Fishing is allowed in the Virgin River in Zion National Park as long as you have a current Utah fishing license which can be obtained at many of southern Utah's sporting goods stores. Laws vary in Utah so pick up a Utah Fishing Proclamation or inquire where you pick up your license. Both the East Fork and the North Fork of the Virgin River have cutthroat trout, rainbow, brown and brook.
Navajo Lake and Duck Creek
Located high atop the Markagunt Plateau, along SR-14, 22 miles southeast of Cedar City, is the Navajo Lake recreation area and Duck Creek. These lakes and streams are the place to fish for all four types of trout; rainbow, german brown, brook and cutthroat trout. The lake was named from a violent encounter between Cedar City cattlemen and a Navajo Indian raiding party back in the 1800's. The popular hikes Cascade Falls and the Navajo Loop Trail begin at Navajo Lake.
Kolob Reservoir
From Hwy 14, turn on the signed road near Milt's Stage Stop, just a few miles from Cedar City and drive about 20 miles on the mostly gravel road. From Virgin, take the Kolob Reservoir Road through Zion's Kolob Terrace, driving a little more than 24 miles to Kolob Reservoir.
Cedar Mountain SR-14 from Cedar City to the junction at US-89 is one of the most traveled byways in the Southern Utah area. Dixie National Forest's two million acres of forest, ponds, lakes and mountains that stretch across Southern Utah make prime spots for fishing. Two of the favorites on Cedar Mountain are Navajo Lake and Duck Creek.
Directions to Zion National Park
From the North: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver. exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take SR-9 to Zion's east entrance.
From Arizona: Travel US-89A through Fredonia, Arizona and Kanab Utah. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take SR-9 to the east park entrance.
From the South: Travel I-15 north. Take exit 16 and travel through Hurricane to LaVerkin. Continue on SR-9 to the south entrance of the park. SR-9 through Zion National Park is always open and is also called the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. See restrictions for RV's.
Photo: Duck Creek is a charming fishing area located on beautiful Cedar Mountain in Dixie National Forest. Duck Creek Village is near Duck Creek and the only place on Cedar Mountain with services. There are several options for camping on the mountain.
Lodging and services are available on the gorgeous east side of Zion National Park, where guests are close to Zion National Park (12 miles), Bryce Canyon National Park (60 miles), Cedar Breaks National Monument (45 miles), Coral Pink Sand Dunes (12 miles), and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (85 miles). It's where city traffic is absent and the skies are bright and clean.
For more fishing info:
Utah Division of Wildlife Services
1470 N. Airport Road
Cedar City, UT 84720
435-865-6100
Mileage from
Mt. Carmel Jct.
Zion National Park 12
Bryce Canyon 60
Grand Canyon 85
Cedar Breaks 45
Grand Staircase 9
Dixie Forest 22
Sand Dunes 11
Coyote Butte 57
Red Canyon 47
Tuweep 90
Stay in a hotel the heart of the parks, Mount Carmel Junction, and visit the treasures of the Southwest and Utah.
This is my new favorite quote:
"I don't know who Mary Cisneros is, but I mean zionnational-park.com
It's a better site than the NPS's anyway."
Written by the authors of the book: Favorite Hikes in and around Zion National Park