Lure Compass

Public Fishing Spots · Salt Lake City, UT

Public Fishing Spots in Salt Lake City

4 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

Public fishing spots are the free, open-access places to wet a line - shorelines, banks, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and river access points that anyone can fish without booking anything. What you do need almost everywhere is a state fishing license, and rules on seasons, size and bag limits vary by state and often by water body, so it pays to check the local regulations before you go. Access, parking and facilities differ widely from spot to spot: some have boat ramps, restrooms and cleaning stations, others are just a pull-off and a trail to the water. The listings here help you find nearby public spots and what to expect when you arrive.

Below are 4 public fishing spots listings in Salt Lake City, UT, ranked by Google review volume so you can start with the most established options and contact them directly. The most-reviewed is Bountiful Pond (4.3★, 566 Google reviews).

Typical pricing

Public fishing spots are free to access, but a valid state fishing license is required almost everywhere, and seasons, size and bag limits vary by state and water body. Check your state agency for current rules and any local access restrictions.

See our full guide to fishing in Salt Lake City for neighborhoods, local pricing and how to choose.

Top public fishing spots listings in Salt Lake City

  1. 1
    Bountiful Pond
    Charters

    Bountiful Pond

    Salt Lake City

    Fishing lake in Woods Cross, UT · 4.3★ (566).

    ★ 4.3 · 566View →
  2. 2
    Antelope Island Marina
    Charters

    Antelope Island Marina

    Salt Lake City

    Marina in Syracuse, UT · 4.4★ (376).

    ★ 4.4 · 376View →
  3. 3
    East Canyon Marina
    Charters

    East Canyon Marina

    Salt Lake City

    Marina in Morgan, UT · 4.5★ (332).

    ★ 4.5 · 332View →
  4. 4
    American Fork Boat Harbor
    Charters

    American Fork Boat Harbor

    Salt Lake City

    Boat ramp in American Fork, UT · 4.3★ (126).

    ★ 4.3 · 126View →

FAQ

Public Fishing Spots in Salt Lake City - common questions

How many public fishing spots are there in Salt Lake City? +
Lure Compass lists 4 listings for public fishing spots in Salt Lake City, UT.
Who has the best-rated public fishing spots in Salt Lake City? +
By Google review volume, Bountiful Pond is the most-reviewed public fishing spots listing in Salt Lake City (4.3★, 566 reviews). Rankings follow review count, not paid placement.
Do I need a license to fish a public spot? +
Almost always yes. Most states require a fishing license for anyone above a set age, whether you fish from shore or a boat, with some free-fishing days each year as an exception. Buy your license through your state wildlife agency and check the seasons, size and bag limits for the water you plan to fish.
Are public fishing spots free? +
The fishing access itself is typically free at public shorelines, lakes and river points, though some parks charge a day-use or parking fee and a state license is still required. Facilities range from full boat ramps and restrooms to nothing but a bank and a footpath, so check what a spot offers before you go.
How do I find good public fishing near me? +
Browse the public spots listed by city and state here for nearby shoreline, lake and river access, then confirm current conditions, access and any seasonal closures with the managing park or state agency. Local reviews can flag parking, crowding and what species people are catching.
How much does a fishing guide cost in Salt Lake City? +
Guided trips out of Salt Lake City run about $400-$650. A half-day wade trip on the Provo is at the lower end, while a full-day float or a trip up to Strawberry Reservoir costs more. Rates are usually per boat for up to two anglers, so sharing brings the per-person price down. Confirm inclusions and license details with your guide.
What is the cicada hatch on the Provo River? +
In late spring and early summer, cicadas emerge along the Provo and get blown onto the water, triggering some of the year's best dry-fly fishing. Big brown trout that usually stay deep will smash these oversized terrestrials off the surface.
Can you catch salmon near Salt Lake City? +
Yes. Strawberry Reservoir holds kokanee salmon along with trophy cutthroat trout. The rivers themselves are trout fisheries, with the Provo and Weber holding wild brown and rainbow trout.
Do I need waders for a Provo River trip? +
For wade trips, waders are strongly recommended and most guides provide them along with rods and flies. You will also need a Utah fishing license, which the guide can help you sort out before you head to the water.

Public Fishing Spots in other cities

Other categories in Salt Lake City