Fishing License Utah Requirements for Your First Flaming Gorge Trip
Updated for the current season
Planning your first trip to Flaming Gorge and Dutch John Resort? Getting the fishing license Utah requires is step one, and it takes about five minutes. Once that is handled you have access to the Green River, one of the finest trout fisheries in the country, plus the reservoir, the canyon and everything around it. Here is exactly what you need, where to get it and what the rules look like once you are on the water. Guests can also use our shuttle service for easy transportation to river access points and nearby attractions.
Who Needs a Utah Fishing License
Anyone age 12 and older who wants to fish Utah waters needs a valid license. That includes everyone fishing at Dutch John Resort, on the Green River and across the Flaming Gorge area. There are no exceptions for guided trips, so every angler in the boat needs their own.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources issues every fishing license and hunting license in the state and sets the fishing regulations for specific waters. Both a Utah resident and an out of state visitor can buy the same license types, only the fee changes. Our guides walk you through the whole thing, so it is simple to book a guided fishing trip and let us handle the details.
Types of Utah Fishing Licenses
The Utah Division offers a few options depending on how often you plan to fish.
- 365 day fishing license. An annual license valid for a full year from the date you buy it. This is the right pick for anyone coming back more than once.
- Short term licenses. One day, three day, seven day and fourteen day options for a single trip.
- Resident license and non resident license. Same privileges, different fee. Utah resident status requires established residency.
- Combination license. Bundles a fishing license and a hunting license together. If you plan to do both, the combination license is the best value on the list, and it covers you for the full season.
- Youth and senior rates. Reduced pricing that many first timers overlook.
Prices change, so confirm the current fee on the wildlife resources website before you buy. Many anglers start with a short term license and upgrade to the annual license once they realize how good the fishing is here.
How to Get Your Fishing License
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You have three easy routes.
Buy online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources site and print or save it to your phone. Buy through the Utah DWR fishing app, which also stores your license and lets you check the rules at any fishing spot with no signal required. Or buy in person from an authorized license agent, including locations near Dutch John Resort.
Bring a valid ID, know which license type you want and take two minutes to read the general fishing regulations for the water you are fishing. Hunter education is required before you can buy a hunting license, but it is not required for fishing.
Fishing Regulations at Flaming Gorge
The Green River below the dam has its own rules that differ from general statewide regulations, so read the current fishing regulation for this stretch before you cast.
- Carry your license with you, on paper or on your phone, any time you fish
- Check the rules for your chosen fishing methods, whether that is fly, bait, lure or ice fishing, since some sections restrict you to artificial flies and lures
- Know the limits and size restrictions by species, which vary by river section
- Watch for tagged fish and report any record certified weight fish
- Clean, drain and dry all gear to stop aquatic invasive species from spreading between waters
- Follow posted rules on wildlife and waterfowl management areas and other land management boundaries
- Submit a harvest report when required
- Review fish consumption advisories if you plan to keep and eat your catch
These regulations are what keep this fishery as strong as it is. Read them once and you are set.
Adding Utah Hunting to Your Trip
Plenty of first timers pair a fishing trip with Utah hunting, and the two work together on one license. A combination license gives you both, then you add the specific permit for whatever you plan to hunt.
- Big game, waterfowl and upland game permits are all available in this region
- A general season deer permit or an upland game permit can be added to your combination license
- Ask about the resident dedicated hunter permit for multi season access
- Non residents can buy the same permit types, though the permit fee differs
- Cooperative wildlife management units offer premium private land access if you draw a permit
- Shooting preserve options and additional permits are available for guided hunts
Every permit ties back to your license, so keep them together in the field. If Utah hunting is new to you, the Utah Hunt Planner walks you through each permit, unit and season before you apply.
Tips for First Time Anglers
Flaming Gorge fishes year round, though seasonal conditions change what works. Watch for Utah’s annual free fishing day, when anyone can fish the state without a license.
Dutch John Resort sits right on the Green River, one of Utah’s blue ribbon fisheries and a genuine trophy trout destination. If you want to expand the trip, Lake Powell and the Great Salt Lake area round out a bigger Utah loop, and community ponds near Salt Lake City are ideal for kids and beginners.
After a full day on the water, the cabins at Dutch John Resort are a short drive from the boat ramp. Prefer to bring your own setup? Book a spot at our RV campgrounds near the hiking trails and best fishing spots.
Helpful Utah DWR Resources
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources publishes a deep library for anglers and hunters, all free.
- Utah Fishing Guidebook with the current fishing regulations for every water in the state
- Utah Wildlife Statutes and the Wildlife Action Plan that explain the rules behind the rules
- Utah Wildlife News plus stocking reports and fish hatcheries information so you know what has been planted in your favorite fisheries
- Utah Species Field Guide and the Utah Species Protection Account for conservation background
- Utah Hunt Planner, the Utah Hunting Skills Challenge and National Archery in the Schools programs
- Eccles Wildlife Education Center and the Hardware Wildlife Education Center for hands on learning
- Blue ribbon fisheries maps and waterfowl management area listings statewide
The Utah Department of Natural Resources and its wildlife service can also answer questions about fees, seasons and regulations directly.
Get Your License, Then Come Fish
Sorting out a fishing license Utah side takes minutes. Planning the rest of the trip is where we come in. Dutch John Resort is the closest lodging to the Green River boat launch below the dam, with cabins, RV sites, a convenience store and our own guide service on property.
Check the wildlife resources website for the latest regulations before you travel, then let us take care of the water.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates, always check the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website before your trip. Following the rules will help preserve Utah’s incredible fishing and wildlife for every angler who wants to catch a great fish here.