Utah board opens Lake Powell striper bowfishing and setlines for 2027–28

The Utah Wildlife Board, at its Sept. 18, 2026 meeting, approved 2027–28 fishing changes that include bowfishing for striped bass at Lake Powell and setlines at Lake Powell. A setline permit is still required along with a fishing license. The Moab Times reported the Lake Powell piece on Sept. 30.

Southern Utah rules in the same package set a Navajo Lake tiger muskie daily limit of one fish of any size, and cut the Donkey Lake brook trout limit from 16 to 8. Northern pike are at 40 fish, with only two over 36 inches, at DMAD, Gunnison Bend, Redmond Lake, and the Sevier River. Eleven Boulder Mountain waters gain seven extra fishing weeks. Those waters close Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. April 1, and again Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.

Statewide, the roundtail chub limit goes to zero, and 14 native species are reclassified as game fish with a zero daily limit. Aquatic invasive species boat decal fees rise from $20 to $25 for residents and from $25 to $50 for nonresidents.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Utah DWR — Wildlife Board approves changes to fishing regulations (Sept. 18, 2026). Also: Moab Times — Lake Powell anglers gain striped bass bowfishing, setline options (Sept. 30, 2026).