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Fishing Scofield State Park

Scofield State Park   |  Cortney Boice, Blue Halo
  • Weather: Partly Cloudy, 37F

A scenic byway passes through a Wasatch Plateau basin, only a few miles from U.S. 6, but Scofield State Park and Reservoir feels like a far-away land, a human-made paradise tucked away in time and space. This peaceful, scenic reservoir has an uncanny ability to produce big fish in quick fashion.

Scofield State Park

About the Fish

Scofield is a productive fishery for:

  • Rainbow trott
  • Cutthroat trout
  • Tiger trout

Tiger trout, a hybrid mix between a brown trout and a brook trout, seem to particularly like living in Scofield. The Utah record tiger trout was caught at Scofield in 2013 when a lucky angler hauled in a 19-pound, 2-ounce fish. Tiger trout were introduced in 2005 by state fisheries biologists in an effort to help control Utah chub numbers in the reservoir. Judging by the whopper fish coming out of Scofield, it seems like the tigers are finding enough to eat.

Fishing from shore can be good at times, particularly in the spring and fall. Anglers might consider fishing Lower Fish Creek below Scofield Dam if action at the reservoir is slow. Fishing downstream from the dam is open for one mile below the dam, but anglers are only allowed to use artificial flies and lures from the railroad bridge to the confluence of the White River. A day-use fee is required for park entry, purchase in-person or online. The Annual Utah State Park Pass is also accepted.

Ice Fishing in Winter

The ice is typically safe to support anglers starting around Thanksgiving, making it one of the first major Utah fisheries to freeze over. Check ice reports before heading to the reservoir this time of year. Some of the best fishing of the year at Scofield happens just before the reservoir ices over and as soon as the ice is thick enough to venture out on. The week after the ice recedes from shore is another good time to target big fish cruising the shallows. For some extra fun while fishing Scofield, consider competing in the annual ice fishing tournament.

Camping

Scofield State Park includes two developed campgrounds, a primitive campground and a boat ramp. Advance camping reservations are recommended.

Regulations

  • Trout limit of four fish
  • Only two trout can be cutthroat or tiger trout and only one can be a cutthroat or tiger trout more than 22 inches long.
  • All cutthroat and tiger trout between 15 to 22 inches long must be released.

For the latest regulations and more specifics, consult the Utah Fishing Guidebook 

Fishing from a boat is also popular at Scofield. Most anglers troll pop gear and a worm. The island on the south end of the reservoir is a popular place to target for big fish.

Planning Resources

Learn more about fishing in Utah:

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