Utah board locks 2027–28 fishing changes, including zero-harvest natives

Utah’s Wildlife Board approved the Division of Wildlife Resources fishing proposals for the 2027–28 regulations. The vote followed a statewide angler survey that the division said showed overwhelming support. These are guidebook changes, not a same-day emergency rule.

Statewide pieces include a zero daily limit for largemouth bass at eight Wasatch Front community ponds, 14 native species reclassified as game fish with a zero daily limit, a statewide zero limit on roundtail chub, and a zero daily limit on white sturgeon. The 14 natives named in the release run from Bear Lake sculpin and the leatherside chubs through several suckers, dace, and sculpins, plus Virgin spinedace.

Walleye rules shift at three waters. Starvation Reservoir gets a slot: 20 fish under 15 inches, immediate release from 15 to 20 inches, and one over 20 inches. Willard Bay allows six walleye over 18 inches, only one of them over 24 inches. At Mantua Reservoir, walleye — called an illegal introduction — must be killed, with no bag limit, starting Nov. 1. Southern notes in the same package open bowfishing for striped bass and setline fishing at Lake Powell, and give 11 Boulder Mountain waters about seven extra weeks of fishing each year. Read the full DWR list before you treat any single water as changed.

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

Source: Utah DWR — Wildlife Board approves changes to fishing regulations for 2027–28 (Sept. 18, 2026).