Fishing in Garfield County, Utah
County seat: Panguitch. Census 2020 residents: 5,083.
- 6lake pages
- 25launches
- 2river pages
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Garfield County water by the numbers
Panguitch anchors Garfield County as its seat, in a county the 2020 count put at 5,083 people. Its footprint in the Gazetteer is 5,180 square miles of land and 29.3 square miles of water. This site writes up 6 Utah lakes and reservoirs here; on size, Panguitch Lake leads them. Among Blue Ribbon fisheries, Panguitch Lake and East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon) sits in the county.
The merged UGRC and DWR launch list puts 25 launches in the county, and DWR maps 19 shore or pier points. River pages for the county cover East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon) and Mammoth Creek. The 2026 DWR table lists 318,003 fish stocked in the county over 127 rows and 60 waters.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census counts (TIGERweb) and the 2023 Gazetteer, read November 11, 2026. UGRC Boat Ramps layer (ArcGIS service) and the DWR Fish Utah access list, read November 11, 2026.
Utah ramps, reservoirs and shore points in Garfield County
UGRC Boat Ramps layer (ArcGIS service) and the DWR Fish Utah access list, read November 11, 2026. Lake pins are the DWR map point for each water.
Utah reservoirs worth fishing in Garfield County
| Lake | Size | Launches | Status | DWR lists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panguitch Lake | 1234 | 7 | Blue Ribbon fishery | bear Lake cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, tiger trout, bonneville cutthroat trout, muskie Tiger |
| Tropic Reservoir | about 178 acres of mapped outline | 1 | reservoir | rainbow trout, muskie Tiger |
| Wide Hollow Reservoir | about 147 acres of mapped outline | 2 | reservoir | bluegill, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, tiger trout, crappie White, crappie Black |
| Lower Bowns Reservoir | about 108 acres of mapped outline | 1 | reservoir | rainbow trout, cutbow Ctbl*Rtwv |
| Pine Lake | about 80 acres of mapped outline | 2 | natural lake | rainbow trout |
| May Day Pond | no DWR figure | 0 | pond | tiger trout, rainbow trout |
Size as the DWR Fish Utah page for this water prints it (DWR), read November 11, 2026. Waters with no DWR acreage print their mapped outline instead. Utah DWR Fish Utah planner (dwrapps.utah.gov), read November 11, 2026.
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The count covers DWR lists on lakes within 40 miles of Panguitch, with rainbow trout in front.
DWR Fish Utah species lists (likely or possible), counted per lake page within 40 miles; DWR’s ratings, not a catch survey. Utah DWR Fish Utah planner (dwrapps.utah.gov), read November 11, 2026.
DWR mountain-lake areas touching Garfield County
- Boulder Mountain Lakesarctic grayling, brook trout, colorado River cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, splake, tiger trout, grayling Arctic, bonne, 40 recent stocking rows
Utah DWR Fish Utah planner (dwrapps.utah.gov), read November 11, 2026.
The short list: lesser Utah lakes in Garfield County
Another 19 waters in Garfield County have a name on the state maps and little else in print.
| Water | Size | Listed by |
|---|---|---|
| Jacobs Reservoir | about 353 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Big Lake | about 87 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Cyclone Lake | about 81 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Roundy Reservoir | about 70 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| McGath Lake | about 44 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Spectacle Lake | about 33 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Pollywog Lake | about 29 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Lake Philo | about 27 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| North Creek Reservoir | about 26 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Pacer Lake | about 25 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Deer Creek Lake | about 24 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Oak Creek Reservoir | about 21 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Dry Lake | about 20 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Auger Hole Lake | about 16 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Bear Lake | about 14 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Horseshoe Lake | about 13 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Posy Lake | about 12 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Dry Lake | about 12 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
| Lost Lake | about 11 acres of mapped outline | UGRC lakes layer |
Outline area from the UGRC Utah Lakes NHD layer (ArcGIS service; mapped polygon area, not a DWR surface-acre figure), read November 11, 2026. Listed waters are not claimed to hold fish. Utah DWR Fish Utah planner (dwrapps.utah.gov), read November 11, 2026.
