Fishing Kolob Reservoir
About the Fishing
Anglers will find:
- Bear River cutthroat
- Colorado River cutthroat
- Rainbow trout
Fly-fishers retrieve large leech pattern flies to hook up. Plastic tube jigs and spinners can also be effective. Traditional baits fished suspended off the bottom should bring in a few fish.
Fishing is done from shore, in float tubes and on boats. There is a boat ramp to aid in access onto the water. Having a boat can be helpful as fish tend to head toward cooler waters in the middle of the lake when the reservoir heats up in the summertime.
Winter Access
Access to Kolob Reservoir is via unmaintained dirt roads which are typically only accessible by vehicles April through December. But don’t count out winter — the reservoir is especially stunning during cold-weather months, when snow blankets the surrounding slopes and aspen forests.
Camping
In addition to the great fishing, there is great primitive camping along the banks of the reservoir as well. Turn your stay into a multi-day adventure and pitch your tent next to the water or off in the shade among the trees. Whichever you choose, you will be delighted by the views. If you don’t want to camp at the reservoir, there are plenty of other spots off the mountain in Zion and the surrounding towns.
Directions
To get there from the town of Virgin, follow SR-9 to the turnoff at Kolob Terrace Road and continue north for 23 miles. From Cedar City head five miles up Cedar Canyon on highway 14, turn right onto Right Hand Canyon Road and continue for eight miles as the road changes to Kolob Road. Follow Kolob Road for another 11 miles to reach the reservoir.
Regulations
Special fishing regulations at Kolob are part of the appeal of this the remote water:
- Anglers are allowed a daily possession limit of two trout under 15 inches or more than 22 inches long (all trout between 15 and 22 inches must be released).
- Fishing is limited to artificial flies and lures during certain times of the year
For the latest regulations and more specifics, consult the Utah Fishing Guidebook
Planning Resources
- Buy a Utah fishing license
- Fishing regulations in Utah
Learn more about fishing in Utah
Discover More
-
A Local’s Guide to Logan: Northern Utah’s Outdoor Adventure College Town
Logan is teeming with some of the best arts, food and outdoor adventure opportunities in the state. Whether you’re passing through or just looking for new places to explore, here are some of the best ways to experience Logan.
-
Alpine Fishing Above the Red Rock Landscapes of Southern Utah
Sitting just outside of Capitol Reef National Park, this 11,000-foot peak offers views of the surrounding red canyons and desert-like region. In contrast, Boulder Mountain is heavily forested and home to more than 80 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. With an average rainfall multiple inches more than the lower regions, the area makes for some surprisingly good fishing.
-
An Old Favorite Fishing Hole at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Visit Utah columnist Dan Potts takes us to his "secret" fishing hole on Utah's Flaming Gorge Reservoir, one of the world's most diverse fisheries set among the brilliant red rock walls of Red Canyon in the easternmost corner of the state. Along the way, Dan takes us through some of his favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City.
-
Angling Secrets: How and Where to Catch Fish on Lake Powell
Read expect advice on when and where in Lake Powell to get the prized fish you're chasing.
-
Bear Lake Monster Winterfest
It all started decades ago with the “Cisco Disco” and has grown to include a polar plunge, chili cookoff and winter festival known as the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.
-
Discovering the Quiet Beauty of Hyrum Lake State Park
Spend some time at Hyrum Reservoir and you’ll discover that crisp clear water and a spot on the grass are all you really need for a relaxing getaway. Throw in pristine mountain views and a shady spot to set up camp and consider your summer vacation plans as good as done.
-
Enjoying the Simple Pleasures of Lake Life on Palisade Reservoir
Utah’s beautiful Palisade Reservoir is an oasis of serene water in the central part of the state, a perfect getaway for paddling, fishing, swimming and camping.
-
Find a Winter Refresh in a Utah State Park
The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. Take a winter break to refresh with a visit to a few of these places.
-
Finding Solitude on the Provo River
Get expert advice on Provo River fishing, recreation and relaxation. Add the Provo River to your next Utah itinerary!
-
Fishing Fish Lake
The largest natural mountain lake in Utah, Fish Lake sits at more than 8,800 feet of elevation, which makes for pleasant weather all summer long. Located near Richfield, Utah, the lake has everything you need for a relaxing summer getaway.
-
Fishing Northern Utah's Logan River
Why do serious fly fishers flock to Northern Utah’s Logan River? Fishing spots with rainbow and brown trout in our freestone dream streams. Plan your adventure!
-
Fly Fishing Guide to The Green River Less Traveled
If you are in the Flaming Gorge area and fish, even just a little bit, you shouldn’t leave without spending at least one day in your waders throwing a line across the blue-ribbon waters of the Green River.
-
Fly Fishing the Uinta Mountains
The Uinta Mountains are one of Utah’s top fly fishing destinations. Learn where to go and how to land that trophy trout, then plan your own fly fishing getaway.
-
Get to Know Echo State Park
Situated at 5,560 feet above sea level, just north of Park City, lies Echo State Park. Watersports are king here, and whether you kayak, paddleboard, or boat, it’s a perfect place to get out on the water.
-
How to Have the Perfect Weekend on the Water at Quail Creek State Park
Just 15 miles north of St. George and even closer to the town of Hurricane, Quail Creek State Park offers warm water and mild weather year round. There’s plenty to do out on the water, and the gorgeous setting is sure to impress.
-
In Search of the Yellowstone Cutthroat
Fishing for what counts in Utah’s remote Raft River Mountains.
-
Panguitch Lake's Literal "Big Fish"
People have been traveling to fish at Panguitch Lake for a long time. Legend has it this popular high mountain fishery in Southern Utah was named by the Paiute people who once frequented the area and it translates to mean “big fish.”
-
Riding the Arapeen OHV Trail of Central Utah
Looking for the best off-roading trails in Utah? You have to try the Arapeen OHV Trail, featuring hundreds of miles of scenic backcountry trails in Central Utah. Start planning now!
-
Strawberry Reservoir: Ripe for All Kinds of Anglers
With trophy-sized cutthroats and rainbows, large populations of aquatic insects and ample wade fishing opportunities, Strawberry Reservoir — affectionately called "the Berry" — really does have something for every angler’s tastes.
-
The Most Scenic Trophy Trout Destination
Flaming Gorge, Utah is one of the world’s best places to fish for trout. Awe-inspiring scenery and abundant fish attract anglers from all over. Check it out!
-
The Story of Starvation Reservoir
Sprawling waters and local legends at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.
-
The Story of Utah Women Flyfishers
Get to know Heidi Lewis, founder of Utah Women Flyfishers. More than 300 women meet monthly to tie flies, practice casting at the park, plan trips and more.
-
The Wayward Path of a Utah Fly-Fishing Guide Led Straight to the Green River
Colby Crossland isn’t quite sure how he ended up a guide on one of the country’s best fly-fishing destinations, but he knows the perks are worth the tangles.
-
Touring the Sheep Creek and Spirit Lake Scenic Backways of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Explore the Utah Sheep Creek backways within the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Experience awe-inspiring scenery, rock formations, and wildlife.
-
Wild Heber: Close-to-Home Adventure
Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley’s state parks and national forest lands offer a world of adventure. Hike, bike, camp, kayak, watch wildlife and reel in blue-ribbon trout while learning about nature and how to protect it.
