Zion National Park Fishing

Zion National Park Fly Fishing in Utah

The first national park created in Utah, Zion National Park is a great place for anglers who love fly fishing and this is why Zion National Park fly fishing in Utah is one of the most popular activities there. Famous for its colored sandstones and narrow canyons, its history and natural surroundings make it a pleasure to be in.

Fly Fishing

The best fly fishing areas in Zion National Park, UT are in the outside boundaries. The uniqueness of the area, with its many rocky formations, gives anglers a specialized experience when it comes to fishing. You can expect to lose the city element and be immersed in relaxing fly fishing while surrounded by the views that Zion has to offer.

There are also a good number of streams, lakes and ponds in the Zion National Park. The diversity in the areas is enough to make sure that you are never bored with choosing a spot in which to fish. The terrains that Zion offers are enough to make sure that any angler of every level will be able to do fly fishing happily and with good results. This makes it one of the best places in Utah for even the most novice of fly fishing anglers.

Tips for Fly Fishing in Zion National Park

When looking for a spot to do fly fishing in Zion National Park, you are given two general options: highland water in the northeast or more desert-like lands in the west. The northeast option provides you with a better opportunity for catching wild trout. The west option, on the other hand, is more focused in catching bass.

Native Fish

The park is home to the north and east forks of the Virgin River. There are several species of fish in this river which have made that part of Zion their home. As a result, there are now officially several species of fish that are considered to be completely native to the Zion National Park. These fish include the Desert Sucker, the Flannelmouth Sucker and the Virgin River Spinedace.

There are also the common trout found in Zion’s water, such as the Rainbow trout and the Brook trout. Most species of the trout present, however, are available only in small numbers.

Conserving the Park

As the area is a national park, it is naturally under protection by the government. For anglers wishing to fish without disturbing the environment, it is best to hire a professional guide to help you get around. He or she will know the layout of the land and will be able to help you find the best fly fishing spots.

Although fly fishing is not a very common practice in Zion National Park, it is still required for adult anglers to have a valid Utah fishing license. Some bodies of water in the park are not stocked, so caution must also be taken when fishing. Only trout may be taken from the river, though it is a good practice to safely release any fish quickly after catching them, so as to help conserve the population.

Safety While Angling

Due to the harsher temperatures of many parts of the Zion National Park, every angler is recommended to bring a safety pack, complete with large amounts of water. Temperatures in the areas are at maximum during the summer season, making it difficult for some anglers to cope being out in the open.

Zion National Park Fly Fishing in Utah| Tips, Native Fish