Streams crossing Garfield County
- East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon)Blue Ribbon water, guidebook entry, 8 DWR access points, 1 USGS gauge
- Mammoth Creekguidebook entry, 14 DWR access points, 1 USGS gauge
Shorter list of Garfield County creeks (1)
- Asay Creek8 DWR access points
Current streamflow in Garfield County
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado River Ab Dirty Devil River Nr Hite, Ut | 3,568.05 ft gage height | Nov 14 5:30 pm |
| Dirty Devil R Ab Poison Sp Wsh Nr Hanksville Ut | 176 cfs, 5.50 ft gage height | Nov 14 5:30 pm |
| Pine Creek Near Escalante, Ut | 6 cfs, 2.65 ft gage height | Nov 14 5:50 pm |
| Escalante River Near Escalante, Ut | 44 cfs, 2.19 ft gage height | Nov 14 6:25 pm |
| Mammoth Creek Abv West Hatch Ditch, Near Hatch, Ut | 44 cfs, 1.59 ft gage height | Nov 14 5:45 pm |
| Sevier River At Hatch, Ut | 117 cfs, 1.25 ft gage height | Nov 14 5:15 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 14, 2026 6:32 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Utah DWR Fish Utah planner (dwrapps.utah.gov), read November 11, 2026. USGS Water Data for the Nation, live through the site, retrieved on page view.
Ramps and hand launches in Garfield County
- Bear Paw Resort at Panguitch LakePanguitch Lake, hand launch, cabins, drinking water, electrical hook-us
- Blue Springs Inlet Hand Launch at Panguitch LakePanguitch Lake, hand launch, cycling, hand launch, hiking
- Boulder Top East Hand Launch at Boulder Mountain LakesBoulder Mountain Lakes, hand launch, backpacking, hand launch, hiking
- Boulder Top North Hand Launch at Boulder Mountain LakesBoulder Mountain Lakes, hand launch, backpacking, cabins, hand launch
- Boulder Top South Hand Launch at Boulder Mountain LakesBoulder Mountain Lakes, hand launch, backpacking, hand launch, hiking
- East Shore (Bear Paw Beach) Hand Launch at Panguitch LakePanguitch Lake, hand launch, cycling, hand launch, hiking
- Escalante Mountain Hand Launch at Boulder Mountain LakesBoulder Mountain Lakes, hand launch, backpacking, hand launch, hiking
- Escalante Petrified Forest State Park Boat Ramp at Wide Hollow ReservoirWide Hollow Reservoir, boat ramp, camp host, covered Picnic ares, docks – accessible
- Hite Take-out at Lake PowellLake Powell, boat ramp, backpacking, cycling, hand launch
- King Creek Campground Boat Ramp at Tropic ReservoirTropic Reservoir, boat ramp, drinking water, fire rings, gray water disposal
- Lower Bowns Campground Hand LaunchLower Bowns Reservoir, hand launch, fire rings, hand launch, OHV or 4WD trails
- McGath Lake – Posey Lake Hand Launch at Boulder Mountain LakesBoulder Mountain Lakes, hand launch, backpacking, drinking water, fire rings
- North Creek Lakes Hand Launch at Boulder Mountain LakesBoulder Mountain Lakes, hand launch, backpacking, drinking water, fire rings
- North Slope Hand Launch at Boulder Mountain LakesBoulder Mountain Lakes, hand launch, backpacking, hand launch, hiking
- Northeast Slope Hand Launch at Boulder Mountain LakesBoulder Mountain Lakes, hand launch, backpacking, hand launch, hiking
- Panguitch Lake Adventure ResortPanguitch Lake, boat ramp, cabins, camp host, cycling
- Panguitch Lake North Boat RampPanguitch Lake, boat ramp, for any vessel class, administered by the U.S. Forest Service in the UGRC layer, cycling, docks – accessible, hand launch
- Panguitch Lake South Boat RampPanguitch Lake, boat ramp, for any vessel class, administered by a private operator in the UGRC layer, cycling, hand launch, hiking
- Pine Lake Boat RampPine Lake, boat ramp, hand launch, OHV or 4WD trails, restrooms
- Row Lakes (Griffin Top) Hand Launch at Boulder Mountain LakesBoulder Mountain Lakes, hand launch, backpacking, hand launch, hiking
- Southeast Slope Hand Launch at Boulder Mountain LakesBoulder Mountain Lakes, hand launch, backpacking, cycling, drinking water
- Wide Hollow Reservoir Boat RampWide Hollow Reservoir, boat ramp, for small motorized craft, administered by Utah State Parks in the UGRC layer
