrog North Ramp.

3. South Lake Powell - Stateline Auxiliary Ramp: This ramp remains operable 24/7 to motorized vessels of all sizes. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the park believes the bathymetry at this ramp will ensure sustainable, long-term motorized vessel access to south Lake Powell.

4. South Lake Powell - Antelope Point Marina Business Ramp: This ramp is open for all vessels, including houseboats. Interested customers should contact Antelope Point Guest Services to inquire about their specific vessel(s), 928 6455900 ext. 5032.

Due to the complex mix of factors that affect Lake Powell’s water levels, Lake Powell boaters are asked to please be aware that it will not be known when the lake reaches a certain water level until it occurs. Information about Lake Powell marina services and water level statistics are available 24/7 at nps.gov. —National Park Service