Holes and lines
- Ice fishing holes may be no wider than 12 inches, except at Bear Lake, Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Fish Lake. (guidebook p. 12)
- Extra lines beyond two poles are allowed when ice fishing at Flaming Gorge, Porcupine and Causey reservoirs and Pelican Lake. (guidebook p. 11)
- At those four waters an ice angler may run up to six lines, but anyone using more than two must attach their name to each line, pole or tip-up and may tend only their own lines. (guidebook p. 30)
Poles, hooks and gear
- With a valid fishing or combination license (or if you are under 12) you may fish with two poles at any open water, but a second pole does not allow a second daily limit. (guidebook p. 11)
- The guidebook describes no separate two-pole permit; a second pole simply requires a valid fishing or combination license. (guidebook p. 71)
- You must stay within sight of your fishing gear and no more than 100 feet away, unless you are using a permitted setline. (guidebook p. 11)
- An artificial lure may carry at most three hooks, and a line may hold at most three baited hooks, three flies or three lures. (guidebook p. 11)
- Artificial light is allowed when angling anywhere in the state, but underwater spearfishing has separate light rules. (guidebook p. 11)
Season and hours
- Utah's general fishing and crayfish season runs Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, and fishing by angling or setline is legal 24 hours a day. (guidebook p. 22)
Questions
How big can an ice fishing hole be in Utah?
12 inches wide at most on most waters. Ice fishing holes may be no wider than 12 inches, except at Bear Lake, Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Fish Lake.
Source: 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook, p. 12.
How many lines can I use ice fishing in Utah?
Two poles on most waters, and up to six lines at four named waters. Extra lines beyond two poles are allowed when ice fishing at Flaming Gorge, Porcupine and Causey reservoirs and Pelican Lake. At those four waters an ice angler may run up to six lines, but anyone using more than two must attach their name to each line, pole or tip-up and may tend only their own lines.
Source: 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook, p. 11 and p. 30.
Rules summarized in our own words from the 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook, with page numbers. DWR can change rules during the year: check wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks for updates. Buy licenses at wildlife.utah.gov/licenses.