- Aspen Cove Resort at Panguitch LakePanguitch Lake, boat ramp, cabins
- Pine Lake West Dike AccessPine Lake, hand launch, hand launch, OHV or 4WD trails, restrooms
- Posy Lake Boat RampPosy Lake, boat ramp, for small motorized craft, administered by the U.S. Forest Service in the UGRC layer
Bank spots within Garfield County
- Black Canyon WMA pull-out #1 Shore Access at East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon)East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon), shore access
- Black Canyon WMA pull-out #2 Shore Access at East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon)East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon), shore access
- Black Canyon WMA pull-out #3 Shore Access at East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon)East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon), shore access
- Black Canyon pull-out #4 Shore Access at East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon)East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon), shore access
- Panguitch Lake North CampgroundPanguitch Lake, shore access
- Panguitch Lake South CampgroundPanguitch Lake, shore access
- Pine Lake Recreation Area Shore AccessPine Lake, shore access
- Blue Springs Lodge Shore Access at Panguitch LakePanguitch Lake, shore access
- Castle Creek – Sidney Valley Shore Access at Mammoth CreekMammoth Creek, shore access
- Dead Lake Shore Access at Mammoth CreekMammoth Creek, shore access
- Lowder Pond at Mammoth CreekMammoth Creek, shore access
- Mammoth Spring Shore AccessMammoth Creek, shore access
- Old Highway 89 #1 Shore Access at Asay CreekAsay Creek, shore access
- Old Highway 89 #2 Shore Access at Asay CreekAsay Creek, shore access
- Old Highway 89 #3 Shore Access at Asay CreekAsay Creek, shore access
- Old Highway 89 #4 Shore Access at Asay CreekAsay Creek, shore access
- Old Highway 89 Shore Access at Mammoth CreekMammoth Creek, shore access
- Porcupine Lake Shore Access at Mammoth CreekMammoth Creek, shore access
- Red Desert Road Shore Access at Mammoth CreekMammoth Creek, shore access
UGRC Boat Ramps layer (ArcGIS service) and the DWR Fish Utah access list, read November 11, 2026. Neither layer publishes fees or opening hours.
Where DWR stocked fish in Garfield County this year
DWR abbreviates water names in its table; they print here as DWR wrote them, newest first.
| Date | Water as DWR prints it | County | Fish | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 9, 2026 | PANGUITCH L | Garfield | 18,000 | Cutthroat |
| November 9, 2026 | PANGUITCH L | Garfield | 8,040 | Cutthroat |
| October 22, 2026 | WIDE HOLLOW RES | Garfield | 1,426 | Rainbow |
| October 22, 2026 | WIDE HOLLOW RES | Garfield | 400 | Rainbow |
| October 22, 2026 | WIDE HOLLOW RES | Garfield | 2,185 | Rainbow |
| October 2, 2026 | WIDE HOLLOW RES | Garfield | 501 | Tiger trout |
| September 30, 2026 | PANGUITCH L | Garfield | 18,400 | Rainbow |
| September 29, 2026 | PANGUITCH L | Garfield | 17,955 | Rainbow |
| September 28, 2026 | PANGUITCH L | Garfield | 17,735 | Rainbow |
| September 10, 2026 | BESS L BTN | Garfield | 501 | Grayling arctic |
DWR fish stocking table for 2026, year to date (DWR stocking report; water names are DWR abbreviations), read November 11, 2026.
Closest Utah bait stops to Garfield County
- Circle Valley Anglersbait and tackle shop, Cedar City, 36 miles
- Sportsman's Warehouse, 889 S Main Stbait and tackle shop, Cedar City, 36 miles
Yellow Pages and park listings; straight-line miles only where the listing has an exact address point.
Utah harvest rows covering Garfield County
The limits here are from the 2027 Utah Fishing Guidebook, which takes effect January 1, 2027; the 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook stays in force through December 31, 2026 and differs only where a row says so. The statewide table covers every Garfield County lake and stream the guidebook does not list by name. Plan on $40 with Utah residency or $120 without it for an adult 365-day license; anglers under 12 need none.
| Species group | 2027 daily limit | 2026 daily limit | Guidebook note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baitfish (common carp, fathead minnow, redside shiner, Utah sucker, Utah chub, white sucker) | No limit | same | (NEW) Formerly called "nongame species"; baitfish species are listed on page 20. |
| Black crappie and white crappie (a combined total) | 50 | same | – |
| Bluegill and green sunfish (a combined total) | 50 | same | – |
| Bonneville cisco | 30 | same | – |
| Bullhead | 24 | same | – |
| Burbot | No limit | same | REMINDER: Do not release any burbot you catch. All burbot caught must be immediately killed. |
| Channel catfish | 8 | same | – |
| Community fisheries | 2 | 2 | The limit includes fish of most species. All tiger muskellunge must be released. NEW: There are restrictions for largemouth bass at some waters. See page 39. |
| Crayfish | No limit | same | REMINDER: You may use bait to catch crayfish on waters where bait use is prohibited for fish, as long as none of the lines have hooks attached. |
| Kokanee salmon | See trout limit | same | Kokanee salmon are part of the total trout limit. Anglers may not possess kokanee salmon at any waterbody statewide from Sept. 10 through Nov. 30. |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass (a combined total) | 6 | same | – |
| Northern pike | 20, only 1 over 36 inches | same | – |
Special limits in Garfield County
- East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon)(a) Feeder canal from the diversion near Antimony down the channel to Otter Creek Reservoir: (2027 guidebook, p. 40)
- Mammoth CreekFrom the canal diversion (about three miles upstream from the Mammoth Creek Fish Hatchery), upstream 7.5 miles to the end of Hatch Meadow and the beginning of summer… (2027 guidebook, p. 45)
- Panguitch LakeLimit 4 trout (a combined total). (2027 guidebook, p. 47)
- Pine LakeRainbow Trout: Trout, including salmon, grayling and hybrids a combined limit of 4. (Fish Utah page)
Utah special-regulation waters
2027 Utah Fishing Guidebook (effective January 1, 2027; DWR PDF), read November 11, 2026. License prices as printed in the 2027 Utah Fishing Guidebook, p. 8 (the 2026 guidebook prints the same prices; checked against the DWR fees page), read November 11, 2026.
Utah record fish tied to Garfield County water
| Species | Weight or length as listed | Water | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brook trout | 7 lbs. 8 oz. | Boulder Mountain Lakes | 1971 | catch and keep |
| Brook trout | 23" | Boulder Mountain Lakes | 1997 | catch and release (length) |
Utah state record fish as DWR lists them (records page), read November 11, 2026.
Minutes from Garfield County by road
Towns in Garfield County with their own pages
- Panguitch2020 count 1,725
The Utah counties around Garfield County
- Wayne County39 miles northeast
- Kane County43 miles southwest
- Piute County51 miles northwest
- Sevier County66 miles north
Piscifun rods, reels and pliers worth a look before Garfield County
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Reservoirs, high lakes and wadeable creeks around Garfield County, pictured
Photo: Eric Kilby, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Jared, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography, Public domain
The questions Garfield County anglers trade
Are there public launches in Garfield County?
UGRC and DWR map 25 launches inside the county.
Which water in Garfield County has the biggest DWR size figure?
Panguitch Lake, at 1234.
Which fish does DWR rate near Garfield County?
Fish Utah rates rainbow trout likely or possible on the most lakes within 40 miles, then tiger trout, brown trout and brook trout.
Which Utah shops in Garfield County carry tackle?
The county itself has none on file; Utah stores close by appear above.
From which Utah town does Garfield County govern?
Panguitch.
How much is a Utah license for a trip to Garfield County?
Both Utah guidebooks list $40 for the resident adult license and $120 for nonresidents, each valid 365 days.
Which Utah county pages sit near Garfield County?
Look at Wayne County, Kane County and Piute County.
How many trout does Utah let me keep in Garfield County?
Statewide, the trout, kokanee and grayling row sets a daily limit 4 under the 2027 guidebook; the 2026 guidebook prints the same number. Waters with their own entry can differ.
Do any Garfield County waters have their own Utah rules?
4 waters with a page here carry their own rules, beginning with East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon).
Does Garfield County have a Blue Ribbon fishery?
Panguitch Lake and East Fork Sevier River (Black Canyon), on DWR's Blue Ribbon list.
Which Garfield County waters get DWR hatchery fish?
The 2026 DWR table lists 318,003 fish in 127 rows across 60 waters in the county.
Is Garfield County water on the DWR record list?
Brook trout, 7 lbs. 8 oz., from Boulder Mountain (1971).
Work the DWR lakes and streams of Garfield County
Check a water's guidebook entry before keeping fish.